Jiang She stiffened, his expression immediately cooling.

“I’m going out to have some fun later.”

“Oh,” Chu Tao responded, not at all interested in where Jiang She was going or what he would be doing.

He was eager to get home and attend his class.

“Here are your clothes, washed and clean. If you’re worried, just hang them on the balcony for a bit. They have a slight smell of disinfectant.”

He planned to hand over the clothes and leave.

Jiang She paused for a moment, then stepped aside, “Why the hurry? Come inside.”

Chu Tao pressed his lips together and pushed the bag in his hand towards him, “No, I have to go back for extra lessons.”

Jiang She frowned. Was he really leaving just after arriving? That would make his hairspray application pointless.

“Did you iron the clothes?”

Chu Tao turned his head, took a deep breath, “No.”

There was no way he was going to iron Jiang She’s clothes in front of his mother and brother. Just sneaking around to wash them at night had already made him nervous.

Jiang She raised an eyebrow, barely holding in a laugh, “My clothes are always ironed and hung up by my house maid. How can I wear them if they’re not ironed?”

Chu Tao struggled to remain patient, “Then you’ll have to ask your maid for help.”

“My maid doesn’t come on weekends, but we have an iron steamer at home. You can iron them for me,” Jiang She stepped aside, waiting for Chu Tao to enter.

“Jiang She!” Chu Tao warned in a low voice.

He knew Jiang She wasn’t being so kind.

Inviting him over was just a way to mess with him.

If it were a time when he wasn’t busy, Chu Tao wouldn’t mind helping, but he was waiting for his 9 o’clock online class, and if he didn’t get back in time, Song Mian would definitely be angry.

“Hurry up, finish it, and then you can leave.”

Suddenly, Jiang She yanked hard, pulling Chu Tao’s sleeve and dragging him inside the room, quickly shutting the door behind them.

The sound of the door slamming left Chu Tao’s ears ringing.

He irritably shook off Jiang She’s hand and checked the time.

There were still ten minutes to spare.

“Alright, I’ll do it as quickly as I can.”

Only then did he raise his eyes to look at Jiang She’s place.

As expected, Jiang She’s apartment was huge. Just the living room alone was almost as big as all the rooms in their house, excluding the bedrooms.

There was a sofa, a TV, speakers, a carpet, a coffee table—everything one would expect—but beyond that, there was little sign of life.

The sofa was perfectly neat, not even a wrinkle from being sat on. The TV and speakers seemed like they had never been used, still covered in their protective films from the factory.

The coffee table was empty. There were no little knick-knacks, not even a fruit knife.

The walls of the room had nothing hung on them, and the bar and kitchen stove were spotless, showing no signs of ever having been used.

Although the owner had clearly made an effort to make the place look like an ordinary home, it still felt fake—no one lived here. The more he tried to cover it up, the more pitiful it seemed.

Chu Tao carefully removed his shoes and placed them by the door, afraid of dirtying Jiang She’s floor.

“Where’s the iron steamer?”

Jiang She’s gaze fell on Chu Tao’s ankle.

The rounded bones were prominent, and the Achilles tendon was slender and flexible. Every time Chu Tao took a step, his Achilles tendon tightened, highlighting his long, slender silhouette.

Jiang She swallowed, casually saying, “In the bathroom.”

Chu Tao followed Jiang She into the bathroom. It had frosted glass, with a dry-wet separation, and was quite spacious.

He casually glanced around and noticed there was just a toothbrush holder on the sink.

“Don’t your parents come to stay?”

Not even occasionally to accompany you while studying?

Jiang She replied lightly, “Is it fun living with your parents?”

Chu Tao was momentarily at a loss for words.

Living with the whole family could be annoying at times.

He and Chu Xingning had been fighting and bickering since they were little, sometimes throwing tantrums and ignoring each other.

His mom was very strict with him, always shouting and acting like even the way he breath was wrong.

His dad was often out drinking and would come home drunk, then his parents would argue, throw things around, and cause a ruckus.

But every meal he ate was cooked by Song Mian, and every piece of clothing he wore was washed by her.

When they were younger, his parents would play badminton or roller-skate with them for the whole afternoon.

He knew all of his family’s habits, knew their likes and dislikes, and during holidays, they would surprise each other with gifts. It was a warm feeling back then.

