TPLTMOE - Chapter 9

Even though he had already received a fierce infusion of pheromones once before, being subjected to such potent scent again was still too much for the delicate Omega to bear. Even in his unconscious state, Ling Ran let out pained whimpers, his body trembling under the onslaught.

Fortunately, having endured it once already, his body adjusted slightly faster this time.

Soon, the fragile flower quivering in the storm no longer shook so violently, and the Enigma’s pheromones gradually receded, their intensity softening into a gentle drizzle—like skilled hands carefully soothing the distressed Omega in their grasp.

Jiang Zhiyu didn’t mind helping him twice, but given how erratic and unstable his heat was, the Omega really ought to get a proper medical check-up.

After settling the little Omega into the bathtub for the time being, Jiang Zhiyu stepped out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him to prevent the overpowering scent of tequila from leaking out and affecting the guests downstairs.

Once he changed into fresh clothes, he looked pristine and composed again. He was about to return to the bathroom to check if Ling Ran had woken up when a sudden knock came at the door.

"Uncle, it’s Shengyi. Are you in there? I need to talk to you about something."

Jiang Zhiyu’s brow furrowed slightly.

"Uncle, if you’re free, I’ll just come in, alright?"

Before Jiang Zhiyu could respond, the doorknob twisted from the outside.

But before Jiang Shengyi could push the door open, it suddenly swung inward—revealing the towering, impeccably built Enigma, his gaze dark and unreadable as he stared down at his nephew.

"Whatever it is, save it for the office tomorrow."

The door was only open a sliver, making it abundantly clear that no one was welcome inside.

"The office is full of prying eyes. Since when do uncle and nephew need a formal setting to talk?" Jiang Shengyi smirked, clearly unwilling to back down. "I just saw Liu Xiangheng downstairs and already discussed some preliminary cooperation plans with him. Since the Jiang Group just acquired that plot in West Harbor, I’m thinking of partnering with the Lius to develop it into a mixed commercial-residential zone—"

Jiang Zhiyu leaned against the doorframe, one hand lazily tucked into his pocket, the other braced against the wood. He cut him off without hesitation.

"That land isn’t suited for commercial use."

Jiang Shengyi’s words lodged in his throat. "Why not? I’ve already had the proposal drafted. I even heard the government’s planning to develop the surrounding area—"

Before he could finish, a faint noise came from inside the room—the soft sound of the bathroom door creaking open.

Jiang Shengyi’s expression shifted instantly, a sly grin spreading across his face.

"Ah… so that’s why Uncle didn’t want me coming in. You’ve got someone hidden away in here?"

Jiang Zhiyu didn’t respond, merely glancing over his shoulder.

There, standing frozen in confusion, was the slender Omega—his face still flushed, peach-blossom eyes glistening with unshed tears. He seemed dazed, as if he hadn’t fully processed the situation, but the sound of a familiar voice had rooted him to the spot.

Without missing a beat, Jiang Zhiyu said coolly, "Leave. Now."

Then he slammed the door shut in Jiang Shengyi’s face.

***

Jiang Shengyi rubbed his nose, thoroughly amused. He had always thought of his uncle as an unshakable, infallible figure—someone who never made mistakes.

But today, of all days, during such an important event, Jiang Zhiyu had been hiding a little lover in his room. And he’d been caught.

He couldn’t help but wonder—was his uncle’s secret plaything a rugged Alpha? A dependable Beta? Surely not an Omega.

Humming to himself, Jiang Shengyi descended the spiral staircase, where Yin Chu was waiting for him at the bottom. Seeing the pleased look on his face, Yin Chu stepped forward.

"How did it go with Zhiyu?"

Jiang Shengyi slung an arm around his shoulders, steering him toward a secluded corner.

Yin Chu deftly slipped out of his hold, smoothing down his slightly tousled hair with a faintly annoyed pout.

"Don’t mess up my hair."

Jiang Shengyi’s eyes gleamed with excitement. "You’ll never guess what I just found out."

Yin Chu blinked. "What?"

