Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Both Fu Jizhong and Wen Zheng found Fu Yanhuai’s decision to marry far too hasty. Fu Yanhuai had chosen a beta simply to manage his rut, and Lu Yao had agreed despite knowing this. Fu Jizhong struggled to feel positive about the union.

The group had moved away from the flower-arranging table. The living room, with its traditional Chinese decor, exuded an oppressive formality. Under the soaring ceiling lights, the rosewood chairs appeared stern and uninviting. Fu Jizhong naturally took the central seat of honor—a scene identical to Lu Yao’s first arrival at the Fu residence.

Fu Yanhuai sat on the opposite side, while Wen Zheng drew Lu Yao to sit beside her. "I recall you bought other things too. Were they for your father?"

Lu Yao felt his two small potted plants seemed rather insignificant, especially since Fu Jizhong hardly looked like someone who would appreciate chubby succulents.

Hearing Wen Zheng’s words, Fu Jizhong’s brow twitched. Lu Yao felt both he and his two succulents were out of place in this grand estate, but he still forced himself to stand. "Yes, I saw them at the florist. I thought they were quite lovely. If Father likes them, they could be placed on the table."

And so, Fu Jizhong found himself looking at two small, plump succulents in Lu Yao’s hands—one with translucent leaves, the other with delicate pink tips.

Fu Jizhong’s expression was unreadable. Embarrassed, Lu Yao quickly explained his choice. "The shopkeeper said one is called ‘Fortune’ and the other ‘Treasure,’ so I bought them together."

In truth, the butler hadn’t misinformed Lu Yao. Fu Jizhong did own many succulents, but he had recently lost interest in them, having become engrossed in tea ceremonies.

Fu Yanhuai thought Lu Yao looked rather foolish at that moment. Against his better judgment, he remarked, "Nice names."

Fu Jizhong wondered if Fu Yanhuai had secretly driven the Fu Corporation into bankruptcy, now needing to rely on auspiciously named plants for prosperity. The two exchanged a glance. Unsure if Fu Jizhong was pleased, Lu Yao bit his lip and carefully added, "If you don’t like them, I can buy you something else."

Wen Zheng cleared her throat pointedly. "Of course he likes them. I heard you’re quite skilled at making desserts. I’d love to learn a simple cake recipe. Could you teach me?"

Fu Jizhong finally spoke. "Just leave them there."

Lu Yao lowered his head. "Alright."

Wen Zheng caught a glimpse of Fu Yanhuai and Lu Yao’s typical interactions, leaving her deeply concerned about the longevity of their marriage.

Lu Yao knew Wen Zheng was trying to help him. He was acutely aware that he still couldn’t integrate into Fu Yanhuai’s life. Stirring the cream, he said quietly, with a hint of apology, "Thank you for earlier. This visit was rather rushed, and I might have caused you some trouble."

Wen Zheng’s gaze was complex. "I’m not troubled. But is this how the two of you usually are?"

To Wen Zheng, Fu Yanhuai’s entire demeanor seemed indifferent. Frowning, she said, "Perhaps you already know this, but neither his father nor I ever approved of your marriage to Fu Yanhuai."

Lu Yao’s eyelashes fluttered, but he remained silent, listening intently to Wen Zheng.

"Our concerns weren’t about your background or you personally. It’s that the two of you never met as equals from the start. Without equality, there can be no respect. You had no emotional foundation to begin with—this marriage lacks everything it should have. How could we not worry?"

Lu Yao slowly set down the whisk. Turning to Wen Zheng, he said softly, "I know. I understand everything you’re saying."

Wen Zheng was silent for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh. "I’d like to try making financiers with orange zest. Will you teach me?"

With Wen Zheng and Lu Yao gone, Fu Jizhong frowned at the two succulents. "What exactly are you thinking?"

Fu Yanhuai hadn’t styled his hair or worn a suit today. When he looked up, he seemed more relaxed than usual. "About what?"

"Take this seriously," Fu Jizhong said, displeased. "At your age, you shouldn’t need your parents worrying about your romantic affairs. You should know exactly what you’re doing."

Fu Yanhuai’s tone was definite. "Of course."

Fu Jizhong felt an inexplicable surge of irritation. He waved a dismissive hand. "Would it kill you to say more than two words? Fine, go on. Get out of my sight."

