Chapter 29
F Country, a Rainy Night
Míngtíng Hotel, Top Floor VIP Suite
The vast, empty room was silent. Exquisitely designed lighting streamed down from the carved ceiling, casting a soft color over the furniture, only to quickly dissipate into the loneliness.
The rain pattered on, and water droplets slid slowly down the large floor-to-ceiling windows. In the distance, a towering cluster of buildings was brightly lit.
The ambiguous lights were blurred by the rain into fine specks, also blurring the outline of the person by the window.
A tall, well-built man stood by the window, his expression blank as he gazed at the distant tower.
The trip to F Country had been very smooth. After discussions with their partners, the Pei Corporation had quickly reached a consensus.
But Pei Tingyu had declined his partner’s invitation to celebrate and, following a pre-approved private flight plan, had flown to other European countries, only returning to the hotel this morning.
The man had just finished a meeting with his team back home. There were distinct gray-blue shadows under his eyes, and a layer of weariness clung to his handsome features. The usually crisp collar of his shirt was also slightly wrinkled.
After standing in silence for a moment, the Alpha pinched the bridge of his nose and took something out of his suit pocket.
It was an almost withered rose petal. Its original pink and white color had faded, and its texture was creased, like it had been crumpled. The edges were yellowed and scorched, and it gave off a faint smell of ash.
But it had been kept in a silk bag, carefully and properly preserved.
The man lowered his gaze, letting out a faint, almost inaudible sigh.
The roses he had specially brought from Yǎyuán had withered one by one. He had only kept the last petal.
Leaving a marked Omega right after his rut was over was just as difficult for an Alpha.
Especially for an S-class like Pei Tingyu.
For the past few days, the man had been relying on the last traces of jasmine pheromones in the flower to barely be able to close his eyes and sleep.
His fingertips carefully rubbed the texture of the petal, lingering on it.
The Alpha let out a sudden, soft sigh, as if trying to touch something else through the delicate petal.
It had been nearly ten days since he had left Yǎyuán.
In the time he’s been away, is his precious alright?
Does he still have nightmares when he sleeps? Does he hide under the covers and cry softly in the middle of the night?
He had thought that distance would lessen Bai Yan’s attraction to him, but in reality, it had had no effect at all.
The dimples that appeared when the Omega smiled happily, the tear-filled eyes trembling with grievance.
Even with an injured ankle, he had walked toward him step by step, his resilience and courage shining through as he held back his tears.
Even when he was hurt, he didn’t make a sound, his face pale, yet he would smile and comfort him softly, saying it was alright…
The past scenes replayed over and over in his mind.
In the most romantic city in the world, the longing spread silently.
Love, accompanied by possessiveness and a desire for control, grew wildly, not at all diminishing with the distance, but instead intensifying.
Every cell in his body was screaming for him to go back, to mark him, to completely plunder his treasure.
The pheromones rampaged through his body, on the verge of losing control, but were held back by their master’s self-restraint, unable to break free.
The last time his pheromones had gone out of control, he had almost hurt his precious. He would never allow that to happen again.
A bitter feeling rose in Pei Tingyu’s heart. He sighed self-deprecatingly and put the petal back in his pocket.
Ding-dong—
A series of incoming message notifications interrupted the man’s thoughts.
Song Jian: [Mr. Pei, this is the result of the renovation of the third-floor study.]
Song Jian: [As per your request, the work was carried out while Young Master Bai Yan was at school. Young Master Bai Yan did not discover it.]
Song Jian: [This is the situation from Young Master Bai Yan’s first day of school today.]
[Image] ×3
Song Jian: [Please rest assured, Young Master Bai Yan’s mood is stable. No problems have been found at present.]
Pei Tingyu’s fingertip hovered over the screen for a second before he tapped open the photos.
With just one glance, Pei Tingyu’s brow furrowed in distress. He seriously doubted Song Jian’s grasp of psychology.
Bai Yan had lost weight again.
His chin, which had finally rounded out, was now sharp again. His jacket hung loosely on his shoulders, his eyes were dim, and his face was pale. Even when talking to the person beside him, his smile was forced.
This was what Song Jian called “mood stable,” “no problems”?
Pei Tingyu’s brow locked tight, his heart aching with a fine, stinging pain.
His fingertip slid over the young man’s brow on the screen, wishing he could fly back to Yǎyuán immediately and personally smooth away the gloom.
He had thought that a temporary separation would be the best choice for the Omega.
