Lin City, clear snowy sky.

A luxurious private jet dragged a long white tail as it soared into the high clouds.

Inside the cabin, it was exceptionally quiet. The large aircraft had two levels, but only six seats in total, providing ample space and luxurious decorations. All the metal parts like the seatbelt buckles and ceiling light fixtures were gold-plated.

The cabinets were made of pearwood, matching the overall color and style of the leather decor.

On the first floor, there was a bar, refrigerator, and an entertainment room—everything you could want.

The second floor had three bedrooms and two shower rooms, with walls made of beautifully patterned marble, providing excellent soundproofing.

The engines were produced by the Xiao Group, quiet, stable with interiors custom-made, the only one of its kind in the entire Federation, a true “flying palace.”

This was the basic condition for entering and leaving Xian Yun Manor—transported by Xiao Yan’s private jet.

Ordinary people didn’t even know which province Xian Yun Manor was in.

Before retiring, the old master’s rank was a lieutenant general in the Federation, and Xian Yun Manor was practically like a military fortress. Whether anyone could enter or leave depended entirely on his mood. The pilot had years of military aviation experience, and as for security, Xiao Zong hadn’t even figured out all the ins and outs.

“You need to learn.”

The floor was covered with thick wool carpets in the cabin.

Wei Mian took a step forward.

“You need to spend time with your family.”

He took another step, then turned to look at the handsome alpha by the window, raising an eyebrow with an annoyingly teasing tone, “…Hmm?”

Xiao Zong stared expressionlessly out the window: …

Can you please shut up?

From the moment they saw Gu Yin at the airport, assistant Wei had been throwing subtle hints at Xiao Zong, but his boss pretended not to notice.

He held it in for a long time, waiting until Gu Yin went to the restroom, before launching his attack.

“Boss, doesn’t your conscience hurt?” Wei Mian said, “Leaving the little secretary’s family to spend the New Year alone.”

Xiao Zong muttered, “He said it was fine.”

“Hah,he said,” Wei Mian raised his voice a little deliberately, “Xiao Fang said that even if you sold Gu Yin, he wouldn’t complain.”

Xiao Fang was Wei Mian’s private nickname for Fang Chi, though he was always polite enough to call him “President Fang” in official matters.

Xiao Zong glanced guiltily in the direction where Gu Yin had disappeared and said, “Fang Chi likes to stir up trouble with that mouth of his. He’s bound to get stuffed into a sack and beaten someday.”

He’s panicking, he’s panicking.

Wei Mian grinned, “If you two really get together, could I be considered half a matchmaker—and does the matchmaker get a raise?”

Xiao Zong couldn’t help but laugh, “Why are you such a miser? Saving for your wedding?”

“Exactly, boss. You wouldn’t understand the struggles of a working man.”

The wealth gap in the Federation was enormous. With a population of 20 billion, and many industries dominated by AI, job opportunities were extremely limited. Some people even left their homes to colonize distant planets just to make a living.

Most people still lived on the main star, where competition was fierce, and only the elites managed to make it.

Wei Mian came from an ordinary family. After joining Henghua as an executive assistant, his salary reached 20 million Federation credits a year before he was 30. It took both talent and hard work to reach his current position.

Not to mention encountering a benefactor like Fang Chi.

At a young age, Wei Mian had already climbed to the top of the pyramid, but no one could stay content forever. The more a person saw the stars and the sea, the more they longed for the horizon.

Xiao Zong shifted his gaze and smirked faintly, “Don’t think I don’t know you’re secretly watching me for the old man.”

His sidelong glance was quite intimidating. Wei Mian said, aggrieved, “Heaven knows, boss, I only gave Secretary Gu a job opportunity, just one!”

“And you still dare to call yourself a matchmaker?”

“…” Wei Mian choked, thinking, I got played. The boss tricked me.

But Xiao Zong was right. Whether arranging Gu Yin’s internship or anything else, without the big boss’s approval, Wei Mian wouldn’t dare act on his own—even with all his courage. After all, golden jobs were rare.

“Boss,” Wei Mian suddenly said seriously, “to be honest, I feel like Gu Yin is becoming more serious, and you don’t seem to dislike him. Maybe it’s just me being nosy, but let me ask—do you have any feelings for him?”

“Just average.”

Xiao Zong said, turning back to look out the window.

What’s so interesting outside? It’s all just clouds.

That’s how Second Young Master Xiao was. Whenever he didn’t want to answer a question, he’d say something ambiguous.

