Liang Xiao rested on Huo Lan’s chest, unable to hear his heartbeat clearly.
He had never really been afraid, nor did he feel uncomfortable.
No matter how big the issue, it was just a matter of enduring. With sheer willpower and gritted teeth, he could get through anything.
There was nothing he couldn’t overcome.
Years ago, young Liang Xiao, with his backpack on his shoulders and his arm bleeding from his own bite, had stumbled out the window, sternly not allowing himself to feel uncomfortable for even a second.
Huo Lan’s body was warm from the hot water, but still exuded a layer of clean, snowy coolness underneath.
Beneath the ice, water flowed, its ripples refracting warm sunlight.
Liang Xiao closed his eyes tightly, his hands trembling as he fumbled a few times before gripping Huo Lan’s shirt firmly.
Huo Lan held his hand, checking his pulse with his fingertips for a moment, then took the oxygen mask and put it on him.
“It’s not necessary,” Liang Xiao turned his head slightly, trying to keep his voice calm, “I’m fine, I want…”
Liang Xiao took a deep breath: “I want you to hold me a little longer.”
His mind was still a blur of white light, unable to think of what to say, only managing to grasp at the few thoughts he had: “I–”
Huo Lan’s palm rested on his back: “I’m here.”
Liang Xiao shuddered.
“Take it easy,” Huo Lan adjusted the mask for him, still letting him lean against his chest, “I’m not leaving.”
Liang Xiao’s chest fluttered, tense for a moment before gradually relaxing.
Liang Xiao turned his face, his forehead resting in the crook of Huo Lan’s shoulder.
Huo Lan held him closer, nodding to the manager who was rooted to the doorway, and shifted to shield Liang Xiao completely.
Duan Ming suddenly came to his senses, rubbed his face hard, and managed a smile at Huo Lan with reddened eyes.
The manager seemed to have something to say, but in the end only moved his lips silently before retreating from the hospital room, carefully closing the door.
Huo Lan stayed at the hospital for the entire night.
Early the next morning, he completed the necessary procedures with the hospital and took Liang Xiao onto the plane.
Unable to sleep soundly these past few days, something finally settled completely. Liang Xiao lay in his arms until midnight, falling into a deep, unconscious sleep, unaware of the examinations, discharge procedures, and leaving the hospital.
Huo Lan didn’t let anyone else handle it. After getting off the plane, he carried Liang Xiao all the way home.
“Spontaneous heat cycle,” the private doctor, now familiar with Liang Xiao, efficiently conducted an examination. “It’s a normal differentiation process for omegas, usually occurring between 18 and 20 years old. It’s rare to be delayed this long.”
The butler, having liaised with the hospital, asked: “Mr. Liang’s gland has been severely injured twice. Is this related?”
The doctor nodded: “The main reason is gland damage, but factors like physical condition also play a role.”
When omegas are growing, if living conditions aren’t ideal, development can be passively delayed, and the gland will autonomously postpone waiting for suitable differentiation conditions.
Frequent stimulation by highly compatible alpha pheromones can also trigger the revival of a dormant gland.
For Liang Xiao, entering spontaneous heat isn’t a bad thing; it indicates that the previously severely injured gland has begun to gradually recover its function. With proper care, complete recovery in the future isn’t impossible.
“We’ve prepared a nutritionist,” the butler nodded, taking out a notebook to jot down notes. “Is there anything else…”
“The first spontaneous heat will last longer, with relatively severe reactions,” the doctor, who had once risked suggesting a permanent bond between the President and a highly compatible omega and nearly got frozen on the spot, was now more cautious: “It’s recommended–”
Huo Lan, holding Liang Xiao, was working on a laptop with one hand. He looked up at the sound.
“It’s recommended.”
The doctor steadied himself, embodying medical compassion: “If there’s a specific alpha, it’s best to maintain prolonged, close contact during this period, with multiple temporary markings.”
Huo Lan lowered his gaze: “How long?”
“Theoretically, the longer the contact, the more stable and soothing it is for the omega.”
The doctor, fully considering the patient and family’s situation, spoke diplomatically: “However–”
Butler: “Would you like some coffee?”
Doctor: “?”
“However– it’s not absolute.”
The doctor, puzzled about why there was coffee again, thanked him and took it: “With modern medical advancements, even without an alpha…”
The butler quickly stuffed a cookie into his mouth.
