TPLTMOE – Chapter 71

The rain had been falling intermittently, impossible to tell for how long.

The world before him was pitch black, amplifying his other senses infinitely.

Ling Ran felt submerged in an endless ocean.

When the waters were calm, he could drift freely like a little fish, floating on the surface, taking a sip of seawater and blowing bubbles with a gurgle.

But when the storm raged, he was swallowed whole by the towering waves.

Outside the window, the downpour was relentless, and the distant hills were blanketed by sprawling grapevines that blotted out the sky.

Among the trembling clusters of grapes hanging from the vines, there was always the most delicate and fragile one, drenched by the rain, trying in vain to shelter itself beneath the lush leaves.

But even the leaves could be pierced by the torrent, collapsing, frail and defenseless.

And so, the grapevines swayed helplessly in the storm, a few tender fruits battered to the ground.

Such grapes were usually overripe, nearly rotten.

A gentle squeeze between the fingers would burst their thin skins, releasing an abundance of sweet juice. The flesh, fragrant and dripping, would stain the hands in an instant.

Someone would bend down to pick them up, unbothered by the dirt, and upon tasting, their lips would be filled with an intoxicating aroma.

Muscat grapes were a special variety—the moment their flesh touched the tongue, the scent of roses would bloom in the mouth.

The two flavors complemented each other perfectly, refreshing and exhilarating.

One couldn't help but crave more, one after another.

***

The Enigma pulled the little Omega from the bed, flipping him over to press his feverish body against his chest.

This was a normal physiological reaction after being knotted—especially since the one who had bonded with the Omega wasn't an ordinary Alpha, but a top-tier Enigma, whose pheromones and physical prowess were a hundred times more potent.

The Omega was delirious from the heat, his fingertips trembling uncontrollably, toes curling tightly, his small face flushed and damp with sweat. His tearful eyes were too weak to open, his consciousness hazy as he lay panting softly in the Enigma's arms, his breaths as light as a kitten's.

Meanwhile, the Enigma's restraint had pushed him to the brink—his eyes, even the skin beneath them, were tinged red, the veins on the back of his hand bulging visibly as his blood roared violently through his body.

He reached for the medicine bottle by the bed, popping two sugar-coated pills into his mouth. Finding it insufficient, he swallowed another before leaning down to crush them between his teeth and kiss them into the Omega's parted lips.

….

Even during his rut, he had never lost control like this.

The little Omega had once said he disliked injections, so this time, the Enigma had ordered oral nutrient solutions instead. The only downside was poor absorption, requiring frequent feedings throughout the day.

Countless empty pouches already littered the floor by the bed, and soon, only one bag of nutrient solution remained.

The Omega's body was delicate and frail, and at this stage, his weak reproductive cavity couldn't afford malnutrition.

Jiang Zhiyu held the nutrient solution in one hand, biting open the pouch and taking a sip himself before pressing it to the lips of the man in his arms, feeding him carefully.

Unfortunately, those swollen lips were slightly parted but showed no sign of voluntary sucking or swallowing.

Jiang Zhiyu had no choice but to take a sip himself, pinch open the other's cheeks, and lean down to feed it directly into his mouth.

After pressing against the base of his tongue to force him to swallow, Jiang Zhiyu took another sip and repeated the same method to feed him.

Sip by sip, he finally managed to get the entire bag of nutrient solution into him.

His thumb wiped away the glistening traces at the corners of the other's lips, then licked clean the dampness accidentally smeared on those plump lips.

Jiang Zhiyu picked up the soft hand lying limply at his side—the Omega's fingers were slender and delicate, the bones almost pitifully small compared to the large palm enveloping them.

At some point, a diamond ring had been slipped onto that fragile, boneless hand. Even in the dim bedroom, with its heavy curtains blocking most of the light, the enormous, dazzling vivid purple diamond glittered brilliantly at the base of his ring finger.

After purchasing it at an auction in Bangkok, Jiang Zhiyu had secretly measured the size of his finger, then had the ring crafted day and night by master jewelers. Now, at last, he had a reason to give it to him.

