Jiang Wan was quickly taken by the nurse to undergo a gender test.
One hour later.
“Based on our hospital’s evaluation, Mr. Zhang Peng’s pheromone levels far exceed the beta threshold. He has officially differentiated into an alpha. This is hereby certified.”
Zhang Peng looked at the test results with a blank expression, but his thoughts had already drifted, influenced by Qiao Qiao: So it really is a differentiation, a second puberty… Does this mean it will get bigger?
If it gets too big, Qiao Qiao might not be able to handle it.
Zhang Peng was deep in serious contemplation.
Jiang Wan’s mother, all smiles, began to fuss over Zhang Peng, asking him how he felt.
“Did you feel any discomfort after just differentiating? How do you feel now?”
“You were a beta before, so you might not be familiar with the habits of an alpha. Should I hire a teacher to guide you?”
“Our Jiang Wan, you know, is in his heat today. And you, Xiao Zhang, you just happened to differentiate today. Don’t you think this is fate?”
Zhang Peng ignored her, silently brushed her hand off him, and prepared to leave the hospital.
So much talking, and not a word about any kind of gratitude money.
Better to just leave.
Seeing Zhang Peng’s indifferent expression, as if he had no understanding of an omega’s value, Jiang Wan’s mother pulled out her phone and showed him a picture of Jiang Wan. “I’m not just bragging because I’m his mother, but look at my son—he’s quite good-looking, isn’t he?”
—He was indeed a stunning omega, with skin as white as snow, delicate features, and bright eyes full of charm.
One of the nurses, sneaking a glance, quietly made this evaluation.
However, Zhang Peng didn’t even glance at the photo and uninterestedly said, “Auntie, you should spend more time worrying about your own son. He’s almost in heat and yet was wandering around outside like it’s no big deal. Didn’t he attend the nine years of compulsory education? He’s an adult now, not a kid. Even if he’s ignorant of physiological knowledge, you seem well-educated. No matter how busy you are, you should’ve taken the time to teach him.”
Zhang Peng’s words were blunt, and Jiang Wan’s mother’s face immediately darkened. But Zhang Peng couldn’t care less about sparing her feelings. How could she, despite her age, think it was appropriate to introduce her son to him right off the bat? Did she not even consider whether he already had a partner?
Jiang Wan’s mother steadied herself and said, “Zhang Peng, let’s speak plainly. Today, as an alpha, you carried our Jiang Wan, and he was exposed to your pheromones during his heat. How is he supposed to find a partner or get married after this?” She tried to stir up the alpha’s natural instincts to protect the omega.
However, Zhang Peng coldly replied, “How is that my problem?”
Jiang Wan’s mother had no choice but to use her last resort, sneering as she said, “All unmarried alphas are registered in the system, and omegas who pursue alphas have the right to apply for state-arranged marriages. You can’t just walk away from this responsibility today!”
Zhang Peng couldn’t help but laugh, “I save someone’s life, and now I’m supposed to take responsibility for them for the rest of my life?”
Jiang Wan’s mother coldly stated, “Name your conditions.” She believed she had seen through this poor alpha who had differentiated late. “We’ll provide a house and a car, and the second child can even take your surname.” Her expression was one of, What more could you possibly want? “If you want to pursue your own career, I can offer you some private investment—not much, within fifty million.”
She pulled out the notebook Zhang Peng had discarded earlier and threw it in his face.
“You certainly are capable.” Zhang Peng sneered, watching the notebook he had painstakingly prepared for so long fall to the ground like waste paper. Still, he remained calm and retorted, “If your son is so outstanding, and your family conditions are so good, why bother clinging to me? There were so many alphas on the street who were crazy about him earlier—just pick one from the police station.”
How could those lowly alphas without self-control be worthy of Jiang Wan? Jiang Wan’s mother thought. There was no alpha more suitable than Zhang Peng—poor, meaning easy to control, and highly self-disciplined, meaning that even if the marriage were unhappy, he wouldn’t harm the omega.
