Not being present, Pei Shi’s stern warning could only be explained by genuine feelings. She hadn’t expected him to be so guarded even with his own friends, forbidding them from getting close to her. It made Bai Tao realize just how deeply he loved her and how strong his possessiveness was!

Men! Sometimes they forget about friendship once they have love! Look at this man, he would even turn against his closest friends for her! Zhuang Yan and herself hardly had any connection at all!

To prevent Pei Shi’s jealousy from escalating uncontrollably and inadvertently damaging her friendships, Bai Tao immediately interrupted him—

“‘Honey!'”

Bai Tao adjusted her emotions, showing a playful expression, and lightly punched Pei Shi with her fist. Then, apologetically, she looked at Zhuang Yan, “Sorry, Zhuang Yan. Pei Shi is very prone to jealousy now. Sometimes his emotions get the better of him. He didn’t mean anything against you. Friends and wives should not be underestimated. He trusts you, it’s just that he loves me too much. Please understand.”

“…”

Zhuang Yan quickly glanced at Pei Shi, his face showing a difficult-to-express expression.

Indeed, anyone would mind hearing such words from Pei Shi. Bai Tao sighed inwardly. She would have to communicate more with Pei Shi about this issue next time. His current state was just too possessive!

She glanced apologetically at Zhuang Yan, then pulled Pei Shi back into the private room. In a low voice, she advised him, “Although I understand that as a man, once you have love, you may neglect friendships, and I understand that you are deeply in love with me. However, you need to maintain boundaries when we’re out. People need friends and options when they’re away from home. Don’t be too hostile towards Zhuang Yan. From what I can tell, he doesn’t seem interested in women, maybe he prefers men!”

“…”

For a moment, Pei Shi found himself unable to say a word. He had originally stepped out of the room to make a work-related phone call, and just happened to run into Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan had recently returned to the country and was now a photographer, quite career-oriented. Pei Shi and his old friend hadn’t seen each other for years, and they had just started chatting when Zhuang Yan began talking about his work: “I used to focus on landscapes, right? Recently, I’m planning to come back and develop my career here, thinking of expanding into portrait photography. But photography requires inspiration too. Despite so many people around, there hasn’t been anyone particularly inspiring to photograph.” Zhuang Yan paused meaningfully and glanced at Pei Shi, “Now I finally found someone.”

Here’s the translation of the text into English:

Pei Shi and Zhuang Yan grew up together and had a close relationship. Pei Shi smiled and said, “Oh, you want to photograph me? Unfortunately, I’m not available right now…”

Before he could finish saying “I don’t have time,” Zhuang Yan interrupted, “I want to photograph your wife! She has great camera presence!”

Pei Shi pursed his lips and almost instantly refused, “No.”

“What? It’s not like I’m taking inappropriate photos; I just want to take some decent portraits!” Zhuang Yan complained. “Are you serious? You’re so stingy!”

“It’s not about being stingy,” Pei Shi rubbed his forehead and explained, unusually subtle and brief, “She’s having some issues right now. Anyway, in the future, stay away from Bai Tao…”

…

Unfortunately, their conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Bai Tao, who completely disrupted it. The only saving grace was that Bai Tao didn’t seem to hear their conversation. Now, she was proudly hanging onto Pei Shi, with an expression of satisfaction and pride on her face, and a kind of affection that Pei Shi couldn’t quite understand.

Her mind really was a bit messed up.

But soon, Pei Shi had no more thoughts to spare for Bai Tao, because her next actions made him start questioning his own sanity…

*****

Bai Tao led Pei Shi back to the private room, then adjusted her expression, showing a tender and affectionate look in her eyes. She coquettishly said to Pei Shi, “Honey, let’s go slay everyone now.”

Pei Shi looked confused, “What?”

“Just to give you enough sense of security!” Bai Tao smiled shyly, “Let them see how loving we are!”

“You don’t need to worry anymore. I want to give you a status in front of all our schoolmates! I don’t want you to cry alone anymore, I don’t want you to have to humbly fight with your friends anymore, I don’t want you to suffer because of insecurity…”

“…,” Perhaps her words were too sincere. Pei Shi’s face showed embarrassment and awkwardness as if his thoughts had been exposed. He stuttered, “I think it’s really unnecessary…”

Ah! This could be considered the highest realm of saying one thing but meaning another!

Bai Tao patted Pei Shi’s hand, saying, “No, it’s necessary. I need to make those who think I look good feel jealous. It’s also time for you to hold your head high in our relationship. You know, unequal relationships can wear you out over time…”

After saying this, Bai Tao ignored Pei Shi’s reaction and pulled him towards the door of the private room.

Inside the room, everyone was tired of chatting and eating. Bai Tao saw her chance!

She immediately sat Pei Shi down. As soon as he entered, the room quieted down quite a bit. Zheng Qing’s words were like a fuse, and now everyone was looking at Pei Shi and Bai Tao with curiosity.

Under the scrutiny, Bai Tao felt not anxious but rather pleased—this was exactly the effect she wanted.

She pointed to the scallion-sautéed shrimp not far away and gave Pei Shi a sweet and natural look, “Honey, I want to eat that.”

Pei Shi hesitated for a moment and then helped Bai Tao pick up some shrimp.

Bai Tao found it amusing. This man had been waiting for this moment, to publicly show his dependence on her. Yet his expression wasn’t quite right now, indicating that their affectionate display wasn’t forceful enough.

Thinking this, Bai Tao pouted playfully, “Honey, peel it for me.”

“…,”