Ever since that date, where Zhou Le had practically delivered himself to Lu Jingran on a silver platter, the latter became even more audacious.
Outwardly, Lu Jingran was the composed, aloof, and unattainable academic prodigy. But every night, he would lock Zhou Le in his arms in the car as he drove him home, taking his sweet time kissing and cuddling him.
It was as if he wanted to mark Zhou Le as entirely his, both inside and out, saturating him with his pheromones.
Although their interactions were limited to kissing, hugging, and playful lifts, Zhou Le would always end up completely drained, leaning against Lu Jingran, gasping for breath.
“Is… is this what dating is supposed to be like?” he once asked, breathless and trembling.
“Not exactly,” Lu Jingran responded, tilting Zhou Le’s chin with a mischievous smile. “There are things far more intense.”
The look in his eyes made Zhou Le instinctively shiver.
Every night after these encounters, Zhou Le would take some time to recover before heading out to deliver takeout. Fortunately, his Beta mother wasn’t sensitive to pheromones, or else she might have scolded him severely for his constant mingling with Lu Jingran.
These days, Zhou Le often worked late, sometimes until nearly 10 p.m. Each time he returned home, he’d receive a perfectly timed message from Lu Jingran.
Lu Jingran: Home yet?
Zhou Le: Just got back.
Zhou Le: How are you always so on time? It’s like you know exactly when I get home.
Lu Jingran never answered, always steering the conversation in another direction.
After a bit of chatting, they’d video call to do homework together. With the finals approaching, Zhou Le had been studying harder than usual.
But his lack of sleep was catching up to him. Sometimes, he’d fall asleep right on his textbook during their calls.
Through the screen, Lu Jingran watched his tired sleeping face and frowned.
Zhou Le had been working hard, and his increasingly late delivery shifts made it evident.
Every time Lu Jingran tried to indirectly ask if something was wrong, Zhou Le would brush it off with a vague answer.
He didn’t want to tell him, so Lu Jingran chose to act as though he didn’t know.
—
Uncle Zhou’s business had been booming recently, especially in the evenings, with an influx of large orders. As a result, Zhou Le’s commission earnings had increased.
On top of that, Zhou Le’s mother’s seaweed rice rolls had gained a surprising following. Some customers even came specifically to buy them, leading to a constant sellout. Local vendors would often joke with Zhou Le, calling him “Little Boss Zhou.”
Zhou Le was thrilled.
This meant he could afford to buy something a little more extravagant for Lu Jingran.
Yes, Lu Jingran’s birthday was coming up—just a week before finals. Zhou Le had overheard Sheng Qian and Chen Nan talking about it.
This would be Lu Jingran’s first birthday as an adult. Like his coming-of-age ceremony, it was expected to be a grand affair, possibly with a banquet.
With just over twenty days left, Zhou Le was determined to save up more money.
After all, it was his boyfriend’s birthday—he had to show his appreciation.
With that goal in mind, Zhou Le scrimped and saved every dollar.
However, the lack of sleep left him increasingly dazed. At night, after his delivery shifts, he often felt like someone was following him. But whenever he stopped and looked, there was no one there.
One day, while running an errand outside the school to buy food for a delivery, Zhou Le turned around too quickly and bumped into a tree, leaving a red mark on his forehead with a small scrape. Though his bangs covered it a bit, Lu Jingran noticed it immediately.
That night, as Lu Jingran gave him a ride home after school, he remained silent the entire way.
The car’s atmosphere was oppressively tense, making it hard for Zhou Le to breathe.
When they arrived at his house, the driver went outside for his usual smoke, leaving them alone in the car.
The silence stretched on.
Zhou Le tugged lightly at Lu Jingran’s sleeve, but the latter simply sat there, methodically tearing open a large adhesive bandage and preparing antiseptic iodine.
The Alpha’s tall frame hunched slightly as he focused on his task, completely ignoring Zhou Le’s anxious presence.
Zhou Le didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t great at comforting people, let alone his boyfriend.
Just as he was lost in thought, Lu Jingran tilted Zhou Le’s chin up, brushing aside his bangs to carefully apply the antiseptic.
His movements were incredibly gentle, as if afraid of causing pain.
The large red mark on Zhou Le’s forehead was already swollen.
Watching Lu Jingran’s furrowed brows, Zhou Le couldn’t help but reach up, cupping his face. Then, tilting his head, he planted a quick kiss on the corner of Lu Jingran’s lips.