Jiang Wan’s mother said, “I will submit an application soon. Jiang Wan is currently in heat, and for the sake of his health, the process will likely be expedited.”
She’s something else, Zhang Peng thought, unable to suppress a smile.
This world is truly full of surprises—this was the first time he’d seen someone so eager to marry off their son. Since the old lady had already started to throw a tantrum, there was no point in arguing further. He didn’t need to waste his breath.
Zhang Peng turned around and left.
Jiang Wan’s mother smiled slightly and didn’t stop him. What kind of family was the Jiang family? Within two hours, Zhang Peng’s information had already been sent to her phone.
This alpha had a beta partner with whom he had lived for three years, but still had not received family approval. Now that Zhang Peng had differentiated into an alpha, it was even less likely that they could stay together.
She would soon send the dowry to the Zhang family. Even if Zhang Peng and that beta boyfriend were unwilling to part ways, what about Zhang Peng’s parents? This wasn’t a small sum of money.
Convinced of her victory, Jiang Wan’s mother went off to check on her son.
…
On the way home, Zhang Peng sent a WeChat message to Qiao Qiao, asking what he wanted to eat.
Qiao Qiao promptly responded with a list: “Braised beef and potato bento, murmuring cheese yogurt, yellow kiwifruit, and Zhang Peng’s jj.”
He just had to throw in that last bit of mischief.
Zhang Peng, used to this, simply replied with an “Okay,” without even flinching at the suggestive words. He bought the bento and snacks, and when he passed by a flower shop and saw some roses, he picked up a bouquet. By the time he got home, his hands were full, so he had to use his elbow to knock on the door.
Inside, he heard Qiao Qiao rushing to the door in his slippers, and as soon as Zhang Peng raised the roses, hiding behind the flowers, the door swung open.
“Wow, wow, wow!” Qiao Qiao’s exclamations rang out. His voice was pleasant to the ear—clear and melodious, like a refreshing burst of energy in the quiet hallway.
All the frustration Zhang Peng had felt earlier melted away, and the tension that had been tight across his face softened.
The weight in his hands lightened as Qiao Qiao took the roses.
Qiao Qiao, dressed in a panda onesie and wearing slippers with husky faces, grinned at Zhang Peng.
“Delivery guy, can you tell me who sent these flowers?”
Zhang Peng told the truth: “A very handsome gentleman. He told me I didn’t need to know his name, just that I should find the cutest boy in the neighborhood, and I’d know who to give them to.”
Qiao Qiao pretended to think for a moment. “Then you’ve got the wrong person.”
Zhang Peng: “?”
Qiao Qiao shook his head in mock sorrow. “I’m sorry, but I have to report to the organization. Just last night, I matured overnight. Now, I’m already a grown man.”
Zhang Peng shook his head. “You’re not a mature man. You’re a drama king.”
He then lifted the bento boxes in his hands. “I couldn’t get the braised beef and potatoes. It’s either honey-glazed chicken or curry pork. You pick one.”
Qiao Qiao’s face turned solemn. “I will never betray braised beef and potatoes! It’s the best bento in the world!”
Zhang Peng quietly entered the apartment, set down the snacks, and opened the bento box.
The aroma of the meat instantly filled the room.
Qiao Qiao hurried over. “Curry pork—my favorite!”
Zhang Peng pushed the curry pork in front of him.
Qiao Qiao quickly noticed that today’s serving of pork seemed slightly smaller, so he began to inspect it closely.
Meanwhile, Zhang Peng went to the bathroom to wash his hands.
Qiao Qiao put down the bento and leaned against the bathroom doorframe, peeking inside, looking all sneaky.
Zhang Peng turned to him, “What are you doing?”
“Just checking.” Qiao Qiao wiggled his hips suggestively. Despite the loose-fitting clothes, the rounded shape was unmistakable. “I’m all cleaned up.” He shot a flirty glance.
