TPLTMOE – Chapter 43

Zhao Qin, seated in the driver's seat, wisely lowered the partition without being asked.

The cabin became a silent sanctuary, shutting out all chaos.

Ling Ran sat curled in the corner, head bowed without a word.

Jiang Zhiyu tugged off his tie, finding it thoroughly dampened. He gently lifted the omega's face to see silent tears streaming from those beautiful eyes.

Balling up the tie, he dabbed softly at the tear-streaked cheeks.

Ling Ran didn't resist, just tilted his face up obediently, lashes lowered, nose tip red from crying.

Jiang Zhiyu's heart clenched violently. Cradling that delicate face, he meticulously wiped away each tear.

Omegas were meant to be cherished treasures, not tools for venting or exploitation. He'd never been drawn to fragile, delicate omegas before, but now he burned with the urge to lock this precious one away where no one could even glimpse him, let alone harm him.

The discarded tie landed carelessly on the floorboards as Jiang Zhiyu made a brief, terse phone call.

Soon, several imposing black-clad bodyguards stormed into the restaurant, emerging moments later with a human-shaped bundle wrapped in dark fabric, unceremoniously tossed into another black vehicle that sped away.

Ling Ran, having missed the commotion, had stopped crying but remained despondent, leaning silently against the window.

The car rolled forward, stopping at the film academy gates.

With the orientation ceremony already started, the entrance stood nearly empty, most attendees having moved to the grand auditorium.

Ling Ran glanced outside. Though delayed, if he hurried he might still make it.

He could only bury his sorrow and pain deep inside for now, forcing himself to forget as quickly as possible—at the very least, he couldn't let anyone notice anything unusual later.

Suppressing his emotions with great effort, his voice still carried a hint of nasality as he turned to the man beside him and said, "About earlier... Thank you, Mr. Jiang. But I have something urgent to attend to now, so I might have to leave first."

Jiang Zhiyu looked at him, his deep gaze seemingly piercing straight through the emotions hidden in his eyes.

Ling Ran felt as if he were suspended in midair, scrutinized under that intense stare. The hard shell he had painstakingly built up was on the verge of cracking under that gaze.

He quickly murmured another thanks and reached for the car door, ready to step out.

Suddenly, a hand reached from behind, gripping his arm and pulling him back gently. Ling Ran lost his balance, falling backward into the enigma's embrace, where he was held lightly.

Jiang Zhiyu studied the tear-stained redness at the corners of his eyes—those mesmerizing peach-blossom eyes filled with sorrow, grievance, and a reluctance to let others see his carefully concealed facade.

Pressing a thumb against the dampened corner of his eye, Jiang Zhiyu said softly, "If you don't want to go, then don't."

It was just a matter of informing the school—nothing troublesome.

Ling Ran sniffled. "I can't... I promised the teacher..."

"It's fine," the enigma replied indulgently. "Just tell me—do you want to go or not?"

Professor Li had been Ling Ran's academic advisor in college and had always treated him with kindness. Since he had already agreed to give

a speech to the freshmen, and the ceremony had already begun, backing out now would be inappropriate.

Ling Ran whispered, "I do."

Jiang Zhiyu didn't press further, simply nodding. "Alright."

Then he released him.

Ling Ran opened the car door and stepped out, only to hear the other door click open as well—Jiang Zhiyu had gotten out too.

"Mr. Jiang," Ling Ran asked, looking at him, "are you coming in too?"

Jiang Zhiyu had already walked up beside him. "Mn. The school sent an invitation a while ago."

Given that the Jiang family had donated buildings to the university, receiving an invitation wasn't surprising.

It was just that Jiang Zhiyu hadn't originally planned to attend in person.

The two walked into the campus together, their striking appearances and presence drawing frequent glances. One tall and handsome, the other delicate and beautiful—they made a perfect pair.

Halfway there, Ling Ran received a call from Qin Chengyue, who sent him the auditorium's location and asked him to meet them there directly.

By the time they arrived, the ten-thousand-seat auditorium was packed to the brim, not a single space left unoccupied.

