Chapter 21: My dream is to be your husband

Clatter.

The silver cutlery slipped from his hand and struck the plate, letting out a piercing clatter.

The others looked up to see Qin Muye rising with a grim expression, striding away with heavy steps.

Jiang Qingli asked in confusion, "...Who upset him this time?"

Baili Jing raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone soothing. "It's nothing. He might just be in a bad mood. I'll go talk to him in a moment."

His thoughtfulness and magnanimity made Jiang Qingli feel very relieved. "Alright, then I'll trouble you."

"It is my honor to share my female master's burdens." Baili Jing smiled tenderly, reaching out to pat the top of the girl's head.

He acted both considerate and generous.

Only Yin Nuo, standing beside Jiang Qingli, saw clearly how Baili Jing had turned his body to shield himself between him and Jiang Qingli, subtly pushing him aside.

Yin Nuo: "..."

There was a theory class this morning, so Yin Nuo drove the flyer to take Jiang Qingli to the academy.

Before leaving, Baili Jing saw her off to the garage with reluctance, asking for the third time, "Are you sure you don't need me to drive you?"

Jiang Qingli shook her head, refusing him once again.

Baili Jing lowered his eyes and sighed softly. "I'm sorry. Was it because I caused you trouble at the academy yesterday...?"

The gentle and noble young man glanced at her, then quickly lowered his eyelashes to hide his disappointment.

"No!" Jiang Qingli retorted instinctively.

"It's okay, Qingli." Baili Jing's lips curled into a bitter smile. "I know. I only bring you trouble; I always have, since I was a child. Ultimately, a person like me is redundant wherever I go. It's only natural that you don't like me..."

"It's fine, don't mind me." Baili Jing sighed softly. "Go to the academy. I'll stay home quietly and won't go out to embarrass you again..."

"No, you didn't embarrass me."

Jiang Qingli suddenly grabbed his wrist, cutting him off.

She didn't know why, but seeing Baili Jing so despondent gave her a sudden, intense sense of guilt.

It was as if she were a heartless woman who despised her beast-husband for being a disgrace.

"Listen to me."

Jiang Qingli looked up to meet his eyes, only to be stunned by the grievance in them.

It took several seconds before she could stammer out a rebuttal: "I'm not disliking you, I—you... you're a big star! A Movie King! You have so many fans. If you were always by my side, your fans might get angry..."

"Qingli." Baili Jing suddenly spoke, grasping her hand.

His beautiful, glass-like pupils reflected the girl's silhouette.

The corners of his eyes curled slightly upward, giving off an aura of tenderness that made one feel deeply loved.

In a daze, Jiang Qingli had the illusion that she had been gazed at like this for a very long time.

Baili Jing watched her quietly for a moment, then leaned down, pressing his female master's hand against his face. His lips lightly brushed her palm as he spoke in a low, magnetic voice, "I entered the entertainment industry only because I wanted you to see me more."

"If you find my work troublesome, I can retire and stop holding concerts."

"My true dream has always been to be a good husband to you."

This confession, so profound it bordered on humble, left Jiang Qingli rooted to the spot.

Yesterday, out of boredom, she had searched Baili Jing's name on the Star Net.

The news was overwhelmingly positive.

She had also seen some gossip—

For instance, in the industry, Baili Jing had a nickname: "The Noble Young Master."

According to fans, he was always elegant, treating everyone with gentle composure.

But his gentleness was merely a matter of cultivation; he was always measured and never gave anyone room for wild imagination.

Three years ago, following a baseless scandal, he had personally clarified the situation at a press conference, stating that he had a girl he loved very much and had entered the industry for her sake.

A reporter had asked, "Is not filming romance films or kiss scenes also her requirement? Your sweetheart's possessiveness is a bit too strong!"

In the footage, the smile at the corner of Baili Jing's mouth looked somewhat lonely. "It is merely my personal choice; it has nothing to do with her."

