Chapter 64
In early June, Lin Xueyin called Bai Yan to her office and logged into the official website on time to check the competition results.
As expected, Bai Yan’s project was still too naive and did not stand out among the many outstanding results. It only made it to the second round of the preliminaries before regretfully stopping.
The experienced international judges said that his project had more than enough innovation but lacked scientific research. They suggested that he form a multidisciplinary team next year and participate again after integrating cross-disciplinary results.
Although he didn’t win an award, Bai Yan was still very happy. It was already his honor to be able to participate in this international competition. And these past two months, studying with Professor Lin, he had also gained a lot.
The young man’s eyes sparkled. He had just bent down, his words of thanks not yet spoken, when Lin Xueyin’s slow voice drifted over. “I haven’t finished speaking yet. Why are you in such a hurry to thank me?”
Bai Yan looked up in astonishment and saw the usually stern old professor raise an eyebrow and continue, “There’s another piece of good news.”
“Professor Sman from Qiao University in Y Country is also a judge for this competition. He sent me an email yesterday, saying he’s very interested in your project.”
Hearing this, Bai Yan’s eyes lit up, and his face immediately glowed with surprise.
Professor Sman was an internationally renowned biologist. His research on AO pheromones and plant molecules was the foundation for every biologist.
His research team focused on the interaction between plant molecules and medicine and was one of the top laboratories in the world, a scientific palace that countless students dreamed of.
Lin Xueyin took in the young man’s joy, her lips curving slightly. “Haicheng University happens to have an exchange quota for Qiao University this summer, for a period of one month. With your grades, you can definitely apply.”
“If things go smoothly, you can also stay at the school for your junior and senior years and continue the exchange.”
The young man’s fingertips trembled twice, his wildly beating heart gradually calming down as reason returned.
Even though he had never been abroad, he knew that Y Country was half a world away from Haicheng. The two places were completely different, and traveling back and forth was not an easy matter.
A month was already a long time, not to mention junior and senior year, which was a full two academic years.
Even if he could overcome the acclimatization, what about… his husband?
What if his husband had a rut? With such a long distance, how could he ask for leave in time and rush back?
Bai Yan bit his lip, his gaze wavering as he glanced around at the solid wood floor.
Lin Xueyin saw his hesitation, changed to a more casual posture, and said in a gentle tone, “Studying abroad alone in Y Country is indeed a great challenge.”
“But at the same time, it also means a great opportunity. Qiao University is first-rate in both its academic atmosphere and its research conditions.”
She pushed up her glasses and, for a rare moment, spoke from the heart. “Communicating and learning with peers from various countries is also a rare opportunity for a child of your age to broaden your horizons.”
“Alright, A-Yan. Go back and think about it carefully. You still have half a month to prepare. Just let me know when you’ve made a decision.”
The young man bowed gratefully to the professor, tiptoed out, and didn’t forget to close the door considerately.
He left in a hurry and therefore didn’t hear Professor Lin pick up Zhou Haiqin’s call and say proudly.
“Hmph, such a good seedling for scientific research like A-Yan must not be delayed by an Alpha.”
“He must be good to A-Yan. A-Yan has people behind him now… If he does anything to let A-Yan down, ha, just watch how I’ll deal with him.”
The young man in the car today was unusually silent, hugging his backpack and lost in thought the whole way. Even his jasmine pheromones were not as active as before.
“What’s wrong? You’ve been pouting since you got in the car, like a little old man.”
It was a red light ahead. Pei Tingyu stopped the car steadily, held Bai Yan’s cool palm, and asked in a warm voice, “The final exams aren’t until next month, are they? Have they suddenly been moved up?”
He half-joked, teasing, “If you’re worried with your level, what will the other students do?”
“Xian sheng, I’m not that good.” Bai Yan was amused and held the man’s large hand tightly.
The rich, mellow scent of orange blossom was drawn into his nostrils with each breath, gradually filling his chest, and the frustrated mood was swept away.
He fiddled with the buckle of his seatbelt and a clear, sweet smile returned to his face. “It’s nothing, xian sheng. It’s just a difficult problem in the school lab.”
“I’ve already figured it out.”
Professor Sman’s project team is certainly good, but it’s far away in Y Country. I don’t speak the language, and I’m only a sophomore. I might not learn much.
Besides, even though my husband doesn’t say it, he must be reluctant to let me go, right?
Even for a two or three-day business trip to a neighboring province, my husband would have to video call me every night and would only be willing to hang up after I was sleepy and had said goodnight.
If I go on exchange for a month, or even study abroad for two years, wouldn’t my husband have to be alone at Yǎyuán?
Bai Yan held the man’s hand tightly. It’s always my husband who sacrifices for me…
This time, how could he bear to let his husband be lonely again?
After all, they both knew how hard it was to be lonely.
The red light turned green, and the car continued to move forward.
Pei Tingyu returned his gaze to the road ahead. After getting on the elevated highway, he asked casually, “Haicheng University’s 80th anniversary celebration ends next week. Plus the weekend, my precious will have an eight-day holiday, right?”
