DPT chapter 26

Sheng Li had left. The room still held the scent of passion, but the bed was cold.

Zuo Chi’s entire body ached, feeling like he would fall apart if he moved even slightly. He stayed in the same position, his head heavy and dizzy. He didn’t need a mirror to guess what he looked like now, covered in ambiguous marks, thoroughly disheveled.

No matter how he tried to explain, it wouldn’t clear him of suspicion. Perhaps the moment Sheng Li doubted him, he was already condemned.

Zuo Chi touched the back of his neck. The gland was no longer hot, but there were shallow teeth marks on the skin. It hadn’t formed a mark, yet it still made his heart tremble.

An Omega in heat longs to be possessed, while an Alpha forced into heat is like awakening a beast’s genes, highly aggressive.

The Alpha’s teeth had pierced his delicate skin, releasing pheromones. Zuo Chi felt an unbearable pain, instinctively crying and struggling to escape.

Sheng Li had tightened his grip on Zuo Chi’s waist and pulled him back, licking the tender flesh with his tongue.

No one had ever told him that marking was so painful.

His gland had clearly sensed the amber pheromones, but they dissipated without forming a mark. Zuo Chi didn’t know if he should feel disappointed or relieved.

If he had been marked, would Sheng Li’s attitude be different? But was that kind of “different” what he wanted?

No, it wasn’t. He wanted Sheng Li’s affection, for Sheng Li’s eyes to linger on him, not to forcibly bind Sheng Li to him.

After accepting the situation, Zuo Chi gradually calmed down. The sudden heat was very strange. After leaving Tai Xingyu’s house, he had only ordered food from the hotel, and the waiter had reminded him that his neck looked a bit red. No one had the motive or opportunity to drug him.

He had an uneasy suspicion, but it was already late, making it inconvenient to go to the hospital. Besides, he could barely stand straight, let alone go to the hospital alone.

Zuo Chi didn’t have a private doctor. Whenever he had minor illnesses, the family doctor would diagnose him and report every detail to Zuo Yi, which left him feeling deprived of privacy.

After much thought, he decided to go the next day. After several hours of intense activity, he was starting to feel hungry. He carefully turned over, lay on the pillow, and ordered porridge for delivery on his phone.

Half an hour later, the porridge arrived. The delivery person handed it to him with a “Happy New Year,” to which Zuo Chi responded with a bitter smile and a thank you.

A warm mouthful of porridge brought a bit of comfort to his body. He turned on the hotel TV to the news channel, letting the noise fill the empty room to make himself feel less lonely.

Despite feeling down and having questions, he quickly fell asleep after cleaning himself up and lying back on the bed, exhausted both mentally and physically.

The next morning, Zuo Chi took a taxi to the hospital alone. His arms and waist no longer hurt, but there was still a burning sensation between his thighs when he walked.

The hospital was large, with a complex layout of departments. It took Zuo Chi a long time to find the Omega specialty clinic. Fortunately, Omegas were few in society, so there was no need to wait in line.

The doctor inquired about his situation and arranged a series of tests, asking him to wait for the results.

As he waited, he felt very uneasy. He could endure the pain, but the unpredictable heat outside his rut left him defenseless and could disrupt his life.

If it happened again, would he still be able to work normally?

This time, he was lucky to be in a hotel, but what about next time? If he went into heat on the street, who could ensure his safety?

“Zuo Chi.”

When the test results were ready, the nurse called his name. He entered the room and saw the doctor’s serious expression, feeling a weight in his heart.

“Come, have a seat.” The doctor asked, “When did you differentiate?”

“Eighteen,” Zuo Chi replied with pursed lips.

The doctor frowned, “Differentiating that late, didn’t you undergo any relevant tests?”

Zuo Chi shook his head. He had been anxious about his late differentiation, but the forged second-gender report had reassured him, making him less worried about it.

