He’d always been honest with Pei Siyue, admitting straightforwardly: “It was Yu Ling’s pheromones.”
“He came with Senior Wen Yusheng today to pick up the necklace. Senior wanted to test its effect, so Yu Ling released his pheromones in the room. I was there observing the results too, and some got on me.”
He paused, puzzled. “This happened at noon. It’s been an entire afternoon and half the night now. I can’t smell it anymore. How come you can still smell it?”
He hadn’t thought to mention it to Pei Siyue since he couldn’t detect it himself, but hadn’t expected the other to pick it up the moment he drew near.
“Enigma is highly sensitive to pheromones,” Pei Siyue replied after hearing Ruan Shuyang’s explanation, his cold expression finally softening slightly. “Even a faint coconut-scented pheromone can be detected.”
That was precisely why he disliked crowded banquet halls—the cacophony of scents always left him irritable.
“Oh.”
Pei Siyue promptly instructed, “Stay farther away during future tests.”
Ruan Shuyang muttered, “I was already far away.”
He’d stood in the far corner of the room, as distant as possible, and even after so many hours had passed, who would have thought this would still be the result?
Pei Siyue clearly heard Ruan Shuyang’s quiet muttering. He lowered his body even further, almost completely enveloping the small omega. His deep, dark eyes fixed on Ruan Shuyang’s almond-shaped eyes. “Talking back?”
Seeing Pei Siyue’s handsome face mere inches away, Ruan Shuyang’s heartbeat quickened. His delicate Adam’s apple bobbed as he lowered his eyelids, unable to meet the other’s dark gaze. His voice was soft and sweet: “No, Brother.”
The slightly cool water instantly enveloped Ruan Shuyang’s body. Pei Siyue peeled off his gland patch, then removed his own.
Pheromones surged from Ruan Shuyang’s gland into his system. He let out a soft moan and collapsed limply into Pei Siyue’s embrace.
The coconut-scented pheromones were completely expelled from his system. Now immersed in Pei Siyue’s scent without the protective gland patch, the heat overwhelmed him. Unable to resist, he murmured, “Brother.”
Pei Siyue gently stroked his flushed cheeks. His smooth, delicate face bore a seductive blush as he asked in a hoarse voice, “Still obedient?”
Ruan Shuyang was caught between desire and frustration, unable to escape the pangs of longing.
These past days, Pei Siyue had spoiled him rotten, whetting his appetite. Having experienced such bliss multiple times, he couldn’t bear this teasing sensation anymore. He whimpered, “I’m obedient, Brother. I’m obedient.”
Only then was Pei Siyue satisfied. His pheromones surged into Ruan Shuyang’s body like a sudden storm, as if marking his own prey.
Ruan Shuyang gasped violently, his eyes unfocused and vacant. It took him a long moment to regain his senses.
Pei Siyue fetched a warm towel to wipe him down. Ruan Shuyang flinched sensitively when his ankle was touched.
The lingering traces of that extreme pleasure seemed embedded in his very bones. Every inch of his body was hypersensitive now; the slightest touch felt like an electric shock.
Pei Siyue kissed his forehead, offering silent reassurance.
Perhaps it was the overwhelming comfort mixed with shame, but Ruan Shuyang sniffled softly.
It had happened many times before—Pei Siyue didn’t need to do anything. His pheromones alone could send Ruan Shuyang into a blissful daze.
After finishing the wipe, Pei Siyue noticed Ruan Shuyang still sniffling. He pulled him close and asked, “Softie, what’s wrong?”
Buried in Pei Siyue’s chest, Ruan Shuyang replied in a thick nasal voice, “It’s kind of embarrassing.”
Pei Siyue patted his back soothingly. “It’s okay.”
After moments like this, Ruan Shuyang always felt reluctant to face reality. Curled up on the sofa, he mumbled, ” You didn’t do anything. Just your pheromones made me… made me…”
He felt utterly defeated.
Pei Siyue’s voice was deep and cool as he explained from a biological perspective: “The desire for dominance is hardwired into our genetic chains. Enigma pheromones rank higher than omega pheromones. Your body craves higher-level pheromones—it’s instinct.”
Listening to Pei Siyue’s explanation, Ruan Shuyang gradually calmed down.
