TPLTMOE – Chapter 55

Just before noon, Ning Xinqiao called Ling Ran's entire team into his office.

The four of them had been discussing the direction of their report on "Palm Pearl," but Ning Xinqiao abruptly shut down their project.

"Perhaps I wasn't clear enough last time," Ning Xinqiao said. "I told you to start researching the Palm Pearl topic, but I didn't mean for you to begin filming immediately. After reconsidering, I think this assignment would be better suited for another team. Your group lacks senior leadership, and many things might be difficult to coordinate."

Qin Chengyue immediately stood up. "What do you mean by that?!"

Ning Xinqiao looked at him. "You're always the most impulsive one. Charging ahead isn't always the best approach. Learn from your team leader—be more composed."

Ling Ran then stood up, frowning at Ning Xinqiao. "Boss, I'd also like to know what you mean by this."

Ning Xinqiao hesitated before explaining, "I know you've already put in a lot of preliminary work, and it won't go to waste. Everything will be handed over to another team to follow up on. You'll still get a share of the bonus. How does that sound?"

His tone was patronizing, as if placating children, but Ling Ran wasn't so easily fooled.

On the surface, Palm Pearl appeared to be just a private club providing event venues, but in reality, it was a massive underground operation offering special services to political and business elites. The entire operation had formed a complete industrial chain. Many Omegas were initially lured or trafficked there, subjected to inhumane abuse, and eventually corrupted by the decadent, hedonistic lifestyle, willingly sinking deeper into the mire.

Past news reports had revealed some traces of this. Even earlier, an Omega who had escaped had given an exclusive interview to the media, but the article was swiftly scrubbed from the internet, and the Omega vanished without a trace.

Qin Chengyue had used some technical means to retrieve that article, and the team had just been reviewing its contents. They had even mapped out the general process of a typical transaction at Palm Pearl.

Everyone was eager to dive into the investigation, only to be abruptly shut down at this critical moment.

As the team leader, Ling Ran forced himself to summon the courage to stand his ground. Even if he didn't think of himself, he had to consider the hard work his team had already put in.

He opened the folder in his arms and handed it to Ning Xinqiao.

"This is the material our team has compiled over the past few days, along with our ideas for uncovering this story. Beyond this, there are about a dozen versions of shooting scripts stored on my computer."

Ning Xinqiao took it and flipped through the pages, momentarily stunned.

He had assumed their preparations were like any other project—just drafting scripts and digging up old reports. But the documents in his hands were dense, every page filled with meticulous notes and detailed annotations. Even materials on the Dong family and Dong Hui had been thoroughly analyzed. It was clear they had invested tremendous effort.

He looked up at the four newcomers standing before him, their eyes brimming with hope.

It was good that young people had ideals and drive. Their passion for journalism might grow numb and indifferent over time with experience.

But right now, their desperate yearning for the truth was something no one in his position could coldly refuse.

Ning Xinqiao snapped the document shut with a "thud" and handed it back to Ling Ran.

Ling Ran clenched his fist, his tone steady. "I know my ability and experience are lacking, but my strength is that I'm more persistent than anyone else. My team members are the same—we won't give up easily just because we face setbacks. Even if this topic isn't approved now, we'll keep refining our proposal and preparing thoroughly. Sooner or later, it'll pass. So... could you not assign this topic to another group?" Ning Xinqiao sighed softly. "Take your materials and go."

Qin Chengyue pressed both hands on the desk, staring at him intently. "No, we won't go. If you give this topic to another group, we'll camp right here and never leave."

Yang Jia and Xiaofeng, seeing this, also turned pleading eyes toward Ning Xinqiao.

"Boss, just give us one chance."

"Yeah, boss, let us try first. If we really can't handle it, we'll voluntarily give up the topic and hand it over to another —we swear we won't complain at all!"

The moment those words left Xiaofeng's mouth, Ling Ran, Qin Chengyue, and Yang Jia all whipped their heads toward him.

Did you seriously just say that?

Xiaofeng shut his mouth under the glare of three Omegas.

