TPLTMOE – Chapter 70

Dong Hui's last known whereabouts ended in Australia, prompting Jiang Zhiyu to fly there personally under the guise of a business trip.

While dispatching his men to continue the search across Australia, he also had Shang Ye leverage official channels to assist.

Before returning to China, his subordinates reported a lead in Victoria. Coincidentally, Jiang Zhiyu was staying at Darling Harbour in Sydney.

The person they apprehended wasn't Dong Hui but a blond-haired alpha.

Terrified out of his wits, the man's legs gave out as he was dragged to Long Bay Wharf at Darling Harbour. He collapsed to his knees before a luxurious yacht moored at the dock.

When he lifted his head, he saw the same ghostly figure who had appeared at Pearl of the Palm that night.

Jiang Zhiyu stood on the yacht's deck, looking down at him with eyes that held no trace of humanity—as if he weren't gazing at a living being.

Recognition flickered in the blond's mind.

He tried to scramble to his feet, but one of the enforcers beside him delivered a brutal kick to his chest. Blood sprayed from his mouth—his ribs were undoubtedly broken. He writhed on the ground, howling in agony.

The blond wasn't one to endure torture silently. Without Jiang Zhiyu uttering a word, the enforcer stepped forward and kicked him twice more, ensuring his ribs were thoroughly shattered.

"Stop! Stop! I'll talk! I'll tell you whatever you want to know! Everything! Just please, don't hit me anymore!"

Jiang Zhiyu flicked his wrist, and the enforcer paused. The man barked a question in heavily accented English.

The blond, momentarily confused, hesitated—only for the enforcer to lunge at him again with another vicious kick. A bloodcurdling scream tore from his throat as he shrieked, "Mr. Jiang! Mr. Jiang! Spare me, and I'll tell you where Dong Hui is!"

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze sharpened. "Speak."

The blond had suffered under Jiang Zhiyu before he knew the man was fully capable of beating him to death in this foreign land without a second thought. Without hesitation, he betrayed his former employer.

"When Dong Hui fled the country, he didn't take anyone with him. But I booked his ticket, so I knew he was heading to Sydney. I secretly bought a ticket for myself and followed him," the blond spat out a mouthful of blood. "Once in Sydney, I kept searching for him. I only know he's been active in Victoria, but his exact location—I swear I don't know..."

He held back half the truth, hoping to deceive his way out. But then the figure on the deck descended from the yacht, stopping right in front of him.

The blond felt the crushing weight of the man's presence bearing down on him. Blood surged in his throat as a cold, merciless voice pronounced his fate:

"Chop him into pieces and feed him to the fish."

Though spoken in English, the meaning was unmistakable this time.

The blond's face drained of color. He lunged forward, grasping at Jiang Zhiyu's trousers, only to be yanked back by the enforcer. Nearby, a shabby fishing boat was moored, its deck lined with an assortment of knives—tools for filleting fish.

Terror seized the blond completely. Before the blades even touched him, he squeezed his eyes shut and spilled everything.

"Mr. Jiang! Mr. Jiang! There's more—let me talk!"

"Although I don't know Dong Hui's exact whereabouts, he's been in contact with people back home. Before going abroad, he had his deputy track down an Omega—seemingly some kind of enemy of his. At the time, he said he didn't want the Omega's life, what he wanted was..."

Jiang Zhiyu suddenly turned back and seized the blond man by the throat, his fingers tightening uncontrollably, his narrow, cold eyes concealing a surge of unmistakable fury.

Though the blond man was also an alpha, this was the first time he'd felt such terrifying, overwhelming pressure from a top-tier enigma—far more intense than what he'd experienced at the club that night.

Strangled breathless, he thrashed like a dying fish stranded on shore.

Jiang Zhiyu's expression was frighteningly cold. Beneath his palm, he could feel the frantic pulse of the carotid artery. A primal, unstoppable rage boiled in his chest, forcibly suppressed before he spoke, each word deliberate: "What did he want?"

The blond man's face twisted in agony, barely able to gasp out a broken reply: "H-he wanted... the person... He'd had his eye on that Omega for a long time... wanted to... train him into... a signature piece...

The club's signature piece—a compliant Omega plaything to dangle before the powerful, something to be defiled at will.

