He placed the water cup on the nightstand with a sigh, muttering, “Brother, go rinse your mouth. Ignore me. Don’t talk to me.”
Pei Siyue replied leisurely, “Already done.”
Then he saw Ruan Shuyang burying his head in his knees, looking a bit gloomy. Amused, he asked, “What’s wrong? Didn’t you like it just now?”
Ruan Shuyang felt wronged. It wasn’t that he didn’t like it—it was that his pride had been hurt.
“No need to be shy.” Pei Siyue lifted his head and cradled it against his chest. “I’ll make you feel even better from now on.”
“And if you hold out a little longer, you can enjoy it more often.”
Ruan Shuyang: “…”
He didn’t want to talk to Pei Siyue anymore. He was so infuriating.
Just as he was simmering with silent fury, he felt Pei Siyue take his hand and encircle it with two fingers.
His attention was instantly drawn. Curious, he asked, “What are you doing, Brother?”
“Measuring your wrist circumference,” Pei Siyue explained, then asked, “Would it be okay to hold the engagement banquet during winter break? You’ll have more time then.”
“Huh?”
Ruan Shuyang froze completely.
“We’re having a wedding banquet too?”
The moment he asked, he saw Pei Siyue narrow his eyes.
…Maybe he shouldn’t have asked.
Though Pei Siyue’s tone was calm, Ruan Shuyang detected a certain danger in it.
“What? You don’t want to?”
If the little omega was willing to hold an engagement banquet with his wicked, dim-witted younger brother, why wouldn’t he want one with him?
He genuinely disliked crowded gatherings and social obligations. But he believed both the engagement and wedding with the little omega were once-in-a-lifetime events—he couldn’t afford any regrets.
Of course he’d host the engagement banquet.
In certain respects, Ruan Shuyang possessed remarkable perceptiveness. He immediately nodded vigorously: “We’ll host it, we’ll host it. Whatever you say, big brother.”
Only then did Pei Siyue respond with a slightly satisfied tone: “I’ll have the planning company draft a proposal. We’ll review it together when it’s ready.”
Ruan Shuyang was very obedient: “Okay.”
Pei Siyue gently stroked his forehead, then lowered his head to kiss his lips.
Ruan Shuyang tasted the cool mint flavor of Pei Siyue’s mouthwash.
Pei Siyue’s kisses were usually so possessive they made his tongue tingle, but this time it was gentle.
As their lips and teeth tangled, he heard Pei Siyue ask, “Do you have a nickname?”
“What would elders call you? Ruan Ruan, Shu Shu, Xiao Yang, Baby?”
When Pei Siyue uttered the word “Baby,” Ruan Shuyang flushed bright red.
He was eighteen now—it felt embarrassing to be called Baby.
Finally, his face still crimson, he replied, “My nickname is Softie. My mom gave it to me when I was little. She thought I was so tiny and soft, even my bones felt squishy.”
Pei Siyue thought the current Ruan Shuyang was still small and soft—every part of him was soft.
“Alright, I’ll call you Ruannuan from now on.”
**
Because he’d stayed up late talking with Pei Siyue, Ruan Shuyang slept in the next morning. By the time he woke up, it was already past nine o’clock. Pei Siyue had prepared a Chinese breakfast and was waiting for him.
Seeing him come downstairs, Pei Siyue walked over and kissed the corner of his lips. “Eat breakfast first. After we finish, I’ll take you shopping.”
“What are we buying?”
“An engagement ring.”
After breakfast, Pei Siyue promptly took Ruan Shuyang to shop for an engagement ring.
“Custom rings take time,” Pei Siyue explained while driving. “Let’s get a ready-made wedding ring set to wear first.”
Ruan Shuyang noticed how earnestly and enthusiastically Pei Siyue pursued announcing their engagement.
Pei Siyue wasn’t actually that old—still in his youth—yet he always carried himself with extraordinary maturity. Many seasoned business veterans with decades of experience couldn’t match his depth of calculation.
This was the first time Ruan Shuyang had seen youthful exuberance in Pei Siyue. Smiling, he took him to buy rings, and besides the rings, he also bought him a watch, saying his wrist looked too bare and that a watch would be convenient for checking the time during class.
When they left, a silver-white ring adorned the ring finger of Ruan Shuyang’s left hand. Its design resembled the thorned rose pendant he had designed, featuring a large ruby at its center.
Pei Siyue wore an identical ring, though without the gemstone—a practical choice for wearing gloves during experiments.
Both also sported matching silver-gray watches. The dial design leaned closer to Ruan Shuyang’s taste—a deep blue cosmic starry sky pattern. The back cover was semi-transparent, revealing the mechanical gears ticking away frame by frame.
