Chapter 130 What a Coincidence, So Are We

Chapter 130: What a Coincidence, Us Too

Before Fang Ran could utter a sound, his back was enveloped by a broad, sturdy embrace.

A familiar scent instantly surrounded him.

The sentinel's low voice then sounded in his ear, "What? Did you have a premonition, knowing I was back?"

Hearing that voice, Fang Ran relaxed completely, letting the person hold him.

He slowly turned his head, meeting the other's deep gaze.

"Fu Zhangzhou."

"I'm here."

The sentinel's eyes sparkled with pleasure, reflecting Fang Ran's image.

"Did you miss me? Why is your face so red?"

Fang Ran barely managed to straighten up, turning around but avoiding the man's gaze.

Earlier, sitting in the lounge, waves of inexplicable emptiness had washed over him, making every second agonizing. His Omega instincts constantly urged him to seek out the sentinel's presence.

This was Fang Ran's first time being marked, even if temporarily. The intense impact of the marking left him completely unable to adapt; even Zhong Wan had noticed his distress.

The moment he saw the sentinel, he was ecstatic, though he didn't show it.

Now, enveloped by that familiar scent, the restless unease inside him eased slightly, only to be replaced by a flood of more complex emotions.

Ridiculous thoughts popped into his mind again...

*Damn this heat period.*

Noticing Fang Ran's prolonged silence, Fu Zhangzhou leaned in closer and asked, "Fang Ran, do you have a fever again?"

"No." Fang Ran shook his head, pushing away the hand reaching for him. "Fu Zhangzhou, why are you back so soon? You haven't been gone long."

"Because someone missed me." The sentinel smiled at him. "I knew that person was being stubborn, so I came back on my own."

"..."

Stubborn?

Was he referring to the message where Fang Ran had just scolded him?

But it was Fu Zhangzhou who had failed to maintain propriety, pulling up his shirt in public!

Still, Fang Ran didn’t want to admit he was upset. Trying to change the subject, his gaze fell on Fu Zhangzhou’s clothes.

"Why are there wood chips all over you?"

"Wood chips?"

Fu Zhangzhou looked down. His black combat suit was indeed covered in fine wood chips, likely from the earlier explosion of the spruce tree. The sticky sap had made them cling, and they carried a pungent odor.

"I was in too much of a hurry to notice. It’s from combat earlier," the sentinel explained.

"Let’s go get a new one from logistics."

"Okay."

Fang Ran let Fu Zhangzhou lead him along, paying no attention to anyone else. His mind was filled with chaotic, overwhelming thoughts, making him nearly crazy. He felt dazed the entire way.

It wasn’t until he heard Fu Zhangzhou speaking to someone else that he realized they had already reached the logistics room.

A staff member behind the desk asked him, "Guide, are you here to apply for a private resting room?"

"Huh?"

"Apply for a private resting room?"

Fang Ran was stunned, wondering if he had misheard.

The staff member glanced between him and Fu Zhangzhou. "Aren’t the two of you looking for a private space to purify?"

It was then that Fang Ran remembered Fang Liyu’s words—this place had spacious private rooms that could serve as purification rooms, so they didn’t have to squeeze together.

"Exactly." Fu Zhangzhou quickly responded, handing over his terminal. "Please also get me a new combat suit and two nutrient packs."

"Sure, one moment."

While the staff member walked away, Fang Ran looked at the sentinel, confused. "We’re applying for a private resting room?"

Fu Zhangzhou lowered his head, his eyes filled with implied meaning. "Aren’t we?"

"Everything is ready for you two."

The staff member returned behind the desk, handing a new combat suit and nutrient packs to Fu Zhangzhou.

"There happens to be one private resting room available, for one hour."

Seeing that Fu Zhangzhou’s hands were full, the staff member handed the access card to Fang Ran.

"The resting room is number 206. Is there anything else you need?"

Fang Ran shook his head, taking the card bewildered.

"Let’s go." Fu Zhangzhou smiled, leading him away.

After leaving the room, the two followed the directions toward the resting room.

Fang Ran’s mind went blank, unsure how to react. He could only follow closely behind Fu Zhangzhou.

*He hadn’t drunk any alcohol today, had he?*

The gland on the back of his neck was itching and throbbing—his pheromone levels must be rising.

But this was a work environment...

He despised his own thoughts, calling himself depraved, yet he couldn’t help feeling a conflicted sense of anticipation, attributing it all to his Omega instincts.

Lost in confusion, he followed the sentinel around a corner, only to find Fu Zhangzhou standing still. He almost collided with him.

"Are we here?"

He looked up at the door number beside him—they had indeed arrived.

But why was Fu Zhangzhou still standing there, staring ahead?

Did he see someone he knew?

Just then, the sentinel moved aside, and Fang Ran finally saw what was across from them.

Sure enough.

Two familiar figures were standing in front of the adjacent room.

It was Zhong Wan and Lu Wenchuan.

Zhong Wan was holding a keycard, about to press it against the sensor to open the door, when he happened to turn around and saw Fang Ran.

Their eyes met, and an unspoken awkwardness filled the moment.

Zhong Wan: "You're in 206?"

Fang Ran: "Yeah, are you in 207?"

Zhong Wan: "Heh, we're here to purify."

Fang Ran: "What a coincidence, so are we."

Zhong Wan: "..."

Fang Ran: "..."

After a brief silence, Zhong Wan pushed the door handle, and the door to room 207 slid open automatically.

He took Lu Wenshan's hand, ready to go inside, but paused and said to Fang Ran, "Don’t get up to anything shady, alright? We’re right next door."

Fang Ran: "..."

"No worries," Fu Zhangzhou spoke up, though his words were directed at Lu Wenchuan. "I’ve heard the soundproofing here is pretty good."

Lu Wenchuan gave him a solemn nod.

Zhong Wan: "..."

Fang Ran couldn’t help but laugh as he opened the door to room 206.

The four of them, each with their own ulterior motives, headed into their rooms.

The single room was simply furnished—a single bed, a cabinet, and a table and chairs.

After Fang Ran stepped inside, Fu Zhangzhou followed him and casually closed the door behind them.

*Click.*

A soft sound, yet it echoed loudly in his ears.

Fang Ran suddenly realized—they were finally alone together in a private space.

Fu Zhangzhou chuckled lowly behind him, his voice low as he said:

"Mind if I change first?"

"What?"

Fang Ran turned around to find the sentinel had already taken off his combat suit.