IWHBDR Chapter 44

Ma Jinyan watched as the door opened and the Alpha standing outside walked in.

His pupils slightly constricted and he smiled: “Looks like you’ve succeeded. Are you here to show off your results? It smells wonderful—strongly of roses.”

Shen Huaixiu stopped, looking coldly at the Alpha who was tied by his hands to the wall in the corner.

He appeared to have done nothing, yet the intense smell of blood gradually filled the room.

Suddenly, Ma Jinyan’s face turned pale, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead and his entire body began to convulse.

His wide-open eyes reflected pure fear.

Shen Huaixiu stared at him; for an Alpha, pheromone attacks were far more effective than physical ones.

The psychological damage was irreversible.

For someone like Ma Jinyan, physical injuries wouldn’t be enough to quell the fury within Shen Huaixiu.

The coldness that had never been shown in front of Rong Shu fully blossomed before Ma Jinyan.

He didn’t say a single word to Ma Jinyan the entire time.

Yet, at the moment he left the cell, Ma Jinyan would spend the rest of his life engulfed in the fear Shen Huaixiu had created.

On the day the Ma family officially declared bankruptcy, Rong Shu returned to school.

Upon returning, he felt that the gazes from everyone around him were different.

Chen Jing told him that the transfer students had gradually left; he had previously wondered why so many had transferred in at once and now he finally understood the answer.

Rong Shu smiled silently at him. Chen Jing thought it was a shame that this guy wasn’t allowed to act.

After being friends with him for so long, he still didn’t realize that this guy wasn’t an Alpha.

If he thought about it carefully, there were indeed flaws; he just never considered that angle. What Alpha could be as flamboyant as Rong Shu?

He didn’t hide his affection for Alphas at all.

Just that alone was very unusual.

“Rong Shu!” Since Rong Shu’s identity had been revealed, his name had changed. Mu Ye called out to him at the door, seemingly oblivious to Shen Huai Xiu’s warning gaze.

Rong Shu froze for a moment before standing up. “Are you going out with me?”

Although Shen Huaixiu was unhappy about Rong Shu interacting with other Alphas, he understood that it was merely Alpha’s possessiveness: “Go ahead, but don’t take too long.”

“I got it.” Rong Shu smiled and walked out. When Mu Ye saw him, he said, “I thought you wouldn’t come out.”

“Why wouldn’t I? Shen Huaixiu isn’t that petty.”

“Right, your Alpha is the best.” Mu Ye nodded in agreement, smiling as he continued, “I’m just glad to see you’re okay. I came to say goodbye; I’m transferring back to my old school this afternoon. Sorry for using you because of my family issues.”

“Well, you were turned down anyway. Why say all this? I hope you find the Omega you like in the future. I won’t see you off.”

“Thanks, goodbye.”

Rong Shu watched Mu Ye leave, feeling relieved.

Actually, not all of these influential families were that terrible.

After returning, Rong Shu hooked his arm through Shen Huai Xiu’s: “Mu Ye said he’s transferring back to his old school this afternoon.”

Shen Huaixiu responded coldly. In his mind, ‘if he wanted to leave, he should do it sooner rather than later; there was no need to come back and make a fuss.”

Rong Shu scratched his palm and smiled at him. “By the way, my Dad asked me to buy a pregnancy test kit today. Can you accompany me to get it?”

“Why do you need to buy a test?” Shen Huaixiu reached out to hold him, worry flickering in his eyes, clearly misunderstanding that he was feeling unwell.

Rong Shu knew Shen Huaixiu would react this way—totally oblivious, only concerned about his health. He wanted to laugh but held it back, forcing a casual tone as he said, “To check for pregnancy. My Dad said being marked during estrus makes it very easy to conceive.”

Shen Huaixiu: “…”

Rong Shu watched as the Alpha’s expression stiffened instantly at his words and finally couldn’t hold back his laughter, winking at him.

“Rong Shu, Shen Huaixiu, I know you two are engaged now, but please restrain yourselves. No need for such deep gazes at each other and look at the board,” Mr. Zhang said, patting the blackboard to assert his presence.

He completely failed to notice that his words had distracted everyone else.

Rong Shu held Shen Huaixiu’s hand, nodding seriously, “Okay, teacher. We’ll talk about love after class.”

Shen Huaixiu squeezed his palm, signaling him to be discreet.

All morning, Shen Huaixiu couldn’t concentrate because of Rong Shu’s remark.

His eyes kept drifting toward Rong Shu’s stomach.

He had heard in physiology class that marking during estrus could easily lead to pregnancy, but with everything going on recently, it had completely slipped his mind.

Now, hearing Rong Shu mention it, he felt a mix of happiness and a vague sense of guilt.

