“I… I was thirsty and wanted to come out for a glass of water…” Shen Jiayu offered a soft explanation on his own initiative. But now that the water was spilled and Mr. Wen had been woken up by him, he felt a twinge of guilt. “I’m sorry…”
Wen Xiuheng sighed softly in his heart; his little one was saying those three words, “I am sorry,” yet again.
Moving his large hand to the boy’s cheek, Wen Xiuheng gently lifted his chin and said warmly, “It’s alright. Let me take you back to your room first, okay?”
Shen Jiayu nodded obediently.
Wen Xiuheng set his cane aside and then swept the youth into his arms, carrying him by the waist.
Having been held like this several times now, Shen Jiayu was no longer as startled as before. He compliantly wrapped his arms around the other man’s neck.
Wen Xiuheng carried Shen Jiayu back to the bedroom and poured him another glass of warm water. On the bed, after finishing the water, Shen Jiayu peeked cautiously at Wen Xiuheng.
The thunder outside continued to rumble.
“Could you stay a little longer before leaving…?” Shen Jiayu requested in a tiny voice. He had been terrified of thunder since he was a child.
A flash of surprise crossed Wen Xiuheng’s eyes. In his memory, this was one of the few times the boy had made such a direct request of him.
Shen Jiayu bit his lip lightly, his voice growing even softer: “You said… I could rely on you…”
He felt embarrassed, of course, about wanting someone to stay just because he was afraid of thunder, but he truly wanted the other man to remain for a moment, even if just for a little while.
“…Is that okay, Sir?”
“Of course.” A large hand gently brushed through his hair as Wen Xiuheng sat down beside him. “I will stay here with you until you fall asleep, alright?”
Shen Jiayu stared blankly at the man before him, then suddenly broke into a smile. “Mhm, okay.”
Wen Xiuheng settled him back under the covers. Behind the heavy curtains, the booming thunder still echoed intermittently.
Tucking a stray lock of hair behind Shen Jiayu’s ear, Wen Xiuheng coaxed him warmly: “Sleep now. Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”
The man’s voice was deep and steady, always possessing a magical power to soothe.
Shen Jiayu gave a soft hum of affirmation and slowly closed his eyes.
Time passed unknowingly until the thunder outside gradually ceased.
Shen Jiayu was sound asleep. Wen Xiuheng sat quietly by his side, gazing down at the youth’s tranquil sleeping face.
His large hand gently caressed the boy’s cheek before slowly moving to the back of his neck.
Rose colored hair fell softly, revealing the delicate, snow white skin of the nape, which felt like the finest jade to the touch.
The temporary mark he had left on the boy during the day had already faded slightly. After all, he had only left his pheromones on the youth through brief, light skin contact.
If one wanted pheromones to stay longer on a Beta, the only way was to pierce the nape with canine teeth and forcibly inject the pheromones into the body.
But even then, it would only last for a period of time. Because Betas lack a gland, a permanent mark is impossible.
Thinking of how his little one had been coveted by others during the day, a sudden surge of violent emotion rose within the Alpha, his eyes turning dark and deep.
Unconsciously, the Alpha tightened his grip slightly while stroking the skin; a faint red mark appeared on the boy’s tender, sensitive nape.
“Mm…”
Shen Jiayu murmured unconsciously in his sleep, and only then did the Alpha snap out of his trance and stop his movements.
The man’s eyes held a possessiveness so thick it could not be dissolved. His rose could only be his; no one else was allowed to covet him.
After a long silence, Wen Xiuheng leaned down slightly and drew close to the youth.
Upon those exquisite features, he imprinted a kiss, a knot of possessiveness and restraint.
A week later, the injury on Shen Jiayu’s ankle was almost fully healed, and the date of the banquet was drawing near.
Shen Jiayu proactively asked if he could resume his dance practice. Wen Xiuheng only agreed after confirming that his ankle was truly fine.
On the weekend, Wen Xiuheng mentioned he was taking him somewhere to prepare for the banquet, and Shen Jiayu followed along obediently.
Wen Xiuheng brought him to a standalone building in the city center. There were no signs or logos outside. When they stepped inside, a sophisticated-looking waiter received them.