Ning Xinqiao, worn down by their persistence, finally lost his temper and strode over to fling the office door open.

"Fine, shoot it if you want. This topic won't go to another group. If higher-ups blame us, I'll take the fall. But if this news segment turns out badly, every single one of you four can forget about ever showing your faces in front of me again."

Ling Ran's eyes lit up with excitement—Ning Xinqiao had relented and agreed to let them continue.

The four of them were so overjoyed they could barely walk straight, practically sprinting out of the office in a row.

As they passed Ning Xinqiao, they didn't forget to flash him sycophantic grins.

Xiaofeng: "Thanks, boss!"

Yang Jia: "Long live the boss!"

Qin Chengyue nearly threw himself at the Alpha for a hug. "Boss, you're the coolest—love you!"

Ning Xinqiao was genuinely disgusted and shoved the approaching Omega away. "Get the hell out of here!"

Qin Chengyue ran off, laughing.

Ling Ran also smiled, his eyes curving as he said to Ning Xinqiao, "Boss, we'll do our best."

Ning Xinqiao wasn't actually worried about his capability and reminded him, "All of you need to be extra careful. If anything comes up you can't handle, call me anytime."

Ling Ran nodded obediently. "Got it."

"Actually, I have something else to take care of later. Do me a favor—take this to the 101st floor for me," Ning Xinqiao handed him a folder. "It still needs President Jiang's signature."

Ling Ran took the folder, curious. "But usually, documents requiring President Jiang's signature are collected by headquarters staff. Since when do we have to deliver them ourselves?"

The 101st floor was normally off-limits to regular employees. Ling Ran kept this firmly in mind, not wanting Ning Xinqiao to think he had any special connections.

Ning Xinqiao vaguely explained, "Oh, this document is quite important, so someone needs to deliver it personally. Hurry up, don't ask too many questions."

Mainly because if the questions continued, Ning Xinqiao was afraid he might expose himself. In truth, he had long known about the unspeakable relationship between Ling Ran and President Jiang.

Ling Ran held the documents and resignedly headed to the 101st floor.

The secretary could monitor the inside of the elevator through the surveillance system. Seeing that it was Ling Ran, she directly granted

access.

Ling Ran kept his head down, a faint unease stirring in his heart.

President Jiang had clearly told him not to pursue the "Pearl of the Palm" topic anymore, yet today he had directly secured the opportunity to broadcast this news.

It was President Jiang who had told him that if he wanted something, he should dare to speak up and fight for it. He had been brave enough to fight for it—and he had succeeded.

But he was afraid President Jiang might be angry because he hadn't obediently followed instructions.

This was a story he truly wanted to cover, and he was confident he could do it well.

When he met President Jiang later, he would reassure him that he could take care of himself and that there would definitely be no danger. Then, perhaps, he wouldn't be angry anymore.

The elevator stopped at the 101st floor, the doors about to open.

Ling Ran puffed out his cheeks, took a few deep breaths, curved his lips into a soft smile, and stepped onto the thick carpet.

The secretary had already stood up politely to greet him. Before Ling Ran could speak, she proactively informed him of Jiang Zhiyu's schedule.

"Mr. Ling, President Jiang isn't in the office right now. He had a meeting with several business partners this morning, and this afternoon there's the groundbreaking ceremony and press conference for the West Harbor Pier. So if you have anything urgent, you can tell me first." The smile on Ling Ran's lips faded slightly. "Ah, he's not here..."

The secretary quickly added, "Or you could call President Jiang directly—his private number would be fine."

Ling Ran shook his head. "No, it's alright. President Jiang must be very busy, and it's not anything urgent. I just have a document here that needs his signature."

The secretary took the folder. "Just this?"

Ling Ran nodded. "Yes."

The secretary seemed to hesitate, as if she wanted to say something more, but in the end, she simply replied, "I'll make sure the document is delivered to President Jiang."

Ling Ran smiled faintly. "Thank you."

Not seeing President Jiang left Ling Ran with an indescribable sense of disappointment.

He hadn't seen him last night either. He didn't even know if President Jiang's rut had eased at all. Without him by his side, what would he do if he was suffering?

