Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Naturally, Mother Bai had more to say.

She slowly said, "Because Bai Chen's father was in the military."

"He has already passed away; it happened many years ago."

Therefore, she didn't want her beloved child to follow the same path as her.

Bai Chen, like her, is an Omega, and Xie Yilin happens to be an Alpha.

An Omega who loses their Alpha, no matter how strong they are, suffers immensely.

It is a pain that words cannot describe, the pain of losing a loved one, a partner, a soulmate.

It feels like a large part of your heart has been torn away.

A wound that will never heal.

"I understand, Mother Bai must be an Omega, and the late Father Bai was an Alpha, right?"

"But could it also be a Beta?"

"Because the deep bond between an Omega and an Alpha, the lifelong mark, has such a profound impact."

"I suddenly understand Mother Bai's thoughts."

Bai Chen's smile was somewhat forced, "Mom..."

Before he could finish speaking, {White Mother} glanced at him, silently signaling him not to speak at that moment.

Bai Chen pursed his lips and fell silent.

But secretly, he also gripped Xie Yilin's hand firmly in return.

Beneath the cover of the dining table, their fingers intertwined, unseen by others. He was quietly reminding Xie Yilin, but what exactly he was reminding her of, he himself was confused.

Xie Yilin remained silent.

At such moments, he seemed to have no choice but to remain silent.

Bai Yinyi continued, "You are a soldier, I think you understand these matters without my elaboration, Your Highness."

Yes, Xie Yilin understood.

Otherwise he wouldn't have taken the initiative to propose a marriage agreement.

What he didn't expect, however, was that one day he would wish there had been no such agreement.

"As for not wanting the other party to be too powerful..."

Bai Yinyi didn't elaborate, simply stating, "Although Chen Chen is an actor and somewhat well-known, in my eyes, we are just an ordinary family."

"To live a simple and uneventful life is quite good."

"I can truly understand Mother Bai, completely."

"I feel like crying. My mother told me the same thing when I got married. She said I don't need to be rich, but just be healthy, happy and live a peaceful life..."

"Sniff, sniff, are all mothers in the world this good..."

"So Bai Chen's father is a martyr? Then Mrs. Bai and Bai Chen are dependents of a martyr."

The Empire treats the dependents of martyrs very well.

The chat was filled with sighs as Bai Yini had reached the turning point of her story.

She gave Xie Yilin a deep look, her gaze naturally drifting downward to catch sight of their hands clasped together under the table.

They were holding on tightly.

She had moments like that too.

So she could understand, but as a mother, she couldn't help but worry about her child.

Bai Yini said, "But, from a mother's perspective."

"I only wish for my child's happiness, and that he will never feel ashamed of his choices, no matter what."

"I will always support him."

Bai Chen's eyes glistened.

The Omega quietly turned away, hoping the camera wouldn't notice his moistening eyes too quickly. Beside him, Xie Yilin squeezed his hand firmly.

The emotions came quickly and left just as fast.

After all, it was all in the past. It didn't take long for Bai Chen to regain his composure.

Xie Yilin noted down a few things.

"Sniff, sniff, so touching, I'm already wiping away my tears..."

"I miss my mom, sniff, sniff..."

"Me too, I've already called her to tell her how much I love her..."

The production team quickly moved on to the next question.

The second question was also answered by White Mom.

"Do you have any life advice for married children?"

"Hmm."

White Mom smiled and said, "No."

"?? Did I hear that right? How can there be no advice?"

"White Mom looks like she has a wealth of life experience, why not share a bit? Could it be because she doesn't approve of them?"

"Don't be silly, what approval or disapproval. This is for Bai Chen, not for His Highness."

Bai Chen found it a bit strange too.

White Yini smiled and said, "Your life is yours to live. Why should you listen to me?"

She truly was an open-minded mother.

"I understand... sniffle sniffle, Mama Bai is really too kind."

"Indeed, sometimes when my dad lectures me on big principles, I can't take it in either. I have to hit a wall myself before I learn the lesson."

The next question was finally not answered by Mama Bai.

It was Bai Chen and Xie Yilin, who were asked to point out three flaws about each other.

"Here we go! The production team has finally started to stir things up!"

"Exactly, this episode was so heartwarming, I thought there wouldn't be any drama... hehehe..."

The camera then gave a close-up of Bai Chen.

