Chapter 63 Chapter 63

Chapter 63

You Miao's question was purely objective, but Xing Hui's expression flickered with surprise. He asked, with a touch of self-importance, "Can I take that as you caring about me?"

"You..." You Miao looked at him, uttered a single word, then stopped. Perhaps he shouldn't have asked at all.

Xing Hui waited for a moment, but when You Miao didn't continue, he confessed directly, "I tried to remove my own gland, but I didn't succeed. That's how it happened."

Remove his own gland?

This information made You Miao's eyes widen slightly. What did he use to cut it? A knife? Or some other sharp object?

From what he'd learned in this world's physiology classes, an Alpha attempting to remove his own gland was truly shocking.

The gland was their secondary sex characteristic; such self-harm was extreme and showed a complete disregard for one's own body.

Xing Hui's gaze remained fixed on You Miao in the rearview mirror, observing his expression, then continued, "It hurt a lot, and I bled heavily. Now my gland doesn't produce its rose scent anymore."

Before You Miao could respond, Xing Hui added, "You didn't like the smell of my pheromones, did you? This way, in this space, without my pheromones, aren't you more comfortable?"

You Miao realized belatedly that during their recent time together, he hadn't detected even a trace of the rose-scented pheromones.

He couldn't help but raise a hand to touch the medical suppressant patch on the back of his neck.

His own gland was also damaged, and he no longer had a pheromone scent. It didn't really affect him, since he was a transmigrant from a non-ABO world. But the doctors always said it had a significant impact, so he had to come to the hospital regularly for check-ups and treatment.

So, for someone native to this world like Xing Hui, did a damaged gland have a major impact on him? Today, the doctor at the Endocrinology Department seemed very nervous when they saw Xing Hui, repeatedly urging him to take his gland treatment seriously.

But it seemed like Xing Hui, a local, didn't appear too concerned about it.

You Miao composed himself and didn't engage with the topic, instead asking, "Do you remember that I didn't like the smell of your pheromones?"

"I don't remember," Xing Hui said truthfully, mentioning the recording on his phone and saying he didn't know why there was a recording of the two of them arguing.

You Miao gave him the answer: "You installed a listening device on my phone before."

This made Xing Hui clear his throat uncomfortably: "...I see." After a pause, he said, "I'm sorry." Then, as if trying to salvage the situation, he added, "I went way too far before." He then said he understood why You Miao told others he was no good.

The listening device reminded You Miao of those days when he was completely under surveillance; even just recalling it now felt suffocating.

That version of Xing Hui back then was truly a complete madman; no normal person would act like he did. Just thinking about the things he had done before made You Miao frown.

Xing Hui didn't push for You Miao to feel even a hint of softness toward him because of the gland issue. Although he wanted You Miao to soften toward him because of it, once the listening device was brought up, he knew that not having You Miao give him the cold shoulder was already the best he could hope for. So he changed the subject, asking You Miao if he wanted to grab dinner out before heading home.

You Miao refused, saying Jun Jun was still at home.

"Wasn't Jun Jun sent to Zhou Zhaosheng's house?" Xing Hui called him out. "You just don't want to have dinner with me."

You Miao fell silent again.

His silence made Xing Hui quiet down too. The car fell into stillness until they reached Qingshui Bay, when You Miao broke the silence: "Stop the car here. I need to pick up Jun Jun from Xinyu's house."

"I'll take you there," Xing Hui found a reason for himself. "I miss Jun Jun."

The car stopped in front of Zhou Zhaosheng's house, and Xiao Xin and Fang Xinyu brought Jun Jun out.

Seeing Fang Xinyu, You Miao couldn't help but wonder: "Haven't you gone to the hospital yet?"

Fang Xinyu smiled shyly: "Tomorrow is the town's main fair. I'll go to the hospital after I finish at the fair."

"My sister-in-law is craving the snacks at the fair. Let him enjoy them to his heart's content tomorrow before going to the hospital," Xiao Xin said with a laugh, glancing at Xing Hui in the car and lowering her voice to ask You Miao, "Brother Miao, is your ex-husband coming every day?"

You Miao looked back at the car; Xing Hui sat there with a stoic expression, staring intently at them, very much like a fierce dog.

But You Miao knew this "dog" wouldn't bite anymore.

"I can't stop him from coming," You Miao said, in a resigned tone.

Xiao Xin chuckled and asked gossipily, "So, are you going to get back together with him?"

Fang Xinyu spoke up first: "Xiao Xin, why do you have so many questions?" He glanced at the car and added, "It's so cold out, Brother Miao, you should head back soon."

