TPLTMOE – Chapter 77

Tears instantly welled up in his reddened eyes, and Ling Ran sniffled hard, desperately trying to hold back the urge to cry.

But then he was pulled into a firm embrace against a broad chest, his face cradled as gentle kisses brushed away his teardrops.

This only made it harder to control himself, and his tears fell even more fiercely.

"I... I don't want to go anymore..."

His face was streaked with tears as he tilted his pitiful little face upward, gazing at the enigma before him. His words carried the grievance of someone about to be heartlessly abandoned—even though he had been the one to suggest going in the first place.

He just hadn't realized that separation could hurt this much. He didn't want to be apart from Mr. Jiang, not even for a single day.

Jiang Zhiyu's heart softened unbearably, nearly dissolving into a pool of rippling spring water under the weight of his tears.

After kissing away the tears, a faint bitterness lingered on his lips.

The taste of parting was bitter.

He sought out those soft lips and kissed him slowly, soothing him.

"Baby, don't cry anymore, okay?" Jiang Zhiyu murmured, fingers stroking the nape of his neck. "Don't you always watch BTC News? Do you really not want to go?"

Ling Ran had a habit of keeping up with the news, something Jiang Zhiyu had always known. He often followed official media outlets, and Jiang Zhiyu was well aware of that too. Ling Ran's favorite was BTC News—sometimes, he could sit there analyzing their reports for hours. Back in school, he had even practiced his English by mimicking their broadcasts.

Saying he didn't want to go was definitely a lie.

Ling Ran buried himself in the enigma's arms, refusing to speak or answer the question. His hands clutched tightly at Jiang Zhiyu's clothes, unwilling to let go. Deep down, his dependence on the enigma had grown to an extent he might not even have realized himself.

Since they were taking a private jet, there was no need to worry about missing the flight. There was still time to hold him and comfort him properly.

Before leaving the house, Ling Ran had only felt a vague sense of unreality—he hadn't expected the departure to come so soon. Now, the reality of it all had sunk in, especially when he spotted Shang Ye and Qin Chengyue waiting in the main hall.

"Baby, you've already grown up," Jiang Zhiyu said softly, patting his back. "You can handle many things on your own and take good care of yourself, right?"

Ling Ran muttered stubbornly, "No, no..."

It sounded like the petulant whining of someone throwing a tantrum.

Jiang Zhiyu knew he was just struggling with the pain of separation in this moment. Once he actually arrived, he would surely immerse himself in new experiences and work.

When the little Omega focused on his professional endeavors, he radiated an extraordinary brilliance. And what Jiang Zhiyu had to do was lift him onto an even bigger, brighter stage.

"It's only three months of study. Once you're there, time will fly by—you might even be reluctant to come back."

Ling Ran immediately shook his head, looking up at him. "I... I won't. The moment it's over, I'll come back as fast as I can."

Jiang Zhiyu kissed him again, as if in encouragement. "Good. Focus on your studies there, and I'll fly over to see you often, okay?"

Ling Ran took his hand and hooked their pinkies together, his long lashes still damp with tears as he said earnestly, "Then let's make a promise. Pinky swear, a hundred years no changing. Whoever breaks it is a puppy."

It was an utterly naive and childish vow, yet brimming with tender sincerity.

Jiang Zhiyu curled his lips slightly, lifting Ling Ran's hand to press a gentle kiss to the back of it, making the same solemn promise.

"A hundred years without change."

After holding each other for a long while, Ling Ran's tears finally subsided. Jiang Zhiyu carried him out of the car, followed by several people pushing luggage carts.

When they finally boarded the plane, Ling Ran gazed out the window, feeling his eyes sting painfully again.

Pressed against the aircraft window, he could see a tall figure standing in the terminal, also looking in his direction.

Ling Ran's lips trembled, tears threatening to fall once more.

In contrast, Qin Chengyue seated beside him had been bubbling with excitement since boarding, touching everything in sight. This being his first time on a private jet, he was utterly awestruck, gaining a whole new appreciation for President Jiang's wealth. Having endured constant surveillance back home—not just from his brother but now some inexplicable additional figure—he'd reached his limit of frustration.

Seeing Ling Ran on the verge of tears, Qin Chengyue quickly remembered his mission and pulled out tissues to dab at the younger man's face.

"Don't cry, Xiao Ran. We'll be back soon."

Qin Chengyue's heart softened at the sight of those red-rimmed, tearful eyes—this delicate, weeping beauty looked so pitifully distressed he couldn't fathom how President Jiang could bear sending him abroad.

"Do you have... what's it called... separation anxiety?" Qin Chengyue asked. "You've changed so much. You're way too dependent on President Jiang now. It's just three months apart, not three years or thirty, let alone forever. Honestly, three months feels too short—not enough time for us to have proper fun!"

As the plane took off, the private airfield quickly shrank to an indistinct speck in the distance.

Ling Ran only grew more sorrowful at these words. "Chengyue, I just feel... so miserable..."

It was emotional, but also physiological—an Omega after permanent marking naturally develops near-irresistible dependence on their mate. An inescapable instinct.

Once the flight stabilized, Qin Chengyue unbuckled and rummaged behind them, returning with a black case.

He opened it before Ling Ran—a small cooler containing twenty neatly arranged glass vials, each holding 0.2ml of some clear, unidentified liquid.

