Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 126: Rao Chen · After Marriage

Chapter 126: Rao Chen · After Marriage

 

It is said that the head of the Rao family was once an Omega who suffered disdain as an illegitimate child within his family. He was admitted to a sanatorium due to mental illness but later emerged as a shrewd and capable Alpha, unexpectedly taking the reins of the family through a fierce struggle, defeating his illegitimate brothers in one fell swoop.

 

Upon assuming leadership, his first action was not to expand the family business but to devote himself fully to searching for an Omega.

 

While engaged in this inexplicable endeavor, he also purchased a private sanatorium in the city. It wasn’t repurposed for commercial use; instead, it was sealed and left untouched. Whenever he had free time, he would set everything aside and wander through the place alone, retracing his steps as if trying to relive memories, further cementing his reputation as mentally unstable.

 

People had questioned his odd behavior, but as the head of the family, his authority was unshakable, and no amount of criticism could deter him.

 

From a young age, Rao Chen had learned to live in his own world. Others’ opinions meant little to him. He continued to visit the familiar sanatorium, lying on the old hospital bed, feeling the non-existent warmth. He would sit quietly in that man’s former office for half a day, running his hand over the large mahogany desk and recalling their heated moments atop it.

 

The silent space was supposed to belong to him alone, yet at some point, he noticed a faint sound of breathing. The doorknob behind him turned slightly, and Rao Chen’s eyes snapped open, anger surging as he assumed some fool had followed him into this forbidden sanctuary, disturbing his memories.

 

But when he turned around, the scene before him shocked him.

 

And the one capable of shaking Rao Chen so deeply was self-evident.

 

Even though the sanatorium had been shut down, He Lang still appeared dressed in a white coat, looking exactly as he did in Rao Chen’s memories. His expression remained calm as he pushed open the office door. Seeing Rao Chen, he showed no surprise, even greeting him casually as if simply going about his usual workday—despite the fact that the vast sanatorium now housed only the two of them.

 

Rao Chen’s vision darkened upon seeing him, almost believing he was dreaming. But when the man’s scent, mingled with pheromones, reached him, his body instinctively recognized his identity—the one he had longed for day and night, the only Omega he had ever marked.

 

But why? How could this man remain so composed while he had been consumed by despair and madness? What was the meaning of his own obsession and pain? The one-sided nature of his feelings left Rao Chen powerless, gritting his teeth yet unable to act. Even though he had once had the man’s legs crippled, he still managed to disappear without a trace, eluding him effortlessly. Truly, he was extraordinary.

 

Rao Chen let out a bitter laugh, his hands trembling as he resisted the urge to pull the man into his embrace.

 

He Lang stood quietly, surprised that Rao Chen hadn’t unleashed a tirade against him.

 

Taking a step closer, He Lang broke the silence. “I told you that day—I want to get engaged.”

 

The barely composed Rao Chen lost his temper again, grabbing He Lang’s collar and deliberately wrinkling his pristine shirt. “You came back just to tell me this? You’re such a bastard! Don’t you know how much I…miss you?”

 

Rao Chen had intended to berate him fiercely, but as he faced the man, the words caught in his throat. His tone softened, his voice trembling as if on the verge of tears, his aggression fading. The last few words were bitten out almost inaudibly.

 

When He Lang had left without a word, Rao Chen had searched for him in vain and vented his frustration on Chen Lili, storming the Chen family’s property with his men. It was only under the persuasion of his elders that he finally stopped. Later, he heard that Chen Lili had moved on and was now engaged to someone else. So why had this man suddenly returned, only to say such things?

 

As Rao Chen calmed down, he began to sense something amiss, frowning suspiciously. He Lang chuckled softly and shook his head, dismissing his misgivings.

 

“I want to get engaged. Would you be willing, Mr. Rao?”

 

Rao Chen froze. The words, though simple, took him a moment to process.

 

Gazing at He Lang’s earnest expression, Rao Chen suddenly laughed. “No, I’m not willing.”

 

He Lang frowned slightly, seemingly troubled by the answer.

 

Rao Chen took his hand and led him out of the silent sanatorium. “Engagements are troublesome. Why not just get married?”