Fu Jizhong left to go fishing, while Lu Yao spent a very pleasant afternoon with Wen Zheng.

Wen Zheng loved the desserts Lu Yao made, and she also loved his company.

If Fu Yanhuai had been the one helping her bake, Wen Zheng would have lost all interest in sweets long ago. The more time she spent with Lu Yao, the more conflicted and concerned she grew.

In truth, Lu Yao also enjoyed being with Wen Zheng. She was more like the mother he had always imagined. In this quiet, unseen corner, he allowed himself to pretend, just for a while, that she was his own mother.

As Lu Yao arranged the desserts on the table, Fu Yanhuai came downstairs after his workout. Wen Zheng had just taken a small spoonful of the financier.

Seeing Fu Yanhuai, she said, "Come try this. Little Deer taught me how to make it."

Fu Yanhuai approached, his voice flat. "You know I don’t like sweets."

Sometimes, Wen Zheng truly regretted not disciplining Fu Yanhuai more when he was a child. She shot him an exasperated look. "Suit yourself."

Having been scolded by both parents in quick succession, Fu Yanhuai rubbed his temples in exasperation.

Noticing this, Lu Yao quickly interjected, "If you’d like some later tonight, I can make more."

Fu Yanhuai looked down. When Lu Yao met his eyes, he quickly averted his gaze.

The moment he saw Fu Yanhuai, the back of Lu Yao’s neck began tingling strangely again. He was sure something was wrong with his body. Just as he raised a hand to press against it, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Pulling it out, Lu Yao saw the caller ID. Gripping the phone, he stood. "It’s my brother. I’ll take this outside."

To prevent Lu Qianxing from saying anything disrespectful, Lu Yao didn’t want to answer the call near Wen Zheng or Fu Yanhuai.

Wen Zheng said gently, "Go ahead."

Once Lu Yao left, Fu Yanhuai became a little curious about the desserts on the table. He walked over and asked, "What did you make?"

Wen Zheng unceremoniously picked up the financier. "I thought you weren’t eating?"

With a sigh, Fu Yanhuai sat across from her, watching as she savored her dessert.

Outside, Lu Yao answered the call, only to be met with Lu Qianxing’s sharp voice. "Lu Yao, where are you right now?"

The villa’s exterior was quiet. Lu Yao shot back, "Why do you ask?"

Ever since that day when Lu Qianxing and Guan Qinglu returned home, they sensed something was amiss. Why would Lu Yao suddenly buy Wen Zheng a scarf for no reason? And why was he riding in Fu Yanhuai’s car?

Lu Qianxing’s voice carried a hint of jealousy. "The CEO is staying at his own home. I don’t know why you’re shamelessly tagging along. Don’t think I don’t know—you’re not even in the city anymore."

Lu Yao couldn't figure out how Lu Qianxing was so certain of his whereabouts. His patience and hope for his family had worn thin long ago. Suspiciously, he asked, "Do you need money again? Just say it outright."

Lu Qianxing sounded offended. "Who said anything about money?"

"After you left that day, Mom fell ill because of you." His voice was laced with malice. "Aren’t you coming back to see her?"

For a moment, Lu Yao’s mind went blank. "Mom’s sick? What’s wrong? Is it serious?"

Lu Qianxing was pleased with his reaction. Beside him, Guan Qinglu’s expression softened considerably.

Leaning back comfortably, she thought to herself—Lu Yao would still obey her in the end.

Lu Qianxing scoffed. "You have the nerve to ask? Just come home first. If you don’t show up this time, don’t ever call her ‘Mom’ again."

After the call ended, Guan Qinglu said casually, "Good. Wait for him at home. I have a spa appointment this afternoon. At worst, we’ll just smooth things over later."

The dial tone left Lu Yao’s vision blurry. The tingling at the back of his neck intensified, and his body grew feverish again. Blinking rapidly to clear his dizziness, Lu Yao struggled to steady himself. No matter how poorly Guan Qinglu treated him, no matter how little love she seemed to have for him—Lu Yao had never forgotten.

As a child, he had stood to the side, watching as Lu Qianxing happily threw himself into Guan Qinglu’s arms, calling her "Mom" and showering her with affection. He could never forget the envy and helplessness he had felt back then. He had tried so hard to please her, hoping that one day, her eyes would finally see him too.

