TPLTMOE – Chapter 67

The pheromones enveloped him just as the dense, heated kisses descended.

Ling Ran didn't know if he had developed some kind of alcohol addiction. He had never been fond of drinking, so why was it that after just one day apart, he found himself craving this scent so intensely?

But it wasn't just the scent. He missed this embrace, these kisses.

He missed being securely wrapped in warmth, knowing there was a solid support beneath him, ensuring he wouldn't fall. He could open himself completely, unreservedly, accepting everything without hesitation.

The enigma's pheromones soon overflowed within him. His fragile body couldn't absorb any more, and the excess mingled with the sweet Omega pheromones in the air, lingering densely, refusing to dissipate.

Ling Ran was kissed into a daze, his eyes misty and unfocused.

The sudden flood of pheromones inside him was too much, too intense. Even what he couldn't bear was forcibly pressed into every pore of his body. His breathing grew rapid, his entire frame trembling faintly as he sank deep into the bedding. He wanted to resist, but all that escaped his throat were soft, fragmented whimpers.

A plea—too much, enough, enough...

Jiang Zhiyu was losing control. The moment his lips touched the cotton-candy softness, he couldn't help but lick and suck, devouring every drop of sweetness from Ling Ran's mouth, yet still feeling unsatisfied.

The little Omega's legs kicked weakly, his strength fading as if he were on the verge of passing out.

Jiang Zhiyu regained a sliver of rationality, the faintest tinge of red beneath his eyes. Forcing himself to pull back, he gave the little Omega a moment to catch his breath.

Rolling onto his side, he adjusted the pliant, nearly melting body in his arms, lifting it slightly so Ling Ran's forehead rested against his jaw.

Omegas were always so delicate, so slender—like fragile kittens. If not for the firm grip on his waist, Ling Ran might have already slipped beneath the blankets.

The enigma held him with one arm, using it as a pillow beneath his head, while the other hand rubbed soothing circles along his back, helping him steady his breathing.

It took Ling Ran a long while before his gasps finally evened out.

When he lifted his head, he found the enigma's gaze lowered, eyes fixed intently on him.

Seeing that he had recovered, Jiang Zhiyu dipped his head again, seeking his lips.

Ling Ran's cheeks were already flushed, his long lashes damp with moisture. When their lips met again, the wet warmth brushed against Jiang Zhiyu's face—light as a feather, yet undeniably seductive.

But the little Omega seemed to have reached his limit. His hands pressed weakly against Jiang Zhiyu's chest before he suddenly mustered the strength to turn his face away.

The enigma's eyes narrowed slightly, displeasure flickering in his gaze. A large hand gripped Ling Ran's delicate chin, turning him back without hesitation before claiming his lips once more.

This time, Ling Ran's eyes were open, wide and glistening as he let out a pitiful whimper, pleading, "W-wait... just a moment..."

Jiang Zhiyu loosened his hold slightly, though their lips remained damply pressed together. "Wait for what?" he asked, voice low.

As if to say—if Ling Ran couldn't give a good reason, he would still be devoured whole.

Ling Ran shrank back slightly, intimidated by the turbulent emotions hidden in his eyes. "I... I still have something to say..."

Jiang Zhiyu remained unmoved, his words brushing against Ling Ran's tender, rosy lips without yielding an inch.

"Go ahead."

Ling Ran: "Mmm..."

S-say it like this? While pressed together...?

Seeing no intention of being released, he had no choice but to muster his courage and speak. "Tonight... the program aired. It was very successful. Did... did you watch it...?"

"Mn."

Taking advantage of their proximity, Jiang Zhiyu pressed another firm kiss to his lips.

"Then... what did you think?"

His large, glistening eyes widened, rounding out the usual upward tilt at the corners, like an anxious, expectant kitten begging its owner for praise.

Adorable.

So adorable he wanted to devour him whole.

