Chapter 37

Chapter 37

037

I... Just one touch!

After both of them fell, Chu Li realized the awkwardness belatedly and hurriedly tried to prop himself up.

However, Jing Baiyuan didn't let go of his hand. With this exertion, he was bounced back into Jing Baiyuan's embrace instead.

They embraced once more, inevitably colliding with each other. Chu Li then realized that Jing Baiyuan had been gazing at him all along, his eyes deep and intense. This made Chu Li's entire body bristle with goosebumps, even causing the embrace to feel scorching hot.

Noticing that Chu Li was looking back at him, Jing Baiyuan leaned in slightly closer.

He wasn't quite sure what he was doing, but when he saw the fear in Chu Li's eyes, he came to his senses a bit and released him, saying, "Let me help you up."

Chu Li: "..."

They both stood up and separated from each other.

The atmosphere grew awkward, as if the air had thickened with tension.

Something had changed.

Jing Baiyuan remained diligent in teaching Chu Li a few moves, occasionally demonstrating them himself, inevitably leading to their bodies brushing against each other. The previously cool Jing Baiyuan was now unexpectedly drenched in sweat, and when their skin lightly touched, their perspiration mingled together – it felt strangely intimate.

This peculiar lesson continued for roughly three hours.

Chu Li had classes in the afternoon, so he needed to return after lunch. Jing Baiyuan took the initiative to end the session.

Chu Li sighed in relief, both mentally and physically.

---

Exiting the training room, Jing Baiyuan accompanied Chu Li to freshen up. Before they entered, Ya Lan delivered a brand new set of clothes.

Upon receiving the clothes, Chu Li's face flushed red once more.

He was well aware of his own measurements.

---

During the training session, only Chu Li had broken out in a sweat. Jing Baiyuan didn't take a shower but simply cleaned himself up before sitting down on the sofa in the room.

This was his current residence, and right outside the bathroom where Chu Li was showering was his bedroom.

Approximately twenty minutes later, Chu Li emerged from the bathroom.

He probably hadn't expected Jing Baiyuan to be waiting outside, for he walked out with damp hair, not having dried it properly.

The moment the bathroom door swung open, the warm, humid air mixed with the sweet scent of an Omega's pheromones enveloped Jing Baiyuan, making him feel as if he were surrounded by a fluffy cloud of sugary marshmallows.

Chu Li's fair complexion flushed red again. He stood there, clutching the bathroom door, unsure whether to go in or out.

"You... Why are you here?"

"I'm waiting for you to come out," Jing Baiyuan appeared calm, his gaze roaming over Chu Li's body before he swallowed, his voice soft as he asked, "Why didn't you dry your hair before coming out?"

Chu Li whispered, "It's stuffy in the bathroom."

He originally intended to blow it in the room.

Jing Baiyuan waved him over, "Come here."

He obediently walked to Jing Baiyuan's side and sat down on the soft bed – the room was clean and tidy, without too much personal touch. Most of the items in the room had warm hues, giving it an ambiance of a laid-back resort hotel.

Yet, Chu Li had a feeling that this was Jing Baiyuan's room.

It was the place where he resided after reverting to human form.

Jing Baiyuanting went to fetch a hairdryer from the bathroom. Chu Li sat on the bed, observing his surroundings. After a while, he suddenly realized that he had been subconsciously searching for cat fur.

There wouldn't be any cat fur here.

He smiled wryly and ceased his scrutiny.

In no time, Jing Baiyuanting returned with the hairdryer. He stood behind Chu Li, seemingly intending to dry his hair.

Hair drying is an intimate and peculiar activity. Chu Li had just intended to offer to do it himself when Jing Baiyuan held him by the shoulders.

A deep male voice sounded behind him, "Don't move."

Chu Li was suddenly reminded of the day he first transmigrated, when Chu Heyang had come to his room to cause a ruckus. Upon grasping the other's shoulder, Chu Heyang had burst into tears and made such a fuss that Zhu Wei had taken him to the hospital.

Back then, he never imagined that there could be six different genders among humans. He found it peculiar but didn't associate it with anything intimate, even finding Chu Heyang's reaction somewhat hard to comprehend.

But now he knew that there was a very unique organ located at the back of his neck.

The Omega's gland.

