Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Fu Yanhuai’s words momentarily stunned Lu Yao. He had never truly pondered the implications, but hearing "legal spouse" from Fu Yanhuai’s lips still sent a ripple through his heart.

Lu Yao bit his lip hard, using the sharp pain to ground himself. Fu Yanhuai had likely spoken without thinking; the priority was to navigate tonight’s rut smoothly.

He assumed Fu Yanhuai couldn’t see him from behind, but then Fu Yanhuai’s thumb brushed over Lu Yao’s lips, his casual voice murmuring in his ear, "Perhaps bite something else instead."

Betas were typically unremarkable, yet Lu Yao proved surprisingly compatible with Fu Yanhuai in bed. Fu Yanhuai particularly enjoyed pinning Lu Yao from behind, repeatedly biting his nape to infuse pheromones. Lu Yao lacked scent glands, and even with Fu Yanhuai’s S-class pheromones, the scent of Silver Fir wouldn’t linger on him. This would lead Fu Yanhuai to bite again, with a hint of dissatisfaction, until Lu Yao’s scent finally blended with the room’s.

Yet, for some reason, the piercing sensation of Fu Yanhuai’s canines in his nape felt exceptionally sharp tonight. Lu Yao whimpered in pain, only to receive an even deeper bite.

His body, still recovering from a fever, couldn’t sustain such intense exertion. Lu Yao’s arms, propped against the pillow, began to tremble. Tears welled as he pleaded softly, "Could we change positions? My back is so sore…"

An Alpha in rut was deeply insecure, and without an omega to nest with, Fu Yanhuai had no outlet for his agitation. He unconsciously massaged Lu Yao’s nape. "Say my name."

He was permitted to use Fu Yanhuai’s given name only during these intimate moments; at all other times, it was "Mr. Fu."

But Lu Yao couldn’t stop the tears from falling. He didn’t understand why loving someone had to be so arduous, yet stealing these brief moments to pretend they were in love was a self-deceptive comfort he clung to.

At least for this moment, they appeared to be a genuine couple.

"Yanhuai… my back truly aches…"

Lu Yao’s soft voice somehow brought a sudden calm to Fu Yanhuai’s heart.

Perhaps out of concern for Lu Yao’s still-recovering body, Fu Yanhuai treated him with uncharacteristic gentleness. His nape felt warm and swollen, an odd itch creeping up his spine—a strange sensation, as if he were about to come undone.

This time, Fu Yanhuai patiently wiped away his tears. In his hazy state, Lu Yao felt a light kiss from Fu Yanhuai, a feather-light touch on his nape that intensified the peculiar, full sensation within him.

Lu Yao didn’t know what time it was when they finally stopped. He was utterly spent, unable to even lift a finger. He lay with eyes tightly shut, face pressed into the pillow. Fu Yanhuai seemed to touch his forehead.

"Your fever’s back."

Lu Yao was beyond hearing him, his sleep restless. He vaguely recalled something he still needed to do—this wasn’t where he was supposed to be sleeping.

But he was too exhausted. Unable to resist the heavy pull of his body, he sank into a deeper darkness.

Fu Yanhuai’s restless pheromones finally settled. He glanced at the time: 3:37 AM.

Lu Yao still carried the strong scent of Silver Fir. In a rare moment of consideration, Fu Yanhuai carried him to the bathroom to clean up. But as he was about to leave the bedroom, he hesitated.

Dawn was only a few hours away, and Lu Yao still smelled faintly sweet.

Once an exception was made, it inevitably paved the way for more. Still unconscious, Lu Yao was returned to Fu Yanhuai’s bed. Fu Yanhuai watched him silently in the dark for a while before slowly closing his own eyes.

Lu Yao didn’t sleep long. He was woken by a feeling of suffocation—something was pressing down on him.

His head pounded as he opened his eyes. The room was dark, and it took him a few seconds to orient himself.

Blinking twice, he tried to make sense of his surroundings. This room was too large; it wasn’t his.

An arm around his waist suddenly tightened, pulling him closer. Lu Yao stiffened, turning his head abruptly.

Fu Yanhuai’s voice was rough with sleep. "What time is it?"

Lu Yao’s body, which had just begun to cool, instantly heated up again. He only now realized he had been sleeping in Fu Yanhuai’s arms the entire time. Squinting at the clock, he answered, "Seven… twenty."

Fu Yanhuai had quietly opened his eyes at some point. The faint, elusive sweetness from Lu Yao’s body last night had vanished, and the scent of Silver Fir was also fading.

Fu Yanhuai hadn’t slept enough either, but after last night, his pheromones had completely stabilized. He had reverted to his usual dignified and aloof self.

Expecting Fu Yanhuai’s usual cold disdain, Lu Yao was surprised when he instead inquired about his health.

"Your fever isn’t normal." Fu Yanhuai got out of bed and calmly activated the smart home system. As the curtains drew back, the sudden light made Lu Yao instinctively squint.

"Dr. Feng will come again today. For now, just rest well and don’t go out."

Fu Yanhuai’s current demeanor was much like when they first discussed their marriage: detached, polite, yet arrogant.

Although Fu Yanhuai’s temper only worsened during his rut, Lu Yao didn’t dare stay in bed any longer. He felt an inexplicable sense of guilt, as if he were an intruder.