Jiang Zhiyu caressed his face, his fingers spreading wide to nearly cup both cheeks, his large palm enveloping Ling Ran's chin and neck—better for keeping him in place, preventing escape.

"The ratings and reception were excellent. Public opinion spread quickly. Right after the broadcast, the election committee contacted me. Dong Hui's candidacy has been revoked, and he's permanently barred from participating. The evidence your team gathered has also been forwarded to the authorities—they'll oversee the follow-up proceedings. 'Palm Jewel' will be shut down immediately for investigation. All of this is thanks to your team."

Hearing this, the little Omega visibly brightened, his round eyes curving into a charming arc, his voice trembling with irrepressible joy. "Really?"

"Really." Long fingers stroked the soft flesh of his cheek, his deep voice laced with a gentle chuckle. "Baby did so well."

"You're such a good, capable baby."

Being cradled and praised like this was an overwhelmingly wonderful feeling.

Ling Ran's heart felt as if it had been injected with yeast, swelling softly in his chest until it threatened to overflow.

He was so, so happy—so proud. To accomplish something through his own efforts, to do it well, to truly benefit the public and bring the guilty to justice—this was exactly why he had wanted to enter journalism in the first place.

Ever since the broadcast ended, he had been longing to share his joy with Mr. Jiang. He'd even worried that Mr. Jiang might have been too busy to watch. But it turned out Mr. Jiang had seen it—he knew everything.

And when the one praising him was Mr. Jiang, the joy multiplied.

No—tripled. No, tenfold. A hundredfold.

In any case, he smiled until his eyes crinkled, utterly dazed by the affection.

Jiang Zhiyu's lips curved slightly before steering the conversation back on track.

"Still want a kiss?"

Though phrased as a question, his hand was already tilting Ling Ran's face, forcing his lips to part slightly, plump and glistening, the delicate bow of his mouth puckering outward.

Ling Ran's lashes fluttered twice. Before he could answer, as his gaze dropped, he suddenly noticed the thin layer of gauze wrapped around the hand gripping his cheek.

The bedroom was dimly lit, with only a sliver of light seeping in from the living room.

Because the gauze was wrapped around the back of his hand and Enigma had been hiding it well until now, it wasn't immediately noticeable.

But in the heat of the moment, he had forgotten about the injury on his hand.

Jiang Zhiyu suddenly loosened his grip, letting his hand—along with the gauze—sink back into the blanket.

Yet Ling Ran immediately seized his hand, gripping two of his fingers with both hands and forcibly dragging them back into view, scrutinizing the back of his hand.

The gauze looked hastily wrapped, as if it had been carelessly wound around in a rush.

"Are you hurt?" Ling Ran asked with concern.

Jiang Zhiyu hadn't intended for him to see. "It's nothing."

As he spoke, he tried to withdraw his hand, but the two small hands stubbornly refused to let go, unwilling to let him hide the injury again.

"How did this happen?" Ling Ran softened his tone, gently cradling the hand that was much larger than his own in his palms, frowning. "It wasn't even properly bandaged. Does it still hurt?"

Jiang Zhiyu paused, realizing the little Omega cared more about his injury than he did himself.

"It hurts," he suddenly replied.

Ling Ran pursed his lips. "Of course it hurts. Is it serious? Can I take a look?"

He solemnly promised, "I'll be very, very gentle. Let me rebandage it for you, okay?"

Faced with such a request, no one could refuse.

Jiang Zhiyu said, "Okay."

Once he got permission, Ling Ran scrambled off the bed in a hurry, even forgetting to put on his shoes as he rushed out, nearly tripping over the carpet.

Jiang Zhiyu followed to steady him, wrapping an arm around his waist to carry him back to bed and putting his shoes on properly before letting him go.

Ling Ran had already been kissed until his whole body felt weak, and now his legs were wobbly too, barely able to walk.

Staggering unsteadily to the living room, he rummaged through the cabinets for the first aid kit.

