Wei Xiaochi said he was “almost at the subway station,” but that “almost” was only in comparison to the more than forty minutes he’d already walked.

He was still about two kilometers from the subway station, which would take him roughly twenty more minutes to reach.

The sun was setting, and the sky was ablaze with large streaks of crimson clouds. During this time of day, every so often, a luxury car worth millions would pass by on the winding mountain road.

Wei Xiaochi stood off to the side on a small dirt path outside the guardrail, holding his schoolbag, texting Fang Yuan to let her know he’d be home late and that they shouldn’t wait for him for dinner.

Soon, Fang Yuan replied, telling him that Wei Dongjian had returned from a business trip this afternoon.

Wei Xiaochi pursed his lips and simply typed back an “oh.”

Fang Yuan didn’t reply after that.

Wei Xiaochi stared at the message, “Your dad came back this afternoon,” for a while, a strange chill creeping over him. His hands and feet felt cold, his chest tight.

He turned off his phone, reached into his schoolbag, and took out a piece of chocolate, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth.

It wasn’t a big deal, really. This was something he’d have to explain sooner or later. If they suspected anything, the worst they could do was drag him in for another paternity test.

His mother had cheated during their marriage, and his grandmother had always suspected that he wasn’t really a Wei.

Even if… Even if he wasn’t really a Wei, the sky wouldn’t fall. He could move out and live at school if things got too bad.

He had more than twenty thousand in savings—though not much, it wasn’t even as much as the bracelet Jiang Zhan had bought him—but it was enough to help him deal with the trouble for now.

Wei Xiaochi had walked for over forty minutes, finally reaching his current location, but Jiang Zhan had only taken a few minutes to drive over and find him.

The Omega stood quietly under a streetlight, eyes lowered, his profile bathed in the orange glow. His neck and shoulders were slender and delicate.

Jiang Zhan quickly told his family’s driver to stop the car and called out Wei Xiaochi’s name through the open window.

Wei Xiaochi looked up just as a black car smoothly stopped in front of him. Inside, the handsome, deep-eyed Alpha sat.

Jiang Zhan said, “Get in.”

Wei Xiaochi knew it was dangerous to stop here, so he hurriedly crossed the guardrail and climbed into the car.

Jiang Zhan stepped back a few paces to give him room, not even looking up as he told the driver, “Head home.”

The driver skillfully turned the car around and headed back.

Wei Xiaochi watched the scenery move past the car window and hurriedly said to the driver, “Driver, I’m going home today.”

The driver slowed the car down, glancing at the flushed-faced Alpha through the rearview mirror.

Jiang Zhan had been out in the wind, and his eyes burned even brighter. His body still felt cold. Upon hearing Wei Xiaochi’s words, he glared at him.

“I’m this sick, and you still want me to take you home… Cough, cough, cough.”

Jiang Zhan started coughing, the redness spreading down his neck, forming large, unnatural marks.

Seeing that Jiang Zhan was upset, Wei Xiaochi didn’t speak again. After hesitating for a moment, he reached over and gently patted Jiang Zhan’s back to help him breathe easier.

Jiang Zhan didn’t appreciate it and turned his neck away, staring out the window angrily. “Don’t you dare touch me!”

Wei Xiaochi withdrew his hand, feeling somewhat offended.

Back at Jiang Zhan’s house, the tall Alpha walked ahead, with Wei Xiaochi, who was carrying his schoolbag, meekly trailing behind him like a quail.

Jiang Zhan’s coughing wouldn’t stop, and his voice became more hoarse.

The housekeeper, upon seeing this, couldn’t help but scold him, “I told you not to go out. Professor Zhang said you’re sensitive to heat, your glands get easily stimulated by external smells, and now look at you.”

Jiang Zhan ignored her and climbed the stairs in silence.

The housekeeper, clearly worried, turned to see Wei Xiaochi standing at the door looking confused.

“Don’t just stand there, come in and sit down,” she hurriedly invited. “Put your bag down, you must be tired carrying it around. Do you want some orange juice?”

Wei Xiaochi, with glasses on and dressed in his school uniform, looked like an obedient kid.

He followed her instructions, putting his bag on the couch and shaking his head. “No, thank you.”

Soon, a tall figure appeared at the top of the stairs. Jiang Zhan, wearing a slightly cold expression, looked down at him.

