TPLTMOE – Chapter 39

Ling Ran's lips tensed instinctively against the invasive touch.

The memory still lingered—being completely sealed by scorching breath, having that hot respiration plunder, suck, and lick inside his mouth as if trying to devour his very tongue.

No.

He couldn't let his tongue be eaten.

Ling Ran shook his head slowly: "Everything's fine... really..."

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze remained serious: "Only after I see it will I know it's truly fine. If there's injury, it needs medicine."

An omega's lips were already impossibly soft, now forming a slight rosy depression under the pressing finger, as if gradually parting under this invading pressure.

Jiang Zhiyu's eyes darkened as he conducted his careful examination.

Ling Ran only opened his mouth for the briefest flash before quickly closing it again, his tongue practically tying itself in knots as he spoke. "See, really fine."

The glimpse of that moist, pink tongue was fleeting, but enough for Jiang Zhiyu to confirm its normal mobility, easing his concern.

He had indeed kissed too fiercely that day—though the omega had been the one demanding it, ultimately it was his own lack of restraint. "Does eating hurt?" Jiang Zhiyu asked.

Ling Ran's face burned scarlet as he leaned back, finally freeing his lips from that pressing finger, feeling his tongue regain normal function. "That doesn't hurt either," he answered obediently.

Jiang Zhiyu walked to the bedside cabinet, retrieving a medicinal ointment before returning to stand by the bay window. He bent down, bringing his face alarmingly close.

Confronted with this suddenly magnified, sharply handsome face—its aggression overwhelming—Ling Ran instinctively jerked backward, only to have a steady hand cradle the back of his head.

"Don't move," Jiang Zhiyu squeezed out some ointment and gently applied it to Ling Ran's lips with the rounded applicator. "This is medicine."

He didn't know what kind of ointment it was, but it felt cool and refreshing on his lips, emitting a faint grape-like fragrance—moist and soothing, extremely comfortable.

Ling Ran held his breath, eyes unconsciously widening as he obediently tilted his face upward, lips slightly parted, allowing himself to be tended to.

"Mr. Jiang," he suddenly spoke, unable to contain the joy in his voice, "I received a bonus today."

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze remained fixed on the soft flesh of his lips, but he could still sense those peach-blossom eyes suddenly brightening.

"Impressive."

Hearing this, Ling Ran couldn't help but curve his eyes into a smile.

Jiang Zhiyu's praise seemed to make him happier than anyone else's. Ning Xinqiao had told him not to mention the bonus to others, but this joy was something he couldn't wait to share with Mr. Jiang.

"But don't tell anyone," Ling Ran added. "The boss said this bonus isn't given to everyone—the better your performance, the more you get. If I save up a bit more, I might soon have enough to pay you back."

The rounded applicator brushed over the delicate, trembling lip bead, teasing it back and forth until it quivered like a flower bud on a branch.

Jiang Zhiyu's silent gaze was like a damp, sticky snake, slowly licking over those plump, beautiful lips.

His fingers seemed to pause briefly. "You all call Ning Xinqiao "boss"?"

Ling Ran didn't see anything unusual about it. "Yeah, everyone calls him that. Chengyue and I just followed along. Everyone in our team is really nice—we all get along well."

This was something Jiang Zhiyu wasn't worried about. Ning Xinqiao had reported his team selections to him beforehand.

The application process felt endless to Ling Ran. Why was it taking so long? It seemed like his lips were already coated with a thick layer of ointment.

"Is it done?" Ling Ran finally couldn't resist asking. "I think you might have applied too much."

"You can't see," Jiang Zhiyu said, finally withdrawing the hand that had been cradling the back of his head. "It's not too much." Ling Ran, accepting this, was about to test it with his tongue.

But Jiang Zhiyu anticipated the move, watching him closely. "Don't lick."

Ling Ran's tongue froze mid-motion. He inhaled a sweet, cool breath and obediently closed his mouth again.

"I didn't lick..."

He had only wanted to taste it.

Jiang Zhiyu tucked the ointment into Ling Ran's pocket and straightened up. "Apply it daily. It reduces inflammation and swelling."

Ling Ran nodded. "Got it."

Just then, the door was suddenly knocked from outside. A secretary's soft voice inquired, "President Jiang, Mr. Yin... Yin Chu is here. He says he has urgent business with you."

Jiang Zhiyu walked over and opened the door, his expression displeased. "Was the announcement issued?"

The secretary quickly nodded. "Yes, ten minutes ago. Headquarters officially released the decision to dismiss Yin Chu."

