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Chapter Text

The rain is pouring outside, and Huang Junjie leans at his window, watching the rain pitter-patter. His eyes flutter as the musical drops of the water dance outside. He has been staying in this orphanage for two years after both his parents passed away. His immediate family did not want him, not with an alpha who did not have good qualities.   

He is a shy and quiet child, and his soft features do not resemble alpha. As no one wanted him, he went to the orphanage and asked to stay there in exchange for work. He sighed again, and his stomach growled, so he looked at the clock to see that it was barely 7 am.   

He stood from the window and was about to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast when a car stopped at the orphanage driveway. Junjie looked at the luxury car; the tinted black window was closed, so he could not see the inside; he peeked at it some more before he shook his head and ran to the kitchen to help before the cook and the other server reprimanded him again.   

As the car stopped, the woman in the back seat saw the child gazing out the window. His innocent features and inquisitive gaze sparked a smile on her lips. She reached out, but the boy had already dashed away.    

"What is it?" the man beside her asks.   

"Oh, nothing," she replied, her smile soft. "I just saw someone who caught my interest."    

"Then I believe we will not be staying here for long," the man amusingly replies.   

The car driver got out and pulled a large umbrella above them before opening the car door.   

The couple thanked him, and they went inside the house.    

The person who greeted them was an older woman dressed neatly, but her clothing was old and overused. "Mr. and Mrs. Xia, welcome to our humble place; thank you again for your generous donation." said the orphanage's headmistress, Mingzhu. At the back, the laughter and screaming of children are loud and audible in the hallway.   

She bows and apologizes for the loudness. The couple shakes their heads and smiles. "Before we pick one, may we see all of them?" Mrs. Xia asked.   

"But of course, I will call them all." Before the headmistress turned, Mrs. Xia caught her shoulder. "There is no need; I only want to see them like this." She smiled, and her husband gave her a curious look. When the headmistress nodded, Mrs. Xia walked inside the house.   

She looked and smiled in every room she passed, with all the children playing or studying. Some children greeted them, and some were busy with their work. Mrs. Xia walked around looking for that particular boy, but she could not find him.    

When they finally reached the kitchen, Mrs. Xia was going to turn around when she saw a small head walking inside. She peeked through the glass of the kitchen door and saw what she was looking for.    

She watches the little boy wash the vegetables, prepare the cutlery, and gather all the ingredients needed for cooking and dining. Mrs. Xia's eyes follow the boy adoringly, and the headmistress Mingzhu gets curious and looks in, too.    

After a while, Mrs. Xia stands straight and asks curiously, "Who is he?"    

The headmistress stared at her and said, "He volunteered to stay in the orphanage, and he is helping around the orphanage."   

"Volunteer?" she asks curiously.   

"Yes, madam, his parents passed away, and no one in his immediate family wanted to care for him. So, he volunteered to stay here in exchange for work."   

Mrs. Xia looks at the boy again and smiles. "Then we can adopt him."   

The headmistress looked at her with disbelief, "Madam, I do not know if the child wanted to be adopted."   

"But if he has no parents, and nobody wants him, then we can adopt him?"   

With the woman's enthusiasm in front of her, she ponders and looks at the boy in the kitchen. "Let me talk to him first, if that is okay with you."   

Mrs. Xia looked at her husband, and they both nodded. The headmistress guided them to the office while she fetched Junjie in the kitchen.   

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They were only in a room when the headmistress, Mingzhu, talked to him. "Junjie, a couple is here looking for a child and wants to adopt you."   

Shock crossed his face as he answered, "They wanted to adopt me? but why?"   

"I do not know, but the madam went looking for you and insisted on you."   

"How did they know me?" he asked, confusion in his tiny face. "But why do they want me? I'm older and not one of the kids here."   

"I understand your confusion," she said afterward. "This couple always donated to this orphanage, but this is the first time they wanted to adopt a child," she said, looking at the boy. "Junjie, I know your circumstances; this family is rich and will help you in the future."   

Huang Junjie thought briefly, then looked at the headmistress Mingzhu and asked, "Are you giving me away because I am not that helpful?"    

The headmistress laughs at him and pats his head, "Silly child, I am thinking about your future. Come and meet them, and if you do not want to go with them, you can always say no."   

Junjie looked down but nodded, and the two left the room and went to the headmistress's office.   

*************************************************************************************   

The two couples sitting inside are dressed nicely and have gentle features. The woman's face brightened when she saw him, and Junjie smiled shyly at her.    

"Mr. and Mrs. Xia, this is Huang Junjie; he is eight years old and an alpha."   

Mrs. Xia gasped in delight upon hearing it. Junjie looked up and saw her turn to her husband and mumble, "He is perfect then."   

Curious about what it meant, Junjie tilted his head, and Mrs. Xia looked at him and smiled fondly. She carefully approached him and offered her hand. "Hello, Junjie. Can I call you Junjie?" she asked, and Junjie nodded. "Hi Junjie, I am Lihua, and that is my husband, Chenwei," she said, looking at the man beside her.    

"Junjie, we have a son at home. He is a bit younger than you." she smiled and continued. "I cannot give him another sibling due to my health, but I believe the two of you will get along."    

Junjie hesitated, but the friendliness of the person before him made him ask. "What made you think we will get along?" he asked in a small voice.    

The lady before him smiled adoringly at him and put both her hands on his cheeks. "I know you do," she said, assuring.    

Huang Junjie nibbled at his inner lips while thinking. He looked at the couple before him and moved his gaze to the director. "Will you help my brothers and sisters if you adopt me?"    

Lihua smiled wide. "Is that your wish?" Junjie nodded. "As my son considers it done." Junjie looked at the headmistress Mingzhu, and his eyes softened; with this, she could hire more hands to help care for the kids.    

The headmistress releases her breath, sad that this sweet boy will be gone now. The office door bursts open, and some kids run towards Junjie crying, "wahhh gege is leaving us!" they wail. The cooks and kitchen helper were at the door, too, and the two caretaker girls were teary. "Our Junjie is leaving us," the cook said.   

Amidst all the racket, Junjie looks surprised and happy. He only stays with them briefly, and he thinks that the people here do not like him, but now they say they are sad that he is leaving. Tears welled in his eyes, and he laughed, and everyone in the room looked at him. The children hugged him tightly, and Lihua smiled at the sight. "I do think we picked the right person for him." her husband said, Lihua nodding. "The first time I laid my eyes on him, I knew it."    

After the tearful moment, Junjie and the couple completed the adaptation paper. After the orphanage director signs the documents and puts her seal on them, the three shake hands. "I will make sure that this is submitted today in the registry office," the director tells the couple.    

Lihua bent down and looked at Junjie, "Would you like to come home with us today?" she asked him. Junjie looked at her, and again, he felt a sense of security and said what he felt. "Can I stay here for a night to say goodbye to them?" he said nervously.    

Lihua ruffled his hair, "Of course you may; we will come for you tomorrow." She hid her smile as she saw him sigh in relief.    

*************************************************************************************   

That night, Junjie had a hearty meal with his family. They cried, laughed, and promised each other they would visit often. The headmistress, Mingzhu, told him he was always welcome to visit them.   

After dinner, Mingzhu called Junjie into her office and said, "Junjie, I am returning this to you." She put the bank card and seal that Junjie gave him when he entered the orphanage on the table. Junjie picked up the bank book and opened it, his tiny face contorted with confusion, and he looked at Mingzhu.   

"Do you think I am that kind of a person to use a child's inheritance money?" she said accusingly, smirking as Junjie's cheeks turned bright red. "That is for your future, Junjie; your parents left that for you."    

Junjie bit his lower lips, trying not to cry, "Thank you," he said in a hoarse voice.    

Mingzhu stood from her chair, went around her table, and patted Junjie's head before giving him a tight embrace. "Ensure you eat your meals there, care for yourself, and sleep early. Do not neglect your health, okay?" Then she took a breath. "Study hard, Junjie, and reach for your dream." Then she let go of Junjie, abruptly turned to her table, and shooed him away. "Go to sleep. They will be here early tomorrow."   

Junjie did not stay long and left the headmistress in her office, buried with her paperwork. He returned to his room and packed all his belongings into his small bag, which only consisted of his family picture, a few clothes, his bank book, and his mother's pearl earrings. His mother said that his earrings could suppress the release of his pheromones, causing him not to have his rut. Junjie rut is different from other alpha; instead of releasing a strong smell to attract omega or a partner. His parent said that he emits a rare flowery scent for a male alpha.   

He sat beside the window again and prayed that this family would be kind to him. He wondered about the kid he would be meeting there. Unconsciously, Junjie touched his earlobe. He should put the earring on tomorrow, just in case. He returned to bed and fell asleep, hoping his new family would accept him tomorrow.   

*************************************************************************************   

Lihua and Chenwei came home, and their son was waiting at the base of the stairs, sitting face down and leaning on both his hands. He nodded off when the front door opened, and his parents came in.    

"Ma, Pa," Xia Zhiguang stood and excitedly ran to them. He first hugged his father, then went to his mother and sniffed a lingering flowery scent. He took a step back and held his breath, but the nausea did not come like he expected.    

"Guang, what happened?" his mother asked worriedly.   

Guang looked at her; his cheeks flushed, and his breath accelerated. "Ma, did you see any omega?" he asked.   

Lihua shook her head. She knew her son's condition. His rare second gender as an Enigma made him sensitive to smell, and he could only tolerate the smell of his parents. That is why their household help consisted only of alpha and beta, and they were instructed to keep a distance from him. Lihua looked at her son; he did not seem appalled; instead, he was flushed, and his breathing accelerated.   

"Guang?" Lihua called him worriedly. Her husband grabbed her shoulder and nodded at her. Chenwei grabbed their son and pulled him away from his wife.    

Lihua frowned at the sudden change in his son's condition when he got separated from her; his breathing stabilized, and his condition got better.    

"Guang, what did you smell off me?" she asked curiously.   

Guang scrunched his nose. "Something flowery and warm..." he trailed off before he hid his face on his father's neck. Lihua thought she touched nothing but her husband and... Huang Junjie. Then she looked at her son again, and a small smile formed on her lips.   

"I'm going to take a bath, darling. Why don't you tell your son what will happen tomorrow," she said as she walked upstairs and instructed one of the housekeepers to prepare her bath and dinner for everyone.    

Guang looked at his father, puzzled; Chenwei smiled at his son, "Ah, tomorrow you will meet your new brother..."   

*************************************************************************************   

Junjie woke up with a start; he had not slept much last night because of his excitement about what would happen that day. Mingzhu ate breakfast alone in her office with him because they did not want the other children to have difficulties throughout the day.   

When it was time for him to be picked up, the two got ready and waited at the orphanage's front door. "Remember, Junjie, you are always welcome here," she said as a car drove into the driveway. The car stopped in front of them, and the couple came out to greet them.    

"Mingzhu, can I please talk to you?" Lihua smiled at him. "Alone, please." Mingzhu was confused by the lady's actions but followed her inside.    

Chenwei looked down at him and smiled. "I think they will take time," he said, looking at the bag on his shoulder. "Is this all your luggage?" he asked. Junjie nodded. "Well then, how about we bring this in the car?"    

Junjie nodded again, and as he was about to leave and get in the car, a couple of kids hiding in the corner came running. "Gege! Don't forget us," the kids said as they hugged him. Junjie returned their embrace: "I won't. I'll visit regularly." He hesitated, and when he looked at Chenwei, who smiled and nodded, he looked at his little brothers and sisters and smiled.    

The kids run away when they see the headmistress and Mrs. Xia come out together. Junjie is curious about their expressions. Mrs. Xia has a sweet and happy smile, and Mingzhu has an amusing smile.    

Junjie looked at Mingzhu puzzled, but Mingzhu mouthed 'take care' to him, making him more curious about what they had discussed inside. But the question was buried in his mind when he got in the car and it started moving.   

*************************************************************************************   

"Guang, why don't you come in and have breakfast first? Your parents will come home soon together with your new brother." LanFei said she is his wet nurse and has been with him since birth. She is among the few people that Guang can tolerate the smell.    

He puffs out a breath and tries to remember last night. He heard that this new family was alpha and older than him. 'Is he the one I smell off my mom?' he thought. Guang cannot explain the feeling he is getting just by thinking of him, but he knows one thing: he is excited to meet him. He exhaled again before he stood up and went inside.   

Guang had just finished breakfast when he heard a car stop at the front. He sat up straight and looked out the open window. Guang wanted to run to the front, but he stopped himself from doing so. He listened outside. He heard his parents leave the car, and his mom said, 'Come now, Junjie.' He swallowed and stood up.   

'Junjie, is that his name?' he thought. Slowly, he walked out of the dining room, towards the stairs facing the front door, and stood at the bottom, waiting for them to come in. Guang was getting impatient and was about to go upstairs when the door opened, and his parents came in. "Oh, good that you are here," Lihua said. Come down here and meet him," and she turned to signal the boy to come in.   

Guang stood still when the boy came in. He had the softest features he had ever seen. His eyes turned crescents when he smiled, and that smile was mesmerizing. His heart raced, and he clenched his clammy hands. 'He's mine,' a thought came into his head. Guang swallowed, taken aback by the thought running in his head.    

Lihua saw her son's reaction and tried her best not to smile. "Junjie, that's my son Xia Zhiguang." she looked at her son, gesturing to come down. "Come Guang, this is Junjie, Huang Junjie." she introduced. However, all of them did not expect Guang's reaction.   

Xia Zhiguang's face darkened. "No…he will not be my brother." his gaze went to Junjie, whose smile disappeared, his eyes downcast, and Junjie's scent into the sad floral scent. It assailed his senses and made him shudder; he covered his nose and ran towards his room upstairs.   

Lihua did not expect this. "Xia Zhiguang, come back here!" she said, following her son upstairs.    

Chenwei looked at Junjie apologetically. " How about we let you settle in your room? Come on," he said to Junjie and walked upstairs.    

"LanFei, can you please prepare lunch for us?" he told the old woman watching. She looked at Junjie at first, and her eyes softened. "Ah, this is LanFei, my son's caregiver.    

LanFei, this is Junjie, and from today onwards, he will be one of my sons," he said. LanFei looked at him again and saw the same smile that Lihua had given him earlier after talking to the orphanage director.   

"What a lovely little master," she said, and Junjie blushed.   

"Please don't call me little master; Junjie is fine," he said, embarrassed.   

LanFei laughs, "Junjie then."    

The three of them walk to his room at the other end of the hallway, across to Guang's room. "That's his room, and this will be your room." Chenwei saw that Junjie was staring at the room, "They're probably in our room." and pointed at the other end of the hallway.    

Chenwei opened the door and invited him inside. The room is homey and has a pleasant scent; Junjie smiles at how it looks. "Did you like it? Lihua designed it yesterday after seeing you." Chenwei informs him. Junjie nods and thanks him. Chenwei ruffled his hair. "I'll leave you to rest and call you later for dinner."    

Junjie looked around the room, sat on the bed, and lay down. He smiled at how the couple treated him, but then he remembered their son, and he bit his lips and closed his eyes. The boy's eyes are beautiful; his gaze startled him and made his skin crawl with goosebumps. Junjie felt scared; this feeling was new to him; he remembered his mother's advice if he ever felt anxious about someone to wear those ear piercings that act as an inhibitor for his rut. Junjie's mother especially made that because of his rare constitution as an alpha that emits a floral scent during their rut.   

Junjie stood and put away his stuff. He placed his family photo by the bedside and took a shower. He was putting on his ear pierced when a knock came on the door. "Just a minute," he said.    

When he opens the door, Lihua's smiling face is the first thing he sees. "Hi, my dear. Dinner is ready," she says, and her eyes curiously go down to his ears. Her hands rise to touch it, but Junjie flinches, causing her to stop and frown. "I'm sorry for suddenly reaching out to you."   

Junjie gasped and looked down, afraid he had done something wrong again. But a gentle palm cupped his face and raised it. "Don't ever be afraid of me," she said, and her thumb brushed at the earring and raised her brow amusingly. "An inhibitor? Interesting. Is it from your parents?" she asked.   

Junjie nodded hesitatingly, and his expression eased as he saw her face full of curiosity and amusement. Lihua sighed, and her thumb was back on stroking his cheeks. "I apologize for my son's behaviour earlier. I have talked to him, and he was only taken aback by meeting you."   

Lihua thought about his son's behaviour earlier.   

*************************************************************************************   

Xia Zhiguang ran towards his parents' room, not his room. Lihua did not see him immediately, but when she found him, she reprimanded her son. "Xia Zhiguang, what was that attitude earlier?" He was slumped in the corner of their closet, both knees on his chest, hugging them. "Are you not going to answer?"   

Guang was pouting. "He will not be my brother's mom," he said faintly.    

"And care to tell me why?" she asked sternly, but Guang did not reply. Lihue exhaled, "Very well, I'll tell him to return to the orphanage." She glanced and was about to leave when he heard him.    

"You will not! He is mine," Guang blurted out. He stopped and thought about what he said, was shocked, and then quickly covered his mouth—a small smile formed on Lihua's lip.   

Guang crouches again, burying his face between his knees, his ears all red.   

She gave him a moment, then went down and softly said, "Can you explain what you said?"   

Guang mumbled, "But he is mine. I saw him first, so don't take him away."   

Lihua raised her brow amusingly but still goaded him more: "What do you mean you saw him first? I was the one who found him, so of course I saw him first." She knew her son very well, as they both have the possessive nature of an Alpha, but her son is more extreme, as his second gender is one of the rarest.    

Guang stood up abruptly, "No, he is mine!" he said, stomping his feet.   

She also stood and put her hands on her hip, "is that how you talk to me?"   

His defiant eyes shifted slightly, and he bit his lips. "Sorry," he mumbled.   

"If you want him to stay, you better treat him nicely, and I will repeat this. Xia Zhiguang, Nicely! If I hear from LanFei that you are making Junjie uncomfortable, I will move him to the room next to ours so you will not see him often." Guang's face pondered, then slowly nodded.    

She smiles amusingly at her son again, "He is cute, right?" Guang nods, "I heard he can cook too and loves spicy food."    

Guang looks at her, "But I'm not that good with spicy food." Lihua smirked at him.   

"I-I'll try to get used to it then..." he said in a small voice.   

"How is his scent?" she keeps prodding.   

Guang thought briefly, "he smells nice; it's sweet and calming."   

Lihua raised a brow. "You said he smelled nice, but you covered your nose and ran away?"   

"But if I don't do that, I might bite him!"    

She felt shocked across her face briefly before she managed to compose herself. 'Did I find my son's mate?' she thought. "Then you have to suppress your urge to bite him, or he will run away from you."   

Guang was startled, "I don't want him to go away." pained across his small, handsome face. "Okay, I will do my best to control myself."   

*************************************************************************************   

That was their conversation before she went to Junjie's room to call him for dinner.   

Junjie shakes his head, "It's okay, I understand; he must have been shocked to find an older brother rather than a younger one."   

Lihua smiles at Junjie, "Well, it is not about that," and confusion crosses his face. "How about we go down now? Dinner is ready," Junjie nodded.   

The two of them entered the dining room. Junjie saw Guang stiffen at the sight of him, and Lihua guided him to sit beside her son, whose eyes never left his face. Chenwei cleared his throat, bringing Guang out of his stupor. "Your ears..." is what he manages to mumble.   

Junjie gingerly touches his earrings, "Ah, this... does it look weird on me?"   

Guang abruptly shakes his head. "No, it looks beautiful," he yells, confusing Junjie.   

Chenwei clears his throat again. "Come, Junjie, and sit down so we can eat."    

Junjie chopsticks tried to reach for a dish, but Guang got it ahead of him. He looked at the boy beside him and was surprised when he put the food on his plate. "You should eat up," he said in a high-pitched voice. Lihua looked down to hide her smile, and Chenwei rolled his eyes and continued eating.    

*************************************************************************************   

As days pass, Guang becomes distant from Junjie. Whenever he interacts with him, Guang comes to Junjie with such enthusiasm that the interaction becomes awkward. So Guang eyes will follow Junjie everywhere, from helping in the kitchen to mingling with the other helpers. His caregiver, LanFei, has a soft spot for Junjie and will give him treats and other stuff, which he will be happy to receive. Whenever Guang sees Junjie smiling at someone, he pouts the entire day, making Junjie distance himself from Guang.    

This situation continues for a year, and Junjie is happy with everyone in the house; his new family treats him adoringly, except for Guang, who is always distant whenever he is with someone in the house. But Junjie continued to be courteous and did not forget to smile at him.   

One day, when he visits the orphanage, the director asks about his situation in his new home. "How are they treating you?" she asks him as he plays with the two twins who have just arrived.    

Junjie looked at her. "They were all nice; everyone treats me well," he said with a smile. He continued playing with the younger twin because the oldest was there to observe him playing with his brother. "Although their son treats me rather peculiarly," he said.    

Mingzhu frowns at him, "How does he do it?"    

"Hmm, well, he is sometimes kind and sometimes distant. Then, if I'm with the other people, he glares at me." He looks at her, "I do not understand him sometimes; that is why I just treat him nicely but get out of his way."    

"Is that so? That is quite interesting," Mingzhu said, and Junjie looked puzzled. That was their last conversation before Junjie, that fateful event.   

*************************************************************************************   

Junjie's situation with Guang is still awkward. Whenever they have a conversation, the younger boy makes things uncomfortable. Junjie doesn't talk much when they are together, and Guang will ask him many questions about why he is nice to others but doesn't talk to him.    

It was a winter afternoon in his second year staying with the Xia family when a knock came on his door. "Come in," he said, thinking it was LanFei checking on him.   

Guang came into the room and timidly approached him.    

"XiaoJie..." Guang quietly called him.   

Junjie looked up from the book he was reading and frowned at Guang. The boy still had that piercing gaze that always looked his way, making him warm inside and jittery. He unconsciously touched his ears and noticed he was not wearing his pearl earrings. He has not felt well since this morning and took it off before showering.   

LanFei told him to go to his room, so he rested inside while reading a book. "Ah Guang, what is it?" he asked curiously; it had been a while since he approached him. he did not know why the two of them would be uncomfortable every time they interacted.   

"Ah... well... LanFei said you were not feeling well, so..." Guang said, his voice becoming quieter as he continued talking.   

"Oh, it's not that bad. Anyway, why do you call me XiaoJie? I am clearly older than you and taller." he said; he did not mean to tease, so he was surprised to see him blush.    

"Well, your name is little yellow, right, and... and..." Guang said, flustered.   

Junjie smiled when he got what he meant, and Guang was mesmerized.    

"Oh, it's snowing outside!" Junjie said excitedly, "It's the first snow."   

Guang turns his head to look at the window. "Ah yes, I came here to show you something."   

"Show me something?" he repeats.   

"Hmm," Guang nodded.   

"Ah, wait. "Guang runs inside his closet and pulls out a long jacket. "Wear this; I don't want you to get sick. It's outside the garden, and I asked them to plant it when I heard you like the snow in the winter."   

Junjie was going to say no, but the eagerness on his face made him think otherwise. Plus, he wanted to get closer to him. So Junjie followed him to the garden in the back.   

A marble gazebo was in the middle of the garden, and patches of blooming pink flowers were behind it. "It's called pink camellia, winter flowers," Guang said when they reached the patch and turned to him. "Do you like it?"    

Junjie nods and smiles. "Yes, they're very pretty."    

Guang then smiles brightly. "I'm glad."   

"I'm surprised." junjie said after a while   

"About what?"   

"I thought you disliked me."   

Guang suddenly turned his head to him. "No, I never said I don't like you."   

"But you… why do you always look mad at me?"   

"I-I…" he stuttered and looked at junjie, who was waiting for his answer. "You always talk to everyone more than me."    

Junjie raised a brow, "but you never talked to me and always give me an indifferent attitude."   

"It's because I don't know what to say to you, but I never hated you," Guang said.   

Then junjie smiles; he finally understands their situation, and Guang is probably too shy to approach him immediately.    

"XiaoJie, are you okay? Should we go in? You are red now."    

"I'm okay; the snow is actually helping me cool down."   

Guang nodded. They sat on the marble bench inside the gazebo, watching the snowfall. Xia Zhiguang stared at Junjie, fascinated, while he watched the snowfall, when Guang whispered out of nowhere, "I don't hate you, XiaoJie; I like you."     

Junjie turns his head. "Me too," and smiles at him.   

Guang slowly shakes his head, "No, you don't understand," and grabs the end of his sleeves. "It's not that kind of like that you are thinking about Huang Junjie…" and look at him in the eyes.   

Junjie is taken aback and looks at Guang's serious face. His ears are red, but the determination in his eyes to convey his intention says he is serious.    

Junjie swallowed hard. Something about the situation stirred inside him, warming his body. "No, wait, Guang. I think you are mistaken."    

"I am not"    

“No… no… you are my brother…”   

"But I never see you as my brother… I never once did."   

Junjie was shocked at this revelation and looked at him, hurt across his face. Guang expression changes into a nervousness.   

"XiaoJie, please don't cry. While it's true that I never saw you as my brother because you were mine the moment I saw you."   

Junjie was shocked at what he heard. A new feeling emerged from within him, and he started to breathe faster now. He felt like his fever was coming, and his head was hazy.   

"XiaoJie, are you okay?" Guang said worriedly and reached for him. But Junjie flinched and shrugged his hands off, clutching his chest as his ragged breathing started.    

Guang was startled by the action and was about to say something when a floral, alluring scent filled the air around them. Guang eyes and mouth watered; he could feel his fangs grazing his lips as he panted. His reasoning started to dim; he only wanted to taste that delightful smell in front of him.    

Junjie saw Guang change in front of him. His instinct told him to run, as the person before him was more powerful than him. He knew that Guang was no ordinary alpha, as he could feel his domineering aura whenever he was in the room.    

Junjie tried to think calmly and even his breathing. It could be dangerous if both of them had their ruts in here. "Guang, calm down," he said, looking inside the house. "Wait here, and I'll call for someone," he said breathlessly. He was about to turn when two strong hands grabbed him.   

Junjie was startled and about to say something when a warm lip stopped any words from coming out of his mouth. Guang kissed him fiercely, and the bruising lips continued to push him down on the marbled chair where they were sitting. Junjie panic and fear override his rut, so with all his strength, he pushes Guang, who is on top of him.    

Junjie could catch his breath when Guang let go of his lips. "Mine...You're mine..." He heard Guang mumble, and his body froze when he felt Guang's warm breath and wet teeth sink into his neck. "No...!" Junjie cried and pushed him with all his might.   

Guang fell on his butt, and he looked up furiously only to find Junjie's dishevelled appearance while holding his red neck, eyes wide and looking at him with scared eyes. That brought him out of his clouded mind. "I-I'm sorry--" Before Guang could finish what he was about to say, Junjie ran back to the house, and that was the last thing on his mind: his thought of Junjie's rejection and apprehension of him before he blacks out.   

Junjie ran inside, panting. "Please help," he cried loudly in his hoarse voice; LanFei and others gathered around him immediately.    

"Junjie, what happen to you?" LanFei asked worriedly.   

He shook his head, "Not me. Please. Guang is still outside. Help..." He collapsed on the floor, and LanFei caught him.    

"Oh, my dear, you're burning. Are you in heat?" LanFei saw Junjie's red neck with a teeth mark. She instructed the other housekeepers to find Guang, and then everyone rushed inside to find an unconscious Guang getting carried inside. LanFei told everyone to call the hospital and their parents.    

"LanFei... I-I'm okay p-please... t-take care of G-Guang..." Junjie said weakly.   

"Silly boy, don't worry about everything and close your eyes," she said, calling two male helpers to carry him upstairs to his room.   

Before he closes his eyes, Junjie manages to see Guang's body being carried inside the house.   

*************************************************************************************   

"I am sorry for this news, Mr. and Mrs. Xia. But all the medication that we are giving to your son is being rejected by his body." the doctor sighed. "If we keep on pushing further, his body might get damaged; for now, we put him in a well-ventilated room and let no one enter the room."   

"But what causes the rejection?" Lihua asked worriedly.   

"We do not know; we can attribute it to his second gender as an Enigma or a psychological trauma that has caused him to enter a rut suddenly. Did something happen to him?" the doctor asked.   

The couple looked at each other and told the doctor what happened.    

"Ahh, most likely your child thought what happens is a form of rejection, so his body is rejecting all kinds of medication to make him feel better." The doctor turns to his side, opens a drawer, and pulls out a folder. "there is a facility in the US that can help him better, as there are not a lot of Enigma in this world, so this place is specially made for these second genders." the doctor gave them an apologetic look, "I understand that the cause of the sudden burst of his heat is with his fated mate, but I do believe the rejection that he felt will make it worst for the both of them if they see each other as of now. My advice as a doctor is to separate them for a while and let their psychological heal."    

Lihua sighed, "I knew my son had been suppressing himself from being with him, but I did not know it would come to this."   

"No, we both did not know Lihua, but I believe what the doctor said is right. Let's separate them for now so that their bodies can heal." Chenwei looks at the doctor.   

The doctor shook their hands, saying, "I'll leave you here to discuss it." Then he left the room.   

"I will stay with Guang in the US as I have to take care of our company there," Chenwei said. "You can take care of Junjie for a while, and we need to explain everything to him." Lihua nodded, and they left the room.    

They both visited Guang's room before leaving the hospital, where he was still sleeping, his face peaceful.    

When they both arrive at the hospital, Guang is hurling nonstop, so they tell the doctor his condition, and the hospital reduces the number of nurses involved in caring for him. In his hazy state, Guang recognizes his mother. "Mom..." he calls weakly.   

Lihua walked beside her son, holding his hands, "I'm here, love, I'm here."   

"Mom... he hates me..." he said, choking. "He hates me now..." he said before he passed out.    

One of the nurses told the doctor, "His heart rate is increasing, and his temperature is above normal."   

"Sir, ma'am, I will ask you to step out of the room so we can better help your son." one of the nurses said to them; they nodded and looked back before stepping out of the room.    

After that day, LanFei told them what had happened: Junjie's rut had been triggered, causing Guang's rut to activate. The uncontrolled Guang tried to mark Junjie, which he halfway succeeded in doing, but Junjie pushed him out of the way. Guang thought that Junjie pushing him away and returning to the house was a form of rejection. Lihua sighed; they had forgotten that their son's feelings for Junjie were getting heavier as days went by; it was evident by his attitude whenever Junjie was surrounded by people.    

*************************************************************************************   

Junjie woke up to snow falling hard outside. It had been a week since Guang had gone to the US, and after leaving, he had talked with Lihua.   

"Junjie, it was not your fault that Guang needed to leave the country, " Lihua explained. "My son has a rare second gender," she started.   

Junjie looked at her, confused, "Is he not an alpha?"   

Lihua exhaled, "Have you heard of the second gender Enigma?"   

Junjie shook his head. "It's a rare second gender that can only appear once in every generation. I believe there are only a handful in the world, " Lihua explained. She explained to him how his second gender affects his constitution. His sense of smell is heightened, and he can never tolerate other people's smells aside from his parents.   

"And Guang is one?" Junjie asked, which Lihua confirmed with a nod. 'So this is why I wanted to be far from him during that time.' Junjie thought   

"Guang will be staying there for a while, and you have to start school here too." Junjie slowly nodded, and that was the end of that conversation.   

He got up, wore a sweater, and peered outside his window. The pink camellia in the garden started to fall off, and he felt his neck itch. Even though Guang did not bite hard, it left a light mark on his neck, and a rouse of heat started in his stomach at the thought of Guang and what happened. He remembered their kiss, although it was forceful, that was his first kiss. Junjie touched his lips, and his breath trembled; he thought about Guang's face when he pushed him.    

The pain in his eyes and the shock on his face confuse him. 'Why does he look like that?' Junjie thought to himself, then rubbed the light mark on his neck. 'You're mine.' This was what he kept on remembering from Guang's words. He swallowed and did not know what to think of this, but Junjie knew inside him that Guang's version of claiming him was different and more intimate.    

He touched his ear and felt the ear pierce in there, "Mom, what should I do?" he asked quietly. 

Chapter Text

Many seasons passed by, and Huang Junjie entered high school.  

For the past years, his exchanges with Xia Zhiguang have been brief. Whenever Guang is in the country, Junjie tries to spend most of his days helping at the orphanage. During summer break, he finds things outside the house to work on when he spends his vacation time with his parents. 

He last saw Guang two years ago, when he was 13. Junjie was about to leave the house early in the morning to go to the orphanage when Guang came down from upstairs. Junjie was startled to see him wearing a mask, and his eyes were the only visible he could see.  

The piercing gaze stopped him in his tracks, and heat crept up in his body. Huang Junjie swallowed a lump in his throat and smiled. "Guang, I did not know that you were back. When did you return?" he asked, thanking himself that his voice did not tremble. 

It took Guang a moment to answer and blankly stare at Junjie. He had not seen Junjie for years, but he had grown taller and more beautiful as time passed. He cleared his throat before answering, "My plane landed last night, and my dad and I will leave the city today to the south."  

Junjie's face frowns. "You're leaving again? You just got back." he blurted out before he could stop himself. 

Guang stance changes, his eyes soften, and his gaze lingers on Junjie's lips. "My father is training me for the business, and he is bringing me there to know what I have to learn in the future," Guang explained without batting his eyes away from Junjie.  

Junjie did not listen to or understand what Guang said and let his eyes linger on him; he nodded and said, "But you're rarely home nowadays, and I haven't seen you for a while."

Guang's breath quivered inside his mask, and he swallowed hard so his voice would not falter. "But I'm here now, haven't I?" he said softly.  

"Yeah, but you'll leave soon again," he said in an equally soft voice. 

"Why? Are you concerned that I am here?"  

Junjie cringed at the question and was speechless. "I-…" and looked at Guang's eyes. 

The two of them locked eyes for a moment, and the longing in their eyes was evident. Guang saw Junjie blush, making him braver to step forward and descend the stairs. But before Guang could reach Junjie, a honk from the outside broke their spell, and Junjie looked behind him. "I-I have to go," he said, not waiting for Guang to say anything. He ran outside towards the waiting car.  

Guang's eyes followed the car, and he clenched his fists. He did not know what to do and didn't want to force Junjie again, or he would distance himself from him again. The doctor at the center said not to force his feelings on his mate, as they were bound to be defensive, and instead of forming a bond, they would likely reject the bond that would form. "Not yet, until he is ready; I'll wait for him," he mumbled and walked back inside the house.  

That was their last interaction before Guang returned to the States and continued his treatment and study. Junjie heard Guang opted to stay there and would not return during the semester break or the holiday. The only time he could see Guang was during his birthday in July and the beginning of the snow when he would drop by the house to leave him pink camellia flowers. That is if Guang stays in the house because every time he comes home, Guang stays away from the house. 

************************************************************************************* 

Huang Junjie is starting high school, and Lihua is talking to the principal.

"It's an honor to meet one of the board of directors and visit this humble school," the principal said, extending his hands. 

"Thank you for taking the time to meet us, Mr. Principal," Lihua said and accepted the handshake. "I came here because of my son; he has some special circumstances."  

"Ah, no need to explain, madam. I will make sure that the boy is taken care of. If you excuse me for a minute, I will call someone," he said, leaving the room. 

"Aunt Lihua, why did you say I have special circumstances?" Junjie asked her in confusion. 

"My dear, how your rut manifested is different from another alpha. I do not want anything unwanted to happen while you are at school." She sighed and sniffed. "And you wanted to stay in the dorm, too. You could have stayed at home," she said woefully. 

Junjie looked at her adopted mother and smiled. "But I wanted to experience this, and I will come back home on weekends," he said, grabbing her hands and squeezing them. 

Lihua sighed morosely, "Both of you are gone, and I'm sad that I'm alone in that big house." 

Junjie glances at his adoptive mother. He wants to apologize, but he is sure Lihua will be saddened. It was his fault that Guang moved to the States. Junjie forgot to wear his earrings when his rut happened that day, which affected Guang's sensitive constitution. So, after that day, he always wears his pearl earrings, keeps track of his heat cycle, and keeps a suppressant all the time.  

"Aunt Lihua," Junjie called her aunt because he still couldn't call her mother, which Lihua respected. You can call me in the evening after all my classes," Junjie said with a smile. 

Lihua's face brightened up. "I can! Oh, you're such an angel," and she squeezes both his cheeks. "Guang calls occasionally, and when I call sometimes..." Then she looked at Junjie and smiled tenderly, and Junjie gave him a confused look. 'I cannot tell him that whenever I call, all we talk about is you, can I?' she thought. "Don't go back to your word, and I will call you every night during your stay here." Junjie nodded.  