Wei Mian said earnestly, “I’ve worked by your side for almost seven years now. I may not know you as well as Uncle Yan, but I think these seven years haven’t been in vain—if you really had no feelings, you wouldn’t keep him around.”

Xiao Zong opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Wei Mian added, “Let’s go a step further. Suppose, just suppose, if the person locked in that hotel room that night had been Mr. Ye, would you have said that same thing?”

“He’s my fiancée.”

No, he wouldn’t.

Xiao Zong instantly answered in his mind.

If it had been Ye Yumeng, Xiao Zong would have had a lawyer bail him out if necessary, but he wouldn’t have said that line.

“I’ve already explained it to Gu Yin.”

Wei Mian sighed, “You explained it, but what about Secretary Gu?”

Secretary Gu obediently nodded, but then turned around and still followed him loyally. Xiao Zong went east, and Gu Yin wouldn’t even think of going west.

Second Young Master Xiao had rejected Gu Yin twice. But when Xiao Zong didn’t need him, Gu Yin remained quietly by his side.

Was Gu Yin upset?

Xiao Zong had always admired Wei Mian’s sharp thinking and quick insights. During business negotiations, Wei Mian was often one of the main strategists.

But when Wei Mian challenged him like this, Xiao Zong didn’t know how to respond.

Because his mind was filled with thoughts of Gu Yin asking, “Are you satisfied with what you see?” Or the image of Secretary Gu shivering in the cold isolation room.

At that moment, the restroom door opened, and Gu Yin returned to his seat. The cat, Commander, immediately leaped into his arms, “What were you guys talking about?”

Wei Mian replied, “The boss is considering your recent proposal.”

Gu Yin’s eyes lit up. He wanted to take over the security department and be responsible for Xiao Zong’s safety—a request he had made himself.

The security department wasn’t about taking bullets all the time; most of the work involved risk assessments and formal reports, which weren’t technically difficult. Previously, it had been overseen by Wei Mian and primarily handled by Liu Ye, but after a recent shakeup, several positions had opened up.

Gu Yin seemed to have a talent for this kind of work, but it was rare to see an omega in such a role—after all, how could someone who needed society’s protection be expected to protect others?

So when Gu Yin first brought up the idea, both Xiao Zong and Wei Mian were quite surprised.

Xiao Zong was surprised by Gu Yin’s initiative, while Wei Mian thought more deeply. If he didn’t really like him, which omega would knowingly put themselves in harm’s way given the recent dangers?

Wei Mian had initially wondered why the old master had chosen Gu Yin. He could easily have found an omega with a lower compatibility but from a more appropriate background for Xiao Zong.

But now Wei Mian understood—the old master never made a bad deal. Gu Yin, a silly but brave kid, was indeed a rare find.

The short-legged cat’s tail swished against his legs, and Gu Yin looked at Xiao Zong expectantly.

It felt as if something inside Xiao Zong’s heart had caved in.

Had he never thought about it?

Did he dislike Gu Yin?

No, he just preferred watching the little secretary eagerly run around him.

But Wei Mian’s words reminded him of something important—Gu Yin could leave.

Secretary Gu had only signed a three-month internship contract and would return to school after the spring recruitment. He was sociable and might meet younger alphas who liked hanging around him at school…

Meet them, then.

Xiao Zong turned his head angrily, practically pressing his face against the window.

Wei Mian: …

If the cabin allowed it, Assistant Wei thought Xiao Zong might have stuck his head out the window.

Who exactly is he sulking with?

The person in the middle of the situation often sees things least clearly. The only one unaware of their true feelings right now seemed to be Xiao Zong himself.

Wei Mian quietly pulled out his phone and sent a message to Fang Chi, [We’ve got this. From now on, call me—Assist King.]

Fang Chi quickly replied, [Okay, Assistant Wei. Remember to treat us to dinner after you get your year-end bonus. XD]

After waiting for a while, and seeing that Xiao Zong still didn’t speak, Gu Yin asked, “So, can I do it?”

Without turning around, Xiao Zong said, “Wait until Wu Yong comes back to work, and we’ll make the arrangements.”

That meant yes.

The unexpected joy came so suddenly that Gu Yin burst into a smile, causing the cat to meow in protest.

Xiao Zong snuck a glance at him out of the corner of his eye.

Lately, Secretary Gu had become more and more cheerful, shedding the cautious protective layer he once had and replacing it with a straightforward enthusiasm.

Like a cat that had just arrived, initially testing the waters with caution, but once it found someone indulgent, it grew bolder.