"That hypocrite Jiang Zhiyu—always acting like some upright gentleman—but behind closed doors? Who knows how wild he really gets."

Yin Chu’s expression darkened. "Shengyi, he’s your uncle. You shouldn’t speak about him like that. He’s not the kind of person you’re making him out to be."

Jiang Shengyi knew Yin Chu had always harbored some foolish idealization of his uncle, never sparing him a second glance. The thought made him grit his teeth.

"You weren’t up there. You didn’t see what he was doing." He leaned in, voice dropping to a harsh whisper. "He’s got someone hidden in his room right now. Some little lover. Who knows—he might’ve even given them a permanent mark already."

The moment those words left his mouth, Yin Chu went completely still.

***

Jiang Zhiyu had originally intended to hand Ling Ran over to Ling Su to take home, but he hadn’t expected this little Omega to be this susceptible to heat.

He’d made a mess of his bed.

Left with no choice, Jiang Zhiyu had carried him to the bathroom.

Now, after absorbing a significant amount of the Enigma’s pheromones, Ling Ran’s feverish symptoms had temporarily subsided. His consciousness was slowly returning, but his legs remained weak and unsteady—so much so that when he tried to stand, he stumbled and collapsed onto the floor.

A pair of long, straight legs appeared in front of him. Still sprawled on the ground, Ling Ran lifted his head pitifully, peering up with teary eyes.

Jiang Zhiyu stood over him, arms crossed, gaze cold and assessing.

"Get up."

A command, no room for argument.

Ling Ran’s lips trembled. He tried pushing himself up, but his slender arms shook with the effort, and with a soft thud, he fell right back down—this time latching onto the man’s pale, sculpted ankle in desperation.

Jiang Zhiyu took half a step back, then crouched down in front of him.

Omegas were delicate by nature, but this level of fragility was absurd.

Was a mere heat enough to reduce him to a puddle of helpless need?

Ling Ran could feel the weight of that dark, penetrating stare fixed on him. The more he struggled to rise, the weaker his limbs became, his head spinning dizzily.

He hadn’t meant to be like this.

"…Nn."

A tiny, distressed sound escaped him—like a helpless little animal curled at its master’s feet.

Jiang Zhiyu’s gaze dropped to the top of his head.

It looked… surprisingly soft.

Before Ling Ran could react, large hands slid under him—one wrapping firmly around his waist, the other hooking beneath his knees—and in one effortless motion, he was lifted off the floor and carried to the sofa.

"The floor is cold," Jiang Zhiyu remarked, as if stating the weather.

This was the first time Ling Ran had ever been held so intimately while fully conscious.

From this angle, he could only see the sharp, aristocratic lines of Jiang Zhiyu’s profile—a face that bore no resemblance to Jiang Shengyi’s.

Handsome. Aloof. Untouchable.

As he was set down on the couch, Ling Ran’s cheeks burned scarlet, his fingers nervously twisting the fabric of his clothes.

"Afraid of me?"

Ling Ran shook his head frantically. "N-No…"

He looked terrified.

Jiang Zhiyu studied him. "You’ve never seen a doctor about your heats before?"

Ling Ran’s fingers tightened in his lap, his head bowing like a chastened child.

"...No."

His family had five members—four Alphas, and him, the lone, feeble Omega. From childhood, he’d been treated as little more than a tool for the family’s benefit.

No one had ever taught him about Omega physiology. No one had cared whether he was healthy.

All they needed was for him to secure a powerful mate, to be useful.

The only one who’d ever shown him kindness was his older sister, Ling Mo—but as an Alpha buried in corporate affairs, she’d never thought to educate him on matters like this.

Jiang Zhiyu seemed to have expected the answer. "Your body can’t tolerate suppressants anymore. If you keep using them, you’ll damage yourself—possibly even your reproductive system."

Ling Ran’s lips parted slightly. "R-Reproductive… system?"

Jiang Zhiyu felt like he was giving a biology lesson to a clueless pup. "An Omega’s womb is meant for bearing children. If it’s damaged, you may never conceive. Many Alphas consider that… unacceptable."