At this moment, where Jing Baiyuan was supporting Chu Li, the thumb's position had inadvertently grazed the edge of the gland.

An idea suddenly occurred to him.

This was his Alpha.

Realizing this, Chu Li's eyes widened in shock. He didn't even notice when Jing Baiyuan had turned on the hairdryer.

——

Humanity is a balance of reason and instinct.

Rationally, he rejects the existence of these six genders, yet his instinct whispers that the person behind him is the one who left indelible imprints and marks within his being.

Mortals often find themselves entangled in the struggle between reason and instinct.

Resisting the urge drawn by the pheromones while simultaneously being irresistibly drawn towards the other.

——

The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the hair dryer.

Jing Baiyuanting's gentle touch swept through Chu Li's hair, occasionally grazing his ears and scalp with the tips of his fingers.

It created an atmosphere of languid relaxation, soothing the senses.

Feeling at ease, Chu Li couldn't help but feel compelled to speak.

At home, it had become his habit to share his thoughts with his little Li Hua Cat.

These past few days, with the house empty and silent, he truly felt a sense of loneliness.

Upon this thought, Chu Li couldn't resist turning back, wanting to sneak a glance at Jing Baiyuan. To his surprise, he collided with the other's gaze. Jing Baiyuan looked at him questioningly. Chu Li's ears turned red, and he quickly averted his head, stammering, "Is it done yet?"

In reality, it had been finished long ago.

It was just that Jing Baiyuan was reluctant to let go, prolonging the moment.

Assuming that Chu Li had noticed his actions, he coughed softly and put down the hairdryer, "It's done... Would you like to stay for lunch?"

Chu Li paused for a moment before responding, "Sure, let's eat."

---

The two of them went to the cafeteria.

To their surprise, the cafeteria was quite formal, with many people dining inside.

After Chu Li followed Jing Baiyuan Ting in, many people turned their heads in their direction.

Feeling a little nervous, Chu Li tugged on the corner of Jing Baiyuan Ting's robe and whispered, "Are... all these people yours?"

Jing Baiyuan Ting was taken aback but quickly turned to hold his hand, saying, "Yes, they've come looking for me after retiring from the frontlines. They were scattered across the empire, but when Ya Lan informed them about me a few days ago, they rushed over... Don't worry, it's alright."

Chu Li nodded.

Jing Baiyuan Ting had intended to reassure Chu Li, but when he didn't resist, he glanced at their intertwined hands and hesitated before deciding not to let go. Thus, he continued holding onto Chu Li as they walked in.

In a corner of the cafeteria, Ya Lan hid behind two Alphas. After taking a deep breath, she silently screamed, "They're holding hands! They're holding hands!!"

While 'screaming', she grabbed one Alpha with each hand and squeezed them tightly!

The two Alpha subordinates wore uncomfortable expressions. Faced with their suddenly ill adjutant, one of them chose to activate their personal terminal for air circulation, while the other held Ya Lan's hand and whispered, "Don't make a sound! The Admiral is looking this way!"

"Woo-woo-woo!" Ya Lan retreated behind the two Alphas with a pained expression and whispered, "Block me!"

She had secretly sneaked here to watch the Admiral chase his partner, and if she was caught, she'd be doomed!

As they made their way to the cafeteria, Chu Li seemed to hear an unfamiliar voice. He looked around in confusion and asked Jing Baiyuan, "I think I heard Subcommander Ya Lan's voice."

Jing Baiyuan replied, "It's still her training time."

"Oh…" Chu Li said, "Maybe I heard wrong then."

Scanning the area, Jing Baiyuan found a corner seat and sat down, then asked Chu Li, "What would you like to eat?"

Unfamiliar with the place, Chu Li replied, "Anything is fine, I'm not really hungry."

Jing Baiyuan turned away and soon returned with two sets of meals.

Indeed, Chu Li wasn't hungry. He absentmindedly stabbed at the rice in his lunchbox with a fork. Jing Baiyuan sat opposite him, wanting several times to correct his action but holding back.

To divert his attention from Chu Li's childlike behavior, Jing Baiyuan asked, "I ran into Chu Heyang this morning. Does he often give you trouble?"

Chu Li nodded and then shook his head. "I see him frequently, but he hasn't really caused any trouble."

Mainly, he didn't have the capability to do so.

