Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Before being marked.

Jing Baiyuan was taken aback for a moment.

Silent all this while, Chu Li couldn't help but tug on Jing Baiyuan's shirt as a silent prompt.

"Cough!" Jing Baiyuan straightened his posture. After a long pause, he said, "Alright."

A while later, the doctor returned from outside and announced, "The medication has been arranged, but it will take some time. Please leave your contact details."

Chu Li went over to provide his contact information.

After filling in the form, the doctor advised, "Your rut should be two months from now, probably in November when it's colder. Take care to stay warm and avoid falling ill. If you do fall sick, seek medical attention promptly. That's all for now. When you come to the hospital to collect your medication next time, I'll give you more precautions... Oh, right, even though you can't be together during your rut, try to meet each other's pheromone needs as much as possible before you part. The medicine can help you through the rut, but it won't be comfortable. Gaining more pheromones now will aid you during the rut two months from now."

Chu Li naturally understood these facts and nodded repeatedly.

"Alright, you can head back now."

Exiting the hospital, it was still early in the day. The two of them decided to have a meal outside.

After finishing their meal, standing by the car, Jing Baiyuan asked, "Shall I send you back to school?"

Chu Li: "..."

These past few days, Jing Baiyuan had been taking him out under the pretense of being Ya Lan.

Never mind coming out, spending the night at school isn't really acceptable.

He had just mentioned in the hospital that he wanted to bond with Jing Baiyuan.

But... to ask such a matter so straightforwardly.

Ah, ah, ah, how awkward!

Couldn't he have just casually taken him to a hotel without making it explicit? Why must he ask directly?

For a moment, Chu Li gave up hope. "Do you have a place to stay? Why don't... we go to your base?"

Jing Baiyuan glanced at him and opened the car door.

Chu Li got in the car but didn't dare to ask where they were going.

Ten minutes later, the car stopped in a gated community. Both of them got out, and the car parked itself in the garage.

Jing Baiyuan said, "This is a new property I've acquired. I was thinking of asking you to move in after some time."

"Aah?" Chu Li looked bewildered.

Jing Baiyuan continued, "I can apply for day-release status for you at school. If it's inconvenient for you to live on campus, you can move out."

"This..." Chu Li lowered his head and said, "Let's not do that for now."

"Alright." Jing Baiyuan didn't insist. "Shall we take a look inside?"

The house was very clean, clearly brand new and uninhabited.

After entering the room, there was nothing much for them to do but sit on the sofa.

The two of them, who used to have plenty to talk about, found themselves unable to utter a single word today for some reason.

Chu Li gradually couldn't tolerate the awkward atmosphere; it felt like going on a casual hook-up with two strangers... Well, there wasn't much difference anyway.

Anyway, they couldn't continue like this.

Scanning his surroundings, he noticed a projector on the TV cabinet in the living room and suggested, "Are you in a rush to leave? If not, would you like to watch a movie with me?"

Doing something was better than staring at each other awkwardly.

Jing Baiyuanting quickly agreed and got up to set up the projector. The projectors in this world were far more advanced than those in Chu Li's previous life; when the film started, the viewing experience was almost as immersive as being in a cinema.

Jing Baiyuanting held the room's remote control and asked, "Do you want me to dim the lights?"

Chu Li nodded. "Sure, go ahead."

Jing Baiyuanting dimmed the lights and sat down beside Chu Li.

He unexpectedly played an animated film, one that was surprisingly engaging, filled with cats and dogs.

Chu Li's original intention was to put something on to alleviate the awkward atmosphere. However, the movie was captivating, and before he knew it, he was engrossed, even laughing out loud at some points.

The movie was amusing enough to draw him in, and he instinctively engaged in conversation with the person beside him.

"Oh, this cat is so adorable! It resembles our little Li Hua Cat so much..."

"But it's not as well-behaved as our little Li Hua Cat..."

As he spoke, Chu Li suddenly remembered something.

What Li Hua Cat? Isn't Li Hua Cat the person right next to him?

It dawned on Chu Li that he had been conversing with Jing Baiyuan the whole time. As the movie progressed, their proximity grew closer, and by the end, he was almost leaning against Jing Baiyuan.