With a soft, coaxing tone, he said, “It’s nothing serious, just a small scrape. Don’t worry, okay? It’ll heal in no time. I’m a fast healer.”
“I promise, next time I’ll be extra careful and won’t get hurt again. Is that alright?”
Lu Jingran half-closed his eyes, looking down at Zhou Le. His expression was inscrutable, leaving no hint of his emotions.
Zhou Le did his best to act coy, trying to coax Lu Jingran back to his usual self. But breaking through the composure of a top-tier Alpha wasn’t something just anyone could achieve.
After a while of clinging and pestering, Lu Jingran remained unresponsive. He silently finished applying the medication, then quietly packed everything back into the box.
Having run out of ideas, Zhou Le gave up and prepared to get out of the car.
It was at this moment that the boy next to him grabbed his waist and pulled him into an embrace.
Lu Jingran lowered his head and buried his face in Zhou Le’s neck, drawing comfort from his scent.
He could hear the heartbeat of the person in his arms and smell the chamomile pheromones radiating from him.
“Can you lean on me a little more?” Lu Jingran’s voice was low and muffled.
The warm breath against Zhou Le’s neck made him struggle to keep calm. “W-What are you saying?”
Still playing dumb.
Lu Jingran’s expression turned slightly sharper.
“Ah!” Zhou Le yelped as he shrank back in pain. “Don’t bite…”
Yet, a red mark was left behind. Now Zhou Le’s forehead wasn’t the only thing red; his collarbone and neck were, too.
This time, Zhou Le stopped trying to appease Lu Jingran and instead looked utterly wronged.
But the Alpha holding him showed no intention of letting up. He even leaned closer to Zhou Le’s ear and threatened him in a low, gravelly voice.
“If you do this again, I’ll devour you.”
—
Lu Jingran’s birthday celebration was as grand as expected, held at his family estate. The entire class had been invited.
This was Zhou Le’s second time visiting Lu Jingran’s home. He had no memory of his previous visit, but this time he couldn’t help but be impressed by how vast it was.
So vast that their group found it hard to navigate. The estate was a standalone mansion with its own courtyard, yet it felt completely different from the hazy memory Zhou Le had before.
“Wow, this is our class rep’s home? It’s just like something out of a novel! This is the ultimate young master lifestyle—I’ve only seen mansions like this with courtyards and scenic views on social media.”
“Seriously, it’s unfair. If this were my house, I wouldn’t bother studying. Just managing this place would be enough to support my family for a lifetime.”
“Hey, why are some people dressed so formally? There are even girls in evening gowns. Are they from our class? Did we come to the wrong place?”
“No way. Isn’t that Liu Yanyan? And her best friend—she’s from a wealthy family, too.”
“Liu Yanyan? The class rep invited her? Gotta say, Liu Yanyan is really beautiful, like the heroine of a novel. Honestly, she and the class rep do look like a perfect match.”
Zhou Le followed their gaze.
Liu Yanyan was dressed in a pale pink chiffon gown, with an elegant princess-style hairstyle and delicate hair accessories. She carried herself like a little princess from a fairy tale.
In comparison, their group, dressed in hoodies and looking every bit the students, seemed completely out of place at the banquet.
Feeling self-conscious, they were relieved when event staff came to guide them.
Just as Zhou Le was about to follow, Lin Xiaoxiao tugged at him and whispered excitedly, “Hey, Zhou Le! This is practically you marrying into wealth!”
Xia Linchuan threw an arm around Zhou Le. “Bro, for my birthday, I don’t ask for much. Just a private jet will do. No need to overdo it—I couldn’t bear to accept more.”
Zhou Le: “…You think I’d even consider giving you that?”
Xia Linchuan: “Aw, you might not, but your husband sure could.”
Zhou Le: “…”
Before Zhou Le could throw a punch, someone called his name from afar.
“Zhou Le, long time no see.” Liu Yanyan walked over, holding a glass of champagne. “Your class has great attendance—everyone’s here.”
She was smiling as she spoke, but something about her tone felt off.
Her best friend, standing next to her, widened her eyes in surprise when she heard Zhou Le’s name. “So this is Zhou Le?”
She gave him a once-over, her tone dripping with disdain. “I never would’ve guessed he’s an Omega…”
The remark was clearly meant to be provocative. Lin Xiaoxiao was about to step in, but Zhou Le stopped her.
Zhou Le could tell Liu Yanyan no longer bore him the goodwill she once did, and he understood why. It was Lu Jingran’s birthday party, and Zhou Le didn’t want to cause a scene.
