TPLTMOE – Chapter 41

The car windows seemed veiled in a thin mist, the hazy humidity obscuring the view beyond.

Ling Ran struggled amidst turbulent tides, gasping for breath as monstrous waves threatened to devour his fragile form entirely. Even his delicate bones seemed to slowly unravel, tear apart, gradually wearing down until swallowed whole.

This was no kiss—it was a weapon claiming territory.

The pliant Omega appeared born to yield, to accept, bearing every assault without complaint.

His bones had been softened by seawater, his spine melted into submission, leaving him unable to even sit upright. His body arched backward, neck cradled in a firm hand—without which he'd have long since collided with the front seat.

Dizzy and vision blurred, he gasped for precious air, the scant oxygen he received coming only from the Enigma's shared breath.

Even swallowing became an ordeal, his lips and tongue thoroughly occupied. That tender muscle no longer belonged to him—bitten, sucked, drawn deep and wrung relentlessly, nearly licked raw.

Ling Ran's mind churned into mush, all capacity for independent thought dissolving.

Yet to say he'd completely lost awareness wouldn't be accurate he knew he was being kissed.

Being kissed by Jiang Zhiyu.

His heart became a wound clockwork mechanism, pounding with terrifying intensity, impossible to calm, faster and faster until nearing the brink of endurance.

Even in kissing, the Enigma's ferocious dominance left the Omega helpless.

A suffocating terror gripped Ling Ran—might he die like this in this car, with none the wiser?

The vehicle had long since traveled to unknown reaches, nothing beyond but endless dark sea.

Hearing the muffled whimpers beneath him, Jiang Zhiyu reluctantly released the captive mouth.

With a soft pop, he drew back slightly, granting breathing room.

The Omega's eyes glistened with moisture as he was pressed back into the embrace, slender frame trembling helplessly like a startled creature.

Jiang Zhiyu had been nursing quiet fury since the private room.

He knew Ling Ran was close to Qin Chengyue—two Omegas bonding wasn't strange. But that Qin family's eldest son was a decent-looking alpha.

Why did they seem so intimate?

Avoiding him in public, maintaining careful distance, yet abandoning all restraint around Qin Shixing—drinking together, allowing touches.

Had his heat arrived without Jiang Zhiyu present, would he have sought another alpha's pheromones for relief? Offered his neck willingly for marking?

Jiang Zhiyu had just kissed him fiercely, almost as a form of punishment—watching his eyes well up with tears, his cheeks flush crimson, his body tremble to the point of near collapse.

Only at the brink did he finally release him, letting him rest, catch his breath, and slowly recover.

Then, he gathered him into his arms, stroking his back in slow, soothing motions, murmuring gentle reassurances.

Like a pet that had angered its owner, even after being punished, all it took was curling up sweetly in his embrace to be forgiven—still cherished, still adored, still held close as the most precious treasure.

Throughout it all, Jiang Zhiyu never once closed his eyes.

When he felt the trembling in his arms finally subside, the ragged breathing even out, he adjusted Ling Ran's posture, tilting his face up to meet his gaze.

"Better now?"

The delicate, upturned corners of Ling Ran's eyes glistened, alluring yet innocent as he blinked slowly.

"Seems like you are."

Jiang Zhiyu cradled the back of his head, pulling him closer, his gaze piercing deep into his soul.

"Who was that alpha sitting next to you earlier?"

The question carried the weight of delayed retribution. Ling Ran's mind was still hazy. "It was... Shixing gege…"

At the mention of that name, Jiang Zhiyu's eyes instantly darkened.

"You two are close?"

Ling Ran's upper lip tingled slightly, a faint itch making him want to lick it—but the grip on his nape forced him to answer instead.

"What's your relationship? Say it yourself."

A pang of grievance flickered in Ling Ran's heart. "Shixing gege is just... Shixing gege..."

He was Chengyue's older brother—technically his own as well.

What was there even to ask?

Jiang Zhiyu pressed further. "Nothing else?"

Ling Ran's gaze remained blank, uncomprehending.

Jiang Zhiyu's voice dropped lower. "Do you like him?"

Ling Ran's eyes widened slightly, the alluring curve of his lashes rounding into something sweetly bewildered.

What kind of question was that?

"Of course... I don't..."

His slender arms, delicate as vines, wound around the enigma's neck, his cheek pressing softly against his chest—docile, pliant, impossibly tender.

The storm in Jiang Zhiyu's expression eased slightly as he adjusted his hold, lifting him higher.

His gaze fixed on the pair of flushed lips just inches away, his voice a low murmur.

"Then, baby... who do you like?"

Ling Ran nestled against him without answering, blinking a few times before suddenly leaning in—placing a featherlight kiss, then a teasing lick, against the prominent curve of his Adam's apple.

Jiang Zhiyu paused for a moment before lifting his face and kissing him again.

After a few light pecks, he pulled away. Ling Ran seemed dissatisfied, tilting his chin up as if chasing after more.