"And you still let irrelevant personnel in?"

The secretary blinked. "Irrelevant... you mean...?"

Then understanding dawned. "Understood, President Jiang. I'll have him escorted out immediately."

Ling Ran had clearly heard their exchange, but the information it contained didn't immediately register.

He was stunned. Yin Chu hadn't just been demoted—he'd been outright fired?

The mistake Yin Chu made wasn't actually irreparable. The company could easily find a newcomer to take the fall, especially since Yin Chu had once been the network's star anchor and maintained close ties with the Jiang family. If the company wanted to protect him, they certainly had plenty of means to do so.

Yet the one giving the orders showed no mercy, not even granting him a chance to explain himself.

The door closed again, leaving them undisturbed.

Jiang Zhiyu waved a hand in front of his face. "Snap out of it."

Only then did Ling Ran refocus on him. "Aren't... you going to see Yin Chu?"

Jiang Zhiyu stepped closer, his tall frame looming like a silent, oppressive mountain.

"You want me to see someone else?"

Ling Ran's voice caught in his throat. "I..."

No, he didn't.

But he couldn't tell whether it was because the person before him was Jiang Zhiyu or because the one outside was Yin Chu.

His dislike for Yin Chu went without saying, but his feelings toward Jiang Zhiyu...

"Think carefully before answering," the enigma said patiently. "Don't lie."

Ling Ran met his gaze and, for a moment, felt as though he were staring into a tranquil blue ocean shimmering under moonlight—vast, deep, and turbulent enough to drown him.

"I... don't want you to...

His voice was soft, and after speaking, he immediately felt like he was being unreasonable. What right did he have to dictate Jiang Zhiyu's actions?

But then a hand gently ruffled his hair, as if comforting and encouraging a little kitten, a puppy—some small, pitiful creature capable of melting hearts.

"As you wish," Jiang Zhiyu said, a faint laugh in his voice. "I'll only see you."

With that, he finally pulled a phone from his pocket and handed it over.

Ling Ran's cheeks flushed as he quickly accepted it. It was indeed his, but the screen was dark, long since out of power.

"Thank you. Did I accidentally leave it in your car the other day?"

"Mn."

"Your clothes have already been returned—they're in your wardrobe," Ling Ran murmured, clutching the phone. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

Jiang Zhiyu simply said, "Alright," and Ling Ran turned to open the door.

Who would have thought the person behind him would suddenly ask, "Are you free after work today?"

Ling Ran paused mid-step, his hand still on the doorknob, turning back to meet a pair of pitch-black eyes.

"Hmm?" he asked, "Is there something you need?"

"Let's have dinner together."

Ling Ran's fingers suddenly tightened, and his heart skipped two beats.

Flustered, he just managed to say "Okay" before bolting out of the office like his tail was on fire.

Taking the elevator straight to the 20th floor, Ling Ran kept his head down the whole way before finally sitting back at his workstation.

Qin Chengyue excitedly threw an arm around his neck: "Ran! Huge news—did you know Yin Chu got fired?! Karma's a bitch, hahaha! Aren't you thrilled?"

Ling Ran was nearly strangled, pulling his arm away: "Thrilled, thrilled. Now let go of me, I can't breathe."

Seeing his calm expression, as if he'd known all along, Qin Chengyue leaned in suspiciously: "Where were you just now? Your face is all red."

Ling Ran quickly touched his cheeks—not just red, but burning hot.

He unconsciously licked his lips, tasting the sweet grape flavor. The lip balm really was moist and delicious.

Qin Chengyue reached over to feel his forehead worriedly: "You're not in heat again, are you? Didn't you just go through that a couple days ago?"

Ling Ran blinked: "No way."

Qin Chengyue: "Then be honest—where were you just now? Did you already know about Yin Chu getting fired?"

Ling Ran had to nod: "I only found out a little earlier."

Qin Chengyue studied his expression carefully, deciding he wasn't lying: "So where did you go? You were gone for almost two hours."

Ling Ran lowered his head, picking at his fingers as he mumbled: "Just... went upstairs for a bit."

Qin Chengyue's eyes widened: "Upstairs? Kissed?"

Ling Ran immediately clapped a hand over his mouth, looking around nervously: "No more nonsense at the office, got it? What if someone hears you?"

Qin Chengyue pulled his hand down, crossing his arms: "With the way you look right now, even if I don't say anything, people will think something's up. And your condition is hard to read—I can't tell when you're in heat or just blushing."

