Chapter 51: I Want to Be the Fish in Your Pond

Chapter 51: I Want to Be the Fish in Your Pond

There was a mirror inside the changing room.

After Mu Feiyan changed, he didn't rush out. Instead, he stood in front of this mirror, gently adjusting his slightly tousled hair and straightening his clothes.

The man in the mirror was tall, handsome, refined, and noble. A casual smirk was enough to steal anyone's heart effortlessly.

Observing the near-perfect reflection, Mu Feiyan finally stepped out.

With hands in pockets, he slowly approached Qin Qing, subtly showing off his statuesque figure and impeccable profile. He was waiting for that admiring gaze from Qin Qing.

Regardless if that gaze was genuine or a facade to exploit him, it would greatly please him.

Yet, Qin Qing sat silently, one hand resting on the sofa armrest, the other supporting his forehead, concealing his expression.

A posture of exhaustion, as if he'd lost interest in everything around him.

Even upon hearing Mu Feiyan's footsteps, he didn't raise his head for a glance.

Mu Feiyan stood silently for a few seconds, feeling his inner anticipation slowly sink.

"Do I look good?" He felt compelled to vocalize.

Qin Qing finally looked up. The eyes that had sparkled with mirth moments ago now bore a faint shadow.

With a mere fleeting glance, he nodded and said, "You look fine." His tone was listless and weary, devoid of further elaboration. There were no praises, no admiration, not even a proper look.

It was as if Mu Feiyan had lost his allure in an instant.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling okay?" Mu Feiyan's slightly curved lips gradually straightened.

"I'm fine," Qin Qing offered a smile.

Mu Feiyan stared intently at that smile. His already cool demeanor grew even chillier. He recognized that perfunctory smile, one masking annoyance. He saw the same expression in the mirror every day.

From the tender touches and enthusiastic responses to the now palpable restraint, weariness, and desire to escape - what happened to Qin Qing?

Never before had Mu Feiyan felt such agitation and anger. Yet, he still wore a gentle smile, suggesting, "Why don’t you try it on? If it looks good, I’ll buy it."

"You buy it. I don’t want it anymore," Qin Qing returned the outfit to the sales assistant.

"Why don’t you want it?" Mu Feiyan took a deep breath, the smile on his lips fading slightly.

"I just don’t. Let’s go." Qin Qing stood up, not bothering with any further explanation, his weary face as cold as ice.

How could someone, once captured by his tenderness, adapt to such treatment?

Mu Feiyan wanted to grasp Qin Qing’s arm but hesitated due to his inner turmoil.

Seeing Mu Feiyan’s hand reaching out, Qin Qing paused, looking back as if waiting. When the hand withdrew, all he could do was shake his head and walk away briskly.

Mu Feiyan was genuinely upset, itching to vent. But upon seeing Qin Qing’s indifferent silhouette, he dared not unleash his anger.

Sometimes as gentle as water, sometimes as cold as ice; one moment his smile is sweet as a blooming flower, the next it's filled with sharp thorns. Why is Qin Qing so unpredictable?

Is it because he's handsome?

Mockingly, Mu Feiyan pondered this thought, his eyes igniting with fury.

"What just happened? Who upset him?" He questioned the sales assistant with a frosty demeanor. This anger could only be directed at others, not even daring to touch the slowly advancing Qin Qing.

The sales assistant hurriedly shook her head, "Nothing out of the ordinary occurred. Everything's fine."

"Fine? He was alright just a moment ago." Frustration creased Mu Feiyan's brow. Seeing Qin Qing nearing the store's exit, he called out loudly, "Qin Qing, what do you really want? My patience has its limits!"

Was that a threat?

Qin Qing abruptly halted and looked back. His profound eyes, devoid of any light, were engulfed in profound darkness. When he doesn't smile, speak, or move, the sudden icy aura he exudes is fear-inducing.

Mu Feiyan felt a pang of unease, belatedly realizing he might have spoken out of turn. Accustomed to treating everyone with superiority and cold arrogance, he genuinely didn't know how to appease Qin Qing.

Watching Qin Qing stand still, appraising him with those unfeeling eyes, Mu Feiyan's initial frustration transitioned to growing anxiety.

