Chapter 23

Chapter 23

"It seems you were already on the verge of differentiation before you even arrived at the Lu family's residence."

Wen Zheng said with lingering trepidation, "Thankfully, nothing went wrong. It truly sends shivers down my spine to think about."

Lu Yao explained the circumstances of his differentiation to Wen Zheng. In front of Lu Yao, Wen Zheng subtly refrained from directly voicing her dissatisfaction with the Lu family.

Lu Yao himself couldn't fathom why Lu Qianxing and Guan Qinglu had conspired to confine him. He was still unaware that Shen Jinyan had visited the Fu family that day.

Lu Yao said with a touch of embarrassment, "I don't know why I suddenly differentiated. I felt unwell that day and just thought I hadn't rested enough."

Had he known he was about to differentiate, he certainly wouldn't have run around without taking any precautions. Transforming from a beta to an omega overnight, Lu Yao felt a subtle sense of exasperation.

Fu Yanhuai hadn't noticed Lu Yao's discomfort either. Wen Zheng glanced at Fu Yanhuai, who seemed lost in thought.

Fu Yanhuai was wearing a high-potency gland patch today, so Wen Zheng couldn't detect any other scents on him.

"If company matters aren't pressing, you should first take Lu Yao to the hospital for a pheromone test and to check for any gland damage."

Fu Yanhuai nodded at Wen Zheng. "Alright. I was also planning to go to the hospital first for a check-up."

Hearing Fu Yanhuai's words, Lu Yao couldn't help but turn his head to look at him. The complete marking had laid bare all the affection Lu Yao had once managed to conceal—he yearned to be with Fu Yanhuai forever.

Wen Zheng noticed Lu Yao's subtle gesture. She felt a little concerned about whether Fu Yanhuai could adequately care for Lu Yao, especially since he had just differentiated into an omega and was so deeply reliant on Fu Yanhuai.

Fu Yanhuai didn't notice Lu Yao secretly watching him, but he sensed the shift in Lu Yao's pheromones. Silently, he wrapped an arm around Lu Yao's waist from behind and gave it a reassuring pat.

Lu Yao blushed again. If not for the gland patch, his caramel pheromones would have been distinctly noticeable.

Wen Zheng couldn't allow the recently marked AO pair to be separated, but she was deeply uneasy about Lu Yao and Fu Yanhuai living alone together.

She said tactfully, "I'd like to stay in the capital for a while longer this time. I wonder if there are any interesting places in the city. I'll go shopping in the next couple of days and drop by to see you both."

Wen Zheng wasn't the type to need company. Fu Yanhuai paused for a moment, while Lu Yao genuinely believed Wen Zheng simply wanted to go shopping. "Alright, I'll accompany you."

Wen Zheng breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm also worried that if guests happen to visit, the two of you might not manage well. Little Deer, you need plenty of rest these days. If you encounter any trouble, tell Mom, alright?"

Lu Yao's attention immediately shifted entirely to Wen Zheng. Fu Yanhuai raised an eyebrow and lowered his head as Lu Yao earnestly told Wen Zheng, "Thank you, Mom. I will."

Wen Zheng gently took Lu Yao's hand. "Good boy."

The heartwarming scene of mother and child left Fu Yanhuai momentarily silent. He knew Wen Zheng was likely concerned that Guan Qinglu or Shen Jinyan might visit and upset Lu Yao, but Fu Yanhuai still found it a little peculiar.

He felt a strange pang of jealousy.

Still worried about Lu Yao, Wen Zheng found an excuse to call Fu Yanhuai aside before they left.

"I haven't asked you yet—what's going on with Shen Jinyan?"

Fu Yanhuai lowered his eyes. "Nothing is going on. But I will handle it."

Wen Zheng was somewhat appeased. She smoothed her already immaculate hair. "It's understandable that Lu Yao can't completely let go of his family. Don't pressure him too much. It doesn't matter if the Lu family is insignificant; just find a pretext to keep them at a distance so Lu Yao isn't put in an awkward position."

Fu Yanhuai said with a hint of amusement, "He probably won't be too troubled."

Wen Zheng gave him a warning look. "Don't think I was joking with you that day. If you ever truly drive Lu Yao away, I won't speak up for you."

Fu Yanhuai stated with conviction, "That day will never come."

He knew how deeply Lu Yao liked him and was confident that Lu Yao would never leave.

Wen Zheng didn't bother to engage further with him. She stepped forward to bid Lu Yao farewell, reminding him to take care of himself, before Fu Yanhuai and Lu Yao departed together.

It wasn't too late yet, so Fu Yanhuai instructed the driver to go directly to the Fu family's private hospital. The high-potency gland patch was uncomfortable, so Fu Yanhuai lowered the partition in the car and removed it.

The scent of Silver Fir instantly filled the entire space. Lu Yao's body reacted instinctively to Fu Yanhuai's pheromones.

His body quickly recalled the recently concluded seven-day estrus, and he began to exhibit estrus symptoms once more.

Fu Yanhuai immediately pulled Lu Yao into his arms, tearing off Lu Yao's gland patch and tossing it aside. Lu Yao pressed against Fu Yanhuai's shoulder, trying to alleviate the surging heat within him. Fu Yanhuai's warm palm rested on the back of Lu Yao's neck, and he slowly drew him closer.

Once Lu Yao's body gradually stabilized, Fu Yanhuai lowered his head and asked, "Feeling better?"

Lu Yao's eyes were slightly red. He sniffed softly and whispered, "Better. Just now..."

