Luo Baixi’s differentiation period lasted for a full ten days. When he opened his eyes in the quarantine ward, he had completely transformed into an S-grade Alpha.
With the precise control he gained after adapting to his pheromones, the moment he woke up, he was able to simultaneously rein in the cruelly aggressive aura that usually surrounded him.
Before long, the serene and elegant scent of tulips masked the lingering smell of gunpowder in the room, yet it revealed an unyielding, peerless sharpness.
Luo Baixi sat up on the hospital bed and rubbed his brow; his memories felt surreal due to the prolonged sleep.
On that night in New Hong Kong, the blooming red roses were both tacky and decadent, their soul-stirring Omega scent completely overwhelming the blue enchantresses that covered the floor.
Under the moonlight, they had done everything an Alpha and an Omega could do, short of marking.
Yet, could that really be considered lingering intimacy?
They hadn’t even shared skin-to-skin contact.
They hadn’t even so much as exchanged an embrace.
They were simply a forceful Alpha inflictor and a debauched Omega receiver.
Yet, one thing caught him completely off guard.
When Yan Chenhuan stepped into his territory, he actually hadn’t been carrying the scent of any other Alpha?
For Yan Chenhuan, that was a true rarity.
After all, his body was never short of varied, colorful Alpha pheromones.
Luo Baixi sat blankly on the bed for a moment, feeling that the time he had spent pondering over the man was slightly over the limit. Yan Chenhuan had probably only done it to save his own skin.
After all, carrying another Alpha’s scent while trying to seduce an S-grade Alpha undergoing differentiation was simply courting death.
In any case, it certainly couldn’t be because
It was that Beta who didn’t cherish the opportunity. Therefore, you are mine.
Isn’t it only natural for my little master to mark me?
Luo Baixi doubted his own memory; those words felt as unreal as a dream.
It wasn’t the first time he had heard Yan Chenhuan’s sweet talk; there was far too much of it, but that night had ultimately felt different.
It was the first time he had ever done that kind of thing with an Omega
Even tinged with venting and jealousy, Yan Chenhuan’s skin had been soft, and his posture remarkably submissive.
Yet, he quickly forced himself to sober up. Yan Chenhuan was the same with everyone! Submissive and docile to him, yet equally intimate with other Alphas!
A knock sounded, and the door to the quarantine ward was respectfully pushed open as Aunt Zhang walked in, pushing a small food cart filled with lunch boxes.
Luo Baixi stood up from the hospital bed. Aunt Zhang, just leave them on the table.
Seeing that his complexion had stabilized, Aunt Zhang was immediately much more at ease. She neatly arranged the steaming nourishing soup and easily digestible food from the boxes. Once you’re discharged, I’ll cook up some better things for the young master.
Luo Baixi sat down at the table. I didn’t differentiate into an Omega; I don’t need all these tonics.
Look at you, saying that. No matter what you differentiate into, you’re the Luo family’s treasure. This is a big deal.
Aunt Zhang said with gratified relief, The master and madam have always been worried that your differentiation period was delayed, and now they’ve both flown back from abroad. They’ve just been a bit busy; as soon as you’re discharged, you’ll be able to see them.
Luo Baixi merely nodded in acknowledgment.
Over the years, ever since the Luo family took in Yan Chenhuan, his parents had felt completely at ease due to Yan Chenhuan’s tactful and polished ways of handling matters, allowing them to extend their business trips more and more.
Young Master Yan had a business dinner last night and drank quite a bit; he hasn’t woken up yet. Aunt Zhang cautiously glanced at his expression. If the young master needs him, I can have Steward Lin bring him over.
Speak of the devil.
Luo Baixi had no idea where she got the impression that he needed Yan Chenhuan. He was nothing more than a,
Aunt Zhang continued: I heard from the doctor that your situation is very special. Naturally, an Alpha tends to develop a pheromone dependency on the Omega they come into contact with during their differentiation period. Right now, you are
He was just an Omega who spent a single night with me. It hasn’t reached the extent you’re talking about. Luo Baixi lowered his gaze to his meal, cutting her off. You all should understand my situation.