Song Yi, who was hiding in his room, didn't dare come out. Knowing that Boss Jiang would be staying the night, he wouldn't step outside no matter what happened.

After searching for a while without success, Ling Ran stood on tiptoe, trying to reach a small compartment on the upper shelf.

Jiang Zhiyu walked up behind him and effortlessly retrieved the small box from the high shelf, handing it to him.

Ling Ran then carried the box to the sofa, patting the soft cushion as he said to the tall, imposing Enigma, "Sit here."

Jiang Zhiyu complied without hesitation, walking over and sitting down.

Ling Ran took his injured hand and gently placed it on his own lap, carefully unwrapping the gauze from the back of his hand.

The entire time, his movements were cautious, as if afraid of causing Enigma any pain.

Jiang Zhiyu remained still, quietly watching the little Omega's soft, obedient profile.

He was cradling his ugly wound as if holding a fragile handful of snow.

When the gauze was removed, the burned skin beneath had already peeled away a thin layer, exposing raw, uncovered flesh—a stark, bloody red.

The moment Ling Ran saw the gruesome burn, tears welled up uncontrollably in his eyes.

The injury wasn't even on his own body, yet he felt as if he could empathize with the pain—just how much had it hurt when this wound was made?

He adjusted his breathing, retrieved the burn ointment, dipped a cotton swab into it, and then gently applied it to the enigma's wound.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed impervious to pain—as if the person who had just claimed it hurt wasn't him at all.

His focus remained entirely on the little Omega, as though this situation was entirely unfamiliar to him.

Getting injured was commonplace, but being tenderly cared for like this while having his wounds treated was a first.

An enigma was born to be resolute and strong, with no room for weakness, no right to voice pain, no vulnerability to exploit.

But an Omega's tears could drown him all the same.

Ling Ran carefully rewrapped the wound with gauze, finishing it off with a neat little bow tied over his palm.

"All done..."

Ling Ran sniffled, unsure why he was crying in the first place.

Jiang Zhiyu reached over, using his thumb to wipe away the teardrop at the corner of his eye. Seeing how utterly pitiful he looked, he lifted him up and settled him onto his lap.

Despite being the one injured, the enigma now cradled the little Omega in his arms, murmuring soft reassurances.

"Alright, no more crying," Jiang Zhiyu kissed his lips. "I lied earlier—it doesn't hurt."

"Liar..." Ling Ran muttered, careful not to jostle his injured hand. "How could it not hurt..."

Even injections for suppressants and nutrients stung him—let alone such a terrible wound. Jiang Zhiyu was the one lying now.

Leaning back against the sofa, Jiang Zhiyu slipped off Ling Ran's shoes and pulled him deeper into his embrace.

"I accidentally burned myself at the old house yesterday. It's nothing serious," Jiang Zhiyu asked. "Were you worried about me?"

Ling Ran dropped the pretense, meeting his gaze with a nod.

He had indeed been worried last night—so much so that he'd stayed up late waiting. And now his fears had been confirmed: Jiang Zhiyu really had been hurt.

Jiang Zhiyu briefly explained the matters he'd handled at the old house, glossing over the injury while emphasizing that Jiang Ronglian had been struck from the family registry and that Jiang Zhisong was preparing to divorce her.

Naturally, he omitted the part about exiling Jiang Shengyi to the rural outskirts of Northern Europe.

Ling Ran was stunned by the downfall of the second branch. Jiang Ronglian had always been domineering and never spared him a kind glance. Now that she'd reaped what she sowed, Ling Ran felt a wave of vindication—but it was quickly followed by another question.

"Jiang Zhiyu."

"Hmm?"

"Was it... for me?" Ling Ran asked.

Jiang Zhiyu understood what he meant. He didn't deny it, simply rubbing the back of Ling Ran's head with measured pressure.

Ling Ran realized the truth then, his heart flooding with bittersweet ache.