Even after all these years, Lu Yao still hadn't received a response from Guan Qinglu, yet he couldn't sever these lingering feelings.

This would be the last time. Ignoring his physical discomfort, Lu Yao thought that returning home when his mother was ill might mean she truly missed him.

Despite being at the Fu family ancestral home and having barely begun his stay there, the timing felt too coincidental—almost as if it were deliberately said to manipulate him. Yet, Lu Yao still decided to return to the Lu family at this moment.

This was his final hope that Guan Qinglu might answer the longing of his younger self.

Lu Yao walked back to Fu Yanhuai and Wen Zheng, his face unnaturally flushed but his lips pale.

Trying to ignore his discomfort, he apologized with guilt to Wen Zheng, "I'm sorry, I might need to go home for a while."

Lu Yao's appearance startled Wen Zheng, who quickly asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Fu Yanhuai caught a faint trace of that sweet scent again and asked in a low voice, "What did Lu Qianxing say to you?"

Wen Zheng glanced subtly at Fu Yanhuai, silently making note of the name.

Lu Yao tried to manage a smile but failed. "He said... my mother is sick."

Being so careful all this time had been exhausting. The only place Lu Yao could think of now was the small room on the first floor—at least there, he could truly rest.

Wen Zheng immediately said, "Then you should go see her. Go drive and take Lu Yao back."

Fu Yanhuai raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

Wen Zheng's tone remained gentle. "You two barely get to stay at home for a few days. Since Mrs. Lu is ill but resting at home instead of going to the hospital, it probably isn't too serious. Yanhuai, go with him. If nothing's wrong, make sure Little Deer gets back okay."

It seemed Wen Zheng truly liked Lu Yao. Fu Yanhuai didn't object. "I'll go get the car."

Lu Yao hadn't expected Wen Zheng to arrange this. He was really upset that he seemed to be troubling Fu Yanhuai again. "I'm sorry, I—"

Fu Yanhuai automatically grabbed Lu Yao's wrist and led him outside. His fingertips brushed against Lu Yao's skin, and he frowned. "Why are your hands so cold?"

The scent of white fir drew closer. At that moment, it was as if a switch had been flipped at the back of Lu Yao's neck. Unable to articulate his confusion, he only mumbled something vague.

Once the car door closed, the sweet scent grew more distinct. Fu Yanhuai turned on the air purifier. Lu Yao could feel his body temperature slowly rising, and no matter how hard he tried to suppress it, the abnormal throbbing pain at the back of his neck was impossible to ignore.

As the air purifier worked diligently, Fu Yanhuai spoke. "There's a public exhibition hall near the Lu family villa. I'll wait for you there."

"Okay." Lu Yao could still stay clear-headed for now. "I'll message you. It shouldn't take too long—an hour or two?"

His words were a bit jumbled, but Fu Yanhuai didn't think much of it. He said offhand, "Your fever from last time probably hasn't fully gone. You should go to the hospital for a checkup after you get home."

Lu Yao's thoughts slowed. He paused, first wondering if Fu Yanhuai's villa counted as his home, then nodded. "Okay, I will."

They arrived at the Lu residence. Fu Yanhuai parked the car and, before Lu Yao could open the door, pressed the back of his hand against Lu Yao's cheek to check his temperature.

Fever-dazed, Lu Yao asked, "Why did you touch me all of a sudden?"

Fu Yanhuai suspected Lu Yao was getting a fever again and decided to accompany him inside. "I'll go in with you."

"No, don't!" Lu Yao refused firmly. "I'll be out soon, really."

He shut the door and hurried inside, leaving Fu Yanhuai frowning deeply.

Lu Yao's heart pounded rapidly. He stopped at the entrance to steady himself before stepping in. Inside, he only saw Lu Qianxing lounging on a recliner, scrolling on his phone.

Biting his tongue to stay alert, Lu Yao approached. "Why are you lying here? Where's Mom?"

Lu Qianxing lowered his phone, startled by Lu Yao's abnormal complexion. But Lu Yao's gaze and tone were calm, so he quickly relaxed again.

Lazily picking up his phone, he answered distractedly, "She's in the guest room next door. Go see her."