Could it be... that someone else's pheromones were helping him instead?

Realizing that he had developed a strong sense of possessiveness toward the Enigma, Ling Ran was surprised by his own jealousy and pettiness.

If he could manage his disorder with medication, then of course President Jiang could also find other ways to alleviate his rut.

The elevator slowly came to a stop in front of him. Ling Ran lowered his gaze and stepped inside.

The numbers on the screen rapidly flickered, jumping a few times before suddenly halting at the 97th floor.

The doors opened, and a figure stepped in.

Ling Ran had been staring at the ground and didn't notice who it was—until the person stopped directly in front of him. Only then did he look up.

Jiang Shengyi looked somewhat haggard. The usual domineering aura around him had dulled slightly, folding into the faint scar on his brow.

The elevator was spacious, but he stood so close to Ling Ran that the sear from his brow was clearly visible.

Jiang Shengyi initially thought he might be seeing things, so he deliberately moved closer, scrutinizing the young Omega before him.

It wasn't until Ling Ran looked up—revealing a delicate, porcelain-like face and a pair of mesmerizing, peach-blossom eyes brimming with allure—that Jiang Shengyi realized this wasn't just his imagination.

"Xiao Ran," Jiang Shengyi murmured, his eyes reddening. "I've finally seen you again."

Ling Ran's delicate brows immediately furrowed. He took a step back, bypassed Jiang Shengyi, and pressed the button for the next floor.

When the elevator doors opened, he walked out without a backward glance.

They were only on the 94th floor. Ling Ran intended to take the stairs down, but behind him, a persistent shadow clung like a stubborn piece of gum, following him step for step.

After descending two floors, Ling Ran stopped and turned to face him.

Seeing the irritation and resistance in Ling Ran's eyes, Jiang Shengyi hastily retreated two steps up the stairs.

"Xiao Ran, don't be angry. I'm not deliberately following you. Running into you in the elevator was just a coincidence, really."

His tone sounded sincere, as if he wasn't lying.

Ling Ran asked coldly, "Then what are you doing now?"

Jiang Shengyi hurriedly explained, "I have something I've wanted to say to you for a long time. But now that I've finally seen you, I'm afraid you'll hate me, so I don't dare say it."

Ling Ran deliberately kept his voice indifferent. "We have nothing to talk about. I don't want to hear anything you have to say. Besides, my boyfriend is waiting for me for dinner."

With that, he turned to leave. Jiang Shengyi, frantic, reached out to lightly grasp his wrist before immediately letting go.

"Xiao Ran, I just wanted to apologize to you in person. That day at Cold Mountain, my mother, she..." Jiang Shengyi struggled to continue. "In any case, all the blame is mine. I didn't know how to cherish you before. When you were still by my side, my attention was always on someone else, so I never noticed you. But now it's different. The Jiang family has cut ties with the Yin family, and I won't have any more dealings with Yin Chu. The truth is, the person I've always truly liked is you."

Ling Ran showed no emotional reaction. "Do you know why I liked you before?"

A glimmer of hope flickered in Jiang Shengyi's eyes. "Because we're destined mates."

Ling Ran shook his head. "No. Not in the very beginning."

He continued, "At first, I liked you because of a speech you gave in the broadcasting building at the film academy. I was sitting in the audience, listening to you talk about how journalism should give voice to the weak and enlighten the public. At the time, my family didn't support my choice of major, but after hearing your words, I felt like I hadn't taken the wrong path."

Jiang Shengyi frowned, trying to recall, but his memory of that moment was hazy. He couldn't remember what he had said on stage. Yet if Ling Ran remembered it so clearly, surely there must still be a place for him in Ling Ran's heart.

Who would have thought Ling Ran would continue, "It was only later that I found out the person who was supposed to give that speech that day wasn't you. That script wasn't written by you either. You just happened to be standing there, reading words that belonged to someone else—and I just happened to be sitting in the audience listening."

Jiang Shengyi looked at Ling Ran standing before him. Though the other's gaze seemed directed at him, it felt as if Ling Ran was looking through him at someone else—the focus of that gaze wasn't him at all.

