PHWM Chapter 33

After Huo Lan finished speaking, an indescribable silence enveloped the room from the doorway to the interior.

 

“…” Jiang Pingchao hesitated. “Oh.”

 

Unable to hold back, Jiang Pingchao turned his head and quietly glanced at Liang Xiao.

 

Since he didn’t elaborate, Huo Lan lost his point of reference and fell silent as well.

 

Seeing his manager still unwell, Jiang Pingchao instinctively took on the responsibility, trying his best to tap into his limited social skills to break the awkward atmosphere. “Take care… on your way.”

 

Liang Xiao: “…”

Chi Che: “…”

 

Chi Che couldn’t bear to listen any longer. Forcing himself to gather his composure, he promptly greeted Huo Lan with professional efficiency.

 

Despite his current state, his professionalism shone through as he suppressed personal emotions and resumed his role as Jiang Pingchao’s manager. He objectively and concisely explained the situation to Huo Lan.

 

After finishing, he turned back and exchanged a subtle glance with Liang Xiao.

 

Liang Xiao, still dazed, looked up. He didn’t dare to dwell too much on the cautious and discreet “you too?” inquiry that seemed to flash through their eyes.

 

Jiang Pingchao, feeling a surge of determination, attempted to continue practicing conversation with President Huo but was promptly dragged out of the room by Chi Che.

 

The two tussled as they exited, Chi Che’s earlier restrained anguish now thoroughly dissipated. A few steps outside, faint murmurs of Jiang Pingchao awkwardly explaining that he could also afford to stay in a presidential suite could still be heard.

 

…

 

Liang Xiao couldn’t bear to listen any longer. He leaned back against the sofa and took a deep breath.

 

Letting Jiang Pingchao handle the pickup was to prevent Chi Che from being overstimulated and encountering any accidents while leaving alone.

 

Now, whether Chi Che was still emotionally unsettled was unclear to Liang Xiao.

 

As for himself, he unexpectedly didn’t feel like leaving at all.

 

Huo Lan stood at the doorway, gazing at him for a moment before closing the door behind him and walking over.

 

“President Huo.”

 

Liang Xiao propped himself up on his elbows, suppressing the thought of re-teaching Huo Lan how to communicate normally and instead focusing on the matter at hand. “It’s pretty much as Mr. Chi described… It didn’t escalate, and Mr. Chi is fine.”

 

Huo Lan, as the investor and a representative of Xingguan’s production team, naturally bore the responsibility of addressing the aftermath.

 

If he had been far away, it might have been excusable, but being on-site at the production set meant it was only expected for him to personally handle such a significant issue.

 

Liang Xiao had been careful and had ample experience with Valu’s dosage. “Letting Teacher Jiang take him away to rest for the night should resolve everything…”

 

Liang Xiao’s breathing faltered slightly, his words trailing off as he noticed Huo Lan reaching out.

 

Huo Lan placed his hand on Liang Xiao’s forehead, his brows furrowing inexplicably at his words. “The production crew’s poor management led to the unauthorized circulation of work IDs. They will be held accountable, and the victim will receive compensation.”

 

Though the incident stemmed from Jiang Pingchao’s obsessive fan, the production team also bore responsibility.

 

Liang Xiao’s forehead was cold, but the warmth of Huo Lan’s palm brought him back to his senses. He added, “Mr. Chi is physically fine. For something like this… they probably won’t want to bring it up again.”

 

“The producer will take full responsibility.”

 

Huo Lan, clearly annoyed, glanced at Liang Xiao’s pale complexion. Forced to suppress his impatience, he crouched down to Liang Xiao’s level, trying to stay composed as he continued, “The secretary department is also here. They’ll coordinate with the other team to resolve this.”

 

Liang Xiao was about to speak again when he noticed something unusual. He looked closely at Huo Lan, now eye level with him.

 

Huo Lan, usually calm and composed, had his brows furrowed sharply. On the table beside him, the water in a paper cup had formed a thin layer of frost.