The door opened, and the principal, together with two male students, came inside the room. The one with a bit longer hair smiled at them; he had the most pleasing and friendly smile. The other one gave them a small smile and bowed his head slightly. "Mrs. Xia, this is the student council president and vice president, Zhu Yilong and Wei Zheming."  

"It's a Pleasure to meet you, ma'am." Zhu Yilong extended his hands and bowed with a smiling face, which Lihua happily accepted.  

"This is the new student I was talking about, Huang Junjie. You are not busy with the council; please look after him, "the principal pointed at him. 

"My son is not an omega if that was what you were thinking," Lihua explained when the two students looked worried and confused. "He is an alpha just like you two are," Lihua said, giving them a meaningful look, which Wei Zheming understood, and the corner of his mouth twitched. 

"It's just that he is an alpha with a special constitution. And I hope you two will protect him from any malicious or unwanted attention from other students." She squeezed Junjie's hands.  

"Don't worry, Mrs. Xia. We will see that nothing happens to your son," Zhu Yilong assures her. 

"Ah yes, Yilong, Mr. Huang will be attending the dormitory. Aren't you the dorm manager?" The principal asked. 

Yilong smiled and nodded. The principal had informed them beforehand that this student was the son of one of the school investors, so they treated him with care. Zhu Yilong glanced at the teenager before him and did not look at one of those spoiled rich kids. Instead, he looked timid and a good kid. Then he looked at the boy's mother, who looked genuinely worried for her child.  

"Do not worry, ma'am. I will ensure his safety even after school," Yilong said to her. Lihua smiles pleasantly at Yilong. 

"Mr. Cheng, I can rest easy knowing my son will be cared for in this school. And your students are all lovely and kind." Then she looks at Junjie. "Can I have a couple of minutes to talk to my son before he goes to class? And I will have a word with you, too?" 

The principal smiled widely and bowed at her. "Yes, madam. Let's go out for now," he told the two students. Before they left, the two glanced at Junjie before leaving the room. 

"Aunt Lihua, you did not have to do that much," Junjie tried to complain about what his adoptive mother had to do. He only hopes those two will not look at him badly about it.   

"Nonsense, I am only doing what is best for you right now." then her eyes lingered on his nape; a faded bite mark was left there. You will only see it if you look closely and will only know it's a bite mark if someone tells you. Guang had marked her adoptive son, although it's not a full bite, but she is worried about what kind of effect it will have on him. Lihua knows that Junjie is monitoring his rut and is being careful because of what happened.  

"You ensure that you stay away from trouble, okay, and always eat proper meals. You and Guang love to eat snacks, so ensure you eat." Junjie smiles at her worried voice, and Lihua smacks his shoulder. "I am not kidding, young man. I will come to school and scold you in front of your class if you neglect yourself here."  

Then, Junjie's smile turned to laughter, and Lihua smiled adoringly at his adoptive son. Ever since what happened to Guang, Junjie has become so reserved. She was happy to see his smile. "Remember to turn your phone, okay?"  

They talked a bit more before Lihua let him go and talked to the principal. When Junjie exited the room, he found the two students from earlier waiting for him. "Thank you for waiting," Junjie told them with a smile, "and thank you for hearing my mother about her request. I'll try not to take up more of your time," then he looked at the paper in his hand with his schedules and all that he needed to know about his school.    

Zhu Yilong and Wei Zheming exchange glances, and they both smirk. Zheming puts his arms around Junjie's shoulder and reaches the corner of the paper so he can have a look at it. "Your mother entrusted you to us, so we will do what we were asked." He scans the paper and then turns his gaze to Junjie. His eyes look around Junjie's face, and his eyes gaze on the light mark on Junjie's shoulder. A circular light mark at the crook of Junjie's neck; if one did not know, they would not suspect anything, but this looks like a bite mark. He threw a glance at Yilong, and the other understood it.  

"We know all these places; it will be easier to guide and show it to you than direct you to it." he taps Junjie's shoulder and walks to his classroom.  

"Yes, and you can stop being so formal with us. My name is Yilong, and he is Zheming." Zhu Yilong said with a bright smile. 

After touring Junjie around the school, when the two went to their respective classes, Yilong asked what the Zheming signal was earlier. 

Zheming pointed to the crook of his neck, "He has a faded bite mark in this spot." and looked at Yilong. "It's probably why his mother is worried, and if I am right, the person has the same second gender as you, Yilong." 

Zhu Yilong pursed his lips. He did not like it when the person with the highest hierarchy in the gender used that power to do something terrible to the lower gender; that is why many of the omegas in the school are protected.  

"I only hope that the person who gave that mark on him will not hurt him," Yilong said, and they both entered their class. 

************************************************************************************* 

Zheming and Yilong helped him a lot, introducing him to his teachers and showing him his locker, classrooms, and everything he needed to know about the school. He sat with the two during lunchtime, and many students looked at them. At first, this did not bother Junjie, but as the days passed, he noticed that some of his classmates were distancing themselves from him. 

When he tried to talk to his seatmate, she blushed and rushed out of the room, which baffled him the most. A giggle behind him caught his attention. He looked back and saw the guys covering his mouth and the guy beside him smacking him in the head.  

"Ow, what did you do that for?" the giggling guy complained. 

"Don't laugh at other misfortune." The other guys said, then turned to look at him. "I'm Wang Ruichang, and this guy here is Ao Ruipeng." Then Ruichang pointed his thumb at the girl running outside the room. "They are shy because you are friends with the two famous guys in the student council. Don't take it hard." 

Junjie nodded at the two of them. "I'm Huang Junjie." he introduced. 

"We know!" the two said in unison. The three exchange looks and laugh. 

"Is it okay if I hang out with you two? I feel like I'm imposing too much on Long-ge and Ming-ge," Junjie asked them. 

"Oh wow, you call them gege now?" Ruipeng asked 

"Idiot, of course, he is; they are our seniors." 

Junjie laughs and nods. "If you want, I can introduce you to them too. I go to the same dorm as them." 

"Oh, you're in the dorm, too? Us too," Ruipeng supplied excitedly. 

Junjie's eyes brightened. He was about to say something when Ruipeng beat him to it.   

"Do you want to hang out after school? I know a good hotpot place and a gaming center near our dorm."  

"Why are you assuming that he will come?" Ruichang tease. 

"Why are you being so negative about it? Of course, he will come." then he looked at Junjie. "You will, right?"  

Junjie tried not to laugh at Ruipeng's face, which looked like a puppy pleading, but he could not hold it in, so his shoulder shook while nodding, "Yeah, I'll come. But I must be home by 8, as my mother will call me."  

"Ehh, you're getting calls from your mom?" Ruipeng's face was shocked, and then Ruichang flicked his ear. Ruipeng covered his ears and glared, "Why do you always hurt me?" 

"Why are you so nosy then?" 

"I just wanted to say it," he mumbled. 

Ruichang turns to Junjie. "You have to forgive him. Sometimes, he has no filter and blurts out stuff he is not supposed to say."  

Junjie smiled at them. "That's okay; at least I know what he is thinking." Ruichang smiled at him.   

After confirming where to go, the teacher entered their room, and the class started. After school, Ruipeng and Ruichang toured him around the neighbourhood, showing him the cheapest convenience store that sells good stuff, restaurants that sell good food, and many other things; he learned that Ruipeng and Ruichang are both alphas but saw that the two are not conceited about their second gender.  

Ruipeng is a bouncing fireball, and Ruichang is a quiet fellow who knows how to throw jokes occasionally. He had been hanging out with his new friends and told Lihua about them, who were so happy he was having fun in school.  

Days turn into weeks, and the time for their first week-long break is approaching. After hanging out with his friends, Junjie went home and showered. He was finishing putting on his clothes when his phone rang. He checked the caller ID and saw it was Lihua. 

"Aunt Lihua, you called early today?" Junjie said as he answered his phone. 

"Well, I finished my work quite early today. Did you eat dinner?"  

"Yes, Yilong-ge and Ming-ge were with us today, and they all treated us to dinner." Then Junjie told her how his day had gone. 

"I'm so happy that you are enjoying your school there. Are you coming home during the school break?" Lihua asked.  

"Umm, yeah, and the orphanage needs a helping hand during the school break, too."  

Lihua was quiet for a bit, then sighed. "Yes, they do need help; how about I--" 

"Aunt Lihua, you don't have to do that; I can help them." Junjie cut her off; he knew that. Lihua could hire helpers, but he wanted to avoid spending money if he could help them.  

The last hired help that Lihua got was the wrong person; he started hitting the little children if they did not listen to him. Lihua and Mingzhu were so furious that they brought him to the authorities and ensured he would never work near children again. With that, Junjie told them he would help whenever he was free from school and during the summer break.   

"Okay, but that is your rest week. How about the schoolwork you must finish?" Lihua asked worriedly.  

Junjie chuckled. He knew that his adoptive mother only wanted to spend time with him. "I will stay at the orphanage in the morning to help, and in the evening, I will stay home."  

Lihua, on the other side of the phone, smiled happily. She had talked to her son earlier about him coming home for the school break. Guang finally said yes, and now he has managed to get her other son to stay home, even if it is only in the evening during that week-long break. She hopes the rift between his two children will be mended during this time. "Then I will see you this weekend?" Lihua asked expectantly.  

Junjie chuckled. "Yes, I will be there after lunch, Aunt Lihua." They talked a bit more before Lihua said her goodbyes and many reminders.  

Junjie sat on his bed and checked his messages. All his friends told him they would meet before separating for the long holiday week. He was replying to them when he thought of something and checked the holiday week in the US; it coincided with the same holiday-long week they were having. Junjie's heart beat erratically. 'Will he come home this long week?' he thought but suddenly erased the thought in his mind. He knows Guang will only come home if it is an emergency. He sighed and got himself ready for bed. 

************************************************************************************* 

A couple more rings and Guang answers his phone. "How long will it take you to answer your phone?" Lihua said in the other line. 

"Ma, it's too early for you to call me." 

"Xia Zhiguang, it's 9 pm in here." 

"Ma, it's 8 am in here." Guang counter  

"And why are you still in bed?" 

"Ma, my class starts at noon," then he sighed. "Why did you call me this early, ma?" 

"I'm calling to know when you are coming home." 

Lihua heard Guang sigh and the rustle of the bedding as if someone was getting up. "My class will end at 5 pm, and I will go straight after class to the airport. I will be there the following morning, Ma," he said as he walked outside his room to the kitchen, where she could hear him preparing food in the background. 

"Are you and your dad eating properly there? Are you not skipping your food?" Lihua asked him 

"Ma, Pa is making sure that I am eating properly." then a knock came on the door. "In a minute." 

"Is that Xiaowen and Nannan?" Lihua asked 

"Probably," he said, opening the door, "yap, it's them." Guang put the phone in front of them, and the two greeted her in return. 

"I'll leave you three, and Guang, ensure you eat properly; I will see you on Friday morning. Come straight home from the airport, you hear me." Lihua ended the call with that. 

"You have a place to go before your flight, Guang?" Xiaowen asked. 

He momentarily thought about his mother, "Hmm, how about we get something for my mom."  

"Ahh, Aunt Lihua?" Xiaowen thought for a moment. "I remember a newly opened jewelry store near the school."   

"Get ready now," Zhou Zhennan asked, walking inside the house and sitting on the couch. "So, we can go there before we go to school." then Nannan thought for a moment, "What about him?"  

Guang asked, screaming as he returned to his room to change his shirt. "What about who?"  

Xiaowen smirked at the counter as he ate what Guang prepared for his breakfast. When Guang saw him eating his food, he grabbed it back from Xiaowen. "Make your own food," he said as he took a bite of his bread. "Who are you talking about, Nannan?" he asked as he chewed his food and gathered his things.  

"Who else but your mate." Zhou Zhennan flatly said as he grabbed his freshly brewed coffee and sipped. 

Guang choked at the bread he was chewing and thought of Junjie momentarily before blushing. His scent spread throughout the place. 

"Dammit, Guang, stop spreading your damn pheromones early in the morning," Nannan said as he pinched his nose and fanned his hand in front of him.  

"The heck, man, will you stop doing that every time your mate is mentioned," Xiaowen groans, doing the same thing Nannan was doing. 

"Ahh, sorry," Guang apologized and willed to calm down. He put on his special mask, which the center where he went for his condition on his second gender provided; it filters the scent of other people's pheromones.  

"You know, every time you put that on, you look like a gangster." Xiaowen tease him. 

"Shut up, let's go," he said as he picked up his bread and walked out the door.   

Guang saw his father's assistant/driver exiting the office outside the living room. "Morning, Tianwei," Guang greeted him. Nannan and Xiaowen did the same. "Good morning, sirs," 

"Master Guang," Tianwei greeted him. Your father told me to drive you to school today. He has been resting since last night, as he was working until late." The man explained as he turned to look at the office where he had come from. 

Guang shrugs, "Sure, but we must go to a jewelry store." 

"No problem, sir. I'll wait at the car then, " he said, took the car keys and left the condo. 

After grabbing the last piece of bread on the counter, the three left and boarded the elevator to the basement parking lot. The drive to the store was short. The driver dropped them off at the front of the store and told them he would park the car. 

When they entered the shop, Guang looked around and found a butterfly brooch that piqued his interest. The color resembles the pink camellia he planted for Junjie in the garden. "I'll take this one," Huang said. The sales lady was wrapping the gift as he finished paying for it when a round white necklace caught his attention.  

The pearl necklace's colour resembles the same colour that Junjie wears in his ears. "Can I see this one?" Guang said and pointed at the necklace. The attendant pulled it out and showed it to him; Guang picked it up and felt the pearls. They felt nice and cool to the touch. "These pearls arrived today, sir, and are all on display in the shop," the attendant said. Are all your pearls the same colour?" Guang asked. 

"Yes, sir, but we also have an exclusive black pearl in the store." The attendant went to the other side, grabbed the black pearl necklace, and showed it to him. Guang inspects the double-layer black pearl necklace and imagines it on Junjie's neck; Guang licks his lips under his mask. "I want all the pearls in the store packed up and put this together, too," Guang said to the attendant. Both the attendant and his friend were shocked at what he said. "Ahh...R-right away, S-sir!" the attendant rushed to gather all the pearls in the store and in the back and put them together. 

"Are you mental? what do you need all those pearls for?" Xiaowen asked, stupefied at what he had just done.  

Guang was still thinking, and when the attendant finished putting all the pearls in the bag, he looked at Zhai Xiaowen. "Ah, that. It's for something." Guang answered vaguely and gave the attendant his card to make the payment. 

"Give up, you will never comprehend what is going on in that stupid head of his," Zhou Zhennan said.  

Guang glared at Nannan. "Can you put this in the car first?" Tianwei grabbed the two big bags and put them in the trunk. "Let's get some food before we go to school," Guang said as he hopped on the passenger seat. The two sat at the back. They all drove to the nearest restaurant to eat late breakfast. 

"So, will you see your mate when you return?" Xiaowen asked after they finished their breakfast.  

Guang thought about what his mother said last week. She told him to go home and be on his best behaviour, as Junjie would stay with them for seven days. Guang tensed up on the other line when he heard about this; it had been months since he last saw Junjie.  

Guang went home for Junjie's birthday but ensured they would not meet. The night before Junjie's birthday, Guang went to Junjie's room and left his gift there. Guang placed the gift on the dresser, and he was about to leave the room when a sweet scent stopped him. Guang looked at the room, and his eyes landed on Junjie's face. He was shocked that Junjie was awake, and a smile formed on Junjie's lips. "You're here, I thought I would not see you again." Guang was frozen stiff on where he stood. When he did not move, the smile on Junjie's lips disappeared, "I guess I'm dreaming again because, in reality, you will not be here." he sighed quietly and closed his eyes. When Guang heard his steady breathing and soft snoring, he continued to exit the room. 

That was the last time he saw Junjie, and he had not heard anything from his mother about that incident. Now, he is pretty excited to see Junjie again, and Guang heard from his mother that he started school this year and is staying at the dorm. 

"Earth to Guang," Xiaowei waves his hand before his face. 

Nannan swallowed his food and said, "Forget it; whenever we talk about his mate, this man will wander into his own world."  

Guang cleared his throat and looked at his friends; they were the only alphas in his school whose scent he could tolerate. "Yeah, I will see him." He took a sip of his coffee before he stood up. "Let's go; we're going to be late." After paying for their meal, they left and went to school. 

************************************************************************************* 

After class, Junjie and his friends went to the school's nearest food place. They hung out and ate outside before Junjie left for the weekend. Yilong sat beside Junjie, and Ruipeng sat on the other side and asked him nonstop about what he would do this coming weekend at home; Ruipeng only stopped when the food arrived at the table. 

"You are going back to your parents?" Zhu Yilong asked Junjie while they were eating.  

Junjie put his food in his mouth before nodding at him. "Yes, I will stay there for the whole holiday; I also promise someone that I will help them with some chores." Yilong nods silently and stares at his bare neck. He saw the faded bite mark and lifted his hands, scratching it with his fingernails and leaving a scent.  

Junjie flinched at his gesture and abruptly covered his neck with his hands; Yilong gave him a bright smile and lifted his hands up. "Long-ge, what was that for?" Junjie asked him, a puzzled look on his face.  

"A little joke on someone," he said, laughing. Then he turned and continued eating his food. Huang Junjie frowned at the weird thing his senior had done to him but continued eating his food. 

After eating their food, they all returned to their dorm; Junjie's luggage was in the lobby, and he was waiting for his ride home.  

"Junjie, I will miss you for a whole week." Ruipeng whines and hugs him tightly. 

"Stop clinging to him and let him go," Ruichang said, grabbing the back collar of Ruipeng's shirt and trying to pull him away from Junjie.  

Zheming laughed at the three of them, and Yilong ruffled Junjie's hair. "Take care of yourself, okay?" He nods at Yilong and turns at the front door when a car stops at the entrance. 

Junjie pats Ruipeng back, who is still hugging him. "Okay, okay, I will miss you too," he says, and Ruipeng lets go of him.  

Ruichang smiles at him, "I'll see you in a week." Junjie nods.  

************************************************************************************ 

Junjie rolled his luggage outside the dorm. When he got outside, he recognized the car parked in front and its driver. "Uncle Chang," Junjie called to the old driver, who got out of the car when he exited the building. 

"XiaoHuang, are you ready?" Uncle Chang asked. Junjie smiled at the older man and put his luggage in the trunk of the car before sitting beside him in the passenger seat. They talked for a while during the journey; Uncle Chang mentioned that Lihua made a feast for him to welcome him back home.  

Junjie chuckled. "I told her not to bother," he said, but deep inside, he was pretty happy. 

Uncle Chang laughed heartily, "You think your mother will stop if you say not to bother?" He turned on the light and glanced at him as he continued driving. "Lady Lihua is only happy that you are back at home." Junjie smiled at what the older man said to him.  

When Uncle Chang parked the car at the front, the front door opened, and Lihua ran to him. When Junjie exited the car, Lihua hugged him tightly. "Ugh, Aunt Lihua, I c-can't b-breathe," Junjie said breathlessly. 

Lihua loosens her hug immediately. "I'm sorry, my dear, you did not come home for two weeks, so I missed you terribly." 

"I'm sorry," Junjie answered. 

"Don't be, and I know you stayed because of the exams. Come inside. LanFen is waiting for you, too." Lihua pulled him inside the house. "Chenwei is here with--" 

Junjie's steps halted, and he became stiff as he breathed that familiar warm scent. He looked at Lihua and was going to ask her when a man who owned the scent descended the stairs. Guang's piercing gaze never left his face as he continued to walk downstairs, and with Guang's special mask obscuring half of his face, all Junjie could see were his eyes and the beautiful moles below them.  

Junjie's heartbeat raced as Guang stood at the bottom of the stairwell. He had grown, and his boyish look was mainly gone. "Ah, Guang came home this morning, Junjie, with my husband. I guess their school is on holiday, too." Lihua said casually, then she turned to him, "Come in now and get change. I'll tell LanFen to get the table ready." Then she walked inside the house, and when she passed Guang, she mouthed, 'Behave.' 

"You're here," Junjie said quietly. He had not seen Guang for a while. Junjie bit and wet his lips. "I have not seen you for two years; how have you been?" 

Guang's eyes widened only momentarily. "I'm doing fine." He continued his amble pace towards Junjie and stopped in front of him. He raised his hands and touched Junjie's pearl earring. Huang Junjie flinched but did not step away. "I missed you, XiaoJie."  

Junjie felt his body warm up. He nervously walked past Guang and awkwardly chuckled. "T-then you should come home often," he answered instead. Junjie wanted to smack his head; when Guang showed affection, he did not know how to react and got flustered instead. But Junjie feels happy and warm whenever Guang is here, and his body reaction differs from what his head is trying to tell him. 

Junjie felt Guang's gaze on him as he removed his shoes and rolled his luggage. "Yes, I should," Guang replies without looking away. 

"H-how was your stay in there? Your condition? Did it get any better?" 

Junjie was taking off his sweater when there was a pause, and he turned to Guang when he did not answer. "I'm doing good, and I found some friends." Guang stared into his eyes. "My condition is getting better."  

Junjie swallowed. "O-oh, okay." He fiddled with his hand; the silence between them was nerve-wracking, and his loud heartbeat was not helping. "T-then if you are getting better, y-you should be seeing someone?" it came out of his mouth before he could stop.  

The silence around them when he said that was unsettling. Junjie cautiously looked at Guang, and a chill ran through his body as Guang's cold gaze met his. "Yeah, I should," Guang said coldly, walking away to where Lihua had gone earlier. 

Junjie collapsed on the couch behind him when Guang was gone. He sighed deeply. "Why did I say that?" he mumbled as he buried his face in both hands. He was so happy that he could see him after not seeing him for a while. " And this time, he is here, not a dream." Junjie groaned at himself before he got up, picked up his luggage, and ran upstairs to his room.  

*************************************************************************************

Guang stays in his room after dinner; throughout the evening, the atmosphere between him and Junjie is tense, and even his mother senses that something has happened.  

Before going to his room, Lihua called him. "Honey, did something-" Guang cut her words with him, shaking his head.  

"I want to rest, Ma. I'm tired from my flight," he said. He did not wait for his mother and continued going upstairs. 

Now, he is in bed, pondering the whole night on how he will fix this uneasy feeling that he and Junjie have. If only he had not released some of his pheromones and made Junjie uncomfortable. Guang knew that Junjie was nervous, and he could smell him over his special mask. The sweet, tempting smell of flowers is supposed to calm him, but it's making him want Junjie more.  

Guang checks his bedside table clock; it's past midnight, and he is wide awake. He was too strung up by what had happened earlier and the scent that Junjie had emanated when he saw him push all the buttons on him. His XiaoJie smelled the same as before, and he wanted to take another bite off him.  

Xia Zhiguang groans and looks at the clock again. It's been thirty minutes, and all he can think about is Junjie, so he gets up and looks outside the window. From what he can see, everyone in the house is asleep by now. He walks to his bedside drawer, puts his hand on the far back, and grabs a key. He managed to get the master key from his nanny Lanfen without her knowledge, and the older lady did not look and asked for it. Guang gripped it and walked out of his room; he looked at the hallway.  

It was all dark, and only the moonlight illuminated the place from the window at the end of the hall. Guang looked ahead and walked towards the opposite room of his; he grabbed the door knob and gently turned it and was glad that it was not locked. 'He never changed; he never locked his room, even when that happened between us.' Guang thought. And without any noise, he slowly walks towards Junjie's bed. 

Guang heard Junjie's slow and steady breathing and sat on the floor with his legs crossed. Guang sat in front of his face and rested his chin on Junjie's face; Guang watched Junjie sleep and memorized the outline of his face, where the moles were located. He inhaled that sweet, calming scent of his mate, and when he sighed softly, Junjie shifted his position and turned his head to the other side.   

The exposed neck of Junjie instantly hitched Guang's breath, but he willed himself to calm down. With careful movements, Guang put his face close to Junjie's neck and was about to nuzzle it when he smelled the faint scent of another person. Guang bared his teeth and felt his fang prickling his lips. ' Someone left a scent on what's mine!' he thought. He gripped his hand hard and once again willed himself to calm. He gently brushed the tip of his nose to Junjie's bare neck, erasing the scent and covering him with his.  

After he was satisfied that his scent was stuck with Junjie, he leaned back, rested his chin on his hands, and continued to watch him. "What will I do with you, XiaoJie? Everyone gathers around you." He whispered, "If only I could take you and hide you away so no one will ever look at you." Then he sighed softly, "But if I do that, you will hate me forever. My XiaoJie, hurry up and accept me," after watching Junjie sleep for a while, Guang's nerves calmed down, and with that, he exited Junjie's room and went back to his room to sleep.

Chapter Text

Huang Junjie woke up feeling light and refreshed; he cleaned up and changed his clothes. He wanted to come to the orphanage early and tried not to encounter Guang in the house. But his attempt failed when he found him and Lihua at the dining table eating breakfast.  

"Ah, good morning, sweetheart." Lihua stood and kissed him on the forehead as he approached her. "How was your sleep?"  

"I slept well, Aunt Lihua," Junjie said, trying to avoid looking at Guang.  

"Eat up then before you go to the orphanage. I'm sure the children there will play with you all day." she chuckled.  

"Hmm," Junjie agreed and sat beside her across from Guang, who was quietly eating his breakfast and watching him. He can feel his stare, and Junjie is getting conscious of it.   

Lihua, who saw both her sons' behaviour, enjoyed it. However, she could clearly see that Junjie was blushing and getting uncomfortable at what was happening because he couldn't eat and was having difficulty swallowing his food. If anything, she knew that both her sons were in love, but they still had no idea of the concept and were clueless about love. Guang is the type to push his feelings, and Junjie is confused about how he will accept what he is receiving.

She sighed and decided to intervene: "Would you look at the time? Guang, we have to leave soon, so get ready now."   

Lihua looked at her son, who was not moving, and called Xia Zhiguang off twice before he peeled his eyes away from Junjie, stood up, and brought his dishes to the kitchen.   

"Junjie, Uncle Chang will wait for you at the front if you are done eating," Lihua said when she saw her son walk from the dining area to the foyer.

"But Aunt Lihua, who will drive you if Uncle Chang drives me?" Junjie asked  

"Don't you worry about us, child? Guang can drive me around as he has nothing to do."   

"he has a license to drive?" he asked surprisingly.  

"Yes, my dear, he got one. Anyway, off you go now, or Mingzhu will worry again."  

She pushes him out the door. Junjie gets in the car and is sending him off when Guang comes and gazes at the leaving car.   

"What did you do?" Lihua ask Guang sternly when they can't see the car ahead.  

"What do you mean what did I do?" Guang asked, puzzled.  

"Were you the one who took the missing copy of the master key LanFen had? She told me about it but did not make a fuss as she knew you were the one who took it." His mother continued, "Be thankful that Junjie is used to your smell because he cleans your room weekly, so he did not realize your smell was all over him."   

Xia Zhiguang was stumped. He did not realize his mother would catch up on this matter, so he remained quiet and pinched his lower lips.

"My son, I know how much you long for him, but you cannot force your feelings on him again. You know what the doctor said, right? Junjie might reject your affection." Lihua said to him worriedly.  

"I know, Ma. That is why I am waiting patiently," Guang said, looking at the road where the car disappeared. At a young age, he knew what Junjie had been through with his immediate family. After his parents passed, his other family members passed him around in the hope of getting his inheritance money from them. He would not make the same mistake; he would take his time to open up Junjie and polish him like the pearl that he was.  

*************************************************************************************  

He was happy to see Guang this morning but could not look him in the eyes because of what happened last night and his dream about him. He didn't know why he dreamt about him whenever Guang was in the house. They said that dreams are the window to your true feelings; Junjie bit his lips and blushed. Was his longing for him so apparent that he saw Guang in his dreams?   

Huang Junjie did not know when it started, but since that snowy afternoon in the garden, that kiss and the feverish feeling Guang conveyed made his heart race. For the first time after his parents' passing, Huang Junjie felt needed and cherished; he felt loved. He felt downhearted when he learned that Guang went to the States and settled there for his studies and treatment.   

Uncle Chang glanced at Junjie, who was deep in thought. The household knew what the Young master felt for Junjie, and they all witnessed their development. They knew the confusion of the young heart and were making sure the two would not be hurt. "I bet the kids in the orphanage will be happy to see you after a long time."  

"Huh?" Junjie turns to him with a surprised look. A-ah y-yeah, they will," he says as he blushes. Junjie does not know how long he has been thinking about Guang and is embarrassed that the older man had to catch his attention. Junjie tries to keep talking to Uncle Chang, taking Guang off his mind.  

When Uncle Chang parks the car at the front entrance, the children start running, waiting for him to come out. A chorus of Gege comes from all the children surrounding him. Uncle Chang starts unloading the toys and gifts that Lihua prepared for them.   

"I thought you would not come," Mingzhu came outside, wiping her hands in her apron. 

"Sorry for being late, Aunt Mingzhu," Junjie said as he picked up the baby in one of the girl's arms.   

"No worries as long as you're here. Come, we have a lot to do, and some kids need to practice their character writing, too."   

When Junjie walks inside the manor, the baby starts fussing in his hands. Some young children back away and look at him, a bit frightened. "What's wrong?" he asks, puzzled by the baby's reaction. "What is going on?" he looks at the children around him.   

"Gege, you s-smell intimidating..." one of the girls said to him; she is holding at the lower end of his shirt but maintains a distance.  

"Huh?" Junjie turned to her, confused, and started sniffing himself. He could not find where the smell was coming from in his body. He looked at all the children, Mingzhu, who stopped to see the commotion and Uncle Chang.  

"What is going on?" Mingzhu asked as she walked back to Junjie.  

"Headmistress, Junjie-ge smells scary." one of the boys said.  

"yeah, cary," the little boy chimes in too.  

Mingzhu frowns and takes a sniff off him. Then her face darkens, and she looks at Uncle Chang, who clears his throat. "errr... the young master is back." is all he says.   

Mingzhu groans silently, grabs the baby in Junjie's hand, and walks inside the manor. "Come inside," she says.  

In her office, she opened a drawer and pulled out a bottle. "Spray one on your wrist and neck. It's a pheromone blocker, and it will help for a while," she said as she put the bottle on the table.   

Junjie looked at her with shock in his face. "But my rut is not here yet," he said, checking his ear and being glad that the earrings were there.   

"It's not about your rut, Junjie. Just put it on. We are already behind with all the work we have to do today," she said and walked out of the room.  

Junjie hesitantly grabbed the bottle and did what Mingzhu instructed. When he left the room to join the children in the dining area, the children saw him and hesitantly approached him. One of the twins who was fond of him came running, almost slamming his body against him. "Qianli, it's been a while. Where is your gege?" He looked around to find Yixie standing at the door, staring at them in silence.  

"Junjie-ge, where have you been?" Qianli asked accusingly. "Ge, why do you smell like this?" he asked, sniffing at him again.   

"is the smell that bad?" Junjie asks warily.  

"No, it's okay." I look up at him. "Are you staying here for a while?"   

"I'm not staying for a while, but I will visit every day for a week," he explains, ruffling the boy's hair. "I have to go back to school after a week, but I will return in the next holiday." 

"Is gege otay now?" one of the little ones comes closer and asks them.  

"Yeah, gege is okay now," Qianli confirmed, and then all the children came running and gathered around them.  

Junjie helps the young children practice their writing and reading in the morning. Mingzhu was a teacher before she became the headmistress of the orphanage, so she taught them all the basic math, science, and language. When the children are busy with homework, Junjie helps with the daily chores in the orphanage. After lunch, Uncle Chang told Junjie that he had received a message from Lihua, and she was coming home to prepare dinner.  

Junjie was getting ready to go home when he came to Mingzhu. "Aunt Mingzhu, I saw that many of the books the children are using are crumbling, and some kitchen utensils are almost breaking apart." when Junjie saw her frown, he quickly said, "I know you do not want any money from me, but I want to help the little one. Plus, Aunt Lihua is giving me everything I need, so..." Junjie looked dejected.  

Mingzhu sighed. As much as she could, she did not want to receive any financial help from Huang Junjie because the child had given them enough. "Only this once, child, do you understand?"   

Junjie smiled brightly at her. He had been saving the money he received from his parents' insurance and making sure he was using it wisely. The Xia family provided him with everything he needed, including finances, so he did not need any money. Junjie opened a savings account, deposited the money he received, and withdrew it when needed.   

He put down the cheque he had received from the bank. "The little one has been asking me for toys lately. Qianli is also begging if he can have a gaming console. I saw some colouring books that needed to be changed, too." Junjie excitedly told her.   

Mingzhu laughed at his excitement. "Even those children have been holding on to me with their needs." Then she looked at the clock. "You best be on your way. I'm sure Lihua is looking for you now."  

Junjie nodded and left the office. He left the orphanage after saying goodbyes to the children and promising to see them tomorrow.   

*************************************************************************************  

Lihua was in the kitchen with Lanfen making their dinner when he came home and was happy to see him home. Junjie joined and started helping them; the two women asked him about his day in the orphanage and how the children were so happy to receive the gift Lihua prepared for them.  

Xia Zhiguang halted his steps when he heard Junjie's voice in the kitchen. He couldn't help but peer inside. Guang saw him happily chatting with his mother and nanny, Junjie, telling them how his days went by. He had a smile on his lips, and his eyes glimmered at the story he was telling. He couldn't help but be mesmerized by this man; Guang was quietly looking inside when he heard a cough behind him. "Son, this kind of behaviour is..." Chenwei looked at the kitchen where his wife and adopted son began cooking. "If Junjie finds you are here doing that..." he trailed off, not knowing what kind of thing he would name his son's behaviour.  

"I-I... I was only checking if they needed my help, and I think Ma got the help she needed," he said, stuttering, and excused himself as he ran back upstairs to his room.   

Chenwei sighed and went inside the kitchen. When Junjie noticed him, the boy smiled and greeted him, "Uncle Chenwei, how have you been?" Chenwei can't help but think to himself, 'I know the reason why my son and wife are smitten with this child.' Junjie's attitude is genuine affection and caring. He ruffled Junjie's hair and smiled. "I'm well." He turns to his wife.  

"He ran away again, didn't he?" Lihua asked when Chenwei kissed her on the cheek. 

Chenwei chuckled, "I don't understand why you love teasing your son about it."  

"Hmph! Who told him to have his sight on my son?"   

Chenwei looked at her wife, stunned, and then at Junjie, who was confused by their conversation. Chenwei smiled at his adopted son, "How was your visit to the orphanage?" Junjie happily told him what had happened.   

During dinner time, Junjie, Lihua, and Lanfen mostly talked. When Chenwei asks Guang to include him, Guang answers briefly and stares at Junjie most of the time.  

After dinner, Junjie took a shower and got ready for bed. He looked outside his window and saw Guang in the back garden, sitting at the marble gazebo. Junjie's finger trailed at the window glass, where Guang's reflection was. Junjie thought about it for a while before standing up, getting a sweater and a blanket, and leaving his room.   

Guang was sitting on the gazebo's marble bench and thought to himself how he had never had time with Junjie during his week-long stay here. He was in deep thought when that alluring scent in his mind for the past few days enveloped him. A small smile formed in the corner of his lips. "What are you doing in here at this time of the night? Are you not cold?" came the soft voice behind him, and a blanket went around his shoulder.  

A frowning, worried face looks down at him as he looks behind. Guang smiles at Junjie, "It's not cold anymore now that you brought this," and taps at the blanket on his shoulder.   

Junjie sighed and sat at the end of the bench, distancing himself from Guang. "So what are you doing here?" he asked, looking at Guang, memorizing his site features. It had been a while since he last saw him, and he wanted to engrave every detail he could see right now because Junjie did not know when he would be seeing him again.  

"Hmm?" Then he looked at Junjie, "Waiting for my flower to come..." and saw Junjie blush, which made Guang tease him more. "But my flower did come and is being mean to me." Then he made a sad face.   

"When did I become mean to you? You were teasing me when I came home yesterday." Junjie retorts, not knowing that Guang is teasing him.   

"Well, you were being distanced yesterday, and today, you did not talk to me."  

"I was not, and you said you found a friend, so I assume you are okay and will be looking for a suitable partner..." Junjie said, stuttering. His voice grew smaller until he finished what he wanted to say and looked down.  

Guang's face darkens, but he controls himself. He looks at Junjie and smirks. "Should I be looking for someone?" he asks. Are you sure you will not be sad?"  

