Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Bai Chen had already returned to his room.

Bai’s mother was coming to assist with the filming and would stay for a day, leaving in the evening of the next day. So as soon as Bai Chen came back, he immediately went to confirm his mother's accommodation.

Fortunately, the production team had arranged for Bai’s mother to stay in the room next to theirs, which was quite convenient. Moreover, it seemed they were considerate of her, as no cameras were installed in her room.

He first returned to his room to take off his coat. As he came out, he happened to meet Xie Yilin walking over. The latter had a calm expression, but there was something unusual about him, a hint of melancholy.

Bai Chen thought that Bai Yini must have said something to him and immediately became anxious, moving closer to ask, "Your Highness? What’s wrong?"

Xie Yilin snapped back to reality and saw the concerned eyes of the Omega.

They sparkled, especially beautiful.

His heart stirred, and he couldn’t help but raise his hand to pinch Bai Chen’s cheek.

It felt smooth and particularly nice.

Bai Chen: ? ? ?

The Omega was taken aback. Suddenly seeing the camera close up, he instantly understood and quickly put on a smile, hugging Xie Yilin’s arm and walking forward with him, mumbling, "No problem! Husband can pinch whenever!"

Xie Yilin: …

Whether it was an illusion or not, the word "husband" sounded somewhat peculiar to him.

"Damn, I want to pinch too!"

"Want to pinch? Dream on in your next life!"

"Wife looking at me? Looking at me? I can pinch gently!"

Xie Yilin slowed his pace to match Xiaofu’s as they walked shoulder to shoulder into the small corridor and sat down in the beautiful pavilion.

White Mom followed them in.

In front of Bai Chen, she and Xie Yilin both acted normally. Bai Yinyi picked up a handful of sunflower seeds, cracking them open as she smiled, "This place is really nice."

"I remember when I used to travel with archaeological teams..."

"Wow? Is White Chen's mom an archaeologist?"

"Found it, found it. Just in time. White Chen's mom's name is still listed in the Hall of Fame at Cleda Cultural University, a notable alumna, with her profession listed as archaeologist."

"I looked it up too. Her name is Bai Yinyi, and the photo matches, just younger. It seems Bai Chen takes after his mother."

"White Mom was so beautiful when she was young, no wonder she gave birth to such a handsome Omega like Bai Chen."

"Yeah, yeah, their whole family has great genes... a family of beauties!"

White Mom shared a few amusing stories from her archaeological digs as the evening approached. The "family" then started preparing dinner.

In previous episodes, either the production team provided meals or the guests struggled to fend for themselves. Bai Chen had cooked a few times, but this time, White Mom called her son over with a meaningful look, "Why don't you all come and help?"

"I already bought all the ingredients."

Bai Yini listed the names of four dishes.

"Red-braised Lion's Head, blanched green vegetables, sweet and sour spare ribs... and a lotus root sweet soup."

Among them, the Lion's Head was made with Bai Mama’s exclusive recipe, which included ginger threads, black fungus, and a secret seasoning sauce. With a grand gesture, Bai Yini handed over the task of mixing the meatball to the "young couple."

Bai Chen was very familiar with this dish.

He had eaten it countless times since childhood.

He first used a meat grinder to prepare the lean meat, then took out the soaked black fungus. Just as he was about to slice it, Xie Yilin took over the knife, gesturing for him to step back.

"Trembling, I don't know why, but when His Highness picks up a knife, it looks like he's about to chop someone."

"I'm also fine, as long as he doesn't look at me. Otherwise, I would run away."

Bai Chen was surprised—he thought Xie Yilin couldn’t cook.

In previous episodes, Xie Yilin had only helped with minor tasks when he cooked.

However, Xie Yilin did indeed know how to cook.

And his knife skills were excellent.

The Alpha’s expression was calm and composed, his wrist movements agile. With a steady rhythm of chopping sounds, within a minute, all the irregular pieces of black fungus were neatly sliced into thin strips. He then changed direction and repeated the process, sprinkling them into the minced meat.

"Got it, got it, His Highness is deliberately showing off in front of Bai Mama!"

After finishing the preparation, Bai Chen excitedly showed the bowl to Bai Mama, "Mom, what do you think? My skills haven’t declined, right?"

"Oh, that's good."

Bai Yiyi praised directly, and then added as if unintentionally, "Your knife skills are almost on par with your father’s."

Xie Yilin, who was standing nearby, naturally heard this.

...It felt like being stabbed again.

As if frozen solid in the dead of winter, and then doused with a bucket of cold water. Chilled to the bone.

Xie Yilin remained silent.

"Hey? Why do I feel like the prince seems a bit stiff?"