He should have been more careful back then; even in a crisis, he should have taken precautions.

Rong Shu sensed that something was off with him.

After class, he turned directly to Shen Huaixiu and asked, “Is there something you want to say?”

Shen Huaixiu met his gaze, a hint of guilt in his eyes: “I’m sorry; it’s all my oversight.”

“Is it that you can’t accept this baby?”

“Of course not. I’m actually quite happy about it,” Shen Huaixiu admitted, feeling like a jerk for his conflicting emotions. He reached out to touch Rong Shu’s cat ears. “But I still want to apologize. You shouldn’t have to bear all of this at your age when it could have been avoided.”

“Shen Huaixiu, I know what you’re thinking, but don’t you understand? I’m so happy right now. Ever since I met you, I’ve wanted a baby. This baby is just a reward for me. If you had taken precautions back then, I would have actually been quite disappointed. Do you understand?”

Shen Huaixiu looked at him. He had always wanted to ask: “Why is it only with me?”

“It’s love at first sight, okay?” Rong Shu cupped his face and gave him a quick kiss. “Stop overthinking it.”

Chen Jing, sitting in front and overhearing everything: “…”

He really wanted to change seats.

This dog food was just too overwhelming.

After school, Rong Shu and Shen Huaixiu went off-campus to grab lunch and stopped by to buy a pregnancy test kit.

Once back in the dorm, Rong Shu headed straight for the bathroom.

Shen Huaixiu started off sitting in a chair, then stood up, and finally began to pace.

When Rong Shu emerged from the bathroom, Shen Huaixiu looked at him with a hint of tension in his eyes: “What’s the result?”

Rong Shu walked over and hugged him. “Shen Huaixiu, you need to keep working hard. One day, we…”

“Is there nothing?” Shen Huaixiu paused, then asked cautiously, worried about how disappointed Rong Shu would be if there was no baby after all that anticipation.

Rong Shu looked up, mischief sparkling in his eyes: “One day, our baby will grow up, but the one who stays with me until the end will only be you.”

As he spoke, he raised the test in his hand: “Congratulations, Mr. Shen. In ten months, you will become a father. Can you share your feelings at this moment?”

Realizing he’d been tricked, Shen Huaixiu pinched his cat ear: “You little rascal.”

Rong Shu laughed and wrapped his arms around his neck: “What if our baby looks like me?”

“That would be a wonderful thing.” Thinking of Rong Shu as a child made Shen Huaixiu’s heart flutter.

“But I want a version of you! If I give birth to it myself, it will definitely make me happy, right?”

Shen Huaixiu felt that Rong Shu always satisfied his possessiveness: “Mm, if you give birth to it, your wishes will come true.”

“Hehe, I’m a bit eager to meet him now. He must be so cute.”

Rong Shu said as he lifted his T-shirt to look at his flat stomach, which showed nothing at all.

Shen Huaixiu reached out to smooth his shirt: “Don’t catch a cold.”

In the afternoon, when Rong Shu saw Chen Jing, he immediately smiled and waved him over with a finger.

Chen Jing wanted to refuse but was stopped by Rong Shu’s hand on his shoulder: “Xiao Jing, you’re going to be an uncle! Shouldn’t you prepare a gift for your future nephew?”

“I’m still young! I really didn’t think about becoming an uncle this early.” Chen Jing wore a look that said he could refuse, but Rong Shu ruthlessly dismissed it.

After some teasing, Chen Jing finally congratulated Rong Shu: “I guess this is a wish come true for you. Congratulations! Next year, when the baby arrives, he can start calling you.”

“Hey, don’t be too envious; there will be bread to eat,” Rong Shu said, patting Chen Jing’s shoulder like a seasoned veteran.

Chen Jing just wanted to say that it would be better if Rong Shu fed him less dog food.

That evening, Shen Huaixiu and Rong Shu went to the boxing gym together.

Since the incident, Rong Shu hadn’t had the chance to personally thank Second Brother Shen.

Seeing them come in together, Shen Huaiqiu smiled and greeted Rong Shu: “Rong Shu, come in quickly.”

“Second brother, thank you for what happened last time. I caused everyone trouble.”

Shen Huaiqiu glanced at Shen Huaixiu, knowing that the guy hadn’t told Rong Shu the whole truth. After all, aside from the car that Shen Huaiqiu had initially prepared, Shen Huaixiu handled the rest himself.

But since Shen Huaixiu didn’t want to make it clear, Shen Huaiqiu wouldn’t expose him. He smiled and said, “We’re family, so there’s no need for formalities. You sit down; I’ll get you some fruit.”

“We haven’t eaten yet, so what fruit? I’ll cook. Second brother, can you get him some yogurt? Don’t make it too cold.”

