Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Chen Zui summoned the doctor, who was quite accustomed to such situations; many patients regretted their decision at the eleventh hour. To prevent any adverse effects on the unborn child, the pill taken earlier had no impact on the baby.

"Since you've decided to keep the child, you may prepare for discharge," the doctor stated. "Just remember to register at the obstetrics department."

The doctor offered no further counsel. The decision to keep the child rested solely with them, unless there were medical complications. Indeed, some who initially regretted their choice would return months later. After all, childbirth is a monumental, life-altering event—it signifies bringing a new life into the world. Not every individual, nor every couple, is fully prepared for the profound responsibility and the ensuing impact on their lives.

Upon hearing that the pill had no adverse effects, Lu Mingye finally exhaled in relief.

Chen Zui: "Thank you for your trouble, Doctor."

The doctor smiled. "However, the fee for the surgery preparation is non-refundable. I trust you understand."

Chen Zui: "We do. We apologize for any inconvenience."

The doctor’s gaze fell upon their tightly clasped hands. They truly were a loving Alpha-Alpha couple. For such pairs, natural conception was indeed a stroke of fortune.

Before departing, the doctor added, "During pregnancy, the pregnant partner will require significant comfort from their companion’s pheromones. This is crucial."

Chen Zui absorbed the information. "Thank you. Is there anything else we should be mindful of?"

He inquired meticulously, and the doctor responded to each question. Their conversation extended for a considerable time. Chen Zui’s questions were thorough, even addressing the potential pheromone repulsion between two Alphas. He diligently recorded all the doctor’s advice.

Lu Mingye observed Chen Zui, finding him exceptionally captivating in that moment.

Lu Mingye’s ears flushed, and a warmth spread through his heart. He lowered his gaze to his flat abdomen, contemplating the life burgeoning within—a being connected by blood, an irreplaceable family member. Hearing Chen Zui’s melodious voice inquire about matters pertaining to him, a long-forgotten sense of happiness blossomed.

The world, it seemed, had suddenly become far more engaging. Originally, Lu Mingye had merely wished to live as he pleased, intending to end his life when boredom or financial ruin struck.

But now, an alternative path emerged—a life brimming with the unknown and anticipation.

"How are you feeling? If you’re comfortable, let’s change and head to the obstetrics department for registration," Chen Zui suggested after seeing the doctor out.

Lu Mingye felt no discomfort whatsoever. He felt utterly at peace, his joy so profound that a smile involuntarily curved his lips. His eyes sparkled with mirth as he looked at Chen Zui.

"I’m fine. I’ll change immediately."

He replied with palpable enthusiasm.

Chen Zui sensed a change in Lu Mingye; the "black-hearted little cake" seemed to have transformed into a "honey-filled cake," exuding sweetness from within. Just observing him, Chen Zui found himself smiling unconsciously. He exited the room, waiting outside for Lu Mingye to change.

Ao Tian found this utterly perplexing. With a child on the way, what was the need for such modesty while changing clothes?

Humans.

Always so coy and secretive.

When the hospital room door opened, their eyes met, and their hearts thrummed like drums. Though the hospital should have reeked of disinfectant, to them, the air was sweet, as if they had tumbled into a honey pot.

Blushing, they averted their gazes—one looking skyward, the other at the floor.

Chen Zui: "Shall we go?"

Lu Mingye: "Mm."

Even such a simple exchange made them feel as if they were ablaze. In the corridor, the two tall Alphas resembled blushing apples, an intense, palpable aura of intimacy swirling around them, more potent than ever before.

A child darted past them. Chen Zui instinctively grasped Lu Mingye’s hand, drawing him into a protective embrace. The pulse in their joined hands quickened. Even after the child passed, they did not release their grip. Hand in hand, tightly clasped, they walked forward.

Ao Tian: I understand! This is pure love! Learning in progress.

When completing the registration form, they encountered the "married or unmarried" section. Chen Zui, who had remained steadfastly by Lu Mingye’s side, noticed this detail and swiftly intercepted Lu Mingye’s hand just as he was about to check "unmarried."

Lu Mingye’s heart fluttered. He dared not meet Chen Zui’s gaze.

Chen Zui inquired of the nurse, "May we return in a few days to register?"