This year's event was grander than ever. The moment Ling Ran stepped through the side entrance, the sight of the sea of heads below made him falter, a flicker of hesitation rising in his chest.

But when he glanced back, Jiang Zhiyu stood behind him, watching him with lowered eyes.

Suddenly feeling a surge of confidence, Ling Ran straightened his back and walked in.

Qin Chengyue spotted him from the side of the stage and quickly waved him over. Seeing Professor Li standing beside him, Ling Ran offered a faint smile before making his way toward them.

It had been a long time since Professor Li last saw Ling Ran. She had always favored high-achieving students, and Ling Ran—not only brilliant but also obedient and good-looking—had been her favorite.

"Professor Li, I'm sorry for being late."

Professor Li opened his arms for a hug before saying, "You're not late at all. It's not our department's turn for student speeches yet. Chengyue arrived earlier and mentioned you might be delayed by something. I was worried you wouldn't make it."

Ling Ran's eyes curved into crescents, though a faint redness around the edges might have betrayed recent tears to an observant eye.

"I promised you I'd come, and I never break my promises," he said.

Professor Li looked at him with evident pride. "I know. You've always been my favorite student. Seeing you thrive in Jiangzhou now brings me such joy."

The professor, aware of Ling Ran's family circumstances, had always shown him extra care.

Nearby, Qin Chengyue pouted and interjected, "Professor Li, you just told me I was your favorite student earlier. So which one of us is it really?"

With a chuckle, Professor Li patted his head. "You're both my favorites, but Ling Ran's different from you. You're always fooling around, while he's sensible—and more vulnerable to being taken advantage of."

As he spoke, the professor gave Ling Ran a thorough once-over, his expression tinged with concern. "You look thinner. Is work too demanding?"

A sudden wave of emotion tightened Ling Ran's chest. The job was indeed grueling, but the opportunity was rare, so he treasured it—always pushing himself harder than others.

Yet this pure, uncomplicated care from his teacher threatened to breach his emotional defenses.

He felt tears welling up again.

Professor Li squeezed his hand anxiously. "Ling Ran, are you facing difficulties at work or in life? No matter how busy you are, you must take care of your health. Don't skip meals or work yourself sick. Your wellbeing comes first, understand?"

His voice thick, Ling Ran forced a smile. "I understand, Professor."

Noticing his distress, Qin Chengyue intervened. "Professor, we should prepare for the upcoming speech. We'll go rehearse in the lounge and catch up with you afterward."

"Go ahead, don't be nervous," Professor Li encouraged.

As they walked backstage, Ling Ran glanced around but saw no sign of Jiang Zhiyu.

Qin Chengyue found an empty room and shut the door. "I thought I saw your brother at the school gate earlier. Did he come to cause trouble?"

Ling Ran gave a slight nod.

Qin Chengyue's anger flared. "Didn't they say they wouldn't care if you died out here? Now that you're useful, are they dragging you back for some arranged marriage?"

Ling Ran said, "They want me to marry Shixing."

Qin Chengyue crossed his arms. "I did hear a bit about it, but my brother kept his mouth shut and didn't tell me. I only found out by eavesdropping during dinner at home."

Seeing Ling Ran's low spirits, Qin Chengyue reassured him, "Don't feel pressured. My brother isn't the type to take advantage of someone's situation. I know how you feel, and I'll tactfully relay it to him. As long as you don't want this, no one can force you."

Ling Ran's eyes stung as he looked at Qin Chengyue. "Chengyue..."

Qin Chengyue ruffled his hair. "Don't cry now. You still have to go on stage soon. Your eyes look a little red—did your brother do something to you just now?"

Not wanting to worry him, Ling Ran shook his head. "It's nothing. Besides, President Jiang happened to pass by and helped me."

Qin Chengyue hadn't seen Jiang Zhiyu earlier, so he feigned surprise. "President Jiang was here too? That's odd—I saw one of the vice presidents from headquarters sitting in the audience earlier. He should've been the one representing the Jiang Group at today's ceremony. And really, something this minor doesn't require President Jiang's personal attendance, does it?"

Ling Ran touched the corner of his eye. "Maybe... President Jiang had other business here."

