The company was particularly lively today. From the first floor, when he was waiting for the elevator, he could hear colleagues and subordinates whispering to each other. They looked unbelievable and did not hold back at all. They were so exaggerated that even Fu Baiqi could not stand it. It was not until they returned to the office that the restless atmosphere was shut out.
There’s nothing strange about gossip. Last time, Fu Baiqi even heard them say that the Alpha boss of the light food shop downstairs had been in prison before and had hideous scars on his body…
Even topics and people that had absolutely nothing to do with him, Fu Baiqi was already used to hearing about them. They go through the same monotonous tasks every day, which is dull enough on its own. Gossip becomes a rare form of entertainment for them, a way to break the tedium. It’s like injecting a bit of novelty into their otherwise uneventful routine, and nothing is off-limits in their conversations.
But today, the gossiping atmosphere was especially intense. It was one thing for the regular employees to gossip, but as the time for team meetings approached, Fu Baiqi passed by the café and was surprised to see even Director Zhang deep in animated conversation with his secretary. Logically speaking, Director Zhang was the most senior person in the company and not exactly young anymore, yet he was still interested in this kind of stuff. As Fu Baiqi walked past, he vaguely caught words like “too strong” or something along those lines.
Director Zhang was all smiles, the grin on his face impossible to wipe off. Beaming, he walked over to Fu Baiqi. “Xiao Fu, heading to the meeting? Let’s go together.”
It wasn’t until they got to the meeting room that Fu Baiqi finally found out who the subject of today’s gossip was.
Min Zhi.
After a week of absence, he didn’t look the least bit unwell—in fact, he seemed refreshed and in high spirits. Even his pheromones were noticeably stronger than usual.
Of course, that strong scent didn’t come from Min Zhi alone, there was another one, warm yet faint. Fu Baiqi finally understood why the gossip was so intense today. Such a mingled and potent blend of pheromones could only mean that Min Zhi had spent the entire week with an Omega he had marked.
It was probably that Omega they had encountered at the hospital earlier. Fu Baiqi frowned slightly, there was something oddly familiar about the scent. It reminded him too much of Fang Fengzhi’s pheromones.
Of course, it only seemed similar. In reality, the Omega’s pheromones were completely shrouded beneath the overwhelming presence of Min Zhi’s scent, making it impossible to distinguish the original fragrance. If he had to be honest, Fu Baiqi couldn’t actually pick out the Omega’s scent at all. He had merely recalled that figure who so closely resembled Fang Fengzhi, caught a vaguely familiar trace in the air, and instinctively imposed that image onto it—projected Fang Fengzhi onto the person.
That kind of thinking wouldn’t do. Fu Baiqi took a sip of the water by his side, pushing down the doubt in his heart.
After the meeting, Min Zhi walked out with his things, just as he locked eyes with Fu Baiqi. Fu Baiqi greeted him, and Min Zhi paused for a moment. As always, their interaction was courteous and restrained, with Fu Baiqi showing no sign of suspicion.
But Min Zhi didn’t feel quite right inside.
He nodded briefly at Fu Baiqi before quickly averting his gaze.
When Fang Fengzhi was in heat, he had bitten his glands countless times, and later, they had even made love in Fu Baiqi’s home. This time, it had happened while he was fully conscious, he remembered every detail vividly, even the look on Fang Fengzhi’s face.
Fu Baiqi was completely unaware. If he did know, then no matter how much he claimed he was trying to help Fang Fengzhi, it wouldn’t hold up. Besides, there were already serious cracks in their relationship, this incident could very well be the spark that led to the collapse of their marriage.
Fang Fengzhi’s own pheromones were now so dense that it was unimaginable. It would already be great if such a heavy mark could be completely eliminated in a month, let alone a week. Just like last time, Fang Fengzhi had to live in the villa until the mark disappeared.
His tongue slid across his back molars and then withdrew.
During this time, it’s best to keep a distance from him. They were strangers to begin with, and having a physical relationship was already crossing a line; there shouldn’t be anything else to discuss.
It wasn’t just Min Zhi who thought this way; Fang Fengzhi shared the same thoughts.
So, their relationship returned to how it was when Min Zhi first marked Fang Fengzhi, but this time, there was an unclear, indescribable atmosphere between them, it was ambiguous and tense, with a certain sticky, unsettling feeling.
After all, last time had only been a marking bond. This time was different, they had intimately explored each other’s bodies. Even though the other was dressed in loose clothing, they both knew all too well what lay beneath the fabric.
One time, Fang Fengzhi was sitting on the sofa in the living room, using his laptop. When Min Zhi came out of the study, he happened to see him. While getting water, he politely asked if Fang Fengzhi wanted any. Fang Fengzhi had initially planned to decline, but seeing that Min Zhi wasn’t waiting for a response and was already pouring a second glass, he said nothing.
“Thank you.”
Min Zhi walked over with a cup of water. Fang Fengzhi was bent over, his loose collar gaping open, exposing the skin beneath. From that angle, he vaguely saw the Omega’s flat breasts, which were covered with a thin layer of flesh, and the small, nipples hidden in the areolas.
Fang Fengzhi noticed his approach and paused what he was doing. A hand placed a cup of water on the table in front of him, and he was about to thank Min Zhi, until, from his lower angle, he looked up and immediately caught sight of the bulge in Min Zhi’s crotch. Even though Min Zhi’s pants weren’t tight and that area appeared calm, showing no reaction, Fang Fengzhi couldn’t help but recall its shape in his mind, he even remembered the sensation of its touch and the way it had forcefully entered his body. Fang Fengzhi’s eyelids twitched, and his face turned red instantly. He didn’t know where to look. The moment his eyes met Min Zhi’s, it was as if Min Zhi saw through his thoughts. He became even more nervous and uneasy and stuttered and couldn’t speak.