Nurse: "Certainly, but it’s advisable to do so within a week, as subsequent prenatal check-ups will be necessary."

Chen Zui nodded. "Understood. Thank you."

He turned to Lu Mingye, who remained silent. Chen Zui had never witnessed such nervousness in the man. Pursing his lips, he spoke softly, "Little Deer, shall we return in a few days, alright?"

Lu Mingye’s tension stemmed precisely from understanding Chen Zui’s implication. Chen Zui’s gaze felt weighty, causing Lu Mingye’s eyelashes to flutter downwards. "Mm."

Chen Zui smiled, gently took the pen from his hand, and led him out of the hospital. The autumn wind was brisk, so he cupped Lu Mingye’s hand in both of his, holding it securely.

The journey home unfolded in silence, yet the atmosphere was devoid of awkwardness. Their occasional glances exchanged were like butterfly wings skimming a lake’s surface, gracefully stirring ripples that set their hearts a-flutter.

Upon reaching home, Lu Mingye found himself overwhelmed. He felt flushed. "I’m going to rest."

He fled to his room.

Leaning against the door, he gasped for breath, fanning his face repeatedly. The situation left him even more disoriented than their previous confrontations.

Chen Zui watched Lu Mingye’s retreating figure until it vanished upstairs. Only then did he raise a hand to cover his face, collapsing onto the sofa. He felt like a lovesick youth, his face burning.

After a moment, Chen Zui abruptly sat up. "Ao Tian."

Ao Tian: "What is it, pure love warrior?"

Chen Zui: "My apologies, but your plans for interstellar travel may have to be postponed. I intend to use that money to propose to Lu Mingye."

Lu Mingye might refuse, but this was a necessary step. Not only was he already the person Chen Zui loved, but he was also carrying their child.

Ao Tian: "Then I can start planning the proposal!"

It was even more elated than Chen Zui, devoid of any disappointment.

Chen Zui: "When you become human, you will undoubtedly lead a fulfilling life."

Such optimism alone was enough to conquer all.

Ao Tian: "Truly? Do you have any advice for me?"

Chen Zui: "Never relinquish your sense of self or your joy. These are far more precious than love."

Ao Tian: "Noted."

Ao Tian: "Let’s begin planning the proposal ceremony! I have an abundance of resources here~"

Chen Zui spent the entire afternoon engrossed in this matter with Ao Tian. He considered himself unromantic, whereas Ao Tian was a system overflowing with ideas. For once, the two were in rare disagreement from beginning to end.

Outside, dusk descended. Chen Zui, still deep in discussion with Ao Tian about a grand entrance involving large wings descending from the sky, had forgotten to switch on the lights. He found the idea excessively flamboyant, while Ao Tian enthusiastically suggested iridescent wings, deeming them "cool."

Lu Mingye emerged from the bedroom, observing the pitch darkness downstairs.

He descended the stairs, gripping the banister. By the light filtering through the floor-to-ceiling window, he discerned Chen Zui, his brow furrowed in thought. After a moment of hesitation, he took a deep breath and approached.

Only when Lu Mingye stood before him did Chen Zui emerge from his fervent debate with Ao Tian, noticing him and the time.

"You must be hungry. I’ll make dinner."

Chen Zui rose and headed towards the kitchen, but Lu Mingye caught his arm. He turned back; in the darkness, the other man wasn't looking at him, yet his grip steadily tightened.

"What’s wrong?"

Chen Zui moved closer and watched as Lu Mingye lifted his hand, gently separating his fingers. Then, something warm and solid was slowly slipped onto his pinky finger.

It was a ring.

More precisely, it was now adorning his little finger.

Chen Zui was so astonished he was momentarily speechless. It was rare for him to be at a loss, but lately, life had presented an abundance of surprises—joys he had never dared to dream of in his previous existence.

In the darkness, Lu Mingye spoke: "If you don’t accept this ring, I’ll chain you up."

The Alpha’s words were imperious, yet no one would fault him, for Chen Zui perceived his sincerity, a heart that held him dear.

"We’ll register our marriage tomorrow. If you refuse, I’ll kill you." Lu Mingye looked at Chen Zui; their eyes, now accustomed to the darkness, could clearly see each other.

