Chapter 17 In Love

Chapter 17: In Love

"My ambitions and my family have never been at odds." Lian Yi unhurriedly tossed the used tissue into the wastebasket beside him.

[advertisement placeholder]

Lian Yi paused, offering a gracious yet distant smile. "While this is a personal matter that I shouldn't elaborate on too much with Ms. Li, to prevent any misunderstandings from you or the public, it's necessary to clarify. I'm unsure how those baseless rumors about us spread online, but the truth is, my spouse is exceptional. We are deeply in love, and our marriage is very stable."

Li Ting seemed somewhat surprised. She tapped her fingers idly on the table, her tone direct: "They say you two haven't even exchanged mating marks after marriage."

"Perhaps my gland control is simply excellent," Lian Yi quipped.

He calmly released a faint, intertwined scent of their pheromones—just enough to convey his intent without being abrupt, yet perfectly showcasing his meaning.

"My omega's pheromones smell of white roses. I adore it—elegant and pure, it always brings me a sense of peace."

Back when they first married, numerous media outlets sensationalized their relationship, spreading all sorts of claims. The more outrageous, the more attention they garnered.

Li Ting inhaled the subtle fragrance, meeting Lian Yi's gaze for a deep moment before smiling softly, as if convinced. "It seems I really should pay less attention to gossip," she said calmly, taking a breath. "Well, I wish you both the best. If there's another opportunity, I hope we can collaborate again. I have great confidence in your abilities."

"Thank you," Lian Yi replied politely, watching her leave before his amiable expression gradually faded.

He recalled what Qiao Zhimian had mentioned earlier—something he had initially dismissed. An omega's intuition, it seemed, was quite accurate.

Qiao Zhimian, who had overheard the entire conversation from the doorway, slowly relaxed his clenched fingers. Before he could fully process his thoughts, he saw the alpha emerge.

A wave of guilt from eavesdropping washed over him. Instinctively, he tried to steer his wheelchair away but was accidentally bumped by someone rushing past.

Qiao Zhimian's body jolted violently with the wheelchair, and he gripped the handles, startled.

"Sorry, sorry!" the person quickly apologized.

He let out a relieved sigh, shaking his head with lingering alarm, and forced a gentle smile, saying, "It's fine."

"Are you okay?" Lian Yi, having witnessed the scene, felt a pang of concern. He rushed over, crouching in front of the omega, checking on him anxiously.

Qiao Zhimian stared blankly at the worry in the man's eyes, his mind replaying the words he had just overheard.

He said they were deeply in love, that their marriage was stable, and that he, too, adored his pheromones.

For some reason, Qiao Zhimian felt his eyes grow warm and his nose tingle with emotion—a mix of happiness and a touch of grievance.

Indescribable feelings swelled in his chest, making him feel sweet and joyful, yet with a bittersweet aftertaste.

Seeing his silence and that he didn't seem unwell, Lian Yi tentatively guessed, "Why did you come here? Do you need to use the restroom?"

The omega pouted and shook his head.

"Then, were you scared?"

Qiao Zhimian paused, then mumbled a soft "Mm-hmm."

Not really, he just felt like being a little spoiled.

Lian Yi's gaze softened as he gently embraced him, their chests pressed together. He patted the omega's slender back reassuringly. "Don't be afraid."

Qiao Zhimian clung tightly to the man's neck, nuzzling his lips and nose into the crook of his neck.

Pressed against his warm skin, he suddenly felt a sense of peace. "I heard everything," he mumbled, confessing, "what you said just now, while washing your hands."

Lian Yi's patting paused, and he froze for a moment, feeling an inexplicable tension.

He didn't quite understand the omega's meaning, recalling how concerned he had been about his interactions with Li Ting.

Though there was nothing between them, he feared misunderstandings, feared he might cry.

Recently, Qiao Zhimian's mood had finally stabilized—he was eating regularly and gaining a bit of weight. Lian Yi also worried he might overthink things again and lose the little weight he had gained.

Lian Yi pulled back from the embrace, pondering briefly before explaining earnestly, "Her case is over. Even if there's future collaboration, it will be handled by other lawyers at the firm. There won't be any further contact or involvement between us."