But Gu Yin was easier to please than a cat. Just a little recognition would bring him immense joy.

Gu Yin happily petted the cat, while Commander squinted contentedly, tilting his head back to let Gu Yin scratch, purring softly from his throat.

“That cat’s practically become a spirit,” Xiao Zong muttered quietly.

But he wanted to keep this little kitten.

Gu Yin was the small, barely noticeable sweetness in Xiao Zong’s otherwise dull life, like sunlight breaking through the clouds on a snowy day, shining on the pine forest.

Should I be nicer to the little secretary? At least… so he’ll come back to Henghua after graduation, right?

Humble boss mode: activated.jpg

**

The flight had about half an hour left. Outside the window, thick clouds swirled, making it impossible to see anything clearly.

The clouds in the area were electrically charged and interfered heavily with the plane’s signals. Only experienced pilots dared to fly blind in such conditions.

The ground had ample time to monitor the high altitude, which served as Xian Yun Manor’s first natural barrier.

At this time of year, the number of visitors to Xiao Yan skyrocketed, and the staff at the mountaintop observation tower had been on standby 24/7. Planes were landing every few minutes, busier than some commercial airports.

“Here comes another one.”

The ground crew looked up at the sky. The clouds were thick, and the plane circling at low altitude was just a shadow in the white mist, its engine’s roar audible from far away.

“Where do you think this one’s from?”

An older ground crew member squinted at the plane and scolded, “Where’s it from? That’s the Young Master! Go get someone to welcome him!”

He barked orders into his walkie-talkie, and soon, the ground crew scrambled to clear the runway for landing.

The young ground crew member, new to the job, rubbed his nose in confusion. “The Young Master hasn’t been back in years. How did you know?”

The planes coming in and out of this area were all the same models, with no obvious differences in appearance.

The older crew member said, “Look closely. What’s up with the window shades?”

“They’re open,” the young man replied, still baffled.

“Exactly,” the senior explained. “Planes going to Xian Yun Manor keep their shades down the entire trip. The only exceptions are Old Master Xiao and two others.”

Xiao Jingchuan and Xiao Zong.

Even Fang Runjin had to follow the rules.

Since Xiao Jingchuan was delayed by military matters and wouldn’t arrive for a couple of days, the plane landing now could only be Xiao Zong’s.

The two men stood at the edge of the terminal, reflecting on the situation, when they suddenly felt a chill at their backs. The younger crew member, sensitive to the cold, turned around.

Not far away, an alpha youth wearing ultra-dark sunglasses stood facing them. The dark lenses covered most of his face, leaving only a thin line of tight lips visible.

The aura of nobility surrounding him, along with the entourage of over fifty people, was so grand that someone might mistake him for a major celebrity and his team.

Behind those dark glasses, the young man’s gaze shifted slowly to the sky, where sunlight broke through the clouds, casting slanted beams of light into the air.

Everyone on the ground tilted their heads to look.

The youth seemed displeased by this. He neither spoke nor moved forward.

“Third Young Master,” a subordinate said, “Master Xia is still waiting at the manor.”

“Why did he come back?” Leng Haiyun’s words were more of a rhetorical question.

The subordinate looked around, finding no one else to answer, so he ventured, “Maybe he’s been gone too long and feels threatened.”

“—If he doesn’t start building some bonds, he might not have a place in the family in the future.”

That hit the mark. Leng Haiyun sneered as the ultra-dark sunglasses reflected the plane slowly landing on the runway.

“It’s too late to compete now…”

**

The Xiao family’s main household staff, waiting at the airport, were all stunned when they saw Xiao Zong and his group.

After all, he was still the old man’s grandson, he just showed up so casually.

Others would bring half their company’s executives along, hoping that one of them would catch Old Master Xiao’s eye. A few words of advice or inside information could benefit the entire company for the coming year or even several years.

In most cases, there weren’t that many get-rich-quick opportunities falling from the sky—it was all about connections and staying informed.

But Xiao Zong only brought two people and a cat. The cat didn’t even seem to like him; it hissed and showed its claws whenever he looked at it. Strange, why was Second Young Master Xiao constantly glancing at the cat?

In just this short time, he had stolen glances two or three times already.

He must really like that cat, the staff thought. The ones you can’t get are always the sweetest.

In a way, (crossing out Assistant Wei) you could say he was also bringing family along.

“This is Wei Mian, my assistant. You’ve probably met him before,” Xiao Zong said. “And this is Gu Yin…he helps take care of the cat.”

