After being moved to tears by the sworn enemy's pheromones - Chapter 83

The moment Gu Yu turned and left, Shen Jin bit his lip in frustration, but still couldn’t stop it from being pressed into a thin line.

Why hasn’t Gu Yu thought about officially marking me? He’s so heartless, unreasonable, and ridiculous.

In the haze of pain, Shen Jin’s logic became simple: he had promised the innocent and kind little rabbit they’d be together forever, but it seemed like life just couldn’t go on like this.

Shortly after Gu Yu left, Shen Jin felt as hot as a fish out of water under the blazing sun. He could only wrap himself up in soft blankets, exposing half of his soft white bunny belly, rolling over and over to find a comfortable sleeping position. But waves of heat kept surging in his chest, making him shut his eyes tight, eyelashes trembling, and his whole body soaked with sweat.

Luckily, Gu Yu had left some suppressant by the bedside. No matter how uncomfortable he felt, Shen Jin could still press his aching lower abdomen and crawl up, carrying a grudge against the little wolf pup, and give himself the injection.

The blackout curtains were drawn tightly, with only a thin layer of warm white light filtering through, making it look like any other ordinary afternoon.

Shen Jin hugged Gu Yu’s pillow, angrily kissed it, then buried his face in it in frustration before finally settling down for a rest.

As the redness in his eyes gradually faded, his consciousness became more and more blurry. Half-awake, half-asleep, he couldn’t tell how long he had slept by the change in the sunlight. All he could remember was that someone approached him with tense breaths, gently wiped the sweat off his back with a soft towel, and even leaned in to rub their forehead against his before sitting beside his bed for a long time.

When he woke up again, it was already completely dark, and his phone screen showed the time: 18:40.

It seems there’s some truth to not sleeping too deeply during a nap—this sense of disorientation and loneliness from day and night being reversed weighed heavily on Shen Jin. He sat up, and his first instinct was to crave the taste of cigarettes.

Today seemed to be New Year’s Eve, and it felt like he was still alone. He wasn’t sure if he had any cigarettes left from the money he’d saved by skipping breakfast.

But just as he was smacking his dry lips and reaching for his coat pocket, almost falling off the bed in the process, a force suddenly grabbed him by the back of the neck like he was a kitten, pulling him back.

He hung there by the edge of the bed for just half a second before the person behind him firmly wrapped him in an embrace and asked, “What are you trying to do, Senior?”

In that instant, Shen Jin was so dazed that it felt like he was being robbed by a stranger in his own home.

It wasn’t until Gu Yu’s face came into focus, and he gradually realized that he was already in college, that Shen Jin snapped out of it. He couldn’t help but fall into a pitiful state, burrowing into Gu Yu’s warm embrace.

He had almost forgotten that Gu Yu was now his boyfriend, so he asked, feeling wronged, “Why are you here?”

“Where else would I be?” Gu Yu wrapped an arm around Shen Jin’s waist and gently patted his back. “You slept so long after your nap, I was worried you’d wake up and feel sad if you couldn’t find me.”

Saying that, he reached out to rub Shen Jin’s belly and asked, “Still hurting?”

Shen Jin clung tightly to Gu Yu’s shirt, refusing to let go, but his voice was small, “… It hurts. This time, even the medicine doesn’t seem to work much. I wonder if it’ll get better with you here.”

“Maybe it’s because the weather’s too cold?” Gu Yu felt heartache but couldn’t afford to panic. He carefully cradled Shen Jin, wiping the sweat from his forehead, kissing and comforting him for a long time before Shen Jin finally regained some energy, his voice showing some life, “I’m not sad… I’m actually still mad.”

“… Mad?” Even though Shen Jin was a year older, Gu Yu softly kneaded the back of his neck like comforting a child, asking gently, “Care to enlighten me, Senior?”

The stiffness in his neck loosened, and Shen Jin curled up comfortably in Gu Yu’s arms like a little cat, taking his time before saying, “You still need to ask?”

