Chapter 12

　　Though Ruan Shuyang didn’t understand why Pei Siyue had added this stipulation, he complied nonetheless. “Understood, Mr. Pei.”

He wouldn’t accept another’s pheromones or mark anyway.

As for the suppressant, if he were marked, it likely wouldn’t be necessary. If truly needed, he’d use it first and report afterward.

　　It was just odd that even his use of suppressants required oversight.

Pei Siyue pulled out his phone, opened an app, and placed it on the table. “Add a contact method so you can report promptly.”

　　It made sense, so Ruan Shuyang obediently added him.

By the time the contact was added, it was already past eight in the evening.

Ruan Shuyang felt it wouldn’t be right to stay any longer. He’d already caused Pei Siyue enough trouble; he couldn’t impose by staying overnight.

　　Fortunately, thanks to Pei Siming’s words a few days prior, the Ruan family’s attitude toward him had shifted considerably. They now treated him like invisible air, no longer hurling insults at him, making his situation feel slightly more bearable.

He hesitated before speaking: “Mr. Pei, it’s getting late. I should head home.”

　　Instead of replying immediately, Pei Siyue asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Ruan Shuyang froze.

Truthfully, he needed help with many things—like escaping the Ruan household, or annulling his engagement to Pei Siming.

　　But Pei Siyue had already done so much for him. They weren’t related; he couldn’t burden him further.

Besides, in just over a month, he’d be off to university. He could escape the Ruan household on his own. As for dissolving the engagement… that could wait.

In the end, he simply said, “No, thank you, Mr. Pei.”

　　Ruan Shuyang was driven home by Ji Huai.

He had intended to return on his own, but Pei Siyue mentioned there were no buses or subways in that area, and taxis were inconvenient to hail. He had no choice but to accept Pei Siyue’s offer.

　　As the car pulled away, he glanced back at Pei Siyue’s residence—a pristine white, three-story European-style villa. Its elegant silhouette stood out beautifully against the clear night sky, far more impressive than the Ruan family’s estate. A vast garden stretched before the entrance, where towering greenery and meticulously manicured lawns shielded the villa from the bustling city, enveloping it in profound tranquility.

　　Once the car had driven out of the area, he noticed the name of the villa district: Lan’an Yuting. It was a newly developed, high-end detached villa complex. He didn’t know the exact price, only that Pan Lan had once considered buying a villa here to move the whole family in, but couldn’t afford it.

　　When Ruan Shuyang returned home, neither Ruan Jianchuan nor Pan Lan were there. The maids had retired to their rooms, leaving only Ruan Qi sprawled lazily on the first-floor sofa watching television.

　　Spotting Ruan Shuyang return, Ruan Qi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him closely. Suddenly, he called out to Ruan Shuyang as he was about to head upstairs, “Where did you get the money to buy AETHOS?”

　　Ruan Shuyang stiffened. Was he actually wearing AETHOS?

That ultra-luxury brand renowned for its extravagant materials and minimalist designs—where a single shirt cost five figures?

　　Rumor had it AETHOS shirts were crafted from rare cashmere and wild silk, with stitching woven from 18k gold thread and buttons carved from deep-sea mother-of-pearl, each meticulously hand-polished. Their latest seasonal releases typically retailed for thirty thousand yuan apiece.

　　The outfit was prepared by Pei Siyue. Seeing it as a simple light blue shirt and jeans, he assumed it wasn’t expensive and put it on without hesitation. While wearing it, he noticed the fabric felt exceptionally luxurious and reached for the label—only to find none.

It was only after Ruan Qi pointed it out that he realized he was wearing AETHOS.

　　Indeed, AETHOS garments typically bear no brand logo—their materials and design speak for themselves.

“No,” Ruan Shuyang replied flustered. “This isn’t AETHOS.”