Suddenly remembering something, Jiang Shengyi said, "I think I recall what you're talking about. Originally, it was my uncle who was supposed to give that speech at the film academy."

Ling Ran replied softly, "I know."

Seeing Ling Ran's expression of serene acceptance, an inexplicable wave of panic surged in Jiang Shengyi's chest. Desperate to confirm something, he blurted, "Is it true you already have a boyfriend? An alpha?"

Ling Ran nodded. "Yes."

Though he'd already seen photos of them sleeping together, Jiang Shengyi had never considered himself particularly tolerant—yet as long as Ling Ran hadn't been permanently marked, even if he'd slept with another alpha, it wasn't completely unacceptable.

Through gritted teeth, Jiang Shengyi forced out the words, "Make sure he uses protection."

Ling Ran thought he'd misheard. "What?"

Meeting his gaze, Jiang Shengyi enunciated each word, "Xiao Ran, even if you can't get pregnant, you must take protective measures. People out there are filthy—especially those rich second-generation heirs who play around the most. Make sure he wears a condom when you're together."

Ling Ran's eyes widened abruptly.

Was he... reminding him to make his uncle use protection?

The omega's mind short-circuited momentarily as too many incomprehensible images flashed through his thoughts, the delicate shells of his ears turning faintly pink.

"This is none of your business."

Ling Ran hastily threw out the words and tried to push past the metal door to escape.

Jiang Shengyi blocked the door with one hand, hurriedly asking, "Wait—Xiao Ran, there's a family banquet at the old residence tonight. If you're free, would you like to come with me? I don't mean anything by it—it's just that Grandmother will be there. She hasn't seen you in so long and really wants to."

"No," Ling Ran refused without hesitation. "Your family banquet has nothing to do with me."

"It's not just an ordinary banquet," Jiang Shengyi said. "You've met my uncle—it's essentially an arranged marriage meeting with the Chao family from North City. We might be drinking to his wedding soon. You could attend with your family when the time comes."

The moment the words left his mouth, Ling Ran felt as if all the blood in his body had frozen. His legs turned leaden, his fingers going pale and weak against the metal door.

A film of moisture clouded his eyes as his soft cheeks took on a dazed, bewildered expression.

His trembling lips parted. "Wh-what did you say...?"

Assuming he was merely surprised, Jiang Shengyi continued, "My uncle's wedding will surely invite all the elite from Haishi—the invitation will definitely reach the Ling family. But if you're not interested, you don't have to come. You've probably only met my uncle a few times anyway—it's normal not to be close."

Not close?

What counts as close?

Ling Ran couldn't feel his heartbeat anymore, unsure what was pounding so chaotically in his chest.

He seemed completely stunned, frozen, unsure of how to react appropriately without revealing anything.

With weak arms, he pushed against the heavy metal door several times without success, until Jiang Shengyi helped him, allowing him to finally step back into the brightly lit work area from the dim stairwell.

He walked forward without looking back, refusing to spare Jiang Shengyi another glance.

Jiang Shengyi wanted to chase after him, but remembering his cold, stiff expression earlier, he feared angering him further. He could only stand there dumbly, his gaze fixed on that slender retreating figure.

His tall frame looked dejected and lonely, like an abandoned dog.

Ling Ran had already returned to his workstation, as if someone had suddenly yanked out the spine supporting his body. He slumped weakly into his seat.

He had thought about it before—sooner or later, his condition would be cured. Perhaps even before that, Mr. Jiang would no longer need his pheromones for comfort, and their relationship would end immediately.

But just the thought of that possibility made Ling Ran feel as if a hand were gripping his heart, pulling hard. A dull ache spread through his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Now Jiang Shengyi had said that Mr. Jiang was attending a matchmaking banquet. He had heard of the Chao family in the northern city—they were a perfect match for the Jiang family in status. If they met and liked each other, would they get engaged soon?

Would they embrace, kiss, sleep in each other's arms?

Would Mr. Jiang also care about his health, feed him meals, walk with him along the beach in the sea breeze, chase sunsets on the island with him...?