The blond man also revealed another crucial detail: "Also... Dong Hui... seems to have already... returned to the country..."

Warm blood splattered onto Jiang Zhiyu's hand. He withdrew it slowly, his expression unreadable.

The blond's claim wasn't impossible. Otherwise, his men wouldn't have found no trace of Dong Hui in Australia after searching for so long. The domestic investigation had progressed significantly—everyone now knew Dong Hui had fled abroad. Returning under a new identity now could serve as a smokescreen.

But it was equally possible Dong Hui had instructed the blond to say this precisely to mislead him.

The night breeze at Darling Harbour carried a faint, damp brininess. October in Australia marked only the beginning of summer.

Jiang Zhiyu had his men clean up the dock before answering a call from home.

***

Ling Ran hadn't planned to tell Zhao Qin what he was doing tonight. He'd only mentioned going out for dinner, not with whom.

Things with his family were a mess—it was time to find the right moment to explain everything face-to-face.

Zhao Qin, ever perceptive, insisted on driving him.

Unable to refuse, Ling Ran obediently got in the car.

The restaurant was located far from the city center. As he drove, Zhao Qin silently wondered—was this dinner or a kidnapping? Why choose such a remote spot?

At least he'd informed President Jiang beforehand.

Perched halfway up a mountainside, the restaurant's sole virtue was its quiet seclusion. On a weekday evening, few patrons came and went.

Which suited Ling Ran fine—he didn't want to be seen.

Zhao Qin opened the car door for him.

The sky had turned ink-black, thick clouds obscuring the moon. The mountain air carried a slight chill, heavy with the promise of rain.

Ling Ran took a slow breath and moved toward the entrance when Zhao Qin suddenly asked, "Mr. Ling, would you like me to accompany you inside?"

Ling Ran shook his head. "No need. You can head back—no need to wait. I'll take a taxi home later."

He didn't know how long this dinner would last and didn't want Zhao Qin waiting outside.

Zhao Qin wasn't about to leave. With a gentle smile, he said, "President Jiang has instructed that you shouldn't be left alone. I'll accompany you inside. If you really find it inconvenient, I'll wait outside the room and won't enter. That way, you can call for me anytime you need help."

If he actually let Ling Ran go in alone, he'd be finished once President Jiang found out.

Zhao Qin insisted on accompanying Ling Ran inside, and Ling Ran finally relented, "Alright, then just wait for me outside the door. I'll make it quick."

There wasn't much else to say, so Ling Ran decided to get this over with swiftly.

The two entered the restaurant one after the other, and a waiter led them to a private room.

Before going in, Zhao Qin whispered to Ling Ran, "Good luck."

Ling Ran glanced back at him, smiling with his eyes curved, then took a deep breath and pushed open the door before stepping inside.

Inside was a large dining table already laden with dozens of dishes. Ling's father sat at the head, flanked by Ling's mother and his sister, Ling Mo.

The birthday boy hadn't even arrived yet, but they had already started eating.

After so long apart, Ling Ran stood by the door feeling momentarily dazed. The three people before—him all seemed different from before especially Ling's father, whose hair had turned mostly white, as if weathered by hardship, giving him an aged appearance. Ling's mother, too, no longer had her former graceful beauty, her face now lined with weariness.

When they noticed Ling Ran enter, the three at the table looked uncomfortable, pausing their chopsticks with awkward smiles.

Ling Mo was the first to greet him, saying, "Xiao Ran, you're here! Come, sit down. Why are you just standing there? We've been waiting for you for a while. If you hadn't come soon, all the food would've gone cold. We've only just started eating—we were waiting for you."

Even as she spoke, Ling Ran wasn't blind—the Australian lobster on the table was already half-eaten.

But it didn't matter. He had eaten so much cake earlier that he wasn't the least bit hungry now.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Ling Ran asked, finding it odd that he didn't see Ling Su's figure.

For such a complete family gathering today, it was strange that he was the only one missing.

Ling's father forced a laugh, adopting a paternal tone. "Xiao Ran, today's your birthday. Of course, the family came out especially to celebrate with you. We were worried that as a public figure, you might feel uncomfortable dining out, so we deliberately chose a restaurant far from the city center. It's quiet here—no one will recognize you. Don't worry."