Qiao Zhimian could sense the alpha's anxiety and knew he genuinely wanted to reassure him.

He pressed his lips together, hiding a smile as he lowered his gaze, feigning a tone of accusation. "Oh... Then why did you have her pheromone scent on you last time?"

"Last time?" Lian Yi's heart tightened, utterly puzzled. "When was that?"

"That morning you went for a run, the day you said you'd take me to the doctor," the omega reminded him.

Lian Yi thought back carefully, then it dawned on him. "Ah, that time. We happened to run into each other and ran together briefly while discussing the case." He paused, then promised, "It won't happen again."

Lian Yi added, "If any similar situation arises, I will tell you. If there's anything you're concerned about and want to ask me, you can ask directly, and I will answer truthfully."

When it came to maintaining a normal marital relationship, he was completely clueless, but he wanted to try his best.

.

After bidding farewell to Yan Zhi and their colleagues, the two set off for home.

Qiao Zhimian sat in the passenger seat, a subtle smile gracing his lips as his serene gaze lingered on the bustling flow of people outside the car window.

The night was hazy, with neon lights flashing and scattered streetlights.

During such peaceful and happy moments, he couldn't help but overthink.

The omega withdrew his clear gaze and turned to look at the alpha, who was focused on driving beside him.

The man held the steering wheel gently, maintaining a steady speed. His handsome profile, illuminated by the streetlights, appeared relaxed and composed.

He said his ideals and responsibilities wouldn't conflict.

But was it out of duty, or did he genuinely care for him a little?

And what about the things he had given up?

Sensing the omega's gaze, Lian Yi turned his head and met his eyes, feeling that his mood seemed somewhat subdued.

Recalling how Yan Zhi had cheered him up earlier at the celebration dinner with those absurd case stories, Lian Yi pondered for a moment before mimicking his friend's tone, sharing trivial, gossipy legal anecdotes.

Soon, Qiao Zhimian's mood lifted. His eyes, wide and eager, sparkled as he excitedly kept asking, "And then? And then?"

Unconsciously, an affectionate smile spread across Lian Yi's face. While parking the car, he continued, "Then the alpha started pacing in frustration, saying he had no idea how to care for it! Last time he went on a business trip, the turtle got so thirsty it wilted. The omega retorted, 'I paid for half, why should it all go to him?' They even suspected each other of hiding the fattest one. In the end, the omega got ¥80,000 in compensation, and the turtle—placed in a box outside the courtroom, having listened to half a day's commotion—was awarded to the alpha who knew how to care for it."

Lian Yi unbuckled his seatbelt, got out, and walked around to the passenger side to help Qiao Zhimian out.

The omega, bursting with laughter, leaned against the man's shoulder, giggling uncontrollably as he remarked on which parts were the most amusing.

He even asked if Lian Yi had worked on any cases like that himself.

Lian Yi shook his head. Cases like that usually never reached him.

Seeing the omega in much brighter spirits, he adopted a teasing tone, like a husband gossiping with his spouse, and said, "During dinner today, remember the one sitting across from you? Lawyer Chen. He specializes in handling those acrimonious divorce cases where everything falls apart."

"Really? But he looks so honest, not at all like the type who'd handle such messy situations," Qiao Zhimian tilted his head to look at the alpha, the two of them bantering back and forth.

"That's where you're mistaken, little one," Lian Yi shifted him slightly, adjusting his hold to keep him steady and prevent any squirming, then continued walking home as he replied with a laugh, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

Qiao Zhimian flushed at the affectionate nickname, his heart thumping wildly, the dimples in his cheeks that hadn't faded since they left.

He was about to joke around a bit more with the alpha when something suddenly occurred to him, and he abruptly let out an "Oh no!"

"What's wrong?" Lian Yi paused mid-step, the playfulness on his face gradually fading.

"You didn't bring my wheelchair..." the omega muttered.

Why had he just carried him inside like that? Usually, he'd help him into the wheelchair...

He still needed to shower and everything later...

Lian Yi breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was nothing serious. Without a second thought, he said, "It's fine. With me here, why would you need a wheelchair?"

The words landed so naturally that both fell silent, the atmosphere instantly growing thick and subtly charged.