Ling Ran looked at Qin Chengyue in confusion. "You don't know what this is, do you?" Qin Chengyue asked.

Ling Ran shook his head. This definitely wasn't among the luggage he'd packed.

Qin Chengyue carefully picked up one of the vials and placed it in Ling Ran's palm, explaining, "This is the pheromone extract of an enigma. I heard the extraction process is extremely dangerous and painful. They use a very long, thin needle inserted deep into the gland to extract the highest concentration and purest pheromone fluid. And it's not something that can be completed in one go—it might take many punctures to extract just this tiny amount."

As Ling Ran listened to the explanation, his eyes gradually widened in shock.

Qin Chengyue continued, "There are twenty vials in total. We'll be gone for three months, so that's roughly one vial every four or five days. We don't actually need to use them this frequently, but it's better to have extra just in case."

Ling Ran clutched the cold, transparent glass vial in his palm, his voice trembling slightly. "W-when was this prepared?"

When had Mr. Jiang secretly extracted these pheromones behind his back? How had he been completely unaware?

Twenty vials—how many needles, how many extractions had it taken to complete this?

No wonder Mr. Jiang's nape had been tightly covered with a pheromone patch today. Before leaving, he hadn't even given Ling Ran a comforting dose of pheromones. Had his gland been too severely injured...?

At this thought, Ling Ran stared at the neatly arranged vials, feeling as though those long, thin needles had pierced his own gland. The imagined pain blurred his vision with tears.

Qin Chengyue hadn't meant to upset him further—he'd only wanted to reassure him. Panicking at the sight of tears, he quickly took the vial back and fumbled to wipe Ling Ran's face.

"Ran, Ran, I misspoke! The extraction process isn't painful at all! And Mr. Jiang is an enigma—tall, strong, he probably didn't feel a thing, haha..."

Ling Ran remained silent. Qin Chengyue mentally cursed himself. No wonder Mr. Jiang had specifically warned him not to tell Ling Ran how the pheromones were obtained.

He must have known all along that Ling Ran would cry from heartache.

***

The direct flight from Haishi to London took about twelve hours, with an eight-hour time difference. By the time they arrived, it was already around four in the afternoon.

Ling Ran's first impression of London was that the sky here felt damp.

As soon as they landed, they were met by someone outside. After a brief exchange with Zhao Qin, Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue were escorted to their accommodations.

Marylebone Manor was located in Westminster, the heart of London, just two kilometers from BTC's headquarters. Situated in the prestigious W1 district, it was one of the city's most renowned affluent neighborhoods.

The entire manor was heavily guarded. Despite being in the bustling city center, the moment they stepped through the gates, the noise of the outside world was completely shut out by the property's exceptional soundproofing.

During the ride over, Ling Ran had been quietly observing the streets outside the window. By now, he seemed to have pulled himself out of that overwhelming sadness.

The surrounding architecture was predominantly Georgian-era red brick with white facades—elegant, uniform, and steeped in cultural heritage. Many of the terraced houses and mansions lining the streets exhibited an almost obsessive symmetry and solemnity. A few buildings with peculiar designs boasted ornate decorative details, blending Gothic and classical elements, exuding the opulence and extravagance of the mid-to-late 19th century.

Ling Ran was completely captivated by the view outside. The driver took the opportunity to point out nearby landmarks and buildings along the way—they were close to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the Church of All Souls, and BTC's headquarters.

Upon arriving at the Marylebone Mansion, the private butler arranged for their luggage to be taken to their rooms.

Ling Ran's room had a cozy bay window, and the layout was strikingly similar to his room back home. It was clear someone had gone out of their way to prepare everything in advance.

His phone suddenly buzzed with an incoming video call. Ling Ran settled onto the bay window and answered.

A strikingly handsome face filled the screen. Back home, it was already past midnight, the sky long darkened. "You made it?"

Ling Ran nodded obediently at the phone. "Yeah, just got here."

Jiang Zhiyu loosened his tie slightly and murmured softly, "Come closer, baby."

The little Omega on the screen was already near enough that his warm breaths seemed to carry through, light as a feather brushing against one's cheek—yet enough to stir an unbearable itch in the heart.

Following the instruction without hesitation, Ling Ran leaned in even closer. His fluttering eyes were slightly reddened—had he been crying secretly on the plane again?

Jiang Zhiyu softened his voice further. "Did you eat?"

Ling Ran nodded. "A little on the plane."

"From now on, send me proof of all three meals every day," Jiang Zhiyu said firmly. "Eat on time, or I'll be angry."

Ling Ran sniffled and nodded. "I know..."

Mr. Jiang was strictest about this. Ling Ran had been punished more than once for skipping meals, but eventually, he learned his lesson—eating regularly and even putting on a bit of weight.

Worried he might struggle with the local cuisine, Song Yi had come along to prepare home-style meals for the two Omegas.

That evening, Ling Ran snapped a photo of his dinner and sent it to the chat. A reply came almost instantly.

[Mr. Jiang]: Good boy.

[Little Grape]: [Cat sitting obediently.jpg]

The eight-hour time difference took Ling Ran two full days to adjust to.

Qin Chengyue, on the other hand, seemed fueled by pure adrenaline, never tiring as he dragged Ling Ran around to explore every corner while they still had time.