Realizing this, Chu Li sat up abruptly, the ending credits of the movie playing in the background. Jing Baiyuan's gaze held a hint of regret.

He stood up and turned off the projector.

By now, the sky had turned dusky. Jing Baiyuan asked, "Shall we have dinner?"

Chu Li nodded. "Yes."

Jing Baiyuan ordered their meal, and twenty minutes later, the restaurant delivered it. Perhaps because they'd ordered a couple's set, a large bouquet of crimson roses was included in the delivery.

Chu Li took the flowers, standing awkwardly by the side, while Jing Baiyuan took the food and rolled up his sleeves to set up the dinner.

There wasn't even a vase in the place. Chu Li, holding the flowers clumsily, followed Jing Baiyuan into the kitchen.

As Jing Baiyuan arranged the dishes, he looked up and saw Chu Li standing beside him. The blooming roses obscured his face, making his movements resemble an awkward penguin.

He couldn't help but laugh. "You can put the flowers in the bedroom. There's a vase over there."

"The bedroom?" Chu Li tilted his head with difficulty, looking at Jing Baiyuan.

Jing Baiyuan pointed upstairs.

So, Chu Li carried the flowers and walked upstairs.

There were several bedrooms upstairs. Chu Li inspected two before finding the master bedroom.

Like the rest of the downstairs area, the master bedroom was fully decorated, but the mattress was bare without bedding, and there were no signs of habitation.

On an empty table by the window stood a white porcelain vase.

Chu Li walked over, placed the roses on the table, picked up the vase, and fetched some water from the bathroom.

After inserting each rose one by one, he turned to leave but paused at the doorway, glancing back at the roses on the windowsill.

The room's emptiness accentuated the solitude of the vase.

After a moment's thought, he returned to retrieve the vase and took it downstairs.

In the first floor dining room, Jing Bai Yuanting had just finished setting the table. Seeing Chu Li carry the vase down, he intuitively cleared space in the center of the table, allowing Chu Li to place the vase smoothly.

Miraculously, the bare house seemed to warm up with the addition of the rose bouquet.

"Let's eat," said Jing Bai Yuanting as he fetched utensils for Chu Li.

Despite the intention to mark, Chu Li hesitated when the moment finally arrived.

He couldn't recall what the marking process entailed anymore. That fateful night, all memories were shattered by the intensity of their passion.

From the scarce fragments that remained, the memory of being marked was terrifying – it was painful, overwhelming, and filled with an irresistible dominance. These combined sensations made it difficult for him to accept another marking without trepidation.

Although he understood that this "marking" was different from the previous one.

Jing Baiyuan was no longer in a state of primal frenzy; he wouldn't harm him.

The meal proved to be an excruciatingly slow affair.

Knowing what would follow after dinner, Chu Li began to subconsciously prolong the meal. They started with casual conversation, but as time went on, only the sounds of utensils against plates punctuated the silence.

It felt like an eternity had passed... or perhaps it was just a long while. Finally, Chu Li put down his chopsticks with a steely determination, declaring, "I'm full."

Jing Baiyuan had finished eating much earlier and had been watching him quietly the whole time.

Hearing this, he cast another deep glance at him.

Chu Li didn't dare to look back, instead, he started to tidy up the table in silence.

But Jing Baiyuan stopped him, "Let me do it. You go upstairs and freshen up. There's only one bathroom here, so we'll have to take turns."

"Oh..." Wasn't this like a pig being washed clean before being served on a customer's plate?

What was even scarier was that the pig had to wash itself.

With a defeated air, Chu Li climbed the stairs. Standing on the staircase, he couldn't help but turn back and ask, "Are you sure you don't need my help?"

The pig didn't want to be slaughtered just yet.

Jing Baiyuan replied, "Go ahead. There are some spare clothes in the bedroom, all new, feel free to wear any of them."

Chu Li: "..."

Chu Li had no choice but to go and freshen up.

He went to the master bedroom where the vase was placed and opened the wardrobe. Indeed, there were many clothes, but they were all too long for him.

This reminded him of that night in the alley when he had rummaged through a pile of blood-stained clothes to find something he could wear... It was eerily similar to the current situation.

