I Confessed to the Wrong Enigma, Then Got Pregnant as a Top Alpha [Transmigration] - Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Qi Tingfeng, standing nearby, was a bit confused by their conversation: “What are you two saying ‘it’s nothing’ about?”

Regarding the last time Qi Su was ill, Qi Tingfeng only knew that Gu Bai had been taking care of him; he didn’t know Jiang Siheng was involved in any way.

Hearing this, Qi Ran said, “Dad, your clothes look really good today. Are they newly tailored?”

Seeing his younger son’s flattering smile, Qi Tingfeng’s attention was immediately diverted to Qi Ran. He looked him over from head to toe. Originally, he wanted to find some faults—perhaps saying Qi Ran had gotten thin, which would imply he wasn’t comfortable living at Jiang Siheng’s place, and then tell him to move back home.

However, looking at Qi Ran’s fair little face, his complexion was incredibly good, and he even looked a bit rounder than when he was at home. He looked more like an elegant, noble young master.

For a moment, he simply couldn’t find a fault. He glanced at Jiang Siheng and said to Qi Ran, “Stand properly. Stand straight. What does it look like, moving around like that? Let’s go, let’s head in. Don’t let Old Jiang see me and say I’m late again.”

After saying this, he adjusted his collar and took a long-legged stride into the house.

Qi Su turned back to Qi Ran: “Let’s go.”

Qi Ran nodded, moved closer to Qi Su, and whispered, “The way Dad looked at me just now—was he trying to find something to nitpick?”

Qi Su curled his lips slightly: “What do you think? You know it, so why ask?”

Qi Ran rubbed his nose: “Truly my biological father.”

Qi Su was amused by him and gave his head a playful rub. “Are you getting along well with Jiang Siheng? It looks like he’s taking good care of you; your face has some meat on it now.”

Qi Ran touched his soft cheeks: “Really? I got fat?” As expected, I can’t keep eating like this.

Jiang Siheng walked behind the two of them, carrying a paper bag, looking down as if lost in thought.

Lin Nan ran over and hooked an arm around his neck. “Hey, didn’t you hear me calling you?”

Jiang Siheng was forced to stop. “What is it?”

Lin Nan scanned the bag in his hand. “What’s this?”

“Nothing.” Jiang Siheng clearly didn’t want to explain.

Lin Nan saw through it and smiled. “So mysterious. A gift for your uncle? Forget it if you don’t want to say. I’ve been busy these past two days and haven’t asked you how Qi Ran is.”

Lin Nan whispered those last few words, his eyes glancing toward the two Qi brothers walking ahead. It was a clear display of both explicit and implicit meaning.

“He’s quite well. I haven’t seen him have a stress reaction again.”

Hearing this, Lin Nan blinked. “The effect of that inhibitor shouldn’t last that long. Did you two take my advice and… sleep together?”

Jiang Siheng saw the teasing look in Lin Nan’s eyes. “Could I afford not to listen to your advice? For now, the results are pretty good.”

“Just ‘pretty good’?” Lin Nan leaned in closer, his face full of gossip.

Jiang Siheng raised his hand and pushed his forehead away. “Otherwise? What else did you want?” Leaving those words behind, Jiang Siheng turned away. “I’m going in first. I’ll find you later.”

Lin Nan stood there smiling as he replied, “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

…

After Qi Ran and Qi Su entered, they looked for Lu Ling and Jiang Sen in the vast banquet hall. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find them; they didn’t know if they hadn’t arrived yet or were upstairs.

Qi Su saw his absent-minded look. “What are you looking for? Jiang Siheng is behind us.”

Seeing his brother’s misunderstanding, Qi Ran simply smiled and said, “Then, Brother, I’ll go find him first. I’ll come back and accompany you for a bit.”

“I don’t need you to accompany me. Go deal with your own business.” He waved his hand, telling him to go quickly.

Qi Ran smiled and turned to find Jiang Siheng. “When should we give the gift to Uncle?”

Jiang Siheng handed him the paper bag. “Now.” With that, he led him upstairs. At this time, Jiang Ren should still be in the study.