But Ling Ran only lasted one day before exhaustion took over. He spent the next day curled up in bed, sleeping the entire time to recover. Soon after, they reported to the BTC Broadcasting Center. The head of the division personally interviewed them before assigning them to the TV News Department, where they were paired with a seasoned mentor.

Their mentor, Oliver, was one of BTC News' anchors. He wrote or edited most of the scripts for his own broadcasts, known for his unique perspectives and sharp commentary. His distinct takes on current affairs often provoked deeper public reflection.

Before coming here, Ling Ran was already quite familiar with Oliver. He had spent a considerable amount of time studying and learning from Oliver's output expressions and speaking style. Having Oliver as their mentor was something Ling Ran hadn't even dared to dream of.

Oliver was a fit and handsome white alpha with aristocratic features his deep, captivating facial features—made him even more striking in person than on television. His sapphire-blue eyes, in particular, resembled the clearest, most tranquil depths of the ocean.

In his off-duty moments, he was approachable and even joked around with Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue, sharing gossip he'd heard over the years at BTC headquarters. But once work began, he became fully immersed and uncompromisingly strict. At times, his demands on Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue bordered on nitpicking. After all, they were newcomers to the industry, and by all accounts, they were already performing admirably. But Oliver's standards were higher, stricter—his goal was to mold them into BTC News' on-air anchor material within just three months.

"Ling, I've reviewed this script," Oliver said from his office chair, his piercing blue eyes stern as he looked at the small omega standing before his desk, head bowed. "I've told you before—you overthink when you write. The world isn't full of people with fragile egos. What you need to do is call out their mistakes directly. Take this back and revise it before the end of the day."

Ling Ran nodded. "Understood, Oliver."

Then those blue eyes shifted to Qin Chengyue, who had been standing silently beside Ling Ran. "Qin, your issues are even worse. Strictly speaking, what you've written reads like something from a student who hasn't even graduated yet. Do you expect me to read this on air?"

Qin Chengyue lowered his head further. "Sorry, Oliver. I'll make sure to revise it properly."

"No, your problem isn't revision—it's that you need to rewrite it entirely. Same deadline: before the end of the day."

The two left the office dejected and returned to their workstations.

"How can he be this strict? Is my writing really that bad?" Qin Chengyue scrutinized his script again. "I thought it was fine."

When speaking privately at work, they switched back to Chinese—after all, no one around them understood it, making their conversations feel like encrypted exchanges.

Ling Ran took his draft and skimmed through it. "Hmm, it's not that bad. You just need to tweak the beginning here, adjust this part in the middle..."

As he spoke, he made a few quick notes with his pen before adding, "... Actually, maybe rework the ending too."

Qin Chengyue groaned. "Then what's left untouched? That's basically a full rewrite!"

Lin Ran patted his shoulder encouragingly. "Oliver's standards are high, but his abilities and expertise far surpass ours. The issues he pointed out are genuine problems we have—ones we might never have noticed in our previous environment. The process of improvement is painful, but we came here to learn. Come on, we'll definitely get this revised before the end of the workday."

Qin Chengyue couldn't help but smile at the earnest determination on the younger man's face as he tried to cheer him up. "Xiao Ran, you'd actually make a great kindergarten teacher. You're really good at encouraging kids."

Lin Ran playfully ruffled his hair. "Well then, little Qin Chengyue, you'd better hurry up and draft a new version. This teacher can help you polish it."

Bolstered by the teasing, Qin Chengyue turned to his computer and began typing furiously. "Write, write, write! As long as I'm not dead, I'll write like my life depends on it. Eight hundred words? That's nothing I can't handle!"

They managed to submit the revised draft just before the deadline. Before handing it to Oliver, Lin Ran made a few minor adjustments to Qin Chengyue's work. Qin Chengyue, on the other hand, found Lin Ran's draft flawless and could only proofread it for him.

Oliver seemed somewhat satisfied but still pointed out a few more areas for improvement, asking them to make the changes the next day. Additionally, he assigned them an outdoor shoot for the following day. It had been two weeks since they arrived at BTC, and overall, Oliver was pleased with their performance. Though his standards were high, he couldn't ignore their progress—this assignment was also a way to give them screen time.

After dinner, Lin Ran returned to his room and eagerly dialed a video call to his home country. He wanted to share the good news with Mr. Jiang right away, but the call went unanswered. When it eventually disconnected on its own, Lin Ran bit his lip and quietly put his phone away.

Maybe Mr. Jiang was busy. Or perhaps he was already asleep. It was better not to disturb him too often—because of the time difference, Mr. Jiang always took his calls in the middle of the night. How many hours of sleep did he even get? Constantly staying up like this couldn't be good for his health.

Over the past two weeks, they had video-called every day. Jiang Zhiyu would ask Lin Ran about everything he'd done that day, and Lin Ran would answer in detail. Jiang Zhiyu would then follow up, wanting to know every little thing about him. Though he already received reports about the young Omega from Zhao Qin and Song Yi, he still preferred hearing it directly from Lin Ran's lips—listening to his soft, gentle breaths, the unconsciously coquettish lilt in his voice. Lin Ran probably had no idea how alluring he sounded through the phone.

During one of their calls, they had agreed that Jiang Zhiyu would visit him in London every two weeks. But now, exactly two weeks later, not only had he not come, but he hadn't even answered the video call.