Even if he wanted to refuse, it was no longer possible. From body to soul, he had been branded as belonging to an Enigma.

Jiang Zhiyu had never intended to give him a chance to resist in the first place. He pressed a gentle kiss to those damp, flushed, swollen lips.

"Baby."

"Happy birthday."

***

The rain outside had finally stopped. Jiang Zhiyu casually draped a robe over himself, tucked the person on the bed securely under the covers, and only then stepped out of the room.

Outside was a dim, secluded corridor lined with medieval European-style paintings. Faint light seeped through the red velvet curtains, casting an ethereal glow on the Enigma's cold, handsome face, as if he had stepped out of one of the paintings.

Most of the servants in the castle were European. This vineyard had originally been developed by a white wine enthusiast who later found that traditional winemaking wasn't profitable enough and sold the estate.

After changing hands several times, it had eventually ended up in Jiang Zhiyu's possession.

He instructed a few servants to bring more nutrient solution, then summoned one of the castle's white doctors into the bedroom.

The doctor was short and plump, with an exceptionally kind face, but he was sweating bullets as he followed Jiang Zhiyu, trembling with nerves.

They weren't blind—earlier, they had all seen the fierce, overlapping love marks scattered across Jiang Zhiyu's exposed collarbone.

The other man who had been carried in that day still hadn't left the room since.

The servants had whispered among themselves, speculating that their new boss—handsome, noble, every inch the aristocrat—would surely know better than to lose control in bed to the point of endangering a life.

When the white doctor saw the figure lying on the bed, he seemed to freeze in shock.

A slender, delicate frame, a beautiful face flushed and damp, like a sleeping beauty lost in deep slumber, waiting to be awakened by a kiss.

Was this... Jiang Zhiyu's partner?

So breathtakingly beautiful!

Jiang Zhiyu had already taken a seat by the bed, but the white doctor remained rooted at the foot, head bowed, not daring to look up.

The air in the room was stagnant, thick with a medley of ambiguous, intoxicating scents—like a rotten grape thoroughly soaked in liquor.

He hardly dared to breathe, afraid of offending their new employer, and asked timidly, "Mr. Jiang, are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to examine you?"

Jiang Zhiyu: "Not me."

"Then... this Omega gentleman?" The white doctor inquired respectfully. "What symptoms does he have? Should I perform a check-up?"

"No need," Jiang Zhiyu refused decisively. "My personal physician is already aware of his condition."

Before fully claiming Ling Ran with a permanent mark, Jiang Zhiyu had mustered the last shreds of his rationality to call Xu Guanyi.

Xu Guanyi was on duty at the hospital, drowsy and barely coherent.

Upon hearing Jiang Zhiyu's intentions, his first reaction was to stop him.

"No, no, this isn't the optimal time," Xu Guanyi said. "No matter how unbearable it is, you have to hold on."

"He just took seven or eight pills," Jiang Zhiyu's voice was hoarse with restraint. "Possibly more."

"What?!" Xu Guanyi nearly shrieked. "Why didn't you stop him?!"

Beads of sweat trickled down Jiang Zhiyu's clenched jaw, falling silently onto an unseen surface.

"Couldn't pry them from his mouth," Jiang Zhiyu replied. "If necessary, I'll take him to the hospital for gastric lavage now."

Xu Guanyi composed himself, frowning. "That... that might not be necessary. Here's what you should do—check his current physical state as I guide you."

Following Xu Guanyi's remote instructions, Jiang Zhiyu's veined hands moved methodically, like a calm and disciplined apprentice, relaying the young Omega's condition at every step.

After listening, Xu Guanyi sounded surprised. "How could this be?"

"Is there a problem?"

"No problem."

After a long pause, Xu Guanyi continued, "It just seems... he's truly ready now."

The young Omega's recovery exceeded Xu Guanyi's expectations. He no longer objected, only reminding Jiang Zhiyu of precautions—like avoiding another five- or six-day marathon, as no Omega could endure that, especially one as delicate as his.