But his precious couldn’t even take care of himself properly. How could he possibly be at ease?
Pei Tingyu’s gaze turned cold. Just as he was about to question him, another message from Song Jian followed.
Song Jian: [Mr. Pei, there is one more thing I need to explain to you…]
[Screenshot].jpg
Seeing the contents of the photo, Pei Tingyu’s face instantly turned cold.
At the center of the shot was the Omega’s slender back, the pale gold ends of his hair gently covering the nape of his neck.
Although the figure was a bit blurry due to being deliberately enlarged, the unusual hair and skin color immediately set the young man apart from the rest of the crowd.
It was clearly a candid photo.
Yet it had been brazenly posted on someone’s social media feed.
The caption read: [Met my fated Omega on the first day of school. If this isn’t fate, what is?! Sweet first love, here I come!]
Crash—
A glass flew across the room in a beautiful parabola and, without warning, collided with the wall, letting out a loud, crisp sound.
The accompanying secretary, having received the order, quickly came upstairs and stood respectfully at the door, quietly awaiting instructions.
The man’s face was incredibly dark. He slowly took off his million-dollar watch, wiped the red wine stains from his hand, and coldly spat out a few words.
“Have Kiana streamline the itinerary. Prepare to return to the country.”
Bai Yan found that Shen Lin was a very enthusiastic person. He would tell him everything in detail, from what classes he had each day to what he ate.
They had only known each other for a few days, but the number of messages he had replied to from Shen Lin was more than all his other replies combined.
Bai Yan had a headache. He wasn’t keen on socializing, didn’t have many friends, and even fewer Alpha friends, none of whom were overly enthusiastic.
Sometimes, when he was busy, he might not contact them for ten days or half a month.
That was fine, but Shen Lin insisted that to repay him for his help with the welcoming, he had to treat him to a meal to thank him in person.
Bai Yan politely refused, citing his studies, but the Alpha was relentless, constantly sending dog emojis and acting cute.
OceanStar FrolickingPuppy: [Senior Bai Yan, you helped me so much. I’ll feel really bad if you don’t accept.]
OceanStar FrolickingPuppy: [Please, please, Senior Bai Yan. Alice is begging you too!]
[Photo].jpg
The photo Shen Lin sent was of his Samoyed.
Ever since the Alpha had learned that he had a dog, he loved to send pictures. This time, he had even deliberately lifted the dog’s two front paws to act cute.
Bai Yan looked at the smiling angel helplessly, his heart wavering. He really wanted to say that it was just a small thing that day, and he really didn’t need to take it to heart.
The words circled on the tip of his tongue but were swallowed back down.
The junior was new to the campus and didn’t know anyone, which was why he was treating him as a friend to thank.
If he coldly refused now, wouldn’t he be discouraging the junior’s enthusiasm for making friends?
Bai Yan put down his phone, which was almost out of battery. His gaze unconsciously shifted to his bedside table.
The roses had long since withered. The lonely vase didn’t look good on the bedside table, so Bai Yan had put it away in a cabinet.
In its place was a crying rabbit toy, and next to it, a small, dark blue gift box.
The gift box was beautifully wrapped, and even the ribbon on top hadn’t been opened.
Unfortunately, before he had a chance to give it, its owner had left.
Just like him, forgotten at Yǎyuán.
The pinned chat box still had no new messages.
Worried about disturbing Mr. Pei, Bai Yan had opened the chat window several times, carefully composing a message, only to delete it at the last moment.
They are only in a contract marriage. Even just sending a message would be crossing a line.
Bai Yan’s gaze dimmed, his thoughts drifting far away without him realizing it.
The time difference between F Country and Huaguo was 8 hours. What was Mr. Pei doing now? Was he still working?
Mr. Pei was so busy with work. He wondered if he was getting enough rest, if his pheromone disorder was still acting up.
If he had another attack, would he…
Realizing what he was thinking, Bai Yan forced himself to look away.
The young man grabbed the toy on his bedside table and hugged it tightly, burying his face in the little rabbit’s fluffy head and taking a few deep breaths.
The rabbit’s fur was fluffy and soft, and it felt good in his hands, but it was cold and cool. Bai Yan cuddled it a couple of times and then lost interest, falling back onto Oz’s warm belly.
The Doberman, as if sensing the little master’s unhappiness, wagged its tail and tilted its head to lick the young man’s hair.