“I just gave you a hint earlier…”

His voice weakened a bit, and it took a while for him to explain why he was upset. But once he finished, he quickly covered Gu Yu’s whole face with his palm, not letting him see or speak: “Obviously, what I mean is… you, aren’t you, um, not capable?”

Gu Yu froze for a second, but then, refusing to back down, he squeezed Shen Jin’s waist and pressed down on his belly: “Are you sure, Senior? Who was it last time that said they were too… well, that they were about to die?”

Shen Jin let out kitten-like grumbles for a while before finally thinking of a comeback: “You act like you’ve never seen an omega before and can’t wait to push into… Be honest, have you wanted to mark me for a long time?”

He had thought that with Gu Yu’s personality, he would definitely shy away and run, but instead, Gu Yu suddenly leaned in, pressing against him with his knee.

“… Do you even need to ask?” Gu Yu’s deep breath warmed Shen Jin’s ear, as he called out deliberately, “Brother?”

An omega in heat really can’t handle teasing. Shen Jin hurriedly clung to Gu Yu’s neck, trying to hide the fact that his waist was going weak. “You… how can you be like this…”

Not innocent at all.

Gu Yu gathered his damp hair at the back of his neck, lips brushing his cheek, his voice so low it was like a whisper: “Did you meet me for the first time today? I think I’ve always been like this.”

Before Shen Jin could argue, Gu Yu continued, without any pretense: “You actually think I don’t want to mark you, Senior?”

“Should I tell you… from the moment I found out you were an omega, I wanted to mark you. I even wanted you to immediately beg for mercy under me, pinned to the sandbags.”

With the heat of his breath brushing his ear, Shen Jin almost melted in Gu Yu’s arms, regretting that he had actually believed this alpha to be innocent and sweet, with no intentions of marking him. Damn, who’s the simple one here?

“Wait… weren’t we sworn enemies back then?” Shen Jin was puzzled, but Gu Yu murmured, justifying himself: “Well, who doesn’t want to see their sworn enemy crying and begging?”

“…” Shen Jin fell silent for two seconds, but his fists moved before his brain. Gu Yu reacted quickly, immediately letting go and dodging his punch. The two of them chased each other into the living room before Shen Jin finally managed to grab Gu Yu by the collar and pin him down on the sofa, panting heavily. “What happened to caring that I’m an omega?”

Gu Yu nervously patted Shen Jin’s back but answered calmly, “That doesn’t conflict with anything—alphas are all naturally a bit split in the head.”

“… Makes sense.” Shen Jin pressed, “Have you ever thought about forcibly marking me?”

“… Before I realized how close you were to those guys from the sports department, I wouldn’t have gone that far.”

Shen Jin gave him two hard slaps on the abs, “So should I congratulate you for that, Gu Yu?”

Gu Yu sat up and pulled Shen Jin into his arms, rubbing his forehead vigorously, sounding almost unwilling to admit defeat: “But who told them to be just a little taller than me…”

Seeing Gu Yu so upset, Shen Jin could only grumble to himself: Why are alphas always so sensitive about weird things?

“You’re already 189cm. How much taller do you want to be?” Shen Jin snuggled deeper into Gu Yu’s chest. “If I’d known, I’d have given you the chance to forcibly mark me back then so I wouldn’t need suppressants now.”

After catching their breath for a bit, Gu Yu’s hand tightened around Shen Jin’s waist as he asked again, “Does it still hurt? If I don’t mark you… how uncomfortable will your heat get?”

“That’s impossible to say.” Shen Jin sprawled out, feeling very content. “If I hadn’t seen you earlier, I might’ve had to smoke a whole pack of cigarettes and cry for half an hour to get myself together…”

The heat cycle of an Omega and the susceptibility period of an Alpha are different, and whether it’s physiological or psychological changes, Omegas experience more extreme reactions. For someone like Shen Jin, who was naturally soft-hearted, it made him exceptionally vulnerable. Gu Yu was well aware of this, but apart from worrying about his own inexperience, he was more concerned about whether Shen Jin could handle it. “Even though I’ve never tried it, I’ve learned a lot of theoretical knowledge. I’m just worried you won’t be able to handle it, Senior.”