His hands, tucked in his pockets, unwittingly clenched into fists, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

Mu Feiyan held his chin high, appearing arrogantly aloof, but his Adam's apple betrayed him, bobbing nervously.

Just as he felt his façade of pride waver, Qin Qing returned at a steady pace, asking softly, "So I can do whatever I wish?"

Without hesitation, Mu Feiyan nodded, "Yes."

Qin Qing too slid his hands into his pockets, tilting his head to study Mu Feiyan. Although shorter than Mu Feiyan, his presence was just as formidable, his dark eyes now shimmering with a mocking gleam.

Mu Feiyan's heart shuddered, a dissonant echo ringing in his mind. That look... was one reserved for those one despises.

Does Qin Qing despise me?

The unyielding fortress of his heart now faced a tempestuous storm. Unconsciously, Mu Feiyan moved closer, attempting to get a clearer view of Qin Qing's expression. However, Qin Qing brushed past him, heading to the racks, pointing at items casually.

"This one, this one, this one... I want them all."

By the end, he'd picked every new item in the store.

The sales assistant, suppressing her amusement, eagerly looked towards Mu Feiyan. The handsome mixed-race gentleman, obviously from an affluent background, was undoubtedly footing the bill.

Qin Qing also glanced back at Mu Feiyan, a chilling dimness creeping into his eyes.

"Is this acceptable too?" He inquired languidly.

"From his wearied desire to escape to the now provocative mockery, his transformation is indeed drastic." Mu Feiyan studied him for a moment, then replied with a mocking smile.

"So, this is yet another trick. Upon realizing his target has fallen for him, Qin Qing displays bouts of petulance, provoking unease and extreme irritation. This ensures the target would go to great lengths to appease him, even agreeing to irrational demands."

Professional charmers don’t even possess Qin Qing's adept skills. Relying solely on his good looks, he seems unstoppable!

Mu Feiyan mentally rebuked and ridiculed him, but begrudgingly found that his agitated emotions were indeed pacified when Qin Qing gave him attention. Even if he were to extravagantly splurge in this store, he felt somewhat mollified.

"Such mastery... Is there no one who can tame him?"

Suppressing his internal monologue, Mu Feiyan approached, saying with a noticeably lighter tone, "Alright, as you wish."

The sales assistant was overjoyed, exclaiming, "Sir, your boyfriend is so good to you! Whatever you want, he buys for you."

A hint of amusement flickered in Mu Feiyan’s now-warming eyes.

Qin Qing, however, shook his head, stating coldly, "He's not my boyfriend. We met today for the first time."

Sales Assistant: "..." Meeting for the first time and spending so much? Being good-looking is truly remarkable!

The amusement in Mu Feiyan's eyes vanished instantly.

Qin Qing prodded Mu Feiyan, "What are you waiting for? Pay the bill." His languid demeanor suggested he'd walk away without a second thought should Mu Feiyan hesitate.

Sales Assistant: "..." He's a demanding one, isn't he!

Mu Feiyan gave Qin Qing a piercing look, then turned towards the sofa to retrieve his discarded sweater. At that moment, Qin Qing extended an arm to stop him.

"You're really buying it for me?" He inquired.

"Yes," Mu Feiyan responded, his expression cold but his words resolute. He couldn’t even fathom why he still stood here, tolerating Qin Qing’s erratic behavior and boundless greed.

If it were someone else...

He furrowed his brow, a fleeting glint of coldness in his eyes.

Qin Qing continued, with a smirk, "When it's time to pay, you won’t pretend to lose your wallet and phone, asking me to cover the bill and promise to repay me later with interest, right? Is this a new scam? After I've paid, will you run off with the expensive clothes you've chosen?"

Mu Feiyan was taken aback, alarms blaring in his mind.

Why would Qin Qing say such a thing? Had he noticed something?

Before Mu Feiyan could react, the sales assistant laughed first, saying, "Of course not! Your friend clearly looks well-off. He couldn't possibly be a scammer!"

"You're the real scammer, aren't you?"

Mu Feiyan pondered silently, not daring to question Qin Qing directly. He took a deep breath and shook his head, "You're overthinking. I'm not that kind of person. No matter what you want today, I won't refuse you."

