A warm wave of pain travelled from his neck while carrying with it an undeniable strength.

Duan Jiayan was startled after realising that the other person’s teeth were against his skin. Lu Xingci was biting quite deeply, if he continued biting he will definitely leave a scar on his neck. 

At the thought of having to meet people tomorrow, Duan Jiayan took a deep breath and said, “Stop biting.”

He continued in a hoarse voice, “Can you control yourself a little?”

Lu Xingci did not respond.

This sort of intimate behaviour was different from a temporary mark. If it was a temporary mark, Duan Jiayan could still reason it as being made for his stress disorder. But with what is happening now, it seemed to cross the safety line. 

A light scent of lemon filled the air, Duan Jiayan could feel his body weakening as blood rushed to his head.

Just as he was hesitating on whether he should let Lu Xingci continue or simply push him off, the unreasonable fellow just took one last bite of his neck before raising his head and saying with some traces of laziness in his voice, “Your neck is red.”

After looking at the degree of swelling, he thinks it’ll turn an even darker shade of red tomorrow.

“I’ve turned red, you can stop now,” Duan Jiayan felt a dull pain from his neck. “You can sleep by yourself tonight.”

He laid down on his bed after saying that.

He did not really intend to chase Lu Xingci away. He just thought that he can’t keep giving in to him, that boy is someone that will ask for a mile after being given an inch.

Lu Xingci saw him burying his head into his pillow, looking as if he would reject any form of interaction with him.

He suddenly said, “I’ve not showered.” 

Hearing that, Duan Jiayan’s eyelids twitched before burying his head deeper into the pillow.

No wonder he had smelt a faint scent of cigarette smoke on Lu Xingci before, it should have been from him playing mahjong.

Duan Jiayan took the bait, “Go and have a shower before coming in, if you aren’t clean then you can sleep on the floor.”

He did not notice that, unknowingly, his thoughts have already been led around by Lu Xingci. From not allowing the other person to sleep with him, it became him allowing the other person to sleep on his bed after having a shower. 

Lu Xingci saw his dazed look and could not resist laughing.

“You just said you wanted to take a shower,” Lu Xingci politely asked, “Want to take one together?”

Hearing this, Duan Jiayan could not resist jumping up from his bed, “You sure are something, you are inviting me to shower after biting me? I suggest you draw a banner for yourself and write “I love to dream” on it.”

“I’m just asking,” Lu Xingci asked innocently. “Just in case you agree, I’ll have earned quite a bit.” 

Duan Jiayan could not win and so decided to lie back down.

He pointed in the direction of the bathroom, motioning for Lu Xingci to get on with his shower.

Lu Xingci went off, seemingly having the impression that Duan Jiayan would not agree to his request. He was just teasing him with that one sentence.

The sound of running water travelled from the bathroom and Duan Jiayan’s ears twitched. 

For some strange reason, he seemed to feel thirsty.

Actually, showering together, was not impossible?

Duan Jiayan hesitated for a moment before taking off his pyjamas. He looked at his muscles and felt that it was okay to show it off.

Even though he only had four abs, it was still something. 

What about Lu Xingci? How many did he have?

He could not exactly remember. Even though during the day of the school festival, he had clearly seen Lu Xingci shirtless.

Do alphas typically have 8 pack? Even Shen Chilie had an 8 pack, his Lu-ge could not possibly lose to him.

But the more Lu Xingci tried to remember, the foggier the memory became. 

It was quite regrettable, why didn’t he take a closer look the other day?

Duan Jiayan was deep in thought while also thinking that he could not let this matter rest. He climbed off his bed and slowly made his way to the bathroom.

He stood outside the door, listening to the sound of running water. He did not know if he was overthinking it but the sound of his heartbeat seemed to be getting faster.

Duan Jiayan could feel the clear difference between their builds. He could not resist swallowing his saliva, feeling a little dazed.

He really never thought that such a scene would cause his heart to speed up and for him to blush.

Seemingly not expecting Duan Jiayan to come in at all, Lu Xingci’s eyes carried a trace of surprise.

After making out Duan Jiayan’s expression, the corners of his mouth cocked up and he spoke in a low voice, “What are you standing there for? Come closer.” 

Duan Jiayan dazedly walked forward, his mind blank.

Only after water started beating down Duan Jiayan’s back and he could clearly see the smile on Lu Xingci’s lips did his brain start to clear up.

All the blood in his body seemed to be flowing south, and the corner of his eyes started to heat up. At that moment, Duan Jiayan did not know where to look.

He was being seduced right there and belatedly started to feel embarrassed. 

In the midst of figuring out where to look, he accidentally caught sight of the alpha’s…

Duan Jiayan fiercely stood back and tried to speak calmly, “I’m sorry for disturbing you, ge you have fun with your shower. I’m really sorry.”

He said while turning away, looking as if he could not wait to rush out of the bathroom and escape.