He couldn't inflict any substantial harm on Chu Li; he was like a fly with zero offensive power but annoyingly buzzing around one's ears.

Jing Baiyuan had long wanted to discuss this matter with Chu Li, but the atmosphere hadn't been suitable until now.

Seeing Chu Li frown, Jing Baiyuan grew serious. "Your household registration is still under Chu Deyue's family. Although you've retrieved your belongings, it remains a potential issue. If you agree, I can help you transfer your registration. From then on, you'll have no ties with them."

This was precisely what Chu Li needed.

He wouldn't be courteous with Jing Baiyuan on this matter and nodded. "Alright, do I need to do anything?"

"I'll take care of it," Jing Baiyuan continued. "Do you want to change schools?"

Chu Li was taken aback. "Change schools?"

Jing Baiyuan explained, "Yes, this school isn't quite suitable for Omegas to study and live in. Besides, Chu Heyang is still here, and he might come looking for you again."

Chu Li chuckled. "No need to change schools. I've finally entered Professor Wenren's research team after months of working with test tubes, and he's allowed me to engage in the core of the experiment. It wouldn't make sense to leave now... Besides, if Chu Heyang wants to come, let him. He can't do anything anyway. Life is already dull; let it serve as his entertainment."

Moreover, even if someone had to leave, it should be Chu Heyang.

Why should he be the one to go?

Jing Baiyuanting nodded. "I can't stay here for long. You need to take care of yourself."

Chu Li paused, feeling an even more delicate emotion. He nodded. "Understood."

Jing Baiyuanting fell silent.

Chu Li bowed his head, fiddling with the food on his plate. After a while, he suddenly smiled and said, "Actually, you don't have to worry. I can take care of myself."

"Unless," Chu Li raised his head with a smile, "you announce our relationship. Will being your Omega put me in danger?"

Jing Baiyuanting frowned and spoke after a moment, "Before I leave, I'll arrange for someone to protect you."

Chu Li had come into this world alone and had been worried about his own sustenance just a few months ago. Now, he suddenly had someone to 'protect' him. He joked, "Is this some kind of privilege?"

"No," Jing Baiyuanting replied earnestly, "it's what you deserve. Or rather, it's what I deserve. I've dedicated so many years to the Empire for my family to receive better treatment."

Chu Li: "..."

Here we go again.

That irresistible sincerity was back.

Admiral Jing Baiyuan's attentiveness to their relationship astounded him at every turn.

If all this were merely about fulfilling the responsibilities that came with being an Alpha who had permanently marked another, then he was taking it far too seriously.

But they hadn't known each other for long. To talk about emotions now would seem flippant.

Chu Li lowered his head slightly, remaining silent for a long while before forcing a casual smile. "Alright then, I'll enjoy this privilege."

Jing Baiyuan furrowed his brows but didn't immediately refute Chu Li's statement.

Perhaps Jing Baiyuan was displeased by Chu Li's attempt at a not-so-funny jest, as he remained silent for the rest of the conversation.

Exiting the canteen, Chu Li felt a bit awkward. The man had invited him to the base as a guest, taught him combat skills, and even sent someone to protect him out of concern for his safety. Yet, Chu Li had responded with an aloof demeanor, which was rather ungrateful of him.

In Chu Li's previous life, he had always been alone. When he was sick, he lived in the hospital with scarce visits from his family. He couldn't go out and had no friends. The person he was closest to was the hospital doctor.

Suddenly, there was someone who treated him so well that he couldn't help but be suspicious and found it hard to accept immediately.

Before getting into the car, Chu Li tugged on Jing Baiyuan's sleeve again and whispered, "Can I come over tomorrow? I haven't mastered the combat techniques you taught me yet."

With this, the stubborn Little Li offered Jing Baiyuan an olive branch after their earlier unpleasant conversation. Jing Baiyuan turned back to look at him, a hint of helpless amusement tugging at the corners of his lips.

He reached out to pat Chu Li's head as if soothing a child and said, "Of course you can."

Once both of them were in the car, Jing Baiyuan fastened Chu Li's seatbelt and asked, "Do you want to have another cat?"

"A cat?" Chu Li's eyes lit up. "Is that possible?"

Jing Baiyuan's lips curved up again. "Of course. What breed of cat do you like?"

