ABO My Alpha is a Housewife - Chapter 20

Of course, I wouldn’t let him actually believe it. I just wanted to make him uncomfortable. He might be a bit dense, but he was smart enough to claim you as his fiancé when you were still young. I refuse to believe he’s too clueless to see through something so obvious.

Based on Mo Chi’s understanding of Qin Ziyao, this matter should be easily resolved. After hearing so much from Ji Shuran, it was clear Qin Ziyao had no feelings for Zhao Qing. Once Qin Ziyao clarified his priorities, the situation would resolve itself.

Mo Chi patted Ji Shuran’s shoulder. I thought your situation was complicated, but it’s nothing compared to mine!

The thought of Shen Jin’an and An Xin alone gave him a headache.

Ji Shuran recalled his recent messages with Shen Jin’an, his eyes flickering. He asked Mo Chi, Mo Chi, do you still like An Xin?

Mo Chi Can we not talk about her? She wasn’t just a youthful crush she was the karmic consequence of his youthful ignorance!

Seeing his vehement refusal, Ji Shuran fell silent, afraid to ask anything further.

Li Ziyu sensed something was off. Was he not the only one meant to sit at the head table?

Qin Ziyao, preoccupied with Ji Shuran, exchanged brief greetings with Zhao Qing and tried to leave.

Zhao Qing stopped him. Since you’re here, have some coffee. I already ordered for you.

Qin Ziyao glanced at the cashier, then back at Zhao Qing, and walked up to the counter. Excuse me, is the coffee my friend ordered for me ready?

The cashier followed Qin Ziyao’s gaze. Hello, sir. Your coffee will be ready shortly. Please wait a moment.

I’ll take mine to go. How much?

After paying, Qin Ziyao took his coffee and returned to Zhao Qing. Thanks for the coffee, but I have things to do today. I don’t have time to sit and chat, so I’ll have to pass.

The smile that had just bloomed on Zhao Qing’s face froze. He had called Qin Ziyao on a whim the moment he saw him arrive with Ji Shuran.

He hated Ji Shuran. He had assumed that after returning with Qin Ziyao, they would naturally end up together. Instead, he learned that Qin Ziyao had a fiancée—his childhood sweetheart.

Zhao Qing began appearing near Ji Shuran, sometimes intentionally, sometimes seemingly by chance. Qin Ziyao, ever supportive, consistently made Zhao Qing feel more important than Ji Shuran, successfully provoking Ji Shuran’s anger.

Zhao Qing witnessed Ji Shuran and Qin Ziyao arguing several times, but Qin Ziyao always patiently coaxed Ji Shuran back into good spirits. It was then that Zhao Qing learned Ji Shuran wasn’t just Qin Ziyao’s fiancée—Qin Ziyao had personally pursued her.

No wonder Qin Ziyao treats Ji Shuran so well, Zhao Qing thought. Initially, he had assumed their engagement was a business arrangement, forcing Qin Ziyao to maintain appearances.

But this revelation made his plan to steal Ji Shuran even more challenging.

Later, Zhao Qing resolved to be patient. Whether or not he could win Ji Shuran over, at least his presence clearly irritated her. With enough effort, he believed it was possible to make Ji Shuran abandon Qin Ziyao herself.

He had grown accustomed to Qin Ziyao’s straightforward, masculine nature. After a momentary pang of frustration, he quickly regained his composure. Alright, go ahead and get back to work. I’ll stay here for a bit.

Qin Ziyao nodded and left, thinking he had simply stopped by to greet Zhao Qing before joining Ji Shuran to choose a gown for the upcoming banquet.

This was Qin Ziyao’s first time attending a banquet with Ji Shuran since returning to the country, and he couldn’t afford to make Ji Shuran angry again.

But as soon as they reached the entrance, he noticed an extra person in the line. He recognized him—Li Ziyu. When they were kids, Li Ziyu had always tried to play with Ji Shuran, but fortunately, Qin Ziyao was older and had far more pocket money than that little brat.

He would often buy Ji Shuran his favorite treats and toys, firmly securing his position as the most important person in Ji Shuran’s heart.

But what’s he doing here?

And how could he forget that Ji Shuran is his fiancé? Why is he looking at Ji Shuran with such a lovelorn gaze?

Mo Chi had chosen the perfect candidate. This childhood incident had set off alarm bells in Qin Ziyao’s mind whenever he saw Li Ziyu.

Qin Ziyao strode forward, pushing Li Ziyu aside. Shuran, I’m back. I brought you your favorite Americano.

Ji Shuran looked sweet and gentle, but his favorite coffee was bitter. He loved the unsweetened, intense bitterness of Americano.

Having spent so much time with Ji Shuran, Qin Ziyao had grown to appreciate the bitter aroma of black coffee himself. Fortunately, he could use it as an excuse.

Why are you back so soon? I thought we wouldn’t need to call you for dinner later, Mo Chi quipped, ever ready with a sarcastic remark.

Qin Ziyao had never known how to handle Mo Chi since childhood. He admired Mo Chi’s sharp wit, but Mo Chi seemed to dislike him intensely. Their conflicts could only be resolved by Ji Shuran, so Qin Ziyao turned to him with a pleading look.

Ji Shuran averted his gaze, pretending not to notice Qin Ziyao’s silent appeal. Mo Chi was acting in his best interest, and he couldn’t betray his friend over a mere glance. He wouldn’t try to dissuade Mo Chi!

Mo Chi nodded in satisfaction. Ji Shuran was quick to understand. Let’s go inside and choose your gown, he said, leading the way.

Li Ziyu quickly took the coffee from Qin Ziyao’s hand, removed it from the paper bag, and opened the lid before handing it to Ji Shuran. Drink up! It’ll taste awful when it gets cold!

Mm, you’re the best, Ji Shuran replied, accepting the coffee with a radiant smile. He chatted and laughed with Li Ziyu, completely ignoring Qin Ziyao.

Qin Ziyao chuckled bitterly. Had Li Ziyu really just snatched his coffee to show off in front of Ji Shuran?

He had been back for several months, and the only time Qin Ziyao had seen such a radiant smile was when Ji Shuran greeted him at the airport upon his return. Since then, he had only seen scowls.

Shoving Li Ziyu aside, Qin Ziyao wrapped his arm around Ji Shuran’s shoulder, his gaze toward Li Ziyu sharp with warning.

Li Ziyu Qin Ziyao, we’re all friends here. What’s the meaning of this?

Qin Ziyao Who wants to be friends with you?!

Ji Shuran immediately mimicked Qin Ziyao’s past behavior, pulling him back. Ziyao, Li Ziyu has been our friend for years. Don’t act like this.

Qin Ziyao ……

Li Ziyu smirked triumphantly, casting a provocative glance at Qin Ziyao before turning back to Ji Shuran, his eyes still brimming with affection.

Qin Ziyao Li Ziyu, what’s with that look? Do you have feelings for Shuran? He’s my fiancé! I’m warning you—stay away from him!

Mo Chi, walking ahead, curled his lips into a faint smile.

Following their prearranged plan, Ji Shuran reassured Qin Ziyao, Ziyao, you’re misunderstanding. How could Ziyu possibly have feelings for me? We’re just friends.

Li Ziyu Exactly, Ziyao. We grew up together, you and Shuran are engaged, and Shuran and I have been friends since childhood. How could you possibly misunderstand us?