Following Jiang Siheng to the second floor of the Jiang family ancestral home, Qi Ran felt a bit strange. The last time he was on this second floor, it was to extend his life by one day by confessing to Jiang Sen which caused a misunderstanding with Lu Ling but accidentally led to him connecting with Jiang Siheng. This time, he was brought to the second floor by Jiang Siheng, but as a boyfriend.

Life is always full of various unexpected turns.

Jiang Ren was indeed in the study, and not just him, but Lu Ling and Jiang Sen as well.

Seeing them, Qi Ran immediately broke into a smile. Noticing a box on the table containing a brooch, which he recognized as the one Lu Ling had shown him, Qi Ran’s eyes lit up. He then met Lu Ling’s gaze and quietly gave him a thumbs up.

Lu Ling curled his lips and gave him 10 favorability points.

“Siheng and Qi Ran are here,” Jiang Ren greeted them with a smile.

Qi Ran placed the paper bag on the table. “Uncle, happy birthday. This is some peach crisp that Siheng and I prepared for you. I heard you like eating these.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ren was stunned, looking at Jiang Siheng standing behind Qi Ran with considerable surprise.

“You made them together?” Jiang Ren reached out, took a piece of peach crisp from the bag, took a bite, and nodded. “Mm, it’s Siheng’s handiwork. It’s rare that you both were so thoughtful.”

Because of a piece of peach crisp, the smile on Jiang Ren’s face became a bit more genuine. “Qi Ran, are you and Siheng dating now?”

Qi Ran hadn’t expected Jiang Ren to be so direct. In this situation, he had no other answer but to nod. He lowered his head and replied with a bit of embarrassment, “Mm.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ren looked up at Jiang Sen. He knew a bit about Qi Ran chasing after Jiang Sen in the past; he hadn’t expected this kid to turn around and get together with his second son. He could only say that young people are truly hard to understand. “Get along well.”

“We will,” Qi Ran replied obediently, thinking: Is this hurdle passed? They really had met all the parents in a muddled fashion.

…

It was almost time for the banquet, and as the host, Jiang Ren needed to make an appearance. Several of them left the study and accompanied Jiang Ren downstairs. Qi Ran and Lu Ling walked behind, whispering. “Brother Lu, the finished brooch is so beautiful.”

Lu Ling’s eyes curved; he smiled beautifully and gently. “Jiang Sen and Uncle were both very satisfied just now. Thank you, Qi Ran. If you hadn’t reminded me, I would have forgotten I could use this as a gift.”

“Eh, I don’t dare take credit for that ‘thank you.’ Aside from giving you a reminder, I didn’t help at all. It’s mainly because you’re talented.” Qi Ran smiled and leaned in. “Brother Lu, isn’t your birthday coming up soon? Did Brother Sen say how he wants to celebrate it for you?”

Reminded by Qi Ran, Lu Ling was stunned for a moment, then said, “I completely forgot. I usually don’t celebrate my birthday, so it didn’t cross my mind. Qi Ran, how did you remember?”

“Hehe,” Qi Ran gave a mysterious smile. “I saw it when I took you to the hospital last time. It’s quite easy to remember, so I didn’t forget. It just so happens Uncle’s birthday is also this month.”

He hadn’t expected Qi Ran to be so thoughtful; Lu Ling was moved. Something even he couldn’t remember was being kept in someone’s heart no one would refuse such kindness.

The Little White Bird suddenly jumped up like a resuscitated corpse: [Congratulations to the Host for successfully harvesting 1,000 favorability points from the Protagonist Shou, completing part of the side mission. Please keep working hard~]

Qi Ran’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t expected that just by remembering a birthday, Lu Ling would directly fill the 1,000 favorability points for the side mission. Even though he knew saying this would get him some favorability, he didn’t expect it to rise by more than 200 points at once. It seemed this birthday was very important to Lu Ling.

Qi Ran was joyful inside but didn’t dare show it on his face.

Once downstairs, Jiang Sen needed to take Lu Ling to meet some people, so they left first. Left behind with Jiang Siheng, Qi Ran stood there watching the two leave together. He was calculating how to go find Jiang Sen in a bit and casually bring this up. He had wanted to farm favorably with Jiang Sen alone before but couldn’t find a good reason; now he finally had one. Only Lu Ling could make the Protagonist Gong feel favorability toward him.