As Zhang Peng walked out of the bathroom, he bent down at the doorway, scooped Qiao Qiao up by the legs, and even gave his chubby butt a pat with his large hand.
Qiao Qiao cupped Zhang Peng’s face, leaned in to nibble on his earlobe, and was about to whisper something suggestive when he suddenly caught a whiff of cola.
So he drank cola behind my back!
Qiao Qiao pretended to claw at Zhang Peng’s neck in mock fury.
Zhang Peng walked into the bedroom and tossed Qiao Qiao onto the bed.
Qiao Qiao bounced twice on the large bed before sinking into the soft down comforter. Zhang Peng removed his suit jacket and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, revealing a devilish smile.
“No, no, no!” Seeing things were about to get serious, Qiao Qiao, knowing he couldn’t win, quickly said, “I’ve been waiting for you to have dinner. Let’s not overdo it.”
“You’re the one who wanted to play,” Zhang Peng teased, ruffling Qiao Qiao’s fluffy hair. “And you’re the one who can’t keep up.”
Qiao Qiao set the flowers aside and shamelessly hugged Zhang Peng’s waist, saying, “I want to play, but I’m scared to keep playing.”
“Alright, you little rascal.” Zhang Peng pinched Qiao Qiao’s ear. “But now it’s time to eat. No more messing around.”
Qiao Qiao nodded, pulled out a small tray, and set it on the bed. Then, like a little lord, he stretched out his hand, signaling Zhang Peng to bring the bento over and set it on the tray. The two of them sat on the bed, facing each other, and started eating.
“Wait, I think I smell cola.” Qiao Qiao sniffed, catching a stronger whiff of the cola scent. “It must be a figment of my imagination because I want to drink it so badly.” His life practically depended on cola, but Zhang Peng only allowed him one bottle a week.
Based on past experience, Zhang Peng would usually flick his forehead, so Qiao Qiao instinctively shrank back, ready to fight for his right to drink cola this time.
Zhang Peng said, “You’re not mistaken. There really is a smell of cola.”
Qiao Qiao: “Where, where?”
Zhang Peng pointed to the back of his neck.
Qiao Qiao was baffled.
Zhang Peng explained, “I told you this morning—I went through a second puberty.”
Qiao Qiao nodded obediently.
Zhang Peng continued, “What if I told you I differentiated into a cola-scented alpha—would you believe it?”
Qiao Qiao burst out laughing. “Hahahahaha!”
Zhang Peng gave him a deadpan look.
Qiao Qiao, after considering his expression, said, “You almost look serious. Your acting has improved a lot.”
Zhang Peng continued to stare at him with that deadpan expression.
Qiao Qiao: “…?” His face turned puzzled, then he calmly raised his hand. “If it’s something this important, my lord, please report it quickly.”
Zhang Peng nodded and recounted everything that had happened that morning to Qiao Qiao.
Qiao Qiao listened and was silent for a while.
Zhang Peng wasn’t too worried about the old lady’s threats—he had already thought of a solution—but Qiao Qiao’s silence made him nervous.
Zhang Peng cleared his throat, trying to act composed, though internally he was debating whether he’d end up sleeping on the durian or the keyboard tonight.
After a long silence, Qiao Qiao slapped his thigh and said, “Peng Peng, I’ve got an idea. That old lady has her eye on you, and I doubt she’ll let it go. She might really try to force you into marriage. But we don’t have to be afraid; we can—”
“—Wait,” Zhang Peng interrupted, pulling out his phone. “Xiao Qiao, I’ve got an idea too. I think we should do it like they do on TV—each of us types out our thoughts on our phones, and we’ll see if we’re in sync.”
“Sure, sure!” Qiao Qiao agreed eagerly, picking up his phone and opening the notepad.
They both typed out a word at the same time—
Marriage.
“Correct answer.” Zhang Peng raised his hand.
“Clap!” Qiao Qiao high-fived him.
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