Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Temporary Marking.

It refers to an Alpha intentionally leaving their pheromones on an Omega through specific physical contact.

A temporary marking typically lasts three to five days. If the Alpha is especially strong, it could last up to a week. However, it’s not permanent and will fade over time.

...Still, a temporary marking is a marking nonetheless.

It’s a mark of subtle intimacy.

When Bai Chen made this small request, he didn’t overthink it.

It was simply because they were about to appear on a show.

For the banquet and earlier events, it was fine, but now, without even a trace of Xie Yilin’s scent on him, it would raise suspicions.

So, despite the delicacy of an Omega making such a request, he still asked.

Xie Yilin’s gaze darkened slightly.

He quickly understood Bai Chen’s reasoning.

In the confined space, with no escape and the person so near, the Alpha could easily pull the Omega into his arms.

*Mark him.*

Xie Yilin paused, hesitating.

Thinking Xie Yilin had reservations, Bai Chen leaned closer, blinked, and slightly removed his coat, exposing his slender neck and the faintly bulging gland.

He tried to sound professional and focused, urging in a low voice, "Your Highness?"

As he lowered his head, he turned away, missing the dark look in the Alpha’s eyes.

Xie Yilin’s throat bobbed slightly.

As if entranced, he stepped closer.

His imposing frame pressed closer, his chest now flush against Bai Chen’s slim back. Through the thin fabric, waves of warmth radiated between them. Bai Chen realized, belatedly, that he might have made a mistake.

What exactly was wrong...

He froze instinctively, but Xie Yilin pressed closer, his strong arm wrapping around Bai Chen’s waist. Bai Chen tensed, fighting the urge to pull away.

Way too close.

Though they’d hugged face-to-face before, this time, with the Alpha hugging him from behind, something felt off.

He wanted to dodge.

But the Alpha’s movements were very slow.

Xie Yilin raised his right hand, his fingertips touching that spot, gently stroking it.

Not very noticeable, but slightly bulging, like a smooth little mound, seamlessly integrated with the surroundings, completely indistinguishable, not at all like one of the Omega’s most important organs.

At this close distance, a faint, subtle scent finally reached him, seeping deep into his heart.

The air was filled with the scent of sweet oranges.

It appeared sweet, and it truly was. But with careful, deliberate sips, one would find that besides the sweetness that filled the mouth, heart, and eyes, there was also a hint of hidden sourness.

So, it was a blend of sour and sweet.

It was utterly delectable.

Just a whiff could conjure images of branches heavy with fruit under the sunlight, or the fragrant sweetness that fills the room when a ripe fruit is cut open.

Biting into it would surely reveal even more delightful flavors.

The Alpha's cool gray eyes darkened once again.

A faintly bitter patchouli aroma wafted from Xie Yilin, perfectly filling the entire space, firmly hiding away the sweet and sour scent.

Bai Chen waited anxiously, but Xie Yilin hesitated. Impatience crept in, his earlobes flushing a deep crimson, and his tone became hesitant: "Your, Your Highness?"

Why isn't he marking me already?

Didn't they explain it clearly in physiology class? It's supposed to be straightforward...

...That's right, Bai Chen was an excellent student in school, even paying close attention in physiology class.

Finally, Xie Yilin pressed his shoulder, tilting his head slightly.

Bai Chen held his breath, anticipation hanging in the air. Then, he froze.

Cool lips grazed his gland briefly before pulling away.

It was too fleeting.

The slight warmth at his gland was the only proof it wasn't an illusion.

Was that... a temporary mark?

Bai Chen pushed down the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind, quickly moved away, and put his coat back on.

The temporary mark worked almost instantly. Within seconds, he caught a faint trace of Xie Yilin's pheromones on his skin. Soon, the scent would peak and then fade like a parabola.

Then, another mark would be necessary.

The air in the car grew even more charged.

In the corner, the Alpha's fingers twitched slightly.

"Knock knock knock..."

"Your Highness? Mr. Bai Chen?"

Xiao Ling's voice came from the front: "We've arrived at the TV station."

Time had flown by.

Unaware of how much time had passed, Bai Chen hurriedly straightened up and exited the car. Song Lei, who had been waiting, rushed over as soon as he saw Bai Chen: "Have you done your makeup and hair? Did you do it yourself? Let me take a look in the makeup room later..."

He suddenly exclaimed: "Bai Chen, what's wrong with your ears? Are you hurt? Why are they so red?"

Bai Chen: ...Ugh, seriously.

If this weren't his own agent, he would really want him to shut up right now.

He pretended not to hear and changed the subject: "Have the other guests arrived?"

"They're here, they're here..." Song Lei, being a Beta, couldn't pick up on the change in his scent. Xiao Ling walked over too, but before he could get close to Bai Chen, he suddenly recoiled and stepped back.

"Mr. Bai, you..."