“How could I not handle it? I’m the one who’s supposed to be the unbreakable one here, right—” Shen Jin forced himself to appear confident, looking up at Gu Yu, only to meet a pair of extremely nervous eyes.

Gu Yu licked his dry lips and, after a long pause, stepped back half a step, exhaling deeply before asking seriously, “Do you really understand what a permanent mark means, Senior?”

Before Shen Jin had a chance to be embarrassed, Gu Yu’s extensive theoretical knowledge came pouring out—how to position for comfort and conserve energy, the angle to precisely locate the reproductive cavity, how to effectively ease the Omega’s tension and pain, and even details like optimal frequency, duration, and potential complications. Gu Yu had it all down pat.

Shen Jin’s face gradually turned red, and he was left in a daze. “Tension, pain, and… complications?”

“…” Gu Yu hadn’t expected him to be so clueless, so he frowned immediately, speaking even faster than if he were reading off a scientific report. “A permanent mark needs to be repeated and deepened continuously, sometimes lasting for several days. For an Omega, this is often both a psychological and physical ordeal, even bordering on humiliation. In this process, some Omegas experience high fever, severe pain, bleeding, or even shock. How come it seems like you have no idea about any of this?”

After finishing, Gu Yu moved closer. “Senior, you differentiated late. I even suspect the cavity in your abdomen hasn’t fully developed yet, it’s too delicate. Physically, you’re probably younger than I am and not suited to handle a knot or permanent marking.”

To put it more simply, regardless of development, most people wouldn’t choose to complete a permanent mark during such an uncertain phase like university.

Shen Jin initially thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, but now, under Gu Yu’s gaze, he started feeling guilty, quickly protecting his stomach. “How was I supposed to know all that? I thought you’d just give me a good time, and at worst, it’d hurt a little—”

“…” Gu Yu was so annoyed he dragged Shen Jin by the wrist and tossed him back into the bedroom, handing him his phone in the process. “There’s a copy of the research I saved about permanent marking in the notes app. Read through it carefully, Senior, including all the annotations. Not a single word should be missed.”

Shen Jin was surprised that Gu Yu had done such thorough research. He muttered, “Who gives someone homework during the New Year?” But under Gu Yu’s stern gaze, he obediently retreated, clutching his phone and reading through every word.

His future position in the household was becoming all too clear to him.

Shen Jin couldn’t help but worry that he might have to kneel on a keyboard in the future. What was more concerning, however, were the diagrams on the phone screen.

Although Shen Jin wasn’t completely uninformed about permanent marking, this was the first time he’d seen such a detailed explanation, especially one from the Omega’s perspective. The latter part about failed markings and the associated risks left him with chills, to the point where he barely dared to glance at the images.

If it weren’t for Gu Yu bringing in a plate of freshly fried fries, Shen Jin probably wouldn’t have had a chance to let out his frustrations.

“Scared to death,” Shen Jin said, sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning into Gu Yu’s arms as he munched on fries, his expression still worried. “What if I really don’t let you mark me after reading all this?”

The reason accidents are called accidents is because they are rare. Perhaps Shen Jin didn’t need to be so fully aware of such low-probability events, but Gu Yu responded, “A permanent mark is a life-changing decision. If something goes wrong or if we break up and need to surgically remove the mark, it’s always the Omega who gets hurt. I won’t lose anything as an Alpha. Senior, you should understand everything fully before making a choice, instead of making impulsive decisions.”

“…It’s just that your brother likes you so much,” Shen Jin said, sounding unserious, but his eyes stayed glued to the screen. Finally, he couldn’t help but mumble, “It’s not that I’m scared of the pain… it’s just that the Wild Rift update recently made the map’s feng shui feel off, so I, I want to think about it a little longer…”

Knowing that Shen Jin was scared, Gu Yu wrapped an arm around him from behind, gently comforting him. “I understand.”

