Jiang Heng hadn’t even had the chance to speak when Shen Huaizhi continued as if inquiring, speaking slowly, “How can I let them know that you are my Omega?”
Shen Huaizhi’s gaze was too direct, even in the darkness, under the faint light from his mobile phone flashlight. Jiang Heng felt a sense of being firmly stared at. In that moment, it felt like something densely crawled up his spine.
It was tingling and itchy.
Shen Huaizhi’s words were indeed a bit provocative.
Clearly, in such a scene, the topic was fine just a second ago, but the next second, it turned into this… a topic akin to possession.
Jiang Heng pursed his lips. He thought, “Isn’t this a bit deviant?” Before he could speak, the hand that was holding Shen Huaizhi’s was suddenly lifted above his head. The next second, his lips were lightly bitten.
Shen Huaizhi lowered his head, delicately pecking at his lips. It was urgent yet carried an intricacy and tenderness, from the corner of his lips to the lip line, but not deeply.
Alpha’s pheromones were like a fine mesh, falling along with this intermittent kiss, enveloping Jiang Heng completely. For a moment, he felt a bit distracted.
Despite melting snow being extremely cold, Jiang Heng didn’t feel cold at all.
He didn’t close his eyes, clearly seeing Shen Huaizhi’s gaze greedily fixed on him, like a wild beast eyeing its prey, as if wanting to devour him, yet Shen Huaizhi’s kisses were light and gentle.
Teeth grazed the edges of his lips.
Tongue lingered at the corners of his lips.
Jiang Heng subconsciously opened his mouth, but the other party retreated, staring at him with lowered eyes, lightly chuckling.
This made Jiang Heng feel like he was being toyed with.
And Shen Huaizhi’s method of intimacy was really hard to resist.
Jiang Heng licked his lips. Because of his Omega nature, there was a hint of mistiness in his eyes, making him look somewhat pitiful.
With some difficulty restraining himself, he suggested, “Shen Huaizhi… Can you, can you…”
Shen Huaizhi lowered his head again and lightly pecked, lips touching lips, his voice somewhat unclear, “What?”
“Can you come inside?” Jiang Heng’s voice was also a bit muffled, tinged with urgency.
Shen Huaizhi’s eyelids drooped slightly, as if pondering for a moment. Meanwhile, he continued to lightly peck at Jiang Heng’s lips. After a while, a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes as he casually said, “Aren’t I just waiting for you to come and claim your reward?”
Although he said this, his actions didn’t slow down at all.
Jiang Heng was slow to react for a moment, but then realized belatedly what Shen Huaizhi meant.
He couldn’t quite understand how someone could really be this deviant.
Suddenly, he started to believe what he read on Baidu — Alphas really could be that deviant.
Jiang Heng’s breathing became a bit erratic. He was mentally dazed from the kisses, even berating himself for being so easily affected by just a few innocent kisses.
After a moment, he moved the hand that Shen Huaizhi had raised over his head. “Let go.”
Shen Huaizhi chuckled lightly, lips brushing against his as he replied, “Okay.”
Damn it.
Jiang Heng was on the verge of going crazy.
He couldn’t believe that Shen Huaizhi was actually still thinking about this reward.
Now it seemed like he was the one who was at a disadvantage.
Jiang Heng closed his eyes, decided to throw caution to the wind, and grabbed the collar of Shen Huaizhi’s sweater. When he pressed closer, he used a bit too much force.
Despite that, it was much ado about nothing.
In the past, it had always been Shen Huaizhi leading, and Jiang Heng simply followed what he had done before. When tongues explored, Shen Huaizhi waited patiently, as if in no hurry at all.
Jiang Heng suddenly felt a bit lost.
He urgently reached out and touched the back of Shen Huaizhi’s neck.
Alphas have their glands there too, just not as obvious as Omegas. They are hidden under the skin and not even Alphas would normally touch their own glands.
For an Alpha, these glands are as precious as life itself.
Shen Huaizhi seemed momentarily stunned.
The next second, Jiang Heng’s back was forced against the wall. Behind him was the hard wall, adorned with countless confessions of teenage crushes from years past. He tilted his chin up slightly, and Shen Huaizhi’s kiss carried a strong possessive desire. The pheromones were even more intense than before, mixing the scent of melting snow with roses, blending in the quiet grove on this silent night.
In the end, Jiang Heng couldn’t quite remember how it ended.
He only remembered accidentally touching the smooth skin at the back of Shen Huaizhi’s neck. He didn’t know what happened, but Shen Huaizhi suddenly seemed to go mad.
With almost no strength left in him, he hung onto Shen Huaizhi’s neck, practically clinging to him.
【Pervert: Are you home?】
【Pervert: I see the lights are on, so I’ll go now.】
Jiang Heng typed quickly with a blank expression.