But when he opened his eyes, he saw Jiang Zhiyu smiling at him.

"You like it when I kiss you?"

Ling Ran pressed his lips together, his damp eyes meeting Jiang Zhiyu's gaze as he nodded.

"But... be gentle, a little gentler..."

Jiang Zhiyu, somewhat satisfied, lowered his head and covered Ling Ran's lips once more.

Zhao Qin had already driven around the coastal highway twice. In the late hours of the night, there were hardly any cars on the road—only the black Rolls-Royce drifting like a ghost in the silent darkness.

He knew the boss took his time, so he didn't dare disturb them.

Finally, the partition rose. He quickly drove to Ling Ran's residence, stopping at a pharmacy along the way to pick up some hangover medicine at Jiang Zhiyu's request.

Once they arrived downstairs, Zhao Qin waited in the car while Jiang Zhiyu helped Ling Ran out.

The moment Ling Ran's feet touched the ground, he nearly collapsed forward.

His legs were weak, his body limp as if melted into a puddle, unable to stand steadily.

Jiang Zhiyu tightened his grip around Ling Ran's waist, pulling him back and pressing him against the car door.

The moonlight was dim and seductive, the street below quiet and empty.

The Omega's lips were slightly swollen, red and alluring.

Jiang Zhiyu's Adam's apple bobbed as he leaned in, bracing himself against the car door, and captured Ling Ran's lips in another deep, lingering kiss.

His tall, powerful frame completely shielded the petite Omega, leaving only the occasional muffled sounds of passion to escape.

By the end of the kiss, Ling Ran could no longer stand, so Jiang Zhiyu scooped him up like a child and strode into the dark stairwell.

Only after their figures had completely disappeared into the building did the Cayenne parked silently in the distance finally roll up its window.

Inside the car, Qin Shixing was stunned. Even though he hadn't clearly seen who was being pinned against the car door and kissed, the familiar figure being carried away could only be Ling Ran.

But how could it be Ling Ran?!

***

They took the elevator upstairs, Ling Ran drowsing in Jiang Zhiyu's warm, broad embrace the entire way. Without taking a single step himself, he was safely carried to bed.

His clothes and shoes were removed and neatly set aside, his face and hands wiped clean with a warm, damp towel, and he was even fed most of the hangover medicine.

He slept deeply and soundly, not waking until nearly noon the next day.

When he did wake, his head didn't ache from the hangover—likely thanks to the medicine on the nightstand—but his mouth and tongue...

Ling Ran's face burned crimson as he rushed to the bathroom mirror, sticking out his tongue to carefully inspect the root, making sure it hadn't been kissed raw.

Even though he was sober now, he felt like he was being roasted alive, wishing he could bury himself under the blankets and never show his face again.

How had he ended up kissing Jiang Zhiyu again? He hadn't gone into heat last night—he shouldn't have needed the alpha's scent for comfort.

Unable to recall the details, Ling Ran dug out his lip balm and slathered on a thick layer, as if that could erase the marks the enigma had left on his lips.

That afternoon, Ling Ran went to work with Qin Chengyue, wearing a mask in a futile attempt to hide the evidence.

Qin Chengyue leaned in, trying to pull it down, but Ling Ran stopped him like a thief.

"What are you doing?"

Qin Chengyue eyed him suspiciously. "Why are you wearing a mask at work?"

Ling Ran coughed, his face flushing. "I have a cold. Cough, cough."

Qin Chengyue: "You don't."

Ling Ran: "Ahem, I really do have a cold."

Qin Chengyue eyed him skeptically: "Caught it from President Jiang?" Ling Ran: ">.<"

Ling Ran: "N-no way..."

Qin Chengyue understood immediately and sighed: "I messed up."

Ling Ran looked at him in confusion: "Chengyue, what's wrong?"

Qin Chengyue didn't know how to explain that he'd made a colossal mistake last night. Given another chance, he'd never have made that call to his brother, who then wouldn't have shown up at the gathering. President Jiang wouldn't have given him that freezing death glare when sending Ling Ran home either.

On the verge of tears, Qin Chengyue groaned: "I'm done."

Offending the big boss meant certain doom.

Ling Ran patted his shoulder encouragingly: "It's okay, Chengyue. First tell me what happened. There's always a solution—I'll definitely help you."

This sounded reasonable to Qin Chengyue, who grabbed Ling Ran's hands and shook them desperately: "Ran, you're my only hope now! You promised to help—no matter what happens, you've got to plead my case with President Jiang. Don't let him fire me! I'm counting on this job for survival rations!"

Ling Ran focused on comforting him, thumping his chest in assurance: "Don't worry, I'll definitely intercede for you. President Jiang isn't that unreasonable. Unless you've committed some unforgivable offense, he won't fire you."

Qin Chengyue felt slightly guilty.

Poaching the CEO's love interest—he wasn't sure if that counted as unforgivable.

