"Qin Yunsheng, I want to eat this."
"Qin Yunsheng, I want to eat that."
"Qin Yunsheng, I feel like having some fruit."
"Qin Yunsheng, my shoulders are sore, give me a massage."
"Qin Yunsheng, I want to sing, will you sing with me tonight?"
These were the requests the Marquis Xiaohou made to his boyfriend on their first day of dating.
The next morning, the researchers at the Institute of Technology not only received the message from Shi Qing declaring, "I'm no longer single," but they were also drenched in the couple's affection. The people at the institute were generally quite independent, especially those at the professorial level.
Although everyone had known that Shi Qing was a somewhat lackluster professor, he was still a professor. Everyone also knew that Shi Qing was there to gain experience; he wasn't doing the actual work, but he would certainly share the credit.
It was annoying, but there was nothing they could do. After all, he was a noble.
As long as this young man didn't cause trouble, it was fine. However, today, despite not working as usual, he kept ordering his boyfriend around non-stop. He sat comfortably, reading a book, while the military officer, who was tall and sturdy, ran around following his commands.
Although he didn't break a sweat, he was constantly on the move, which drew some sidelong glances from people. They couldn't help but feel sorry for Qin Yunsheng.
Someone quietly commented, "Is this really a romantic relationship?"
It seemed more like he had hired a servant and was bossing him around like crazy.
When Qin Yunsheng used to be almost like a bodyguard, he didn't do this. Perhaps it was because of the confrontation between Shi Qing and Tan Mingyi before. Now, they were hesitant to criticize this seemingly secretive professor. They were afraid they would get slapped in the face.
But gossiping about personal lives shouldn't be a problem, right?
Professor Shi had a long and illustrious history; it was like an open book. And now, he had added a new chapter: not treating his boyfriend like a person.
Several people who had gone to the restroom in the corridor saw Qin Yunsheng returning with freshly washed fruits. When they caught wind of the gossip about Shi Qing, the military officer's brows furrowed.
As a military officer, a sense of responsibility seemed to be ingrained in him. Even though he had been tricked, he had willingly agreed to it. Since he had promised, Shi Qing was now his boyfriend, and he had a duty to protect him.
Moreover, Shi Qing was nothing like what they were saying. In their private moments, he was a bit less polite, but he was by no means as severe as they claimed. He just had a childish temper, was a bit picky about food, liked to boss people around a bit, that's all.
His true nature was good. The reason for the previous misunderstandings was probably because people only saw his bad temper on the surface and didn't pay attention to his inner qualities.
The military officer walked up to them without avoiding them and approached them directly.
"You've misunderstood," he said.
The several people who were whispering and gossiping about Shi Qing were startled when they suddenly saw the person in question appear.
"Q-Qin, Brother Qin..."
Qin Yunsheng looked at their cautious expressions but maintained a serious expression as he explained, "Shi Qing isn't like what you've been saying. He just has a bit of a childlike temperament. We only confirmed our relationship recently, and he wanted to declare it to the world."
Several people nodded, albeit reluctantly.
Qin Yunsheng continued, "You may have many misunderstandings about him, but until you get to know him better, it's best not to spread rumors in private to avoid misunderstandings."
Once again, the group reluctantly agreed.
A child? Really?
A child???
Have you ever seen such a big child? Which child becomes a professor?
But in front of this military officer, who looked so stern in his crisp uniform, they reluctantly forced a smile.
"Brother Qin... You're right."
Qin Yunsheng could tell that they were not entirely convinced, but he couldn't force them to believe. The military officer furrowed his brows, and his expression grew even more serious.
He thought about Shi Qing's personality. If someone didn't like him, he would only be more difficult. Instead of trying to make the other person like him, he would think, "If you don't like me, then I'll do whatever you don't like."
A typical approach to annoy and disgust others.
As a result, the entire Institute of Technology seemed to view him as a troublemaker with a bad temper who took credit for others' research.
