ABPTA Chapter 30

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While lamenting, Yu Lan recalled how his hands had ‘wandered’ over Shao Mingyu. 

Glancing nearby, he even saw Mister Shao’s discarded shirt with a few of the buttons ripped off. 

Last night, when Yu Lan was drunk, Yu Lan had asked Shao Mingyu, “Why don’t you take off your clothes to sleep tonight?”

Shao Mingyu had politely declined but Yu Lan had begun grasping at the man’s shirt with his little claws. 

“Why not? You shouldn’t wear clothes to sleep, it’s uncomfortable!”

Yu Lan didn’t dare to remember if he had tried to touch Shao Mingyu’s pants. 

As if he could see what Yu Lan was thinking about, Shao Mingyu leaned close to say into his ear with a low voice, “Don’t worry. When you went for my belt, I stopped you.”

Yu Lan, “!!”

Somebody please kill him!

Yu Lan wanted to cry. 

Seeing that Yu Lan was about to dig a hole in the ground and disappear, Shao Mingyu lightly smiled and let him go. But he was not as calm as he appeared on the surface. 

Just thinking of the innocent Yu Lan trying to untie his belt, Shao Mingyu was finding it hard to resist. 

He wasn’t sure that if it happened again, he would be able to hold back. His desire would be obvious to this Little Grape. 

He had barely resisted giving in this morning…

Shao Mingyu took a deep breath and tried to distract his mind. He let Yu Lan keep a small distance between them and hoped that the young man wouldn’t pay too close attention to his stiff movements. 

“Okay. Get up when you’re ready. You didn’t take a shower before bed last night so make sure to wash up and then come downstairs for breakfast.” 

Shao Mingyu rubbed Yu Lan’s soft hair and then left the bed. 

Hearing the sound of clothing rustling, Yu Lan slowly turned his head to look. Shao Mingyu stood on the other side of the bed with his back to Yu Lan. 

His body radiated strength, covered in sexy muscles with broad shoulders and a tight waist. 

Yu Lan suddenly remembered what Wen Zicheng had once said.

The store manager always did and said things that contradicted his gentle persona. One day in the shop, Wen Zicheng showed Yu Lan a screenshot from a drama he was watching. It showed the male protagonist’s naked back, looking strong and broad. 

Wen Zicheng pointed to the photo and slyly said, “This is a back made for leaving scratches on!”

A back made for leaving scratches on…

Yu Lan buried his face in the pillow again, his ears red and his heart seemed to be beating out of his chest.

After Shao Mingyu was dressed, he turned around to speak to Yu Lan again. Seeing Yu Lan burrowed into the bed again, he smiled and said, “Not ready to get up?”

Yu Lan’s voice was sullen, “No, I’ll get up soon…”

Shao Mingyu smiled and went into the bathroom. 

On the bed, Yu Lan sneakily moved to Mister Shao’s side of the bed. He reached out and hugged Mister Shao’s pillow, breathing in his scent and rubbing it all over his body. 

He did that for a long moment until he felt satisfied and then jumped out of bed as if electrified, face red as he fled back to his own room. 

He liked Mister Shao’s scent. 

He really liked it. 

*

After going downstairs, Yu Lan noticed that Uncle Liu and Aunty Jiang were acting strange, exchanging meaningful glances. 

Yu Lan remembered that he had been carried upstairs and then held all night by Mister Shao. He also remembered muttering some embarrassing things…

Had they overheard? Yu Lan felt so ashamed that he ducked his head, not meeting anyone’s eye, blushing as he slowly ate. 

They had seen him acting so shameless! 

Shao Mingyu came downstairs to see his Little Grape stuffing his mouth and not saying anything. He didn’t raise his head even when Shao Mingyu walked in the room. Shao Mingyu smiled helplessly and walked over to caress Yu Lan’s head, “Eat slower.”

His family’s omega paused and then obediently slowed down. 

What a good boy. 

After eating, Yu Lan’s hangover felt better and he took Little Mars out for a walk. They walked for a long time until it was time for Yu Lan to leave for his shift at the cafe. 