Ling Ran couldn't control his emotions. His eyes burned fiercely, tears threatening to spill. Deep inside, he was overwhelmed with longing for the enigma, possessive desire, and the painful reluctance of separation.

He reached up to touch his scent gland—unsurprisingly, it was slightly swollen and tender.

So, his heat was coming.

***

When he returned home from work in the evening, as usual, only Song Yi was in the kitchen, busy preparing dinner.

Ling Ran had barely eaten at lunch, his appetite completely gone.

Song Yi decided to make sure the omega had a proper meal tonight—otherwise, he'd face another cold glare from the CEO during the next report.

Raising an omega with such a small appetite was truly difficult.

Ling Ran didn't work overtime today, arriving home promptly at 6:30. He collapsed onto the large bed in the master bedroom, burying his face in the soft velvet. The warmth soothed his tear-swollen eyes, offering some relief.

His body temperature had been slightly elevated in the afternoon, but now it felt better—probably just exhaustion from mental strain.

Song Yi called him out for dinner, noticing the omega's red-rimmed eyes and listless expression. Ling Ran picked at his food, eating one grain of rice at a time, making Song Yi so anxious he nearly snatched the bowl to feed him himself.

After just a few bites, Ling Ran stopped eating. He didn't even take a photo of his dinner, simply washed up briefly before lying down in bed. Song Yi cleaned up the dining table and quietly cracked open the master bedroom door to check.

The little omega had burrowed deep under the covers. On the wide bed, only a small, timid lump was visible—not a single strand of hair peeking out, completely motionless.

Song Yi tiptoed out, closing the door softly before hurrying to the balcony to make his report call.

"He barely ate anything—hardly touched lunch, and had less than a bowl of rice all day."

"Seems like he's been crying, but I don't know why."

"Probably didn't sleep, but he went straight to bed after coming back and hasn't said a word."

"Understood, President Jiang."

Ling Ran didn't hear the voices outside. Curled tightly under the blankets, he desperately tried to fall asleep—if he could just sleep, he wouldn't have to think about all those messy thoughts anymore.

But Jiang Shengyi's words today kept haunting him, echoing relentlessly in his ears like a curse.

The matchmaking banquet, the engagement banquet, and then the wedding banquet.

The tip of his nose began to sting again, and Ling Ran hugged his knees tightly.

Stop thinking about it, Ling Ran. Please, just stop...

A faint ringtone suddenly sounded by his ear. He shifted slightly under the blankets, too weak to get up and answer.

The ringing stopped after a while.

Less than a minute later, Song Yi knocked on the door, phone in hand, and walked to the bedside. He gently tugged at the blanket.

"Mr. Ling, if you're not asleep, could you please take this call?"

A muffled voice came from beneath the covers: "I'm asleep..."

Song Yi: "..."

He lifted a tiny corner of the blanket and slipped his phone into Ling Ran's hand.

"Please answer it, Mr. Ling. I'll step out for now."

Song Yi cautiously retreated and left the room.

The phone was now nestled in Ling Ran's palm, its screen casting a faint glow in the darkness of the covers.

Ling Ran brought it to his eyes and froze in shock.

A strikingly handsome face, enlarged and crystal clear, was right before him. Cold, narrow eyes, deep as an ancient pool, stared piercingly at him through the icy screen.

It wasn't a call—it was a video.

The man on the other end seemed equally taken aback by the sight before him.

Ling Ran's usually porcelain-smooth cheeks were flushed an unnatural shade of pink from the stifling heat under the covers. His eyes, still damp with unshed tears, shimmered with fragile light as he leaned closer to the screen. His lower eyelids and the tip of his nose were red.

His lips, too, were red—soft, moist, and tender, with a delicate fullness that quivered slightly, as if begging to be bitten.

Adorable and pitiful.

The accusatory tone the man had prepared faltered for a moment. After taking in the panic and helplessness in the little Omega's eyes, his voice softened slightly, though it still carried an undeniable authority.

"Ling Ran, why won't you ever listen?"

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