Although they knew Shi Qing didn't care about these things, Qin Yunsheng, as his newly appointed boyfriend, felt a bit sorry for him.
Clearly, he had a lot of talent, but he was treated as if he were worthless.
Clearly, he had a good heart, but he was seen as a villain.
Clearly, he had a delicate temperament and was sensitive, but no one noticed. Instead, they thought he was just being dramatic and ill-tempered.
This was the Shi Qing they knew. If it weren't for accidentally hurting him, Qin Yunsheng might have ended up like these people.
He had always thought Shi Qing was like that, quietly waiting to finish the task and then leave.
Those few individuals noticed Qin Yunsheng standing in place, deep in thought, and nudged each other before pushing one person forward.
This person awkwardly scratched his head and stammered as he asked Qin Yunsheng, "Qin-ge, are you really together with Professor Shi?"
The military officer snapped out of his thoughts and nodded seriously. "Yes."
"Then, then, we definitely wish you both well. But, Qin-ge, don't you feel that your way of interacting with Professor Shi seems a bit off?"
It was somewhat embarrassing to criticize someone in front of them, and he spoke with a stutter as he continued delicately, "In a romantic relationship, shouldn't there be mutual understanding and care for each other?"
Although Shi Qing and Qin Yunsheng had only confirmed their relationship less than a day ago, their interaction patterns were already quite clear. It was evident that Qin Yunsheng was the one taking care of Shi Qing, and Shi Qing was unusually bossy towards him.
In a normal romantic relationship, it shouldn't be like this.
While it wasn't surprising that Shi Qing acted this way, what was surprising was Qin Yunsheng...
Although Qin Yunsheng usually spoke kindly and appeared to be quite jovial, his overall aura was enough to make people speak to him with caution. When people saw his sturdy physique and deep gaze, they naturally felt a sense of reverence when speaking to him.
Seeing Qin Yunsheng standing expressionless in place had the same effect on everyone.
Such a man, who seemed incredibly tough, was acting submissively like a big dog when it came to Shi Qing.
This didn't seem reasonable at all...
He cautiously continued, "In a romantic relationship, you should consider each other's feelings and take care of each other, right?"
Though Shi Qing and Qin Yunsheng had only publicly announced their relationship today, it was clear that Qin Yunsheng was primarily the one taking care of Shi Qing. Shi Qing, on the other hand, seemed exceptionally relaxed and kept ordering Qin Yunsheng around.
One of their colleagues, who had been keeping quiet, decided to speak up. "Qin-ge, we have a good relationship, and we respect you. We're happy that you've found someone, but don't you think Professor Shi's attitude toward you is a bit too casual? How many errands has he made you run today?"
Taking care of a partner was one thing, but this was more like exploiting someone.
Another colleague, who couldn't wait any longer, stepped forward bluntly. "Qin-ge, our relationship is good too, and we respect you. It's great that you've found someone, but do you not think that Professor Shi's attitude towards you is a bit too casual? Today alone, he has made you run so many errands."
They were concerned that Qin Yunsheng was being taken advantage of, and they wanted to express their worries.
One of them finally spoke up, "Qin-ge, we've known each other for a while, and we respect you a lot. We're happy for you that you've found someone, but have you noticed that your interaction with Professor Shi is still the same as before?"
Qin Yunsheng was jolted by this statement.
Indeed, although they had confirmed their relationship, Shi Qing's attitude toward him had not changed at all.
It was still the same as before, with Shi Qing bossing him around and acting unreasonably.
Although he had occasionally felt dissatisfied before, his professionalism had caused him to suppress those feelings. He would continue working with a cold, unyielding demeanor.
But now, realizing that Shi Qing's attitude toward him had not changed, he started to think.
Did Shi Qing like him from the very beginning?
The others were baffled by this sudden revelation.
They were taken aback and didn't know how to respond.
The colleague continued hesitantly, "In my experience with relationships, it's important to take care of each other for it to last, Qin-ge, don't you agree?"
