TPLTMOE – Chapter 47

Ling Ran quickly retreated from the master bedroom.

This place was too extravagant to be company housing. Zhao Qin must have made a mistake.

Before Qin Chengyue could finish exploring, Ling Ran pulled him away.

The next day at work, Ling Ran went up to the 101st floor to ask Jiang Zhiyu about it, only to be stopped by the secretary, who gently informed him that the CEO had left on an urgent business trip and wasn't in Haishi.

With the two keys still in his pocket, Ling Ran asked if Zhao Qin was available.

As if on cue, Zhao Qin stepped out of the elevator. Spotting Ling Ran, he initially tried to avoid him, but Ling Ran called out, "Assistant Zhao."

Zhao Qin turned with a smile. "Mr. Ling, you didn't have to come up. I could've come down to see you."

Ling Ran handed him the keys. "There must be some mistake. That can't be company housing. And I really can't accept the car either."

He wasn't the type to take advantage of others. Besides, he could support himself now. With hard work, he'd eventually be able to afford his own car and home.

Zhao Qin didn't dare to take it directly, racking his brain for an excuse to make Ling Ran accept the items when the secretary suddenly stepped in to explain: "Actually, there's no mistake, Mr. Ling. The company's welfare housing happens to be fully occupied at the moment. But President Jiang, being very considerate of employees, used some of his personal properties to make up the difference. The unit allocated to you is one under President Jiang's name."

Ling Ran looked skeptical: "Is that so?"

Zhao Qin nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, exactly."

Ling Ran asked: "What about the car?"

Zhao Qin replied: "Is it not comfortable to drive? Would you like us to arrange a different one? Do you prefer a Panamera?"

Ling Ran quickly shook his head: "No, no, that's not what I meant..."

The secretary added: "If you find the car difficult to handle, Mr. Ling, Assistant Zhao can take you to the garage to choose another. We're sure you'll find something to your liking."

Zhao Qin suggested: "If none in the garage appeals to you, perhaps we could visit a car show? There's one this afternoon at the beachfront villas. I'll just tell the news department manager you've been called up for a meeting. It's only half an hour away."

The secretary agreed with the arrangement: "I'll inform the news department. You should take Mr. Ling now, but don't return too late and delay his off-duty time."

As the secretary went to make the call, Zhao Qin held the elevator door open, signaling Ling Ran to leave.

Ling Ran looked bewildered: "...?"

Their coordinated responses seemed rehearsed.

He had come to return the car keys, not to get a new vehicle.

"No need, really no need," Ling Ran clutched the keys and dashed into the elevator, pressing the close button before Zhao Qin could enter. "This car is perfectly fine, really. Goodbye."

As the elevator doors closed, Zhao Qin and the secretary exchanged relieved glances.

Ling Ran returned to his 20th-floor workstation with the keys still in his pocket. After much deliberation, he decided not to use the car or move into the apartment until he could clarify matters with Mr. Jiang upon his return.

He hadn't planned to move into the luxury flat, but to his surprise, Zhao Qin arrived with a team of movers early Saturday morning, ringing his doorbell.

Both Omegas, still half-asleep—one in watermelon-patterned pajamas, the other in grape-patterned ones—sat bleary-eyed on the sofa, watching a dozen professional movers carefully packing their belongings with foam padding and cardboard boxes.

Ling Ran realized they were packing his belongings and stepped forward to stop them, but Song Yi and Zhao Qin persuaded him to sit back down on the sofa.

Soon, Song Yi joined in as well, directing everyone to neatly pack up everything in Ling Ran's room and carry it downstairs.

Ling Ran didn't have many possessions, so everything was moved in one trip. Truthfully, he didn't need to bring these things—once he moved in, everything would be taken care of, and all items and clothes would naturally be replaced with new ones.

But considering the young Omega might be reluctant to discard his belongings, Jiang Zhiyu had Zhao Qin arrange for everything to be carefully packed and moved over.

"Mr. Ling, would you like to go with the car now, or should I come back later to pick you up?" Zhao Qin asked politely.

Ling Ran rubbed his eyes and glanced at the open door—the room inside was now completely empty.

"I didn't plan to move in right away..."

Zhao Qin explained, "The place there is spacious, and you'll be much more comfortable. Song Yi will also be there to take care of you. If Mr. Qin wishes to visit, he can stay for a few days as well. I'll arrange for another housekeeper here, so Mr. Qin won't be neglected."

Qin Chengyue, standing nearby, muttered, "...Thanks for that."

Not only had they taken Ling Ran away from him, but now Song Yi was being taken too.

He despised these cold-blooded, ruthless capitalists.

Zhao Qin asked again, "Would you like to go over now?"

Qin Chengyue jumped up abruptly. "Yes! I'm going too! I'm staying there tonight!"

Zhao Qin smiled politely. "Of course."

