TPLTMOE – Chapter 46

The only sound Ling Ran heard was the sharp thud of the car door slamming shut.

He kicked his legs weakly, trying to sit up, but a heavy weight pressed him back down.

The enigma before him barely needed to exert any effort to pin him firmly against the seat before his broad, muscular chest descended upon him.

Ling Ran's entire body tensed instantly. "Mmm..."

Jiang Zhiyu wasn't using much force—their bodies merely hovered close, yet the little Omega was trapped securely in the confined space, allowed no room to escape.

Ling Ran whimpered in discomfort, his voice tinged with grievance. "My stomach..."

Jiang Zhiyu lifted a hand and rested it there. "Did I hurt you?"

Ling Ran sucked in a breath, trying to tighten his abdomen. "No..."

It was just that he had eaten too much earlier, and now, pressed against the enigma, he felt uncomfortably full.

Through the thin fabric of his clothes, Jiang Zhiyu could feel the taut skin beneath his fingers—stretched tight, the belly slightly rounded from being stuffed full. A light press revealed the firmness beneath.

The Omega's body was too slender, his stomach nearly devoid of fat, covered only by a thin layer of skin.

Yet just a few extra bites had visibly distended it.

Ling Ran nearly cried out from the pressure, his hands scrambling to grip Jiang Zhiyu's wrist. "Don't—don't press..."

Jiang Zhiyu didn't withdraw his hand, only asking, "Haven't you been eating properly?"

"Eaten properly."

Ling Ran couldn't quite see the expression in the other's eyes as he answered softly, his tone almost ingratiating, as if afraid that hand might press down on his stomach again.

Jiang Zhiyu lowered his head and bit Ling Ran's lips once more. "No lying."

Ling Ran let out a muffled whimper, quickly licking the spot where he'd been bitten—it stung a little.

"Sometimes I eat properly...

Jiang Zhiyu tapped his fingertip lightly. "From now on, you'll eat on time every day and send me photos."

Ling Ran asked in a small voice, "Do comforters for enigmas have such requirements?"

"Yes," Jiang Zhiyu's voice deepened. "Enigmas are possessive. They especially can't stand their Omegas being intimate with others."

Ling Ran blinked. "Their Omega..."

Was he Jiang Zhiyu's Omega?

Jiang Zhiyu spoke calmly, patience lacing his words. "I've already marked you. Not only will you grow dependent on me, but I'll also develop possessiveness and aggression toward you. If you get too close to another alpha, I might lose control."

The air inside the car seemed to grow thick and humid, remnants of tequila and grape pheromones intertwining, merging, fermenting into an intoxicating blend of agave wine that enveloped them both.

Ling Ran's limbs were pinned, unable to move—not that he felt any urge to resist.

The enigma's proximity sent his heart leaping with exhilaration, but the rapid beating left him slightly dizzy.

"If you lose control... what would happen?"

The little Omega seemed to have mustered some courage from somewhere, stammering out the question.

But the moment the words left his mouth, Ling Ran regretted it.

That probably wasn't the main point of Jiang Zhiyu's warning...

Narrow, cold eyes narrowed further as Jiang Zhiyu leaned in, his breath scorching, like a beast lying in wait, ready to strike at any moment.

"I'd want to claim you permanently."

Ling Ran shuddered, as if sensing something terrifying, and instinctively tried to shrink back into the seat.

No, absolutely not...

The disparity between an enigma and an Omega was too great. And his stomach was so small—just a little overeating made it swell uncomfortably.

He'd break.

Jiang Zhiyu saw the fear in his eyes and gently stroked his cheek. "Alright, don't be afraid."

Not now.

Ling Ran murmured dazedly, "I'll eat properly. I won't get close to other alphas. I'll... I'll be obedient..." Please don't break him.

His voice was soft and docile, his cheek nuzzling into Jiang Zhiyu's palm as he spoke, his body swaying —inevitably brushing against something, sending another wave of heat to his face.

The enigma, appeased by his promise, finally relented. He kissed Ling Ran's lips lightly before pulling him up from the seat and settling him onto his lap.

"Be specific," Jiang Zhiyu said patiently. "How exactly do you plan to do that?"

Ling Ran thought for a moment. "I'll send you photos every day when I eat."

"Mm."

"And maintain polite, friendly distance from other alphas—no intimate contact."

"Hmm."

"That should be enough now."

Ling Ran pursed his lips slightly, his soft lower lip catching gently against his teeth, and he felt a faint sting.

Seeing his frown, Jiang Zhiyu tilted his chin up, making him part his lips before slowly licking the swollen, rosy lip with warm, velvety strokes—unbelievably tender, soothing the ache.

Whoever caused the damage should be responsible for comforting it.

"Not enough," Jiang Zhiyu withdrew, his voice slightly hoarse.