The watch wasn’t overly expensive, certainly cheaper than the ring. Ruan Shuyang had chosen it himself, drawn to its design.
For Pei Siyue, Ruan Shuyang’s enjoyment was paramount when shopping—if he liked something, he bought it regardless of price.
After that, Pei Siyue took him sightseeing for several days. During these outings, Ruan Shuyang let go of his worries, reveling in the fun. Each night, exhausted from playing, he fell asleep early.
The National Day holiday flew by, and they flew back home the day before it ended.
The night before the holiday ended, Pei Siyue brought up appearing together in public and attending the banquet.
Ruan Shuyang instinctively resisted: “No, big brother, can we not go to the banquet?”
This response didn’t surprise Pei Siyue too much. Sitting beside Ruan Shuyang, he asked calmly, “Why?”
“They… they’ll say really mean things.”
In many people’s eyes, Ruan Shuyang was an illegitimate child. He’d endured all kinds of abuse since childhood; insulting him seemed like a socially acceptable act. Anyone feeling dissatisfied could take a shot at him. He knew all too well what those people would say about Pei Siyue.
He didn’t want Pei Siyue to be subjected to such talk.
“You can’t hide forever,” Pei Siyue reasoned calmly. “Sooner or later, people will find out. Sooner or later, people will talk.”
He looked at Ruan Shuyang, his expression unreadable. “Or is it that you regret it? That you don’t want to be with me?”
Ruan Shuyang froze, shaking his head hastily. “No, Brother. That’s not it.”
He reached out to grasp Pei Siyue’s hand. Finding no resistance, he tightened his hold.
Their slender fingers intertwined with Pei Siyue’s long, strong fingers. Pei Siyue lowered his gaze to their clasped hands, slowly placing his other hand over Ruan Shuyang’s.
He struggled to explain, “Brother, I… I don’t want you to face this too.”
Seeing Ruan Shuyang’s flustered expression, his eyes reddening with anxiety, Pei Siyue sighed softly. He bent down to kiss his cheek and murmured, “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”
Then he lifted Ruan Shuyang’s chin, leaning closer to gaze into his eyes as he spoke in a steady, measured tone, “No one dares say anything to our faces.”
Pei Siyue’s strength and confidence gradually infected Ruan Shuyang, easing his fear.
“Besides, your mother would surely want to see you engage and marry someone with dignity and honor.”
In that moment, he felt Pei Siyue understood everything—the words he’d never voiced, and Yu Xianpo’s lifelong obsession.
No one wants to be called a mistress, especially not someone like Yu Xianpo who was forced into it. Marrying openly and legitimately was Yu Xianpo’s lifelong obsession.
That was why she insisted they skip dating—if he was truly sincere, they should skip straight to engagement and marriage.
No marriage, no lifelong bond.
Others would find out sooner or later; they couldn’t hide it forever.
He wouldn’t want to keep their relationship secret forever, and Pei Siyue couldn’t accept that either.
If it were Pei Siyue, he’d face it together.
**
But this matter seemed to arrive faster than imagined.
The day after classes resumed following the holiday break, Pei Siyue told him there was a banquet at the Chi family residence on Thursday evening and would bring him along.
Though he’d already decided to go, Ruan Shuyang’s heart still leapt. Nervously, he asked, “Is there anything I need to prepare?”
“After class on Thursday, Ji Huai will pick you up and take you to get dressed and styled. Just follow me when you get there.”
Ruan Shuyang’s face turned serious, as if entrusted with a crucial task. He nodded earnestly. “ Got it, big bro.”
When he first heard about the event on Tuesday, Ruan Shuyang felt uneasy about the upcoming banquet. But after meeting Wen Yusheng on Wednesday and learning some details, his nerves settled.
At noon on Wednesday, he brought three finished necklaces to meet Wen Yusheng in a private room at a tea restaurant.
Wen Yusheng arrived with Yu Ling. Upon seeing the three silver-white necklaces, she immediately smiled and said, “They’re beautiful. I love them.”
For a jewelry designer, nothing brings greater joy than a client’s appreciation and praise. Ruan Shuyang smiled back and replied, “I’m glad you like them, Senior.”
Wen Yusheng asked Ruan Shuyang for the account details to pay the balance and promptly settled the final payment.
While paying, Wen Yusheng noticed the business account name and inquired curiously, “Yu’s Jewelry—is that your jewelry company?”
Ruan Shuyang hesitated briefly before openly admitting, “Yes, the jewelry company I founded is called Yu’s Jewelry.”
“Nice name.”