The words sounded considerate, but Ling Ran sensed something off.

Since when had his needs ever mattered to his family? This was unprecedented.

Ling Mo had already pulled Ling Ran into a seat. She had always been the kindest to him in the family, but even she couldn't hold back now. "Xiao Ran, do you know what's happened to our eldest brother recently?"

Ling Ran frowned. Ever since Ling Su had chased him to Qin Chengyue's doorstep, he hadn't heard any news about him. Ling's father's expression darkened as he scolded Ling Mo, "Today's supposed to be a happy occasion. Why bring him up?"

Ling Mo couldn't hide her frustration. "Dad, Eldest Brother's been thrown into prison! Are you really just going to stand by and do nothing? If Xiao Ran can help save him, why shouldn't I mention it?"

Father Ling slammed the table abruptly. "Xiao Ran has only been working for a short while—what could he possibly do? That unfilial son brought this upon himself by making mistakes and leaving evidence in others' hands. I've always warned him not to be so impatient and to act with utmost caution, but what happened? Not only did he ruin himself, but now he's dragged Ling Corporation and our family into this mess. We've already sold the family home, yet it still can't fill this financial black hole. What more do you expect Xiao Ran to do?!"

The atmosphere in the private room suddenly grew tense. Ling Ran hadn't expected Father Ling to speak up for him like this.

Ling Mo couldn't contain her agitation and raised her voice. "I've already explained to you—Eldest Brother was framed! The Jiang family deliberately set him up. How could he have avoided it? Wasn't he acting for the family's sake? If you don't believe me, ask Xiao Ran. Even Xiao Ran would agree Eldest Brother is innocent!"

With that, Ling Mo turned to Ling Ran with imploring eyes. "Xiao Ran, tell us what you think."

Ling Ran lifted his gaze, meeting the expectant stares of the three others at the table. They were looking at him as if he were some lifeline, their eyes burning with desperate hope, waiting for him to utter some messianic words—even Father Ling's eyes were brimming with emotion.

Under their collective gaze, Ling Ran felt not only profoundly uncomfortable but also overwhelmed by an indescribable sorrow rising from the depths of his heart.

Even if he were the slowest, most oblivious person, he could see it now.

Father Ling and Ling Mo had been performing a rehearsed duet in front of him—their goal was to make him sympathize with Ling Su's plight and agree to find a way to save him.

His heart took a heavy blow. Ling Ran took two deep breaths, feeling oxygen gradually replenish in his chest.

He said, "Those who make mistakes should face the consequences they deserve."

No matter who the wrongdoer was.

With these words, he had made his stance clear.

The other three froze, their expressions stiffening. It took them over ten seconds to fully process Ling Ran's meaning.

Ling Mo stared in disbelief. "Xiao Ran, what are you saying? That's our Eldest Brother! Are you really going to stand by and do nothing? Aren't you a news anchor? If you can sway public opinion to condemn someone, surely you can also find a way to help clear Eldest Brother's name! How... how can you say he deserves this?"

Ling Ran blinked slowly. "News isn't about swaying public opinion—it's about ensuring the public's right to know. "Focus View' isn't the right platform for this kind of content. If needed, perhaps I could contact 'Rule of Law Online' to do a special feature on economic crimes."

"E-economic crimes?!"

"What nonsense are you spouting?! You're calling your own brother an economic criminal?!" Father Ling completely shed his facade of benevolence, hurling his chopsticks straight at Ling Ran. "I always knew you were a heartless wretch, speaking so coldly while your own flesh and blood sits in prison! Striking you from the family registry was clearly the right decision! You don't deserve to be a Ling!"

Ling Ran dodged sideways, his expression numb, as if Father Ling's vitriol no longer had the power to wound him.

He murmured, "Oh... so I've already been removed from the registry."

Then he shouldn't have come here tonight—what a waste of time.

With that thought, he rose to leave.

Only then did Mother Ling speak up with some urgency, "Xiao Ran, don't pay attention to what your father and sister said. Actually, we didn't call you here today because of your brother."

Ling Ran thought, then what was it for? Surely not to celebrate his birthday.

Mother Ling continued, "What did you mean by sending that money earlier? Forget your father's opinion—do you really want to sever ties with this family completely?"