Qin Yunsheng, unaware of how he appeared to the others, simply nodded in agreement. "You're right."
His easy agreement surprised the colleague who had tried to gently remind him.
Seeing that Qin Yunsheng didn't know what to say next, another colleague stepped forward and said more bluntly, "Qin-ge, we have a good relationship, and we respect you a lot. We're happy for you that you've found someone, but don't you think Professor Shi's attitude toward you is a bit too casual? He's had you running errands all day."
While taking care of a partner was fine, this was more like taking advantage of someone.
There was one person who had remained silent throughout this conversation. Seeing that Qin Yunsheng didn't react angrily and was carefully considering their words, this person finally spoke up.
"Qin-ge, have you not noticed that even though you've officially become a couple, your interaction with Professor Shi is still the same as before?"
This statement made Qin Yunsheng freeze.
Yes, they had confirmed their relationship, but Shi Qing's attitude towards him hadn't changed.
It was still the same as before, with Shi Qing bossing him around and acting unreasonably.
Although he had occasionally felt dissatisfied before, his professionalism had caused him to suppress those feelings. He would continue working with a cold, unyielding demeanor.
But now, realizing that Shi Qing's attitude toward him hadn't changed, the military officer's expression gradually changed.
His eyes darkened, and he looked thoughtful.
"Could it be..."
The others were hopeful that he was finally realizing something, and they nervously looked at him.
Qin Yunsheng asked, "Could it be that Shi Qing liked me from the beginning?"
The others were taken aback.
They had no idea how Qin Yunsheng had arrived at this conclusion.
How could someone like another person in this way?
The military officer, however, was too absorbed in his thoughts to notice their expressions.
Upon reflection, it seemed that Shi Qing had treated him differently from others from the very beginning.
Shi Qing would boldly demand that he do this and that, acting spoiled and unreasonable, but he never treated others this way.
Could it be because, in Shi Qing's eyes, he was different from everyone else?
In addition, considering the misunderstandings they had in the past, a normal person wouldn't have claimed to have a relationship with someone when they were being misunderstood, right?
Although it seemed that Shi Qing was intentionally provoking him, why would anyone provoke someone else in a way that also affected themselves?
Announcing their relationship wouldn't benefit Shi Qing in any way.
At his age, he should be in a relationship, and openly dating Qin Yunsheng was the only advantage.
The military officer's furrowed brows gradually relaxed.
In his eyes, there was a hint of tenderness and pity.
"So, he liked me from the beginning."
Although Shi Qing had mentioned many times that he liked Qin Yunsheng's type, Qin Yunsheng had always brushed it off as a joke.
But in reality, Shi Qing had been telling the truth.
The others were still confused.
If they knew what was going on in Qin Yunsheng's mind, they would have shaken his shoulders vigorously to wake him up.
Shi Qing's attitude towards Qin Yunsheng was not because he liked him. It was because he was holding a grudge against Qin Yunsheng for joking around with Shi Yiyi.
He didn't boss other people around because they were there to work, not to be at his beck and call.
But how had Qin Yunsheng twisted these facts around in his mind?
Of course, they didn't know what was going on in Qin Yunsheng's mind at the moment, but their puzzled expressions couldn't be hidden.
What did he mean by "Shi Qing liked me from the beginning"?
Could this military officer really not see it?
How could Professor Shi's behavior be considered affectionate?
Qin Yunsheng, on the other hand, appeared relieved and content after his moment of realization.
Actually, last night, he didn't sleep at all and kept thinking about his relationship with Shi Qing.
Although he didn't want to admit it, to be honest, when Shi Qing deliberately acted weak and played tricks on him, he really felt a bit moved.
Although the little viscount quickly returned to his usual self, the feeling of his face burning and his heart pounding at that moment was still fresh in Qin Yunsheng's memory.
On one hand, he thought having such a young boyfriend was not bad at all, but on the other hand, he was afraid that Shi Qing was just playing around.