“Come upstairs. What are you standing there for?” His voice was raspy.

Wei Xiaochi grabbed his bag and hurried up the stairs.

Behind them, the housekeeper grumbled, “He’s just trying to help you out, and you’re so rude. Does your throat hurt? Should I make you some pear juice?”

“I don’t want it.” Jiang Zhan snapped back as he disappeared into his room.

The housekeeper turned to Wei Xiaochi, offering him a soft smile. “He’s always like this. When he’s sick, he gets irritable. It’s not your fault, don’t mind him.”

Wei Xiaochi nodded, feeling a little awkward, and quickly walked upstairs.

Wei Xiaochi still had the issue of going home on his mind. He slowly pushed open the door to the room, thinking of how to get Jiang Zhan to take him to the subway station.

As soon as Jiang Zhan returned to his room, he wrapped himself in a blanket. When Wei Xiaochi entered, Jiang Zhan’s eyes seemed to flicker toward the door every now and then.

Seeing that Wei Xiaochi was looking at him, Jiang Zhan buried his face into the blanket, awkwardly glancing at Wei Xiaochi. “What are you looking at me for? It’s so late, aren’t you going to do your homework?”

Wei Xiaochi stood at the door, about to speak but was interrupted by Jiang Zhan.

It was really something—this lazy student even dared to nag him about homework.

“Close the door,” Jiang Zhan muttered, wrapping himself tighter in the blanket, his chin resting on his knees. “It’s cold.”

Wei Xiaochi hesitated but finally stepped in and closed the door.

Jiang Zhan’s room was spacious, cluttered but not chaotic. The bookshelves were filled with albums and tapes, trophies from sports events, and two limited-edition skateboards nailed to the wall.

On the west side, there was a huge flat-screen TV with two embedded speakers next to it. On the opposite side were a coffee table and a modular sofa.

Wei Xiaochi walked over, opened his schoolbag, and took out his pencil case and exercise book.

Jiang Zhan glanced at him, and seeing that Wei Xiaochi was about to do his homework and not intending to go home, he relaxed a bit and lay back down on the bed.

The fever made him feel groggy, and he lay there with his pillow, eyelids drooping.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, Jiang Zhan suddenly opened his eyes, his voice hoarse as he warned, “You stay here, and if you need anything, tell me.”

Wei Xiaochi was startled, looking at Jiang Zhan in confusion, then murmured, “Oh.”

There was no more sound from the bed, and Wei Xiaochi slowly blinked a couple of times before looking down and continuing his homework.

After a while, he paused, pulled out his phone, and texted Fang Yuan, saying he wouldn’t be coming home tonight.

Though he knew this was something he’d have to face eventually, Wei Xiaochi couldn’t help but want to avoid it.

Sigh.

By the time Jiang Zhan woke up, it was already past nine in the evening. He poked his head out from under the blanket, his slightly longer black hair messy around his forehead, with his eyes still half-closed.

The Alpha, groggy from sleep, had a flush of red on the edge of his eyes, his lips dry as he licked them. His collar was askew, and as he sat up, it revealed a patch of smooth skin.

Jiang Zhan wasn’t happy about waking up to see someone in his room. When he spotted Wei Xiaochi sitting on the couch, his brow furrowed in confusion.

When he moved, Wei Xiaochi said eagerly, “You’re awake?”

Wei Xiaochi was so hungry, and the housekeeper had already made dinner, calling them to eat, but he was too embarrassed to eat without Jiang Zhan.

Who knew Jiang Zhan would sleep for so long? By the time he woke up, Wei Xiaochi was on the verge of passing out from hunger, having eaten several pieces of chocolate.

Jiang Zhan’s brain quickly kicked into gear, seeing Wei Xiaochi’s pale face. He glanced at the clock on the table.

9:27.

Jiang Zhan froze and pressed his temples.

“Have you eaten?” he asked.

Wei Xiaochi shook his head, “No.”

Jiang Zhan’s eyes widened. “Why didn’t you wake me up to eat?”

Wei Xiaochi thought he must be hungry too, so he weakly replied, “People with fevers need to sleep more… Can we eat now?”

He was really starving.

The housekeeper had guessed that Wei Xiaochi would stay the night, so she prepared a guest room for him.