Everyone: ……

Hearing Gu Yin’s name, the older staff members’ gazes immediately shifted. They discreetly examined the young secretary holding the cat several times.

That name was very familiar to them. Gu Yin’s grandfather, Gu Lin, was a close associate of the old master. They had all met him and addressed him as “Old Gu.”

The fact that Xiao Zong had brought him along held a clear implication. The group immediately understood.

After disembarking, they still had to travel a short distance by car, and the motorcade was already waiting outside the airport.

All luxury vehicles.

Even though the Federation’s main star was crowded, it still required forests and lakes to maintain the natural environment. During the post-war reconstruction period, the Federation government had no money, so they sold off some remote lands to entrepreneurs. The condition was that they couldn’t cut down trees freely and had to spend enormous amounts each year to maintain the forests, but they could build villas on a designated plot.

The old master built Xian Yun Manor by a lakeside halfway up a mountain.

Gu Yin had heard that the fortifications here were one of Old Master Xiao’s creations.

The old man had earned great military merit on the interstellar battlefield. With just 300 soldiers, he had defended the Bapler Fortress, delaying the enemy as long as possible until reinforcements arrived 72 hours later.

That battle was particularly brutal, and Xiao Zong’s eldest uncle had sacrificed his life at the Bapler Fortress in space. He was posthumously honored as a martyr after the war ended.

It was Gu Yin’s first time here, and he curiously peered out the window.

Outsiders could only see the surface, but insiders could understand the intricacies.

Xiao Zong stared at the back of Gu Yin’s head.

The little secretary hasn’t noticed my bad mood at all.

So, all that tenderness and care were just an act?

He actually likes the cat, huh?

Scratches wall.jpg

Gu Yin’s gaze carefully scanned the distant woods before he turned around excitedly and said, “Boss, there’s… Ah, you’re upset?”

Xiao Zong hadn’t had time to rearrange his expression before he was caught off guard. He quickly hardened his face and said stiffly, “No, what kind of eyes do you have?”

The little secretary hesitated for a moment before scooting closer.

There was no one else in the back seat of the business car, not even the cat—it had been taken away by the staff, though Gu Yin wasn’t sure why.

But now he had a faint idea.

People can sometimes sense each other’s feelings.

Xiao Zong’s indulgence toward Gu Yin far exceeded the normal relationship between a superior and a subordinate, and even though he wasn’t fully aware of it himself, Gu Yin had already sensed it.

Gu Yin had already been quite forward, yet he still hadn’t managed to break through that thin barrier.

Second Young Master Xiao, with all his advantages, was an alpha who was used to being in charge as a manager. At work, he expected his subordinates to be proactive, and in relationships, he was also accustomed to being pursued, rarely making the first move.

They were just one thin layer away from breaking through. But if Gu Yin hesitated any longer, their relationship might really stop here.

People’s enthusiasm tends to become more rational after repeated reflection, and what Gu Yin feared was Xiao Zong’s rationality.

So, as he moved closer to him, he discreetly pressed the button to lower the partition between the back seat and the front.

The quiet hum of the partition moving filled the cabin, and Gu Yin, like a cat, sidled up beside him.

Seeing the odd look on his face, Xiao Zong’s heart began to race uncontrollably. His deep voice asked, “What are you doing?”

I’m comforting you.

Gu Yin didn’t answer, his slightly hazy eyes sparkling with tiny fragments of light.

Xiao Zong clearly saw his adam’s apple bob.

With the Xiao family’s motorcade in front and behind, only a partition separated them from the driver sent by the old master. In this not-so-spacious space, some kind of chemical reaction seemed to be occurring uncontrollably.

The heat from Gu Yin’s body and breath spilled over, even though he had taken a full dose of inhibitors and obediently applied a suppressant patch.

But even with this double insurance, the alpha’s gland at the back of his neck tingled with agitation, quickly releasing pheromones that spread through his limbs.

On the surface, Second Young Master Xiao appeared calm and composed, but inside, the thought of what Gu Yin was about to do filled him with expectation. The long-suppressed desires in his body seemed to ignite and burn as Gu Yin drew closer.

A clear thought suddenly popped into his mind, he wanted him.

—He wanted to show this rebellious little secretary the consequences of his actions and make him cry and promise not to dare do it again.

He wanted him.

This is wrong, Xiao Zong.

He warned himself.

Gu Yin was still in his heat period, and his boldness was because he couldn’t control himself.

But deep down, another voice screamed, Why not mark him? He likes you, and you like him—why not?