Doctor: “…”
“We’ll contact you if needed.”
The butler, sensing Huo Lan’s thoughts, skillfully saw the guest out, escorting the doctor and the coffee to the door: “Please take care.”
The doctor, bewildered, chewed the cookie and nodded to him while holding the coffee, then left.
The butler watched him leave, then returned, gently closing the door.
The butler approached Huo Lan: “Mr. Huo…”
Huo Lan lowered his gaze, slightly adjusting his position to hold Liang Xiao more securely, and gestured to the documents he had already reviewed.
The butler picked up the stack of documents: “How is Mr. Liang?”
Liang Xiao likely hadn’t rested well these past days, sleeping deeply until now, not waking despite all the commotion.
The doctor said it wasn’t serious, just that his body was weak due to the heat, and he hadn’t rested properly earlier because it wasn’t detected in time.
Liang Xiao’s heat was special; alleviating the congested pheromones was one aspect, but the resulting physical issues were more crucial. With no better options available, rest and recuperation were the best course of action.
Having a chance to relax and get a good sleep was naturally beneficial for his body.
But sleeping this much still inevitably caused concern.
“It’s fine,” Huo Lan released Liang Xiao’s wrist after checking his pulse. “Let him sleep more.”
The butler nodded, hesitated, then gently advised: “Please remember to rest yourself, too.”
Huo Lan made no response, his gaze returning to the computer screen.
The butler quietly tidied up and left the bedroom, softly closing the door.
Huo Lan sat still for a while, then released the mouse.
He lowered his gaze, tightening his arms, looking at Liang Xiao leaning against his chest.
Huo Lan raised his hand, gently touching Liang Xiao’s closed eyelashes.
Liang Xiao’s features were delicate and beautiful. Sleeping quietly like this, he looked particularly docile, appearing much younger than his actual age.
With Huo Lan holding him, Liang Xiao slept especially peacefully, not tossing and turning as he usually did every night.
In fact, last night, apart from mumbling Huo Lan’s name once at the end, Liang Xiao hadn’t made any other sound.
Huo Lan never quite knew what to do at times like these. He could only watch the slender body in his arms tremble and shiver, not knowing how long it lasted until finally, utterly exhausted, Liang Xiao softened silently into his embrace.
Huo Lan felt a dull ache in his chest. He carefully turned Liang Xiao over but saw no traces of tears.
“He’s been alone for so long, he doesn’t know…” The manager, who had come back with them, had held back the entire journey. As they were about to disembark, he stuttered, gathering courage: “Please don’t let go of him… don’t leave him.”
Huo Lan had never considered this. Holding Liang Xiao at the cabin door, he promised: “I won’t leave.”
The manager was speechless. The young assistant, with reddened eyes, looked around nervously before mustering the courage to add softly: “Brother Liang said he likes you, he wants you to–”
The rest of the sentence was cut off as the manager clamped a hand over his mouth and dragged him away.
But the first half of that sentence had shaken Huo Lan’s emotions so much that he still hadn’t recovered.
Although it didn’t interfere with his work, whenever his mind relaxed slightly, the ubiquitous thoughts would surge up, making him almost restless.
…
Huo Lan closed his eyes tightly, suppressing all the vague unease stirred up by that sentence.
Originally, he had only thought about taking care of Liang Xiao to the best of his ability, ensuring Liang Xiao would never live like he did before. As for how Liang Xiao viewed him, whether it was true or false, whether he would stay or leave, these were never within his considerations.
Huo Lan was also aware that during his susceptible period, he was prone to getting stuck in mental loops, harboring some unwarranted obsessions. So he didn’t want to bring these things up with Liang Xiao at such a time.
But just the possibility made him unable to calm down no matter what.
He had never thought that Liang Xiao might like him too.
Huo Lan was lost in thought, his gaze lowered, not noticing the person in his arms stirring slightly, turning over a bit.
Liang Xiao opened his eyes.
This sleep couldn’t have been better. Liang Xiao rarely slept so soundly, without worrying about missing something or his manager and assistant having no one to arrange things.
Completely relaxed in body and mind, Liang Xiao slept dreamlessly until he woke naturally.
Opening his eyes, the comfort from deep sleep gave his body one last embrace before slowly dissipating.
Liang Xiao yawned, planning to find President Huo and ask when they could go home so he could study in his arms. But as he propped himself up, he felt something was off. He looked up, startled: “…”
Liang Xiao rubbed his eyes, closed them, lay back down, and woke up again.