No one knew Jiang Zhiyu's true motives better than Qin Chengyue—after all, he was the one who had sent the message to Jiang Zhiyu. Partly to atone for his mistake, but mostly because he was worried Ling Ran might be in trouble.

Qin Chengyue narrowed his eyes suspiciously and leaned in to examine Ling Ran's face. "Tell me... President Jiang didn't come here for you, did he?"

Ling Ran's long lashes fluttered as he turned away. "H-how could that be?"

Just then, someone knocked on the door, reminding them that their stage appearance was imminent. Qin Chengyue didn't press further. After quickly reviewing his speech, Ling Ran followed Qin Chengyue out of the lounge, escorted by a few student organizers to the side of the stage.

The current speaker was a graduate from last year's acting program who had skyrocketed to fame after starring in two hit dramas. Cheers and applause erupted from the audience as he spoke, clearly indicating his immense popularity among the freshmen.

Once he stepped down, it was Ling Ran's turn.

Unlike a studio setting, this was a live performance before thousands of spectators.

The grand stage glittered under golden lights, flanked by massive projection screens and towering backdrops. The three-tiered seating rose in layers, countless eyes fixed on the platform.

The freshmen's gazes were bright, eager, brimming with anticipation for the future.

Being watched by such eyes, it was impossible not to feel nervous.

Ling Ran's back trembled with fear, but there was no turning back now. Even if his heart gave out and he collapsed on stage, he had no choice but to step forward.

Amidst thunderous applause, Ling Ran slowly ascended the stage.

The giant screens on either side instantly projected his delicate, fair face. His striking features, softened by a poised and graceful smile, made him appear breathtakingly beautiful—fragile, as if one could pluck him from the stage and cradle him in their palms.

His flawless beauty, magnified infinitely by the high-definition screens, was so harmonious that even the slightest alteration would diminish its mesmerizing effect.

The slender figure stood still, offering the audience a gentle, radiant smile.

"Hello everyone, I'm Ling Ran, a 2024 graduate from the Broadcasting Department."

The auditorium, which had fallen silent at the sudden appearance of that striking face on the large screen, erupted into thunderous applause and cheers even more fervent than the reception for the previous speaker.

Ling Ran slightly raised his eyes, scanning the sea of faces below. An overwhelming sense of pressure and suffocation crashed over him like a tidal wave. His heartbeat accelerated violently, and the applause ringing in his ears seemed to come from some distant, isolated dimension.

Yet when his gaze landed on a figure seated in the front row, his body visibly stiffened for a moment. The frozen blood in his veins suddenly began flowing again.

That strikingly handsome, ice-cold face stood out conspicuously among the crowd. The deputy general manager who was supposed to attend wasn't there—instead, Jiang Zhiyu sat composedly at the center of the school administrators, lifting his eyes to watch Ling Ran with focused attention.

His steady gaze differed from all others, radiating powerful yet calm reassurance, encouragement, and approval.

It was telling him to take deep breaths, to relax.

Don't be afraid.

Ling Ran quietly inhaled, as if infused with new strength.

His gentle voice sounded even more melodious than on television, his enunciation warmer and clearer. With a smile, he began his speech. "Journalism is the mirror of our times, the conscience of society. In this era of information explosion, recording the wheels of history and societal transformations through words, images, and videos is the solemn responsibility of journalists..."

The speech proceeded exceptionally smoothly. Ling Ran didn't stumble even once, demonstrating perfect professionalism.

As he concluded, the auditorium erupted in applause once more.

Ling Ran bowed politely to the audience. Straightening up, he basked in the genuine praise and admiration from thousands of strangers—a kind of authentic affection he'd never experienced before. He could barely contain himself, feeling his eyes grow warm with emotion. Descending from the stage, his steps felt unsteady. He barely registered Qin Chengyue's subsequent speech.

Though Qin Chengyue appeared nervous too, he maintained relative composure.

After both had finished their speeches, Professor Li was already waiting for them backstage.

The ceremony wasn't over yet—several other departments still had graduate representatives to speak—but the broadcasting department had undoubtedly stolen the show.