The half-day shift passed in a flash.

The topic for Focus Vision's next episode was basically set, with Ling Ran again selected as on-camera host alongside a senior colleague.

The team held a brief afternoon meeting to outline the program's content before delegating preparatory tasks.

Ling Ran now found each workday strangely fulfilling. Immersed in tasks, he could avoid dwelling on messy thoughts.

President Jiang's lip balm worked wonders—by afternoon, the swelling had subsided enough that he removed his mask.

After work, Qin Chengyue dragged him straight to the hospital for another checkup instead of overtime.

In the parking garage, they unexpectedly encountered Yin Chu.

The man looked haggard after just days apart—pale with dark circles, his eyes shooting venomous daggers at Ling Ran: "You!"

Both startled, it took them a moment to recognize him.

"Got fired but still shamelessly showing your face?" Qin Chengyue sneered. "You ruined your whole team's flagship program—what a pity."

Already unstable, Yin Chu snapped at the provocation, jabbing a finger: "This was your trap! Don't think I don't know! Ling Ran, you orchestrated my termination! Just demotion wasn't enough for you and Ning Xinqiao—you had to destroy me completely!"

Ling Ran's gaze was filled with pity. "Yin Chu, you brought this upon yourself. The choices you made led to these consequences—you can't blame others."

"Stop pretending to be compassionate!" Yin Chu snarled, his face twisted with rage. "Who did you get involved? Was it Sheng Yi or Zhi Yu? Who did you convince to fire me? You just want to take my place—my position at Jiang Zhou, even my standing in the Jiang family! You're truly vicious!"

As Yin Chu spoke, he lunged toward Ling Ran. Before Ling Ran could dodge, a sudden force pulled him back, shielding him from behind.

Jiang Sheng Yi's expression was laced with concern as he turned to examine Ling Ran closely. It had been days since he'd last seen the young Omega, and the delicate wrist he held in his palm made him reluctant to let go.

"Are you alright? Were you hurt?"

Recognizing Jiang Sheng Yi, Ling Ran's face instantly turned cold. He shook off his grip and stepped aside, as if even sparing him a glance was too much.

A flicker of pain flashed in Jiang Sheng Yi's eyes. He hadn't expected Ling Ran to be so resolute—once he declared they were strangers, he truly cut all ties.

When Yin Chu saw Jiang Sheng Yi, hope surged in his heart. He reached out to grasp his hand, but Sheng Yi subtly avoided him.

Yin Chu froze, his docile eyes welling with tears. "Sheng Yi..."

Standing protectively in front of Ling Ran, Jiang Sheng Yi exuded the natural dominance of an Alpha. "Yin Chu, when will you stop this? I told you this has nothing to do with Ling Ran. I was the one who ordered headquarters to issue the notice. If you want to vent your anger, direct it at me."

Yin Chu stared at him in disbelief, tears streaming down his face. "No... I can't believe it was you. You promised you'd never treat me this way. You said you'd never betray me, that you'd always love me, Sheng Yi..."

Qin Cheng Yue shuddered, unable to stomach the melodrama. He leaned toward Ling Ran and muttered, "This is nauseating. Should we leave?"

Ling Ran nodded in agreement.

As the two turned to go, Jiang Sheng Yi hurried forward, reaching for Ling Ran again—but this time, Ling Ran avoided his touch before he could make contact.

Turning back, Ling Ran's expression was detached, his gaze devoid of any lingering affection.

"Was there something else?"

Jiang Sheng Yi's outstretched hand hung awkwardly in the air, aching with reluctance, before he slowly withdrew it.

"Xiao Ran, I just wanted to ask—did you accidentally block me? I've called and messaged you so many times, but nothing went through. You probably didn't receive any of them..."

Ling Ran cut him off. "It wasn't an accident. I blocked you on purpose."

Jiang Shengyi froze, blurting out instinctively, "Why?"

Ling Ran frowned slightly. "Since we don't have any ties anymore, there's no need to stay in contact. Keeping you around serves no purpose."

Jiang Shengyi clenched his fists tightly. The furious accusations that had been building up inside him suddenly had no outlet left.

"Even as friends... isn't that possible?"

Ling Ran glanced at Qin Chengyue standing behind him before replying bluntly, cruelly, "But I don't need a friend like you."

Jiang Shengyi felt a surge of hot blood clog his throat. He struggled to keep himself from losing control in front of Ling Ran again and managed only to ask, "You must have seen the messages I sent you before. Why didn't you reply? Were you afraid to? Or were you scared I'd find out you have a new boyfriend?"

Ling Ran lifted his gaze to meet his. "That's my business. I don't owe you an explanation."

"Ling Ran, can you answer me honestly? That day—the day a Bugatti came to pick you up," Jiang Shengyi spoke through gritted teeth, "was the person inside your new alpha?"

"How far have the two of you gone?"

"A temporary mark? Or a permanent one?"

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