Chapter 35

Chapter 35

The morning of New Year’s Eve was unhurried. In previous years, at the Lu family home, Lu Zhongguang would be busy making calls to extend New Year greetings—though his true aim, of course, was to cultivate connections with influential figures.

New Year’s at the Lu residence had always been rather dull. Lu Qianxing and Guan Qinglu would sit together, watching TV and chatting, while Lu Yao quietly listened from the side. When it was time for fireworks, Lu Yao would politely excuse himself, claiming fatigue, and retreat to his room to attend to schoolwork before bed.

This was Lu Yao’s first New Year celebration with the Fu family, and he meticulously observed Fu Yanhuai. Soon, however, he realized that, just as Wen Zheng had said, the Fu household was remarkably free of strictures; everyone was at liberty to do as they pleased.

Lu Yao didn't stir until nine, when Fu Yanhuai roused him. “Get up and eat something. Sleeping too long can cause low blood sugar.”

Blinking twice to fully awaken, Lu Yao sighed with a touch of annoyance, “I overslept again.”

Since becoming pregnant, Lu Yao had grown exceptionally sleepy, often needing twelve hours of rest yet still feeling tired.

Still, the second trimester was generally the easiest phase of pregnancy, and Lu Yao had been feeling better this month. He slowly pushed himself up from the bed. “Did I miss breakfast again?”

“Yes,” Fu Yanhuai replied, his fingers idly caressing Lu Yao’s cheek. “But it’s fine. The kitchen just started preparing dumplings. What filling do you like?”

Lu Yao rose to freshen up. Nian Nian was still asleep, and his belly felt quiet. He slowly made his way over. “Anything is fine. Though I wouldn’t mind some sweet soup.”

That was easily arranged. Fu Yanhuai watched him. “Alright. Let’s go downstairs together.”

This was precisely the kind of married life Lu Yao had envisioned. He turned to Fu Yanhuai with a smile. “Okay, wait for me.”

Hand in hand, they descended the stairs. Fresh from the warmth of the blankets, Lu Yao felt warm all over, like a fragrant, freshly baked caramel cake.

Wen Zheng, clutching a stack of “fortune” decorations, directed the maids and Fu Jizhong where to place them around the house. When she saw Fu Yanhuai and Lu Yao approaching, her expression softened. “Little Deer, come here.”

She smoothly stepped between Fu Yanhuai and Lu Yao, presenting one of the decorations. “Look at this one. Do you like it? We’ll put it in your room.”

The “fortune” character Wen Zheng offered Lu Yao was adorned with cute Q-version gold ingots and koi fish—she always unconsciously treated him like a child.

Lu Yao examined it carefully. “It’s so cute. Thank you, Mom.”

Fu Yanhuai spoke up. “I’ll tell the kitchen to serve the meal.”

Wen Zheng waved him off dismissively. “Go ahead. We’ll sit over there. Come on.”

Grinning, she gently pinched Lu Yao’s cheek. “A few days ago, your dad specially bought sparklers. I don’t know if you’ll like them, but there are other fireworks too. After dinner tonight, let Yanhuai take you outside to play.”

It had been years since Wen Zheng last prepared such things. Fu Yanhuai had never been fond of fireworks, and having such a serious child had diminished many of life’s simple pleasures.

Catching her enthusiasm, Lu Yao’s eyes sparkled. “That sounds wonderful. They’ll look beautiful when lit up tonight.”

For the first time in a long while, Lu Yao found himself anticipating New Year’s Eve. A maid wheeled in a cart of dishes, and Fu Yanhuai sat beside Lu Yao. “What will look beautiful?”

“The fireworks,” Lu Yao said, turning to him. “It’ll be really pretty tonight.”

Seeing Lu Yao’s excitement, Fu Yanhuai indulged him. “Alright, I’ll take you to set them off later. Eat first.”

He glanced at Wen Zheng across the table. “What else is planned for today?”

“It’s just our small family. What could we possibly do?” Wen Zheng advised him. “You’re not home all day every day. Spend the afternoon with Lu Yao. Dinner will be late tonight—let the kitchen know in advance if there’s anything special you want to eat.”

Fu Yanhuai nodded. “Understood.”

After breakfast, Lu Yao took a short stroll outside. The winter air was sharp, and he didn’t linger long before heading back upstairs.

Noticing the slight redness on Lu Yao’s nose, Fu Yanhuai reached over to touch his hand. “Cold?”

“A little,” Lu Yao admitted. “I wasn’t out for too long.”

After changing back into his pajamas, Lu Yao asked curiously, “What did you usually do during New Year’s when you were home before?”

His pajama top was slightly askew, the bottom buttons crooked, revealing a small patch of his round, pale belly. Fu Yanhuai’s eyes lingered—a pregnant omega was indeed captivating.

When Fu Yanhuai didn’t respond, Lu Yao tilted his head. “Yanhuai?”

“Nothing much,” Fu Yanhuai said, reaching over to adjust the fabric, covering the exposed skin. “Nothing interesting.”

That was the truth. Even during university, Fu Yanhuai had preferred overseeing his own company.

Lu Yao crawled further onto the bed, and Fu Yanhuai slung an arm around his waist, his fingertips brushing over the skin of his belly. Lu Yao couldn’t help but gasp softly.

“We’d make a few dumplings with coins inside, crack some nuts… Nothing particularly fun. The TV programs were boring too.”

Lu Yao’s face flushed. Since discovering the pregnancy, his health had been inconsistent, and only recently had he begun to recover. It had been months since he and Fu Yanhuai had been this intimate.

Without turning around, Lu Yao bit his lip nervously before glancing back shyly. “The doctor said my pheromones are stable now… Do you want to bite my gland?”

