But I’m Just a Beta 50

50 

When they arrived home, Qi Zhao noticed that his lips had been grazed by Qi Wei’s canines, and he only just realized the bite mark on his neck.

He hadn’t noticed it before, partly because Qi Wei kept talking to him while they were washing up, and partly because he wasn’t the type to constantly check his reflection.

And the location of the bite was a bit further back. An alpha’s gland wasn’t exactly on the side of their neck, but slightly further back, so the place where Qi Wei bit him perfectly aligned with the location of an alpha’s gland.

Qi Zhao tilted his head, trying to find an angle to see it clearly, and realized that the bite was quite deep, even broken the skin, now scabbed over.

…He wasn’t usually this oblivious; how had he not noticed?

Qi Zhao touched the “mark” on his neck, a mark filled with various meanings, and sighed softly.

He felt like Qi Wei was a demon, tempting him astray.

But more importantly… how was he going to deal with this at work tomorrow?

Qi Zhao pondered.

Since it was already late when they got home, Qi Wei didn’t have time to cook, so Qiu Ji had arranged for a simple meal.

After tidying up a bit, Qi Zhao went downstairs. He didn’t bother trying to cover the mark, and… as expected, Qiu Ji had already discreetly left when he came down.

Qi Zhao had noticed long ago that Qi Wei was somewhat displeased when there were other alphas around him, regardless of whether it was for work or because of him.

However, this emotion was subtle, more like an alpha’s instinctive territoriality, so Qi Wei never mentioned it, and neither did Qi Zhao.

Since it didn’t affect anything, there was no need to bring it up.

“Smells good.”

Qi Zhao sat down before Qi Wei and inhaled deeply. “Steamed pork ribs with potatoes.”

Qi Wei chuckled softly. “Yes.”

He said, “It’s a bit late. I was afraid spicy food would upset your stomach tomorrow.”

Fortunately, Qi Zhao wasn’t strictly a spice lover; he also enjoyed many non-spicy dishes.

Qi Wei served him a portion, his gaze lingering on the bite mark on Qi Zhao’s neck.

He knew very well that if Qi Zhao were an omega or even an alpha, the mark would exude his scent, a clear declaration of ownership. But Qi Zhao wasn’t either of those; he couldn’t be truly marked.

The alpha’s instincts made Qi Wei’s pheromones stir with a restless frustration, wanting to bite down again, to repeatedly confirm whether it truly wouldn’t leave a mark. But what then?

Qi Wei’s rationality returned at this thought.

Even if Qi Zhao could never be marked by him, he had chosen him, and it could only be him.

Qi Wei’s restless gland calmed down, his previously turbulent pheromones softening, gently enveloping Qi Zhao, like silk threads, seemingly fragile, but layered together, they formed both a cage and a protective wall.

After dinner, Qi Zhao walked around the house to aid digestion, stretching his body, which was sore from sitting in vehicles all day.

After finishing this project, he definitely had to resume his exercise routine.

No, he would start during his vacation.

Qi Zhao made a mental note.

He didn’t want to be kissed senseless by Qi Wei again.

After washing up again, Qi Zhao lay in bed.

Qi Wei had an important call, so he wasn’t there yet—not an excuse this time, but a genuinely important call.

Qi Zhao had intended to wait for him, but his eyes closed, and perhaps because he was getting used to the bed, he soon fell asleep.

When Qi Wei finished his call and came over, he saw Qi Zhao sleeping soundly, his head tilted slightly towards Qi Wei’s pillow.

He swore he hadn’t used his pheromones this time, so… Qi Wei smiled, bent down, and kissed Qi Zhao lightly on the forehead before turning off the lights himself.

Qi Zhao used to be a still sleeper, not tossing and turning like this, his head wouldn’t roll over to this side.

But now…

Qi Wei carefully pulled Qi Zhao into his arms, feeling a deep sense of contentment. His empty, insatiable heart felt full, even overflowing, his expression filled with joy.

His Ah Zhao was not only getting used to his presence, but also showing signs of dependence.

How wonderful.

The next morning, Qi Zhao was woken up by his alarm.

He groaned softly and instinctively nuzzled closer, burying his face in Qi Wei’s chest.

An alpha’s body temperature was high due to their pheromones, and Qi Zhao could smell the faint lingering fragrance of the perfume, perhaps Qi Wei had sprayed it before sleeping.

The unique, rich, and intoxicating scent, with its hint of smoky gunpowder, instantly filled Qi Zhao’s senses, aggressive yet alluring.

Qi Zhao blinked, his consciousness slowly returning.

He knew Qi Wei must be awake, so he moved his arm, and as expected, Qi Wei tightened his embrace, asking in a low voice, “What do you want for breakfast?”

“…Let’s just have some noodles.”

Qi Zhao remembered, “Wasn’t there some leftover soup from last night?”

Even frugal rich people used leftovers for noodles the next day.

Qi Wei said okay.

He lowered his head and kissed Qi Zhao, this time on his forehead, not his hair. “Then you go wash up first; I’ll prepare the ingredients.”

Qi Zhao had no objections.