Bai Yan: “Yes.”
He nodded, a mysterious smile on his face. “Good. Our precious has been working hard on his experiment. After your school event is over, I’ll take you out for a spin.”
The young man, suspecting nothing, obediently said okay.
Bai Yan hadn’t expected that Pei Tingyu’s “spin” would be to take him directly to the Haicheng International Airport.
The two of them sat in the VIP lounge. When the man, as if by magic, took out the prepared passports and luggage, the surprise on Bai Yan’s face was impossible to hide.
“When did you prepare this? How did I not know at all?”
Pei Tingyu smoothed the hair under the young man’s hat, a faint smile on his lips. “If I told my precious, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
The airport announcement sounded, and Bai Yan was suddenly a little nervous. “Where are we going? I’ve never been on a plane before.”
Pei Tingyu lifted their intertwined hands, kissed them reassuringly, and said in a low, magnetic, and gentle voice, “My precious, don’t be afraid. I’m here for everything.”
“As for the destination… my precious will know when we get there.”
Wanting to give his precious a complete travel experience, Pei Tingyu had not used his private jet this time and had booked first-class tickets on a direct flight.
The two of them held hands and boarded the plane through a private channel.
The first-class cabin was comfortable, and the service was attentive. After learning that they didn’t need any other services, the flight attendant smiled and excused herself, leaving the vast space to the two of them.
Pei Tingyu adjusted Bai Yan’s seat to a semi-reclining position, and the two of them rested together.
The plane flew very smoothly and soon rose above the clouds.
Bai Yan’s gaze was curious as he looked out the window. There were white clouds in the blue sky, one after another, like large cotton candies, as if they were within reach.
12 hours later, the plane landed on time at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The moment they landed, the atmosphere of a foreign country rushed toward them. A low-key Cayenne picked up its two masters from the VIP exit and drove toward the brightly lit Míngtíng Hotel.
Even though the surrounding night was dark, it didn’t dampen Bai Yan’s excitement. He held the man’s hand with a smile and asked questions all the way.
Pei Tingyu watched the young man’s flushed little face with a gentle gaze, his heart incredibly soft.
Countless similar journeys, but just because his lover was by his side, it was a world apart from the past.
Soaking in a luxurious bathtub while admiring the night view, lying on the soft, large bed of the platinum suite, the young man was not yet sleepy, his jasmine pheromones excitedly running rampant.
He enthusiastically whispered to the man about how different the people of F Country were from the people of Huaguo.
Pei Tingyu was helpless. He lowered his head and kissed the Omega’s delicate neck, his voice hoarse. “My precious isn’t sleepy yet. Do you want to do some pre-sleep exercise?”
Bai Yan knew he was in trouble this time. He quickly pressed his hand against the man’s chest and begged for mercy weakly, “I’m so sleepy. Let’s go to sleep now.”
Based on his husband’s last rut, if he got his way tonight, he wouldn’t be able to get out of bed for the next few days.
With that, he threw back the covers beside him and pulled them over his head, leaving only his two round, pink eyes exposed.
The Alpha was both amused and exasperated. He dug the fully armed young man out from under the covers, kissed his earlobe, and said softly, “Alright, my precious. Sleep well.”
The man’s embrace was warm and reassuring. Even in a foreign country, falling asleep to the river breeze, which was completely different from Haicheng’s, the young man still closed his eyes in peace, snuggled obediently against his husband’s chest, and drifted into a sweet dream.
His mind wasn’t tired, but it was his first time on a long-haul flight. By the time Bai Yan’s exhausted body woke up, it was already afternoon.
The two of them enjoyed a Michelin-starred special lunch and, just before sunset, finally reached the Arc de Triomphe.
The brilliant light of the sunset fell on the banks of the Seine. Their boat was like it was floating in a golden ocean, and everything in sight was golden.
The sun slowly set, and Bai Yan finally took off his sun umbrella and glasses. Enveloped in the last bit of orange-yellow light, the young man’s beautiful features seemed to glow.
The boatman was dumbfounded. He kept praising Bai Yan in a mix of French and broken Chinese and English, calling him an angel, a white rose of midnight, God’s favorite.
Bai Yan only vaguely heard the words “angel” and “rose,” and didn’t know the rest. His dazed eyes widened as he looked at Pei Tingyu for help.
Pei Tingyu explained to Bai Yan one by one. The young man had never been praised so directly before. His cheeks immediately flushed red, and he offered a shy smile, awkwardly mimicking the man’s French to say thank you.
The boatman laughed heartily and then chattered on in a language Bai Yan didn’t understand.
Bai Yan and Pei Tingyu held hands as they went ashore. Their gazes met, and infected by the boatman’s happiness, they laughed so hard they couldn’t stand up straight.
They bathed together in the golden river of love and, under the sparkling golden giant tower, like countless ordinary lovers, they kissed passionately.
This most romantic city in the world had finally waited for the partner of the once-disappointed man.
The eight-day itinerary was too tight. Considering the young man’s health, Pei Tingyu only took Bai Yan to play around Paris.
