Chapter 24

Chapter 24

"We've analyzed your test results and can confirm that your secondary differentiation was induced by an excessive influx of S-class pheromones. Further testing is needed to determine your exact differentiation level. However, the compatibility results between you and Mr. Fu are in—it's 100%. Here is the data."

Fu Yanhuai was taken aback. Though the doctor was addressing Lu Yao, she handed the test results to Fu Yanhuai first.

Lu Yao's eyes tracked the document all the way into Fu Yanhuai's hands. Noticing Lu Yao's gaze, Fu Yanhuai felt a strange flutter in his chest.

Since Lu Yao had undergone secondary gender differentiation because of Fu Yanhuai, it made sense that their compatibility was a perfect match.

Before this, Fu Yanhuai had never imagined he would have such a high compatibility with an omega.

Every alpha and omega's pheromones were recorded in the system database. When Fu Yanhuai's symptoms worsened a few years ago, he had considered finding a highly compatible omega to cure himself through marking. However, the highest compatibility rate among the omegas matched with him never exceeded 50%. Back then, Fu Yanhuai had already accepted the fact that he couldn't form a lasting bond with an omega.

Yet, after just a few heat cycles together, Lu Yao had undergone secondary differentiation—and their compatibility was this high.

Fu Yanhuai stared intently at the test results in his hands. He had never taken this marriage seriously. An alpha and a beta couldn't form a permanent bond, so this marriage was essentially a mutually beneficial arrangement.

But Lu Yao had never asked for his money—perhaps he wanted to secure some advantages for the Lu family instead.

Lu Yao leaned closer, his tousled hair hovering over the results as he meticulously read every word. His caramel pheromones smelled sweet.

Fu Yanhuai didn't miss the joy in Lu Yao's eyes. Of course Lu Yao was happy—this test result seemed to declare how perfectly matched they were.

Fu Yanhuai didn't see why this result was so exciting. He casually set the paper aside and asked the doctor, "How much longer for the remaining results?"

Lu Yao stared at Fu Yanhuai, his overflowing happiness gradually fading. Fu Yanhuai didn't seem to care about their compatibility.

The doctor replied politely, "Only the level assessment remains. It will be ready in five hours."

Fu Yanhuai frowned. He couldn't wait that long—he had planned to go to the company right after the hospital visit.

Lu Yao spoke softly, "I can wait here. The important results are already out. You can go back to the company first."

"Have the driver pick you up when it's done."

Fu Yanhuai glanced at the doctor, who took the hint and led everyone out of the room temporarily.

Lu Yao looked around in confusion. "Why did they all suddenly—"

"Don't overthink it." Fu Yanhuai pressed a light kiss to Lu Yao's scent gland. "I'll be home late tonight. Make sure you eat properly. Move your things into my bedroom—have the housekeeper help you pack."

Lu Yao's eyes sparkled. "Really?"

Honestly, anyone would be moved by such devoted eyes, especially when they belonged to a recently bonded omega who was now his.

"Really."

That something so small could make Lu Yao so happy. Fu Yanhuai didn't dislike Lu Yao's caramel scent, and their combined pheromones smelled surprisingly pleasant.

Fu Yanhuai kissed Lu Yao's lips again, just a brush of lips before parting. He ruffled Lu Yao's hair. "Wait for me at home."

That one sentence was all Lu Yao had been longing for. He wanted so badly to have a family with Fu Yanhuai, and now his wish was within reach. Lu Yao felt his nose sting with emotion.

He smiled, eyes curving. "Okay, go ahead with your work. I'll wait for you at home."

Lu Yao watched longingly as Fu Yanhuai left. The doctor re-entered the room.

"Mr. Lu, there's a lounge here. Would you like to rest there while you wait?"

Lu Yao quickly declined, "No need, thank you."

The doctor nodded. "Then you—"

"Doctor," Lu Yao clenched his hands slightly and asked quietly, "Do I need to take birth control pills for my reproductive cavity?"

The doctor looked surprised but still smiled. "Your reproductive cavity isn't fully developed yet, but theoretically, there's still a small chance of pregnancy. However, contraceptive medication can be quite harsh on the body. You may discuss it with Mr. Fu before deciding whether to take it."

Lu Yao's heart raced, though he kept his expression neutral. "Alright, I understand. Thank you, doctor."

Even after leaving the hospital, Lu Yao couldn't calm his nerves.

There was a pharmacy nearby, but Lu Yao didn't go in. He didn't want to discuss it with Fu Yanhuai either.

Lu Yao looked down at his abdomen. The doctor had said the chance of pregnancy was slim, and the medication might not agree with him.

In that case, he figured he'd skip it.

If—if he actually got pregnant this time, he'd have it.

He already had a home with Fu Yanhuai. Why wouldn't he want kids?

Would Fu Yanhuai be a strict father? No matter what, they should still have a happy family.

Lu Yao walked toward a nearby mall. He glanced at his phone, hovering over Fu Yanhuai's name in his contacts, but ultimately decided not to tell him anything.

