Chapter 205

Chapter 205

That Bai Xingshu would say this to him wasn’t surprising to Lin Li.

He’d clearly caught the signal Bai Xingshu had sent earlier. Now that they were alone, Lin Li asked point-blank, “Is it because of Lin Lie?”

Bai Xingshu shook his head. “I’d decided before him.”

Lin Lie’s condition back then had only made Bai Xingshu more determined to end the deal.

“Then what is it?” Lin Li pressed.

“It’s just not needed anymore.” Bai Xingshu touched the back of his neck, still slightly itchy. “My goal’s already been achieved.”

As he spoke, Bai Xingshu’s smile softened, with a warmth so faint yet unmistakable that it made his sincerity obvious.

Lin Li hadn’t expected this answer. He froze for a moment, then immediately sensed a gap in understanding. He verified quickly, “Didn’t you say you wanted this deal to avoid Shen Geng?”

“Huh?” Bai Xingshu’s expression went blank.

He hadn’t expected any part of what he said could’ve made Lin Li think that.

Bai Xingshu replayed their conversation but couldn’t figure out where things went wrong. Still, the why didn’t matter anymore.

His immediate response was firm: “No, no!”

Two sharp nos left no doubt. Then, a bit awkwardly, Bai Xingshu scratched his cheek, figuring how to put it best. In the end, honesty seemed clearest.

“It’s because I like him,” Bai Xingshu said, lifting his gaze slightly, his eyes shining like he was talking about something precious.

His voice was clear, not wavering one bit.

Those words, full of affection, threw Lin Li. “You like him?”

Bai Xingshu coughed lightly and nodded.

Lin Li went quiet for a long moment.

His gaze unconsciously drifted to Bai Xingshu’s pale neck—the spot he’d just touched—now showing no trace of anything.

Lin Li believed him.

Truth was, he couldn’t not believe.

There had been signs all along. He’d just refused to see them.

People naturally imagine things as they wish.

Like how he instinctively ignored the question that came up that morning when he saw Bai Xingshu and Shen Geng together:

—With Bai Xingshu’s strength, how had Shen Geng managed something like a temporary mark?

But now, Bai Xingshu’s blunt, crystal-clear words gave the only answer possible.

So that’s how it was.

So this was the truth.

Lin Li’s chest went suddenly empty.

He'd meant to tell Bai Xingshu not to mind Lin Lie's opinion and just go through with the deal.

But then...

Lin Li was practically forced to face the truth about his feelings.

Turns out that whether it was his initial crush on Bai Xingshu or this whole deal thing—it was all just wishful thinking on his part.

Bai Xingshu could sense that the current quiet atmosphere felt kinda off.

It felt oppressive.

But Bai Xingshu wasn't thinking about feelings at all.

To him, for him and Lin Li, it had always been just about the deal. Plus, during the chaos earlier that morning, Lin Li had stayed surprisingly calm.

So in Bai Xingshu's eyes, Lin Li’s silence was just him being at a loss for words.

Well, Lin Li being at a loss was understandable.

Earlier, Bai Xingshu had bent over backwards trying to make this deal happen, repeatedly pushing Lin Li for an answer. But when Lin Li finally took action—actually bringing flowers to follow through—Bai Xingshu just casually called it off.

Thinking about it, that kind of situation would throw anyone off.

In Bai Xingshu's view, Lin Li staying silent was proof of what a good sport he was.

Feeling guilty, Bai Xingshu let out an awkward chuckle and quickly buttered him up: "Lin-ge, thank you for still having my back like that earlier."

In Bai Xingshu's mind, Lin Li's public declaration had been purely to help him out.

And now, after confirming that Lin Li thought the deal was just to avoid Shen Geng? That just confirmed what Bai Xingshu already thought.

This kind of thoughtfulness and care… well, what else would you expect from Lin Lie's brother?

"I'm really grateful you stood by me in that moment. Most people wouldn't have done that."

Especially with Lin Lie right there.

Recalling the scene in his head, Bai Xingshu was deeply moved that Lin Li could straight-up say he was into him.

See? He always knew Lin Li was such an amazing guy!

"Getting to be your assistant during this time off has been truly great!"

Bai Xingshu's words overflowed with sincerity, joy, and gratitude—his tone warm and heartfelt enough for anyone to feel how genuine he was.

Except the person receiving it was Lin Li.

Lin Li, drowning in a sea of friendzone compliments: "..."