Aunt Zhang stopped herself in time. Fortunately, she hadn’t brought Young Master Yan over.
An Omega who had participated in an Alpha’s differentiation period, even without a marking, according to common sense, shouldn’t be so completely leaving no trace in the Alpha’s heart.
Once he finished his meal, a doctor outside the ward knocked on the door to take Luo Baixi for a medical checkup.
As he left, Luo Baixi casually asked, Who was Yan Chenhuan drinking with last night?
What? Aunt Zhang paused while picking up the tableware, trying her best to recall. For the specifics, you’ll have to ask Young Master Yan. When I went to deliver his hangover soup last night, it seemed like he was on the phone with some ‘President Yan’. I waited for a bit before going in after they finished talking. I only remember hearing the name ‘Hualin Meiyu’ a few times, though I’m not sure if I misheard.
Oh, Luo Baixi acknowledged, following the doctor outside.
On a differentiated Alpha, even if the directional nature of their pheromones is reined in, newly matured glands will still emit traces of their original scent.
Luo Baixi was an S-grade Alpha. The exquisitely refined tulip scent radiating from his entire body made him look all the more noble and pampered.
Compared to before his differentiation, he now radiated a transcendent, peerless aura of luxury from every single pore and strand of hair.
From a distance, he was a gorgeous, sharp-edged Alpha who could easily eclipse the people and scenery trailing behind him.
Young Luo! Gu Yuxing shouted as soon as he spotted him in the hospital parking lot.
You guys head back first, Luo Baixi instructed Steward Lin before changing his direction.
Young Master, Steward Lin stepped forward. The master and madam are both waiting for you. Shouldn’t you head home first to see them?
Luo Baixi said casually, It won’t hurt to wait a little longer.
Steward Lin looked as though he wanted to say more, but ultimately nodded. Understood. Please return early.
Isn’t that Yan fellow at home? Luo Baixi said. Have him keep you company instead.
Since when have the master and madam ever lacked company? They rushed back specifically to see you, Steward Lin earnestly advised. And besides, Young Master Yan has a dining engagement this afternoon. The household is just waiting for you.
Wasn’t he still drunk at home last night?
Rushing off to appointments already?
Was it regarding Hualin Meiyu? If he remembered correctly, that was a business venture the Luo family had previously invested in.
Luo Baixi only let a fleeting flash of suspicion cross his mind before saying nothing more.
I was just being polite when I said you could blow up New Hong Kong and it wouldn’t matter, but you actually went and did it, Gu Yuxing said as he walked over, wanting to bump shoulders like they used to.
Yet, stepping closer and taking a thorough look up and down, he instinctively stepped aside.
Luo Baixi snapped back to reality. What happened afterwards?
Suspended operations for half a month, and your dad wired a massive sum to my family. Gu Yuxing tossed him the car keys. You want to drive? I just picked up this new car.
Luo Baixi felt his focus drifting, unsure what the space in his mind was trying to process.
Surely he wasn’t thinking about Yan Chenhuan; that would be utterly absurd.
He glanced at the off-road vehicle that completely matched his aesthetic, then tossed the keys back. Have your driver drive.
Gu Yuxing’s mouth in the back seat didn’t stop running, vividly describing the aftermath of his differentiation.
Including omitting names, the tabloid news of a rare S-grade Alpha forcing New Hong Kong to shut down for half a month, and the raging storm it kicked up online.
After all, during the evacuation and cleanup, the presence of Omega pheromones had been unmistakably clear.
Amidst those bizarre rumors, with no names mentioned, uninformed gossips had wildly sensationalized how an S-grade Alpha and an unknown, mysterious Omega had spent twenty breathless, provocative hours entangled together.