Junjie looked up. He was about to say something but held it in. He chewed the inside of his lips and slowly moved closer to Guang. "It's getting colder now," is all he said.

Guang stood up, removed his slippers, kneeled before him, and slipped them on Junjie's feet. "You came here running barefooted. Are you that worried about me, XiaoJie?"   

Junjie looked down, and before he could stop himself, he pushed away that lock of hair on Guang's forehead. Xia Zhiguang was momentarily shocked, and then he smiled at him. "Tell me about your friends at school," he asked, sat on the floor, and put his chin on Junjie's lap.  

"Guang, isn't it cold there?" he asked worriedly.  

"I'm fine, and you're warm. so?" Guang asked him, waiting for him to talk.  

Junjie told him about Ruipeng and Ruichang, and then Guang grabbed Junjie's hands and started kissing his fingertips. Junjie breathed a hitch and flinched but did not pull his hands away. "is there anyone else?"  

"Ahh...oh yeah, we have our seniors Wei Zheming and Zhu Yilong."   

When Guang heard the last name, his movements stopped for a second, and then he nuzzled at Junjie's palm. "G-guang..." Junjie's hands trembled, and Guang could see him biting his lips.  

"It's getting cold now, XiaoJie, and you have to wake up early tomorrow, too," he said as he stood up and pulled him up. They walked inside the house to their room, standing in front of Junjie's room. "I will not be here tomorrow morning as I will be helping my dad with his work." Guang saw Junjie's face saddened. Guang smiled and said, "I will be here in the evening."   

"Then, I'll see you in the evening," Junjie said happily.  

When Junjie's door closed, Guang slumped and crouched while holding his head. "No fair, XiaoJie. Do not smile at me like that and leave," he mumbled. He was in the middle of pulling himself together when he heard a throat clearing. Guang looked up only to see his mother looking down at him.  

"How was your evening rendezvous with Junjie?" she asked, raising her eyebrow.  

"Ma, how long have you been there?" he asked, then frowned. "Wait, how did you know that?"  

"Hmph! So, what did you do to him when you were running away at the sight of him?"   

There it is, his mother's possessiveness of Junjie. He sighed, "Ma, I would never make him cry."  

Lihua raised a brow, "Go to sleep, Guang, and make sure you don't sneak inside Junjie's room again." She walked back to her room.  

Guang's face flushed red. His mother knew he was sneaking inside Junjie's room whenever he was there. But he could not calm down, knowing his mate was just an arm's reach. Guang sighed and went inside his room to sleep; he used the same blanket that Junjie put on his shoulder to cover him. The blanket smelled like him, calming him down and sleeping all night.  

In the following days, seeing each other changes when Junjie is too tired to stay up late, and Guang visits him inside his room to watch him sleep, or they have another evening together in the garden.   

Then, on the last night, they sat in the garden together.  

"What time is your flight tomorrow?" Junjie asked as he looked up in the sky. The stars were bright that night, and the temperature was not cold, but they made sure to bundle up and wear footwear this time.  

"I leave early in the morning; I have to be there for my exams," Guang told him.  

"Are you staying in there and continuing your study?" Junjie softly asked.   

"Yes, they have a good curriculum to help me achieve my goals." Then his gaze moved to Junjie. "XiaoJie, even if I'm not here, don't fall for anyone," he begged.  

Junjie blushed, then answered, "Ha? I have no time for that. I want to finish school and not fail anything to help Aunt Lihua and Uncle Chenwei for all they do for me."   

"Hmmm, does that mean you will help me in the future?" Guang's face came closer to him, and he smirked. Junjie cannot help but be fascinated by his playful face.   

"Only if you are going to be successful." Junjie smiled at him.  

"You bet I will be," then Guang grabbed his hands and stroked his knuckles. "Your hands are cold; we better go in now," he said before kissing those cold knuckles.   

"Guang!" Junjie blushes and tries to pull his hand away, but Guang holds it firmly and pulls him up to go inside the house. If it's up to him, he will steal Junjie's first kiss, but he does not want to push him further on what he can do right now.   

Guang walked him again to his room. "Go to sleep, XiaoJie. I'll see you tomorrow before I leave."   

Guang turned around when Junjie called him. "Goodnight, Guang," he said, smiling and turning to his room.  

Guang entered his room, closed his door, and collapsed into his bed. "He is doing this on purpose and knows that doing that will make me weak," he groans as he buries his face in his pillows and wonders how he is going to sleep tonight.  

They had breakfast the next day before Guang and Chenwei went to the airport. Lihua went with them to send them off, and Junjie insisted on coming, but Lihua told him to stay behind to prepare to return to his dorm that day.  

Before lunch, Lihua came back home, and they had lunch together before Junjie left. 

Lihua started sniffing as he put his bag in the car's trunk, and then the drama started. "Both my sons left me today so I will be alone in this big house again." 

Junjie scratched his head, looking at his adoptive mother.

"Lihua, if you keep making your son feel bad like this, he will be on the road at night." LanFen then pushed Junjie to the car after kissing him on the cheeks. "Off you go. Your mother will continue that until you succumb to her whim,"  she said, fixing his clothes and hair.

"Wait," Lihua called, "I haven't said my bye yet." and kissed Junjie, too.   

"Aunt Lihua, I'll call as I do every day and come home during weekends. I promise you that." Junjie assured her.   

After Lihua's endless goodbye, Junjie got into the car and drove off.  

*************************************************************************************  

Ao Ruipeng was sitting on the couch facing the door entrance, holding both his knees to his chest while biting off his thumb. "Junjie said that he will be here soon."   

Ruichang, sitting beside him on the other couch, looked at him. "Are you an idiot? He texted us just now. You think he can teleport all the way here?"  

Ruipeng looked at him and pouted. Ruichang rolled his eyes and continued to play games on his phone. On the second-floor balcony overlooking the main floor, Yilong and Zheming leaned against the railings, waiting for Junjie to arrive.   

After waiting more than 30 minutes, the front entrance opened, and the person they were waiting for arrived. Ruipeng jumped out of the couch and ran towards Junjie. "Junjie! I missed you!" he said, picking him up, which surprised Junjie.   

Ruichang lightly smacks Ruipeng on the back of his head. "Stupid, put him own, or you will scare him."   

After Ruipend dropped, Junjie, Yilong, and Zheming came down from the second floor. Junjie saw them right away, so he waved and smiled at them. "Long-ge, Ming-ge, I'm back."   

Yilong grabbed his shoulder and tapped his arm, then discreetly sniffed him. At first, he frowned, then smirked. "It's good that you are back," he said. As he looked at Junjie, he looked rejuvenated and happy. I guess you had un back at home," he said.   

Junjie smiled and nodded at him. "Yeah, my father and brother returned from the States, so we are all gathered together."   

"Ah, that's good then." Then he looked at his baggage. "Go get your things and get settled then. I think the cook is back, too, and he is preparing dinner for all the students who are coming back."  

"I'll help you with your bag, Junjie," Ruipeng volunteered, and the three of them went upstairs to the third floor.  

"What is it?" Zheming asked as soon as the three left.  

"I made his enigma mad, as I can smell him all over Junjie. And I can feel the ownership on the pheromones that Junjie emits." Yilong said while smiling.  

"How come I cannot smell it?" Zheming frowns, although he can smell something dominant and calming. "Wait, is the dom nant scent that I am smelling of him because of that enigma?" he asks Yilong, bewildered.   

"It was a rumour that the only son of the Xia family is an Enigma, and he is currently residing in the US for his treatment and study," Yilong said while smiling.   

"This is getting interesting," Zheming said before a playful smirk formed across his lips.  

Then, the subject of their conversation is returning downstairs with his two friends. "Junjie, how come you smell different than the last time?" Ruipeng said casually, and Ruichang looked at him curiously.   

"Ah, you must be smelling my brother," Junjie said, smiling at Ruipeng.   

"Oh." Ruipeng answers, not knowing that Junjie and his brother are not blood-related.  

After dinner, Junjie called Lihua and told her how excited his friends were to see him. He was about to seep when he received an unusual text.  

'Hi my XiaoJie'  

Junjie rose from his bed and looked at the message.   

'Guang?'  

'Yes, are you getting ready for bed?'  

'I am, but are you not in class right now?'  

'I just finished my exam, how about you?'  

'I am getting ready for bed. How is your exam?   

'It went well... it has only been a day, but I am already missing you XiaoJie.'  

Junjie chuckled. 'Then you can always message me here whenever you are free.'   

The two of them talked until Junjie fell asleep with the phone in his hand.  

*************************************************************************************  

As the season changes, Guang and Junjie's relationship is getting better. Their constant exchange of messages did not go unnoticed from Lihua's knowledge. That is why, during the weekend, when Junjie is staying with Lihua, she always confiscates Junjie's phone. Junjie will give it to her and not ask questions, and during this time, he also enjoys his time with his adoptive mother. Sometimes, they visit the orphanage together and help with what they can, and during this time, Junjie will forget about Guang.  

"It seems that awful son of mine messages you regularly?" Lihua asks during one of their trips to the orphanage.  

"What, oh yes," he answers, embarrassed. "He asked for my number, so I gave it to him. I hope you don't mind."   

"Why would I mind my child? Anyway, what are you two talking about?" Lihua asked him curiously.  

"Oh, Guang asked me how my days went and what I did during the day," he answered happily.  

"That's it?" she asked, raising a brow.  

Junjie nods and tilts his head to the side. "Oh, he sometimes asks me about my friends."  

'Oh, now he is finally interested in those other kids,' she thought. Well, it's good that you two are getting along. I am happy that both of you are coming home during the holidays now.'  

Junjie smiled and nodded, "He said he is coming back on Christmas, too, and I will be able to see him."  

Lihua cupped his face and pinched both his cheeks. "Yes, this lovely smile; I love seeing this smile," she said cheerily.  

"Uhhh, Aunt Lihua... it hurts," Junjie said.  

Lihua let go of his face and hugged him tightly, "Let's go shopping. I heard from Mingzhu that the children need a lot of stuff in the orphanage."   

They went to the nearest department store, and Junjie got dizzy as Lihua shopped for many things for the children. One item caught his attention; he found a bluish cylinder with a blue butterfly design kaleidoscope while looking around. When Junjie looked inside, the design was pretty and didn't hurt the eye. 'I'm sure he will like this,' he thought while checking the intricate carving outside.   

"Oh, what is this? A kaleidoscope?" Lihua asked behind him. "Okay, I'll buy it for you then."   

"Ah no, Aunt Lihua, this is not for me." Junjie said, "And I-I will pay for this." he said shyly. 

"Hmmm?" Lihua looked at him curiously, and then the corner of her lips smirked. "Very well. Is there anything that you fancy?"   

"Ha? Umm, no... nothing..." Then he looked at Lihua's eyes, the eyes that said, 'You need to pick something.' Then Junjie smiled awkwardly and looked around and found this weird-looking toy: a duck with a red flower around it. 'It looks like him whenever he is upset,' he thought and laughed at it.   

"Is this the one you wanted?" Lihua asked when she saw him laugh at it.  

Junjie nods and smiles. "Yes, this is the one I wanted."   

After shopping, they both went to the orphanage and gave the early Christmas gifts to the other kids.   

*************************************************************************************  

Weeks passed, and the Christmas holiday was around the corner. Guang and Chenwei returned to Beijing, and they all celebrated the holiday.  

Junjie gave Guang his gift, which Guang excitedly opened. "A kaleidoscope?" Guang looked at the object and took a peek inside. Inside, a flowery kaleidoscopic pattern can be seen, and in the middle is the pink peony. Guang happily smiled at the gift. "I like it."   

"I have something for you, too," Guang excitedly said as he pulled out a box and gave it to Junjie. Junjie curiously examined the small box and opened it. A pair of pearl earrings was sitting on the black velvet cushion. "I see that the earrings you wear are getting worn down and need replacement," Guang said.   

Junjie accepted the box hesitantly, and he smiled awkwardly at Guang. "Thank you for the gift, Guang," he said  

"Are you not going to try it?" Guang asked him expectantly.  

"Ah... well..." Junjie stammer.  

"Xia Zhiguang, how about you open up the gift that me and your father got for you." Lihua intervenes. "LanFen gifts are still here waiting for your attention."  

"Ahh... I am not feeling well. Aunt Lihua and Uncle Chenwei, may I be excused?" Junjie asked them when Guang got busy opening the gifts.   

"Go and rest, then, Junjie," Chenwei told him. With that, Junjie got up and left the area.

When Junjie left, the atmosphere in the living room became heavier. Chenwei stood up to ruffle his son's hair and kiss Lihua's cheeks, then went to his office to finish some of his work.  

"Ma, did I mess up again?" Guang said after a while.  

Lihua sighed, "It was not your fault you did not know. The pearl earring that Junjie is wearing is a keepsake of his late mother and acts as an inhibitor for him." she explained. 

"I did not know that..." he said quietly.   

"Well, it is not common knowledge," she says as she looks at her son. "So, what are you going to do?"   

Guang stood up and walked upstairs. Lihua watched her son amusingly and sighed when LanFen entered the Living room. "LanFen, do you think I will still be young enough to care for my future grandchildren?"   

LanFen looks at her, and then she shakes her head amusingly as she cleans up the coffee table and the snack plates they ate earlier.   

*************************************************************************************  

Guang was ambling on his steps toward Junjie's room; he was nervous about what he would say to Junjie.  

'Ahh, how did I mess that up?' he thought. Guang remembered when he first saw these earrings in that store. They reminded him of Junjie, and he thought this would fit him so much. "Haaa..." he sighed loudly. Just then, Junjie's door opened.  

"Ah, XiaoJie... ahh, I did not mean to disturb you," Guang said nervously.  

Junjie smiled and opened the door wider to let him in. "Come in; you look like you wanted to say something." Junjie walked to his bed and sat there, but to his surprise, he did not expect Guang to sit beside him. A chair was inside his room, and he thought Guang would be sitting there.   

Before Junjie could say something, Guang's hands went to his ears and kneaded his thumb of the pearl earring. Junjie felt his ears heat up, and an unfamiliar feeling ran through his body. "I apologize for being insensitive," he said, caressing the curve of Junjie's ears.   

Junjie's breath shudders, and Guang sees the changes in him. Instead of stopping, Guang continues, and the sweet scent of flowers comes out of Junjie. The smell is so intoxicating that Guang can't help but take a sample of it. He leans forward and takes a nibble at Junjie's reddened ears. Junjie trembles at the contact of Guang's hot lips on him, and his arms go on Guang's shoulders to push him. But instead, his hand held Guang's shoulder firmly and brought him closer to him.

"XiaoJie, you smell so wonderful," he said, rubbing his nose against the outline of his ears. Then he rested his forehead on Junjie's shoulder. "Are you okay?" he whispered in Junjie's ears, making him shudder. Guang smiled, knowing that Junjie was responding to him.   

"I'm okay," Junjie replied with a hoarse voice, revelling in Guang's spicy, warm scent, which he loved. "I will keep the earrings," Junjie said steadily after a while. "Even if I can't wear them now, I want them with me." 'Not to mention it has your smell on it,' Junjie thought.   

"Hmm." Guang agreed with him. They were like this for a while, and then Junjie felt awkward and nervous. Guang also felt his scent change.   

"XiaoJie, I don't want to go," Guang whines after a while.   

"What are you talking about? You need to go," he said as he patted his back. "Are you planning on sleeping here?"   

"Can I?" Guang happily asked him when he leaned back, not letting go of Junjie.  

"Ha!" Junjie exclaimed, then stood up and pulled Guang out of his bed. "Go and sleep in your own room," he said, blushing as he pushed Guang out.  

After pushing Guang out of his room, he grabbed his ears and blushed, "Guang, you are swaying my resolve for us to stay as a brother."  

** **********************************************************************************

The Xia family and Junjie stay together during the holiday season, and the year changes, and they are happy that Guang can celebrate his birthday with them.

Guang said he wanted his birthday celebrated with only them as a family, and his parents honoured his request.

After the birthday dinner, the two of them met in the garden. The night was chi ly, and you could see the crips of their breath in the air. "Guang, what do y u want for your birthday?" Junjie asked as he watched him pluck a pink camellia.

"There is only one that I want," and give the camellia to him. "I want my flower."

"Stupid, who are you calling flower?" Junjie said as he twirled the flower. "You're sixteen now. What are your plans?"

"Well, first of all, I will get my driver's license in the US," he said coolly.

"Wait, I thought you have a license?" asked the confused Junjie.

"Oh, that? Ma was pulling your leg." Guang chuckled.

"Then anything else?" Junjie asked expectantly.

Guang smiled, "It seems you are expecting something from me?"

"I am not," Junjie said and abruptly stood. "I'm going in."

Guang laughs and pulls him back. Now, the two of them are facing each other. "Hmm, there's only a slight difference in our height." Then his eyes ravel Junjie's. He is wearing warm turtleneck clothing and a wrap fleece shawl and holding that camellia flower in his hand. Junjie looks so beautiful. "Well, like I said, I want my flower..." he whispers in his ears.

"Then...then what do you want?" Junjie asked cautiously.

"Well, not now, but I want to keep this one wish for the future?" Guang said and smiled mysteriously.

"Oh, okay..."

"Don't be so disappointed, XiaoJie."

"Who said I'm disappointed?" Junjie said, embarrassed.

Guang chuckled and looked at him again. "Let's go inside, XiaoJie. You're getting cod now."

That night, Junjie felt something shifting between them; he was both afraid and happy. His mixed feelings sometimes scared him because he knew that something good would happen to him when he had them, and then unfortunate events would follow.

*************************************************************************************  

After the holiday, Guang and Chenwei returned to the States. They both got busy for a while in school and their business, and during the New Year party, one of his father's business meetings that Guang had been attending for a while, an unexpected thing happened.  

"Ah, Mr. Xia, doing business with you is a pleasure. I have been eager and waiting to meet you." And the older man turns to him. "You must be Zhiguang. It's nice to meet you, young man." Luo Hanying and extend his hand to him.  

Guang accepted the hand and firmly shook it. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Luo," he said in a cheerful voice while wearing his special mask.  

Luo Hanying smiled at him gleefully. "What a fine young man you have, Mr. Xia," he said as he tapped the hand that he was still holding. "Oh, I almost forgot. My daughter came with me this evening. She was looking forward to seeing you." Then he looked around the crowd, spotted the person he was looking for, and waved at her.   

Amidst the crowd, a girl with short brown hair and a light pink dress walks towards them.  

"Ah, there she is, come, Shenxiang," Luo Hanying calls his daughter. "Ah, Mr.Xia and Zhiguang, this here is my daughter Luo Shenxiang." he introduced her as she came close. 

Shenxiang looked and bowed to Chenwei first, "It's my pleasure to meet you, Mr. Xia; I am Shenxiang."   

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Luo; I hope you are enjoying your time here." Chenwei smiled at her.  

"Yes, I am," she smiled and turned to Guang.  

"Ah yes, this is my son Xia Zhiguang," he introduced, and Guang extended his hand. A soft hand enveloped him, and Guang felt something warm run through his hands toward his arm, so he had to pull his hands right away.   

If she was surprised by Guang's action, she sure was good at hiding it and smiling sweetly at him. "It was nice to meet you, Mr. Xia."   

"Ah, my daughter attends the same school as your son, Mr. Xia. I hope they get along as she only got transferred here and had no friends." Luo Hanying told them.  

"Dad, don't push such responsibility on them like that," she said. "I can find friends in school very well, and I do not want to bother Mr. Xia."   

"Ah, you do not have to worry about that. You can call me Guang. If you want, I will leave you my number to help you tour the campus." Guang offered.   

Luo Shenxiang's eyes sparkled. "Really? That would be wonderful," she happily said.  

"Yes, that will be no problem at all," Guang replied in his business tone.  

Luo Shenxiang stayed on Guang's side throughout the evening. She tried to wrap her hands around Guang's arms most of the time, but Guang tactfully avoided it. When some of his father's other business partners came by, Luo Shenxiang would be delighted to introduce herself.

The party was stressful. Guang was trying his best to stay as far away from her as possible, but most of the time, she would corner him in the middle of a conversation with other people.

They were both tired when they went home to their condo.   

"Guang..." Chenwei called as he was taking off his necktie. "You are not obligated to tour her around or anything," he said   

"That's okay, Pa; it's business anyway," he said casually. He unclamped his mask, took a deep breath, and put it on the counter.

"I can see how she looks at you," Chenwei said worriedly.  

Guang looked at his hand, closed and opened it, walked to the bathroom, and washed his hands thoroughly. Remembering what he felt during that handshake made him nauseous. He was only thankful he did not vomit at the party. "It's fine, Pa, as long as she will not cross the line," Guang frowned and said firmly.

Chapter Text

A loud ringing in his ears woke Guang from his deep sleep. He groaningly looked at the clock: 4:00 a.m. He hissed irritably and looked at his phone. "Who the hell is calling me at this hour?" He was up all night finishing his homework and studying because the exam was approaching.    

And he groaned even louder when he saw it was his mother's number. It stopped ringing when he did not answer it on time, but not even a second later, the call came in again. Guang answered the call. "Xia Zhiguang, what took you so long to answer your phone?" came Lihua's loud, ringing voice.   

"Ma, it's 4 a.m. here, and I just finished doing my homework," Guang complained to his mother.   

"It's still early here, and I am preparing for dinner," Lihua answered coolly.    

Guang sighed at his mother's unreasonable answer. "Ma, why did you call this early morning?" Guang said as he got up from bed and made some coffee.    

Guang heard utensils clanging and a sizzling sound before his mother said, "Who the hell is this girl I'm hearing about?"   

Guang frowned, took a sip of his coffee, and hissed when his lips got burned by the hot liquid. "What, girl?"   

"Don't you dare lie to me, Guang; you are walking around the campus escorting a girl. Xiaowei told me so," Lihua said hotly.   

Guang sighed, 'I'm going to kill Xiaowen when I see him at school,' he thought. "Ma, that girl was one of Pa's business partner's daughter. I am only helping her get used to the campus.'

"And why are you the one escorting her around? Does she have no friends or what? And is it your responsibility to do that? There should be a school employee who can do that?" Lihua said in one breath. Guang knew his mother would not stop grilling him, and it would be a headache if Junjie heard about it.    

"Ma, I only toured her once; that is all. Besides, it is what I promised her father." Guang explained.    

"Hmph! You are not allowed to contact Junjie until you sort out the problem you brought up."    

"W-what?! Ma! Don't do this!" Guang complained   

"And Junjie heard about it too," Lihua said before hanging up.   

"What! Ma!" then he looks at his phone. Guang tried his mother's number again but got no answer until he got the 'the number you've dialled is not in service.'    

Guang fell flat on his back on his bed. "Damn, how am I going to explain this to XiaoJie." he groaned. "I'm so going to kill you, Xiaowen," he said irritably.   

*************************************************************************************   

"Aunt Lihua, is there anything that I can help you with?" Junjie asked when he came into the kitchen. He had just returned home from school for the weekend and stayed with Lihua. After changing his casual clothes and going downstairs, he heard Lihua's loud voice talking about Guang with some girl.   

He heard about it last night when Lihua called him. She was fuming and told him she would scold Guang. Junjie laughed it off and told Lihua that there was nothing wrong with it, but Lihua got quiet on the other line. "My dear, if you don't feel comfortable, let me know, okay?" Lihua said after a while, a hint of worry in her voice.    

"Aunt Lihua, I am fine," he said, making his voice cheery. "It's good that Guang is starting to date right now." But he felt a burning sensation in his chest. He put his hands on it and grunted. Lihua heard it, "What is wrong, my child?"    

"My chest hurts," Junjie said as he massaged his chest area. "This is probably from this afternoon's activities, and it's getting colder now." It's now the end of January, and Junjie remembers how they separated well.    

Junjie smiled at his indecisiveness. He wanted him and Guang to have a brotherly relationship, but he was hurt because another person was getting close to him. He assured Lihua that he was okay and would see her tomorrow.    

Now, he hears about the girl who has gotten closer to Guang; he doesn't know what to do, so for now, all he can do is feign ignorance at what is happening.   

"Oh my dear, come and help me chop up these vegetables. LanFen is coming back with some of my missing spices." The two of them silently worked together on their dinner. When LanFen arrived for the spices, the kitchen became loud again, and the two ladies talked nonstop.   

After dinner, LanFen took out a dessert and served it to him. After his first bite, he felt that Lihua was looking at him, so he raised his sight to see that he was right. "Aunt Lihua, I know you want to say something to me for a while now."    

Lihua exhaled loudly, took a sip of her tea, and looked at him worriedly. Then, she sighed audibly again and took another sip of her tea. Junjie, on the other hand, didn't know what to do but suppressed a smile. LanFen could not take his adopted mother's antics and said, "Lihua, if you keep on doing that, your son will not understand what you wanted to say." she said as she took a sip of her tea.   

Lihua sighed again and looked at him. "My child, don't believe in everything you hear, okay?" she said to Junjie, distressed in her tone.   

Junjie laughed softly. "I'm okay, Aunt Lihua; I have to go to my room now. I promise Ruipeng and RuiChang that we will finish our school papers tonight," he said.    

Lihua sighed defeatedly and nodded. "Are you going to study the whole night again?" she asked, and Junjie nodded. Then, I'll bring you snacks later," she said, and Junjie went upstairs.   

************************************************************************************* 

While it's untrue that Lihua took away his phone, he does not reply to Guang's flooding messages. He slides his finger down on his phone for the notification, which has been 30 messages since this morning. Junjie places his phone down and calls his friends, and then he opens his laptop to do his school papers with Ruipeng and Ruichang.    

Ruichang was typing when a bored, loud groan could be heard in the background. "Can you stop making that noise? You're distracting," he said irritably to Ruipeng.    

"But I'm bored," he said, then got a glare from Ruichang. Ruipeng made a face at him, then looked at Junjie on the other side of the screen. "Junjie, I missed you already. Why do you have to go there?"    

"If you are not going to help, I'm taking your name off the project."   

"Why do you have to be so mean." Ruipeng pouted. "Junjie, come here and save me."    

Junjie laugh. "Okay, Ruipeng, can you check the question here? I think there are some mistakes in the answer."    

"Ehh? Was it the question I was supposed to answer?" when Ruipeng found it, he started fixing his answer.   

Ruichang looked at Junjie and smiled, then continued typing. He knew Junjie did that to stop Ruipeng's endless whining. They were having their peace for finishing their papers when another endless beep of incoming messages flooded his phone once again.   

Junjie looks at his phone, and Guang sends messages to him like there is no tomorrow. He cannot silence his phone as he uses it to FaceTime his friends, so with no choice left, Junjie decides to block Guang's number temporarily in his WeChat. After he does that, his phone quiets down. "Something the matter, Junjie?" Ruichang asked.    

"Hmm?" Junjie hums. "Nothing. It's just a spam message, so I blocked it." Then he smiles and goes back to continue their paper.   

"Yeah, blocking them is the best way to stop the messages," Ruichang replies and continues typing.   

"I'm done. Junjie, check it now." Then Ruipeng looked at Ruichang. "Who did you block?" he asked.    

"You, Junjie, blocked your number because you keep flooding his chat."   

"What? No, I do not." Then he looked at Junjie. "You didn't block me, right? "When Junjie did not answer, Ruipeng resumed his endless whining. Junjie gave Ruichang the 'Do you have to do this again' look, which made Ruichang laugh at the situation.   

************************************************************************************* 

After his first class, Guang started messaging Junjie again, trying to explain whatever this "problem" he brought in was. When he first saw Xiaowen this morning, he gave him a hard smack for giving false information to his mother. Since that morning, he has been sending messages to Junjie, but the messages have been unread and unviewed.   

He was distracted at the cafe with Nannan and Xiaowen having some drinks when suddenly, all the messages he sent received a red exclamation mark. "Wait, did XiaoJie block me?" Guang checked the time in China, and it was still quite early, so he decided to call Junjie. However, his call would not connect as the other line was busy.    

Guang leaned back in his chair, shock on his face. "XiaoJie blocked me..." he said, staring into his phone.    

"Ah, he has gone," Xiaowen said as Guang stared blankly at his phone.   

Nannan laughs at him as he continues playing on his phone when a female voice suddenly comes from behind them.   

"Ah, here you are, Guang; I've been looking everywhere on the campus for you. your classmates told me you would be here." The person of his demise appeared; Shenxiang pulled an empty chair and sat beside Guang, who was still staring blankly at his phone.    

"What happened to him?" she asked Xiaowen, who looked at them and shrugged.    

Nannan, who was playing with his phone, looked up and frowned. "Guang, we're going first," he said, not waiting for his reply. He stood up, picked up his drink, and left the table. Xiaowen picked up his drink, too, and followed him.   

Shenxiang looked at Guang's friends as they exited the shop, then returned her eyes to Guang and smiled. "Xia Zhiguang, I just finished my class. Do you want to hang out?"    

Guang looks at her blankly. "Ah, Ms. Luo, sorry, not today. I have plans with my friends." Then he stood and tried calling his mother while leaving the shop. Shenxiang hurried to follow him, but Guang's strides were long and fast. "Ma, why is XiaoJie not answering his phone?" is all she heard when she failed to catch up with him. Shenxiang pouted and exhaled loudly, "I'm not giving up." She said as she looked at Guang's retreating back.   

*************************************************************************************   

"Ma, Why is XiaoJie not answering his phone?" Guang ask irritably and worriedly. "Ma, I already explained that I have no choice on that one, as I have promised her father, but there is nothing after that."    

"I know," Guang heard his mother sigh. "I think Junjie is a bit sad about it. He even smiles at me, saying it's all right." Lihua moans her grievance.    

Guang pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "So that is why he blocked me on WeChat."   

"Oh, he did?" Lihua's voice changes. "I didn't know that my son was furious?"   

"Ma... Please stop enjoying this," Guang grumbles.   

Guang can hear his mother's voice become cheerful. "Well, he is doing his school paper with his classmate." Then Lihua looks at the time: "Oh, look at the time. I have to bring Junjie's snacks. Well, son, I will ask Junjie later why he blocked you. Take care of yourself there, and don't skip your meals." After that, Lihua hangs up.   

Guang carried his frustration the whole day; Xiaowen and Nannan stayed away from him, even his classmates. On the way home, Tianwei couldn't even talk to him as they drove straight to his father's office for Guang to start his apprenticeship in his father's company, and Tianwei would be the one teaching him.    

After finishing his work for the day, Guang was closing his laptop when he heard his father behind him. "You are giving Tianwei a stomachache, Guang."    

Guang raised his brows as he looked at his father. "What did I do to cause him to have a stomachache?"    

Chenwei looked at his son; he had been observing his mood the whole time. His son's mood was so sour that he kept repeatedly retyping the same thing, and Tianwei was having difficulty telling him what to do as he had been grouchy all evening.    

"So, did your mother and Junjie learn about Ms. Luo?"    

Guang leaned back in his chair and sighed loudly, "Pa XiaoJie is not talking to me. Ma is no help at all and is blaming me for everything." he said to his father with a frustrated and defeated tone.   

But Chenwei was good at hiding his emotions, so his face remained passive. "So, what would you do now."    

"I want to explain it to XiaoJie, but explaining won't do anything." Then he put his chin on his palm and leaned on the table. "Pa, can I have days off this weekend? And please don't tell Ma."    

"Well, how about you do your work properly so that Tianwei and I will not have to work overtime?" Chenwei smiled at his son.   

Guang scratches his head embarrassedly but agrees with his father.   

************************************************************************************* 

Junjie looked at his phone again, and Guang never stopped sending him messages for the whole week. He doesn't understand why he is unhappy with the situation but does not feel comfortable or pleased with what is happening. Isn't this what he is hoping for? Guang needs to find someone, and they will treat each other as brothers.    

After dinner, Junjie went upstairs to his room. Lihua was busy with her paperwork, too, so he stayed in his room after eating. Junjie debated between reading Guang's message and unblocking him, but he was about to click on it when another message came in: 'I'm waiting in the garden.'   

Junjie hurriedly climbed down to his bed, almost slipping. He looked outside his window, and sure enough, Guang, wearing his green parka, was sitting in the Gazebo. Junjie grabbed his own parka and hurriedly went out to the back garden. He was panting when he reached the Gazebo and stopped before Guang, who was waiting for him.    

"Seeing my XiaoJie rushing to see me is such bliss," Guang said cheerily, his forefinger gently touching Junjie's cheeks. "I missed you, XiaoJie; it has been months since we last saw each other."   

Junjie, puzzled and shocked seeing Guang here, can still utter a word. Only when he felt Guang's finger gently touching his lips. "When did you arrive?" Junjie asked Guang; he felt pleased for some reason, and his hand subconsciously grabbed the front of Guang's parka.    

Guang smirked, his arm wrapped around Junjie's waist, and the distance between them disappeared. "My plane landed an hour ago, and I rushed to come here." Guang tapped his forehead on Junjie's. "And now my pretty flower came rushing to me."    

"Stupid, but why are you here?" Junjie asked him sheepishly. "Aren't you busy with your coming finals and apprenticeship?"    

"Well, because someone doesn't want to talk to me, I have to come here in person and ask him if something is wrong." Guang teases him.   

"... It's because..." Junjie said, avoiding his eyes.    

"I knew you were sulking," Guang said to him, "You did not read any of my messages, didn't you?"    

Junjie remained quiet and did not answer, making Guang chuckle and hug him tightly. "Ah, I'm so happy that my XiaoJie got jealous." He buried his face in Junjie's crook of the neck and sniffed the calming and sweet scent there. "What should I do, XiaoJie? I'm so happy."    

"Why are you so happy over something like this?" Junjie asked him, embarrassed but smiling. "How are you?"    

"I'm doing okay," Guang mumbled in his neck. I'm working hard at my apprenticeship. Pa is also making me do overtime sometimes." He paused and continued, "XiaoJie, I did not know that helping her would put us in this situation." Then he nuzzled his nose on Junjie's scent glands, "I really missed your scent, my XiaoJie."    

Junjie wrapped his arms around Guang. "Spring is approaching, and exam season is almost here." Junjie started and shivered when he felt Guang's lips softly kissing his neck. "Then summer will be here, and my birthday is coming..." Junjie moaned as Guang softly nipped his neck.   

"Yes, I know my flower is turning 17 this year, and I will be one year behind you again."    

Junjie laughed when he heard Guang pouting. He then put his cheeks on Guang's side and smelled his scent: 'Ahh. I really love his scent; it's warm and comforting.'   

Lihua was walking to the kitchen to get coffee when she looked back and saw Guang and Junjie in the garden. 'When did this boy get here?' she thought, grabbing her phone and calling her husband. "When did you and your son plan this?" she asked as soon as her husband picked up the phone.   

"So, how are your sons doing now?" Chenwei asks as he continues typing on his computer.   

"They are in the garden and already being lovey-dovey."    

"Then why are you pouting when your sons are doing okay?"   

"But I can't tease them anymore."    

Chenwei couldn't do anything but sighed at the other end of the line.   

"Good night, XiaoJie," Guang said as Junjie entered his room and closed the door.    

A smirk formed on Guang's lips. He triumphantly made a fist when he heard a voice: "What are you so happy about?"   

Guang abruptly turned around and was surprised to see his mother. "Ma, what are you doing here?" he asks.   

Lihua raised a brow at her son, "You're asking me what I am doing here? At my own house?"   

Guang then awkwardly smiles, and Lihua grabs his ears and pulls him to the other end of the hallway to her room. "ahhh, Ma!" Guang silently hiss so as not to disturb Junjie.   

When they entered the room, Lihua released his ears, and Guang rubbed them. "Ma, what was that for?"    

"Don't give me that!" Lihua said, placing her hand on her hips. "When did you arrive?"    

Guang, still rubbing his battered ears, answers her grumpily, "Just this evening. I'm leaving tomorrow at noon."   

"And so how did Junjie react?" she said hotly.   

Guang smiles smugly, "We are okay now, Ma."   

Lihua tried to smack Guang in the butt, but Guang managed to dodge and run away. "Ma! What was that for?"   

"It's because you cannot handle a situation like this. Did you know Junjie's scent changed last night?" Lihua angrily said, "How about that girl? Did you fix it?"   

Guang's face darkened upon hearing Junjie's scent change, "I will make sure she understands, Ma. I came here right away worried about him."    

"By the way," Lihua said after a while, "who told you to keep a secret from me, huh? And who let you kiss Junjie?" and managed to grab Guang's cheeks this time.   

"Ahh…ahhhh Ma!" Guang teared up when Lihua let go of his face and rubbed his red cheeks. "Because if you knew I was coming, you would not let me see Junjie, so I told Pa not to tell you."    

