Chapter 33 – “Qin Shi and I… we’re together…”

Li Huan‑huan finally blurts out to Qin Shi that her mum has already mistaken him for the “boyfriend” she invented to ease Su Mei’s anxiety—and now she needs help sustaining the lie.
To her surprise Qin Shi confesses he also needs a fake girlfriend tonight to shake off a clingy guest at his flat. They strike a pact: help one another.

Caught red‑handed in the study

Just as they seal the deal, Hu Xun barges into the study.
To make the act convincing Qin Shi slams a hand against the wall, cages Li Huan‑huan and lowers his head—looking very much like a stolen kiss.
Hu Xun screeches, everyone at the party comes running, and Qin Shi coolly announces:

“Don’t mind us—my girlfriend and I just needed a moment.”

Huan‑huan, cheeks flaming, nods.
Long‑haired girl in the lounge—who’d been pestering Qin Shi—storms off in tears; teammates draw their own conclusions. Mission #1 complete.

A second favour

After the guests leave, Huan‑huan explains the wider problem: her mother wants to meet the “boyfriend” tomorrow when she is discharged from hospital.
Qin Shi accepts at once:

“I’ll go with you. Three months, half a year—however long you need.”

Huan‑huan sets just one boundary: only to soothe Mum; later they will “break up” peacefully.
Qin Shi outwardly agrees, inwardly hoping it will last far longer.

The day’s aftermath

That night Hu Xun disappears in distress; Zhou Jianyu chases after him.
Long‑haired girl leaves with her friends.
Alone, Qin Shi slips a hand over his racing heartbeat; even a pretend relationship feels intoxicating.

Huan‑huan, back in her own flat, steels herself: tomorrow she’ll have to maintain the charade in front of both families. At 10 p.m. she knocks on No. 150 again:

“Mum’s being discharged at noon. She invited… us to lunch.
Do you have time?”

Qin Shi’s reply is gentle but firm:

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

(Next: Chapter 34 – Meeting the Parents)