TPLTMOE – Chapter 76

Xu Guanyi waited outside the door for about half an hour before entering.

Jiang Zhiyu was still holding Ling Ran, sitting in the office chair, supporting the little Omega's lower back while talking to him.

Ling Ran simply listened obediently, nodding from time to time.

"I'm really fine," Ling Ran assured him repeatedly. "Assistant Zhao protected me at the time."

Jiang Zhiyu looked at him. "Any scratches on your body?"

Ling Ran puffed his cheeks slightly—this wasn't easy to answer. He wasn't sure if his chest had been scraped.

Seeing his hesitation, Jiang Zhiyu said, "Lift your clothes, let me see."

Ling Ran held the hem of his clothes with both hands, unaware that the door had been opened. He slowly lifted his shirt, trying to reveal any scratches, accidentally brushing against a sensitive spot in the process, causing him to frown slightly in discomfort.

He had only lifted it halfway when a distinct red mark appeared on his fair, smooth skin—as if rubbed harshl—-stretching from his stomach upward, likely more pronounced on his chest.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to notice movement behind him and stopped the little Omega's hand before he could lift it further.

Xu Guanyi cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt. I might have another patient coming soon, so let me quickly go over the test results. If there are any abrasions, I can prescribe some ointment—just apply it as soon as you get home."

Flustered, Ling Ran quickly pulled his shirt back down and nodded. "Thank you, Dr. Xu."

Xu Guanyi brought over the test report and explained Ling Ran's condition in detail to the two of them.

"Based on the results, the disorder has completely healed. But you should still be careful—continue using pheromones for comfort to prevent relapse," he said to Jiang Zhiyu. "Another surprising finding is that the permanent mark played a crucial role in catalyzing the development of his reproductive cavity."

Jiang Zhiyu rested a hand gently over the little Omega's belly through his clothes.

Inside was warm, moist, and delicate—where he had recently knotted not long ago.

Ignoring their subtle interaction, Xu Guanyi continued, "In any case, the reproductive cavity is developing well."

Jiang Zhiyu asked, "Can he get pregnant?"

Ling Ran's cheeks flushed—he hadn't expected him to ask so bluntly.

Xu Guanyi replied, "I can't say for certain yet. It's not impossible that his fertility has been restored. Fortunately, the enigma's pheromone level is high. If it were an ordinary alpha, he likely wouldn't have any chance of pregnancy at all."

Hearing this, Ling Ran's eyes brightened suddenly as he glanced back at the enigma behind him.

Did this mean... he might still be able to have a baby?

A baby with Mr. Jiang.

Just the thought made his heart soften. He wrapped both small hands around the larger one resting on his stomach.

There was no need for ointment—they already had some at home.

Zhao Qin's arm was indeed fractured and required a few days of hospitalization for proper recovery. Jiang Zhiyu arranged for someone to keep watch before driving Ling Ran home.

After returning, he first stripped him naked and carefully examined him from head to toe, confirming there were only minor abrasions on his front while the rest of his body remained completely unharmed.

Jiang Zhiyu then cradled him on his lap, applying ointment with gentle strokes before wrapping him in one of his own robes.

Ling Ran draped himself in the oversized robe, ensuring it wouldn't irritate the wounds on his chest. The medicated areas felt cool and soothing, suppressing the burning pain.

There was no way he could go to work today, and Jiang Zhiyu didn't leave either, staying home to comfort and reassure him.

Though Ling Ran was the one who had been frightened, he noticed that Mr. Jiang seemed even more shaken than he was. Jiang Zhiyu even had work documents delivered to the house, holding Ling Ran in his arms as he worked at the desk.

The Porsche had been sent to the repair shop, and subordinates sent over photos—among them, a sharp machete embedded in the rear windshield.

The thugs from the van had all been apprehended. Jiang Zhiyu naturally had his own methods.

When it came to retaliation, few could match his ruthlessness.