The doctor pushed the report towards him. “Based on the results, it seems you’ve consumed drugs that delayed your second-gender differentiation. These drugs have severe side effects, causing damage to your glands, unstable pheromone secretion, difficulty in being marked, and possibly affecting fertility. Yesterday’s incident was a false heat.”

“Do you know if you’ve taken any drugs to delay your differentiation?”

Zuo Chi looked down at the report, unable to understand many of the technical terms, but the doctor’s words made his heart pound. He had always thought his late differentiation was just an exception, but it turned out to be man-made.

His head buzzed, cold sweat forming on his forehead, eyes swelling with anger and resentment that peaked momentarily, but with no outlet for release.

At school, he ate the same food as his classmates, so it was unlikely someone had drugged his food there. At home, although Chen Yi cooked, Shu Qingyu had plenty of opportunities to interfere.

To make Zuo Yi believe he was an Alpha, Shu Qingyu had not only forged his gender report but also affected his self-perception for years and delayed his differentiation with drugs, trying to postpone the inevitable.

He knew Shu Qingyu wanted an Alpha offspring and that being an Omega made her lose face in the Zuo family. But he was still her son; how could she be so cruel?

Didn’t she know the drug’s side effects?

How could she?

Zuo Chi took a deep breath, crumpling the corner of the report. “Doctor, what should I do in this situation?”

The doctor sighed. “Regarding the damage to your glands, we have three options. The first is conservative treatment with specific medications, but based on your current condition, it doesn’t seem very effective. The second option is gland rehabilitation therapy twice a week for two to three years. The glands might improve to some extent, but we can’t guarantee how much. During this period, we advise against trying to conceive. The third option is surgery to repair the glands, which is risky and expensive.”

Zuo Chi felt dazed. At that moment, he desperately wished for someone to be by his side, to offer advice, to give him a hug.

He couldn’t respond right away. “Then… can false heats be controlled?”

The doctor typed a medication name into the computer. “Yes. Besides inhibitors, you’ll need to inject medication during your heat to regulate your pheromone levels.”

Zuo Chi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

“And, try not to smoke or drink excessively, and avoid staying up late. Take care of your health.” The doctor handed him a prescription with a list of precautions on the back. “You can go downstairs to get the medicine. Take some time to consider which treatment option to choose and come back to pay when you’ve decided.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Zuo Chi stood up and waited for the elevator in the stairwell. When the elevator door opened, he numbly followed the crowd inside.

What should he do?

Standing in the hospital lobby, he looked around in confusion. His vision gradually blurred, and tears streamed down his cheeks when he blinked.

A child who wasn’t looking where they were going bumped into his leg. The parent told the child to apologize to the uncle.

Zuo Chi snapped back to reality, quickly wiped his tears, and followed the signs to the pharmacy.

When he left the hospital, he called Shu Qingyu, intending to question her about the delayed differentiation. But upon hearing Shu Qingyu’s cold “What’s up?” he felt it was unnecessary.

They didn’t have much of a mother-son relationship anyway, did they? What was the point of asking? Was he hoping his suffering and torment would make Shu Qingyu repent?

Shu Qingyu would never repent. Her mind was solely focused on benefits.

Zuo Chi looked up at the sky and hung up the phone.

The phone rang soon after. Thinking it was Shu Qingyu unhappy about him hanging up without a word, he saw it was a call from Cheng Xiangwan instead.

He answered, “Hmm?”

“Happy New Year,” Cheng Xiangwan said. “Where are you hanging out? I’m so bored. The usual bars I go to are closed for the New Year, and I don’t know where to find some fun.”

Zuo Chi asked, “Doesn’t your family have any relatives visiting for the New Year?”

Cheng Xiangwan replied, “Yes, but you know my situation is awkward. My stepfather would rather I didn’t go home.”

Cheng Xiangwan’s family was a remarried one. His mother came from a humble background and had worked in the entertainment industry, while his stepfather was a wealthy businessman. The stepfather faced much criticism for marrying Cheng Xiangwan’s mother, being called a “sucker” and “taking on someone else’s burden.” While he treated Cheng Xiangwan’s mother well, he didn’t show much kindness to Cheng Xiangwan.

