After Rebirth, Married to a Deadly Enemy - Chapter 22

Inside the hospital room, Shi Zhen lay on the bed with a pallid face. His eyes were tightly shut, and his brows furrowed as if he were enduring immense pain even in his unconscious state.

 

Bai Xiangxing wanted to inquire about Shi Zhen’s condition but realized that there were no medical staff inside the room. Not only were there no people, but there was also a lack of basic medical equipment or medications provided for Shi Zhen.

 

What was going on? Were they just leaving Shi Zhen here to fend for himself?

 

Bai Xiangxing turned and exited the room, striding purposefully towards the group of soldiers near the elevator. His expression was dark as he asked, “Where are the doctors? Are you just leaving Shi Zhen like this?”

 

The soldiers didn’t take offense at Bai Xiangxing’s questioning. Instead, they seemed relieved, as it showed that Bai Xiangxing genuinely cared about their captain. They knew that their captain had risked his life to obtain energy essence for Bai Xiangxing.

 

“It’s not that the doctors aren’t treating him. It’s that we can’t get near the room,” Lin Qing explained hastily. “You’re the captain’s mate, so you’re not affected by his pheromones. But we can’t get close.”

 

The other team members nodded in agreement. They didn’t have the pheromone levels to counteract their captain’s influence, let alone withstand the burning effect of Shi Zhen’s pheromones.

 

Only Liang Chen looked at Bai Xiangxing thoughtfully. His mind was momentarily filled with curiosity: Weren’t these two in a contract marriage? Why is Bai Xiangxing so composed, completely unaffected? Had they already completed the bonding process?

 

However, this fleeting curiosity didn’t find a place to linger in Liang Chen’s mind. It was not the right time to gossip. He said, “The doctors are waiting for you in the examination room downstairs.”

 

Bai Xiangxing was speechless. “Then why did you bring me up to the eighth floor in the first place?” Shouldn’t the priority be to seek medical attention immediately?

 

With that, Bai Xiangxing entered the elevator without further delay.

 

Inside the examination room, Bai Xiangxing inquired about Shi Zhen’s condition. The doctor explained, “Captain Shi’s current condition is primarily due to the restlessness of his mental energy, which is causing the pheromone imbalance. Captain Shi has rare Lava pheromones, which possess a unique burning effect. It’s likely that Captain Shi frequently combined his mental energy with his pheromones during battles, leading to an interaction between the two.”

 

Bai Xiangxing, not being well-versed in medical matters, just wanted to understand how Shi Zhen could be treated. “How can we treat this?”

 

“We need to stabilize his pheromones first, and then we can use medications for his mental energy,” the doctor explained.

 

“Why didn’t you administer the medication earlier? If it’s due to concerns about the pheromones, you could have used a Beta nurse who could handle it. Why wait until now?” Bai Xiangxing felt increasingly agitated, thinking of Shi Zhen lying weak in the room.

 

“It’s because Captain Shi’s pheromone level is too high. Ordinary medications are no longer effective, and we must use Omega pheromones to balance it,” the doctor clarified.

 

Bai Xiangxing suddenly realized, “I see.”

 

“Of course, our hospital has some spare Omega pheromones in case they’re needed. However, as Captain Shi is married, it’s best to use his mate’s pheromones for stabilization. Even if we have to use another Omega’s pheromones, we would need to obtain the mate’s consent in advance.” The doctor continued, explaining that Omega pheromones naturally have a soothing effect on Alpha, making them useful for tempering uncontrollable Alpha pheromones. If Alpha’s pheromones became too overpowering, the Omega pheromones were used to stabilize the patient. However, not every Alpha had an Omega mate, so the hospital also stored some Omega pheromones that were either purchased, donated, or supplied by single Omegas. These reserves were very limited, and such medications were expensive.

 

“If you need to use other Omega pheromones for treatment, you can inform me directly. Saving Captain Shi is the top priority, and I don’t mind at all,” Bai Xiangxing expressed his willingness to assist, as he was not concerned about sharing information with Shi Zhen or using other Omega pheromones.

 

“Mr. Bai is indeed generous,” the doctor praised him. In Alpha-Omega pairings, once a bond was formed, there was often a strong sense of possessiveness and exclusivity. Bai Xiangxing’s willingness to prioritize Shi Zhen’s health over any concerns was quite rare.