Pretending he wasn't disappointed would be a lie. Lin Ran simply sent a single "Goodnight" message and didn't disturb him further. Yet, the longing lingered. Lying alone in the wide, soft bed, he felt hollow—not just physically, but deep in his heart.

It felt as though several ribs had been stolen from his chest, leaving his thoracic cavity missing its most vital component.

Fortunately, the enigma pheromone extract could still slightly soothe his emotions. However, when Ling Ran opened the small black refrigeration case again, he suddenly froze in place.

Originally, there had been twenty glass vials inside. Yet, after just two weeks, only half remained.

In those short fourteen days, he had unknowingly used up ten vials of extract. Calculating the frequency, there were times when he had used nearly one vial per day—as if some mysterious force was driving him from within. Strangely, he hadn't noticed his body's abnormal reaction at all.

The concentration of the extract wasn't low. Logically, twenty vials should have lasted him at least three months. How could such a highly concentrated pheromone fail to ease his discomfort and unease?

Ling Ran was both astonished and overwhelmed by the inexplicable emptiness rising within him. His breathing grew slightly rapid, and his craving for enigma pheromones surged to its peak in an instant.

Unable to hold back any longer, he grabbed a vial, his fingertips trembling slightly as he aimed the needle at the back of his hand. Just as he was about to inject it, he suddenly hesitated, his movements abruptly halting as if he had remembered something.

Enigma had even considered the needle for the extraction fluid in advance, using the thinnest and smallest syringe possible. The prick on the skin wouldn't be particularly painful—at most, it would feel like a mosquito bite.

Ling Ran raised his other hand and, with great effort, peeled off the inhibitor patch on the back of his neck.

What was usually the simplest task now brought tears to his eyes, his lashes damp with unshed droplets clinging to the corners.

His legs felt weak, trembling as he staggered to the edge of the bed and sat down. Holding the extraction fluid, he fumbled with immense difficulty toward his gland, positioning the needle against the surrounding skin before slowly, painstakingly pressing it in.

The pain wasn't overwhelming—more of a dull, tingling numbness accompanied by swelling.

The tequila-infused suppressant surged into the Omega's body with terrifying force, overwhelming every delicate nerve. Sweet Omega pheromones seeped faintly from the slightly swollen gland at the nape of his neck, briefly entangled by the tequila's dominance before dissipating through the open window.

Ling Ran slept soundly that night, as if wrapped in Enigma's warm embrace. Yet when he woke in the morning, the bed was empty, and his phone showed no missed calls or messages.

Qin Chengyue hadn't been assigned to the same group as Ling Ran, so they headed separately to their respective filming locations. Ling Ran arrived at the largest royal park in London, with Zhao Qin accompanying him. Two additional security vehicles were parked nearby, keeping watch.

Even though the reach of those back home didn't extend to London, they couldn't afford to let their guard down.

Today's assignment involved interviewing park visitors about their thoughts on yesterday's underage armed robbery case across the street in New Way. The minors, after a failed robbery attempt, had randomly stabbed an innocent bystander—59 times in total. Yet, due to their ages, they were acquitted. The public outcry had been immediate and fierce after the report.

Oliver had broken the story, with Ling Ran contributing to the script. That was why Oliver had asked him to appear on camera, representing BTC's official stance with a closing commentary.

The responsibility weighed heavily on Ling Ran. Though the segment would likely only air online, the opportunity was a significant professional milestone, and he took it seriously.

The team leader, also mentored by Oliver, was considerate of Ling Ran's condition. While others conducted initial interviews, he encouraged Ling Ran to rest.

But Ling Ran was diligent and proactive. He didn't sit down once, instead following the field reporters closely, observing and learning.

The field reporters were already accustomed to this intensity of work. During busy periods, they didn't even have time for lunch. Their online news video had to be completed before six o'clock that evening, so the team worked at a rapid pace, practically running between locations.

After interviewing just five passersby and changing five scenes, Ling Ran was already struggling. His vision blurred intermittently, and he felt waves of dizziness.

The weather in London was bitterly cold, yet he was breaking out in cold sweat. His stomach ached inexplicably—not the kind of pain from food poisoning, but as if a hand were tugging at his reproductive cavity, dragging him downward.

Zhao Qin had been by his side the whole time, keeping an eye on him. Noticing Ling Ran's pale complexion, he quickly pulled a packet of nutritional drink from his bag and handed it to him.

"Mr. Ling, you barely ate at lunch. If President Jiang finds out, he'll definitely be upset."

Ling Ran took a sip of the drink and felt slightly better, but the dragging pain in his lower abdomen persisted, even intensifying slightly.

"I ate a little…"

"Not nearly enough. And with how cold it is today, running around outside like this—if you catch a cold, it'll be trouble."

The nutritional drink had been kept warm in an insulated container. After finishing it, Ling Ran's stomachache seemed to ease a little.

"I won't catch a cold. I'm bundled up thickly," Ling Ran said, adjusting his collar and nestling his small face into it. "Assistant Zhao, don't tell Mr. Jiang, okay?"

His eyes were clear and bright as he looked up at the beta standing beside him, bargaining with Zhao Qin.

He knew President Jiang might get angry if he found out Ling Ran was pushing himself so hard in the freezing cold, so it was better if he didn't know at all.

Zhao Qin reminded him, "Even if I don't say anything, President Jiang will see the news himself. He'll definitely figure it out."