In terms of personality, hobbies, and profession, the two of them were worlds apart.
The probability of Shi Qing truly liking him seemed too low.
However, now, after the reminders from these few people, he finally realized that maybe Shi Qing had been interested in him all along.
The military officer's lips curled up slightly, revealing a relieved smile.
He said to the others, "Thank you for telling me that Professor Shi has always liked me."
"I bought some fruit. I'll leave it on the big table. Help yourselves. I'm leaving."
With that, he, with his tall figure and an air of a rugged and handsome military officer, left with a satisfied smile.
The colleagues: "..."
"What did he just say?"
"...It seems like he thanked us for reminding him that Professor Shi has always liked him..."
"Is this a dream, or what?"
※※※
[Ding! Qin Yunsheng's rejection level: 65/100. Host is awesome! Host is super awesome! Host is the most awesome!]
As Shi Qing sat on his chair, stretching out his legs comfortably and looking at his computer like a boss: [I haven't done anything, no need to praise me. I don't deserve it.]
System: [Huh?]
It was a bit confused.
It carefully reviewed the historical records of the decreasing rejection level.
System: [But the rejection level has been consistently decreasing.]
Shi Qing: [Oh, that. Well, it's normal. Qin Yunsheng has this kind of personality. Without me doing anything, he'll imagine a whole love story on his own.]
This was the first time the system had encountered this situation, and it was a little baffled.
Then...
[Ding! Qin Yunsheng's rejection level: 61/100]
This time it paid close attention, and it was clear that the host hadn't done anything.
The system checked multiple times but found no issues with the data. It could only mumble to itself and go back to watching documentaries.
Humans were indeed strange creatures.
The system left, and Shi Qing continued to look at his computer.
His seat was against the wall, which meant that others could only see his face, and his computer was facing away from everyone.
So, in the eyes of most people in the office, the scene looked like this:
Shi Qing lounged lazily on the sofa, legs propped up on the table, a bag of potato chips in hand, and his eyes fixed on the computer screen, completely absorbed.
While he watched, he munched on potato chips.
Crunch, crunch, crunch.
Annoyingly, he must be watching some melodramatic TV drama.
That darned nobleman.
But no one dared to speak up, nor did anyone dare to say anything about Shi Qing wasting resources during work hours.
This guy held grudges, and if he held a grudge against someone, their days would be far from pleasant.
So, a group of people could only watch as Shi Qing enjoyed himself, watching the computer screen, snacking on chips, and sipping from a can of soda.
When he finished the soda, he continued munching on chips.
Crunch, crunch, crunch.
As Shi Qing happily munched away, the office door suddenly opened.
Qin Yunsheng walked in, placing a bowl of washed fruit on the table.
"I bought some fruit. Help yourselves."
There were cheers in the office as everyone was young and lively. Some of them immediately got up to grab some fruit.
Then, they watched as Qin Yunsheng stood in place, carefully selecting the largest and sweetest pieces of fruit and placing them on a plate before bringing them to Shi Qing.
And Professor Shi, his eyes never leaving the screen, just sat there with his mouth open, waiting to be fed.
Fed! Your boyfriend went to the trouble of washing the fruit for you, and he carefully selected the best pieces just for you to eat.
And this is your attitude?!
Straight guys must be feeling sorry for Qin Yunsheng.
However, the person involved didn't think that Shi Qing was just going through the motions. Without waiting for him to ask, Shi Qing had already slightly raised himself.
He made some space between them, placed a hand on Qin Yunsheng's shoulder, and another hand on his collar.
Gripping the collar, he forced Qin Yunsheng to come closer.
The next moment, Qin Yunsheng's eyes widened as he suddenly felt something unexpected.
Shi Qing let go of him and asked, "Taste it. Is it sour?"
A few seconds later, the usually composed military officer tried to control his blushing face, his ears turning red. He stammered, "It's sweet."
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