 

It was evident that Huo Lan was losing patience with this topic.

 

…

 

But wasn’t this exactly what they were supposed to address now?

 

Liang Xiao looked at him, a bit bewildered. “…President Huo?”

 

Huo Lan managed to calm himself, ensuring his icy pheromones didn’t affect Liang Xiao. He leaned down and reached out.

 

Liang Xiao felt Huo Lan’s arm wrap around his shoulders. Then, seeing Huo Lan’s other hand moving expertly toward the back of his knees, he panicked. “President Huo, this isn’t appropriate.”

 

The unexpected disaster from Jiang Pingchao’s side had likely left his team in chaos. Liang Xiao did want to discuss with Huo Lan whether Xingguan could extend an olive branch to help smooth things over.

 

He guessed that Jiang Pingchao and Chi Che wouldn’t have the energy to deal with this today. Liang Xiao had intended to subtly suggest that Huo Lan offer some goodwill to prevent tomorrow’s headlines from being dominated by Jiang Pingchao single-handedly taking down Su Man and Meng Feibai.

 

… But this wasn’t the solution he had in mind.

 

Sacrificing oneself for the greater good.

 

To prevent Jiang Pingchao from topping the trending list, Liang Xiao realized he might end up taking that spot himself.

 

Feeling that his spotless reputation was now beyond saving, Liang Xiao resolved to at least honor the butler’s painstaking efforts. He pressed against Huo Lan’s arm, his face heating from his ears down to his collar. “You can’t… you can’t carry me out.”

 

Liang Xiao tried his best to warn him. “It’ll go viral.”

 

And probably even faster than the hashtag #JiangPingchaoGoesSupernova.

 

“Can you stand?” Huo Lan asked softly.

 

Liang Xiao: “…”

 

Huo Lan steadied Liang Xiao, his gaze falling as he watched Liang Xiao futilely muster his strength, only to collapse back into his arms, exhausted.

 

The effects of two suppressants were significant, but so were the doubled side effects. Liang Xiao’s earlier attempt to release his pheromones had reactivated his long-dormant glandular system.

 

Now, his entire body was wrapped in an overwhelming sense of fatigue, leaving him unable to move.

 

Clearing his throat, Liang Xiao tried to shift the focus. “Has the ambulance arrived? Maybe you could ask if they have a stretcher—”

 

Before he could finish, Huo Lan withdrew his hand, leaned down, and scooped him up entirely.

 

Liang Xiao flushed deeply, thoroughly overwhelmed. “…President Huo.”

 

A faint sting came from the back of his neck.

 

Huo Lan held him securely, pulling him close to his chest and shoulders, and bit down on his gland.

 

Each temporary mark had always been to stabilize Huo Lan’s pheromones. Huo Lan, who was usually resistant to the process, would end it as quickly as possible, cold and efficient like a stapler.

 

This was the first time it was done to stabilize him.

 

The dominant Alpha’s pheromones enveloped him completely, but what should have been icy felt warmed instead, leaving only a faint coolness.

 

Liang Xiao’s throat bobbed.

 

His heartbeat quickened, and he instinctively clutched at Huo Lan’s clothing, only to hesitate and release it.

 

Huo Lan had clearly rushed over, still dressed in an expensive, custom-tailored suit.

 

Based on Liang Xiao’s understanding of the president’s persona, this suit was likely worth more than dozens of suppressants combined.

 

Realizing he couldn’t afford to replace it, Liang Xiao gathered what little strength he had left and tried to move his hand behind his back. Before he could, a warm palm pressed down on his.

 

Huo Lan’s left arm held him firmly, while his right hand reached over to cover his. “Don’t move.”

 

Liang Xiao froze entirely. “…”

 

Huo Lan’s voice was deep and soft, almost a whisper, resonating from his throat to his chest.