But what he hadn't expected was that the masterminds behind this weren't just Dong Hui and Old Qian.

Tang Bei had suffered a major loss in the West Harbor Pier incident, deceived by the false information Jiang Zhiyu deliberately leaked. Believing the pier's approval process had hit a snag, Tang had sold off all his shares at a low price—only for the West Harbor project to suddenly fast-track its approval and commence construction immediately. By then, the pier's ownership had quietly returned to Jiang Zhiyu's hands. In the end, Tang Bei not only gained nothing but also lost a massive fortune, even forced to sell off Blue Harbor at a rock- bottom price to cover his losses. It was only later that he learned Blue Harbor had also been acquired by the Jiang Group.

He had foolishly believed Jiang Zhiyu would negotiate with him, that he'd share a piece of the pie. But from start to finish, it had all been an elaborate scam. Perhaps ever since that day on the island when Tang had surrounded Jiang Zhiyu's suite and forced him to hand over his Omega, he had already fallen into Jiang Zhiyu's trap.

After listening to his subordinates' report, Jiang Zhiyu hung up the phone.

He suddenly felt the urge to smoke.

But the little Omega in his arms seemed drowsy, eyes closed as he dozed against his chest.

Not smoking was fine too. He lowered his head, pressing a kiss to the soft crown of the Omega's hair before adjusting his hold to let him sleep more comfortably.

Even with bodyguards assigned to Ling Ran, oversights still happened. If Zhao Qin hadn't reacted quickly today, that blade might have struck Ling Ran.

Just the thought of that possibility sent a chill down Jiang Zhiyu's spine.

He had plenty of enemies—especially lately, with many opposing his election in the Chamber of Commerce. Today's assembly had even seen armed resistance, causing quite a stir.

If possible, Jiang Zhiyu would prefer Ling Ran never went to work again—better yet, never left the house at all. Only with Ling Ran constantly within his sight could he feel at ease.

But he couldn't bear to break the wings he had painstakingly nurtured for Ling Ran. It was he who had personally shaped Ling Ran into someone confident, beautiful, and poised in front of the camera. Should he now force Ling Ran to abandon journalism, step down as an anchor, and never appear in public again?

Yet this shouldn't be Ling Ran's fault. If exposing the truth meant facing retaliation from criminals, then it was those vicious offenders who deserved severe punishment—not the brave soul who stood up for the facts.

But what reason could he use to stop Ling Ran from taking risks?

Like today—should he just keep his little Omega cradled in his arms forever, shielding him from harm?

He could do it, but Ling Ran might not accept it.

The small head nestled against him suddenly stirred. Ling Ran drowsily opened his eyes, realizing he was still being held by the enigma.

Rubbing his eyes, he glanced at the computer screen, where a series of indecipherable zigzag lines flickered—he had no idea what they represented.

Yawning, he nestled back against the enigma's chest, soft and pliant.

Jiang Zhiyu stroked his hair. "Baby."

Ling Ran let out a quiet "Mm," his eyelids already drooping again.

Jiang Zhiyu's voice deepened. "Let's take some time off work for now, alright?"

Ling Ran opened his eyes and tilted his head up to look at him. "Why? Are you firing me? Did I... not do well enough?"

Jiang Zhiyu kissed his lips. "Of course not. You've been exceptional. The news channel's ratings have soared because of you, and the show's reputation keeps improving. You're practically Jiangzhou's new star anchor, baby. People adore you."

Some people were just born with natural charisma—an unsolvable phenomenon. Especially someone like Ling Ran, who not only had that charm but also outstanding talent. It was easy for him to stand out among other anchors, even drawing in viewers who normally avoided news channels.

Lately, his frequent absences due to personal matters had sparked an uproar among fans. Jiangzhou's official accounts were flooded with questions—where was Ling Ran? Why hadn't he appeared in the last few episodes?

Ling Ran frowned in confusion. "But I've already been away from the company for over a week. Do I really need another week off?" Jiang Zhiyu replied, "It might be longer than that."