You and that person, did you really make up? Gu Yuxing’s question finally caused Luo Baixi’s expression to react.
Luo Baixi: Those people don’t have brains and write nonsense. Do you lack a brain too?
They’re journalism majors, but as for me, Gu Yuxing cautiously leaned in closer. Your scent is a bit different. It smells really nice.
Luo Baixi shot him a sideways glare.
Don’t!! I just feel like you’ve completely changed; I don’t even dare get too close to you. Gu Yuxing pondered aloud, With that kind of aura, how did that guy not get scared? He even stayed with you for so long. He’s an Omega, completely powerless when caught by an Alpha. Given your volatile temper during differentiation, if you didn’t beat him half to death, and you even hate him, I figured things couldn’t be that simple.
Luo Baixi hadn’t expected that, even when his consciousness was hazy that day, he hadn’t harmed Yan Chenhuan.
He truly hated Yan Chenhuan.
He hated that dusty, seductive vibe; looking at it made his teeth itch with irritation.
Was it really just because of genetic compatibility and pheromones?
Because Yan Chenhuan had done that kind of thing to him.
It had to be.
Alphas were also creatures driven by desire, and he consequently grew to hate the fact that he, too, was influenced by pheromones.
Then you might as well go ask Chen Chuan. I didn’t beat him that day either, Luo Baixi said. And I actually think Betas are emotionally stable.
Gu Yuxing: It’s only natural for you to be stable with him; look at our relationship as brothers. That other guy is practically your enemy
Whatever else Gu Yuxing blabbered on about afterwards failed to register with Luo Baixi, though he unusually didn’t interrupt.
It seemed that hearing someone mention Yan Chenhuan, annoying as the hatred might be, was still better than no one mentioning him at all.
He didn’t want to see Yan Chenhuan, and he certainly wouldn’t bring him up himself.
Luo Baixi raised his arm and sniffed his own sleeve. The hospital’s Omega auxiliary treatments had purged his foreign scents, completely decomposing the red rose fragrance left behind by Yan Chenhuan.
His mind involuntarily drifted from pheromones back to that night in New Hong Kong
Luo Baixi forcefully tried to settle his thoughts, refusing to let them dwell on those distracting Omega pheromones anymore.
Treating him as an enemy was far more realistic than marking him.
It was past ten o’clock at night when he arrived home. As soon as Luo Baixi stepped inside, he saw his parents and the Omega who should have been his enemy chatting happily in the living room.
There was simply no avoiding it.
Yan Chenhuan was the first to spot him, standing up to say, The young master is back.
Luo Feng raised his eyes. You vanish the moment you were discharged from the hospital, completely ignoring the fact that your mother has been waiting for you.
Shut your mouth. Lu Qingxiao beckoned him over. Come to Mom, sweetheart. How do you feel?
Luo Baixi’s gaze lingered on Yan Chenhuan for a brief moment before sliding over to his parents in the main seats.
To rebel against the lingering irritation in his heart, he walked straight over and plopped down directly on the side closest to Yan Chenhuan, lazily slouching into the leather sofa.
Even if someone was annoyed, it shouldn’t be him, an Alpha, feeling aggrieved.
I’m fine, he replied casually. My health is fine. Why are you and Dad back in the country?
Naturally, it’s to see my precious baby! Lu Qingxiao smiled and patted his head, soothing him like a child. No matter how busy I am, I could never forget your dedication.
Then why didn’t you go to the hospital? Luo Baixi asked bluntly.
A trace of awkwardness crossed Luo Feng’s face; their dedication to work had indeed always superseded family.
Luo Baixi considerately smoothed things over for them. You don’t need to wait up for me at home like this. I don’t mind; just let me know whenever you’re done with work. It’s late now, so get some rest. I’m heading to my room.
With that, Luo Baixi stood up, but Yan Chenhuan called out from behind him, Young Master.
Luo Baixi turned back.