Ling Ran remained silent.

Ah, so it was about the money.

Father Ling sat back down in his chair, once again assuming the cold, stern demeanor of a patriarch. "If you want to cut ties completely, that paltry sum isn't enough. You'll need to give the family at least thirty million. Consider it compensation for raising you all these years—it's not unreasonable."

Ling Ran thought he must have misheard the amount. "Thirty million?"

"That's already a discount. If you obediently come home and marry into the Qin family, you won't have to repay anything," Father Ling said matter-of-factly. "I can pretend nothing happened before. The Qins don't care whether the Ling Group goes bankrupt or not. You're lucky—that Qin boy likes you and doesn't mind that you were once disengaged. You can even keep doing that vulgar live-streaming job if you want."

Ling Ran's fingers trembled slightly. "I refuse."

"Fine, then pay up. If I can't sell you for a good price, at least I won't let your mother and me suffer a loss," Father Ling said, his gaze greedy as he looked at Ling Ran. "Aren't you seeing some rich man outside anyway? Is he wealthy enough to fork over thirty million for you? Or if you're too embarrassed to ask your boyfriend, I can talk to him myself."

"He won't give you that money," Ling Ran said softly but with unwavering resolve.

He absolutely couldn't let these demons latch onto Mr. Jiang.

"Xiao Ran, how can you side with an outsider?" Mother Ling frowned.

"Didn't I hear your brother mention before that you've been seeing someone for a while?" Ling Mo pressed.

"Is he from Haishi? Beishi? Or Hong Kong? Rich men love young, pretty things—you've got the looks for it now," Father Ling sneered. "These days, even hiring a whore costs money."

Ling Ran's eyes widened slightly. Though he tried to suppress it, being spoken about like a commodity with such degrading words made his heart sink uncontrollably.

Especially when the words came from his biological family.

"I've already repaid you for my upbringing over the years, and my name isn't even on the Ling family register. According to the Social Convention Act and the Omega Protection Regulations, I'm no longer obligated to support you," Ling Ran said, pressing his slightly dry lips together. "Today will be the last time I see you. And I won't agree to any of your demands."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door.

Behind him, Father Ling roared in fury, "Are you fucking deaf or just stupid? Don't think I won't expose your sugar daddy arrangement to the media! Let's see how you survive in Jiangzhou after that—do you really think you'll still get TV gigs or keep your streaming job?!"

The figure that had reached the door of the private room paused for a moment. Ling Ran turned around and said softly, "Then I'll sue you for defamation. In serious cases, it can result in imprisonment of up to three years."

"Coincidentally, I know how to make the situation even more serious."

"That's my specialty."

Ling Ran had already reached out to open the tightly shut door of the private room. Seated at the table, Ling's father was consumed by rage, his face turning an ashen shade of green, the veins at his temples bulging as if they might burst at any moment, splattering blood everywhere.

He grabbed an empty wine glass from the table and hurled it fiercely toward the door, his voice rising to a thunderous roar: "You ungrateful traitor! Get the hell out of my sight—“

Before the words could fully leave his mouth, the glass was on the verge of smashing into Ling Ran's head.

The door of the private room was pulled open at just the right moment, and Ling Ran walked out without looking back.

Behind him came the shattering sound of the glass hitting the floor, followed by the venomous curses that were now trapped behind the closed door.

Ling Ran felt as though he had just fought an exhausting battle, all his strength drained away. Now, he was nothing more than a numb, walking corpse. His eyes lowered, his delicate face slightly pale, he walked silently toward the exit of the restaurant.

Zhao Qin didn't speak either, following closely behind him.

By the time they reached the restaurant's entrance, the night wind had unknowingly grown stronger.

In the distance, the hazy outlines of towering mountains loomed in the darkness, a heavy black mass that seemed about to swallow the storm clouds overhead.

Fine, cold raindrops were carried by the wind onto his cheeks, chilling his warm skin until it felt almost frozen.

He hadn't brought an umbrella.

As Ling Ran descended the steps, the rain suddenly intensified, pouring down in sheets, drenching his hair, his face, his entire body.

"Mr. Ling, please wait here for a moment. I'll go back inside and borrow an umbrella. The rain is quite heavy—if you get soaked, you might fall ill," Zhao Qin said anxiously.