Qiao Zhimian couldn’t suppress the flutter in his heart, biting his lip as he rested his head back against the alpha’s shoulder, secretly hiding his shy expression.

Lian Yi also seemed to realize something, clearing his throat awkwardly before gently placing a large hand over the omega’s back. "I’ll carry you upstairs first, then get it for you right away."

Qiao Zhimian’s slender chest pressed closely against the man’s firm one, feeling the rapid, powerful beat of his heart quicken even more.

He curved his lips into a soft smile and whispered, "Mmm."

Noticing Qiao Zhimian enjoyed listening to these cases like stories, and rarely finding something that could cheer him up, Lian Yi made sure to give him a website before heading down to get the wheelchair, so he could browse it whenever he felt bored.

It had all sorts of things on it. The sheltered young master, having likely rarely been exposed to such "human diversity," found it naturally intriguing for a while.

After bringing the wheelchair up, Qiao Zhimian went to shower first while Lian Yi busied himself in the study for a bit.

By the time he returned to the room, finished his own wash, and stepped out of the bathroom, the omega was still engrossed in the computer, eagerly browsing through the public trial records and recorded court proceedings, looking wide awake without a trace of sleepiness.

"It’s getting late, Qiao Zhimian," Lian Yi towel-dried his hair, set the towel aside, and walked over. "Time for bed."

The omega looked up with a genuine, happy smile on his face. "I read that for these kinds of cases, can't you go and observe the trials?"

He actually wanted to both enjoy himself and learn more about the legal profession—the kind of content they dealt with. To him, it was like understanding the alpha better.

Lian Yi didn’t think much of it after saying this, but Qiao Zhimian was stirred by other thoughts.

He fell silent for a while, until the man tucked him into bed, then hesitantly said, "But, in the future..."

In the future, you won't always be by my side.

Lian Yi didn’t catch what the omega said until he climbed into bed himself and turned to ask, "What is it?"

Qiao Zhimian’s clear eyes met the alpha’s deep ones, and he replied with a faint smile, "...It’s nothing."

Lian Yi gazed back at him, thought for a moment, then moved to pull him into his arms.

Qiao Zhimian obediently rested his head in the crook of the man’s arm, his heart filled with a dense, sweet ache.

"Did you have a good day today?" Lian Yi’s thin lips brushed against the soft hair of the person in his arms, asking softly by his ear.

"Mm-hmm!" the omega responded with a smile.

Quite happy—met his colleagues and friends, and most importantly, had him by his side.

Lian Yi also smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest, his gaze growing deep and tender as he affectionately rubbed foreheads with the omega.

Qiao Zhimian blinked his large eyes a few times, tilting his face up slightly to meet the man’s gaze.

In the quiet, dim bedroom, they lay together in the same bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.

Their eyes locked, hiding fleeting tensions and tentative sweetness, the air quietly warming.

The alpha was the first to react, leaning in extremely slowly, his eyes fixed on the omega’s soft, pink lips.

He kissed him gently, without any hint of lust.

The moment their lips touched, Qiao Zhimian’s breath hitched for two seconds, his slender, pale fingers clutching nervously at the alpha’s pajamas, his eyelashes fluttering as he closed his eyes.

Lian Yi gently kissed his partner’s lips, giving a soft suck, the kiss producing a soft, wet sound.

Then, with a slightly heavier breath, he pulled away, tightened his embrace, swallowed hard, and said in a low voice, "Sleep now."

Qiao Zhimian buried his face shyly, biting his lip where the alpha’s warmth and saliva still lingered, and nodded meekly.

.

At the end of the workday, the sky was tinged with a dusky orange-red spread.

Lian Yi, briefcase in hand, weaved through the crowd as he exited the Justice Department building, looking rather pleased.

He briskly pulled open the car door but paused before getting in, sniffing his suit to ensure it hadn’t picked up any strange odors, then settled into the driver’s seat.

Just as he was about to start the car, his phone suddenly pinged.

Lian Yi swiped to unlock the screen, and the moment he saw the message, his expression changed slightly.

[Qiao Baichen: Do you have time? I’d like to talk to you about Mian Mian.]

Author's note: