Reverse Domestication

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Of course, Luo Ye felt a bit uncomfortable, but he also knew that he didn’t really have a right to feel that way.

He and Qi Yanbai indeed had been interacting in a slightly boundary-crossing manner, but they hadn’t officially defined their relationship nor touched on that delicate subject. So, regardless of whoever expressed their feelings to Qi Yanbai, it seemed that Luo Ye could only watch from the sidelines.

People generally prefer comfort. When you’re in your comfort zone for a long time, it’s easy to become immersed in habits and hard to notice things beyond those habits.

During this time, Luo Ye had grown accustomed to interacting with Qi Yanbai in this vague manner. It was only just now that he realized that Qi Yanbai, being young, handsome, and kind, was not only a beloved teacher but also a catch among eligible young men and women.

Their relationship had been somewhat ambiguous, but Qi Yanbai had never officially been in a relationship, and he had no experience with relationship matters. Until he knew his preferences and who he liked, it seemed natural for him to receive confessions from others, regardless of the person.

This concept was like a pin, easily pricking Luo Ye. His heart skipped a beat, and the subtle unease he had just experienced suddenly became more pronounced. In an instant, it transformed into something clearer.

“I’m not in a bad mood.” Luo Ye half-lowered his eyes and smiled, saying, “I just realized that you are quite popular.”

As he spoke, he himself detected a hint of bitterness in his words.

This subtle unease he felt suddenly found its answer. Luo Ye’s gaze briefly met Qi Yanbai’s, and his heart seemed to pause for a moment. He realized that the delicate balance he thought he had maintained in his heart was now tilting.

“I’ve grown to care about him this much,”  Luo Ye realized.

This was why he felt that subtle possessiveness and jealousy when seeing someone else express their feelings to Qi Yanbai.

Luo Ye was a rather composed individual, and he restrained his jealousy quite well. However, Qi Yanbai effortlessly sensed the underlying emotions in his restraint. Qi Yanbai’s lips curled slightly, finding a bit of secret satisfaction in it.

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Yet, Qi Yanbai also didn’t want to play around and risk Luo Ye misunderstanding that he liked women. So, he changed the topic in a timely manner, diverting Luo Ye’s attention.

“By the way.” Qi Yanbai feared Luo Ye would persist with the previous question, so he didn’t allow the atmosphere to linger too long. He smoothly shifted the topic, saying, “You’re not on duty this Sunday, are you?”

“I probably won’t be.” Luo Ye said, “Why do you ask?”

“A new vintage cinema opened in the new district’s shopping mall. They’ll be showing ‘Caravaggio’ on Sunday.” Qi Yanbai said, “If you’re not on duty, would you like to go watch it with me?”

His invitation was quite skillful. It didn’t ask Luo Ye if he was free or if he wanted to go. It seemed to offer only two options: “on duty” or “watch a movie.”

Verbal traps were always subtle, and many people’s thinking would naturally follow the two simple sentences. Yet, Luo Ye was well-versed in this, and almost instantly, he detected the unspoken intentions behind Qi Yanbai’s invitation.

But after thinking about it, he didn’t expose it, and instead agreed. He nodded in agreement, saying, “Sure.”

Luo Ye and Qi Yanbai had different intentions, yet strangely converged, heading in the same direction.

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Luo Ye was still on duty, so he couldn’t linger in one place for too long. After just a few words, he had to leave. Qi Yanbai watched as he left the building and got into the police car. Once Luo Ye had driven out of his line of sight, Qi Yanbai turned back to his office.

His office faced the road, and he leaned against the window, watching Luo Ye leave the training center. He watched until Luo Ye’s car disappeared from his view, then withdrew his gaze and took out his phone from his pocket.

Unlocking the screen, he dialed a number from his contacts. After just a couple of rings, the call was picked up on the other end.

“Teacher Qi.”

“Yan yan sister.” Qi Yanbai smiled and said, “Thank you for earlier. When you’re free, let me treat you to a meal.”

“No need, no need. Skip the meal. Our whole family is moving to the provincial capital the day after tomorrow.” The woman’s voice said carefreely, “Plus, it’s thanks to you that Yan Yan was able to transfer to the main school. It was just a small favor. There’s no need to worry about it.”

The woman spoke energetically, “By the way, I forgot to ask, how did things go? Did you get an answer?”

“Yes.” Qi Yanbai smiled softly and said in a low voice, “indeed I did.”