TPLTMOE – Chapter 29

Ling Ran hurriedly denied, "No no, really not."

Technically he wasn't lying—Jiang Zhiyu was an enigma, not an alpha.

And Jiang Zhiyu wasn't his partner, just someone who'd kindly helped him.

Qin Chengyue didn't believe him, nearly lifting his scent patch to check.

"Really? But you seem different somehow. Does Blue Aria Island have some magical rejuvenating properties that could make you glow like this in just a few days?" Qin Chengyue rubbed his chin, "It's like... like..."

Ling Ran asked nervously, "Like what?"

"Like you've been thoroughly marked."

Ling Ran's eyes widened suddenly, stammering, "Wh-why would you say that?"

Had he not hidden it well enough? Could everyone else see through him at a glance?!

"You just look really good," Qin Chengyue said. "Your face is rosy and fair, absolutely stunning. Who wouldn't want to give you a peck?" As she spoke, she playfully leaned in as if to kiss his cheek.

Ling Ran quickly laughed and pushed her away. The two chased each other around the living room in jest, and in the commotion, a few seashells accidentally fell out of Ling Ran's pocket.

"What's this? Just throw it away."

Qin Chengyue picked them up and was about to toss them into the trash when Ling Ran immediately stopped her.

"Don't! I worked hard to collect these at the beach. I want to keep them."

She handed the shells back to him. "Ling Ran, are you a hamster or something? Do you have some kind of hoarding disorder? Why can't you bear to throw anything away?"

Ling Ran carefully tucked the shells back into his pocket like treasures. Just looking at them made him involuntarily recall the embrace on the beach last night, and his ears turned faintly red.

"Not really," Ling Ran replied.

But in truth, maybe he did—like that broken ankle restraint that still sat untouched on his bedside table.

The Qin family would return in the evening, and Qin Chengyue planned to take Ling Ran to her new place. Earlier, Ling Ran had missed the final interview at Jiangzhou, and Qin Chengyue had also been unable to attend due to other commitments. The interview had been rescheduled for the following week, so the two could go together.

The Qin family had even bought Qin Chengyue a car—a brand-new Panamera.

She grabbed the keys and led Ling Ran outside. "Now we won't need a driver when we go out. I'll be your personal chauffeur. How's that? Am I good to you?"

Ling Ran settled into the passenger seat. "You are. But your new place hasn't even been lived in yet. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to move in right away?"

Qin Chengyue didn't care about such formalities. Her family dynamic was completely different from Ling Ran's. With an older brother fully devoted to the family business, she was free to indulge in leisure without much interference. Though her family didn't dote on her, they also didn't impose many rules.

Now that she had graduated, they had prepared both a house and a car for her. However, they still refused to increase her allowance, insisting they'd only consider it once she found a proper job.

"If I say it's fine, then it's fine," Qin Chengyue said. "Just stay there without worry. The place is close to Jiangzhou, so if we both get in, we can live together—commuting, hanging out, just like before graduation. Doesn't that sound perfect?"

"Sounds great," Ling Ran agreed. "But I'll pay rent. The money might as well go to you instead of someone else."

Qin Chengyue didn't want his money—she was far better off than him. But Ling Ran insisted, threatening not to stay otherwise, so she reluctantly agreed.

On the way, Ling Ran received another call from his father. Qin Chengyue glanced over and mimed zipping her lips, signaling for him to answer.

Ling Ran's palm grew damp around the phone, his entire body tensing up.

Steeling himself, he finally answered the call.

On the other end, Father Ling's furious voice immediately erupted: "You didn't even answer my call yesterday! Where the hell are you now? Have you forgotten you have a home? Your mother and I just said a few words to you, and now you're playing the disappearing act—how long do you plan to keep this up?!"

Ling Ran had anticipated the barrage of accusations. After the man finished his tirade, he responded softly, "I've been busy with job interviews recently. I won't be coming home for now—there are still important things I need to accomplish."

Father Ling's temper flared instantly: "Who told you to look for a job? Can't this family support you? Or have we been starving you? What decent job can you even get with that useless journalism degree? What I mentioned to you before is what really matters. Since things with Jiang Shengyi are completely over, you should be focusing on finding your next target. Your main priority now is marriage—once you marry into a wealthy family, you won't even need to work!"

Ling Ran tightened his grip on the phone. He knew he couldn't change his parents' stubborn, outdated mindset. In their eyes, he should immediately move on to the next marriage prospect if one didn't work out—until he was successfully "married off."

