UNCLTRD chapter 20

As people age, their bodies begin to deteriorate, and their sensitivity to pheromones isn’t as sharp as it was when they were young. Even though his parents had noticed something different about Chen Qiusu, they weren’t concerned, knowing that Yang Shao was there to take care of him. They didn’t interfere in the couple’s matters.

The dinner that night was filled with dishes Auntie had prepared that Yang Tao liked. The Chen family didn’t impose strict rules like “no talking at the table” or “no speaking before bed,” so when Yang Tao was in a good mood, he talked a lot. Whatever he talked about, the elders always humored him.

“Taotao, your great-uncle is here. We should find time to visit him.”

Yang Tao had never met his great-uncle growing up. He only knew of him from his father’s stories. His father told him to address the man as “Grandpa,” and Yang Tao obediently complied. It wasn’t until he discussed the family tree with his grandparents that he finally realized the man was his father’s uncle.

Everyone’s attention was on Yang Tao. Yang Shao, however, wasn’t one to entertain children, and he was enjoying his moment of quiet. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Chen Qiusu still had over half a bowl of rice left, as though his appetite wasn’t great.

Chen Qiusu left the table early. Other than Yang Shao, no one noticed anything unusual. After a moment of hesitation, Yang Shao quickly shoveled down two more bites of food and followed him upstairs to see what was going on.

In the bedroom, Yang Shao saw Chen Qiusu with his back to the door, rummaging through the bookshelf. From a hidden spot, Chen Qiusu pulled out a white medicine bottle. Before Yang Shao could say anything, Chen Qiusu swallowed a pill with the warm water nearby.

“What are you taking?”

Startled by the question, Chen Qiusu turned around. Seeing that it was Yang Shao, he casually placed the bottle back where it belonged. “Medicine to lower pheromone levels.”

Yang Shao had somewhat expected this. He knew Chen Qiusu hadn’t gone to the hospital for treatment that day. Although he understood that Chen Qiusu’s pheromone levels were abnormally high, as a beta, he couldn’t truly grasp the severity of the issue or the symptoms it could cause.

One thing was clear to him: Chen Qiusu’s condition was likely more serious than he had assumed. It had already reached a point where hospital treatments were necessary, and skipping even one session meant relying on medication to suppress the symptoms.

“Hey… Are you okay? Does this stuff even work? Shouldn’t you go to the hospital?”

By now, medication barely alleviated his symptoms. It offered more psychological comfort than actual relief. However, not wanting to alarm Yang Shao, Chen Qiusu chose to remain silent.

Even though he couldn’t empathize completely, Yang Shao knew how critical it was for alphas and omegas to manage their heats or ruts. He had witnessed it once before, and for his own safety, he blurted out without much thought, “Do you want to find an omega? I can cover for you.”

The medication was slow to take effect, and warmth spread through Chen Qiusu’s nasal passages. He glanced at Yang Shao, his eyes already red. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Many alphas and omegas without suppressants or partners succumbed to their instincts during heat. If everyone were as restrained as Chen Qiusu, rescue centers wouldn’t be overflowing.

Then again, Chen Qiusu wasn’t always so composed.

Maintaining a safe distance, Chen Qiusu didn’t invite Yang Shao into the room after taking his medication. Once he regained his composure, he finally spoke.

“Stay with Yang Tao tonight.”

Yang Shao gladly agreed, not even bothering with formalities.

….

When Yang Tao came upstairs to practice dance with Chen Qiusu, Yang Shao quickly pulled him back. “Your Uncle Chen is busy with work tonight.”

“Has Uncle finished practicing?”

“Of course. He’s all set to impress everyone this Friday.”

Looking at the closed door, Yang Tao obediently followed his father back to his own room. He was thrilled when he realized his dad would be sleeping with him that night, and he didn’t mind that Uncle Chen was busy.

….

The next morning, Yang Shao woke up to find Yang Tao already sent off to kindergarten. After washing up, he decided to head to the hospital.

Passing by Chen Qiusu’s room, he noticed the door wide open, but the man himself was nowhere to be seen. Auntie was busy tidying up the room.

“Good morning, sir,” Auntie greeted him while spreading fresh sheets.

Looking at the used sheets, Yang Shao felt an inexplicable emotion rise within him. Awkwardness made him speak, “Did Chen Qiusu leave for work?”

“Yes, young master left quite early today and asked me to change the sheets.”

Yang Shao added unnecessarily, “I fell asleep while putting Yang Tao to bed last night. Ha…”

Auntie didn’t find it odd and maintained her usual warm smile.

After breakfast, Chen’s mother accompanied Yang Shao to the hospital. There, they arranged treatment for Yang Shao’s uncle, including a series of acupuncture sessions for his back that required four visits over eight days.

With Chen’s mother keeping the older couple company, she even took them shopping, bought them many items, and strengthened ties with Yang Shao’s aunt. She warmly invited them to attend Yang Tao’s parent-child event on Friday and come over for a meal.

Yang Shao didn’t mind. His only concern was that more people might witness Chen Qiusu embarrassing himself.

Chen Qiusu… Who knew how he was doing?

Fearing any unexpected incidents, Chen Qiusu had gone to another hospital early in the morning for treatment.