"It's probably because my marking is too potent." Fu Yanhuai knew that these reactions were largely due to him, but his tone held no apology. "Once you adapt to my mark, these abnormalities should diminish."

But Lu Yao felt a little disheartened. Shouldn't the mark exist between two people? Why did it seem like only he was affected?

Fu Yanhuai raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

Lu Yao stopped overthinking. Still leaning against Fu Yanhuai's shoulder, he murmured, "Nothing."

"You're lying."

Fu Yanhuai's voice deepened. "Why are you upset?"

Well, Fu Yanhuai had asked him to speak. Lu Yao felt somewhat emboldened as he softly grumbled, "Only I'm affected by the mark. You don't seem to react at all."

It turns out, when someone is a little annoyed, they really do feel like laughing. Fu Yanhuai tried to keep his voice steady. "I don't react? Was seven days of estrus too short, then?"

Lu Yao felt like he was about to evaporate from embarrassment. He quickly corrected himself, "Well, that's not really..."

"We need to do a compatibility test," Fu Yanhuai said, releasing him. "You'll also need a separate gland examination. If your reproductive cavity can handle it, you might need to take contraceptives."

Lu Yao managed a strained smile. "You don't want children?"

Or was it just that he didn't want children with him?

Fu Yanhuai said patiently, "Your gland and reproductive cavity need thorough examination. Even if they function normally, a newly matured gland likely cannot handle the strain of pregnancy. Besides, I truly haven't considered having children before."

Fu Yanhuai's pheromone resistance was so severe that no omega could get close to him. Lu Yao was the exception—the only exception. Before this, Fu Yanhuai had already planned to pass the Fu Group to the next generation of the collateral line, since no one could even approach him, let alone bear his child.

"Oh, I see."

Fu Yanhuai's analysis was comprehensive, but Lu Yao's spirits still sank.

There was no rush for children now; after all, Fu Yanhuai was only 27. They were both still young.

Perhaps it was an omega's instinct, but just hearing his alpha say he didn't want children made Lu Yao feel an unavoidable sadness.

As they entered the hospital elevator together, Lu Yao couldn't help but trace Fu Yanhuai's profile with his gaze.

If he really could have a child with Fu Yanhuai...

Fu Yanhuai's features were impeccable. Lu Yao clumsily imagined a child that combined their traits—it would surely be an adorable baby.

Unfortunately, Fu Yanhuai paid no heed to the omega's longing. His concerns were understandable; carrying a pregnancy so soon after differentiation would indeed be too taxing.

The pheromone department doctor was already waiting in the examination room. Seeing the two approach, the doctor respectfully said, "Good day, Mr. Fu."

Fu Yanhuai acknowledged with a hum. The doctor then smiled at Lu Yao, "Please have a seat, Mr. Lu."

The beta female doctor's tone and movements were gentle, greatly easing Lu Yao's nervousness.

The instrument displayed basic readings, and a nurse drew several tubes of blood. These tests could all provide same-day results.

The doctor carefully reviewed the report. "Your gland hasn't suffered significant damage, but the levels of alpha and omega pheromones in your body are imbalanced. The excess of S-class pheromones is disrupting your pheromone's normal metabolism and function."

"I'll prescribe medication to help stabilize your gland. You must avoid any further gland stimulation for at least a week. Since you've just differentiated, your newly developed gland is overly active, which could affect your body."

Lu Yao asked worriedly, "What could it affect? If it's, if it's..."

With Fu Yanhuai beside him, Lu Yao didn't directly ask whether it could lead to pregnancy, but the doctor clearly understood his implication.

"This requires testing your gland secretions," the doctor reassured. "As for any damage to the reproductive cavity, further examination may be needed. If you're not experiencing discomfort..."

Fu Yanhuai interrupted her, "There are no obvious external injuries to the reproductive cavity."

Lu Yao pretended to look down at the floor, trying to hide his embarrassment.

The doctor relaxed slightly and continued, "That's good. A gland patch can detect the developmental state of the reproductive cavity. The best time to take contraceptive medication is within 72 hours, but this type of drug is quite potent. I'll need to review the readings before determining whether Mr. Lu can take it."

Lu Yao made an effort not to glance at Fu Yanhuai and asked with feigned calm, "What happens if I don't take it?"

The doctor showed no sign of surprise and continued to answer with a smile, "If the reproductive cavity is mature, there is a chance of pregnancy. However, S-class offspring are difficult to conceive, and not every coupling during a heat cycle will necessarily result in pregnancy, especially since your reproductive cavity has just matured, so the likelihood is relatively low."

Lu Yao replied a little glumly, "Alright, thank you, Doctor."

Fu Yanhuai and Lu Yao each provided a small sample of gland secretions. While waiting for the compatibility results, Fu Yanhuai turned to Lu Yao and asked,

"Do you like children?"

Lu Yao answered honestly, "I guess so."

"From your reaction, I thought you really liked them," Fu Yanhuai said patiently again. "You're just experiencing hormone fluctuations post-heat. Once your hormones balance out, you won't be so focused on getting pregnant."

Lu Yao was a little confused. He wasn't sure whether his strong desire was due to his recent differentiation, but regardless, having a child with Fu Yanhuai didn't seem like a bad thing.

"But what if I really do get pregnant?" Lu Yao asked nervously, looking at Fu Yanhuai. "Would you like him?"

Fu Yanhuai silently frowned for a moment but quickly replied, "Of course."

Satisfied with this answer, Lu Yao let go of the thought of a child and quietly sat beside Fu Yanhuai, waiting for the test results.