Ling Ran just pressed a hand lightly to his stomach, his tone subdued. "He probably doesn't have time to watch lately... Is he really, really busy? Do you know what he's been up to, Assistant Zhao?"

It had been so long without a single message, call, or video—something was definitely off.

Zhao Qin answered honestly, "He must have a lot to handle, but I'm not entirely sure about the specifics."

Ling Ran was about to ask more when a team member suddenly interrupted.

"Ling, is this your husband? I've noticed him following you and taking care of you—he's so good to you."

Ling Ran quickly waved his hands. "No, no, he's not my husband. He's... just a friend."

The team member asked curiously, "Ling, do you have a husband? Are you married? Or do you have a boyfriend?" Ling Ran seemed a little shy. "I have a boyfriend. We... aren't married yet."

"So you're getting married soon?"

Ling Ran smiled, his eyes curving. "Mhm."

"That's wonderful. Wishing you happiness!"

"Thank you."

"Ling!" The team leader called from not far away. "We've finished the last passerby—it's your turn now!"

Ling Ran hastily stuffed the empty drink packet into Zhao Qin's pocket and hurried over.

Zhao Qin watched the young Omega's retreating figure, his gaze growing somewhat complicated.

He hadn't been entirely honest with Ling Ran earlier. It wasn't just Ling Ran who couldn't reach anyone back home—since yesterday, he too had lost contact with the country.

Ling Ran had run off in such a hurry that his stomach, which had stopped hurting earlier, began aching again. But he didn't have time to rest. Taking advantage of the remaining daylight, he quickly delivered his closing remarks.

After listening to testimonies all day, most of the earlier passersby had expressed outrage and condemnation over the court's verdict. Some had even used harsh language, calling the judges at the London Municipal Court "stupid porcupines" for siding with murderers, claiming they weren't even human and should be stripped of their judicial authority. They argued that if those judges were ever attacked by minors themselves, they'd quickly change their stance on the innocence of young offenders.

Others, however, believed the minors shouldn't face legal consequences. "They're just kids," they said. "It's the parents' fault—the adults failed in their duty to supervise them." "The law should show compassion," they insisted.

Ling Ran had already composed his thoughts. He didn't even need a teleprompter. Taking a deep breath of cold air, he suppressed the dull ache in his abdomen and faced the camera with a solemn expression.

"Regarding the intentional homicide case on Newway Street, the public has passionately voiced their opinions. We absolutely do not condone letting any criminal evade justice, nor do we ignore the very real neglect and indifference that families and society show during a child's upbringing..."

The pain in his stomach grew sharper. Ling Ran's free hand clenched the cuff of his sleeve, though his expression remained unchanged.

...Should sentencing and penalties for juvenile offenders be gradually revised and refined? Even if political rights aren't revoked, should other forms of punishment be imposed? Can the legal age for juvenile detention centers be lowered further? What societal efforts should be made to prevent similar incidents from recurring..."

"The answers to all these questions should lie within each of us."

"BTC reporting."

As he finished his final line, the crew members looked surprised. They hadn't expected Ling Ran—who seemed like nothing more than a pretty, delicate figure—to demonstrate such sharp journalistic instincts. His ability to quickly organize coherent, thoughtful remarks proved he was a capable newcomer.

The moment the camera turned off, Ling Ran could no longer hold on. The pain in his stomach was unbearable. His vision darkened, his legs gave way, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.

When he opened his eyes again, Ling Ran found himself lying on the familiar bed in his room.

Everything around him felt so familiar that for a moment, he thought he was back in his home country. Several people stood by the bedside, but his vision was still blurry, making it hard to distinguish who was who.

Even if he couldn't see clearly, he would have recognized the figure of an enigma at a glance.

But as his gaze swept the room, he didn't see the person he wanted to see.

Qin Chengyue, noticing he was awake, quickly leaned over and grasped his hand. "Xiao Ran, you're finally awake! Wuwu..."

Qin Chengyue, who rarely shed tears, let a few drops fall before turning to the side. "Doctor, please check him again quickly. Let's make sure nothing was mistaken."

Ling Ran's mind was still foggy. He felt the blanket shift slightly as a cold instrument slid beneath it, pressing gently against his stomach.

A monitor had appeared nearby at some point, displaying a dark, indistinct image with faint white streaks—utterly incomprehensible.

The white-coated doctor standing beside the bed adjusted his glasses and spoke seriously, "There's no mistake. This is his reproductive cavity. Though it appears much smaller than that of a typical Omega, that doesn't mean he lacks fertility."

The doctor's gaze settled on Ling Ran as he continued slowly, "So, Mr. Ling, you are indeed pregnant."

The moment those words were spoken, Ling Ran's mind went completely blank.

"I... I'm pregnant?"

The doctor nodded. "Yes, it's already been over a month. Try to recall—did you and your partner engage in a knotted mating act around that time? Note that I mean full knotting. Ordinary intercourse doesn't count."

Several pairs of eyes in the room were fixed on him, all tense with concern for his condition. But Ling Ran himself seemed slow to react, unable to fully process the doctor's words.

Qin Chengyue, assuming he was embarrassed, shooed everyone else out of the room and stayed by his side.

"Yes, yes, Doctor," Qin Chengyue answered for him. "He was permanently marked a month ago, and he had a high fever at the time. It must have been because of the knotting."