But Ling Ran had already stepped off the stairs. He tilted his head up, gazing into the rain-filled night.

There was no moon, no stars above.

Seeing him stop, Zhao Qin quickly turned back into the restaurant to fetch an umbrella. Their car was parked quite far away, and walking through this downpour would leave them completely drenched. Zhao Qin, with his sturdy physique, could handle a soaking without issue.

But Mr. Ling was a delicate Omega—he wasn't built for hardship.

Once Zhao Qin left, Ling Ran began walking forward again.

Head bowed, as if devoid of all sensation, he let the raindrops pelt him relentlessly.

He didn't feel particularly cold, really. It was just that his eyes stung a little, his nose tingling with unshed emotion.

After only a few steps, Ling Ran felt as though his vision had blurred from the rain.

Otherwise, how could he have seen a pair of straight, slender legs appear before him? The trousers of the suit were already slightly damp from the rain, yet their owner showed no intention of stepping aside.

Like a mountain that had come to stand before him, shielding him completely.

And perhaps it wasn't an illusion, because the rain had stopped falling on his head.

Ling Ran slowly lifted his gaze, his rain-soaked face tilting upward.

A black umbrella now enveloped him from head to toe, the only sound in his ears the relentless drumming of rain against the canopy above. His eyes, wide with shock, met a pair of deep, fathomless ones.

Amidst the distant mountains and sudden storm, this was a sanctuary—one that could wholly embrace him.

No wind would blow upon him, no rain would fall upon his face. All his fears, unease, confusion, and helplessness would be gently and securely embraced, then transformed into tender affection, becoming nourishment for his growth.

A dry, warm palm pressed against his cheek, the slightly higher-than-normal temperature within the palm searingly hot, yet he pressed his face deeper into it with dependency and longing.

Jiang Zhiyu wiped the moisture from his face, his voice low and soothing as it reached his ears: "Why are you crying?"

The little Omega's eyes were even wetter than the rain outside, his lower eyelids flushed a deep red, the delicate bridge of his nose also tinged pink. His cheeks, softened by tears and rain, were damp and smooth.

Pitifully sniffling, he called out in a soft, trembling voice, "Mr. Jiang..."

Then, as if a dam had burst, his tears could no longer be held back, spilling over and pattering onto the grass that reeked of damp earth.

Jiang Zhiyu held an umbrella in one hand while unbuttoning his coat with the other, pulling it open and pressing the cold little body against his broad, warm chest.

Ling Ran rubbed his wet face against Jiang Zhiyu's shirt, his rain-soaked body now feeling as if it had been placed inside a warm oven. His heart slowly regained its rhythm with the returning warmth, fresh blood surging through him once more.

He was regaining sensation.

Jiang Zhiyu cupped his bottom with one hand and lifted him effortlessly.

It was unclear what had been discussed inside earlier, but even without details, one could guess.

Seeing the little Omega in such a pitiful state, he must have suffered immense grievances. Fortunately, there were no visible injuries on him.

The little Omega in his arms cooperated perfectly, his arms weakly looping around Jiang Zhiyu's neck before tightening slowly. His small face and warm breath buried into the crook of Jiang Zhiyu's neck, his head obediently resting on his shoulder, docile and sweet beyond belief.

"Mr. Jiang..."

He was truly aggrieved. He had just severed ties with his family completely, having seen the ugly truth of his so-called "loved ones." But from now on, there would be no more connections between them. Perhaps the courage he had mustered wouldn't lead to a bad outcome after all. The rain only splashed against the enigma's legs as Jiang Zhiyu carried him steadily forward.

Ling Ran's voice trembled slightly with suppressed sobs, but the courage still pulsed fiercely in his chest.

He asked softly, "What you asked me before... does it still stand?"

A warm tear dripped onto Jiang Zhiyu's neck. "It does," he answered.

Ling Ran pressed further, "Then... you won't abandon me later, will you...?"

They had reached the car by then. Jiang Zhiyu pulled open the door and settled inside with him in his arms, leaving the black umbrella outside.

He turned on the car's heater, then leaned down to kiss those misty, tear-filled eyes.

"Never."

