After attending Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi’s wedding, He Ci and Chen Xingchi returned together to the Chen family home.
Chen Xingchi’s mom had invited He Ci’s mom over for dinner the next day, so considering it was National Day, He Ci simply went along with Chen Xingchi. Over the past two years, the two families had grown very close, and their moms had gone from being best friends to having a bond akin to “revolutionary comradeship.”
In the car.
“He Ci, Lin Bai asked if we want to head back to school together after the National Day break,” Chen Xingchi said, typing on his phone while occasionally flashing an odd smile.
He Ci glanced at the top of Chen Xingchi’s head. Two years had passed, yet Chen Xingchi hadn’t changed much. After a pause, He Ci, looking a little tired, closed his eyes. “What date?”
“I’ll ask him. When are you going back?” Chen Xingchi replied, his fingers tapping quickly on the screen.
“We’ll see.” After a moment, He Ci chuckled lightly. “What, are you planning to make a move again?”
“No way.” Chen Xingchi responded nonchalantly, “Isn’t he just one of Jiang Heng’s classmates? He’s a nice guy, very enthusiastic. It’d feel rude to turn him down.”
“Though it’s not exactly on the way, we’d still have to take separate subway lines. But since we’re all from nearby cities, it feels kind of fateful.”
After explaining, Chen Xingchi noticed He Ci wasn’t responding and angrily kicked him twice. “You asleep, you lazy dog?”
He Ci’s eyelids twitched slightly as he murmured weakly, “No.”
Chen Xingchi hummed twice and glanced at Lin Bai’s reply. “He says the 7th. What about you?”
Adjusting his position in the seat for comfort, He Ci finally muttered, “The day after tomorrow, I guess. You can go with them if you want.”
His tone sounded a bit off—whether it was from exhaustion or something else, it was hard to tell.
But Chen Xingchi didn’t notice. He simply hummed twice again and, after some hesitation, finally said, “Never mind. I’ll go with you. Why are you going back so early anyway?”
He Ci didn’t respond.
Chen Xingchi continued, “Just thinking about the student council recruiting new members again gives me a headache. Why did I ever think it was a good idea to join the student council back then?” Once he started venting, he couldn’t stop, grumbling non-stop.
Whether He Ci was listening or not was unclear—before long, he had fallen asleep.
When they arrived at the Chen family home, Chen Xingchi woke him up with exaggerated annoyance. “You slept the whole way, leaving me to talk to myself for half an hour!”
“I heard everything,” He Ci replied with a chuckle. “If it bothers you so much, give me the recruitment flyers, and I’ll help you yell out announcements.”
As he spoke, the two of them got out of the car and entered the residential complex together.
“Screw you! Trying to trap me again? If the advisor found out I got someone from the Secretary Department to handle Foreign Affairs recruitment, wouldn’t I be the one in trouble?” Chen Xingchi grumbled, shoving He Ci forward. At some point, both his hands landed on He Ci’s shoulders, and soon, he was hanging off He Ci’s back entirely.
He Ci shifted his shoulders and clicked his tongue. “So heavy.”
“Am not! No way!” Chen Xingchi protested with a cheeky grin. He even tried to climb onto He Ci’s back, clearly wanting to be carried.
Frowning, He Ci warned, “Don’t push your luck, brat.”
“Behave yourself,” he added, not waiting for Chen Xingchi’s response. He grabbed Chen Xingchi’s wrists, locking him in place, and dragged him forward.
The two were already used to this dynamic. Chen Xingchi initially cursed and complained a bit but quickly settled down. After all, it saved him effort, as He Ci was essentially dragging him along. Chen Xingchi didn’t think there was anything wrong with that.
By now, it was nearly midnight. Many streetlights in the complex were dim, with only a few scattered lights barely illuminating the path ahead.
Under the Moonlight
The shadows of two tall Alphas stretched long under the moonlight.
They kept the same playful posture even after stepping into the house.
Chen’s mother was sitting on the sofa watching TV. She knew her son had gone to attend a classmate’s wedding and would be returning with He Ci. Thinking they might be hungry, she stayed up.