He’d learned a lot from Pei Siyue these past days—that people must learn to face their instincts and accept them. He was already quite accepting now.
He had resolved to accept the humiliating truth that he couldn’t hold back. Then Pei Siyue asked, “Did you enjoy it?”
Ruan Shuyang: !
He couldn’t help but glare at Pei Siyue.
Why ask him that again? So annoying.
Pei Siyue lowered his gaze to study him, his tone gentle and his posture elegant as he said, “If it feels good, I’ll make sure you feel it many times over. It’s my duty as your enigma partner.”
Ruan Shuyang’s face flushed even deeper, the color spreading to his ears like the rosy cheeks of a sweet, juicy apple.
Truthfully, it felt incredibly good.
Even though he felt utterly humiliated, his body couldn’t resist that sensation.
The pleasure left him dazed for a long time, his body drifting like a leaf on water, unable to snap back to reality.
He curled completely into Pei Siyue’s embrace. Only when he was lifted and carried back to the room did he whisper softly, “It felt good.”
So comfortable.
Pei Siyue bent down to kiss his forehead, carried him back to the room, and laid him on the bed. His hand gently traced the necklace resting on Ruan Shuyang’s collarbone.
The necklace was like the most exquisite collar and shackle, binding Ruan Shuyang to Pei Siyue.
He murmured like a solemn promise, “I’ll make you feel even better.”
Make you fall in love with this feeling, never able to leave.
**
The next afternoon, just past four o’clock, Ruan Shuyang was picked up by Ji Huai after his last class to get styled.
The stylist praised his flawless skin, requiring only a light foundation layer. After highlighting his eyes, the look was complete.
It wasn’t the dramatic makeup Ruan Shuyang had imagined.
When finished, he stood to examine his reflection.
He appeared in a white suit made of light fabric, perfectly tailored. The reflection wore subtle makeup, his skin more luminous and translucent than before. His cherry-pink lips were delicate and moist, his lashes curled and his eyes like autumn water—like a beautiful little prince stepping out of a fairy tale.
The dressing room had emptied without anyone noticing. Just as Ruan Shuyang felt an unusual stillness, Pei Siyue entered and embraced him from behind.
He stared in surprise at Pei Siyue’s sudden appearance in the mirror, then reached up to clasp the hands wrapped around his waist. “Brother,” he murmured softly.
Their reflections appeared clearly in the mirror. Ruan Shuyang could see Pei Siyue holding him from behind. The difference in their height and build was stark—he only reached Pei Siyue’s chest, like a doll cradled in his arms.
His cheeks flushed as he tugged at Pei Siyue’s fingers and asked, “Why did you come, Brother?”
“To accompany you.”
Pei Siyue released Ruan Shuyang’s waist, took one of his hands, and said, “Let’s go. We should head over.”
The driver took them to the hotel hosting the banquet. Today marked the tenth anniversary celebration of the Chi family’s environmental company, with many guests invited.
Pei Siyue had naturally received an invitation. He hadn’t planned to attend, intending only to send a congratulatory gift. But after reviewing the upcoming banquets, this one seemed most fitting—and he decided to bring Ruan Shuyang along.
Yes, he couldn’t wait to announce to the world that Ruan Shuyang was his fiancée, not Pei Siming’s.
Call it possessiveness or showboating, but he refused to let Ruan Shuyang continue bearing the title of “Pei Siming’s fiancée.”
Riding the elevator with Pei Siyue to the banquet floor, Ruan Shuyang attended such a formal event for the first time—or rather, attended one so openly with someone else. Seeing the red carpet outside the elevator, he gripped Pei Siyue’s hand tightly with nervousness.
Pei Siyue clasped his hand in return, his voice steady.
“Don’t be nervous. It’s just a regular dinner. If you don’t like it, we don’t have to come next time.”
Ruan Shuyang took a deep breath, his slender, pale fingers clasping Pei Siyue’s larger hand. His voice trembled slightly but remained resolute.
“It’s okay, Brother. I can’t hide in the background forever.”
“Besides, accompanying you to banquets is my responsibility.”
He understood that as his fiancé, he bore the responsibility of attending social engagements. He didn’t wish to shirk it; he was simply nervous due to his inexperience.