Rather than returning to their seats, the two found a relatively quiet spot to chat with Professor Li.

"It's good that both of you joined Jiangzhou Media," Professor Li remarked. "You can look out for each other at work. Jiangzhou is an excellent platform with great prospects. That recent PR incident didn't affect you, did it?"

Qin Chengyue reassured him, "Don't worry, Professor. That involved another program—nothing to do with us. The company handles rewards and punishments fairly—our team actually got bonuses."

Professor Li nodded approvingly. "That's good to hear. I noticed your company's leadership attended our ceremony today. Did you go greet them?"

Qin Chengyue glanced at Ling Ran. "Of course we did. Xiao Ran helped me with that, right Xiao Ran?"

Ling Ran pinched his arm in warning. "Yes, that was President Jiang from our headquarters. We don't interact with him much normally."

Professor Li said, "I know, Jiang Zhiyu. I've met him before. The broadcasting building in our department was actually donated by him. At the time, our department didn't have enough funds, and despite multiple applications to the university for a professional building, none were approved. Then unexpectedly, the Jiang Corporation suddenly donated a building and even equipped it with all the necessary instruments and equipment. Our broadcasting building is probably more professional than some media outlets"."

Qin Chengyue and Ling Ran exchanged glances. Ling Ran's eyes widened slightly in surprise as he asked, "Professor, did you just say the donor was Jiang Zhiyu? Not Jiang Shengli, the head of Jiangzhou?"

Professor Li replied, "I'm not mistaken. The actual donor was indeed the Jiang Corporation headquarters. I personally handled this matter and even visited the Jiang Corporation building twice, meeting that CEO Jiang. There's no way I could be wrong."

"But later, it was Jiang Shengyi who gave the speech at the school. Although it was in our department's small auditorium, all external publicity has always stated that the broadcasting building was donated by Jiangzhou."

Ling Ran felt as if a hand were tightly gripping his chest. He grew increasingly restless, desperate to understand what was really going on.

Professor Li, unaware of his distress, thought carefully and said, "That seems right. Later, someone else did come to give the speech. Probably that CEO Jiang was too busy and sent a substitute. But I hadn't met that person before, so I don't remember much. Besides, there's no issue with promoting it as a donation from Jiangzhou. Jiangzhou and the Jiang Corporation are the same, aren't they? They're both under the Jiang name."

A deafening explosion seemed to go off in Ling Ran's mind. The hand clutching his heart finally tightened without mercy.

His blood felt like it was flowing backward, and his lips trembled slightly.

"It's not the same," he murmured absently, his thoughts drifting somewhere far away. "It's not the same..."

Qin Chengyue knew what was troubling him and pressed further, "Professor, could you think about it again? Are you sure the person you met at headquarters is the same CEO Jiang sitting outside now?"

Professor Li found their behavior odd. "What's gotten into you two today? Why are you so concerned about this?"

Qin Chengyue pleaded, "Professor, please think about it carefully."

Professor Li said firmly, "Your big boss left a deep impression. He always respected the college's opinions. The blueprints alone went through countless revisions, and the budget he provided was several times higher than needed. Even if I had dementia, I couldn't possibly misremember him."

Hearing this, Qin Chengyue glanced at Ling Ran and noticed his pale complexion. Concerned, he asked, "Xiao Ran, are you okay? You don't look well."

Ling Ran's chest felt unbearably tight. Even taking deep breaths, he struggled to breathe properly, as if crushed under an invisible weight.

So it turned out everything had been a case of mistaken identity.

He had fallen for Jiang Shengyi because of that speech, yet only now was he being told his feelings were misplaced.

The things that had moved him were actually done by someone else.

***

After the Broadcasting Department's speech concluded, Jiang Zhiyu apologized to the school officials and left the venue.

The subsequent proceedings were tedious and uninteresting, and he had no patience to sit through them.

Several school administrators flattered him as they accompanied him to the hallway. Since Jiang Zhiyu was waiting for someone, and the officials hovered around like flies, he offered to donate an astonishingly large sum for scholarships to the school.

The administrators' faces lit up with delight. Seeing Jiang Zhiyu pick up his phone to take a call, they tactfully withdrew and returned to the auditorium.

