Cheng Song glanced at him as he smiled calmly, smoothly shifting the conversation and engaging in casual chat.

Song Yi sensed Cheng Song’s intention but found it difficult to pinpoint. While Cheng Song may be a great romantic partner, unfortunately, he’s an alpha and Song Yi still prefers a softer omega.

Due to a severe traffic jam, Song Yi didn’t arrive home until 7 pm. Parking the car, he made his way to the door, where he noticed a pair of Hermes frosted men’s shoes.

Laughter emanated from beyond the anti-theft door, prompting Song Yi to furrow his brows as he turned the key to open the door.

Inside, Zhao Hongyan sat on the sofa, affectionately embracing the shoulder of a young man with short hair. Upon hearing the door open, the young man turned, his fair skin glowing, and his eyes lit up. “Song Yi, you’re back!”

“Why are you here?” Song Yi asked, taking off his coat, puzzled by Shen Li’s lack of greeting.

Scratching his head, Shen Li awkwardly smiled. “I was craving Auntie cooking. I found her number on my phone and couldn’t resist reaching out…”

Smiling, Song Yi replied. “You should have told me beforehand. I would have asked Mom to prepare a big meal for you.”

“No need! A simple meal is fine. I just wanted to have diner together, eating alone at home gets too lonely.” Shen Li confessed eagerly looking at Song Yi.

Song Yi ruffled his hair affectionately, but before he could respond, Zhao Hongyan cheerfully grabbed a basket headed downstairs to buy groceries, and went out.

Alone in the room, Song Yi brewed a pot of tea and engaged in conversation with Shen Li. He asked about his life studying abroad and eventually broached the topic of missed text messages.

With a sheepish expression, Shen Li explained, “I had planned to meet up with some classmates for a meal and catch up, but when I landed, my brother intercepted me and whisked me off to the countryside. I didn’t even have a chance to let you know and cancel our plans.”

“…”

Song Yi sighed inwardly, patting his forehead in exasperation.

Shen Li looked at him and asked with concern, “Did you go? Did you fight again because of me?”

Trying to maintain composure, Song Yi coughs lightly. “No, I didn’t go. I had something else to attend to that day,” he replied.

Shen Li breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest, “That’s good, I’m afraid Gu Xingchuan will bully you.”

As they caught up on their respective experiences over the last few years, Shen Li’s photography classes abroad flourished, and he was now planning to establish a similar venture in China. Song Yi enthusiastically supported him and even reached out to friends to help find a suitable location.

Just as they were engrossed in conversation, Zhao Hongyan burst back in excitedly, swinging open the door and exclaiming. “Song, come and see who’s here!”

—