Huo Lan, after being disturbed for a while, came to his senses and looked down to meet his gaze.
“…” Liang Xiao instantly blushed: “Pre-Pre-President Huo.”
Huo Lan looked at him, feeling his chaotic thoughts dissipate. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly: “Mm.”
While sleeping, Liang Xiao’s body had been soft, sliding to who knows where. Huo Lan had to constantly ensure he was securely held. Now seeing him awake, Huo Lan’s shoulders and back relaxed a bit.
Liang Xiao looked at President Huo’s computer, his heart racing, and stammered: “Are you– working?”
Huo Lan lowered his gaze, silently confirming.
Liang Xiao’s knee ached.
He was truly a wild omega misleading the country.
In ancient times, this would be their President Huo rising early after a short spring night, the emperor no longer holding early morning court.
Liang Xiao quickly tried to make room for the emperor: “Please, continue your work.”
Having just woken, he had no strength. After struggling halfway, Huo Lan’s arm lightly blocked his shoulder, and he collapsed back down.
Liang Xiao was completely drained, lying like a salted fish on the emperor’s thigh: “…”
“The doctor said–”
Huo Lan met his gaze, clenching his fist: “During this period, it’s best to maintain prolonged, close contact with an alpha.”
Liang Xiao flushed hot: “What kind of contact?”
“Long-term, high-density.”
Huo Lan said: “The longer the contact, the better the effect.”
Liang Xiao couldn’t control the runaway train of thoughts in his mind, his heart racing and eyes unfocused: “Did, did the doctor say anything else…”
Huo Lan’s arm tensed slightly.
The doctor had said “but.”
This time, Huo Lan didn’t want to say it. After a moment of silence, he pulled Liang Xiao closer and shook his head.
Liang Xiao was taken aback, his mental train screeching to a halt: “Nothing else?”
Huo Lan rarely lied, his shoulders and back tensing up. He mentally repeated the half-sentence the assistant had said.
Huo Lan closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to nod: “Nothing else.”
Liang Xiao felt almost disappointed, sighing softly without showing it.
…This was good too.
“Am I not hindering your work?” Liang Xiao, accepting his fate, was blushing hot all over, but couldn’t help smiling. He cleared his throat: “Sorry to trou-trouble you–”
“It’s no trouble,” Huo Lan said.
Liang Xiao was stunned for a moment.
Huo Lan pulled him back into his arms, assuring: “It won’t interfere with work.”
“It won’t interfere,” Huo Lan closed his eyes, embracing him. “I won’t leave.”
Liang Xiao was confused for a while, then noticed the used alpha-specific suppressant beside Huo Lan, vaguely understanding.
“I won’t leave either,” Liang Xiao hugged their susceptible-period President Huo, patting his back. “Even if you try to drive me away, I won’t go.”
Huo Lan shook his head, looking at him, his lips pressing together slightly.
Sitting quietly like this, his youthful air hidden in his deep eyes, he was like sunlight on fresh snow, the ice and snow unable to hide the scattered glimmers of light.
Liang Xiao could never withstand this. He finally tore his gaze away from President Huo’s eyes, collapsing weakly in his arms, and found an oxygen mask to take a couple of breaths.
Huo Lan helped him sit up slightly: “Short of breath?”
“I’m fine now,” Liang Xiao said. “You work, I’ll just watch.”
Huo Lan looked at him carefully for a moment, nodded slightly, let him lean on his shoulder, and pulled over the computer.
“Mr. Huo is dissatisfied with these reports,” the butler conveyed to Xingguan’s management team, criticizing each one: “Work must be done diligently, without divided attention or carelessness.”
Huo Lan did have a secretarial department, but the young Huo Lan had been surrounded by dangers and traps, with people scheming at every step. With so few trustworthy people, he had grown accustomed to relying only on the butler for close assistance.
Especially during his susceptible period, apart from meetings, most of President Huo’s responses to various departments were communicated through the butler.
“Be devoted to duty and strive for excellence,” the butler emphasized. “Learn from President Huo.”
The department heads felt guilty, lowering their heads in self-reflection.
Huo Lan never neglected important matters. Even when rushing to respond to this sudden incident, he had completed the meeting in written form late at night, arranging necessary work.