Xiao Zong found himself in an uncharacteristic struggle between mind and body. Just as the atmosphere was reaching a boiling point, a sudden phone call saved him.

Gu Yin snapped out of it as if awakened from a trance and instantly sat up straight.

“What’s going on?” Xiao Zong listened for a moment, his handsome eyebrows furrowing as his tone turned slightly cold.

“Why are Fang Chi and Leng Haiyun fighting?”

**

“Ouch—ouch! Be gentle!”

Xian Yun Manor, hidden in the mountains, was like a palace, and Fang Chi’s pitiful cries startled a flock of birds from the nearby woods.

Despite some speculation, Xiao Zong couldn’t help but twitch when he saw Fang Chi.

To say that “big thunder, little rain” didn’t do Fang Chi justice anymore. The scrape on the back of his hand—who knows where he’d gotten it—was so small you’d need a magnifying glass to see it.

The private doctor wordlessly applied medicine, though the doctor probably didn’t even want to bother. The medicine bottle might’ve been better used to gag Fang Chi.

“Am I going to get tetanus? Will I die? I want a bio-healing bandage!”

“Leng Haiyun has gone too far!”

The doctor gave Xiao Zong a helpless look as if to say: It’s his brain that needs healing, not his hand.

Fang Chi seemed to realize this too and earnestly explained to the doctor, “It’s an internal injury. You can’t see it on the surface, but if you don’t take it seriously, it’ll get worse in a few days.”

“What are you playing at?” Xiao Zong snapped once the doctor left. “Do you even know where you are?”

Fang Chi looked surprised, “Second Brother, why are you so angry?”

“…” Xiao Zong choked. He didn’t want to admit it, but Fang Chi had interrupted a certain atmosphere earlier. Xiao Zong cleared his throat and said, “What’s with your nonsense?”

Fang Chi looked at the two of them. Gu Yin’s face was pale, and Xiao Zong seemed embarrassed and angry—not at all like the sweet, honeyed pair Wei Mian had described.

Could Wei have faked the results just to get his year-end bonus?

No way. If Wei Mian’s character was unreliable, Fang Chi wouldn’t have introduced him to Henghua’s management in the first place. Otherwise, it would’ve been awkward if things went wrong.

Wei Mian also felt uneasy looking at the two of them. It was just a short car ride, what could Gu Yin have done to make the boss this upset?

Gu Yin, at this moment, just wanted to find a hole to crawl into.

Before getting out of the car, Xiao Zong had said to him, “We need to talk.”

His tone wasn’t particularly good or bad.

Gu Yin had been stunned at first, but then a deep sense of defeat washed over him.

Too impatient.

Why couldn’t I just hold back?

He mentally berated himself a thousand times.

A traditional omega should be… more reserved.

Gu Yin felt like crying but had no tears, unsure of how to salvage his image in front of the person he cared about.

Would he think I’m too easy?

His comrades had said that alphas tend to be possessive. If Xiao Zong didn’t respond, did that mean…

The more Gu Yin thought about it, the more panicked he became. The whole omega seemed to sway, looking weaker than Fang Chi, the supposed “injured party.”

Xiao Zong wasn’t sure what was going on with him either. He had spent the entire time after getting off the car deciding to finally have an honest conversation with Gu Yin. Maybe they could start dating.

But this reaction…

Was he regretting it?

Omegas walking away after getting what they wanted was nothing new in the Federation, but in Xiao Zong’s case—

—they hadn’t even gotten that far.

Strike that. Let’s rewrite this.

—they hadn’t even started yet.

It felt like the relationship hadn’t even begun, yet it was already being rejected. Even Second Young Master Xiao found this hard to believe.

And seeing the little secretary looking heartbroken, as if he were the one who had suffered…

Xiao Zong felt a cold breeze blowing through his heart.

So, all this about obedient, well-behaved omegas was a lie, after all. Only career-minded partners were truly suitable for him! QAQ

Xiao Zong’s temper flared, and he just wanted to drag the little secretary over and interrogate him properly.

**

On the fifteenth of every month, Old Master Xiao would shut himself away from visitors and spend the day at Bai He¹ Valley with his late wife. The trip back and forth took up the entire day.

This habit had been maintained for decades, and if they were lucky, they might see Old Master Xiao that evening. If not, they’d have to wait until the next day.

Fang Chi had purposely timed his arrival at Xian Yun Manor to coincide with Xiao Zong’s. He had arrived early in the morning, and in keeping with his journalistic instincts, had already scouted out the place inside and out.