Fortunately, Min Zhi didn’t make things difficult for him. He left with a simple “Go to bed early” and turned to leave before Fang Fengzhi could even shift his gaze.
For quite a while, the heat on his face didn’t fade.
After Min Zhi returned to the study, he stood motionless in front of the desk for a while, as if he didn’t feel the heat. Suddenly, he took a large gulp of hot water. The water rushed straight to his stomach, making him feel uncomfortable. He then expressionlessly placed the cup down.
He just saw Fang Fengzhi’s body, the slender ankles, the white and tender back of the neck, the scabby glands, and the smooth chest.
It is immoral to look at others with obscure eyes.
But this time he made an exception because he was sure that he did not look at him with s*xual intent. When he stared at Fang Fengzhi, his heart was calm. He just saw it accidentally.
But when Fang Fengzhi lifted his head, his gaze shifted back to the Omega’s face. His eyes first fell on his lips, he knew exactly how soft they were. Then he looked into his eyes, remembering how the corners flushed red, and how the tiny mole on his eyelid would deepen in color, turning as crimson as a flame.
When he realized this, Min Zhi clenched his teeth.
He didn’t dare to look anymore.
Perhaps it was because he had given Fang Fengzhi too many pheromones during the heat, or maybe it was because all his desires had been fully unleashed during that estrus period. After this marking, Fang Fengzhi no longer seemed to crave his pheromones the way he once did, nor did he appear to be suppressing anything anymore. In this case, it means that there is no need for him to stay in the villa. Just like last time, he should stay away from Fang Fengzhi until his glands are completely restored and then leave before he comes back. This is the most correct approach. There is no need to worry about what will happen between them, let alone any other ideas.
They would remain within the safety zone until their only connection was completely severed.
Min Zhi stared at the steaming cup, standing still with a blank expression, not making a move for quite a while.
It was just as Min Zhi thought. Fang Fengzhi was not so eager for his pheromones this time. But this was only temporary. After the marking, especially such a deep marking, Fang Fengzhi was almost connected to him. He would become attached to Min Zhi’s pheromones, and even his heart would unconsciously become attached to him.
But Fang Fengzhi didn’t say it. This fact was really unspeakable. Sometimes he would have a fever at night, and he would endure it alone. Compared with before, this was not difficult to endure.
Min Zhi had carefully thought everything through the night before, yet the next day, after work, he still went straight back to the villa as if nothing had changed.
He got off work a little late today, but what he didn’t expect was that Fang Fengzhi hadn’t returned yet when he got home.
He returned to his study and read the documents he had not finished reading at the company, added a few comments, and sent them to his subordinates. He still did not hear any sound coming from the entrance.
He walked out of the study, took out his mobile phone, unlocked it, clicked some buttons randomly, and then turned it off again.
Auntie saw him and asked, “Sir, aren’t you going to wait for Mr. Fang?”
Min Zhi paused, then walked towards the dining room. “No need.”
After he finished speaking, he heard a slight sound from the door, and the auntie walked past him, “Mr. Fang is back, come and have dinner together.”
The Omega’s voice sounded behind him.
“Okay.”
Min Zhi picked up the chopsticks.
A few minutes later, Fang Fengzhi walked in. He greeted Min Zhi politely and sat diagonally opposite Min Zhi.
Min Zhi glanced at him and saw that he looked tired. He didn’t say anything and just ate the rice in the bowl silently.
Fang Fengzhi lowered his eyes. He was in a bad mood.
The day before yesterday, he transferred the money from his card to Fu Baiqi’s mother. If a divorce were to happen, the Fu family would definitely want to settle this debt with him first. Although it wasn’t enough, it could also be considered as paying part of it back.
This morning, Fu Baiqi’s mother likely discovered the money he had transferred and called Fang Fengzhi. Considering that she had been unwell recently, Fang Fengzhi subtly mentioned the topic of divorce. Unexpectedly, she didn’t say much, only asking to meet in person.
In this state, he obviously couldn’t meet with Fu Baiqi’s mother, so he had to make up various excuses to decline.
Fu Baiqi’s mother, frustrated by the situation, finally showed her true colors, mocking Fang Fengzhi with biting sarcasm. Both of Fu Baiqi’s parents were highly educated and never used vulgar language, but when they got angry, they knew exactly how to choose the most hurtful words, each one striking at the heart.
She first spoke of Fang Fengzhi’s poor family, then criticized him for not measuring up to others, and finally brought up his late mother.
Every painful truth that left Fang Fengzhi unable to lift his head was wielded by Fu Baiqi’s mother like a sharp blade, each word striking straight into his heart.
Fang Fengzhi couldn’t bear to listen any longer and immediately hung up the phone. His whole body was drenched in sweat, feeling as though he had lost half his life.
The entire day’s work had already been exhausting, and on top of that, he had to listen to Fu Baiqi’s mother venting her frustrations as well.
He felt like he was about to snap. Only when he caught the scent of Min Zhi’s pheromones did he feel a slight sense of relief.
After the meal, Min Zhi went to the study. His pheromones gradually faded from the air, and in contrast, Fang Fengzhi’s mood became increasingly agitated.
He undid a button, feeling like he could hardly breathe.