"If possible, I actually hope she shows some possessiveness toward me."

Another reporter asked, "If you become your sweetheart's beast-husband in the future, will you still act?"

Baili Jing seemed to think of a beautiful scene and flashed a happy smile.

Unfortunately, just as he was about to speak, his manager interrupted the reporter, and the footage cut off.

Jiang Qingli had been shocked yesterday, not realizing that while Baili Jing seemed like a player, he was actually so pure.

Now, something even more shocking happened—

The "White Moonlight" Baili Jing spoke of was actually her!

Her heart rate accelerated uncontrollably, but she quickly regained her senses.

No, that's not right.

Baili Jing's White Moonlight wasn't her; it was the original owner of this body.

Blinded by beauty and devotion for a second, Jiang Qingli snapped back to reality.

Since Baili Jing liked the original owner, she had to stay even further away from him.

Who knew if he would go mad or try to take her down with him once he realized she wasn't the original resident!

Having a major villain by her side was terrifying enough.

Jiang Qingli took a step back, and when she looked up again, her face was full of sincerity. "You are very talented at acting; how could I have the nerve to keep monopolizing you? I remember you have a film set to join soon, right? Small matters like picking me up and dropping me off can be handled by Yin Nuo!"

"Qingli—"

Baili Jing was startled by the girl's increased distance. He wanted to explain, but she had already grabbed Yin Nuo and left.

As if a large hand were squeezing his heart, causing a throbbing ache, Baili Jing struggled to breathe, and his vision blurred.

A sharp pain shot through his brain, and his beast ears popped out uncontrollably from the top of his head.

His pollution level seemed to have worsened; if he stayed like this, he wouldn't even be able to maintain his human form.

His fox ears drooped, making him look as pitiful as a drowned dog.

Jiang Qingli happened to glance back and saw exactly this scene.

He seemed a little sad.

Did she say too much?

Jiang Qingli felt inexplicably guilty, feeling as though she shouldn't have treated Baili Jing that way.

From the driver's seat, Yin Nuo glanced at Jiang Qingli and then at Baili Jing.

A mocking curve touched the corner of his mouth before quickly vanishing, replaced by the calm expected of a butler. "Young Mistress, we're going to be late."

"Wait for me!" After a few seconds of hesitation, Jiang Qingli pushed open the flyer's door and ran toward Baili Jing.

Baili Jing looked up and saw the girl in the pleated skirt approaching him.

The light fell upon her hair and the hem of her skirt, making them sparkle like starlight.

In this moment, the past and the present overlapped.

Baili Jing saw his "star" fall by his side once again.

He instinctively reached out toward her.

Jiang Qingli did not place her hand in his; instead, she stood before the young man and placed something in his palm.

He instinctively closed his hand, looking at her in confusion.

"I'm off to school, you work hard too!" Jiang Qingli smiled.

The girl stood on her tiptoes and lightly patted the top of Baili Jing's head.

The irritation and darkness in his heart dissipated completely the moment she touched him.

The world went silent.

Thump, thump, thump...

His heartbeat grew louder and louder, deafeningly so.

Baili Jing stood there for a long time, until the flyer had completely disappeared from sight.

He opened his palm to find that what Jiang Qingli had given him were three milk candies.

Just like when they were children.

Baili Jing's lips curled into a smile, but when he turned around, he saw Qin Muye standing behind him, looking extremely displeased.

"Has the Prince not left the house yet?" Baili Jing lowered his head, leisurely unwrapping a milk candy and popping it into his mouth.

Qin Muye sneered, "None of your damn business."

*Show off, my ass. It's just two crappy candies.*

Facing Qin Muye's hostility, Baili Jing merely smiled. "Coincidentally, I have something to discuss with you as well."

"What?"

Baili Jing stepped forward, the smile on his face slowly fading.

"In this house, the female master is the only rule."

"If you upset her again, I won't be polite."

Xiao Li: *Wait, I'm who?*

(End of Chapter)