"Hmph!" Lihua grunted because her son figured her out.    

*************************************************************************************   

Junjie and Guang were so focused on their schoolwork and apprenticeship that Lihua and Chenwei planned what to do on Junjie's birthday.    

"It's going to be on the night of the celebration, in collaboration with the Luo and Xia family, with the hotel and resort that we had opened," Lihua told Junjie, and Chenwei told Guang about it.   

The party is one of the collaborations between the Xia family's new hotel and the Luo family resort in one of the country's most famous beach locations. Junjie was so embarrassed that he asked Lihua not to and instead to have a family get-together with only the close family invited and the orphanage children.   

But Xia Lihua wouldn't budge. "Hmph! It's time to let everybody know about my Junjie." Her words confused Junjie and made Guang smirk when they heard about it.   

"Haaa... honey, please don't make me lose a business partner," Chenwei begged his wife.   

Lihua raised her brows at her husband. "You'd rather lose your family than your business partner?" Chenwei sighed defeatedly from the other side of the video call.   

After confirming that Guang and Chenwei would return a week before the party, they all said their goodbyes.    

"Aunt Lihua, this is too much. I feel like celebrating my birthday during a momentous occasion is not fitting." Junjie said after the video call ended.    

"Well, my dear, you are important, so of course, this much is good. Do not worry; we will invite everyone to the orphanage, too. I have already informed Mingzhu about the birthday celebration, and the little ones are excited." Lihua happily informs him, "The hotel resort has a kid attraction that the little one will definitely enjoy."    

Junjie can see how excited Lihua is, and he cannot say no anymore. Lihua gasped as she looked at her laptop. "Oh no, look at the date," she said, then looked at Junjie horrified. "We need to find a suit you will wear then. We don't have much time." Then Lihua starts contacting her friends again.   

Junjie smiled at his adoptive mother's enthusiasm, and then his phone beeped with a message: 'Is there anything you want for your birthday, my XiaoJie?'   

Junjie's lips curled with a smile, and replied: 'Nothing, just make sure you won't be late that day.'   

'You bet I won't. I'll be there and will greet you with a happy birthday first.'   

Junjie chuckled as Guang continued to send funny stickers in the message. They talked some more as he continued walking to his bedroom until he fell asleep.   

*************************************************************************************   

"Guang!" a female voice called from behind him. He was walking with Nannan and Xiaowen to their next class. "I finally found you. Are you going to go to your next class? I'll sit with you as my class is cancelled."    

Guang looked at her and then continued walking. "Ms. Luo, my next class will be having a lab. I don't think the teacher will appreciate it if there's an unknown student in the class." Then he checked his phone. "If nothing else, we will go as we were late."   

"Ah, wait! Then I'll wait for you at the cafeteria!" she shouted as they walked away.   

"Guang, are you sure this is right? I feel like you are being rude towards her." Xiaowen said worriedly. "She is still the daughter of your father's business partner."   

"It's not my job to entertain her. Besides, I am busy with the upcoming exams and XiaoJie's birthday," he said as he kept typing on his phone. "Why are you concerned about her anyway?" Guang asked Xiaowen as he looked up. "Is she your type? You are free to pursue her then."    

"She is not, stupid. I am only worried about you losing a business partner," Xiaowen retorted.   

"No need to worry. If we lose that client, I can find a better one without any annoying baggage," he said, answering the message he had received.   

"Who are you talking to?" Nannan asked as he was busy with his phone while going to their next class.   

"I've got a dude who works with jewelry who can commission me a ring," Guang said as he clicked send and put his phone in his pocket.   

"A ring? You planning to propose then?" Nannan asked him curiously.   

"Not yet."   

"Then what is it for?" Xiaowen asked, but before Guang could answer, the bell rang, and the three of them ran to their next class.   

"Ahhh, I'm starving!" Nannan said after they finished their class. "What food do they have in the cafeteria?"   

"I'm not going there," Guang said, putting his stuff away in his bag and leaving the room. The two followed him out.   

"Why? Wait, where are we going to eat then?" Zhou Zhennan grumpily asked as he rubbed his stomach.   

"Outside, I do not want to encounter any annoying baggage," Guang said as they walked to the parking lot. When he reached 16, he took his driving exam and got a license, so now Tianwei doesn't need to drive him around.    

"Well, as long as you're paying, I'll eat anywhere," Nannan said as he jumped into the passenger seat and put on his seatbelt. Xiaowen sat on the back and did the same.   

Guang smirked as he put his bag in the back, sat in the driver's seat, and drove out of the school parking lot.   

*************************************************************************************   

"Wow, you are inviting us to your birthday party," Ruipeng said excitedly.   

"Yeah, only if you are available," Junjie said hesitantly. He didn't know if they were okay going because it was summer break, and they would spend it with their family.    

"Of course, we will come! Right, rui, we will come, right?" Ruipeng said, turning to Ruichang to confirm.   

"I'm coming, of course," Ruichang confirmed with Junjie, which made him smile.    

"Oh, what do we have here?" Zheming came from behind them. The three were in the cafeteria waiting for Zheming and Yilong to arrive. The two seniors are busy as they are preparing to graduate high school.   

"Ah, Ming-ge, Junjie is inviting everyone to his birthday celebration," Ruipeng told Zheming as he looked at the card he was holding.   

"Oh, am I invited too?" Zheming asked and sat beside Junjie.    

"Ah, yes, Ge. Although it's going to be after the graduation and you will be busy, I hope you and Long-ge can come," Junjie said as he saw Yilong walking towards them. Zheming passed the card he was holding to Yilong, who took it and sat on the other side of Junjie.    

"Hmm...your birthday?" Yilong asks as he looks and smiles at Junjie, who nods. Then he sighed, "I would love to come, but the day coincides with when my father will start training me for the takeover."    

Junjie's face drops and Yilong laughs; he then wraps his arms around Junjie's shoulder. "I'll make it up to you next time you invite me to any occasion. I'll set aside everything and come. How's that?"    

"Ah, that's okay, Long-ge; there is always next time," Junjie said with a flustered face.   

"So, what do you want for your birthday?" Ruipeng asked him.    

"Huh? No, nothing. I'm okay; just come on my birthday," he said as he smiled at them.   

Ruipeng and Ruichang exchange looks and grins while Zheming and Yilong think of preparing something for him.   

*************************************************************************************   

Guang was driving with Nannan to where he had commissioned a ring. He is one of the famous artisans who can make one-of-a-kind jewelry.    

"When are you and Xiaowen going to return to China?" he asked as he parked his car, exited it, and walked to the shop.   

"The day after tomorrow," Nannan said as he followed him inside the shop. "Did you tell your mate you would arrive on his birthday?"    

"I did, he said; it's okay; I am just pissed that the investor in my last project will have a problem, and I need to fix it before leaving. The good thing about it is that I can pick up the ring in person rather than having it shipped," he waved at the attendant.   

"Mr. Xia, good afternoon. Mr. Sho is waiting for you; I'll lead you to his office," the attendant said as he gestured for them to follow him. They stood before the door, and the attendant gave a warning knock. Someone said to come in, and the attendant opened the door.   

"Ahh, Guang, how have you been?" the older gentleman with glasses said as he received them and shook their hands. How's your father? Is my nephew doing well?"   

"I'm good, Mr. Sho. Dad is also doing well," Guang said as he shook his hand. Tianwei was still quiet as ever but doing a good job.    

She laughed heartily and tapped his shoulder. "Sit, sit, please." He gestured for them to sit and grabbed a box at his table. Mr. Sho walked and sat on the couch across from them, putting the blue velvet box on the table between them.    

Mr. Sho opened the box and faced the ring towards him. "Just as you requested, A titanium silver ring with lapis lazuli stone inlay in the middle and butterfly engraving on top."    

Guang picked up the ring from the box and examined it. "I put the message inside as you requested," Mr. Sho said, and Guang checked the inside, which was written in Chinese characters.   

Guang looked at Mr. Sho and smiled. "This is perfect, Mr.Sho. Thank you so much." He then put the ring back in the box and stood up. "We are not going to stay for long, as I have some work I need to finish this afternoon," Guang said and extended his hand, which the older gentlemen received. "I hope to work with you again, Mr.Sho."    

"I hope to work with you again, young master." Mr. Sho said delightedly.   

Guang and Nannan went to the front to finish the transaction and left the store.    

While driving, Nannan said, "A promise ring, huh?"    

"Yeah, you think he'll like it?" Guang said, wondering if Junjie would like the gift.   

"Try giving it first and see his reaction before assuming something else," Nannan said, encouraging him. "Will that girl be there?"    

Guang frowns before his face turns gloomy. "Yes, she will be, and I hope she will not do anything that will cause XiaoJie some misunderstanding."   

Zhou Zhennan could sense his friend's uneasiness even from his scent change. Why don't you flatly reject her? It's because you are not saying anything, which is why she assumes." Guang glanced at him before returning his eye to the road. "Xiaowen also said that it is only right to tell her what she needs to know so she will stop pushing herself onto you."   

After a long pause, Guang deeply breathed and said softly, "Thanks, man. I appreciate it."   

Nannan nods, "We're always here if you need anything."  

They drove to Nannan's place to drop him off, and he would continue to his father's company to finish his work.   

They drove to Nannan's place to drop him off, and he would continue to his father's company to finish his work.    

The following day, Xiaowen, Nannan, his father, and Tianwei flew back to China, leaving Guang to finish their last work before taking the flight the next day. He calculated everything, and his plane would land on the morning of Junjie's birthday. He would have enough time to drive to the hotel, rest, and change. Guang planned everything and hoped that everything would go smoothly.   

*************************************************************************************   

A beep from his overhead woke him up, and the stewardess passed by, waking the passengers to sleep as they were getting ready to land. Xia Zhiguang rubs his eyes and opens the window on his side. He looks out and sees Beijing in the distance. He fixes himself and asks for coffee as the stewardess passes by.    

After landing and getting his baggage, Guang checked his phone and saw that his father was calling him. "Pa, my plane just landed, and I'm getting a cab to the hotel." Guang heard a worried sigh at the other end of the line.    

"Son, I'm really sorry, and I do not want to push this on you." His father's tone sounds down and apologetic. "Apparently, Ms. Luo is coming home today, and nobody can pick her up."   

"She can take the cab; I'm leaving," Guang said with finality in a stern voice. He was about to hang up and walk away when he heard the familiar voice calling his name.    

"Guang!" and a sound of running footsteps and a suitcase rolling coming from behind him.   

Guang sighed irritably, "I'll call you later, Pa." He hung up and turned around to meet her. "Ms. Luo, I'm surprised to see you here."    

Luo Shenxiang smiles sweetly at him. "As I am. I did see you when you boarded, but you looked tired and focused on your phone, so I didn't disturb you."  

'Thank God for that,' Guang thought. "My father told me you would be here, so I'll take the cab with you to the hotel." Guang walks out of the airport without waiting for her.   

"Ah, wait!" Shenxiang said as she tried to catch up to him.    

With Guang's long stride, dominating aura, and face wearing that black mask, everyone he passed by moved out of the way. 'This is better,' Guang thought. He wanted to get out of this situation as fast as possible. He got into one of the cabs, waited in line, and sat on the passenger side. To the driver's surprise, Shenxiang was flustered when she saw what Guang did, so she sat in the back. Guang told the driver where to go, and he started busying himself on his phone when the car started driving.   

*************************************************************************************   

"Junjie, we are here!" Ruipeng, Ruichang, and Zheming came together and waved at him when they arrived. The three men were wearing formal suits, and many visitors at the party were glancing at them.    

Junjie is wearing an all-white suit. The shirt inside his coat has a low V cut that exposes his slender neck and collarbone. Some of the young ladies in the party can't stop looking at him, and Lihua is proud of what she did to her son. "You guys made it," Junjie said as he walked towards them, Lihua on his side.   

"Jie, happy birthday!" Ruipeng said and gave him a tight hug. Ruichang and Zheming did the same.    

"Happy birthday, Junjie," Zheming said, giving him a small box. Yilong wanted you to have this because he could not make it today." Junjie looked at the box and opened it, shocked to see a watch. Ming-ge, this... he shouldn't have."    

Zheming taps his shoulder, "Thank you, and message him because he will like it." Junjie smiles and nods at him.   

Lihua is watching Junjie's interaction with his friend, and she smiles mysteriously.   

"Junjie-gege," the little kids from the orphanage ran to him when they saw him. Mingzhu came and gave him a big hug. "Happy birthday, Junjie," she said, handing him a paper bag. The kids made it for you." Junjie looked inside and was happy with what he saw. He said thank you to the kids, who happily hugged him. Lanfen took all the gifts that he got and put them aside.   

"Hello, kids, how are you?" Ruipeng greeted the three kids who were hugging Junjie. The two little boys were scared, but Qianli bravely said, "We don't talk to strangers, and you are supposed to introduce yourself first."    

Ruipeng laughed, ruffled the kid's hair, and introduced himself. The three children did the same after he said, "So why did you call Junjie gege?"   

The two boys confusedly looked at Junjie and said, "Gege is gege." Junjie laughed and told Ruipeng about himself: "They are my little brothers in the orphanage; I was adopted by the Xia family."   

Lihua heard the conversation, stood beside Junjie, and linked her arms with him. "Hello there, I'm Lihua Junjie's adopted mother," she said to Ruipeng and Ruichang.    

Zheming, who had met her, greeted her, "Thank you for inviting us on this occasion, madam,"    

Lihua smiled at him, "I heard about you from Junjie. Thank you for taking care of him at school."   

They were all having an enjoyable conversation when Chenwei walked over to them. "Where is Guang?" Lihua asked her husband.    

"Ahh... your son is coming; yeah, he will be here soon," Chenwei said nervously, looking at Junjie, who had no idea what would happen.   

Junjie was puzzled at his adoptive father's look he is giving him. Then his phone rang again. 'I just arrived at the hotel, XiaoJie; I will get changed and see you soon.' That was Guang's message, to which he replied, 'Okay.' Guang had been updating him since yesterday before he left his place on his flight until this morning upon his arrival. He had been apologizing because it had taken him so long to finish his last work before leaving. Junjie had laughed it off and told him it was already okay, and all he wanted was for him to be there on his birthday.    

The children's laughter caught his attention. "How about I bring you to the hotel's play area?" Junjie told them. The children were so excited they started pulling him when they heard it. "I'll bring them instead, Junjie. Stay here and celebrate your birthday with your family and friends." Lanfen said that before, she called Tianwei, and they assisted the children in the play area.    

After that, Junjie got busy as Lihua introduced her to her friends, husband, and other business partners. When Lihua is busy talking to her friends, Junjie will be with Ruipeng and go around the buffet table to grab some snacks. They were busy eating snacks when Chenwei and Lihua called him over.   

"Mr. Luo, this is my other son, Junjie," Chenwei introduces him. "Junjie, this is Mr. Luo, my business partner with this hotel and resort."   

Junjie greeted him, and Luo Hanying happily shook his hand. "You got two fine young men, Mr. Xia. You are a fortunate man." He looked at Junjie and said, "My daughter is also coming to the party, and I hope you will meet her. She should be here soon."    

Lihua pinches her husband's waist at what is happening, then sweetly whispers, 'What the hell is happening?' Chenwei starts sweating as he avoids his wife's eyes and looks at the ballroom entrance door.   

*************************************************************************************   

When they arrived at the hotel, Guang hastily got out of the cab, paid the driver more than the price of the ride, took out his luggage from the trunk, and went to the hotel without waiting for Shenxiang. When he got to the front desk, he gave them his credentials and asked them to assist him to his room. Without looking at her, he boarded the elevator and went to his room.    

Shenxiang struggled to catch up to Guang, but the man was rushing to get to his room and did not throw him a glance at all. She let out an irritating breathe, "Not yet, I'm not giving up yet." then she went to the front desk and gave her credentials; Shenxiang then asked the receptionist on what floor the man just now is booked. as her father was the co-owner of the hotel the employee gave her the information. She murmured thanks and went to the elevator to her room.   

*************************************************************************************   

Guang got ready, buttoned his coat, and put on his special mask, then he grabbed the box with the ring and put it in his pocket. With a last look in the mirror, he left his room. Guang boarded the elevator down to the lobby where the ballroom area is, sending Junjie a message that he was on the way to the ballroom. The elevator opened to the lobby, and he walked to where the ballroom was, but Guang was surprised to see the person waiting for him at the door.    

"I was waiting for you. Let's go in together?" Shenxiang said to him, trying to link her arms with him, but Guang walked to the door and strode inside.    

Guang stood at the entrance, looked around, and found Junjie immediately. He was about to walk, but Shenxiang was faster. "Look, that is where my father is. Let's go." Then she pulled Guang towards the group.    

"Dad, I'm here." Shenxiang greeted her father cheerily and held onto Guang's arms beside her.  

"Ah, Shenxiang, it's good that you are here." Mr. Luo said and looked at Guang. "It's nice to see you again, young man."    

Guang subtly pulled his arm away from Shenxiang, shook her father's hand, and walked to his mother, kissing her cheeks. "Ma..." he said.    

Lihua gritted her teeth, smiled at him, "I'm glad you made it, son," and looked at Shenxiang. "Who is this lovely lady beside you?"    

If they did not know better, Chenwei and Guang knew Lihua was truly mad. "Ah, where are my manners? This is my daughter, Mrs. Xia. Her name is Shenxiang." Luo Hanying introduces her. "I am really thankful for your son's assistance, which has made my daughter's school life happier."    

"Mrs. Xia, it's a pleasure to meet you." Shenxiang greeted her politely.    

"It's nice to meet you, dear." Lihua said, "This is my other son, Junjie. Today is his birthday, and we are delighted that we can celebrate his birthday together with the grand opening of the hotel."    

While the two ladies exchanged pleasantries, Guang's eyes were glued to Junjie, whose smile did not leave his lips. He never glanced in his direction. Even with his mask on, he could sense the subtle changes in his scent. Guang wanted to touch and talk to Junjie, but his mother would not let go of him. Guang then clenched and unclenched his hands.   

In the distance, Zheming observed the family interaction. 'So that is the Enigma Yilong was talking about.' Then he looked at Junjie and Guang's body language, and a smile curled on his lips. "Ruipeng, do you want to save Junjie from being married off to a girl?" he said jokingly.    

Ruipeng looked at him abruptly. "Who is marrying Junjie?" he asked. He looked among the crowd to see where Junjie was, and when he found him, Ruipeng stood up and walked towards him.   

"Junjie, I've been looking for you," Ruipeng called for him.   

"Ah, yes." Junjie looked at Lihua. "Aunt Lihua, do you mind if I go with them?"    

Lihua heard the strain in his voice and the slight change in his scent. She put her hand on his cheeks and smiled, "I don't mind, dear. Go ahead and enjoy your night."   

Junjie then turned to Luo's father and daughter and apologized for leaving their company. "It was a pleasure to meet you both," he said. Then he turned to Chenwei and looked at him, asking for permission, which Chenwei smiled and nodded.    

Guang swallowed hard as Junjie did not glance at him before he left. He walks beside his mother. "Ma, how was XiaoJie?"    

Lihua glared at her son and smiled, whispering, "Deal with it on your own and fix this, Xia Zhiguang. If something bad happens tonight with Junjie..." Then she walked away and linked arms with her husband, who stood stiffly and smiled awkwardly.    

"Ah, Guang, there you are. I want to introduce you to my friends here," Shenxiang said, trying to pull him back, but Guang did not bulge this time.    

"Ms. Luo, as I have said, sorry, but I am not interested in you in that way," Guang said in a low, quiet voice. I appreciate the affection, but I cannot return it to you. Excuse me, " he turned around and looked for Junjie.    

Shenxiang was stunned by what had just happened. Her eyes followed Guang to the back garden, where his brother disappeared. Her foot started walking on the exact steps where Guang had gone.   

*************************************************************************************   

"Rui, sorry, but I want to get some fresh air. I'll be in the garden," Junjie said, not waiting for him to answer as he started walking towards the back.    

Junjie was walking on the cobbled stone at the back. There were no guesses, as they were busy inside the ballroom socializing and dancing. And no one wanted to stay outside in the warm weather. He was strolling when a familiar scent caught his attention. He turned around and saw that Guang was walking towards him.    

"XiaoJie, I can explain," Guang pleaded as he tried to catch up to him. Guang unfastened his mask from the back. He could smell Junjie's scent, and it was getting worse.   

"Go away, Guang; I want to be alone," Junjie said coldly.  

"No, I don't want this misunderstanding to happen to us."   

"NO! I don't want to hear it! Go away!" Junjie said as he got angry, but Guang persisted in following him.   

"Huang Junjie listen to me."    

"I said no!" Junjie screams as he runs away.    

But Guang follows him, and after a few seconds, he catches Junjie.    

"No, let go. I hate you," Junjie said before he could stop. What happened next was a blur.    

Huang Junjie was raised off his feet, got pinned to the wall and Guang's open mouth on his neck; Junjie heard Guang growl as his teeth gently sunk into his skin. His head jerked back, and he was panting. Junjie's breath trembled as he exhaled. He didn't know what Guang would do as his bare neck was at his mercy; then, to his surprise, Guang licked his neck, raised him higher and started kissing and nipping at his bare collarbones.    

Junjie moans at the brand-new sensation that he had never felt before. Guang's hand then unbuttoned a few buttons on Junjie's shirt as his lips continued their track towards his chest. On top of where Junjie's loud beating heart is, Guang presses a tender kiss before sucking the skin on it and leaving a red mark.    

Junjie moans, his legs wrapped around Guang's waist and his arms tightly wrapped around Guang's head, placing his head on top of it. His hands grab a bunch of Guang's hair as he deeply inhales his scent through it. "Guang... ahh..." Junjie shivers as Guang drags his lips from his chest back to his neck again, licks his scent gland, and pushes him further into the wall.    

"XiaoJie, I only long for you. Please understand that," Guang said in a hoarse voice as he left a trail of kisses on Junjie's neck.    

At the other end of the garden, Shenxiang, following Guang, saw what happened. She bit her lips tightly and swallowed that painful lump in her throat. A teardrop fell in her eyes as she slowly walked back to where the party was.   

Chapter Text

Junjie, still trembling from what Guang was doing, tightened his grip on Guang's hair. "You smell so sweet, my flower," Guang whispered as his hands held his legs and squeezed one of his thighs, causing Junjie to moan and loosen his grip on Guang's head.   

Xia Zhiguang jerked back his head and looked at the face of the man he'd been holding. Junjie's face blushed red, his pink lips moistened, and his breathing staggering. With the amount of pheromones that Guang was releasing, it's no surprise that Junjie was affected. "XiaoJie, you look so beautiful," he said under his breath. "So beautiful that I can't help it."   

Junjie, puzzled at what Guang was saying, was about to say something, but his mouth met with a warm, gentle kiss that he did not expect.   

Guang kisses him languidly, savouring the sweet taste of Junjie's lips. And Junjie couldn't help but melt with that kiss; a soft moan escaped his mouth as Guang nipped and sucked his lips, and his tongue sought entrance in between. Junjie opened his mouth, giving Guang that opening that he was seeking.   

Junjie's arms and legs tighten around Guang as his tongue enters his mouth to deepen and then kiss. Junjie's head is dizzy; he doesn't know how to respond. His body trembles, and he pants as Guang continues pressing their bodies together. They kiss for a while; his lungs need oxygen now, but Guang lets go of his lips before he can push him.   

Huang Junjie was panting hard; his face was bright red, his lips were swollen, and his body trembled at the kiss. He looks exquisite in Guang's eyes, and he cannot help but give Junjie's lips a tiny peck until his breathing evens out.   

"Guang put me down," Junjie said after a while, as he was still pinned to the wall. Guang held onto him so he didn't slip or fall. He looked at Junjie and looked around them.  

Then, to his surprise, Guang hoists him up higher and walks towards the nearest bench. Junjie's arm grabbed hold of him as Guang put him down to sit without breaking a sweat.   

"Are you crazy? Who told you to do that?" Junjie scowls at him while blushing hard.   

Instead of sitting beside him, Guang crouched down in front of him. "Huang Junjie, happy birthday."   

Junjie's irritation disappeared. Surprised by the sudden greeting, his face broke into a smile. This was the only greeting he had been waiting for since this morning. But what surprised him the most was when Guang pulled out a small blue velvet box inside his pocket.   

"XiaoJie," Guang called. He grabbed his hands, held them tightly, and kissed his knuckles. Then, Guang opened the box to reveal the ring he had prepared. "Never doubt my feelings for you." he slips the ring on his left finger. "This is my promise to you,"   

Junjie stared at his finger. The ring glistened as the light from the light post hit it: the butterfly engraving and the blue stone underneath glimmer. Junjie looked into Guang's eyes, asking questions about why he had given him this gift. But Guang kissed the back of his hands and leaned towards him to give his lips another tender kiss. Junjie was scared. He didn't know if this was right. He wanted a family and someone who would love him. Then he stared straight into Guang's eyes and smiled; he was really weak with those eyes.  

"Then I'll accept it," he said as he accepted Guang's kiss and kissed him back.  

************************************************************************************  

Ruipeng has been worried about Junjie since he looked for him in the garden earlier. When he came over to get him, he noticed that Junjie was not feeling well and seemed pale. Ruipeng shouldn't have let Junjie be and followed him instead. Now, Ruipeng is worried that something has happened.   

"Now, where has he gone, too? " Ruipeng asks as he walks around the pathway.  

Then he heard someone talking and some rustles. Ruipeng rushes, and as he turns to the corner, he sees something that surprises and stops him.  

Junjie is sitting on the bench, and a man kneeling in front of him is tenderly kissing him. When the two separate, Junjie smiles like he has never seen before.   

Ruipeng stepped back, swallowed hard, and walked back to the ballroom. He did not know how he managed to find their table and sit with Ruichang and Zheming, who were asking him where Junjie was. When he did not respond, the two left him alone until Junjie came with the man he was in the garden.   

"Ming-ge, Ruichang, Ruipeng, I want you to meet my brother. Zhiguang." Junjie introduces Guang, who is standing beside him and wearing his mask.   

Zheming exchanges pleasantries with Guang, trying not to smirk because he can sense the man releasing his intimidating aura. Ruichang is the same way, as Guang is trying to intimidate him, too.   

Junjie looked at Ruipeng, who was silent, and at them. "Ruipeng, are you okay?" he asked, concern all over his face.   

"Huh? Oh yeah... I'm okay..." Then he looked at Guang, his smile disappearing and his stance changing as he accepted the hand. "Ao Ruipeng, nice to meet you, " he said firmly, shaking Guang's hands.  

Ruichang felt their tension and stood beside him, but Zheming was faster. He hooked his arms on Ruipeng's shoulder and eased the tension. "Come, Ruirui. I'm hungry. Let's grab some food."   

Junjie was confused by what was happening. "Don't worry about it, Junjie. Ruipeng must be hungry. Go around and greet your guests. We will grab something to eat first." Ruichang explained to Junjie and tapped his shoulder.   

Lihua managed to find them among all the guests, and she was ready to give her son an earful when he saw Junjie with a blooming face and Guang standing beside him wearing his mask. The two greet all the guests coming to them, and he can see Guang hovering around Junjie, but the one thing that catches her attention is the ring that Junjie is wearing. When Lihua got close to them, she could smell the faint scent of her son on Junjie, and Junjie's flowery scent of lavender was drifting around him.   

"Aunt Lihua," Junjie called when he saw her, then smiled at her.   

Lihua, pleased at the change, approached him and linked her arms to Junjie's. "Are you enjoying the evening?" Lihua asked.   

Junjie bit his lip, smiles, and nods. "Thank you, " he says.  

"you're welcome, my dear," Lihua said merrily.  

Junjie then looked up and saw Mingzhu coming. "What's the matter?" he asked worriedly, as the headmistress's face looked troubled.   

"The children are getting out of hand. It's late in the evening for them, so I came here to bid my goodbye to you." Then she cupped his face, "Happy birthday, Junjie."   

"Oh, that's okay. Thank you for coming." then Junjie busied himself helping Mingzhu with the children.   

Lihua pinched Guang's side. "I told you to fix it, not make him more alluring," she whispered to her son. "Is that the reason why Ms. Luo left the party early?"  

Guang shrugs. "XiaoJie finally said yes," he said smugly to her.  

Lihua gasped and looked at her son, then released her breath. "Finally."  

*************************************************************************************  

After that night, the changes in Guang and Junjie's relationship were noticeable in the household. The day after the party, Junjie came to Lihua and Chenwei, sitting in the garden enjoying their afternoon tea; Guang was at work with Tianwei.   

"Aunt Lihua, Uncle Chenwei..." Junjie calls to them as he approaches them.   

"Junjie, dear, come and sit; join us," Lihua called and grabbed another set of cups. Lihua put some warm tea in the cup and offered it to Junjie, who politely accepted.  

After a sip of the tea, Junjie swallowed many times and gathered his courage. "Aunt Lihua, Uncle Chenwei... I-I w-would like to talk to you about m-me and G-guang..." Junjie said as he staggered with his words.   

Lihua looks and smiles tenderly at Junjie, who is blushing pink because he is nervous about what he is about to say, and Chenwei listens attentively to Junjie.   

"I know... we are supposed to be brothers, and I tried hard to make it stay that way." then he looked at them in their eyes, "B-but, I cannot help it, he..." Junjie sucks a shuddering breath. "he is..."   

"Junjie, do you love Guang?" Lihua asked him softly.  

"Yes..." his eyes watered. "So, if you are okay with it, please accept us," he said, biting his lower lips.   

"Ohh, my child..." Lihua said and hugged him tightly.  

After that talk with their parents, Guang and Junjie are inseparable. In the morning, they have breakfast together, and at lunchtime, after eating, they disappear into the garden.   

"Stupid, what are you doing." Junjie tried to push Guang away from him. Guang was sitting behind Junjie, and his arms wrapped around his waist as he kept nipping Junjie's neck.  

"Hmm, I'm tasting my flower," Guang said as he kept kissing Junjie's scent glands and releasing his pheromones to make Junjie weak.   

"Stop it; you know you have to go to work today. Uncle Chenwei will be looking for you." Junjie said as he started panting while Guang kept on nipping and sucking his neck.   

"Yes, and here I am, wondering where this boy is." Chenwei's voice came from behind them. He sighed, "Zhiguang, get your ass in the car, and you are doing overtime today to finish your work." Chenwei said, and then he walked away from them.  

Guang grunts and groans at what his father says, and then he looks at Junjie, who is glaring at him and beet red. "I told you to stop..." he said quietly, angry that Chenwei had to see them in this situation. "I'm locking my door tonight," Junjie said before leaving and entering the house.  

"Huh? Wait, no, XiaoJie." Guang scrambled to his feet to chase after him.   

This is their everyday situation. Chenwei gave up halfway because his son always disappeared whenever Junjie was home. When Junjie is helping out at the orphanage, Guang will try to sneak out of work to visit and spend time with him. The children in the orphanage were wary of him at first because of his intimidating aura and the mask that he was wearing. But Junjie's scent neutralized Guang's pheromones, leaving the children at ease with him. Eventually, Qianli and Yixie became fond of him, and the other children started playing with him, too.  

"I cannot believe that aloof young master will come here and play with the kids," Mingzhu said as she watched Guang play video games with the twins. When Qianli lost the round, he whined at Guang, who ruffled the kid's hair and taught him how to play better. And he is good at handling kids, too, " Mingzhu observed.  

Junjie smiles at all the praise Mingzhu is giving Guang. The fondness in his eyes as he watches me interact with other children is visible, and the headmistress can't help but look at him amusedly. "Are you happy, my child?" Mingzhu asked him.  

Junjie turns his eye to Mingzhu and nods, happiness on his face. "Then I'm happy for you."   

*************************************************************************************  

Summer passed, and it was time for him to return to school. Guang whines a lot, complaining that their time together is short and that he wants to spend more time with him.   

Both are returning for their last year of high school, and Junjie knows that Guang must focus on school as he plans to enroll in an Ivy League university.   

"XiaoJie, I want more time with you." He complains.  

"Focus on your studies, Guang; if you fail one subject, I'm blocking you, " Junjie told Guang when he and Lihua sent them off to the airport.  

With what he said, Guang stuck to him like a koala and did not let go. When their flight was announced, Guang started whining again. Fed up, Junjie glared at him before giving him a soft kiss on his lips. "That should be enough to motivate you, right?"   

Guang's eyes brightened, and he was ready to pounce on him, but Junjie skillfully dodged him. Chenwei grabbed hold of his son and dragged him away to their terminal.   

Now, Junjie is coming back to his dorm together with Lihua.  

They sit in the back seat, and Junjie gathers the courage to discuss his future with her. "Aunt Lihua, I want to take a business administration course at university."   

Lihua looked at him surprisingly. "Are you sure that's what you want?" Junjie nods. "Why do you want that?" she asked curiously.  

"I want to help him, Aunt Lihua. I want to be at his side," Junjie said, not knowing the depth of his words.  

Lihua was lost for words, and then she cleared her throat, trying not to cry, "Have you talked to Guang about this?"   

Junjie shakes his head, "Not yet, but I will after I let you know."   

Lihua cupped his face, "If that is what you choose yourself, my child, then pursue it. Remember that Chenwei and I are always behind the two of you in everything you decide."   

Junjie nods confidently. He is happy that the people around him now support his decisions.   

*************************************************************************************  

Both he and Guang are busy with school. In addition to that, Guang also does an apprenticeship at his father's company. Guang insists that Junjie update him on what he is doing at school, so he takes a picture whenever Junjie and his friends go out.   

"What is the picture for?" Zheming asked. Zheming and Yilong came by to see them before the holidays.  

"Oh, my brother was asking if I could send him what we are doing," Junjie told them, smiling guilelessly.   

But Zheming, on the other hand, had another thing in his mind: "Ah Ruipeng, Ruichang, come here." He looked beside him and said, "You too, Yilong. " So, the four of them circled around Junjie, squeezed the man in the middle, and took many pictures.   

Junjie sends all these pictures to Guang with good intentions because he wants to comply with what Guang asks. But what he receives from Junjie is different from what he expected. Guang hastily calls his mother to ask for help.   

"Ma! Can you ask XiaoJie not to be that close with his friends?" Guang whined when Lihua took his call. He showed her what Junjie had sent to him.   

Lihua raised her brows. "What is wrong with these pictures? He is having a good time with his friends," she asked her son unaffectedly.   

"Ma! What are you talking about? They are all over my XiaoJie." his voice is full of frustration now.   

Lihua looked at her son, who was unaffected by his whining during the video call. "Xia Zhiguang, are you burning the lines because of this? I have met all his friends, and they are all good kids," she said and started working again. "Focus on your studies, and do not worry about Junjie here. Your graduation and finals are around the corner."   

"Ma..." Guang whine.   

"Ahh... go back to your study." Lihua hung up.  

Junjie sent many pictures with his friends, and they only stopped when he came home to celebrate the holidays and his birthday with his family.  

"XiaoJie, you are really close with all your friends," Guang said as they sat facing each other at the library table, studying for their exams.   

"Hmm, yeah..." Junjie answered absentmindedly without looking up at his study notes.   

Guang chews the inside of his lips and leans forward toward Junjie. "Do you like any of them?" he continues.  

"Hmm..." Junjie nods and continues writing down his notes.  

Guang started to lose it when a warning knock on the door came before LanFen came in with snacks. "Your mother wanted you to have some snacks and take a break, as you had been studying for hours." Then LanFen looked at Guang and grabbed his ears. "And you stop asking silly questions and continue studying."   

"Ahh...Nan, okay, okay," Guang grumbled when his Nanny left the library, holding onto his ears. Why does every woman in this family like picking on my ears?" Then he looked at Junjie, who was laughing at him while eating the snacks his Nanny left for him. Guang stood and went around the table to sit beside Junjie. "You like the snacks? I brought a lot for you."   

Junjie nods and continues to enjoy eating the snacks. One of the creamy snacks gets into the side of his lips. Guang sees this and licks his lips. He bends towards Junjie to wipe the cream off his lips with his thumb and puts his finger in his mouth. "This is really sweet," he said.  

Junjie was stunned at what Guang did. His mouth hung open at the brazenness of the man before him. Guang grinned at Junjie's astonished look, leaned to him, and kissed Junjie's gaping mouth. Guang licked and sucked his lips, that was covered in cream and thrust his tongue inside to deepen the kiss. Junjie leaned back and relished the passionate kiss for a few seconds when he felt Guang's hands on his waist.   

