TPLTMOE – Chapter 80

Ling Ran's eyes sparkled as he instinctively leaned toward the enigma.

"You came!"

Jiang Zhiyu took his hand. "To pick you up from work."

Truth be told, Jiang Zhiyu hadn't left all day. He had been working from a café downstairs, catching up on the backlog of tasks accumulated during his time abroad. As Ling Ran's shift neared its end, he packed up his laptop and stepped out to wait—only to spot that annoying alpha hovering around again.

This wasn't Oliver's first encounter with Jiang Zhiyu, but the proximity this time made the Asian man's terrifying aggression and dominance even more palpable. Yet, the moment his gaze landed on the petite Omega, that intensity morphed into something indescribably tender.

It was as if... as if this little Omega already bore this man's indelible mark, leaving no room for anyone else to even glance his way.

Oliver's expression stiffened under the pressure, but he forced a smile. "Hello, I'm Ling's colleague—his former mentor and supervisor, actually. May I ask your name?"

Jiang Zhiyu lifted his eyes indifferently. "I'm his lover."

Oliver didn't need to know his name—just that he was Ling Ran's partner, his beloved.

The smile froze on Oliver's face. After a pause, he persisted, "In that case, why don't we have dinner together tonight? I've already invited Ling. If you're free, I wouldn't mind you joining us."

The arm around Ling Ran's waist tightened. The Omega quickly leaned in to whisper, "I never agreed to that! He's making it up."

Jiang Zhiyu arched a brow. "Really?"

Ling Ran nodded eagerly. "Really, really! I just wanted to hurry home to see you—to have dinner with you."

Jiang Zhiyu had heard every word earlier, but he relished the way Ling Ran not only didn't shy away from him in public but nestled so sweetly into his embrace, openly declaring his preference and dependence.

It pleased him immensely.

Unfortunately, their exchange was in Chinese, leaving Oliver utterly lost as he watched them whisper right in front of him.

"Apologies," Jiang Zhiyu finally deigned to respond, "but we already have plans tonight."

Oliver pressed, "Tomorrow, then? Or any other time that suits you."

Jiang Zhiyu offered a polite but distant smile. "I'm afraid that won't be possible."

Oliver frowned. "Why not?"

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze turned icy. "I don't appreciate interruptions to our time alone."

The warning in his tone was unmistakable. Oliver seemed taken aback—in his experience, Asians usually prioritized surface-level courtesy, even when displeased. Such bluntness was unexpected.

Jiang Zhiyu had no intention of wasting any more time with him and added, "Moreover, my partner has already made it abundantly clear. You're merely colleagues, and it's best not to overstep that boundary in the future. Otherwise, it could very well constitute workplace harassment. I can't guarantee you'll remain at BTC unscathed."

Oliver's expression visibly stiffened. Suddenly, it seemed to dawn on him—Ling Ran's sudden arrival at BTC headquarters under the guise of an academic visit had always been suspicious. Now, with Ling Ran abruptly transferred to the minister's team and even receiving personal mentorship, it was impossible to believe no strings had been pulled. The tall, handsome man before him carried an air of nobility, his demeanor and speech suggesting he hailed from a powerful, influential family. His warning about Oliver's future at BTC didn't sound like an empty threat—it sounded like a promise.

A cold sweat broke out on Oliver's back. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

Jiang Zhiyu wrapped an arm around Ling Ran, preparing to leave, but not before reminding him, "We're going home. Say goodbye to your former supervisor."

Ling Ran turned back and waved at Oliver. "Goodbye, Oliver."

Oliver forced a smile that looked more pained than cheerful. "Goodbye, Ling."

Ling Ran was quickly ushered away, then bundled into a waiting Lincoln at the curb.

The car's heater had been turned on in advance, filling the interior with warmth.

Ling Ran pressed the back of his hand to his chilled cheeks, only to realize the car was already moving. He hurriedly said, "Chengyue hasn't come down yet—“

Jiang Zhiyu took both of his small hands in his own, warming them between his palms.

"Someone will take him home."

The little Omega's hands were still a bit cold. The heat from his palms alone wasn't enough, so Jiang Zhiyu simply lifted the hem of his coat and tucked Ling Ran's hands inside.

Ling Ran's eyes widened. His palms were enveloped in warmth, as if placed in a gentle oven. His fingers curled slightly, brushing against the firm, bare muscle beneath—hot and solid to the touch.

