Chapter 19 Malignant Symptoms

Chapter 19: Harmful Signs

Having failed to catch anyone in the act of cheating, Zhu Zhixi was dejected. He barely touched his dinner before retreating to his room.

Face buried in his arms, he lay prone on the bed, his nose twitching slightly.

He could still catch a faint whiff of the mulled wine he’d had at dinner, and if he focused harder, a hint of sandalwood.

Even the jewelry store’s delicate fragrance from earlier still clung to him.

But Fu Rangyi’s pheromones were nowhere to be found.

Even Zhu Zeran had been able to smell them.

He buried his head deeper, closing his eyes as the cool leather of his jacket pressed against his flushed cheeks. Fu Rangyi’s confession about his pheromones flashed through his mind again. Each word fluttered like a scented butterfly in his mind.

He could’ve sworn he smelled it now. His senses dissolved into the dark, morphing into illusions so lifelike they seemed real.

It wasn’t until his phone buzzed several times that Zhu Zhixi jolted awake.

A message from Zhou Ming—work-related.

Right. I’m a Beta. Immunity to pheromones is my edge. I’m a work machine, built for efficiency.

To shake off his distractions, Zhu Zhixi drowned himself in work to stay focused.

For curating an exhibition, the most important thing was to familiarize himself with the pieces. He burned through the night poring over the catalog, sorting and categorizing, marking the ones that interested him so he could ask Fu Rangyi about them later.

Fu Rangyi.

He realized now that he couldn’t even think about him. The moment his mind strayed, his hard-won focus would shatter.

He was worried. Even during the holidays, his phone buzzed all night—except for the [Pretty Widower]’s chat, which remained dead silent.

Did he even get home?

Why should I care so much? He’s the one who kept pushing me away.

Zhu Zeran’s crap came to mind again, something about "distracting" him. Though he knew Fu Rangyi would never do something like that—their roommate agreement even banned guests.

Roommate agreement. Suddenly, another rule flashed in his memory—never interfere with each other’s private lives.

Zhu Zhixi snapped out of it, turned off his phone, and reopened the catalog.

After burning the midnight oil, he scrambled through reviewing the exhibits and outlined a rough framework before moving on to venue design. But right then, he hit a wall.

[Bad Bunny: Teacher Fu, I need to work, but my laptop’s at the apartment. All the venue models are in there. Can I go back and get it?]

[Bad Bunny: I won’t disturb you! I’ll sneak in quietly, grab the laptop, and sneak out like a little thief, I promise.]

[Bad Bunny: Half-hour time limit—if you don’t refuse, I’ll take it as a yes.]

Half an hour later, he arrived punctually at the apartment building and received a message from Zhou Ming.

[Zhou Ming: So, 2:30? Let me know when you’re close, and I’ll come out to meet you.]

[Zhou Ming: Want coffee? I’ll order ahead.]

Frustrated by the radio silence, Zhu Zhixi only replied with a curt "No need" before exiting the chat. He tapped into the pinned conversation, scrolling up and down, double-checking once more.

The pretty widower still hadn’t replied.

Did he kick the bucket before I did?

Zhu Zhixi took a deep breath and pressed his finger to the fingerprint lock. With a beep, the door unlocked.

He was about to step inside when, in an instant, it felt like something had suddenly paralyzed him. A bolt of electricity surged through him, leaving him completely numb. Every muscle and bone tensed up at once, rendering him immobile.

Only his heart. Hammering violently.

This was the first time Zhu Zhixi had ever experienced such a sensation in his life, but it lasted only a second or two before vanishing.

Everything returned to normal.

The hell was that?

Is my condition getting worse?

He glanced at the countdown in his palm.

[47 days 01 hour 42 minutes 05 seconds]

Shaken, he paused to collect himself before stepping inside. The house was silent, everything as usual.

He immediately glanced toward the master bedroom, recalling Fu Rangyi’s state last night and Zhu Zeran’s nonsense.

After hesitating briefly, Zhu Zhixi still strode quickly toward the master bedroom.

The door stood ajar. He stood at the entrance and peered inside—it was dim, the curtains tightly drawn, no lights on. The bed was unmade, the blankets scattered, but clearly no one was lying there.

"Fu Rangyi?"

Weird. No way Fu Rangyi would leave his room this messy before going to work.

He even knocked on the master bedroom’s bathroom door and checked the guest bathroom—both empty.

Gone for real.

Whatever. Laptop first.

Closing the guest bathroom door, he walked down the quiet hallway and opened the door to the second bedroom. The laptop was right on the desk. Zhu Zhixi approached, but suddenly, he frowned.