On the way back, You Miao didn't get into Xing Hui's car. He walked slowly, leading Jun Jun.

It was about a ten-minute walk from Zhou Zhaosheng's new house to the old one. He walked slowly, and Xing Hui's car followed him, creeping along.

The chilly night wind blew against his face, tousling You Miao's hair.

Jun Jun's fur was blown into spikes, making him absolutely adorable.

Xing Hui's gaze never left You Miao, watching his gentle profile, his wind-tousled hair. At one point, he called out softly, "You Miao."

You Miao paused mid-step and glanced at him.

Xing Hui said, "Can I court you?"

You Miao's footsteps halted completely, as if processing what Xing Hui said. After a couple of seconds, he looked at him.

Xing Hui met his gaze and said firmly, "Even though I don't remember our past, I still have real feelings for you."

Feelings?

Did he mean that time he got hard?

You Miao couldn't help but suspect.

As if predicting You Miao's thoughts, Xing Hui said, "These feelings aren't just physical reactions; they're also emotional." He watched You Miao's expression. "The emotional component matters most, really."

You Miao didn't respond. After his conversation with Brother Chen earlier today, his emotions had been quite calm, but now, because of Xing Hui suddenly talking about pursuing him, they became thrown off balance again.

If six years ago, before they had gotten married, he could have heard these words from Xing Hui, would those six years have been filled with so many arguments and tears?

It all started because they had slept together unclear about each other's intentions, and then he was hounded and never let go. You Miao had thought someone like Xing Hui would never understand how to properly pursue someone.

But tonight, on this very ordinary evening, Xing Hui, who didn't remember any of their past, was telling him he wanted to pursue him.

"You Miao, is it okay?" Xing Hui pressed. "Can I court you?"

You Miao held his gaze for two seconds, then looked away, blinking slowly. Inappropriately, he remembered the terrible Xing Hui from before.

Then, somewhat avoiding the subject, he started walking again, picking up his pace.

When they reached the doorstep, Xing Hui parked, quickly got out of the car, and walked up to You Miao. "You Miao, you can continue to resent and dislike the me from the past who treated you poorly, but can you look at the me now? Give me a chance?" He really was a novice at pursuing someone, eager to demonstrate every advantage he could in front of You Miao. "You can test me, see how I behave from now on. I have confidence in the current me. Everyone says my temper isn't as bad as it used to be; you must have noticed too. Lately, I've been quite gentle around you. Plus, I'm well-off and connected, I can cook, I do housework, I'm not picky about food, I don't smoke or drink anymore, and I'm great with animals—just look at how happy Jun Jun is every time he sees me." Then he asked, "See, dogs are good judges of character. So can you consider it?" He added, "No rush. Think it over and give me your answer whenever you're ready. I won't pressure you; take your time."

You Miao fitted the key in the lock, avoiding his gaze and not answering.

However, Jun Jun at their feet did respond, squirming and yelping.

They both quickly looked down and realized Xing Hui was stepping on Jun Jun's paw.

"You silly dog," Xing Hui felt that Dog Jun had disrupted his well-prepared emotions, so he bent down to pick it up, his tone a bit harsh. "Why are you standing by my feet?"

You Miao looked at the wronged Dog Jun and sighed, then glanced at Xing Hui. "Your temper hasn't improved?"

After saying that, he took Dog Jun into his arms and entered the house, leaving Xing Hui standing stiffly alone.

When You Miao was closing the gate, Xing Hui finally came to his senses and reached out to stop him. "You Miao, I..." He suddenly got stuck, not knowing what to say next. After a while, he continued, "I apologize to Jun Jun."

Dog Jun was still circling around their feet, seemingly unfazed by the earlier step, as if the pain didn't matter. He kept darting in and out of the doorway, appearing completely indifferent to Xing Hui's step.

You Miao looked down at the little dog, which seemed to hold no grudges. But he wasn't a dog. The controlling, possessive, stubborn, and bad-tempered Xing Hui—every time he thought of him, his heart felt heavy.

Even though Xing Hui's temper had mellowed a lot now and wasn't as extreme, You Miao knew that it was only temporary.

How could a person's nature fundamentally change?

It wouldn't.

"Xing Hui, we're not suitable," he gave his answer.

Xing Hui was stunned for a few seconds after hearing You Miao's words, then said with a somewhat hurt tone, "Where aren't we suitable?" He added, "If we weren't suitable, why were we married for six years?"

You Miao looked at Xing Hui's hurt expression and felt that he couldn't bear to see him like that. So, with a stern face, he called Dog Jun and closed the gate.

