Chapter 65
Gu Yang’s face flashed with embarrassment, unsure of how to explain his own unusual reaction just now.
Lin Lan couldn’t help but notice this new expression on his face; she’d always known Gu Yang as more mature than his peers and couldn’t recall ever seeing him so at a loss.
“Yangyang, I don’t know what you’re worried about,” Lin Lan began with a gentle but earnest tone. “But I want you to know that I’m not asking you this because I’m against you dating while you’re still in high school. In fact, to be honest, I’d be thrilled if you two ended up together. You see, my Ranran is a little different. Most hidden Omegas have to live alone because they can’t find an Alpha they can fully bond with. Ranran’s temperament might make him seem unconcerned, but Yangyang, I worry for him. I don’t want him to spend his life alone. I want him to have the chance to fall in love, get married, and have someone who’ll be by his side. Otherwise…”
Lin Lan smiled wryly, “Thinking long-term, I worry about him being left alone if I’m no longer around one day. If something happens, who would he even have to talk things over with? This thought has kept me awake so many nights. So when I heard that you can sense his pheromones and mark him, I was honestly overjoyed. And when I met you in person, I saw the good heart you have, and I couldn’t help but hope for you two. I tried to feel Ranran out about it, but he just said you’re friends. So I didn’t press it—if you two aren’t interested in each other that way, I’d hate to make things uncomfortable. But, Yangyang, just now, I could tell. You care about him, don’t you? You were upset seeing that guy talk to him—it’s the Alpha possessiveness for someone they care about, isn’t it?”
Lin Lan’s words left Gu Yang both thrilled and perplexed.
Lin Lan had actually been hoping he and Lin Xiaoran would end up together, but did she truly understand the potential complications?
“Lin Auntie,” he began cautiously, wondering if, like him, Lin Lan thought as long as they had no blood relation, they could be together. But he feared that if she learned the full reality, she might prioritize Lin Xiaoran’s well-being and sacrifice their relationship. That was the outcome Lin Xiaoran most dreaded. So Gu Yang carefully weighed his words. “I… I didn’t know you hoped for that. But you and my dad plan to get married someday; that means Xiaoran and I would be family. I wouldn’t—”
“What family?” Lin Lan interrupted him sharply. “I’m the one marrying your dad, not Ranran. Why would you two become family?”
“But…”
Gu Yang’s question trailed off as Lin Lan laughed, “So, Yangyang, that’s what’s holding you back from admitting you like Ranran?”
“I…” He still couldn’t quite tell if Lin Lan fully understood, so his heart was still racing.
“Oh, come on,” she chided gently. “Why so hesitant? I’ve made it clear: you and Ranran can be together; you can like him. When I marry your dad, I’ll be part of your family, but Ranran and I are on different household registries. Even after I marry your dad, legally, Ranran would still be separate. No blood relation, no legal sibling connection… what’s stopping you two?”
What?
Gu Yang froze, staring at Lin Lan, unable to believe his ears. After a long pause, he finally came to his senses, voice trembling with excitement. “Aunt Lin, you… are you serious? I… Ranran and I… really can be together?”
Lin Lan had never seen Gu Yang so moved, his voice almost quivering. His usually composed face was now full of unrestrained joy, the faintest blush warming his cheeks. It was as though every attempt to mask his feelings had vanished in an instant. He looked at her, elated yet almost in disbelief that his hopes could become a reality so suddenly.
Seeing him like this, Lin Lan needed no further confirmation.
She chuckled and winked at him. “So, Yangyang, you’re admitting you have feelings for Ranran?”
With everything laid bare, there was no point in hiding. Gu Yang nodded, his expression resolute. “Yes. I like him.”
“How much do you like him?” Lin Lan pressed.
Gu Yang shook his head. “I… don’t know how much.”
He was usually sharp, but now, caught in his feelings, he struggled to put it into words.
Lin Lan found this utterly endearing. Only someone truly in love would be so tongue-tied.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I knew it! With a face as beautiful as Ranran’s, how could anyone not fall for him? And yet you wouldn’t admit it.”
Gu Yang was momentarily stunned. He’d always known that Lin Lan adored Lin Xiaoran and was deeply proud of her son, but he hadn’t realized just how much she worried about him. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
Lin Lan immediately asked, “What are you laughing at? Are you implying my Ranran isn’t beautiful?”
Gu Yang quickly shook his head. “No, he is. Beautiful.”
Lin Lan’s expression darkened as she scrutinized him. “So, are you saying you only like him because he’s beautiful?”
Uh…
Gu Yang had no idea why Lin Lan’s mood had shifted so abruptly, and the atmosphere suddenly felt tense.
Instinctively, he shook his head. “No.”
“Then why do you like him?” she pressed, staring at him as if she wouldn’t stop until she got an answer.
Gu Yang thought about it earnestly but couldn’t come up with a logical explanation. “I… I don’t know why. I just… like him.”