The room looked untouched at first glance, no different from when he’d left. Yet he distinctly heard heavy breathing and furtive shuffling sounds.

Zhu Zhixi softened his footsteps, cautiously investigating while grabbing a tool from the hiking bag behind the door, hiding it behind his back.

The closer he got, the more certain he became—the sound was coming from the tent in the room.

So he carefully approached until he was right in front of the tent’s closed flap, dropping to one knee. White-knuckling the pry bar, he wrenched the flap open—only to freeze in place.

Inside the tent was Fu Rangyi.

The cramped space was barely lit. Fu Rangyi lay curled on his side, wearing only a thin, off-white Henley shirt with the collar open, the top few buttons undone. His broad shoulders and chest strained against the fabric.

Zhu Zhixi felt heat rush to his face.

Two days ago, Fu Rangyi had passed by his room and, in that schoolmarm tone of his, nitpicked everything: the clutter, the laundry explosion, the lack of even a basic "worn-but-not-dirty" clothes area.

At the time, he’d been indignant, feeling like a scolded child, embarrassed and desperate to hide the clothes. So he’d stuffed all the once-worn clothes into the tent and zipped it shut, fooling himself that the room was now tidy.

But now, those clothes, along with the rabbit fur blanket inside the tent, nearly swallowed Fu Rangyi whole.

What the...?

Who was it that claimed to have germaphobia?

"Fu Rangyi." Zhu Zhixi's voice was soft. With one hand holding the tent flap open, he crawled into the tent, while the other gently patted Fu Rangyi's leg. "Are you okay? Why are you hiding here? Do you need to go to the hospital? I can drive you."

Fu Rangyi seemed to hear his voice, stirring slightly with some reaction.

He mumbled something, his voice hoarse. Zhu Zhixi couldn't make it out and leaned in closer, trying to decipher the words, but all he could hear was Fu Rangyi's ragged breathing.

In the dim light of the tent, he saw the rise and fall of Fu Rangyi's chest.

Normally, he always bundled up in layers, covering his tall frame meticulously. Even at home, his pajamas were neat and proper, every button done up.

But now, the thin fabric of his shirt clung tightly to his muscular frame, rising and falling with each breath.

"Water..."

Zhu Zhixi jolted back to attention, his face flushing hot. "Water? You want water, right?"

He reached out, groping blindly before snagging Fu Rangyi's forehead. It was slick with sweat, his entire palm damp.

"You have a fever. No wonder you're thirsty. I'll get you some water."

Without another thought, Zhu Zhixi scrambled backward out of the tent, quickly left the room, and headed to the kitchen. He snagged one of Fu Rangyi's tumblers and filled it from the water dispenser.

As he stood waiting for the cup to fill, he glanced down at his palm again. The timer was still frozen, but his heart was pounding even faster than before.

"If you don't let me come back, you could burn up with fever and no one would even know."

He had just muttered this when he suddenly felt panting hot breath against the back of his neck, raising goosebumps down his arms. He whipped around.

"Fu Rangyi?"

He exhaled in relief and turned fully.

How'd he even get up? Wasn't he too weak to move?

"Just sit down for a second. The water's almost ready, I—"

Before he could finish, Fu Rangyi, standing behind him, reached out and touched his cheek.

His hand was burning hot, like a brand pressed against Zhu Zhixi's face, sending a cold sweat prickling over him.

"Why aren't you wearing your Suppressor Bracelet?" Zhu Zhixi grabbed his wrist—it was bare.

Fu Rangyi spoke, his voice a gravelly rasp. "Doesn't... work..."

"What?" Zhu Zhixi didn't catch it and was about to ask again when Fu Rangyi raised his other hand, fumbling at Zhu Zhixi's wrist. His burning fingers hooked around the beaded bracelet there.

The stretchy band pulled taut, then smacked back against his wrist.

"This isn't your bracelet. Quit messing with that." Zhu Zhixi scolded under his breath. "You're fever-addled."

The sudden gush of water snapped his attention. He turned and realized the water was sloshing over the counter and onto the floor.

Oh no.

He’s such a clean freak—he's definitely going to scold him.

Zhu Zhixi quickly turned around, turned off the water dispenser, snatched a few paper towels, and mopped up the water from the countertop.

Fortunately, Fu Rangyi said nothing.

His speech seemed to have deteriorated with his illness.

Maybe from the effort, or maybe the heating at home was just too high, but he felt oddly hot too. As he wiped the water, he unwrapped the scarf from his neck, took it off, then kneeled down, back turned to Fu Rangyi, to clean the water on the floor.

