Chapter 67

A week passed quickly. On the seventh day, Lin Xiaoran, Gu Yang, and Lin Lan bid farewell to their grandmother and uncle before setting off on their journey home.

At the airport, Gu Yang separated from Lin Xiaoran and the others and took a taxi home directly.

Before the new year, he left without saying a word due to the breakup, and although his grandparents weren’t particularly concerned about him, they were traditional in their thinking. Knowing he would spend the new year alone outside, they naturally felt a pang of sympathy. They called him multiple times each day, which made Gu Yang feel guilty, so he rushed home as soon as he landed.

However, it was unfortunate that his grandparents had been invited by friends to watch a play.

Surprisingly, Gu Xiu Yuan was at home during the day.

As soon as Gu Yang walked in, he saw his father sitting on the sofa, reading a book.

In the past, Gu Yang would have ignored him and passed by without a word; the two hardly spoke.

But today, in a good mood, Gu Yang took the initiative to greet him, “Dad, I’m back.”

Gu Xiu Yuan seemed to have been waiting for him. He replied, put down his book, and gestured to the nearby sofa, “Sit.”

Gu Yang was slightly taken aback; he had planned to go upstairs but walked over and sat down, watching Gu Xiu Yuan expectantly.

Yet, Gu Xiu Yuan remained silent. He took off his glasses and began to clean them slowly, as if they were incredibly dirty, wiping them meticulously.

Annoyed by the awkward silence, Gu Yang waited until he put his glasses back on and finally spoke, “Lin Lan told me about you and Ran Ran. Ran Ran’s household registration is with his dad, so he won’t be coming to our family with Lin Lan, which means, theoretically, you two can be together.”

“Theoretically?”

Gu Yang immediately caught the key word, looking intently at Gu Xiu Yuan, “What do you mean?”

Gu Xiu Yuan furrowed his brow, seeming a bit agitated, “Gu Yang, things aren’t as simple as Lin Lan said. It’s true that you have no blood relation, and there’s no legal relationship, but what about how others see it? Ran Ran has always been with Lin Lan; who would think his household registration is with his dad and that he has nothing to do with our family? People will still regard him as my stepson, your brother. If you two are together, how will others view the Gu family?”

Gu Yang listened calmly, a hint of mockery surfacing in his amber eyes, “Are you afraid of losing face for the Gu family or are you more concerned about your own reputation?”

“What’s the difference?” Gu Xiu Yuan replied irritably.

Gu Yang scoffed, “In the end, it’s still about your face. It was like this three years ago, and it’s still the same now. I really want to know if there’s anything more important to you than your reputation.”

This was the first time Gu Yang had actively brought up the topic from three years ago, and it instantly sent Gu Xiu Yuan into a furious rage, yelling, “Three years ago, three years ago! You were obsessed with your mother; did you forget she betrayed me? She was the one who cheated first, she was the one who left our family to run away with another man. A woman who brings shame to her husband, a bad woman who betrayed her family…”

“Shut up!”

Gu Yang stood up abruptly, angrily cutting him off. His eyes, usually full of laughter, were now devoid of any humor. He looked at Gu Xiu Yuan, filled with anger and disappointment, “Yes, she betrayed you, but why did she betray you? Don’t you ever reflect on yourself? What truly angers you is not that she doesn’t love you or that she betrayed you; it’s that she embarrassed you! To hide the failure of your marriage, you, the man abandoned by his wife, forced her to leave the country in the middle of that horrible weather…”

At this point, Gu Yang suddenly paused, letting out a cold laugh, “Forget it; there’s no need to dwell on the past. You’ll never admit you were wrong. But this time, I won’t listen to your arrangements like my mother did. I’m telling you clearly: in this life, I want no one but Lin Xiaoran!”

Gu Xiu Yuan seemed stunned, taken aback by Gu Yang’s unexpected outburst.