After they finished eating, she brought him a set of clean pajamas.

“These are the young master’s, so they might be a bit big, but no one else here can fit you better.”

“The room is ready, it’s right across from the young master’s. The bedding’s all fresh.”

Before she could say more, Jiang Zhan interrupted, “That pajama isn’t for him, I’m wearing it tonight.”

The housekeeper frowned, not sure what Jiang Zhan was up to now.

The pajamas were bought by Jiang Tang, and they had cartoon characters on them, clearly meant to tease Jiang Zhan for being childish. He hadn’t worn them even once, yet now he was making a fuss about it in front of his classmate.

To avoid any misunderstandings, the housekeeper didn’t say anything and only said, “Since you’re wearing them, I’ll find something else for Wei Xiaochi.”

“No need, I’ll find it,” Jiang Zhan glanced at Wei Xiaochi and turned, heading upstairs.

Understanding the silent signal, Wei Xiaochi said goodbye to the housekeeper and followed Jiang Zhan.

Once back in the room, Jiang Zhan casually dug through his wardrobe and threw a set of pajamas at Wei Xiaochi.

Jiang Zhan lifted his chin and pointed at the bathroom attached to the bedroom, saying, “Go take a shower.”

Wei Xiaochi was a bit taken aback but quickly realized it made sense. If he didn’t use Jiang Zhan’s bathroom, then whose should he use? The guest room didn’t have its own bathroom.

Having stayed in the hospital for two days due to his own differentiation, Wei Xiaochi didn’t find this odd.

After a quick shower, Wei Xiaochi came out of the bathroom, only to find Jiang Zhan putting a pillow on the bed.

Jiang Zhan’s bed was large, with a row of pillows down the center, making it look like two single beds.

Without looking at Wei Xiaochi, Jiang Zhan casually pointed at the half of the bed closest to him and said, “You sleep here tonight.”

Wei Xiaochi blinked, confused. “Don’t we have a guest room?”

Jiang Zhan looked up at him, his throat stiff as he snapped, “Are you complaining about sleeping here?”

It wasn’t about complaining, Wei Xiaochi hesitated and then reminded him, “I’m an Omega now… don’t you remember?”

They were different now. One was an Alpha, the other an Omega.

Even if Wei Xiaochi had been a Beta for eighteen years, he still knew this wasn’t right.

Jiang Zhan, however, seemed perfectly fine with it. “There are pillows separating us. You sleep on your side, I’ll sleep on mine.”

Wei Xiaochi said nothing. Jiang Zhan’s mood seemed to grow more irritable. “Are you going to sleep or not?”

Although Wei Xiaochi wasn’t the sharpest, he wasn’t stupid either, so he quietly asked, “Are you feeling uncomfortable? Do you want me to soothe you with my pheromones?”

The housekeeper had mentioned that Jiang Zhan’s fever was caused by his sensitivity to heat.

Wei Xiaochi didn’t know exactly what “sensitivity to heat” meant, but he could guess it had something to do with Jiang Zhan’s period of sensitivity. Jiang Zhan likely wanted his pheromones, but was too proud to ask.

Jiang Zhan turned his back to him, stomping his foot as if annoyed, and began kicking the wardrobe door.

Wei Xiaochi finally understood why Li Suilin had said Jiang Zhan had a strange personality. It really was quite awkward.

The sound of the wardrobe door being kicked was deafening, and Wei Xiaochi, startled, didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t the type to talk sweetly when someone else was angry, so after a long pause, he silently lay down on the side of the bed Jiang Zhan had indicated.

Jiang Zhan’s movements gradually became smaller before he finally stopped, slowly turning his head.

The Omega lay on the bed, his expression calm and serene, his eyes tranquil, looking exceptionally gentle and well-tempered.

Seeing this, Jiang Zhan’s anxiety seemed to vanish in an instant.

Seeing that he wasn’t angry anymore, Wei Xiaochi spoke up, “You should go take a shower. It’s getting late, so sleep early.”

As he spoke, Wei Xiaochi took off his glasses and carefully placed them on the bedside table, pulling the blanket up to his chest. He lay still, quiet.

Jiang Zhan surprisingly complied, grabbing his sleepwear and heading for the bathroom.