"What if I wanted to buy this entire store?" Qin Qing inquired smoothly.

Such greed. Once you obtain some luxuries you couldn't have before, you want even more.

Mu Feiyan saw through Qin Qing's true intentions but couldn't control his response, "Alright, I'll buy it for you."

"What if I wanted this entire mall?" Qin Qing tilted his head, feigning innocence with a playful blink.

6, munching on candies atop the coffee table, made a gagging sound, "Please, Qin Qing, don’t imitate the innocent main character! The real character is genuinely adorable, but you? You’re laughably bad at it! With your looks, you shouldn’t make such faces."

However, in Mu Feiyan's eyes, Qin Qing, with his tilted head and bright eyes, seemed like a delicate poppy swaying gently in the wind – an enchanting blend of sultry allure and tender sweetness.

"I'll buy it for you!" In his daze, he found himself blindly agreeing to all of Qin Qing's audacious demands.

The sales assistant muttered under her breath, covering her mouth, "Is this for real? This sounds more and more like boasting! One shouldn't associate deeply with such blatantly deceptive men."

Qin Qing squinted at the sales assistant, and a rare smile warmed his otherwise icy demeanor.

Mu Feiyan gave the sales assistant a chilly glance and then turned back to Qin Qing, asking, "What else do you want?"

He must have lost his mind! Facing an alleged scammer, he kept agreeing to increasingly absurd and greedy demands. If Qin Qing were to ask for the stars in the sky, what would he do?

"I want the stars from the sky," Qin Qing indeed said, his face painted with a mocking certainty that it was an impossible task.

Mu Feiyan exhaled softly, rubbing his throbbing temples, and nodded, "Alright. I once bought the naming rights to a star. I'll transfer that right to you. As long as you cherish it, the star is yours. Is that acceptable?"

Only then did he realize that he was utterly at the mercy of this alleged scammer. Normally, he should have exposed Qin Qing's true intentions and put an end to his incessant demands. He should have rejected all of the absurd requests, leaving Qin Qing with nothing.

Yet, this rationale couldn't influence Mu Feiyan's irrational actions. Seeing Qin Qing lower his arm and no longer block his way, he walked to the couch, picked up his sweater, and began searching for his phone and wallet.

Since he had promised, he'd buy everything. He wasn't one to break his word.

The sales assistant timely asked, "Handsome, how would you like to pay? Card or QR code?"

Qin Qing crossed his arms, leaning lazily against the counter, quietly waiting for the upcoming commotion.

Mu Feiyan rummaged through his sweater pocket for a while, his expression of both helplessness and irritation gradually changing.

He turned to look at Qin Qing, disbelief filling his eyes.

Qin Qing raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's the matter? Can't find your phone and wallet? Expecting me to pick up the bill?"

Mu Feiyan: "..."

At that moment, he felt an overwhelming urge to sink into the ground. He had never been so embarrassed before! Qin Qing was already hard to appease, with a great deal of suspicion. Now, Mu feared Qin would never see him as a potential target again.

Once he left this store today, by tomorrow, he would vanish without a trace. Out of sight, he'd find a new prey, showing them a gentle smile and exuding an intoxicating sweetness.

Mu Feiyan felt both angry and anxious, a panicky sweat breaking out on his usually composed demeanor.

Still searching, he turned his sweater pocket inside out, then checked the sofa's cracks, cushions, and underbelly. Forgetting his dignity, he checked here and there, eventually lying down on the carpet to peer into its dark corners.

All the store's sales assistants came over to help him search. A few customers also looked around.

996 commented sarcastically, "Qin Qing, doesn't he look like a hunting dog right now?"

Qin Qing shook his head, sighed softly, and began to rehang the clothes that were piled on the counter.

"You all continue searching. I'm leaving," he waved dismissively.

Mu Feiyan, who was checking the fitting room, rushed out, exclaiming anxiously, "Don't leave!"

"Sorry, I'm not interested in playing these boring games with you. Whatever I owe you, I'll pay back. There's no need for such a performance," Qin Qing said without looking back.