Lin Lan seemed satisfied with this answer, nodding with a smile. “Well, if you like him, go after him. But I’ve asked Ranran before, and he told me you’re just friends. My son is clueless when it comes to matters of the heart, so you may need some time.”
Gu Yang understood Lin Xiaoran’s obliviousness in romance all too well. But now, that worry was gone.
He looked at Lin Lan, not holding back anymore. “That’s okay. Ranran feels the same way about me as I do about him.”
“Oh?” Lin Lan was surprised, furrowing her delicate brows as she recalled Lin Xiaoran’s recent behavior. It clicked. “So you two like each other but are holding back because I’m marrying your dad, thinking you’ll be family?”
Gu Yang nodded. “Yes. My dad told me that once you two marry, Ranran and I would be legally considered brothers, so we can’t be together. Ranran was afraid that if you found out, you’d give up on your own happiness to make things easier for us. So, we broke up.”
Lin Lan couldn’t quite tell if she was more furious or heartbroken; she blinked quickly to stave off tears, then sighed, looking at Gu Yang with sympathy. “You two are complete fools! So Ranran’s been silently suffering, and you ran off alone right during the holiday?”
Gu Yang nodded silently.
“Silly! I’m definitely going to have words with your dad about this! What nonsense!” Lin Lan grew even angrier as she thought about what the two had been going through.
Seeing her reaction made everything feel all the more real for Gu Yang.
He wasn’t dreaming. He really could be with Lin Xiaoran.
He stood up, bowing deeply toward Lin Lan. “Aunt Lin, thank you. Really, thank you so much.”
Lin Lan looked at him, his sincere gratitude stirring an inexplicable feeling in her heart. She’d told herself she wanted Gu Yang and Lin Xiaoran together, yet something made her feel unexpectedly emotional at this moment.
She reached out, holding Gu Yang’s hand gently. “Yangyang, I’m the one who’s grateful that there’s someone like you in Ranran’s life. But promise me this: be good to him, okay? If I ever hear you aren’t, I won’t hold back!”
Gu Yang’s mind flashed to the story Lin Xiaoran had told him about his mother, a stormy night, climbing a six-story window to rescue her son. He had no doubt: if anyone ever hurt Lin Xiaoran, Lin Lan would indeed fight to the bitter end.
He smiled lightly, nodding. “Aunt Lin, don’t worry. I’ll cherish him, just like you do.”
Lin Lan stared at him, taken aback for a second, before she smiled contentedly and patted his hand. “Good. Hearing that, I can be at peace. Go on, go tell Ranran, let him know he doesn’t have to be sad anymore.”
“Alright, I’ll go up now. Goodnight, Aunt Lin.” With that, Gu Yang quickly turned and made his way upstairs.
Watching his brisk pace, Lin Lan sighed softly, then quickly shook her head, laughing to herself for being so sentimental.
After all, her son was still her son, even if he was in love. She should be happy for him!
But, just as she felt that happiness, she thought of Gu Xiuyuan. She grabbed her phone, ready to give him a piece of her mind.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Lin Xiaoran had just stepped out of the shower. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he toweled his damp hair, his clear eyes lingering on the scarf he’d left draped over the back of a chair, lost in thought.
Thinking about Gu Yang’s words earlier in the day—how they should try to move on and not let the breakup weigh them down—Lin Xiaoran’s thick lashes trembled. He tossed aside the towel, lay down on his bed, and stared up at the white ceiling, sleep beginning to overtake him.
This had become routine. It was like his mind was refusing to think, and when he had a moment of quiet, he’d fall asleep.
So, just sleep.
What good would thinking do, anyway?
He reached for the light.
Bang, bang, bang!
The door was suddenly pounded on with an intensity that startled him wide awake. He stared at the door, confused—who on earth could it be?
Then, he heard Gu Yang’s voice. “Lin Xiaoran, open the door!”
Lin Xiaoran’s lashes quivered, and his pupils widened slightly.
He really hadn’t expected it to be Gu Yang.
And why was Gu Yang acting so out of character?
Lin Xiaoran threw back the covers, got out of bed, and gently turned the doorknob. But the moment he cracked open the door, Gu Yang’s hand shot in, gripping his wrist. The door swung open, and Lin Xiaoran suddenly found himself spun around and pressed against it.
“Gu Yang, you… mmph…”
He barely saw Gu Yang’s face before his lips were covered in a fierce, hungry kiss. Gu Yang’s tongue traced over his lips, urgently searching for a way in.
Stunned by the sudden move, Lin Xiaoran reacted quickly, struggling against him.
Had Gu Yang lost his mind? They’d already… hm?
The resistance lasted only a second before Gu Yang’s snowy cedar scent filled the space, and the Alpha’s pheromones surrounded the Omega in a powerful wave.
Lin Xiaoran still bore his mark, and his body instinctively yearned to submit to him.
His struggles ceased, his hands gripping Gu Yang’s waist, and his lips, soft and willing, parted to accept the fervent Alpha.