Ruan Shuyang watched as Wen Yusheng picked up the necklace set with a large piece of black jadeite and slipped it around her neck. She then asked, “Little junior, may I test it on the spot?”
Ruan Shuyang nodded. “Sure.”
“Then step back.”
Ruan Shuyang silently retreated to the corner of the private room. He watched as Wen Yusheng instructed Yu Ling to peel off the barrier sticker.
Although Yu Ling deeply admired Wen Yusheng and longed to be with him, he remained a pure-hearted romantic at heart. He had always behaved impeccably around Wen Yusheng, never daring to misuse his pheromones. Now, Wen Yusheng’s request to remove the barrier sticker startled him. He asked, like a chaste and steadfast man, “What are you planning to do?”
Wen Yusheng nearly rolled her eyes. “Conduct an experiment, of course. How else can we test if the necklace blocks alpha pheromones if you don’t remove the blocker? If you don’t want to, I’ll call another alpha over.”
Yu Ling jolted awake, hastily peeling off the blocker and blurting out, “No, no, I’ll do it! I’ll do it!”
If the situation weren’t so serious, Ruan Shuyang would have laughed—Yu Ling really did come across as a bit of a goofball.
He stepped back a few paces. A faint coconut-scented pheromone wafted over, yet it had no effect on him whatsoever.
He’d personally tested the necklace’s efficacy long ago. Even when seated among several Alphas, wearing it shielded him from any sense of pheromone pressure.
Of course, he could still sense it near Pei Siyue, since the necklace couldn’t block enigma pheromones—which was precisely why Pei Siyue never let him take it off.
Yu Ling removed the blocking patch and asked Wen Yusheng how it felt. “Nothing,” Wen Yusheng replied.
Yu Ling grew suspicious. “Nothing? Could it be useless?”
Wen Yusheng: “…”
She genuinely thought Yu Ling wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
“Not feeling anything means it’s working.”
Yu Ling snapped to attention, scratching his head sheepishly. “You’re right. Makes perfect sense.”
“Release a little more pheromone,” Wen Yusheng instructed. “Just a bit at a time.”
Yu Ling hesitated, then plucked up the courage to release some pheromone. Ruan Shuyang only noticed the coconut scent in the private room growing stronger—no other sensations followed.
Wen Yusheng felt the same.
She was now fully convinced of the barrier material’s effectiveness. She told Yu Ling, “Retract the pheromones. Open the window for ventilation while you’re at it.”
Yu Ling obediently reapplied the barrier stickers, opened the window, and casually asked Wen Yusheng, “Did you feel anything?”
“Nothing at all.”
Just as Yu Ling was about to question its effectiveness, he suddenly realized that feeling nothing was the most significant sensation of all.
Of course it worked.
He stared at Ruan Shuyang in astonishment, unable to hold back: “What exactly is your relationship with Ruiji? They’re letting you sell this material that’s clearly so profitable?”
Ruan Shuyang stammered, unsure how to explain. It seemed many still didn’t know Pei Siyue was Ruiji’s chairman, so he couldn’t just blurt it out.
But when he first suggested selling it, he hadn’t anticipated it being so profitable. He’d only wanted more omegas to wear necklaces made of barrier material.
Though the cost is steep, it’s better to have someone selling than no one at all.
Unfamiliar with such circles, Ruan Shuyang asked curiously, “Senior, what kind of gossip?”
Gossip involving him and the Pei family would likely concern Pei Siyue or Pei Siming.
“They say your engagement was dissolved over two months ago due to Pei Siming’s misconduct.”
Ruan Shuyang froze for a moment, sensing something vaguely, then nodded. “That’s right. The elders of the Pei family found out about it back then.”
“Good riddance,” Wen Yusheng told him. “With a mother like that raising him, Pei Siming’s brain must have been warped long ago. Breaking off the engagement was the wise choice.”
Ruan Shuyang agreed with Wen Yusheng’s assessment, yet still asked curiously, “Why did my senior say that?”
Objectively speaking, Pei Siming still appeared decent enough.
Wen Yusheng, having seen the payment account for the final installment, clearly guessed the situation and stated bluntly, “Who in their right mind would invest in Ruan Jewelry? It’s obviously a mess, and he doesn’t have the capability to clean it up.”
Ruan Shuyang pondered this and found it utterly logical.
Pei Siming and Ruan Jewelry were both rotten to the core.
“Of course, there’s also that half-true, half-false rumor,” Wen Yusheng continued, observing Ruan Shuyang’s expression. “Word is you’re set to become engaged to Pei Siming’s older brother, Pei Siyue.”
Ruan Shuyang stared at Wen Yusheng in shock, unable to control his expression at the revelation.