"But didn't Mother Bai just compliment his knife skills?"

"Ah? Don't you think the prince is really down-to-earth? Most nobles look down on everyone; who would actually cut vegetables themselves?"

"Right, right. I actually think it's pretty nice to have a crown prince like him."

"…Even if he only does this for Bai Chen, I think it's fine. After all, he'll be an emperor one day; he won't be cooking for his wife every day. [Dog head]"

Dinner was quickly prepared.

The dish was a feast for the senses—Mother Bai’s cooking was impeccable. Bai Chen hadn’t tasted such authentic home-cooked meals in a long time, and he ended up eating two large bowls of rice in one go.

After finishing, he was overjoyed and pounced to cuddle, "Mom, thank you."

He already looked somewhat petite, and this action made him seem even more childlike, as if he had aged backward by several years.

The chat was filled with heartfelt comments.

"Are we always children in our mothers' eyes?"

"Yes, I'm already in my thirties, but when I see my mom, I can't help but act like a child."

"I'm over forty, and I still make sure to eat at least one meal cooked by my mom every month."

"Well, I'm fifty, and I miss my mom too. My son is rebellious and doesn't amount to much..."

...It was unexpected that the show had such a broad audience.

Perhaps it was due to Xie Yilin. Many people who didn't follow the entertainment industry tuned in purely because of him, with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Before this, they knew nothing about Bai Chen or Xie Yilin; they just thought it would be interesting to see the Crown Prince appear on a variety show with his new spouse.

But once they came in, they couldn't leave.

After dinner, Bai Chen said obediently, "Mom, why don't you go rest? We'll do the dishes."

Bai Yin Yi smiled, "Alright, come find me when you're done."

She was indeed tired after a long day.

Bai Chen and Xie Yilin stayed in the kitchen, tidying up and washing the dishes together. Surprisingly, they worked quite well as a team.

One handed over the bowls, the other took the dish soap; one loaded the dishwasher, while the other organized the chopsticks. Before long, the work was done.

They dried their hands and walked out. Bai Chen remembered his mother's words and said to Xie Yilin, "Your Highness, shall I go first?"

Xie Yilin didn’t speak.

Suddenly, he didn’t want Bai Chen to go.

Alpha tensed his body, feeling an instinctive urge at this moment. He wanted to take Bai Chen away, hide him, somewhere no one could find them.

He knew every inch of the empire’s territory, understood each isolated planet on the border. Some small planets were uninhabited, cut off from all communication. They could find a place like that and hide, for decades, a century, without anyone disturbing them.

No one would be able to separate them.

...No matter what, Bai Chen could only belong to him.

"...Your Highness?"

The thought flashed through his mind in an instant, but to Bai Chen, Xie Yilin was unusually slow to respond, with a complex emotion in his gray eyes that he couldn’t quite understand.

Deep, subtle, like a flame.

A somewhat familiar flame.

Bai Chen’s mind clicked—eh? It was a bit like the flame that flickered in Xie Yilin’s eyes when they were soaking in the hot spring that day.

At the time, he thought it was just an illusion.

Xie Yilin still didn’t answer.

He simply raised his right hand and placed it above Bai Chen’s back, very close to the nape of his neck.

His gray eyes were slightly dark.

At that moment, a thought drifted through Xie Yilin's mind: the temporary marking scent was also fading.

His Adam’s apple tightened, but in the end, he lowered his arm and said coolly, "Go on."

"Have a good chat with your mom."

Bai Chen: "...Okay."

The joy of seeing his mother outweighed everything else, so Bai Chen waved and walked briskly to the next room.

Bai Mother was naturally not asleep; she was reading a book.

Paper books were rare these days, but perhaps due to her former profession, Bai Mother had collected many. Whether traveling or at home, she would often flip through them.

Seeing her son enter, she inserted a bookmark, closed the book, and patted the spot beside her, "Come here."

Bai Chen immediately jumped onto the bed and lay down comfortably next to his mother.

...This was the best place in the world.

Once he was settled, Bai Yini tucked the blanket around her son, her gaze sweeping over his face before drifting to the side.

From the side, she could see the gland area of the young Omega.

It was clean, with nothing there.

Bai Yini understood.

She smiled warmly and asked, "Have you been tired lately?"

"Not tired."

Bai Chen relaxed completely, his head tilting to the side, fine strands of hair scattered on the pillow, the fluffy parts making his face appear even smaller and more childlike—though only in front of his mother.

The two chatted casually, exchanging updates about their lives. As night deepened, Bai Chen began to doze off, when he suddenly heard his mother ask, "Does he treat you well?"

"Pretty... pretty good."

Bai Chen jolted awake, quickly regaining his composure, and said somewhat guiltily, "His Highness is actually a good person."