For many years, although Gu Yang had never treated Gu Xiu Yuan kindly, he had rarely confronted him directly. There were times when Gu Xiu Yuan came home drunk and sought trouble, even smashing things in the house, but Gu Yang would simply listen passively.

So seeing the furious Gu Yang suddenly shocked Gu Xiu Yuan.

It took him a moment to react, his anger mingling with a past he was unwilling to acknowledge and the inner turmoil of his conflicting feelings, all boiling over, desperately seeking an outlet.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash!

He flipped the coffee table over in anger, glaring at Gu Yang with wild eyes, and shouted hysterically, “Get out! Get out! If you want to be with him, then consider yourself no longer my son. From now on, don’t set foot in this house. The Gu family’s assets are not for a white-eyed wolf like you; even if I have to give them to beggars, I won’t give a single cent to you. Just get out now, and whoever you want to be with has nothing to do with the Gu family!”

It was the same old story.

Perhaps having been in a position of authority for too long, Gu Xiu Yuan had grown accustomed to issuing orders. Whenever someone disagreed with him, he would fly into a rage.

In stark contrast to Gu Xiu Yuan’s furious reaction, Gu Yang remained calm. He picked up his bag again, said nothing, and strode out of the house.

The household staff had gathered, having heard their argument, but no one dared to speak.

Seeing Gu Yang about to leave home again, Aunt Wu hurriedly called out, “Yang Yang, Yang Yang…”

Already outside, Gu Yang paused, turned back, and smiled faintly at her. “I’m going to Ran Ran’s house. Don’t worry. When Grandpa and Grandma come back, help me tell them not to worry either.”

Aunt Wu had a lot of comforting words to say, like how his dad was just angry, and everything would be fine soon. It was common for fathers and sons to have their ups and downs; he shouldn’t be upset, and so on.

But Gu Yang appeared so calm that he didn’t seem angry at all.

This left her at a loss for words.

She had hurried outside because she was afraid he would leave like last time. When Gu Yang had run away previously, Aunt Wu thought he had gone to a friend’s house, only to find out later that he had taken a job at an internet café. Watching him grow up from a pampered young master to someone working at a gaming café made her feel uneasy.

She was worried he might do the same thing again.

When she heard Gu Yang say he was going to Lin Xiaoran’s house, she felt a bit relieved.

Sighing, she swallowed her words of comfort and nodded, “Going to Ran Ran’s house is fine. Wait until your dad comes to his senses; you two can have a good talk then.”

Gu Yang nodded, waved goodbye to Aunt Wu, and walked down the tree-lined path.

He stopped a taxi at the intersection, got in, gave the address, and leaned back in the seat, staring blankly out the window.

He hadn’t expected to face such a situation as soon as he returned.

How could he have anticipated that the biggest obstacle to his relationship with Lin Xiaoran would be Gu Xiu Yuan’s so-called reputation?

A mocking smile slowly crept onto his lips; this was truly in line with Gu Xiu Yuan’s style.

He suddenly remembered when he had said goodbye to Lin Xiaoran at the airport, Lin Lan had cheerfully suggested, “Yang Yang, we have a spare room at our place. If you miss Ran Ran, feel free to come stay with us.”

At the time, Gu Yang thought Lin Lan was just teasing him and felt awkward, not knowing what to say.

Looking back now, it seemed Lin Lan had anticipated Gu Xiu Yuan’s attitude.

Did that mean there were issues between them?

Meanwhile, at Tianjun Peak, Lin Xiaoran had just returned home with Lin Lan. After unpacking his belongings, he came out of his room and was surprised to find Lin Lan setting up a bedding arrangement in the guest room.

“Is someone coming over?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe in confusion.

They had moved to this city after Lin Xiaoran entered high school due to Lin Lan’s job transfer, and since they had no relatives or friends here, the guest room had remained mostly unused. When Gu Yang had stayed over before, he had slept in Lin Xiaoran’s room.