Pei Siyue said nothing, merely holding his hand as they walked down the red carpet into the banquet hall.
As they entered, Ruan Shuyang felt the entire banquet hall fall silent for a moment.
The banquet hall was exquisitely decorated, with tall crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting a brilliant glow. Dozens of tables were laden with food and drinks.
The cold plates featured fresh seafood flown in that very day. The main course was slow-cooked beef tenderloin, its rich aroma filling the air when sliced open. It was served with black truffle mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables, creating a wonderfully layered texture.
Dessert featured a pyramid-shaped cake, its layers exuding an intoxicating aroma, topped with rich, luscious cream. Red wine, soft drinks, and freshly squeezed juices were placed nearby.
They entered hand in hand, and Pei Siyue seemed born to be the center of attention.
Ruan Shuyang could sense how instantly he commanded attention upon entering.
By his side, Engima wore a matching silver-gray suit. Tall and lean, his features were deep and perfect, his demeanor noble yet aloof. He possessed an innate aura of authority that commanded involuntary respect.
Pei Siyue rarely attended public banquets, so few had seen him before. His entrance prompted many to ask those around them about his identity. Those who recognized him were astonished that the eldest son of the Pei family—who had always disliked such gatherings—would appear here, accompanied by an obviously petite omega. Holding that omega’s hand, the two appeared intimately connected.
Ruan Shuyang rarely appeared in public before, so few people knew him. Yet with some effort, one could still uncover his background and learn of his former engagement to Pei Siming.
After entering, they had barely taken a few steps when Ruan Shuyang seemed to catch whispers of murmurs. His pace slowed involuntarily.
Pei Siyue glanced at him for a moment before halting. Lowering his gaze to Ruan Shuyang, he suddenly took his hand, slowly bending down inch by inch to press a gentle kiss upon the back of his hand.
It was a social hand-kissing gesture, yet Pei Siyue’s posture was profoundly humble—like submission, yet also like protection.
Watching the towering enigma bend down before him, lowering himself to a height far below his own, Ruan Shuyang felt a shock and emotion too profound for words.
It was as if he had made a lofty presence slowly bow its head before him.
He whispered softly, “Brother.”
After the kiss, Pei Siyue straightened and murmured, “Don’t be afraid.”
Ruan Shuyang nodded slowly. “Okay.”
He truly wasn’t afraid anymore.
Just as Pei Siyue had said, they couldn’t hide their engagement forever. Others would find out sooner or later.
Their relationship held nothing to hide; they could stand tall before everyone.
If others spoke out of turn, that was their mistake, not his or Pei Siyue’s.
He would stand tall, confident and open before everyone. Whatever others said didn’t matter—he trusted Pei Siyue would face it with him.
Pei Siyue led him to the drinks table and asked, “What would you like?”
He added after a pause, “No alcohol.”
Before Ruan Shuyang could answer, a voice beside them chimed in, “I bet you’re raising a kid.”
He turned to see Chi Ye standing right behind them.
“You’re an adult and still can’t have a drink? Treating people like children.”
Pei Siyue couldn’t be bothered to explain to Chi Ye. He gave a faint nod with an indifferent expression, then handed Ruan Shuyang a glass of juice.
Chi Ye wasn’t surprised by Pei Siyue’s unmoved demeanor. He simply said to him, “Let’s go. A few old guys have been waiting for you over there. They’re very interested in your latest drug developments.”
Pei Siyue didn’t want to go.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that the little omega was so fragile—if he took his eyes off him for even a moment, he’d get bullied.
But Ruan Shuyang spoke up: “Go ahead, Brother. Don’t worry about me. I can handle it alone.”
Pei Siyue was uneasy and wanted to take Ruan Shuyang along, but then he thought about what those old guys might say or ask, and realized it would only frighten Ruan Shuyang more.
Just then, Wen Yusheng called out from nearby, “Junior.”
Ruan Shuyang smiled and said, “Brother, I’m going to chat with my senior.”
Pei Siyue glanced at Wen Yusheng standing a few paces away, nodded, and told Ruan Shuyang, “Alright, call me if you need anything.”
Ruan Shuyang walked over to Wen Yusheng, who looked at him with an unusually suggestive smile.