"Quit standing around, go sit on the—"

Before he could finish.

The rest was knocked from his lungs as a body tackled him like an animal, distorting his voice into a gasp of pain.

Zhu Zhixi couldn’t believe it—the person who had been standing perfectly fine behind him just moments ago had suddenly pinned him down.

His forehead slammed against the floor, his hand still clutching the soaked paper towel, like a boulder crushing him.

"Get off!" Zhu Zhixi gasped under the weight, his fingers clawing at the gaps in the floor.

Then, the collar of his shirt was jerked back hard.

"Ghk—trying to choke me?"

I came back early, so what? I tried to tell you, but you ignored me! Why are you treating me like this, ungrateful—ah—

His lungs were about to burst! Zhu Zhixi’s head spun as he reached behind, trying to grab Fu Rangyi’s hand, but when he actually touched it, he realized something was wrong.

That wasn’t a hand.

What his fingers traced along his collar was a rigid jaw—and bared fangs.

Suddenly, Zhu Zhixi remembered the feral Alpha he’d encountered on the subway before.

A terrifying thought flashed through his mind.

It’s his rut?!

How could I have been so careless?

Fu Rangyi is an Alpha too—a top-tier one at that. He’d already given a warning at the door.

So that was the legendary dominant pheromones of a top Alpha? No wonder I couldn’t move.

Ice shot down his spine, instinctive fear triggering his survival instincts. But the difference in their physiques was too vast—no matter how he thrashed, he couldn’t break free from the weight pinning him down.

"Fu Rangyi! Fu—"

Scorching breath hit the back of his neck, sending a shudder through him. He could feel the sharp canines pressing against his skin.

Are you trying to mark me?

He desperately tried to block with his hands, tugging at his collar to stop it, his mouth still running.

"Ow, ow, ow! Have you lost your mind? I'm a Beta! I don’t even have the gland!"

Suddenly, his entire body froze, the unfinished curses turning to cotton in his throat, choking him. Because he could clearly feel something shockingly large abruptly pressing against his tailbone.

At the critical moment, a loud bang rang out.

Zhu Zhixi shuddered beneath Fu Rangyi, drenched in cold sweat. He instantly regained consciousness and kept struggling.

A series of hurried footsteps approached, getting closer.

Who...

"Holy shit!"

The voice was unfamiliar, but Zhu Zhixi suddenly felt hope. Like a penguin crushed by an iceberg, he strained to turn his head, frantically reaching out and slapping the ground: "H-help me... please..."

The next second, a hand appeared in his vision, holding a syringe. The long needle glinted coldly as it plunged into the arm of the out-of-control Alpha pinning him down.

After a few dozen seconds, he felt Fu Rangyi's tense strength gradually loosen, then collapse entirely, dead weight crushing him.

"No, I'm gonna be crushed, help..."

"Oh right, right, almost forgot about you." The unexpected rescuer quickly pushed the unconscious Fu Rangyi aside, saving him from the clutches.

Upon seeing the face, the other person froze for a few seconds. But Zhu Zhixi didn’t notice, too busy clutching his neck and gasping for air.

"Thanks, thanks..."

Alive again.

Sitting on the floor, he glared at the motionless Fu Rangyi, tempted to punch him.

"You're his wife?" The man chuckled, muttering under his breath, "Fu Rangyi’s photos never do him justice."

"I..." Zhu Zhixi didn’t catch the latter part, panting as he looked at this unexpected stranger—dressed rather formally, with a lanyard around his neck, but the twisted lanyard hid the front.

He looked professional, but his grin was anything but.

How the fuck did he get in?? The door was locked.

Does he have the code?

What the hell gives him the right to come in??

Zhu Zhixi’s face flushed red, still babbling: "Who are you? Don’t tell me you’re the side piece—and even if you are, don’t admit it... My brain’s oxygen-deprived, I might just pass out if I hear it."

"Me?" The man burst into laughter, sitting down on the floor too. "Fu Rangyi lives like a monk, abstaining from this and that. Forget sleeping together, we’re not even on the same page."

TMI, dude.

"How did you get into my house? If you’re not the side piece, you’re a thief. I’m calling the cops."

"Be my guest." He tilted his chin up. "Go ahead."

Zhu Zhixi took a deep breath. "Let me catch my breath first... Don’t wanna give the cops a heart attack."

The man laughed even harder, kicking Fu Rangyi’s limp leg with his foot. "Damn, you hit the jackpot, kid."

"Stop kicking him." Zhu Zhixi wriggled over to Fu Rangyi, splaying his legs like a barrier between them.

