Upon hearing this, Jiang Heng lowered his gaze to check the position of his bowtie. He couldn’t see it clearly and uncomfortably tugged at the collar of his shirt. “I’ll go check in the mirror.”
Just as the words left his mouth, his arm was suddenly grabbed.
Shen Huaizhi took a step forward.
The distance between them instantly closed, almost to the point where their shoulders were nearly brushing.
At that moment, Shen Huaizhi unexpectedly reached out, placing his index finger under Jiang Heng’s chin, forcing him to slightly lift his head, exposing his fair neck.
Jiang Heng was slightly taken aback, and his Adam’s apple involuntarily moved.
However, Shen Huaizhi didn’t say a word. He lowered his head slightly and then slowly adjusted Jiang Heng’s bowtie. What should have been a quick action was deliberately slowed down.
Shen Huaizhi’s fingertip grazed the blue bowtie as if it were a precious item, and then he gently pressed it down. It was so slow that Jiang Heng began to feel his head go numb. Only when he had almost reached his limit did Shen Huaizhi speak softly, “It looks really good.”
With that comment, Jiang Heng regained a bit of confidence. But now, in this position, it felt a little dangerous. He pushed against Shen Huaizhi’s shoulder and laughed. “Alright, but this outfit is really uncomfortable.”
Shen Huaizhi responded with an “Mhm,” and then took his hand. “If you don’t like it, we won’t wear it again.”
“Just this once.”
“That’s not acceptable. When we get married, you’ll have to wear something like this too, won’t you?” As they continued walking, Jiang Heng suddenly realized the implication of Shen Huaizhi’s earlier gesture. It had been so explicit. His palm, still held in Shen Huaizhi’s, suddenly felt a little hot.
Seeing that Jiang Heng still had no sense of danger, and even dared to speak about such a risky topic, Shen Huaizhi didn’t know whether to laugh or feel helpless. He squeezed Jiang Heng’s fingers gently and reminded him slowly, “Jiang Heng, you’re an adult now.”
After saying this, Shen Huaizhi immediately felt like a bit of a pervert. The Omega had just come of age, and his mind was already filled with not-so-innocent thoughts. He quickly changed the subject. “When we get married, if you don’t want to wear it, that’s fine.”
Jiang Heng paused in his steps. He thought of the kiss from earlier that morning. His body felt a bit warm, and his mind seemed to momentarily lose control. He asked aloud, “Class monitor, you’re not planning to wait until after marriage, are you?”
Given how Shen Huaizhi had acted this morning, Jiang Heng had assumed he could hold back. If it weren’t for the closeness between them, he would almost suspect that Shen Huaizhi was the most uncapable Alpha.
And just now, his expression had been one of restraint.
Jiang Heng felt that if it were him, he definitely wouldn’t be able to hold back.
Shen Huaizhi was so handsome, Jiang Heng often really wanted to kiss him. Of course, if it came down to it, sleeping with him wouldn’t be out of the question either.
Even though Shen Huaizhi was used to Jiang Heng often unintentionally doing things that made him lose control, he was still momentarily stunned.
By the time they reached the stairs, their classmates and friends were downstairs. Shen Huaizhi glanced down, already seeing someone raising a wine glass to greet them. He quickly looked away, knowing that if Jiang Heng noticed, he would probably scold him for being a pervert.
Shen Huaizhi fell silent for a moment, sighed, and said, “Jiang Heng, do you know what I meant when I reminded you that you’re an adult now?”
“Alphas don’t have that much patience, so you should, uh, take better care of yourself.”
Because of Shen Huaizhi’s words, Jiang Heng was somewhat distracted all the way down the stairs.
He wasn’t really afraid of these things. When two people are in a relationship, wanting to be more intimate with each other is natural, especially after becoming an adult. Whenever they did anything affectionate, his thoughts tended to wander a bit.
“Anyone who doesn’t know might think today is your engagement party,” Chen Xingchi said, walking over with a glass of juice. He walked around Jiang Heng a few times, his admiration obvious. “You look really handsome.”
Chen Xingchi exclaimed, then kicked He Ci lightly in the leg. “Look at Jiang Heng in his formal wear, and then look at you.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed Shen Huaizhi’s gaze on him. It was an unspoken warning, the kind of silent communication between Alphas.
Chen Xingchi paused, not waiting for He Ci to retort, before pulling him along. “Alright, alright, I see my deskmate. Let’s go play for a bit.”
He Ci clicked his tongue twice. “What’s wrong with you?” But despite his words, he followed along.
Who would want to stay and face that gaze?
Jiang Heng raised his eyelids slightly, not really blaming Chen Xingchi for saying that. Shen Huaizhi was also in a formal suit, the same color and style as his.
But wearing the same suit on different people created entirely different effects.
Still, Jiang Heng couldn’t help but mutter under his breath, “Damn, these two idiots.”