Yan Chenhuan first nodded toward Luo Feng and Lu Qingxiao, then said, Uncle and Auntie just finished a video conference. Recent policy changes at home and abroad happen to involve some issues in my department, which is why we ended up chatting for a bit.
Luo Baixi knew this was a bit of polite reassurance, as well as an explanation for the harmonious family-of-three scene he had walked into.
Whether due to the lingering effects of that differentiation night or not, he actually found himself receptive to this hypocritical pretense from Yan Chenhuan.
They were very worried about you. Yan Chenhuan even reached out to tug at the hem of his jacket.
Luo Baixi evaded him, taking two steps straight ahead before dropping down and seating himself right between Luo Feng and Lu Qingxiao, as if avoiding something.
Yan Chenhuan’s hand hung mid-air, withdrawing a beat too late.
Xiao Yan, you can head up first, Lu Qingxiao said.
The moment she spoke, Yan Chenhuan had already stood up, bowing to Luo Feng and Lu Qingxiao. Then I’ll head back to my room first. Good night, Uncle and Auntie.
Luo Feng nodded. Mm.
As Luo Baixi watched the Omega’s figure disappear up the spiral staircase, he heard Lu Qingxiao softly ask beside his ear, Did you and Big Brother fight again?
Luo Baixi: Where did you see that?
Xiao Yan is a few years older than you and helps your dad out at Star Glory, so naturally he tends to talk a bit more.
Lu Qingxiao always felt guilty for frequently being absent during Luo Baixi’s upbringing, which was why she still treated him like a child. Seeing him stay silent, she continued, Jealous? Dad and Mom will always love you the most.
Luo Baixi pressed his lips together slightly, pausing for two seconds before replying, What does he have to compare with me? What is there to be jealous of?
As long as you don’t overthink it, Luo Feng chimed in. Before, we felt you hadn’t grown up yet, but now that your differentiation is behind you, it’s time you started paying attention to certain matters.
Does my authorization level extend to the chairman’s office at headquarters? Luo Baixi asked.
Luo Feng was somewhat surprised; this was the first time Luo Baixi had shown interest in power and family business, and a look of appreciation quickly surfaced. You are my son; there is no place in Star Glory you cannot go.
Upstairs.
In the half-open room, Yan Chenhuan had been quietly waiting for a long time. It wasn’t until he vaguely caught those words drifting up that he quietly shut the door.
When the conversation finally wound down, the clock hands had already ticked past midnight. Luo Feng had retired to his room, leaving only Lu Qingxiao and Luo Baixi in the living room.
Only then did Lu Qingxiao speak candidly, Honey, your dad didn’t mean it; he’s just careless. To him, Xiao Yan is an adopted child and a subordinate, but Mom can’t just ignore it.
Luo Baixi caught her drift immediately. You want to ask me about New Hong Kong?
Mm. Lu Qingxiao looked at him, then glanced upstairs, lowering her voice. Do you hate Big Brother?
I Luo Baixi was temporarily at a loss for words.
Yan Chenhuan was promiscuous, Yan Chenhuan was hypocritical, and Yan Chenhuan even went back on his word.
Yet, having just gone through an intense differentiation and sleeping in the hospital for days, the image remaining in his mind was still rooted in the cold, bewitching nocturnal scenery of New Hong Kong overflowing with red roses.
So many blue enchantresses had been swallowed up by the bewitching red rose pheromones, dragging him, a differentiating Alpha, down with them.
Just thinking about Yan Chenhuan filled Luo Baixi’s brain with the sound of viscous, ambiguous friction and the scent of intensely alluring Omega pheromones.
He couldn’t bring himself to touch upon those inappropriate memories in front of his mother; he didn’t even want to lift his head.
He’s alright, Luo Baixi pivoted. Isn’t Dad pretty satisfied with him? What difference does it make whether I hate him or not?