"Guest room?" Lu Yao was confused. "Why isn't she resting in her bedroom? Has the doctor been here?"

Lu Qianxing sat up impatiently. "Why so many questions? Fine, I'll just say it—Mom isn't sick. We just faked an excuse to call you back."

It took Lu Yao a long moment to process this. In disbelief, he asked, "You lied to me? Why would you do that? Does Mom know about this?"

"Whether she knows or not is not your concern." Lu Qianxing saw nothing wrong with his actions. "Listen, we're trying to help you. Remember the omega young master from the Shen family, Shen Jinyan? He and his father have already met with Fu Yanhuai. Once the special serum comes out next month, Fu Yanhuai will surely divorce you. Mom and I called you back because we're worried about you. And I'm warning you—don't interfere with Shen Jinyan and Fu Yanhuai's interactions."

He continued complaining, "What were you thinking, tagging after Fu Yanhuai for no reason? And don't tell me you said anything unnecessary at the Fu family just now."

*Don't interfere with Shen Jinyan and Fu Yanhuai's interactions?* What did that mean? Didn't Fu Yanhuai say he'd wait at the exhibition hall?

Lu Yao's breathing became more labored. Beneath the skin at the back of his neck, flesh and blood seemed to be pulsing wildly. Unaware of the intensifying caramel scent clinging to him, he only knew he was parched and his vision was blurring.

"I remember he didn't go far," Lu Yao murmured. "I should go find him."

Lu Qianxing had no idea who Lu Yao was referring to. He jumped up in horror, staring at the changes overtaking Lu Yao.

"What is that smell on you?!"

He was panicking. "Is this pheromones?! Have you presented? A secondary gender presentation?!"

How could Lu Yao be an omega? He'd been a beta all these years!

Lu Yao could no longer hear Lu Qianxing. Staggering, he tried to leave. Guan Qinglu wasn't sick. Fu Yanhuai was still waiting outside—he'd said he'd be at the exhibition hall.

"You're not going anywhere!" Lu Qianxing finally came to his senses and grabbed Lu Yao, only to realize how weak and limp he was at this moment.

Lu Yao knocked against the corner of a table and almost fell.

Lu Qianxing snarled, "I already promised Shen Jinyan I'd get you back. For the next three days, you're not leaving. Shen Jinyan has already asked elders to visit Mrs. Wen with him. If you go, you'll ruin everything."

Unable to break free, Lu Yao didn't know if he was speaking to Lu Qianxing or himself.

"Fu Yanhuai promised me. You lied."

Lu Qianxing tightened his grip and dragged Lu Yao to the adjacent guest room. Shoving him inside, he slammed the door shut and locked it.

Lu Yao was thrown face-first onto the floor. Clutching at the carpet in agony, he released it just as quickly. The gland at the back of his neck was now fully developing, the sudden growth bringing unbearable pain and itching. A low, involuntary whimper escaped him.

The caramel sweetness saturated the room. Lu Yao was soaked with sweat.

Even after locking the door, Lu Qianxing still felt uneasy. He frantically called Guan Qinglu, but she was in the middle of a facial treatment, her phone silenced beside her.

Fu Yanhuai wandered aimlessly around the exhibition hall. The facilities were poorly maintained, with nothing worth seeing.

Checking the time, he noted that Lu Yao had been inside for half an hour.

No message had come. Fu Yanhuai's patience ran out, and he called Lu Yao directly.

For the first time, he experienced Lu Yao not answering his call. Surprised, Fu Yanhuai checked his screen again. Had Lu Yao really ignored him?

He walked out of the exhibition hall. Just as he got into the car, his phone rang. Assuming it was Lu Yao calling back, he answered without looking.

"Finished? Why didn't you pick up?"

But the voice on the other end was Wen Zheng's.

"Is Lu Yao with you now?"

Fu Yanhuai froze. "Mom?"

Wen Zheng frowned as she watched Shen Jinyan inside the room, smiling and bowing politely to Fu Jizhong. She lowered her voice to warn Fu Yanhuai, "Whether Lu Yao's mother is sick or how bad it is, you need to bring him back right away. A young member of the Shen family has come to visit your father."

Fu Yanhuai still hadn't received any message from Lu Yao. His face went completely dark. "Alright, I understand."