Lin Lan had finished setting things up, tossed a pillow on the bed, and turned to leave. As she walked past Lin Xiaoran, she pinched his cheek, grinning, “I have a feeling Yang Yang will be staying with us for a while. Are you happy about that?”

Lin Xiaoran: “…”

He barely managed to twitch his lips. Ever since she learned about his relationship with Gu Yang, Lin Lan had taken to teasing them.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy?” Lin Lan loved to tease her son, especially since he rarely showed expressions on his pretty face.

Deciding to ignore her playful remarks, Lin Xiaoran redirected the conversation, “Why is he staying with us?”

He had overheard Lin Lan’s conversation with Gu Yang at the airport, and like Gu Yang, he initially thought Lin Lan was joking. Who knew she would go as far as to set up Gu Yang’s bed?

It was clear that Gu Yang was genuinely coming back.

What was going on? He felt a bit perplexed.

Having finished teasing her son, Lin Lan dropped the lightheartedness and told him about Gu Xiu Yuan still opposing their relationship.

A few days ago, Lin Lan hadn’t said a word about this matter, wanting to avoid affecting the children’s feelings.

But she understood Gu Xiu Yuan well; if he couldn’t come to terms with the situation, he would certainly pressure Gu Yang to give up.

She could also see that Gu Yang wouldn’t back down.

The rift between father and son already existed, and this would only deepen the conflict.

After hearing this, Lin Xiaoran’s clear eyes flashed with concern. “What’s your relationship like with Uncle Gu now?”

Compared to Gu Xiu Yuan’s opposition to his being with Gu Yang, he was more worried about how this situation would affect Lin Lan’s feelings.

Once they confirmed that he and Gu Yang being together didn’t violate any ethics or laws, Gu Xiu Yuan’s opposition had no impact on Lin Xiaoran. In fact, any opposition would be futile.

However, he ultimately didn’t want his relationship with Gu Yang to hurt Lin Lan.

It was obvious that Lin Lan and Gu Xiu Yuan had completely different attitudes towards his relationship with Gu Yang, which would undoubtedly lead to conflicts between them.

That was what Lin Xiaoran cared about the most.

Although Lin Lan dotes on Lin Xiaoran, she wouldn’t treat him like a child and keep everything from him.

Often, she would discuss matters with Lin Xiaoran.

So she didn’t intend to keep this from him either.

“I told him we should take some time apart for now. Of course, it’s not because of you two. Mainly, after this incident, I realized that we have different views on certain issues, or rather, our values don’t align. I need to observe things further.”

Even though Lin Lan’s reasoning sounded reasonable, it ultimately stemmed from the fact that he and Gu Yang being together led to this outcome.

Lin Xiaoran bit his lip and softly said, “Mom, I’m sorry.”

Lin Lan reached out and poked his forehead, smiling. “Silly child, don’t overthink it. It’s just a temporary separation, not a breakup. In fact, I see this as a good opportunity to correct his increasingly stubborn worldview.”

“Hmm?” Lin Xiaoran blinked in confusion.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Lin Lan patted his head, “Alright, you don’t need to worry about this anymore. Yang Yang is here; go open the door, and I’ll prepare dinner.”

With that, she got up and headed to the kitchen.

Seeing her confident demeanor, Lin Xiaoran gradually felt reassured, thinking that Lin Lan must have her own measures in mind.

So he said nothing more and got up to open the door.

Gu Yang leaned against the door frame, feigning pitifulness as he blinked at him. “I’ve been kicked out again; I’m begging my boyfriend for refuge.”

Lin Xiaoran rolled his eyes and pulled him inside, tossing him a pair of slippers.

Noticing this, Gu Yang understood that Lin Xiaoran was already aware of everything, so he didn’t bother to explain further. He changed his shoes and greeted Lin Lan.

Lin Lan didn’t ask much; she simply told him to drop off his things in his room and come out for dinner in a bit.

The three of them tacitly avoided mentioning Gu Xiu Yuan. After their early flight, they all felt exhausted from the day’s activities, so they had an early dinner and returned to their rooms to sleep.