Now he just needed an opportunity.

“What are you still looking at? They’re already gone.” Suddenly hearing Jiang Siheng’s voice, Qi Ran snapped back to reality and blinked. “What was I looking at?”

Jiang Siheng raised an eyebrow but didn’t continue the topic. “Eat something. Aren’t you hungry?”

At the mention of food, Qi Ran felt he was indeed a bit hungry, but then he thought about how he had gotten “round” just now. “I’d better eat less. I’ve gotten fat.”

Hearing the word “fat,” Jiang Siheng looked back at him. “You’re not fat.”

Qi Ran laughed. “There’s a kind of fat where Jiang Siheng thinks I’m not fat. It’s because I ate too much of your cooking that I got fat. I can’t keep going like this.” He didn’t want to develop a belly so early.

A smile appeared in Jiang Siheng’s eyes. “So it’s my fault then?”

Qi Ran nodded. “Yes. It’s your fault for making food that’s too delicious. Is that okay?” Having said that, he walked toward the dining area with his hands behind his back to pick out food.

…

Many people came to Jiang Ren’s birthday banquet. While it was ostensibly to congratulate him, it was more of an opportunity to network and see if there were chances for collaboration.

Qi Ran sat to one side, watching the people in the banquet hall busy with socializing. Qi Tingfeng and Qi Su, Jiang Sen and Lu Ling—they were all part of it. Only he and Jiang Siheng seemed out of place. Probably at this kind of banquet, no one came for the purpose of eating.

Qi Ran nudged Jiang Siheng’s arm with his own. “As the second young master of the Jiang family, why aren’t you like your older brother, going over to drink and socialize with them?”

Jiang Siheng tilted his head to look at him. “I don’t like doing those things.”

Qi Ran felt this was a truthful statement. After spending this much time with Jiang Siheng, aside from showing great interest in cooking, he didn’t seem to have other hobbies. He worked during the day and didn’t know what Jiang Siheng did it felt like this person was just an affluent second-generation heir with no desires or needs. He didn’t have to do anything or worry about anything, and he still had a considerable family dividend every year. Thinking about it, Jiang Siheng was truly a winner in life.

Realizing this, Qi Ran was suddenly envious. “If only my dad were as open-minded as Uncle Jiang. I also want to be a salted fish who doesn’t have to do anything.”

Seeing his misunderstanding, Jiang Siheng didn’t explain much. “Is what you’re doing now not what you like?”

“Of course it’s what I like. Hey, I’m just venting. If you really let me do nothing, I couldn’t stand it either. I wouldn’t want to be cooped up at home all day. Aren’t you bored?” He felt Jiang Siheng was a bit too much of a homebody.

Jiang Siheng shook his head. “I think it’s quite good. You…”

Qi Ran noticed Lu Ling and Jiang Sen separating to go do something. He stood up abruptly, interrupting Jiang Siheng’s words. He patted Jiang Siheng’s shoulder. “I have something to do. You eat first.” Without waiting for Jiang Siheng’s opinion, he jogged away.

Jiang Siheng watched the direction Qi Ran left, his gaze darkening slightly.

At this time, Lin Nan moved closer. “I’ve watched you sit here for a long time. Did you and Qi Ran come specifically to eat?”

Jiang Siheng gave an “mm.” “He came straight from work and hadn’t eaten.”

Lin Nan was amused. “Look at this scene. Who came here to eat? Only you two. Have you eaten enough? Come on, don’t sit here. Get up and move around.”

Jiang Siheng didn’t refuse and walked to the window with Lin Nan. This spot gave a panoramic view of the garden outside. Lin Nan held a drink and asked curiously, “How are things progressing between you and Qi Ran? You brought him here this time and met your uncle?”

Jiang Siheng gave a nonchalant nod. His gaze moved out the window and suddenly stopped he saw Qi Ran moving close to Jiang Sen.