He also emphasized nutritional replenishment and advised against prolonged sessions or attempting success in one go.

Jiang Zhiyu adhered strictly to the instructions.

Now composed, he asked the white doctor, "I've heard there are more documented cases of Enigma-Omega pairings among Europeans. Are you familiar with this?"

The doctor, caught off guard, wiped his brow. "Mr. Jiang, such cases do exist, but Enigmas are exceedingly rare. Even in Europe, 'many' would be an overstatement."

Jiang Zhiyu responded indifferently, "Would an Omega suffer any effects after being permanently marked by an Enigma?"

He had already consulted Xu Guanyi on this, but additional insights couldn't hurt.

"As far as I know, I've previously treated a couple consisting of an enigma and an Omega," the white doctor said. "However, their main conflict stemmed from disharmony in their intimate life. Their pheromone compatibility might not have been as high as that between an Omega and their destined mate, which led to the Omega suffering in their married life. Physical issues affected their mental health, and the inability to conceive eventually caused depression. In the end, they divorced amicably. The Omega underwent a mark-removal surgery and later found a more compatible alpha partner."

After finishing his explanation, the white doctor suddenly noticed that Mr. Jiang's expression had turned as cold as a statue, almost frightening him into silence.

"Mr. Jiang, do you disagree with something I said?"

Jiang Zhiyu pulled the sleeping figure under the blanket into his arms, eyeing the doctor with an indifferent gaze.

The white doctor immediately felt chills run down his spine. Although their previous boss, Mr. Qin, was also a high-ranking alpha, the oppressive aura he exuded was nothing compared to their new boss.

Sensing the slight tremble in the person nestled against him, Jiang Zhiyu gently stroked the little Omega's back, his eyes slightly narrowed. "Destined mates—are they really that important?"

Why did every doctor seem to have a special fixation on those four words?

The white doctor replied, "Of course. Pheromone compatibility is even more important than emotional bonds. If the compatibility is high, even two people who don't love each other will unconsciously be drawn together. Few can resist the pull of a destined mate—it's instinct."

Jiang Zhiyu repeated, "Instinct."

An uncontrollable, subconscious physical reaction—that was instinct.

Unfortunately, enigmas couldn't undergo pheromone compatibility tests with any gender. Though they could mark any other gender, none would ever be their natural destined mate.

The little head in his arms suddenly nuzzled lightly against his chest, the soft cheek pressing against his robe without any barrier, as if thoroughly enjoying the soothing hand on his back. The physical discomfort could be momentarily ignored, so a contented hum escaped his throat, like a well-fed kitten sighing in satisfaction in its owner's embrace.

The corner of Jiang Zhiyu's lips curved upward as he adjusted his hold, allowing him to easily lean down and capture that moist, plump lower lip.

So what if it was instinct?

Now, this little Omega—from the inside out, including the newly developed, immature reproductive cavity in its second stage—was thoroughly saturated with his scent. It could never be washed away in this lifetime.

Nor would he allow him to escape and seek out any so-called destined mate.

He was his instinct.

***

Ling Ran was exhausted to the extreme. He felt as if he had been mistaken for an actual grape.

His skin had been peeled, his flesh squeezed apart, and the tiny core hidden deepest inside had been forcibly extracted. Then, his skin and flesh had been tossed into a mortar and pounded relentlessly.

Pounded into a messy, pulpy grape juice, only to be greedily lapped up by someone...

His entire body ached, his face buried in the soft fleece blanket, unable to free himself. He whimpered faintly, his eyes squinting in discomfort.

A hand reached over to touch his forehead before wrapping him in the blanket and lifting him into an embrace.

A cool, sweet liquid was fed into his mouth—sugary water. He opened his lips to drink, yet his eyelids remained stubbornly sealed, his entire body aching as though it no longer belonged to him.

Someone began massaging every sore spot on his body, and he took the opportunity to keep his eyes shut, indulging in the tender, meticulous care.

Jiang Zhiyu answered a call while continuing the massage.