Ling Ran’s hand drifted to his stomach, his nod small but earnest.

He’d never had a proper medical exam. He had no idea if his body was already broken.

Then—

Grrrrowl.

The sound of his stomach protesting echoed loudly in the quiet room.

Ling Ran’s ears turned crimson. If the sofa had a crack, he would’ve gladly vanished into it.

A low chuckle brushed his ears, followed by the sound of the door opening and closing. When he dared to look up, Jiang Zhiyu was gone.

Only then did Ling Ran slump back against the cushions, exhaling in relief.

Before long, a knock came at the door.

"C-Come in," he called softly.

Song Yi entered, this time pushing a small cart laden with covered dishes. With a flourish, he lifted the lids one by one.

An array of exquisitely decorated cakes greeted Ling Ran—each one more delicate and tempting than the last.

His mouth watered.

Song Yi smiled. "Mr. Ling, these are for you. The boss said you can have as many as you like."

Eyes sparkling, Ling Ran immediately popped a petit four into his mouth. The rich, sweet cream melted on his tongue, and for the first time that night, he forgot to be afraid.

"Thamk oo, Unco," Ling Ran mumbled through a mouthful of cake, cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk’s.

Song Yi’s eye twitched, but his professional smile remained intact. "Of course, Mr. Ling. Enjoy your meal. Call if you need anything."

Once alone, Ling Ran devoured the desserts with abandon, savoring each bite. After licking the last crumbs off his fingers, he dutifully wheeled the cart to the door and called out for Song Yi—but received no response.

Peeking into the hallway, he found the grand ballroom below nearly empty. Guests had migrated to the garden, where laughter bubbled over champagne flutes. A few in swimsuits splashed by the poolside. Song Yi was nowhere in sight.

Seizing the chance, Ling Ran tiptoed out, intent on sneaking more cakes—until his gaze snagged on the crowd’s centerpiece.

Jiang Zhiyu, tall and untouchable, commanded the lawn like a sovereign. Even amidst glittering society, he was the only one who seemed to burn brighter than the rest.

Ling Ran stared, mesmerized—until his focus shifted to the figure beside him.

There, just steps away, stood his long-absent fiancé, Jiang Shengyi.

And leaning into Jiang Shengyi’s shoulder, wineglass in hand, was none other than Yin Chu.

Ling Ran froze.

The way Jiang Shengyi smiled at Yin Chu—soft, unguarded—was a look Ling Ran had never seen directed at himself.

So he can be gentle. Just not with me.

A hot sting pricked his eyes. He spun on his heel, fleeing back upstairs and collapsing face-first into Jiang Zhiyu’s oversized goose-down bed. The pillows swallowed his silent tears.

***

By midnight, the celebration concluded. Deals were sealed, objectives met. Jiang Zhiyu returned to his room, only to find a small, blanket-clad mound curled in the center of his mattress.

Peeling back the covers revealed a sleeping Omega—cheeks tear-streaked, lashes still damp. Ling Ran had cried himself to exhaustion, burrowing into the sheets for warmth.

When Song Yi moved to wake him, Jiang Zhiyu raised a hand. "Leave him."

***

Dawn light roused Ling Ran from the cloudlike bed. He bolted upright, patting the empty space beside him.

Jiang Zhiyu hadn’t slept here.

Guilt gnawed at him as he crept downstairs—and nearly collided with the man himself, impeccably dressed and sipping coffee at the dining table.

"G-Good morning, Uncle," Ling Ran stammered.

Jiang Zhiyu’s gaze flicked up. "Come here."

Step by hesitant step, Ling Ran obeyed, hovering until a chair was pulled out for him.

"Eat."

Song Yi served him congee. Ling Ran picked at it, gathering courage to ask when he could go home—

"After breakfast," Jiang Zhiyu said, as if reading his mind, "you’re getting examined."

Ling Ran nearly choked on his spoonful. "Examined…?"

The Enigma set down his napkin, eyes dark.

"Your gland." A pause. "And your womb."

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