TPLTMOE – Chapter 97

 Chapter 97: Extra 14 – Marry first, love later (6)

Before this, Ling Ran had little concept of what a sensitive period entailed.

He only knew that an Omega's heat could be intensely painful and distressing, but he hadn't realized that the sensitive periods for alphas and enigmas were equally unbearable ordeals.

Xu Guanyi was using medical equipment at the old residence to provide soothing therapy for Jiang Zhiyu. However, when Ling Ran arrived, he was stopped outside the room by Uncle Song.

Xu Guanyi had specifically instructed that it would be best for Ling Ran and Jiang Zhiyu not to meet over the next few days—it was for the good of both of them.

But Ling Ran was deeply worried. He stood outside the room, refusing to leave, and pleaded with Dr. Xu to let him take just one look inside.

Only by seeing with his own eyes that Mr. Jiang was alright could he feel at ease.

When Xu Guanyi came out, he sprayed a generous amount of suppressant and tightly closed the door before guiding Ling Ran a few steps away. He asked, "Why did you come? You haven't fully recovered yet. Don't go in and provoke him."

Ling Ran replied, "I'm much better now, Dr. Xu. My dysregulation hasn't acted up recently—maybe I'm already healed. How is Mr. Jiang?"

Xu Guanyi shook his head. "His condition isn't good. It might be because he's been using his pheromones to treat you all this time. Your pheromones have probably had a subtle influence on him, making inhibitors less effective now."

Ling Ran grew anxious. "What should we do then? Can I help in any way?"

Xu Guanyi looked him up and down. "You don't know how to help?"

Ling Ran thought carefully about what he had learned from books. "I think I know a little—I should give him my pheromones, right? Or maybe... let him give me a temporary mark? Would that work?"

Xu Guanyi stroked his chin, hesitating. "It would definitely work, but I'm afraid if he sees you, he won't be able to control himself."

Ling Ran blinked. "Control himself from what?"

Xu Guanyi said calmly, "From giving you a permanent mark."

"Ah..." Ling Ran's face grew hot and began to flush. "Th-that would be okay too..."

Xu Guanyi's eyes widened, as if he hadn't expected such a response. "I'm talking about a permanent mark. An Omega can only receive a permanent mark from one alpha or enigma in their lifetime. Once it's done, there's no going back."

Ling Ran fiddled lightly with his fingers and replied obediently, "I know all that. But Mr. Jiang and I are already married. He's my lawful husband, so... doing that would be acceptable."

After all, he would only marry once and have only Mr. Jiang as his partner.

Xu Guanyi suddenly stepped forward and ruffled the little Omega's fluffy hair, curious. "Did he give you some kind of love potion? No—wait, did you both give it to each other?"

Ling Ran murmured, "My hair..."

Once Xu Guanyi had ruffled it enough, he withdrew his hand and pulled something out of his pocket, placing it in Ling Ran's palm.

"Here, take this."

It was a small, exquisite black metal object.

Ling Ran held it up for a closer look. "What is this?"

"A key."

Xu Guanyi said impassively, "The key to the mask."

Xu Guanyi had already explained everything necessary to both of them separately. With nothing left to add, he saw no reason to continue obstructing them. After speaking his piece, he let Ling Ran make his own choice.

Ling Ran barely hesitated, clutching the key as he barged into Jiang Zhiyu's room.

Xu Guanyi watched the door slam shut in front of him and waved a dismissive hand at Uncle Song beside him.

"Better prepare some extra nutrient solution."

The moment Ling Ran stepped inside, he was enveloped by the thick, explosive scent of alcohol saturating the air.

His breath hitched as he took a few cautious steps toward the bed.

The room was shrouded in heavy curtains, leaving it unnaturally dim. A tall, still figure lay on the bed, seemingly asleep, showing no reaction to the sudden intrusion.

Unable to make out the face clearly, Ling Ran called out softly, “Mr. Jiang?"

No response.

Growing concerned, Lingran moved closer to the source of the alcohol's aroma. “Mr. Jiang, can you hear me?"