"Where are you now?" Shang Ye's voice came through the phone.

Jiang Zhiyu gazed out the window at the lush greenery, a gentle breeze carrying the unique tranquility of the campus.

"Film Academy," he replied lazily.

Shang Ye: "?"

Shang Ye: "That's out of your way, isn't it?"

Jiang Zhiyu said matter-of-factly, "Had some business."

Shang Ye asked, "That Omega again?"

Jiang Zhiyu hummed in affirmation, and Shang Ye didn't press further, merely saying, "If you're not coming, maybe we should cancel today's gathering. Yan Xiwen invited Liu Xiangheng and Tang Jun. Tang just got out of the hospital, and the Qins will probably show up too. Doesn't sound interesting."

"Do as you see fit."

Hearing Jiang Zhiyu's relatively good mood, Shang Ye asked, "What brought you to the Film Academy?"

"Attending the freshman convocation. Want to come?"

After a brief silence, Shang Ye said, "I'm not far. There's something I need to discuss with you. Wait for me."

The call ended abruptly.

Shang Ye arrived at the auditorium shortly after, but the two Omegas were nowhere to be seen.

The two men stood in the hallway outside the auditorium, discussing business deals worth hundreds of millions.

Some matters Shang Ye wanted to confirm face-to-face with Jiang Zhiyu—like whether he truly intended to crush Ling Su this time.

When Yan Xiwen had been instructed to dangle bait for Ling Su, Shang Ye had sensed Jiang Zhiyu's intention to take down the Ling family.

But why?

Was it really just for that little Omega?

"I've put in a word with the inspectors," Shang Ye said. "The suppliers won't be cleared anytime soon. If Ling Su can't come up with the compensation, what's your plan?"

Jiang Zhiyu glanced toward the backstage area at the end of the hallway and replied casually, "We'll see."

"We'll see" meant doing whatever he pleased.

Originally, Jiang Zhiyu hadn't planned to be ruthless, but Ling Su's actions today had thoroughly enraged him.

It had been a long time since he'd personally dealt with someone. If Ling Su weren't Ling Ran's older brother, he'd have been chopped into pieces and fed to the sharks by now.

Out of consideration for Ling Ran, Jiang Zhiyu had already tempered his methods—just giving Ling Su a taste of hardship without actually taking his life.

They discussed the new energy project for a while longer, during which Yan Xiwen's calls kept interrupting.

Too intimidated to call Jiang Zhiyu directly, Yan Xiwen pestered Shang Ye relentlessly instead.

Finally giving in to the incessant ringing, Shang Ye answered one.

Yan Xiwen sounded frantic on the other end: "What's wrong with you two?! Neither of you showing up? Even if you're busy, you can't both be busy at the same time, can you?"

Shang Ye replied, "Alright, send me the address."

Yan Xiwen quickly asked, "You can come? What about President Jiang? I didn't dare call him—is he coming with you?"

Shang Ye raised an eyebrow as he glanced at the man standing opposite him.

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze seemed fixed, his dark eyes heavy and unreadable, his brows slightly furrowed as he stared down the corridor, his entire attention seemingly captured by something unseen.

Shang Ye had never seen that look in his eyes before and, curious, turned to follow his line of sight.

Nearby, the door to a lounge was ajar, and by it stood a slender figure who hadn't been there moments before.

Those shimmering, liquid eyes were looking their way—silent, yet somehow speaking volumes.

How to put it?

It was... coquettish.

Jiang Zhiyu spoke, addressing the figure, "Come here."

Shang Ye turned on his heel and walked away without looking back, saying into the phone as he went, "Don't worry about him. He's... busy."

Just as he passed the lounge door, someone suddenly rushed out from inside. Shang Ye, phone in hand, didn't have time to dodge and found himself with an armful of person.

Qin Chengyue had been running fast and hadn't noticed anyone outside, so the collision felt like hitting a brick wall. Dazed, he looked up, his expression slightly bewildered.

Shang Ye steadied him with a hand and asked, "You alright?"