Of course it makes a difference, Lu Qingxiao said. Your dad is thick-headed and doesn’t realize that our baby has already grown up, reaching the age where romantic feelings come into play. Mom knows.
Luo Baixi remained silent.
He actually found it rather cliché.
Especially when romantic feelings became entangled with Yan Chenhuan, it practically stained the very concept of romance.
Yet he happened to be an Alpha, an Alpha who had touched Yan Chenhuan right during his differentiation.
You two, I’ve heard it all from the doctor, Lu Qingxiao said. When you were little, I asked you if you liked Big Brother. Your dad and I would have definitely sided with you; if you didn’t like him, we could have had him live somewhere else. Back then, you said you thought Big Brother was great and wanted him to stay with you. What about now?
I didn’t mark him, Luo Baixi said after a brief silence.
Mom knows. Naturally, Lu Qingxiao understood him. That’s why Mom is afraid you’ve been wronged.
Luo Baixi lowered his gaze, standing up after a moment. I’m an Alpha. I’m the only one who wrongs others; who could possibly wrong me?
He leaned down to press against his mother’s cheek in an intimate greeting, smiling as he said, Mom still dotes on me the most. I’m doing great. It’s getting late. Good night, beautiful lady.
Lu Qingxiao stroked his hair, looking at him as if watching a little phoenix acting spoiled. Good night, sweetheart. If you ever need to chat with Mom, call me anytime.
Heading back to his room, Luo Baixi happened to run into Yan Chenhuan coming down from the third floor. The two of them stood on the stairs, facing each other up and down.
He suddenly thought of what his mother had said, Back then, you said you thought Big Brother was great and wanted him to stay with you. What about now?
Perhaps the darkness had veiled the embarrassing details, but during his very first private encounter with Yan Chenhuan after differentiation, he didn’t feel bone-deep hatred or disgust.
Could S-grade Omega pheromones really influence a person’s sanity to that degree?
Luo Baixi refused to believe it.
Young Master, I placed a bottle of aromatherapy in your room. It has a very light, elegant scent, somewhat similar to your pheromones. The doctor said it would help increase your acceptance level.
Seeing that he didn’t reply, Yan Chenhuan elaborated, It’s meant to help regulate your sleep. Dr. Li said your hormones and nervous system are excited and need a period of adjustment. Even when you’re asleep, your sleep quality won’t be very high.
Who permitted you to enter my room? Luo Baixi interrupted.
A rare trace of astonishment crossed Yan Chenhuan’s face.
Even during their most confrontational moments, Luo Baixi had never locked him out.
Just like Steward Lin, he always enjoyed the convenience of unrestricted access to his room.
You don’t want Big Brother to enter your room? Yan Chenhuan changed his tone to ask him.
Just like how he always said, Big Brother is only concerned about you.
You can win my parents’ favor and live quite comfortably, so why? Luo Baixi paused, forcibly shoving that night in New Hong Kong back down into the recesses of his mind: why meddle in things that are none of your business? Isn’t Star Glory keeping you busy enough?
What counts as meddling? Yan Chenhuan took two steps down, standing on the same step as him, and slightly raised his head to meet his gaze levelly.
Luo Baixi stared at his face.
At such close range, he inevitably dragged back up the night he had deliberately suppressed.
In those memories, this refined face of Yan Chenhuan, with those delicate fox-like eyes, retained not a shred of scholarly poise. There was only burning, bewitching, decadent sensuality.
Because they were standing so close, he could even recall the softness of the Omega’s lips, the damp heat of his mouth, the smoothness of his skin.
As if sensing something, Yan Chenhuan stepped forward, practically touching the bridge of his nose, and deliberately provoked him: The young master’s differentiation is a major event for the Luo family, and it’s a major event for me too. How could I not be there?
I am a member of the Luo family, after all, he explicitly hinted.
Luo Baixi grabbed his raised hand and shoved him forward, pinning Yan Chenhuan’s body against the wooden stair railing.