He arrived at the shop covered in strong alpha pheromones. Wen Zicheng gave him a knowing look but Wang Jialin’s expression looked pinched and pale. 

Yu Lan went into the back and changed into his work clothes. As he opened the door to leave, Wang Jialin was standing on the other side and he stepped forward, crowding Yu Lan back into the lounge and closing the door behind him. He stood blocking the door, his back against the wood. 

Yu Lan smoothed out his surprised expression, took another step back and asked calmly, “What do you want?”

Wang Jialin looked at him with a sad face and said, “A-Lan, didn’t you say yesterday that you didn’t have a lover? Why did you come in today smelling so much like an alpha? What’s going on?”

“That has nothing to do with you…” Yu Lan paused and then continued, “Anyway, I do have someone I like. There being something between you and I….it’s impossible.”

Wang Jialin’s expression pinched and he clenched his fist, “Is it really impossible? You said you only like him, not that the two of you are together. Anything could happen, why not give me a chance?”

Yu Lan shook his head and firmly said, “I don’t like you romantically. I won’t like anyone but him.”

Wang Jialin said blankly, “Are you sure about this person? It has to be him even if he won’t like you back?”

Yu Lan nodded. 

Yu Lan knew that anything could happen in the future. Maybe it was too early to decide on Mister Shao for the rest of his life. 

But right now, Yu Lan couldn’t imagine ever feeling this way about anyone else. There was only one Mister Shao in this world and he held a special place in Yu Lan’s heart. 

Even if Mister Shao decided he didn’t feel the same way, Yu Lan’s feelings would stay the same, no matter how much time passed. And as long as his heart was full of Mister Shao, there was no room for anyone else. 

Therefore…

Yu Lan looked at Wang Jialin and said, “He is my most precious person.”

Wang Jialin’s fist loosened. 

He looked at Yu Lan quietly for a moment, then whispered “I understand.”

Yu Lan nodded, walked around him, opened the door and left the room. 

Fortunately, the evening shift was just Wen Zicheng and Yu Lan. Yu Lan was thankful to avoid any lingering awkwardness after Wang Jialin’s confrontation. Wen Zicheng spent the shift gently teasing Yu Lan.

“Your Mister Shao seems quite eager to cover you in his scent. You weren’t even in heat this time and he marked you and rubbed all over you…”

Yu Lan didn’t say anything, blushing and pouting, deciding to sulk instead of respond. 

*

It was later than usual when Yu Lan got back to the manor after work that night. When he walked in the front hall, he noticed a suitcase in the corner and remembered that Mister Shao had mentioned leaving on a business trip. His good mood instantly plummeted. 

When Shao Mingyu came downstairs he saw Yu Lan staring at the suitcase, looking lonely and pitiful. He lightened his footsteps and walked closer. 

Yu Lan was lost in a daze, staring blankly when a low voice sounded next to his ear, “You’re still more than welcome to come with me.”

“Mister Shao…” Yu Lan was embarrassed at being caught. 

“Just take a few days off from work. You don’t need to worry about anything, just bring yourself.” Shao Mingyu smoothed down Yu Lan’s messy hair, “You’re thinking about it too much.”

Yu Lan’s voice was soft, “It’s not good if I cling to you too much, Mister Shao.”

Shao Mingyu’s hand paused to hover over Yu Lan’s head, “Why not?”

“What if it becomes a habit? What if I become too dependent on you?”

If it became a habit, Yu Lan would never be able to be apart from Mister Shao. The man had such a busy schedule, it was impossible for them to always be together. 

Shao Mingyu’s eyes darkened, “I think it’s good if you become accustomed to always being by my side. I’ll take responsibility.”

Yu Lan was stunned. 

Shao Mingyu curled his fingers and gently knocked his knuckle against Yu Lan’s forehead, “So, do you want to come with me?”

Yu Lan struggled with the decision, his desire and reluctance written clearly on his face. Shao Mingyu watched the expressions cycle on his face and tried not to laugh. 