"It might just be from not sleeping well," Lu Yao’s voice was completely hoarse. He couldn't help but clear his throat. "Actually, you don’t need to trouble the doctor."

Fu Yanhuai ignored Lu Yao’s words. Once he made a decision, no one could change it.

"You wake up around this time every day. Do you start work this early?"

Lu Yao truly froze this time. Fu Yanhuai had never mentioned his dessert shop job before. Lu Yao had always tried to leave the villa before Fu Yanhuai was around, vaguely aware of his disdain and disapproval for his work. This was the first time they had openly discussed it.

Lu Yao replied hesitantly, "Yes, but I’m off today. I wasn’t planning to go out."

Fu Yanhuai didn’t care much about Lu Yao’s job, but Lu Yao’s recent early departures and late returns made it seem as though Fu Yanhuai couldn’t even afford to feed a Beta with a small appetite.

Fu Yanhuai turned his head and glanced at Lu Yao. The oversized pajamas made Lu Yao look even thinner. He stood barefoot and awkwardly by the bed, his face pale, appearing somewhat pitiful.

Fu Yanhuai looked away. "I’ll set up a family allowance card for you. Quit your job."

Lu Yao’s eyes widened in shock. As Fu Yanhuai turned to leave, Lu Yao quickly said, "Mr. Fu, wait—that’s not necessary. My salary is enough—"

"Enough for what? To mend your pajamas?"

There was no contempt in Fu Yanhuai’s expression, but his innate arrogance made the words sound exactly like a sneer.

Lu Yao lowered his eyes in shame. He couldn’t refute Fu Yanhuai’s words, because he did have to send money to Lu Qianxing from time to time, leaving him with little to spare.

Fu Yanhuai had long grown impatient with the endless troubles of the Lu family. He knew where Lu Yao’s money went. Fu Yanhuai stated bluntly, "The family allowance card is only for you. Quit your current job, or find one with more suitable hours. Lu Yao, I don’t want to remind you every day what your real responsibilities are."

A wave of helplessness washed over Lu Yao. He lowered his head and mumbled, "I understand."

Fu Yanhuai went into the bathroom to wash up. Lu Yao quickly checked for any traces he might have left last night, tidied the bed, then picked up his jacket, hesitating whether to just leave.

Fu Yanhuai finished his ablutions quickly. His hair was slightly damp on his forehead, and water droplets traced the sharp line of his jaw. His dark eyes fixed steadily on Lu Yao.

For a moment, Lu Yao was mesmerized. Fu Yanhuai was indeed an S-class Alpha, flawless in family background, appearance, and capability.

He quickly looked back at the floor. "Mr. Fu, I’ll be going now."

Lu Yao’s mind was still in a whirl. He really needed more sleep.

Unexpectedly, Fu Yanhuai spoke again. "Do you know how to tie a tie?"

This was unusual. Lu Yao shook his head softly. "No."

"Come here." Fu Yanhuai casually picked out a tie, a dark blue one resting quietly in his palm. "I’ll teach you."

Lu Yao wasn’t sure how he walked over. Standing before Fu Yanhuai, he dared only to stare at Fu Yanhuai’s collar.

Fu Yanhuai took Lu Yao’s hand, his voice now sounding remarkably patient. "Loop it here, then around to this side, and push it up."

Lu Yao hoped his blush wasn't too obvious. He didn't understand why he was so weak-willed, always unable to resist being drawn to Fu Yanhuai.

Fu Yanhuai’s long eyelashes drooped. Lu Yao kept stealing glances, thinking himself discreet, until Fu Yanhuai released his hand. "Done."

Caught off guard, Lu Yao met Fu Yanhuai’s gaze directly. His face and ears visibly reddened in seconds. Observing Lu Yao’s reaction coolly, Fu Yanhuai asked indifferently, "Did you learn it?"

Lu Yao hadn’t actually remembered anything, but he forced himself to answer steadily, "Yes."

Fu Yanhuai hummed in acknowledgment. He put on his suit jacket, then selected a pair of matching cufflinks. The allowance card and brief moment of indulgence served as Fu Yanhuai’s compensation for his disrespect toward Lu Yao during his recent rut.

Lu Yao couldn’t fathom why Fu Yanhuai had suddenly become kind to him again today. Hugging his jacket, still dazed, he descended the stairs and only realized after closing his own bedroom door that he had slept in Fu Yanhuai’s room last night.

Looking down at the ill-fitting pajamas, Lu Yao felt utterly bewildered.

Why had Fu Yanhuai seemed to dislike him just days ago, only to change today?

Though physically exhausted, Lu Yao’s mind was buzzing. He checked his phone again, seeing messages not only from Xia Shiyue but, unexpectedly, from Ma Song as well.

Xia Shiyue said he had already prepared to order equipment for his café and might resign early. Remembering Fu Yanhuai’s words that morning, Lu Yao’s hand hesitated before replying.

Ma Song urged Lu Yao to return to work promptly, as many orders were piling up at the shop.

After a moment of hesitation, Lu Yao replied to Xia Shiyue, asking, "Where are you planning to open your coffee shop?"

Clutching his phone tightly, Lu Yao sat on the bed, staring blankly at the white wall opposite him.

Perhaps the butler was right; he really should pay more attention to Fu Yanhuai. And perhaps, just as Fu Yanhuai said, he should work only for himself.