He was briefly surprised, quickly regained his composure, and then his mood turned a bit complicated.

Song Lei, confused, whispered, "What's up? Did something happen on the way?"

"Not really..."

Hearing this, Xiao Ling casually replied, "Nothing happened. The buns were just really good."

Song Lei: ...

The studio was just ahead, and Bai Chen followed Xie Yilin inside—obviously, there was a brief pause inside.

It was because of Xie Yilin.

His presence instantly made the studio atmosphere tense. Even though the TV station had been told to treat His Highness the Crown Prince like any other guest, someone behind a camera on the second floor was still keeping an eye on things, just in case.

But Xie Yilin was really just here to record the show.

He and Bai Chen walked in one after the other. The latter flashed a professional smile, his dimples instantly dazzling everyone present, who couldn't help but think: Regardless of anything else, the Omega chosen by His Highness the Crown Prince was definitely easy on the eyes.

The director quickly came over to guide them personally, and the newlyweds took their seats in the main spots. Xie Yilin's cold gaze swept around, making everyone feel like he was looking right at them, instinctively stiffening. He lightly tapped the armrest and said casually, "Let's begin."

"Alright, alright..."

The director stepped back, and the staff came forward, nervously going over the day's schedule again. Then, the other two pairs of guests came over and bowed to Xie Yilin.

One pair was Xin Yu and Han Yunyun. Han Yunyun, a female Beta, was a former girl group member who switched to being a singer-songwriter after her engagement; her fiancé, Alpha Xin Yu, was a well-known comic artist who'd won a bunch of awards in recent years.

The other pair was Cheng Ziang and Tang Congyun, married for three years. Alpha Cheng Ziang was a tennis player from the sports world who'd also won a lot of awards, with a fan base as big as any celebrity's; Omega Tang Congyun was from the fashion industry, having worked as a model and now running a gallery, also dabbling in the art world.

Among them, Cheng Ziang and Tang Congyun came from good families, with Cheng Ziang set to inherit a baronetcy. So, when paying respects to Xie Yilin, he performed an ancient noble ritual.

From the guest lineup, it was obvious the program had been carefully put together.

Xin Yu and Han Yunyun were still in the pre-marital dating phase; Cheng Ziang and Tang Congyun had gotten past the initial marital adjustment but still had plenty of passion.

As for Xie Yilin and Bai Chen... naturally, they were the picture of newlywed bliss.

All four were prominent figures with excellent images and temperaments, a delight to behold—and with Xie Yilin and Bai Chen's arrival, the average attractiveness was further elevated, making them a walking scenic line.

The promotional materials had already been arranged, so today they directly proceeded to the self-introduction filming, with plans to shoot some daily footage at each guest's home in the afternoon.

Bai Chen was taken aback: Wait, his home? Xie Yilin was still staying in the guest room?

His gaze wandered, and he couldn't help but glance at Xie Yilin sitting beside him. The latter, as if knowing what he was thinking, suddenly reached out and gently pressed the back of his hand.

"We won't go there."

The Alpha's gaze was calm, instantly calming Bai Chen. Sure enough, the staff nearby were quietly assigning vehicles, saying only two cars would be dispatched.

Because...

Well, they didn’t manage to obtain permission to film inside the palace.

Back then, everyone assumed Bai Chen and Xie Yilin would move into the palace after getting married. No one had expected that His Highness the Crown Prince would go against the norm and actually settle in the Omega’s residence outside the palace.

As luck would have it, this segment was skipped. The director brushed it off, using it as a gimmick for a mysterious guest.

The first two couples quickly finished filming, and finally, it was Xie Yilin and Bai Chen’s turn to take the stage.

Xie Yilin’s self-introduction was extremely concise, in his typical fashion. The man sat with a straight back, exuding an indescribable solemnity despite the cozy pastel sofa. Facing numerous cameras, he spoke calmly.

“Xie Yilin, active-duty military officer of the Empire, rank of General.”

The camera gave him a close-up.

The handsome Alpha had striking cool gray eyes, like ancient rocks beneath mountain snow—cold, hard, and aloof, making him intimidating and hard to approach. The director clicked his tongue in secret, worrying about the show’s impact.

Then, right beside him, Bai Chen spoke with a smile.

…Sunlight suddenly appeared on the snow.

“Hi everyone, I’m Bai Chen, and I’m 21 years old.”

“I’m an actor by profession, a homebody by choice, and my favorite hobby is sleeping.”

“Also…”

The Omega’s dimples deepened, his beautiful black eyes sparkling with joy. He clasped his hands together and tilted slightly to the left, as if signaling something, his eyes curving as he said, “This is my newlywed husband.”

“His Highness Xie Yilin.”

“As of today, we’ve been married for a week!”

The entire staff was stunned: ???

Where can you find such an adorable Omega like this? Urgent, online request!