“Leng Haiyun acts like a dutiful grandson in front of everyone, but he thinks no one knows what he’s been up to outside. Leng Xia has been covering for him countless times,” Fang Chi complained. “I get so mad hearing everyone calling him ‘Third Young Master.’ Seriously, is there no justice? He’s an illegitimate child—”

Fortunately, Fang Chi stopped himself in time. He stole a glance at Xiao Zong’s face. It already looked bad, but at least it didn’t get worse.

The term “illegitimate child” was never openly used. The official term was much gentler: “half-sibling.”

Even though an illegitimate child was technically what he was, the Xiao family wouldn’t allow younger generations to say so openly. Only someone like Fang Chi, an outsider of sorts, could let such words slip out occasionally.

Fang Chi and Leng Haiyun couldn’t stand each other. They argued bitterly outside but didn’t dare fight on Xiao Yan’s turf. But the funny thing was, not long after the dispute started, the omega Leng Haiyun had brought along suddenly clutched his stomach and screamed in pain.

Young Master Fang thought it was some kind of setup. With no one on his side, and already having been tricked before, he wasn’t going to let them smear him this time. So he dramatically flopped to the ground himself—the omega was so shocked he forgot to keep yelling in pain.

“Though I think the omega really is pregnant,” Fang Chi said, frowning. “Leng Haiyun even brought a private doctor with him this time, and he submitted a pregnancy meal plan to the kitchen, with all kinds of supplements.”

“Leng Xia even went with Old Master Xiao to Bai He Valley today. You know what that means, right?” Fang Chi said in frustration. “Brother, you’ve got to step it up.”

Leng Haiyun had already lost the competition among the grandchildren, but what about the great-grandchildren? If he had a child early, by the time the baby was named and acknowledged at the full moon ceremony, he could demand to have the child recognized into the family. Once the child bore the Xiao surname, Xiao Zong would be forced into a passive position.

Fang Chi glanced again at Gu Yin, who was much quieter than usual today, looking a bit airsick.

**

Fang Chi’s exaggerated drama turned out to be a farce, and Xiao Zong felt a dull throb in his temples, his energy waning.

The east courtyard of Xian Yun Manor had a house where Xiao Zong had lived as a child. It was a three-story detached villa, not particularly luxurious and with some design elements that had become a bit outdated after twenty years. But many of the small details reflected the care put into its design.

It was said that the original designer was Xiao Sinian, one of his hobbies.

The house had been renovated when the manor was refurbished, but Xiao Zong didn’t visit often, so everything inside was new.

The headache had made it impossible to continue working that afternoon, and the unfamiliar beddings, with no trace of familiar scents, made it hard to sleep peacefully.

Human energy is always limited, and each time he returned, these trivial matters only served to irritate him further. Not even a god could endure it.

Gu Yin… Forget it, I don’t want to think about him anymore. The more I think about him, the angrier I get.

In a fitful half-dream, Xiao Zong suddenly felt a warm hand gently pressed against his forehead.

Gu Yin had endured all afternoon but couldn’t resist sneaking in to check on him.

Xiao Zong had the habit of not locking his door when he slept—a precaution of someone in a high position, to allow his bodyguards easy access in case of an emergency.

Gu Yin crouched by the bed, quietly watching him sleep. His hand, about to be withdrawn, was suddenly grabbed by Xiao Zong.

Xiao Zong’s eyes were still closed, but his grip on Gu Yin’s wrist was firm. “Why don’t you make any noise when you walk?”

Gu Yin hadn’t expected him to wake up so easily. He even suspected Xiao Zong hadn’t slept at all that afternoon. He whispered softly, “I’m sorry.”

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the sky darkened into a hazy gray. The nights in the mountains were exceptionally quiet, so quiet that the only sounds were their breathing and heartbeats.

In the cool air, Gu Yin thought he heard a soft sigh.

No matter how thick-skinned, the little secretary was still an omega. If he didn’t take the initiative, you couldn’t count on this timid omega to act on his own.

“Gu Yin,” Xiao Zong’s voice was hoarse, “do you like me?”

Do you like me?

The words were like pebbles thrown into a pond, creating ripples on the calm surface.

Gu Yin stared in shock for a moment, then remembered Xiao Zong couldn’t see him nodding, so he answered, “Yes.”

I’ve liked you since the first time I met you.

Xiao Zong slowly opened his eyes. The room was dim, the soft light casting a gentle expression on his sharp, handsome face.

His fingers were still resting on Gu Yin’s pulse and could feel his quickened heartbeat.