Instead, he found Xia Shiyue's number. When he'd differentiated, Xia Shiyue had called him repeatedly, but then stopped calling for some reason.

Lu Yao dialed him back, wondering if he was available now.

After waiting patiently for a while, Xia Shiyue's voice came through. "Xiao Lu!"

Lu Yao leaned against the railing, enjoying the cool breeze against his face.

"Shiyue, sorry it took me so long to get back to you..."

"Don't worry about it. Are you okay now?"

Xia Shiyue asked urgently, "You and Fu Yanhuai—you didn't actually complete the bond, did you?"

Lu Yao froze. "How did you know?"

Embarrassed, he admitted, "My heat cycle just ended last night. I just came from the hospital."

Xia Shiyue sighed. "Your differentiation caused such a stir. Fu Yanhuai was MIA for seven straight days—now even his father is handling meetings for him. Pretty much everyone who matters already knows."

Lu Yao grew even more flustered. "I didn’t expect to differentiate either. I thought the fever was from overexertion—I wouldn't have gone back to the Lu family otherwise..."

After a pause, he said casually, "But things are stable now. The doctor said my scent gland is developing normally."

Xia Shiyue sighed again, hesitating before asking, "And Fu Yanhuai... is he treating you the same as before?"

Lu Yao absently picked at his fingers, lowering his eyes as he answered slowly, "He said... to wait for him at home."

Xia Shiyue's heart sank. *Damn, he's totally hooked.*

He still didn't think much of Fu Yanhuai, but now that they were fully bonded, they couldn't just walk away. So Xia Shiyue let it drop.

Besides, there was something more pressing to deal with.

Xia Shiyue hesitated for a moment before saying, "You presented your secondary gender at the Lu residence, right?"

Lu Yao went quiet for a beat. "I only remember being locked in the room, but not how I got out."

"The most important thing isn't how you got out," Xia Shiyue said, voice low. "Before your differentiation, I asked if you knew Shen Jinyan. The project Fu Yanhuai is working on is high-stakes, and my family is involved too. I went to the Fu Group with my dad and saw Shen Jinyan there."

Lu Yao forced out, "So that's why you asked me if I knew him that day?"

Xia Shiyue hated to dump this on him, but he felt unresolved issues might spell trouble.

For example, Lu Qianxing out of nowhere joined forces with Guan Qinglu to lock Lu Yao at home.

"Yes," Xia Shiyue said firmly. "I suspect there’s a connection between Shen Jinyan and Lu Qianxing."

In truth, it wasn’t suspicion—he had confirmed it through his investigations.

But Lu Yao barely blinked. "They’ve known each other since high school. I’m aware."

Xia Shiyue exclaimed in shock, "You knew?!"

Lu Yao replied calmly, "Since you’re asking, you must have heard something. During college, I once worked part-time at a banquet. Shen Jinyan was likely there too. He took misleading photos and posted them on a campus forum. Later, I dropped out."

Though he already knew, his chest ached hearing it again. "That school had very high cutoff scores."

Lu Yao didn’t ask how Xia Shiyue knew about his school. Instead, he wondered, "Do you think I was locked up this time because of him?"

Xia Shiyue answered decisively, "Yes."

The line went dead for several seconds on the other end. "Actually, I know the Lu family isn’t my home."

Guan Qinglu never treated him as her own child—he was more like her enemy. Let alone love; if she didn’t hate him, Lu Yao would already be relieved.

At this moment, some tension left Lu Yao's shoulders. Admitting this long-known truth wasn’t so hard after all.

"I won’t go back. No one there wants to see me anyway."

Xia Shiyue nodded hard. "Exactly. That’s good."

He then added, feigning cheerfulness, "Besides, the Fu family is great—loaded, chill, and your husband’s never home. Forget your mom and brother; they seem off their rockers anyway."

Lu Yao faked casualness. "I’ll figure it out. Don’t worry."

Despite his words, Xia Shiyue was still concerned. He changed the subject. "Where are you now? Let me take you to see the newly renovated shop. Lots of equipment just arrived—I’ll show you around."

Lu Yao brightened. "Sure. After that, I can pick up my lab report."

Xia Shiyue had so much more to say. "Wait for me. I’m on my way."

After hanging up, Lu Yao zoned out at his phone.

Had Shen Jinyan recently visited the Fu Group for business meetings too? But Fu Yanhuai never mentioned it.

Then again, Fu Yanhuai didn’t know about his past with Shen Jinyan. He probably didn’t even remember that banquet.

Apart from their marriage, Fu Yanhuai truly had no memory of Lu Yao—he didn’t recall that time he helped some server.

Lu Yao realized he hadn't truly integrated into Fu Yanhuai’s world at all, despite being the closest people in the world.

In the end, Lu Yao still didn’t open Fu Yanhuai’s contact page. He muttered, "It’s just a small matter. No need to bother him."

Even if Fu Yanhuai knew, what could he do? A collaboration project couldn’t be changed on a dime.

Lu Yao didn’t want to put Fu Yanhuai in a difficult position. He just wanted to live his current life peacefully, to keep things smooth.