Bai Yini glanced at her son and chuckled, "Never mind, I won’t ask anymore."

They were already married, and it was a matter known throughout the galaxy; she couldn’t change anything.

But...

She suddenly whispered, "It’s me who has wronged you."

"Eh?"

Bai Chen was taken aback by her words, stunned.

Bai Yini ignored his surprise and continued, "When you were little, your father was in the military and rarely came home. I was always running around with archaeological teams, so we could only see each other a few times a year..."

"As you grew older, you followed me everywhere, sometimes changing schools mid-semester... Chenchen, Mom knows you have skin hunger."

So Bai Yini knew everything.

Of course, she was his mother.

Bai Chen pressed his lips together and whispered, "It's fine, I'm doing well now."

Bai Yini reached out and held his hand, saying, "These past few years, you must have worked hard to pay for my rehabilitation fees, right?"

"I'm okay."

Bai Chen naturally wouldn't admit it, and smiled, "I really enjoy acting. And I have many fans... Besides, the entertainment industry is quite lucrative, much better than other professions."

That was true, but being in the industry meant he often had no control over his life. Especially the pressure from online public opinion was something not everyone could bear.

Just before the show, and in the early episodes, Bai Chen was still the universally despised Sea Fishing King on the internet.

However, as the show progressed, more people began to understand him, realizing he wasn't that kind of person, and the rumors gradually dissipated.

Even Xie Yilin's reputation improved...

Bai Yini paused, then finally said, "Mom hopes you won't compromise yourself for others."

Bai Chen let out a soft "ah."

"Marry only if you love him, and he loves you."

"Marry only if your life becomes more colorful together."

"Marry only if loving each other makes you both better people."

"Chenchen," Bai Yini looked at Bai Chen, her tone gentle but firm, "Mom doesn't regret marrying Dad, and she doesn't regret having you."

"So Mom hopes you won't regret either."

Bai Chen opened his mouth but found himself speechless.

He suddenly felt extremely guilty and lowered his head, mumbling, "Mom..."

Bai Yinyi smiled again, "Silly child, it's fine as long as you know in your heart."

She seemed to know everything, yet clearly knew nothing.

Bai Chen's eyes welled up again.

He wanted to speak but didn't know what to say at this moment.

His mother sighed.

"There's one more thing I should tell you."

"Bai Chen, you've grown up."

She suddenly became serious, staring straight into his eyes, her tone earnest, "About what happened with your father back then."

"It's time for you to know."

***

In the dead of night, Bai's mother had gone to sleep. Bai Chen tiptoed out of her room, closed the door quietly, and returned to his own bedroom.

The bedside lamp was on, and Xie Yilin was still awake. The Alpha seemed to be dealing with some documents, his gaze fixed intently on the virtual screen of the smart brain, barely noticing Bai Chen's quiet entry.

But of course, he knew Omega had returned.

Seeing Xie Yilin busy, Bai Chen quietly went to wash up. The side door closed, and the sound of running water filled the air. Xie Yilin's thoughts couldn't return; he quickly replied to a few messages and shut down the smart brain.

When Omega emerged, still damp from the shower, he saw Xie Yilin leaning against the headboard, his gray eyes calmly meeting his.

Their gazes locked.

Bai Chen instinctively smiled.

He pattered over to the bed, lifted the blanket, and slipped in, his head popping out from above. In a low voice, he said, "Your Highness, are you done with your work?"

Xie Yilin hummed in response.

Bai Chen’s hair had just been dried but was still slightly damp. Under the lamplight, his eyes seemed to sparkle like little stars, captivating Xie Yilin’s attention.

He adjusted his position, settling comfortably. He picked up a pillow from beside him and hugged it, whispering, "Is the surveillance still on?"

Xie Yilin replied, "It’s already turned off."

Tonight, he didn’t want it on.

Bai Chen reached out and turned off the bedside lamp on his side—speaking became easier in the darkness.

Moonlight streamed in.

"…Actually, there’s nothing much."

After a while, Bai Chen spoke, "Mom was just worried about me… She was quite surprised when I suddenly got married."

Xie Yilin listened quietly.

"We haven’t seen each other in a long time, so we chatted a bit more."

The man continued to listen without speaking.

"Hmm..."

Bai Chen paused, then suddenly glanced at him, "Your Highness, about our agreement..."

He had barely started when Xie Yilin tensed up. For the first time in his life, he held his breath as if executing the most dangerous and secret mission, fearing any exposure of his current thoughts.

Under the tranquil moonlight, Bai Chen softly said, "Can it be a bit later?"

A bit later?

Later for what?

Bai Chen seemed a little embarrassed.