It’s funny how parents work. Back when Chen Xingchi was in high school, Chen’s mother used to argue with him constantly. They couldn’t seem to get along. But after he went to college and visits home became rare, he’d suddenly become a treasure in her eyes every time he returned.
The drama on TV was reaching a climactic moment when the door clicked open.
Chen’s mother turned her head just in time to see her son clinging to the tall figure of He Ci like an octopus. His arms were wrapped around He Ci’s neck, with one hand holding the keys. He Ci was gripping Chen Xingchi’s wrist, likely just after opening the door. Chen’s other hand was playfully slapping He Ci’s face as he leaned in, saying something with a wide grin.
He Ci, too, was smiling.
Chen’s mother suddenly felt a twinge in her forehead.
Over the past two years, she knew her son and He Ci were close. While it’s true that Alphas naturally repel each other, being buddy-buddy wasn’t all that unusual.
Besides, she had a good impression of He Ci.
Still, there were times when she felt their closeness crossed the line. Whenever she called Chen Xingchi, He Ci would either be nearby, chipping into their conversation, or Chen would be on his way to see He Ci or vice versa. At first, she found it strange but reasoned that two single guys sticking together for company made sense.
But seeing this scene tonight felt different—way too intimate.
Though Chen’s mother had a carefree personality, she was observant when it came to certain details.
Noticing his mom as soon as he opened the door, Chen Xingchi’s grin froze slightly. He retracted the hand that had been patting He Ci’s face but didn’t get off his back. Instead, he pushed against the ground with his feet, urging He Ci to move forward.
He Ci paused briefly and greeted her, “Auntie.”
Chen’s mother smiled warmly. “You’re back? Did you drink?” She asked a couple of questions before frowning at her son. “What are you doing hanging off him like that? You’re not a preschooler anymore. Don’t you know how heavy you are?”
Chen Xingchi protested, “…Mom!” But reluctantly slid off He Ci’s back.
He Ci chuckled, earning a kick from Chen Xingchi.
Ignoring the antics, Chen’s mother asked, “Do you want some late-night snacks? I can make something for you.”
“Chen Xingchi! Come help me!” she called out.
“Come on, Mom! I just got back too. He Ci! Get over here and help!” Naturally, Chen Xingchi wasn’t about to let He Ci sit idle.
He Ci raised an eyebrow. “I’ll do it, Auntie. He drank a bit—he’s probably dizzy.”
In truth, neither of them drank much, and Chen Xingchi’s tolerance was far from being drunk. But since He Ci offered, Chen Xingchi seized the chance to flop onto the sofa.
Seeing this, Chen’s mother snorted in exasperation. She didn’t treat He Ci as an outsider and simply dragged him into the kitchen to help.
In the kitchen, the atmosphere quieted down.
Chen’s mother cooked noodles while He Ci helped wash vegetables.
“Want some beef? I cooked some earlier today—it was supposed to be for your mom tomorrow,” Chen’s mother suddenly asked.
He Ci paused for a moment before nodding. “Sure, thank you, Auntie.”
“Ah, it’s nothing. These past years, Xingchi has relied on you a lot. He’s always been a bit scatterbrained like me…”
He Ci: “…” It’s rare to see someone insult their kid and drag themselves into it.
Chen’s mother seemed to realize her words and quickly corrected herself. “I mean his personality—he’s just a bit careless.”
“He’s fine,” He Ci replied with a soft laugh.
Though they bantered often, he still gave Chen Xingchi face in front of his mom.
After a brief silence, Chen’s mother suddenly asked, “Be honest with me—has Xingchi started dating in college?” Her face showed a hint of worry. “I’m just afraid his personality will get him tricked—and he’ll even thank the person for it.”
He Ci’s expression froze for a moment, as if he was thinking. Just then, a sound came from the living room—a light clatter, like something falling to the floor.
He Ci had just taken a step out when Chen’s mother beat him to it. She opened the kitchen door and saw Chen Xingchi holding his phone and laughing like an idiot. He was bent over to pick something up, still grinning. With a snap, she closed the door again.
“Is he dating someone? Why else would he be giggling at his phone like that?” she muttered.