“Then this counts as meeting the family, right? You two aren’t actually going to make it real, are you? You… Qi Su, you’re here.”

Seeing Qi Su approach, Lin Nan immediately smiled and clinked glasses with him. Jiang Siheng, however, made no move. His gaze remained fixed outside, his mind somewhat uneasy.

Qi Su asked with a smile, “Where’s Qi Ran? Did he go to the restroom?”

Lin Nan turned around and scanned the vast banquet hall. Not seeing Qi Ran, he said suspiciously, “Probably. I didn’t see him just now either.”

Qi Su nodded. “It’s good he’s not here; I have some things I want to say to you.”

Lin Nan said, “Then you two chat. I’ll go look around over there.”

Qi Su smiled. “No need. I just wanted to say thanks. Siheng has been taking good care of Qi Ran.”

Lin Nan hadn’t expected Qi Su to come over for this. “He just looks a bit cold, but he’s actually warm-hearted.” As he said this, he subconsciously glanced at Jiang Siheng, who hadn’t spoken or reacted. He wondered how he felt hearing Qi Su thank him like that. He found that Jiang Siheng seemed absent-minded, even somewhat ignoring Qi Su’s presence.

What was going on?

“Siheng, what are you looking at?” Lin Nan moved closer to the window to see what Jiang Siheng was staring at outside. As soon as he moved, Jiang Siheng also moved. “Nothing. What were you just talking about?”

As soon as he said this, the atmosphere became a bit awkward.

Qi Su didn’t get angry, but simply said, “Qi Ran has been in a good state lately. Thank you for taking care of him.”

Only then did Jiang Siheng react slightly. “Don’t mention it. It’s what I should do.”

Lin Nan didn’t speak this time, just silently observing Jiang Siheng. He felt this person’s state was very wrong.

Qi Su didn’t stay long. After he left, Lin Nan immediately said, “What’s with you? Why are you suddenly so cold toward Qi Su?”

Jiang Siheng, whose gaze was again fixed outside, took a sip of his drink. “Am I? Wasn’t I like this before?”

Suddenly hearing this question, Lin Nan thought back carefully. “I wouldn’t say this cold, but I haven’t seen you being very enthusiastic either. That’s why I felt your feelings didn’t look like ‘liking’ at all.”

Jiang Siheng was truly cold; otherwise, after all these years, he would have more than just this one friend. Of course, it was always Lin Nan who took the initiative; otherwise, he probably wouldn’t have a single friend. When Jiang Siheng told him he liked Qi Su back then, he felt it wasn’t quite right. Liking someone involves an impulse. During school, Jiang Siheng didn’t talk much in front of Qi Su, and he hadn’t seen him do anything like a pursuit. They’d greet each other when they met, but if they didn’t meet, it was as if that person didn’t exist.

Call that liking? Lin Nan felt there might have been some favorability, but it was a long way from “liking.” He even felt that if the person who appeared in the elevator back then hadn’t been Qi Su but anyone else, it wouldn’t have made much difference to Jiang Siheng. Later, when Qi Su and Gu Bai got together, Jiang Siheng was just more silent when facing Qi Su. If it weren’t for that, it would be impossible for Qi Su to still be unaware of Jiang Siheng’s feelings for him.

“Mm. I think what you said might be right.” Jiang Siheng suddenly spoke up, and even agreed with his words, making Lin Nan feel a bit flattered. “What’s the situation? Why do I feel like you’ve suddenly had an epiphany?”

Jiang Siheng finished the drink in his glass and looked back at him. “I used to think that liking someone didn’t necessarily mean possessing them. Seeing them happy was also a way of liking. But now I think that maybe I never really liked him—at least not that sincerely.”

Lin Nan looked at him in total confusion. He couldn’t understand how Jiang Siheng had suddenly figured it out. How did he do it? What happened?

Jiang Siheng called a waiter and took another drink. Seeing this, Lin Nan subconsciously reminded him, “You… you’d better drink less. What exactly is wrong with you?”

Jiang Siheng put down the empty glass. “Nothing. I just figured something out.” Having said that, he headed straight downstairs.