Ten minutes later, the Alpha came out of the bathroom, wearing sky-blue pajamas adorned with golden stars and cartoon bears. His black hair hung softly, and his expression was unusually gentle.

Wei Xiaochi had his eyes shut tight, but upon hearing footsteps approaching, his eyelashes fluttered, though he didn’t open his eyes.

The lights were turned off, and the room fell into darkness.

The bed beside him sank slightly as Jiang Zhan lay down next to him. Wei Xiaochi quietly released a small amount of pheromones to soothe him.

Jiang Zhan’s hand instinctively reached over the pillow separating them, getting closer to the Omega. His fingers gently brushed the sleeve of Wei Xiaochi’s shirt before tugging lightly.

Wei Xiaochi’s breath caught, and he slowly opened his eyes just a crack, holding his breath.

Jiang Zhan didn’t make any other move, so Wei Xiaochi’s breathing steadied. When he closed his eyes again, his sleeve was tugged again.

Wei Xiaochi stammered, “W-what’s wrong?”

“I can’t smell it,” Jiang Zhan’s low voice, sounding surprisingly childish in the quiet of the night, made a small request. “You, come closer.”

Wei Xiaochi felt a slight tingle in his ears. He shifted a little toward Jiang Zhan, and the pheromones from his glands became more pronounced.

Only then did Jiang Zhan finally stop talking.

The sudden change in the bed, with an Alpha lying beside him, made Wei Xiaochi feel uncomfortable at first. But eventually, sleepiness overtook him, and he drifted off, unexpectedly sleeping soundly through the night.

When he woke up, his scalp prickled immediately at the sight before him.

His chin was resting on Jiang Zhan’s broad shoulder, with Jiang Zhan’s arm across his waist. His face was buried in Wei Xiaochi’s neck, as they lay in an affectionate, intimate embrace.

Jiang Zhan hadn’t woken up yet. His slightly long black hair spilled over Wei Xiaochi’s neck, his eyelashes lowered, and his sleeping face appeared peaceful and content.

The pillows were scattered haphazardly on the floor, but Wei Xiaochi had no time to wonder who had messed them up.

His back was soaked in cold sweat. Carefully, he lifted Jiang Zhan’s arm, intending to get away from the scene of the crime.

As soon as Wei Xiaochi moved, he noticed signs that Jiang Zhan was waking up, and he froze, too scared to make another move.

Out of the corner of his eye, Wei Xiaochi saw the digital clock on the nightstand. It was almost seven.

Panic hit him—if he didn’t leave now, he’d be late for school.

He pushed Jiang Zhan’s arm off of him, and the sudden movement woke Jiang Zhan completely. With a frustrated growl, Jiang Zhan immediately wrapped his arm around Wei Xiaochi, as though reacting like an angry lion. “What are you doing?”

Jiang Zhan lifted Wei Xiaochi slightly, trying to get comfortable again, his nose brushing against Wei Xiaochi’s neck.

Jiang Zhan’s eyes were still closed, his actions instinctive.

His face nuzzled into Wei Xiaochi’s neck, moving from there to his throat, and then to his jaw. The feeling seemed so comforting that Jiang Zhan slowly opened his eyes, his black pupils locking onto the confused expression of the Omega.

Jiang Zhan stared at Wei Xiaochi for a few seconds.

Then, as though realizing the situation, Jiang Zhan pushed Wei Xiaochi away with surprise, almost rolling off the bed in the process.

Wei Xiaochi could still feel the warmth of Jiang Zhan’s presence on his neck, his mind momentarily blank. He just stared at Jiang Zhan.

“What are you staring at?” Jiang Zhan looked away, his voice stiff as he said, “It’s your fault. You moved over here.”

Wei Xiaochi’s mind went blank.

Based on their positions, it was probably him who had moved closer, but he’d always slept well at home.

There was no time to dwell on this now, though. Wei Xiaochi quickly apologized, “Sorry… but we’re almost late. Where are my clothes?”

Flustered, Wei Xiaochi scrambled around the bed, searching for his clothes. “Where did I put them yesterday?”

Jiang Zhan said, “Go wash your face and brush your teeth. I’ll find them.”

Wei Xiaochi quickly rushed to the bathroom to get ready. When he came back, Jiang Zhan handed him a set of athletic clothes.