Yu Lan struggled for a long time before he shook his head. Shao Mingyu sighed, rubbed his hair once more and then turned to pour a glass of water. 

He heard footsteps as Yu Lan followed him. Surprised, he turned to find the young man gazing earnestly up at him. 

Looking hesitant, Yu Lan asked, “Mister Shao, if it storms when you aren’t here…can I sleep in your bed?”

Shao Mingyu tensed. 

Yu Lan lowered his eyes and blushed, “Your scent helps…when I’m afraid.”

Shao Mingyu’s eyes sharpened and he forgot to breathe for a long moment. 

This time of year, it was very rare for there to be thunderstorms. But Yu Lan had been isolated from the world for so long, he didn’t know that he had nothing to fear. 

He was a simple young man, ignorant of little everyday things. Shao Mingyu felt a little helpless, unsure of how to do right by Yu Lan. 

And the thought of Yu Lan seeking out his scent as a comfort when he was distressed…

Shao Mingyu was silent for a long moment and Yu Lan noticed, hesitating before raising his head. He was startled by the look in Mister Shao’s eyes. He stared at the man wide eyed, unsure of what to say. 

Shao Mingyu swallowed, the knot in his neck rolling down. He took a deep breath and when he spoke, his voice was a little hoarse. 

“Sleep in my bed whenever you want to, A-Lan. But make sure to call me if you’re that scared.”

Don’t just keep it all to yourself and hide under the covers all alone, Little Grape.  

Yu Lan’s eyes lit up as he gave Shao Mingyu a wide smile, nodding his head emphatically, “I will!”

*

Shao Mingyu set off early the next morning.

When the aircraft took off, Yu Lan was lying in his bed, looking through the curtains at it, in a daze. He watched until every trace of the aircraft disappeared and then, unable to sleep more, he got out of bed. 

He immediately slipped into Mister Shao’s room, holding the pillow that was still tainted with Mister Shao’s scent. He was able to fall asleep peacefully again.

*

Yu Lan went to work but was nervous about seeing Wang Jialin so soon after their confrontation. He still felt a little embarrassed to see him. But to his surprise, when Yu Lan entered the cafe, Wang Jialin smiled like normal and greeted him cheerfully. 

Yu Lan was cautiously happy with this reaction. After all, it would be too awkward to work together otherwise. 

But Yu Lan had been too optimistic. 

Yu Lan realized something was wrong on the third day after Mister Shao left. 

Wang Jialin had casually mentioned gossip about Mister Shao in small talk for three consecutive days. At first, Yu Lan assumed Wang Jialin just liked to gossip about everything. He had been very passionate about that gossip magazine. Maybe that was just his hobby. 

But after three days of this behavior, Yu Lan realized that it was deliberate. He also suspected that Wang Jialin had recognized Mister Shao that night in front of the cafe and was mentioning the gossip to get a rise out of Yu Lan. Was this his revenge for being rejected?

Once Yu Lan noticed Wang Jialin acting strange, he even became suspicious of the way the alpha had previously pursued him. 

Today, Wen Zicheng had something to do outside of work and Yu Lan had a rare day off of tutoring with Teacher Bai. He agreed to work the day shift with Wang Jialin. 

After work ended, Yu Lan changed in the lounge and opened the door. Wang Jialin came in smiling and brightly said, “Hey, I have a cousin who is a fan of Shao Mingyu. She told me-”

“Wang Jialin,” Yu Lan interrupted him, frowning, “don’t say another bad word about Mister Shao.”

Wang Jialin paused.

Yu Lan looked at him and said, “Who the hell are you, really?”

Everything about this man was strange. 

Yu Lan had always believed that Wang Jialin was just an ordinary college student. He was always sunny, cheerful and hardworking. 

Of course, the alpha’s pursuit of him had been very embarrassing. But recently, Yu Lan’s instincts were telling him that there was something wrong with Wang Jialin. 

Even Wen Zicheng had been deceived. 

As soon as Yu Lan asked that question, Wang Jialin looked at him and the naive expression on his face fell away. 