The beautiful Omega, upon hearing the question, the dimple at the corner of his lips froze for a moment, looking less vibrant. Then, with a worried frown, he said, "Oh no, I can't answer this. What should I do?"

His eyes, bright and sparkling like little stars, looked directly into the camera and said, "His Highness is my idol."

"In the hearts of fans, how could an idol have any flaws?"

"Oh no, I'm falling for him! He's right! An idol is the best! Perfect!"

However, the production team had already anticipated his attempt to dodge the question.

The female director firmly stated, "No, this question must be answered."

"Well..."

Bai Chen thought hard for a moment, then blinked and said, "How about His Highness answers first?"

He kicked the ball straight across.

Xie Yilin: ...

Under everyone's gaze, the Crown Prince didn't seem as intimidating; instead, they were eagerly awaiting Xie Yilin's response.

Xie Yilin paused for a moment.

Alpha's expression remained somewhat indifferent, but with Bai Chen by his side, much of his coldness dissipated. His gray eyes softened noticeably when he looked at Bai Chen. After a brief silence, he spoke in a mild tone.

"The first flaw."

A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes, "Too cute."

"?????????"

"Murdered by a dog!!! Why is this happening!!!"

"Ahhh I'm dead, I'm dead!!! Too much! Too much! This is too much!!!"

"I can't bear to watch, why treat us single dogs like this! [Rage]"

"The second flaw."

Xie Yilin said calmly, "Too handsome."

"No, I can't watch anymore! I can't watch anymore! Who can help me control my hands and turn this off!"

"The third flaw..."

Xie Yilin paused slightly, as if in thought, or perhaps just choosing his words carefully.

Amidst the densely packed barrage of comments, he delivered his final line.

"…It’s really made my heart race."

At close range, Bai Chen’s face flushed red.

He was dumbfounded.

Ah, Mom is still here!

This is too… He didn’t need His Highness to be so cooperative!

"Help!!!"

"I’m never watching this show again, seriously."

"I can’t look at cold men the same way anymore!"

"I… I won’t say anything more, I’m already on the ground!"

Bai Yini drew in a sharp breath.

She never expected that… this Prince would be so good at this?

No wonder…

She glanced at her son, inwardly marveling. No wonder her mischievous son had been ensnared.

The young people these days really know how to play...

Bai Chen noticed his mother's teasing gaze and felt too embarrassed to lift his head.

He slightly wiggled his fingers, his voice barely audible: "Don't... don't do this..."

Xie Yilin's eyes twinkled with amusement again.

...Bai Chen looked even better when he blushed because of him.

And it made his heart race even more.

The staff could hardly hold back their laughter.

The female director pounded her chest a couple of times, forcing down the laughter she couldn't suppress, and hurriedly urged Bai Chen: "So, Bai Chen, have you thought of your answer yet?"

"I..."

Bai Chen steeled his resolve—come on, isn't this just showing affection? He can do it too!

Thus, Omega's eyes darted around before finally settling on Xie Yilin, and he smiled, saying: "I'll say it then."

"First, Your Highness is too strong."

"?? Which strength? That kind of strength?"

"The first one, if you can talk, talk more!"

"I'm just saying that when the teacher decided to retire from writing, I was the first to object!"

"How can being too strong be a flaw?" The female director firmly tried to plug the loophole and immediately followed up, "Bai Chen, this doesn't count."

It was one thing with His Highness earlier, but now Bai Chen as well... Should she say it's no surprise they're a couple? Both are so difficult to handle!

"Um, that's true."

Bai Chen had to explain, "Sometimes, when someone is too strong, people assume they don't need care or consideration."

"But in fact, His Highness is a very good person."

Xie Yilin's fingertips tightened again, his gray eyes flickering.

That familiar urge to hug him resurfaced.

"...I knew it, really, I knew it. His Highness's number one fan is definitely Bai Chen."

"Wah, my dear, do I still have a chance? Can Wife Chen give me a glance?"

The female director was at her wit's end, "Well... then what about the second flaw?"

"The second flaw..."

Bai Chen's dimples seemed filled with honey as he smiled, "His eye color, it's just too beautiful."

"Let it go, let it go, this is just beauty in the eyes of the beholder..."

"Ugh, I'm so conflicted. My mind tells me not to look, but my hands won't listen!"

Bai Yini shook her head helplessly, smiling at Bai Chen, who wasn't paying attention to her anymore because Xie Yilin's hand under the table had subtly caressed his palm.