"Exactly. Then conception likely occurred during that period," the doctor confirmed. "Mr. Ling, your stomach pain today isn't a major issue, but London's weather is turning cold. The first snowfall of the year is expected soon, so take extra care not to catch a chill. Maintain a balanced diet with regular meals. Also, the first three months of pregnancy are delicate—avoid strenuous sexual activity during this time."

Seeing Ling Ran still dazed, Qin Chengyue responded on his behalf and asked further, "Doctor, is there anything else he should be mindful of? Can he still go to work, or should he stay home to rest?"

The doctor replied, "If he isn't experiencing any other discomfort, working is fine. Just don't overexert himself. One more thing—pregnant Omegas tend to have heightened emotional needs. Where is his partner? Why isn't he here? He'll require ample pheromone reassurance from his mate, not just for his own comfort but also for the fetus's stability."

Qin Chengyue asked with some concern, "If... if his partner isn't around recently, and we can't obtain more of his partner's pheromones, is there any other way to comfort him?"

The doctor frowned. "How could there be such an irresponsible partner? Pregnancy is already so difficult for Omegas. Not only is the partner not here to take care of him, but they can't even provide pheromones?"

Qin Chengyue found himself somewhat defending Jiang Zhiyu as she explained, "There are... some unusual circumstances. But his partner did prepare pheromone extract in advance. It's just that it seems insufficient—I just checked, and there are only 9 vials left now."

The doctor's expression softened slightly. "Pheromone extract?"

"Yes, 20 vials in total, each 0.2ml, highly concentrated."

The doctor looked utterly astonished. "His partner... is a very high-level Alpha?"

No one understood better than a doctor how agonizing the process of extracting pheromones could be. To endure extracting such a large quantity of pheromone solution—even the highest-level Alpha might not necessarily withstand it.

Qin Chengyue said, "He's an Enigma."

Understanding dawned on the doctor, who then cast an incredulous glance at the delicate, beautiful little Omega lying on the bed.

How did these two end up together?

But it wasn't appropriate for the doctor to pry further. After giving a few more instructions—that once the pheromone extract was used up, they could bring the Omega to the hospital where there were medications to substitute for a partner's pheromones, which could also provide comfort when injected into a pregnant Omega—Qin Chengyue finally felt relieved and saw the doctor out.

When the door closed, only Ling Ran remained, lying alone on the large bed.

It seemed to dawn on him only now that he was in London, at the Marylebone Manor.

And in his belly... was a little baby.

There was a little baby in his belly.

Ling Ran found it hard to believe. Under the covers, his two hands lightly, ever so lightly, rested on his stomach.

His skin was fine and tender, just a thin layer—anything placed inside could easily show its shape through it.

But if there really was a baby inside now, why couldn't he feel its shape?

Could the doctor have made a mistake? Maybe he wasn't pregnant after all. His reproductive cavity wasn't fully developed yet, wasn't it? When he went to Dr. Xu for a check-up before, they hadn't detected a pregnancy either.

Ling Ran still had deep doubts about whether he could even get pregnant, yet the doctor had straightforwardly told him that he was already expecting.

This baby... was his and Mr. Jiang's baby.

Ling Ran's heart suddenly softened immensely, as if placed on a fluffy cloud. His body felt light, and his slender arms pushed against the bed as he tried to sit up.

Qin Chengyue, having just returned from seeing the doctor out, hurried over and pressed him back onto the bed, eyeing him warily. "What are you trying to do?"

Ling Ran pointed to the water glass by the bed. "I wanted some water..."

Qin Chengyue handed him the glass. "I'll get it for you. Drink slowly."

After finishing most of the warm water, Ling Ran suddenly asked, "Chengyue, was everything the doctor said true?"

Qin Chengyue glanced at his flat stomach and nodded emphatically, "Xiao Ran, you really are pregnant. But how could you not know you're pregnant yourself? Didn't you feel anything at all with the baby inside you?"

Ling Ran shook his head innocently, "No, not at all."

Qin Chengyue didn't have much experience either and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It must be because the baby is still too small. The doctor said it'll take about three or four months before it starts showing, so it's normal that you don't feel anything yet. Plus, you don't have any morning sickness—that's amazing. I've heard many people suffer from severe nausea during pregnancy and can't eat anything at all."

Ling Ran still found everything a bit surreal. He secretly touched his small belly under the blanket, silently talking to the little baby inside.

Baby, baby, are you really in there?

Why can't I feel anything?

Soon enough, Ling Ran did start feeling something.

No sooner had Qin Chengyue praised him for not having morning sickness than Ling Ran began vomiting uncontrollably during dinner, his face turning pale from the ordeal. His stomach was completely empty, yet he kept retching.

Song Yi thought it might be because the dinner he prepared wasn't to Ling Ran's taste, so he quickly made something lighter. But Ling Ran still threw up after eating. In the end, he barely managed to keep any food down and, feeling miserable, went back to bed and fell asleep almost immediately.

Only after Ling Ran was asleep did Qin Chengyue call Zhao Qin and Song Yi into his room to discuss their next steps.

"Have we managed to get through to anyone back home?"

Zhao Qin replied, "Still no luck. Maybe I should send someone back to gather information. We can't keep going like this."

Uncharacteristically calm, Qin Chengyue advised against it. "I don't think it's that simple. It's very likely that President Jiang deliberately cut off contact with London on his end. Otherwise, even if there were some unavoidable external obstacles, he would never let Xiao Ran worry like this. If even Xiao Ran can't reach him, it must mean he doesn't want to be found right now—or doesn't want Xiao Ran to know about his current situation."

