Song Qi abruptly stood up, looking down at her, his usual casual demeanor completely gone. "What, do you think everything you've done is right?"
"Have you forgotten what you promised me back then?"
"You're really something, Shen Jianxi. What do you think you're doing!?"
"I... just want to be an ordinary, unremarkable little slut." Even Shen Jianxi was impressed with herself for saying her true thoughts in such a situation.
After she said this, Song Qi fell silent. He was mainly curious to see what other surprises she could offer him beyond their first meeting and this statement.
"If that's the case, as a slut, how about the two of us date you together?" This was said by Song Duanli, who had been silent until now.
Ignoring Song Qi's incredulous gaze, he looked seriously at Shen Jianxi, awaiting her reply.
"No," she forced the two words out with difficulty.
Her heart ached, it truly ached. The opportunity to enjoy double the happiness had been presented to her, and she couldn't grasp it. Who could understand such pain?
"Why? If you want to be a slut, isn't this a necessary skill? Moreover, we don't need to hide things from each other. You just need to stop attracting others."
"Because Sheng Nv Guo doesn't allow open harems." She said this without thinking.
"Heh! What, so if you were allowed to open a harem, you would?" Song Qi never expected this to be the reason. He had felt a sliver of relief when his 'cub' refused, but what then?!
Shen Jianxi was silent. She desperately wanted to say yes, but she dared not.
"Speak!"
"If you guys are willing..." The rest of her words took a sharp turn in the blazing fire in Song Qi's eyes: "...I'm also not willing."
"Hey! What are you thinking, brother? Isn't this just to liven things up!" Shen Jianxi patted his hand hanging by his side. She wasn't backing down; she was just afraid of Song Qi getting angry and hurting himself.
Seeing that the tension had somewhat diffused, Song Duanli spoke again. "If you marry me, I can tolerate you being with Song Qi as well."
Sensing the increasingly oppressive atmosphere from the person standing beside her, Shen Jianxi smiled and turned to stare at Song Duanli with wide, disbelieving eyes.
Are you okay? Are you really okay? If you're fine, go eat some Liuliumei, okay?
Stop fanning the flames, alright? Can't you see she's trying to soothe him?
Good heavens, one sentence has set her back to square one.
"That Fu Yi, what's your relationship with him?" Song Qi sat back down on the single sofa beside her, crossing his arms and looking at her.
"Classmate."
"What about Xie Shu?"
"Classmate."
"Oh, all classmates? Then who's the ex-boyfriend?"
Shen Jianxi moistened her slightly dry lips with her tongue and gave Song Qi a fawning smile. "No, no, I don't have any ex-boyfriends."
Even if she did, she wouldn't admit it.
He sighed, and Song Qi's attitude suddenly became earnest. "Cub, brother doesn't mean you can't date. It's just that you should date someone reliable."
Like me, he added silently in his heart.
"Like me."
This statement made Song Qi think he had unintentionally spoken his mind, until he followed Shen Jianxi's gaze and realized it was Song Duanli who had spoken.
Seeing both of them look at him, Song Duanli shifted his posture. "I don't have any messy women around me, and I'm successful in my career. You know me well. It's better to be with me than with others."
What's with you, big brother! Shen Jianxi realized that Song Duanli was using Song Qi as a pawn tonight, letting Song Qi say the accusatory words while he conveniently promoted himself and sowed discord!
She was tired.
She simply leaned back on the sofa, rubbing her temples in exhaustion. "I don't want to date right now, brother. You can rest assured. And Song Duanli, you know the specifics yourself, there's no need to say these useless things."
After saying that, she stood up and walked to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of ice water. After drinking it down in one go, she felt much more clear-headed.
While washing her hands in the sink, she met Song Qi's gaze and continued, "I'm going back to my room. Brother, please calm down and get some rest. You must be very tired after flying back."
She stuffed the washed apple into Song Qi's hand and took her schoolbag, heading back to her room. She hadn't done any math problems since returning today. She had been too decadent. How could she not study?!
With her departure, Song Duanli saw no reason to stay in the living room either. He also got up, ready to go upstairs. As he stepped onto the stairs, Song Qi's voice came from behind him, "I won't give up on her."
He didn't look back, but said lightly, "Neither will I."
His tone was firm.