Shen Huaizhi chuckled. “They do look similar. Let’s go, the cake’s about to be cut.”
Jiang Heng nodded in agreement but hadn’t even had time to raise his hand when they were surrounded by a group of people.
“Hey, congratulations on the wedding!”
“What wedding? You idiots, this is a coming-of-age ceremony!”
“Oh, oh, sorry, sorry! You two look so much like a newlywed couple, if you added flowers and a red carpet, wouldn’t this just be heading straight to the bridal chamber?”
It was He Zishu and his group. A few Alphas, none of whom were serious, immediately started teasing them.
Jiang Heng had played basketball with this group of people many times before, so he was familiar with them. When he suddenly heard them say this, he couldn’t help but curse, “Get lost, shut up, you all should drink more to clear your heads.”
“Why is the birthday boy so fierce? Hahaha!”
“I have to admit, Jiang Heng, you look pretty good in this. Next time, just wear a suit to the basketball game, stand by the side, and I’m sure our team’s popularity and vote count will skyrocket to number one in the province.”
Jiang Heng smirked, mocking, “Well, if you deign to wear a swimsuit and stand there, your votes might be even higher.”
“That won’t work! If he stands there, our team will be finished!”
“I can’t be bothered to talk to you guys. The birthday boy has to go cut the cake. Remember to spread some joy later and study hard every day,” Jiang Heng glanced at Shen Huaizhi, saw him smiling with his head lowered, and couldn’t help but curl his lips, then gently squeezed Shen Huaizhi’s palm. He then waved goodbye to He Zishu and the others.
The group of Alphas laughed and said goodbye.
Once they left, someone pushed He Zishu’s shoulder, “Zishu, if you had acted faster back then, that person might have been yours.”
He Zishu glared at the person, “Shut up, if you don’t know how to speak, then don’t.”
The person chuckled awkwardly.
Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi held hands and walked a few steps when several Omega classmates came up to wish him a happy birthday.
“Jiang Heng, happy adulthood!”
“Wow, your birthday is so close to the class monitor’s. Isn’t it fate that you two are meant to be a couple?”
Although there was a several-month difference, Jiang Heng couldn’t help but scoff inwardly. But with Shen Huaizhi still there, he didn’t dare expose their awkwardness and just smiled, “I think so too, we’re a perfect match.”
The person who spoke was stunned for a moment, probably not expecting Jiang Heng to be so direct. Jiang Heng wasn’t embarrassed, but the other person’s face turned red instead.
Seeing this, Shen Huaizhi patted Jiang Heng’s hand and, knowing that Jiang Heng wouldn’t be able to leave anytime soon, softly said, “I’ll go get the cake.”
Once Shen Huaizhi left, the Omegas relaxed a bit. They were different from the Alphas; they still held back in front of the class monitor.
After Shen Huaizhi was gone, they let loose.
“This is what it feels like to marry into a wealthy family? This villa is huge.”
Jiang Heng smiled but didn’t respond.
Suddenly, someone lightly coughed, looked around, then came closer to Jiang Heng. He took a step back, not quite comfortable with it, but the person didn’t seem to mind and whispered, “Jiang Heng, now that you’re an adult, there are some things we can’t measure ourselves. We’ll need you to help us figure them out.”
After she said that, the other Omegas around her blushed, clearly in on it.
Jiang Heng didn’t quite understand at first until the person suddenly pulled out a USB stick, saying seriously, “This is a selection of videos based on years of experience from us sisters. Just watch it carefully, and when the time comes… well, you know, Alphas are pretty strong.”
Jiang Heng: “…?”
Seeing his shocked expression, with his ears turning red, the Omega continued, “But don’t worry, Omega are naturally gifted, and… have you already, you know, done that with the class monitor?”
“Then it shouldn’t be like this, right? Otherwise, you shouldn’t be able to get out of bed today,” another person asked.
These Omegas, who usually appeared delicate and weak, like they needed protection, really surprised Jiang Heng with how thoughtful they were. He forced a smile and took the USB stick, “You really thought of everything. Thanks for the gift.”
“No, no, it’s nothing.” The Omega smiled, “It’s mainly because we want to see how long you can avoid coming to school.”
The implication was clear.
Jiang Heng: “…”
Jiang Heng paused for a moment, “Well, that might disappoint you.”
The Omegas seemed like they wanted to say more, but just then, Shen Huaizhi came out pushing the cake cart, interrupting the rather embarrassing conversation.
The few Omegas, who had been preparing to offer their opinions, immediately scattered when they saw the class monitor.
Seeing this, Shen Huaizhi waited for Jiang Heng to walk over to him before tilting his head and asking, “What did they say?”
Jiang Heng was about to say it was nothing when Shen Huaizhi’s voice softened a bit, “Why’s your face all red?”