 

Though he said this, Rao Chen remained skeptical of He Lang’s sudden change in attitude and willingness to marry him as an Omega.

 

The doubts lingered in Rao Chen’s mind, keeping him on guard. While he allowed He Lang freedom of movement, he secretly deployed countless men to monitor his every move.

 

Outwardly, Rao Chen showed no signs of suspicion. He swiftly began organizing the wedding, setting aside all other matters. Within a month, he had planned a grand event.

 

He Lang had little interest in the guest list or venue but enjoyed looking at dresses and rings. Rao Chen was more than satisfied with this. Every time He Lang enthusiastically tried on outfits or tested rings with him, Rao Chen felt a fleeting belief that He Lang truly wanted to marry him.

 

In the end, Rao Chen, afraid of the groom backing out, moved the wedding date up by several days. His eagerness drew laughter from He Lang, who teased him for acting like an impatient young man. Rao Chen didn’t deny it; after all, he had already marked He Lang. The only thing missing was the marriage.

 

The wedding day was a grand affair with a large guest list, filling the luxurious hotel with a bustling crowd. Even the townspeople knew that the Rao family patriarch was marrying his Omega.

 

While the extravagance was meant to declare to the world who Rao Chen’s Omega was, the influx of guests brought endless toasts. Rao Chen began to regret the scale of the celebration.

 

It wasn’t that Rao Chen couldn’t handle alcohol. His years in business and social circles had given him a high tolerance. He accepted toast after toast with ease, his expression unchanging.

 

But after rounds of drinking, he noticed He Lang’s unusual state. He immediately excused himself, ignoring the objections of overzealous guests, and carried He Lang back to their room.

 

He Lang, though a drinker, usually chose low-alcohol sake. His tolerance was modest, and after just a few glasses, he was clearly tipsy.

 

Drunk, He Lang became even more gentle and endearing. Just seeing his flushed cheeks and hazy eyes made Rao Chen steal a few kisses along the way.

 

Once in their room, He Lang, in a rare moment of obedience, began undressing on his own, claiming he was ready for their wedding night.

 

Surprised by He Lang’s uncharacteristic initiative, Rao Chen realized for the first time how muddled He Lang became when drunk—and how compliant.

 

Taking advantage of this rare opportunity, Rao Chen decided to tease him. He gazed into He Lang’s misty eyes, resisting his own desire. Listening to He Lang murmur sweetly in his ear, calling him “Xiao Chen, Xiao Chen,” he playfully scratched He Lang’s chin and issued a command, “If you’re so good, kiss your Xiao Chen.”

 

He Lang immediately leaned in and kissed his cheek. Rao Chen purposely turned his face, letting the kiss land on his lips.

 

Seeing how obedient He Lang was, Rao Chen mischievously changed his request. “That’s not what I meant. Kiss Little Chen.”

 

Whether He Lang understood or not was unclear. What was clear was that he nodded.

 

With dazed determination, He Lang leaned forward, and under Rao Chen’s guidance, he truly began to oblige. His inexperienced actions and the warmth of his mouth sent shivers down Rao Chen’s spine. Overwhelmed by pleasure, his eyes reddened as euphoria swept over him.

 

Damn, Rao Chen thought. Even if he died now, it would be worth it.

 

…

 

The next morning, He Lang was back to his usual composed self. Fully dressed, he sat quietly at the bedside, tidying up the nightstand and nearby items, proper and calm. The tender, flushed man who had clung to him last night was nowhere to be found.

 

Rao Chen felt a pang of disappointment but still struggled to lie on his lap, murmuring, “I love you.”

 

He Lang, focused on tidying things up, heard his words and nodded with a faint smile but gave no further reaction.

 

Rao Chen glanced around, growing increasingly indignant. He muttered in a low voice, “I’ve said ‘I love you’ so many times. Why have I never heard you say it back? You jerk.”

 

He Lang paused, looking a little embarrassed. Under Rao Chen’s gaze, he turned his head away and softly said, “I love you.”

 

However, his voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz, barely audible even if one strained to hear it. What’s more, he deliberately turned his back. If it weren’t for seeing his lips move, Rao Chen might have thought he wasn’t willing to say it.