But this wasn't what he wanted. If his previous infatuation with Jiang Shengyi had blinded him to the terrifying abyss he was stepping into, now that the illusion had shattered, only clarity remained in his mind.

"But I don't want to get married right now," Ling Ran said quietly, yet firmly. "I can find a job and support myself."

"So what are you saying?!" Father Ling bellowed. "You refuse to come home no matter what?"

Ling Ran stayed silent—his answer was clear.

Father Ling was beside himself with rage: "Fine! If you're so capable, then don't ever come back! I'll just pretend I never had a son! Even if you die on the streets, no one will collect your corpse!"

Father Ling hung up. Ling Su, standing beside him, understood Ling Ran's stance.

He hadn't expected the usually meek and timid little Omega to one day dare to defy their father's orders.

Initially, Ling Su had thought Jiang Zhiyu had taken an interest in Ling Ran, especially after how he'd protected him at the mahjong table that day. But after having someone tail Jiang Zhiyu after they left the island, he found Ling Ran wasn't with him.

Had he misunderstood? Was Jiang Zhiyu after something else?

Ling Su couldn't figure it out. Deep down, he didn't believe Jiang Zhiyu would genuinely be interested in Ling Ran. Plus, he still hadn't figured out how to cover up the money he'd lost at the mahjong table without Father Ling noticing, so he kept this matter to himself.

***

The car was enclosed, and Qin Chengyue had heard every word from the phone call clearly.

He didn't dare even breathe too loudly as he drove, stealing cautious glances at Ling Ran's expression.

Ling Ran's previously flushed face had now paled slightly. He forced a smile, but it looked more painful than a grimace. "Chengyue, can I delay paying you back the rent for a while?"

"Of course, you don't even have to pay me at all."

"I have to," Ling Ran murmured, his head lowered as his fingers dug into the hem of his clothes. He repeated, "I have to...

"Alright, alright, just give me a symbolic amount then. Think of it as keeping me company—living alone in that big place is kind of scary, haha." Qin Chengyue forced a laugh.

Ling Ran pressed his lips together and stayed silent.

The car pulled up in front of an upscale residential complex, and the two got out, heading upstairs together.

The apartment was a spacious flat with three bedrooms, fully furnished but so large it felt eerily empty—no wonder Qin Chengyue said he'd be scared living alone.

A cleaning service regularly maintained the place, so the rooms were spotless and ready to move into.

That evening, they had a simple meal before settling into their new home.

From the floor-to-ceiling windows, they could see the towering skyscrapers just across the river, the most imposing among them being the Jiang Corporation headquarters.

Even at 8 PM, the opposite riverbank was still ablaze with lights.

Ling Ran stood by the window, gazing at the bustling nightscape outside. His eyes lingered on the soaring Jiang Corporation building, though he had never been to the CEO's office and didn't know which floor it was on.

After a long silence, he returned to his bedroom, pulling the seashells from his pocket. He washed and dried them one by one before arranging them on the bed.

Each shell was unique in shape. He picked out the prettiest and most delicate ones, smoothing their edges until they were perfectly rounded and uniform in size. Then, he crafted them into an exquisite seashell bracelet.

He tried it on his wrist—it was a full size too loose.

Tucking it into the bottom drawer of the dresser, he turned off the light and went to bed.

The next day, taking advantage of the workweek, Qin Chengyue and Ling Ran sneaked back to the Ling residence. They crept inside like thieves, relieved to find the house empty.

Ling Ran hurried upstairs to pack some belongings—mostly clothes he had bought with his scholarship or part-time earnings—before grabbing the ankle restraint suppressor and leaving for good.

With the final interview approaching, both of them were nervous yet excited. Despite thorough preparation, they knew how notoriously difficult it was to get into Jiang Zhou's news department, especially through campus recruitment—only one in a thousand made it.

On the day of the interview, they arrived early and waited outside the conference room.

The interview was indeed challenging, consisting of three tasks: pitching a prime-time serious news program with an on-the-spot verbal proposal, analyzing a brief news report, and a simulated live broadcast.

By the time the interview ended, it was already noon, and employees were heading out for lunch.

Ling Ran had thought Jiang Zhiyu would participate as an interviewer in the final round today, but he never showed up.

"Those questions were really tough just now. I was completely stumped by the first one," Qin Chengyue complained quietly as they walked, "We're all newbies—how would we know how to plan a program segment? And having to explain it verbally too... I stumbled a bit, but at least I managed to get through it. How about you?"