After searching for a while, he dragged out a cotton short-sleeved shirt. It was extremely long, almost reaching his knees when he held it up to measure.

It should be able to serve as a nightshirt, he thought.

With the shirt in hand, Chu Li entered the bathroom.

As expected, he took a long shower, nearly an hour and a half. It felt as if he had scrubbed away a layer of skin. When he finally emerged from the bathroom, the room was empty.

Sitting on the bed for a while, Chu Li felt something was amiss.

Why hasn't Jing Baiyuan come in yet?

He waited a bit more, but growing impatient, he eventually left the bedroom.

Descending to the first floor, he found Jing Baiyuan emerging from the kitchen with a kettle. His hair was slightly damp, and he had changed into fresh clothes.

Evidently, he had already taken a bath.

Chu Li was surprised. "How did you...?"

He quickly realized that Jing Baiyuan had deceived him.

There were multiple bathrooms here, and he must have washed up elsewhere.

Why?

Jing Baiyuan walked over to Chu Li and handed him the water flask, which contained warm water.

Yet, Chu Li asked, "Why?"

Jing Baiyuan sighed and reached out to touch Chu Li's half-dry hair. "Little Li, you're too tense."

Perhaps the previous marking left a shadow on him, causing him to behave as if he was being coerced.

Jing Baiyuan desperately wanted to mark his Omega, but he wouldn't go so far as to disregard the Omega's feelings.

Chu Li's reactions always made him feel like the ultimate villain.

Although it was thrilling to ponder, he decided against it.

Jing Baiyuan said, "Go upstairs and sleep. I'll send you back to school tomorrow."

Chu Li: "…"

With his head lowered from Jing Baiyuan's touch, Chu Li's nose tingled, on the verge of tears.

Suddenly, he felt deeply wronged.

But then he thought, what right did he have to feel wronged?

It was he who had initiated the idea of marking Jing Baiyuan, only to backtrack in the end. Jing Baiyuan hadn't coerced him; instead, he had considerately given him space and even offered not to mark him at all.

But he hadn't meant it… He genuinely wanted Jing Baiyuan to mark him before leaving.

It was just that everything had unfolded too swiftly.

Rebirth or transmigration, the transformation of the little Li Hua Cat into a human, and his interactions with Jing Baiyuan - everything had happened too swiftly.

He felt like a hamster on an automated wheel, constantly running without a moment's respite. Any moment of distraction could send him tumbling off the wheel.

Life and reality had never granted him the luxury of choice; many decisions were coerced by time and circumstance, leaving him no option but to follow through.

He had always appeared composed, whether facing Peng Zihao or Chu Heyang, showcasing his strong side as if everything was under control.

Yet, he was confronting an entirely unfamiliar world.

Who could comprehend the astonishment he felt when he discovered that this world had six distinct genders?

He genuinely wanted to try getting along with Jing Baiyuan.

Not solely because he was the little Li Hua Cat, but also because during their time together, Jing Baiyuan exuded an innate sense of calmness that deeply captivated him.

It was as if being around this person allowed him to let his guard down, be lazy, feel weary, and slack off... But they had known each other for too short a time. Even though he had many visions of their future together, they were just fantasies for now.

Why did Jing Baiyuanting have to leave in such a hurry? Why couldn't he stay by his side a little longer?

Though these thoughts lingered, he knew deep down that there was no choice but to let him go.

Jing Baiyuanting's reasons for leaving were far more significant than his own inexplicable emotions.

Chu Li sniffled, quickly pulling himself out of the labyrinth of feelings. He softly apologized to Jing Baiyuanting before picking up the water kettle and heading towards the bedroom.

Jing Baiyuanting watched him from behind, feeling a bit anxious but unsure how to handle the situation.

Should he call Ya Lan for advice?

But the matter of marking... It was best left unsaid. Ya Lan would surely tease him about it.

Tease him for not being able to handle his own Omega.

Yet, seeing the emotions in Chu Li's eyes, Jing Baiyuanting genuinely didn't want to pressure him.

He was still too hasty.

It was himself who was too hasty.

Back in the hospital when Jing Baiyuan had proposed the marking, he should have refused him right then and there.