…

Qi Ran was currently discussing Lu Ling’s birthday with Jiang Sen, preparing to give Lu Ling an unforgettable birthday. Originally, Jiang Sen had forgotten about it, but being reminded by Qi Ran, he remembered immediately. He instantly gave Qi Ran 100 favorability points out of gratitude.

Qi Ran immediately felt he was on the right path. He then suggested a few more methods to help advance their relationship. Jiang Sen accepted them humbly. As they chatted, the favorability value surged upward, and the smile on Qi Ran’s face became more and more sincere. Truly, farming the Protagonist Gong alone was the right choice. The Little White Bird was also very excited, constantly waving its small fan in his head to cheer him on.

After finishing his thoughts with Jiang Sen, Qi Ran smiled. “Actually, while Brother Lu looks optimistic and gentle, he actually cares a lot about your thoughts in his heart. I think the most important things when two people are together are communication and a sense of security.”

Jiang Sen nodded. “You’re right. Regarding communication, I indeed haven’t done enough. Sometimes I always feel it’s for his own good and do things according to my own wishes, instead ignoring whether what I’ve arranged is what he wants. Lu Ling is indeed a bit sensitive. Qi Ran, thank you for telling me these things tonight; otherwise, I might really have forgotten his birthday.”

Qi Ran laughed. “You’re welcome. I also suddenly thought of it. Thinking that such a day only happens once a year, and it’s a good time to promote the relationship, I came to tell you. But as for what to do, that depends on you, Brother Jiang.”

“I know. Thanks.”

At this point, Jiang Sen’s favorability toward him had reached 890 points, only 110 points away from 1,000. Qi Ran was prepared to keep going and fill it up in one go. After all, after tonight, he probably wouldn’t have any reason to look for Jiang Sen in the following days.

However, before he could find a suitable reason, Jiang Siheng came out from inside, breaking the harmony: “What are you talking about?”

Suddenly seeing him approach, Jiang Sen turned and smiled. “Just some things. But since you’re here, you two chat.” After saying this, he glanced at Qi Ran and turned to leave.

Watching Jiang Sen leave like that, Qi Ran immediately felt helpless. Ah, just a little bit more! He looked back into Jiang Siheng’s dark eyes. “What did you come out for?” You ruined my good business.

Jiang Siheng sensed the youth’s unhappiness, and his heart felt a bit bitter. “It’s too stuffy inside. Can’t I come out for some air? Did I disturb you?”

“Yes, you did. Can you make it up to me now?” What should he do? Could those 110 missing points still be farmed? There were only 3 days left out of the 10, and the main mission was still missing over 1,000 points. Would he fail to complete the mission this time?

The Little White Bird also wilted at this moment.

Jiang Siheng fell silent upon hearing this, and the atmosphere between the two suddenly became a bit stiff. Sensing something was wrong, Qi Ran looked up at the silent man and suddenly realized that what he just said might not have been very nice.

“Um, I didn’t mean anything else. What I was talking to Brother Jiang about was also Brother Lu’s business. Isn’t Brother Lu’s birthday coming up? I thought since they just got together, if Brother Jiang forgot such a rare day, Brother Lu would probably feel bad, so I came to give a reminder.”

After explaining, Qi Ran looked at Jiang Siheng again. Seeing that the man’s expression was still not great, he simply said, “Anyway, that’s how it is. Believe it or not.” Leaving those words behind, he turned to go back inside.

Jiang Siheng, however, reached out and grabbed his arm, then leaned in slightly, resting his weight on Qi Ran. The sudden move startled Qi Ran. “You… what are you doing?” Why was he suddenly leaning on him?

Jiang Siheng half-circled his waist, his voice a bit hoarse: “Headache.” Two simple words from the man’s mouth carried a hint of weak grievance.

Qi Ran smelled the scent of alcohol on Jiang Siheng and blinked. “You’ve been drinking?”

Jiang Siheng had already placed his chin on his shoulder and gave an “mm.” “A little bit.”

Qi Ran felt that Jiang Siheng’s reaction didn’t look like he’d only had “a little bit.” “You just recovered. Why are you drinking? What now? Should I find Brother Lin to look at you? I think he came too.” Qi Ran spoke while trying to take Jiang Siheng inside to find Lin Nan.