Before he could take two steps, a hand caught his wrist. 

Lu Xingci’s arm was thicker than his and he could feel how warm it was when it laid against his own. Lu Xingci held on to his wrist tightly and took a few steps forward before winding his other arm around Duan Jiayan’s back, easily pulling the other against him.

Duan Jiayan was utterly dazed

He hugged him from the back, his body carrying the scent of body soap and shampoo, with the warm mist billowing from the toilet.

Duan Jiayan could take it no longer, he shouted without thinking, “Lu-ge, my clothes are wet!” 

The man hugging seemed to find it funny. Through the thin fabric, the vibrations from his laughter were particularly obvious.

“Just now, what were you looking at?” he saw Duan Jiayan’s foolish movement and resisted the urge to hug the man tighter.

His next words made Duan Jiayan’s head explode.

Lu Xingci’s hand travelled to his throat and he muttered, “When you came in, did you swallow your saliva?” 

His voice sounded as if he was teasing him, “Thirsty?”

“……”

F*ck.

F*ck f*ck f*ck f*ck f*ck! 

Duan Jiayan understood what he was saying, and his whole being was on the verge of going insane. Lu Xingci rubbed his earlobes before letting him go.

“You can’t go out like this,” he said whilst filling up the bathtub. “Why not take another shower?”

Duan Jiayan saw the tub that was gradually filling up with water and he became more nervous.

He originally wanted to say that it was fine and even had the thought of wanting to escape but he truly had nowhere to run now. 

Even if he had thoughts of escaping, he was already hugged so it made no sense to continue being difficult

That was what he thought.

After Lu Xingci motioned for him to go over, Duan Jiayan made his way over at the speed of a tortoise and slowly inched his way to the bathtub.

He even asked a very foolish question, “Should I remove my clothes?” 

Lu Xingci glanced at him with a smile.

Duan Jiayan nodded and started to remove his clothes. The atmosphere was making him feel a little uncomfortable and he could not resist asking, “You’re not going back to the shower? Aren’t you cold standing there?”

“I turned on the heater,” Lu Xingci replied calmly.

He watched as Duan Jiayan unbuttoned his shirt, his fingers slightly curved as he worked them off. 

Duan Jiayan felt his scalp go numb from being stared at and decided to hurry up. He took his shirt off quickly and feeling like Lu Xingci’s was staring at him too hard, wanted to ask if the other intended to just stand there and stare at him for an eternity.

He was then pulled into the bathtub.

He was covered in water droplets.

The bathtub was not too deep and with Lu Xingci arms around him, he was not hurt much but he was still rather shocked. 

Duan Jiayan wanted to climb out of the bathtub when the other person also stepped into the bathtub and gave him a kiss.

He had been staying at the Lu family’s house for the past few days and his stress disorder was already under control.

On the afternoon of the ninth day of the new year, Fu Yuan gave him a call and asked how he was doing in Hai City.

His heat was already over for a few days. Because Lu Xingci did not want him to go, and also due to his selfish desires, he did not mention going home to Fu Yuan. 

This time Fu Yuan was the one to raise the question and added the fact that it was not appropriate to stay in someone’s house for too long, Duan Jiayan thought about it and asked her to help him buy a ticket for the afternoon tomorrow.

After the lunar holidays were over, the crowd in the Lu Family house got lesser. Duan Jiayan somehow manages to take a wrong turn when heading back to his room.

The house was too big, he still had trouble finding his way after staying for quite a few days. He made the last-minute decision to take a different path today and unknowingly ended up in a completely new place.

This seemed to be a tea room of sorts, with an ink painting hung on the wall to the right. Sunlight filtered in through the bamboo windows, casting shadows on the tea apparatus on the stone table. 

Duan Jiayan initially wanted to leave straight away but he caught sight of a watercolour painting on the wall across him.

He stopped walking, his gaze fixed on the art in front of him.

The powerful calligraphy, coupled with the art that it is paired with, was something that even Duan Jiayan, who was not someone that is familiar with traditional art, could appreciate.

However, compared to the way the calligraphy was written, what caught his attention more was the content of the text: “People are idle and transport is slow, Lu Yaoxing is resigned.” 

Lu Xingci.

“That is where Lu Xingci’s name came from,” Jiang Yao’s voice came from behind him. “His grandfather loved travelling. Lu Xingci was born a few days earlier than expected. After his grandfather wrote those words, Xingci was born. Hence we decided to give him that name.”

Duan Jiayan turned to Jiang Yao and said earnestly, “His name sounds really good.”

Jiang Yao saw his expression and her gaze softened, “Your name sounds really nice too.” 

Right after she said that, she continued, “You’ll be going home tomorrow, are you done packing?”

Duan Jiayan nodded.

“I initially thought you’ll be able to stay for a few more days and leave after the Lantern Festival,” she said thoughtfully. “Your mother must also miss you. I heard from Xingci that you have already bought your ticket? Let us know when you need to leave tomorrow morning and get our chauffeur to send you to the airport.”