【Water worker Wang Xing: Squad leader, you’re not waiting downstairs to peek out the window at me, are you?】
【Water worker Wang Xing: There are no streetlights, so I can’t see anything.】
【Pervert: I’m not that much of a pervert.】 Jiang Heng chuckled coldly. It’s not about being a pervert, it’s about you being one. How can you compare it to being a pervert? Isn’t that looking down on the word “pervert”?
【Water worker Wang Xing: Oh, did you go back to the hotel?】
Shen Huaizhi had already booked a hotel nearby, completely dispelling Jiang Heng’s idea of staying for a night.
【Pervert: I’m back.】
【Pervert: Hold on, my mom’s calling.】
Downstairs, Shen Huaizhi looked up at the lights on Jiang Heng’s house and chuckled softly.
Perhaps today was a bit too harsh on him. When he sent him away, Jiang Heng even seemed impatient to go home, not even glancing back at himself.
However, no matter which Alpha it was, when his Omega accidentally touched his sensitive glands, it was difficult to remain calm.
He had restrained himself, not forcefully marking Jiang Heng in such an environment.
Shaking his head, he pressed the answer key and walked out of the residential area while taking the call.
It was quite strange for Ruan Shu to call him at this hour.
“Are you done with your work?” Ruan Shu’s voice sounded slightly surprised.
Shen Huaizhi paused, somewhat resigned. “Mom, what are you thinking about?”
“I’m not thinking about anything. I just casually asked about you. Your phone was unreachable just now,” Ruan Shu chuckled. “Are you coming back tomorrow?”
Shen Huaizhi replied, “Is everything okay at home?”
“No issues, but it’s New Year’s Eve the day after tomorrow. Your grandpa said if you don’t come back soon, he’ll come to the city to get you, you little rascal.”
“Okay, got it,” Shen Huaizhi smiled.
His grandparents were celebrating New Year at their place. Leaving the elderly behind like this and suddenly coming over wasn’t very appropriate. Fortunately, he had explained things to them after arriving.
Even though they understood, it still didn’t feel right to spend New Year away from home and return later.
“Oh, by the way,” Ruan Shu hesitated for a moment, “there’s something I want to tell you. But don’t mention it to Xiao Heng yet.”
Upon hearing the name, Shen Huaizhi raised an eyebrow. “Xiao Heng?”
“Oh, it’s just a nickname,” Ruan Shu explained.
Shen Huaizhi didn’t respond immediately but started to consider something.
The hotel was nearby, and by the time he finished the call, Shen Huaizhi had already arrived.
Hearing his son dealing with the check-in process on the other end, Ruan Shu waited a moment, and when Shen Huaizhi entered the room and closed the door, she continued somewhat mysteriously, “It’s about today. Xiao Heng’s father, Uncle Jiang, suddenly contacted me wanting to meet Xiao Heng through us.”
Upon hearing Jiang Heng’s father, Shen Huaizhi’s expression turned cold. He still remembered the story Jiang Heng had told him today.
That was just one of countless instances.
Young Jiang Heng, watching other classmates attend parent-teacher meetings with their parents, must have felt uncomfortable at times. But eventually, it all became numbness.
He had never experienced such feelings himself, unable to understand what Jiang Heng had gone through.
“What about it?” Shen Huaizhi fell silent for a moment.
Ruan Shu paused for a moment. “I find it quite strange, though. Didn’t Uncle Jiang used to have business dealings with your father? We’ve also had interactions, and I think he’s a decent person. It’s hard to believe he wouldn’t have seen his eldest son in so many years after the divorce.”
Ruan Shu knew she shouldn’t easily discuss others’ private matters. However, if Shen Huai Zhi really ends up marrying Jiang Heng in the future, she still needs to understand the seemingly strained relationship between Jiang Heng and his father Jiang Jin. If Jiang Jin really owes Xie An an apology, Ruan Shu also needs to consider whether she should have any further dealings with him in the future. That’s the respect that should be given to Jiang Heng.
Ruan Shu thought for a moment. “I’m just wondering if there might be some hidden story behind it.”
Shen Huai Zhi responded with a grunt, not interrupting Ruan Shu.
Ruan Shu continued, “I’ll just ask Jiang Jin directly why his son doesn’t want to see him.”
Although Ruan Shu now spends her days eating, drinking, and playing, the Ruan family is still a wealthy family. She is also a determined woman. “Jiang Jin said that when he divorced Xie An, there was a misunderstanding, and for so many years, Xie An has also refused to let him see Jiang Heng.”
If Xie An really refuses to see him, will he really be able to stop him if he wants to see him? Shen Huai Zhi hmmmed.
Ruan Shu smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not so easily swayed by others’ words. I only believe what I see with my own eyes.”