He was held by Jiang Siheng, however: “No need. Just stay with me and get some air.”

Getting some air was fine, but did he have to hold him so tightly? Although Jiang Siheng was leaning on him, Jiang Siheng was taller and larger than him, so it felt like he was being held in the man’s arms. It was too ambiguous. Qi Ran’s heart was beating much faster than usual.

The scent of rosemary emanating from the man was more like some kind of seductive invitation.

“Um, how about we go home?” Qi Ran felt if they kept hugging like this, someone would eventually bump into them.

He had been worried that Jiang Siheng would act like a drunkard and refuse, but unexpectedly, as soon as he heard “go home,” the man gave an “mm” and agreed. Qi Ran didn’t dare delay and immediately took Jiang Siheng to get the car and drove home.

On the way, Jiang Siheng was very quiet, leaning in the passenger seat. At first, Qi Ran thought he was asleep, but then he found Jiang Siheng was staring at his shadow reflected on the glass. Realizing this made Qi Ran’s cheeks feel hot. He was too embarrassed to ask what he was looking at; after all, if he wasn’t looking, wouldn’t he be full of himself?

…

Arriving home and parking the car, Qi Ran went over and opened the passenger door. “We’re home. Let’s go in.”

Jiang Siheng got out of the car and came to the elevator with Qi Ran. Qi Ran saw that he seemed to have sobered up a bit. “Are you okay? How much did you drink?”

Jiang Siheng shook his head. “Not much.”

Qi Ran didn’t believe him, all drunks say they aren’t drunk. After getting into the elevator, Jiang Siheng suddenly grabbed his hand. It made Qi Ran a bit confused, and he looked at him in bewilderment. “What are you doing?”

Jiang Siheng stared into his eyes and said, “I’m scared.”

“Scared of what?” Qi Ran truly didn’t understand.

Jiang Siheng suddenly turned his head and scanned the elevator. Qi Ran asked tentatively, “You aren’t afraid of riding the elevator, are you?”

Jiang Siheng nodded. “Mm.”

Qi Ran: “…Do you think I look easy to fool?” This elevator belonged to Jiang Siheng’s home; not to mention riding it a thousand times, he must have ridden it dozens of times. Scared? Who was he kidding?

However, Qi Ran didn’t argue with Jiang Siheng. After all, why argue with a drunk? Probably when he woke up tomorrow morning, he wouldn’t even remember. Jiang Siheng, however, was still answering seriously: “Not lying.”

Qi Ran coaxed him: “Alright, alright, not lying. We’re home. Go sit on the sofa for a bit. I’ll go make you some lemon honey water to sober you up.”

After pressing Jiang Siheng onto the sofa, Qi Ran went to the dining room to make a cup of lemon honey water. When he returned, he found Jiang Siheng was still in the same position as when he left, waiting for him. Seeing him return, his eyes lit up, making one feel he was somewhat pitiful for some reason.

He handed the cup over. “Drink it. After drinking, go to sleep.”

Jiang Siheng looked at the cup in front of him, then at Qi Ran, and reached out to take it. “You smiled very happily at him today.”

The abrupt sentence made Qi Ran stumble for a moment, then he understood. Was Jiang Siheng saying he smiled very happily at Jiang Sen? “Wasn’t I smiling normally?” Did he really smile that happily? Even if he did, it was definitely because of the favorability Jiang Sen contributed to him.

Jiang Siheng nodded seriously. “Mm. You’ve never smiled like that at me. You’re always like this to me: ^_^. But to him, you’re like this: ^o^.”

Looking at Jiang Siheng imitating him, Qi Ran was caught between laughter and tears. “I never smiled like that. Don’t talk nonsense. Hurry and drink up and go upstairs to sleep.”

Hearing this, Jiang Siheng drank the lemon honey water, put it on the table, reached out to take Qi Ran’s hand, and stood up. His gaze fell heavily on Qi Ran’s face. “I hope you’ll smile more happily at me in the future. I’ll be very, very good to you.”

So could he please stop looking at Jiang Sen?