Not wanting to stay alone in his hotel room, Zuo Chi asked if he could stay at Cheng Xiangwan’s place for a couple of days. Cheng Xiangwan readily agreed.

At Cheng Xiangwan’s house, they ordered takeout and played co-op video games on the couch.

But Cheng Xiangwan wasn’t easily fooled. He immediately noticed Zuo Chi was troubled. “Did you have a fight with Sheng Li again?”

After a game ended, Zuo Chi put down the controller. “…Yeah.”

Cheng Xiangwan tilted his head. “What was it about this time?”

Not wanting to worry his friend with his gland issue, Zuo Chi only said that he had confessed to Sheng Li, and they had slept together.

Cheng Xiangwan remarked, “That’s progress, right? What happened? Did he deny it afterward?”

Zuo Chi looked down, instinctively defending Sheng Li. “I don’t need him to take responsibility.”

“Damn.” Cheng Xiangwan didn’t know what to say. He didn’t think sleeping together was a big deal; it was just a matter of mutual need and moving on. But Zuo Chi was different. Zuo Chi had genuine feelings. “Do you still like him after all this?”

Zuo Chi hesitated, and Cheng Xiangwan could tell the answer. “Alright, I get it.”

Zuo Chi stayed at Cheng Xiangwan’s for two days, temporarily setting aside the issue with his glands, planning to deal with it after the holiday. Cheng Xiangwan kept him busy, building models, grocery shopping, cooking at home, and watching comedy shows. Despite it being just the two of them, it was lively and warm.

But at night, lying alone in bed, Zuo Chi would think of Sheng Li—how he smiled and called him “Ah Chi,” how he bit his nape aggressively, his powerful physique, and his soft whispers.

Eventually, he remembered Sheng Li’s mockery after and those dark, indifferent eyes.

How did they end up like this?

He repeatedly asked himself if this outcome, which he had pushed for, was what he really wanted.

As the holiday drew to a close, Sheng Li finally called. Zuo Chi was heating milk in the kitchen, and Cheng Xiangwan answered the phone.

“Who’s that?” Zuo Chi asked.

Cheng Xiangwan, with a mischievous smile, covered the receiver. “Someone selling insurance.”

Zuo Chi said, “Hang up then.”

“Okay.” But Cheng Xiangwan turned and started chatting with the caller.

Separated by a glass sliding door, Zuo Chi couldn’t hear their conversation clearly. After setting the warm milk on the table, Cheng Xiangwan handed him the phone.

The call was still ongoing, and the name “Sheng Li” was prominently displayed on the screen. After hesitating for a few seconds, Zuo Chi put the phone to his ear.

“Zuo Chi?”

Hearing that familiar voice, Zuo Chi felt a shiver run through his body, responding with a low “Hmm.”

Sheng Li seemed angry, breathing faster than usual. “Are you staying at Cheng Xiangwan’s place?”

Zuo Chi said, “His house just happens to be empty.”

Sheng Li gritted his teeth. “It’s the New Year, do you think it’s appropriate for you to stay at your ex-boyfriend’s house?”

Zuo Chi hadn’t considered this. He frowned. “We’re not in that kind of relationship anymore.”

Sheng Li wouldn’t let it go. “What about before?”

After leaving the hotel, Sheng Li had been on the verge of an emotional breakdown. Everything that had happened felt too absurd and unreal, yet the memories of being intimate with Zuo Chi kept flashing in his mind. He was both angry and unable to stop savoring the moments.

Despite his reluctance to admit it, the experience with Zuo Chi was unique.

Maybe it was because Zuo Chi’s behavior in bed was so different from usual, maybe it was because their pheromones were highly compatible, or maybe…

Maybe it was because it was Zuo Chi.

Thinking about the Zuo Chi he had known since kindergarten, the friend he had considered a lifelong companion, the Zuo Chi who had looked so lost in desire, and the Zuo Chi who had said he wanted him… Sheng Li felt a mix of guilt, regret, excitement, and satisfaction.