A door blocked their view.

Xing Hui stared at the door and persisted, "You Miao, don't avoid this. Tell me, where aren't we suitable?"

Hearing Xing Hui's voice, Dog Jun started scratching at the door, whining at You Miao, clearly wanting him to open it.

"You want to go with him? Then I'll let you go with him," You Miao said deliberately to the little dog.

Dog Jun's wagging tail stopped. It stopped scratching the door and stopped whining, just looking at You Miao with pitiful puppy eyes.

Looking at the understanding little dog at his feet, You Miao smiled, bent down, and stroked it. "It's cold outside. Let's go inside."

"You Miao!" Xing Hui was still shouting outside the door. "Open the door."

You Miao frowned, he couldn't take it anymore. "It's late. You should go back."

Xing Hui stopped knocking on the door and peered through the crack, but unfortunately, he couldn't see anything. He sighed and obediently complied, leaning against the door and saying loudly, "Then remember to eat. You and the baby shouldn't go hungry."

You Miao had already walked to the house door with Dog Jun and turned his head toward the gate. "You'll disturb the neighbors like this."

In reality, several houses in the old residence were empty.

Xing Hui fell silent, staring at the gate and listening for any sounds inside. After who knows how long, the light in the yard went out.

Xing Hui peered through the crack in the gate again, trying to determine if You Miao was asleep by the faint light coming from the house.

He usually waited until the yard was completely dark before driving away.

But today, he decided not to leave.

He had started it, asking You Miao to agree to his pursuit. Although he was rejected, it didn't matter. Someone like You Miao, so beautiful and gentle, must be hard to chase.

Thinking this, Xing Hui immediately felt rejuvenated.

Xiao Xin ran to You Miao crying around 4 a.m. Xing Hui, sleeping in his car, was awakened by the little girl's cries.

Xiao Xin was frantic, saying that her brother had gone with Brother Chen to get goods, and her sister-in-law had severe stomach pain and was about to give birth.

The current situation was that vendors had arrived early to set up stalls for the fair, blocking the town's roads so that cars couldn't get through.

Xiao Xin was crying uncontrollably. "Brother Miao, what should we do?"

You Miao had gotten up in a hurry, just throwing on a coat. He asked, "Can an electric tricycle get through?"

"No, only two-wheelers can," Xiao Xin said despairingly. "The vendors aren't unwilling to make way, but the more they try, the more congested it gets in the panic."

Xing Hui didn't say anything but made a phone call, then said, "Where is the pregnant man? I'll drive him to the hospital."

"Your four-wheel car can't get through!" Xiao Xin was truly panicked.

"I've already arranged for people to clear the road. My car will have a clear path all the way," Xing Hui said, looking at You Miao. "It's cold outside. Go inside. I'll make sure he gets to the hospital safely."

"I'll go with you," You Miao said, putting on his coat properly. "Zhaosheng isn't here. Uncle Zhou, Aunt Zhou, and Xiao Xin have no one to rely on. I have to go."

Xing Hui knew that he couldn't stop him, so he opened the car door for him. Following Xiao Xin's directions, they drove Fang Xinyu straight to the hospital.

Fang Xinyu was in unbearable pain from the contractions. It was his first time giving birth, and he was very nervous. You Miao let him lean on him and comforted him with words.

At this moment, You Miao felt anxious because his gland impairment prevented him from releasing soothing pheromones. It was also his first time experiencing a man giving birth, and his nervousness was no less than Fang Xinyu's.

Moreover, seeing Fang Xinyu drenched in sweat, pale, and frowning, he couldn't help but think of himself. What would it be like when it was his turn to give birth?

The vendors blocking the road, under the command and guidance of a large number of traffic police, cleared a path, ensuring Xing Hui's car could pass through unimpeded.

"Should we go to the town hospital or the city hospital?" Aunt Zhou was sweating coldly, at a complete loss.

"To the military hospital," Xing Hui said, stepping on the accelerator. The speed was already far exceeding the speed limit.

But he had already given orders, and no one dared to stop his car. There were no vehicles or pedestrians blocking his way along the route, and he didn't need to wait for red lights.

When the military hospital came into view, You Miao's tense body slowly relaxed. He wiped the sweat from Fang Xinyu's forehead and said, "Xinyu, we're here. Don't be afraid."

Thanks to Xing Hui's arrangements, the obstetrics doctors had been waiting for a long time. As soon as the car stopped, Fang Xinyu was quickly wheeled into the delivery room.

