TPLTMOE – Chapter 40

Ling Ran never expected to see Jiang Zhiyu here. He had clearly said he wasn't coming—so why was he here now?

And he had just made his head hurt even more.

Ling Ran took half a step back, pulling himself out of the enigma's embrace. He steadied himself and rubbed his temple.

The sudden emptiness in his arms made Jiang Zhiyu step forward, his gaze cold.

"You drank?"

Ling Ran muttered in response, "Just... a little."

The rich, heady aroma of wine clung to him—it definitely wasn't just "a little."

Jiang Zhiyu took in the delicate flush spreading across his pale cheeks. It was obvious his alcohol tolerance was terrible. Just the scent of his pheromones had been enough to intoxicate him before—yet here he was, drinking so much on his own.

Even if it was just a company gathering with colleagues, he should have been more careful.

Especially since he was still recovering from his illness.

"Where did you hit yourself?" Jiang Zhiyu grabbed his slender wrist. "Let me see."

Ling Ran's hand was pulled away, revealing a faint redness at his temple. His skin was so delicate that even a slight bump left a mark.

Jiang Zhiyu's fingers circled his wrist loosely. "Who let you drink?"

Warm fingertips pressed against the flushed skin, massaging—just enough pressure to soothe the pain.

Ling Ran tilted his face up, feeling like he was being roasted over a blazing fire. After just a few strokes, he couldn't take it anymore. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he tried to pull away from the intoxicating, melting heat.

"Everyone's had a drink..."

Ling Ran's hands were weak, unable to pull back. His forehead no longer felt the pain as that hand slid down his cheek, wiping away the droplets clinging to his face before cupping one side and tilting it up for a careful inspection.

"Remember what I told you?"

Ling Ran looked up into his eyes, his mind muddled. "Wh-what?"

Jiang Zhiyu brushed his thumb over those alluring lips, fragrant with the rich scent of alcohol. "You don't have to be like everyone else."

It felt as if a tiny pebble had been tossed into Ling Ran's heart, tumbling noisily from the shore before plunging into the depths of the sea. So light, yet capable of stirring endless ripples.

"Mr. Jiang..." he mumbled, voice thick. "Didn't you say you weren't coming tonight?"

He had invited him, only to be rejected—so why had he suddenly appeared?

Jiang Zhiyu's lips curved faintly. "Came to check on a little drunkard."

"I'm not drunk," Ling Ran insisted, eyes bright and clear. "Really, I'm not."

He pushed against Jiang Zhiyu, trying to prove it by walking out of the restroom. "See? I can walk straight—"

His back was rigidly straight, but his steps were a mess, veering dangerously toward a nearby counter.

Jiang Zhiyu caught him in one swift motion, gripping his waist to keep him still.

"Fine, you're not drunk."

"Exactly, not drunk..."

Ling Ran squirmed in his arms, but the embrace was so warm and secure that he couldn't help nuzzling closer, murmuring dizzily, "I... I need to go back by myself..."

"You can't walk on your own."

Jiang Zhiyu guided him toward the exit, but just before the door opened, the little Omega—who had been docile moments ago—lifted his head with the last shreds of his rationality and blinked up at him.

"You... you can't go back with me."

Jiang Zhiyu's hand froze on the door handle, his arm tightening abruptly around Ling Ran's waist.

The sudden pressure forced the air from Ling Ran's lungs, pressing him even tighter against that firm, powerful body.

"Mm—let go, let go..."

He patted the unyielding arm around him, his innocent eyes guileless yet strangely resolute. "If you want to join too... then we definitely can't go in together...

Jiang Zhiyu nearly lifted him off the ground, locking eyes with him. "Why not?"

Even through his haze, Ling Ran seemed to find the question amusing, his eyes crinkling. "Because everyone's there... they'll misunderstand. That wouldn't be good..."

As he spoke, he wriggled free from the enigma's safe, comforting hold with surprising ease, steadying himself against the doorframe.

"I'll go back first. You wait a bit before coming in, okay?"

Jiang Zhiyu stood silent, gaze lowered, watching him. That soft, pleading tone made him want to refuse outright.

It was already absurd enough that he'd canceled other engagements just to attend this insignificant department gathering. And now, he was being barred from appearing with him.

Ling Ran seemed terrified of being seen with him—perhaps the engagement with Jiang Shengyi had left some psychological scars on the Omega.

So he needed patience. He had to wait. Slowly.

Seeing his silence and deep gaze, Ling Ran asked, "So it's okay, right? Then... I'll go first..."

He pushed the door open and stepped out, immediately spotting Qin Shixing still standing not far down the hallway, his back turned as if he was on a phone call.