Xingguan had always modeled itself after its president. Recently, they had won several major projects against Longtao beautifully, and some departments had indeed become complacent, relaxing a bit.
“It’s at times like these that we can’t afford mistakes,” the butler relayed Huo Lan’s words. “Xingguan has come a long way; we can’t fall due to blind arrogance.”
The department heads looked ashamed: “Understood.”
The butler nodded, opened his tablet, and distributed the project plans President Huo had just approved: “These are what Mr. Huo just reviewed. If there are any issues, raise them quickly, and I’ll relay them to him.”
“Yes,” the Resource Development Department head quickly raised his hand. “For our cinema investment project, do we need to continue injecting funds into the early development…”
The butler knew his place, acting only as Huo Lan’s mouthpiece, never speaking out of turn: “I’ll ask for you.”
The butler calmly connected to the villa’s phone: “Mr. Huo, the Development Department is asking about the cinema investment–”
The call was disconnected, and Huo Lan sent the investment project’s funding arrangement directly.
The Development Department head quickly noted it down: “There’s also an assessment and prospect analysis we’d like President Huo to review.”
The butler, suspecting there might be an issue with the villa’s phone, helped send over the reports and reconnected the call to Huo Lan: “President Huo–”
Huo Lan was about to hang up when Liang Xiao, unable to control his particularly sensitive gland, let out a muffled groan.
Huo Lan: “…”
Butler: “…”
Huo Lan closed his eyes briefly, reluctantly explaining: “I’m doing a temporary mark.”
“…” The butler covered the mouthpiece, calmly relaying: “Mr. Huo is reviewing it and will respond later.”
The Development Department head, unsuspecting, nodded respectfully and sat back down.
“Also,” the Marketing Department head gathered courage to raise his hand, “Recently, we’ve been in fierce competition with Longtao. Our department is under a lot of pressure. We were hoping… President Huo could say a few inspiring words.”
Butler: “…”
The butler closed his eyes briefly, steeling himself as he picked up the phone.
Unexpectedly sensitive during heat, Liang Xiao’s voice was hoarse. He melted in President Huo’s arms, covered in cold sweat and wishing for death: “I really can’t take it anymore…”
“Hold on a bit longer,” Huo Lan said softly. “It’ll be over soon.”
The doctor had specifically mentioned that Liang Xiao’s situation was special. If the pheromones weren’t regularly released, keeping them sealed in the gland would only make him more uncomfortable and could affect his health over time.
Liang Xiao understood, trying his best to bite his lip and endure. Huo Lan used his wrist to stop him: “If you can’t bear it, bite me.”
“…”
The butler opened his eyes, desperately trying to salvage the situation: “President Huo says – hold on a bit longer, it’ll be over soon.”
“If you can’t bear it…” the butler took a deep breath, “just grit your teeth.”
The Marketing Department head felt a surge of emotion, nodding vigorously with tears in his eyes, ready to convey this to his department.
The Brand Operations Department raised a hand: “There’s also–”
The butler couldn’t take it anymore: “How is there more?!”
The Operations Department head flinched: “Recently, there’s been constant controversy about Xingguan externally, with various opinions. There are also some internal rumors.”
Operations Department head: “Does President Huo have… have any words for us internally…”
The butler was in despair, closing his eyes as he raised the phone.
Having barely endured a temporary marking, Liang Xiao was almost completely red, so sensitive that even a touch made him shudder, melting into a puddle at the edge of the bed.
Huo Lan didn’t dare move him, getting a glass of water and touching it to his lips.
Liang Xiao managed to take a few sips, turning his head, barely alive: “It’s too intense…”
Huo Lan stroked his hair: “You’ve worked hard.”
Liang Xiao, in a daze but maintaining a thread of consciousness, looked at the bite mark on President Huo’s left wrist: “You’ve had it harder…”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Huo Lan shook his head, hiding that hand: “I’ll find a way.”
“I’ll do better,” Huo Lan covered Liang Xiao’s eyes with one hand, closing his own eyes and lowering his head to gently touch Liang Xiao’s sweat-dampened forehead. “I won’t let you be alone again.”
…
The butler hung up the phone, seeing through the ways of the world: “Mr. Huo says, don’t worry about it, he’ll find a way to do better.”
The Operations Department head wanted to say more, but the butler hushed him and pushed him back into the diligently working leadership team.
“Meeting adjourned,” the butler said wearily. “Now I’m the only one left.”