Just then, Lu Jingran approached from the other side of the room.
His gaze was locked onto Zhou Le the entire way. He walked straight over, his eyes filled with a soft warmth. “You’re here.”
It was as if no one else existed in his world.
Zhou Le felt the same. The moment Lu Jingran appeared, his mind emptied of anyone else.
Unlike his usual school uniform, Lu Jingran was dressed to the nines today, donning a sleek black suit with a styled haircut. He exuded a refined elegance with an air of aloof nobility.
The sight of him took everyone’s breath away.
“Wow, class rep, you look incredible!”
“Can I take a picture? I bet this would go viral!”
Amid the admiring crowd, Lu Jingran reached for Zhou Le’s hand, his touch cool. “Are you cold?”
Zhou Le shook his head. “No.”
The intimacy between them was so natural, it felt as though they were in their own little world, separate from everyone else.
The others looked on with envy, while Liu Yanyan’s expression darkened. Her friend, unable to tolerate it any longer, stepped forward and said, “Lu Jingran, happy birthday!”
“For your birthday, Yanyan started planning a month ago. She put so much thought into it—can you guess what it is?”
She shot Liu Yanyan a knowing look. Liu Yanyan hadn’t expected her to be so blunt and blushed with embarrassment, lowering her head.
Lu Jingran showed little interest, simply saying “Thank you” before instructing a server to escort them to the main hall for dinner.
He, however, had no intention of joining them. Instead, he turned to Zhou Le. “Are you hungry? What would you like to eat? I’ll take you there later.”
Liu Yanyan’s friend could no longer hold back. She stepped right up to Lu Jingran and said, “Do you not care about Yanyan at all? Do you even know what she’s done for you?”
As she clapped her hands, blue fireworks lit up the sky, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.
“These blue fireworks were personally arranged by Yanyan for you. She sought out a renowned expert just to create this surprise for your birthday!”
The fireworks were stunning, a dreamy display that seemed almost unreal in their beauty.
Liu Yanyan looked at Lu Jingran expectantly. She had prepared for this for a long time, pouring her sincerity into it, much like the red string he once got for Zhou Le from a temple. Yet, it seemed her heartfelt gesture was futile—Lu Jingran’s expression remained indifferent, devoid of any hint of surprise or gratitude.
The only time his expression softened was when Zhou Le gazed at the fireworks, his eyes wide with amazement and joy.
She saw Lu Jingran standing beside Zhou Le, softly asking, “Is it beautiful?”
The fireworks reflected in Zhou Le’s eyes as he murmured, entranced, “Beautiful…”
Lu Jingran’s gaze lingered, thoughtful, as if something was on his mind.
Liu Yanyan felt like a complete outsider in this scene, as though the fireworks were being lit just for the two of them, leaving her as nothing more than an NPC.
Her friend couldn’t bear it any longer and directly confronted Lu Jingran, “What’s the meaning of this? Yanyan has liked you for so long, done so much for you—aren’t you even a little moved?!”
Then, pointing angrily at Zhou Le, she added, “For him?! Are you blind? How can he compare to Yanyan?!”
Smack!
A large hand swiftly brushed away Liu Yanyan’s friend’s finger.
Lu Jingran stepped protectively in front of Zhou Le, his expression stern.
The powerful aura of an Alpha filled the air, chilling the atmosphere and making the tension palpable.
Everyone present could sense his anger.
Liu Yanyan’s friend hesitated, taking a step back, fear flashing across her face.
“So that’s what the crow cawing earlier meant,” Chen Nan quipped as he and Sheng Qian walked over. Like Lu Jingran, they were impeccably dressed.
“If you can’t stand it, then leave. Nobody’s forcing you to stay here for dinner,” Chen Nan shot back without hesitation, not caring if the target of his retort was a girl. Sheng Qian stood beside him, clearly backing him up.
The atmosphere had become so awkward that it was almost unbearable.
Liu Yanyan’s friend, who had never been spoken to like that before, being a pampered young lady herself, immediately broke into tears and ran off, unable to hold back her emotions.
“I—I’m sorry, she didn’t mean it,” Liu Yanyan apologized awkwardly, looking distressed.
Originally, she had come to surprise Lu Jingran for his birthday, but things had completely fallen apart. At this point, she wasn’t even sure who was to blame. All she knew was that she didn’t want Lu Jingran to dislike her because of it.
“We’re leaving to eat something good,” Lu Jingran said, not even sparing her a glance. He turned and grabbed Zhou Le’s hand before walking off.