Hearing the sound behind him, Qin Shixing turned around. When he saw Ling Ran finally emerge, he quickly ended the call and strode toward him.

"Are you alright? I was just about to go in and check on you," Qin Shixing said, noticing Ling Ran's flushed face and unsteady steps. He gently steadied him with a hand on his arm. "Feeling dizzier now? I warned you earlier—that wine might not seem strong, but it hits hard."

"I'm not drunk," Ling Ran insisted, though his legs trembled slightly. "I... I can walk on my own..."

Qin Shixing didn't dare let go, his expression laced with concern as he kept glancing at him. "Everyone who's drunk says they're not. Your tolerance is even worse than Chengyue's. Clearly, neither of you should be allowed to drink outside."

"N-no way, I'm better than Chengyue..." Ling Ran protested weakly. "He passes out after just one glass."

Qin Shixing was well aware of Qin Chengyue's poor alcohol tolerance, but Ling Ran's was just as pitiful.

"Alright, let's get you back first. Watch your step—mind the stairs."

The gentle and attentive alpha carefully supported the slender, unsteady figure as they made their way back to the private room. Unnoticed, the black metal door of the restroom had swung open at some point. Jiang Zhiyu stood at the far end of the corridor, his face expressionless, his dark eyes fixed intently on the retreating pair.

He wouldn't let him escort him, but another alpha was just fine.

How perfect.

****

When Ling Ran and Qin Shixing returned to the private room, the atmosphere had grown even livelier.

After several rounds of drinks, everyone had loosened up, chatting and mingling freely. Some had even grown bold enough—two Omegas had approached Qin Shixing for his WeChat.

Qin Chengyue, knowing his own limits, hadn't touched a drop. Seeing Qin Shixing respond with nothing more than a polite smile and no intention of adding them, he knew it was his cue to step in.

"Sorry, my brother already has an Omega he likes," Qin Chengyue said with a grin. "He's pretty traditional that way."

Ling Ran had just clinked glasses with the buzz-cut guy, taking only a small sip of red wine before slumping back into his chair.

Hearing Qin Chengyue's words, he turned his head toward Qin Shixing.

He hadn't heard Qin Chengyue mention Qin Shixing's crush before. Curiosity flickered in his mind—was it someone he knew? But they weren't close enough for him to pry into personal matters. If Qin Shixing wanted to share, he would.

After shooing away the admirers, Qin Chengyue nudged Ling Ran. "Hey, aren't you gonna ask who my brother likes?"

Ling Ran felt the table swaying slightly. Playing along, he murmured, "Who is it...?"

Qin Chengyue frantically elbowed Qin Shixing, shooting him exaggerated winks.

Wasn't this the perfect opportunity?

With the Omega half-drunk and his mind foggy, now was the time to confess and gauge his reaction.

If he agreed on the spot—great! Take him straight home as his future sister-in-law.

If he refused—no problem! Just claim it was drunken nonsense the next day, pretend nothing happened, and avoid any awkwardness.

Qin Shixing gazed at Ling Ran, a sudden surge of impulse welling up in his chest. He began to deliberate, pondering how to broach the subject.

He had kept it well hidden all this time, and Ling Ran remained unaware.

But was this really the right moment? Should he blurt it out so abruptly in such an informal setting?

The person beside him remained silent, but Ling Ran didn't pay it much mind. His eyelids grew heavier, the clamor around him fading into indistinct noise. His gaze lingered lightly, drifting toward the door of the private room.

Why... why hadn't they arrived yet?

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Qin Shixing seemed to shift closer to him.

"Xiao Ran," Qin Shixing's voice was always gentle, "I have something to tell you."

Ling Ran turned to him, eyes slightly unfocused. "Huh... what is it?"

"About the question earlier."

Ling Ran felt he ought to listen politely, so he propped himself up with a hand on his waist, blinking slowly as he waited for Qin Shixing to continue.

"I..."

But before Qin Shixing could finish, the door to the private room suddenly swung open.

Ling Ran perked up at the sound, his gaze—filled with inexplicable anticipation—shifting past Qin Shixing toward the entrance.

Yet the person who walked in was Ning Xinqiao.

Disappointment flashed unmistakably in Ling Ran's eyes.

Ning Xinqiao, having had a bit to drink himself, stood by the door and announced loudly, "After tonight's gathering, everyone gets half a day off tomorrow morning! Rest up at home before heading back to work!"

The entire room erupted in cheers, arms raised in celebration.

"Thanks, boss!"

"Appreciate the mercy, boss, wuwuwu!"

