chapter 38

Chapter 38: He Seems Different

Nan Yi's heat lasted for three days. He Yu Shen refrained from going to work, instead staying home to accompany the young omega.

He bathed Nan Yi, held him as they went downstairs for meals, and constantly released calming pheromones to soothe the restless omega.

Nestled on the couch, clutching a pillow, Nan Yi daydreamed while staring at the man working diligently at the desk.

The calming pheromones in the air are addictive.

The alpha, who used to be irritable and disdainful towards me, seems to have grown much gentler.

The computer displayed a new project proposal sent by an assistant. With every scroll of the mouse, the alpha's expression darkened.

His sharp brows furrowed slightly, rejecting the proposal. His fingers typed swiftly, leaving only three words: [Redo it].

The man, who had been working all morning, leaned back into his chair with a frown, casting a sidelong glance at the figure on the sofa.

Gazing with a usually indifferent expression, he found himself fixated on his omega, who seemed endearingly dazed.

Those earnest eyes prompted the alpha's previously furrowed brows to relax, and his lips parted slightly.

"I want you."

The tone was teasing.

Nan Yi blushed and shook his head shyly.

His heat cycle had passed; it was only his craving for the alpha's soothing pheromones that kept him curled up on the sofa like the day before.

"Come here," beckoned He Yu Shen.

Nan Yi hesitated, putting down the pillow he held, and slowly approached the alpha.

He Yu Shen slid his chair back slightly, legs spread casually.

Nan Yi halted beside him.

"Stand in front," He Yu Shen instructed again.

Nan Yi awkwardly placed his hands behind his back, positioning himself in the narrow space between the desk and the alpha's legs. His V-neck pajama top revealed a collarbone and neck scattered with love bites.

"Are you done?"

Nan Yi nodded in affirmation.

"Then, I'll head to the office later. If you feel unwell, message me."

Nan Yi nodded again.

The obedient omega stood in front of him with his head slightly lowered, a pleasant sight.

Those lips looked exceptionally rosy, and the arms he kept behind him were tender and fair.

He Yu Shen reached out, wrapping an arm around the omega's slender waist. With a slight tug, he pulled the figure into his embrace.

The sudden gesture startled Nan Yi.

With an expression of panic akin to a startled rabbit, He Yushen curled his lips, his large hand firmly gripping her delicate chin as he leaned down to press a kiss upon her rosy lips.

It was her first kiss outside of a heat cycle, Nan Yi stiffened, barely daring to breathe, every nerve tense. A ringing seemed to echo in her ears, her head feeling light.

The icy touch felt like electricity coursing through her body, causing tremors of shivers.

"Still haven't learned to breathe properly?"

Alpha's face drew near, so close she could even see the fuzz on his cheeks.

Nan Yi breathed heavily, her gaze fixed on him, seemingly entranced.

"Lost in thought?" He Yushen remarked with a light chuckle.

Blushing, Nan Yi averted her gaze, her already flushed face deepening to the shade of wine.

"Alright, I'm leaving."

He Yushen stood up, gently placing the omega in his arms onto the ground.

With her face still red, Nan Yi kept her head down until He Yushen departed, only then did she look up.

Alone in the study, she allowed herself more freedom. Holding a cushion, she slipped off her bunny slippers, curled up on the sofa, and absentmindedly scrolled through her phone, the lingering scent of Alpha still in the air.

Due to her recent heat cycle, she hadn't updated her comic in a few days. She noticed an increase in followers and even a gift from a fan.

Although it wasn't much, it still warmed her heart.

Thankfully, she had two chapters saved. Nan Yi published them all at once.

Only after posting did she peruse the hundreds of comments from fans, accumulated over three days.

[Qingqiu Junjun: I love your art style!]

[Dasha: Please update soon!]

[Qisui: I love the plot, but the updates are too slow.]

[Liutai: I'm guessing the artist is an omega? raised eyebrow]

.....................................

Nan Yi scrolled through each comment, giving each one its due attention.

By the end, she felt incredibly motivated, energized and ready to dive into her work.

As she was about to exit the app, she noticed two unread private messages.

Nan Yi thought, having read so many comments, a few more moments to check these wouldn't hurt.

He assumed it was a message from a fan, but to his surprise, it was from the platform's editor.

November 22, 14:05

[Hello, I'm "ManManNotSlow", Editor #09 of the platform. Regarding your work, "The Big Shot's Silly Hat", if you're interested in signing with our platform, please add me on QQ: 9876465xxx. When adding, please mention the author's name and the title of your work.]

November 24, 18:01

[Hello Author Nan Yi, do you have any queries regarding the contract for "The Big Shot's Silly Hat"? I'm waiting for you on QQ~]

He had never imagined that he'd be approached by an editor for a contract. He had initially planned to contact the platform after gaining more popularity.

Now, with the editor reaching out, the signing process would surely be much easier – just what Nan Yi had hoped for.

Given his vocal limitations, he knew finding work outside would be tough. Moreover, there weren't many workplaces that accommodated omegas.

If he could secure this contract for his comic now, at least he'd have a basic salary.

This would relieve his financial concerns.

Excited, Nan Yi immediately responded: [Apologies for the late response. Is it still okay to add you now?]

After waiting a minute with no reply, he copied the provided QQ number and sent a friend request.

Editor #09 didn't accept immediately. Nan Yi patiently waited, and about ten minutes later, he received the notification of acceptance.

[09: Hello.]

[09: Greetings, Author Nan Yi. Once signed, you'll need to update once a week, each update consisting of no less than forty pages. Our base salary is calculated monthly, and disbursed on the 9th of the following month. Profits from gifts are split evenly between the platform and the author.]

[09: If you agree to the terms above, we should meet in person to discuss and sign the contract.]

After carefully reading, Nan Yi was primarily concerned about the monetary details.

Still, he felt that such matters were best discussed in person. Though he couldn't speak, he could listen and review the contract.

Nan Yi asked Editor #09 for the address. Fortunately, they were in the same city, although it would be a two to three-hour commute.

They agreed to meet the following day. That night, the anticipation kept him awake.

Late into the night, He Yushen sensed the restless person next to him, pulling them close and tightening his embrace.

In a groggy, husky voice, he murmured, "Stop fidgeting, sleep well."

The deep voice gently vibrated near the ear, the rhythmic breath brushing softly across the forehead.

Nan Yi became a bit stiff, holding his breath and trying not to move, finding it hard to drift off to sleep.