The next day marked the start of the third year of high school at No. 7 Middle School.

This year, the Spring Festival was late, and by the eighth day, it was nearly mid-February, leaving only a short four months until the college entrance exams.

Thus, the school was even stricter than in the previous semester, with teachers eager to occupy even their break times.

However, the students still gossiped as usual.

In the temporary group for Class 1 of the third year:

Gossip Expert: Have any of you followed a Weibo account called “Delicious Food, Beautiful Scenery, Beautiful People”? They recently posted a set of photos that seem to feature our Lin Xuetian.

Lin Xuetian is My Idol: What do you mean “seems”? You don’t know who our Xuetian is?

Bubble Tea is So Good: That Weibo name sounds quite… complicated. What photos? Share them!

Gossip Expert: They’re all back views and side profiles, so I’m afraid I might mistake them. Here’s the link.

Lin Xuetian is My Idol: Oh wow! That’s definitely our Xuetian. This angelic profile is unmatched; you can’t find a second one besides her!

School Bully is My Idol: Huh? In the last picture, isn’t Xuetian leaning on our Yang Ge’s shoulder?

Dieting is So Hard, I Can’t Do It: Ahhhhh! It really is! And look at the scenery; it seems like a popular tourist spot recently, somewhere in the southwest.

I Can Never Wake Up: So this suggests that during the winter break, Yang Ge and Xuetian traveled together and enjoyed some couple time?

I Hate English: Oh wow! It’s just too much! Is this the difference between a top student and us average students? Why was I stuck at home doing exercises the entire winter break, while they were out having fun? So unfair!

I Can Never Wake Up: You think they were just having fun?

Gossip Expert: Tsk tsk tsk! Beasts!

Everyday I Can’t Wake Up: I call this being realistic, okay? How am I a beast? A couple spent the whole winter break together; could it just be having fun?

Bubble Tea is So Good: Hahaha, yes, yes, I think that’s a reasonable assumption.

I Hate English: Oh wow! I already felt miserable enough, and now you’re rubbing it in. So I, the single dog and study loser, have no rights, huh?!

School Bully is My Idol: Just to rub it in a bit more, Valentine’s Day is in a couple of days.

I Hate English: 😱!

…

While everyone was imagining how unrestrained Gu Yang and Lin Xiaoran must have been during the winter break, Gu Yang was holding his phone, looking at Lin Xiaoran’s photos.

The Weibo account called “Delicious Food, Beautiful Scenery, Beautiful People” belonged to Xia Ze.

The photos were naturally taken by him. He was probably afraid that posting front-facing shots would affect Lin Xiaoran’s normal life, so he only uploaded side profiles and back views on Weibo. However, he had taken many frontal shots and sent them all to Lin Xiaoran.

One couldn’t deny that Lin Xiaoran was truly born to be a model; he didn’t need to pose or make any expressions. Every photo looked like something out of an advertisement.

Looking at the pictures of his boyfriend on the phone, Gu Yang couldn’t help but smile proudly. He turned to the person beside him.

That person was slumped over the table, sleeping, his face buried deeply in his arms, with only his eyes and long eyelashes showing.

Unable to resist, Gu Yang reached out to playfully poke those thick little fans. Just as his fingers approached, Lin Xiaoran sensed it and opened his eyes, shooting him a glare.

Gu Yang didn’t act guilty, retracting his hand boldly. He leaned closer to Lin Xiaoran’s ear and spoke softly, “Valentine’s Day is in a couple of days, and it’s on Saturday. How about we go on a date?”

Valentine’s Day?

Lin Xiaoran, still resting on the table, blinked his clear eyes.

He didn’t have much feeling for this kind of holiday, but since he was with Gu Yang, they might as well celebrate it.

After thinking it over, he nodded in agreement.

From that day on, Gu Yang eagerly anticipated Valentine’s Day, especially since it was their first one together.