Qin Chengyue hadn't expected to run into a tall, handsome alpha. Frowning slightly, he rubbed his forehead and said, "Don't you watch where you're going?"

Shang Ye smiled. "My apologies."

Qin Chengyue wasn't interested in dragging it out and waved magnanimously. "Whatever, I'll let it slide this time. Be more careful next time."

Then, to Ling Ran behind him, he said, "Xiao Ran, I've got something urgent to take care of. Remember to take your meds when you get home, and call me if anything comes up."

With that, he clutched his head and dashed off like the wind.

Shang Ye watched his retreating figure and instantly realized who he was, then continued on his way.

Only a few steps away, Ling Ran walked very, very slowly until he stood before Jiang Zhiyu, unsure of what to say.

The ceremony in the auditorium was nearly over. Jiang Zhiyu said, "Let's go."

Ling Ran didn't ask where, obediently falling into step behind him.

They passed through the long corridor and onto the tree-lined avenue of the campus.

This was the path he had walked every day to class, but it was the first time he was following someone else's shadow.

The slanting sunlight stretched the figure before him long across the ground. Ling Ran matched his steps, uncertain whether he was following or chasing.

It was as if someone had already smoothed the unclear path ahead—all he had to do was follow.

Outside the school gates, Zhao Qin had the car parked by the curb. Seeing them emerge, he hurried over to open the rear door.

But Jiang Zhiyu circled to the driver's seat and said to Zhao Qin, "Head back first."

Zhao Qin understood, closing the rear door and considerately opening the passenger side for Ling Ran before leaving.

People were already starting to stream out from the school gates, the crowd gradually gathering at the entrance.

Jiang Zhiyu got into the car and said quietly to the omega still standing dumbly by the door, "Get in."

Ling Ran's heart pounded wildly. He nodded and obediently took his seat.

This wasn't the first time Ling Ran had sat in the passenger seat beside Jiang Zhiyu, but last time he hadn't been fully conscious—unlike now, when his mind was racing so fast it felt like it might overload.

As for that twist of fate, he had no idea how to bring it up.

He wanted to ask Mr. Jiang why he had donated the broadcasting building to the department back then, and also inquire about what had later prevented him from giving the scheduled lecture.

But after turning the words over and over in his mind, he swallowed them all back down.

So much time had passed—perhaps no one but him even remembered it anymore. Even Professor Li had never brought it up. Even if I got an answer now, what difference would it make?

This was just a small, hidden thought buried deep in my heart. Apart from confiding it to Qin Chengyue once, no one else knew.

The car sped along the road, the silence between us thick and heavy.

As we rounded a corner, Ling Ran realized this wasn't the way back to his place.

"Where... are we going?"

The car stopped at a red light, and Jiang Zhiyu finally glanced at him.

"So you can still speak."

Ling Ran: ":<"

It wasn't like he'd suddenly gone mute.

He could vaguely sense that Jiang Zhiyu's mood had soured slightly, but he couldn't figure out why.

"Mr. Jiang..." Ling Ran spoke softly, "If... if you have other matters to attend to, you can just drop me off at the next intersection. I can get home on my own."

Jiang Zhiyu rested one arm against the window frame, his rolled-up shirt sleeve revealing firm muscles and faintly visible veins that exuded a quiet, masculine strength.

Ling Ran had witnessed how he had twisted Ling Su's arm in the restaurant. He thought to himself that he absolutely must not anger Mr. Jiang—it would be terrifying.

Yet as soon as the light turned green, the car shot forward almost instantly, the momentum throwing Ling Ran back against his seat.

Jiang Zhiyu kept his eyes on the road, his profile cold and unreadable, offering no reply.

Ling Ran thought, what do I do? It seems like Mr. Jiang got even angrier after I spoke...

He decided to keep his mouth shut. At the very least, he wouldn't be sold off.

Only when the car turned onto the coastal highway did Ling Ran look out the window, watching the shoreline drift slowly past and the fiery red sun sinking into the distance.

The sea looked as if it were on fire. Mesmerized, Ling Ran pressed closer to the window, his eyes wide with awe.

He had never known before—did Haishi always have such breathtaking sunset glows every day?