In City A, everyone knew the military hospital was authoritative. However, as part of the military system, it primarily served military personnel and their families. Although it had outpatient and inpatient services open to the public, without Xing Hui, Fang Xinyu wouldn't have received the highest level of care.

While waiting outside the delivery room, You Miao comforted Aunt Zhou and then Xiao Xin. Finally, he asked Uncle Zhou if Zhaosheng was returning.

"He said he's almost here," Uncle Zhou was also very flustered but had calmed down somewhat. He looked at You Miao and said, "Xiao You, we really owe it to Major General Xing."

You Miao turned to look at Major General Xing, who was standing not far away.

"He's a high-ranking official. I don't know how to thank him," Uncle Zhou said, lowering his voice. "Xiao You, your aunt asked me to ask you: should we buy him some good cigarettes? Give a monetary gift? Or wait for Zhaosheng to return and properly thank him then?"

"Uncle, you don't need to be so polite."

"How can we not? He helped us greatly. We must thank him. Let's wait until Zhaosheng returns. You young people have common topics to talk about," Uncle Zhou said, then asked, "Xiao You, you know him. Tell me, what does he like? I want to get something appropriate."

You Miao went to ask Xing Hui what he liked and what gift he would want.

"You're giving me a gift?" Xing Hui's eyes lit up.

You Miao: "Uncle Zhou and the others want to give you a gift to express their gratitude."

"You think I care about the little gifts they'd give?" Xing Hui genuinely didn't care. He said directly, "It's not necessary." He added, "It was just a quick phone call for me. Don't worry about it."

You Miao thought his emotional intelligence was low: "Keep your voice down."

"My voice isn't loud," Xing Hui said.

You Miao opened his mouth to speak but then gave up, not wanting to talk to him anymore.

Zhou Zhaosheng arrived, sweating and looking terrified. Only after confirming Fang Xinyu was okay did he relax a little, but he still anxiously asked how long it had been and why he hadn't come out yet.

You Miao, sensing his thoughts, asked Xing Hui, "Can he be in the delivery room?"

Xing Hui didn't understand why You Miao could read others so well but seemed completely disconnected when it came to him.

Fang Xinyu gave birth around 8 a.m.—an eight-pound omega baby boy. Zhou Zhaosheng broke down crying, repeatedly saying his wife had suffered.

An eight-pound baby meant Fang Xinyu had indeed endured a lot. He was weak now, ate some nutritious food, and fell asleep.

By almost 9 a.m., Xing Hui walked over to You Miao, tugged his sleeve, and asked, "When are we leaving?"

Aunt Zhou spoke up, "Xiao You, you two should go back. You've worked hard this morning. Go home and rest. The doctor said we shouldn't have so many people here anyway."

You Miao went to see the baby—tiny and wrinkled, lying in the newborn crib. It made him think again of the little one in his own belly.

On the way back, drowsiness overcame You Miao, and he fell asleep in the car.

Xing Hui drove slowly, at a snail's pace, secretly observing the sleeping You Miao. The car was silent, and he could hear his own strong heartbeat.

Xing Hui was absolutely certain—he had strong feelings for You Miao.

Because of the fair, the car got stuck at the town entrance. Xing Hui was actually pleased. He parked, turned around, and gazed intently at the still-sleeping You Miao.

When You Miao opened his eyes, he met a pair of infatuated eyes. He wasn't stupid; he'd seen this look from this person many times before. He knew what it meant.

So he stayed silent.

Xing Hui continued watching him and said the car couldn't get through. If they wanted to go home, they'd have to walk.

"How about I get a two-wheeled electric bike to take you?" he suggested, worried that walking all the way home would tire You Miao out.

You Miao rubbed his eyes. He had slept soundly, which confirmed Dr. Cai's words—with the baby's other father nearby, both he and the baby felt better.

In fact, You Miao hadn't been sleeping well lately, often waking up at night and taking a long time to fall back asleep.

He collected himself and said, "No need."

Then he got out of the car, and Xing Hui followed.

Xing Hui suddenly remembered their couple's electric bike and asked, "What about the two-wheeled electric bike at home? Can I bring it back for you tomorrow?"

You Miao walked on without answering. He was hungry, and the smell of street food made him swallow hard.

Xing Hui noticed and asked what he wanted to eat, offering to buy it for him. He even used the tried-and-true excuse of being the baby's other father.

You Miao had only worn a jacket over his pajamas when he came out, with no money or phone. Only Xing Hui could buy it for him.

Truthfully, Xing Hui was always uneasy about You Miao eating street food, worried it wasn't hygienic. But since You Miao wanted it, he was happy to buy some—just not too much.