Though the enigma still didn't answer, Ling Ran finally caught sight of a small metallic object gleaming ominously in the faint light.

It was a black safety mask, fitted perfectly over the enigma's face, covering the stern, handsome lower half and leaving only the striking, deep-set eyes visible.

Ling Ran's heart raced erratically. The thin metal key felt slick in his sweaty palm from nerves.

He didn't understand why Dr. Xu had given him the mask's key. He had only intended to check on Mr. Jiang and release a bit of his own pheromones—nothing more.

Whether it was the overwhelming alcohol fumes or something else, Ling Ran's cheeks were already flushing pink. He approached the bed, which seemed drenched in the rich, fragrant scent of an entire cellar's worth of tequila.

His fingers trembled slightly as his gaze settled on the enigma's face.

Those usually dark, profound eyes were now gently closed. The black-and-gold mask, rigid and cold, descended from the bridge of his nose, as though locking away the turbulent storm raging beneath the surface.

Ling Ran had never observed the enigma from such a commanding angle before. After a moment of quiet scrutiny, he carefully peeled off the scent-blocking patch at the nape of his neck, concentrating on releasing his pheromones in the hope of soothing the man on the bed.

But after just a few subtle releases, those sharp, cold eyes abruptly snapped open. Long lashes lifted slightly as they fixed on the little Omega furtively standing by the bedside.

Ling Ran's ears burned as if caught in a shameful act. He stammered, trying to cover his fluster, "Mr. Jiang... you're awake. I— I just came in..."

Jiang Zhiyu said nothing. His dark, abyssal eyes, tinged with red veins, stared intensely at Ling Ran.

Even from this lower vantage point, the sheer pressure of that gaze felt almost unbearable. Ling Ran noticed the alcoholic scent in the air seemed to grow sharper and more potent.

"Mr. Jiang," Ling Ran struggled to keep his composure, "are you still feeling unwell?"

He focused harder, letting the air fill with a stronger blend of rose and grape notes from his pheromones.

Was this enough?

Perhaps he had been trying a bit too hard—Ling Ran felt a warmth emanating from the gland at the nape of his neck.

Noticing the enigma remained silent, he asked softly, "Is it because you're wearing the bite inhibitor that you can't speak? Should I help you take it off for a moment? Would that be alright?"

He jingled the key in his hand, his eyes curving into crescents as he smiled. "I have the key."

With that, he leaned in closer, bringing with him a sweet, cloying scent.

Just as the little Omega's hand was about to touch the cold device on the enigma's face, the enigma suddenly reached out and seized that slender, pale wrist.

A tightening of his fingertips was enough to render Ling Ran immobile.

Ling Ran was a bit confused and lowered his gaze to look at the enigma.

He noticed faintly bulging veins at the enigma's temples, his handsome brow tightly furrowed. The sound of his breathing beneath the bite inhibitor seemed to grow heavier, and the veins on the back of his hand and forearm strained visibly, as if he were enduring immense torment.

He appeared to be in great pain and struggle.

A dense, sour bubble of emotion swelled in Ling Ran's chest.

"You don't want me to take it off?"

Jiang Zhiyu didn't release his wrist, sitting up from the bed instead. His gaze held confusion and inquiry, but even more so, a torrent of desire that was barely concealed.

Did this little Omega not realize what it would mean to remove his bite inhibitor at this moment?

Ling Ran was no fool. His eyes reflected a mix of nervousness and resolve, and finally, as if having made up his mind, he said softly, "Maybe... it's better to take it off."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and slowly inserted the key into the lock on the side of the bite inhibitor. With a gentle turn, a crisp click echoed in the quiet room.

Ling Ran couldn't help but smile happily. "So simple—it's open now."

Almost instantly, the last trace of clarity in the enigma's eyes was completely swallowed by a surge of fervent desire. He reached out, his arm like a scorching iron clamp, and pulled the little Omega by the waist directly into his embrace.

He held the incredibly soft body tightly, pressing it urgently against his chest.