Jiang Zhiyu slowed the car slightly and rolled down the passenger window. The moist sea breeze instantly flooded the cabin.

With the view now unobstructed, Ling Ran rested his arms on the window frame, chin propped atop them, quietly admiring the scenery.

The wind gently tousled his soft hair, and Jiang Zhiyu could see his expression in the rearview mirror.

He saw his relaxed brows and eyes, the faint smile playing at his lips.

Saw his slightly parted red lips, as if swallowing the wind itself.

Saw his forehead hair blown into charming disarray, revealing those exquisite features in full—utterly captivating.

It wasn't until a sea-crossing bridge gradually appeared ahead that Ling Ran suddenly remembered—he'd been here before.

West Harbor would soon undergo development. When the plans were publicly announced, this would likely be the last chance to watch the sunset from the island.

The car ascended the bridge, heading toward West Harbor Island.

The Rolls-Royce couldn't match a Bugatti's speed, making the sunset itself seem to slow its descent, patiently waiting.

Finally, the car pulled onto a coastal platform and came to a gentle stop.

Before them stretched the boundless sea, illuminated by crimson clouds spanning thousands of miles.

What he couldn't see clearly before, Ling Ran now observed with wide-eyed wonder, leaning so far out the window he seemed determined to etch every detail into his memory.

His tension, panic, unease, sorrow, disappointment... all those painful emotions gradually dissipated with the sea breeze and unparalleled sunset, absorbed by the endless deep.

As the last glimmer of light was swallowed by the horizon, the sky remained luminous—a breathtaking fusion of red, blue and black like fireworks blooming at the world's edge.

After the sunset, Ling Ran turned—only to plunge into a pair of dark eyes.

He froze. His newly calmed heartbeat began drumming wildly again, threatening to burst from his chest.

While he'd been watching the sunset, the man beside him had apparently been watching him.

Unable to decipher that gaze, Ling Ran averted his eyes, ears gradually warming as he murmured, "Thank you."

Jiang Zhiyu braced against the window frame, still observing him. "For what?"

"For... bringing me to see the sunset," Ling Ran said. "I feel much better now."

He wasn't lying.

Only then did Jiang Zhiyu ask, "Do you want to talk about what happened today?"

Ling Ran hesitated. His humiliating scene at the restaurant—he wasn't sure how much Jiang had heard of Ling Su's words. Would he believe them too? Think Ling Ran was toying with both him and Jiang Shengyi?

"I'd already made my position clear to my family," he explained, "but they still want me to return for the marriage. This time... it's arranged with the Qin family..."

"What do you want?" Jiang Zhiyu showed no surprise. "Do you want to go back and marry?"

Ling Ran immediately shook his head. "No. I don't want to be someone's dependent object."

Jiang Zhiyu affirmed, "Well said."

Ling Ran glanced at him, seeming somewhat encouraged, and continued, "Actually, I was really nervous on stage today. But you told me before that when I'm nervous, I can take deep breaths to slowly relax myself. That helped me feel better."

"You remember my words so clearly?"

Ling Ran appeared slightly embarrassed as he nodded. "It was really helpful. The first time I recorded, I was also very nervous. After taking a few deep breaths, I gradually got it under control."

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze slowly drifted down from his eyes, silently devouring every inch of him.

"I also said you could come to me for anything," Jiang Zhiyu remarked. "If you don't want to see your family in the future, you don't have to." It wasn't any trouble at all.

Ling Ran seemed a bit doubtful. "Really, I don't have to see them? But they're my family. Wouldn't that be selfish of me..."

Noticing his downcast eyes again, Jiang Zhiyu said, "Humans are the most selfish creatures in the world. If no one loves you, you must first learn to love yourself."

Ling Ran kept his head lowered, unsure if he had taken the words to heart.

"Ling Ran," Jiang Zhiyu called softly.

The small, bowed head shifted slightly, and he added, "Look at me."

Ling Ran didn't want to lift his head. His eyes were stinging unbearably, and his vision was already starting to blur.

In front of Mr. Jiang, he always seemed to become prone to tears. The sight of his damp, teary face was ugly—he didn't want him to see it.