Bai Yan wrapped his arms around Oz’s face and ruffled it a couple of times, muttering to himself.
I’ll just go once. After that, I’ll make it clear to Shen Lin.
A sincere thank you shouldn’t be rejected. It’s understandable.
Shen Lin had chosen an affordable hot pot restaurant near the school. The prices weren’t high.
Bai Yan had rearranged a time to go back with Uncle Zhao. After his last professional course, he walked to the agreed-upon place.
Turning the corner of the food street, Shen Lin’s figure came into view.
The Alpha stood at the entrance of the restaurant, looking around. Seeing Bai Yan, his eyes immediately lit up, and he waved. “Here! Senior Bai Yan.”
He had carefully prepared himself today. He wasn’t wearing any ear studs or bone studs, his clothes were a normal style, and even his wolf-cut hairstyle had been trimmed into a regular one.
Shen Lin walked toward Bai Yan, a big smile on his face. “The hot pot at this place is super delicious. I know you like light flavors, senior, so I booked the mushroom soup base.”
The hot pot restaurant had no private rooms. The seats were separated by screens, and the decor was a mix of classical and simple styles, with a focus on value for money.
At least it’s not some expensive restaurant, Bai Yan thought with a sigh of relief. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to pay him back.
Shen Lin ordered the food, handed the menu back to the waiter, and complained to Bai Yan with a long face.
“I used to think the botany department was just about picking flowers and hiking in the mountains to enjoy the scenery. But it turns out there are experiments every day. My classes are all full during the week. How did you get used to it, senior?”
Bai Yan blinked and said, “It was okay? I just went with the flow and got used to it.”
Shen Lin was speechless.
Shen Lin asked, “Where do you usually eat, senior? Are there any nearby shops you can recommend? I just got here, and I don’t know what’s good.”
Bai Yan thought for a moment and said apologetically, “I’m not too familiar with those. I usually eat at the cafeteria.”
Shen Lin was speechless.
This won’t work. How can I build a relationship by chatting like this?
Shen Lin frowned in thought. A flash of inspiration struck him, and he enthusiastically suggested, “Do you want to go see the sea, senior?”
“I know there’s a private beach near the school. Not many people go there, and my brother knows the family. After I’m done with this busy period, we can…”
Summer night, fireworks, my lover and me.
The internet says that the more romantic the environment, the higher the success rate of a confession.
Shen Lin’s plan was perfect. He would go to the beach with Bai Yan to watch the sunset, and at the last moment before the sun went down, he would confess.
After Bai Yan accepted his confession, they could set off fireworks under the starlight, dance, hug, kiss, and create all sorts of beautiful memories.
The Alpha grew more and more excited as he spoke, but Bai Yan, in the Alpha’s clear voice, stared at the steaming white mist and, without realizing it, inexplicably zoned out.
The lobby was full of customers. The scent-blocker was very faint, and various pheromones mixed together, creating an indescribable smell.
Ice, red wine, matcha, magnolia…
But there was not a hint of citrus.
Bai Yan frowned slightly, a sudden feeling of stuffiness in his heart.
Shen Lin chattered on. Only after he finished did he notice that something was wrong with Bai Yan. He asked with concern, “Senior, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I probably just ate something too spicy,” Bai Yan said with a forced smile, taking a big gulp of his drink.
The cold orange juice went down his throat, finally suppressing the restless and stuffy feeling in his heart.
“Senior…” Shen Lin’s gaze was worried.
He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, his brow suddenly furrowed, and his expression changed.
The Alpha’s gaze was alert. He suddenly stared in a certain direction in the lobby, his expression serious. “Senior, there’s someone over there who keeps looking at us.”
Bai Yan was bewildered. He followed his gaze.
A gauze screen blocked the view. The lobby was filled with steam, and he could only vaguely make out the outline of a person.
Bai Yan wasn’t wearing his glasses today, and it was far away. He looked for a long time but couldn’t see clearly. He said, a little uncertainly, “Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”
He didn’t take it to heart. In a way, because of his albinism, he was already used to people’s occasional prying gazes.
“No, I have experience,” Shen Lin said, shaking his head seriously. “My family…”
He paused, leaned closer to Bai Yan, his dark puppy eyes filled with sincerity. “I’m very sensitive to other people’s gazes. I noticed this gaze looking at us from the moment we entered the hot pot restaurant.”
He said pitifully, “Don’t you believe me, senior?”