Ning Xinqiao waved off the gratitude, glancing back toward the hallway. "Don't thank me—I don't have the authority to grant paid leave for all of you. If you're grateful, thank President Jiang."

Right on cue, the man outside stepped in—tall, imposing, his presence alone exuding an air of unshakable authority. Dressed casually in a black button-up that accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs, his face and physique were nothing short of extraordinary.

No one had expected a mere department gathering to warrant the presence of President Jiang himself.

Those seated near the door immediately scrambled to their feet, eager to greet him with ingratiating smiles.

Yet Jiang Zhiyu merely swept a calm gaze across the room and said to the trembling crowd, "No need to be formal."

Ning Xinqiao chimed in, "President Jiang knew our team was gathering here today, so he took time out of his busy schedule to visit. Feel free to order lobsters and red wine later—it's all on President Jiang."

The group instantly erupted in excitement, their eyes practically glowing with anticipation.

Jiang Zhiyu's deep voice cut through the chatter, "The Focus Vision segment performed exceptionally well this month. Everyone in this team will receive a bonus."

"A bonus? We're getting bonuses too?"

Ning Xinqiao shot them an exasperated look, "If President Jiang says there's a bonus, then there's definitely a bonus."

"Thank you, President Jiang!"

"Our gratitude, President Jiang!"

"Thank you so much, President Jiang!"

The enigma standing by the door exuded such an overwhelming presence that his mere silent stance froze the atmosphere in the private room. No one dared to take their seats.

Unwilling to disrupt their earlier merriment, Jiang Zhiyu's gaze traveled past several people before finally settling on Ling Ran.

Ling Ran remained standing too, his slender fingers lightly resting on the table. The delicate upward curve of his eyes was slightly reddened as they met Jiang Zhiyu's.

Beside Ling Ran stood that alpha from the hallway earlier.

Average looks at best, physique nowhere near his own.

And they'd been sitting so close together.

Ling Ran watched helplessly as Jiang Zhiyu approached him, his heartbeat accelerating until even the matter Qin Shixing had wanted to discuss slipped his mind.

Before he knew it, Jiang Zhiyu had reached his side, calmly taking Ning Xinqiao's former seat.

"Everyone, sit. Continue enjoying yourselves."

Only then did the others in the room gradually return to their seats. Sensing Jiang Zhiyu's relatively relaxed demeanor tonight, the tension gradually eased—except for Ling Ran, who became the most visibly uncomfortable person present.

Now sandwiched between Jiang Zhiyu on his left and Qin Shixing on his right, he might as well have been sitting in a pit.

Ning Xinqiao tactfully moved to another table, with Qin Chengyue quickly following suit. This left only the three silent figures occupying one side of the table.

Ling Ran kept his head bowed, nervously twisting the hem of his shirt. His pounding heartbeat might as well have been audible, the flush spreading from his earlobes down his neck.

From Jiang Zhiyu's vantage point, that slender white neck curved into a fragile, tempting are—begging for an enigma's touch, or lips, or any mark that would claim ownership.

Like beasts marking territory through scent and scars, this omega had long been his exclusive property.

Qin Shixing took a sip from his glass. Unless he were blind and senseless, he couldn't possibly miss the peculiar tension between the other two.

But what exactly was off?

They sat properly apart, not exchanging glances, the distance between them greater than his own proximity to Ling Ran. Yet an invisible web seemed to materialize in the alcohol-scented air, slowly tightening around just those two.

Unwilling to accept it, Qin Shixing blamed the alcohol for this delusion.

"Xiao Ran," he leaned closer to whisper in Ling Ran's ear, "I hadn't finished what I was saying earlier. May I continue?"

Ling Ran could feel the scorching heat coming from his left side. He knew Jiang Zhiyu would come in, but he hadn't expected him to sit right beside him.

Numerous eyes were surely watching from around them. Guilty and nervous, Ling Ran's mind grew even more muddled.

Hearing Qin Shixing's words, he abruptly stood up.

"Sure..."

But he rose too quickly. Darkness flashed before his eyes, and his slender frame swayed like a leaf caught in the wind, teetering unsteadily.

"Xiao Ran!"

Qin Shixing reached out swiftly to steady him, but unexpectedly, his hand met empty air.

Instead, a hand steadied Ling Ran firmly at the small of his back—just a polite, fleeting touch that would seem like nothing more than a helpful gesture to anyone who noticed.

Yet to Ling Ran, that patch of skin felt as if it had been licked by flames. A finger had slipped imperceptibly beneath the hem of his clothes for just a moment, grazing his bare skin with the lightest, slowest caress.