The body’s reactions were more honest than a lie detector.

Of course, Xiao Zong wouldn’t find out until much later that Gu Xiao Yin could pass even the Federation’s most advanced lie detector without breaking a sweat. But when it came to liking him, Gu Yin had never held back.

“Do you want to date me?”

This moment seemed to echo not long ago when Gu Yin had crouched by the coffee table and asked him, can I chase you?

Gu Yin probably hadn’t processed the question right away. His first thought was, oh no, the boss has lost his mind.

Then he remembered Xiao Zong had cut his work hours from fifteen to eight a day, so probably not.

Gu Yin didn’t hesitate. He said, “Yes.”

Those two words were solemn and clear, like they formed some kind of contract between the two of them as soon as they were spoken.

Xiao Zong let go of him and lightly hummed in agreement.

Gu Yin waited for a while, but when no further response came, he quietly slipped out of the room, completely unaware that he was walking with matching steps like a clumsy child.

**

Xiao Zong had overslept and missed dinner. When he asked the servants, he found out the old master hadn’t returned yet, meaning he wouldn’t have to face him today.

He secretly sighed in relief.

Old Master Xiao was usually in a bad mood after returning from the gravesite, and the chances of getting into an argument were high. Xiao Zong wasn’t in the state of mind to endure two hours of scolding.

Wei Mian had already called in the afternoon to say that Fang Chi had taken the opportunity to meet with colleagues in the same industry.

According to the house rules, no food would be served after a certain time, but as soon as Xiao Zong stepped out of his room, he smelled the rich aroma of food.

Gu Yin had somehow procured a delicate stew pot and was cooking fish maw and quail soup, adding wolfberries, ginseng, and astragalus. The slow-simmered quail meat was tender, and the rich, savory scent filled the air.

Little Yin was hunched over the table, carefully skimming the oil from the soup, while the cat circled around his feet, tail high in the air.

Commander wasn’t usually very vocal, but he meowed constantly at Gu Yin, as if begging for attention.

It was as if the whole world had dimmed, leaving only this one warm, golden light, shining solely on Gu Yin and the cat.

“Where did you get that?”

Xiao Zong had just woken up, still carrying some of the drowsiness with him.

“I got it from the flight crew,” Gu Yin said. “This small pot is perfect for cooking soup.”

Of course, the flight crew gave it to him because they thought Xiao Zong wanted it. The truth was, the soup was meant for him, and Xiao Zong couldn’t figure out how to explain that.

It was probably the first time he had seen the little secretary cooking.

The warm, yellow light shone down on Gu Yin’s soft hair, making it fluff up. He rested one hand on the table while using the other to carefully skim the oil and green onions from the soup—Xiao Zong tolerated the taste of onions but didn’t like eating the pieces.

He never asked how Gu Yin knew such small details. It seemed that no matter when he turned around, Gu Yin would always be there by his side, figuring out how to make him happy.

Earlier, Xiao Zong had acted impulsively, but now, he only felt a deep sense of contentment.

Gu Yin hadn’t been in a relationship before, so some things he did were less natural than Xiao Zong.

Xiao Zong stretched out his arms, bracing against the table and trapping Gu Yin between them. He resisted the urge to sniff the omega’s neck glands and instead rested his chin on Gu Yin’s shoulder.

The little secretary stiffened, receiving the “petrified” debuff.

All jokes aside, when Xiao Zong set aside his serious, elite demeanor and became a little more playful, he was quite effective.

“Don’t you like it?” Without waiting for Gu Yin to answer, he added, “If you do, then relax a little. You’re poking me.”

His warm breath brushed against Gu Yin’s ear, and Xiao Zong’s voice was soothing.

In the end, an omega in their heat period had little willpower, and Gu Yin gradually relaxed, affectionately rubbing his cheek against Xiao Zong’s.

Besides, he never had much resistance to Xiao Zong in the first place.

Xiao Zong asked his question.

Gu Yin quickly confessed, “Every morning, I dispose of the meals sent by Mr. Ye. I’ve been learning from the menu…”

He had also picked up some details while eating with Xiao Zong.

In the aroma of the soup, Xiao Zong could faintly smell honey and milk.

The cat peeked out from the corner, watching the two humans.

Xiao Zong hadn’t experienced such a warm, homey atmosphere in a long time. In a way, this could be considered his own little reunion.

“Would you like to try some?” Gu Yin asked, figuring he must be hungry.

“Sure.”

Xiao Zong imitated his tone, then, seeing Gu Yin’s astonished expression, leaned in and kissed him.