Without hesitation, Chu Li replied, "A Li Hua Cat!"

Upon hearing this answer, Jing Baiyuan was momentarily taken aback. Hadn't he transformed into a cat, a Li Hua Cat, himself?

Jing Baiyuan gazed at Chu Li with an odd expression.

Instantly, Chu Li felt like a guilty Omega who had been caught flirting with another kitten in front of his own Alpha.

But then he realized that cats were not Alphas; they could have multiple kittens! Right… how could he have overlooked this? With his current condition, he was capable of raising a cat.

Not just one, but many!

What was this "Cat Litter Box Ethics"?

In a flash, Chu Li imagined himself surrounded by fluffy felines, and suddenly, the rain stopped, the sun shone, and he was ready to go.

Losing a little Li Hua Cat was nothing! He could still have countless more!

With this thought, Chu Li's eyes sparkled as he looked expectantly at Jing Baiyuan, "Are you going to give me a little kitten?"

Jing Baiyuan: "…"

Suddenly, it felt like he had lifted a stone only to drop it on his own foot.

Chu Li inquired further, "Are we leaving today?"

In front of such eager eyes, how could Jing Baiyuan possibly utter a word of refusal? All he could say was, "We'll go right now."

He reached out to Ya Lan, asking her to send an address of a pet store.

Fifteen minutes later, Jing Baiyuan parked in front of the pet store.

Upon alighting from the vehicle, Chu Li's gaze was immediately drawn to the glass storefront. Within it, numerous small creatures were sprawled, lazily observing the passersby as they conducted their business.

There were familiar creatures like cats and dogs, as well as some unfamiliar ones.

Chu Li entered the pet store with the same sense of wonder as Liu Nainai entering the Grand View Garden, stopping in front of a transparent cage. Inside was an animal that resembled both a rabbit and a fox, curled up asleep with its long ears wrapped around its body, creating a fluffy appearance against its pure white fur.

The shop owner approached with a smile. "Looking to buy a pet? This is a newly stocked fox-rabbit hybrid. It has a gentle nature, perfect for an Omega to care for."

Chu Li glanced at the fluffy long ears with a hint of reluctance before shaking his head. "No, we're actually looking for a cat."

Upon hearing 'we', the shop owner noticed for the first time that Chu Li was accompanied by a tall man standing behind him.

The man wore a mask, revealing only a pair of deep emerald green eyes, suggesting he was quite a solemn person.

Moreover, he was an Alpha.

How wonderful, an Alpha bringing his Omega to buy a pet.

The shop owner smiled and said, "The cats are this way."

She led Chu Li inside, and to his astonishment, the entire room was filled with – ! – cats!

Some were in cages, while others roamed free; some sat, sprawled, or lay down; some slept, ate, drank... As Chu Li stepped in, two or three cats, tails swishing, approached him, emitting soft, mewling sounds.

Chu Li gazed at the overwhelming scene, dazed. Was this paradise?

Jing Baiyuan followed closely behind, "..."

Suddenly, he realized that bringing Chu Li to buy a cat might not have been the best idea.

Chu Li, Chu Li, so this is the kind of person you are. Not only do you favor little Li Hua Cats, but you also adore any feline that meows.

Truly, you're a heartless scoundrel!

As Chu Li berated himself inwardly, he was captivated by the group of 'little enchantresses.' He didn't even have time to chat with the shop owner before crouching down to stroke a cat's belly.

Jing Baiyuan followed behind, helping to fill in the blanks: "We want to buy a Li Hua Cat."

"A Li Hua Cat, huh..." The shop owner seemed surprised. "Those cats can be quite boisterous, not really suitable for indoor living. Are you sure about this?"

"Mm," Jing Baiyuan replied. "Our house is spacious; it'll have plenty of room to run around."

The shop owner said, "In that case, there's a litter of Li Hua Cats that recently gave birth. They're in another room. Would you like to take a look?"

Jing Baiyuan glanced at Chu Li, still lost in the sea of cats, and called out helplessly, "Little Li... Little Li?"

Chu Li, almost submerged in the feline tide, hastily put down the cat in his arms and stood up. "I... I only touched it for a moment!"

Jing Baiyuan: "...."

Do you know? The sight of you covered in cat fur is quite... disheveled.

Author's Note:

Meow~ I want a Cat Sea too!