It was rare to see an Omega stammering, his eyes darting away. Knowing his words could be easily misunderstood, he quickly explained, "I mean... if we divorce too soon, I'm afraid Mother won't be able to accept it."

Before this, he hadn't known what Mother would say to him.

All plans were thrown into disarray.

In the silent darkness, the Omega's voice was gentle and soft, echoing in his ears, "I know, Your Highness, there's a reason you agreed to marry me."

"I won't interfere with you, it's just that..."

"Divorce is fine, but can we make it public as late as possible?"

This way, Mother will find out later. By then, Bai Chen would have laid the groundwork, helping Mother accept it.

Xie Yilin fell silent.

Bai Chen thought he was considering it and continued to babble, "I know it's difficult for you to hear this now. But the prince is a good person, I want to discuss this matter with you properly..."

"...In other aspects, I can cooperate with you, anything."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Xie Yilin suddenly flipped over, pausing directly above him.

Supporting himself with his arms, their eyes met. In the darkness, Bai Chen couldn't discern the emotions in the gray eyes or gauge his intentions. Bai Chen instinctively widened his eyes, and under his somewhat nervous gaze, Xie Yilin leaned down, staring at him intently.

It seemed as if a flame had reignited in the man's eyes.

He asked in a deep voice, "Anything?"

"Ahh..."

Bai Chen froze.

D-do what?

What does Xie Yilin want to do?

He tensed up for no reason, and in that moment, the Omega felt his body hair stand on end, as if he were alone in the wilderness, suddenly targeted by a predator.

His instincts told him not to provoke Xie Yilin at this moment.

His breath caught in his throat.

In the quiet of the night, the Alpha resembled a lurking beast, with only his eyes sharp and piercing, exuding an invisible yet powerful sense of dominance.

Like the elegant white wolf on the snowy mountain, at this moment it silently bared its fangs, ready to pounce.

The Omega's mind couldn't process it for a moment, and after a long pause, he spoke blankly: "...Your Highness?"

I-I could do it if the request isn't too much.

But...

But Xie Yilin's current state made him feel that it was better not to say such things.

Time ticked by, second by second.

The Alpha didn't move.

Just a breath away, the sweet and fragrant Omega lay before him. The moisture from his bath still lingered, his eyes like brilliant stars, and a continuous stream of sweet orange scent emanated from his glands, filling the entire space.

Xie Yilin had exceptional night vision. He clearly saw Bai Chen flinch for a moment, but out of trust in him, he endured and stayed in place.

He looked so obedient and beautiful, like a small, plump tangerine weighing down a branch in autumn.

Full and bright, one glance was enough to make anyone want to pluck it, slowly peel off the skin, and savor the abundant juice and sweet-sour taste.

It must... be incredibly delicious.

The man involuntarily moved closer.

His nose was almost touching.

Bai Chen grew more nervous and confused—he didn't know what he had done wrong.

His usually sharp mind was now muddled, and his silver tongue failed him. At this moment, he couldn't think of any reason, so he awkwardly resorted to the simplest and most direct way to remind the other.

"…Your Highness?"

His voice was soft, like the trickling stream in spring or the new leaves on branches just awakening from winter, while the sound of snow falling to the ground echoed in the Alpha's ears like a thunderclap.

Xie Yilin suddenly snapped out of his daze.

Little Sweet Orange was still there, but the timing was wrong.

The man fell silent for a moment.

Bai Chen blinked and said softly, "...Just pretend you didn't hear it."

Pretend you didn't hear anything about the agreement, or the talk of a later divorce.

This way, Xie Yilin wouldn't react so strongly, right?

In his moment of nervousness, even the formal "you" slipped out. Xie Yilin heard it and remained speechless.

After a long pause, he raised his hand, as he had done before, to cover the Omega's eyes and brows, shielding those overly bright eyes.

His eyelashes brushed against Xie Yilin's palm.

"Don't move."

Xie Yilin lowered his head slightly and kissed his lips.

Lips like petals, fragrant and soft.

Author's note: Mama Bai: "A grown son can't be kept... sigh." But still, we must do what needs to be done first.

Xie Yilin: "...I can't hold it in anymore."

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Thank you to the little angels who voted for me with a霸王ticket or nourished me with nutrient fluid from 2021-09-06 15:22:07 to 2021-09-07 15:40:47~

Thank you to the little angels who watered me with nutrient liquid: Li Ming, Soft and Sweet Little O - 10 bottles; Qin Qingtian - 6 bottles; Abused Wang, Tu Ah Tu - 5 bottles; Meow Wuu, °Wasteful- - 2 bottles; AILSA - 1 bottle;

Thank you all for your support, I will continue to work hard!