“And I know your heat is tough to go through. So whether or not we proceed with marking, you can always tell me how you’re feeling. I’ll help you through it.”

“If it really becomes too much, we can keep doing temporary marks like before, just not too often so it doesn’t damage your glands.”

Shen Jin tilted his head up to look at Gu Yu’s upside-down face and asked, “I can tell you any feeling? You won’t think I’m being overly dramatic?”

Gu Yu looked at him like he was silly, asking how dramatic could he possibly be. Shen Jin started gesturing wildly, “Like—like earlier, before I fell asleep, I wasn’t feeling great but I got up on my own to take an inhibitor shot. I was so close to feeling sorry for myself over such a little thing.”

He was talking while chewing on fries, his cheeks puffed up like a little bunny munching on grass. Gu Yu couldn’t help but mischievously pinch his cheeks and ask, “Then why didn’t you call for me?”

“I had to call you for that?” Shen Jin struggled to push Gu Yu’s hand away. “If we don’t even have telepathy, our relationship isn’t all that deep, is it?”

Seeing Shen Jin feeling better, Gu Yu played along. “Alright, I’ll head up Mount Lao for some advanced training?”

“Don’t! Daoist Gu, I still want to enjoy a few more years of happiness with you.” Shen Jin, having finished his fries, rolled out of bed. “By the way, how’s the New Year’s Eve dinner coming along? Don’t make it too complicated, I really think two dishes and a soup is enough.”

After his nap, Shen Jin looked much more refreshed, and the color had returned to his face as he smiled.

Gu Yu held Shen Jin’s hand, which was covered in needle marks, shaking it a few times before saying, “Those who only know how to eat should keep their opinions about the chef to a minimum. Anyway, I don’t think two dishes and a soup will be enough.”

At least, it wouldn’t be enough for someone who’d been kicked out of his home on New Year’s Eve.

Gu Yu’s memories of New Year’s Eve were crystal clear.

Not long ago, Shen Jin had stood outside in the cold, smoking alone, while the lights of thousands of homes lit up the winter night, none of them connected to him.

Gu Yu had also passed through that night, but he had refused to face Shen Jin’s hug or plea for help, instead leaving him to face a dilapidated motel alone, enduring his final, lonely differentiation.

Even now, he still wanted to go back to that night—if he couldn’t, his only hope was to create warmer memories. Warmer ones, so that whenever Shen Jin thought of New Year’s Eve, his first thought would be of their time together, not that cold night. Or better yet, every night they shared.

“I picked all your favorite dishes, Senior,” Gu Yu said. “And I got yogurt bars and other desserts. We can have them while watching the New Year’s show later.”

Shen Jin set the fries aside. “What if we can’t finish it all? Wouldn’t that be wasteful?”

“Please don’t underestimate the appetites of two adult men,” Gu Yu said calmly, though a little unsure himself if he’d overprepared. He quickly added, “Besides, there’s this thing called a fridge. It was invented in 1923, Senior, have you heard of it?”

“Okay, okay—my little strawberry is knowledgeable and resourceful.” Shen Jin got up and pushed Gu Yu toward the kitchen. “Come on, before dinner, I want to taste-test everything.”

He pushed Gu Yu all the way into the kitchen, insisting on taking photos of him cooking to post in their e-sports group chat. Members from several years’ worth of cohorts saw the posts and immediately started sending question marks.

【? Good evening, everyone except you two】  

【New Year’s Eve was great until 7:20 PM, thanks a lot, Shen】  

【? Why are you guys still together over the break?】  

【Why do you think? Some shadowy charm thing?】  

Shen Jin replied to each of them, asking, 【So, how’s my household rank looking?】  

Qin Zhu scoffed: 【You were probably just kneeling, begging him to pose for photos, weren’t you?】  

After some playful banter, the club president sent the first “lucky draw” red envelope, and Shen Jin, having claimed several “best luck” prizes, excitedly shared his winnings with Gu Yu while serving the food. “Looks like today really is a lucky day! It’s just a shame

 I only got 1.8 from Qin Zhu’s envelope, and he made fun of me for it…”

Soon, the steaming hot dishes were all laid out on the table. Just as Shen Jin was about to take some pictures, Gu Yu suddenly picked up his phone and transferred money to him, saying, “You could screenshot this and tease Senior Qin with it.”

