Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Unexpectedly, he still wants to act as my father behind my back!

"Umm... Well..." Chu Li stammered for a while but couldn't articulate anything coherent.

He felt that with Jing Baiyuan's experience and perceptiveness, he must have already noticed the issue.

However, Jing Baiyuan didn't press him for more details. He just continued with his tasks at hand, maintaining his casual demeanor.

Chu Li sensed that Jing Baiyuan might not wish to delve deeper into the matter. After some thought, he said, "It was... I was in a daze back then, so my memory isn't too clear."

"No problem," Jing Baiyuan replied. "I won't leave you alone in the hospital again. Although I'm often away and can't frequently return, if you encounter any issues, tell me, and I'll do my best to come back as soon as possible."

"..."

Upon hearing these words, it would be a lie to say that Chu Li wasn't touched.

When Chu Li didn't see this person, his mind would wander, and he pessimistically assessed their relationship.

But the moment Jing Baiyuan appeared before him, he was like a stabilizing needle in a turbulent sea, clearing away all of Chu Li's chaotic thoughts.

After spending most of the day tidying up the house, Jing Baiyuan called a restaurant to order some food.

After being cooped up in the room for so long, Chu Li was finally able to have a proper meal. He nearly swallowed the plate itself, leaving Jing Baiyuan feeling rather helpless. Eventually, Jing Baiyuan stopped eating himself, choosing instead to watch Chu Li eat while helping to fill his plate.

The next morning, the two of them went out to handle the household registration process.

Jing Baiyuan wore a mask when they left, but Chu Li still felt that he could easily be recognized. However, Jing Baiyuan reassured him, "I don't come back often, and few people outside know what I look like... Don't worry, as long as they don't catch me in person, it's fine if we get photographed."

After all, with the current advancements in cosmetic surgery, it wasn't uncommon for a couple of people to look identical.

Chu Li trusted Jing Baiyuan's judgment, so he nodded without asking further questions.

As they approached the entrance of the household registration office, Jing Baiyuan suddenly asked, "If you leave the Chu family, you'll have nowhere to go. Would... would you like to come live with me?"

Chu Li had no idea what this entailed, but without hesitation, he replied, "Sure."

Jing Baiyuan Yuanting: "..."

"Get out of the car first," Jing Baiyuan Yuanting said, feeling like he was deceiving an innocent child with Chu Li's unwavering trust. He then opened the car door for him.

Chu Li was still unaware that he had just sealed his fate. Escaping the Chu family was something he had longed for, and after today, he would have no ties to them whatsoever.

Therefore, he happily followed Jing Baiyuan Yuanting into the registry office.

Ya Lan had already taken care of all the preliminary procedures, so they only needed to submit the documents today. The staff at the registry office were efficient, swiftly transferring Chu Li's registration out of his original family. However, when it came time to establish a new one, they asked, "Where would you like the new registration to be?"

It was possible for Chu Li to register as an independent household, which was Jing Baiyuan Yuanting's initial plan.

But at the last moment, he changed his mind and said, "Under Jing Baiyuan Yuanting's name."

"Jing Baiyuan Yuanting?" The staff member paused slightly, looking up at Jing Baiyuan Yuanting.

Jing Baiyuan Yuanting presented the documents and explained, "These are the general's credentials..."

"..."

The man finally realized that it was someone else's business, but... who was this person? And why did they want to register under Jing Baiyuan's name?

The staff member then looked at Chu Li and noticed how fair and handsome he was, an Omega.

In an instant, his mind filled with all sorts of chaotic stories.

Although he was eager to ask, he knew the rules of conduct here and refrained from asking too many questions.

However, his gaze lingered on Chu Li.

Even Chu Li, who was somewhat slow to pick up on social cues, sensed it.

The staff member worked efficiently, completing all the procedures within half an hour.

Exiting the registry office, Jing Baiyuan asked, "Will they cause you trouble for suddenly transferring your registration?"

Chu Li replied, "I... I'm not sure. I've blocked them already."

When he said he was cutting ties with the Chu family, he meant it. Whatever the other party did, it would no longer bother him in the slightest.

"..." Jing Baiyuan Yuanting cast him a longer glance due to his words.

Chu Li felt a bit guilty and grumbled softly, "What's the matter... I'm just being impartial like this!"

After all, it was the original owner they had adopted, not him.

The original owner had summoned him precisely because he couldn't make the tough decision and sever ties with this family, so he wanted Chu Li to do it for him!

But Jing Baiyuan Yuanting chuckled. At this moment, Chu Li resembled a puffed-up kitten, trying to muster courage and appear strong, unaware that to an observer, such intimidation was merely endearing.

However, it was good that Chu Li knew how to protect himself.

Jing Baiyuan Yuanting ruffled his hair and said, "There's nothing wrong with that."

Chu Li glared at him. This pat on the head always made Chu Li feel like he was a child in Jing Baiyuan Yuanting's eyes.

Hmph, what a child.

What happened yesterday wasn't how one would treat a child.