The man almost choked laughing. "Holy shit, kid, you won the lottery!" "You’re such an ass."

"I lack manners? And he’s the polite one? He nearly pounced on you like a starving wolf, almost pinned you down to mark you—forgotten already? If it weren’t for this young master’s quick reflexes, you’d be bleeding from the neck by now. And you’re still defending him?"

It didn’t actually happen, though, Zhu Zhixi thought to himself.

"May I ask who you are?"

The man stood up, straightening his clothes. "Li Jiao. His friend."

Zhu Zhixi immediately went on guard. "Did he tell you about... us?"

"What exactly are you referring to? That *situation* between you?"

Zhu Zhixi’s eyes darted around, his expression shifting rapidly—trying to improvise, but failing.

"That *situation*..."

"Alright, drop the act." Li Jiao laughed outright. "I know it’s a fake marriage. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have rushed over in such a hurry."

As he spoke, he picked up the medical kit he’d dropped when he came in and placed it on the dining table with a click, flipping it open.

Zhu Zhixi peeked inside: it was stuffed with meds and syringes.

And what looked like a heavy-duty muzzle.

"So you’re that doctor friend he mentioned."

"Oh? He actually mentioned me? What’d you two talk about that led to me?"

Zhu Zhixi recalled some unpleasant memories. "He thinks I’m mentally ill and told me to go be your test subject."

Li Jiao laughed, unlocking the muzzle, teasing.

"You two really hit it off, huh? For him to talk to you like that."

*He’s been talking to me like that from the start.*

Li Jiao worked swiftly, seemingly pressed for time.

He crouched down, helping Fu Rangyi sit against the bar. Zhu Zhixi moved to help steady him as Li Jiao fitted the muzzle on. It was a double-layered design—a silver cage with a black outer cover—built like a tank.

"The last one gave him an allergic reaction, so he asked me to get him a new one." Li Jiao showed him how to secure it, then added, "The combination lock’s on the back. It’s new—set your own code."

"*I* set it?"

"Yeah, hurry up and pick something."

Without much thought, Zhu Zhixi instinctively entered his birthday—0523. "Do I *have* to use a code to unlock it?"

"There’s Bluetooth. You can unlock it with your phone—just download an app. But *don’t* unlock it casually. That’s my biggest piece of advice."

"Honestly, if his cycles were stable and he took meds in advance, it wouldn’t have gotten this bad. No clue why it hit so early this time—his pheromones went haywire." Li Jiao sighed. "I’m the emergency contact for his Suppressor Bracelet. Freaked me out when I saw the data—his heart rate spiked dangerously last night. Good thing I got here before my training..."

*Last night.* Zhu Zhixi frowned.

He shouldn’t have obediently gone home last night. At the very least, he could’ve taken Fu Rangyi to the hospital.

"Originally, I was worried about him being alone at home in such a severe state. But since you’re here, this lovely responsibility falls to you—good thing you’re immune to his pheromones."

"But he..." Zhu Zhixi hesitated. "He told me not to come." *Was he hiding how bad it was and didn’t want me to see?* Zhu Zhixi’s thoughts tangled.

"He didn’t want you to come?" Li Jiao repeated, sounding surprised. "You’re a Beta—it’s not like you can lure him with pheromones. What’s he afraid of?"

Zhu Zhixi was left speechless.

So I don’t have pheromones, but… do I really lack any other appeal?

"Ah, whatever. There’s no one else available right now anyway. A pretend spouse is still a spouse." His frown deepened, and he coughed harshly. "I really have to go."

As Zhu Zhixi stared at the unconscious Fu Rangyi, worry and confusion swirled in his mind. "My brother is an SA too, and I have plenty of Alpha friends. None of them act like this during their rut. Why is Fu Rangyi so severe?"

"He has Malignant Rut Syndrome," Li Jiao said, looking at Zhu Zhixi.

"Malignant… syndrome?"

"Simply put, long-term medication dependency has caused his rut symptoms to be far worse than a typical Alpha—more side effects, heightened aggression, and way more mental instability."

"Most importantly, his sex drive goes into overdrive, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get relief."

Author's Note:

When the young master married into money, his dream of a fairytale life shattered. A messed-up family, a cold husband, and the fact that they slept in separate rooms from day one completely crushed his hopes for marriage. Until one day, returning home, he suddenly witnessed the hidden side of his cold-faced husband beneath that restrained exterior…

An innocent Beta, a beastly top-tier Alpha—how can he avoid getting eaten alive?

A city bunny’s fight for love and happiness—"How Long Can Your Snowman Survive?" Airing nightly at 9 PM! Stay tuned!!