Zhao Qin's expression darkened. "You think President Jiang is in trouble?"

Qin Chengyue thought for a moment. "It might be more complicated than that."

Now that they knew Ling Ran was pregnant and the situation back home remained unclear, Qin Chengyue didn't dare take the risk of bringing Ling Ran back recklessly. After much deliberation, he finally dialed a number.

The person on the other end picked up quickly. Without preamble, Qin Chengyue asked, "Where's Jiang Zhiyu?"

Shang Ye paused for two seconds before answering, "He hasn't contacted you?"

Qin Chengyue said, "You must know what's going on with him. Don't lie to me. Just tell me—has something happened to him? There's an urgent matter on Xiao Ran's side, and I need to speak with him directly."

Shang Ye replied, "I'm not lying. I genuinely don't know where he is. His whereabouts have been completely sealed off in the country, and I'm looking for him too."

Qin Chengyue sounded skeptical. "If even you don't know where he is, then who would?"

"That's a question I can't answer."

"Fine, then I'll ask another one," Qin Chengyue said, thinking quickly. "Just tell me your guess. I'll decide whether to believe it or not. What do you think might have happened to him?"

Shang Ye seemed taken aback by the question. After a few seconds of silence, he replied, "The last I heard of him was at West Harbor Pier. The police have been searching the West Island area for Dong Hui these past few days. It wasn't until this morning that Dong Hui's body was recovered from the sea. Before that, an unclaimed yacht had docked at the unfinished port. The wreckage from that yacht's explosion was just discovered."

That was all Shang Ye said. After hanging up, Qin Chengyue pondered over his words for a long while before finally understanding their implication. In that instant, he felt the hairs on his back stand on end.

If the person who boarded that yacht with Dong Hui was Jiang Zhiyu, and the yacht exploded—whether Dong Hui was killed instantly in the blast or thrown into the sea to drown—what about the other person on board, Jiang Zhiyu?

Qin Chengyue didn't dare to think further. He instructed the other two that this matter must not be disclosed to anyone, especially Ling Ran.

But keeping it from Ling Ran wouldn't be easy.

If they didn't tell Ling Ran anything about Jiang Zhiyu, he would likely spiral into wild speculation.

So Qin Chengyue racked his brains—today telling Ling Ran that Jiang Zhiyu had gone to a signal-free island for a meeting, tomorrow saying Jiang Zhiyu had called while he was asleep and didn't want to wake him, the day after claiming Jiang Zhiyu was on a research trip to Africa where there was also no signal, so it would be a while before contact.

Ling Ran nodded obediently each time, appearing to believe him, but in private, he sat by the bay window in his room, dialing that unanswered number over and over.

He didn't believe a single word Qin Chengyue said. They were all keeping something from him—Ling Ran could tell.

But what could have happened to Mr. Jiang? How could he not send even a single message or make one phone call?

Didn't he miss him at all...

The temperature in London had dropped rapidly these past few days. While the indoors were warm as spring, delicate frost patterns had already formed on the windowpanes outside.

The slender little Omega sat alone by the bay window in the unlit room.

He could see the bustling shops and crowds below, but the surroundings were eerily quiet, not a sound reaching him. The glass before him seemed like a barrier, cutting him off from the outside world.

His sorrow and loneliness stood out starkly—no embrace, no comfort.

He should have been accustomed to this state after twenty years of it. How had just a few months of tenderness and affection made him so fragile and sensitive, craving companionship, longing to be held and soothed with gentle words?

Beyond his grief, Ling Ran was deeply worried about the enigma's safety.

He almost unconditionally believed the enigma wouldn't abandon him. But disappearing without a trace, without any news—had he encountered danger? Was he hurt?

Unable to stop his racing thoughts, Ling Ran grew increasingly frightened. Rubbing his reddened eyes, he took deep breaths, trying to hold back tears while one hand rested lightly on his abdomen.

He couldn't keep crying all the time. He wasn't alone anymore—there was a tiny baby growing inside him now.

He had to grow up, just like Mr. Jiang said. Besides taking care of himself, he had to take extra care of the little one in his belly.

He had to believe in Mr. Jiang. Mr. Jiang had promised to come back for him—they'd even pinky-sworn on it. Liars were puppies.

So he would just have to wait a little longer.

***

Qin Chengyue was baffled by Ling Ran's sudden change. He had always known Ling Ran was a crybaby, but these past few days, not only had he stopped crying, he had thrown himself into work with single-minded focus. He ate properly, slept well—if not for his constantly red- rimmed eyes, he might have seemed completely fine.

Qin Chengyue was frantic with worry. He called Shang Ye every day for updates, sometimes two or three times a day. Eventually, it escalated to him calling every few hours when he wasn't sleeping.

Shang Ye never complained. Each time, he just told Qin Chengyue to take care of himself and Ling Ran, assuring him that any news would be relayed immediately.

Two more weeks passed in this uneasy limbo. Ling Ran's morning sickness still hadn't eased, and his supply of pheromone extract had run out. Tomorrow, Qin Chengyue planned to take him back to that white doctor from before for another checkup—just to be sure. If they recklessly administered that sedative the doctor had mentioned last time, would it harm the fetus?