“You know, you two were so romantic just now. When Pei Siyue leaned down to kiss you, it totally had that dominant-submissive vibe. Even idol dramas aren’t as romantic or well-matched as you two. The male leads in those shows usually lack Pei Siyue’s presence, and the actors aren’t as perfectly in sync as you two are.”
Though they seemed vastly different in every way, their presence together felt unexpectedly harmonious. When they were together, they radiated an intimacy and understanding that outsiders couldn’t penetrate.
Ruan Shuyang’s face flushed, reasonably suspecting his senior had summoned him for gossip.
“Today, Pei Group’s corporate Weibo released a brief statement announcing that you and Pei Siming quietly dissolved your engagement over two months ago, witnessed by elders,” Wen Yusheng continued. “When gossip reporters questioned Pei Group’s PR department, they responded that the official statement was the only reliable source. Some reached out to the Ruan family. Word is Pan Lan said some unflattering things, but she was silenced. Not a word leaked out.”
Who silenced her? Well, that was obvious enough.
Speaking of which, Ruan Shuyang suddenly realized he hadn’t heard anything from the Ruan family in a very long time.
He must admit, the absence of news from the Ruan family felt strangely liberating. No more dwelling on troublesome matters, no more reliving the humiliation and misery of his time with them.
Nothing could compare to his life now.
As they spoke, Ruan Shuyang heard someone call his name from behind. It was Chi Ye and Gu Jin, whom he hadn’t seen in days.
Gu Jin walked over, smiling as he greeted him: “Wen Yusheng, little brother.”
Chi Ye followed beside him, giving Wen Yusheng a slight nod before fixing Ruan Shuyang with a complex gaze.
Ruan Shuyang glanced curiously between Wen Yusheng and Chi Ye.
Although the elders of the Chi family had once tried to arrange a match between them, he felt the two weren’t really suited for each other. In fact, there seemed to be a hint of mutual dislike between them—they barely acknowledged each other when they met.
Ruan Shuyang smiled and called out, “Senior Chi, Senior Gu.”
Chi Ye paused briefly before murmuring, “How have you been lately?”
What he truly wanted to ask was whether Pei Siyue treated him well, but he feared such a question might offend Ruan Shuyang.
Ruan Shuyang nodded without elaborating, his gaze drifting toward Pei Siyue on the other side of the banquet.
Pei Siyue stood at the center of the crowd, naturally commanding attention. His commanding presence, towering stature, impeccable proportions, and chiseled features ensured he was always the first to catch the eye.
Ruan Shuyang found himself staring for an unnoticed length of time until Wen Yusheng nudged her, snapping him out of it. She turned away, embarrassed, and asked, “Senior, what is it?”
The entire scene had been witnessed by Chi Ye, the bitterness in his heart deepening.
Was it because he was too late? Or was the gap between him and Pei Siyue truly that vast?
Just as Ruan Shuyang and Wen Yusheng were speaking quietly, an angry voice suddenly called out, “Ruan Shuyang!”
He looked up, startled to see Pan Lan standing not far ahead.
Nearly two months had passed since they last met, and Pan Lan looked far more haggard and disheveled than he remembered. Her dress clung tightly to her body, revealing every curve of her figure. Her carefully applied makeup couldn’t conceal the dark circles under her eyes. Now, she glared at Ruan Shuyang, her face contorted with rage, twisted into a frightening expression.
She pointed a finger at his face. “Ruan Shuyang, you—”
Before Ruan Shuyang could grasp what Pan Lan intended to say, someone stepped between them.
Yu Ling had come looking for Wen Yusheng. From afar, he spotted an unfamiliar middle-aged woman pointing rudely in their direction—though it was unclear exactly who she was targeting. Without hesitation, he rushed over, slapped her hand away, and snapped, ” “Madam, could you please show some decorum and manners in public? Pointing fingers at people is terribly ill-mannered.”
Pan Lan, who frequented beauty salons year-round, had long been accustomed to being fawned over there. She still believed that despite being in her fifties, she appeared young and beautiful. Now, being called “Madam” in public, her face twisted with anger.
“You…”
Before she could finish, Chi Ye stepped in front of her again.
Chi Ye frowned at Pan Lan and asked coldly, “Who let you in?”