Zhao Qin reported, "President Jiang, the Ling family officially declared bankruptcy this morning. After Mr. Ling met with them at the restaurant the other day, they did intend to take action, but our people had already taken precautions. The photos and videos they leaked to other media outlets have been retrieved. There's no further risk."

The Ling family had reached a dead end, unwilling to let go of even the slightest chance.

They had wanted to drag Ling Ran down with them, but their incompetence had long been exposed—Jiang Zhiyu had been monitoring them all along, unbeknownst to them.

"Handle it as you see fit," Jiang Zhiyu said.

Zhao Qin added, "Also, Qin Chengyue from the news department has been asking about Mr. Ling's whereabouts several times. He said Mr. Ling's phone is always switched off and asked... if we had kidnapped him..."

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled. "Tell him to call me."

Zhao Qin: "He said he doesn't dare."

After hanging up, Jiang Zhiyu called Shang Ye, instructing him to inform Yan Xiwen as well—since they had always wanted to visit the vineyard, they could bring a few friends along.

Shang Ye asked, "You're sure they can come?"

Jiang Zhiyu: "Why not?"

Shang Ye pressed, "Not worried about ruining your fun?"

Jiang Zhiyu replied casually, "Already taken care of." Shang Ye: "..."

Shang Ye: "By the way, there's something else I meant to tell you yesterday. There's been news about Dong Hui in Australia—he was spotted at a casino in Victoria, losing eighty million in one night. The money he took abroad must be nearly gone. But more importantly, since last night, someone domestically has been secretly transferring money to him—ten thousand at a time. By today, it's already close to two million."

Jiang Zhiyu pondered for a moment. "Someone's protecting him from within the country."

Shang Ye: "Who do you think it is?"

"Old Qian."

Old Qian had already been forced into retirement by Jiang Zhiyu's maneuvers, his official influence stripped away. Yet, unbeknownst to anyone, he still had secret ties to Dong Hui.

His protection of Dong Hui was undoubtedly aimed at Jiang Zhiyu.

Shang Ye warned, "Dong Corporation's assets have all been seized, and Dong Hui's personal accounts frozen. The crimes he's committed over the years have come to light one after another—enough to keep him in prison for life. The empire he painstakingly built was destroyed by that one headline about his 'treasured daughter.' If he returns, the first person he'll come for is you."

Perhaps Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue too, but Shang Ye had said enough. He didn't elaborate further.

He trusted Jiang Zhiyu understood.

Jiang Zhiyu rubbed the dazzling pure purple diamond ring between his fingers, watching the long lashes of the man in his arms tremble faintly from instability.

He lifted his chin and gently nipped at those tender, swollen lips.

After just a few bites, the little Omega let out a low whimper of pain, then opened his eyes, misty with unshed tears, looking over with extreme grievance.

Jiang Zhiyu knew he had woken up but was still pretending to sleep—now that the act couldn't be maintained, he was giving him such a pitiful look.

It made his heart itch unbearably.

Not only did an Omega need comfort after being marked, but the Enigma who had marked him also needed soothing and reassurance.

So he lowered his head again to kiss the little Omega's lips, his voice hoarse as he asked, "Still uncomfortable?"

The question only made things worse. Ling Ran's tears spilled over, crystal clear.

It wasn't just about whether he was uncomfortable or not—it was that his body felt so strange, so unbearably strange.

Even the slightest movement made him feel it.

Jiang Zhiyu kissed away his tears and brought another bag of nutrient solution to his lips. "Open your mouth."

Ling Ran clenched his teeth and turned his head away, burying his face against Jiang Zhiyu's chest. Tears of grievance fell as he shook his head—no matter what, he wouldn't swallow another thing.

His tiny belly was already full, even stretched to the point of bursting. How could they still want to feed him more...?

Jiang Zhiyu rubbed his stomach gently, coaxing softly, "That wasn't in your stomach. You've only had one bag today."

"Just one sip."

"Be good, baby."