He didn't want to burden Ling Ran with the messy details, but resolving everything thoroughly would take time and effort.

At the very least, during this period, Ling Ran needed to stay in a safe environment—only then could Jiang Zhiyu rest easy.

The little Omega was already considerate enough. Instead of pressing for specifics, he simply asked, "Then... how long will it be?"

Jiang Zhiyu couldn't give a definite answer yet, but he had already uncovered some leads on Dong Hui. Tracking him down was only a matter of time, and dealing with the others wouldn't be difficult either—just a matter of handling them one by one.

To keep Ling Ran at home, Jiang Zhiyu stayed with him as well.

Work documents were delivered daily, meetings were held via video calls, and occasionally, colleagues came to the house for briefings. Jiang Zhiyu would take them to the study, while Ling Ran, not wanting to disturb them, would quietly stay in the bedroom. Only after they left would he return to the living room to watch TV.

Staying at home was indeed quite boring. Ling Ran would sometimes watch news programs from other media outlets, take notes in his notebook, or analyze the scripts and structures of their segments.

On several occasions, Jiang Zhiyu's video conferences dragged on late into the night. Not wanting to disturb Ling Ran's sleep, he took his laptop to the study.

The other party was a long-time European partner of the Jiang family. Having been repeatedly refused meetings by the Jiangs, they had grown resentful. Many matters were best discussed face-to-face, and outright refusing to meet was somewhat impolite.

Jiang Zhiyu spent some time explaining the situation to them, and by the time the meeting ended, it was nearly one in the morning.

When he returned to the master bedroom, the little Omega was already sound asleep, curled up under the blankets.

He climbed into bed, pulled the other into his arms, and felt the hollow emptiness in his chest fill with warmth. The sweet, intoxicating fragrance enveloped him.

***

Ling Ran woke up early the next morning. Gently freeing himself from the Enigma's embrace, he slipped on his shoes and got out of bed.

Song Yi had already prepared breakfast. Without waking the man in the master bedroom, Ling Ran sat down at the table and ate alone.

He had vaguely sensed it last night—Mr. Jiang had worked late again.

These past few days, though Mr. Jiang had been staying home with him, he seemed even busier than usual. Many things were inconvenient to handle remotely, and Ling Ran understood that.

After breakfast, Qin Chengyue called him.

"Ranran, how have you been? Nothing else has happened, right?"

Qin Chengyue had also heard about Ling Ran's near-accident and had been wanting to visit him at home.

Ling Ran replied, "I'm fine."

Qin Chengyue asked, "So when can you go out again? Will you still go back to work?"

Ling Ran murmured, "Probably... I don't know..."

Being stuck at home with nothing to do was incredibly dull. Though Jiang Zhiyu would assign him small tasks—like reviewing documents, translating clauses, typing on the computer, or teaching him how to read contracts—none of these were things Ling Ran found interesting. They didn't excite him, though they did help pass the time.

If Jiang Zhiyu noticed he was bored, he'd pull him into some "couple's exercise."

Back and forth, and just like that, half the day would be gone.

It was, admittedly, an effective way to kill time.

Qin Chengyue sighed dramatically, "Honestly, I haven't been to the company much these days either. My brother won't let me go out, and I feel like I'm going crazy cooped up at home. So boring, so boring—I've never wanted to go out and chase news stories this badly before. I really, really want to be on camera reporting again."

Ling Ran said softly, "Actually... I miss it too."

Qin Chengyue grumbled, "Why do they get to keep us locked up at home? Laying low is one thing, but this is just suffocating. By the time the storm blows over, we'll probably be half-insane from boredom."

Ling Ran tried to console him, "Chengyue, if you're really that bored, I can call and chat with you every day."

Qin Chengyue wailed, "I don't want phone calls—I want to go out and play with you, wuuu!"

Ling Ran laughed. "It probably won't be much longer."