“Why do you have so many things to do?”

“Isn’t it because I’m going to be a father?” Shen Huaixiu said, giving Shen Huaiqiu a look that indicated he needed to figure it out himself.

Shen Huaiqiu paused for a moment, then turned to look at Rong Shu’s stomach. Rong Shu immediately hugged his belly and said, “Second brother, you still can’t see anything!”

“Is it true? Then I’m going to be an uncle?” Shen Huaiqiu couldn’t contain his laughter and turned to Shen Huaixiu, saying, “You don’t need to cook today; I’ll take care of it. I’ll make something delicious for my future little nephew.”

As he rolled up his sleeves and headed into the kitchen, he suddenly popped back out to ask, “Have Father and Big Brother been informed about this?”

“Not yet; you’re the first.”

“I knew it!” Shen Huaiqiu was immediately satisfied and went back into the kitchen. When he opened the fridge, he didn’t forget to message the family group chat, “Ah, the weather is nice today! What should I make for my little nephew?”

Shen Huaian: “What kind of peach¹“桃” (táo) means “peach,” and “侄” (zhí) means “nephew.” They have different tones and meanings, but in casual conversation, their pronunciation can sometimes lead to playful confusion or puns, especially if someone is referring to a “nephew” in a light-hearted manner are you thinking about!”

Father Shen: “Have you drunk too much and not woken up yet?”

Shen Huaiqiu: “There’s a generation gap between us! I’m different from you. Ah, I wonder if my little nephew likes braised pork!”

Shen Huaian: “…So Huaixiu is going to be a father?”

Father Shen: “Am I going to be a grandfather?”

Shen Huaiqiu: “Ah, my little nephew…”

With Shen Huaiqiu’s enthusiastic calls for his little nephew, everyone in the Shen family now knew that Rong Shu was pregnant.

When Shen Huaiqiu finished cooking and came out, he told Shen Huaixiu and Rong Shu, “Father and big brother are coming over tomorrow evening; they want to treat you and Rong Shu to dinner.”

Rong Shu: “…”

Caught off guard by meeting the parents!

Shen Huaixiu also felt it was sudden: “How come…”

Shen Huaiqiu laughed: “I just mentioned my little nephew, and who knew they’d be so impulsive? Haha, alright, it’s time to eat! I made braised pork. Rong Shu, this braised pork is my specialty; you’ll have to try it later.”

After saying that, Shen Huaiqiu slipped back into the kitchen, clearly afraid that Shen Huaixiu would hit him on the head.

Rong Shu smiled and tugged at Shen Huaixiu’s sleeve: “Now we really have to meet the parents. Should we prepare some gifts in advance?”

“What gifts? They should be the ones giving you gifts! My father and big brother both have money. Don’t worry too much; just accept whatever they give you.”

Shen Huaixiu helped Rong Shu straighten out his slightly wrinkled collar.

“I feel like you’re a bit happy,” Rong Shu leaned closer to him, noticing the usually cold Alpha had warmth in his eyes this time.

Shen Huaixiu curved his lips slightly: “Yeah, it’s not bad.”

“Not bad”? Clearly, he was very happy.

Rong Shu leaned in and kissed him: “Let’s go help Second Brother serve the food.”

“I’ll go; you stay here.”

Shen Huaixiu pressed him back onto the sofa and turned to help in the kitchen.

Seeing him come in, Shen Huaiqiu glanced at him: “I didn’t expect you’d become a father so soon. I’m really happy for you.”

“Thanks, but you don’t need to be too envious.”

Shen Huaiqiu scoffed: “Does Rong Shu know how much you deserve a beating?”

Shen Huaixiu raised an eyebrow at him, carrying the dishes out.

Shen Huaiqiu huffed softly. Some Alphas looked good on the outside but were nothing but trouble, just good at deceiving Omegas.

Sigh, why wasn’t there an Omega who liked such a straightforward Alpha like him? It really was frustrating to compare.

When the braised pork was served, its rich color and aroma filled the room. Rong Shu smiled and said, “Second brother, this meat looks delicious.”

“That’s not just me boasting; once you try it, you’ll want more…”

“I can make it too! If you want to eat it, I’ll cook for you,” Shen Huaixiu said, turning his head to Rong Shu.

Shen Huaiqiu: “…”

This meal was impossible to enjoy now; he might as well go eat dog food.

Rong Shu smiled brightly, using his chopsticks to pick up a piece and put it in his bowl. The braised pork paired perfectly with rice. Shen Huaiqiu wasn’t lying; the meat was tender, juicy, and melted in the mouth, without being greasy.

“Second brother!” Rong Shu gave Shen Huaiqiu a thumbs-up, “It’s delicious.”

“Alright, eat more.”