Jiang Heng instinctively covered his cheek and shook his head, “Maybe the air conditioning isn’t low enough.”
Shen Huaizhi hummed, unsure if he believed it, and Jiang Heng fell silent for a while. Taking advantage of the fact that people hadn’t fully gathered yet to wait for him to cut the cake, he quietly explained, “They just gave me a gift.”
“You want to know? I’ll show you tonight.”
Jiang Heng had actually seen the most extreme images, the kinds found on Baidu. But he’d never dared to watch videos like that.
Shen Huaizhi was slightly stunned but quickly responded, “Okay.”
Cutting the cake was the most important part of the entire birthday celebration.
Since it was Jiang Heng’s birthday, Shen Huaizhi stood with He Zishu and the others, giving Jiang Heng the center space to himself.
At this moment, Jiang Heng, holding the knife with one hand, looked unusually gentle, even a bit tender. He lowered his gaze to the huge “18” on the cake, symbolizing that he had stepped into adulthood.
He smiled softly and slowly said, “Thank you everyone for coming to my…”
Suddenly, the crowd below interrupted him with a cheer.
“Wedding!”
“Engagement party!”
“Stop making things up! Why is the class monitor standing there? Go up with him!”
As they teased him, Jiang Heng paused instinctively, raising his head to look at Shen Huaizhi. Seeing that Shen Huaizhi was watching him with a smile, unguarded, Jiang Heng snorted softly. The gentle demeanor he had been maintaining shattered in an instant, and even his tone became a bit sarcastic. “What, do you think I won’t hit anyone just because it’s my birthday?”
The group laughed, but before they could retort, they were silenced by a cold glance from Shen Huaizhi.
An adult Alpha’s mere presence, without a word, was enough to command respect.
Realizing they were in the wrong, the group immediately quieted down.
Jiang Heng wasn’t actually angry. Instead, he felt strangely happy. Though he’d always spent his birthdays out with friends, he’d never been so fully engaged before.
Thinking of this, he glanced at Shen Huaizhi and smiled again, lightly clearing his throat as he continued, “Thank you everyone for coming to my coming-of-age ceremony.”
“From today, I’m officially an adult, and I must take responsibility for my actions. So, I’ve decided that for the last year of high school, I’ll study hard and encourage everyone in our class to study hard and improve together.”
“…No way?”
“Damn, I suddenly regret coming.”
Jiang Heng paused, then pointed to a student in a blue shirt. “Don’t panic, I’m telling the truth. Becoming financially independent is something a minor does, but the goal of an adult is to help everyone achieve that together.”
“Right?”
The student in blue: “…”
The others: “…”
What the hell is financial independence?
The group of friends did not want to hear this “adult wish” from a bad student.
Hearing Jiang Heng’s joke, even Shen Huaizhi couldn’t help but laugh.
The few people from their school also joined in with some mischievous teasing. “Study hard! Next year, we’ll wait for you to get into B University!”
“Of course! I’ll take a selfie at the entrance of B University and send it to you.”
“Then we’ll…”
He was saying something when the group, for some reason, suddenly started clapping.
Jiang Heng felt a little embarrassed by their applause, but he quickly cut the cake with a swipe of the knife.
“I don’t really have any wishes,” he murmured, realizing he had missed his chance to make one. “Maybe just to live a lifetime of peace and joy with the person I love.”
He whispered this and then looked up at Shen Huaizhi.
Around them, there were loud blessings and some murmurs of conversation.
The lights above them were so dazzling that it almost hurt to look up.
It seemed like Shen Huaizhi noticed his gaze and also looked up, their eyes meeting directly.
They locked eyes across the crowd.
After a while, Jiang Heng curled his lips and smiled.
He saw Shen Huaizhi silently mouth the words: “Happy birthday, my Jiang Heng.”
Happy birthday, my Jiang Heng.
May you live a carefree life from now on and become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Birthday parties were usually long and boring, but luckily, today was with people of his own age. In the afternoon, they gathered to eat, drink, and play games.
By the evening, after sending everyone off, Jiang Heng was too tired and slumped against Shen Huaizhi’s shoulder, grumbling, “Chen Xingchi is really too bad. I can’t carry him.”
He had drunk a little, just a sip, but it was enough to make him a bit tipsy. Despite all this time, his tolerance had not improved. As he spoke, the scent of alcohol lingered.
Shen Huaizhi paused, a little helpless, as he wrapped his arm around Jiang Heng’s waist. It was so hot that Jiang Heng had taken off his jacket, leaving only a thin shirt. Through the fabric, Shen Huaizhi could feel his higher-than-usual body temperature.
“Am I really that amazing?” Jiang Heng asked suddenly, after a brief silence, rubbing against Shen Huaizhi’s shoulder.