Chu Li ignored him and got into the car, facing away from Jing Baiyuan. Jing Baiyuan, or Bai Yuanting, tried to soothe him – he didn't seem angry, but rather was pouting like a spoiled child.

How adorable.

Chu Li returned home with Jing Baiyuan.

Jing Baiyuan didn't leave that day and stayed another day to accompany him, preparing an extravagant dinner for him.

After dinner, Jing Baiyuan washed the dishes in the kitchen, while Chu Li lounged on the sofa, feeling lazy.

In the past few days, Chu Li had become overly indulged under Jing Baiyuan's care. Although he knew it wasn't right to leave all the chores to Jing Baiyuan, he still couldn't muster the energy to get up and help.

At the same time, he criticized himself inwardly but found an excuse – after all, he had just gone through his rut, and his body hadn't fully recovered yet… so, let him slack off for a few more days.

With this thought, Chu Li despised himself even more.

What was going on? He previously didn't quite understand the dynamics between himself and Jing Baiyuan. Why did his return make him so dependent on him?

Could it really be the effect of that rutting phase?

Indeed, after spending seven days with Jing Baiyuan, he had come to understand everything about the man, from his familiarity to his secrets.

On the surface, Jing Baiyuan appeared reserved and obedient, but in bed, he was an entirely different story! Chu Li could keenly sense the burning desires and primal nature within him. Many times, Chu Li had pleaded for him to stop, yet Jing Baiyuan refused to cease.

He insisted on pushing Chu Li to the brink of surrender, leaving him weeping uncontrollably...

Lost in thought, Chu Li's mind wandered for a long while, his cheeks flushing red as he abruptly snapped back to reality, covering his face in embarrassment.

Goodness, what was he thinking?

Was it possible that, as others said, their relationship had changed once they shared a bed? But he and Jing Baiyuan had already...

Forget it, forget it. He had to admit, being under the sway of desire was indeed intoxicating.

Wasn't it okay if he admitted to being conquered by desire?

No longer daring to laze on the sofa, Chu Li activated his personal terminal and delved into the work he had missed during his absence.

When he daydreamed, he truly let his imagination run wild; when it came to studying and working, he was just as genuinely focused. In no time, he pushed Alpha Jing Baiyuan and all his thoughts to the far corners of his mind.

When Jing Baiyuan returned from the kitchen, he found Chu Li sitting on the sofa with a slightly furrowed brow, attentively watching a classroom recording and taking notes.

Not wanting to disturb him, Jing Baiyuan went upstairs to tidy up.

By the time they were both finished, it was already close to nine in the evening. Considering Chu Li's condition, Jing Baiyuan came downstairs to summon him.

Just as Chu Li's lesson ended, he stretched and instinctively reached out for Jing Baiyuan.

During these past seven days, Jing Baiyuan had carried him up and down the stairs due to his limited mobility. The strength that Jing Baiyuan had developed in the military wasn't just for the bedroom.

Holding him horizontally, his arms remained unwavering even when Chu Li struggled desperately. This sense of security brought immense comfort to Chu Li.

Having grown accustomed to being carried over the past week, he subconsciously reached out again. Upon seeing Jing Baiyuan approach, Chu Li snapped back to reality, blushing profusely as he quickly said, "Forget it, forget it, I can walk by myself..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Jing Baiyuan had already bent down to lift him up. His muscular chest pressed against Chu Li's side, allowing him to feel the steady thump of Jing Baiyuan's heartbeat and the overpowering scent of his Alpha pheromones surrounding him.

Chu Li nestled in Jing Baiyuan's embrace like a little rabbit.

Blushing again, he leaned against Jing Baiyuan and whispered, "I can walk now."

Jing Baiyuan, however, replied, "I want to hold you."

"..."

Help, why did he say such a thing?

How could Chu Li possibly refuse after he said that?

Unable to reject the gesture, Chu Li allowed Jing Baiyuan to carry him upstairs.

He wasn't wearing shoes, and his delicate, fair legs dangled mid-air, even the protrusion of his ankle appearing refined. Today, the bedroom had a dark-colored bedsheet, and upon being placed on it, Chu Li's skin appeared dazzlingly white. Jing Baiyuan stood by the bedside, maintaining his bent-over posture without moving. Feeling uncomfortable, Chu Li shifted, causing the thin short-sleeved shirt to ride up slightly, revealing clear markings.

They were fingerprints.

Chu Li said, "I'm thirsty. I want some water."

Upon finishing his sentence, Jing Baiyuan didn't move. Confused, Chu Li boldly and recklessly kicked Jing Baiyuan's hand with his foot.

Gentle toes slightly splayed, as if whispering a secret to an unseen listener.

Jing Baiyuan stood silently, straightening up to fetch water downstairs, while Chu Li, oblivious to any impending danger, lay sprawled on the bed, chatting with his deskmate, Yuan Tan.

Yuan Tan was indeed an exceptional deskmate. During Chu Li's absence, he diligently recorded lessons daily and sent them to Chu Li, ensuring he didn't miss a single class.