He Ci: “…”
Hearing this, He Ci glanced toward the living room. The frosted glass of the kitchen door made it hard to see clearly, but he could vaguely make out Chen Xingchi holding his phone, presumably still texting.
Probably chatting with Lin Bai, He Ci thought. The guy hadn’t put his phone down since they were in the car.
At this thought, He Ci’s gaze flickered slightly.
“He’s had two relationships,” He Ci suddenly said, answering her earlier question.
Chen’s mother let out a surprised exclamation, relief washing over her. “Then why did they break up? Was it Xingchi’s fault?”
Under the moonlight, the shadows of the two tall alphas stretched long.
As soon as they entered the house, they remained in the same posture.
Chen’s mother was sitting on the sofa watching TV. Her son had gone to a classmate’s wedding today and would return home with He Ci later. She figured they might be hungry.
Parents are strange creatures. Back when Chen Xingchi was in high school, his mother often argued with him, and they couldn’t seem to get along. But after he went to college, and she barely saw him throughout the year, she started treating him like a treasure whenever he came home.
The TV drama had reached an intense part when the door clicked open.
Chen’s mother turned her head and saw her son clinging to a tall young man’s back like an octopus. His arms were draped around the man’s neck, his right hand holding a key, while He Ci had one hand gripping his wrist and the other resting on his face. Chen Xingchi was whispering something into He Ci’s ear, a smile on his face.
He Ci was smiling, too.
Chen’s mother felt a sudden headache.
Over the past two years, she had noticed how close her son and He Ci had become. Though it’s common knowledge that alphas naturally repel each other, being close like brothers wasn’t unusual.
She even had a pretty good impression of He Ci.
But sometimes, she felt their closeness was a bit excessive. Whenever she called her son, He Ci would either be there chatting or her son would be on his way to meet He Ci or vice versa. Although it seemed odd, she reasoned that two single guys sticking together for company wasn’t entirely unreasonable.
But this scene was something else entirely.
It was the first time she had seen them this close.
It seemed… a bit too much.
Though Chen’s mother had a straightforward personality, she couldn’t help but notice small details like this.
Perhaps noticing her standing there, Chen Xingchi’s smile faltered slightly. He withdrew the hand resting on He Ci’s face but still didn’t get off his back, instead nudging him toward the house with his feet.
He Ci paused briefly. “Auntie.”
Chen’s mother smiled. “Back already? Did you drink?” She asked a couple of concerned questions, then frowned at her son. “What’s with you clinging to someone like that? You’re not a kid anymore. Don’t you realize how heavy you are?”
Chen Xingchi groaned, “…Mom!”
Reluctantly, he climbed off He Ci’s back.
He Ci chuckled, earning himself a kick from Chen Xingchi.
Chen’s mother didn’t seem to notice. “Do you want some late-night snacks? I can make something for you.”
“Chen Xingchi! Come help!”
“Mom, I just got back, too! He Ci, come help instead!” Naturally, Chen Xingchi wasn’t about to let He Ci sit around.
He Ci raised an eyebrow. “I’ll help, Auntie. He drank a little; he’s probably feeling tipsy.”
They hadn’t actually drunk much, but Chen Xingchi wasn’t going to pass up the excuse. He flopped onto the sofa immediately.
Seeing this, Chen’s mother huffed in frustration but didn’t treat He Ci like an outsider. She dragged him into the kitchen to help.
The kitchen grew quiet.
While Chen’s mother cooked noodles, He Ci helped wash the vegetables.
“Do you want some beef? I cooked some earlier for tomorrow, but I can spare some.”
He Ci paused briefly. “Sure, thank you, Auntie.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. You’ve taken care of Xingchi all these years. That boy takes after me, you know. Not the brightest…”
He Ci: “…” He had never seen someone insult their kid while dragging themselves down with them.
Realizing her slip-up, Chen’s mother quickly corrected herself. “I mean, his personality! He’s just a little careless.”
“He’s fine,” He Ci replied with a chuckle.
Though the two often bickered, He Ci still gave face in front of the elders.
After a moment of silence, Chen’s mother suddenly asked, “Be honest with me, has Xingchi dated anyone in college?” Her face showed concern. “I’m worried someone might trick him, and he wouldn’t even realize it.”