**

It was late at night.

Gu Yin tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep, feeling like a fool.

His thoughts were still stuck on his failed seduction attempt in the afternoon, the overwhelming embarrassment, and the sudden reversal that followed.

—He almost sprained his brain.

For an omega in heat, if you’re not careful… what’s that saying? One wrong step, and you’ll regret it forever.

Gu Yin’s carefully cultivated image of a respectable omega had just been completely destroyed.

He lay on the soft bed, absentmindedly touching his lips.

Xiao Zong had kissed him.

Though it had been a brief, feather-light kiss, before Gu Yin could react, Xiao Zong had already moved on to another topic as if nothing had happened.

But that kiss felt like a reward, or maybe encouragement.

“—Phew!”

Gu Yin was completely unable to sleep. He threw off the covers and sat up, administering another inhibitor injection.

There were already several needle marks on his arm, but they weren’t visible since it was winter and he was wearing long sleeves.

He didn’t feel like reading, so he picked up his phone and opened his chat group.

Despite it being the middle of the night, the group chat called [A Bunch of Useless Teammates] was still quite active.

[Fox: Night training was too easy. No challenge at all.]

[Fatty: You’re a sadist. You’ve been training under the captain for so long, you don’t feel satisfied unless you’re practically skinned.]

[Glasses: Fatty, don’t encourage him. Fox is just a masochist.]

[Flathead: Has the captain…Fell asleep.]

Gu Yin watched a bit of the conversation where they were mocking the night training, then he edited two words and sent them out, [Not asleep.]

As soon as his message was sent, the group chat suddenly became lively again. Teammates who had been silent before all started chiming in, each with their own quips.

[Taishan: Captain, how’s your knight chasing the princess going? Give us a progress report, will ya?]

[Ding: Can a 250-pound fatty stop trying to act cute? Disgusting.]

[Pingtou: Did you get a taste yet? Is the CEO (princess) delicious?]

[Gu Yin: …]

[Zhi Yin: Comrade, tell us your story. (Hands over mic)]

Facing this group of old comrades-in-arms, who he could trust with his life, Gu Yin obviously felt a lot less pressure than when facing Xiao Zong. So he briefly recounted today’s events.

After he finished speaking, there was a brief pause in the group chat.

His comrades all fell into collective silence.

Just as Gu Yin was starting to wonder if their phones had been confiscated by their officers, Fox was the first to bubble up.

[Fox: Sorry, Captain Flower, my second-hand embarrassment kicked in again, so I had to go dig myself a three-bedroom apartment real quick.]

[Glasses: I dug up a Qin Emperor’s tomb.]

[Taishan: I dug up a magical fairy castle.]

[Pingtou: Captain, you chose the wrong time and place. What can you even do in a car?]

[Ding: Don’t be absurd. There’s plenty you can do in a car.]

[Fatty: It’s fine, the first time’s awkward, the second time you’ll get the hang of it.]

[Gu Yin: …Please stop t___t]

After being mercilessly ridiculed, Gu Yin did indeed feel much better. To prevent him from spiraling into despair, his teammates discussed it among themselves, and Fox took the lead.

[Fox: Captain, there’s something I’m not sure if I should say.]

[Gu Yin: Go ahead.]

[Fox: Xiao Zong has probably rejected more flirtations than the number of omegas you’ve ever met.]

[Fatty: Yeah, might as well go for the direct route—force your way through and get results faster.]

[Gu Yin: …]

[Pingtou: Flirting is like shooting a gun. Either don’t pull the trigger, or hit with one shot.]

[Gu Yin: nsdd (I agree so much I can’t even argue)]

[Ding: You just lack experience. No one hits the target on their first shot. As long as the gun doesn’t explode, there’s still hope.]

[Glasses: Do you want to take some cues from other omegas?]

[Everyone: ???]

Glasses, you traitor!

Gu Yin quickly sensed something fishy in their words: [What are you all hiding from me?]

[Fox: Well, this was something from many years ago.]

[Pingtou: You hadn’t differentiated yet back then.]

[Glasses: We’ve kept this delicacy hidden for years.]

[Fatty: No need for more words. Those who know, know.]

After the chat ended, Gu Yin soon received a file from his teammates—a compressed folder of over 600 gigabytes.

File name: Study Material.tar

With confusion, he opened the files inside the compressed folder.

In an instant, the room was filled with the sound of passionate collisions and soul-stirring voices.

Gu Yin: ?!!

1. 百合 Bai He – Lily ↩︎