But recalling Chu Li's expression at that time, Jing Baiyuan found himself unable to utter a single word of refusal.

There was even a trace of unacknowledged anticipation within him.

Seems like he wasn't as calm as he imagined himself to be, capable of maintaining composure at all times.

At this moment, he was far from composed.

Jing Baiyuan forced a bitter smile, turning to lie on his side.

---

That night, Chu Li didn't have a peaceful sleep.

At times, he dreamed of returning to his previous life, where a doctor stood by his bedside, telling him that he didn't have much time left and to eat whatever he desired.

Other times, he dreamt of Jing Baiyuan taking him into space, narrating tales from his past in the Expeditionary Force amidst the vast expanse of stars...

But then the scene shifted, and he found himself standing at a wedding in a white bridal gown, with Peng Zihao's face as the groom, yet with Shu Chenghang's voice.

Chu Li jolted awake, disoriented as he wriggled under the covers before realizing it was all just a dream.

Thankfully, it was only a dream.

If it were real, he'd rather be dead.

In the unfamiliar darkness of the room, silence reigned. Chu Li turned over, finding it difficult to fall back asleep. Suddenly, the door creaked open slightly.

The scene was eerily reminiscent of the past when Little Li Hua Cat would sneak into his dormitory in the middle of the night.

Half-asleep, Chu Li instinctively called out, "Little Li Hua Cat, is that you?"

"..."

Jing Baiyuan, standing at the entrance, suddenly froze.

It was already late at night, yet he had been unable to sleep.

Just now, while working, he had suddenly experienced a palpitation. He had risen from his seat and started pacing in the room, unintentionally ending up in front of Chu Li's door.

The door wasn't closed, leaving a narrow slit open.

The familiar scene reminded him of the moments when he was transformed into a cat, back then he would often sneak into Chu Li's room in the middle of the night.

After that, Chu Li had stopped closing his door, allowing him free access.

Without much thought, Jing Baiyuan pushed the door open. Before he could step in, he heard Chu Li's voice from within.

With a drowsy tone, the voice sounded almost like a plea for attention.

Automatically, Jing Baiyuan replied, "It's me."

There was a brief silence in the room before that same, sleepy voice continued, "Little Li Hua Cat, come here... come here..."

Jing BaiyuanYuanting: "..."

Did Chu Li fall asleep or not?

Jing BaiyuanYuanting felt himself losing control again.

Nonetheless, he still entered the room. The dim light from the hallway illuminated half of Chu Li's face, buried in the blankets as he lay on the inner side of the bed, leaving a large empty space on the outer side.

Probably sensing Jing BaiyuanYuanting's presence, he patted the spot next to him habitually, "Come, climb up."

He treated him like a cat again.

Suddenly, Jing BaiyuanYuanting felt a bit envious of his feline self.

He tucked the corners of Chu Li's blanket and whispered, "You were drowsy and left the door open. I'm leaving now."

Just as Jing BaiyuanYuanting was about to withdraw his hand, his wrist was seized.

Looking back at the bed, Chu Li still maintained his half-asleep state, his face still buried in the bedding without lifting it up.

However, his voice was much clearer, tinged with a hint of reproach. "Why did you come up?"

Jing Baiyuan: "You're not asleep?"

Chu Li held onto his wrist slightly tighter.

Jing Baiyuan fell silent for a moment before settling on the edge of the bed. He spoke softly, "I'll stay with you. Go to sleep."

Chu Li: "..."

---

The room fell silent once again. Neither of them spoke, but their pheromones intertwined in the air.

After Chu Li bathed, he didn't have the habit of wearing an Omega suppressant patch or an Alpha collar. Jing Baiyuan's inhibitor had also been washed off. Although the pheromones of an Alpha and Omega after being marked weren't as intense, their subtle fusion was more harmonious.

When both of their pheromones filled the room without interfering with each other, they inevitably blended together.

It was a peculiar sensation. Despite neither of them moving nor speaking, they seemed to be 'communicating' with each other.

The sensations and explorations that words couldn't capture were conveyed through their pheromones.

Chu Li's pheromones were cautious, like a snail within its shell, extending a single tentacle after much hesitation to touch Jing Baiyuan's. However, it quickly retreated.

