DPT chapter 22

Sheng Li hurriedly knocked on the door, “Wait!”

It was already late.

The warmth and mist in the bathroom had not completely dissipated, filled with the scent of Alpha pheromones. Zuo Chi’s cheeks were slightly red as he stared at the black boxers on the shelf, pinching the corner of the boxers with his thumb and forefinger as he opened the door, “Did you forget this?”

“…” Sheng Li snatched the underwear away, crumpling it into a ball. “Damn it, did I ask you to take it? Are you crazy?”

Zuo Chi leaned against the door. “What’s the big deal? I even bought you underwear once.”

That happened when they were eleven. Sheng Li went to the swimming pool and forgot to bring spare underwear, so he asked Zuo Chi to help him buy some from the nearby supermarket. As a result, Zuo Chi chose the wrong size and bought adult-sized underwear, which was a whole size too big.

“Ah Chi, my underwear is about to fall off.”

“It’s okay, if you don’t say anything, no one will know.”

Young boys didn’t have so many convoluted thoughts; they used to be extremely frank with each other. But now, it was different.

The Sheng Li in his memories was a bit silly, but that silliness was adorable. Zuo Chi cast his gaze towards the Sheng Li in front of him and teased, “What size are you wearing now?”

Sheng Li, embarrassed, retorted, “None of your damn business!”

That night, Sheng Li slept on the floor while Zuo Chi slept on the bed. Neither of them could sleep well.

Zuo Chi’s drowsiness was interrupted, disappearing completely. With Sheng Li so close within his reach, hearing Sheng Li’s breathing, his nerves became unusually heightened. He tried counting sheep in his mind, but it didn’t work no matter how many times he tried. It wasn’t until after four in the morning that he finally fell asleep.

Sheng Li wasn’t used to sleeping on the floor. He tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. He played with his phone for a while, chatting in a group with four handsome guys, but no one responded to him. Sometimes he wondered who had prepared the lubricant and condoms in the bathroom, and other times he thought the scent of blackcurrant was too strong, suspecting that he would also smell like it the next day.

The next morning, both of them had dark circles under their eyes. During breakfast, Sheng Li’s aunt asked if they had stayed up late, with a hint of teasing in her tone.

Zuo Chi remained silent with a dumpling in his mouth. Sheng Li hated it when elders pried into private matters, especially since his relationship with Zuo Chi was already complicated. He responded with a slightly unpleasant tone, “It’s been a while since I slept at Grandpa’s place. I’m not used to the bed.”

His aunt didn’t catch the hint and seemed to want to gossip more, but was stopped by her husband.

The uncle still remembered that at the New Year’s Eve party at the Sheng’s, Sheng Li repeatedly said that Zuo Chi wasn’t his Omega.

After breakfast, the family dispersed and went back to their homes. Sheng Li and Zuo Chi followed Sheng Changyu and others back. Starting from around two in the afternoon, visitors kept coming to see Sheng Changyu, including business partners and old friends whom he had known for many years. Sheng Changyu took the opportunity to introduce Zuo Chi to everyone.

It was nearly eight in the evening when they finally had time for dinner. Sheng Li and Zuo Chi didn’t stay the night; after dinner, they had the driver take them back to Sheng Li’s villa.

Because he had drunk the night before, Sheng Li didn’t go for his morning run. He woke up after ten o’clock, and when he came downstairs, Zuo Chi was in the kitchen cooking dumplings, asking him how many he wanted to eat.

“I’m not eating,” Sheng Li said. “I’m going to Tai Xingyu’s house for lunch later.”

Zuo Chi turned off the stove. “Then I’ll go change.”

Raising an eyebrow, Sheng Li said, “I said I’m going to Tai Xingyu’s house, not that I’m taking you.”

Realizing his misunderstanding, Zuo Chi didn’t react much. “Are you leaving me alone at home for New Year’s?”

Being alone at home for the New Year sounded miserable. Sheng Li hesitated, “You can go back to the Zuo’s.”

Zuo Chi lowered his gaze. “I don’t want to go back.”