　　He tried to hurry back to his room, but his body hadn’t fully recovered yet, and he couldn’t move fast. Ruan Qi, being a tall and lanky alpha, caught up in just a few strides. At the staircase, he grabbed Ruan Shuyang by the arm and pulled him close, scrutinizing him from head to toe with a gaze that made him feel like some piece of merchandise up for sale.

　　“I suddenly realized… little brother, you’re already a full-grown omega.” Ruan Qi narrowed his eyes, his tone and expression nauseating. “And you’re so damn pretty. No wonder Second Young Master Pei would speak up for you.”

　　In his father’s eyes, Ruan Shuyang—born from his father’s affair—had always been thin and small, dressed in drab clothes, walking with head bowed and shoulders hunched, timid and unremarkable, utterly repulsive. He rarely gave this younger brother a proper look, only hurling insults when in a bad mood. But today, he suddenly realized Ruan Shuyang had changed.

　　Like a flower on the verge of withering, suddenly nurtured with care, he now radiated delicate, tempting beauty from within.

His skin was snow-white, his lips luscious and tempting, and his large, contrasting eyes held a coy, reluctant charm—even more captivating than the class beauty, the omega.

　　Especially in those stylish, high-end clothes, he radiated the pampered aura of a wealthy young master.

Ruan Qi leaned in close to Ruan Shuyang’s ear, his voice low and malicious. “This outfit you’re wearing… it wasn’t a gift from Second Young Master Pei, was it?”

　　Younger and less adept at hiding his thoughts, Ruan Shuyang instinctively flinched at the remark, his eyes darting nervously toward Ruan Qi.

　　“Wondering how I know?” Ruan Qi sneered coldly. “It’s obvious. If Second Young Master Pei gave you anything, it would be Gloaming—a brand under the Pei Group—not the AETHOS you’re wearing now. Who are you secretly seeing behind your family and Second Young Master Pei’s back?”

“No.” Ruan Shuyang shook his head vigorously. “I didn’t flirt with anyone.”

But Pei Siyue remained an unspeakable presence.

He had been helping him all along—at the club, kindly treating his injuries. The only thing Ruan could do was cooperate fully, providing his body data and sensations, rather than causing more trouble.

　　Though he didn’t understand many things, he knew that the fewer people who knew about his connection to Pei Siyue, the better. After all, he was Pei Siming’s fiancé, and the engagement hadn’t been dissolved yet.

If others found out about their relationship, people would criticize Pei Siyue, hurling ugly accusations—stealing his brother’s fiancée, being a third wheel, and so on…

　　Having endured constant vilification himself, he knew all too well how foul people’s tongues could be.

He didn’t want Pei Siyue to be subjected to such abuse.

Pei Siyue was so pure, like a solitary, cold moon hanging high in the night sky. He should remain as pristine as frost and snow, forever standing in the most dazzling place.

　　“You think I’m stupid? That I really haven’t been flirting with anyone?” Ruan Qi sneered. “You should check my IQ before lying to me. Since you claim you haven’t been flirting, I’ll tell Mom and Dad the brand of the clothes you’re wearing. Let them see what’s really going on.”

　　“No!” Ruan Shuyang shook his head frantically, his voice breaking as he pleaded, “Don’t tell them.”

　　He knew Pan Lan’s temperament all too well. If she found out about this, she’d stop at nothing to force him to explain.

The thought of Pan Lan’s methods made him shiver involuntarily.

Why had he been so stupid? Why hadn’t he noticed the clothes he was wearing were AETHOS? They were bound to cause trouble.

　　And today was just his luck—running into Ruan Qi.

If it had been Pan Lan or Ruan Jianchuan, they wouldn’t have cared about such a thing at all.

Ruan Qi studied Ruan Shuyang’s tear-filled expression for a long moment before speaking slowly and deliberately, “If you want me to keep quiet, I have one condition.”

　　Ruan Shuyang immediately asked, “What condition?”

“Next week, a friend is having a birthday party. You’re coming with me.”

“A birthday party?” Ruan Shuyang instantly grew wary. “What kind of party? Will there be… strange Alphas?”