"You were the one who pursued me. You won’t escape me for the rest of your life."

Chen Zui was utterly captivated. He smiled and embraced his "sweetheart" who always spoke with a tough facade: "I was still planning a proposal. What do we do now?"

Lu Mingye shivered. "Just skip it. I can’t stand such sappy scenes. Furthermore, by marrying me, you forfeit the right to a wedding. This isn’t a discussion; it’s a declaration."

Chen Zui lifted his head, cupped Lu Mingye’s face, and affectionately rubbed their noses together. "So domineering."

Lu Mingye: "That’s precisely how I am. Do you object?"

"No objection, but I require compensation." Chen Zui’s gaze settled on Lu Mingye’s lips, his thumb gently caressing the other man’s cheek. This demeanor from Chen Zui made Lu Mingye’s heart race, a flurry of emotions.

Though he had kissed Chen Zui many times, he knew that often Chen Zui was observing him. While passionate in his actions, Chen Zui rarely lost himself in such moments. This was the first time he had seen Chen Zui in such a dazed state, and they hadn't even kissed yet.

Crucially, within this daze lay a profound tenderness for him, a weight that stirred his heart.

Lu Mingye’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he shyly lowered his eyelids. "Give me some of your pheromones."

The words were unexpectedly alluring.

Chen Zui’s eyes deepened. He ceased his restraint and kissed him, a lingering, tender kiss, as if Lu Mingye truly were a soft, sticky rice cake meant to be savored with utmost care.

——

Chen Zui vacated the guest bedroom. When he entered the master bedroom, Lu Mingye was already in bed, seemingly asleep, yet the constant movement beneath his thin eyelids betrayed him.

Chen Zui discerned this immediately but did not expose him.

He extinguished the light, lay down beside Lu Mingye, and carefully drew him into his embrace. The scent of roses gently diffused, enveloping the Alpha, allowing Lu Mingye’s tense body to gradually relax.

Both remembered the doctor’s admonition and refrained from any indiscreet actions.

They enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep.

——

The following day, they proceeded directly to the marriage registration office. The process was straightforward, yet the registration of two Alphas garnered considerable attention. Lu Mingye wore cool sunglasses, while Chen Zui distributed wedding candies.

Chen Zui found this task enjoyable and deeply satisfying. Most often, his role involved sending people to their demise; this was his first experience in bestowing blessings.

Upon receiving the marriage certificate, he felt a sense of wonder. He, Chen Zui, was actually married and expecting a child. He gazed at the booklet for a long while before tucking it into his inner pocket.

Then, with renewed vigor and confidence, they headed to the hospital.

Lu Mingye, with cool nonchalance, checked the "married" box, his heart brimming with contentment.

Chen Zui, too, looked satisfied.

They passed the pregnancy handbook back and forth, both fascinated by its contents.

Chen Zui: "We must preserve this for the baby."

Lu Mingye: "Of course."

Their excitement was so profound that they immediately proceeded to a baby store, embarking on a massive shopping spree. The sales assistant was delighted to serve such affluent new fathers, enthusiastically recommending various items. Their sole response was: "We’ll buy it!"

By the end, they had nearly depleted the baby store’s inventory with their numerous purchases, yet they remained eager for more.

Upon returning home,

Chen Zui produced a tiny pink outfit, barely larger than his palm.

He exclaimed in surprise, "Will there truly be a baby this small?"

Lu Mingye propped his chin on his hand. "Presumably…"

He took the small garment. Though merely an article of clothing, he could already envision how adorable the baby would look wearing it.

"Oh, I’ve chosen a name for the baby."

Chen Zui, who was putting things away, paused. "Wonderful, what is it?"

Lu Mingye, folding the tiny clothes, was momentarily too shy to articulate it.

Chen Zui watched his face deepen in color, growing even more expectant.

"What is it?"

Lu Mingye unfolded the clothes he had just folded. "It’s… Lu Chen."

Chen Zui nearly dropped the items in his hands.

Ao Tian: "Wow! Chen! He truly loves you! Even though the favorability is only 48%!"

"Lu Chen? Which Chen?" In truth, any "Chen" would have been acceptable, for he understood Lu Mingye’s sentiment. However, he still wished to confirm the precise character for their child’s name.