“I said I can help you and Jiang Heng say that, but whether you want to see you or not depends on Jiang Heng’s own thoughts. After all, you two haven’t met much in so many years. To be honest, when you suddenly mentioned to us that you had a eldest son who was an Omega, we were quite surprised.”
That was true of Ruan Shu. At the time, when Jiang Jin came to contact them, asking them for help, they were indeed surprised. Jiang Jin’s current family can be said to be very complete. He has children, and his Omega wife is also very gentle. Ruan Shu has seen her several times and she is also very good-looking.
At that time, Jiang Jin and Shen Huai Zhi’s father talked for a long time, and in the end, it was their perfect match that persuaded Shen Huai Zhi’s father to agree.
As for Ruan Shu, she had taken a liking to Jiang Heng just from looking at his information. After saying this, Shen Huai Zhi couldn’t help but laugh.
His mother, although she appeared gentle and weak as an Omega, hadn’t lost her ability to influence others in the slightest.
After Ruan Shu finished speaking, she suddenly remembered something and added, “Oh yes, Jiang Jin also strangely said he hopes you can convince Jiang Heng to go to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up. If he goes, it should be to the hospital near the city where our family doctor practices.”
“Isn’t that strange? Jiang Heng’s health isn’t great, but hasn’t he already had check-ups before?” Besides, Ruan Shu remembered that Jiang Heng had come home last Chinese New Year for a follow-up check-up.
Speaking of which, Ruan Shu suddenly recalled that their family doctor had previously contacted her, indirectly asking about Jiang Heng’s condition, hoping Jiang Heng could come to their hospital for a check-up, saying Jiang Heng’s condition was quite rare for his age.
It would be understandable if a doctor keen on research suggested this, but Jiang Jin’s suggestion was indeed quite hard to comprehend.
After hearing her out, Shen Huai Zhi remained silent for a while. Although it was somewhat strange, he couldn’t really delve into it. He thought for a moment and said, “I understand. I’ll find an opportunity to talk to Jiang Heng.”
He paused, “But don’t get your hopes up. The relationship between Jiang Heng and his father is quite strained.”
He vaguely felt there might be some hidden aspect to Jiang Jin and Xie An’s divorce. Jiang Jin’s behavior was also peculiar. Last time, when he contacted Jiang Heng, Jiang Heng had refused. Now he’s come to see Ruan Shu again.
Clearly, from Jiang Heng’s attitude, it was evident that Jiang Jin hadn’t been very concerned about him before. However, regardless of the circumstances, Shen Huai Zhi would respect Jiang Heng’s choices.
This was Jiang Heng’s own matter and should be resolved by him alone.
—
The next morning, Shen Huai Zhi returned to the nearby city.
Jiang Heng had wasted several days. After Shen Huai Zhi left, he finally mustered the courage to pick up the homework he had forgotten for a long time.
On the eve of Chinese New Year, the temperature in the distant city dropped again.
When Jiang Heng woke up in the morning, he sneezed a few times in a row and sat on the bed for a while. He heard banging sounds coming from outside the room, like the clatter of pots and pans.
It took Jiang Heng a moment to realize there was someone in the house.
Xie An was busy making dumplings in the kitchen.
Although she hadn’t finished her work at the lab, she wanted to spend a good New Year with Jiang Heng this year.
On the evening of New Year’s Eve, according to tradition, they were supposed to have a reunion dinner.
Seeing Jiang Heng up so early surprised Xie An a bit. It seemed she had already forgotten their intense argument the previous night. She asked Jiang Heng naturally and gently, “Do you want breakfast?”
Jiang Heng, still groggy from sleep, paused for a moment and then replied calmly, “No need.”
Xie An didn’t mind his tone, nodded, and asked again, “How about dumplings for lunch? I’m making them now, and you can have some to fill your stomach later.”
She suddenly came back home on New Year’s Eve, which Jiang Heng was still somewhat unaccustomed to, even though this had been a scene he had wanted for the past few years. But just thinking about the things Xie An had said when she asked him to transfer back to the distant city, he couldn’t bring himself to feel happy.
However, in Jiang Heng’s current situation, Xie An was the only family member by his side. Jiang Heng couldn’t just stand by and watch. He nodded emotionlessly, “Whatever.”
After circling outside the kitchen, Jiang Heng returned to his room to freshen up. He was afraid he would be annoyed if he saw Xie An, so Jiang Heng simply stayed holed up in his room all day, writing his assignments. Apart from lunchtime when he ate dumplings with Xie An, he hardly came out at all.
Xie An seemed not to mind his attitude and even praised him a few times. This made Jiang Heng feel somewhat awkward.
Xie An always seemed to be like this. Sometimes Jiang Heng didn’t know whether to appreciate her overwhelming kindness or to feel irritated by her apparent forgetfulness. It was clearly something she had instigated, yet afterward, it seemed she had completely forgotten about it, much like with Jiang Jin.