“Mm…”
The sound that slipped from Lin Xiaoran’s throat snapped him back to reality, his reason slowly resurfacing as he remembered that he and Gu Yang had broken up. Embarrassed, he began pushing him away.
This time, Gu Yang, though clearly reluctant, pulled back.
Blushing fiercely, Lin Xiaoran shot him a glare. “Gu Yang, you’re out of—”
Before he could finish, Gu Yang placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. His voice was a bit hoarse as he said, “Lin Xiaoran, your mother’s left you in my care.”
Lin Xiaoran: “…”
His wide, misty eyes blinked in disbelief. “What… what do you mean?”
Seeing his reaction, Gu Yang’s heart ached, and he gently brushed his fingers over Lin Xiaoran’s brow and eyes. “Ranran, we can be together. We don’t have to break up. We can stay together, and we won’t ever have to part again.”
Silence.
Lin Xiaoran looked up at Gu Yang, his freshly kissed lips opening and closing, yet no sound emerged. He was clearly struggling to believe it.
Holding his hands tightly, Gu Yang recounted everything Lin Lan had said downstairs. “Aunt Lin told me herself, and she wanted me to hurry up here and tell you not to be sad anymore. Ranran, it’s real.”
It’s real.
Even if Lin Lan and Gu Xiuyuan got married, he and Gu Yang wouldn’t be brothers. They didn’t have to break up.
Lin Xiaoran stayed stunned for a moment before suddenly lowering his head to bury his face in Gu Yang’s chest, gripping his shirt tightly.
“Ranran,” Gu Yang said, surprised, gently holding his shoulders to try and see his face. But Lin Xiaoran shook his head hard, keeping his face hidden, unwilling to let Gu Yang see him.
Gu Yang’s amber eyes softened as he suddenly understood what Lin Xiaoran was trying to hide, his heart aching even more. He wrapped his arms tightly around him.
Since Lin Xiaoran’s resolute decision to break up, he had left so completely that, even though Gu Yang could understand why, he’d still felt a bit lost. It had seemed as if Lin Xiaoran’s breakup had been so easy, like he didn’t really matter all that much to him.
But now, he knew. No matter how lighthearted Lin Xiaoran had made that breakup sound, his heart had hurt just as much.
He had misunderstood.
After a long while, Lin Xiaoran’s emotions finally settled down, though he still kept his face buried in Gu Yang’s chest, unmoving.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, he wasn’t sure how to handle the situation. In fact, he couldn’t understand why he was even more unguarded now than when he’d broken up with Gu Yang. It felt like the emotions he’d kept buried had suddenly overflowed now that he could finally relax.
Gu Yang gently ruffled his hair, his voice soft. “Feeling better?”
Knowing there was no escaping this, Lin Xiaoran figured it was best to face it head-on. He released Gu Yang’s shirt, quickly turned around, and tried to change the subject as casually as possible. “How did my mom even find out?”
Gu Yang didn’t respond right away; he was too focused on the wet spot on his shirt.
Not hearing a response, Lin Xiaoran glanced back, just as Gu Yang looked up, and their eyes met. Lin Xiaoran’s slightly reddened eyes were impossible to hide.
Gu Yang’s heart tightened. He stepped forward, stopping Lin Xiaoran before he could turn away and gently lifted his chin. Leaning down, he placed a tender kiss on his reddened eyelids, his voice soft and full of affection. “You silly thing.”
Lin Xiaoran thought he was being silly too. Everything was fine now; he should be happy.
Maybe it was that thought that brought him back to himself, filling him with a quiet joy he could no longer contain. He took the initiative, wrapping his arms around Gu Yang’s neck and kissing him.
It was exactly what Gu Yang had wanted.
He held Lin Xiaoran, turned, and gently guided him down onto the bed, savoring his soft lips repeatedly, as though making up for the days they’d been apart.
Though it wasn’t a particularly intense kiss, the repeated gestures made it all the more tender and lingering.
Gu Yang’s pheromones, which he’d been holding back, began to release slowly, wrapping around Lin Xiaoran’s glands in a way that was both comforting and enticing.
Lin Xiaoran’s body softened, his breathing turning ragged.
Satisfied that he’d drawn out Lin Xiaoran’s response, Gu Yang finally pulled back, controlling his own impulses, and laughed as he asked, “Did you check the results of the last monthly exam?”
Lin Xiaoran, feeling dazed from the pheromones, blinked in confusion, only then realizing what Gu Yang was referring to. Embarrassed, he averted his gaze, mumbling in annoyance, “I had a fever, so it doesn’t count as a fair win.”
Yet the tips of his ears betrayed him, turning a deep red—Gu Yang had scored one point higher than him!
Gu Yang chuckled. “You could’ve asked for a retest. But you didn’t. So now… Ranran, are you saying you don’t want to accept your loss?”
“Who said I don’t accept it?” Lin Xiaoran retorted instinctively, though as he met Gu Yang’s eyes, he still felt a bit embarrassed. His lips, tinged pink, pressed together as he whispered barely audibly, “Are we doing this here?”