He Ci hesitated briefly, but just as he was about to reply, a loud thud came from the living room.
He instinctively took a step toward the door, but Chen’s mother had already opened it to find Chen Xingchi bent over, laughing foolishly as he picked something up from the floor. She shut the door with a clap.
“Is he dating someone? Why is he grinning at his phone like an idiot?”
Chen’s mother muttered under her breath.
He Ci: “…”
He glanced toward the frosted kitchen door. From his side, he could faintly see Chen Xingchi holding his phone and chatting away.
Probably still texting Lin Bai.
He had been glued to his phone in the car earlier, too.
Thinking of this, He Ci’s gaze flickered.
“He dated two people,” he suddenly said, answering Chen’s mother’s earlier question.
She gasped in surprise, her worries easing slightly. “Why did they break up, then?”
“Was it Xingchi’s fault?”
He Ci shook his head. “Not really. He treated them well. The first one cheated on him, and the second one thought he wasn’t… good enough.”
Chen’s mother: “…???”
Her expression was like a thunderbolt from the blue.
What does “not good enough” mean?
Her son is an alpha! What does it mean for an alpha to “not be good enough”?
And cheating! What nonsense!
“Explain this to me in detail,” Chen’s mother demanded, steadying herself.
After some hesitation, He Ci explained the situations briefly. The first ex was indeed unfaithful, which was just bad luck. The second breakup, however, was largely due to Chen Xingchi’s own issues.
Chen’s mother didn’t doubt the story. Given their close relationship, it wasn’t surprising for He Ci to know such personal details.
After explaining, He Ci seemed to feel a bit guilty for exposing Chen Xingchi’s private matters. Lowering his voice, he added, “Auntie, please don’t tell him I said anything. He’s always been self-conscious about this.”
Chen’s mother took a deep breath, her mind racing with the words “not good enough.” She started wondering which hospital specialized in such problems and even considered intervening in her son’s future relationships.
After all, she couldn’t let her son harm some unsuspecting omega or beta!
Her face was filled with worry, completely oblivious to the faint smirk tugging at He Ci’s lips.
When the noodles were served, Chen Xingchi noticed his mom giving him a strange look but didn’t think much of it. He habitually handed He Ci a pair of chopsticks. “Why do you have beef in your bowl?”
He Ci glanced at him and, seeing Chen’s mother returning to the kitchen, chuckled. “Call me ‘bro,’ and I’ll give you some.”
“Get lost. Do you think I can’t ask my mom for some?” Chen Xingchi kicked him twice. “Bro!”
He Ci paused briefly, then switched bowls with him.
Satisfied, Chen Xingchi muttered, “Why is my mom so biased?” Then, as if recalling something, he shouted toward the kitchen, “Mom! Did you clean the spare room? Where’s He Ci sleeping tonight?”
Chen’s mother, startled while browsing hospital options online, snapped back, “Why are you yelling! It’s ready! Just grab a blanket from your closet!”
“You hear that? Grab one from my closet,” Chen Xingchi said, clearly too lazy to prepare the room himself.
He Ci smirked knowingly. “Got it. Eat your food. I’ll take care of it, and I’ll tidy your room too.”
“That’s more like it.”
Early the next morning, He Ci woke up to faint voices in the living room.
“Yes, yes, I didn’t dare bring it up. I’m afraid it’ll hurt his self-esteem.”
“Thank you, Doctor. Can I bring him in tomorrow?”
“Oh, great, thanks.”
He Ci: “…”
Standing at the door, he felt a slight pang of guilt.
After a moment, he quietly retreated to his room.
Unable to sleep, he pulled out his phone and checked his messages.
In their group chat, Shen Huaizhi had sent out a bunch of red envelopes last night, which Chen Xingchi had claimed entirely.
There was also a message from Jiang Heng.
[Jiang Heng: When are you going to tell him?]
The timestamp indicated it was sent late last night, likely after their wedding festivities.
He Ci raised an eyebrow.
[Ci Qu Jin Nian: Later, depending on the situation.]
[Ci Qu Jin Nian: Why are you up so late? Doesn’t Shen Huaizhi say anything? Honeymoon night and all that.]