 

“However, Captain Shi’s pheromone level is too high, and our stock has no pheromones with a match rate exceeding 20%,” the doctor explained further. “Compatibility among pheromones meant that the higher the match rate, the more effective the treatment. To be suitable for medical use, there must be a match rate of at least 20%. If the match rate was below 20%, even using Omega pheromones alongside medications wouldn’t produce the desired results.”

 

“The compatibility of pheromones was innate, but bonding partners could increase their match rate through marking and other intimate activities. The longer they were bonded and the more such activities they engaged in, the match rate naturally improved. Therefore, using a mate’s pheromones for treatment was the most suitable option.”

 

The doctor’s approach was correct, but Bai Xiangxing and Shi Zhen maintained a purely chaste mate relationship!

 

Upon understanding the doctor’s intentions, Bai Xiangxing felt deeply conflicted. The situation was more complex than he had initially thought.

 

“May I ask what the match rate of pheromones between you and Captain Shi is?” the doctor inquired.

 

Bai Xiangxing hesitated and replied, “I don’t know. We’ve never tested it.”

 

“Never tested?” The doctor’s face showed a trace of concern. Generally, AO pairs would undergo a pheromone compatibility test before bonding. If they hadn’t tested, there was typically only one reason – their compatibility wasn’t high.

 

Alpha individuals were highly susceptible to the influence of Omega pheromones. When pheromone compatibility was high, they might even fall in love with a random Omega without reason. There was a story about a married Alpha who encountered an Omega with a compatibility rate exceeding 95% on the street. He divorced his spouse and married the Omega that same day.

 

Pheromone compatibility meant a natural attraction among AOs, sometimes to the point where Alphas couldn’t control themselves. These highly compatible cases were quite rare, and most humans relied on compatibility testing with instruments. Those who chose not to test compatibility typically feared that their love might be affected by poor compatibility.

 

“Doctor?” Bai Xiangxing didn’t understand that in this short time, the doctor had already written a love story for him and Shi Zhen, an AO love affair across compatibility rates. All he wanted to know was how to treat Shi Zhen next.

 

The doctor returned to reality, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, and asked, “How long have you been married?”

 

“About a month,” Bai Xiangxing replied.

 

“So short?” The doctor’s spirits dropped. Still, he persistently inquired, “How long have you known each other?”

 

“Over ten years.” Although Bai Xiangxing and Shi Zhen had only been in the same class since high school, they had been schoolmates from their early years, being in adjacent classes during primary school.

 

“Did you… before you got married?” The doctor was an Alpha and felt somewhat awkward asking this question directly. However, without stating it explicitly, he used a suggestive tone understood by married people, hoping to elicit Bai Xiangxing’s response.

 

Initially taken aback, Bai Xiangxing soon understood the underlying question. His face darkened instantly. The thought of that made him feel sick and disgusted, but the image of Shi Zhen in his current condition weighed on him. He managed to suppress his discomfort and shook his head, signaling that they hadn’t.

 

“In that case, we can only take a chance,” the doctor sighed. “At the moment, we can only use your pheromones to formulate the medication, and the treatment’s effectiveness will be left to fate.”

 

The doctor didn’t ask Bai Xiangxing to undergo a pheromone compatibility test. After all, no other pheromones could be used now, so only Bai Xiangxing’s could be considered, as the compatibility between bonded mates was always higher.

 

“You’re a couple who have known each other for years and have been together for quite a while. Perhaps your compatibility will exceed expectations,” the doctor tried to console the troubled Omega in front of him.

 

“Known each other for years?!”

 

“Right now, come with me to the pharmaceutical room. We need special equipment to extract pheromones from your glands.” The doctor spoke, then rose from his seat, heading towards the door.

 

From the term “glands,” Bai Xiangxing’s neck felt a sudden twinge of pain. But he said nothing and followed the doctor into the pharmaceutical room.

 

At the pharmaceutical room’s entrance, Lin Qing and Liang Chen were waiting. They had already learned about the treatment method and, seeing Bai Xiangxing entering, knew he had come for the pheromone extraction.

 

Lin Qing had no particular reaction to this. In his eyes, Xing Shao was bound to Captain, so he naturally assumed Xing Shao had an obligation to help. However, he knew the pheromone extraction procedure was quite painful, and Xing Shao was going to suffer.

 

Liang Chen had a completely different view. He had been concerned that Bai Xiangxing might refuse, especially considering he and the Captain weren’t actual mates. Seeing Bai Xiangxing’s willingness to save the Captain, Liang Chen couldn’t help but express his gratitude.