 

Rao Chen, of course, wasn’t satisfied with just that. Yet, the fact that He Lang was willing to speak at all brought him immense joy. He flipped over, pressing He Lang beneath him, cupping his cheeks, and insisted he repeat it, staring at him with unwavering focus.

 

He Lang cleared his throat, then grabbed his phone to record a clear “I love you” before handing it to Rao Chen, his ears tinged red. “Keep it and listen to it yourself. Satisfied now?”

 

Rao Chen, as if he had discovered a treasure, curved his lips into a wide smile, replaying the recording again and again. He even played it at maximum volume in front of He Lang until they both turned beet red before he finally stopped.

 

The honeymoon period was always this sweet. The two were inseparable, and though occasional quarrels arose in their daily lives, their mutual tolerance ensured a harmonious life together.

 

The biggest matter after their marriage, however, was none other than having children.

 

The two had differing views on children.

 

The Rao family was a large clan with numerous elders and branches. The family mansion often welcomed visitors. Since He Lang had effectively married into the family, he occasionally stepped forward as a host to greet the guests.

 

Especially after their marriage, the constant stream of well-wishers almost broke down the doors. Even He Lang, who usually had a high tolerance for social situations, found it exhausting. He was curious about how the once hot-tempered Rao Chen managed to endure it all. Had he truly matured so much in the years He Lang had been away?

 

He Lang sighed, serving tea to two elders. As he glanced at Rao Chen’s calm and composed profile, a sense of pride and relief surged within him. It turned out this man wasn’t as reckless as he had thought; in formal settings, he could indeed be reliable.

 

Among the visitors, few could command their respect the way Lu Yong did. If it weren’t for Lu Yong’s unreserved support for the Rao family, Rao Chen might not have reached where he was today.

 

Initially, Lu Yong was deeply dissatisfied with He Lang, believing the Omega had bewitched his nephew. Over time, seeing He Lang’s gentle and understanding demeanor, as well as his tolerance for Rao Chen’s temper, he gradually came around to accepting him.

 

However, as a traditional alpha, Lu Yong believed that since He Lang had married into the family, he should bear children as soon as possible to continue the Rao family line, focus on family life, and take good care of Rao Chen to maintain the family’s legacy.

 

When he learned that He Lang still went out to visit exhibitions and shop after marriage, he was even more opposed, feeling it was dangerous for an Omega to be out alone, potentially attracting unwanted attention.

 

Hearing this, even Rao Chen nodded in agreement. Ever since he became an alpha, his thoughts had increasingly aligned with traditional ones. He too felt his partner should stay home, smiling only for him, sharing moments only with him, and preferably bearing children for them.

 

The more He Lang listened, the darker his expression grew. Though he had resigned himself to life as an Omega in this world and accepted that he would live with this body and identity, he still couldn’t reconcile with the idea of bearing children. Nor could he envision a life spent idling away in a luxurious mansion, waiting for his spouse’s affection.

 

Looking down at his flat and firm abdomen, He Lang decisively shook his head and politely declined, saying they had no plans for children yet. At the end, he gave Rao Chen a meaningful smile and asked for his opinion.

 

Caught between Lu Yong and He Lang’s stares, Rao Chen was naturally in a bind. He wanted children and respected his uncle’s significant contributions, but he also didn’t want to upset He Lang or force him into anything.

 

After much deliberation, Rao Chen gave a vague response. “You’re too considerate, Uncle. Langlang’s health hasn’t been the best. I plan to wait until he’s fully recovered before considering children… It’s getting late; Aunt must be missing you by now.”

 

After seeing his uncle off, Rao Chen hugged a visibly displeased He Lang and whispered soothingly.

 

“Do you want children too?” He Lang asked him directly.

 

Rao Chen nodded affirmatively but, seeing He Lang’s continued frown, he hesitated before shaking his head.

 

Having spent 19 years as an Omega, Rao Chen despised being reduced to a reproductive tool and hated feeling useless, idling at home awaiting a spouse’s favor. He understood He Lang’s feelings but couldn’t entirely suppress his personal desires.