Ling Ran shuddered violently, his eyes glistening with moisture as he turned his head.

Jiang Zhiyu had already withdrawn his hand, leaving only an arm draped casually over the back of Ling Ran's chair. He gazed up at him with a heavy, deliberate look.

"Are you alright?"

His expression was so natural and unguarded that the touch on Ling Ran's back might as well have been a fleeting illusion.

Ling Ran shook his head, unsteady on his feet, and sank back into his chair.

"I-I'm fine..."

Jiang Zhiyu remained composed, subtly pulling Ling Ran's chair closer to himself. His hand lingered behind him, his index finger tapping idly against the chair.

"What was it you wanted to say, President Qin?" Jiang Zhiyu asked.

Qin Shixing hadn't had much interaction with him before, only occasionally crossing paths at social events.

But in just this brief encounter tonight, Qin Shixing sensed that Jiang Zhiyu was not someone to be trifled with—or someone easy to get along with.

There was a deep-seated hostility toward him, an instinctive alpha intuition, and Jiang Zhiyu's rank was likely above his own.

But gender was innate, and Qin Shixing refused to be cowed. If Jiang Zhiyu truly had ulterior motives, then he needed to confess his feelings to Ling Ran even sooner.

"It's a private matter between Xiao Ran and me," Qin Shixing replied. "I doubt it concerns you, President Jiang."

Jiang Zhiyu's eyes darkened as he glanced at the quiet Omega beside him.

"Is that so?" Jiang Zhiyu suddenly called out, "Ling Ran."

Ling Ran seemed to have zoned out again, snapping back to awareness with a dazed look. He turned first to Qin Shixing, then to Jiang Zhiyu. "Hmm? What?"

Jiang Zhiyu saw the haze in his eyes—clearly, he was even less coherent than before. Asking him anything now would be pointless.

He signaled a server to bring over a glass of juice.

Ling Ran clutched the glass and began drinking, finishing it in no time. He paused to catch his breath, about to drink more, when a hand gently pressed the cup back down.

"Don't drink too much at once," Jiang Zhiyu warned. "It's too cold."

Surprisingly, Ling Ran didn't resist. He nodded obediently and set the juice back on the table.

The room was noisy and chaotic, the others in the private booth already lost in revelry again, oblivious to what was happening here. The two men spoke in hushed tones, their words inaudible to others, who assumed it was just normal conversation.

But Qin Shixing heard every word.

He looked at Ling Ran with near disbelief, words stuck in his throat. He opened his mouth slightly, wanting to ask something, yet secretly wondered if he was paying too much attention to Ling Ran—so much so that everything about Ling Ran seemed magnified in his eyes.

Was he overthinking it?

Could a superior really care for a subordinate to this extent?

Qin Shixing and Jiang Zhiyu had never seen eye to eye, exchanging barely half a sentence before clashing. With no business ties between them and an unspoken rivalry simmering, the atmosphere among the three quickly turned chilly again.

Ling Ran waited a moment, deciding it was probably safe to take another sip of his juice, and glanced at Jiang Zhiyu with a questioning look. Only when Jiang Zhiyu gave him a slight nod did Ling Ran relax, his eyes softening into a smile as he picked up the ice-cold juice and took a large gulp.

The refreshing drink soothed the lingering heat from the alcohol in his system. Yet the thigh pressing closer and closer to his left side, even through the crisp fabric of tailored suit pants, radiated a scorching, almost painful warmth that was impossible to ignore.

Ling Ran bit the rim of the cup, not daring to move.

Beneath the tablecloth, hidden from view, that leg was now flush against his own.

But Jiang Zhiyu's expression remained unreadable, even as he calmly accepted toasts from several employees with a practiced smile. Just as Ling Ran felt he might melt from the heat, the dinner finally ended.

Ning Xinqiao arranged cars to take the intoxicated guests home. Qin Shixing had his own driver, who was also picking him up to return to the office for some urgent matters.

He spent a long time instructing Qin Chengyue, insisting that he must ensure Ling Ran got home safely and sent a message confirming it. Qin Chengyue, supporting the unsteady, tipsy Ling Ran, found Qin Shixing's nagging unbearable and promptly shooed him away.

Ling Ran, thoroughly drunk, could barely stand on his own. Qin Chengyue's slight frame struggled to hold him up, and even getting him into the passenger seat proved difficult.

With everyone else gone, Qin Chengyue wrestled with the seatbelt, but Ling Ran clung to his neck, refusing to let go.