 

However, he didn’t say anything about compatibility. Judging by Bai Xiangxing’s ability to enter the Captain’s sickroom without any issues, their compatibility was undoubtedly not a problem.

 

Bai Xiangxing nodded to Liang Chen without saying anything and then followed the doctor into the pharmaceutical room.

 

As the pharmaceutical room’s door closed, Liang Chen breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the Captain could be saved.

 

“Why did you thank Xing Shao like that? They’re a bonded couple, and your comments made it sound like we had issues with him,” Lin Qing complained. “If you weren’t an Alpha, I’d think you had a crush on the Captain, given those backhanded compliments you threw.”

 

“What’s wrong with your head?” Liang Chen was exasperated. “Xing Shao might think we have something against him because of your comments.”

 

“…” Lin Qing decided not to say anything further.

 

Inside the pharmaceutical room, the nurse had prepared everything for the pheromone extraction. When Bai Xiangxing sat down, she immediately approached with a disinfectant cotton swab. “Turn around, lower your head, and expose your glands.”

 

The nurse responsible for the extraction was a female Beta. Most work involving pheromones was done by Betas. Bai Xiangxing had no psychological pressure, so he turned, lowered his head, and cooperated.

 

“The more concentrated the pheromones, the better, so the syringe will go in deeper, and if you can’t handle it, just tell me, and I’ll stop immediately.” Omega glands were the most sensitive part of their bodies, and while suppression agents were usually injected into the skin, the direct insertion of a syringe deep into the gland increased pain by dozens of times.

 

“I understand.” Bai Xiangxing had been mentally prepared before coming, and he would not retreat now.

 

“Come over to assist.” As the words were spoken, two more nurses quickly approached and held Bai Xiangxing’s shoulders, one on each side.

 

Bai Xiangxing, on high alert, asked, “What are you doing?”

 

“We’re afraid you might struggle and hurt yourself,” the female nurse explained. Omegas had delicate bodies and couldn’t tolerate pain well. In the case of pheromone extraction, they usually cried and struggled intensely.

 

“No, I won’t move; just go ahead,” Bai Xiangxing responded. He didn’t like being held down.

 

“But…” The female nurse hesitated and looked at the doctor, who was further away.

 

“Mr. Bai, having someone to help offers an additional layer of security,” the doctor advised.

 

Bai Xiangxing realized that the female nurse might not have proceeded with the extraction without these two nurses to hold him. He reluctantly accepted it and decided that saving Shi Zhen was the priority.

 

Bai Xiangxing didn’t say anything more, turned around once more, lowered his head, and gestured for them to proceed.

 

Moments later, a wave of coldness touched the back of his neck. He knew it was the nurse disinfecting. Immediately after, a sharp pain surged as the needle pierced his skin, growing more intense as the needle went deeper. It became remarkably painful in an extremely short time, far exceeding Bai Xiangxing’s psychological expectations. He clenched his fists tightly and let out a muffled groan.

 

The female nurse was startled and was about to ask if Bai Xiangxing wanted to stop when his neck muscles gradually relaxed again. So, she continued to proceed deeper.

 

After that initial intense moment, Bai Xiangxing didn’t exhibit such strong reactions. He remained quiet and allowed the female nurse to continue the procedure, enduring it until the pheromone sample was successfully collected.

 

“It’s done.”

 

Almost immediately after the initial painful prick, Bai Xiangxing’s entire body went limp.

 

“Is it enough?” He asked in a low voice, now having no strength to turn or raise his head.

 

“It’s enough,” the female nurse handed the sample to the doctor, who immediately took it to the next room to prepare the medication.

 

“Let me help you to lie down,” the nurse said. There were beds in the pharmaceutical room since it was common for Omegas to faint during the procedure. Bai Xiangxing allowed her to help and lay down.

 

The pharmaceutical preparation process went smoothly. Ten minutes later, the doctor handed the medication to a Beta nurse to administer to Shi Zhen upstairs. A few minutes after the injection, Shi Zhen’s turbulent pheromones began to stabilize, and in a matter of minutes, they had completely retracted into his body. After that, the doctor could enter Shi Zhen’s ward to address his other medical issues.

 

Once the members of the Flame Squad were assured that Shi Zhen was safe, most of them returned to their unit, leaving only two individuals at the hospital: one taking care of Shi Zhen, and another waiting for Bai Xiangxing outside the pharmaceutical room.