"Just a taste, okay?" he asked.

"I'll make you something when we get home," he added. "My cooking is hygienic, and I use good ingredients."

You Miao listened without arguing. After all, he cared more than anyone about the baby's safety.

The two walked side by side through the crowded fair, looking very much like a couple deeply in love.

It was packed, shoulders brushing as they moved. At one point, You Miao's hand was grasped firmly in Xing Hui's.

Xing Hui held on tight, as if afraid he'd pull away, and explained, "There are too many people. For the baby's sake, I'll hold your hand." He then walked slightly ahead.

You Miao followed step by step, his gaze fixed on their interlocked fingers, lost in thought.

Only when they reached the doorstep did Xing Hui let go, openly saying, "I really want to hold your hand as we go inside."

You Miao's emotions were unreadable. After a two-second silence, he said, "Come in."

Xing Hui was stunned for a second, his eyes filled with disbelief and delight. This was the first time in days that You Miao had invited him inside.

It felt completely different from when he'd shamelessly invited himself in before.

Dog Jun saw them coming in together and jumped around excitedly.

In his other hand, Xing Hui carried groceries and meat, planning to cook something delicious for You Miao—if You Miao agreed.

So he asked, and sure enough, You Miao refused.

Xing Hui felt a bit disappointed and confused about why You Miao had let him in. Always straightforward, he asked, "You let me in—do you have something to say to me?"

You Miao looked up and met his gaze. "Do you think there's still a chance for us?"

"Why wouldn't there be?" Xing Hui shot back immediately. "As long as you say the word, I have no issues on my end."

You Miao looked at him. "Why are you pursuing me?"

"I like you," Xing Hui said without hesitation.

You Miao frowned. This person really said "like" so easily, as if he could fall for anyone at any time.

He'd said the same to Zhou You before, and now he was saying it to him.

"You really do fall for people easily," he said.

"I haven't liked anyone else," Xing Hui said with certainty. "Even though I've lost some memories, I've only ever liked you. Whether you're Zhou You or You Miao."

He added, "You Miao, even if you won't tell me about our past, I can ask others, investigate, and recover those memories. I could get treatment, but in the end, I chose to come to you."

He continued, "I've thought a lot these past few days. I treated you poorly before, and you've held onto that. I know it's hard for you to forgive me, but I still came to find you—not just because you're carrying my child, but because I'm sure that even if I don't remember the past, my body doesn't lie. I have feelings for you."

He went on, "You Miao, you're six months pregnant. You need someone to take care of you. The doctor also told you it's better for the baby's other father to be around. So, even if it's just for the baby, please give me a chance, okay?"

When he got no response, he brought up Fang Xinyu's situation: "If Fang Xinyu had been alone this morning, what do you think would have happened?"

You Miao still didn't react, but he did recall how panicked and helpless Fang Xinyu had been without Zhou Zhaosheng.

Xing Hui felt defeated. "You Miao, you can't judge the present me based on the past me. That's not fair to who I am now." He added, "I've changed my temper, my scent is gone, and I'm the baby's other father. By rejecting me, you're being irresponsible to the child."

This made You Miao frown. "I'm being irresponsible to the child?"

"If you were responsible, you wouldn't reject my pursuit," Xing Hui said.

"Don't use the child as an excuse for your pursuit or your feelings," You Miao's emotions flared. "You forgot about Zhou You, and in just a few days, you turned around and pursued someone else. Don't you think that's too much?"

"Who else?" Xing Hui frowned. "Aren't you Zhou You? You've just changed your appearance and name now. To me, whether you're called Zhou You or You Miao, I still like you."

You Miao didn't believe it at all: "If you really liked me, how could you forget? That just proves you never really loved me."

Xing Hui got annoyed at You Miao's words—after all, the amnesia wasn't something he could control. He said, "You Miao, I didn’t want to lose my memory either." Then, sounding hurt, he added, "Not truly like you? How can you say that?"

You Miao went silent.

Seeing his silence, Xing Hui also fell quiet, sitting there sulking.

After a while, You Miao said, "You should leave."

Xing Hui stared at his face for a moment, then replied, "I'm not leaving." He added, "Go ahead and call the police. I heard you're really good at that."

You Miao: "?"

Xing Hui defiantly plopped down on the sofa: "Think whatever you want of me, but I'm staying. My child and my dog are both here—I have a responsibility to take care of them. If you try to kick me out, I'll call the police. The law states that even after divorce, I have the right to visitation and custody of my child. If you stop me, that's illegal."

You Miao: "..."