Shen Jin blinked at the number on the screen—5200 yuan. He couldn’t help but ask, “…Where did you get so much money? Did you sell blood behind my back?”

Gu Yu tilted his head calmly and said, “Of course, it’s New Year’s money. You take a screenshot first, and I’ll give you the rest in a bit.”

“New Year’s money?” Shen Jin opened his mouth, feeling inexplicably awkward, even guilty. But Gu Yu, seeing through it all, tapped his chopsticks against Shen Jin’s and said, “It’s from my cousin and a distant uncle. They give it every year, nothing to do with my dad or the others.”

Shen Jin snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he was overthinking again. He quickly picked up some food to change the subject. “I… I wasn’t saying that—look at this vegetable, how green it is.”

Gu Yu chuckled softly and motioned for him to continue eating. Outside, all the lights had come on, illuminating half the sky like a river full of lanterns. Occasionally, the sounds of people could be heard from downstairs. Shen Jin, excited as if it were his first New Year’s celebration, said, “There’s a fireworks spot nearby. We can watch from the balcony at midnight.”

“Aren’t you going to ask if I want to go set off fireworks with you?” Gu Yu asked, a little curious. Unexpectedly, Shen Jin had a solid reason: “It’s too cold at night. You definitely wouldn’t agree to me going outside. I bet even if I kowtowed twice to you, you’d say no.”

“I think you’re just too lazy to go,” Gu Yu calmly sipped his soup. “You make it sound like I’m restricting your freedom.”

“…,” Shen Jin, caught in his lie, felt a little guilty. “Anyway, I don’t want to go anywhere. I’d rather stay in the warm air from the heater and play a few more rounds of games.”

It seemed like he had no other wishes, just wanting to stay in the warm room. Gu Yu replied with a drawn-out “Alright.” As dinner went on, Shen Jin took many photos and videos, occasionally replying to group messages. He was so busy that Gu Yu had to remind him to eat more. Eventually, Gu Yu confiscated his phone, making him finish the sweet and sour ribs and honey-roasted chicken.

The news on TV was ending just as Shen Jin muttered about being too full. After they finished cleaning up, the evening gala started. Shen Jin lay on Gu Yu’s lap, watching the opening performances, holding a half-finished box of milk squares that he couldn’t bear to put down. “Do you not know any of these celebrities? I can introduce them to you.”

Gu Yu secretly took a square from his box, popped it in his mouth, and said with his cheeks puffed out, “Go ahead.”

“What the heck, how are you stealing my food?” Shen Jin pretended to snatch it back. “My wife made these just for me—”

Gu Yu, quick as ever, stole two more and remained expressionless. “Does your wife know you’re lying on my lap watching TV?”

“Shh, he doesn’t know about us yet.” Shen Jin retracted his hand, grinning so widely his smile almost reached the sky. “You can have them, just don’t spill the secret.”

As the singing performances came and went, the not-so-funny skits, slightly awkward magic tricks, and dazzling acrobatics and dance routines appeared, just as underwhelming as in previous years. Gu Yu had always found the gala boring, but Shen Jin was the complete opposite. Not only would he analyze the magic tricks, but he’d also teach Gu Yu to recognize the performers and share trending topics from Weibo. Even the dull skits and cross-talk acts could occasionally make Shen Jin laugh.

Laughter echoed from the audience, and Gu Yu kept his gaze on Shen Jin, his grip on Shen Jin’s wrist gradually tightening.

—After all, his senior was always so easy to laugh and so easily satisfied.