Chapter 19: Loss of Face

Suddenly being teased like this, he didn’t even know how to fight back.

Chi Han could imagine that silly pheromone entity of his prancing around in front of Qin Wen.

Usually, when an Alpha reaches a certain level of strength, they can manifest a pheromone entity, typically in the form of animals or plants. For example, Sun Kaining’s is a lion, and someone from Chi Han’s generation in the Chi family has a lynx. Of course, there are exceptions. After all, pheromones are still not fully understood, and the wonders of life often give humans a reality check when they think they know it all. There was once an Alpha whose pheromone entity was a mimosa plant, utterly useless. Chi Han, ever since his differentiation, has had an overwhelming amount of pheromones, but no one has ever seen his entity.

Sun Kaining always thought Chi Han was in the “special” category, meaning he didn’t have an entity.

Actually, he did, but Chi Han felt there was no need to flaunt it.

In fact, his pheromone entity was stronger than anyone else’s he had seen.

Qin Yaosheng saw Chi Han deep in thought and silent, thinking he was plotting revenge. The oppressive aura around him was still as heavy as a mountain. Qin Yaosheng, subdued by the “absolute suppression,” didn’t dare speak harshly to Chi Han and worried that after dealing with the bodyguard, Chi Han would target Qin Shu. He couldn’t help but smile ingratiatingly, “Chi Han, you’ve dealt with it, right? Are you not angry anymore?”

Only then did Chi Han lift his eyelids. The marriage was orchestrated by his grandfather, and he had no fondness for the Qin family, nor did he see Qin Yaosheng as a “father-in-law.” But since he was Qin Wen’s biological father, Chi Han’s gaze swept over to Qin Shu, and he said coldly, “If it happens again, I guarantee he won’t even have the chance to become an Alpha.”

This was a threat that hit a sore spot. Qin Yaosheng, now in his fifties, found it difficult to have more children. He doted on Qin Shu because tests showed he had a high probability of differentiating into an Alpha, and the Qin family needed an heir.

“Absolutely! Absolutely!” Qin Yaosheng swallowed hard. Chi Han wasn’t joking.

Qin Shu kept his head down, not daring to speak, the oppressive atmosphere of the old house enveloping him in fear, but his hatred for Qin Wen deepened.

Chi Han launched a final pheromone attack on the bodyguard, crippling most of his spiritual entity. The spiritual entity greatly influences pheromones, and for an Alpha, it’s akin to becoming a cripple.

“Don’t worry, Dad!” Qin Shu dared to speak only after Chi Han left, immediately boasting, “Once I differentiate into an Alpha, I’ll make him pay!”

Qin Yaosheng said nothing, but he secretly hoped for such a day. The Chi family had been above all other families for too long.

Meanwhile, Qin Wen was happily playing with the little fox, temporarily forgetting about Chi Han’s whereabouts. He thought it was just a domesticated pet, and since Chi Han left it, there was no problem. He didn’t delve into why he liked the little creature so much at first sight.

The password door clicked open, and Chi Han was stunned as soon as he entered.

“You…” Chi Han hesitated for once, “What are you doing?”

“Feeding the fox.” Qin Wen still had a smile on his face, showing genuine fondness. Chi Han swallowed back the words he was about to say, which were that this creature didn’t need to eat.

In reality, his entity was circling Qin Wen’s feet, gnawing on the half apple Qin Wen had given.

“You really like it.” Chi Han sat on the sofa.

Qin Wen nodded nervously, “Yeah.” He hoped Chi Han wouldn’t want it back.

“Then keep it.” Chi Han’s gaze turned cold as he stared at the white furball acting cute, finding it somewhat annoying.

Other Alphas’ pheromone entities absolutely obeyed their master’s commands, but Chi Han’s was different. This thing seemed to have gained intelligence and loved to go against him when there was no life-threatening situation.

Why isn’t there a technology to separate entities? Chi Han pondered seriously.

“What do you want for dinner?” Seeing it was about time, Chi Han opened the fridge to look for ingredients. He didn’t have high hopes, as Qin Wen had few demands and ate whatever was given, but the next second, he heard Qin Wen say softly, “Something sour, is that okay?”

Chi Han decisively closed the fridge door, holding two tomatoes, “Of course.”

This place was increasingly feeling like home. Qin Wen, holding the little fox, watched Chi Han’s back, lost in thought. The only thing he needed to confirm now was Chi Han’s attitude—was it just a passing interest, or was it something real…

Qin Wen considered himself a very ordinary Omega, not even in the popular category. He couldn’t act cute or be charming. The love of a top-level Alpha was like a deep abyss shrouded in mist, unclear and potentially disastrous. In the past, as long as Chi Han showed a hint of friendliness, Qin Wen would have jumped into the fire with his eyes closed. But now it was different. He unconsciously touched his belly, feeling responsible for the life about to be born.

After dinner, Chi Han cleaned up the table, picked up his clothes, and prepared to leave. He took a deep look at the white furball sleeping in Qin Wen’s arms and said in a deep voice, “Don’t let it on the bed.”

Qin Wen had the same plan, having heard that animal fur wasn’t good for children.