It was an unmistakable invitation. Fu Yanhuai leaned down and kissed him. “You still smell of Silver Fir.”

Though it had been three months since the last mark, if one sniffed closely, traces of Fu Yanhuai’s pheromones could still be detected on Lu Yao. A complete bond indeed left an indelible mark on an omega, satisfying the possessive instincts of an alpha.

Fu Yanhuai bit down deeply on the rich, fragrant gland, the long-absent sensation making Lu Yao whimper and curl up tightly.

“Be good. Open up a little more.”

Worn out, Lu Yao fell into a deep sleep, his face flushed. Pregnant omegas had limited stamina, and he slept soundly.

Fu Yanhuai pulled the blankets up around him, looking at Lu Yao’s peaceful sleeping face. Adjusting the room’s temperature, he went out onto the balcony to cool off.

Tomorrow, many would come to the Fu residence to pay New Year visits. Lu Yao would certainly have trouble handling it all, and with his pregnancy, Wen Zheng naturally didn’t want him to overexert himself.

Fu Yanhuai began contemplating their future. Lu Yao wouldn’t—and shouldn’t—remain in a position ill-suited to him forever. He just needed the right moment to transition their lives.

Once Fu Yanhuai set his mind to something, he acted swiftly. He texted his lawyer to draft a contract. After receiving a response, he returned inside, not lingering outside for long. Pregnant omegas were sensitive to pheromonal changes, so he lay back down beside Lu Yao.

Fu Yanhuai didn’t believe their dynamic would change. He could buy Lu Yao a smaller villa, ensuring their child received the best education when the time came.

Unconsciously, Lu Yao nestled closer. Fu Yanhuai snapped out of his thoughts and gently held him.

Half-asleep, Lu Yao murmured, “Yanhuai…”

“Sleep. I’m right here.”

The afternoon’s activities had drained Lu Yao’s energy, and he didn’t wake until dusk—immediately hungry again.

Embarrassed by his eat-sleep-repeat routine, Lu Yao was relieved Fu Yanhuai didn't appear bothered.

Kneeling, Fu Yanhuai helped him into his slippers. “The doctor said Nian Nian is growing quickly. It’s normal for you to feel hungry often.”

Lu Yao rubbed his round belly. “It’s not just Nian Nian… I’ve gained weight too.”

Not that he’d gained much—he’d been far too thin before.

Fu Yanhuai replied matter-of-factly, “It’s fine. You don’t feel much different when I hold you.”

Blushing, Lu Yao mumbled, “Let’s just go downstairs.”

Fu Yanhuai's lips unconsciously quirked up. "Let's go."

Lu Yao went downstairs and huddled with Wen Zheng, chatting. The TV was on, while Fu Yanhuai accompanied Fu Jizhong in a game of chess nearby.

The loud TV, combined with the chatter of several people, made the house lively.

Wen Zheng took out three red envelopes and tucked them into Lu Yao’s hands. "One for you, one for the baby, and one for Yanhuai’s New Year’s money—though he likely wouldn’t miss this pocket change. You keep them all and buy whatever you like."

Lu Yao hadn’t spent many days at the Fu family’s old residence, but in that short time, he had gotten so much money he’d grown desensitized. This time, he didn’t refuse. If Wen Zheng insisted, she’d find a way to make him accept.

"The baby is still so small," Lu Yao said helplessly. "I’ll save it for him."

"You could invest some of it for him," Wen Zheng suggested persuasively. "Let Yanhuai advise you—he’s more knowledgeable about these things."

Why not take advantage of the opportunity? Fu Yanhuai teaching Lu Yao could also strengthen their relationship and promote marital harmony.

But from Wen Zheng’s perspective, they already seemed plenty close.

Lu Yao hesitated. "Alright, maybe I should properly study up on this."

Wen Zheng was pleased. "Then I guarantee you won’t find a more professional teacher than Fu Yanhuai."

Fu Yanhuai raised an eyebrow and glanced over. Lu Yao, sensing the gaze, turned and met his eyes.

Wen Zheng nodded to herself. Fu Yanhuai and Lu Yao had stayed at the old residence for a while now, and the quality of their relationship couldn’t be faked. Seeing them like this, she felt reassured.

"Here," Wen Zheng took out a few coins. "We’ll wrap these in the dumplings later."

Lu Yao looked closely and realized they weren’t real coins but coin-shaped gold charms, each with adorable little animal designs.

"Tag the ones containing these," Wen Zheng reminded him. "So we can pick them out easily."

Lu Yao was surprised. "Why do we need to separate them?"

Wen Zheng smiled like a whale gamer. "This year’s lucky dumplings are all for you."

Fu Yanhuai listened, his gaze softening. A happy family was exactly like this—though he didn’t consciously realize it.

"Little Deer is a good kid."

Fu Jizhong, who rarely involved himself in family matters, suddenly spoke up. Fu Yanhuai’s hand paused slightly over the chessboard. "I was initially worried this marriage was too impulsive, but now it seems like a happy accident."

Fu Jizhong was uncharacteristically warm today. "This works well."

Fu Yanhuai’s face gave nothing away—neither agreement nor disagreement. Fu Jizhong emphasized again, "You must understand, finding a partner who perfectly matches your expectations is very difficult."

Lu Yao had a good nature. Though his personality was soft, his heart was pure and kind. Crucially, Fu Yanhuai wasn’t completely indifferent to him.

In terms of wealth, the Fus wanted for nothing. If they wanted to advance through a strategic marriage, Fu Yanhuai’s pheromone immunity would still be a major issue. So Fu Jizhong had never pushed Fu Yanhuai toward any particular arrangement.

All things considered, Lu Yao was already quite suitable. The status quo suited Fu Jizhong just fine.