 

Bai Xiangxing had not experienced such intense pain since his first transition to Omega. He lay in bed for half an hour before starting to regain some strength. However, the sensation of the needle slowly penetrating his glands persisted.

 

“I’ve already sacrificed so much; if we can’t save him, I’ll…” If they couldn’t save him, what would he do? Shi Zhen might be beyond help.

 

“Wait, Shi Zhen won’t be crippled. That guy is the future number one combatant in the Alliance; he can’t go down here. So even if I don’t save him, he won’t be in any danger.”

 

Bai Xiangxing felt a bit annoyed with himself for forgetting such an important matter in his haste.

 

He had to save Shi Zhen, not just because they were in this situation together, but also because Shi Zhen’s combat capabilities were crucial for the Alliance. There was no way he would let Shi Zhen’s abilities go to waste.

 

Bai Xiangxing realized that during his rush to save Shi Zhen, he had forgotten about these vital considerations.

 

He felt some regret as he sat up, and outside the room, Liang Chen heard the sound and knocked on the door, asking, “Xing Shao, are you awake?”

 

“Come in,” Bai Xiangxing replied.

 

As Liang Chen entered the room, Bai Xiangxing asked, “How’s Shi Zhen doing?”

 

“Captain is recovering well. His psychic energy is stabilizing, and he only has minor cuts and bruises. He should be fine in a few days,” Liang Chen provided a detailed response.

 

Bai Xiangxing was relieved to hear that Shi Zhen was recovering. He was relieved that his efforts had not been in vain.

 

Nevertheless, the experience of the pheromone extraction still lingered in his mind. Bai Xiangxing wondered if the process was akin to how Alphas marked Omegas. Did it also cause such intense pain? He had never considered the discomfort that Omegas might feel during marking, as he had been an Alpha before becoming an Omega. Now, after experiencing this ordeal, he couldn’t help but empathize with his Omega counterparts.

 

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Bai Xiangxing’s face turned red. The reason? He realized that if his assumptions were correct, his own pheromone extraction earlier was akin to being marked.

 

“Xing Shao, are you all right?” Liang Chen noticed Bai Xiangxing’s odd expression and inquired, concerned that he might not be feeling well.

 

“I’m fine. I’m going to check on Shi Zhen,” Bai Xiangxing said. He had done enough for now, and he didn’t intend to stay by Shi Zhen’s bedside in the hospital.

 

The two of them left the pharmaceutical room and crossed the corridor. When they passed the nurse’s station, one of the nurses called out to Liang Chen, “Mr. Liang, when are you going to settle the bill?”

 

Liang Chen asked, “How much is it?”

 

“The total for the treatments already received and the subsequent medical expenses is around 1.3 million starcoins. You can make a preliminary payment of 1.5 million starcoins, and any difference will be settled upon discharge,” the nurse explained.

 

“Why so much?” Liang Chen took the bill and examined it.

 

“Pheromone-related treatments are expensive, especially for Captain, with his high psychic energy level,” the nurse clarified.

 

Bai Xiangxing, upon realizing it was Shi Zhen’s bill, took the bill from Liang Chen, glanced through it, and frowned, “Isn’t Shi Zhen’s medical expenses supposed to be covered by the military?”

 

“We weren’t assigned this mission by the military, so it’s not eligible for reimbursement,” Liang Chen explained.

 

“It wasn’t assigned by the military? Did you take this mission privately? Why?” Bai Xiangxing asked.

 

Lian Qian knew that Bai Xiangxing was not aware of the situation, but he hesitated to explain it to him. However, he couldn’t afford the medical bill, so he finally decided to share the information. “Captain needed 10 million starcoins urgently, so he accepted an S-level mission from the military. We’ve already completed the mission, and Captain’s account should have around 15 million. Paying the medical bill should not be a problem.”

 

Having learned this from Bai Xiangxing’s questions, Liang Chen realized that his earlier silence had probably caused some misunderstanding. Nevertheless, he couldn’t afford to cover the medical expenses himself.

 

“Xing Shao, what’s wrong with you?” Liang Chen noticed Bai Xiangxing’s change in expression and asked.

 

Bai Xiangxing put away his complex emotions, picked up the bill, and went to the payment counter.

 

“It’s okay; I’ll take care of the bill,” he said, paying the medical expenses.

 

The situation dawned on Bai Xiangxing as he left the payment counter.

 

So, it wasn’t that Shi Zhen would be fine even without him, but rather that if he hadn’t been there, Shi Zhen would never have been in this situation.