But after washing up at night, being stared at by the little fox’s dark eyes, and having it rub against his ankle, Qin Wen abandoned his principles and surrendered. One night… shouldn’t be a problem, right?

After Qin Wen tucked the little fox into the bed, the two of them snuggled up and fell asleep. Far away in Star City Garden, Chi Han suddenly pressed his forehead.

In a remote meeting, the two rows of executives in the video were so scared they didn’t dare breathe, “Mr. Chi, sir?”

“Let’s leave it at that. Thank you all for your hard work. We’ll continue tomorrow.” Chi Han nodded slightly after speaking, closed his laptop, and left for the bathroom.

Didn’t we agree not to let it on the bed?! Chi Han stood under the cold water, unable to shake off the heat.

Strangely enough, ever since the little fox came into their lives, Qin Wen had been in good spirits for the following days. Even though the mark on his gland seemed to be fading, it wasn’t as uncomfortable as before. This was natural, as the influence of a pheromone entity was subtle.

Meanwhile, Chi Han worked while sensing where the mischievous little thing was with Qin Wen.

A paradise-level treatment that he himself didn’t have.

One day, while Qin Wen was making juice, he suddenly received a call from Qin Yaosheng.

“For the last time.” Qin Yaosheng’s tone was much better, surprisingly calm, “You were in charge of the Ruixing business before. After you left, it was a mess. Qin Wen, finish what you started. Once you resolve the Ruixing issue, you can do whatever you want. I won’t interfere.”

Qin Wen frowned, “What if I want to leave the Qin family?”

Qin Yaosheng replied, “No problem.”

Qin Wen poured half of the freshly squeezed juice into a bowl and pushed it in front of the little fox, saying lightly, “Deal.”

That afternoon, Chi Han came home and asked if anything had happened recently, just like casual small talk. Qin Wen thought for a moment and didn’t hide it, telling the truth, “The Ruixing business is indeed tricky. I put a lot of effort into it back then. It’s understandable that they don’t recognize newcomers. Since my dad has given the go-ahead, it’s a rare opportunity.”

“But you have to go to the neighboring city,” Chi Han added.

Qin Wen stroked the little fox’s fur, “Yeah, it could take three days, or up to a week.”

Chi Han glanced at the white furball without showing any emotion, as if he didn’t care at all.

“Oh, by the way.” Qin Wen’s tone suddenly took on a hint of mystery. He leaned forward slightly, and Chi Han cooperated by leaning in closer. Then he heard Qin Wen say, “The little fox is male!”

That’s not a fox! Chi Han paused and asked, “How do you know?”

“It went to the bathroom last night, and I saw it,” Qin Wen explained. “It lifted its leg to pee, like marking territory. I looked it up online, and females don’t do that.”

Chi Han: “…” Another way to lose face.

The next morning, Qin Wen set off early. He left plenty of food and water at home. The little fox was smart, so Qin Wen wasn’t too worried about it. “Be good at home,” he said, patting the little creature’s head. “I’ll be back soon.”

After the door closed, the white furball ran to the balcony, transformed into light at the narrow window gap, and disappeared.

Qin Wen was usually frugal, but this time was different. He bought a first-class ticket, wanting to be comfortable in case he felt unwell.

Indeed, leaving home and coming to a place filled with various scents, Qin Wen soon felt uncomfortable. He poured himself half a cup of warm water and drank it slowly, touching the gland patch on the back of his neck.

Chi Han should be at work around this time, Qin Wen thought. There was a flight announcement, and Qin Wen picked up his small suitcase and began boarding.

Once seated, Qin Wen immediately adjusted the seatback, asked the flight attendant for a thin blanket, and took his medication with the remaining warm water. He pressed the “Do Not Disturb” button and lay down to sleep, planning to nap until they reached their destination.

Qin Wen had always been a heavy sleeper and soon drifted off, not noticing someone sitting beside him.

The man tucked the blanket around him, his long fingers casually pulling a magazine from the front pocket, which introduced various attractions in the neighboring city.

Mid-flight turbulence woke Qin Wen, acid rising in his stomach. He closed his eyes and reached for his water cup, only for it to be taken and replaced with another, still warm. “There’s none left, drink mine.”

Qin Wen’s eyes snapped open, shocked to see who was beside him.

Chi Han had appeared as if by magic.

“You…” Qin Wen blinked, wondering if he was dreaming. He pulled up the window shade, seeing dark clouds rushing past the plane.

“It’s me.” Chi Han’s expression remained unchanged, his voice steady, “I’m also going to the neighboring city for business.”

Qin Wen wasn’t the type of Omega to be easily convinced with a few words. Who was Chi Han? Unless it was a crucial business matter, he wouldn’t need to go personally. The excitement Qin Wen felt was enough to suppress his discomfort. He took a sip of water before speaking, “Then how come your seat is right next to mine?”

Chi Han’s face remained unchanged, “Fate.”

Qin Wen: “…”

“Alright.” Chi Han sighed, knowing it wouldn’t be easy to fool him. He pulled down the blanket on Qin Wen’s chest, revealing a sleepy fox head, “I came to deliver it.”

Qin Wen: “???”