As if guided by some unseen force, he lowered his head and pressed a feather-light kiss to the pristine white bandage, then rested his cheek against it with quiet surrender.

"Thank you..."

Like a small animal unsure how else to express its gratitude, he nuzzled obediently against his master's injured hand, as though trying to lick the wound better.

Jiang Zhiyu could almost see the little tail wagging at him. He reached out to catch it, gripping the slender waist and flipping him over effortlessly, pinning him into the sofa.

Ling Ran's vision spun—then he was trapped beneath an immovable weight.

***

Tears were the most useless things. They fell, pooling into shimmering droplets only to be lapped up by a hungry tongue or smothered into the softness of the cushions.

Some of the water was sweet rain, descending from the heavens, not a single drop wasted.

Ling Ran didn't know how he ended up back in the master bedroom's large bed. Someone had told him to kiss the wound again, and he had obediently complied.

Fortunately, he didn't have to wake up early the next morning because his team had been assigned an important outdoor shoot.

But he hadn't had the chance to mention it yet.

Ling Ran had no idea what time Jiang Zhiyu left in the morning. If it hadn't been for Qin Chengyue's incessant phone calls, he would still be lost in a groggy slumber.

It was already 6 PM. Qin Chengyue and the rest of the team had arrived at the filming location, waiting left and right with no sign of Ling Ran. Worried that something might have happened—perhaps Dong Hui's people had targeted him after yesterday's news—Qin Chengyue had called in a panic.

But who would've thought that as soon as the call connected, it was clear Ling Ran was still asleep? Qin Chengyue shrieked, "What?! You're still not up?!"

Ling Ran mumbled drowsily, "What time is it? My alarm hasn't gone off yet..."

Qin Chengyue wished he could reach through the phone screen and drag Ling Ran straight to the venue. "It's already past six! The event starts in an hour—are you seriously not coming to witness your man's election ceremony?!"

Ling Ran jolted awake instantly, sitting up abruptly in bed. His waist ached, and his legs felt weak as he frowned sharply. "Has the entry started already?"

"Of course! Aside from us, all the other media outlets have already gone in to secure the best spots. Even if we go in now, we won't get a good position—at best, we'll be stuck in the back row, barely able to capture Chairman Jiang's good looks!"

Ling Ran forced himself out of bed and hurriedly pulled open the wardrobe to change. "Chengyue, you guys go in first and find a spot. I'll be there in half an hour at most—I won't delay the shoot."

Qin Chengyue had always trusted Ling Ran, who had never slipped up like this before. There had to be a reason.

"Fine, I'll take the other two in first. Hurry up, but be careful on the road—it's rush hour, so traffic's probably terrible."

"Got it."

After hanging up, Qin Chengyue returned to the venue entrance and led Yang Jia and Xiao Feng inside.

The massive hall was already packed to the brim—the National Chamber of Commerce Chairman Election Ceremony was about to commence in grandeur.

News outlets from all over had taken up every available spot in the back rows, leaving Qin Chengyue and his team no choice but to squeeze into a corner and set up their equipment.

Qin Chengyue: "Xiao Feng, see if you can get a shot of the stage."

Xiao Feng: "I can."

Qin Chengyue sighed in relief. "Good, at least we won't be submitting blank footage."

Xiao Feng: "From someone else's screen."

Qin Chengyue: "..."

Yang Jia: "…"

***

Ling Ran rushed as fast as he could and finally arrived at the venue entrance by 6:40 PM.

He sprinted inside and found Qin Chengyue and the others in the back rows.

Qin Chengyue noticed his flushed cheeks and uneven breathing, patting his back sympathetically. "Why run so fast? Even if you were late, we could've managed without you."

Not that they could get a decent shot anyway.

Ling Ran glanced around at the sea of people blocking every possible angle. From their awkward vantage point, the camera frame was filled with nothing but the stage and a crowd of fellow journalists.