He couldn’t really say if it was fun or not; things always had two sides.

“It’s not that fun. It’s nice to be alone and have some peace and quiet,” Chu Tao said reluctantly.

Jiang She smiled. “That’s true. That’s the iron steamer. I’ve seen the House Maid Auntie use it.”

He quickly ended the topic.

Chu Tao had no choice but to take the steamer from the corner, place it by the wall, plug it in, hang up Jiang She’s school uniform, and reach out to test the temperature.

Jiang She’s gaze naturally fell on his hand.

Although the weather was getting warmer and the grass was slowly starting to grow, the temperature in the early morning was still low.

Chu Tao had ridden his bike over, battling against the wind, and his hand was red from the cold, with faint cracks starting to appear on his skin.

Jiang She couldn’t help but comment, “Your hands are rougher than the House Maid Aunt.”

Chu Tao rolled his eyes. “You really know how to flatter. Can you shut up?”

Normally, he didn’t care much about these things. After washing his face, he would apply lotion only on his face, neglecting the back of his hands.

But since he was young, his skin would heal quickly, and once the weather warmed up and the air became more humid, his hands would naturally improve.

To his surprise, Jiang She actually stopped talking.

He turned and went into the bathroom to grab a bottle of hand cream.

Jiang She walked over and grabbed Chu Tao’s hand.

Chu Tao jumped in surprise, trying to pull his hand back. “What are you doing?”

Jiang She gripped his hand tightly, not letting him pull away, and applied the hand cream onto Chu Tao’s hand.

“It can also be applied at the face, just use it,” Jiang She said casually.

Chu Tao swallowed, his eyelashes fluttering slightly.

After saying “just use it,” Jiang She didn’t let go of his hand.

Instead, he continued to hold it, using his thumb to spread the cream on Chu Tao’s hand, slowly massaging it in to help the skin absorb it.

Chu Tao felt extremely awkward.

“I still need to steam the clothes.”

The steamer had already begun releasing warm steam, and the mist filled the air, giving it a damp, moist feeling.

“Go ahead, it won’t delay anything.”

Jiang She applied the cream to both of Chu Tao’s hands, watching as the cracked skin gradually became moisturized and delicate. Satisfied, he gave it a gentle rub.

Chu Tao suddenly snapped out of his daze and quickly pulled his hand back.

He lightly bit the inside of his cheek, the soft skin transmitting the pain clearly, helping him calm down.

He lowered his gaze and carefully pulled at Jiang She’s shirt, pressing the steam against the fabric.

The effect was clear—the wrinkles were smoothed out by the steamer.

In less than five minutes, Chu Tao turned off the machine and handed the clothes to him. “Done, I’m leaving.”

“Stay a little longer,” Jiang She immediately replied.

“What?” Chu Tao raised his eyes.

Jiang She was slightly taller than him and stood on the side near the balcony, blocking a lot of the sunlight. Chu Tao found himself almost completely enveloped in Jiang She’s shadow.

“Stay with me for a while,” Jiang She suddenly said.

When he said this, there was no joking tone on his face and voice.

Normally, Jiang She would tease and be indifferent, always acting with an attitude that seemed to enjoy messing with people.

But when he got serious, Chu Tao felt a little unsettled.

Jiang She was actually quite handsome, with facial features that had a hint of arrogance and playfulness that made him very attractive.

So even though he was reckless and seemingly heartless, there were still many Omegas who wanted to be marked by him.

Chu Tao’s throat tightened. “I really have things to do. Not everyone is as free as Young Master Jiang.”

Jiang She’s disappointment flashed briefly in his eyes, but he quickly lifted his head, his gaze bright and determined. “Not long, half an hour.”

Chu Tao thought to himself, I can’t even stay five more minutes.

But for some reason, seeing Jiang She look disappointed, he answered without thinking, “Alright.”

He didn’t have the energy to think about whether Song Mian would be upset; he just felt that Jiang She’s home was really a bit too cold and empty.

Jiang She curled his lips. “Come see my room.”

Chu Tao was speechless.

He had arrived at the home of a new classmate, someone everyone feared and respected—Jiang She, the school’s top figure.

Now, he was invited to tour this man’s room, and honestly, other than the bedroom, probably every other room was just empty and unremarkable.