Ling Ran had recently written a program proposal, so he answered that question quite smoothly.

"They were difficult," he nodded, "But fortunately we practiced with mock questions at home, so it shouldn't be too bad."

"Thank goodness you suggested we prepare in advance, or we'd be doomed. No one told me the final interview would be this hard," Qin Chengyue frowned, "And those interviewers were so stern. I smiled at them but they completely ignored me, so intimidating..."

As they approached the elevator bank, surrounded by Jiangzhou employees, Ling Ran quickly covered Qin Chengyue's mouth and whispered, "Stop talking."

After Qin Chengyue mumbled incoherently and fell silent, Ling Ran released him.

The pair looked utterly innocent—clearly university students yet untouched by workplace hardships. One had strikingly beautiful features with delicate charm, while the other had an adorable baby face that drew inevitable attention.

Nearby employees stood in small groups, waiting for elevators while stealing glances at the two.

"New interviewees?"

"Must be. Fresh graduates—they look so young."

"Both Omegas, right? That pretty one—maybe he got in just for his looks."

"Who knows? Might have connections too. Our campus recruitment already ended—these two must be late additions."

"Oh~"

Amidst the surrounding whispers, Ling Ran grew uncomfortable under the stares and wanted to hang back to let others go ahead for lunch.

But the oblivious Qin Chengyue had already pulled him to the front of the elevator queue.

As the elevator descended, the surrounding employees suddenly scattered.

"President Jiang."

"President Jiang!"

"Good afternoon, President Jiang."

Greetings rippled through the crowd.

Ling Ran's heart skipped a beat. Turning his head, he froze on the spot.

A tall, imposing figure approached the elevators, surrounded by attendants.

Jiang Zhiyu, impeccably dressed in a suit with a perfectly knotted tie, wore gold-rimmed glasses—apparently coming straight from a meeting. He acknowledged the greetings with slight nods as people stepped aside to let him board first.

Qin Chengyue and Ling Ran politely retreated with the others.

Jiang Zhiyu's secretary continued briefing him in hushed tones. He listened with downcast eyes, never glancing their way.

Ling Ran's gaze wandered over the entourage before checking the elevator display.

"25"

"24"

Almost at the 20th floor. His eyes lingered on Jiang Zhiyu's profile.

After just days apart, the man's powerful, composed aura felt strangely unfamiliar. The cold glint behind gold-rimmed lenses made his sharp, narrow eyes almost unbearable to meet.

This was worlds apart from the man who'd held and soothed him in the hotel suite.

"23"

"22"

Ling Ran rubbed the tip of his nose somewhat sheepishly, nearly shrinking entirely behind Qin Chengyue like an ostrich.

From the corner of his eye, Jiang Zhiyu could tell Ling Ran was avoiding him, as if being associated with him was something shameful.

This was the first time someone had rejected him so thoroughly, as if he were utterly undesirable. Others always went out of their way to cling to him or tried every trick to capture his attention.

Only this little omega pretended not to know him.

"21"

"20"

The elevator doors slid open with a ding. Jiang Zhiyu stepped inside, followed only by his secretary and the manager. The others stayed behind, waiting for the next one.

Ling Ran exhaled slightly in relief, watching as the doors closed—only to lock eyes with the dark, stormy gaze staring back at him from inside.

Jiang Zhiyu said nothing, his heavy gaze fixed on Ling Ran. Just before the doors shut completely, Ling Ran thought he saw the faintest curve of his lips.

Only after the elevator departed did the stifling air in the hallway begin to stir again.

Ling Ran pulled Qin Chengyue to the very back of the group. Thinking he had something to say, Qin Chengyue leaned in and whispered, "That was Jiang Zhiyu, right? Jiang Shengyi's uncle? Have you two never met before?"

Ling Ran replied, "We have."

Qin Chengyue frowned. "Then why didn't you greet him? You acted like you didn't know him."

"I already broke off the engagement. He's not my uncle anymore."

Qin Chengyue sighed. "But he's the CEO of Jiang Corporation. He might end up being our big boss someday. Though, I don't know much about the Jiang family. Jiang Shengyi's a scumbag—no idea what Jiang Zhiyu's like. Is he some terrifying capitalist demon?"

Ling Ran pictured Jiang Zhiyu with little devil horns on his head, a stark contrast to his cold, refined demeanor.