"We need to change our filming spot, preferably to the front row," Ling Ran glanced at the prime shooting position in the first row. "There are still plenty of empty seats up front, aren't there?"

Qin Chengyue replied, "Don't even think about it. We're from Chairman Jiang's team. The election committee barely agreed to let us in for filming—there's no way they'll allow us in the first row."

Xiao Feng teased, "Chairman Jiang hasn't even been elected yet, and you're already calling him 'Chairman"?"

Yang Jia chimed in, "It's a done deal that Chairman Jiang will win. Why even ask?"

Qin Chengyue shrugged, "I'm just practicing so it'll come naturally when I congratulate him later."

Xiao Feng laughed, "You're something else. I've never seen anyone better at brown-nosing than you."

Qin Chengyue shot back, "...Don't make me slap you in front of everyone."

While the three of them bickered noisily, Ling Ran remained deep in thought, earnestly trying to come up with a solution.

For no other reason than this: he really, really wanted to watch Mr. Jiang's speech from the first row.

An idea flashed in Ling Ran's mind—someone who might be able to help them. He stepped aside to make a call.

Soon after, Shang Ye appeared behind them, scanning the crowd.

Ling Ran waved at him, "President Shang, we're over here."

Shang Ye approached them and said succinctly, "Pack up your equipment and follow me."

Qin Chengyue's expression darkened at the sight of Shang Ye, and the previously lively atmosphere cooled noticeably.

Ling Ran asked, "Can we go to the first row?"

Shang Ye smiled, "Of course, no problem."

As a member of the election committee, arranging this small favor was no trouble at all.

The group followed Shang Ye through the crowd and took their seats in the front row closest to the stage. Once Xiao Feng set up the camera, the screen perfectly framed the podium behind the microphone.

The assembly soon commenced, following the standard election procedures. The head of the election committee delivered opening remarks, reviewed and passed the election plan, announced the list of vote counters and supervisors, introduced the candidates for chairman and vice-chairman, and then proceeded to the secret ballot.

Before the results were announced, the entire venue fell into a hushed silence. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the final tally.

Ling Ran was likely the most nervous person in the room. Though seated in the audience, he felt waves of dizziness—more intense than when he'd first recorded a program or delivered a speech on stage. Even deep breaths couldn't calm his pounding heart.

"Now announcing the election results. The newly elected chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce is—Jiang Zhiyu, from the Jiang Corporation."

"Congratulations, Chairman Jiang."

Only when the final declaration was made did Ling Ran feel like an overinflated balloon suddenly deflating, his entire body relaxing at once. Amid the deafening cheers and applause that threatened to lift the roof, his eyes stung unbearably. Through shimmering tears, he raised his gaze to the figure now standing steadily at the podium.

Jiang Zhiyu noticed the anomaly in the front row the moment he stepped onto the stage. His brow lifted imperceptibly as his gaze dropped, landing squarely on the little Omega seated there.

Ning Xinqiao had mentioned that Jiang Zhou would send a filming team today, but Jiang Zhiyu hadn't intended to make a spectacle of it, so he hadn't arranged for any special treatment.

He had no idea it would be Ling Ran who came, nor did he understand how a few youngsters like them managed to secure front-row seats amidst so many media outlets present.

But he saw those tear-filled eyes, from which two transparent pearls fell amidst the thunderous applause.

Behind them, tens of thousands were cheering and celebrating, yet that little Omega seemed frozen, frowning as tears streamed down.

In that instant, Jiang Zhiyu's heart was drowned by a tidal wave of emotion.

He began delivering his inaugural speech, mostly filled with official formalities. His gaze slowly swept across the audience below, always eventually returning to that figure seated in the front row.

Ling Ran tilted his head up, staring unblinkingly at the man standing on the high podium.

His eyes seemed to see right through the present scene, as if in a daze, recalling the crowded broadcasting hall of the film academy back then, where another grand speech had taken place.