Enigmas naturally ran warmer than ordinary people, something Ling Ran was well aware of. But he'd never considered using one as a living hand-warmer in winter.

Every part of him was warm, scorching even, enough to melt someone.

His soft hands grew a little restless, poking and prodding here and there, delighting in the way the muscles beneath reacted to his touch. It felt like discovering a new game—one he'd happily continue if not stopped.

Jiang Zhiyu pressed down on his hands through the fabric. "Had enough?"

Ling Ran quickly shook his head. "No, no."

His hands hadn't fully warmed up yet, and he had no intention of pulling them out.

Jiang Zhiyu used his other hand to cup Ling Ran's cheek. Even his smooth skin was still cold—after nearly five minutes in the car, he hadn't regained any warmth.

He cradled Ling Ran's face in his palm, his large hand covering most of it. His fingers stroked the soft skin lightly before he couldn't resist tilting Ling Ran's face up, leaning down to capture his lips in a kiss.

Even those plump, tender lips carried a slight coolness. Jiang Zhiyu, determined to be thorough in his kindness, attended to every inch of him meticulously. Only after imprinting his own warmth inside the little Omega's mouth did he finally release the blushing figure from his embrace.

Ling Ran's eyes shimmered with moisture as he cast a shy glance upward before nestling against Jiang Zhiyu, his hands still tucked inside the man's clothes, unwilling to withdraw.

Jiang Zhiyu held him close, fingers gliding slowly up and down his back, as if caressing an exceptionally well-behaved kitten curled in his arms.

Ling Ran melted under the touch—Jiang Zhiyu knew his body far too well by now. His back trembled faintly as he savored the comforting strokes from his lover.

The car didn't return to Marylebone Manor. Instead, it headed straight for London's most luxurious shopping paradise—Bond Street.

There were two reasons for this detour. First, Jiang Zhiyu had heard from Song Yi and the butler that despite having been in London for over a month, Ling Ran barely ventured out beyond his daily commute. Even on rest days, he preferred staying in, only reluctantly dragged out twice by Qin Chengyue before refusing further outings.

Second, Jiang Zhiyu had arrived in London in haste, bringing little luggage with him. Rather than delegating the task, he decided to accompany Ling Ran for a stroll, picking up necessities for both of them along the way.

London had just seen its first snowfall, draping the ancient city in a quiet, mysterious veil. Bond Street appeared even more opulent and romantic under the snow's embrace, its European-style buildings gently blanketed in white. The exquisite shop windows gleamed under the interplay of lamplight and snow, exuding an alluring glow.

Once the car stopped, Jiang Zhiyu guided Ling Ran out, arm wrapped securely around him.

Ling Ran glanced at the bustling street, eyes sparkling with excitement before turning to look at the man beside him.

Jiang Zhiyu opened his coat and enveloped him entirely.

Warmth instantly seeped into Ling Ran's body. Noticing that the enigma wore only a thin black shirt beneath, hardly enough for the cold, he worried—while this position kept him cozy, Jiang Zhiyu must be freezing.

He tried to pull away but was stopped by a firm grip on his waist.

Ling Ran lifted his gaze, concern lacing his voice. "You'll get cold like this..."

Jiang Zhiyu guided his hands around his own waist beneath the coat, instructing, "Then you'll have to hold me tighter."

Burdened with this important task, Ling Ran nodded, wrapping his arms securely around the enigma's lean waist and pressing himself even closer.

Jiang Zhiyu practically carried him as they walked. The evening had darkened, and the warm glow spilling from the shops lining the street cast a single, intertwined shadow of the two.

Passersby glanced their way, admiration and envy evident in their gazes.

The enigma stood tall and striking, his sharp, chiseled features standing out even among the crowd of fair-skinned locals. His deep, penetrating eyes gleamed like cold stars in the night sky, while his high nose bridge and well-defined lips exuded an innate air of nobility and aloofness. In his arms, the little Omega shone with radiant beauty—his clear, smiling eyes reminiscent of a pristine spring, his sweet face like a delicate blossom blooming in the snow.

No one recognized them. To the world, they were simply a perfectly matched, deeply affectionate couple.

This was Ling Ran's first time going shopping with Mr. Jiang, and he was brimming with curiosity about everything. It wasn't that he disliked going out before—it was just that he'd always had too much weighing on his mind to enjoy himself.

But now was different. With Mr. Jiang accompanying him, he found everything fascinating, eager to step into every shop they passed.