Ling Ran's breathing became chaotic. His originally fair, delicate cheeks were now tinged with a faint blush, stained by the intense, intertwining pheromones in the room and flushed with both fear and shyness at the impending intimacy.

Before the kiss could descend, Jiang Zhiyu paused just above his lips, merely brushing against them lightly. His breathing was heavy and scorching, his voice hoarse beyond recognition.

"Have you thought it through?"

This was his last chance to back out.

Ling Ran's eyes shimmered with countless unshed tears. Summoning his courage, he did not retreat. Instead, he gently wrapped his arms around the enigma's neck, parted his moist, crimson lips, and gazed at him with misty eyes that seemed to speak volumes.

The last vestiges of rationality crumbled.

Jiang Zhiyu pressed down urgently, his kiss filled with dominance and longing. After lingering and teasing against the tender lips, he pinched Ling Ran's cheek, forcing his mouth to stay open. Then, his tongue plunged in, conquering and claiming.

Ling Ran shut his eyes tightly, his hands instinctively pressing against the enigma's chest. But his strength was feeble, no match for the enigma's power. He could only yield, soft and pliant, surrendering to every demand.

Enigma's fervent madness swept them into a whirlwind as he flipped the little Omega over, both tumbling into bedding saturated with the scent of tequila. The sudden explosion of premium tequila pheromones overwhelmed the little Omega, whose legs weakened and kicked feebly against Enigma's body. Unfortunately, his ankles were seized, lifted, and hooked over Enigma's shoulders.

Trembling and unsteady, Ling Ran's body grew increasingly feverish. A vivid, captivating flush spread from the corners of his eyes down to his neck. With every deep breath, he inhaled more of Enigma's potent pheromones, clouding his mind until everything became a blur. There was no need for him to discern anything anymore.

Jiang Zhiyu was like someone peeling an unripe, tender grape, with glistening sweet juices continuously seeping from the fruit's flesh and skin. Not a single drop was wasted—he devoured it all, completely and thoroughly. In the end, he fully marked the little Omega as his own possession.

After feeding the little Omega a bag of nutrient fluid, Jiang Zhiyu regained some clarity and rationality. The person in his arms looked up with a tear-streaked face, swollen eyes, and damp, red lips—each detail evoking heartache and tenderness. He leaned down and gently kissed away the teardrops clinging to the little Omega's long lashes, his movements as delicate as if handling a rare treasure.

Even in sleep, the little Omega let out a few sobs, his body trembling uncontrollably. Jiang Zhiyu held him tighter, as if building a sturdy defense with his embrace—enough to shield him from all unease and fear. Gradually, the little Omega's body relaxed, and he buried his head against Jiang Zhiyu's chest, nuzzling aimlessly before sinking back into deep slumber.

Enigma's sensitive period was too long; if it lasted from start to finish, Ling Ran certainly wouldn't be able to endure it. As the end approached, Jiang Zhiyu administered several high-strength suppressant shots and took the little Omega back to the beachside villa.

Freshly marked for life, the little Omega had an intense dependence on his partner. Coupled with physical discomfort from overexertion, he had to take a few more days off from school. Jiang Zhiyu taught him the missed lessons at home, and during those days, he rarely went out. Aside from handling some work, his main focus was staying by the little Omega's side to care for and comfort him.

Moreover, once Ling Ran's body recovered, their nights were no longer spent merely sleeping under the covers. Ling Ran often ended up in tears, pitifully sobbing in Enigma's embrace. Jiang Zhiyu would hold him, kiss him, and then intensify his actions, bullying him even more fiercely.

Eventually, Ling Ran couldn't take it anymore and tearfully reasoned with him, saying he had classes the next morning, so they couldn't stay up so late at night, and there was no time for another session in the morning either. Prioritizing studies, Jiang Zhiyu compromised somewhat, only becoming excessive on nights before Ling Ran had lighter schedules, and being especially unrestrained on Friday nights and weekends.

After diligently continuing this way for over a month, Ling Ran fainted once again, looking dewy and fragile, during a physical education class.

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