Junjie pushed him and stood up. "Guang, if I stay here, we will never get any studying done, " he said, panting. His trembling hands picked up his notes and books. "I'm staying in my room, " he said, quickly leaving the library.  

Junjie leaned back at the library door, his hands covering his blushing face. "This idiot keeps on seducing me, knowing that I cannot resist his scents."   

After that night in the library, Junjie ensured he was not alone with Guang. He wanted him to focus on getting into the school that Guang wanted, and as for him, Junjie is studying hard to get into the University he needs for the course he is aiming for.   

Throughout the holiday, until Guang and Chenwei leave the country, Junjie avoids being alone with Guang. Because of this, he manages to study for the incoming finals he will take before graduation.   

"Guang, I'll make sure to pass and graduate. Promise me you do the same and get to the school you wanted."   

"You too, and if I get into the school I want, will you promise to be engaged with me?" Guang said with a smug grin.  

"You! Stop spewing nonsense!" Junjie said as he went red in the face.   

Guang gave him a peck before running to his terminal as his flight had started boarding. "Get yourself ready, as I have the ring ready!" Guang shouted.   

Junjie blushed to the roots of his hair and looked at his side, Lihua, whose grin was getting wider as he felt shy. "Aunt Lihua..." Junjie now felt embarrassed by what had happened.   

"Well, let's leave it at that..." she patted his arm. "That is far off the future anyway..." Then she smiled, and Junjie saw her look fondly at an old couple with grandchildren. "Oh, I can't wait to see my own..."   

"Huh? What do you mean?"   

Lihua smiled at him, "Oh, that was nothing."  

*************************************************************************************  

Guang and Junjie passed their exams and are preparing for graduation. However, they still have to prepare for the entrance examination of the University that they have chosen, especially for Guang. So their interaction is limited because they have a busy schedule, and most of the time, they are both tired when they reach home.  

"XiaoJie, how are you?" Guang asked, his voice sounding exhausted.   

"I'm tired, " Junjie said on the other line as he lay on his bed. It was the weekend, and Lihua had told him to rest, so now he had a late breakfast and was relaxing on his bed.   

"Hmm... and I think you are in bed right now..."   

"I just finished breakfast and returned to my room to continue studying."  

"Now I want to be there and taste you," Guang said on the other line.  

Junjie has gotten quiet for a while. "I can't understand why you have the energy to talk like this." he sighed.  

"I always regain my energy whenever I talk to you, XiaoJie."  

"You always regain your energy only in this kind of thing."  

Guang chuckled, "I want to kiss you right now, Huang Junjie." and he sucked his breath. "Feel you in my arms right now..."  

Junjie, in his bed, starts twitching, a jolt of pleasure rushing in his body. He bit his lips and began breathing heavily; just remembering Guang's scents was enough for him to feel like this.   

"But I can't do that right now..." Guang sounds defeated. "How did your day go, my flower?"   

Junjie tried to calm down. Guang always knows how to stir his emotions, and he bet that Guang knows and he is doing it intentionally. Junjie took a deep breath and started telling him about his days; the two started talking until Junjie heard Guang snoring on the other side.  

"I knew he was tired, but he still insisted on calling." He laughed when he heard Guang mumble his name on the other line. "Good night, Guangguang," he whispered, kissing the phone before hanging up.  

After hanging up, he checked his phone and looked at the time. Then he got up and started studying again.  

*************************************************************************************  

It was an exhausting afternoon. After the exam, all the graduates got ready for their graduation and reviewed for their entrance exams.  

"Ruichang, I'm going back to our classroom to rest," Junjie said as he stretched and yawned.  

"Go ahead. I'll tell Ruipeng when he comes back to get some snacks. Should I tell him to send the snacks to the classroom?"  

Junjie shook his head. "I'll get it to him after," he said, returning to the classroom. The room was deserted of students, suitable for Junjie's afternoon nap. He zipped up his sweater, put on his hoodie, stacked his book on his table, and put his head on top. A minute later, Junjie started to snooze off.  

"Ehh... where is Junjie?" Ruipeng asked Ruichang when he would come back to get the snacks.  

"He went back to the classroom to sleep. The library is full of students studying, so he can't relax and sleep here," Ruichang said, continuing to take notes.   

"Ah, then I'll go there to give him snacks and sleep with him," Ruipeng excitedly said.  

"The reason why he went to the classroom was to have some quiet time. You bouncing in there and making a racket will have a different effect." Ruichang said coldly.   

"Then I'll be very quiet." he tried again.   

"Sit down and finish your study notes," Ruichang said firmly. Ruipeng pouted and sat down in his chair, continuing to study.  

After a while, Ruipeng managed to slip off. Ruichang saw it but did not comment on it. Half an hour of stopping this man was enough. He heaved a sigh and continued studying.  

Ruipeng hurried back to their classroom; he was near it when he remembered Ruichang saying that Junjie was sleeping. He saw Junjie this morning, tired from studying all night. They both knew that Junjie was now aiming for one of the top Universities. Although it's not the same University he and Ruichang plan to attend, they both support Junjie.   

Ruipeng tiptoed in front of the door and slowly opened it. He then saw Junjie sleeping in the corner of the classroom. The sun's afternoon rays streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Junjie. Enchanted, Ruipeng slowly walked until he reached and stopped in front of him.   

He can hear Junjie's mellow breathing as he quietly stares down at the man. He remembers how Junjie smiled that evening after his adopted brother kissed him, his eyes landing on Junjie's slightly parted lips.   

Ruipeng swallowed, his eyes still staring at those soft pink lips as he gently squatted down. He put his hands at the table's edge and did not take his eyes off Junjie. Ruipeng's eyes fondly gazed at Junjie's peaceful sleeping face, and then he thought about the kiss again. 'What does it taste like?' he asked, curiously lingering on Junjie's lips. Those feelings linger in his mind as his face slowly leans towards Junjie.  

Ruipeng's lips grazed at the corner of Junjie's lips, and he felt that hard beating of his heart. Junjie sighed softly, causing him to reel back abruptly. Shocked at what he had done, Ruipeng stood up and hastily left the classroom, causing a slight disturbance.  

Junjie stirs at the noise and pries his eyes open. Thinking that the sound he heard was from when he was sleeping, he ignored it and went back to sleep.   

Ruipeng's face is red; he can feel it as he walks quickly back to the library. When he gets there, he goes straight to the chair beside Ruichang, sits on it, and buries his face in his arm on the table.  

"What happen to you?" Ruichang asked when he sat down.  

"Nothing," he mumbled.  

"Where is Junjie?" he looks at Ruipeng, whose ears are beet red.  

"Sleeping." is all Ruipeng said. Ruichang glowered at his friend. He had a hunch about what happened and did not like it, but Ruichang did not prod Ruipeng about it and went back to studying.  

*************************************************************************************  

"Aunt Lihua, why do I need a passport?" Junjie asked as they were applying for his passport.  

"Because, my dear, you are coming to Guang's graduation with us. It's a good thing your class ended before his graduation," she said as she finished filing the form. Can we have this process right away? We need it as soon as possible," Lihua asked the worker. Then we will put you on request urgently," the worker said, giving Lihua the balance she needed to pay.  

"Come now, as we need to get luggage for you, and then..."  

Junjie chuckled at his adoptive mother's excitement.  

"Ohh, you sound happy. Are you that excited to go to the US?"   

Junjie thought that his adopted mother was talking about Guang, so he blushed and stuttered at his words. "N-no, and besides, Guang can always come back here..."  

"Ohh... but I did not say anything about Guang." Lihua teases.  

Junjie stopped walking and felt embarrassed. How could he think about Guang at a time like this?   

Lihua laughed adoringly at Junjie and hugged him: "Oh, don't be shy, my dear. I'm jesting." She said, and she saw Junjie's ears turn crimson. "I'm just really happy for the both of you. Come now; we only have a week to prepare for everything."  

A week passed, and it was time to say goodbye. "I'll see you guys on graduation day," Junjie told Ruipeng and Ruichang.   

"Yeah, see you there." Ruipeng shakes his hand and smiles. Junjie and Ruichang exchange glances at the different attitudes Ruipeng has shown these past few days. Junjie opened his mouth to say something, but a car honk caught his attention. He saw Uncle Chang waving at him, and he waved back. "Ruipeng, tell me what's bothering you later, okay? I'll wait for your message." Junjie said, patting Ruichang on his shoulder before he went to the waiting car.  

After the car is gone, Ruichang looks at his side. "What did you do to Junjie when you went to the classroom that afternoon?" he sees Ruipeng stiffen. I don't know what happened, but I'll let it pass this time." Then Ruichang turns around and walks back to the dorm.   

Ruipeng looked at the road where the car disappeared and heaved a sigh. "It's not like I want to do it..." He paused momentarily, thought about what he said, and blushed.  

*************************************************************************************  

Junjie and Lihua got out of the arrival area. Lihua was looking for Guang and Chenwei when an arm circled around Junjie's waist from behind and kissed him on the cheeks. Junjie was startled, but when he smelled the familiar scent, his hands held onto the arms that encircled him, and he looked behind him. He smiled when Guang smiled at him.   

"So you will go to Junjie before greeting me first?"   

Guang looked at his mother. "Hi ma, how was the flight?" he said without letting go of Junjie.  

Lihua lips twitch, and her brow raises, "Honey, let's go; I'm hungry."   

Guang smiled, "Tianwei, take care of Junjie's luggage." He then gave Junjie his luggage.   

"Guang, you know where are we going?" Chenwei called before they left.  

"Yeah, I'll see you there." he grabbed Junjie's hand and walked out of the airport first.  

"Wait, where are we going?" Junjie asked as he was being dragged by Guang.  

"Hmm, I brought my bike with me; I'll take you there."  

"You what?" Junjie asked, confused, but he understood what he meant when they entered the parking lot.   

"Hop on," Guang said, pulling the helmet from his backpack.   

Junjie sat on the motorbike. He looked up when Guang started putting on the helmet. Guang looked down at Junjie and then smirked at him before bending down and kissing Junjie's unsuspecting lips.   

Guang's kisses were chaste at first and quickly deepened as one of his hands ran through Junjie's hair, cradling the back of his head. Junjie lost himself at every slide of Guang's lips, and when he smelled his scents, his mind became hazy. They were both startled when one of the cars beeped at the parking lot; Guang stared at Junjie, whose face was drunk from the passionate kiss they shared a moment ago. His eyes begged for more as Junjie's gaze stared through his lips.  

"Stop looking at me like that, my flower," Guang said huskily. "Otherwise, I might forget we are in a parking lot."  

Junjie went red in the face. " You're the one who started it!" he said defensively, grabbing the helmet off Guang's hand and putting it on his head.   

Guang put on his helmet and turned on his bike. "You better hold on tight," he said, and Junjie grabbed the side of his shirt. Guang made a face and then revved his bike, which startled Junjie, and wrapped his arms around Guang's waist. Guang smiled, put down his helmet shield and rode out of the parking lot. With how fast Guang rode the bike, Junjie's arms got tighter around his waist.  

They arrive at the restaurant where his parents are waiting. Lihua crosses her arms. "Look at this little kid trying to impress Junjie," she laughs. "How childish." Then she looks adoringly at her two boys getting inside the restaurant.   

They ate at the restaurant and enjoyed the conversation. After their meal, the family opted to go home and rest, as the flight was long and stressful. When they got home, Chenwei gave Junjie the room next to Guang. After a quick shower, Junjie lay on his bed and quickly drifted off to sleep.   

Junjie stirred awake when he felt someone stroke his face. His eyes fluttered open to find Guang looking at him with a smile on his face.   

"Did you have a good rest?" Guang asked, grabbing his hand and kissing his knuckles. Guang smiles when he kisses the ring on his finger.  

"Yes...but how did you get in here?" Junjie asked as his eyes linger on Guang, who kept kissing his hand.   

Guang looks behind him and gestures to the open balcony door.   

Junjie made a face and pouted at him. "What's the use of the door and wall between us if you are going to sneak inside my room whenever you want?"   

"Exactly, no one can come between us," Guang confidently said, which made Junjie laugh.   

"Is Aunt Lihua and Uncle Chenwei at home?"   

"Hmm," Guang nodded. "Ma is asleep, and Pa is working with Tianwei." Then he leans forward to Junjie and steals a peck on his lips. "So it's basically only us in here."   

Instead of reeling, Junjie kissed Guang back, "Your flirting is not working. I'd rather eat because I'm hungry." Junjie retorted, got up from bed, and walked toward the door, "Are you coming? I don't know where the kitchen is."   

"I really can't win against you," he grumbled, hugging Junjie's pillow. When he heard Junjie call him again, "Coming!" he let go of the pillow and followed Junjie outside.   

"What do you want to eat?" he asked Junjie as he opened and closed the cupboards, looking for something to cook.   

"I want some noodles," Junjie said as he opened the fridge and checked what he could use as an ingredient.   

"I got some stuff here that you can use." Guang showed him some ingredients.  

"You want some?" Junjie asked, and Guang nodded. "Go and have a seat. I'll prepare it."  

Guang sat on one of the island counter's stools and watched Junjie prepare the noodles. "XiaoJie, do you have plans with my mother tomorrow?" he asked after a while. Junjie looked up from the pan and thought about his question.  

"I don't think Aunt Lihua is planning anything. Why?" he asked as he turned off the stove and started transferring their noodles to a bowl.   

Guang lets Junjie finish first and points him to sit beside him instead of eating at the dining table. Junjie serves him a bowl and a chopstick and then sits beside him. "So, what were you asking?" Junjie asks as he watches Guang eat his noodles.   

"Oh, I want to take you out and meet my friends tomorrow."  

"Your friends?"   

"Yeah, Nannan and Xiaowen. They were excited to meet you when they heard you were coming here."  

Junjie chewed his food, thought about it, and smiled, "Okay, I want to meet them too. You said that you can tolerate their scents, right?"  

Guang nods and watches him eat, smiling at the clumsy way some food will fall off his chopstick.   

Guang took Junjie on his bike and met with his friends the following day. At first, they were all quiet and awkward, but the conversation started flowing naturally when they found their common interests. Junjie and Nannan got along so well that they started throwing jokes at each other. When it was time to say their goodbyes, the three of them managed to exchange numbers.   

"So well, see you on the graduation day?" Xiaowen asked.  

Junjie bobs his head and beams at him. "Yeah, I'll be there."   

*************************************************************************************  

After walking onto the stage, getting his diploma, and all the long speeches, the graduation ceremony ended. Guang and his two friends gather with their parents' presents and congratulate each other.   

"Oh, I'm so happy you three are finishing high school now. Are the two of you going to the same University as Guang?" Lihua asks them.  

"We have to, Aunt Lihua, or else this guy will cry if we leave him alone." Nannan joke.  

"Hah?" Guang answered, provoked by Nannan's teasing.   

"Come visit us at our place, and we can all celebrate Junjie's graduation, too," Lihua told them.   

"We will, Aunt Lihua," Xiaowen quickly replied.  

"Mr. and Mrs. Xia, it is good to see you here," Luo Hanying said, greeting them from their side. He came together with Luo Shenxiang, who had a grimacing face. Everyone could feel the tension that was brewing in the air. "Congratulations, boys," Luo Hanying said to Guang, Xiaowen, and Nannan.   

"Shenxiang also graduated. Congratulations to you." Chenwei said to her.   

Shenxiang quietly tipped her head and murmured a thanks.   

"Congratulations to you too, Ms. Luo." to everybody's surprise, Junjie reached his hands to her, and Shenxiang stared at his hands. She was seething inside, thinking this man must be mocking her for getting Guang all to himself. But when she looked up and glanced at Junjie, she could only see sincerity and friendliness. Suddenly, all the anger melted from her, and her face broke into a small smile.  

"Thank you," she said, taking the hand and firmly shaking it.   

Shenxiang was shaking Junjie's hands for a while; Guang pulled Junjie's arm and released Shenxiang's hands. " Refrain from needless contact," he said to Junjie, but his eyes glared at Shenxiang.   

Shenxiang pouted, "You're so possessive," she whispered, but Junjie heard it and laughed. Shenxiang looked at Junjie and smiled, "You're cute when you smile," she said as a matter of fact and without any flirting in her tone. Lihua raised her brow amusingly, and Guang gave her dagger eyes when Junjie blushed.   

"Yes, dear, you are right," Lihua answers. "Do you and your father have any appointments after this? Why don't you have lunch with us?"   

"Oh, we are free right now." Luo Hanying said.   

Shenxiang, confused by the sudden forwardness of Guang's mother, was puzzled.  

Guang scowled at his mother, and Chenwei massaged the bridge of his nose. 'I will get a headache after this,' he thought but could only follow his wife's whim.   

Chapter Text

After that eventful dinner, which tested everyone's strength, the only people who managed to eat and swallow their dinner were Lihua, Junjie, Shenxiang, Hanying, Xiaowen, and Nannan's parents. The rest were too distracted by what was happening.  

"Hats off to Guang's mother for plotting another way of making him cry again," Nannan told Xiaowen. They could all see Junjie sitting in the middle of Lihua and Shenxiang and being teased the whole time.  

After dinner, Guang pulled Shenxiang away from the crowd. "What are you planning? I know that you are mad at me for rejecting you. If you want revenge, you can--" Guang stopped talking as soon as Shenxiang glared at him.  

"Xia Zhiguang, I'm not so pitiful to get revenge on you that I'm going to hurt someone as likable as your brother." She stood with her hands on her hips and stared defiantly at him. "Besides, I value myself; I'd rather find someone who will like me instead. And if anything else, I like your brother; he is friendly, unlike you." Then she smirked at him. "And if anything else... it's fun teasing you like this." she then laughs and walks back to where the crowd is bidding her goodbyes to Lihua and Junjie.  

After that day, Guang was extra cautious with Shenxiang because Lihua would often invite her when they all went out.  

"I don't get your mom, dude, she was so pissed at her before, but now she like Shenxiang now." then they look at the three on the other table. "And Junjie is enjoying his time with her."  

Guang rested his chin on his palm and his arm on the table, watching Junjie's every move. His mate was genuinely happy conversing with Shenxiang, but he got embarrassed whenever his mom and Shenxiang teased him. "I never saw him interact with any woman other than my mother, Nan, and the orphanage headmistress," he said matter-of-factly.  

"Why?" Nannan asked him curiously.  

"I don't know, and I never ask."  

"Well, it looks like that girl meant well," Nannan said after looking at the other table.  

Guang grimaced again when Junjie laughed at one of Shenxiang's jokes. "No, she is taking Junjie's attention away from me." He stood up, dragged the chair, and created a loud noise that made Junjie, Lihua, and Shenxiang look in his direction.  

Lihua arched her brow at her son when she saw Guang walking to their table, leaving his two friends behind. When he reached their table, he tried to yank Junjie to stand up and was only glad that Junjie did, so Guang dragged him away. "Umm... Guang, is everything okay?" Junjie asked as he looked back worriedly at their companion, who was left behind. Lihua and Shenxiang smiled at him and waved, and Nannan and Xiaowen gave him a thumbs-up.  

"Guang..."  

"You're supposed to be spending time with me, not with anyone else," he said, pouting and walking to the parking lot where his bike was parked.  

Junjie chuckled pleasantly at the apparent jealousy, then caught up to Guang and pecked him on the cheek.  

Guang was genuinely surprised and looked at Junjie, who smiled lovingly at him. "So where are you taking me?"  

Guang's mood brightens, knowing that Junjie's scent smells alluring and delighted. "I know you've been wanting to see the water, so I'll take you to the beach,"  

Junjie and Guang rode to the beach, and when they arrived, the place was packed with many people walking on the trail, biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading. Children scattered around in the sand and the park, playing. Guang parked his bike, removed his helmet, put it on his back, grabbed Junjie's, and started walking to the beach. They passed by an ice cream cart, and Junjie pointed at it, so they went to grab some; after getting an ice cream for each of them, they were going to the shore when a kid bumped into them, causing the boy's ice cream to fall on the sand.  

The boy looked up at them and started crying when he saw Guang wearing a black mask and staring sharply at him. But Guang squatted down and looked at the boy. "Sorry about your ice cream, kid, " he says, offering his ice cream. It's not the same flavour, but do you want it?" The boy sniffed and looked at the ice cream, and then Guang said, "You are not mad, mister?"  

Guang frowns. "Mister? I'm not that old? And yeah, I'm not mad."  

"But you're older than me."  

Guang ruffles the boy's hair. "Take the ice cream and stop being a smart ass."  

After getting the ice cream from Guang, the boy ran to his friends and ate their ice cream.  

"You are surprisingly good with kids...but they are still wary of you at first because of your mask."  

Guang stood and looked at the kids in the park. "Yeah, I'm surprised they are not scared of me. And I can't walk around leisurely without this special mask; otherwise, I'll go crazy with all these scents everywhere." Then he leaned closer to his ears. "But it's different with your scent, XiaoJie."  

Junjie looked at Guang monotonously, "Where are you getting all this energy to flirt in this place?"  

Guang laughs at him and intertwines their hands; he pulls up and kisses the back of Junjie's hands. "let's go. I want to walk on the shore and watch the sunset with you."  

They walk along the shores, smiling at the other couple walking past them.  

"We are returning to China next week to attend your graduation. We are also celebrating your birthday, right."  

"Yeah, and after that, you are coming back here. Make sure you study hard, Guang, for your exam."  

"Of course I will. I plan to propose to you after all." Guang smiled smugly at Junjie.  

Junjie's heart skipped a beat, and then he blushed, "How can you say that so easily?"  

"Because I plan to do it since the beginning."  

Junjie stopped walking and looked at Guang, "Guang, aren't you moving too fast?"  

"Fast?" Guang looked at him amusingly. "If it were me, I would have taken you for myself when I first saw you. So you should know how long I have been waiting for you."  

Junjie's cheeks bloomed red as the sun set on the horizon and hit his face. He exhales the breath he is holding and swallows; Junjie doesn't know how he will respond. But Guang unhooked his mask and held his gaze. "Just so you know, I will not accept a no for an answer," he said thoughtfully.  

At that, Junjie chuckled at Guang, who looked at him fiercely, but his facial expression said otherwise. "You will say yes, right, XiaoJie?" Guang begged. Junjie couldn't help but laugh at him as he held Guang's hands intertwined and pulled him to continue walking. The view of them walking while he was laughing and Guang calling his name confirmed his answer.  

**********************************************************************  

Following his stay in the US with the Xia family, the four flew back to China to attend Junjie's graduation.  

On the morning of graduation, Lihua was fixing Junjie's gown and hat.  

"Ah, Junjie, you're here!" Ruipeng called from behind them. When he saw Lihua, he bowed and greeted her. "Hello, ma'am."  

"My, my, look at you two; you look so handsome in your uniform and graduation gown."  

The two blushed and smiled to hide their embarrassment. Ruichang got his bearing first, thanked Lihua, and the look at Junjie. "We have to go in now. They are calling all the students in the auditorium."  

"Okay, Aunt Lihua, I'll see you later." the other two said their goodbyes, too, before the three of them left.  

"Now, where are those two? " She looked at the school entrance and saw Guang and Chenwei coming in with a big bouquet of flowers.  

"Ma, where is XiaoJie?" Guang asked when he got near his mother.  

"He went inside the auditorium now." Lihua then inspected the bouquet: "Lavander, lilacs, and white roses? Is this a wedding bouquet or a graduation bouquet?"  

"Eh? But I just picked up all the flowers I liked."  

"Yeah, pick up all his flowery scent," Lihua murmured. "So why are you late? What took you so long?"  

Chenwei answered his wife instead. "Ah, we got lost," he said, embarrassed. "It has been a while since we drove in here, so we got lost."  

"Haa... seriously, you two, I should have Mr. Chang here to drive you around." Lihua said as she touched her forehead, "Anyway, let's go in now."  

The ceremony proceeded swiftly, and they were happy when they saw Junjie take his diploma. After the ceremony, they took many pictures together, including those of Ruipeng and Ruichang. Junjie was surprised with the bouquet but happily accepted it. The graduates had another gathering for a class picture, and Guang asked him to see his classroom. They told Lihua and Chenwei about it, who was busy talking to the principal and Junjie's teacher and went to his classroom.  

"It looks so neat and tidy," Guang said. Then he looked around and, taking his mask off, asked, "Where is your seat?"  

"Oh, it's over here," Junjie said, walking over to his desk. It had been a while since I sat on this desk." Junjie took a seat and smiled nostalgically. "This will be the last time I will sit on this." his finger stroked the table, and then he felt something and gently rubbed it.  

Guang came over to see what I was, and he had a playful smirk when he saw Junjie trying to cover the name he had etched on his table. "Are you supposed to vandalize the school property?" Guang playfully teases Junjie. Then he sat on the table and put both his feet on the side of the chair where Junjie was sitting, caging Junjie in the chair.  

"What are you doing?" Junjie asked nervously, looking up at Guang, who looked down at him with mischief plastered across his face.  

"Making memories with you, " he said as he tilted Junjie's face to him. When Guang saw the hint of defiance in Junjie's eyes, his body shivered. Then he released some of his pheromones, causing Junjie to shudder, and then Guang saw Junjie's eyes melt.  

Guang licked his fangs inside his mouth; he wanted to bite that neck that was ready for him, but instead, his hungry mouth landed on Junjie, anticipating moistened lips. When their lips joined, Guang heard Junjie's muffled cries. His fingers trace down on Junjie's neck as he hungrily sucks on his lips, his other hand holding the back of Junjie's head, deepening their kiss. Guang let go of Junjie's lips to gasp for air, and his lips continued to graze down from his jaw to his bared neck that was ready for him.  

After sucking the soft flesh in Junjie's neck, his lips when back to Junjie's panting mouth and claimed it again. Guang's thumb traced down again on his neck and circled it, and he felt Junjie tremble. Guang released his hold and stopped kissing Junjie, afraid he might have scared him.  

But Junjie tried to chase his lips back, so Guang grinned and kissed Junjie's lips tenderly. "I have to be careful of kissing you in public places, my XiaoJie, as I can easily devour you because you are ready for me."  

Junjie realized what Guang had said and felt embarrassed at his behaviour whenever Guang was affectionate with him. He could not help but melt and succumb to him whenever he caught a whip of Guang's pheromones. Junjie tried to hide his embarrassment by getting away, but Guang held him firmly in his place. "I love it when you act embarrassed whenever I point out how desirable you look after I take a bite."  

Junjie glared at him, still blushing. "I swear, Xia Zhiguang, I'm not talking to you for the next few days if you don't let go of me right now."  

Guang chuckled. "Yes, yes, but before that, let me have one more taste." he firmly held the back of Junjie's head and kissed his surprised mouth, a deep, feverish kiss ravishing his mouth once again before Guang let go.  

"Guang not in school," Junjie begged as his eyes moistened, and his hand gripped Guang's shirt tightly.  

"Then I can take you for myself as long as you're not in school," Guang whispered in his ears, and his low voice made his body tremble. When Junjie whimpered, Guang laughed and nuzzled his nose on Junjie's cheeks. "You have to be careful about giving me permission, my flower, or else I might devour you."  

Guang leaned his forehead onto Junjie and helped him calm down. When Junjie was calm enough to leave the room, Guang pecked his nose and helped him up as he climbed down from the table. "I think Aunt Lihua and Uncle Chenwei will be looking for us, as we have been away for quite some time."  

"Hmm... then tell them we got lost."  

Junjie gave him a disbelieving look, "at my own school?"  

"Yeah, I did get lost kissing you."  

"You're impossible." then Junjie strode off to the front gate, leaving Guang to chase after him.  

**********************************************************************  

Lihua and Mingzhu were busy preparing for Junjie's upcoming birthday. Junjie requested that only family and close friends be invited, so the two decided to celebrate in the orphanage so that all the children could attend.  

LanFen and the orphanage cook, Meng, were in the kitchen preparing the food for the party. "I have to cook something spicy for that boy as this is one of his favourites, but I cannot cook everything spicy because of the children, too," Meng said as he fry food in his wok. The old cook is fond of Junjie and continues recounting his time in the orphanage.  

Outside, the children are having so much fun with all the grown-ups coming to play with them. Nannan and Xiaowen were busy with other children, and on the other side, Ruipeng, acting like a big brother, was enjoying his time with the kids, with Ruichang being dragged along. Girls surround Shenxiang, and one of the younger girls sits on her lap, asking Shenxiang to do her hair, which she happily obliged. Qianli already drags Guang inside the playroom to play computer games with Yixie.  

"Long-ge, Ming-ge. I'm glad you could make it." Junjie greeted them as they both arrived at the same time.  

Yilong smiled and ruffled his hair. "I wouldn't miss my shidi birthday."**  

"Yes, I had to pick this guy up at the airport as he was rushing back here," Zheming said while standing beside Yilong.  

"Eh, long-ge you're not in the country?" Junjie asked, surprised at what he learned.  

"No, I wasn't. I heard you are taking your entrance exam at one of the prestigious universities in the country." Yilong saw Junjie blush. "As your shixiong, I'm proud of you."**  

"I'm still unsure if I will pass Long-ge," Junjie said shyly.  

"Have confidence that you will."  

"Oh, look who we have here," Lihua, together with Chenwei, appeared from inside the house. "It has been a while, you two." Lihua fondly smiles at the two.  

"Ah, Mrs. Xia, it's nice to see you again, Mr. Xia; it's a pleasure to meet you," Zheming said as he greeted them and shook their hands. Zhu Yilong did the same.  

"Come inside and meet the other," Chenwei welcomed them to come inside.  

They made their way to the back garden, where the guests gathered. Ruipeng and Ruichang were glad to see their seniors arrive at the party. Shenxiang, Nannan and Xiaowen were introduced to the new arrival, and the children immediately loved Yilong and his gentle behaviour.  

"Ah, Long-ge, I want you to meet my brother, but as of now, he is not here..." Junjie said, but the door leading to the house burst open, and Guang and Qianli were on his arm, pulling it.  

"Ge, one more round, okay?" Qianli begs him.  

"What are you talking about? We've been playing for hours. I'm hungry, and I want to see XiaoJie." Guang complains as he drags Qianli out of the house, Yixie following them from behind.  

"Oh, he is not wearing his mask today?" Zheming said beside him.  

Junjie looked at his side. "Yeah, his sense of smell calmed down with me around. Something about focusing his pheromones on me." He explained as he looked at Guang, who looked annoyed but hadn't shrugged Qianli away. He noticed him looking around, and when their eyes met, Junjie saw his eyes brighten up.  

"XiaoJie, this is where you are." Guang went to him, holding Qianli in his arms. Junjie met him halfway. " I'm hungry, and this brat won't let go of me."  

Junjie laughs, "Let go and eat, and I want to introduce you to someone."  

Junjie drags him to one of the tables and goes to grab some food. When he returns with the food Guang swallows, he smiles. "XiaoJie, why is my food all spicy?"  

"Eh? I thought you liked them?" Junjie feigned ignorance.  

Guang smiled uncomfortably, sensing that Junjie was still mad at what happened the other day in his school. "Hahahaha... yes... I like them..." Then Junjie sat beside him and sweetly smiled while watching him eat. "XiaoJie, this is good," he smiled to appease his mate playing with him.  

After eating, Guang drank his tea and asked Junjie, "So, who is this person you want me to meet?"  

"Oh yeah, he did not make it during my last birthday, but Long-ge is here now." He stood up and pulled Guang with him, looking at the crowd. When Junjie found him, they walked towards him. They were almost near Yilong when Junjie said, "Oh, he is an Enigma just like you."  

Guang stood still behind Junjie as he called Yilong's attention. "Yilong-ge, this is my brother whom I want to introduce to you." Guang took a stance, asserting his dominance as he stared at Yilong. Then, Guang smelled a faint scent that made him frown. "Guang, this is my senior at school that helped me."  

Guang wrapped a hand around Junjie's waist as he stood behind him, then extended his hands to Yilong, "Xia Zhiguang, it's good to meet you,"  

Junjie looked behind him, trying to understand why Guang was suddenly wary. His hands lay on top of Guang's hands on his waist, entwining their fingers.  

Rather than being provoked by Guang, Yilong remained calm, smiled, and accepted the handshake. "Zhu Yilong, it's nice to finally meet Junjie's brother."  

Zheming, still sitting at the table eating his food, was smiling at this encounter, and he could see how Yilong would play with this little wolf.  

Lihua and Chenwei, standing at the corner, can see what is happening. "It seems that your son has finally met his match," Chenwei says to his wife, smiling at what she sees. Well, we will see. This man is not interested in Junjie in that way, " Lihua observed.  

As the tension brewed between the three of them, a little voice behind him broke it. "Guang-ge, you promise after eating we will play some more." Qianli tugged the hem of his shirt.  

For the tension not to return, Junjie turned to look at Guang. "Go and play with them, yeah?" Both his hands were on Guang's chest, and his thumb was rubbing him so that he could calm down. He doesn't know what happened, but Guang's scent changes; the warmth is gone and has changed into something hostile. But now Junjie can somewhat understand what he needs to do to calm Guang with his scent. Guang looked at him, grabbed his hand, and nuzzled his wrist. Yeah, I'll see you later, " he said, leaving a glare for Yilong.  

Lihua, on the other hand, saw what had unfolded and smirked when she saw what Junjie had done to ease the tension.  

"Long-ge, did something happen between you and my brother?" Junjie asked in confusion.  

Yilong looked at him and shrugged, "It was the first time I had met your brother, so I have no clue what happened." Junjie, still confused about what was going on, had nothing to say but apologize for what had happened.  

"I'm sorry, long-ge."  

"There is nothing for you to apologize for, and it's your birthday. Come sit with us and tell me what is happening with you."  

Junjie looked worried momentarily, then eased up when Zheming said everything would be fine. Ruipeng and Ruichang also joined their table, and they talked nonstop.  

The party ended with Guang not leaving the house for a while and only coming out when it was time for the guests to leave. The last person to leave is Shenxiang, who whispers to Guang, "You look like a puppy begging not to leave his cat earlier." Guang gives her the coldest look before she goes to Junjie, cheerfully greets him with Happy Birthday, and hugs him tight.  

Qianli, who fell asleep on Guang's arm, stirs and wraps his arm around his neck, settles his head on his shoulder, and continues sleeping. Yixie, never leaving his little brother's side, clung to Guang's shirt and looked drowsy. Junjie looks at them. "Let's put them to bed." He said to Guang and bent down to Yixie, "Do you want me to pick you up?" Yixie shakes his head, but his little eyes look sleepy. So Junjie picked up the little boy and went inside the house with Guang.  

In their room, Guang and Junjie lay the twins in their beds. "he's so full of energy," Guang said as he brushed off Qianli's hair. "he is only five."  

"I heard both their parents passed away from an incurable illness; Yixie took care of Qianli for months before they got here in the orphanage," Junjie said as he watched Guang gently pull the blanket on the twins. "you like them..." Junjie said as he looked at him.  

"Well... what's not to like?" Guang smiled at him.  

**********************************************************************  

After the graduation and birthday party, Guang and Chenwei fly back to the US to prepare for Guang's exam, and Junjie does the same back home. With the extensive review they are both doing, they don't have time to talk much, and when they do, either Junjie or Guang falls asleep at the other end.  

The following week, Junjie heard from Mingzhu that Qianli and Yixie manifested their second gender, so he went to the hospital with Mingzhu, as the twins were looking for both of them, him and Guang.  

Qianli was crying when he saw Junjie, "Jie-ge, where is Guang-ge?"  

Junjie picked the kid up and stroked his back. "Qianli returned to America to take his exam; I am here. Is that okay?" Qianli sniffed and wrapped his arm around Junjie, then nodded. "You smell comfy, Jie-ge."  

They have learned that Yixie is an Alpha and Qianli is an Omega. After learning their second gender, Yixie became overly protective of his little brother.  

"Doctor, will there be a problem with the little boy's heat cycle?' Mingzhu asked worriedly.  

"I don't think there will be any problem, ma'am, as long as we monitor his heat and take his suppressant on time."  

"Doctor, what about his wearing and inhibitor?" Junjie asked.  

"Yes, we can do that. There are many ways to ensure we control their heat until they are the right age. But an inhibitor is quite expensive, young man." the doctor explains.  

Junjie touches his pearl earring and nods. "Aunt Mingzhu will see about it so that Qianli will be safe."  

"I have also checked the twins' fertility rate; both are normal." Mingzhu thanked the doctor before leaving.  

Junjie fell into deep thinking when he heard what the doctor said at the end.  

"Junjie, let's go?" Mingzhu said when she saw him not moving.  