Ling Ran's cheek was cradled gently, his heart floating like a buoy on the sea, rising and falling with the waves.

"Will we... stay together from now on...?"

His mind was always filled with uncertainties, but right now, he didn't want to think about any of them.

Inside the enclosed car, it was just the two of them, while outside, the rain had escalated into a torrential downpour.

Ling Ran suddenly recalled that their first meeting had also been on a stormy day like this.

But now, his lips were being kissed deeply, tenderly. His back trembled as he parted them, accepting the affection while shyly, delicately responding.

He was a fragile treasure, kissed while cradled in someone's palms.

Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.

Jiang Zhiyu pulled back, his thumb brushing slowly over Ling Ran's kiss-swollen lips, his voice rough. "We will."

It was a heavy promise.

Ling Ran's heart pounded wildly, his cheeks flushed from the kisses, his entire body regaining its warmth.

The scent patch at the nape of his neck had been peeled off effortlessly during the kiss—it had been damp and sticky, uncomfortable against his skin.

Now the scent of his rose-flavored grape pheromones was slowly emanating from within him, carrying an irresistible temptation, as if extending a fervent invitation.

Yet he still hadn't sensed the enigma's pheromones.

Ling Ran's body grew weak as he leaned forward slightly, pressing his entire form against that firm, muscular chest.

His eyelashes fluttered uncontrollably twice before his tongue peeked out, giving a slow, gentle lick to his plump lower lip. Immediately, he felt the muscles beneath his palm tense violently.

He was still somewhat nervous, his beautiful eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"Then...then if I agree now...would that be okay..."

Jiang Zhiyu seemed momentarily stunned before gripping that pale, delicate chin and plundering his mouth in a deep, possessive kiss.

"If you agree, you'll completely become my Omega," Jiang Zhiyu asked, "Can you accept that?"

Ling Ran thought seriously before nodding: "I can."

Having said this, he actively pressed his lips to Jiang Zhiyu's again, pecking gently at those thin lips like a small animal.

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled, supporting the back of his head to create some distance between them.

"Not now."

Tears immediately pooled in Ling Ran's eyes again. His lips quivered as he asked plaintively: "Why..."

Jiang Zhiyu brushed away the moisture at the corner of his eye, his tone deliberately restrained and even: "You're not ready yet."

Ling Ran felt an emptiness in his body—he desperately needed to be filled, possessed, and needed right now.

So he lifted his own shirt, pulling that hand to rest against his skin.

"I am ready, really..."

This was the first time he'd been so proactive, so urgent—his behavior was quite abnormal.

Jiang Zhiyu captured both his hands. Not receiving the response he wanted, Ling Ran began silently shedding tears.

Jiang Zhiyu lifted that tear-streaked face—the pitiful little face was drenched, eyes blurred with tears, his entire body trembling slightly from extreme sorrow, utterly heartrending in his distress.

"Ling Ran," Jiang Zhiyu called softly, "Baby."

"Baby."

"Stop crying, alright?"

He still felt wronged, thick lashes heavy with teardrops, biting his lip without making a sound.

Jiang Zhiyu relented and came to kiss him, preventing him from biting those already swollen, bruised lips any harder.

"Bite me instead, baby," Jiang Zhiyu murmured against his lips, "Don't hurt yourself."

Ling Ran actually opened his mouth to bite Jiang Zhiyu's lip, who soothingly stroked his back in response.

Noticing the person in his arms was truly gnawing at his lips—venting his frustration—it took a while before he finally released.

Jiang Zhiyu licked the two small tooth marks left behind and chuckled softly.

Quite the temper.

"If I give you a permanent mark, you'll need to take medicine," Jiang Zhiyu said, "Otherwise you won't be able to handle it."

He'd rushed back from Australia today and come straight here—he didn't even have condoms with him, let alone medicine. Even without a permanent mark, they couldn't proceed.

Ling Ran seemed to be contemplating something when he suddenly began rummaging through his belongings.

Finally pulling a medicine bottle from his bag, he silently unscrewed the cap and poured an indiscriminate amount into his mouth.

Jiang Zhiyu took the bottle from his hand to examine it, his expression darkening instantly.

This was exactly the medicine Xu Guanyi had given him earlier—who would've thought the little Omega would keep it in his bag.