That very night, Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue moved into Yutang Mansion.

Ling Ran wanted to invite Qin Chengyue to share the master bedroom's large bed with him—after all, it was so wide that sleeping alone felt almost wasteful.

Without hesitation, Qin Chengyue refused. "I'll take the guest room."

"Why?" Ling Ran looked at him pleadingly and tugged at his hand. "Chengyue, don't you want to sleep with me anymore? We used to share a bed all the time..."

Qin Chengyue declared solemnly, "You have your own enigma now. You can't just share a bed with anyone anymore, understand? An enigma's possessiveness is even more terrifying than an alpha's. I'd rather not die young."

Ling Ran blinked. "But... Mr. Jiang isn't my enigma."

Qin Chengyue pinched the vine extending from the little grape pattern on his clothes. "Tell me—have you hugged?"

Ling Ran nodded. "Yes."

"Kissed?"

"Y-yes."

"Marked?"

"That... also happened..."

Qin Chengyue concluded, "Then he's your enigma."

Ling Ran's cheeks flushed slightly, as if recalling something.

That night, he slept alone on the soft, swan velvet-covered bed, feeling as though countless gentle tendrils were caressing and cradling him.

He dreamed of damp, sticky sea breezes and a pair of hands filled with tender affection. Their owner was strikingly handsome yet severe, leaning down to kiss him.

In an airtight, confined space—lofty, coercive, with clear rewards and punishments.

At times magnanimous enough to embrace all his flaws and stains, at others miserly and sharp, pushing him to unbearable heights.

He melted into a pool of water, a bubbling spring, a plump grape ripened to perfection, a glass of rich wine exuding sweet fragrance.

When he opened his eyes again, it was already noon the next day. Ling Ran had slept deeply and soundly—the bed was incredibly comfortable, though the plush blanket was a bit too warm, leaving him slightly sweaty.

Pulling back the thin covers, he saw his snow-white, delicate skin glistening with a sheen of moisture. At some point during the night, he must have gotten so hot that he had taken off his pants. His smooth thighs rubbed against the velvet sheets, and something felt... off between his legs.

Ling Ran's eyes widened in shock. He quickly yanked the covers back over himself, squeezing his legs together tightly as a flush spread from his neck all the way to the tips of his ears.

How... how could this happen...

The air seemed thick with a sweet, cloying scent of pheromones. He hastily reached to touch the gland at the nape of his neck—no pain, no swelling. It wasn't a heat.

Yet even without being in heat, he'd had that kind of dream... and even dirtied the sheets...

With a soft thud, Ling Ran flopped back into the blankets, pulling the thin cover over his burning face.

He missed Mr. Jiang a little.

***

Before getting up, Ling Ran stealthily tossed both the blanket and sheets into the washing machine. While hanging them out to dry, he was spotted by Song Yi, who insisted on helping and told him to leave such chores to him in the future.

Ling Ran, embarrassed, could only nod in agreement.

Qin Chengyue had stayed at Ling Ran's place over the weekend. One perk of the spacious apartment was that a couple of laps around the rooms could easily count as a morning stroll.

On Monday morning, the two left at about the same time, crossing the bridge one after the other.

Today, Jiang Media was holding an all-hands meeting. Aside from the news and entertainment divisions, representatives from administration, PR, business development, and operations were also required to attend.

These big meetings were always dull—praise for some departments, criticism for others, listening to the higher-ups brag about the company's achievements and performance, followed by another executive painting grand visions for the future. That was pretty much the gist of it.

Ling Ran was nearly dozing off when the speaker suddenly shifted focus, commending the news division—especially Focus Perspective, the new program that had been on air for less than a month. Its ratings and public reception had been outstanding.

Meanwhile, News Exclusive, once hailed as Jiang Media's flagship program, had resumed broadcasting the previous week but was still met with considerable backlash online. The network's former star anchor, Yin Chu, had finally fallen from grace. Netizens were now digging up his past on-air slip-ups, grammatical errors, and ill-timed opinions, compiling them into viral clips and compilations of his "problematic" remarks—all in an effort to permanently brand him with infamy.

Jiang Media's response? Radio silence. On top of that, under directives from headquarters, they had quietly spread the word within the industry: no media outlet was to hire Yin Chu, or they'd be making an enemy of the entire Jiang family.

By the end of the meeting, Ling Ran was already whispering with Qin Chengyue about lunch plans when Jiang Shengyi suddenly rushed in, making a beeline for the stage.

Qin Chengyue muttered under his breath, "Ugh, what's that dog doing here? What bad luck."

Ling Ran covered his mouth. "Just pretend we didn't see him."

As Jiang Shengyi took his seat on the stage, his gaze swiftly swept across the faces of hundreds of employees before finally landing on the small Omega sitting in the corner with his head lowered.

