chapter 5

Chapter 5: These are My Clothes

"Mr. Nan?"

Passing by the car where Nan Yi sat, the driver was calling out to him. The door was open, revealing the omega sound asleep in his seat.

"Mr. Nan? We've arrived."

The driver called out again, and He Yu Shen, already near the mansion's entrance, glanced back at the car.

The omega inside was groggily waking up, with a red mark pressed onto half of his face, confusion in his eyes, and his delicate lips slightly reddened.

His collar was quite low, revealing his collarbone and the two perky and rosy spots below.

He Yu Shen's expression darkened as he rapidly moved towards the car.

"Where are you off to?" Yan An, already ahead, looked back in confusion seeing He Yu Shen retracing his steps.

Realizing He Yu Shen was heading to the white car, Yan An just whistled and entered the mansion first.

"Such impatience!"

Having just awakened and sitting up to get out, Nan Yi looked puzzledly at the person before him.

He Yu Shen?

He furrowed his brows slightly, looking up.

"Get out," He Yu Shen said, visibly irritated by Nan Yi's bewildered expression.

Nan Yi obediently stepped out of the car, holding the discounted clothes he'd purchased.

Unsure of He Yu Shen's intentions, all he could do was to comply with the man's orders.

"What did you buy?" He Yu Shen, with a stern face, eyed the bags in Nan Yi's hands.

Protectively clutching the bags to his chest, Nan Yi hesitantly opened one for inspection.

He Yu Shen took a cursory glance inside and left without a word, his face still dark.

Nan Yi: ..............

Standing frozen for a few moments after the car departed, he finally gathered his strength to carry the bags and slowly entered the villa.

Passing through the courtyard and garden, he paused outside the living room, his steps feeling increasingly heavy.

Uncertain about which version of He Yu Shen he'd confront inside, Nan Yi was also unsure whether to head to yesterday's bedroom or another room.

"When does Xiao Jing finish school?"

Butler: "In a short while."

Overhearing the conversation in the living room, Nan Yi wondered: did He Yu Shen have guests?

Hesitation gnawed at him: should he enter?

Taking a deep breath, he decided to go in.

After all, he didn't really have anywhere else to go.

"The sister-in-law has arrived." Hearing Nan Yi's footsteps, everyone turned their gaze towards the door. He Yu Shen shot him a cold glance, while Yan An stood up.

"Hello, sister-in-law. My name is Yan An." As Nan Yi approached under He Yu Shen's disdainful gaze, Yan An extended his hand.

Facing the unexpected gesture, Nan Yi hurriedly placed his bags on the carpet, reaching out to shake Yan An's hand in return.

He nodded politely in response.

Noting Nan Yi's reserved nod, Yan An teased, "Sister-in-law seems a bit aloof, huh?"

Nan Yi managed a stiff chuckle.

Clearly, the man in front of him had no idea that Nan Yi couldn't speak.

"Hmph! Aloof."

He Yu Shen glanced at the hands that Yan An and Nan Yi had just released, letting out a cold snort. The color drained from Nan Yi's face at the remark.

With visible irritation, He Yu Shen looked at Nan Yi, icily saying, "Why are you standing there? Pick up your junk and head upstairs."

Head lowered, Nan Yi hastily grabbed the bags He Yu Shen referred to as 'junk' and almost fled up the stairs.

Unsure of which room to choose, he temporarily entered He Yu Shen's bedroom.

The lingering pheromones of the two reminded him of the previous night, bringing a flush to Nan Yi's pale face.

Sitting on the bed, the strong minty scent in the room enveloped him. Wrapped in the refreshing and elegant aroma, Nan Yi felt comfortable.

No wonder his teacher once said that an omega, once marked, becomes deeply reliant on the alpha's pheromones.

It's why there are so many incidents of omegas being forcibly marked every year.

Lost in thought, he was brought back to the present by the butler's voice from outside the bedroom.

"Mr. Nan, it's time for dinner."

The butler had come to call him.

Emerging from the bedroom, Nan Yi followed the butler to the stairs, only to realize the two men downstairs had not yet dined.

Although He Yu Shen detested him, staying at He's place felt marginally better than being at home for Nan Yi.

"Xiao Jing is back."

Just as Nan Yi took a seat, Yan An stood up, greeting Song Jing, who had just entered the house with his morning backpack.

"Brother Yan, you're here!" Song Jing seemed genuinely excited to see Yan An.

Nan Yi sat quietly, eager to begin the meal.

Gazing at the dishes spread across the table, Song Jing beamed, "I'm so lucky; I'm starving!"

The beautiful and sweet-voiced omega sat between Yan An and He Yu Shen.

There had initially been a seat between the two men, but with Song Jing occupying it, Nan Yi appeared isolated.

The butler, seeing Song Jing's lack of manners, frowned and reminded him, "Xiao Jing, you'll dine with me later."

Startled, Song Jing finally understood, glancing at Nan Yi.

With a touch of melancholy, he said, "I forgot. It's not just Brother Shen in the house now."

Meeting his gaze, Nan Yi responded with a cold look. Song Jing had been quite antagonistic that morning.

Nan Yi slightly furrowed his brows. Though omegas are typically sweet, this one seemed particularly hostile towards him.

With evident displeasure, He Yu Shen shot Nan Yi a look, his tone cold. "No one's talking about you. Just sit down."

Sure enough, after He Yu Shen spoke, Song Jing shot a smug glance at Nan Yi.

Nan Yi: .................

Now he realized why Song Jing was so against him.

"Exactly. You're like an old brother to Yu. Nobody mentioned you. Don't be so petulant."

While speaking, Yan An had already picked up his chopsticks and placed a piece of meat into Song Jing's bowl.

The color drained slightly from Song Jing's face as he muttered, "You're the little brother."

Yan An responded with a smirk, "I'm older than you."

He Yu Shen was quiet, and Nan Yi couldn't find the words, leaving Yan An and Song Jing dominating the conversation. However, while one spoke revolving around Song Jing, the other constantly shifted the topic towards He Yu Shen.

Nan Yi quietly ate the food in his bowl.

"Mr. Nan, about that outfit?"

As he finished his bowl and was about to stand for a refill, an unhappy look from Song Jing landed on him.

Hand frozen holding the ladle, Nan Yi remained in his attempt to serve himself more rice.

Yan An questioned, "What's the matter, Song Jing? Do you fancy this style?"

At this moment, Nan Yi felt incredibly awkward. After all, he was wearing Song Jing's clothes.

He had forgotten to change.

"Those are my clothes," Song Jing stated coldly, his eyebrows furrowing.

He Yu Shen looked over as well.

Yan An appeared surprised, "Oh, so you're wearing Song Jing's clothes, no wonder they look a bit big on you."

The chill in Song Jing's gaze deepened.