"Who said it wouldn't be for long? That damned Shang even told me I'm not allowed to wander around anymore from now on. Am I supposed to just go to work, come home, and repeat for the rest of my life? So boring, so boring! I don't want this, waaah!"

Ling Ran asked in confusion, "Chengyue, why do you have to listen to President Shang?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line before the person replied with unusual hesitation, "Me? Listen to someone? I don't listen to anyone! I only listen to myself. No one gets to control me."

Then Qin Chengyue added, "Xiao Ran, I'll listen to you though. You can rest assured about that."

Ling Ran said, "Then you should listen to me properly. If President Shang tells you not to wander around, then don't. And don't be so reckless in the future—you need to be careful."

Qin Chengyue whined, "Got it, got it. Oh, Xiao Ran, I almost forgot why I called you. Did you see the message Jiajia sent in the group chat?"

"I haven't checked yet."

"Never mind, I'll just tell you directly. The company has a study visit opportunity in Europe recently, collaborating with BTC. There are only two spots available. How about we both apply and give it a try?"

A study visit to BTC would undoubtedly be a fantastic opportunity, but Ling Ran didn't agree immediately. After hanging up, he carefully read the application details—if he went, it would require at least three months abroad.

Though Ling Ran really wanted to go, the long duration made him hesitate.

Jiang Zhiyu stepped out of the bedroom and saw the little Omega sitting at the dining table, engrossed in his phone. So focused was he that he didn't even notice Jiang Zhiyu's approaching footsteps.

Standing beside Ling Ran, Jiang Zhiyu reached out and ruffled his hair, catching a glimpse of the prominent logo on Ling Ran's screen—BTC News.

"Finished breakfast?" Jiang Zhiyu asked.

Ling Ran put his phone away and looked up. "Yeah. Do you want to eat now?"

Jiang Zhiyu gave a faint "Mm" and sat down beside him.

Ling Ran didn't return to his phone or leave the table. Instead, he rested his chin in his hands, elbows propped on the table, watching the man eat breakfast attentively.

After a few bites, Jiang Zhiyu fed him a spoonful.

Ling Ran opened his mouth and took a small sip of porridge.

Jiang Zhiyu asked, "What were you looking at earlier?"

"Just a message in the group chat. Nothing important," Ling Ran replied after a moment's thought. "Actually, you don't have to stay home with me. You have so much to do—you should focus on your work. I'll be fine alone."

Jiang Zhiyu didn't eat much. After wiping his mouth, he walked over, lifted Ling Ran from the chair, and carried him to the living room to sit down.

"Trying to kick me out?"

Ling Ran draped his arms over Jiang Zhiyu's shoulders, nestling softly against his chest. "No, not at all."

He just felt that having Mr. Jiang stay home with him all the time seemed like a waste. After all, he didn't have much to do at home and didn't need someone to keep him company.

Jiang Zhiyu held him close, fingers gently tracing circles on his back, thinking about the message he'd glimpsed on Ling Ran's phone.

"BTC's headquarters is located in the Broadcasting House in London, providing global news services. BTC News is its television broadcasting division, covering international politics, economics, technology, culture, military affairs, and more. Known for its in-depth reporting, it focuses on uncovering the truth behind the news."

Jiang Zhiyu lowered his gaze: "If you want to go, I can arrange it."

Ling Ran seemed surprised, not expecting him to read his thoughts so accurately.

The moment Qin Chengyue mentioned it earlier, Ling Ran had already felt the urge to go. After seeing the news notification, his longing grew even stronger.

"But...am I allowed to leave the house now?"

The words carried such a pitiful tone that Jiang Zhiyu felt as if a sharp blade had pierced his chest, his heart tightening abruptly.

Holding the little Omega close, he explained softly, "Baby, keeping you inside isn't about restricting your freedom. It's just that things outside aren't very safe right now."

Ling Ran blinked. "I know."