A sudden thought flashed into Yu Lan’s mind. He stared at Wang Jialin and asked, “Who told you to come work at the cafe?”

“Do you think I could possibly tell you?” Wang Jialin walked over to the table, picked up his glass of water and sighed, “I’ve already failed at the task I was given. If you knew who it was, I’d have to shut you up.”

Yu Lan inched towards the door, his gaze never leaving Wang Jialin. 

Wang Jialin looked over and said, “Don’t worry. Even if that person paid me a lot of money to deal with you, I take my future after college seriously. I work hard here at the cafe and I’ll have to find a good career later. I won’t do anything illegal and jeopardize everything.” 

“Of course, that man feels the same way about his future. He didn’t dare do anything to you himself.”

Yu Lan was still tense. He said coldly, “That man wants you to deal with me by pursuing me romantically and saying bad things about Mister Shao?”

“Sure,” Wang Jialin said slowly, “because if you fall in love with another alpha, that keeps you away from Shao Mingyu. You’re too close to him, that’s why you’re being targeted.”

Yu Lan clenched his jaw. Who would do this?

“I mean, as soon as you rejected me, I wanted to give up the mission. And now that you’ve seen through me completely, well, I’m just too lazy to keep up the act.”

Wang Jialin took a sip of water and said, “But even without me, that man would send someone else. It doesn’t seem like he’s going to let you off easily.”

Yu Lan was stunned, frozen by the door. 

Wang Jialin looked straight at him and said quite seriously, “Yu Lan, if you want to get rid of this monster, you have to become more powerful.”

Suddenly, they heard movement beyond the closed door. 

Wen Zicheng entered the cafe and looked all around for his employees. Seeing that they had gone into the lounge and not left in a long time, he knocked on the door and opened it. He noticed right away that the atmosphere was wrong. 

“What’s the matter?”

Yu Lan turned to him and said lowly, his expression pinched, “Nothing. I’m leaving first, manager.”

“What? Oh, okay,” Wen Zicheng shouted after Yu Lan’s back, “Be careful on the way home!”

Today, Yu Lan had ridden his bicycle to work so there was no black car waiting on him. 

He had planned on going straight home to the manor but after riding around randomly to clear his head, Yu Lan pulled over to the side of the road. 

His head was a mess. He couldn’t stop thinking. He propped his bike up and wandered over to a flower bed to sit down next to it. 

Who would do this?

Was it someone he knew?

Was Wang Jialin right when he said that mysterious person would never let him go?

Yu Lan’s mind shuffled through the face of every person he knew. There was no one he could think of that seemed suspicious. 

But more importantly, what could he even do about this?

He could tell Mister Shao and let the alpha take care of this for him. But was it really okay for Yu Lan to always rely on Mister Shao to fix every problem in his life? Wasn’t he already too dependent on the alpha? 

Suddenly, Yu Lan remembered something Wang Jialin had said. 

If you want to get rid of this monster, you have to become more powerful.

Had this person in the shadows done something bad to Mister Shao because of Yu Lan? Probably not. This bad person had chosen Yu Lan to target because he was weaker and more vulnerable than Mister Shao. 

After calming down, Yu Lan realized that Wang Jialin’s words were correct. 

The only way for Yu Lan to take care of this bad man was to become stronger than him. So strong that no one would dare touch Yu Lan again. 

After all, there was always another Wang Jialin, ready and waiting to hurt him. Even without the mysterious man that sent Wang Jialin, there would be others wanting to target Yu Lan. 

As long as Yu Lan stood by Shao Mingyu’s side, their relationship would be very public. It would draw a lot of unscrupulous people. 

It was impossible to depend on Mister Shao to shield him from this for the rest of their lives. Yu Lan must become stronger. 

Yu Lan was resolved. 

A cool breeze blew through the flowers. 

A pair of legs passed in front of him, stopped and then came back. 

A surprised voice exclaimed, “Little friend, we meet again!”

Yu Lan raised his head to see that familiar older man from the mall, the one who called himself a modelling agent. He smiled down at Yu Lan, wearing a bowler hat and black sunglasses, even though it was night.

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