He studied Ling Ran carefully, made a few perfunctory remarks, and then announced the meeting adjourned.

Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue waited for a while, only leaving the conference room after everyone else had cleared out.

Just as they were about to hurry off, the manager called out to them, "Ling Ran, wait for me in the office. I have something to discuss with you privately. Xiao Qin, you can go ahead for lunch."

Ling Ran nodded obediently, telling Qin Chengyue that the lunches Song Yi had prepared for them were in his bag and that he should go ahead and eat. Then, he turned and headed for the manager's office.

But the moment he opened the office door, Ling Ran froze in place.

Someone was sitting on the sofa inside—Jiang Shengyi. Hearing the sound, he fixed his burning gaze on Ling Ran, the intensity of it deeply unsettling.

Ling Ran only hesitated for two seconds before realizing Jiang Shengyi had deliberately tricked the manager into luring him here. Without a second thought, he turned to leave, only for his arm to be abruptly seized.

"Do you really hate seeing me that much?" Jiang Shengyi's voice was heavy, as if his spine had been ripped out. He couldn't even stand straight, his body slightly tilting toward the petite Omega, as though desperate to be closer while speaking.

Ling Ran pulled his arm free, his expression cold. "Yes."

Jiang Shengyi's tone bordered on pleading. "Xiao Ran, I regret everything. Let's get engaged again, okay? If you're worried about losing face, I can propose to you publicly. This time, I swear I'll never mention breaking off the engagement again. Please come back."

Hearing his words, Ling Ran looked almost incredulous, as if he had just heard the most absurd joke. He stared at Jiang Shengyi, puzzled. "Do you really think everything can be fixed with just a simple 'I regret it"?"

Jiang Shengyi's eyes reddened slightly, his gaze ravenous as it lingered on Ling Ran's face, unwilling to look away for even a second.

"Xiao Ran, I've thought a lot about everything these past few months. I know I made mistakes before, but I'll change. I'll change everything, as long as you give me another chance, okay? I can prove to you that I can be better than any other alpha. I'll cherish you more than anyone else ever could. So please, stop seeing other alphas. Come back to me, please?"

Without hesitation, Ling Ran replied, "We can't go back. And besides, I already have my own alpha now."

He paused at this point but didn't offer any further explanation. As long as Jiang Shengyi understood that there was no possibility between them anymore, that was enough.

"Don't come bothering me again in the future. He won't be happy about it."

After saying this, Ling Ran left the office.

Outside the door, someone was standing there—unnoticed until now—and their eyes met instantly. Jiang Ronglian's delicate face twisted with a flash of hatred and disgust.

Ling Ran merely gave her an indifferent glance before walking past her as if she were a stranger.

Jiang Shengyi hurried out of the office, intent on chasing after Ling Ran, but Jiang Ronglian blocked his path.

"What do you think you're doing?" Jiang Ronglian pressed her jade-red painted fingers against the alpha's shoulder. "You said you had to come to Jiangzhou for some report meeting, but I see now it was all just an excuse. You just wanted to see that little slut, didn't you? It's been so long since the engagement was called off—why are you still in contact with him?"

Jiang Shengyi pushed her hand away. Seeing that the young omega's figure had already disappeared, he could only frown at Jiang Ronglian and say, "Mom, don't talk about him like that. Xiao Ran is kind-hearted and soft-natured. If I keep pleading with him for a while, he'll definitely change his mind."

Jiang Ronglian was absolutely furious. "Pleading with him? Do you even hear yourself? Have you forgotten he's sick—an omega who can't even bear children? What's the point of having him? Do you want the second branch's lineage to end with you?!"

"I don't care about having children. I'm not even that fond of kids," Jiang Shengyi said, his expression gradually settling into a stubborn determination. "He and I are fated mates, destined to be together. I can't live without him, and he definitely can't live without me either. Even if you oppose it, it won't change anything. I've fallen for him."

Jiang Ronglian angrily flung her handbag at his face. "Have you lost your mind?! Instead of wasting time like this, why don't you go back and help your father more? All the second branch's assets will be yours someday—but now even Jiangzhou is slipping into Jiang Zhiyu's control, and you're still not worried!"

Jiang Shengyi replied, "He's my father's own younger brother. If even Dad can't outmaneuver him, what do you expect me to do?"

Jiang Ronglian was beside herself. "You're completely bewitched by that little slut, aren't you? Your head is full of nothing but disgraceful nonsense. Just wait until your father deals with you!"

With that, she turned and stormed off, her high heels angrily clicking against the marble floor.

Jiang Shengyi sighed, picked up the handbag she had thrown, and chased after her.

***

That evening, when Ling Ran returned home, Song Yi had prepared four dishes for him. By the time he finished eating, he was almost too full, but there were still leftovers.

Originally, Qin Chengyue was supposed to come over for dinner, but he had gone back to the Qin family tonight, leaving Ling Ran alone at the dining table.