Just like what Bai Chen did to Xie Yilin during the last National Day ceremony.

...His Highness the Crown Prince truly lives up to being the strongest Alpha; he learns things so quickly.

Bai Chen's face turned red, and he pretended nonchalantly, "The third flaw, um, it’s too comfortable to hold, always making me not want to let go."

"??? I misunderstood."

"I also misunderstood, naughty thoughts."

"Me too, ah, I heard someone has already made a sweet compilation of Chen Chen and His Highness! Go check it out on Z Station!"

"Chen Chen, my wife, hug me? I’m all soft bones!"

"Me, me, me! I have no bones at all!"

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Clearly, the female director had also misunderstood.

She could only sneak a glance at Bai Yinyi, noticing that Mother Bai wore a thoughtful expression.

Eh? It wasn’t what she imagined...

The female director composed herself and quickly switched the order, bringing up another question in advance.

"The fourth question, would both parties mind living with their elders in the future?"

"This is a good question, isn't it true that Bai Chen and His Highness haven’t moved into the palace yet?"

"Eh? But didn't they say that they already met the royal family at the palace that day?"

"That's just hearsay from passersby; the royal family hasn't issued any official statement."

"What kind of statement? Do you really think the emperor and his family would report to you every time they have a meal or a meeting? That's ridiculous."

In the chat, Bai Chen and His Highness's CP fans were fiercely quick to silence the discordant voices.

Bai Yinyi wasn't too concerned about this issue.

Her health wouldn't allow it either. In fact, living in a sanatorium like this, playing mahjong happily with old friends every day, and doing her own things, she found it quite pleasant.

Living together would be the real problem, making everyone unhappy.

Bai Chen said seriously, "I don't mind."

After all, that day would never come.

Xie Yilin, however, said, "I do mind."

"Ah?" The female director was surprised: "His Highness actually minds?"

What's going on? His Highness doesn't seem like someone who would lack tact, especially with Bai's mother sitting right across from him.

Bai Chen also looked over.

Under the gaze of several pairs of eyes, Xie Yilin calmly said, "If I were to live with Bai Chen's parents, I have no objections."

He left the second half unsaid.

Everyone was enlightened.

"Living with one's parents, no way."

"LOL, I've never heard such an answer before. I wonder if His Majesty the Emperor is watching this show?"

"His Highness must have done it on purpose! On purpose in front of Mother Bai!"

"Is His Highness worried that Bai Chen might feel uncomfortable in the palace? That makes sense; if it were me, I wouldn't last a day..."

The female director, still a bit confused, asked, "Why is that?"

Xie Yilin didn't answer but exchanged a glance with Bai Chen.

Bai Chen: Got it, got it, really, it's enough already.

Female Director: Understood, understood, from now on, I'll use this as my standard for finding a husband!

She envied them terribly and genuinely felt happy for the affectionate couple before her.

The next few questions were trivial, and the three of them answered them smoothly, making the process go well.

After lunch, they headed back directly. Entering the temple's courtyard, Mother Bai slowed her pace and suddenly became interested in a temple staff member who was tending to a flower pot, walking over to chat with him.

Seizing the opportunity, Bai Chen quickly signaled to Xie Yilin.

It was even a tactical gesture, meaning come, let's talk for a moment?

A smile flickered in Xie Yilin's eyes as he followed him out of the camera's view.

"…cough, cough."

Xie Yilin really came over, and Bai Chen hesitated again.

After all, the prince's performance just now was far beyond the standard. If he could give a score, it would definitely be 120.

So at this moment, Bai Chen wanted to speak but held back.

The atmosphere remained quiet for a while, with no one speaking.

After a long time, Omega lowered his head, staring at his feet, murmuring, "Actually, I don't even remember what Dad looked like anymore."

"He… at that time, I was probably around seven or eight years old."

He came home from school, excited to tell his mother that he had gotten first place on his exam. But when he entered, the atmosphere at home was very heavy. His mother was sitting on the sofa in the living room, dazed, not even noticing his return.

It seemed as if her world had collapsed overnight, and a shadow fell over every corner of their home.

Later, Bai's mother changed schools, altered their surname, underwent surgery, and her health gradually deteriorated… They relied on each other for many years until Bai's mother couldn't hold on any longer, and Bai Chen also became an Omega.