Now, that person had become Jiang Zhiyu, and the script was written by him.

He said: To speak for the weak, to enlighten the public.

Back then, Ling Ran had also sat in the audience, just like now, looking up with hope in his heart.

And not long ago, their positions had been reversed.

It was Ling Ran who stood on stage delivering a speech to the entire school, while Jiang Zhiyu sat in the front row, watching the entire event.

Fate was indeed a strange thing—what was meant to happen would always happen, and those destined to be entangled would always find their way to each other.

Even after missing each other for a long time, they would still meet again.

***

The election concluded smoothly. Ling Ran, Qin Chengyue, and the others exited the venue first, only to find the streets outside packed to the brim. They stood to the side, waiting in line to retrieve their car.

Shang Ye walked out and spotted them, calling out to Ling Ran, "Good thing you haven't left yet. Come join the celebration banquet later—President Jiang's treat."

Xiao Feng asked, "We can go too?"

Small fry like them had no business attending a celebration banquet hosted by President Jiang.

Yet Shang Ye replied politely, "Of course."

Before Xiao Feng could cheer, Yang Jia pulled him back. "Sorry, Director Shang, we'll have to pass. We've got other matters to attend to, so we'll head out first. Team leader, Chengyue, see you back at the company."

Without another word, Xiao Feng was dragged away, his mouth covered.

Only after they were far enough did Xiao Feng protest angrily, "If you didn't want to go, fine, but why stop me from enjoying a good meal?"

Yang Jia was speechless. "I just saved your life. Are you really that oblivious, or are you pretending?"

Xiao Feng frowned. "Oblivious to what?"

Yang Jia: "..."

Yang Jia: "Ling Ran and President Jiang are a couple."

Xiao Feng nearly jumped. "What?!"

Yang Jia: "Oh, right. Chengyue and Director Shang probably have something going on too."

Xiao Feng was utterly stunned. "WHAT?!"

Seeing the two slip away, Qin Chengyue also decided to make a quiet exit. He had no interest in attending any celebration banquet-he'd much rather hurry home and sleep.

But just as he turned to bolt, a hand grabbed the back of his collar.

Shang Ye looked at him with a smile. "Going somewhere?"

Qin Chengyue grinned back. "Ah, I just remembered I've got something to take care of. So, uh, I'll be heading out first. Xiao Ran, I won't keep you company—"

He tried to step away, only to be yanked back in front of the tall alpha.

"Whatever you need done, I'll have someone handle it for you."

"Uh, well... it's just..."

Qin Chengyue stammered, unable to come up with an excuse. He had just blurted out a random reason—it was almost 10 PM, what urgent matter could he possibly have? Other than rushing home to sleep.

Ling Ran also wanted to grab Qin Chengyue's hand, to ask him to stay and keep him company.

But before he could reach out, a firm grip at his waist subtly turned him aside, pulling him into someone else's territory.

The towering figure of the enigma blocked out the dazzling light spilling from the assembly hall.

Ling Ran's breath hitched—what was even more blinding was the suddenly enlarged, coldly handsome face before him.

Tilting his head up, he could only meet the gaze looking down at him from above, its depths indistinct, concealing any hidden emotions.

People still bustled around them, many casting glances toward the direction of the newly appointed chairman.

From an outsider's perspective, the distance between them might have seemed a little too close, but both stood with polite restraint, revealing nothing amiss.

Only Ling Ran could sense the enigma's predatory aura radiating toward him. He hadn't fully recovered from last night, and now his legs trembled weakly, barely holding him up. If someone were to poke him even slightly, he would immediately lose his balance and collapse into the enigma's arms.

Jiang Zhiyu hadn't expected him to make it here today either. Noticing his stubborn pretense, he leaned in slightly, voice restrained as he whispered by his ear.

The little Omega's fair earlobes flushed crimson in an instant.

"Baby."

"Can't even close your legs anymore."

<<Chapter List