It was kind of cute.

He chuckled. "No idea. But Jiang Corporation's success must be the result of a lot of hard work from many people."

Qin Chengyue groaned in despair. "Can I just not work overtime? I'd rather take a pay cut. I'll gladly pass my overtime shifts to someone more desperate—I just want to clock in and out on time. That way, my brother might even increase my allowance."

For Qin Chengyue, this job was probably just a side gig—his meager salary paled in comparison to the pocket money his family gave him.

But for Ling Ran, this job was now his lifeline. He had to cling to it tightly.

The two emerged from the building, with HR instructing them to wait for further notice.

Qin Chengyue went to the underground garage to get the car, while Ling Ran obediently waited by the roadside.

Soon, a black car slowly pulled up in front of him.

Ling Ran recognized it as Jiang Zhiyu's vehicle. The rear window rolled down, revealing the man inside who simply said, "Get in."

Flustered, Ling Ran glanced around. Fortunately, the garage was nearly empty at noon, and Qin Chengyue hadn't returned yet. He swiftly opened the door and scrambled inside.

Jiang Zhiyu watched the little Omega's spy-like movements with slight amusement, the corners of his eyes crinkling silently.

Before even settling properly into the seat, Ling Ran hurriedly said to Zhao Qin, "Could you wait before driving? I can only stay for a moment. I need to get out before Chengyue arrives—it wouldn't be good if someone saw me here."

Then he turned to Jiang Zhiyu, his gaze clear and bright. "Mr. Jiang, what did you need to discuss?"

What did he need?

What could it possibly be?

Seeing the healthy flush on the boy's face, his pheromones must have stabilized recently, eliminating any need for an enigma's comforting scent.

"How did the interview go?" Jiang Zhiyu asked instead.

Ling Ran's voice carried a hint of excitement. "It went well, I think. I answered all their questions, and the interviewer even nodded at me."

"Quite confident," Jiang Zhiyu chuckled. "And if you don't make it—what then?"

This possibility wasn't unlikely, especially since Jiang Zhiyu had previously warned him that Jiang Zhou's final interview was notoriously difficult, requiring exceptional candidates.

Ling Ran murmured, "If I don't make it... then..."

There wasn't much else he could do. He had prepared as diligently as possible.

"Then I'll just have to apply to other companies."

The opposite window cracked open slightly, allowing fresh air to circulate inside.

Jiang Zhiyu tugged at his neatly knotted tie, loosening it until it hung carelessly around his neck, exuding an air of casual dominance.

Ling Ran's eyes fixed on that black tie, and suddenly, it felt as if his memory had been struck by lightning.

Fragmented, hazy images surfaced—this same car interior, this same black silk tie.

A hand stuffing that tie into his mouth, muffling Little Grape's fevered breaths and sweet saliva.

Ling Ran shook his head vigorously, averting his gaze as his ears began to burn.

Jiang Zhiyu's dark, unreadable eyes studied him before he casually remarked, "Never considered taking a shortcut?"

Ling Ran blinked in surprise. "A... shortcut?"

Jiang Zhiyu simply watched him, offering no explanation, his gaze laden with unspoken implications.

Ling Ran's mind whirled. He wanted to decipher Jiang Zhiyu's meaning quickly, but the man was leisurely sliding the tie from around his neck.

The car was eerily quiet, the faint rustle of fabric like a thousand ants gnawing at Ling Ran's throat. He could almost recall the tingling numbness of that tie filling his mouth completely, his saliva soaking into the fabric until it overflowed.

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Fortunately, Qin Chengyue's call came at just the right moment. Ling Ran answered instantly.

"Okay."

"I'm coming now."

He hung up the phone and said apologetically to Jiang Zhiyu, "I'm sorry, Mr. Jiang, my friend is waiting for me. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

Jiang Zhiyu acknowledged him, and the young Omega immediately bolted faster than a rabbit.

Once the car door closed again, Zhao Qin watched Ling Ran's retreating figure before turning to the man in the back seat. "President Jiang, it seems Mr. Ling didn't quite grasp your earlier meaning."

Jiang Zhiyu tossed the tie in his hand onto the adjacent seat, leaned back, and briefly closed his eyes.

"He'll understand eventually."

As he had said before—take it slow, no need to rush.

He wasn't at the impulsive, hot-blooded age of Jiang Shengyi. A dull blade was more torturous, grinding thin flesh into a seductive, lurid red before savoring it slowly.

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