"Ah, wait a moment, Aunt Mingzhu," and Junjie went to the reception desk. "Excuse me, where can I make an appointment to see a doctor?" Junjie asks the receptionist.  

The receptionist smiles and asks, "What is the appointment for?"  

Junjie was stunned momentarily, then blushed, "Umm... for... umm... f-fertility..."  

The receptionist tried to hold her smile, which made Junjie more redder. "Is it for you or someone else?"  

That is when Junjie lost his voice. "Umm... for me..." he whispered.  

"That is okay; I will arrange for your appointment. Is there any availability that you are looking for?"  

"Ahh... I'm available... any time."  

"Then I will schedule you next week at this time." The receptionist wrote down his appointment date, time, and location on a card and gave it to him. "Here is your appointment; we will see you that day." The receptionist gave him a wide smile.  

Junjie ran back to Mingzhu, who was waiting at the chairs with yixie and Qianli sleeping in her arms. "Sorry, Aunt Mingzhu,"  

"What was that for?" she asked as Junjie tried to take Qianli from her gently. They walked out of the hospital.  

"Oh, I made an appointment for me," Junjie said shyly.  

"And what was the appointment for?" she curiously asked as she hailed a cab. The taxi stopped for them, and they all went in. Ming Zhu repeated her question when they all settled and told the driver the address.  

"It's for my fertility; I want to know if I am capable of conceiving," Junjie said and turned red.  

"Oh, you silly boy, of course you are. Believe in it, as you have found your mate." Mingzhu said that and Junjie's heart swelled with happiness.  

**********************************************************************  

"How are the twins?" Lihua asked him as he got home.  

Junjie took off his sweater and sat on the couch. " They are both okay. Qianli is Omega, and Yixie is Alpha." Junjie bit his inner lips, hesitating, but then, looking at his adoptive mother, he took a deep breath. "Aunt Lihua, can I ask for a favour?"  

"Why anything, my dear, what is it?"  

Junjie touched his earrings, "My inhibitor, is there a chance that you can help me find someone who can make this?"  

Lihua thought for a moment, "Hmm, I think I can, but who is it for?"  

"For Qianli Aunt Lihua, for his protection. I also want to get him a choker if we can get one."  

"very well, I'll try to find one for you, okay," Lihua assures him.  

Junjie thanked her and went back to the library to continue studying. In the evening, he realized it was nighttime, and Guang called him. Junjie told him what happened on his day. "Qianli was crying, looking for you."  

"I feel bad for not being there when the kid got his result. He must be scared." Junjie can hear the concern in Guang's voice.  

"They are okay, he said. My scent was calming him. Yixie became protective of his little brother after."  

Guang and Junjie talked for a while until Junjie drifted off, Guang's voice lulling him to sleep.  

**********************************************************************  

Lihua confirmed to Junjie next week that they would meet an inhibitor specialist. When Junjie found out, it would coincide with the same day as his hospital visit. So, he thought about it and planned it out. Hopefully, Lihua will not find this out, as he is embarrassed to tell her about it.  

On the day of the appointment, Junjie and Lihua, along with Mingzhu Qianli and Yixie, who insisted on staying by his brother's side, went to the specialist to make the inhibitor and choker for him.  

After getting the twins an Inhibitor necklace and a choker for Qianli, Lihua offers to send them home.  

"Ah, Aunt Lihua, I have someplace to go, and my appointment is coming up soon," Junjie said to Lihua as he checked the time.  

Lihua frowned and wanted to ask a question, but she let it slide: "That's okay. Mr. Chang, send us to the orphanage first, and you can send Junjie to his appointment."  

"But I can take the cab."  

"Nonsense. The orphanage is only 15 minutes away. You. You can have the car, as I need to talk to Mingzhu." Lihua cut him off. Junjie sighed and succumbed to his adoptive mother.  

After dropping them off at the orphanage, Mr Chang asked Junjie where they would go and raised his eyebrows when Junjie told him where his appointment was.  

"Ah, Uncle Chang, just drop me off at the front entrance... I'll walk from there."  

"Are you sure?"  

Junjie nodded. "yes."  

"Then I'll go back to the orphanage; call me when you need me to pick you up." Mr. Chang said as he got out of the car.  

"That's okay; I'll take the cab home," Junjie said before he closed the car door.  

The car drove away, and Junjie stood before the building, contemplating whether to go inside.  

"Come now, dear, we are going to be late for our appointment." said the mother with a child behind him.  

Junjie took a deep breath and walked inside the hospital. He told the receptionist that he had an appointment with a gynecologist. The receptionist checked his ID and smiled, "Mr. Huang Junjie. "Then he nodded, "Yes, Dr. Chan will be with you shortly. Please take a seat for now."  

After getting his ID back, junjie sat in one of the available chairs, fidgeting and looking around. He waited a few more minutes before the receptionist called him again and pointed him to a room.  

Junjie walked to the closed door and knocked, and when he heard someone say to come in, he opened the door. A gentle-looking older man greeted him with a warm smile, and junjie's nerves eased up, "Mr. Huang Junjie."  

"Yes"  

"Please sit; what can I do for you today?"  

Junjie blushed and mumbled quietly, "I-I w-want to have m-my fertility checked." this is all he can mutter before he goes red in the face.  

The doctor smiled understandingly, "There are procedures we must follow; for now, we can get your blood for a test to check your hormones…"  

Junjie was already in a daze and not listening anymore when he felt a hand on his hand. He looked up to see the doctor smiling at him. "You don't have to be nervous. As I mentioned, we can have some blood tests now."  

"Will I be able to see the result today?" he said, still anxious.  

"Yes, we can have your result today." He smiled and called the nurse to assist with the blood work.  

After taking multiple vials of blood, the nurse instructed him to wait at the reception or in the room until the result was ready. "Can I wait inside the room? I feel anxious outside?" The nurse dimpled and nodded at him before leaving the room with the vials.  

Junjie fiddled with the ring on his fingers, pulled it out and traced the engraving inside the ring that made him smile --  那就在一起黄昏与四季.** He brought the ring to his lips and kissed it while closing his eyes; imagining Guang with kids made him feel glad. Junjie thinks of getting him a dog, "Knowing him, he will spoil the dog rotten." then he laughs.  

While waiting, he received a message from Guang saying goodnight. He was heading to bed because tomorrow was his SAT exam. He was grumbling again as usual, but Junjie knew how to soothe this man. He smiled, thinking that if he got a favourable result, it would be his gift to Guang when he passed his exam. After many text messages, Guang finally said his last goodnight and I love you and kissed emojis before sleeping.  

After an hour of waiting, Junjie's attention was caught by a soft knock on the door. The door came in with a slight smile on his face, paper in hand; the nurse came together with him with a neutral expression. "Sorry to make you wait this long, Mr. Huang, I have received the result in the lab..." the doctor trailed off, cleared his throat and opened the folder. "Umm..." the doctor took a deep breath, closed the folder, and looked at him square in the face. "I'm sorry, Mr. Huang, your hormonal imbalance is causing you to have infertility..."  

As the words hung in the air, Junjie felt the room spin. The phrase "I'm sorry" echoed in his mind, shattering his dreams just moments before—visions of building a family with Guang and possibly getting a dog turned into fleeting fantasies. His body went cold, and he gripped the sides of the chair tightly, his knuckles turning white as he fought to keep his composure. Tears threatened to spill over as reality crashed down around him.  

"I want to conduct more tests before we draw any conclusions about your infertility, Mr. Huang," the doctor continued gently. "I'd like to schedule a follow-up appointment—"  

"Dr. Chan…" the nurse interrupted, her gaze fixed on Junjie, whose face had gone pale. Her concern was palpable as she sensed how profoundly the news had affected him.  

Dr. Chan sighed and said, "Ms. Gu, please note that I need to see him at the next appointment. Also, have someone call him for the follow-up; I doubt he will remember." He looked at Junjie and gently tapped his cold hands. "Child, we will explore all the possibilities, okay?" However, Junjie was still in shock. Dr. Chan turned to the nurse and said, "Let him stay here until he gathers himself."  

The nurse nodded and did everything the doctor said; after putting everything in the folder, she softly said, "Mr. Huang, please don't forget this folder and come back for the next appointment." before leaving the room.   

Junjie sat as still as a statue. When he felt no one was in the room, he finally released his breath. His throat burned as he fought back tears, and his breath hitched as he tried to muffle his cries. He remembered celebrating the holiday with his parents; it had been the happiest moment of his life. Then, just a week later, both of his parents tragically passed away in an accident.  

When his immediate family took him in, they seemed to believe they were providing him with a new family, only to realize later that they were primarily interested in his inheritance money. After that, he was passed from one extended family to another, each promising to care for him like a family member. However, all he found from them were walls of insincerity.  

When the Xia family adopted him, at first, he was guarded and afraid to open up. But both his adoptive parents and Guang treated him with love and care. Now that he had found his mate, he was elated and wanted to give him everything, only to have everything crash down on him. How could he give Guang a future? He had nothing to offer him besides his love and sincerity. But is this enough? How about his future?  

With all this thinking clouding Junjie's mind, he grabs the folder and pushes it inside his bag before he walks out of the hospital. He hails a cab and goes home. When he arrives home, everything is blurry to him. Even when Lihua says hello to him, Junjie only passes by and walks straight to his room. When the door to his room closes, he takes his bag and collapses in his bed. He releases a soft breath before passing out with tears in his eyes.  

**********************************************************************  

Lihua was stunned when Junjie passed her by; she was puzzled at his expression. Thinking that there was something wrong, she went upstairs and knocked on his door; when she heard no answer, Lihua gently turned the knob and opened Junjie's room.  

She saw him lying face down slanted in his bed; when she came close, she saw tears streaming in his eyes. Lihua's face was struck with worries. She leaned down, brushed the hair on his face, and heard him sob.  

Lihua covered her mouth, "what happened, my child?" she whispered. She then took off Junjie's shoes, pulled a cover in the closet and covered junjie with it. When she left Junjie's room, she went and looked for Mr. Chang and found him in the garage taking out LanFen bags of groceries.  

"Mr. Chang, where did you drop off Junjie when you left him this morning?" Lihua asks him.  

"Oh, madam," he greeted. "Hmm," he thought, beaming at her, "I dropped XiaoJie in the hospital this morning. He said he had an appointment."  

"Hospital? Which one?" now she is curious. "Did he say what the appointment is about?"  

"No, madam," he shook his head. "But I remember him being nervous and excited about it." Then he told her the name of the hospital.  

"Thank you, Mr. Chang."  

"Pleasure, madam."  

Lihua went inside the house and contacted the hospital, asking about Junjie's appointment. When she confirmed that he was there and told her he had gone to see a gynecologist, the frown on her forehead deepened. When she asked about the result, the hospital gatekeeper kept her patients' information confidential, even if she got mad that it was her son. However, the hospital was adamant about their confidentiality. Defeated, she gave up and hung up; all she could do was wait for Junjie to open up about what happened.  

But Lihua soon realized that Junjie would not tell her anything. After that day, she rarely saw him out of his room. It was understandable, as he was also preparing for his exam, which was next week. But some days, he would skip food. One evening, neither she nor LanFen were taking it, and they both barged inside his room, dragging him to the dinner table.  

Junjie looked haggard and weary; both ladies looked at him with worried faces. "Son, are you okay?" Lihua worried sick of him.  

Junjie tried to smile but failed. He cleared his throat, but his voice was raspy, and they knew it was from all the crying they could hear inside his room. "I'm okay, Aunt Lihua," he said, trying to smile again.  

Junjie tried to eat, but after a few bites, they could see that he could not swallow anymore. "My child, you're going to get sick with what is happening to you, and tomorrow is your exam. Please try to eat some more." LanFen was distraught with what was going on with him.  

"You too, Nan; I'm okay." Junjie comforts LanFen.  

"Junjie, please talk to me if you have any problems, okay?" Lihua said as she gathered his hand and squeezed it tightly.  

They both saw his lower lips quiver before they broke into a smile that did not reach his eyes.  

The following day, after having a small breakfast, Junjie and Mr. Chang went to take his exam. Lihua was at home waiting for news when her husband called that Guang had passed his SAT and would get a gift ready for Junjie and a plane ticket home. Lihua told Chenwei to stop Guang for now as something was happening with Junjie, and she wanted to find out about it. But when Guang heard it, he became more hard-headed instead of listening to Lihua.  

"Ma, I'm coming home!" he declares  

"I said not yet. I do not want Junjie to be more dejected than he is now," Lihua said heatedly to her son. Guang, please. I know you are worried, but we must give him space."  

"Ma..."  

"I know, son, I know."  

After that day, Junjie looked more unwell and had a fever for a few days. Guang was inconsolable and tried to get home, but both his parents tried to stop him. When Junjie felt better, Lihua passed him the letter from the university to which he had applied. When Lihua left the room, he opened the letter and read the contents.  

Junjie choked a sob and laughed; even this one choice of his still failed him. He reread it, thinking the content must be wrong, but it clearly said he had not passed. Junjie folded the paper and put it inside his drawer; he lay down and cried silently.  

Junjie wanted to sleep; he felt that if he slept, everything would disappear, and the darkness would numb the pain that he was feeling. Junjie closed his eyes and held his breath; the silence in his room was suffocating; it felt like it was caving on him, but the pain in his heart kept getting smaller. As he opened his eyes and caught his breath, Junjie felt piercing pain in his chest. 'This is my reality,' he thought.  

The day passed with him lying in his bed, in and out of sleep, and by the time he got up, it was already late in the evening. He looked at his bedside table and saw a bowl of soup and milk. Lihua or LanFen must have come in to give him food as he had missed lunch and dinner. The soup and his milk are still warm, and he must be starving as he finishes everything in one gulp.  

After he finishes his soup, his phone rings, and he flinches when he sees Guang on the screen. Junjie's hands tremble as he reaches for it, mulling over whether to answer. The ringing stops, and he releases the breath he was holding, but not a minute later, his phone rings again. Junjie's heartbeat is deafening, and he remembers what he said earlier: "Yes, this is my reality." Then he answers the call.  

"Hello, XiaoJie?" Guang said hesitantly on the other line.  

"Yes," Junjie answered. His throat was dry, and his voice was hoarse.  

"How are you? I mean, I hope you are feeling better. I'm coming home, I want to be beside you, and I'm worried about what is happening."  

"No..." Junjie swallows. You don't have to come; I'm okay. You are busy there with your work and school."  

"It's okay, XiaoJie. I'm doing okay at school as I got in, and I can do some overtime to compensate for my missed days at work."  

"No, I'm okay, Guang... besides, I have to take care of some stuff here."  

"What is it? Can I help you with anything?"  

"I can manage on my own; you are busy there. You do not have to worry about me."  

"Wait, what do you mean I do not have to worry about you? I will always worry about you, XiaoJie. "Then Guang paused. "Is there something wrong?"  

The silence between them was deafening. Then Guang heard Junjie take a deep breath. "I did not get into my chosen school and failed the exam," Junjie said coldly.  

Guang paused momentarily, "I understand how disappointing this must be for you. If you want to talk about what happened, I'm here for you."  

Junjie swallowed a burning lump in his throat. He tried not to cry, but tears still dropped endlessly in his eyes. Junjie looked up as he tried to memorize what he wanted to say, then wetted his lips and took a shuddering breath.  

"Guang, I've been thinking a lot, and I believe it's best for both of us to take some time apart for now." Junjie can't believe he managed to say that without breaking.  

Junjie heard him chortle. Guang laughed for quite some time before he said something, "Is that some joke to lighten up the mood?" and still laughing.  

"No... guang... I did not mean that to be a joke."  

The laugh died down on the other line, and Junjie could hear his breathing trembling. "XiaoJie, I am trying to understand or comprehend where this decision is coming from. I can't pinpoint what made you think of such a decision." Guang said calmly.  

"Guang, please listen--"  

"No, Huang Junjie, explain to me what this is all about."  

"I-I c-cant..." and Junjie broke into a sob.  

"Then I'll pretend this conversation never happened."  

"No, Xia Zhiguang, this is happening. I am not the one for you; I can't even give you a future. I cannot let you suffer for me."  

"Dammit! I don't understand what you are trying to say."  

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, but please..."  

"No! I will not let you throw away what I painstakingly built for us. I will give you space and time but ill be damned to let you go, Huang Junjie. I've said this before, and I'll say again: you are mine." Guang ended their call with that.  

Chapter Text

Junjie stared at his phone blankly when Guang hung up. Then he clutched his chest tightly, broke down, and cried when he realized what Guang had said. He didn't want this to happen; now, he had hurt the only person he didn't want to hurt. Junjie gasped for air, his throat constricted, as he didn't want to cry loudly, so he sat at the corner of his bed, cradling his pillow and legs as he muffled his cry in his pillow. And slowly, the ring from his finger fell off. Junjie gasped when he felt the ring slid off his finger. His eyes were red from crying as he stared at the ring, shocked by what had just happened.  

After a while, a soft knock came on his door. "Junjie, I'm coming in," Lihua said on the other side. Junjie quickly picked up the ring and tried to wipe his tears away, but Lihua came in and saw his face, and then she rushed to his side. She embraced him tightly, which made Junjie cry some more.   

Seeing that his tears had stopped falling, Lihua grabbed a towel in the bathroom and wiped Junjie's face. His eyes were red and swollen; Lihua felt his forehead, and his fever started returning again. She looked at Junjie and wiped away some tears that were beginning to come out again.   

"My child, please tell me what is going on?" Lihua asked and waited for Junjie to say something, but she sternly spoke when she saw he would not talk. "Huang Junjie, I may not be your biological mother, but ever since I adopted you, I have treated you like my own."  

Junjie looked at her, astonished that Lihua would raise her voice. He bit his inner lips and fiddled with his fingers before bending down at the edge of his bed and reaching for the lower drawer of his bedside table. He took out the folder and the folded paper and gave both to Lihua. Then tears started streaming again on his face. Lihua was going to wipe it, but Junjie grabbed the towel again and wiped his face with it.  

Lihua looked at him and his reddened eyes, and then she looked at what Junjie handed her. First, she unfolded the paper and read the letter, then looked at Junjie worriedly. When she tried to open the folder, Junjie trembled and tried to reach for it. Lihua paused for a moment, then slowly opened it and read everything carefully; every word in the paper made Lihua's tears fall, and by the time she finished reading the doctor's note, she was sobbing.   

She put down all the papers and hugged Junjie tightly. "I can't make him go through with this, Aunt Lihua; Guang has a better life ahead of him." Then Junjie hiccupped. "I can't give him any future; I am a failure. "Words were pouring out of his mouth like a dam that had been broken.  

"My child, please stop saying that."  

"No, I can't drag him down like this. I know Aunt Lihua. One moment, I will be happy, but the next, I will experience the most painful way to lose everything." tears came pouring out of Junjie's eyes again. "I can't let that happen to him; I love him too much to suffer."   

"Junjie, listen to me..." she tried to calm him down, but Junjie wouldn't listen to her words. Lihua cupped his face with both hands, "Huang Junjie, do not put yourself down like that."  

"I'm afraid, Aunt Lihua, of hurting him..." he sobbed and told her about the call with Guang.  

Lihua let him cry and waited for him to calm down, "What can I do to help my child?"  

"I want to be away for now, I can't face him..." he wiped his face. "Not like this."  

With a heavy heart, Lihua nodded. "I'll find you a separate place to stay for now," and Lihua raised her forefinger to stop Junjie's attempt to contest what she was saying. "Like what I have said, you are my son, and no matter what happens, I will stay with you and take care of you whenever you need me."   

With Lihua's unbudging tone, Junjie accepted it. "And make sure you will contact me no matter what." for the first time, Junjie smiled and reached his eyes. "Aunt Lihua, I'm not a child anymore."   

Lihua looked at Junjie's hand, "What do you have in there?"  

Junjie opened his palm and showed her the ring. "It fell off my finger when..." Junjie massaged his ring finger.   

That is why I said to eat and not skip your food." Lihua scolds Junjie as she wipes his face. "I have a necklace that we can put this in for now. I know you don't want to put this back in your finger now."  

Lihua picked up the ring and looked at the character inscribed inside. "Let's be together at dusk and four seasons," she read aloud and chuckled. "Look at that boy," she said, then looked at Junjie. "Dry those tears now, and let's eat okay." She got up and called for Lanfen, took the ring to her room, and picked up the necklace for Junjie.  

Lanfen prepares the light meal for Junjie, and while eating, Lihua puts the necklace with the ring on his neck. 'Right where it belongs.' she thought.  

After the meal, Junjie's fever returned. Lihua and Lanfen took care of him until his fever broke. Later, she called Chenwei to check with Guang.  

*************************************************************************************  

A broken glass was shattered when Guang flung his phone after hanging up; even his phone smashed at the impact. He clenched his fist and hit the table beside him. He kept hitting until he couldn't feel his hand numbed with the pain. That was when his room door burst open, and his father saw him. "What happened?" Chenwei asked.  

Then Chenwei saw Guang's hands keep hitting the table. He briskly walked towards him and grabbed his fist. Chenwei examined Guang's trembling fist and saw that the knuckles had reddened; one had broken skin and started to bleed. He looked at his son and frowned. His son's eyes were red, and his body was trembling. "Son, what is happening?" Guang walked to his bed and lay down; he put his arms on his eyes and quietly cried. Chenwei let his son cry quietly, then heard Guang's breath tremble as he cried.  

"Pa..." Guang called in his raspy voice, "Why is it always like this? One moment, I have him in my hands, and next, he slips away from me." he let out a shuddering sob. "Did I hold on to him too tightly? Did I push my feelings to him without holding back?"  

"Sometimes when we tried to hold onto them too tightly, they bound to break free." Chenwei said to him after, "Maybe it is too early for both of you,"  

"Pa... this hurt so much," Guang said as he clutched his chest tightly with his other hand. It hurts that I can't breathe," he said as he curled up on his side and choked up. I don't understand what happened, and XiaoJie is not telling me anything. I am trying to think what made him come up with such a decision, and I don't know what it is." Then Guang told him about the call.  

Chenwei releases a deep sigh; he doesn't know what is going on either, and only his wife might be able to tell him the whole story. From what he hears from his wife and son, Junjie has been down for many days now, and they have no idea what caused it. They all had assumed that Junjie must be weary and exhausted from the upcoming university exams, and now this had happened.  

"I might not know what happened to Junjie right now. But give him the time and space he needed; he might be trying to figure out what to do." Chenwei said calmly, "I'm here, son. Me and your mother will always be here for you two." Guang gave him a simple nod and continued his silent crying.  

After a while, Guang fell asleep. He pulled the covers on his son, cleaned up the broken glass and phone, and turned the lights off as Chenwei left his son's room. It was midnight when he left Guang's room and saw Tianwei making coffee in the kitchen. They both entered the office when Tianwei informed him about the missed call. "Madam called you twice, sir. I had told her that you were with young sir."  

Chenwei sighed deeply, "Thank you, Tianwei; go to bed now, and I'll call my wife." Tianwei put down the hot mug of coffee and murmured goodnight to him. After a few rings, Lihua picked up her phone, and they talked about what happened. "I see..." he said when Lihua finished telling him what happened to Junjie, "In such a short time, this happened, and not only Junjie will be affected in this situation, but also Guang." Chenwei massaged his temple for the incoming headache and told his wife what had happened with Guang earlier.  

"I know, and I can't do anything about this, Chenwei..." Lihua cries on the other end. "And knowing my son, if he found out about this, he would say that he does care if Junjie can or cannot give birth." Chenwei agrees; they know their son too much not to care about that. But Junjie's frame of mind right now is disheartened, and any reassurance will not change his mind.  

"I believe Guang said that he would not end their relationship, but he would give time and space to Junjie. I believe it's good for them now to have space." Chenwei heard his wife crying on the other side. His heart went to his family. He didn't know how to fix this and did not want his family to break apart like this.   

"Chenwei, Junjie wanted to move out of the house..."  

"Wha... why?" Chenwei now felt hopeless.  

"Junjie said he didn't know how to face Guang, and as much as he could, he wanted to start over for himself." Lihua sniffed and continued, "I told him I would get him a place to stay, and he would not push us away like he was thinking."   

Chenwei leaned back in his chair and rested his head. They both knew that both boys were hurting and that, as of now, the two needed space. "There is nothing we can do right now, Lihua, but be there if they need us. As I have said, I'll take care of our son here, and you take care of Junjie there." He sighed wearily, "This is what we can do now."  

"Yes..." Lihua sniffed. After arranging for Junjie's place here, I will come there to talk to the doctors taking care of Guang."   

"Whatever for?" Chenwei asked his wife curiously.  

"I don't know yet, but I want to ask them first about Junjie and Guang's situation." Chenwei understands his wife as she will look at any possibilities to resolve this problem. After telling each other their plans for their children, the two said their goodbyes. "Go to sleep, love," Lihua said before she hung up.  

*************************************************************************************

Lihua arranged for his place near his University, although Junjie did not pass on his first choice. He got accepted as his second choice of University. Ruipeng and Ruichang were happy that Junjie would attend the same school.  

Ruichang put his arms across his shoulder as they were helping him with the move. Lihua was in the kitchen with Ruipeng, cooking their lunch. "Finally, finish putting away all your books," he said as they looked at his room. "Now we can start with the rest of the room." then he walked to the table, and together they built Junjie's table. "Sorry to hear about your choice of University..." Ruichang said after some time, "If it's in any consolation. I'm glad that you are with us again."   

Junjie smiles at him while putting together the stand. "I'm just happy that you two are with me again."   

Ruichang silently observes Junjie. He continues his work and says, "Junjie, let's both reach for what we want, okay? Give your all as you would if you ever go to the other school."   

"Thanks, Rui..." Junjie smiled at him.   

"Eh, what is going on in here? why are you having a sappy moment here?" Ruipeng came sneaking from the door and then glomped at Junjie from behind. Junjie, crouching, almost fell if not from Ruichang, who was steadying him.  

Ruichang glared at Ruipeng, "This stupid..."  

Junjie laughs and taps on Ruipeng's arms around him. "I thought you were helping with our lunch?"  

Ruipeng untangled his arm and took a peek at the necklace that came out of Junjie's shirt. He dared not ask about anything that happened, especially about Junjie's adoptive brother, and his eyes went to Junjie's lips. Right about then, Ruipeng went red in the face and shot up. "Ah, Aunt Lihua still needs me in the kitchen." Then he ran out of the room.  

Junjie looked at Ruipeng with puzzlement. "What was that all about?"   

Ruichang shrugged his shoulder. "Beats me, he said and continued arranging Junjie's room.   

*************************************************************************************

Days have passed since what happened, and Chenwei and Tianwei still have difficulty talking to Guang. Sometimes, he finds his son staring into spaces and working overtime when nothing needs to be done. So, he urges his friends to take him out and take his mind off of what had occurred between him and Junjie.   

They went out and had fun. Tianwei was with them, ensuring the three teenagers would not get into trouble. The three of them were enjoying dinner when a familiar face sat down with them.  

Nannan and Xiaowen's conversation halted, and Guang ignored her and continued eating.   

"How are you all? I heard that the three of you successfully passed and got accepted into the same school." Shenxiang said as she instructed the waiter to bring her food to this table.   

"We are doing great; how are you doing, Shenxiang?" Xiaowen asked, peeking at Guang, who was still eating quietly.  

Nannan nodded at her and said nothing.  

"You guys are still cold to me." she sighed. "I'm doing okay. My cousin came here to study, too." when her food arrived, she thanked the waiter and looked at Guang. "So, how is Junjie? Is everything well with him? I will return to China to help my cousin with her transfer, so I will see your mom and Junjie there." Shenxiang excitedly said, but her smile faded when she felt that tension at the table. She turned to look at Xiaowen, who went pale, and Nannan, who tried to look away.   

"What is going on? Hey, Guang?" she asked, but Guang continued to ignore her and eat his food. "Okay, can someone stop giving me the silent treatment?" she asked, but she got no answer. "I'd better call Junjie then; it's not late at their place right now."   

"Stop bothering him..." Guang said coldly.  

"Why Junjie told me I can always--" The frost of Guang's gaze made her sentence die in her throat. "Xia Zhiguang, stop intimidating me. What happened?"  

"Shenxiang, stop meddling in my and Junjie's business for once." Guang's face was stony, and the atmosphere at the table plummeted so that no one could swallow their food.   

Shenxiang wipes her mouth with the napkin and calls for the waiter. She asks for a bottle of wine. The server is hesitant about her request, but she tells him it's okay, and if it's needed, he can call the manager.   

When the wine arrives, Shenxiang pours some into her glass, pours another, and gives it to Guang. The cold gaze Guang gave her when she gave him made her shudder, but she held on. Shenxiang sipped and said, "Spill, did Junjie dump you?"   

Xiaowen, drinking his water, choked on it, and Nannan couldn't help but snort at what was happening.   

Shenxiang was surprised at Nannan and Xiaowen's reaction and looked at Guang with shock. "He did dump you?!" she said in a loud voice and covered her mouth when people started looking at their booth. "But why? Wait, how did it happen?"   

"Seriously, can you all stop?" Guang glared at them. "We did not break up, okay." he hiss at Shenxiang. "And even if we did, I will not let it happen."   

"Look at this man and his possessiveness." Shenxiang made a face. "So if you did not break up, then what happened?"  

Guang's deathly stare did not deter Shenxiang, so he told her what had happened because he knew she would ask his mother, and Shenxiang would know what had happened. When he told her what had happened, she had finished her glass.   

"So that's the reason for the failed project you spearheaded," she mumbled, but Guang heard it.   

That made Guang change his stance. "Why are you here, Ms. Luo?" he said grimly, which made Shenxiang swallow hard. Guang then put on his mask and spread his intimidating pheromones, which made everyone around him uneasy.   

"Oi Guang, stop; this is making everyone here uncomfortable," Nannan said with a hiss.   

"Okay, okay. I have something to propose," Shenxiang said while pinching her nose. "So please stop first. I was shocked with the news about Junjie." When Guang stopped, they took a deep breath and were glad.  

"Talk," Guang said and took a sip of his glass.   

"Seriously, you are really brusque to everyone besides Junjie." Shenxiang sighed and poured another glass for herself. She took a sip before she started talking. "You know that I am an only child, Guang, and after my mother passed, my father is pursuing finding me the next best partner to secure my future."   

Guang took a sip and watched her play with her glass. Xiaowen and Nannan were long gone before Shenxiang started her story. They went to the bar, ordered dessert, and ate it there.   

"I already told my father that I could take care of his company many times, but he is adamant that in this business, it's a scary thing for a woman to be leading." she sighed, "to be honest, I am losing confidence already, but then your mother told me that I must not give up." then she gave him a fierce look. "I have been thinking about this for a while, and I haven't considered your breakup since I only heard about your failed project and an investor's loss. I was going to offer myself as the investor in your project."   

Guang looked at her doubtfully, and Shenxiang scrunched her nose. "I am using my own money, Guang. I have saved up, and I can use it for investment." Shenxiang looked at him excitedly and expectantly. "So? Will you?"   

Guang gulped the wine and put the glass down, "Nope, sorry, I will not do it."   

Shenxiang was stunned and then turned red with embarrassment. "Ha! You made me talk nonstop only for you to say no?"   

"Well, I didn't think you would be talking nonstop," he said nonchalantly.  

It was Shenxiang's turn to glare at him on the verge of crying, "I really hate you, Xia Zhiguang."  

Guang then took the bottle from her, poured some into his glass, and said, "I did not take your offer because of your way of thinking. I don't need you if you only want to team up to earn your father's favour. But if you want to team up with me to be successful, then I'll take you on your offer." Then Guang lifted his glass, "I need a business-minded person, not some worth proving girl."   

Shenxiang huffed angrily. "I really hate you," she said, lifting her glass for a toast.   

"The feeling is mutual, Ms. Luo," Guang says, clinking their glasses. "It's nice working with you."   

After that night, Guang changed for a bit, but the change worried Chenwei a lot. Most of the time, Guang will be doing overtime that is not needed, just like this night.  

"Guang, what are you still doing here?" Chenwei was about to go home and found his son in front of his computer. Tianwei was on the couch, nodding off while waiting for them both.   

"Ah, Pa. I only have to finish this, and I'll go home. Take Tianwei with you, and I can drive home myself," Guang said without taking his eyes off his work.   

Chenwei went to his table to check his work and frowned. "Son, we haven't started this project yet. Why are you doing overtime for the drafts for this?" 

"Pa, let me do this, as I don't want the same thing to happen once again." Guang was talking about the loss of one of their investor and clients because of his carelessness.   

"I know you are trying to divert your thinking to work and school so that you don't need to think about Junjie, but please don't overwork yourself to the point of getting sick," he said worriedly.  

"I will, Pa, don't worry," Guang reassured Chenwei.   

After the launch of the joint project of Guang and Shenxiang, they were on every page of the business magazine and even reached China. Lihua was so proud of them that she cried when she called Guang to congratulate him. Guang laughed when Lihua said the same thing as Chenwei to take his mind off Junjie, but all he could think about was his flower slowly blooming without him.   

He and Shenxiang were sitting in a coffee shop discussing their new business ventures, and Guang was doing homework. "Hey, I've been using up all my saliva here and talking nonstop, and all I get from you is a grunt?" she took a sip of her coffee. "Very well, I need your attention, so I'll give you something to get your attention."  

Guang raised his brow, grabbed his coffee and looked at her, waiting for her to continue.  

Shenxiang smirked with victory. "Before I give you the juiciest information, I want you to check this project proposal first." Shenxiang smiled sweetly and gave him a folder.  

Guang snatched the folder and read its contents: "Too simple. You will not appeal to the client's interest with this. Go and change this and this." He pointed out all of Shenxiang's mistakes, which she circled up while pouting. After checking the proposal, Guang relaxed. "Now talk," he said as he leaned back in his chair, coffee at hand, and crossed his legs.  

"You are so lordly," and pursed her lips before she smirked at him on what she was about to say. "When I was in China, I happened to see a beautiful little yellow flower," she said, grabbed her mug, and took a sip.   

Guang's mug hung in the air as his head slowly understood what Shenxiang had said. It had been almost a year since he had heard anything about Junjie. Since that last phone call, his mother had refrained from telling him too much, just that he was doing well.   

Shenxiang continued when she saw Guang put his mug on the table and looked at her with such interest. She felt a bit jealous of Junjie for receiving such love from someone. "He has been living in this bright-lit little apartment near his school, takes a bike every day, and his hair is getting longer." She saw Guang's eyes shift from sharp to soft when he heard about Junjie. Shenxiang peeled off sticky notes and wrote down something.  

"This is his address and his University. I believe he is attending business administration class just as he promised you, right?" Shenxiang smiled while she thought of something. "I think it will take me a week to revise this project, and it's a coincidence that we have our spring break next week..." she said, hoping that Guang would take it as she reviewed her folder.  

Guang cock his head at her, "Who told you I will be going, finish that business proposal by the end of the day and give it to me." he said as he put on his mask, closed his laptop and stood up. "I'll wait for it in my office." He left the shop, leaving Shenxiang shocked and exasperated.  

*************************************************************************************  

Junjie is busy with school and his internship at Xia's company as Lihua's assistant. When Lihua heard he was looking for a job, she offered him a job at her company. As she managed the hotel branches in China, Lihua told him she needed an assistant and her secretary. She hired Junjie as her private assistant, helping her manage the business.  

Junjie was torn about accepting it as he thought Lihua only favoured him. "No, I will make sure that you work hard, my dear," she said to him. It was a tempting job, considering it is a big business and he is only a student. "Junjie, my dear, I am not offering this to you because you are my son. I am offering this to you because you are a hard-working man." after that, Junjie accepted the job and now works as Lihua's assistant.   

After his class, Junjie went straight to work. Lihua was meeting a client and would talk about business in a restaurant. She told him to come instead of her secretary so he could learn how to meet clientele and other prominent individuals. The meeting went smoothly, and after eating lunch, the client left, sealing the deal with them.  

"Are you okay, my dear?" Lihua asked as they finished their meeting. It was Junjie's first time meeting a client and doing business with them. He was so nervous that his heart was still racing even though he did not talk but wrote down all the minutes. "So, how is the experience?"  

"It was scary initially, but you were great, Aunt Lihua. You were not fazed when talking to an executive of the other company like that," he said excitedly.   

Lihua laughs at Junjie's adorable attitude. "There is so much for me to teach you, my child, and by the time you graduate, you will have enough confidence to meet all the high executives without being fazed by any of them." The waiter comes to them. "I would love to eat some dessert and refreshment," she says, and the waiter takes their order.  