Jiang Zhan didn’t even look at him, turning his head awkwardly and saying, “I couldn’t find your clothes, so just wear mine.”

Wei Xiaochi had no time to hesitate. He grabbed the clothes and ran back into the bathroom to change.

Jiang Zhan wasn’t going to school that day, having woken up late. The housekeeper had gotten used to not calling him for breakfast, though she would pack something for him to eat on the way.

Wei Xiaochi put on Jiang Zhan’s clothes, looking like a middle schooler. The sleeves and pants legs were far too long, so he had to roll them up.

The clothes, which were originally stylish and fitted, now looked oversized, giving off a baggy, hip-hop vibe.

When Wei Xiaochi came downstairs, the housekeeper couldn’t help but laugh. Seeing how flustered he was, she tried to comfort him, “Don’t worry. You won’t be late. I have experience with this.”

Her experience, of course, came from dealing with Jiang Zhan.

Unlike Jiang Zhan, who often barely made it to class in time, Wei Xiaochi forced a dry smile.

The housekeeper handed him the breakfast she had prepared and told the driver to take him to school.

Jiang Zhan had woken up early, but hadn’t come down for breakfast. No one knew what he was doing in his room. The housekeeper had tried to call him several times, but he hadn’t come down.

The rice porridge had been simmering for nearly half an hour when Jiang Zhan finally appeared.

While he ate, the housekeeper went upstairs to tidy up his room.

The people in the Jiang family were a little particular about cleanliness. The bedding and sheets were changed every day, and Jiang Zhan’s were no exception.

The bed, which was usually a jumbled mess, had been neatly arranged this time, but the housekeeper was a little confused when she lifted the blanket and found a few items of clothing stuffed inside.

One was a school uniform, the other was sleepwear.

After breakfast, Jiang Zhan returned to his room and noticed immediately that his bed had been disturbed. The sheets and blankets weren’t the same as before.

His pupils dilated in shock, and he quickly rushed to the bed, throwing off the blanket. Sure enough, the clothes were gone.

He flung the blanket aside and stormed out of the room. “Aunt Zhou!”

Aunt Zhou, who had heard his shouting, came out of the laundry room. “What’s wrong? You look so frantic.”

Jiang Zhan’s chest was rising and falling rapidly. “Where are my clothes?”

Aunt Zhou was confused. “What clothes? The ones on the bed?”

“Yeah, where did you put them?”

“I washed them. Clothes worn outside are full of dust mites. Why did you put them in the blanket? It’s so dirty.”

She had been working for the Jiang family for over twenty years, and had more or less adopted their habits, including their particular cleanliness.

She wasn’t criticizing Wei Xiaochi, but when Jiang Zhan wore the clothes he had been playing around in all day and then rolled around in bed with them, she would scold him too, and immediately replace the bedding with fresh ones.

Jiang Zhan kicked the wall in frustration. “Don’t touch my stuff. Don’t take my clothes off my bed.”

Aunt Zhou, who had seen him grow up, understood his temper. When she saw how upset he was, she hesitated for a moment, then remembered how he had acted toward Wei Xiaochi.

Alpha in their sensitive period had a habit of nesting. They would collect clothes from the Omega they liked and use them to create their own safe space.

Could it be that Wei Xiaochi was an Omega?

Aunt Zhou was a Beta and couldn’t smell the pheromones, but judging by Jiang Zhan’s reaction, it seemed highly likely.

“You child,” Aunt Zhou scolded, “If you like someone, you should treat them better, not be so harsh.”

“How about you invite him over tonight? I won’t cause any trouble. I’ll have the driver pick him up from school. Don’t let him take a taxi. The road around here is too dangerous.”

Seeing that Jiang Zhan was heading upstairs, Aunt Zhou called out, “Did you hear me?”

Jiang Zhan stopped for a second, not looking back but stiffening his neck. “Don’t worry about it.”

Aunt Zhou immediately understood his meaning and advised, “When he comes over tonight, try to be a little nicer.”

Jiang Zhan walked silently back to his room.

That morning, there were no major problems. The Jiang family driver took Wei Xiaochi to school by 7:40 AM.

As soon as he entered the classroom, every Alpha and Omega in the class turned their gaze to him. He pulled up his collar, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

But no matter how much he tried, the attention didn’t wane. Wei Xiaochi felt uneasy, not sure why everyone was staring at him.