Ling Ran quickly pulled out a mirror to check—just slightly damp eyes, flushed cheeks, and glossy lips.

He protested: "I'm not blushing."

Qin Chengyue smirked: "It's still daytime."

Ling Ran: "So what?"

Qin Chengyue: "No daytime indecency allowed."

Ling Ran: "..."

Ling Ran gritted his teeth: "I said nothing happened!"

Yang Jia walked over to them: "Ran, Chengyue, Director Ning just said we're all going out for a team dinner tonight. Since Ran's here today and everyone's present, we're making up for the celebration we missed."

Qin Chengyue cheered, pumping his fist: "Yes! Fancy dinner! Fancy dinner! Fancy dinner!"

But Ling Ran suddenly froze: "Tonight?"

Yang Jia smiled and nodded: "Yeah, we're heading straight there after work. We booked a private club—it's really fun inside."

Qin Chengyue slung an arm around Ling Ran's neck, whispering in his ear: "You don't already have plans tonight, do you? With some mystery man?"

Ling Ran instinctively denied it: "Of course not."

Mr. Jiang isn't some random man.

Yang Jia seized the opportunity: "Alright then, I'll tell the director everyone's going tonight. I'll send the address in the group chat later, and we can all leave together after work."

"Wait, hold on..."

Ling Ran tried to call Yang Jia back, but Qin Chengyue nudged his arm: "Last time, everyone postponed the gathering just to wait for you. It wouldn't look good if you skipped again, especially since you're the main reason for this get-together. You can't miss the first team dinner."

Ling Ran bit his lip again: "But... I have something to do tonight..."

Qin Chengyue understood immediately: "I knew you must have plans. Is it with President Jiang?"

Ling Ran didn't answer, bending down to plug in his phone. Qin Chengyue handed him his own charger: "Then just invite President Jiang along. It's not like he's from another company."

The phone finally powered on after charging. Ling Ran still hadn't figured out what to do: "That's not possible. What if everyone finds out?" Qin Chengyue caught the implication in his words and whispered accusingly, "You... you two aren't actually together, are you?"

Ling Ran flipped through his messages as he replied, "No, why do you always misunderstand?"

Qin Chengyue: "..."

Anyone who saw how they interacted would get the wrong idea.

"President Jiang is broad-minded. He wouldn't hold a grudge over one meal. Just beg him properly and explain it's a department dinner tonight. Then casually ask if he wants to join. If not, no big deal." Qin Chengyue was genuinely trying to help—he was at least slightly better at handling social situations than Ling Ran.

Though only slightly.

Ling Ran thought his advice made sense and prepared to message Jiang Zhiyu accordingly.

But the moment his phone turned on, a flood of messages and missed calls poured in.

Aside from a few from Qin Chengyue that night, the rest were all from Jiang Zhiyu.

Ling Ran scrolled through the messages, his eyes widening gradually.

Turns out Jiang Shengyi had also been at the building entrance that afternoon and had seen him get into the Bugatti. Fortunately, Jiang Shengyi didn't know who had taken him away—otherwise, there would've been an uproar by now, not this eerie calm.

Ling Ran shuddered at the close call and promptly blocked Jiang Shengyi. They had no ties anymore—what right did Jiang Shengyi have to pry into his personal life? Wasn't that crossing the line?

From now on, he'd have nothing to do with Jiang Shengyi. Out of sight, out of mind.

After messaging Jiang Zhiyu about the last-minute department dinner, Ling Ran tacked on an invitation for him to join. Jiang Zhiyu replied shortly after, declining but wishing Ling Ran a fun evening with his colleagues.

Relieved, Ling Ran finally relaxed. As long as Mr. Jiang wasn't upset.

After work that evening, the team miraculously left on time, heading downstairs in groups to catch rides.

Ling Ran naturally took the passenger seat in Qin Chengyue's car, while Yang Jia and a crew-cut alpha cameraman were also assigned to their vehicle.

The two marveled as soon as they got in: "Chengyue, is this your family's car?"

Qin Chengyue smiled: "Yeah, just for commuting."

The crew-cut guy whistled: "A Panamera for commuting? Your family must be loaded."

Yang Jia added: "Chengyue's the youngest son of the Qin Group. Of course they're well-off."

The buzz-cut guy glanced at the Omega in the passenger seat and asked in a chummy tone, "Xiao Ran, didn't your family get you a car?"