But a hand cupped his chin, tilting his face up until he met a pair of deep, penetrating eyes.

Jiang Zhiyu took in his reddened, wet lashes and softened his voice. "If you want to cry, then cry."

The Omega's restrained tears instantly broke free, streaming down his cheeks like a string of pearls snapping loose, pattering into his palms.

The center console between them made the position awkward.

A distressed, weeping Omega needed comfort. Suddenly, Jiang Zhiyu opened the car door and stepped out.

Ling Ran was still crying dazedly when he saw him circle around to the passenger side and open the door beside him.

Before he could react, he was scooped up by the bend of his knees and lifted from the seat.

With one hand, Jiang Zhiyu opened the rear door and carried him inside.

The back seat was far more spacious. The Omega, small in stature, curled up in the enigma's arms, nearly shrinking into a tiny ball.

Ling Ran sat astride Jiang Zhiyu's lap, hands naturally resting on his shoulders, his eyes wide with shock—though it didn't stop the tears from falling.

The way he was being held felt as though it had happened countless times before, his body fitting perfectly against the enigma's.

But he wasn't in heat, nor was he drunk.

He was simply crying with reddened eyes, and now he was being cradled and soothed.

The tie dampened by tears earlier still lay at their feet. Jiang Zhiyu wiped his tears with his hand.

"Are your eyes made of faucets?" His tone carried a hint of helplessness. "So much water."

Ling Ran pressed his lips together, gazing at him through blurred vision. He had said it was okay to cry—that was why he couldn't hold back. Now he was complaining about the tears?

As if reading his mind, Jiang Zhiyu chuckled. "Mhm, I told you to. Go ahead and cry."

He couldn't wipe away the tears fast enough to keep up with their falling, so Jiang Zhiyu simply draped his suit jacket from the backseat over his lap. This way, the fabric absorbed all the tears, preventing both their clothes from getting wet.

Ling Ran cried sorrowfully while rambling about not wanting to go home or marry someone else. Jiang Zhiyu listened, occasionally responding, one hand soothingly rubbing his back.

Whether it was his imagination or not, Ling Ran began to notice the faint scent of tequila pheromones slowly filling the car. The closer he leaned into the enigma's chest, the stronger the aroma became.

The enigma's pheromones were overwhelmingly comforting now. He couldn't help but inhale deeply, as if doing so could ease some of the sorrow in his heart.

By the time he finally cried himself out, the faint hues of dusk had already settled outside the car window.

Jiang Zhiyu removed the tear-soaked jacket and gently wiped his damp face. "Had enough?"

Ling Ran's voice was hoarse as he drew out a muffled "Mmm," sounding very much like he was sulking.

Even if he was being petulant, it was indulged.

Jiang Zhiyu withdrew his hand from the Omega's back and leaned against the seat, putting some distance between them.

Now that the Omega's emotions had settled, certain matters needed to be addressed.

"When did you go to the hospital for the check-up?"

Ling Ran sniffled before answering, "A few... days ago..."

Jiang Zhiyu's tone remained calm. "What about the medication?"

Ling Ran visibly stiffened, a reaction immediately noticed by the man before him.

Jiang Zhiyu brushed aside the stray strands of hair on his forehead and met his gaze. "You had Xu Guanyi prescribe you medicine?"

It wasn't until Qin Chengyue mentioned it that he learned Ling Ran had been taking medication all this time.

On the way over, he had asked Xu Guanyi, who reluctantly revealed the truth and advised him that no matter how busy he was, he should still make time to accompany the Omega for check-ups—and that it was best not to let the Omega rely too much on medication, as it could harm his health.

Ling Ran hadn't expected the truth to come out so quickly. But he didn't think he had done anything wrong, so he nodded slowly. "Just... a little."

Jiang Zhiyu asked, "Did Xu Guanyi tell you about the side effects of the medication?"

Ling Ran replied, "I know about them."

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled lightly, his emotions unreadable. "I don't think you do."

Even if Ling Ran was slow to react, it suddenly dawned on him why Jiang Zhiyu had been so distant and silent the entire trip.

Was it really just because he was secretly taking medication?

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