"What performance? I genuinely lost my wallet and phone! Qin Qing, don't go, I'm not lying!" Mu Feiyan's voice grew tight, almost unable to speak.

Beyond the embarrassment, what he felt more was the looming fear of losing Qin Qing.

At that moment, Ye Rongzheng strode into the store, running right into Qin Qing.

Qin Qing paused, while Ye Rongzheng showed a delighted smile.

"Qin Qing, are you shopping? Can I cover the bill for you?" He asked humbly yet earnestly, with the payment QR code already displayed on his phone, flashing as if beckoning a cashier to scan it quickly.

A few sales assistants: "..." Being this stunning does grant you everything, huh!

Qin Qing gave Ye Rongzheng a fleeting glance, passing by him.

"Qin Qing, please don't be mad. I apologize! Can you take it out on me, like I'm a punching bag?" Ye Rongzheng followed him like a persistent puppy.

"You know each other?" Mu Feiyan finally caught on, his face shifting from panic to a cool demeanor: "Ye Rongzheng, what did you say to Qin Qing?"

"I didn’t mention anything about you," Ye Rongzheng retorted with a click of his tongue.

Qin Qing stopped and turned, surveying them both with cold eyes, his voice edged with anger, "You know each other? So, today was a staged farce? Did you both team up to mock me?"

"No, not at all!" Both Mu Feiyan and Ye Rongzheng hurriedly denied, exchanging nervous glances and breaking into a cold sweat.

Qin Qing gave a smile without warmth, his eyes misting slightly with unshed tears. He shook his head, bitterness painting his face, then turned away, looking so very isolated amidst the bustling crowd.

996 hurriedly caught up, pleading earnestly, "Do you see now? Neither of the two 'attackers' is worth your time. Their fortunes are foul. Let's not be affected by them!"

After saying that, 996 turned back to Ye Rongzheng and Mu Feiyan, spat disdainfully and sneered, "Ugh, scumbags, go to hell!"

Qin Qing quickened his pace.

Mu Feiyan glared coldly at Ye Rongzheng, loudly declaring, "Qin Qing, I wasn't lying. My wallet and phone really are gone. I'm calling the police now. Stay and see the investigation results."

Ye Rongzheng scoffed at Mu Feiyan, his face full of contempt. This man was the worst! Had he not proposed that revenge plan, things wouldn't have escalated to this point!

Qin Qing slowly halted.

996 ran into his leg, exclaiming in panic, "Call the police? We can't! The main protagonist and the third attacker took the wallet and phone! Qin Qing, tell them it's not necessary!"

Qin Qing looked back, observing Mu Feiyan and Ye Rongzheng silently for a moment before nodding, "Go ahead."

996's eyes widened in shock, "Oh, I get it! From the start, you purposely vented your anger on Mu Feiyan, right? You wanted to push him to call the police, then indirectly get the protagonist arrested! Qin Qing, you're so scheming!"

Qin Qing calmly looked at Mu Feiyan and said, "Call them. I'll wait."

Mu Feiyan immediately borrowed Ye Rongzheng's phone and dialed 110 (emergency number). Taking an excuse, Qin Qing stepped away for a bit and made a purchase in the mall.

With surveillance cameras everywhere in the store, it took the police less than ten minutes to apprehend the suspects.

At the police station, after the interrogation concluded, the whole story became clear.

Qin Qing sat to the side, his gaze of disappointment sweeping over the flushed Ye Rongzong, the uneasily silent Mu Feiyan, the indifferent Yan Boxing, and the utterly shocked Yun Siyu.

Slowly, Qin Qing lifted his slender arm and began to clap, a smirk playing on his lips, though his eyes revealed sadness.

"Impressive indeed, one scheme after another, one trap leading to the next. What have I done to warrant such elaborate plots against me?" He transferred 150,000 to Ye Rongzong via his phone and then pulled out a finely crafted red velvet gift box from his pocket.

"I did promise, didn't I? If I had the money, I'd buy it for you." He gently slid the box across the table to Mu Feiyan.

With a sense of foreboding, Mu Feiyan opened the box, and sure enough, the yellow diamond necklace worth 150,000 lay inside.

