Chapter 21: Chapter 21: My Dream Is to Be Your Husband

CLANG.

A piece of silverware slipped from someone’s grasp, clattering harshly against a dinner plate.

The others looked up to see Qin Muye, his face grim, abruptly rise from his seat and storm away.

Jiang Qingli asked, puzzled, "...Who set him off this time?"

Baili Jing arched an eyebrow slightly, his tone soothing. "Don’t worry. He’s probably just in a bad mood. I’ll go talk to him in a little while."

His consideration and magnanimity were a comfort to Jiang Qingli. "Okay, thank you for doing that."

"It’s my honor to ease my female master’s worries." Baili Jing smiled gently as he reached out to pat the top of the girl’s head.

He came across as thoughtful and generous.

Only Yi Nuo, who stood at Jiang Qingli’s side, saw it clearly. Baili Jing had turned his body to stand between himself and Jiang Qingli, subtly edging him away.

Yi Nuo: "..."

That morning, Jiang Qingli had a theory class, so Yi Nuo took her to the academy in a flyer.

Before she left, a reluctant Baili Jing saw Jiang Qingli to the garage. "Are you sure you don’t need me to take you?" he asked for the third time.

Jiang Qingli shook her head, refusing once more.

Baili Jing lowered his eyes and sighed softly. "I’m sorry. Did I cause trouble for you at the academy yesterday...?"

The gentle, elegant young man glanced at her before quickly lowering his lashes to hide his disappointment.

"You didn’t!" Jiang Qingli instinctively denied.

"It’s alright, Qingli." Baili Jing gave a bitter smile. "I know I only cause you trouble. I always have, ever since we were children. In the end, a person like me is just an extra burden wherever I go. It’s only natural that you don’t like me..."

"It’s fine. Don’t worry about me." Baili Jing sighed softly. "You should go to the academy. I’ll stay home and be good. I won’t go out and embarrass you again..."

"No, you don’t embarrass me."

Jiang Qingli suddenly grabbed his wrist, cutting him off.

’She didn’t know what was wrong with her.’ Seeing Baili Jing look so dejected, she was overcome by a powerful sense of guilt.

’As if she were some heartless woman who was ashamed of her Beast Husband.’

"Listen to me."

Jiang Qingli met his gaze, only to be stunned by the wounded look in his eyes.

It took her several seconds to stammer out a rebuttal. "I’m not ashamed of you! I—you... You’re a huge star, an award-winning actor! You have so many fans. If you’re always by my side, they might get angry..."

"Qingli," Baili Jing said suddenly, taking her hand in his.

The girl’s reflection was captured in his beautiful, glass-like eyes.

The corners of his eyes tilted up slightly, a gentle look that made one feel deeply loved.

For a fleeting moment, Jiang Qingli had the strange feeling that he had been watching her like this for a very long time.

Baili Jing watched Jiang Qingli quietly for a moment before leaning in close. He pressed his female master’s hand against his cheek, his lips brushing gently against her palm as he spoke in a low, magnetic voice, "I only joined the entertainment industry so you could see me more often."

"If you think my job is a hassle, I can retire from acting. I’ll stop doing concerts, too."

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

This confession, so full of devotion it bordered on humility, left Jiang Qingli stunned.

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

It was flooded with positive news.

She had also seen some gossip—

For example, in the industry, Baili Jing had the nickname "Noble Young Master."

According to his fans, he was always dapper and elegant, treating everyone with a gentle and poised demeanor.

But his warmth was merely a product of his good upbringing; it was always measured, never giving anyone room for romantic speculation.

Three years ago, after a baseless rumor started, he had personally clarified it by holding a press conference. He announced that there was a girl he was very fond of and that he had entered the entertainment industry for her.

A reporter had asked, "Is your refusal to film romance movies and kissing scenes her demand as well? Your sweetheart seems a bit too possessive!"

In the clip, the smile on Baili Jing’s lips was a little forlorn. "It’s just my personal choice. It has nothing to do with her."