The waiter was impeccably polite, bowing as he said, “Mr. Wen, we have been expecting you. The ten sets of formal wear you requested are ready.”
Wen Xiuheng nodded, and the waiter made a guiding gesture: “Please follow me to the fitting room, Mr. Wen and Mr. Shen.”
Wen Xiuheng placed an arm protectively behind Shen Jiayu’s waist and spoke warmly to the youth: “Jiayu, you choose which suit to wear for the banquet.”
“Mhm, okay.”
So today was for a fitting. This was Shen Jiayu’s first time at this shop, the decor was extremely refined and the atmosphere elegant. Aside from them, there didn’t seem to be any other customers.
They were led to a massive dressing room where ten suits were neatly lined up on a rack. Each design and style looked different, and each set was paired with corresponding accessories and shoes.
Wen Xiuheng gently stroked the youth’s hair. “There’s plenty of time. Take it slow, no rush. I’ll wait for you here.”
Shen Jiayu’s eyes crinkled as he gave a sweet smile.
Another waiter, wearing white gloves, carefully lifted one of the suits from the rack and helped Shen Jiayu place it into the changing area.
Shen Jiayu stepped into the fitting room and thanked the waiter politely. The waiter then stepped out, giving the guests enough private space, while informing Shen Jiayu that he could call out at any time if he needed anything.
Wen Xiuheng sat on the sofa outside the fitting room while another waiter served him a drink.
Shen Jiayu tried on the first few suits quickly. Each time he stepped out, Wen Xiuheng had a smile on his face and would walk over to him, gently touching his cheek and hair.
Wen Xiuheng was satisfied with every suit Shen Jiayu tried. His little one had great body proportions; he looked good in everything.
After a few sets, Shen Jiayu noticed a pattern. Although he didn’t know the specific name of this shop, every suit seemed to feature the same design element: a blooming rose. This rose pattern appeared like a watermark in different details of every outfit.
Shen Jiayu searched his memory, he seemed to have heard of a world class luxury brand whose logo was a rose. Furthermore, this brand was extremely pick, they didn’t serve just any wealthy person; they only catered to the “Top Tier” of the elite.
Shen Jiayu looked closely at the rose embroidery on the cuff and tilted his head in confusion. Could it be that the shop the gentleman brought him to today was that brand?
While pondering, Shen Jiayu began trying on the next piece. Once he had changed most of the way, he found himself stumped by a thin black ring. The ring appeared to be made of some kind of soft leather, but he had no idea how to use it.
After a moment of hesitation, Shen Jiayu opened a small slit in the curtain and called out to the man in a soft, waxy voice: “Sir…”
Wen Xiuheng had been paying attention to Shen Jiayu every second, so he immediately noticed the boy calling him.
The man waved away the waiter who intended to step forward, indicating he would handle it himself. The waiter understood immediately and stayed at his post.
Wen Xiuheng lifted the curtain and stepped into the fitting room.
The room was spacious, more than enough to accommodate two people.
Wen Xiuheng stood before Shen Jiayu, looking down at him. The youth’s face seemed to carry a faint pink flush.
Wen Xiuheng asked gently and patiently, “Jiayu, what is it?”
Shen Jiayu raised his rose colored eyes, holding the thin black ring in front of him, murmuring softly, “This… I don’t know how to use it…”
Shen Jiayu worriedly thought that the gentleman might find him stupid.
But in fact, once the man saw what was in his hand, his eyes darkened.
After a moment, Shen Jiayu heard the other man say in a hoarse voice: “This is a shirt stay. I’ll teach you.”
Shen Jiayu had never used shirt stays. In fact, because of his physical health, he rarely attended banquets in the past.
So, hearing the Alpha offer to teach him, Shen Jiayu nodded happily.
Wen Xiuheng took the black ring from him and said huskily, “Shirt stays are worn on the legs.”
As he spoke, he opened the adjustment buckle and leaned down.
In an instant, the crisp, cool scent of the Alpha enveloped Shen Jiayu once again.
The distance between them was very close. For a moment, the youth froze.
The Alpha spoke a reminder, his voice low and raspy: “Be good, spread your legs a little.”