Lu Mingye: "The 'dust' in 'the dusty world'."

He unfolded the clothes for the third time, keeping himself unnecessarily occupied.

Chen Zui smiled blissfully. "A beautiful name."

Lu Mingye smiled too.

——

Time seemed to accelerate after the pregnancy. In the blink of an eye, another three months had passed.

Lu Mingye observed his abdomen in the mirror. The contours of his abdominal muscles were beginning to soften, and his face had visibly rounded, though his complexion was increasingly radiant, fair with a rosy glow.

Chen Zui truly took exceptional care of him.

Lu Mingye donned a loose t-shirt and descended the stairs. He rarely ventured out in winter, finding the cold unbearable.

As he reached the bottom, he saw Chen Zui returning from his morning run. Even in this season, the man wore a tank top and shorts, the sweat-soaked fabric clinging to his body, outlining his muscles—a sight that filled Lu Mingye with envy.

"Morning."

Chen Zui greeted him, then put away the groceries he had purchased into the refrigerator.

Lu Mingye’s gaze followed, and for some inexplicable reason, his mouth began to water.

His eyes kept darting towards Chen Zui.

When Lu Mingye finally came to his senses, he shook his head. Was he losing his mind?

Chen Zui showered first. The house was warm, so he descended bare-chested in shorts, water still glistening on his skin, an alluring sheen that made Lu Mingye swallow repeatedly.

Chen Zui cooked with clean, efficient movements, a truly pleasing sight.

Having observed the entire process, Lu Mingye felt almost full, sated from merely swallowing.

At the dining table, Chen Zui glanced up and froze.

On the chest of Lu Mingye’s shirt, a damp patch had appeared. He was certain it hadn’t been there when Lu Mingye sat down. There were no stains or grease; instead, a milky white substance slowly seeped through the black fabric.

He stared for so long that it drew Lu Mingye’s attention.

Lu Mingye paused, chopsticks in hand. "What’s wrong?"

Chen Zui: "Your chest…"

Lu Mingye looked down, equally perplexed. "Huh? What is this?"

He instinctively reached out, wiping away the seeping liquid with his fingertip, then brought it to his nose, sniffing in confusion.

He felt something swiftly trickle down his chest.

Concurrently, he detected a milky scent.

Lu Mingye: ……

Chen Zui recalled what he had read about pregnancy. "Is this… breast milk?"

It was too early in the pregnancy for milk to appear, so Chen Zui was uncertain. He rose from his seat and went to Lu Mingye’s side.

Lu Mingye, now certain it was milk, shielded his chest with his arm. "No, it’s not! I’m going to change!"

He bumped past Chen Zui and headed upstairs. The Alpha had not anticipated having to contend with such a development!

Chen Zui observed the single drop on the floor, crouched down, picked it up with his fingertip, and sniffed.

It was milk.

Back in his room, Lu Mingye examined himself. The continuously flowing liquid was indeed milk.

The Alpha was on the verge of a breakdown.

This was utterly humiliating!

A knock sounded at the door. Lu Mingye swiftly pulled his shirt off and burrowed under the covers.

Chen Zui appeared at the doorway. "Let’s go to the hospital."

Lu Mingye: "No!"

He absolutely refused to go out looking like this!

Chen Zui approached the bed, speaking patiently. "It’s quite early for you to be producing milk. Let’s go to the hospital to ensure it’s normal."

Lu Mingye pulled the covers over his head, concealing even his face. "I said no, and I mean no!"

He lay there, still feeling the milk leaking.

This was the first time Lu Mingye had been uncooperative since becoming pregnant. Chen Zui: "Alright, if you don’t want to go, we won’t. I’ll go to the hospital and inquire. I’ll be back soon."

Lu Mingye remained silent.

Chen Zui: "Come down and eat later."

Listening to his retreating footsteps, Lu Mingye finally pulled back the covers slightly to breathe.

Observing the milk that had already dampened the sheets in such a short time, he suddenly realized a crucial point: he would have to feed the baby later…

The Alpha’s face was crimson, enough to bleed.

—

Lu Mingye had lost his appetite, but fortunately, the milk flow ceased after about ten minutes. He quickly showered, feeling as though he reeked of milk.

He then changed the sheets and duvet cover.

