The two of them stayed in an embrace for a while before Liang Xianzhang suddenly asked, “Do you want to go back to him?”

Zhou Yi hesitated but then nodded, “I need to get the money.”

Liang Xianzhang was silent for a moment before replying, “Okay, I understand. Didn’t you tell me before that you would end this relationship when his girlfriend returns to China?”

Zhou Yi nodded, but something flashed through his mind. Just as he was about to speak, Liang Xianzhang smoothly changed the topic. “By the way, do you remember that we temporarily marked each other last night?”

Liang Xianzhang spoke casually, “Since your sexual fever hasn’t been relieved, I consulted Shao Wen. Temporary marking is more effective than inhibitors and doesn’t burden your body. Also, after temporary marking, you’re less likely to be affected by the pheromones of other Alphas.”

Zhou Yi had some basic knowledge of this AO-related information, but he hadn’t fully understood it before. He only remembered the intense pain when Liang Xianzhang had bitten the back of his neck the night before, but there was also a strange sense of satisfaction. Eventually, exhaustion had overtaken him, and he fell asleep.

Hearing Liang Xianzhang’s explanation, Zhou Yi instinctively reached for the back of his neck. The bite mark was still there, but it didn’t hurt much when he touched it.

“Does this count as a temporary mark?” he asked, feeling a bit amazed.

Liang Xianzhang gently placed his hand over Zhou Yi’s and touched the mark on his neck. His eyes softened. “Yes, you smell like me now.”

Zhou Yi’s heart skipped at his words. The way they sounded—almost possessive—made him shiver slightly, but this time, instead of pulling away, he lowered his gaze and said nothing.

Liang Xianzhang studied him, noticing his slightly flushed ears and the fact that he no longer shied away from his touch. A small, satisfied smile curved at the corners of his mouth.

“Can you stay with me for a few days?” Liang Xianzhang asked, gently pinching Zhou Yi’s ear. “Since he’s in his Q period, he won’t be back for a while. Stay here like before, there’s no rush for you to go back when he’s ready.”

Zhou Yi nodded without much hesitation, agreeing to stay at Liang Xianzhang’s place. At this point, he couldn’t deny that he had become more and more reliant on him.

Living with Shang Yichen had felt like being a caretaker to someone, but living with Liang Xianzhang was different. It was as if everything he needed was provided for him. Zhou Yi felt like a delicate object, taken care of, even in the smallest of ways.

One morning, Liang Xianzhang squatted down to help him put on his socks, his large, warm palms pressing against his cold feet. The warmth made Zhou Yi shiver, and though he felt startled, he couldn’t bring himself to stop him.

“No need,” he murmured, uncomfortable, but Liang Xianzhang persisted, gently putting on his socks and slippers.

Zhou Yi sat on the edge of the bed, feeling lost. “You don’t have to do this…” he said, unable to hide the panic and confusion that had begun to settle in his chest. He had always been the one under someone else’s control, but now, someone was treating him as if he were fragile, and it made him feel uncertain.

Liang Xianzhang responded with a soft kiss and the familiar floral scent of his pheromones, making Zhou Yi’s breath hitch. He could no longer protest.

Over time, Zhou Yi grew accustomed to the constant closeness. From eating together to chatting and even sleeping side by side, Liang Xianzhang was always near. He hadn’t gone to work for a few days, choosing to stay in his study, where he worked while Zhou Yi relaxed on the sofa nearby.

This proximity was comforting, and every time Liang Xianzhang looked up and saw Zhou Yi within his sight, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He couldn’t bear the thought of Zhou Yi being far from him for even a moment.

Liang Xianzhang had originally intended to take things slow, but his growing desire made him unable to wait any longer. He couldn’t resist his instincts any longer and decided to act sooner.

After typing a few tasks and sending them to his secretary, Liang Xianzhang stood up and walked toward Zhou Yi, who had fallen asleep on the sofa. He leaned down and picked him up effortlessly.

Zhou Yi had grown much closer to Liang Xianzhang over the past week. He had adapted well to the constant contact, even becoming comfortable enough to rest in his arms without waking up.

As he held Zhou Yi, Liang Xianzhang kissed his forehead gently, the tenderness in his eyes almost overflowing.

However, their peaceful routine was interrupted when Liang Xianzhang received news that Shang Yichen was returning.

This meant that Zhou Yi would have to move back to the apartment across the hall.