Hybrid Tea Rose

Dr. Wen, who was on standby, was unexpectedly summoned in the middle of the night to conduct a recheck on Wen Yu's condition. Upon learning that the omega was in haste to leave, he was stunned and had to promptly issue some medications and warnings concerning symptoms to watch out for.

"Given your current weak condition, I strongly suggest you prioritize eating regular meals and getting plenty of rest, especially a full night's sleep. I've issued you the necessary medications, and I've also prescribed a week's worth of pain relief patches, which should be replaced every 5 hours."

He then suddenly paused, his voice turning serious, "Your gland was badly injured, do you realize that? If you don't take proper care of it, it could permanently impact your health for the rest of your life."

Wen Yu's expression darkened, the doctor's words were all too familiar to him. He was all too aware of the recurring advice, but it was all….too late. He had been young and foolish, once believing that the aggressive marks etched into his skin were an expression of love. 

At that time, he held the illusion that he and Yang Chen were in love, that they were a perfect couple that others envied. However, the truth was far different. He was in a toxic relationship, everything was a lie. He was abused by the cheating alpha yet was manipulated into thinking it was all done out of love.

It could be said that his perception of love had become distorted, tainted by dark thoughts and self doubt. 

Yet, a soothing low voice cut through his thoughts entirely, a low timber speaking beside him, "Worry not, Dr. Wen. Such things won't occur again in the future. I'll make sure of it."

Lou Yan stood to the side, carefully balancing his distance from the youth. His hand was casually tucked into one pocket, while his previously unbuttoned pajama shirt was now meticulously buttoned up.

Wen Yu noticed a stark contrast in the man's demeanor - the previously gentle eyes and tone, which were once directed at him, were now replaced by an aloofness when interacting with others. The voice was low yet carried a tone akin to someone who was used to holding a position of power and commanding others.

Dr. Wen nodded, adjusting his glasses as he spoke, "That's reassuring then." He continued, "By the way, I've discovered that your pheromones are remarkably compatible with each other. After only a few hours of contact, Mr. Wen's heat symptoms have already begun to subside."

Our pheromones are compatible? 

Wen Yu was briefly taken aback, a sudden pang of curiosity welling up within him, having the urge to turn and glance at the man standing beside him. He wondered what kind of reaction he would see….perhaps a look of disdain? 

Contrary to his worries, Lou Yan's expression instead revealed some intrigue, his eyebrows raising in response to the remark. 

"Is that so? No wonder I found Mr. Wen's pheromones so pleasing." Obviously Lou Yan's tone was said so casually but Wen Yu was timid to meet his gaze. 

Catching a glimpse of the younger man's blushing ears peeking out from behind the strands of hair, Lou Yan found it interesting. Just like a cautious and timid hedgehog, trying to conceal its soft underbelly behind a prickly exterior.

After the doctor left, in the room, only the two of them remained, surrounded by the faint scent of snow-sandalwood pheromones combined with a much lighter sweet pheromone fragrance belonging to Wen Yu. 

Lou Yan leaned in close to Wen Yu's side, he sniffed lightly, taking the initiative to speak. "Hybrid tea rose pheromones?" he mused, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Wen Yu met the man's gaze, a hint of embarrassment on his features. He sighed slightly when asked, "Yes." 

In front of this man, he had exposed so many vulnerable and embarrassing sides of himself - the sight of his scar, his actions during heat, and now his pheromones. It was their first meeting, yet he couldn't help but feel self-conscious.

Lou Yan's thin lips tugged into a subtle smile, a touch of intrigue in his expression, "It smells good. It truly reminded me of one of Billecart-Salmon's champagne." In fact, it was his favorite champagne and for a moment, Lou Yan thought the smell was a bit addictive.

As Wen Yu's ears turned an even deeper shade of red, he found himself lost in thought. The man's comment about his pheromones... was it purposeful or just a coincidence? 

Did he not realize the implications of this sort of praise? In the language of alphas and omegas, this was obviously seen as a form of flirtation. 

However, his amber eyes gleamed with recognition at the familiar name, "You mean the Blanc de Blancs Millésimé 2012?" He was, after all, once the well-educated young master of the Wen family so he wasn't unfamiliar with the name. 

Billecart-Salmon, a French champagne house, is known for producing the Blanc de Blancs Millésimé 2012, a rare and expensive vintage champagne which uses hybrid tea roses as one of its blending elements. 

Lou Yan looked down at the youth, his blue eyes lazily flicking down as a hint of appreciation flashed across his features. "You guessed right."

Just as the atmosphere between them was getting a bit ambiguous, a sudden, cold ringtone shattered the moment. 

Wen Yu's face fell as he fished out the old mobile phone from his pocket. Staring at the contact name on the screen, it was like a cold bucket of water had been dumped over his head, effectively jolting him back to reality.

Lou Yan didn't even need to look to know who had just called. In the original plot, Yang Chen, who played a part in the plan to drug Wen Yu, had made a phone call. At that moment, Wen Yu had been standing on the rooftop of the hospital, considering taking his own life, and it was this very phone call that became the final breaking point. 

Lou Yan knew that Wen Yu was in a sensitive and vulnerable condition at the moment, with his emotions and pheromones in a fragile balance. He reached out his hand and took the initiative to hang up the phone, "You don't have to take it."

Wen Yu didn't say anything. His heart was aching and his chest was feeling particularly constricted. And when one was experiencing such pain, they were bound to...be consumed by thoughts of vengeance.

Lou Yan sighed softly and moved closer, his strong arms encircling the young man's trembling shoulders, his voice dropping to a low murmur, "Don't hold it in. If you want, let yourself get angry."

However, in stark contrast to his tender, comforting words and the soothing spread of his pheromones, Lou Yan's gaze was sharp and cold, "Their happiness won't last."

Indeed, when a person driven by a desire for revenge crossed paths with another who indulged and even supported that desire….it was bound to create chaos.

If nobody will stand by your side then…I will.