Checking the time, he saw that Chen Zui had been gone for an hour. Why wasn’t he back yet?

Lu Mingye grew anxious. Since their marriage and Chen Zui’s move into the master bedroom, they had rarely been apart, save for Chen Zui’s morning runs and grocery trips. The grocery store was nearby, and Chen Zui usually returned within twenty minutes. During his runs, Lu Mingye typically slept in the bed, enveloped in Chen Zui’s pheromones, and felt nothing amiss.

Now, after such a prolonged separation, Lu Mingye felt the rose scent in the room had faded.

He paced the living room, one hand on his hip, occasionally glancing out the floor-to-ceiling window.

As time stretched on, his agitation intensified. After another two hours, Lu Mingye donned his jacket and headed for the door—he was going to find Chen Zui.

The door opened from the outside just as he reached it.

The moment Lu Mingye saw Chen Zui, his lips trembled, and he was suddenly overcome with a profound sense of grievance. How could Chen Zui leave him alone at home for so long?

"Are you going out?" Chen Zui noticed Lu Mingye’s jacket. "Where were you planning to go? It’s getting windy outside. Perhaps we should go tomorrow?"

Lu Mingye grumbled, "Where have you been?"

Chen Zui entered the house and, as if by magic, produced a sugar figurine from behind his back.

"I was queuing for this."

"Look, it’s the three of us."

Lu Mingye’s gaze fell upon the sugar figurine in Chen Zui’s hand, and all his anxious emotions dissipated. Compared to the sugar figurine…

"It’s beautiful."

"But… could you just hold me first?"

Lu Mingye spoke, carefully avoiding the sugar figurine, and embraced Chen Zui, deeply inhaling the scent of roses on him.

"You must have waited in line for ages, didn’t you?"

"Thank you for your trouble."

Lu Mingye tightened his embrace around Chen Zui. With those words, how could Chen Zui possibly feel troubled?

He wrapped his arms around Lu Mingye: "You had it rough staying home alone too."

He gently released his pheromones. It seemed Lu Mingye was deeply dependent on his partner’s scent; he would need to be mindful not to be separated from him for such extended periods in the future.

——

Lu Mingye admired the sugar figurine in his hand—it was exquisitely crafted, depicting a small doll with two pigtails, being swung by the arms by adults.

Chen Zui: "I consulted the doctor, and your situation is not uncommon, so there’s no need to worry."

Lu Mingye: "Oh."

Internal monologue: Let’s not discuss this topic! It’s so awkward!

Unexpectedly, however, he began leaking milk again that night while he was asleep. Lost in dreams, Lu Mingye remained oblivious until the milk dampened Chen Zui’s hand.

Waking up, Chen Zui raised his hand, and upon smelling the milk, was momentarily disoriented.

He belatedly realized what had occurred.

He shifted backward and looked. The curtains were not fully drawn, so the bedroom was not entirely dark. He saw milky white liquid slowly flowing out, leaving trails on the Alpha’s skin.

The scene was truly…

Ao Tian: "Visual perception deactivated."

Chen Zui dabbed a little with his finger, stared at it for a moment, then brought his finger to his lips.

The milky fragrance assailed his taste buds.

It was delicious.

His throat involuntarily bobbed.

Upon careful reflection, allowing it to simply flow away seemed a waste.

The Alpha’s eyes gleamed, and a thought emerged—one so alluring he found it almost irresistible.

Chen Zui glanced at Lu Mingye, who was deeply asleep.

The Alpha took action.

——

——

As he took it into his mouth, the milky taste grew richer. It didn’t take long before his mouth was full, and Chen Zui swallowed it down. At first, he just waited for the milk to flow out on its own.

After a while, he without thinking, started sucking eagerly.

The milk was plentiful.

Not only fragrant but also slightly sweet.

The Alpha was hooked from the first taste—once he started drinking, he couldn’t stop. His cheeks puffed out even more than when smoking, as if he wanted to drain the milk in one gulp.

He became like a child.

Feeding to his heart’s content.

When one side couldn’t keep up and couldn’t satisfy him, he moved to the other, busily and delightfully engrossed.

Chen Zui thought this was the most delicious thing in the world.

Lu Mingye drowsily opened his eyes.