“Yeah, Huaixiu, you eat too,” Rong Shu called Shen Huaixiu’s name and personally served him a piece.

As Shen Huaixiu ate the braised pork, he cast a glance at Shen Huaiqiu.

This made Shen Huaiqiu particularly want to hit his younger brother.

“Oh, by the way, a couple of days ago I went to the Lower District to handle some business and saw Xiang Bai. He also got into Federal No.1 Middle School, so you’ll be able to see him next year.”

After Shen Huaiqiu finished speaking, he looked toward Shen Huaixiu.

When Rong Shu heard the name Xiang Bai, he also raised his eyes to look over.

Shen Huaixiu’s expression didn’t change; he simply nodded, “Mm.”

“He also asked me to tell you thank you for the money you gave him last time. His mother is better now and he said he would pay you back later.”

Hearing this, Rong Shu’s eyes immediately narrowed.

After Shen Huaiqiu finished, he stood up with a smile, “I’ve finished eating. You guys take your time. You don’t need to clean up after you’re done.”

Once Shen Huaiqiu left, Rong Shu set down his bowl, “Who is Xiang Bai?”

“A kid from the Lower District. His mother helped me with some things. I didn’t want to owe a favor, so I gave them some money.”

“But it sounds like he doesn’t want your money, does he?”

Rong Shu snorted softly.

Shen Huaixiu looked at him: “A bit sour. If he doesn’t want the money, he won’t get anything in return. After all, I’m all yours now, Rong Shu.”

Rong Shu curled the corners of his lips: “Good for you. Is Xiang Bai’s foot problematic?”

Shen Huaixiu was taken aback for a moment: “How did you know?”

“Hmph!” Rong Shu picked up his bowl again and took a bite of rice, “I saw you when you gave him money. It was pitch dark that night; someone didn’t even have money left to buy takoyaki afterward. So pitiful!”

Hearing this, Shen Huaixiu suddenly laughed: “Were you that little black cat?”

“You guess.”

“So from that time, you’ve had your eye on me?”

Finally finding the answer, Shen Huaixiu felt confident in his guess. No wonder Rong Shu was willing to sit with him the first time they met.

It turned out that even before he noticed, this person had already been paying attention to him.

Rong Shu shook his cat ears and pouted: “So now you know the truth, you better treat me well! After all, I liked you first!”

“I will.”

Standing in the kitchen and hearing all this, Shen Huaiqiu felt incredibly sour.

Ah, he’s also an Alpha of the Shen family, why didn’t he have an Omega thinking about him?

But thinking of Shen Huaian, who was two years older than him at home, he felt balanced inside.

No comparison, no harm; why should he compare himself to Shen Huaixiu? He could totally compare himself to Shen Huaian.

After having dinner at Shen Huaiqiu’s place and setting a time to meet tomorrow, Shen Huaixiu and Rong Shu walked back hand in hand.

On the way, Rong Shu spoke up: “There’s only one month left until the break.”

“Mm, so we need to hurry up and review some questions when we go back.”

Rong Shu: “…Are you a devil?”

After Zai Zai is born, Shen Huaixiu wouldn’t expect the same from the child, right?

Just thinking about it felt chilling.

Shen Huaixiu was amused by the little omega’s words and reached out to ruffle his cat ears: “Don’t you want to be ranked together on the leaderboard?”

“Don’t try to scheme against me, you bad guy.”

Rong Shu covered his cat ears, refusing to let him touch them.

Yet Shen Huaixiu pulled him into his arms and leaned in close, whispering temptingly: “But I want to.”

Rong Shu: “…”

This was too unfair, too unfair, too unfair.

“Alright then.”

Hearing this, Shen Huaixiu kissed him: “Good.”

Rong Shu felt that Shen Huaixiu was getting a bit wicked; he had even learned to seduce him.

And the effect was clearly way better than his.

It was like he was hitting the target every time!

No, he needed to learn some restraint.

“Kiss me again and then I’ll be good!”

Shen Huaixiu laughed and leaned in to kiss him again.

Rong Shu reached out and hooked his arm around the Alpha’s neck, leaning in to peck him on the lips, then released: “Alright, let’s go back to the dorm and review some questions.”

Shen Huaixiu looked down at him, his eyes filled with lingering tenderness.

A cool breeze passed by, comfortable and pleasant.

The rustling leaves created a soothing sound…

Author’s note:

Rong Shu: I need to be reserved, oh no, I can’t be reserved, let’s kiss ^_^

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  “桃” (táo) means “peach,” and “侄” (zhí) means “nephew.” They have different tones and meanings, but in casual conversation, their pronunciation can sometimes lead to playful confusion or puns, especially if someone is referring to a “nephew” in a light-hearted manner