He knew the Ruan family’s relationship with Ruan Shuyang and had deliberately excluded them from the invitation list. Chi Heng had also received instructions from Pei Siyue not to invite any other Ruan family members, meaning Pan Lan shouldn’t have received an invitation.
Yet here she was, which meant someone had used their invitation to bring her in.
Having seen the second young master of the Chi family a few times from afar, Pan Lan noticed him standing in front of Ruan Shuyang. The smile on her face turned mocking.
“Ruan Shuyang, you’re quite the catch. Not only did you snag Pei Siyue, but you’ve also got the second young master of the Chi family wrapped around your finger. You’re having your cake and eating it too—you—”
Before she could finish, Wen Yusheng smacked her across the face with her clutch bag.
As an Alpha, Wen Yusheng couldn’t act freely against Pan Lan. But as an Omega, she had no such reservations. Uninterested in giving this old woman any face, she slapped her and immediately demanded of Chi Ye, “Security? Did you call them?”
Chi Ye had summoned security the moment Pan Lan appeared. Hearing the question, he immediately replied, “Yes, they should be here soon.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than security entered through the banquet hall’s side door nearest them, positioning themselves behind Pan Lan. “Ma’am,” they stated, “this is a private social event. You are not welcome here.”
Such bluntness made Pan Lan’s face turn pale and then flushed. She tried to say something more, but the security guard covered her mouth and dragged her away.
Seeing her gone, Wen Yusheng walked back to Ruan Shuyang and asked, “Are you okay, junior? Don’t mind her. It’s just a farce.”
Ruan Shuyang blinked, fighting back the stinging sensation in his eyes to keep the tears from falling.
He never imagined that one day, when Pan Lan came looking for trouble, so many people would be there to protect him, telling him it was just “a farce,” ensuring he suffered not a single scratch.
This feeling of being surrounded by everyone, protected by so many people, was exceptionally blissful.
Everything from the past slowly drifted away from him.
Seeing Ruan Shuyang remain silent, his eyes slightly reddened, Wen Yusheng reached out to hug him comfortingly. “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”
“If she comes after you again, just yell at her or hit her back. Don’t be afraid—we’ll handle anything that happens.”
Ruan Shuyang gently hugged Wen Yusheng back, his voice carrying a faint nasal tone. “Thanks, senior.”
Wen Yusheng quickly released Ruan Shuyang. Suddenly, Ruan Shuyang sensed two distinct gazes. He looked up to see a male omega and a male alpha standing not far away, both staring straight at him.
His heart skipped a beat. He recognized the omega as the one who had stood beside Pei Siming at the club, listening to Pei Siming describe his background.
At that moment, Pei Siyue—who should have been handling the situation—had just extricated himself from a group of old men. Chi Heng received a message from the bodyguards and took the opportunity to relay the news to Pei Siyue.
“Ruan Shuyang’s stepmother snuck in using the Jin family’s invitation. She was just spotted near Ruan Shuyang.”
Pei Siyue’s expression instantly turned cold. He immediately wanted to go find Ruan Shuyang, but as soon as he took a step, Chi Heng added, “Don’t bother going. She’s already been chased away by a crowd. Showing up now would just make you look like a belated savior—it won’t do any good.”
Pei Siyue halted upon hearing this but did not turn around, merely asking, “What happened?”
“Oh, it was like this,” Chi Heng recounted: “I heard when she went over, my brother, the second Miss Wen, Yu Ling, and Gu Jin were all there. Seems like everyone yelled at him. Second Miss Wen even pushed him away. The whole group completely stunned Pan Lan, and then security took her away.”
Pei Siyue closed his eyes briefly after hearing this, then went to find Ruan Shuyang.
With so many people protecting her, the little omega must be overjoyed.
Sure enough, as he approached, he saw Ruan Shuyang’s smile.
Though his eyes were still red, his smile was exceptionally bright and sweet.
Pei Siyue stood silently behind them.
He desperately wished he alone could witness Ruan Shuyang’s happiness, that Ruan Shuyang belonged only to him.
But with more companions and affirmation, Ruan Shuyang would be even happier.
Yet seeing so many people gathered around Ruan Shuyang, he truly wanted to send them all away, lock the little omega away, and keep him for his eyes alone.
Belonging only to him, marked only by him, possessed only by him.
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