There was no reply.
After responding to Jiang Heng, He Ci continued scrolling through his messages until one from Chen Xingchi popped up.
[Chen Xingchi: Are you awake?]
[Ci Qu Jin Nian: I am. What’s up?]
[Chen Xingchi: I had a nightmare. I dreamed my mom was chasing me, yelling that I’m “not good enough”! Then I suddenly differentiated into an omega! Damn, it scared me awake.]
Chen Xingchi ruffled his messy hair and lifted his blanket to glance at his morning reaction, sighing in relief.
At his age, secondary differentiation was impossible, and with his physique, there was no way he was “not good enough”!
The more he thought about it, the more disturbed he felt. When He Ci didn’t reply, he quickly followed up.
[Chen Xingchi: I think I’m traumatized. I can’t let that girl’s comment give me a complex. I need to find a girlfriend.]
[Ci Qu Jin Nian: There’s a new freshman omega in our department, fair-skinned, good figure. He asked if we’re recruiting before National Day.]
[Chen Xingchi: ??? Why are you suddenly bringing this up?]
[Ci Qu Jin Nian: He’s an omega. Interested? I can give you his WeChat.]
[Chen Xingchi: Sounds like you’re interested. Fair-skinned, good figure—observing him pretty closely, huh? When did he talk to you? Why didn’t he ask if our department is recruiting?]
Chen Xingchi had just sent a message when there was a knock on his door. The sound of his phone notification mixed with the sound of the door opening.
He glanced up to see He Ci standing at the doorway in his pajamas. Without entering, He Ci casually shut the door behind him.
“You don’t get tired typing so much?” He Ci said with a laugh while scrolling through his phone.
Chen Xingchi rubbed his messy hair. “I like it. When did you meet that guy?”
“During the first few days of school at a department gathering. He’s the younger brother of one of our department members. Why? I even have a picture. Want to see?” He Ci’s tone was nonchalant.
Chen Xingchi’s expression darkened slightly as he stared at He Ci’s face. He felt an odd sense of frustration but finally said, “Let me see.”
He Ci wasn’t surprised and actually pulled up a photo on his phone, sending it over.
The omega junior looked beautiful, with striking eyes—clearly an omega at first glance.
After staring at the photo for a while, Chen Xingchi finally said, “… Forget it. He’s probably into you anyway. I’m not going to compete. Get out. I’m going back to sleep.”
He Ci raised an eyebrow and teased, “Sleep? Aren’t you afraid of having another nightmare?”
As soon as he mentioned it, Chen Xingchi bolted upright on the bed. Dressed only in boxers, his long legs were fully exposed to the air.
He Ci squinted slightly at the sight.
“I’m not sleeping anymore! It’s definitely because of how weird my mom was looking at me yesterday. It’s better to go back to school where I have freedom. At home, I just get scolded,” Chen Xingchi muttered.
He Ci hummed in agreement and watched as Chen Xingchi nonchalantly changed clothes in front of him, the smile on his lips deepening.
Before lunchtime, He Ci’s mom arrived at the house.
She chatted with Chen’s mom for a bit, then turned her attention to her son, sighing, “Your high school classmates are getting married, and you’re this old without even a partner.”
Attending someone else’s wedding always brought on these conversations. Normally, He Ci’s mom wouldn’t nag him about this when he came home, but today’s wedding had clearly set her off.
Hearing this, Chen’s mom felt a pang of bitterness. He Ci was perfectly normal and would have no problem finding a partner—be it an omega or even a beta.
Unlike her son… sigh, what a misfortune.
He Ci didn’t seem annoyed, smiling as he replied, “No rush, Mom. I’m still chasing.”
His mom perked up immediately. “Oh? Oh? You’re chasing someone? So, is it an omega or a beta? Are they good-looking? As handsome as Jiang Heng? Speaking of which, you and Jiang Heng grew up together, didn’t you? It’s a shame you only saw him as a brother. Such a good omega, and you let him marry someone else. What a waste!”
He Ci rubbed his forehead. “Mom, Jiang Heng and I are just friends. Please stop bringing him up.”