That's when he finally gave up.

…Gave up on the dream of the mech.

Then, by chance, he was discovered by agent Song Lei and entered the entertainment industry.

He wasn't naturally gifted at acting.

At first, like the other kids, he had a dream about the universe, the stars, and the blue sky.

Omega's voice was noticeably downcast.

Xie Yilin raised his hand and gently pressed it on his shoulder, silently conveying strength.

Bai Chen suddenly lifted his head, blinked, and smiled.

"I'm fine."

It had been so many years; if he was going to be sad, it would have been back then. Now, everything has long since settled.

"It's just that..."

There's just a little regret.

"...I wanted to pay my respects to him, but Mom wouldn't tell me where Dad died..."

The move was too rushed back then, and Mother Bai didn't explain much. Over the years, they've been busy and haven't had the time.

"She always says, don't talk about these things with outsiders, never mention them."

Back then, he was just a child, and his memories are vague. He doesn't know the specifics.

Xie Yilin's hand paused.

Then, his arm moved downward, and with a slight force, he embraced Bai Chen.

It was an initiative hug.

Bai Chen knew Xie Yilin was comforting him.

Unable to articulate the sudden thought, or perhaps it was the familiarity of this embrace, so familiar that it required no thought, no hesitation. In the next second, Bai Chen quickly returned the hug, his small head nestling into the Alpha’s chest.

Still the faint scent of patchouli, slightly bitter, with a crisp woody note, a fragrance Bai Chen knew all too well. He naturally rubbed against it, soaking himself in it.

What he didn’t notice was that his own sweet orange scent was slowly wafting out.

...A month’s time, almost up.

Finally, after finishing their chat and walking over, Bai’s mother: "...ahem!"

The cough startled both of them. Bai Chen stumbled back a step, his face as red as a ripe little apple, stammering, "Mom, you... are you tired?"

"Do you want to rest?"

"I’m not tired."

Bai’s mother’s gaze swept between them, then circled again, before she spoke leisurely, "You go back first, I need to have a word with His Highness."

"Oh, right..."

She winked at Xie Yilin, her expression momentarily mirroring Bai Chen’s when he felt mischievous, "This part can be cut, right? Just two words."

"A few minutes will do."

Such a small request, of course, was granted without question.

The camera pulled back, following Bai Chen into the room. In the empty backyard, Bai’s mother stared at the Crown Prince, her expression quite nuanced.

...Ten seconds passed.

Twenty seconds passed as well.

Thirty seconds...

Xie Yilin remained calm.

Alpha was silent, only calmly meeting Bai Yini’s gaze. His aura was still somewhat cold, but he was trying his best to control it—especially in front of Bai Chen’s mother.

Bai’s mother finally spoke.

She asked a question out of the blue.

"Does Chenchen like hugging you a lot?"

Xie Yilin was slightly taken aback.

He paused for a moment, then nodded in acknowledgment: "Yes."

"Oh..."

Bai’s mother raised an eyebrow but didn’t pursue the topic further. Instead, she changed the subject: "Chenchen really admires his father."

"In his first-grade composition class, he wrote that he wants to grow up to be just like his dad."

"He often pesters me to tell him stories about his father."

"Stories about battles, guns, and mechs—he loves them all."

"Just a little kid, and he’s already talking about joining the military."

Xie Yilin could guess the gist of these sentiments.

He listened quietly.

Seeing no reaction from him, Mother Bai clicked her tongue lightly and suddenly smiled, her lips pursed with a meaningful look. "You're also a soldier, somewhat like his father."

Somewhat like his father.

Xie Yilin: ...

After saying this, Mother Bai turned and walked away, her back figure exuding a certain grace.

...And the Crown Prince, indeed, froze.

Author's note: Xie Yilin: After all, my wife is still on my side, what a relief...

Mother Bai: Yes, after all, you do resemble his father. "Want to date my son? It's not that easy?"

Xie Yilin: ...

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Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or watered me with nutrient solution during 2021-09-05 16:31:00 to 2021-09-06 15:22:07!

Thank you to the little angel who cast a bomb: Sweet Story Contestant.1;

Thank you to the little angels who watered me with nutrient solution: Jin Yi Hong Feng 13 bottles; Qian. 10 bottles; Luo Hua Ci Shu Li Chen Xi 3 bottles; Haha 1 bottle;

Thank you very much for your support! I will continue to work hard!