The next morning, Feng Zhixi woke to the crisp, melodic chirping of birds. Reaching out, he tapped the control system on the headboard. The vintage velvet curtains, which had shielded the room from the dawn, slid open soundlessly, inviting the lush greenery of the outdoors into the room.
Transitioning from the dim shadows into the bright light, the Omega sat halfway up. He stretched his arms upward, fingers splaying as he let out a long, languid yawn. He looked like a cat—utterly relaxed and content.
This was the scene Ji Yeran walked into. The drawn curtains allowed a soft breeze to drift inside, carrying the fragrance of flowers and the sound of birdsong. In the morning light, the newly awakened youth stretched lazily, his fingertips taut and his skin glowing like warm jade—smooth and translucent.
With his eyes still heavy with sleep, the Omega looked like a pampered, willful cat. Standing by the door, the Alpha felt a sudden, mischievous urge to tease him.
"Awake?" Ji Yeran walked over naturally, leaning down to press a kiss against Feng Zhixi’s lips. It was a feather-light touch, carrying the sweet scent of green plums—tender and lingering.
The kiss was fleeting, brushing against him like a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface. It was a tentative, teasing contact, as if deliberately baiting a small animal to draw closer.
Drawn in by that inadvertent hint of green plum pheromones, the still-drowsy Omega couldn’t help but reach out. He hooked his arms around the Alpha’s neck, refusing to let him pull away.
Caught by the nape, Ji Yeran’s movement stalled. He let out a silent chuckle and followed the Omega’s lead, leaning down further to deepen the kiss and exchange their pheromones.
It was a slow, lingering kiss, blending the sweetness of green plums with the mellow, intoxicating aroma of strong spirits. The room fell into a quiet stillness. By the time the kiss finally ended, Feng Zhixi was wide awake.
Sensing the Omega’s alertness, Ji Yeran ended the deepening kiss. He looked at Feng Zhixi with eyes full of warmth, like the blooming of spring.
"Are you awake now?" Ji Yeran asked.
Feng Zhixi blinked, his mind clearing. He subconsciously licked his lips and felt a slight swelling at the corner of his mouth. He shot a suspicious look at the solemn-faced Ji Yeran. He had every reason to suspect that the man had been teasing him on purpose just now.
Faced with the little patient’s distrust, the Warden—having successfully "teased the cat"—maintained a perfect expression of innocence, refusing to admit to his wicked deeds or ulterior motives.
Not admitting it? Feng Zhixi’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression turning dangerous.
And so, the Warden, who had taken the liberty of "teasing the cat" and then denied it, suffered his "retaliation"...
***
When Council Chair Ye finally saw her son, she was greeted by the sight of Ji Yeran dressed in a formal outfit, his standing collar buttoned all the way up to his Adam's apple despite the warm weather.
"?" Ye Qing looked at the son who had reportedly arrived last night but had made her wait until noon today to see him. Her gaze lingered suspiciously on his tightly fastened collar.
She had cleared her entire schedule, waiting from last night until this afternoon just to see him. What on earth had this boy been doing?
Faced with his mother’s blatant scrutiny, Ji Yeran remained perfectly composed. This was despite the fact that the skin beneath his collar was a mess of bruises—a ring of purplish-blue marks that looked quite startling, entirely the handiwork of a certain pampered soul.
Ye Qing hadn't called her son back just to pry into his private life. After a suspicious glance, she moved on to official business.
"It’s time for you to come back," Ye Qing said, looking at her grown son. Her features, which mirrored Ji Yeran’s, gave the female Alpha an air of brilliant, commanding elegance.
As a powerful Alpha, Ye Qing had always believed that a young lion could only grow if thrown into the pride. Her son had been rebellious for long enough.
Because of Ji Yeran’s prolonged absence, many within the Ye and Ji families were starting to get restless.
Amidst such instability, there would inevitably be some brainless fools who would do something stupid. Ye Qing reminded her son not to forget that he now had an Achilles' heel; he had to be strong enough to protect the person he cared about.
As if remembering something, a flicker of emotion crossed the Council Chair’s eyes as she spoke, though it vanished just as quickly.
Ji Yeran wasn't surprised by his mother’s words. In fact, on the way here, he had already guessed her purpose for seeking him out.
Looking at his mother, Ji Yeran nodded without refusal. Even if she hadn't brought it up, he would have returned on his own.
Ever since learning that Feng Zhixi was a cub of the legendary Xi Tribe, Ji Yeran had felt a profound sense of crisis. He had to climb higher and become stronger as quickly as possible. Only then...
Ji Yeran lowered his gaze slightly, his eyes darkening with resolve. Only then could he protect him.