However, he didn’t anticipate that on the day itself, dark clouds gathered, and thunder rumbled as rain poured down heavily. Not to mention going out for a date; when they finally caught a cab home after school, they were both drenched and resembled drowned rats.

Concerned that Lin Xiaoran might catch a cold, Gu Yang immediately pushed Lin Xiaoran into the bathroom upon entering, quickly stripped off his wet clothes, and jumped in after him.

After Lin Xiaoran finished his shower and came out, he saw that Gu Yang was still in the bathroom. He headed to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and took out the dumplings that Lin Lan had prepared in advance, starting to boil water to cook them.

When the dumplings were ready, Gu Yang still hadn’t emerged.

Lin Xiaoran placed the dumplings on the dining table and went to the guest room to find him.

He opened the door and froze. Gu Yang had finished his shower, but he was sitting against the wall with his head down, his wet hair obscuring his face.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Xiaoran suddenly felt a bit anxious and quickly walked over, gently patting his shoulder. “Are you not feeling well? Did you catch a cold?”

Gu Yang slowly lifted his head. The moment he met Lin Xiaoran’s clear gaze, a surge of impulse washed over him. He grabbed Lin Xiaoran’s wrist, pulled him close, and embraced him, burying his face in the crook of Lin Xiaoran’s neck, inhaling the sweet scent of his skin, while his body grew increasingly restless.

“Xiaoran,” his voice was slightly hoarse, “I feel a bit strange.”

Lin Xiaoran was even more worried after hearing that. “Should we go to the hospital… huh?”

Before he could finish his sentence, Gu Yang’s body was releasing pheromones with a hint of cedar.

Lin Xiaoran’s eyes widened in surprise, completely unable to understand what was happening.

What was wrong with Gu Yang? Why did his pheromones suddenly spiral out of control?

Gu Yang, however, understood what was happening; the physical response was too real. He lifted his face from Lin Xiaoran’s neck, mumbling out a few words, “Sensitivity period.” The last word was almost whispered against Lin Xiaoran’s lips, followed by a kiss.

Lin Xiaoran, already easily influenced by Gu Yang’s pheromones, found himself submissively pressed down onto the bed, wrapping his arms around Gu Yang’s neck.

Yet his mind was racing with thoughts about Gu Yang’s previous words.

Sensitivity period?

Alphas do have sensitivity periods, and after reaching adulthood, everyone’s situation is different. Some don’t seem to have any severe reactions.

Lin Xiaoran had thought Gu Yang would be one of those who reacted mildly.

But it seemed like the response was quite severe after all.

It could also be because he was right next to him. Alphas are particularly sensitive to Omega pheromones during their sensitivity period, especially those who are in relationships, which can lead to intense possessiveness toward their partners.

“Ah…”

While Lin Xiaoran was sorting out the reasons in his head, the Alpha, caught in his sensitivity period, was already exhibiting his possessiveness. Lin Xiaoran’s thin shirt was unknowingly stripped away, revealing his delicate and fair shoulders, while Gu Yang’s kisses trailed from his face down to his neck.

In the closed space, the two pheromones intertwined, inseparable, signifying their physical states.

“Is this okay?” Gu Yang’s voice was huskier than ever, propping himself up on his arms, looking down at the soft Omega.

Seeing himself disheveled while Gu Yang looked so composed, Lin Xiaoran felt a bit annoyed. He grabbed Gu Yang’s collar and pulled him close, warning, “If you hurt me, I’ll hit you!”

Gu Yang was momentarily stunned, a glint of surprise flashing in his amber eyes. He leaned close to Omega’s ear and whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ve watched a lot of instructional videos. My theoretical knowledge is rich; I just lack practice.”

Outside, the storm raged, with wind howling and thunder booming.

Lin Xiaoran loved to lie in bed early during such weather, listening to the sounds outside, which gave him a sense of happiness.

But tonight, he clearly didn’t have the energy for that. All his senses were overwhelmed by the scent of cedar.

 

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