Luo Cheng and Wang Zitong were an ordinary Beta-Beta pairing. The fact that they had a 3S Omega like Luo Ran was practically a miracle.
After all, when two outstanding Alpha and Omega individuals had a child, producing even one with an S-rank aptitude was already considered excellent. This was why the Empire was so determined to encourage unions between people with high levels of mental power: it hoped to produce more exceptional offspring.
However, Luo Ran hadn’t presented as an Omega until he was in his teens. As soon as the test results came out, he had altered the report to conceal his identity.
As a result, even his parents didn’t know that Luo Ran was an Omega.
“Dad, Mom.” Luo Ran smiled. “I’m home.”
“You’ve lost weight. You’ve lost even more weight!” Wang Zitong said regretfully. “Every time I see you, you’re thinner than before. Your job really is too exhausting.”
The family went inside. Luo Ran’s younger brother and sister, who had been upstairs doing their homework, came down one after the other and eagerly threw themselves into his arms, rubbing against him affectionately.
Afterward, during the meal, Wang Zitong kept asking Luo Ran about his work and daily life.
“That sounds far too exhausting.” Wang Zitong looked at him with concern. “You have such an enormous workload. And I’ve heard that the general doesn’t have the best temper, either… You’re by his side every single day. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine.” Luo Ran didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “The general’s temper isn’t the best, but he doesn’t take it out on me.”
The refined, bespectacled middle-aged man adjusted his glasses and frowned.
“Are you sure? If you’ve been mistreated, you have to tell us. Don’t keep it to yourself.”
“I’m sure. How could it be otherwise?” Luo Ran reassured them. “Just look at how many things he’s sent to our family. He’s not as frightening as the rumors make him out to be.”
“We understand that, of course. But receiving such enormous favors from someone for no apparent reason makes us uneasy.” Wang Zitong sighed. “What worries us is that your job is so difficult and your superior is so demanding that he’s giving you such generous benefits because he’s afraid you’ll quit. We’re simply terrified that you’re being exploited or bullied.”
“Really, I’m fine. The general is genuinely a good person, and he treats me very well.”
Luo Ran was utterly helpless. Every time he came home, his parents repeated the same concerns, afraid that he might be suffering in silence.
Wang Zitong had previously worked as a clerical officer, while Luo Cheng had been a teacher. Neither of them had ever demanded much in the way of material comforts. As long as Luo Ran was happy and healthy, that was all they wanted.
“In any case, if you’re being mistreated, you can always resign. Your father and I have saved quite a bit over the past few years, and your father’s health has improved successfully, too. We’re not in the same position we used to be. Don’t force yourself to endure anything unpleasant.”
Wang Zitong placed a large chicken drumstick in Luo Ran’s bowl and smiled.
“Just look at you. You’ve been so busy that you’ve lost several rounds of weight. You hardly come home, and you haven’t even found a partner. Every day, all you do is revolve around the general.”
Luo Ran obediently nodded. “I’ll take good care of myself.”
The two children couldn’t understand what the adults were discussing. They simply tugged at Luo Ran and acted spoiled.
“Big Brother, take us out to play!”
“Exactly! Dad makes us do homework every day. I want to go out and have fun!”
Wang Zitong and Luo Cheng were particularly strict about their children’s education and conduct. Luo Ran had experienced that firsthand when he was young.
Luo Ran nodded with a smile. Luo Cheng frowned, looking as though he wanted to say something, but Luo Ran quickly added, “I also want to buy Mom and Dad some clothes, and get Dad a new pair of shoes.”
The shoes Luo Cheng wore to work and teach his classes were worn out, yet he still couldn’t bring himself to replace them with a nicer pair.
Under Luo Ran’s persuasion, the two older adults finally agreed to go to the shopping mall.
Luo Ran bought clothes and shoes for everyone. He also insisted on getting Luo Cheng a brand-new suit.
“There’s no need to spend so much. The shoes are enough,” Luo Cheng said with a frown. “These clothes are still perfectly wearable.”
“Dad, you have to face so many students every day. Wouldn’t it be better to look a little more presentable?” Luo Ran said with a smile. “Dressing neatly and appropriately is also a reflection of one’s personal character and self-discipline. You’re the one who taught me that.”
Luo Cheng couldn’t win an argument with Luo Ran, so he was dragged off to have his measurements taken.
While waiting, Luo Ran looked around.
This was the largest clothing store in the capital’s shopping mall, offering a wide variety of styles and prices. They were currently in the men’s department, surrounded by suits, ties, and belts.
Luo Ran couldn’t help being drawn to one particular tie.
The reddish-brown tie looked bold without being excessive. Its rich, striking color had been balanced perfectly, and the lines and patterns were beautifully designed.
…It would suit Lucas so well.
Unable to resist, Luo Ran stepped forward to touch it and take a closer look.
The black version beside the red one would also look great with Lucas’s military uniform…
Luo Ran checked the price, picked up the tie, and examined it carefully. He even held it up against the empty air, imagining Lucas’s height as he gauged how it would look on him.
The more he looked at it, the more satisfied he became.
Wang Zitong noticed what Luo Ran was doing and paused slightly.
This child…
When she saw Luo Ran reluctantly return the tie to its place, his gaze still lingering on it, she stepped forward with a smile.
“If you like it, Ranran, just buy it. Everyone’s buying something for themselves today.”
“Ah…”
Luo Ran hesitated for a moment but eventually picked it up again.
After Luo Cheng finished having his measurements taken, he began choosing fabric. Once Luo Ran had offered his suggestions, his attention was drawn to the buttons displayed nearby.
The buttons came in bags of various styles, including gold-colored metal studs specially designed for military uniforms.
Luo Ran thought about it. Since he was already buying ties, he might as well get everything in one go.
He quickly selected two packets of metal studs and one packet of ordinary buttons so he would have replacements on hand.
After all, he rarely had time to go out and pick out nice things for himself during his usual work schedule.
Before leaving, Luo Ran also bought a pair of gloves made from exceptionally fine-quality fabric.
Luo Cheng noticed the shopping bags Luo Ran was carrying and glanced at Wang Zitong.
Wang Zitong shook her head helplessly.
After everyone had finished shopping and bought themselves some new clothes and shoes, they went to a restaurant for dinner.
Luo Ran had reserved a table and a private room well in advance.
They were halfway through the meal when Luo Ran’s terminal rang.
It was Lucas.
Luo Ran was a little surprised. Was there some urgent matter?
For convenience at work, Luo Ran usually took his calls on speakerphone. He instinctively started to get up to answer, but Wang Zitong, who was sitting beside him, saw the caller ID marked “General” and immediately held his hand down, signaling that he didn’t need to excuse himself.