"Just tell me your honest feelings. I'll handle the rest," Jiang Zhiyu asked, looking at him. "Do you want to go?"

Ling Ran thought carefully, then nodded lightly.

He really wanted to go—but he also didn't want to leave Mr. Jiang.

Three months felt far too long.

"Alright, I'll arrange it."

Ling Ran asked, "Really? I can go?"

Jiang Zhiyu kissed him. "Yes."

Sending him abroad for the study visit now was actually a good idea. It would give Jiang Zhiyu time to sort out the mess at home.

Within a single day, Jiang Zhiyu had everything in Europe prearranged. Ling Ran would go with Qin Chengyue, not taking up the two spots reserved for Jiang Zhou, Zhao Qin was also assigned to accompany them, and Shang Ye sent his own people as well.

Shang Ye had connections in London—after all, he had spent nearly a decade there before returning to the country, leaving behind a complex web of relationships. The two young Omegas would be met and assisted upon arrival.

Ling Ran thought it would take longer before they left, but Jiang Zhiyu acted with remarkable efficiency. On the third day, he took Ling Ran to the airport.

The procession was grand—a Rolls-Royce followed by an unknown number of blacked-out security vehicles, all coming to a stop outside the private airfield.

Qin Chengyue had arrived early and was already waiting.

The moment he saw Ling Ran, he excitedly rushed forward to open the car door first.

But the back of his collar was abruptly yanked, stopping him in his tracks. Qin Chengyue turned to glare at the man beside him. "What are you doing?!"

Shang Ye didn't let go, his expression cold and his tone sharp. "What did I tell you?"

Qin Chengyue suddenly felt a flicker of fear, shrinking his neck slightly and lowering his voice. "Behave, behave—I am behaving! No need to be so harsh."

Being released from house arrest and getting to go abroad with Ling Ran for the study visit had already thrilled him beyond measure. And the fact that it was BTC-who could possibly contain their excitement?

Once in Europe, he'd finally regain complete freedom. For now, though, since he still needed Shang Ye's connections, he'd lower his head just a little.

But Shang Ye seemed to see right through him. The fingers gripping his collar slid down, lightly pinching the back of his neck instead.

Qin Chengyue let out a startled cry as if stung and tried to bolt again, but the hand gripping him gradually tightened its hold. Suddenly, his legs went weak, leaving him unable to move—helpless as he was hauled forward like a chick, forced to stand before the other man.

"I'll say it one more time. Even if you go, you're not allowed to disappear. Otherwise, I'll drag you back myself. Understood?"

Qin Chengyue was nearly crushed to tears, yet powerless to resist. No matter how much rebellious resentment churned inside him, all he could do now was nod obediently, his voice trembling. "Got it, got it. I'm going on a mission, not for fun. I'll take good care of Xiao Ran and definitely complete the task, alright?"

Shang Ye seemed satisfied. He released his grip, then tapped lightly on the inhibitor patch at the nape of Qin Chengyue's neck—a warning.

This time, Qin Chengyue really did squeeze out a tear. Clenching his jaw, he thought furiously, Once I'm abroad, I'll turn off my phone. Try finding me then—dream on.

The Rolls-Royce had already pulled up outside the main hall. Once it came to a stop, Jiang Zhiyu reached out to open the door.

Suddenly, a small hand from behind tugged at the hem of his clothes. Turning back, he saw the little Omega sitting beside him with eyes that had unexpectedly turned red and moist, gazing at him with an expression full of grievance and reluctance.

They hadn't even parted yet, but Ling Ran already felt like he couldn't bear it. The thought of not being able to see the Enigma before him for so long, to feel his warm embrace, his scorching kisses, to hear his deep, tender voice whispering in his ear, and to have no one to hold him close at night, cradling him in strong arms as his pillow...

Jiang Zhiyu's heart felt as if it had been yanked hard by that tiny hand—aching and sore. Unable to resist, he turned back and pulled Ling Ran into his arms.

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