By evening, the entire city was filled with a festive atmosphere. Looking out the window, the bright lights were dazzling, and the area downstairs was adorned with large red lanterns, all lit up, illuminating the night sky.
In the courtyard below, many people were playing with their children. The children were running and laughing. In a home that was usually quiet and empty, there was now an unexpected feeling of noise and warmth.
Somewhere along the riverbank, fireworks had been set off. Even though they were far away, Jiang Heng could still see colorful sparks falling from the sky and quickly disappearing.
It seemed that unlike in previous years, he hadn’t observed these things so closely before. In previous years, he had mostly stayed in bed, sleeping, and rarely paid attention to these festivities.
Apart from the warmth of family, there were other people who were worthy of his consideration.
As Jiang Heng pondered this, there was a sudden knock on his door.
“Would you like to come out and watch the New Year’s Gala?” Xie An asked softly at his door.
This scene seemed to be exactly what Jiang Heng had always wanted.
Jiang Heng hesitated for a moment and then stepped out of his room.
There were several plates of cut fruit on the coffee table, and the voices of the New Year’s Gala hosts could be heard from the television. Although there were no couplets or lanterns hung up in the house, it still felt like the New Year had arrived.
Seeing him somewhat lost in thought, Xie An seemed a bit guilty. “It’s been several years since I’ve properly celebrated the New Year. I don’t really know what I should prepare.”
Jiang Heng remained silent for a moment, and his tone was not as stiff as before. “This is fine.”
There was no need for elaborate preparations. Xie An being home to accompany him was already enough.
If we could have this every year, it would be great. Although watching the New Year’s Gala with family had been Jiang Heng’s wish for many years, he truly couldn’t bear to watch it. Xie An seemed to feel the same way. After watching a few programs, she started looking down at her phone and soon began messaging, probably about work again.
Jiang Heng glanced at her for a moment and noticed that she had some white hair. Well, spending all day in the lab, could she not have any white hair? Perhaps sensing her son’s gaze, Xie An apologized slightly, “Sorry, my colleague suddenly wanted to discuss some data with me.”
Jiang Heng paused for a moment, “No need to apologize. It really is quite boring to watch. Playing with the phone is more interesting.”
Seeing him justify himself, Xie An couldn’t help but smile, “Right, then why don’t we play with our phones together?”
Jiang Heng’s phone had been buzzing for a while. He hadn’t looked at it until now. With Xie An’s suggestion, he took out his phone and started checking the messages.
There were lots of New Year greetings. Most were from new classmates, but the most messages came from their group of four.
Greeting message and Chen Xingchi were taking turns sending red packets.
Jiang Heng scrolled through and found that Shen Huaizhi had also sent one, and it was quite big.
【Greetingmessage: Compared to the red packets from Shen Huaizhi, mine looks embarrassing】
【Chen Xingchi: Probably this is… the New Year’s red packet for your natal family?】
【Water worker Wang Xing: Reply to “Chen Xingchi: Probably this is… the New Year’s red packet for your natal family?”?】
【Water worker Wang Xing: @Greetingmessage grabbed how much, spit it out】
【Greetingmessage: QAQ Dad, this is the New Year’s gift from grandpa!】 Very shameless.
Jiang Heng: …
【Water worker Wang Xing: Where’s your fucking face?】
【Greetingmessage: One day as a father, lifelong as a father, I’m willing to bend over for money】
【Chen Xingchi: Dad QAQ Little son also wants】
【Water worker Wang Xing: Get lost, I don’t have you two sons】
【Shen Huaizhi: [Red packet for the youngest son]】
【Water worker Wang Xing: ???】
Jiang Heng chuckled.
Seeing her son in a good mood, Xie An couldn’t help but smile too.
It would be good enough if she didn’t create any estrangement in her son because of what happened before. She indeed was a bit too impatient before. Clearly, she had been waiting for so many years, so why rush at this moment?
Jiang Heng didn’t notice Xie An’s gaze on him. Before he could start typing, Shen Huaizhi’s voice call came through. He subconsciously glanced back at Xie An, feeling somewhat embarrassed: “Mom, I’ll take a call.”
Xie An understood: “Go ahead.”
“Are you watching TV?” Shen Huaizhi’s voice came over. Jiang Heng pushed open the door and glanced at Xie An’s frail figure on the sofa, “Watching the Spring Festival Gala with my mom.”
There was a hint of happiness in his tone. Hearing him like this, Shen Huaizhi couldn’t help but smile, and after a while, he whispered, “I gave a little red envelope to the two sons, I wonder if the other dad of the sons wants it?”
Clearly jokingly calling his son, but now Shen Huaizhi said it seriously.
What other dad of the sons…?
Author’s note: Damn it
1TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you and Enjoy reading ❤️”