Ling Ran's lips were left damp, the pain indeed lessened. Hearing this, he asked, "Then what else do you need?"

Jiang Zhiyu raised his hand, rubbing his thumb lightly over Ling Ran's lips to wipe away the lingering silver strand at the corner.

"My rut is coming soon."

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been pinning him down to kiss so often lately, nor would he keep wanting to claim him with a permanent mark regardless of consequences.

Ling Ran's mind seemed to explode—his words stumbling: "Ah... then, what should I... what should I do?"

Jiang Zhiyu replied calmly, "Kiss me often. Give me your pheromones."

That wasn't too difficult. Ling Ran nodded obediently, "Okay."

"My needs are high. It'll be frequent," Jiang Zhiyu looked at him. "So you might need to move out. Staying with others won't be convenient anymore."

Ling Ran hesitated. It wasn't that he didn't want to move out—before, he simply couldn't afford it.

Now, though his bonuses and salary had added up to a decent savings, moving on short notice wasn't easy. Worse, he didn't know how to bring it up to Chengyue.

"The company provides welfare housing for new employees. You can stay for free," Jiang Zhiyu said. "Zhao Qin will handle the application. Don't worry about the rest."

Ling Ran blinked in confusion. "But I've never heard of this welfare policy before?"

Jiang Zhiyu didn't bat an eye. "Jiangzhou branch doesn't have it. Headquarters does." Reassured, Ling Ran nodded. "I see."

Once he stopped questioning it, Jiang Zhiyu finally opened the car door to let him out.

Before leaving, he pinched Ling Ran's cheek and kissed his lips again. "Remember your promise."

Flushing, Ling Ran nodded. "I remember."

Jiang Zhiyu patted his head. "Go on up."

Only after Ling Ran returned home and peered out the window did he see the car's taillights slowly driving away.

"What're you looking at?"

Qin Chengyue came up behind him, following his gaze downward—but saw nothing but darkness below.

Ling Ran turned away and sat back on the couch. "Chengyue, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Qin Chengyue shrugged. "Go ahead."

Ling Ran phrased it carefully. "Well... you know Director Jiang is helping with my treatment, so sometimes, living with you might... might..."

Before he could finish, Qin Chengyue clutched his chest dramatically. "Enough, enough! Friends grow up and drift apart. If you want to move out, just go! Ling Ran, you're doing better now, so you don't need this old, worthless friend anymore. It's fine. I'm okay. As long as you're happy, even if I starve under a bridge, what does it matter—“

Ling Ran couldn't help laughing, grabbing his arm and shaking it. "Chengyue, what nonsense are you saying? I'd never abandon you. I'll always need you—no one in this world could ever replace you."

Qin Chengyue was momentarily stunned by the sincere expression on his face.

Jiang Zhiyu had already given him a heads-up, so he knew Ling Ran wouldn't be staying with him for long. But he hadn't expected Ling Ran to say something like this, and warmth instantly spread through Qin Chengyue's chest.

"You're not allowed to live too far from me," Qin Chengyue said with a hint of stubbornness. "I've already made a huge sacrifice by letting you go. Tell President Jiang to buy you a place close to me—preferably in this neighborhood, right next door or downstairs. Any farther and I won't accept it. I can't handle a long-distance friendship."

Ling Ran explained, "That might not be possible. I'll be staying in the company's welfare housing. The conditions might not be great—maybe more like a dormitory—but it's fine since it's free."

Qin Chengyue stared at him. "Since when does our company have welfare housing?"

Ling Ran replied, "It's a policy from headquarters. Jiangzhou doesn't have it."

Qin Chengyue's lips twitched. His friend was perfect in every way, sharp-minded, but sometimes just a little too naive—getting tricked and still thanking the kidnapper.

Just then, the study door opened. Qin Shixing, who had been on a nearly hour-long phone call, emerged with a furrowed brow, clearly troubled by work.

Spotting the two of them, he forced a smile. "Sorry, Xiao Ran. I was supposed to spend the evening with you and Chengyue, but something came up at the company. I might have to head back to deal with it."

Ling Ran quickly reassured him, "No worries, work comes first. But it's so late—are you really going back now?"

"Yeah, it's a bit urgent. I need to handle it personally."

"Bro, do you want me to come with you?" Qin Chengyue asked with concern.

Qin Shixing shook his head. "No need. Stay home with Xiao Ran. Lock the doors before bed, and call me if anything happens. I'll visit again when I have time."

Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue walked Qin Shixing to the door.

Once he was gone, Qin Chengyue hurriedly explained, "My brother showed up on his own today—I didn't call him. I had no idea you were with President Jiang, or I would've kicked him out first."

Ling Ran smiled and said, "It's fine."

"Really fine?" Qin Chengyue asked. "President Jiang isn't angry?"

"Angry?" Ling Ran seemed to realize it only now. "Was he angry?"

That would explain why he'd thrown him onto the seat, pressed on his stomach, and bitten his lips.

Qin Chengyue was nearly at his wit's end, wondering how President Jiang could possibly endure this. He shook Ling Ran's head vigorously. "Good heavens, when will you finally get a clue?"

Ling Ran thought seriously but couldn't pinpoint where he might be lacking in understanding.

He was clearly quite sharp.

At lunch the next day, Ling Ran deliberately took a photo of his meal and sent it to Jiang Zhiyu.

It was a nutritious lunch prepared by Song Yi—a small imported steak, two pieces of cod, four langoustines, a pile of colorful vegetables, and a bowl of nourishing soup.

After taking the photo, Ling Ran began eating in small bites. Song Yi had packed him a slightly larger portion than usual, and toward the end, he felt he couldn't finish it all. He considered leaving some, but before he could, a reply came through.

[Mr. Jiang]: Take another photo after you finish.

[Little Grape]: Tearful cat emoji.jpg

With no choice, he tearfully forced down every last bite.

After the meal, Zhao Qin came to the news department. Without greeting anyone else, he pulled Ling Ran aside.

The two went to the stairwell, where Zhao Qin handed over a set of keys.

Ling Ran took them with a puzzled look. "What's this?"

Zhao Qin explained, "This is the residence the company has arranged for you—a welfare benefit. You're free to use it as you please."

Ling Ran nodded, though he didn't quite understand why they had to come to such a secluded spot just for this.

Zhao Qin then handed over another key. "This is also yours."

It was a car key, and Ling Ran recognized the Porsche emblem.

"Is this also a company benefit?" He narrowed his eyes, suddenly sensing something odd.

Zhao Qin studied his expression and, seeing his suspicion, said, "This one isn't. It's President Jiang's personal car—a new purchase, not too expensive. Since it's new, it needs to be driven for a while to break it in. But President Jiang has plenty of cars at home and doesn't need this one. Since you're someone he trusts, he'd like to ask for your help."

Ling Ran was completely baffled. "Ask for my help?"

Zhao Qin: "Yes. If you prefer driving yourself, then go ahead. If not, I can arrange a driver for you. Would you prefer a male or female driver? A beta, perhaps?"

Ling Ran immediately waved his hands. "No, no, I can drive it myself."

Zhao Qin smiled in relief. "Good. The apartment isn't far from your current place—just a nearby neighborhood. After work today, go take a look and see if you like it. If not, let me know anytime, and I'll find you something better."

Ling Ran was deeply grateful. "You've already gone to so much trouble, Assistant Zhao. I just need a place to stay—I'm not picky." Zhao Qin smiled quietly to himself. Mr. Ling might be easy to please, but President Jiang was anything but easy to fool.

Once the task was complete, Zhao Qin made a quick exit. Clutching the two sets of keys, Ling Ran returned to his workstation.

After work, Qin Chengyue insisted on hitching a ride with Ling Ran and demanded to see his new place immediately.

Seeing that Jiang Zhiyu had given Ling Ran a Porsche, Qin Chengyue's initial suspicions had mostly dissipated.

Clearly, Ling Ran wasn't suffering any hardships under Jiang Zhiyu's care.

Ling Ran still wasn't entirely comfortable driving, but having Qin Chengyue in the passenger seat gave him some courage. When they pulled into the residential complex Zhao Qin had sent them, both were stunned.

"The company's welfare housing is in Yutang Mansion?" Qin Chengyue's eyes widened as he looked around—this neighborhood was even more upscale than his own apartment.

Ling Ran was speechless. He parked the car in front of a building closest to the river.

"I think... this is the place?"

At the very least, the location Zhao Qin had sent matched.

"Never mind, let's go up and check. If the door opens, we'll know for sure."

Qin Chengyue dragged Ling Ran upstairs. The building had a private elevator for each unit, leading directly to the front door.

Though there was a keypad lock, Ling Ran used the physical key to open it.

The moment they stepped inside, their shock deepened.

The entire floor had been converted into a sprawling penthouse, spanning five to six hundred square meters. The furnishings were luxurious yet understated, minimalist yet exuding an air of extravagance.

Floor-to-ceiling windows faced the river, offering a breathtaking view of the waterfront. In the distance, the towering Jiang Corporation skyscraper pierced the sky, standing opposite them across the Puyu River.

Qin Chengyue dashed around excitedly, exploring every corner as if he owned the place.

Ling Ran was equally stunned. Was this really employee housing?

He wandered around absentmindedly until he found himself in the massive master bedroom.

The first thing that caught his eye was an enormous king-sized bed, draped in a plush velvet throw. The entire floor was covered in thick, soft carpeting.

A small bay window extended from the bedroom, identical to the one in Jiang Zhiyu's office—except this one was much larger, easily spacious enough for someone to lie down on.

Ling Ran's cheeks suddenly burned.

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