Chapter 1
Flurries of snow danced in the air, their cool light filtering in through the bay window of the coffee shop.
Bai Yan sat alone in a corner, quietly gazing at the street below. The leaves of the hydrangea trees lining the road had all fallen, and clusters of silver snow drooped from their withered branches.
This shopping district was in the heart of the city, where even the roadside landscaping was costly—a world apart from the orphanage where he had lived.
He wondered if Mr. Pei would be satisfied with his choice of location.
Beneath the tablecloth, the young man’s hands unconsciously tightened into fists. His two snow-white, feather-light eyelashes trembled slightly.
It wasn’t just his eyelashes. The Omega’s hair, his eyebrows, even his skin—all were a pure, almost translucent white. Only the two pools of pale pink beneath his lashes were like cherry blossoms in spring.
High-end insulation sealed away the outside chill, leaving the coffee shop as warm as springtime. Melodious piano music flowed like water.
The ample heating had coaxed a rosy flush to Bai Yan’s usually pale cheeks.
His scarf and gloves had long since been removed, folded neatly and placed by his side.
Bai Yan sat quietly, staring out the window. His beautiful face, reflected in the glass, seemed to merge as one with the snowy white scenery outside.
“Hello, here is your cappuccino. To ensure the best taste, we recommend drinking it within the hour!”
The waiter’s gentle voice broke him from his reverie.
The young man looked up, the corners of his lips lifting gently. His crystalline, cherry-pink eyes curved into crescents.
“Thank you.”
The waiter’s heart skipped a beat. On the surface, he maintained a nonchalant smile as he straightened up and took back the silver tray.
But the moment he turned away, he started screaming internally: This customer is gorgeous! White hair, pink cosmetic lenses, and his skin is so fair and smooth. He must work in fashion!
The coffee shop did an excellent job of ensuring privacy, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of scent-blocker. Only from a very close distance could one sense the pheromones of the person next to them.
Bai Yan’s gaze fell upon the vintage wall clock. The hands had moved silently to the lower-left quadrant.
The young man’s eyelashes fluttered a few times before falling again.
His palm tensed unconsciously, his fingertips tracing the carved pattern on the side of the cup, leaving a few fresh prints on its surface.
Mr. Pei… will be here soon…
His heart seemed to be beating a little too fast, and his throat felt tight. To ease the discomfort, Bai Yan lifted the porcelain cup to his lips, tilted his head back slightly, and took a few sips of the warm coffee.
The movement inevitably revealed his overly slender wrists.
The cuffs of his sweater were pilled. Even though he had carefully picked the fuzzballs off, they had stubbornly returned, like ashes reigniting.
Over the sweater, the Omega wore a light blue down jacket. He had bought it when he first started university and rarely wore it, so it was still clean and presentable.
The young man pressed his lips together. He didn’t want to make a bad impression on his prospective match.
A few days ago had been Bai Yan’s nineteenth birthday.
When an Omega turned nineteen, if they were still single, the AO Matching System would match them with a suitable Alpha based on their pheromones.
The two parties could communicate on the system’s app, exchanging photos and contact information. If they hit it off, it wasn’t unheard of for a couple to form in just a few days.
If there was no interest, they would leave each other alone, and the system would automatically assign a new match after a month.
In essence, it was a dating app in disguise.
In any case, everything was based on voluntary participation.
Bai Yan had presented late, and his health was poor. His pheromones were merely a common A-class.
Even if some Alphas, upon first meeting him, claimed they didn’t mind his pheromone level and were willing to pursue him, they were always scared off by his frail constitution after getting to know him better.
This was because Bai Yan was a congenital albino. His body lacked melanin, making him sensitive to light. He also had a weak immune system and was prone to illness at the slightest provocation.
Albinism carried the risk of being passed down to the next generation. Moreover, this Omega had grown up in an orphanage. He might be beautiful, but who would want to marry a “glass beauty” with no background to be a mere ornament at home?
Bai Yan had long grown accustomed to his situation. He didn’t hold out much hope, even for the AO Matching System.
And yet, the very day his information was entered into the system, an invitation to meet from an Alpha popped up.
At that moment, Bai Yan had just finished his Spring Festival part-time shift at a convenience store.
He had just transferred his wages to the orphanage’s account when he heard the system notification.
Pei: “Mr. Bai, hello. I apologize for the intrusion. Our pheromone compatibility is quite high. Would you be available to meet?”
A cold snowflake landed on his cheek. Only when it melted into a damp coolness did he jolt as if from a dream and tap the dark screen to view the message.
All Bai Yan knew was that the Alpha’s surname was Pei, that he was nine years his senior, and that his pheromones smelled of bitter orange blossom. Their compatibility was 85%, a relatively high level.
Mr. Pei had said he was very interested in him and that, if he didn’t mind, they could meet. The time and place were left entirely up to him.