Jiang Zhiyu was endlessly patient. After all, they had plenty of time now, and he was happy to stroll along at Ling Ran's pace.

After visiting a few stores, Jiang Zhiyu led him into several luxury boutiques.

The moment they stepped inside, the sales associates at the entrance—like hyenas catching the scent of blood—immediately swarmed around them. It was obvious at a glance that the two were dressed in expensive attire, and the staff eagerly began pitching their products.

Jiang Zhiyu wasn't particularly picky about clothes. Even the most basic styles looked better on him than on the models. The sales associates recommended a few new arrivals, and he had them all wrapped up, with the chauffeur trailing behind them stepping forward to take the shopping bags.

But when it came to picking clothes for Ling Ran, Jiang Zhiyu became far more particular. The fabric had to be soft and gentle on the skin—nothing that might irritate his delicate Omega complexion. The fit had to be just right—not too loose to let in drafts, yet not too tight to constrict his slender frame. It had to contour perfectly, accentuating his curves in all the right places.

By the end, Ling Ran, the actual wearer of the clothes, was completely overwhelmed and simply sat obediently on the sofa, waiting.

Jiang Zhiyu selected a few pieces he was satisfied with, showed them to Ling Ran for approval, and after getting his nod, paid and led him out of the boutique.

The streetlights had flickered on, and several shops were setting up Christmas trees along the sidewalk.

Ling Ran exclaimed excitedly, "Christmas is almost here!"

"Mhm," Jiang Zhiyu replied. "Your visiting program will end right after we celebrate it here."

"Great, great!" Ling Ran clapped his hands. "I've only ever seen other people celebrate Christmas before. I've always wanted to, but I never got any presents from Santa."

Perhaps every child believes in Santa Claus at some point, and Ling Ran was no exception. But while his classmates would receive gifts every year, he never did.

Back then, he didn't realize that Christmas presents were actually tokens of love from parents—something he lacked, and thus, so did the gifts.

So he had always held onto a wistful longing for a Christmas present, fantasizing that maybe, just maybe, one year Santa would deem him good enough to deserve even a small reward. Every Christmas Eve, he would leave a sock by his bed, only to wake up to the same empty disappointment.

It was a beautiful dream that was never meant for him.

Jiang Zhiyu ruffled his hair gently. "Little Ling Ran, do you still believe in Santa Claus?"

Ling Ran nodded earnestly, his gaze soft and innocent, brimming with a sincerity that could melt hearts. "I do."

In a tone as if coaxing a child, Jiang Zhiyu murmured, "What did you wish for every year?"

Ling Ran thought carefully. "In first grade, I wanted a really pretty pencil case."

"In fifth grade, I wanted a whole room full of comic books."

"In middle school, I wanted a brand-new Walkman."

"In high school... I wanted my parents to agree to let me attend cram school because I wanted to take the art college entrance exams. In the end, I could only rely on studying hard by myself..."

Jiang Zhiyu listened attentively. "And then? What else did you want?"

Ling Ran shook his head. "After that, I stopped thinking about it. Because I realized that nothing I wanted ever seemed to come true, so I told myself not to want anything anymore..."

As long as there was no hope, there would be no disappointment or letdown.

Jiang Zhiyu held him tighter, resting his chin lightly on Ling Ran's head, letting him bury his face completely against his chest.

The noise around Ling Ran seemed to fade away—all he could hear was the steady, powerful heartbeat pressed close to his ear, pulsing rhythmically.

"Baby," the deep, rich voice above him vibrated against his ear, "from now on, whatever you want will come true."

It was a promise, a vow.

Jiang Zhiyu lifted his chin, gazing into his eyes. "I'll be a liar if I break my word."

Ling Ran felt his eyes grow warm, biting his lip hard to hold back tears before nodding slightly.

Jiang Zhiyu took his hand, and the two continued walking along the street.

A shop window selling ice cream came into view, its colorful swirls of cream undeniably tempting. A long line of people waiting to buy ice cream only added to the appeal—eating frozen treats in the snow seemed to be some new trend.

Ling Ran watched as people emerged from the crowd holding enormous ice cream cones, his eyes glued to their treats. The more he looked, the more his mouth watered, and he tilted his head up to glance at Jiang Zhiyu.

Jiang Zhiyu knew exactly what he wanted and pulled him into the line without a word.

Ling Ran hadn't expected the enigma to be so accommodating. He hadn't even whined or begged—just a look, and Jiang Zhiyu had agreed.