Chu Li's relationship with this person had been rather casual, but the other's initiative in getting closer and looking after his pet Li Hua Cat - even if, from what he knew, the care might have been minimal - had touched him deeply. He was particularly grateful, resolving to treat Yuan Tan to a meal upon his return.

As he bit his nails, contemplating how to express his gratitude to Yuan Tan, Jing Baiyuan returned with the water.

Chu Li's relaxed posture meant that the moment Jing Baiyuan opened the door, he caught sight of him sprawled on the bed, his fair legs raised, and the curve of his buttocks boldly catching his gaze.

Jing Baiyuan: "..."

His Adam's apple bobbed, and he carried the water towards the bedside.

Unaware of the scene he presented, Chu Li turned for the water without properly sitting up. Twisting his body into a knot, his clothes rode up, revealing those telltale marks once more.

Jing Baiyuan, unable to endure it further, spoke sternly, "Get up and sit properly."

With a bewildered expression, Chu Li opened his eyes wide and looked innocently at Jing Baiyuan Ting.

He had never been scolded like this before! Previously, he could only witness such parenting through television shows!

Jing Baiyuan Ting, what's with you? You seem like an old-fashioned relic, yet you secretly want to act as my father?

As Chu Li grumbled inwardly, he obediently got up to drink water.

After finishing the water, they each went to freshen up.

For the first time in recent days, Chu Li took care of his own grooming. Upon entering the bathroom and undressing, he examined the marks on his body meticulously.

Strangely, although the marks appeared frightening, they didn't actually hurt.

Due to the influence of pheromones, intimate activities between Alphas and Omegas were far more intense than those among Earthlings. Probably because of this, Omegas, despite their fragile bodies, possessed extraordinary healing abilities. These marks were likely just a minor matter in the world of Alphas and Omegas.

Not dwelling too much on it, Chu Li cleaned himself thoroughly and wrapped himself in a large bathrobe, carrying the moisture from the shower with him as he exited the bathroom.

The room was empty; Jing Baiyuan hadn't returned yet. Chu Li casually sprawled on the bed.

The bathrobe was loose, held together by a single sash around the waist. Feeling at ease in this house and with the assumption that he was alone, Chu Li relaxed his guard, allowing the sash to slip apart without paying it any attention. He continued chatting with Zhan Jiaqing and Liu Wei in their group chat.

Recently, another significant event had occurred at school – another Omega, besides Chu Li, had been permanently marked.

Out of curiosity, Chu Li asked about it and surprisingly discovered that the Omega in question was none other than Chu Heyang.

Didn't Chu Heyang break up with Shu Chengxing? Who did he permanently mark?

Although Liu Wei didn't speak much in real life, she was quick on her keyboard online: "I heard it's someone influential and wealthy. Even after being marked, he didn't leave the Omega Academy... but some teachers found it inappropriate since it's normal for Omegas to be permanently marked before marriage, especially since most students at the Omega Academy have reached marriageable age."

"Given what happened to you previously, everyone thinks it's quite normal now. No one is making a fuss. Just a few conservative teachers insisting that it breaks the rules, but they don't dare expel Chu Heyang. They're causing quite a stir right now."

Chu Li raised an eyebrow at this revelation. Why did it involve him?

However, he could understand the teachers' strong reactions. His case was merely an exception, a one-off situation that could be overlooked.

Besides, he himself was not someone to trifle with; no one wanted to get entangled in his affairs.

One instance might be negligible, but two indicated a breach in the school's rules, turning exceptions into the norm.

Given that Chu Li was absent, the one at the center of the storm naturally became Chu Heyang.

Upon hearing Liu Wei's description, Chu Li felt that Chu Heyang was mentally deranged, focusing on underhanded tactics to compete with him instead of attending to important matters.

Strangely, the original host was an adopted son in their family, and they all considered him inferior, unworthy of their "Yang Yang." Chu Heyang's status was significantly higher than the original host's.

Instead of aiming for a "higher goal," Chu Heyang was preoccupied with competing against someone they all despised – a rather unintelligent move, even from a self-serving perspective.

It could only be described as sheer stupidity.

This was a rotten melon, and Chu Li lost interest after taking a few bites.

His accidental bonding with Jing Baiyuan was unforeseen, and he knew it was his own carelessness that caused the trouble. Thankfully, fate had spared him encounters with scum, or else he would have been embroiled in endless complications... Yet, Chu Heyang saw this unintended bonding as a trend, eagerly pursuing it.

Incomprehensible, incomprehensible.

Forget it. There was no point trying to understand the abnormal through the lens of normalcy.

There's something wrong with his head.

Having confirmed this, Chu Li bid Liu Wei and the others farewell, turned off his personal terminal, rolled over, and prepared to slip under the covers.

Just as he was about to do so, the door opened, and Jing Baiyuanting entered.

He was met with the sight of Chu Li's attire wide open, revealing everything...

After enduring the whole night, Jing Baiyuanting could no longer hold back.