Bai Yan stared blankly at the dark brown liquid in his cup, his fingertips tapping unconsciously against the porcelain.
Mr. Pei is nine years older than me, so he must have been working for a long time.
This coffee shop was located in Haicheng’s central business district. Its quality was first-rate and its ambiance elegant, making it highly popular among the nearby white-collar workers.
Though it was expensive, Bai Yan had chosen it anyway. The man’s words had been polite, his manner of speaking refined. He didn’t want to make a poor first impression.
Bai Yan’s mind was a mess. He took another sip of coffee, trying to calm the chaotic thoughts in his head.
A bitter taste spread through his mouth, and the young man’s brow instantly furrowed.
It’s too bitter. I really can’t get used to it.
As he was lost in thought, the revolving door of the coffee shop pushed open. A collective gasp went through the room, though it was quickly suppressed.
Bai Yan didn’t look up.
Not until a set of unhurried footsteps stopped in front of him.
“Mr. Bai?”
“Mr. Pei?” Bai Yan froze, his mouth falling open as he instinctively rose from his seat.
He looked up sharply and met a pair of clear, cold, and profound eyes.
The man before him was icily handsome, with a proud brow and jet-black eyes that gazed over, devoid of emotion, as if observing, or perhaps scrutinizing.
A greatcoat was draped casually over the Alpha’s arm. He wore a custom-tailored, deep black suit that exuded an intimidating nobility. The cuffs of his waistcoat reflected a cold, silver light, and the authority of a superior was plain to see.
S-class pheromones were silently released, winding around the slender young man.
Pei Tingyu stood before Bai Yan, his tall shadow falling over the Omega, almost completely enveloping him.
He slowly removed his leather gloves, his eyes slightly lowered. The first thought that came to his mind upon seeing Bai Yan was, this Omega is too thin.
The S-class orange blossom pheromones tickled his nose. Bai Yan’s pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, his heart pounding.
Even if he didn’t know the man, he could sense something extraordinary from his intensely oppressive aura.
Would an Alpha like this really want to get to know me better?
“Mr. Bai?” A voice from beside the man interrupted the young man’s thoughts.
Song Jian offered a perfect smile, neither too deliberate nor too cold.
The Beta assistant had a dignified appearance and a gentle voice. “Mr. Bai, my sincere apologies for keeping you waiting. I am Mr. Pei’s assistant, Song Jian.”
“Mr. Pei’s schedule is quite demanding. It was I who took the liberty of extending the invitation to you on his behalf. I hope you can understand.”
“Please believe me when I say that Mr. Pei is deeply honored by your acceptance of this meeting.”
“It’s alright.” Bai Yan wasn’t used to such formalities. He pressed his lips together and subtly shifted his gaze away.
Song Jian smiled at Bai Yan. “Well then, Mr. Bai, I’ll take my leave.”
He gestured to his superior and, after receiving a nod of approval, respectfully took the Alpha’s greatcoat and walked away.
Bai Yan fidgeted with the hem of his jacket, his mind a tangled mess, unsure of how to begin.
Pei Tingyu, however, sat down with perfect composure, his hands resting on his crossed legs. “Please, sit,” he said coolly.
The man’s voice was low and rich, magnetic like the elegant chords of a cello.
As the sound washed over him, Bai Yan felt a tingling sensation in his eardrums.
Bai Yan wanted to speak but hesitated, his heart thumping violently. Unfortunately, the man opposite him was now perusing the coffee shop’s menu, seemingly with no intention of talking.
So the young man could only sit back down and continue to stare blankly at the coffee cup on the table.
Only after the waiter had taken the menu and left did he hear the man’s voice again.
“Pei Tingyu.”
“Hm?” The young man blinked, taking a couple of seconds to realize the man was stating his name.
Bai Yan bit his lip, his voice trembling slightly. “I’m Bai Yan. The ‘Yan’ from ‘yányǔ,’ for language.”
In his fluster, he didn’t even confirm which characters the man’s name used.
Pei Tingyu’s gaze was indifferent, his voice flat. “My apologies for not contacting you sooner.”
“It’s alright,” Bai Yan said, his head bowed, his voice a little muffled.
The faint scent of orange blossom enveloped him, the scent-blocker keeping the pheromone levels stable.
But the Alpha’s presence was too powerful. Even with the soothing pheromones, the young man’s hands were clenched tight with nerves, and he found it hard to breathe.
Taking in the young man’s anxious reaction, Pei Tingyu frowned and pressed his fingertips to his forehead.
His guest’s discomfort was written all over his face. He was used to getting his way in the business world, but he was ill-equipped to handle such a delicate Omega.
And this one was, perhaps, even more fragile than most.
The man closed his eyes for a moment. When he spoke again, his tone was as gentle and patient as he could make it. “I came today because there is something I wish to discuss with you.”
“You’ve likely seen the pheromone report. Our compatibility is 85%, which is above average.”
“For personal reasons, I require a marriage. If you are satisfied with me, I hope you will consider marrying me.”