"Aunt Lihua, I'll be in the washroom first," Junjie said, leaving the table.   

Lihua was waiting for their order while looking outside. "Ah, Mrs. Xia, it's fancy meeting you here," Shenxiang said from behind; she was together with a young lady.  

"Oh Xiang-er, how are you? When did you get back to China?" then look beside her. "Oh, who might this lovely little lady be?"   

"I'm doing well, Mrs. Xia. I got back yesterday. This is my cousin Tan Zaozao. I'm helping with her school transfer as she stays with me in the US." Zaozao then timidly smiled and bowed to her.   

"Oh, call me Aunt Lihua, as everyone does." Then, Lihua remembered who she was with. "Umm, what are you doing here today, my dear?" she asked with a hint of nervousness.  

Shenxiang noticed the cautiousness in Lihua's voice, so she frowned at her. "Aunt Lihua, my cousin's school is near here, so we went here to grab something for lunch." Then she looked around, "Is there something going on?" Before Shenxiang could finish her sentence, Junjie appeared before them.   

"Sorry to interrupt you, Aunt Lihua. I'm back." Then he looked at the people Lihua was talking to. Surprise and worried expressions crossed his face. "Shenxiang, what are you doing here?" Junjie asked nervously, looking around them.   

Shenxiang saw all the complicated emotions on Junjie's face, and she smiled softly at him, "I'm with my cousin here, Junjie." Then, she jerked her chin on Junjie's head, and Junjie unconsciously touched his hair. "I have not seen you for a while, and you changed your style. But it looks good on you?" Shenxiang can see Junjie's tense hands. "Do you mind if I sit with you?" she asked cautiously, and Lihua smiled.  

"Come and sit, my dear, and tell me all the good news." Lihua invites them.  

Whenever Shenxiang mentions Guang's name, she can see that Junjie flinches or glances her way. Lihua grabs Junjie's hands and squeezes them whenever he tenses up. "I'm sorry, Junjie, if I am making you uncomfortable. But if it's any relief, Guang misses you so much."   

Pain crossed Junjie's eyes, and he bit his lower lips lower down his head. "Is he doing well?" he asked in a small voice.  

"Define well?" Shenxiang replied to his question; Junjie looked up at this point and saw Shenxiang's kind smile. "If you mean how he is? He is still insufferable and always bullies me at work." She paused for a moment and continued. "But he will always stare at his phone, waiting for a call, and get lost staring into space."  

Junjie swallowed a lump and heaved a deep breath. Every night, he thought about him and asked why his fate was so cruel. When their family accepted everything about them, and he got used to the warmth of his embrace and kisses, his love had to slip away from him. Junjie looks at Shenxiang, "Is he..."   

Shenxiang immediately knew what Junjie wanted to ask, so she leaned forward, put her chin on her hand, and smirked. "What do you think?" she asked, seeing Junjie look confused. "You think that man will spare a glance at anyone but you?" With that, Junjie blushed.   

Junjie and Lihua were glad that Shenxiang was updating them on what was happening with Guang. After their meals, the two girls told them they were in a hurry as they had another appointment. Junjie also said he forgot his book at his place and had another class later. As they were leaving, Junjie tried to catch up with Shenxiang: "Shenxiang, can you..." he said; he didn't know how he would ask her as they were not that close, but Shenxiang said. "Don't worry, I won't tell a soul about our meeting here," she said.   

They said their goodbyes to each other; Shenxiang and Zaozao sat inside the car, waiting for Junjie to come out. "Xiang-jie, what are you doing?" Zaozao said as they started following where Junjie was heading. "Why did you say we have an appointment when we are free all day?"  

"Shhh... I'm securing my investment here. Just find out the address of the area where he is going," Shenxiang said as they continued to follow Junjie. When they saw him enter a building, Shenxiang said, "Zaozao, what address is that? Search it for me and write it down."   

"Xiang-jie, we look like a stalker." Tan Zaozao said gingerly. 

"Shhh, just do what I said. I told you I was securing my investment. If I have this information, I can use it on that guy to secure at least one project," Shenxiang said. "I can finally get you to do something for me, you devil." Then she smiled wickedly.   

"Jie, you look scary..." zaozao warily said as she looked at Shenxiang's face.  

"You don't know how that devil treated me," Shenxiang huffed. "He keeps changing my proposals until I'm exhausted, and even if I can't do it anymore, he will push me." She grumbled, eyes waiting for Junjie to come out of the apartment as they would follow him to his school, too. "And you know what he told me every time I would submit my project proposal to him. 'are you stupid.' Haaaa! Why would you call me stupid, you unbearable man! In the first place, what did I even see in him."   

Then she brightened up when she saw Junjie coming out and changing into his casual clothes. "Ah, there he is. Okay, we're going to follow him. Ah, he is riding a bike." Shenxiang starts the car and starts following him.  

"Jie, he is really cute." Zaozao said, "Who is he?"  

"Drop your affection if that devil knew you fancied his mate and if he found out you were my cousin. Ahhhh, I don't even want to know," she shuddered as she followed Junjie. "Oh, write down the name of his school; I'll find out all the details later."   

After all that, Shenxiang uses his father's connection to find out which apartment door Junjie lives in and what course he is taking at school. When she had all the information, she returned to the US and gave it to Guang to get another project with him. Later, she discovers that Guang snuck back to China for a day.   

*************************************************************************************  

After checking Shenxiang's project proposal, she left grumbling and complaining that she had not had her dinner or any break to bring to him at the end of the day. Guang took a red-eye flight back to China after checking it.   

The seatbelt sign turned off, and Guang unfastened his seat belt and called for an attendant. "Do you need anything, sir?" the flight attendant asked.  

"A coffee and an extra blanket, please," he said.  

"One moment, sir," the flight attendant left and returned with his request.   

When Guang got settled, he checked his flight. He'd land at 6 a.m., so he would have enough time to check out and see him before he went to school. He had checked the place and everything, and Shenxiang was right as he looked at the picture on his phone. His XiaoJie hair grew longer, fading his boyish look, and now his flower looked mature.   

He took a gulp of his coffee, and his eyes never left the picture; the image had a good resolution, and he could see that his mate had changed a lot. Guang's finger gingerly touches Junjie's lips; he misses the taste of those sweet lips, and Guang sighs. He should get some sleep, but his mind was going for miles, and all he could think about was seeing Junjie.  

After his flight landed, Guang grabbed a rented car at the airport, drove to where the address was, and parked the car at the side where he could see Junjie's building. Guang put his arms on the steering wheels and rested his chin there, waiting for Junjie to come out. The sun is slowly peeking out on the horizon, and the chilly morning brings out all kinds of people in the neighbourhood.   

Guang's eyes start to flutter, and he gets drowsy when the person he is waiting for comes out of the building. Junjie walks out of the place with a backpack on his shoulder and tows his bike out. Guang sees him riding his bike slowly, and he starts his car and follows where Junjie is going.   

Junjie rode at a slow pace so Guang could follow him. The school was only a short distance away, and they reached it before they knew it. He got off the bike when a wind blew past him, bringing him the familiar scent that had been haunting him in his sleep. Junjie's head whipped around, looking for a person he was expecting to see; he frantically searched all the people passing by him, hoping he would see Guang again. He blew a trembling breath as his eyes watered when he didn't see Guang in the crowd; his hands tightened at the grip of his bike before he entered the gate, looking all gloomy.  

Still parked in front of the gate, Guang saw Junjie looking around, feeling downhearted because he did not find what he was looking for. When he opened his window, he knew Junjie must have smelled his scent. 'He still knew my smell. My XiaoJie still remembers it,' Guang thought as he watched Junjie look downcasted and ride his bike inside the University. "How long, my Junjie," he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "The next time I have you in my arms, I will not let you go, no matter how much you run away from me," he vowed. Then he turned on the engine and drove away.   

Guang stayed in a hotel for a day and rested. When he woke up, he took another flight back to the US to attend class the next day.  

Junjie parked his bike in the bike parking and walked to his building; as he entered, Ruichang saw him right away and greeted him. "What's wrong? You don't look okay?"   

"Ah, I'm fine. It's just that I smell something familiar on the way here." He looked at Ruichang and gave him a weak smile. "I'm okay."   

Ruichang looked at him worriedly. "If you say so," they continued, walking to their classroom. "Ruipeng told me he got us the fourth member we need for our team project. The guy is good; at least we won't have to worry about working with someone incompetent for the whole school year."   

"Ah, there they are!" Ruipeng loudly said when they entered the classroom, "Jie, Rui, you guys are late." He then looked at the guy beside him. "This is Hongyi, our fourth member that I found."   

"Hi, I'm Li Hongyi. "He introduced himself and extended his hand. Ruichang and Junjie shook his hand and introduced themselves.   

"Jie, are you okay? you look down just now." Ruipeng said.  

Junjie froze for a moment and remembered the scent, and then he smiled. "I'm okay; let's get going with our project if we are all here then."   

Ruipeng eyed him before smiling and clung to him, "Okay, then, I'll sit beside you."   

"Okay," Junjie said as they took their seat. Hongyi observed them as he and Ruichang sat on each end of the two.   

*************************************************************************************  

They both focus on their studies and work. Junjie is under Lihua's tutelage, and Guang is busy learning all the steps of taking over from his father and Tianwei. His collaboration with Shenxiang over a small addition to the newly opened hotel by the Guang family is garnering attention all over the place, including China.   

It was also advertised that the two fit together as business partners and in a romantic relationship, which Shenxiang vehemently denied when the rumour surfaced. Junjie saw the article and felt jealous, but when he saw Guang's face in the magazine, all he felt was gone, aside from his longing. Junjie finger traced the picture as he mumbled, "I miss you, Guang..."   

Days and months have passed, and before they know it, they are graduating.   

Lihua and Mingzhu first attended Junjie's graduation. The two ladies were so overjoyed that he graduated with honours. Lihua was there with him to receive his awards. "Congratulations, dear."  

Junjie had a broad smile. "Thank you, Aunt Lihua, for being there for me."   

"Oh, this boy," she said shyly, looking at Ming Zhu, who was equally tearing up.   

"It feels like it was only yesterday when this fearless boy came to our doorstep asking if he could stay at our orphanage." then she laughed and looked at him, adoration in her eyes. "I am really proud of you, Junjie."   

"Thank you, Aunt Lihua, Aunt Mingzhu."  

After graduation, Junjie continued working at Lihua's company and started working there full-time. Around that time, Junjie updated Lihua about her flight schedule for Guang's graduation.   

"Can you come…" she asked, wishing he would say yes, but to her dismay, Junjie averted his eyes and said he had a lot of work to do. Lihua did not push the subject again.  

Lihua and Chenwei attended Guang's graduation, and when he received his awards, they were both proud of their child.  

"I'm proud of you, son," Chenwei said, and Lihua was so happy to see both her husband and son, as their hard work has borne fruit.   

"Congratulations, my dear," Lihua said as she tried not to cry. She would have brought everyone in here if only…Lihua looked at Nannan, Xiaowen, and Shenxiang, who graduated together with Guang. "You all did your best to finish school, and I'm so proud of you."   

"I can finally leave our business here to you." Chenwei proudly said. "Is there anything you want for your success here?"  

"No, Pa. I'm not staying here anymore," Guang said seriously, making his parents frown at him. I'm going home and want two things when I return."  

Chenwei and Lihua exchange glances. "What is it, son? "Lihua asked.   

"I want the house for myself," he says, looking at his father and then moving his gaze to his mother. "And I want him back."  

Chapter Text

Lihua couldn't help but heave a long sigh and look at his adoptive son sitting on the desk across the room. She looked at Junjie, who was focused on his job and typing in front of his computer; Lihua sighted again and leaned her head on her hand at her desk. She thought about her son's graduation, 'I want him back,' and knew what Guang was talking about.

"What are you talking about, Guang? Who do you want back?" she asked, puzzled in her voice and face.

Guang let out an exasperated sigh, "Ma, you know who I am talking about. He has been learning under you all this time, and you know where he is living."

"Ahh..." Lihua tried to evade his son's gaze. How did you know that?" Then she remembered seeing Shenxiang and looked at her. Shenxiang was startled, pursed her lips, and looked down.

"Don't blame her; even if she didn't know, I would have known sooner or later," Guang said, taking off his mask, "I want him back, Mother, and work under me."

It has been eight months since that talk after the graduation. Guang will work tirelessly with Chenwei to take over. He will manage the China branch, while she and Chenwei will manage the US branch. She doesn't know how to tell Junjie about the sudden management change, and she only has a month away.

"Aunt Lihua, are you okay?" Junjie asked, putting a folder and a cup of coffee on her desk. "You have been sighting the whole morning."

Lihua exited her desk and walked to the couch before her table, urging Junjie to follow her. Junjie grabbed the coffee and sat beside her on the couch and the coffee on the table. "Jie, next month, there will be a change in management." She started and grabbed Junjie's hand, "And the new CEO wants you to be his private assistant."

"Aunt Lihua, I don't understand," Junjie confusedly said.

Lihua tightens her grip on Junjie's hand. "My dear, I manage the China branch, so..." she trailed off.

"Is Uncle Chenwei the one who will take over the China branch?" He thought about what he said. "Then, that's not changing management..." Then, he understood what Lihua wanted him to know.

Junjie grabbed Lihua's hand and slightly trembled. The thought of him warmed his body. He saw Lihua observing him, and his face blushed. His throat constricted, and with a shaky voice, he said, "He's coming back, isn't he?"

Lihua gently nods at him, "And he wanted you to be his private assistant."

Junjie was momentarily stunned. 'Guang wanted to work with him. After what he had done, leaving him like that, did he still want him back?' Junjie looked at Lihua worriedly. "Aunt Lihua, is he not mad at me for leaving him?"

Lihua laughs and gazes at him tenderly. "Oh, my child, would you believe me if I told you no?"

Junjie smiled coyly at her. "Well, I guess I have to show him what you have taught me then."

Lihua chuckled, "That's my boy." She took a sip of her cold coffee and grimaced. Junjie laughed, took the cup from her, and made another fresh cup.

**********************************************************************

Guang came back from the US, and the first thing he did was renovate the house.

"Xia Zhiguang, what is all this racket?" Lanfen said when he first returned home. Construction started in the master bedroom, and the bedroom and the office beside it were combined.

"Sorry, Nan, I'm trying to do something here," he said as he instructed the architect on what to do in the renovation.

Lanfen looked at the man she used to care for, who was all grown up and had an assertive authority surrounding him. Even under the mask, he looked so handsome, and the unfading gaze in his eyes never changed. "Is this for him?" she asked.

Guang looked at her and smiled, "Nan, I want the garden flower near the gazebo to change. I found the red camellia last week, and I want those to be included together with the pink one that we had."

With a hint of a smile, she put her hands on her waist. "You're changing the entire interior of the house. Are you planning to bring a new mistress of the house here?"

Xia Zhiguang grins, "Do you think he will like the new arrangement then?"

Lanfen shook her head with a smile, "show me the camellia flowers you were talking about so I can talk to the gardener."

When the construction of the master bedroom was done, Guang rearranged everything in the house, including his old room, which he turned into a guest room. As Guang was arranging his new bedroom, he went inside the closet after he finished. Once inside, he opened a connecting door to the anteroom, where all his other stuff was arranged. Inside the room, he opened the box on the middle table; inside was his pearl collection, and he started to arrange it neatly.

Guang was busy arranging all his stuff in the anteroom when he heard Lanfen call his name. He came out of the bedroom and went downstairs.

"Your father has called; he said he will return with Tianwei tomorrow." She then starts walking to the dining room and starts arranging the dishes. "Eat first and call him back because he wanted to tell you something."

After dinner, Guang called Chenwei, "Pa, did you want to talk to me?"

"Tianwei and I will be there the next day, and we will start with the introduction to the board of directors. By the way, are you renovating the main office?" Chenwei asked.

"Yes, I want to add something to the office. I am also adding another room for the secretary, as I am training Shenxiang's cousin for the position. She will be with me for a while."

"I thought Junjie would be your secretary?" Chenwei asked, confused.

"He will, Pa. He will handle all my private matters, and Zaozao will do the office work as intended."

Chenwei groaned, frustrated. He did not want to know what was happening with his son's head. The five years of separation from Junjie had done a number on him; he became cold and strict with himself and others. Although he takes no compromise regarding business deals, and have flourished since he started handling their business. Chenwei is worried that his son might change, but now, with anything that has to do with Junjie, he can see Guang's excitement and anticipation.

"Your mother has already told Junjie about the change."

Guang was silent at the other line. "And..."

"Well, I don't know. The two went on vacation after, "Chenwei informs Guang.

"What... what about XiaoJie moving back into the house?"

"I don't know, son; ask your mother." Chenwei told him, Guang groans. frustration. Chenwei gives him some more instructions, and then he hangs up.

"I don't know if my mother is my rival or what." Guang scratched his head. He was only glad his parents would stay in the US for good.

**********************************************************************

After his vacation with Lihua, during which he visited his parents' grave and spent some quality time with his adoptive mother, Junjie returned to China. The first place he went back to was the orphanage.

"Junjie-gege, I missed you." Qianli came running to him. This boy had turned 11 years old and was now a bundle of energy. "Qianli, how have you been?"

"I have been doing well. You know what Guang-ge was here the other day... hmm, when was it?" Qianli thought for a moment.

"It was the day before yesterday," Yixie said, coming out to greet him. "Jie-ge, how are you."

"Yes, it was that time Guang-ge came!" Qianli chimes in, still hugging him.

Junjie smiles as he ruffles Qianli's hair. "Is that so? How is your school? Are you doing well?"

"I'm good! I got an award for being good ge."

"Really? That's good, then."

"You only accepted the reward for me," Yixie said and pinched Qianli's cheeks, who pouted. Then Yixie's face became serious, something a child like him shouldn't have.

"Ge, something occurred when you went away. It has been happening since two months ago."

"What do you mean?" a worried frown formed on Junjie's face.

Yixie looked inside the house. "The Headmistress is in the dining area now, caring for the little kids. Her office is vacant now. It will be faster if you look into it. The documents will be in her first drawer."

Junjie smiled wryly, "Yixie, how did you know this?"

Yixie shrugged and pulled his brother away from him. "That has been her habit since way before, so I remember. Come now, or there will be no breakfast for you." When Qianli heard this, he let go of Junjie and ran to the dining room. "Jie-ge, please help her," he said, and Yixie followed his brother to the dining room.

Junjie knit his brow and walked to the office. He then did what Yixie said and opened the first drawer. Inside, he found a folder for a real estate company. Junjie's face contorted as he continued reading the folder's content. When he finished reading the documents, the door in the office opened, and Mingzhu entered. "Oh, Junjie, you are here..." Her eyes widened when she saw what Junjie was holding. "How..."

"Aunt Mingzhu, what is going on? What is this all about?"

Mingzhu wearily sighed as she sat on her chair. "I do not want you to know anything about this." Then she put her forehead in her hands and leaned on the table. "You know that the surrounding area of the orphanage is being commercialized, and this is the only place they wanted out of it. The company that is buying this land wanted to build a condominium here. They offered a price, but..."

"The price is low and not enough for you to be able to purchase a new place for the children, let alone the expenses for them, too." Junjie finished what she wanted to say. "I'll talk to them and see what I can do," Junjie firmly said.

"No, my boy, they have those thugs they hired for bodyguards. I do not want you to get hurt." Mingzhu said worriedly.

"Aunt Mingzhu, I have my parents' inheritance and my savings. This will help."

"No, my child, I will not do that to you."

"Aunt Mingzhu, I am doing this at my own discretion and wanted to help you and the little one here." Then he smiled tenderly, "I don't want Qianli and Yixie to be homeless again." "Oh, how can I ever repay you." Mingzhu starts crying.

"I want to see everything, Aunt Mingzhu, the price, how much they offer, and even the 'letters' they have sent you."

Mingzhu dried her tears, opened the second draw below the first, and showed him all the letters the company had sent. Junjie read some of them and was about to crumple one of the letters: "This is harassment, Aunt Mingzhu. Did they touch any of the children?"

Mingzhu shook her head. "No, and..." She paused momentarily and said, "No, they never touch any of the children, and I am thankful for that."

"There is nothing to be thankful for, Aunt Mingzhu. I will do something about this," Junjie said, putting all the documents inside his bag. The door opened again, and Yixie peeked inside. "Ge, Mrs. Xia is here waiting for you. Should I tell her to come in?"

Junjie nodded, and Yixie went out again. "Was it Yixie who told you about this?" Mingzhu asked. Junjie looked at her and nodded, "He is only worried about you, Aunt Mingzhu."

Lihua peeked inside. "Oh, is something going on in here?" she said with a grin.

"Oh, it's nothing; come in," Mingzhu said as she tried to fix herself. "How was the vacation, you two?"

"Oh, my son is such a darling. He cared for me during our stay, and many girls asked me if he was my boyfriend." Lihua teases him, which makes Junjie blush.

"He is that grown up now, huh? In a blink of an eye, I cannot believe he has grown so tall now." Mingzhu seconds Lihua's teasing.

"Madam, the children made some special snacks with Uncle Meng today. Would you like to try some?" Yixie said, stopping the two to play with Junjie further.

"Junjie-ge, why is it always easy for them to play with you?" Yixie asked him.

Junjie chuckled. "Don't ask me; I don't even know how they have the energy to do that."

Then Junjie looked at him hesitantly, asking, "So, errr... what did Guang come here for?"

Yixie thought momentarily before answering, "He played with Qianli for a while and talked to the headmistress for a while." Guang told him to keep quiet about it, but he didn't tell Junjie anything. "Jie-ge, why do you look like that?" Yixie asked when Junjie spaced out and looked disappointed.

"Ha? Ahh, no, this is nothing." Junjie waved his hand and pushed Yixie out of the room. "Let's go and eat now."

The two went home after eating the snacks prepared by the cook and the children. Alone in his place, Junjie reviewed the documents. The money he had saved, his inheritance, and the company's offer to the orphanage would not be enough. The land, building the place, labour, and everything else would only cover half of the amount.

Junjie was thinking about this when he received a message on his phone. 'My dear, check your email now.' It was Lihua. Junjie opened his email and saw the content:

To all our valued team,

We are pleased to introduce Mr. Xia Zhiguang, the new CEO of the China branch of Xia Hotel and Resorts, starting Monday, June 02, 2025. Mr.Xia has a wealth of management experience, having previously managed the US branch.

Under Mr. Xia Zhiguang's leadership, we look forward to the expertise he will show us, guiding us toward achieving higher objectives.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Xia Zhiguang and offering your full support as they embark on this new journey with us.

Kind Regards,

Xia Chenwei

Chairman of the Board

Junjie's hand got cold while reading the email, and another text message came from Lihua again. 'Tomorrow, your Uncle Chenwei will introduce him to the company, the management, and the board of directors, too.' Then, his hand clenched his phone as he continued reading. 'And they wanted you present tomorrow as you will be his private assistant.'

After reading the email and the text messages, Junjie put down his phone and clenched his chest. He doesn't know how he feels, whether it is excitement or fear, but one thing Junjie is sure of feeling right now is that he wants to see him.

**********************************************************************

"Did you see him?" one of the young female employees was looking at the glass door of the department head office. "I did! he looks so handsome. and what with that mask on him. he looks so perfect." they both squeal.

The department head, two supervisors, Guang, and his father, came outside the office. Lihua, standing at the corner of the department, watching everything happen, could not help but giggle. Everyone looked, trying to please the new CEO, and all the ladies couldn't help but admire and praise him; even the department head could not let go of Guang's hands.

"Hahaha, look at them. It feels like the boss is about to be married off, with him not letting go of his hands. this is the 5th department we've been to, and it's the same thing repeatedly." Zaozao laughs at her side and looks at the corner of the floor, where the other department head follows along with them, spewing nonstop compliments. Zaozao snickers, "Boss is about to lose it too." they look at Guang, who keeps raising his eyebrows, and there is no more smile in his eyes. "Aunt Lihua, when will Jie-ge come here?" she asked.

Lihua checks her watch. "Hmm, this is odd. It's not like him to be late." Then she pulls out her phone and is about to call him when the door behind them opens.

Junjie came in, huffing, "Aunt Lihua, I have been looking for you. I did not know you were here."

Lihua pretended to be shocked. "Oh my, I must have forgotten that they will be going around the department first to greet all the heads before heading to the conference room for the board meeting." Then she looked at him apologetically. "I'm sorry, my child. Have you been running around the building looking for us?"

Junjie smiled at her, "It's okay. They told me where to find you when they saw me going around in the lobby."

"Eh, Jie-ge, how long have you been going around the building before you managed to find us?" Zaozao asked him incredulously.

Huang Junjie couldn't help but laugh and scratch his head, and then he turned to take a peek at where Guang was and got startled when their eyes met. A swirl of powerful pheromones rushes inside the department as Junjie's eyes catch Guang's piercing gaze. Some employees stagger where they stand, and some cough and make an uneasy face and sweat. Chenwei taps Guang's shoulder, "Control yourself." he whispers behind him, and Guang looks around him and clears his throat.

"Ahem, I apologize for that. Are you alright?" Guang asked the older man before him, sweating and smiling wryly.

Junjie, on the other hand, felt a rush of heat around his body; his heart erratically started beating as he felt pheromones brush him. He blushed upon seeing Guang again; it had been a while since they last saw each other, and his changes sparked a sudden new affection.

"Jie-ge, are you okay? You're blushing," Tan Zaozao said as she stared at him. She, too, was affected by what had happened, but Junjie was the only one blushing, as everyone else looked uncomfortable.

Junjie looked at them, flustered, "I'm okay; it must be because I was running around earlier." Junjie then steals another glance at Guang and Chenwei. Lihua saw this and thought of something.

"Ah, they're moving again. The last one is the PR department, responsible for our hotels' advertisement, and then the conference room meeting with all the board of directors present." Tan Zaozao informed them.

The group went to the elevator. When it opened, all the department heads, including Guang and Chenwei, went ahead. Guang left him a brief but penetrating gaze that sent shivers through his body.

Lihua, looking at both their reactions, couldn't help but smirk, "Let's go up now, or we will be missing them. These old men seriously need to go back to their work." The supervisors behind them bowed and apologized for their manager's behaviour.

The same thing happened again on the next floor, and the three of them waited in the department entrance until the greetings were over. Then, they all headed to the conference room, where the boards were waiting. Lihua and Junjie sat at the side where the couches were, and Zaozao sat beside Guang, writing all the necessary pointers as they proceeded with their meeting. Lihua pointed out all the information he needed about the company to Junjie while the meeting was ongoing.

"And that's all I needed to know. As such, I welcome you as the new CEO of this branch, Mr. Xia Zhiguang." One of the board members said, but he was surprised that Guang was not looking at him. He followed his gaze, looking at Lihua and Junjie.

Chenwei saw it and sighed as he put his face in his palm. "Son, are you paying attention to what they were saying?"

Guang looked at Chenwei and everyone around the table in surprise. "Ah... yeah... I did."

"I guess we will be sitting here the whole afternoon then. Zaozao, order lunch for everyone," Chenwei said afterward.

Tan Zaozao went to the phone, calling for delivery, and then she asked what Lihua and Junjie would be having. "Oh, we will not be staying here; I'm taking my child out for lunch and will return later."

"Ha? Why are you leaving?" Guang said out of nowhere.

Lihua raised one of her eyebrows. "Well, the meeting is taking longer because a certain someone's head is up in the clouds." Then, everyone in the room started clearing their throats and trying not to laugh. Lihua stood and pulled Junjie with him. "I will remove your distraction so you can focus on your work properly." Junjie blushed as Lihua towed him away.

Contrary to what they thought would help, Guang kept focus, but he kept getting distracted by looking at the door and checking his phone. So, everyone in the meeting gave up and told everyone to meet at a later date. After taking care of everything in the office, Guang went home, hoping to find Junjie and Lihua at home, but only found his mother talking to Lanfen.

"Ma, where is XiaoJie?" Guang asked as soon as he got home.

Lihua looked at him with confusion on her face. "Junjie doesn't live here, dear."

Guang then slumped down in the chair nearby, put his head on the top of his arm on the table, and groaned loudly. Lihua and Lanfen exchanged glances. Lihua tried to catch her laugh, and Lanfen shook her head about what was happening.

The following day, in the office, Guang was looking for Junjie, who was supposed to start his work.

"Ah, your mother is making Tianwei train him first for a week. They will be at the other branch office for that training." Chenwei inform him nonchalantly.

"A week!" his voice reached a high pitch, making everyone in the office look at him. Zaozao and Chenwei looked at each other, and the board chairman looked at him, puzzled.

"Is something a matter, Mr. Xia?" the chairman asked.

Guang looked at him with frustration and then sat on his chair, exhausted. "But why a week?" he asked with weariness.

"Guang, you usually train someone for two weeks, considering that Junjie is trained for only a week. It is already hard, and he needs to focus properly." Chenwei explained.

Guang heaved a frustrated sigh, 'All I wanted was to see him; why is it so hard?' he thought to himself.

"Boss, can I have you focus on me, please? This here is the annual report from all the chairmans. these two are the upcoming projects that need your attention, one of which is from Ms. Luo." Zaozao put the folders in his table, "this needs your attention from the PR department that is looking to go into production soon and requested a quick turnaround on your approval." Tan Zaozao's long speech on the daze Guang, who was looking at the unoccupied table on his right. She made a loud sigh and slammed her hands on the table. "Boss! Jie-ge will be disappointed if you are not paying attention to your work."

That made Guang look up and see all the work on his table. Chenwei was at Zaozao's table, trying to finish his last work before his flight next week, and Zaozao was currently occupying Junjie's empty table.

"Ge, next week Jie-ge will be here, so at least try to finish all the backlogs of work before then," Zaozao said as she sat down at her table. 'If Jie-ge started working here, I doubt if any work will be finished on time.' she thought grumpily. Thinking about all the work that would fall on her, it hurt her head. 'Seriously, why did Xiang-jie want me to train under him.'

**********************************************************************

"This is all I can teach you with the week-long that we have, Mr. Huang," Tianwei said as he closed his laptop.

Junjie bowed at him. "Thank you for taking the time to teach me all I needed to know."

"You don't need to be that formal, and I enjoyed teaching you as you listened to everything I taught you," Tianwei said.

"You two stop praising each other. Come and eat now," Lihua said as they urged them to the dining table.

They were in the house eating lunch after Tianwei finished his crash course with Junjie because they were all getting ready for their flight tomorrow.

"My dear, are you sure you don't want to come back home here? It will be easier for you to manage Guang's schedule if you are near him, "Lihua encouraged him.

Junjie smiled wryly at him. "Umm, I'll see about it, Aunt Lihua..." he said in a non-committal tone.

Lanfen came out of the kitchen and put the food on the table. "Ah, I don't even know what that boy did in the house with his months-long renovation here," she grumbled.

That is also Junjie's main concern: Lihua and Chenwei will be gone if he moves in here, and only Lanfen will stay with them. The changes in the house made him a bit uncomfortable, and he thought it would only be him and Guang occupying the house. Junjie swallowed hard and tried to direct their conversation to somewhere else. "I am surprised that there will be two of us assisting Guang with work."

"Oh, zaozao will only be doing the office work, and she is still in training, too. so most of the time, you will be the one doing all of the work in the office and managing his private schedule, too, just like what Tianwei did with your Uncle Chenwei." Lihua explains. "That is why you should stay here rather than live 45 minutes away from him."

Junjie groans silently. Considering his plight with the orphanage, it is tempting, and he needs all the money he can now. But he is afraid, not with Guang but with himself. He knows that once they are near each other, he will not be able to stop himself. He doesn't know how to handle his feelings when he starts working tomorrow.

"Isn't it much better for you to stay here considering your travel time to the office than the travel you will have in your place right now?" Tianwei asked him curiously while they ate. "If you think about riding your bike to work, that will take you at least an hour; if you commute, that is still 30 minutes. But if you stay here, it's only 15 minutes away with travel time."

Junjie wanted to laugh out loud about this situation. He was trying to stir away the conversation about him moving in, but the conversation continued flowing this way. "I will think about it, Aunt Lihua," he said, trying to put a lid on the conversation. "I have to go and get ready for tomorrow," he said after they finished eating lunch.

Lihua and Lanfen nodded, then Lihua instructed the driver to drive him home. "I will not see you tomorrow before our flight, but take care of yourself, okay?" Lihua said to him. She put her hand on Junjie's arms and rubbed it up and down.

"You too, Aunt Lihua. Take care of yourself with Uncle Chenwei, too."

"My dear, please consider moving back so that Lanfen will be here to care for you, too. This way, it will put my mind at ease," Lihua pleaded with him.

Junjie is torn between saying no and agreeing, but looking at his adoptive mother's worried face, he can't help but promise, "The end of the month is near, so I'll talk to the landlord, Aunt Lihua."

Lihua's face brightened on what he said, "Thank you, my dear. I will tell Lanfen to get your room ready." Junjie smiled, and the car was parked in front of them. Junjie got on, and Lihua waved to him as the car drove away.

Lihua walks inside the house. "Lanfen, prepare Junjie's room as he will move in soon. Don't tell my son about it for now." then she turned to Tianwei. "Tianwei, can you contact the place where Junjie is staying and talk to the landlord to let Junjie cancel the lease whenever he needs to? I will pay for what needs to be paid," she instructs them. "And before we leave, I want you to check the orphanage situation; I don't like what is going on in that place right now."

"Ah, Ma'am, your son also gave me the same instruction regarding that place," Tianwei said.

"Oh, he knew what was happening and failed to inform me?" Lihua raised her brow, "Give me all your information about it. And do something about that company that is pressuring them."

"Your son was looking at a property outside the city for the children to move out, and we have seen two locations. Tan Zaozao is the one who is doing all the paperwork right now," he informed her as he followed Lihua into the office.

"Oh, so the situation is already settled?"

"Yes, Ma'am. He said that they should move out than stay in the area where there are threats to the children's safety."

Lihua couldn't help but smile. "Well, it seems he already figured everything out. But I still want you to see that company putting pressure on the orphanage," she said. Tianwei nodded and left the office.

**********************************************************************

Junjie woke up early, preparing for his first day of work; he couldn't help but feel excited and anxious simultaneously. He was buttoning his shirt and looking to see if something was amiss; this was the third time he was changing his shirt, and he could not decide what to wear. Junjie looked at the clock and was surprised at the time; he quickly buttoned his shirt, picked up his blazer and rushed out of his place; he hailed a passing cab and told the driver where to go.

When he arrived at work, Tan Zaozao was surprised to see him. "Jie-ge, you're here early..." Then she looked behind him, "Err... where is the boss?" and looked at him with a nervous smile.

Junjie, on the other hand, looked at her confused. "Boss? Why would Mr. Xia be with me?" Then he remembered what Tianwei had told him: that he would update Guang with his schedule early in the morning, leave the house with him, and come to the office together. 'So this is why they all want me to move back home.' Junjie took his phone out and started dialling their home phone number.

"Hello." A familiar voice that Junjie missed hearing.

Despite talking on the phone, he smiled, "Lanfen, how are you?"

"Is that you, XiaoJie?" Lanfen excitedly asked. "Oh dear, it has been a while since I've heard your voice. How are you?"

"I'm doing well, Lanfen; it's good to hear your voice, too. Umm... Lanfen, is Guang there?" he asked hesitantly.

"Oh yes, he is eating breakfast right now. Don't worry; I will tell him immediately to get ready," Lanfen said over the phone. Then Junjie heard Lanfen's high-pitched voice telling Guang to hurry up and get ready: "Don't worry, my dear. He will be there, okay?"

Junjie thanked Lanfen and hung up. "Jie-ge, I thought you moved back in the house?" Zaozao asked.

"No... not yet..." he said, then looked at her. "Let's start with all the work right now so that when he gets here, at least we are ready,"

The two busied themselves with the paperwork that needed to be done. "Ge, these are all the reports from each department that needed boss approval. I have compiled them all separately, and this is his afternoon appointment with two of our clients." Zaozao gave her work to Junjie, who had compiled everything in Guang's schedule.

They were so busy that they did not hear the ping of the elevator opening. Guang looked in the hallway and entered the office. In the anteroom, he saw Zaozao's messy table, heard the conversation inside the main office, and went inside. He saw Tan Zaozao leaning at the table, looking at Junjie's laptop, which was also typing. "Ge, this will work," she commented, and Junjie continued to type. Guang cleared his throat, and the two looked at what they were doing.

"Ah, boss, you're here; good morning," Zaozao enthusiastically greeted Guang. "Jie-ge and I have compiled all the documents that need your attention and put them on your table. Do you need anything else?"