 

“If you don’t want them, then forget it. What’s so good about children? They’d just disrupt our time together and be a nuisance,” Rao Chen casually interrupted He Lang’s thoughts, brushing the topic aside.

 

However, as time passed and He Lang showed no signs of pregnancy, the subject of children inevitably resurfaced within and outside the family.

 

Rao Chen, though helpless, refused to pressure He Lang, repeatedly citing his health issues as a reason. But now others began suggesting he take another Omega to bear children for the Rao family.

 

When such remarks reached He Lang’s ears, they left him feeling stifled for an entire day. He sat reading alone, ignoring Rao Chen even after he returned home.

 

Unaware of the cause, Rao Chen tried to coax him, but He Lang remained unyielding, as if waging a cold war.

 

Rao Chen, unused to being ignored, grew annoyed. “What’s with you lately? Throwing attitude and being passive-aggressive. Are you still interested in this marriage?”

 

His words struck a nerve. He Lang slammed his book onto the table and met Rao Chen’s eyes coldly. “What if I’m not? You can just find someone else who listens to you.”

 

His tone was icy, dropping like a weight, freezing the air in the room.

 

Realizing his mistake instantly, Rao Chen ruffled his hair in frustration and quickly embraced him, refusing to let go no matter how he struggled. He apologized, his voice pleading. “I was wrong. Don’t be mad at me. It hurts when you’re upset. I’ll never say such nonsense again. We’ll be together forever.”

 

Used to having everything his way, Rao Chen had only ever softened his stance for one person. Seeing He Lang’s rare stern expression, he genuinely panicked.

 

After much coaxing, He Lang finally relented, hesitantly returning the hug and speaking quietly. “I’m not angry at you. I’m just conflicted, upset with myself.”

 

Returning to Rao Chen’s side was a decision made with courage and change. He had chosen to entrust himself fully to this man, which was why he couldn’t bear the thought of Rao Chen having anyone else in his life, let alone a bond deep enough to produce children.

 

It was precisely because he truly cared that he found himself struggling with his emotions, unable to articulate them openly. Bottling them up, his words and actions naturally became strange, leaving Rao Chen clueless and anxious.

 

Frowning, Rao Chen studied He Lang’s face, his eyes filled with concern. “Who upset you? Take it out on me. Why keep it to yourself?”

 

He Lang’s gaze softened at Rao Chen’s genuine worry. Taking a deep breath, he leaned into his embrace. This man, oblivious to the source of his distress, still sought to comfort him unconditionally. He couldn’t help but feel his anger dissipate.

 

“After two hours of you coaxing me, how could I still hold a grudge?”

 

Hearing this, Rao Chen asked cautiously, “So you’re okay now?”

 

He handed He Lang a card and a set of keys, urging him to go out and shop to lift his spirits.

 

However, He Lang shook his head and stored the card away, smiling faintly. “I don’t feel like going out. Not with all your people tailing me.”

 

Rao Chen fell silent. He refused to leave He Lang unsupervised and had assigned people to watch over him—a non-negotiable point. Yet seeing He Lang smile at him again brought him some relief.

 

From that point on, the Rao family forbade any mention of children or He Lang’s physical condition. The pressure lifted, He Lang lived comfortably. The servants often commented on his luck, noting how indulgent the domineering head of the household was with him. Rao Chen had taken no other partners, came home punctually, and cherished him like a treasure, granting him unparalleled freedom and overturning traditional expectations for Omega roles.

 

He Lang understood Rao Chen’s devotion, as well as the criticism he faced as an alpha for his unconventional choices. Yet Rao Chen unwaveringly protected their world, offering He Lang peace of mind.

 

One night, amidst their passion, on the verge of ecstasy, He Lang suddenly called for a stop.

 

“What’s wrong?” Rao Chen’s voice was hoarse, yet he halted instantly, patiently awaiting his response despite the discomfort.

 

He Lang hesitated briefly, then removed the barrier between them, drawing him closer in complete intimacy. Wrapping his arms tightly around Rao Chen’s neck, he whispered softly in his ear, “Let’s have a baby.”