He received many New Year’s greetings, but none from Zuo Yi or Shu Qingyu. They didn’t ask how he was doing at the Sheng’s or care about his plans for the Spring Festival.

Sheng Li said, “You can…”

Zuo Chi took a few steps forward and tugged at his sleeve. “Take me with you.”

Zuo Chi’s tone sounded somewhat pitiful, and Sheng Li relented, “Fine, you can come, but first, put on a patch, and second, don’t speak out of turn.”

“Why do I need to put on a patch?” Zuo Chi questioned.

Sheng Li coldly snorted, “Asking so many questions, do you want to go or not?”

Previously, Sheng Li used to find the scent of blackcurrant very pleasant. He couldn’t help but sniff whenever he saw Zuo Chi. Now, the scent of blackcurrant troubled him, constantly affecting his mood and judgment.

Zuo Chi changed into his clothes and waited at the door. It took a full twenty minutes before he saw Sheng Li’s figure.

Sheng Li wore a checked coat, khaki-colored casual pants accentuating his long legs. He sprayed fragrance, the scent of a forest after rain.

In contrast, Zuo Chi appeared much more casual—a white down jacket covered his inner layer securely, gray casual pants paired with black sneakers.

After sizing up Zuo Chi, Sheng Li said nothing and went to the parking lot to bring the car over.

As Zuo Chi’s hand reached the front door of the car, Sheng Li instructed him to sit in the back seat.

He had always sat in the front seat of Sheng Li’s car unless there was a designated driver. Now, was he being deprived of his qualification to sit in the front seat?

Music played in the car, the volume turned up to the max, as if to prevent Zuo Chi from being awkwardly silent. The booming music made his ears buzz. Uncomfortable, he put on noise-canceling earphones and leaned against the car door, looking at the street scene outside the window.

They were the first to arrive at Tai Xingyu’s house. When Tai Xingyu opened the door, he still seemed sleepy, but upon seeing Zuo Chi, he suddenly became alert.

He glanced at Sheng Li: Wasn’t it said that Zuo Chi wouldn’t come?

Pretending not to hear, Sheng Li asked, “Which pair of slippers should I wear?”

“Long time no see.” Tai Xingyu greeted Zuo Chi with a smile, taking out slippers from the shoe cabinet. “Are we having hotpot for lunch?”

“Whatever,” Sheng Li replied.

“You can ask in the group,” Tai Xingyu said. “I’ll go freshen up first, you guys make yourselves at home.”

Sheng Li asked in the group chat: Hotpot?

Xiang Yiqun: Yes! I’m all in!

Xiang Yiqun: Hehe, count my omega’s vote too!

Xu Hui: Whoever wants to eat, cook it.

Xiang Yiqun: It’s just making hotpot, no problem, you underestimate me.

Xu Hui: ok.

Sheng Li: You guys still haven’t left?

Xiang Yiqun: Just left, my omega is buying groceries on his phone first, what do you guys want to eat?

Sheng Li mentioned a few dishes and casually asked Zuo Chi, “Zhou Jing is choosing dishes, what do you want to eat?”

Zuo Chi: “County liver.”

Sheng Li: “Ordered.”

Zuo Chi: “Squid.”

Sheng Li: “Ordered.”

Zuo Chi: “Gongcai.”

Sheng Li: “…”

The dishes Zuo Chi ordered were exactly the same as what he said.

Zuo Chi understood, “You ordered it too? If there’s nothing else, I’m not picky.”

Zhou Jing’s chosen dishes arrived promptly, even before some of the guests. Tai Xingyu put the dishes in the kitchen and made a call to remind Xiang Yiqun and Xu Hui.

Xiang Yiqun and Xu Hui in the parking lot and came together.

Xiang Yiqun shouted as soon as he entered, “Happy New Year, everyone…”

Seeing Zuo Chi sitting cross-legged on the sofa, the three’s gaze shifted to Tai Xingyu.

Tai Xingyu shrugged, indicating he was unaware beforehand: “What are you looking at me for? Ask Sheng Li.”

Sheng Li felt somewhat embarrassed. He had said he wouldn’t bring Zuo Chi, but ended up doing so. He rubbed his nose, trying to make up for it, “He insisted on coming with me. I couldn’t get rid of him.”