What was even happening?

Jiang She pushed the door open, and Chu Tao saw a gray blanket haphazardly rolled up, with a pillow crookedly hanging off the side of the bed.

Next to the alarm clock on the bedside table was a “r-18 male toy” shaped like an airplane.

It was a replica of the one made for Omegas and it looked surprisingly realistic.

Damn it!

Chu Tao quickly shifted his gaze, his face cold, and turned to leave.

Jiang She snickered, stretching out his arm to block him.

“Hey, it’s a normal biological need, don’t tell me you’ve never had one.” Jiang She said helplessly.

Chu Tao’s face turned red, and he couldn’t help but curse loudly, “You’re seriously leaving that out in the open during the day—did you just use it?”

Of course, he had needs too, especially at his age. Both Alpha and Omega were in their most energetic phase. Omegas had a “heat” period, but it could be controlled with medication now.

Alphas also had a corresponding period of restlessness, but it didn’t need to be controlled as long as they didn’t go overboard with Omega pheromones. Rationality could still win over the need.

Jiang She blinked. “I didn’t expect you to come in.”

Chu Tao desperately needed to cool down.

He took a deep breath and slapped Jiang She’s arm away. “Move aside.”

Jiang She half-teased, half-blocked him. “Fine, but whose fault is it that your eyes are so focused? I didn’t mean for you to look at that.”

Chu Tao: “…”

He was blaming him?

That thing was so obvious that anyone with eyes could see it.

He deeply regretted agreeing to stay longer with Jiang She.

He had given up on his chemistry teacher’s lectures, skipped his classmates’ group studies, all to come here and look at Jiang She’s toy for relieving biological urges?

Jiang She clicked his tongue. “Other Alphas would just laugh it off, why are you even more sensitive than an Omega?”

Chu Tao froze, quickly looking away, feeling flustered.

But Jiang She didn’t seem to notice, and instead continued to explain for him. “Alright, alright, I know you’re a good student, focus only about studying, right?”

He walked over, pulling open another part of the curtain to reveal a spacious balcony.

“I wanted you to see this.”

On Jiang She’s balcony, there was a mobile KTV setup.

Chu Tao had seen these in the mall. It cost about ten yuan for an hour, with great soundproofing, popular with young people who liked to sing.

Next to the mobile KTV was a guitar, and on the shelf beside it were harmonicas, with various high-end headphones hanging on the wall—brands that Chu Tao couldn’t even recognize.

“Want to try it?” Jiang She opened the balcony door.

Chu Tao momentarily ignored the object on the bedside table, whispering, “I’ve never tried it.”

He really liked singing. He had gone to karaoke with classmates before, but since high school, he hadn’t had the time for it. Studying had been too overwhelming, and the holiday time was too short.

“What kind of songs do you like?” Jiang She asked.

“The Whale Transformed into an Island,” Chu Tao replied.

Jiang She paused, then smiled. “It’s in there, you can try it.”

Chu Tao looked at him for a few seconds, then without further hesitation, he walked in.

The space inside wasn’t large, just enough for one chair. Once the door was closed, it was completely private.

But the glass was transparent, so people outside could still see what’s inside.

Chu Tao sat in the chair, adjusted his position, and tapped on the screen to search for the song.

He picked up the microphone hanging nearby and cleared his throat.

Then he thought about turning to close the door.

But Jiang She squeezed in after him.

In such a tight space, there was barely enough room for both of them. Jiang She’s chest almost pressed against Chu Tao’s back.

Chu Tao suddenly stood up. “What are you doing?”

Jiang She looked completely calm, his eyes fixed on the screen. “Hurry up, it’s almost your turn.”

It seemed like he was really just there to listen to the song, not paying attention to Chu Tao. His fingers even tapped lightly in rhythm with the music.

Chu Tao hesitated, unsure whether he should push Jiang She out.

But with the microphone in his hand and the accompaniment playing, he felt like he was being urged on.

Chu Tao had no choice but to turn back and focus on the song.

“I am a whale that transformed into an island, with the largest figure…“

Chu Tao’s voice was soft and delicate when he sang, careful, as if afraid he might break an invisible crystal ball.

This was the best song he could sing, though he wasn’t very good at singing in general.

His voice was tight, and as soon as Jiang She stood behind him, it became even more strained.