Was he going crazy too?

For a moment, a thought crossed his mind: wouldn’t it be good to maintain this kind of relationship with Zuo Chi?

The thought flashed by quickly, and Sheng Li dismissed it without rationally considering the pros and cons. If he accepted it, it would be like putting a new shackle on himself.

He felt restless. He blamed Zuo Chi for manipulating him, felt betrayed by him, yet couldn’t help but wonder if he had been too harsh, leaving Zuo Chi alone in the hotel.

But what would it look like to turn back halfway? Zuo Chi might misunderstand and feel smug.

Sheng Li drove aimlessly around the city, returning home in the evening to find that Zuo Chi still hadn’t come back.

Why had Zuo Chi gone to a hotel instead of coming home after leaving Tai Xingyu’s place? Sheng Li didn’t understand. When he opened Zuo Chi’s bedroom door and saw that most of his things were still there, he couldn’t help but feel relieved, though he didn’t realize it himself.

The next day, Zuo Chi still didn’t come back. Sheng Li thought, Zuo Chi was clearly in the wrong, yet he had the nerve to be angry with him?

If he doesn’t come back, so be it. It’d be best if he packed up and left for good.

On the third day, Zuo Chi still hadn’t returned. Sheng Li wondered what Zuo Chi meant by this. Did he expect him to apologize?

Not a chance.

On the fourth day, just as Sheng Li was getting restless, Sheng Changyu called to say they had received too many New Year gifts and would come by with Li Mingchuan to bring some over.

Wouldn’t it be odd if Zuo Chi wasn’t home when Sheng Changyu and Li Mingchuan arrived?

Sheng Li finally had a reason to call Zuo Chi, but to his surprise, it wasn’t Zuo Chi who answered.

The voice on the other end was somewhat soft. “Hello?”

Sheng Li thought the voice sounded familiar, like he had heard it somewhere before. Alert, he asked, “Who are you? Where’s Zuo Chi?”

“Oh—” The person seemed to glance at the caller ID and replied nonchalantly, “It’s Sheng Li. I’m Cheng Xiangwan. Zuo Chi is in the kitchen heating milk.”

Zuo Chi was at Cheng Xiangwan’s house.

Realizing this information sparked anger in Sheng Li. No wonder he hadn’t come home; he was at his ex-boyfriend’s place.

He just had sex with him, then turned around and went to his ex for comfort?

Was he staying in the same room at Cheng Xiangwan’s house or separate ones? Had they done anything?

Zuo Chi had said in the game that he had never slept with an Omega because they hadn’t been of age while dating. But now that they were adults, would they…

His mind ran wild, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became. His fists clenched tightly. “Put him on the phone.”

Cheng Xiangwan said, “Wait a moment. He’s heating milk. We were just about to have breakfast.”

The word “we” fanned Sheng Li’s anger even more, but he couldn’t show it.

He had never liked Cheng Xiangwan much. During the half-semester Zuo Chi dated Cheng Xiangwan, Zuo Chi had noticeably distanced himself from him. When Sheng Li wanted Zuo Chi to come over to his house to do homework after school, Zuo Chi would say he was going to the movies with Cheng Xiangwan. When he wanted to play basketball with Zuo Chi, Cheng Xiangwan would be there cheering and bringing water, which was annoying. But since Cheng Xiangwan was an Omega, Sheng Li couldn’t make trouble for him.

Sheng Li said, “Don’t you know Zuo Chi is now my fiancé?”

Cheng Xiangwan’s tone carried a hint of amusement. “Isn’t it a fake engagement?”

Was that what Zuo Chi had told Cheng Xiangwan?

“Alright, he’s here. I’ll pass the phone to him.” Cheng Xiangwan said, “Don’t make him unhappy. It took a lot to cheer him up.”

Sheng Li almost exploded with anger, but thankfully, the phone was quickly handed to Zuo Chi. Even without Zuo Chi speaking, Sheng Li could recognize his breathing.

