Top panel: Comparison of the two-point cross-correlation function, derived using the LS estimator between quasar pairs and individual quasars within the 1.2 ≤ z ≤ 2.8 redshift window. The cross-correlation is shown alongside autocorrelation for the full sample in that interval and for isolated quasars. Bottom panel: Linear regressions for the three cases are depicted on a logarithmic scale to visualize their slopes. The estimates of (γ, s₀) remain consistent across all three cases.