After reviewing Chen Qiusu’s test results, the attending physician couldn’t help but voice his suspicion. “Mr. Chen, are you sure you haven’t been in frequent contact with an omega lately?”

Chen Qiusu’s pheromone levels were abnormally high. Despite missing only one treatment session, the medication couldn’t control his symptoms. The doctor suspected omega stimulation; otherwise, elevated pheromone levels wouldn’t be this extreme.

Chen Qiusu denied it, “No.”

Worried that Chen Qiusu might be hiding something, the doctor pressed further. Aware of his patient’s situation, he knew Chen Qiusu was unmarried and had no sexual partners. Conversations about sex were inevitably awkward.

“Please don’t conceal your condition.”

After a brief pause, Chen Qiusu replied, “I’ve only had frequent contact with a beta.”

It was the second time Chen Qiusu had mentioned a beta, drawing the doctor’s attention. “What kind of beta? Was it work-related or personal? Is it someone you’re interested in?”

“A beta I’ve had a sexual relationship with.” Chen Qiusu’s expression was calm, and the word “sexual” sounded oddly dignified coming from him.

The doctor was slightly surprised but refrained from showing too much astonishment. “Lover, partner, or some other kind of relationship?”

Chen Qiusu couldn’t define the relationship between him and Yang Shao. He couldn’t let go of his concern for Yang Shao, but there was no special bond between them.

Seeing Chen Qiusu’s silence, the doctor got an idea. Whether it was a lover, a partner, or some other kind of relationship, this beta clearly gave Chen Qiusu some psychological cues.

“I suggest you reduce contact with this beta for now.”

Patients like Chen Qiusu, with limited sexual experience, were always the most troublesome. They constantly tested their instincts, but human endurance always has its limits. Heat periods weren’t shameful; the key was to manage them, yet Chen Qiusu was focusing on suppression instead.

….

With the parent-child event only days away, Chen Qiusu kept making frequent mistakes during his practice that night. Yang Tao pouted, “Uncle Chen, did you forget to practice yesterday?”

Thankfully, with Yang Tao in the room, Chen Qiusu avoided being left alone with Yang Shao. He tried to force himself to focus, but his mind kept going blank, unable to issue commands to his limbs.

Yang Shao, who had been quietly observing from the side, finally spoke when he noticed Chen Qiusu’s pale face. “Uncle has been busy with work. Let him rest early.”

Having gotten used to Chen Qiusu’s pheromones, Yang Shao could no longer discern their intensity.

After putting Yang Tao to bed in the next room, Yang Shao returned. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Mm.” Following the doctor’s advice, Chen Qiusu maintained his distance from Yang Shao. The doctor had said that as long as he reduced contact with Yang Shao and increased his medication, he could return to normal.

Since Chen Qiusu insisted he was fine, Yang Shao wondered if he had simply forgotten the dance moves. He suspected that Chen Qiusu’s pride might prevent him from admitting it.

“Want me to help you go over the dance moves again?”

Although Yang Shao claimed he wanted to see Chen Qiusu embarrass himself, he still considered the large audience at the parent-child event. As a prominent businessman, Chen Qiusu needed to save face.

To Yang Shao’s surprise, Chen Qiusu refused. “No need. You should stay with Yang Tao for the time being.”

Having his goodwill rejected multiple times, Yang Shao gave up. He glanced at Chen Qiusu one last time, then shut the door and returned to Yang Tao’s room.

Once again, Yang Shao snatched the chance to tell a bedtime story to Yang Tao from his grandfather.

Yang Tao wasn’t picky about who stayed with him, and having his father there was even better. Still, he worried about his Uncle Chen’s performance. “Daddy, is Uncle Chen really okay?”

Who knew? Yang Shao wanted to find out himself. Chen Qiusu claimed to be fine, but his need for medication and treatment suggested otherwise. Yang Shao couldn’t get any clear answers from him.

He ruffled Yang Tao’s hair. “Has your Uncle Chen ever failed to keep a promise? Don’t worry about it.” At least in front of Yang Tao, Yang Shao maintained Chen Qiusu’s heroic image.

Reassured by his father’s words, Yang Tao finally drifted off to sleep.

While Yang Tao had relaxed, Yang Shao found his own thoughts wandering. He wondered if Chen Qiusu was hiding a more serious condition. After some thought, he decided to check on him. If something happened to Chen Qiusu, he, as his “partner,” would need to explain it to Chen Qiusu’s parents.

Yang Shao threw on a robe and quietly slipped out of the room.

The hallway was silent. The house had excellent soundproofing, but Yang Shao still hesitated to knock too loudly. “Chen Qiusu?”

He pressed his ear to the door but heard no response. Had he fallen asleep? Fainted? Or worse?

Cursing inwardly, Yang Shao turned the handle. The door wasn’t locked and opened with a click.

The room was dim. The bed was in disarray, but Chen Qiusu wasn’t in it. Instead, the sound of running water came from the bathroom. At this hour, Chen Qiusu was still showering?

What if he drowned in there? If Chen Qiusu became the first CEO to drown in a bathtub, what a tragedy that would be.

“Chen Qiusu? Are you in there?”

The water continued to run, but there was no response. Yang Shao, tightening his robe, pulled open the bathroom door. He found Chen Qiusu leaning back against the edge of the tub, seemingly asleep.