"Good lord, you're really testing me here. Can you please stop squirming?" Qin Chengyue pleaded. "Do we even stand a chance of getting home tonight? Why do you turn into such a clingy mess when you're drunk?"

"I'll handle it."

A deep voice sounded from behind.

Qin Chengyue turned stiffly, forcing a nervous laugh. "Ah—Jiang, Jiang-zong! Haha, you're still here?"

Qin Chengyue was terrified that Jiang Zhiyu would settle scores with him later. He was gambling—betting that Jiang Zhiyu hadn't noticed his brother's interest in Ling Ran tonight.

Had he known Jiang Zhiyu would show up, he would never have invited his brother to join in the fun, even if it killed him.

Jiang Zhiyu reached out from the side, effortlessly catching the arm looped around Qin Chengyue's neck, prying it off, and nudging Qin Chengyue aside before placing it around his own neck instead.

Ling Ran's eyelids felt as heavy as if weighed down by a thousand pounds of stone. Sensing an unusual shift in the air, he slowly lifted his gaze and saw that the person standing before him had somehow transformed into the one he had been imagining.

The arm around the enigma's neck tightened slightly as the Omega's soft body pressed closer, nestling into his embrace as if seeking refuge.

When sober, Ling Ran always kept a deliberate distance, but in his haze, his true nature surfaced—clearly craving dependence yet feigning polite detachment, adhering to propriety that shouldn't even exist.

Jiang Zhiyu simply bent down and scooped the man from the passenger seat into his arms.

A black Rolls-Royce was parked by the roadside. The door opened, and he carried Ling Ran straight inside.

Qin Chengyue stood frozen on the sidewalk, watching the descending window, his thoughts as disheveled as the wind.

"I'll take him home," the man in the car said. "Are you coming with us, or driving back yourself?"

Remembering he had work the next morning, Qin Chengyue had no choice but to drive his own car back now.

He leaned in through the window for a glance—Ling Ran had his arms wrapped around the man's neck, his entire body nearly melting into that broad chest, eyes shut as if on the verge of sleep, looking utterly comfortable and at ease.

Qin Chengyue: "..."

Fine.

"Then I'll trouble President Jiang to take Xiao Ran home," Qin Chengyue said. "I'll drive back myself. If you arrive early, please wait for me downstairs."

With that, the car slowly pulled away.

Inside the enclosed cabin, the rich scent of alcohol gradually seeped from the little Omega nestled in his arms—a fragrance entirely distinct from the sharpness of tequila.

The intermittent glow of streetlights flickered through the windows. It was nearly midnight, the roads sparse, as the Rolls-Royce sped forward.

Perhaps uncomfortable in his position, the man in his arms squirmed restlessly, his cheek rubbing against the firm expanse of Jiang Zhiyu's chest.

The friction ignited an inexplicable heat in Jiang Zhiyu. He pulled Ling Ran onto his lap, letting him lean against his chest, then gently gripped the back of his neck, forcing his face upward.

The back seat of the Rolls-Royce was spacious, and Jiang Zhiyu had later modified the interior, allowing even an Omega's bent legs to stretch out comfortably.

Ling Ran's lips parted unconsciously, his long lashes casting deep shadows over his jade-like cheeks. The trembling shadows fluttered like the wings of a butterfly before his eyes cracked open slightly.

"Behave." A warning tone.

But a drunk mind was muddled, vision blurred, tongue numb.

The numb tip of his tongue slid out lazily, like a seductive, venomous serpent, slowly flicking over his plump, rosy lower lip.

Ling Ran only felt parched, craving that glass of ice-cold juice.

Yet a sudden "snap" echoed in the air—one Ling Ran didn't hear.

It was the sound of the taut string in Jiang Zhiyu's mind snapping apart.

He pressed a button, raising the partition.

Just before the back seat was completely sealed off, he instructed Zhao Qin: "Take a couple of laps around Coastal Avenue."

Zhao Qin didn't doubt him at all. "Yes."

The partition finally sealed the last remaining gap.

Jiang Zhiyu lowered his head, drawing close to that enchantingly beautiful face, his voice deep like a mesmerizing riddle from the ocean depths.

"Shall we kiss?"

The air between them carried the damp, muddy scent of alcohol and the sweet fragrance of fruit juice.

He seemed to be sincerely asking for consent, yet clearly had no intention of accepting refusal.

The person in his arms showed no will to resist—and it was better that way.

The Omega reacted slowly, pausing for a long moment before understanding.

Then, very softly, very gently, nodded.

"Yes..."

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled faintly, first licking the other's lip pearl before looking down at him with dominance. "Good baby."

"Now stick out your tongue for me, alright?"

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