Tai Xingyu: “…”

Xiang Yiqun: “…”

Xu Hui: “…”

Zhou Jing: “…”

Zuo Chi remained unfazed and stood up to greet them, “Hello.”

Xiang Yiqun was the first to understand, “We just wanted you to come, it’s more fun with more people for games.”

Xu Hui added, “With seven people, we can play Werewolf.”

Tai Xingyu laughed, “Seven?”

Xu Hui shook his phone, “I have a… friend who’s also coming.”

If it were an ordinary friend, Xu Hui wouldn’t have brought them to such a private gathering. Plus, the pause before “friend” was intriguing. Xiang Yiqun immediately caught on, “Damn, do you really have something going on?”

Xu Hui put his arm around Xiang Yiqun’s shoulder, “Let’s agree beforehand, no making a fuss, he might feel uncomfortable.”

Xiang Yiqun grinned, “Got it, I got your back, don’t worry.”

Sheng Li asked, “From the entertainment industry?”

Xu Hui replied, “Yeah, we worked on a movie together before. You know the Bai family, right?”

Zhou Jing remembered, “I recall the Bai family had an Omega boy, a few years younger.”

Xiang Yiqun suggested, “Let me search online, see what kind of Omega can snatch our big star.”

“We’re about to meet him in person, no need to search,” Tai Xingyu pushed Xiang Yiqun towards the kitchen, “Who said they wanted hotpot? Come wash the vegetables.”

Zuo Chi knew about the Bai family; he used suppressants produced by the Bai Group. Maybe because Bai Fan was relatively low-profile, he hadn’t heard this name before.

Xu Hui went to the gate of the community to pick up Bai Fan. They walked in one after the other. Bai Fan had deep features and looked like a walking clothes hanger. His Omega appearance was outstanding, with a cool temperament, appearing quite good looking.

Xiang Yiqun ran out excitedly from the kitchen but was pulled back by Xu Hui, who covered his mouth.

Xu Hui used his eyes to remind him again: don’t make a scene.

Xiang Yiqun nodded, showing understanding. When Xu Hui let go, he stepped forward and shook hands with Bai Fan, “Hello, I’m Xiang Yiqun.”

“That’s my boyfriend,” he pointed to Zhou Jing.

“Hello, Tai Xingyu,” Tai Xingyu also peeked out from the kitchen, introducing himself, “I was at your brother’s coming-of-age ceremony. I don’t know if you remember.”

“You were there too? I had no idea,” Xu Hui said, “How much did you give in the red envelope?”

Tai Xingyu stated an amount.

Xu Hui reluctantly nodded, “Not bad.”

Tai Xingyu chuckled, “It’s not for you, why do you care?”

Sheng Li nodded towards Bai Fan, “Sheng Li, also a friend of Xu Hui.”

Bai Fan politely replied, “Hello.”

As soon as he spoke, Zuo Chi found his voice somewhat familiar. He remembered that on his birthday, when he called Xu Hui, the person who answered the phone had this voice, “You answered my call to Xu Hui that day, right?”

Bai Fan: “…Yeah.”

Just as he thought. Zuo Chi realized, it seemed Xu Hui was serious this time.

Sheng Li, Xu Hui, Tai Xingyu, and Xiang Yiqun were all likable Alphas from childhood to adulthood, but Xiang Yiqun had been dating Zhou Jing since high school, and Tai Xingyu rejected many suitors due to studying and work. Therefore, Sheng Li and Xu Hui were surrounded by the most Omegas.

He felt a bit envious of Bai Fan, and a sourness welled up: when could he be the only one in Sheng Li’s eyes?

He looked at Sheng Li, who turned his head with a disgusted expression, “Don’t randomly call my friends to ask where I am. They don’t have an obligation to tell you.”

His heart felt as if it was gripped tightly by a hand, painful. Zuo Chi mocked himself for still having expectations.

Sheng Li knew everything.

He knew Zuo Chi had called his friends. He knew why he called.

Sheng Li just didn’t want to deal with him.