Song Yi's professional standards were too high—he would never dine with his employers.

This was when the downside of living in such a large house became apparent. Everywhere felt empty, the silence of the night amplifying the loneliness.

As usual, Ling Ran took a photo of his meal and sent it to Jiang Zhiyu.

These past few days, he had been diligently checking in, as if under remote surveillance. If he ate too little or was picky about any meal, the person on the other end would mercilessly call him out, prompting Song Yi to adjust the next meal accordingly, trying to prepare disliked ingredients in ways he'd enjoy.

Ling Ran felt like his appetite had indeed grown. When he touched his stomach, there was a softness to it now, though he was still too thin—especially when lying down, his thin belly seemed to cling tightly to his slender hip bones.

After finishing his meal and watching some cartoons on the sofa, the other party finally replied.

Ling Ran knew Mr. Jiang had been busy with work trips lately, sometimes delayed in checking messages. But no matter how late, he always responded once he saw them.

[Mr. Jiang]: "Ate all that by yourself?"

[Little Grape]: "Yep!"

[Little Grape): Cat smirking proudly.jpg

[Mr. Jiang]: "Why are you still up so late?"

Ling Ran was actually exhausted but remained curled on the sofa, squinting as he typed.

[Little Grape]: "Are you done with work?"

The sudden video call ringtone startled him awake. Nervously biting his lip, he answered.

The screen showed dim lighting, illuminated only by the cold glow of a laptop.

The man seated in the chair was mostly shadowed, revealing only sharp, austere contours.

In contrast, Ling Ran's side was bathed in warm yellow light. Fresh from a shower, his hair was soft and fluffy, framing his forehead. His eyes were misty with drowsiness.

Jiang Zhiyu's voice sounded weary, slightly hoarse: "Go lie down in bed. It's cold out there."

Not a suggestion, but an order.

Ling Ran murmured an obedient "Okay" and carried his phone to the bedroom, the camera bobbing with each step. A glimpse of delicate, fair skin peeked from his loose collar.

Jiang Zhiyu pinched the bridge of his nose. Only when the little Omega finally settled onto the bed did he speak again, voice low: "Don't stay up this late again."

Ling Ran defended softly, "I was waiting for your reply..."

"You can check it in the morning," Jiang Zhiyu said. "Next time, I won't respond if you do this."

"I understand," Ling Ran conceded. "I'll sleep earlier from now on."

Satisfied with the promise, Jiang Zhiyu dropped the subject.

It was past midnight—time to hang up and let the Omega rest. Yet Jiang Zhiyu's frown remained, his dark gaze piercing through the screen as if to pin the Omega wrapped in snowy blankets.

Ling Ran sensed something unusual tonight. He'd meant to ask about the RV, but his attention snagged on a long syringe accidentally visible beside the laptop.

He recognized it instantly: an inhibitor for suppressing heats or ruts.

"Mr. Jiang, are you exhausted?" Ling Ran ventured.

The Enigma massaged his temples. Of course he was—multiple headquarters projects were advancing simultaneously, compounded by responsibilities across business divisions. Between trips, he'd squeezed in several video conferences, having just ended a joint meeting before replying to the Omega.

There were still a few documents to review later. If it weren't for the pheromones simmering restlessly within him, making it impossible to calm down, he wouldn't have needed to push that inhibitor injection.

An Enigma's self-control was usually enough to handle the mild reactions during the early stages of rut.

But this time was different. Jiang Zhiyu could feel the suppressed pheromones accumulating at a much more violent and overwhelming rate than before.

Perhaps it was because he had marked the Omega multiple times—the Omega's pheromones had some influence. But more than that, knowing that the gathered pheromones would have someone to fully and properly bear them, it was like a thousand-mile dam collapsing in an instant. The overwhelming surge of restless desire was something even an Enigma struggled to withstand.

"Mr. Jiang?" The little Omega on the other end called out again in a soft, sweet voice.

Jiang Zhiyu leaned back into his chair, submerging himself entirely in darkness. His gaze could now roam more brazenly across every inch of the screen, his scorching stare practically stripping the little Omega bare, imagining him tearful, flushed, and utterly helpless.

But Ling Ran couldn't see any of it.

He was just a little worried. Instinctively, he leaned closer to the screen, staring at the other side as he said, "Mr. Jiang, if you're really uncomfortable... when you come back, I'll help you, okay?"

Those lips were too wet, too plush.

Even the trembling Cupid's bow quivered slightly.

Ling Ran didn't get a response—instead, the video call was abruptly disconnected.

He blinked at his phone screen, stunned for a moment.

A message came through from the other side, the sound of heated, uneven breathing cut off by the screen.

[Mr. Jiang]: Bad signal here.

[Mr. Jiang]: Wait for me to come back.

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