Even Zhang Mingyang noticed. He glanced at Wei Xiaochi and asked, “What did you do?”

Wei Xiaochi didn’t want to talk to this guy, but since Zhang Mingyang was the only one who might talk to him, he reluctantly shook his head, keeping his attitude neutral.

“I heard you turned into an Omega?” Zhang Mingyang scanned him up and down with a mocking look in his eyes. “Even as an Omega, you’re still pretty ugly.”

Wei Xiaochi shot back immediately, “At least it’s better than your ugly self.”

Zhang Mingyang gritted his teeth, realizing that “ugly O” was still better than “ugly B.”

After a long pause, he finally managed to spit out, “You’re so ugly, the whole class is staring at you.”

“Everyone’s staring at you because you’re so ugly. They can’t even eat when they see you.”

“I don’t need anyone to look at me,” Wei Xiaochi retorted proudly. “I’m smarter than you, you trash.”

Zhang Mingyang’s face twisted in frustration. “Don’t get cocky. Next time, you’ll be begging for mercy.”

Wei Xiaochi snorted, “Next time is next time, but this time you lost. Now you’re the one begging for mercy. And by the way, I don’t accept you as my ugly B son.”

Wei Xiaochi completely crushed Zhang Mingyang in this round of arguments, marking a small but sweet victory. He was quick with his words when he argued with Zhang Mingyang.

He knew how to argue since he knew Zhang Mingyang would never physically fight him. Of course, Wei Xiaochi would never raise his hand either.

With this round, Zhang Mingyang had once again drawn a line in the sand, forbidding Wei Xiaochi from crossing it.

Wei Xiaochi thought to himself, “You draw your line, and I’ll draw mine.”

Afterward, the two stubborn “four-eyed” boys avoided each other.

The strange looks continued until Li Suilin returned during morning study time. Wei Xiaochi finally learned from him that the reason he was being stared at was because of the scent of Jiang Zhan’s pheromones on him.

Jiang Zhan’s pheromones were very dominant, with a unique character—strong and overwhelming, in short, they were pungent.

Ordinary Alphas didn’t like it, but Omega found it stimulating.

However, some Omega couldn’t stand it, feeling like they would be completely controlled by the Alpha’s scent during marking.

Wei Xiaochi fell silent. If that was the case, then why didn’t he feel anything from Jiang Zhan’s pheromones?

He was an Omega too, so he should be just as afraid.

Jiang Zhan’s pheromones didn’t scare him, nor did they make him feel the need to conquer or submit to Jiang Zhan like some other Omegas.

Wei Xiaochi sniffed Jiang Zhan’s collar and could indeed smell a unique Alpha scent, which he hadn’t paid much attention to before.

Perhaps he had gotten used to it, after all, he had spent so much time with Jiang Zhan during his sensitive period.

Wei Xiaochi didn’t give it much thought. He went back to being his invisible overachiever.

As soon as school ended, Wei Xiaochi received a call from Jiang Zhan. Jiang Zhan, like a surveillance device on his body, always seemed to call him at just the right moments.

“What? Are you coming to my house today?”

Jiang Zhan asked Wei Xiaochi to bring him a cup of lemonade, with the driver waiting outside the school gate.

Wei Xiaochi didn’t know if Jiang Zhan really wanted lemonade or if he just wanted to get close to his pheromones.

The driver was already here; wouldn’t it be easier for him to just buy the lemonade?

Noticing Wei Xiaochi’s hesitation, Jiang Zhan seemed about to lose his temper but stopped himself for some reason.

He then pulled out his trump card, “My clothes need dry cleaning. If you’re going to clean them for me, I won’t mind.”

Wei Xiaochi looked down at his own clothes and thought about the dry cleaning costs, finally giving in. “Okay.”

Jiang Zhan snapped, “Okay? You’re so reluctant? Forget it, don’t come.”

“No reluctance.” Wei Xiaochi quickly changed the subject. “Does the lemonade need ice?”

Jiang Zhan immediately answered, “Yes.”

Author’s note:

Next chapter will feature Jiang Zhan’s adorable “tsundere” moment! It’s a cute scene, not an irritating one!

Hahahahaha!