The Alpha spoke slowly and deliberately, his indifferent expression unchanged.
It was as if he weren’t discussing marriage with an Omega he’d just met, but conducting a formal business negotiation.
“I will have someone draw up a formal marriage contract for a term of three years. During this period, you will need to move into my residence, and all your expenses will be covered by me. Upon the contract’s expiration, you will receive an additional eight-figure compensation.”
Noticing the reaction of the person opposite him, Pei Tingyu paused and took a sip of the black coffee on the table.
The Omega’s pink pupils had widened slightly, as if in shock.
Strands of pale gold hair fell across his forehead, and his snow-white eyelashes trembled. Paired with the young man’s beautiful features, the sight was more stunning than the falling snow outside the window.
The light jasmine scent in the air seemed to hang suspended for a moment.
Pei Tingyu casually sized up the person before him.
The classic signs of albinism: pale gold hair, cold-white skin, pupils that appear pale blue or pink due to a lack of pigment, and often accompanied by poor eyesight. The Alpha recalled the contents of the file, his gaze darkening.
After a moment, Pei Tingyu politely averted his gaze. When he spoke again, his voice wasn’t as cold and seemed to hold a rare hint of consideration.
“You can take your time to consider. There’s no rush.”
The Alpha’s eyes were calm, his low, magnetic voice polite yet distant, as if he were merely commenting that the weather was nice.
Bai Yan finally snapped back to reality. His two cicada-wing-thin eyelashes fluttered, and his eyes seemed to glisten with moisture, though it might have been a trick of the light.
After a long moment, the young man lowered his gaze and spoke softly. “Alright.”
“Mr. Pei, I’ve thought it over. I can do it. It’s just… I have one request.”
VIP section of the mall’s underground parking garage
Song Jian pulled open the Bentley’s door for his boss, then walked around to get into the front passenger seat himself. Today was Mr. Pei’s private outing, so no driver had been assigned.
Pei Tingyu leaned back against the leather seat, his hand resting casually on the armrest, his eyes half-closed in rest.
The Alpha’s well-defined fingers pressed against his forehead, the watch on his wrist bone reflecting a silver glint.
Song Jian had just fastened his seatbelt when he heard the man’s deep voice from behind him. “Have Auntie Chen prepare a room as soon as possible. Right next to mine.”
A look of ‘I knew it’ flashed through the Beta’s eyes.
His boss had always been efficient. Even a thorny emotional problem could be dealt with according to schedule.
An assistant was an assistant, after all. Song Jian’s excellent professionalism allowed him to quickly compose his expression. While keeping an eye on the road, he observed his boss’s demeanor.
“Of course, Mr. Pei. Will you be returning to Yushui Court tonight?”
The man grunted in affirmation, then bent a finger to tap lightly at his temple. “Look into the Group’s donation history to the Huixin Orphanage in recent years,” he instructed coolly.
“Yes, Mr. Pei.”
The silver-gray Bentley sped along the driveway and soon merged into the flow of traffic, disappearing from sight.
Long after Pei Tingyu had left, Bai Yan remained in his seat, staring blankly at the coffee cup across from him.
The coffee had long since gone cold. The Alpha had barely taken a few sips.
A man of Mr. Pei’s noble birth probably looks down on such things.
Marriage…
He’d never considered something so distant before.
But at least now he no longer had to worry about the orphanage’s crisis. With the Pei Corporation’s support, Huixin could continue to operate.
Besides, for a three-year contract marriage with such a high-quality, S-class Alpha, it seemed he was the one who had gotten incredibly lucky, no matter how he looked at it.
Bai Yan tilted his head back, forcing the moisture at the corners of his eyes to retreat. He tugged at the corners of his mouth, trying to squeeze out a smile.
He wrapped his scarf twice around his neck and tied it, then fully armed himself with his gloves and hat before walking to the counter to pay.
“Sir, your coffee has already been paid for by the other gentleman. He also ordered a honey yuzu tea for you. We wish you a happy life! Please come again!”
The waiter beamed, handing him a paper bag.
The young man paused for a moment before taking the bag, his soft lips curving into a smile. “Thank you.”
Only after the young man left did the excited waiter retreat to the break room, his limbs stiff with excitement.
Ahhh, a tall, cold Alpha and a gentle, beautiful Omega! They must have been on a date!
So well-matched, so easy on the eyes! You two have to be happy together!
When Bai Yan went downstairs, the snow had stopped. A whistling wind, carrying a frigid chill, blew against him.
The young man raised a hand to clutch the scarf around his neck, pulling it up a little higher. His health was poor; a cold wind could easily make him sick.
The flurries continued to fall, and in just a few minutes, a thin layer of white had collected on the front of Bai Yan’s hair.
The Omega looked up at the dark, gloomy sky, then quickly lowered his gaze, crestfallen.
This winter, he thought, was still far too long.