Shen Huaizhi chuckled, “Yes, you’re the most amazing.” After he finished speaking, he saw Ruan Shu and Mr. Shen entering the room. He nodded slightly and said, “He’s had some drinks. I’ll take him upstairs to rest.”
Seeing Jiang Heng lying entirely on Shen Huaizhi, Ruan Shu smiled, “Alright, go ahead. Take good care of our little birthday boy.”
Shen Huaizhi was about to agree when the person leaning against him suddenly struggled to stand up on his own. With a serious expression, Jiang Heng turned around, bowed respectfully to Ruan Shu and Mr. Shen, and said loudly, “Thank you, Uncle and Aunt!”
Shen Huaizhi: “…”
Ruan Shu and Mr. Shen: “…”
It was unclear whether he was really drunk or not.
Shen Huaizhi chuckled and pulled Jiang Heng back into his arms. Seeing that Ruan Shu and Mr. Shen didn’t seem bothered, he shook his head and coaxed Jiang Heng a few more times. “Ready to go to bed?”
Jiang Heng nodded, looked back at Ruan Shu and Mr. Shen a few times, then staggered as he followed Shen Huaizhi upstairs.
Once they left, Ruan Shu sighed, “Ah, it’s so nice… youth is truly wonderful.”
Mr. Shen cleared his throat, wrapping his arm around her as he said, “Let’s go, time for bed.”
–
When they reached upstairs, Shen Huaizhi finally let Jiang Heng go a bit and gently asked, “Can you walk on your own?”
Jiang Heng nodded and lifted his head, looking somewhat dazed as he glanced at Shen Huaizhi. He staggered to open his room door. It opened, but he stood in the doorway, unwilling to move. After a while, he asked, “Shen Huaizhi, do you know what they gave me today?”
Seeing his condition, Shen Huaizhi wasn’t sure if he was really drunk. Still not fully trusting him to be alone, he shook his head in response.
Jiang Heng pulled Shen Huaizhi’s hand as they walked towards the room, saying, “This.”
He fumbled in his pocket for a while before pulling out the USB drive. With a smile, as if presenting a treasure, he asked, “Do you know what this is?”
Shen Huaizhi paused for a moment, then, after a while, spoke with a touch of helplessness, “You’re not drunk?”
He was too familiar with Jiang Heng. If he were truly drunk, he wouldn’t have such clear thoughts and wouldn’t take the initiative to leave his side.
Seeing that he had been caught, Jiang Heng didn’t act as limp as before, nor did he feel embarrassed at being exposed. Instead, he cleared his throat lightly, “Is my acting really that bad?”
After speaking, he didn’t bother to look back at Shen Huaizhi’s expression. Instead, he went to look for the laptop in the room, muttering softly as he searched, “Actually, I’m still a little dizzy.”
Shen Huaizhi raised an eyebrow, feeling that Jiang Heng’s behavior wasn’t quite normal, but he didn’t know what he was trying to do.
Though, from Jiang Heng’s previous behavior, Shen Huaizhi had a vague sense of what the USB drive might contain. Still, he patiently waited for a while.
It wasn’t until a strange sound suddenly emitted from the computer that Jiang Heng froze.
He hadn’t expected such an intense, almost painful yet pleasurable sound to come through. It was so shocking that he quickly snapped the laptop shut. The little bit of courage he had mustered through the alcohol vanished completely in that instant.
With some panic, he looked up at Shen Huaizhi.
However, Shen Huaizhi was still standing by the bed, looking down at him with an unreadable expression, as if pondering something. For a moment, Jiang Heng wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.
What was he doing, playing something like that?
“Jiang Heng,” Shen Huaizhi chuckled, a hint of confusion in his voice, “What was that just now?”
Jiang Heng snapped back to reality, subconsciously pursing his lips. After a brief hesitation, he tentatively said, “I’d say it’s an educational video, would you believe me?”
He said this while tossing the laptop onto the nightstand, acting as if nothing had happened, and immediately flopping onto the bed, playing dead.
Shen Huaizhi lowered his eyes, his gaze darkening.
Jiang Heng likely didn’t realize his own appearance at that moment. His shirt’s collar had come undone by two buttons due to the hurried movements earlier, exposing his fair and beautiful collarbones. Lying there, the visual impact was even more striking.
After a moment of silence, Shen Huaizhi smiled again, “What educational video? Can I watch it?”
“I’m quite interested in that sound from just now,” he added, his words sounding a little creepy.
Saying this, he bent down, pretending to reach for the computer.
At this point, Jiang Heng couldn’t continue to play dead. In a flash, he grabbed Shen Huaizhi’s wrist. His palm was unnervingly hot, and Jiang Heng wasn’t sure whether it was because of nerves or something else.
When he didn’t speak, Shen Huaizhi patiently waited.
After a long while, Jiang Heng finally murmured, “Well then, why don’t you listen to mine?”
1You 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! ❤️ -TL: Ysiad