When it was their turn, Ling Ran licked his lips, leaning over the glass display to pick a flavor, when he suddenly heard the man beside him speak.

"One hot cocoa, please."

Ling Ran's head snapped up, but Jiang Zhiyu's expression remained unchanged as he took the cup from the cashier, wrapping an arm around his waist to steer him away from the line.

Jiang Zhiyu opened the lid of the cup, turning it so Ling Ran could drink easily, then pressed the warm cocoa into his hands.

Ling Ran pouted. "I don't want this. I want ice cr—"

Before he could finish, he was firmly denied.

"No."

Ling Ran felt utterly wronged. Just moments ago, Jiang Zhiyu had promised him anything he wanted would come true—yet now, he couldn't even get an ice cream.

"You... liar..."

His eyes reddened as he spoke.

When it came to Ling Ran's health, Jiang Zhiyu never compromised. He gently stroked the corner of Ling Ran's eye, his tone stern. "It's too cold out, and your appetite has been poor lately. Not to mention, you're in your first trimester—you need to be extra careful with your diet. No cold or icy foods, nothing too greasy or sweet. So after this cup, even cocoa will have to be limited."

Hearing this, Ling Ran quickly gulped down a large mouthful of the hot cocoa, afraid even this would be taken away if he didn't drink it fast enough.

After licking his lips, he asked, "Then when can I have ice cream?"

Jiang Zhiyu took the trash from his hands and casually tossed it into the bin, then wiped the remnants from the corner of his lips before saying, "Wait until after the first three months. We'll see what the doctor says first."

"Then if the doctor says I can have some, can I just eat a little bit?"

For just a tiny bit of something tasty, the light in his eyes was as if he'd spotted some rare treasure. Jiang Zhiyu affectionately ruffled his hair and agreed, "Alright."

The little Omega was easily satisfied. He leaned in to kiss the Enigma's chin, looking up at him with a smile as he said, "Mr. Jiang, you're so good to me."

Jiang Zhiyu asked, "Even when I won't let you have ice cream, you still think I'm good?"

Ling Ran nodded. "You're thinking of me and the baby. I understand. You're strict because my morning sickness has been bad lately. I'll be very obedient."

His gaze was soft and sincere, warming Jiang Zhiyu's heart. He lowered his head to kiss Ling Ran's eyelids.

"Baby, you're adorable."

Ling Ran was a bit puzzled. He'd only spoken his mind—what was so adorable about that?

Seeing his slightly dazed expression, Jiang Zhiyu found him even more unbearably cute and leaned in to capture his lips.

Though there were many people around, Ling Ran, despite his embarrassment, gently closed his eyes and let the Enigma's tongue slip into his mouth, claiming him.

After a while, they parted and continued walking.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Ling Ran stealthily slipped Jiang Zhiyu's phone from his pocket and turned on the screen to see the wallpaper clearly.

It was a photo taken long ago in the dressing room on Jiang Zhou's yacht. The person in the picture was smiling brightly, taking a selfie in the mirror while holding a cup of hot cocoa.

This had been a promotional photo he'd posted on Weibo at the time. He never imagined Mr. Jiang would set it as his wallpaper. If he hadn't caught a glimpse of the screen during payment earlier, he might never have noticed.

Ling Ran didn't ask about it, quietly slipping the phone back. As he looked at their tightly clasped hands, he suddenly felt a surge of courage, as if making a firm decision.

He pulled out his own phone and casually snapped a photo of their intertwined fingers as they walked. He'd meant to do it secretly, but forgot to mute the shutter sound.

Click.

Jiang Zhiyu turned to look and saw the little Omega acting like a thief, hastily trying to stuff his phone back into his pocket.

Jiang Zhiyu reached over and took the phone, glancing at the photo.

One hand was large, the other small. One was strong and defined, with long, powerful fingers and faint veins hinting at boundless strength beneath the skin. The other was delicate and youthful, with joints tinged pink and nails small and perfectly rounded—pretty and adorable.

In the dim surrounding light, their tightly entwined hands, though captured in a casual shot, exuded an indescribable intimacy.

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled and handed the phone back. "Trying to keep it for yourself?"

Ling Ran blushed slightly. "I... I was going to post it on Weibo..."

Jiang Zhiyu pulled him close, gazing into his eyes. "Baby, are you ready to go public with me?"

This was something Ling Ran had actually been considering for some time. They couldn't possibly hide from the world forever—there would inevitably come a day when they'd have to go public.