He slowly inhaled and gave a bitter smile. "I see." Then, shifting his gaze slightly, his eyes landed on Shen Geng, who was approaching them at his own leisurely pace.

With these two clearly in love, what room did that leave for him?

Looking at Bai Xingshu, who seemed to trust him so much, Lin Li reached out. In the end, he restrained himself, making do with just a quick touch on Bai Xingshu’s shoulder—a small gesture to soothe his heart's longing.

"If he ever treats you badly in the future, my door's always open," Lin Li said gently.

Hearing this solemn-sounding reminder, Bai Xingshu tilted his head thoughtfully. Instead of agreeing, he simply stated, "If he ever treated me badly... I don't think he'd live long enough to regret it."

Bai Xingshu figured his words would put Lin Li more at ease than if he'd actually agreed to go looking for him.

Lin Li: "..."

Silence.

Another silence.

A cold sweat broke out.

Lin Li recalled the various schemes and tactics Bai Xingshu had employed against enemies during their time in the military corps. He had no doubt Bai Xingshu would actually follow through.

Jolted from his lovesick daze, Lin Li coughed dryly and finally said tactfully, "...Maybe you should just come to me instead."

Though Lin Li had considered making a move on his lord's partner, it didn’t mean his loyalty to Shen Geng was insincere.

As a subordinate, no matter his personal feelings, Lin Li had to bail Shen Geng out.

Bai Xingshu pressed his lips together, silent, his gaze slowly shifting toward Shen Geng in the distance.

Noticing the two ahead had stopped talking, Shen Geng, who had been walking at a leisurely pace, quickened his steps and soon stood before them.

He shot Lin Li a loaded look first, then turned to Bai Xingshu, his voice hushed and careful as he asked, "Have you finished talking?"

Now wise to Shen Geng's crush, Bai Xingshu fought back a smirk.

He could easily detect the tension in Shen Geng’s voice, and his eyes lit up.

Bai Xingshu, never one to pass up teasing, didn’t answer directly. Instead, he drawled, "What’s the matter? Is there something you need?"

Love does funny things to your judgment. Shen Geng, dying to know how it went, failed to recognize the playful taunt in Bai Xingshu’s reply.

—Had he realized, he would have immediately understood that Bai Xingshu only teased those he felt close to.

Right now, all Shen Geng could focus on was how at ease Bai Xingshu seemed after his conversation with Lin Li.

His stomach twisted with conflicted feelings.

In the past, Bai Xingshu had never reacted like this after rejecting someone.

Remembering how joyfully Bai Xingshu had rushed downstairs yesterday, launching himself at Lin Li, Shen Geng's mind went to dark places.

Yet, in response to Bai Xingshu’s question, he still extended his hand, revealing what looked like a large bandage. "...You need to wear this."

Bai Xingshu accepted it trustingly, though his voice carried confusion. "What is this?"

The question instantly made Shen Geng’s ears go scarlet. Glancing at Lin Li, he answered awkwardly, "It’s to cover your scent."

Bai Xingshu frowned. "Scent? What scent?"

As someone from the pre-apocalyptic world, he still hadn't grasped the complexities of the ABO universe.

Shen Geng fell silent.

No way was he spelling this out with Lin Li standing there.

Lin Li, watching this whole exchange, hesitated for a few seconds. As much as he hated helping his love rival, when said rival was also his liege, well...

After a beat, he finally spoke up, though his voice was ice. "He marked you. Now you're carrying his scent."

It took Bai Xingshu a moment to process what was happening.

Earlier, Song Xiyan had already asked about it in shock, and now Bai Xingshu could indeed smell the faint floral scent lingering on him.

He had assumed that once he stepped outside, the wind would carry the scent away—but apparently…

"Will this smell last forever?" Bai Xingshu asked in disbelief.

His question left the two Alphas speechless once again.

Breaking his usual respectful demeanor toward Shen Geng, Lin Li shot him a disapproving look.

What have you done to an unclassified Beta—one who hasn’t even undergone differentiation yet and barely understands basic physiology!

Shen Geng slightly lowered his head, silently accepting the blame.

This only made Lin Li even more frustrated beyond words. Glancing at Bai Xingshu, who seemed to instinctively lean closer to Shen Geng, he recalled the clear difference in attitude Bai Xingshu had shown toward him versus Shen Geng upon the latter’s arrival.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Lin Li finally decided to explain further, though his tone had turned noticeably colder. "Temporary marking scents usually last seven to ten days—but that’s for Omegas."

"You’re not an Omega, and you haven’t differentiated yet. It should fade in a day or two."