 

The faint sting from the broken skin quickly faded as cool pheromones slowly entered his gland, blending with his restless, overactive pheromone source.

 

Gentle and soothing, the pheromones calmed his gland bit by bit.

 

…

 

When Huo Lan released him and straightened up, Liang Xiao still hadn’t fully recovered.

 

He slumped back onto the sofa, his entire being seemingly detached from reality, engaging in a deep, introspective dialogue with his soul.

 

Huo Lan frowned, reaching out to press his hand against Liang Xiao’s forehead. “Uncomfortable?”

 

Liang Xiao felt utterly humiliated. “…No.”

 

Quite the opposite.

 

So opposite, in fact, that it might have gone a bit too far.

 

Huo Lan, still concerned, checked his pulse by holding his wrist. Then, he helped Liang Xiao regain his composure, shaping him from a limp mess back into a somewhat human form before settling him properly on the sofa. He then stood and went to close the window.

 

Liang Xiao, feeling one with the universe, dazedly watched Huo Lan’s retreating figure.

 

Until that bite just now, the temporary marking had always been a task—a necessity for both of them.

 

The experience had always been akin to rushing to finish homework on a Sunday night: mechanical, detached, and indifferent to how it turned out as long as the task was completed.

 

But the lingering sensation from just now was vivid, persistent, and impossible to shake.

 

Liang Xiao silently recited the Heart Sutra, despairing a little, and sighed.

 

If he based things on this user experience…

A few more bites like that, and he might not even feel right about asking Huo Lan for payment anymore.

 

Huo Lan, having tried to soothe Liang Xiao’s pheromones for the first time, patiently waited. But seeing that Liang Xiao’s condition still hadn’t improved, his concern deepened. He pulled out his phone, intending to call a doctor for an evaluation.

 

“President Huo.” Liang Xiao, not wanting to discuss his thoughts on temporary markings with a doctor, bolted upright in alarm and grabbed his arm. “I’m fine now.”

 

Huo Lan paused. “Fine?”

 

“Fine.” Liang Xiao nodded firmly, straining his arms to push himself up. “Completely healthy.”

 

Huo Lan looked at his wobbly posture and felt that Liang Xiao’s definition of “healthy” might be a little too lenient.

 

“Really.” Liang Xiao assured him, “If you don’t believe me, I can do a flip to prove it—”

 

“…”

 

Huo Lan had no interest in watching him attempt a flip. He reached out to steady him. “…I believe you.”

 

Supporting Liang Xiao wasn’t difficult for Huo Lan. He waited for him to recover from his dizziness caused by talking too much, then pulled him closer with a bit of force. “If you’re fine, come back with me.”

 

Liang Xiao clung to his arm. “Back where…?”

 

Huo Lan, having already announced the destination once, pressed his lips together to suppress his irritation. Just as he was about to repeat it, Liang Xiao suddenly snapped out of his daze. “You—”

 

Huo Lan was interrupted. “What?”

 

Liang Xiao, still not fully clear-headed, took a moment to process everything. After some effort, he finally pieced the situation together and, leaning on Huo Lan’s arm, stood up straight.

 

Liang Xiao stared at him blankly, his lips moving slightly.

 

Xingguan’s responsibilities were clearly defined, with precise divisions of authority.

 

The matters of the production crew naturally had people assigned to handle them; there was no need for Xingguan’s president to personally oversee everything.

 

From start to finish, Huo Lan had only sought him out, without asking much about the crew or Jiang Pingchao.

 

…

 

Huo Lan had come all the way here, and it seemed there was no other reason left.

 

Liang Xiao gently clenched his fist.

 

He didn’t dare say it outright. After hesitating for a long moment, his voice softened, cautious and tentative: “Did you… come to pick me up?”

 

Huo Lan: “…”

 

Liang Xiao was still somewhat dazed and wanted to ask again, but before he could, Huo Lan leaned down, scooped him up, and carried him straight out the door.

 

 

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