Bai Yan subtly shifted to the side, saying uncomfortably in a small voice, “Then I guess so.”
Shen Lin: “I’ll go see what he’s doing.”
Before Bai Yan could refuse, Shen Lin had already stood up and strode toward the opposite side. The Omega was a little helpless and had to follow.
Shen Lin went around to the other side, behind the person, and happened to see him furtively peeking in their direction.
He walked up to the man’s table, his muscular forearm resting on the table, and questioned him condescendingly, “Excuse me, sir, may I ask why you keep staring at us over there?”
The Alpha’s brow furrowed, his face dark.
The Beta man he was questioning had a cold sweat breaking out on his back, and a fine sweat appeared on his forehead. He was just about to explain.
A slightly surprised voice sounded from the side.
“Assistant Song, what are you doing here?”
The clear voice was like heavenly music to Assistant Song’s ears.
The elite Assistant Song had found his savior. He quickly composed his expression and offered a surprised smile.
“Bai Yan! What a coincidence, is it really you? Are you out for hot pot with a friend? I thought I was mistaken.”
Shen Lin looked confused, his gaze darting back and forth between the two of them. “You… know each other?”
Bai Yan nodded and said vaguely, “Yes, he’s… someone I know.”
“Is that so?” Shen Lin withdrew his hand, a little puzzled.
Just as Song Jian was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he heard the heavenly voice ask again, “This place is a bit out of the way. What made you think of having hot pot here, Assistant Song?”
A sudden, inexplicable joy welled up in Bai Yan’s heart.
Assistant Song had been busy with Mr. Pei’s work recently and hadn’t been seen at Yǎyuán for a long time.
So if Assistant Song is free, does that mean Mr. Pei is coming back soon?
Fortunately, he was prepared. Song Jian’s expression didn’t change as he steadily fastened the bottom button of his suit vest. “A friend recommended it. They all said this place is more authentic. Good wine needs no bush, right?”
Shen Lin said regretfully, “Uncle Song, I’m so sorry. I misunderstood you. I’m Bai Yan’s junior, Shen Lin.”
“Someone has been following me recently, and I thought… you were one of them.”
He opened his innocent puppy eyes wide and asked, “You’ll forgive me, won’t you, Uncle Song?”
Song Jian’s smile didn’t fade. “Of course. It’s a good thing for young people to be more careful.”
The three of them chatted for a while longer. Shen Lin politely invited Song Jian to join them for a meal, but Song Jian regretfully said that he had work to do and had to leave.
Shen Lin watched Song Jian walk away, his mind churning.
This person looks very familiar. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before.
Where was it?
Neither of them had much appetite for the rest of the hot pot.
When they went to pay the bill, the waiter told them that Mr. Song had already paid.
Shen Lin had originally wanted to ask Bai Yan how he knew “Assistant Song,” but a glance at the Omega’s absent-minded gaze made him swallow the words on the tip of his tongue.
The Alpha’s sixth sense told him that now was definitely not a good time to ask.
Mm, this date wasn’t designed well. I’ll have to do better next time.
It had started to rain at some point. When the two of them reached the entrance, sparse raindrops fell from the sky, falling into the dim yellow light like fluttering silk threads.
Shen Lin glanced at the dark sky and asked Bai Yan, “Senior, I drove. Can I take you home?”
Only then did Bai Yan come back to his senses. He gave him a polite smile and refused softly, “No need. You can go back.”
No way! As an Alpha, how could he let the Omega he liked go home alone in the rain?
Shen Lin frowned and was about to say something else when a special, piercing ringtone came from his pocket.
He answered the phone at the street corner, his hand covering his mouth as he whispered, “Bro, whatever it is, let’s talk later. I’m on a date with an Omega.”
A roar came from the receiver: “Shen Lin, what have you been up to outside?! If you don’t get your ass back here, you can forget about your living expenses this month!”
Shen Lin was bewildered, simply assuming his brother was having another fit. Before he could speak, the phone was hung up, leaving only the dial tone.
The Alpha’s face was full of black lines. Now he had to go back.
He could only apologize to Bai Yan. “I’m sorry, senior. I can’t take you home. I don’t know what’s wrong with my brother, he insists I go home now. Be careful on your way back alone.”
Bai Yan nodded. “Mm, you too. Be careful on your way back.”
The off-road vehicle sped away. After turning the corner, Bai Yan took the umbrella out of his bag and held it over his head.
Alone, he stepped into the heavy curtain of rain.