After much persuasion, the little Omega managed two sips before crying that his stomach was about to burst, refusing adamantly to drink any more.

Jiang Zhiyu bit into the nutrient bag, finishing the rest himself, then wiped Ling Ran's tears away with his thumb. "Other than your stomach, is there anywhere else that hurts?"

Ling Ran sniffled, his voice so hoarse he could barely speak, his head still heavy with dizziness. "E-everywhere... everywhere h-hurts..."

They should have asked where he didn't hurt instead, wuu...

Jiang Zhiyu massaged the sore spots on his body, chuckling lowly by his ear before asking, "Everywhere?"

The fluffy little head against his chest nodded.

"Little liar."

Jiang Zhiyu pressed close to his reddened earlobe. "Baby, you're still trembling from how good it felt."

Ling Ran's face flushed even darker. He pursed his lips tightly, stammering in protest, "I-I'm not... I w-wanted you to stop... b-but you wouldn't listen to me..."

"Wuu…"

“:<”

Jiang Zhiyu kissed his teary eyes. "Next time, I'll listen to you."

Ling Ran didn't believe it at all. His eyes reddened as he clutched his stomach. “Big liar..."

Every time, he said he'd listen next time—but next time, and the time after that, he never once obeyed on the bed.

How could anyone be this much of a villain?

Suddenly, Ling Ran felt a cool sensation. Confused, he lifted his hand from under the blanket, tilting it toward the dim light in the room. His eyes widened in disbelief.

It was an impossibly beautiful purple diamond, adorning his slender, fair fingers—making the gem even more dazzling and his skin even more flawless.

A perfect match.

Ling Ran was stunned. He had never seen such a large, exquisite purple diamond before. Its countless crystalline facets reflected his bewildered expression back at him.

He stared at the ring blankly, as if his brain had short-circuited, then lifted his gaze to the man before him.

Jiang Zhiyu took his hand and gently placed a kiss on it. "Do you like it?"

Ling Ran asked the most innocent and harmless question, "What is this..."

Jiang Zhiyu wiped away the mist that had accidentally settled on the diamond ring. "When I saw this in Bangkok, I wanted to give it to you as a birthday gift. Though the day has passed, it's not too late to say it now."

Jiang Zhiyu cupped his face and planted a soft kiss, his lowered gaze tender and focused, brimming with a radiance more dazzling than diamonds. He whispered gently, "Happy birthday, baby."

Since he hadn't heard it that night, he would say it again.

"May you be happy every single day from now on," Jiang Zhiyu said.

Not just on your birthday.

Eyes that had just been comforted began to glisten again visibly, and Ling Ran's nose tingled sharply with emotion.

He had thought Mr. Jiang didn't know his birthday. He had assumed his special day had passed by quietly, unnoticed.

But it hadn't.

Mr. Jiang remembered—had remembered all along.

His heart was drenched in a fine, dense rain, soaked in a pool of bittersweet droplets, full to the point of bursting.

Love threatened to overflow.

Ling Ran wore the most precious birthday gift he'd ever received on his hand, its weight like a thousand pounds, pressing him deeper into the enigma's embrace. He nuzzled his cheek, transferring those raindrops onto him.

"But... why a ring?"

There were so many birthday gifts to choose from—flowers, cake, clothes, jewelry. Anything would have been fine.

Why did it have to be a ring?

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to sigh faintly, cradling his head to make him meet his gaze, their eyes locking.

"Do you remember when I said our relationship was with marriage in mind?" he said. "But now, I want to go back on that."

Ling Ran looked bewildered, unsure what he meant.

Jiang Zhiyu continued, "Let's not date anymore."

Ling Ran's lashes fluttered, his eyes rimmed red, lips parting instinctively as if to protest.

He had only just agreed to it—how could he be rejected again so suddenly?

Then he felt warmth against his lips—the enigma leaning down to kiss him.

A brief press, lips reluctant to part, lingering until sheer will forced a sliver of space between them. Forehead resting against his, Jiang Zhiyu finished:

"Baby, let's get married."

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