Jing Baiyuan's pheromones, on the other hand, were composed and patient. No matter when Chu Li's tentacle reached out, they would promptly catch it, offering comfort.

As their slow and gradual interactions increased, the atmosphere shifted once more.

Each encounter induced a tingling sensation. At first, it was uncomfortable, but soon, it became addictive. This feeling urged Chu Li to constantly extend his 'tentacles' to explore Jing Baiyuan.

This addiction was mutual. As emotions intensified, Jing Baiyuan's composure began to waver.

After Chu Li stretched out his 'tentacle' once again, Jing Baiyuan, unable to contain himself, released a flood of pheromones, enveloping Chu Li entirely.

In that instant, Chu Li, lying in bed, let out a muffled groan, no longer able to pretend to be asleep. He rolled over, his face flushed red.

Unbeknownst to him, the smart lights in the hallway had turned off, leaving only the soft moonlight filtering in from the window. Jing Baiyuan leaned down, gently drawing closer to Chu Li, "You don't want me to leave, do you?"

The intertwining of pheromones continued, making it difficult for Chu Li to retreat back into his shell. Under the moonlight, he gazed at Jing Baiyuan.

His emerald eyes were filled with sincerity.

Suddenly, Chu Li was no longer afraid. He beckoned Jing Baiyuan with his finger, and as the latter approached, Chu Li reached out to wrap his arms around his neck, nestling himself into his embrace.

Upon doing so, Chu Li trembled slightly.

This feeling was so unfamiliar... but... so addictive.

"When will you return after leaving?"

A few months? Half a year? A year?

Or perhaps even longer.

A deep sense of guilt surged within Jing Baiyuan. He entwined his fingers with Chu Li's, "I'm sorry."

He had no idea when he would be able to come back.

Chu Li tightened his grip on the hand they held together.

The room was spacious, but the space between them felt cramped. Their breaths intertwined, and even in silence, it seemed as if they could hear each other's hearts beating.

For the first time, Jing Baiyuan felt that he shouldn't continue his close relationship with Chu Li. The expeditionary force was always engaged in the most perilous tasks. Not only were there enemies to contend with, but there were also hidden arrows lurking behind, ready to strike at any moment. One misstep, and one might never return.

Perhaps he should let Chu Li go, severing their connection—no, this thought was swiftly dismissed by Jing Baiyuan himself.

He was not willing to let go.

Feeling Jing Baiyuan's grip tightening, Chu Li winced and looked up in surprise. "Jing Bai?"

Jing Baiyuan leaned in, his voice low and firm. "Call me by my name."

"What?"

"Name."

Chu Li: "Yuanting?"

"Yes," Jing Baiyuan replied softly. "Jing is my father's surname, Bai is my mother's, and Yuanting is my given name."

"Hmm…" Chu Li sounded a little aggrieved. "You never mentioned it before."

Jing Baiyuan said, "I'm sorry."

He gently embraced Chu Li. "I'll tell you everything from now on."

Jing Baiyuan's words calmed Chu Li down a bit. He stroked Chu Li's head and whispered, "Go to sleep."

Chu Li held onto Jing Baiyuan's collar, closed his eyes, but found himself unable to fall asleep. After a moment, he opened his eyes and said, "Tell me something about the Expeditionary Force, anything."

It was the first time Chu Li had heard the term 'Expeditionary Force,' and it had come from the boy who sat in front of him in class.

Back then, the Expeditionary Force was just a distant name to him. Even when the boy in front of him spoke of it with great admiration, Chu Li couldn't grasp its significance.

But now, the Expeditionary Force was intimately connected to his life.

Jing Baiyuan, however, was taken aback by the question.

The matter of the Expeditionary Force... Their days were spent wandering abroad, either monotonously dull or fraught with peril – neither of which seemed suitable as a bedtime story.

But then he recalled Chu Li's uneasiness earlier. Perhaps it was because he had spoken too little about his life that it had caused Chu Li's anxiety.

Jing Baiyuan began to rack his brains, searching for something that wasn't terrifying yet could be shared.

"The Expeditionary Force, huh..."

Author's Note:

Thank you all for the birthday wishes - I love you all!