“I can’t help it! He’s such a good catch.” She turned toward Chen Xingchi and his mom, realizing they were both staring at her. With an awkward laugh, she added, “Anyway, let’s not talk about him. So, what’s this person you’re chasing like? I’m telling you, don’t bully them. You alphas are all the same. Don’t scare your partner away!”
He Ci replied calmly, “Got it, Mom. Don’t worry.”
Out of nowhere, Chen Xingchi chimed in, “They’re good-looking and an omega.”
He Ci, who had shown him the photo that morning, wasn’t surprised but found it funny that Chen Xingchi brought it up so eagerly.
“Really?”
Chen Xingchi nodded earnestly. “Yeah, Auntie, I’ve seen them before.”
He Ci shook his head. “Don’t listen to him. It’s not that person.”
Chen Xingchi blinked. “… Huh? So, there’s someone else? Hey, why are you pinching me!?”
He Ci, sitting right next to him, pinched his waist before he could finish his sentence. It tickled so much that Chen Xingchi almost fell into He Ci’s lap.
He Ci’s mom, alarmed, jumped in. “Son, you better not be two-timing anyone! If you are, your dad and I will break your legs!”
He Ci’s eyelid twitched as he shot a glare at Chen Xingchi, wishing he could drag his friend’s brain through a washing machine. “There’s no such thing, Mom. Relax.”
Meanwhile, Chen’s mom tensed up at the mention of “two-timing.”
Sensing her discomfort, He Ci’s mom quickly steered the conversation away. “What’s wrong? You seem upset.”
Chen’s mom composed herself, putting on a brave face despite her worries. Seeing her son still goofing around with He Ci, she smiled and led her friend into another room for a private chat.
Once the moms were gone, Chen Xingchi found himself pinned against He Ci’s lap, unable to move. Struggling, he yelled, “He Ci! Let me go!”
“Quiet down, little brother.”
He Ci pressed down on the back of Chen Xingchi’s head.
Chen Xingchi, with his face buried in He Ci’s lap, squirmed like a child in a schoolyard fight.
Unwilling to back down, Chen Xingchi wriggled harder. “Let go of me, you brat!”
He Ci chuckled. “Who’s the brat? Who can’t sit still now? And what were you spouting nonsense about just now?”
But his smile froze in the next second when Chen Xingchi’s cheek accidentally brushed against somewhere it shouldn’t have.
The thin fabric of his lounge pants did nothing to mask the reaction.
He Ci froze.
Chen Xingchi noticed too, his body going rigid as well. With his face still buried, he muttered, “Why’d you… react just from a touch?”
He Ci: “…”
After a moment of silence, He Ci released his grip. Chen Xingchi, however, stayed where he was.
He Ci suppressed his frustration. “It’s a normal reaction. What do you expect?”
He nudged Chen Xingchi with his knee. “Come on, get up. Don’t just lie there.”
Logically, it wasn’t unusual for close friends to see each other like this.
But for some reason, Chen Xingchi’s mind wandered back to memories of the two of them showering in the school’s communal bath.
Compared to himself, He Ci had a slightly more muscular build, complete with six-pack abs.
There were differences even between alphas.
The more Chen Xingchi thought about it, the warmer his face grew.
Afraid of suffocating, he finally sat upright, awkwardly stammering, “I didn’t mean to just now.”
He Ci chuckled softly. “What, you think it was intentional? It’s not like you haven’t seen before…”
“Shut up! Who wants to see yours?” Chen Xingchi snapped, his gaze darting around as he defensively crossed his legs.
Whether or not He Ci noticed the motion, he handed Chen Xingchi an apple without missing a beat. “Call me ‘bro,’ and I’ll let it slide.”
Chen Xingchi took the apple begrudgingly. “Bro. Satisfied?”
Satisfied indeed. That morning nightmare was definitely fake. The real issue? His reaction just now might’ve been directed at the wrong person.
Author’s Note:
Chen Xingchi: Reputation ruined.
[mfn]If you enjoy my translations, you can show your support by leaving a comment or donating to my Ko-fi. It will be much appreciated. Thank you! -TL: YSIAD[/mfn]