"If anything, I wish she were a little more possessive of me."

Another reporter asked, "So if you become your sweetheart’s Beast Husband in the future, will you continue to act?"

Baili Jing seemed to imagine a beautiful future, a blissful smile appearing on his face.

But just as he was about to speak, his manager cut the reporter off, and the video clip ended abruptly.

Back then, Jiang Qingli had been shocked. She never would have thought that Baili Jing, who looked like such a player, was actually so devoted.

But now, something even more shocking had happened—

’The unrequited love Baili Jing had been talking about... was her!’

Her heart began to race, but she quickly came to her senses.

’No, that’s not right.’

’Baili Jing’s one true love isn’t me, it’s the original Jiang Qingli.’

Jiang Qingli, who had been momentarily mesmerized by his good looks and deep affection, sobered up in an instant.

’Since Baili Jing is in love with the original owner, I need to stay even farther away from him.’

’Who knows how he’ll react when he finds out I’m not her? He might go crazy and try to take me down with him!’

’Having one major villain around is already terrifying enough.’

Jiang Qingli took a step back. When she looked up again, her face was a mask of sincerity. "You’re so talented when it comes to acting. How could I selfishly keep you all to myself? I remember you have to join a new film set soon, right? Little things like driving me around are perfect jobs for Yi Nuo!"

"Qingli—"

Baili Jing was taken aback by the girl’s increased distance. He wanted to explain, but she had already grabbed Yi Nuo and was walking away.

It felt as if a giant hand had seized his heart, squeezing it until it ached and went numb. Baili Jing struggled to breathe as his vision swam with black spots.

A sharp pain lanced through his head, and a pair of beast ears uncontrollably popped out on top.

’His pollution level seemed to have risen again.’ If this kept up, he’d have trouble maintaining his fully human form.

His fox ears drooped, making him look as pitiful as a kicked puppy.

When Jiang Qingli happened to glance back, that was the sight that greeted her.

’He looks so sad.’

’Were my words too harsh?’

Jiang Qingli felt an inexplicable pang of guilt. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so hard on Baili Jing.

From the driver’s seat, Yi Nuo glanced at Jiang Qingli, then back at Baili Jing.

A mocking smile touched the corner of his lips before quickly vanishing, replaced by the calm demeanor befitting a steward. "Miss, we’re going to be late."

"Wait for me a second!" After a few moments of indecision, Jiang Qingli pushed open the flyer’s door and ran toward Baili Jing.

Baili Jing looked up to see the girl in the pleated skirt running toward him.

The light caught the ends of her hair and the hem of her skirt, making her shine like a star.

In that moment, the figure from the past superimposed over the present.

Baili Jing saw his star land beside him once again.

He subconsciously reached out to her.

Jiang Qingli didn’t take his hand. Instead, she stood before him and placed something in his palm.

He clenched his fist instinctively, looking down at his hand in a daze.

"I’m off to class. You have a good day at work!" Jiang Qingli said with a smile.

The girl rose onto her tiptoes and gently patted the top of Baili Jing’s head.

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

The world fell silent.

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP...

The sound of his heartbeat grew louder and louder, until it was deafening.

Baili Jing stood frozen in place for a long time, until the flyer had completely disappeared from view.

He opened his palm and saw that Jiang Qingli had given him three milk candies.

’Just like when they were kids.’

A small smile played on Baili Jing’s lips. But when he turned, he saw Qin Muye standing behind him, looking thoroughly displeased.

"Hasn’t the Prince left yet?" Baili Jing asked, looking down as he unhurriedly unwrapped a milk candy and popped it into his mouth.

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

’What’s he showing off for? It’s just a couple of stupid candies.’

In the face of Qin Muye’s hostility, Baili Jing simply smiled. "Perfect. I have something to discuss with you as well."

"What is it?"

Baili Jing stepped forward, the smile slowly vanishing from his face.

"In this house, the female master’s will is the only law."

"If you make her unhappy again, I won’t be so courteous."