….

“What about before?”

Before? Zuo Chi didn’t clearly remember how he had dated Cheng Xiangwan. At that time, he didn’t understand his feelings for Sheng Li and just thought dating was a waste of time.

But if he was with someone he liked, how could that time be considered wasted?

Zuo Chi didn’t want to discuss this with Sheng Li. He knew Sheng Li wouldn’t understand and wouldn’t seek him out for such meaningless matters.

He asked, “Is there something you need?”

Zuo Chi’s refusal to discuss it annoyed Sheng Li, as if it was an indirect admission that he had liked Cheng Xiangwan before. Sheng Li couldn’t help but wonder, how much did he like him? Compared to how he liked him now?

The thought of Zuo Chi liking him still felt awkward to Sheng Li. He had never considered that his best friend would have feelings for him beyond friendship.

When had it started?

Why hadn’t he said anything before?

“Sheng Li?” Zuo Chi called his name. Sheng Li snapped back to reality. “My parents are coming over this afternoon. I don’t want to explain why you’re not home. Should I tell them you’re spending New Year’s at your ex-boyfriend’s house? Pack your things and send me the address of Cheng Xiangwan’s place. I’ll come pick you up.”

Sensing Sheng Li’s hostility toward Cheng Xiangwan, Zuo Chi only sent the name of Cheng Xiangwan’s neighborhood.

Cheng Xiangwan took a sip of hot milk. “Are you really going? If I were you, I’d make him wait a bit longer.”

“I can’t keep living at your place forever,” Zuo Chi thought. If he left Sheng Li hanging, Sheng Li probably wouldn’t call a second time to ask him to come back.

He was angry and upset, but he was more afraid that Sheng Li would stop caring about him from then on.

He couldn’t accept that, at least not now.

“There’s no reason you can’t. If you want to come over, you’re always welcome. Don’t worry, I never bring anyone home,” Cheng Xiangwan said, blinking. “But if I were as rich as you, I’d definitely buy a couple more houses.”

“Thanks.” Zuo Chi paused, unable to hold back his question. “Before I answered the phone, what were you and Sheng Li talking about?”

“Not much. I just told him you were heating milk in the kitchen and to wait a moment.” Cheng Xiangwan, like a cat, licked the milk, leaving a ring of white foam around his lips. “Oh, he asked if I knew you were his fiancé. Is he jealous of me?”

Sheng Li couldn’t possibly be jealous of Cheng Xiangwan. If anything, it was the Alpha’s possessiveness at play.

Alphas are like that. Whether they like something or not, once it’s on their territory, it’s theirs. They can discard it, but no one else is allowed to take it away.

Otherwise, could Sheng Li like him? No one would speak so harshly after making love to someone they cared about.

Zuo Chi had brought very few things, so it only took a few minutes to pack. He sandwiched his medical records between his laptop and put them in his laptop bag, then went downstairs to wait for Sheng Li.

Sheng Li’s car stopped in front of him, and Zuo Chi didn’t hesitate to sit in the back seat. Entering the relatively enclosed space, he felt the amber pheromones press against every nerve. He both resisted and craved this scent.

Sheng Li, dressed in a black coat, drove in silence for a while. There was no music playing, making the car unusually quiet.

Just when Zuo Chi felt he would be consumed by the silence, Sheng Li glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his words barbed: “Enjoyed yourself with your ex-boyfriend?”

Zuo Chi, clutching his laptop bag, shifted his gaze from the window to the driver’s seat. He could only see half of Sheng Li’s profile. The high nose bridge and the beautiful curve of his jawline were enough to make anyone stop and stare.

“He has a name, Cheng Xiangwan.”

“I know, your beloved senior.” Sheng Li suddenly slammed on the brakes. He propped his elbow on the steering wheel, turning to glare at Zuo Chi. “Didn’t you say you wanted to marry me? Or did Cheng Xiangwan just have to beckon, and you changed your mind?”