The medicine was made to look like candy. Ling Ran chewed it a few times in his mouth and was about to swallow when a hand suddenly forced his jaw open. Long, strong fingers reached in, trying to dig the pills out of his mouth.

But Ling Ran's throat moved, his mouth instinctively contracting, and then he opened it again—the candy-like pills had already been swallowed without him realizing.

Jiang Zhiyu's eyes darkened dangerously. "Why do you have this medicine on you?"

Ling Ran mumbled, aggrieved, "Y-you... you put it there last time..."

It was from a few days ago when Ling Ran had been sleeping in the office's rest area. Jiang Zhiyu had casually slipped the medicine bottle into Ling Ran's bag, intending for him to take it home. But Ling Ran had forgotten about it, carrying the bottle with him every day since.

"Spit it out." Jiang Zhiyu held his palm open near Ling Ran's lips, his tone stern.

That medicine wasn't meant to be taken in large doses, and he hadn't seen clearly how many pills Ling Ran had just swallowed. "1... already swallowed them all..."

As if afraid Jiang Zhiyu wouldn't believe him, Ling Ran even stuck out his tongue to show him.

Jiang Zhiyu stared at that soft, crimson tongue, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

The restraint he had painstakingly maintained crumbled in an instant.

They were really all gone.

….

The downpour continued, the sky as if torn open, rain slashing diagonally against the car windows in a relentless yet rhythmic pattern. Inside the car, the scent of tequila pheromones erupted suddenly, carrying an overwhelming, unstoppable force.

Ling Ran felt himself burning up again, though he wasn't sure if it was the medicine or the pheromones. If this kept up, his rationality would soon be scorched away.

The Enigma showed no signs of stopping, his pheromones surging out unchecked.

Ling Ran whimpered pitifully, "Y-you... go mark another Omega..."

"I... I want... to go home..."

"Wah..."

His fragmented sobs were swallowed as Jiang Zhiyu brushed aside the sweat-dampened strands of hair on his forehead, pressing scorching, domineering kisses to his swollen eyelids and lips.

"Too late, baby."

He had already given him a chance to be spared earlier, but he really shouldn't have—

Shouldn't have been so disobedient, shouldn't have tested the limits of his endurance.

Holding him, Jiang Zhiyu kissed and coaxed him until he cried himself into exhaustion, passing out in his arms. Outside, the rain had eased slightly.

Wrapping Ling Ran in his suit jacket, the oversized garment covered most of his body, leaving only his bare calves exposed.

In contrast, the Enigma's clothes remained perfectly in place, though damp and wrinkled beyond recognition.

He settled the little Omega into the passenger seat and drove off swiftly through the misty rain.

Not toward the foot of the mountain—with the rain thinning the traffic, it took barely ten minutes.

Coincidentally, the restaurant was nestled at the base of the verdant hills, while halfway up the slope stood a sprawling, old-world European-style vineyard, where the most authentic, traditional methods were used to craft exquisite wines.

Surrounded by rolling green mountains, it was as if nature itself had opened its arms to cradle this birthplace of fine wine.

The stone walls bore the marks of time, exuding an ancient, mysterious aura.

Under the solemnity of the rainy night, the red-tiled roofs and green walls stood in quiet dignity as a black car rolled slowly through the gates.

The car finally came to a stop in front of a castle-like building, from which two servants immediately rushed out to hold umbrellas by the vehicle.

Jiang Zhiyu carried the person out from the passenger seat and strode through the grand castle doors.

Only when placed on a large bed covered in soft, thick blankets did the little Omega wearily open his eyes a sliver.

Thinking he had already returned home, he relaxed completely.

Rubbing his cheek against the plush blanket, he was about to close his eyes and drift back to sleep when a tall, imposing figure loomed over him.

His breath was abruptly stolen, leaving Ling Ran dizzy and trembling from head to toe.

His eyes widened slightly, filled with confusion and bewilderment.

But... wasn't it already over...?

The Enigma seemed utterly unable to resist his obsession with every inch of him—devouring his lips and tongue wasn't enough; he wanted to swallow him whole, flesh and all.

"Baby," a deep, husky voice murmured by his ear, "it hasn't even started yet."

"Relax."

"Why is your belly so small?"

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