“They say Pei Siyue saw you when you went to the Pei family to break off the engagement, fell head over heels instantly, pursued you relentlessly for over two months until he finally won you over, got you engaged on the spot, and plans to marry you as soon as you’re of age.”
Ruan Shuyang’s face flushed deeper as he listened, finally unable to hold back his rebuttal: “I… I haven’t even decided if I want to get married yet.”
Mainly because he was too young. Marriage held no meaning for him now; a lifetime felt far too long.
Wen Yusheng looked at him with a knowing expression: “So most of these rumors are true, then? You just haven’t decided whether you want to marry?”
Ruan Shuyang: “…”
How to put it? Some true, some false—but mostly true.
It was true he’d broken off the engagement because of Pei Siming’s mistake. But he hadn’t met Pei Siyue when the engagement was dissolved; they’d known each other much earlier.
They met when Pei Siming made his mistake.
Reflecting now on Pei Siyue’s actions over the past two months, it did seem like courtship—only he’d been too oblivious to notice, or perhaps hadn’t considered it that way.
Just as he pondered the rumors, Wen Yusheng asked again, “So you really are engaged to Pei Siyue?”
Ruan Shuyang noticed Wen Yusheng’s intense curiosity and, considering how much his senior had supported his business, replied softly, “I suppose so.”
Wen Yusheng’s sharp eyes caught the ring on Ruan Shuyang’s finger. “Is that an engagement ring?”
Ruan Shuyang didn’t deny it.
“That explains it,” Wen Yusheng said. “The rumors definitely came from Pei Siyue’s side—no need to even think about it. Old men, you know. After finally snagging a fresh, tasty omega like you, his little junior, he’d naturally play some mind games, act first and ask questions later, announce it to the world to tie you down. Even if you haven’t agreed to marry, he’d say you’re getting married. Otherwise, what if someone else snatched you away in the future?”
Ruan Shuyang: “……?”
“Pei Siyue isn’t exactly an old man,” he defended. “He’s only in his twenties.”
“He’s old enough for you,” Wen Yusheng stated bluntly. “Think about how young you are.”
Ruan Shuyang realized the age gap was indeed significant—a full nine years, half his entire lifespan.
But he still whispered in Pei Siyue’s defense: “He’s a really good guy. He doesn’t seem that old.”
Wen Yusheng eyed Ruan Shuyang with a hint of disdain, as if he’d fallen head over heels in love, utterly helpless, even defending that scheming old man. He sighed, “Seems like you’re completely under that guy Pei Siyue’s thumb, little brother.”
Ruan Shuyang froze, confused. “Really?”
“I think so,” Wen Yusheng replied. “Look how you keep defending him.”
Ruan Shuyang flushed, his eyes darting around. It seemed true—he had been defending Pei Siyue all along.
Wen Yusheng added, “I don’t know Pei Siyue personally, but I do know he’s far more capable than Pei Siming. He took over the entire Pei family business immediately after returning to China and managed to keep the long-time veterans in the group in check. His skills and abilities are indeed much stronger than Pei Siming’s. Of course, people like that usually have a lot on their minds.”
“With his status and power, plenty would want to cozy up to him. But he dislikes socializing and rarely attends events. There’s no gossip or bad news circulating about him. Beyond that, who knows?”
“Still, judging by the rumors alone, I think he cares about you and respects you.”
Ruan Shuyang looked puzzled. “Senior, why do you say that?”
“By spreading those rumors, he took full responsibility onto himself. He claimed it was him who had feelings for his brother’s former fiancée, that he was the one who pursued you. He placed all the blame on himself to prevent anyone from speaking ill of you. Anyone with eyes can see he cares.”
Wen Yusheng paused here, her tone laden with meaning as she cautioned, “Junior, often the truth isn’t what matters most—it’s the attitude that counts.”
Regardless of whether the rumors were true, Pei Siyue’s stance made it clear to everyone that the responsibility lay entirely with him. Anyone who spoke ill of Ruan Shuyang would be opposing him.
Beyond those with vested interests, no one would dare offend Pei Siyue over such matters. No one would say anything unkind to Ruan Shuyang’s face—after all, it wasn’t their engagement. The cause and process didn’t matter; what mattered was the outcome.
Ruan Shuyang was marrying Pei Siyue—marrying the heir to the Pei family.
Pei Siyue was incomparable to Pei Siming, that marginalized son. He was the true heir, holding over 50% of Pei Corporation’s shares, the leader of a vast business empire.
Ruan Shuyang lowered his head, feeling that Pei Siyue always stirred something within him without warning.
He had feared others might speak ill of Pei Siyue, but before he could figure out how to address it, Pei Siyue had already spread rumors, taking full responsibility upon himself.