Since they had to work, they didn’t linger in bed for long. But when Qi Zhao got up and met Qi Wei’s smiling eyes, he realized that he had become much more relaxed around Qi Wei. At least, the morning kiss, and the feeling of… no longer felt like facing a formidable enemy, his nerves on edge.

Qi Zhao’s feelings were a little complicated. “You’re like… desensitizing me.”

And it was truly effective.

Hearing this, Qi Wei raised an eyebrow slightly and kissed Qi Zhao lightly on the lips.

He leaned in so close, and so suddenly, that Qi Zhao didn’t even have time to react. He felt Qi Wei’s eyelashes brush against his eyelids, his hot breath against his skin, his soft, warm lips pressing against his, a fleeting touch like a dragonfly skimming the surface of water, yet creating ripples in his heart.

Qi Zhao froze for a moment, then heard Qi Wei chuckle softly. “Yes, it seems the treatment needs to be intensified.”

Qi Zhao looked up, meeting Qi Wei’s smiling gaze, understanding what he meant, his ears feeling a little warm.

Qi Wei, who had never been in a relationship, was so good at this… it must be an alpha’s genetic advantage, right?

Qi Zhao didn’t say anything, averting his gaze as if burned, and slipped out of Qi Wei’s loose embrace. “I’m going to wash up.”

His tone was seemingly calm. “We’re going to be late.”

Qi Wei’s smile deepened.

Unlike his previous avoidance, this time, Qi Zhao was clearly flustered.

He was shy.

After Qi Zhao finished washing up, Qi Wei covered the pot and started cooking the noodles.

Qi Zhao didn’t like thin, wide noodles, so Qi Wei was making knife-cut noodles, which took a few minutes to cook. He could wash up and change during this time, leaving Qi Zhao to watch the pot.

Once the noodles were cooked, he just had to take them out and put them in the bowls with the prepared sauce.

Qi Wei wasn’t insistent on doing everything himself; he was happy to share tasks with Qi Zhao.

So when he finished washing up, Qi Zhao had just placed the tray on the island counter.

He worked out, and although his physique wasn’t as exaggerated as an alpha’s, his arm muscles were clearly defined, beautiful when flexed, making Qi Wei want to bite them.

Qi Wei walked over, and Qi Zhao handed him the chopsticks he had taken from the sterilizer. “Are you going to the company today?”

“Yes.” Qi Wei didn’t sit down immediately, but pushed his bowl next to Qi Zhao’s and sat beside him. “There’s no rush. I have a short meeting at ten. I’ll take you to work first.”

Tang Sheng was on the way, just a slight detour.

Qi Zhao knew he couldn’t argue with Qi Wei on this, so he nodded. “Okay.”

Since they had to work, they didn’t talk much.

After they finished eating, Qi Zhao went upstairs to change into his suit.

After he was ready, Qi Wei walked over. “Ah Zhao.”

He was holding a small, square bandage. “Tilt your head slightly.”

Qi Wei gestured with his hand, and Qi Zhao instinctively tilted his head.

Then Qi Wei took two steps closer, peeled off the backing of the bandage, and carefully applied it to the side of Qi Zhao’s neck.

Qi Zhao instinctively flinched when he felt the bandage against his skin, but Qi Wei just smoothed it out and then retracted his hand.

He just smiled at Qi Zhao, a playful glint in his eyes, but didn’t push further.

Qi Zhao touched the bandage, realizing what it was. “…I thought you would want me to go to work with this mark.”

Qi Wei raised an eyebrow. “If it were me seven years ago, I definitely would have.”

Omegas could also mark alphas temporarily, the method was the same, but an omega’s canines weren’t as sharp, because an alpha’s gland was actually more vulnerable than an omega’s.

But anyone who got close to Qi Zhao would be able to smell the pheromones from the mark. However, Qi Zhao’s “pheromones” were artificial, from the small round ball, and he wasn’t an omega or alpha, so anyone who got close to him would only smell the artificial pheromones.

This would expose him.

Qi Wei didn’t want Qi Zhao to be subjected to gossip and speculation, nor did he want his private life to be scrutinized.

So he said that his seventeen-year-old self would have done such a childish thing, but the current him, even if he wanted to announce to the world that Qi Zhao was his, didn’t need such ridiculous, troublesome tricks.

Qi Wei’s eyes curved into a smile. “Ah Zhao, see how considerate I am?”

Qi Zhao: “…Yes.”

He sighed, amused. “Such a good boy?”

He even raised his hand and ruffled Qi Wei’s hair playfully.

Qi Wei lowered his head, letting him touch him, and blinked.

Qi Zhao sensed that he seemed to be expecting him to say something, but he didn’t know what, so he just asked, “What’s wrong?”

“…”

Qi Wei sighed inwardly, then asked softly, “Aren’t you going to ask me where I got the bandage?”

This kind of bandage was different from a regular one.

It was specifically designed to cover marks, because displaying a mark openly in certain situations was considered improper. But for Qi Wei, an alpha who had never accepted any omega or even alpha, having this was indeed a little strange.

However…

Qi Zhao paused, not immediately understanding what was wrong.

Seeing his expression, Qi Wei said, “It’s fine.”

He said, “We’ll take it slow.”

He was talking to himself.