　　He cut straight to the chase: “Are you trying to pass me off to someone?”

The painful memory of Pei Siming promising to take him to a club only to hand him off to another Alpha was still fresh. He was now deeply wary of any gatherings.

　　“What are you thinking?” Ruan Qi snorted dismissively. “Look at yourself in the mirror. With your timid, shrinking-back manner, I couldn’t even bring myself to give you away. Besides, it’s the birthday party for Chi Ye, the second young master of the Chi family. You think it’s some kind of shady place?”

　　Chi Ye?

That familiar name reminded him of the senior he’d met earlier that day.

That senior had been kind, patiently explaining things and offering help. If it was that senior’s birthday party, he might actually consider going.

But he didn’t trust Ruan Qi.

　　“Are you sure it’s just Chi Ye’s birthday party?” Ruan Shuyang asked again, seeking confirmation. “If it is, then I’ll go.”

“Of course it is.” Ruan Qi flashed a meaningful smile, though Ruan Shuyang failed to grasp its significance. “I can even give you the address so you can go yourself. If something feels off, just don’t go in.”

　　This reassurance eased Ruan Shuyang’s mind considerably. “Alright, give me the address. I’ll go myself when the time comes.”

“Fine, but you must go.” Ruan Qi’s tone carried a warning. “If you don’t show up, expect me to tell Mom and Dad about today’s incident.”

Ruan Shuyang nodded. “If the address is legitimate, I’ll definitely go.”

　　After reaching an agreement with Ruan Qi, Ruan Shuyang finally went upstairs to his room and lay down.

Omegas were naturally delicate, often lacking stamina. He was too exhausted. Though his mind was still preoccupied with many things, once he lay on the bed, he couldn’t help but feel the pillow and mattress were exceptionally soft. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

　　**

Upon receiving Ji Huai’s message confirming Ruan Shuyang had arrived home safely, Pei Siyue returned upstairs to his study to handle business matters.

After finishing his work, he saw a message from Chi Heng urging him: What exactly is going on?

Pei Siyue asked: How did you know he found you?

　　Moments later, Chi Heng called.

“My brother told me,” Chi Heng explained. “I just asked him for details. That young omega from the Ruan family went to see a doctor because he wasn’t feeling well. The doctor said his glands and reproductive tract had undergone secondary development due to pheromone stimulation, and he needed to continue receiving pheromone exposure. The doctor also said if he couldn’t find an alpha, he should seek out volunteers. He probably had no choice but to seek out volunteers. He happened to run into my brother there. After trying and failing to mark him, he immediately thought of Enigma. He asked for the time and location, then came to me for information.”

“What? You really marked that little omega from the Ruan family that night? Planning to snatch him away from your brother?”

　　Pei Siyue didn’t deny it, only asked thoughtfully, “He still wants to go find the volunteer?”

How disobedient.

“Why are you focusing on that?” Chi Heng was utterly speechless. “The point is what exactly happened between you two, okay? And judging by my brother’s tone, that Ruan family omega probably doesn’t even know you. How could he find you?”

　　But now that they know each other, he can find you.

Pei Siyue’s tone was cold as he told Chi Heng, “This is between him and me.”

Chi Heng detected a hint of warning and frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Outsiders don’t interfere.”

Pei Siyue hung up after saying only that.

　　On the other end, Chi Heng listened to the busy tone, sensing something was off.

It didn’t seem like revenge against Pei Simin. More like enigma’s vicious possessiveness.

Pei Siyue hung up and proactively messaged Ruan Shuyang: Remember to tell me how you felt when you accepted the mark today.

　　Pei Siyue: If you notice any physical changes during treatment, report them too.

Pei Siyue: If you want pheromones, come straight to me.

It was time for the little guy to know he existed. He should think of him every day, not go looking for other alphas or whatever.

But by bedtime, his messages still went unanswered. Pei Siyue was in a foul mood.