Ling Ran worked with relentless dedication. Oliver scolded him less and less these days. After his appearance in that online broadcast, Oliver had started recommending him for TV news segments.

He never would have guessed that this delicate, petite Omega held such incredible strength.

That evening, Oliver treated Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue to dinner at the restaurant beneath the headquarters building.

Ling Ran hadn't had much appetite lately, so he ordered an avocado salad, picking at it slowly with a small fork. The dressing was far too heavy—after just a few bites, the greasy sensation made his throat tighten. He set the fork down, waiting for the nausea to subside.

Qin Chengyue stayed silent, focused on his own meal.

Oliver elegantly sliced into his steak, then, noticing Ling Ran had stopped eating, enthusiastically forked a large piece onto Ling Ran's plate.

"Ling, you're eating too little. This steak is excellent—try some of mine. I haven't touched it yet."

Ling Ran met his striking blue eyes, which brimmed not just with friendly warmth but also an inappropriate tenderness.

Realizing Oliver's intentions, Ling Ran politely declined. "I'm already full, Oliver. Thank you for your hospitality."

Oliver chuckled. "People from your country are always so modest and polite. Sometimes, it's hard to tell if you really mean what you say."

The steak sat heavily on Ling Ran's plate, glazed in thick sauce, its rich aroma wafting up.

But to him, the overpowering scent of spices and meat was just sickening. He felt like he might throw up.

Ling Ran desperately covered his mouth, his eyes widening slightly as he turned his head away, suppressing a quiet, dry heave.

Oliver looked stunned. "Has the steak gone bad?"

Qin Chengyue very naturally transferred the steak from Ling Ran's plate to his own, explaining to Oliver, "No, it's perfectly fine—exceptionally delicious, actually. It's just that Xiao Ran can't eat steak."

Oliver quickly apologized, "I'm so sorry, I didn't know you avoid beef. Is this a dietary restriction?"

Still covering his mouth, Ling Ran's delicate face revealed only his glistening peach-blossom eyes. The suppressed heave had forced a few tears to gather at the corners, shimmering so vulnerably that one might instinctively reach out to brush them away.

Before he could respond, Qin Chengyue answered while chewing the steak, "No, it's not a restriction."

Oliver visibly relaxed. "That's good. I thought I'd violated some personal taboo."

Qin Chengyue continued leisurely, "He's pregnant."

Oliver's fork clattered onto the table as he stared in disbelief at the soft-looking little Omega.

He'd assumed Ling Ran might at most have a boyfriend—someone so beautiful and endearing was unlikely to be single. But married? And pregnant?!

His slender, fragile frame showed no signs of carrying a child whatsoever.

Oliver gaped, utterly speechless.

Finishing the steak, Qin Chengyue wiped his mouth contentedly. "I'm stuffed. Oliver, thank you. If there's nothing else, we should head back—it's getting late, and the forecast says temperatures will drop sharply tonight. Snow's coming."

As if on cue, Ling Ran glanced outside.

The roads were already dusted with a thin layer of white, crystalline flakes drifting steadily from the sky.

It had begun snowing.

Qin Chengyue pulled him up, and after thanking the tall, handsome alpha politely, they left hand in hand.

lcy dampness hit them immediately. Even bundled in thick coats, the cold pierced to the bone.

London winters arrived far earlier and harsher than in Haishi.

While Zhao Qin went to fetch the car, they waited by the entrance.

Ling Ran tilted his head back, catching a delicate snowflake on his palm. The coolness lingered briefly before it melted into nothingness, leaving only a tiny wet trace.

Unprepared with umbrellas, stray flakes settled on their hair and shoulders like blossoms blooming in the frigid night.

The restaurant door opened again as Oliver emerged, holding a black umbrella aloft over Ling Ran to shield him from the falling snow.

Gazing up at the sudden canopy, Ling Ran's memories blurred at the edges—

This shelter didn't ward off snowflakes, but rather a torrential downpour of wandering storms.

Under the umbrella was a sheltered space that could completely shield him—his refuge, his safe haven.

Standing beside him, holding the umbrella, wasn't some blond, blue-eyed alpha, but an enigma with the same black hair and dark eyes as his own.

A cold gust of wind swept by, swirling the snow piled along the roadside, stinging Ling Ran's eyes.

His eyes burned as if tears were about to spill.

He missed Jiang—missed him so, so much.

Lowering his gaze, his eyes swept across the street without warning. Ling Ran didn't know what he saw, but his entire body suddenly stiffened.

The frozen heart seemed to be slowly warming, approaching the boiling point. The rapid heartbeat pounded violently within his chest as his eyes widened helplessly, not daring to move, afraid that it might just be an illusion conjured by the snowstorm blurring his vision.

If he blinked again, would that figure disappear?

Yet he blinked once, then again—the figure beneath the dim streetlight across the road remained unmoving.

Black hair, dark eyes, partially dusted with endless snow, noble and striking like a statue suddenly standing in the streets of London.

That deep, scorching gaze pierced through layers of snow and mist, meeting his own.

Not an illusion.

Ling Ran suddenly began moving toward the opposite sidewalk, his steps quickening until he broke into a full sprint.

Like a snowflake falling from the sky, he hurled himself toward that figure.

He didn't need to worry—someone would catch him safely.

The black coat opened wide, and a familiar, warm embrace finally enveloped him completely, head to toe.

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