Jiang She was so close that Chu Tao could clearly smell the suppressant he was wearing.

This time it was herbal and fresh, like freshly crushed leaves.

He didn’t understand why Jiang She kept switching his suppressants. Since his differentiation, Chu Tao had only used a pine scent.

“The background music is too loud.”

Jiang She spoke, his arms suddenly reaching around Chu Tao’s waist. His fingers landed on the control panel, pressing a few buttons to lower the volume.

His hands were large and his fingers long. The way he tapped the buttons was so skilled.

Chu Tao suddenly had the impression that Jiang She could hold his waist with those hands.

In fact, it almost felt like that.

As Jiang She got closer, it felt as if he was already holding him.

Jiang She’s chin rested lightly on Chu Tao’s shoulder, the rhythm of his breath transmitting through the rising and falling of his chest to Chu Tao’s back.

The faint trace of pheromones that the suppressant couldn’t mask was inevitably absorbed by Chu Tao.

He started to feel hot all over, his chest tingling and numb.

At the same time, his own pheromones began to rebel, making him feel the urge to fight Jiang She and pin him down.

This was an uncontrollable instinct, a part of him as an Alpha.

Damn it.

Chu Tao couldn’t continue singing.

Jiang She’s shallow breathing continued, and when Chu Tao couldn’t keep up with the rhythm, Jiang She smoothly took over the song.

“I just regret that you can’t lie on my chest in the end. Why did you stop singing?”

Jiang She sang surprisingly well—his voice deep and magnetic, and much softer than usual.

His pitch was perfect; Chu Tao couldn’t hear a single note out of tune.

If this were a KTV room, Chu Tao would have patiently listened.

But now…

He couldn’t take it any longer. He turned sharply, unable to face Jiang She’s broad chest, and shouted, “For god’s sake, can you put on your shirt?!”

Jiang She stopped singing, and they locked eyes.

“We’re both Alphas, what’s the big deal?”

Chu Tao took a deep breath. “You’re using way too little suppressant! All I want to do right now is fight you!”

It wasn’t just fighting. He was being tortured by two conflicting desires.

In his sixteen years of life, he had never imagined that one day he would find himself in such a ridiculous situation.

Jiang She scrunched his nose. “Really? Then what does your pheromone smell like? I can’t smell it.”

To Chu Tao’s shock, Jiang She leaned closer, trying to sniff his neck.

Chu Tao’s pheromones were naturally faint, and his suppressant was so strong that it made it hard for anyone to detect them even up close.

Chu Tao quickly pulled back, raising his knee as if to threaten Jiang She’s sensitive area. “Back off!”

After all, he was a black belt, level four.

Jiang She didn’t dare underestimate him. He lowered his head and saw Chu Tao’s knee raised in warning.

“You son of a—”

Jiang She gritted his teeth, stepping back just enough to give Chu Tao some space.

Chu Tao wasted no time and stormed out of the KTV.

If he stayed any longer, he wouldn’t be able to hold himself together.

“I’m in a hurry, I’m leaving.”

He slapped the wrinkles out of his clothes, grabbed his bag, and rushed out of the bedroom without a second glance.

This time, Jiang She didn’t stop him.

He could tell that Chu Tao was genuinely angry.

“Hey, the hand cream is for you,” Jiang She called out.

Chu Tao didn’t even spare him a glance. “Don’t bother. I’m not Su Jingtong.”

Su Jingtong was a reference to the Omegas who had an unclear relationship with Jiang She and sought to gain something from him.

He didn’t really have an issue with Su Jingtong himself, but he felt that Su Jingtong’s distinct aura represented a certain type of person.

Jiang She couldn’t help but defend himself. “This is something I use for myself, I’ve never given it to anyone else!”

But Chu Tao had already slammed the door behind him.

Jiang She took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling heavily. He turned back to the bedroom and saw the airplane-shaped male toy on the bedside table. He gritted his teeth.

In his mind, he saw Chu Tao’s slim, toned waist.

It was a maddening desire.

He couldn’t believe it. He was having those kinds of thoughts about an Alpha.

Outside, Chu Tao pressed his back against the cold wall, and when no one was looking, he pinched himself hard at the top of his thigh.

What the hell was happening? His gland was responding to Jiang She!