With half his body suspended in mid-air, a flash of panic crossed Yan Chenhuan’s face before returning to normal, though his body remained tensely coiled on reflex.
Are you a member of the Luo family? Luo Baixi cast off those vexing memories and said coldly.
Yan Chenhuan blinked at him. How am I not? , My little master.
Courting death, he even used his other hand to grab Luo Baixi’s shoulder, propped himself up to steady his stance, turned his head, and sniffed the side of Luo Baixi’s neck.
Like a venomous snake’s tongue flicking past.
Luo Baixi only tightened his grip around the man’s wrist until a faint cracking sound of bones echoed out. Yet Yan Chenhuan showed no intention of breaking free.
Your pheromones smell so good. On your way home just now, did any Omegas try to hit on you? Yan Chenhuan asked.
Luo Baixi: Like you?
He wanted to say like you, so debauched.
Yet looking at Yan Chenhuan’s face, his memory immediately conjured the image of the man kneeling by his legs, performing obscene acts, and then obediently raising his head to let himself be toyed with.
Didn’t he fail to mark Yan Chenhuan?
There was no pheromone entanglement between them, nor any bond forged through genetic compatibility. So why couldn’t even these ordinary, mundane words escape his lips?
Like me promiscuous? Yan Chenhuan finished the thought for him.
What exactly are you trying to do? Luo Baixi considered this the first time in so long he was communicating with Yan Chenhuan in a level-headed manner.
Yet Yan Chenhuan showed no signs of stopping. Young master, you carry this kind of scent. Even without any targeted pheromones, just the residual floral fragrance alone is enough to attract every Omega out there. On your way back, didn’t any Omega confess to you?
This was the lingering byproduct of differentiation, an S-grade Alpha’s pheromones, fierce and overbearing. Even after reining in all directional intent, the remaining fragrance would linger on fabric and skin for up to half a month.
It was something that not even the market’s specialized pheromone-cleansing body washes could wash away.
Luo Baixi’s mind suddenly stalled. Shouldn’t he have left his own scent on that Omega as well, then?
Why was there none on Yan Chenhuan?
He had washed it away washed away his own scent?
For an S-grade Alpha’s pheromones, just how high a price would one have to pay to wash them away? There were barely any medical-grade facilities in the entire city capable of completely pulling that off.
The various messy scents on Yan Chenhuan had never once been washed away.
How come when it came to his own, it had been scrubbed so thoroughly clean?
What was he afraid of?
Was he afraid others would smell his scent on him?
Or was he afraid that carrying the scent of an S-grade Alpha like himself would prevent him from flirting with other Alphas?
After all, his territorial possessive pheromones, to Alphas below S-grade, were enough to give them a headache even as a mere remnant.
Yan Chenhuan really was unable to go a single moment without Alphas!
The trace of hesitation that had just surfaced vanished completely into thin air.
Luo Baixi loathed himself. Why on earth would he feel any unwarranted hesitation or softness toward Yan Chenhuan?
He released Yan Chenhuan’s hand, raising his fingertip to slide it against the back of his neck. With just a gentle press, the Omega, whose wrist was bruised blue yet didn’t show a single expression of pain, would sensitively shrink back, and even the scent of red roses would faintly seep out.
Yan Chenhuan looked at him with an uncomfortable expression, devoid of a shred of fear, instead looking somewhat expectant.
Disliking this submissive act of Yan Chenhuan letting him do as he pleased, much like capturing a soft fox on that night, he gripped the back of his neck and leaned in close. If you still want to stay in the Luo family, stay away from me.
After Luo Baixi left, the staircase fell completely silent.
When the voice-activated lights in the night eventually clicked off, Yan Chenhuan rubbed the bruised, purplish finger marks on his wrist. The tingling sensation still lingered on his glands.
A faint, ambiguous smile hung on his face.
His little master, why is he even so gentle when he’s angry?