On the fourth night, Pei Tingyu took Bai Yan’s hand and took a private jet directly to London, Y Country.
The next day, they took a train. Bai Yan had no idea where they were going and completely entrusted himself to Pei Tingyu.
The passengers on the train communicated in a pure London accent, as smooth and natural as in a movie.
The young man blinked his eyes and sat obediently in his seat, listening. He was surprised to find that he could actually understand most of it.
After getting off the train and standing in front of the old and magnificent school gate of Qiao University, Bai Yan was still in a daze, unable to come back to his senses for a long time.
A thousand emotions clogged his heart, and he instantly lost the ability to speak.
“Aren’t you going in to take a look?” The man walked up nonchalantly and took his hand.
The two of them slowly walked into Qiao University. The academic atmosphere enveloped the campus. It was the final exam review month, and the students were all in a hurry.
From time to time, someone would be on the phone while walking, arguing fiercely with the person on the other end.
The early summer lawn was lush green, and the Gothic-style buildings were beautiful and magnificent. Bai Yan had taken many photos along the way, but only here, he quietly recorded it with his eyes.
A breeze mixed with the scent of grass blew by, and the rainy weather unique to Y Country suddenly arrived. The two of them took shelter under a corridor.
A blond, blue-eyed foreigner happened to pass by. Seeing Bai Yan’s appearance, his eyes lit up, and he curiously asked them which department they were from.
Bai Yan smiled shyly and explained in English that they were just tourists.
The person’s gaze shifted to their intertwined hands and the wedding ring on Pei Tingyu’s ring finger. He said “oh” in understanding.
He then offered a big smile and kindly wished them a happy honeymoon and a good time at Qiao University.
On the way back, Bai Yan was unusually silent, quietly watching the country roads outside the train window, a preoccupied look on his face.
Pei Tingyu saw the young man’s preoccupation but sighed to himself and said nothing.
The next day, for sightseeing, the two of them went to a famous landmark in London. The Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames turned slowly, and the buildings on both banks were reflected in the water, rippling with the wind.
As the carriage rose, they had a panoramic view of London. The vast city stretched as far as the eye could see, until it disappeared into the blue sky.
As the carriage was about to reach the top, Bai Yan’s hand clenched. He finally gathered his courage and asked the question that had been on his mind.
“Xian sheng, did you already know that I was eligible for the exchange to Qiao University? Is that why you specially brought me here?”
Even someone as slow as Bai Yan couldn’t believe that yesterday’s arrangement had been a complete coincidence.
Everything indicated that it had been his husband’s careful planning.
The young man’s beautiful eyes shimmered with moisture, filled with confusion. Dark circles had appeared around his eyes, a clear sign that he hadn’t rested well last night.
Pei Tingyu pulled the Omega into his arms, his large hand gently cupping the young man’s face as he apologized softly, “I’m sorry. I took it upon myself to bring you here to see it.”
“I’m also very happy for you that my precious got the exchange qualification. But why didn’t you tell me?”
Bai Yan nuzzled his hand and looked back at the man, his snow-white lashes trembling as he said slowly, “Xian sheng, Qiao University is too far from Haicheng… I don’t want you to be alone at Yǎyuán.”
“But my precious likes Qiao University, doesn’t he?”
“I—” The young man opened his mouth, his breath catching, the rest of his words suddenly stuck in his throat.
If he hadn’t come, he could have continued to deceive himself.
But after he had personally stepped on the damp grass of Qiao University, he realized that he really did like it here, that he liked the hardworking self he had become.
Hot tears fell instead of words, only to be gently wiped away by the man’s fingertips.
A gentle sigh suddenly sounded in his ear. “My precious, you don’t have to do this for me.”
“Our marriage is not a shackle to bind you.”
Bai Yan’s heart was both sour and full. Tears welled up in his eyes, and his voice was tinged with a sob. “But, xian sheng, if I go to Qiao University, what will you do?”
The man’s dark, profound gaze looked directly into the young man’s eyes as he said softly, “Communication tools are so advanced now. If I miss my precious, I can always video call you, right?”
“At worst, I can also fly to see you, and you can always come home.”
“The distance between Haicheng and London is 9207 kilometers. The fastest flight is 12 hours. Does my precious think that my love for you can’t withstand 12 hours?”
Tears fell like a broken string of pearls, continuously sliding from the corners of his eyes, impossible to stop. Bai Yan buried his face in the man’s embrace and sobbed.
It wasn’t sadness, but happiness. The happiness of being understood, of being cherished.
“The world outside is very big.” Pei Tingyu carefully cupped Bai Yan’s face and kissed away his tears, bit by bit.
The man’s eyes were moist as he said softly, “My precious, my botanist, let the world share you with me.”
“Don’t worry, don’t be afraid. When you look back, I will always be standing behind you.”
I will be your most solid support, your most indestructible armor.
So, my Bai Yan, my precious… fly freely.
The distance of our longing is 9207 kilometers, 12 hours, half a day.
From now on, every day, I will spend half my time working, and half my time thinking of you.