He couldn’t help but whisper, “Actually, it was me…”
He was the one who had provoked Pei Siyue first.
Though many memories of that night remained hazy, he still recalled falling into Pei Siyue’s arms and being helped by him.
“That doesn’t matter,” Wen Yusheng told him. “As your senior who sides with family over reason, I think Pei Siyue’s attitude is quite commendable.”
Ruan Shuyang couldn’t help but smile, feeling an extraordinary warmth.
He never imagined he’d have a friend who sided with family over reason.
It felt truly blissful.
Yu Ling, however, was particularly curious beside him: “Are you and Pei Siyue together now? I’ve seen him once or twice—he gives off such an intense pressure. His pheromone level is incredibly high. Are you really not scared stiff when you’re with him?”
Ruan Shuyang: “…”
Truthfully, his limbs did go weak, but it wasn’t mostly from fear.
It was more about being intoxicated by Pei Siyue’s pheromones.
Wen Yusheng shot back irritably, “Watch your tone.”
Yu Ling scratched his nose and gave an apologetic smile. “No offense meant. I’m just curious about how things between you two happened. After all, you’re so different in every way.”
The differences in physique, status, and age were all substantial.
She was even once engaged to Pei Siyue’s younger brother, Pei Siming—an omega. No matter how one looked at it, they shouldn’t have ended up together.
Ruan Shuyang pondered for a moment, his expression tinged with nostalgia. “I suppose it was fate.”
With afternoon classes approaching, Wen Yusheng took the necklace and left, instructing Ruan Shuyang beforehand that promotions would only mention Yu’s Jewelry without elaborating further.
Ruan Shuyang handed Wen Yusheng the business card of the general manager from Yu’s Jewelry that Pei Siyue had arranged, suggesting he contact this executive if needed.
Still in school, he didn’t have much time to manage client relations or take on new business, so Pei Siyue had arranged for a professional to handle these matters early on.
Leaving the restaurant, Ruan Shuyang felt a complex mix of emotions.
Truthfully, before meeting Pei Siyue, he’d never imagined being with such an exceptional prodigy.
His primary concern had been how to escape the Ruan family.
Even when doctors warned that continued use of cheap suppressants would cause his glands and reproductive tract to atrophy completely, he’d contemplated simply accepting his fate as a beta.
But now, all that seemed distant. He was about to become engaged to Pei Siyue.
Before he could even decide whether to marry, Pei Siyue had already announced their engagement.
Hearing this, he thought Pei Siyue was a bit calculating, but he didn’t resent it.
Perhaps subconsciously, he didn’t oppose the idea; he was just bewildered by the very concept of marriage.
**
That evening, when Pei Siyue returned home, he found Ruan Shuyang doing homework in the study. He didn’t disturb him, merely cutting some fruit and pouring a cup of warm water before bringing it to the study.
As he was about to leave, Ruan Shuyang grabbed his hand.
Ruan Shuyang was gradually grasping the true significance and market value of the barrier material. Looking up at Pei Siyue earnestly, he asked, ” Brother, you seem to have put so much effort into developing the barrier material. Won’t you lose money selling it at Yu’s Jewelry?”
“No,” Pei Siyue replied decisively. “The R&D costs for the barrier material aren’t that high, and don’t forget I also hold shares in Yu’s Jewelry.”
Oh, right.
Reminded of this fact, Ruan Shuyang recalled that Pei Siyue held a 30% stake.
“Don’t overthink it.” Pei Siyue ruffled Ruan Shuyang’s hair, leaning in close. “Just focus on your homework. If you dare to recruit me—”
His words trailed off abruptly as his brow furrowed, his expression darkening. His eyes narrowed intensely.
“Why do you smell like alpha pheromones? Coconut?”
Ruan Shuyang quickly sniffed himself. He couldn’t detect any coconut scent.
Besides, his meeting with Yu Ling had been at noon. How could he still carry coconut pheromones after an entire afternoon and evening?
“No way.” Ruan Shuyang genuinely couldn’t smell it. “Bro, are you sure you didn’t misjudge?”
“No.” Pei Siyue denied it without hesitation. “It’s faint, but I can definitely detect coconut-scented alpha pheromones.”
He could even sense that Ruan Shuyang had been exposed to a lot of coconut-scented alpha pheromones—otherwise, there wouldn’t be this much lingering.
Ruan Shuyang: “…”
That’s too impressive.
He couldn’t help but think that with Pei Siyue’s nose being this sensitive, if he secretly met another enigma or alpha after marrying him, he’d never be able to hide it.
His nose was just too sharp.
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