"None. For now, go back to your table and clean it up. Close the door before you," Guang said in dismissal to Zaozao. Tan Zaozao knew about that already; her boss wanted some privacy. Before she left with Guang, Shenxiang advised her to make as much distance as possible when Junjie and Guang were together if she didn't want to be caught in these two's crossfire. Tan Zaozao walked out of the office and quietly locked the door; if anything else, she had the key, and Guang could call her via intercom.

Junjie stared at Guang, unable to mutter a word. When Zaozao closed the door, Guang removed his mask and walked to his table. The air suddenly felt heavy as Guang's pheromones permeated it, and the tension between them was so thick and heavy that Junjie had to swallow a couple of times not to make a sound, but he could not handle the silence.

"Umm... G-guang," Xia Zhiguang looked up. "Umm... would you like something to drink?" He stared at Junjie for a good while before nodding. Junjie wanted to ask what he wanted, but he didn't want any more awkwardness between them.

Junjie went to the corner of the office and started making coffee for the two of them; the aroma filled the air and made breathing easier. Junjie made the coffee with precisely the same blend as he always made it. He put his coffee on his table and Guang's coffee down on his table. As Guang sipped his coffee, Junjie waited for any reaction but continued drinking it without saying anything. Junjie then went quietly to his table and continued his work; he was so absorbed that he did not realize that Guang was standing behind him when he called.

"Mr. Huang, are you planning to continue working until lunchtime?" Guang asked him in a stern voice.

"Huh?" Junjie was confused for a moment and looked at the clock.

Guang walked to his table and clicked on the intercom. "Zaozao, order lunch for me and Mr. Huang as we have no time to go out. What time is Mr. Tang coming for his appointment?"

Flustered, Junjie checked on his tablet. "Ah, Guang, Mr. Tang will be here around 2 p.m., and Mr. Mo will come in at 3 p.m.," he said while double-checking everything. Guang stared at him again and told Zaozao to order the food immediately.

When they heard zaozao leave the anteroom, Guang combed his hair up and back, then inhaled Junjie's calming scent. "Do I scare you XiaoJie?"

Junjie's head suddenly turns to look at him, and he looks at Guang with a bit of disbelief. Guang's soft, mellow voice is back—how he used to call his pet name tenderly. A soft smile formed on his lips as he slowly shook his head. "No"

Guang smirked, side-glancing, stepped towards him, and stopped before Junjie. Guang raised his hand and rubbed the end of his hair with his fingers. "Have you recently cut your hair?" he asked.

Junjie absentmindedly touched his hair and brushed Guang's finger, too. That simple touch sparked something the two did not intend: a sweet scent suddenly swirled around Junjie, and Guang caught a whiff of it.

It took Guang all his will not to give in to this scent. He made his pheromones overpower Junjie's pheromones and calmed him down, but the sweet, alluring scent of Junjie tickled his senses. How long has it been since he smelled this beloved scent? His body wants to grab Junjie by the waist and crush those lips against his. He wants to wrap his hands around his slender, lovely neck.

A knock came on the door, and the spell around then broke, "Boss, your delivery is here."

He clears his throat. "Leave it there. I'll get it."

"Okay"

Then they heard Zaozao get back to her seat. Guang's eyes held Junjie's gaze, captivating it so it didn't look away. Then his eyes linger on Junjie's nose down to his lips. He watched how those lips slightly parted from the pressure of his stare. He wanted to kiss those lips right now if only he had time.

"We better have our lunch to prepare for the meeting later."

What he had heard broke Junjie's reverie and caused him to snap back to reality. "Oh... ah, I'll prepare our lunch then." He went to the door to get the delivery.

They ate in silence at their perspective desk. Guang continued reading documents while eating, and Junjie worked on his laptop as he answered some of the incoming calls. The meeting started right on time and proceeded smoothly. After the first meeting, Guang received a message on his phone that made him frown. When the client left, he instructed Tan Zaozao to call Tianwei into the office after the next meeting.

"When Tianwei arrived, I made him wait until I finished my meeting, as I needed him this afternoon." He told Zaozao and turned to Junjie, "XiaoJie, I need to step out after the meeting for something important. You don't have to come, as Tianwei will be there."

The second meeting also proceeded smoothly, "Mr. Mo, thank you for coming here today; I look forward to working with you in the future." Guang said and exchanged a handshake with the older man. When all the visitors left, Tianwei came in and picked Guang up.

"I wonder where is the boss going?" Zaozao absentmindedly asked as she looked at Tianwei and Guang retreating back.

"It doesn't matter; let's tidy up and finish our work."

Tan Zaozao's eyes widen as she turns to Junjie. "Ge, the boss is not here anymore, and he told me that when he is not here, we can both leave."

Junjie checked his watch. "But it's still early..."

"No matter," she said, making a mischievous grin. "How about we tidy up and eat outside, my treat for my first day working with you?" She bit her lips. "Well, technically, it's Guang-ge treating us because we are using his card."

Junjie made a face, and Zaozao made a defensive comment about it. "Tianwei-ge told me I can use it on anything, and since that anything includes you, it's valid."

Junjie snorted. "What does that even mean?"

But zaozao begged and pleaded that Junjie had no choice but to concede to her begging.

**********************************************************************

Tianwei and Guang arrive at the orphanage and see two black cars parked in front of the house.

Guang fixed his mask and looked at Tianwei. "Have you taken your medicine?" Tianwei nodded, and they both exited the car.

Yixie was at the front door with Qianli, waiting for them to arrive.

"Guang-ge!" Qianli ran excitedly at him and hugged his waist, "Ge, scary people are here with Auntie Mingzhu."

Guang ruffled the kid's hair and looked at Yixie, "Where are the other kids?"

"With Uncle Meng in the kitchen, some are in the back, afraid to come inside the house." Yixie calmly said.

He nodded at the boy's unrelenting gaze and strong mindset. "Good, take them outside, and don't let anyone near the house. Take Qianli in the back, and don't come in until I call you all in," he instructed. Guang turns to Tianwei "Let's go".

Tianwe walked in front as they went inside the orphanage. At the office door, Tianwei gave a warning knock inside, and when he heard someone say, "Come in," he opened the door.

Mingzhu's face lightened when she saw Guang's face. She stood in her chair. "Mr. Xia..." she called eagerly, and her voice almost broke.

Guang's face tightened, and he entered and released his pheromones. The men inside became uncomfortable as he directed his pheromones to them. The man sitting down started and became uneasy.

The heaviness in the air permeated the room as he walked to Mingzhu. "Are you okay?" he asked, and she nodded. When he saw colours come back on Mingzhu's pale face, he looked at the people inside the office.

One man was sitting in a receiving chair before Mingzhu's table. Four big men in black stood behind him, and a guy with glasses held papers and folders on his side. "I'm sorry, but I have a meeting with the orphanage director here." the man sitting down said to him, still squirming.

"I see..." Guang said as he walked towards the chair on the other side of the table where Mingzhu was sitting earlier. "Very well then, I guess I made you wait." He sat down and crossed his legs as he leaned back in the chair. "Well, gentleman, let's talk business."

Chapter Text

Since the last time Guang left the office with Tianwei, Junjie has been feeling weak and giddy for the past few days. The two have been busy with work outside the office that Junjie doesn't know about. They only talk to Tan Zaozao about it and do not discuss anything with him. At first, he was curious, but now he was only thankful because of all the paperwork and the busy schedule on his plate. Adding the problem with the orphanage in his mind and the packing of all his stuff for the moving, he is exhausted and feels lightheaded. The department heads were too glad to lighten the burden on their shoulder with all the help he gave them.    

"Thank you for all the help, XiaoHuang; it would have taken us a week to finish all the work that we have." one of the senior employees told him; she tapped Junjie's arm. "here, take this, this is all from us" she gave him one gift box that looks expensive and one by one they all follow suit of giving him different gifts.    

Junjie laughed awkwardly at all the gifts being shoved into him. He had arrived this morning in the office and was surprised to see all of them camping in front of the door. They followed him inside the secretary's office, and he was already hesitant to open the office door.     

All the female employees were hovering over him when the elevator door opened. Tan Zaozao and Xia Zhiguang came out from it. Tan Zaozao was surprised to see the crowd, but Guang did not stop and kept going to the office door. Junjie nervously opened the door to the office, and before Guang stepped inside, he looked back. He told Zaozao, "I need all the necessary reports in each department at my desk within an hour. And lady's office hours started 20 minutes ago." he walked inside the office together with Junjie, who closed the door behind him. he can hear the hurried footsteps going to the elevator and the hush panicky voice of all the employees.   

When inside, Junjie was only thankful that no commotion had occurred outside. "Guang..." he softly called. All he wanted to say was cut short when they heard the warning knock on the door, and Tan Zaozao came in.     

"Boss, I have the document that you asked for yesterday here. and Mr. Tang wanted to have a bit of your time this afternoon." She sides with Junjie, who gets all flustered when he realizes it is his job to update Guang about his schedule for the day. With a stuttering voice, Junjie told Guang his schedule for the day. He still tensed up when he left the office with Zaozao to put together the needed documents to be finished today, and besides, he was too flustered to be alone with Guang right now in the office.    

"Jie-ge, are you doing okay right now? You look kind of out of it and flustered," Zaozao asked him worriedly.    

Junjie looks at her and can't help but smile; the girl is genuinely worried about him. "I'm okay. I was worried about earlier, but I'm doing okay."    

Zaozao then chuckled, "Who wouldn't be nervous? We both came in with you, being mobbed with that many ladies in the morning. You should have seen Guang-ge look when he saw it."     

Junjie laughed at it; his tense body eased, and lightheadedness faded. He could not leave all the work with Tan Zaozao even if he was unwell. "By the way, Jie-ge, when are you moving? Guang-ge needed to know his agenda before the day started..." Then Zaozao looked at him wide-eyed, "Ah, I didn't mean to rush or blame you, ge, it's just that..."    

"Don't worry about it. I have arranged the movers this weekend." He thought about it and had too many things to do before this week ended. In addition to the move, the problem with the orphanage is due next week, and he needs to call Mingzhu about it. Additionally, he was unwell but had checked his calendar, and his rut was not due until the week after. Junjie pushes everything aside in his head as he needs to focus on his job right now and cannot afford to make a mistake, as this will affect not only him and Zaozao but also Guang. Junjie put together the documents and closed the folder, "I'll put this on Guang's table as I have to remind him about his appointment this afternoon."    

Inside the office, Junjie reminded Guang twice of his appointment in the afternoon, wrote it down, and stuck it on Guang's screen so he would not forget about it, as they were busy. After reassuring him that he had given Guang his day schedule, he returned to his table to continue working.    

Guang, on the other hand, is displeased at what he has witnessed this morning. He has known Junjie to accommodate everyone for a long time. The only thing he doesn't like when this happens is when people gather around Junjie; some are thankful, but most look at Junjie with adoration, which doesn't sit well with him. That some women held onto Junjie this morning made his face scowl.    

He looked up the paperwork and took a glance at Junjie. The tip of his ears was red, and his neck was flushed. Guang frowned and looked at the clock; it was almost lunchtime; he grabbed the phone from the table and called Zaozao. "Take Mr. Huang to lunch and check to see if he feels alright. If I have to wait for him to realize it at lunchtime, it will be too late." after he hung up, Tan Zaozao entered the office, dragging Junjie out for lunch.     

When they left, Guang looked at his table and checked his progress, which he was doing poorly. 'I need to pay attention to my work, or else I will not be finishing anything.'  He stood, and the sticky notes on his monitor fell under his desk and went to make some coffee.    

*************************************************************************************    

Many of the office workers joined them during lunchtime. Tan Zaozao begged him to eat at a fancy place as Guang would pay, but Junjie wanted to eat with everyone. She also insists that they check with the infirmary before returning to the office, which Junjie complies with.    

"Mr. Huang, for you to be so young and hardworking, truly, this place has been blessed with a wonderful employee." an elderly employee told him.     

Some of the female employees gathered at their table, and if zaozao and the elderly employee did not sit on either side of him, then one of these ladies would be sitting beside him. Throughout the lunch, they fuss over him, asking if he is seeing someone or willing to meet with their family, which he politely answers and declines their invitation.    

They follow him through the elevator until they reach the CEO floor, where a frowning Guang awaits them.     

"Zaozao, Mr. Huang, I missed my afternoon appointment with Mr. Tang. How come no one informed me about him?" came an irritated voice. Zaozao was confused and panicking when she rushed to her table. Junjie then walked to him.    

"Mr.Xia, I reminded you about it this morning and left you a note about it," he said calmly.    

"If I had been reminded about it, then I would not be missing the appointment, wouldn't I?" Guang came hotly. He is now beyond irritated as many of the female employees are all over Junjie, and the fact that Junjie was also calm about everything aggravates him more. "That is why I have said you should pay attention to your work instead of flirting with all the female employees here."    

Everyone lowered their heads, and all the female employees dispersed and returned to work. Junjie, instead of trying to let Guang know that he did, reminded him about the appointment and bowed his head instead. "I apologize, Mr. Xia. I will personally make an apology to our client." He excused himself to his table and made a call.    

"Boss... Jie-ge did remind you twice..." Tan Zaozao quietly said behind him. He turned around and glared at her, which made her flinch.    

Guang shut his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn't want to be a jerk this morning, but his patience was growing thin waiting for Junjie to move back home, the relocation of the orphanage, and the endless paperwork of the company. He couldn't touch his mate, and these employees were freely touching him, drawing the last straw of his patience. He walks inside the office, trying to ignore Junjie, who is apologizing endlessly on the phone, and before he sits at his table, he sees a sticky note that has fallen on the floor. When he reads it, he groans, 'im such a dumbass.' and looks at Junjie again, who is still on the phone.    

The afternoon passed with visible tension across the office; even Tan Zaozao hesitated to enter the room. In the later hour of the afternoon, Guang told them that Shenxiang would be visiting the office after hours and that he would not need to stay later than office hours.     

Upon hearing that Junjie's feelings went downcast, Tan Zaozao got worried. He was getting ready to leave when Junjie looked around the office and stepped out. "Where did Guang go?"    

"Boss stepped out a moment ago. You did not notice, as you were focused on your work earlier." Zaozao looked up from her desk and explained to him.    

He heaved a heavy sigh, "I better go, I guess..." and pulled the strap of his bag. he heard Zaozao call him from behind.    

"Ge, I'll see you tomorrow," Zaozao said with a bright smile, trying to brighten the mood.    

Junjie smiled back and nodded but still left the office all glum and heavy.    

Guang was standing on the second-floor balcony overlooking the main floor. He bet that Junjie did not see him as he was looking down on him. Guang saw some employees come to Junjie to say hi, and they noticed he looked downcast. He tsked at the sight and focused on Junjie, who smiled sadly at one of the female employees.    

"Scowling at them will not change anything. And here I thought you were progressing with your mate," said the teasing voice behind him.    

"Go upstairs; your cousin is waiting for you there and will tell you what to do," Guang said without breaking his gaze away from Junjie, who was leaving the building. Shenxiang wasn't amused; her nostrils flared subtly as her lips pressed into a thin, unyielding line before turning around and walking toward the elevator.    

When she reached the CEO floor, she was still annoyed. "Xiang-Jie!" Zaozao greeted her. When she saw Shenxiang's disgruntled face, her smile dropped. "What happened, Jie?"    

"Ask your boss!" she ungracefully dropped herself into one of the reception chairs. "he made me come here despite my busy schedule, then just sent me off without even greeting me."     

"Ahh, it's because something happened earlier, Jie," Then Zaozao told her what had occurred this morning.    

"I swear that man and his jealousy are overbearing." She stood up and walked to the office. "Tell me what I must do while this man takes the weekend off." When she opened the door, she was knocked back by the smell so strongly that she almost fainted. "What the hell, Xia Zhiguang! How do you expect me to work in an office reeking of your pheromones!?"    

"Jie, what's wrong?"    

Shenxiang sighed irritatedly and looked at her cousin. "I forgot you're a beta," she said, glancing at the office. "Go get the papers I needed on his table, and I'll work on your table. I have no clue how Junjie can work properly in this office."     

"I don't understand what you mean, but okay, if you are more comfortable working at my table, that would be great." Zaozao went to grab the documents on Guang's table and looked around the office, 'I don't see what is wrong with this place, but I do feel the heavy air inside,' she thought. As she went out, she heard the elevator ding where Guang came out, a frown on his forehead.    

"Why are you working here? And are you planning to work the whole night?" he asked Shenxiang coldly.    

"You want me to work inside your office that reeks of your intimidating pheromones? How can your mate breathe inside that place?" Shenxiang nose flare.     

"It's because only he can tolerate my pheromones, and no one else can." Then, Guang entered the office and grabbed some folders in the drawer before getting his car keys on the table. "Here, this is what I need you to work on. I will be here tomorrow, and you do not need to come to work. Just get your phone open in case Zaozao calls you for an emergency. I'm leaving."    

Shenxiang was left behind with her mouth hanging open, but instead of getting irritated, she checked the folder Guang handed him. She checked the folder individually when she realized the project she had submitted to him needed to be reviewed. For the last time today, she cursed and screamed at that insufferable Enigma.     

Tan Zaozao smiled wryly at her cousin, who was on the brink of crying, "Jie, do you want to eat outside for dinner?" and then flashed the black card.     

Shenxiang blinked momentarily, then looked at the card, "Is this his card?" Tan Zaozao nodded. "How come you have it?"    

"Well, if he needed something for Jie-ge, I am buying it and using this card."     

Shenxiang's attitude changed drastically; she grabbed the card and smiled sweetly at her cousin, "Come, my lovely cousin, this is the day that we splurge on that man's money. It's time for him to pay me back."     

"Eh, Xiang-jie?" She got pulled as soon as she got her bag. "Wait, let me close the office first." Zaozao ran, locked the office, and followed Shenxiang, who was waiting at the elevator. "Jie, is this okay? Boss will be mad if we spend unnecessary things."    

"Don't worry about that. Your boss gave you that so you can buy more things," Shenxiang said excitedly.     

Tan Zaozao can't do anything with Shenxiang's excitement, and she only wishes that Guang would not reprimand her for this.    

*************************************************************************************    

The following day, Junjie finished packing all his things last night for tomorrow's move. He looked at the clock and had enough time to get ready, so he took a quick shower. He was still feeling under the weather and had taken some medication in case he was sick. He was drying his hair after putting on his clothes and was about to put on his pearl earrings when his phone rang. It was Mingzhu on the other line, and he answered it immediately.    

"Aunt Mingzhu, how are you? You called me this early. Is something going on?"     

"Oh, I was wondering if I could talk to you this coming weekend about the orphanage."    

"I know. I want to see you, too, and I am trying to do everything I can to gather the money. I have to talk to the bank about my inheritance money, too," Junjie said worriedly.    

"XiaoHuang, you don't have to worry about us. Besides--"    

"How can I not worry? The kids will be homeless if you lose the place." Junjie cut her off, and his eyes went to the wall clock. "Aunt Mingzhu, I will talk to you later today. I have to get to the office." He did not want to be late and wanted to organize everything early before Guang came to the office. He did not want the mistake that he made yesterday to repeat again.     

"Okay, you take care of yourself, okay."    

"I will, " he said, then hung up. He picked up his sweater and left his place, forgetting to put on his pearl earrings.    

When he got to the office, Guang and Zaozao were still not present. He picked up what he needed on Zaozao's desk, then went inside and closed the door. Junjie didn't want any female employees to catch him alone there again.     

Junjie got a whiff of Guang's scent in the office, which made him comfortable. At the same time, he felt the warmth caressing him, so he shook his head. ' This is not good; I need to focus and not make any mistakes today.' He sat on his table and tried to focus.    

Tan Zaozao was surprised to see Junjie early in the office. "Jie-ge, you're early today. What's happening?"    

Junjie smiled. "I'm trying to redeem myself yesterday and avoid making mistakes today."    

Tan Zaozao wanted to tell him about it, but she did not want to dampen Junjie's bright mood. "Don't worry, ge. I'll be here if you need me." They smiled at each other. "But ge, are you okay? You look flushed." Zaozao felt his forehead. "You are not sick, but..."     

The elevator ding opened, and Guang came out wearing his coat, tie, and mask. Every time Junjie sees him like this, he can't help but be mesmerized by the sight of this man. Guang's eyes were set on him as he walked towards them. Junjie felt Zaozao pull his sleeve lightly, waking him from his daze.     

"Ah... umm... good morning, Guang," he said, trying to find the right words.    

Guang stops before him, and before anyone can react, his hand goes to Junjie's forehead, feeling it. "Are you okay?" he asks, worries behind his voice, and Junjie nods. Then his finger grazes under his eyes. "You look a bit better today. Did you sleep well last night?" Junjie, still speechless, can't help but nod.    

Behind them, Tan Zaozao tried her best not to move. She shut her eyes and prayed that they would go inside the office. 'Why do they have to do this in front of me?' she grumbled.    

Maybe Guang guessed her dilemma: "Zaozao, bring me the folder that Shenxiang did last night." Then he went inside his office, leaving the stunned Junjie and Zaozao silently crying because of what had just transpired.     

*************************************************************************************    

Even though Junjie was not feeling well for the whole day, he was attentive to Guang. Even at lunchtime, he made sure that Guang ate on time and reminded him again of his meeting half an hour before it started.     

"Jie-ge, boss, I'm leaving now. I'll see you on Monday." Tan Zaozao waved them goodbye. Guang nodded at her, and Junjie waved and smiled at her. "Take care on your way home," he said.    

Junjie was organizing all his documents. "Guang, go on ahead. I only have to finish this, and I will go."     

Guang stares at him for a bit before giving him a nod. "Don't stay too late."    

The concern in Guang's voice made him smile. "I won't."    

Guang hesitantly left the office.     

When Junjie closed the door and shakily drew his breath, he knew he was feeling hot, and warmth spread slowly in his body. 'This is not happening,' he thought as his trembling finger felt his ear. Helplessness and anxiety spread through him when he did not feel his earring; why did his rut come without his inhibitor? With his legs weakening every step, he tried to reach his bag for his suppressant.    

Xia Zhiguang was leaning on the elevator, checking his watch every minute, and his eyes stared at the closed door of his office. He had been waiting for Junjie to come out, as he had been worried about him all day. His flushed cheeks and scent swirled around everywhere today, and the one thing that bothered him about Junjie was that he was not wearing his pearl earrings.     

It had been half an hour, and still nothing was coming out of the office, so he decided to walk back. Guang was in front of the door when that familiar scent assailed his nose—the lovely scent of spring—his mate. He reached for the office door. A combination of lilac and lavender assaulted his nose as he opened the door, his fangs pricking his lips. His eyes searched where the smell originated. In the corner of the office, there, hunched over with his bag on the ground, grabbing the collar of his shirt, was Huang Junjie.       

Junjie was panting hard, and panic was starting to set in. He knew his rut was not due until next week, and the sudden onset had caught him off guard. He had not been feeling well for days now. 'It's okay; no one is here,' he repeated, trying to steady himself on the couch and calm his mind. But a sudden movement in his peripheral vision made his knees almost buckle in panic when he saw him.       

Xia Zhiguang, who was standing at the open door, smelled him. The scent he had once forgotten invaded his senses; it made Guang's hands tremble. He wanted that man. Before holding himself, he closed the door and walked inside towards Junjie.       

As soon as he was within arm's reach, he grabbed Junjie's neck and forcefully tilted it, baring his scent gland to him; Guang's nose his nape and took a breath. It was the same scent he longed for, the same smell of the boy he had coveted for the past 14 years. He nuzzled in his nape and mumbled 'Mine.' Guang grabbed Junjie's wrist and pulled him to the door.      

"Wait..." Junjie said in a coarse voice. But Guang did not hear him and continued walking while pulling him. "No..." Junjie softly said as Guang opened the door and dragged him to the elevator. When the elevator arrived, Guang pushed him inside. Junjie came out of his stupor. "No!" he tried to put a firmness in his voice, and he tried to get out of the elevator with wobbly legs. But Guang grabbed him by the neck and used his whole body to push him inside the elevator, "Where do you think you're going? Are you planning on running away again. You think I'll let you?" then his lips descended on Junjie's gasping mouth.       

The kiss was forceful, and a groan escaped Junjie's mouth; this Enigma was ravaging him. He started to tremble; he was scared, and a whimper escaped his lips as Guang kissed him fiercely. The sudden change in his scent made Guang stop kissing him, but he did not let go. Their lips were only inches apart, and Guang kept pecking and licking them. "Did I hurt you XiaoJie?" Guang grabbed both sides of his face and looked him in the eye, "I'm sorry, Baobei," and Guang kissed his quivering mouth.      

When the elevator opened again, Junjie saw the parking lot; Guang then pulled him to his car. Junjie protested, but Guang was more assertive when he pushed him inside the passenger seat. "Sit still, XiaoJie," and put the seatbelt on him. Guang then went to the driver's side; Junjie fumbled in his bag and managed to grab his suppressant; he took the pill before Guang could see what he was doing.       

They drove to the mansion. When they arrived, no one was at home, so Guang took him to his parents' previous room, which he was now occupying. During the travel, Junjie managed to stabilize his rut, but it did not go away, as one suppressant could not help him with a full-blown rut. When they entered the room, Junjie cleared his throat. "Xia Zhiguang, I think you are mistaken," he said, thanking himself silently that he did not stammer.       

Guang gave him a bored look and went inside the room. Junjie tried to leave when Guang said, "Don't even try; I want to talk to you, so come inside." Junjie hesitated, apprehensive at what happened in the office and the elevator. "It's about the orphanage." Upon hearing this, Junjie stops in his tracks. Junjie became nervous, "W-what do y-you mean the o-orphanage? Did s-something happen t-to them?" he stammered, distress all over his face.       

Guang looked at him, "Come inside," he pointed at the couch. "Sit there." Guang then walked to the cabinet in the room, took out a bottle and two glasses, poured a whiskey into the glass and put it in front of Junjie. "Drink." With a quivering hand, he took the glass and brought it to his lips. Junjie took a sip, and the liquid made a scalding line from his throat down to his stomach, and his body became feverish with the combination of the alcohol and his rut.       

Guang swallowed a gulp and put down his glass as he sat across from Junjie. "Guang, what did you say about the orphanage?" Junjie started to panic again and took a big gulp of the alcohol that he was holding.    

"I heard about it from Mingzhu and tried to settle it," Guang said calmly, a look of worry still on Junjie's face. They are okay now as I have paid the necessary things and moved their location outside the city."    

"Now, here come the problems. I have two of them. One is that I spend a large amount of money outside the company expenses to help the orphanage." Guang said, his eyes not leaving Junjie's face.     

"I-i can pay it..." Junjie answered in panic. He knew the legal system, and the company would not tolerate a large amount of money being taken out without any approval from the board. "I-I will use my savings a-and inheritance money," Junjie said weakly. He knew that with all his money, only half the amount they needed to pay everything was available.    

"But my XiaoJie, I needed it back right away." Guang teases, but it does not come across well. Junjie gets more flustered: "I-I." he stammered.    

"And my second problem is that the board of directors urges me to get married..." Guang dropped the topic, which made Junjie's face whipped up to him and pained cross it. "And do you know why I am telling you all this?"    

The pain in his face faded, and confusion set in. Junjie looked at him with puzzlement. His look was so irresistible that Guang couldn't help but kiss his lips. When he leaned back, he chuckled and wet his lips. "I want you as my partner. If I told the board that I used that money to help you, my mate, the problem would go away." he has no intention of telling Junjie that he used his own money to help the orphanage, "and at the same time, I do not have to look for a marriage partner." and gave Junjie that signature smirk of his.    

Junjie took a moment to understand what Guang had said. When he grasped what Guang wanted from him, he immediately stood up, and his vision spun, making him wobble. He fell back on the couch and grabbed his head. "Guang, please tell me this is a joke," he said as he held his pounding head.       

"Ah, XiaoJie, I have never joked my entire life. What I told you is true." Xia Zhiguang smirked. He looked at Junjie and said, "First, we need to know if we are compatible." Junjie frowned at this. Then Guang stood up, put both hands inside his pocket, and leaned over to him. "I need to taste you first," he whispered to Junjie's ears. When Junjie understood what he meant by this, he blushed down to the roots of his hair. Guang smiled at his reaction, lifted his chin, and wiped his thumb across Junjie's lower lips.  

He thought of something and straightened his back. "I can still smell you; it means that your rut is still ongoing despite the suppressant that you took earlier." Junjie looked up at him, eyes wide. "XiaoJie, I can predict your next move." He chuckled. "I'll prepare us something to eat in the meantime. Think about my proposition." He walked to the ensuite and closet connected to the room.      

Huang Junjie closed his eyes, covered his face with both hands, leaned back on the couch, and slid his body down. He is lost and confused about how to answer Xia Zhiguang's proposition. His head is dizzy, and his body is warm; he can now feel the tingling feeling on every part of his body, and then he remembers what Guang said a moment ago. He felt his entire body warm up, his hips shudder, and he exhaled a warm breath. Then he thought about Guang and his piercing gaze every time the man looked at him, and remembering those eyes sent a shiver down his body. Junjie remembered their last interaction 5 years ago, those sweet memories they had in their teens, and he thought Guang was angry at him for leaving like that. then his thoughts wander to all those times Guang kissed him; Junjie groaned again when he thought about what Guang had said, 'To taste him first.' He didn't know what to do.      

Guang went inside his walk-in closet and opened one cabinet; he pulled out a small jewelry box, took it outside, and opened it. Guang pulled out a long strand of pearls inside when he had seen years ago in the jewelry store, and all he could think about was Junjie; the lustrous colour of it reminded him of Junjie's skin, the smooth and satiny texture of it was the same feeling of the touch he remembers of Junjie's. He asked the store clerk to get all the similar pearls in the store and made this custom long strand of pearls for him, using a solid string that would not break. he pulled it out, went to his closet again, and grabbed the black satin robe. He went to the bathroom and put those two in a sink basket.       

Guang left the ensuite and saw Junjie hunched over the couch. He cleared his throat, "I'll go to the kitchen to see what I can cook." Junjie looked up and realized what Guang said. He stood up; his vision was more apparent now, and he walked towards Guang.       

"Is there something I can help you with? By the way, where is everybody?" Junjie asked.      

Guang looked at him and smiled, "They are away, and yes, do you want to help me prepare our meals?"      

"Huh? Why are they away?"       

Guang chuckled. "Well, I am bringing home my mate, who is on his rut, and I can't let anyone see you like this." Junjie is sure that Guang is teasing him. Although his rut has calmed down, he can still feel the heat in his body. But why are they eating right now instead of... and the thought made him blush.     

Guang then laughed heartily as he read what Junjie was thinking. He walks closer to Junjie, "I want you to eat first because I know that if I hold you, I'm not letting you go until morning comes."    

Junjie's mouth hung open, and he blushed. "Xia Zhiguang!" Guang then pecked his lips, and Junjie looked down, embarrassed.       

*************************************************************************************    

They finished cooking dinner and ate at the counter in silence. When they finished eating, Guang asked, "Have you thought about it?"       

Junjie looked at him from his plate. "I don't think I have a choice, is there."       

Guang frowns. "I'm not forcing you, XiaoJie."       

"I am not saying you are forcing me, but you did everything already, and if this is the only way to repay all this..." Junjie suddenly looked up. Guang didn't think that I was doing this to repay you.    

Guang nods. "Don't worry, my XiaoJie, I know you."       

Junjie's face reddened. "Thank you for helping them, Guang."      

Guang leaned forward and tilted his face, "XiaoJie, are you not going to ask me what will happen to you? You always put everyone else above you."      

Then Junjie stares at him guilelessly. "I do not think that you will hurt me or anything."       

Then Guang smiled at him tenderly, pinching his chin, pulling it down, and kissing his lips. "The bathroom is ready for you. Wear the clothes I prepared for you in the basket."        

*************************************************************************************      

At first, Junjie frowns upon this comment of Guang, but when he goes inside the bathroom and sees what is on the basket, he is horrified. He looked at the two things inside a black satin robe and a long strand of pearls. He inspects the pearl, "What is this? How am I supposed to put this on me?" Huang Junjie crouches down at this situation while holding the pearls. He scratches his hair. "Ah, what did I get myself into?" he put his hands on his heart, and he could still feel that rapid heartbeat; his rut was still ongoing in his body, and he could still feel the delicious sensation coursing through him. He remembers how Guang kissed him absentmindedly; his hands reached for his lips.       

Junjie then licked his lower lips; Guang's kiss differed from when they were young. He remembered how Guang always hungrily kissed him before, but now his kisses were more sensual. A shudder then passed from his nape down to his navel, making him hiss. He stood up and put the pearls back in the basket with the satin robe. "To hell with it," he said, removing his clothes and turning on the hot shower.       

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Outside the bathroom, Xia Zhiguang is restless and walks around the room; he then goes inside his closet, changes his clothes to a comfortable one, and grabs some towels. He put the towel on the bedside table, then he opened the drawer, grabbed some lube and a condom and put them beside the towel. He stared at it for a moment, then put it back in the drawer again, then he heard the shower turning on. His eyes flew at the bathroom door, and he swallowed. His eyes are glued to the door as he slowly walks backwards to the armchair in his bedroom; he sits down and leans back, waiting for Junjie to come out. Out of nowhere, he fumbles on the drawer beside the chair and checks for a bottle of lube. When he finds one, he relaxes and waits until his mate emerges from that bathroom.      

He had been waiting for this since he felt his rut manifested 14 years ago. He was only thankful that Junjie accepted his feelings, but they separated 5 years ago for an unknown reason. And now here they are; Guang knew he wanted this boy the first time he saw him when his parents brought him home. This gentle-looking alpha is his; he desires and wants him, and Huang Junjie is his. The moment he laid his eyes on him, Xia Zhiguang knew that Huang Junjie was his fated mate.       

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He turns off the water and grabs the towel; Junjie's eyes land on the basket when he finishes drying his body. He stops in his tracks as he contemplates if he wants to wear that robe, and then Junjie looks at his neatly stacked clothes on one of the stools in the corner. He shut his eyes tightly, sighed, and was resigned to his fate when his hand grabbed the black satin robe. The robe felt soft and smooth on his fingertips; Junjie pulled it and wore it, and the material glided effortlessly on his skin—the sensation of being caressed made his body shudder. He tied the sash of the robe tightly and thought for a bit, and then he looked at the basket, searching for underwear to use. he looked back again at his stack of clothes and was going to use his underwear when Junjie remembered what Guang said. 'Wear the clothes he prepared in the basket.'       

Junjie blushed at the fact that he was naked underneath the robe that he was wearing. 'Don't tell me he wanted me to go out like this?' Then he remembered what Guang had said earlier, wanting to know if they were compatible. He swallowed an invisible lump in his throat, closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath. He did not know what to do with the pearls, so he made a loop of them in his hands and went out of the bathroom.      

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When Junjie exits the bathroom, Xia Zhiguang's breath is hitched. The satin robe's contrast with Junjie's skin is stunning. Droplets of water flow on his neck, making him swallow a lump. Guang wets his lower lips as he clears his throat and releases his pheromones. "Come closer," he commands.       

Junjie was nervous when he came out and was planted in front of the bathroom door, unable to move. Guang's intense staring at him made him nervous, so he looked down and bit his lips. When he heard Guang usher him to come closer, he slowly looked up, and his eyes fluttered as he walked toward Guang. His commanding tone and the scent he smelled put him in a trance as he approached his Enigma. He stops in front of Guang when he remembers something, "Ah, I don't know what to do with these pearls, so I put them around my hands."       

Without taking his eyes off Junjie, he said, "I'll show you," and reached for Junjie's hands. When Guang grabbed hold of his hand, he was pulled towards him. Junjie was surprised, so he stumbled and fell forward, Guang straddling him. Junjie pushed himself up, but Guang grabbed his waist and made him sit on his lap. He puts his hands on Guang's chest, trying to distance them; everything is happening way too fast, and Junjie is flustered. Guang then grabbed his hand with pearls and unwrapped it. "This is how you use it." Guang put the pearl around his neck, looped it twice, and connected both ends.       

Huang Junjie was surprised at it and looked at Guang. A smirk formed on Guang's lips as he gazed at the pearl on his neck, "I knew it would suit you." He lightly pulled the necklace towards him to kiss it; the pearl looped around his neck tightened, and the other end was on Guang's forefinger. If Xia Zhiguang pulled the necklace more than he should, he would choke, so his best choice is to move towards the man in front of him.