Duan Jiayan made sure to thank her, “I’ve troubled you for the past few days.” 

“It’s a small matter, nothing that’s troubling,” she said with a laugh. “We’re all happy that you are willing to come over.”

As she spoke, she suddenly joked, “A few days prior, Lu Xingci’s grandmother even asked me if the wedding laws were changed last year. She also asked for your age and when will you be able to get married.”

Duan Jiayan froze, he never thought she would suddenly ask about this.

He smiled and nearly laughed, “Alphas seem only to be able to get married after they turn twenty? All this that granny is saying, seems to be a little early.” 

He added, “Besides I don’t think he is thinking about stuff like this.”

“She is rather serious actually, I’ve even heard her talking about this with my dad over the phone.”

Jiang Yao looked at him with an incomprehensible smile.

This child was still rather ignorant but she knew her son. He would have long considered such matters before bringing him over. 

“Even if he does bring it up, do take your time to answer him,” Jiang Yao gently said. “An omega should be careful when choosing an alpha. Auntie is glad that you like him but whether he is worthy of your lifelong commitment, that is up to you to decide.”

After dinner, Lu Xingci immediately brought Duan Jiayan to his room.

For the past few days, after dinner, they would still spend some time outside playing cards or watching TV. But Duan Jiayan would be leaving tomorrow and Lu Xingci could not be bothered to continue being polite to the elders at home.

After closing the door, Duan Jiayan double-checked his luggage once again before turning over to look at Lu Xingci. 

He suddenly recalled, “Your mom made a joke today about you asking for my hand in marriage, but I somehow seem to think she looked pretty serious.”

Lu Xingci asked, “What do you think about it?”

“Actually I’m not sure,” Duan Jiayan said. “I’ve never really thought about this.”

“En, you don’t have to think about it,” He patted Duan Jiayan on the head. “Wait for me.” 

He never thought that Duan Jiayan would ask, “You know how to propose to someone?”

Lu Xingci honestly said, “I don’t, I’ll study how.”

Duan Jiayan said imposingly, “Then you can wait. Once you are twenty years old, I’ll come and propose to you.”

Lu Xingci froze slightly. 

“By then, we should both be in university right? I’m not as picky as you, I like what I like. I’ll first place a circle of candles under your dormitory’s window, then do something with roses,” Duan Jiayan laughed as he spoke, as if he found the scenario funny. “That’s so cheesy that the bros from the opposite dormitory will definitely cheer me on.”

He seemed to be getting more excited as he spoke, just as he was about to suggest buying a guitar, Lu Xingci who had been staring at him for the past minute suddenly chuckled and asked, “Getting married after university, it’s possible for such a good thing to happen?”

He did not see this coming.

After speaking, it was as if a button was pressed on Duan Jiayan, who suddenly quietened down. 

After a long while, Duan Jiayan asked in a low voice, “Don’t we need to marry if we get a permanent mark?”

Lu Xingci’s gaze darkened as he muttered, “You’re willing to let me… when you’re in university… How old will you be then?”

He leaned closer, his tone sounding a touch hurried, “Say that one more time, what are you willing to let me give you?”

Duan Jiayan never thought his reaction will be so big and froze, “A permanent mark?” 

Lu Xingci saw him being so direct and for a moment wanted to ask if he knew what a permanent mark meant.

But just as quickly, he suppressed the foolish urge.

Even if Duan Jiayan lacked common sense, he should be more than aware of what it meant. He just never thought that Duan Jiayan would give him such a right so easily.

Unlike everybody else’s impression of Duan Jiayan. From very early on, he felt like Duan Jiayan would be very good at capturing an alpha’s weak spot, every action he took would be impossible to resist. 

Or at the very least, he himself was weak to Duan Jiayan’s actions.

Despite feeling soft-hearted, the desire to conquer could not help but rise.

Lu Xingci grasped Duan Jiayan’s fair wrist, his hand was big enough to encircle the other’s wrist.

He really was so skinny, his bones were jutting out and obvious to the eye. 

Duan Jiayan’s wrist was held by him. Caught off guard, he tried to tug his wrist out from the other’s hand.

The ceiling above spun as alpha pheromones wafted over him.

He was being pressed onto the bed and kissed.

They had never kissed for such a long time before. An alpha and omega would naturally be attracted to one another, hence the intimacy between them tasted like honey on a knife. 

While in a haze, he heard Lu Xingci whisper in his ear.

He called out his nickname but it was different from the other times.

After hearing what he said, Duan Jiayan’s breathing paused and his face heated up.

Probably due to their pheromones entangling, Lu Xingci’s breathing was also slightly ragged. 

The boy’s hair rubbed against his skin, it tickled but it also felt comfortable.

He said, “My Ah-Ye.”

–