Qin Chengyue turned to look at Ling Ran and said, "Our Xiao Ran doesn't need to drive himself—he's got me as his personal chauffeur."

Ling Ran didn't seem upset, merely offering a faint smile. "I'll buy my own when I start earning money."

Yang Jia nodded approvingly. "There's more satisfaction in buying a car with your own money. Not everyone gets family support, and it's not a necessity either. Some wealthy families would rather cut ties than maintain any connection."

The buzz-cut guy realized he might have put his foot in his mouth and laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, yeah."

Noticing Ling Ran's continued silence on the topic, Qin Chengyue changed the subject. "By the way, I might bring someone else to the gathering later. The boss said we could bring family, so I hope no one minds."

The two in the back assured him they didn't.

Ling Ran shot Qin Chengyue a questioning look. "Who are you bringing?"

"It's a secret," Qin Chengyue winked at him playfully. "You'll find out soon enough."

When the group arrived at the club entrance, Ling Ran recognized the avant-garde art deco building—it was the same place Ling Xun had brought him before. The few steps leading up were even more familiar.

The others had already arrived and were heading inside. Qin Chengyue stood by the roadside making a call, so Ling Ran waited with him.

Soon, a Cayenne pulled up in front of them, and Qin Chengyue waved excitedly at the occupant. "Brother!"

Qin Shixing stepped out of the car, handing his keys to the valet.

"Hurry up, we're almost late. Everyone else has already gone in."

With one hand pulling Qin Shixing and the other holding Ling Ran, Qin Chengyue charged up the steps.

Ling Ran hadn't expected Qin Shixing to come and greeted him politely, "Brother Shixing."

Qin Shixing hadn't seen Ling Ran for a while, only catching glimpses of him through links Qin Chengyue occasionally shared of their

program.

"Xiao Ran, why didn't you come along when Chengyue came home for dinner those times?"

The three of them had already entered the clubhouse lobby and were being led by a server to their reserved private room.

Ling Ran smiled softly. "I might've been working overtime, so I didn't want to trouble Chengyue by tagging along."

Qin Shixing's tone was gentle as his gaze lingered on him. "How could it be trouble? Everyone at home would love to see you more often."

Qin Chengyue nudged them both from behind. "Alright, alright, let's chat inside."

Inside, two tables were set up, with a few empty seats beside Ning Xinqiao—clearly reserved for today's guests of honor.

The moment Ling Ran stepped in, his colleagues erupted into cheerful teasing. "Welcome, Anchor Ling!"

Ling Ran smiled sheepishly. Seeing Ning Xinqiao wave them over, he obediently walked over and took a seat. "And this is?"

The person beside him shook hands with Ning Xinqiao. "Qin Shixing."

Qin Chengyue leaned in with a grin. "Boss, this is my brother. He insisted on tagging along to our department dinner to meet my superior. I told him our director is tall, handsome, and incredibly kind—especially to me and Xiao Ran. Honestly, you won't find a better boss anywhere else..."

Ning Xinqiao cut him off, exasperated. "Enough with the flattery."

Ling Ran couldn't help but laugh. He was about to motion for Qin Chengyue to sit beside him when Qin Shixing unexpectedly took the seat next to him instead.

Qin Chengyue didn't think much of it and simply sat down on the other side of Qin Shixing.

Sandwiched between Ning Xinqiao and Qin Shixing—both alphas—Ling Ran straightened his back as much as he could, but his Omega frame was naturally slender, making him seem small and outmatched.

With nearly everyone present—some colleagues had even brought family members—Ning Xinqiao signaled the servers to start serving before raising his glass for a brief toast.

"From the planning and formation of Focus Perspective to the selection and broadcast of our first episode, none of it would've been possible without everyone's hard work. While today is to celebrate the outstanding success of our debut, it's also to celebrate the bond we've formed as a team. From now on, we're not just colleagues—we're comrades. Let's learn from the mistakes of other departments and ensure that no inaccuracies ever make it through our program. I believe it won't be long before Focus Perspective replaces News Exclusive as Jiangzhou's flagship program."

He stood, tapping his glass against the table. "Work hard. Do good journalism."

Everyone rose with him, clinking glasses, laughing, and echoing, "Do good journalism," before downing their drinks in unison.

Ling Ran's chest warmed at Ning Xinqiao's words. He had been drinking red wine—rich and fragrant—but gulping it down too quickly left his throat burning.

Qin Shixing glanced at his empty glass and leaned closer. "Take it slow. This wine hits hard if you drink it too fast."

Ling Ran nodded, but before he could respond, Qin Chengyue leaned over curiously. "What're you two talking about? I wanna hear too."

Qin Shixing looked rather helpless as he forcefully pushed his younger brother's head away.

Qin Chengyue, utterly innocent, rubbed his head and glared at his brother, regretting having switched seats with him earlier.

"Don't forget who created this opportunity for you tonight," Qin Chengyue whispered threateningly. "Let me tell you, if you keep waiting like this, someone else will snatch him away again. If you end up without a wife, don't blame me."

Qin Shixing didn't respond. Instead, he picked up his glass and took a slow sip, his gaze seemingly fixed on the table but actually listening intently to the conversation between the two nearby.

Ning Xinqiao had high expectations for Ling Ran, especially after Yin Chu was dismissed. After discussing some work matters with Ling Ran, he belatedly remembered that today was supposed to be a casual gathering.

"Enough about work—we can talk about it tomorrow at the office. Anyway, I think you're the most promising newcomer at Jiangzhou right now. Keep it up, strive to become Jiangzhou's new pillar, and maybe even advance further as the face of the Jiang Group."

Burdened with such high hopes, Ling Ran felt the weight on his shoulders grow heavier.

"Thank you, boss. I'll do my best."

"Come, let's toast—consider it a celebration for the successful completion of our first live broadcast together."

As he spoke, Ning Xinqiao personally poured Ling Ran a small glass of red wine. Gritting his teeth, Ling Ran downed it with him.

No sooner had he finished that glass than another colleague came over to toast. Ning Xinqiao drank, so Ling Ran followed suit.

Though each glass was small, one after another, Ling Ran's head gradually began to feel foggy.

Even the buzz-cut guy came over with a glass, pouring just a little for Ling Ran.

"Congrats on the smooth broadcast. I'll finish mine—you just take a sip for the sake of it."

The alpha with the buzz cut was considerate of Ling Ran. After downing his wine, he looked at Ling Ran expectantly.

Ling Ran licked his lips, his mouth filled with the rich aroma of alcohol.

Just as he stood up with the glass in hand, his legs suddenly wobbled, nearly sending the glass flying.

Fortunately, Qin Shixing swiftly caught his wrist and took the glass from him, asking gently, "Xiao Ran, are you okay?"

Ling Ran pulled his wrist back lightly, steadying himself against the table. He just felt unbearably hot, his head spinning, but his mind was still clear.

"I'm fine," he murmured, his peach-blossom eyes hazy. "I need to use the restroom."

He took a few steps forward on his own, intending to ask Qin Chengyue to accompany him. But Qin Chengyue was no longer at his seat—he had moved to another table, loudly playing drinking games with a few colleagues.

Ling Ran shook his head and decided to go alone. Just as he reached the private room's door, Qin Shixing caught up from behind.

The omega, reeking of alcohol, didn't look the least bit reliable. For the first time, Qin Shixing felt too restless to stay seated. He reached out and opened the door for him.

"I'll go with you."

Ling Ran turned to glance at him, his eyes glistening, and smiled. "Thank you, Shixing-ge."

Qin Shixing's ears burned instantly. Keeping a subtle distance, he escorted Ling Ran down the polished, elegant marble hallway to the restroom entrance.

"I'll wait here. Go ahead."

Ling Ran nodded and turned to enter alone.

The restroom wasn't large, with dim, seductive lighting hanging from the ceiling. Several oversized mirrors lined the walls, and the counter was made of some special material—a black matte finish.

Ling Ran reached out to catch some water in his hands and splashed it onto his face.

The burning heat of his skin was slightly cooled by the cold water, finally making him feel a bit better.

He shouldn't have drunk so much earlier—his head was spinning, and his heart was racing.

After washing his face a couple more times, Ling Ran couldn't find any tissues. With water still dripping from his face, he walked toward the door to leave.

But the heavy black metal door was suddenly yanked open from the outside. Before Ling Ran could dodge, his forehead collided with a solid, muscular chest with a loud "thud."

The impact made his dizziness worse, and tears welled up in his eyes from the pain. Overwhelmed with frustration, he looked up at the person in front of him—only to freeze in place.

The enigma looked down at the small Omega in his arms. To prevent him from falling backward, one arm instinctively wrapped around his slender waist.

The Omega, reeking of alcohol, seemed to have lost all strength in his bones. His delicate body pressed limply against the man's chest, utterly pliant.

His misty eyes blinked once, then again.

He looked even more aggrieved.

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