His eyes swirled with a mix of emotions, ultimately settling on guilt and regret.

It turned out Qin Qing wasn't a scammer at all. Every sweet word he spoke, every kind gesture he made, wasn't a means to extract wealth. The cynical lens through which he'd viewed Qin Qing's intentions, the mocking expressions he'd inadvertently shown, Qin Qing must've seen them, right?

Thus, the once gentle and sweet Qin Qing had transformed into a sharp, piercing thorn. It was he, Mu Feiyan, who had pushed him away, further and further.

Suddenly, Mu Feiyan snapped the box shut, unable to bear looking at the gift any longer.

Ridiculous!

Only when the truth unveiled itself did he realize how utterly absurd this so-called revenge game was.

"How can you stoop so low?" Mu Feiyan turned to Yun Siyu, pouring out all his anger and disdain onto him.

Tears immediately filled Yun Siyu's eyes, and with a choked voice, he said, "I didn't expect it to turn out this way. The moment I sold the painting today, I returned the money. I'll pay back the rest soon, please don't be angry, I didn't do it on purpose!"

Yun Siyu slumped onto the table, sobbing heartbreakingly.

With fury in his eyes, Yan Boxing demanded, "Qin Qing, you financially support Siyu, why are you demanding repayment?"

Lifting his gaze, Qin Qing responded calmly, "From middle school onward, his basketballs, shoes, jerseys, coaching fees, nutrition, tuition, medical bills – it was my father who bore those costs. Without my father, you'd still be a petty thief on the streets. What right do you have to sit here and accuse me so ungratefully?"

A few police officers displayed expressions of disdain.

Both Ye Rongzong and Mu Feiyan shot Yan Boxing a hostile glance, their eyes filled with menace.

Yan Boxing instantly fell silent, his cheeks gradually flushing. It seemed he still possessed some basic sense of shame and morality. He also realized that Yun Siyu's actions were akin to ruthlessly siphoning off Qin Qing's lifeblood.

To speak nothing of repaying debts, even if Yun Siyu gave back everything he currently owned to Qin Qing, it would only be right and just.

Yun Siyu, with his head lowered onto the table, didn't show his face but his ears slowly reddened.

"Qin Qing, I'm not as wicked as you think. I've used your money for charity, helping many in need." Yun Siyu lifted her head, her voice choked with emotion. She spoke hesitantly, then looked at Mu Feiyan with hopeful eyes.

He didn't want to be despised by this person.

Qin Qing chuckled and asked, "Ancient tales tell of Buddha cutting his flesh to feed a hawk, a noble deed indeed. Whose flesh are you cutting, Yun Siyu?"

Yun Siyu froze. Once the realization hit her, she found herself unable to respond.

Seeing her silence, Qin Qing answered for her, "You've taken from me, but to serve your own righteousness. Is this true benevolence or mere pretense?"

Yun Siyu's lips quivered, unable to form words. Clearly, it was pretense.

Mu Feiyan and Ye Rongzhong no longer bothered to even glance at him. His mere presence seemed to taint their surroundings.

"You frivolously spent my money and donated as you pleased. Would you be willing to donate the money from today's painting sale?" Qin Qing probed.

Yun Siyu subconsciously gripped her phone, fearing Qin Qing might snatch it away to make a forced donation.

Qin Qing rose, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "Money that comes easily is different from what's hard-earned, isn't it?"

By the time Yun Siyu wanted to claim, "I'd willingly donate", it was too late. The way everyone looked at him had shifted, including Yan Boxing.

He was genuinely naive, not skilled at hiding his ulterior motives. His inherent selfishness and greed were easily laid bare by just a few words from Qin Qing.

"Truly disgusting," Ye Rongzhong spat out with revulsion.

Mu Feiyan frowned and addressed the police, "Can we leave? I don't want to be around someone like him any longer."

Tears filled Yun Siyu's eyes as he looked at him, and he soon broke down, overwhelmed by shame.

After quietly observing for a while, 996 let out a whimper and started to cry too.

Damn, this time Qin Qing not only derailed the plot but also tarnished the protagonist's reputation. If the two leads still fall for the protagonist after this, I'll perform a sword swallowing act live!