Previously, he'd always felt unprepared, with too many concerns weighing on his mind, constantly hesitating and looking back and forth. But after everything that had happened recently—especially when he'd nearly lost Mr. Jiang—he'd spent a lot of time alone, thinking deeply.

If he always had to live according to others' expectations, wouldn't his entire life be spent living for others? How stifling, how painful, how utterly unworthy that would be.

Each person only has one brief lifetime. He should focus his gaze on those who love him, and those he loves.

As for what others thought or how they viewed them, he couldn't control it, nor did he care anymore.

Since he and Mr. Jiang were in love, why should they hide it?

Once he came to this realization, Ling Ran felt completely at peace within himself.

Still, if they were going to go public, he wanted to take it step by step.

For instance, starting with a simple hand-holding photo to announce that he was no longer single.

Originally, Ling Ran had planned to post it without telling Jiang Zhiyu, letting him stumble upon it for a surprise. But who knew he'd get caught red-handed immediately?

Jiang Zhiyu, however, was fully cooperative—even helping Ling Ran take several more shots from different angles, giving him plenty of options. In the end, Ling Ran chose the most atmospheric one and hit "post."

After uploading it, he didn't dare check the comments. He turned off his phone and let Jiang Zhiyu lead him away by the hand.

His gaze was suddenly drawn to a vintage shop along the street. The storefront's display was meticulously arranged, standing out starkly from the sleek, modern shops around it. Antique props and warm, dim lighting created an air of mystery. At the center of the display lay an intricately designed ring inside a black velvet box, its band adorned with elaborate engravings that resembled some ancient, mystical incantation.

Compelled, he tugged Jiang Zhiyu into the shop.

The interior carried a faint woody fragrance, its walls lined with vintage paintings and photographs. Shelves were crowded with all manner of antique items—delicate porcelain, ornate garments—each with its own unique history.

Ling Ran approached the display case holding the ring, mesmerized, unable to tear his eyes away.

The engravings were ancient Egyptian script, strikingly similar in style to the family crest ring Jiang Zhiyu had given him. Strangely enough, they looked like they could be a matching pair.

Noticing his fixation, the shopkeeper approached and asked, "Sir, may I help you with something?"

Ling Ran pointed at the ring. "I'd like to know where this came from."

Every item in the vintage shop had its origins documented, and the shopkeeper was well-acquainted with this piece. Without hesitation, he began, "Ah, that's quite a story. This ring is made of lapis lazuli and originates from ancient Egypt. I acquired it from a backpacker some time ago. As for its previous owners, I couldn't say. However, historical records mention that it was originally part of a pair. The other ring has long been in the possession of an Asian family, though I've never seen it myself."

He continued, "As for this one—notice the inscriptions? They were engraved by the craftsman under the pharaoh's orders. The pharaoh intended to gift it to his wife, who was gravely ill at the time. But before the ring could be completed, she passed away. So these intricate symbols carry the meaning—"

"May the gods protect her—may the sun never scorch her skin, the sands never blind her eyes, and illness never claim her body. The fire of my love shall burn as brightly as the lapis lazuli upon this ring, unwavering for all eternity."

As the words faded, the shopkeeper noticed the young Omega's eyes glistening slightly.

Ling Ran remained silent, but Jiang Zhiyu spoke up. "Is this ring for sale?"

The shopkeeper looked somewhat embarrassed as he said, "I'm sorry, gentlemen, but this ring has already been sold. The buyer just hasn't come to pick it up yet, so we're still displaying it temporarily."

Hearing this, Ling Ran couldn't hide the disappointment on his delicate face.

They had arrived too late—the ring had already been purchased by someone else.

Perhaps it simply wasn't meant to be.

Ling Ran continued gazing at the ring in its velvet box, his eyes lingering on it with reluctant longing. Finally, he forced a casual tone and said to Jiang Zhiyu, "I've seen enough, let's go."

Jiang Zhiyu could clearly see the loss in his eyes. After glancing at the serial number displayed before the ring, he followed Ling Ran out of the shop.

Having lost interest in further shopping, Ling Ran was taken back to their residence by Jiang Zhiyu.

After dinner, Jiang Zhiyu carried him to the bathroom for a bath.

Ling Ran's spirits remained low, his head bowed as if lost in thought.

Jiang Zhiyu undressed him piece by piece. When only the last garment remained and Ling Ran still seemed distracted, Jiang Zhiyu suddenly lifted him by the buttocks and carried him directly under the shower.

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