come as you are

«Ge-», Lang Qianqiu prompted again, and just as Xie Lian opened his mouth to answer, someone beat him to it.

«Customer Advisor Lang», a deep voice said coolly, then slightly warmer, «Senior Advisor Xie.»

Xie Lian glanced over at Hua Cheng, and felt his stomach swoop as they locked eyes.

Hua Cheng's grey eye sparkled.

«Executive Hua», Xie Lian greeted, his lips curving into a gentle smile.

«We're both senior advisors, actu-», Lang Qianqiu started, then was interrupted yet again as Hua Cheng lifted a dismissive hand.

Hua Cheng didn't even deign to look at the other man.

«If I may borrow Senior Advisor Xie for a moment», it was more of a statement of what he intended to do than a question, Hua Cheng's dark, silky voice almost drawling.

Xie Lian felt his breath hitch slightly.

He couldn't tell if it was because they were standing so close, or because of the dim atmosphere of the sky bar, or because of the heavy, intent way Hua Cheng was staring at Xie Lian… almost as if he was hungry.

Lang Qianqiu shrugged.

«Sure», he said, then grabbed his drink and nodded to Xie Lian, «see ya, Xie-ge!»

Lang Qianqiu then moved away from the counter, heading over to his friends again.

Xie Lian glanced after him, then looked back at Hua Cheng and smiled once more, trying to be polite.

Hua Cheng's eye twinkled with something as he languidly beheld Xie Lian.

As he stepped a little closer, the faint smell of his scent hit Xie Lian once again — deep, rich musk, combined with teak and the warm bitterness of dark chocolate.

Heat pooled in Xie Lian's stomach.

«Executive Hua», he forced himself to say, «how can I help you?»

Hua Cheng met Xie Lian's eyes, and he smiled slowly.

«There's no need to call me by my title, Senior Advisor Xie», his voice was like a caressing murmur, «you may simply call me Hua Cheng.»

Xie Lian could feel the beat of his heart.

«Then you may call me Xie Lian», he answered, eyes crinkling softly, «is there anything I can help Hua Cheng with?»

Hua Cheng's lips parted for a moment, as if he was surprised by something.

«Ah, actually», he started, moving half a step closer, «I actually wanted to ask you-»

«A-Lian!», a sharp voice said from behind them, and Xie Lian reluctantly turned around.

Mu Qing was walking towards him, his tone brusque.

«We're leaving», he said, shooting a discourteous look towards Hua Cheng, apparently completely unbothered by the authoritative alpha, «Feng Xin is waiting outside. Come.»

Casting a glance towards Hua Cheng, taking in the way the man was still eyeing Xie Lian, the latter felt somewhat unwilling to leave.

«Can't it wait?», Xie Lian asked, still gazing at Hua Cheng.

Tsk-ing, Mu Qing grabbed Xie Lian's arm;

«No. Come on, we don't have all day.»

Hua Cheng's eyes narrowed, and he clicked his tongue.

«Perhaps that would be something for Xie Lian to decide for himself», he said drily, the words tinged with cool annoyance.

The sound of Xie Lian's name on his lips made the omega's breath hitch.

He couldn't really tell why the executive was affecting him so badly this evening — perhaps it was because this was the closest he had ever been to an alpha, except for Feng Xin?

Xie Lian's brows furrowed.

It didn't really make sense, though. He had been socializing with plenty of alphas throughout the day, after all. Maybe it was the combined effect of all of them that made him so… warm.

Dazed.

Painfully aware of the heat emitted from Hua Cheng's body, the broadness of his shoulders, how he towered over both Xie Lian and Mu Qing—

«It's getting late, and Xie Lian has had a long day», Mu Qing's curt statement cut through Xie Lian's hazy thoughts, «he wants to return to his room, as well.»

Hua Cheng's eye slid over to Xie Lian's face.

«Do you?», he asked, voice deep and smooth.

Xie Lian swallowed, rubbing his chin sheepishly as he glanced between the alpha and his friend.

«Maybe we could talk for five more minutes?», he eventually asked, shooting Mu Qing an appeasing smile.

The latter's mouth cut a cruel line.

«Xie Lian», Mu Qing said icily, «we talked about this. Executive Hua», he threw a glance towards the alpha, Hua Cheng looking at them in silence, «isn't someone you need to talk to.»

Oh. Mu Qing thought Xie Lian wanted to speak with Hua Cheng about the mating bite. Xie Lian hadn't even thought about—

«I'm not someone he needs to talk to?», Hua Cheng drawled, the words low, yet somewhat threatening.

He raised a groomed, dark brow.

Xie Lian blinked.

The sound of Hua Cheng's deep, sensuous voice felt like a caress against his spine.

His cheeks reddened.

Mu Qing, on the other hand, looked distinctively unimpressed.

«Correct», he said bluntly, «and especially not at this exact moment.»

Hua Cheng looked like he wanted to say something else, but Xie Lian met his gaze and smiled apologetically.

The alpha paused.

«We can talk tomorrow», Xie Lian said, «would that be okay, Hua Cheng?»

Hua Cheng's grey eye flickered between both of Xie Lian's, before he inclined his head gently.

«Of course… Xie Lian.»

Xie Lian's eyes crinkled, but just as he prepared to wish the other man a good night, a palm landed on his shoulder.

«What's up?», Feng Xin said, looking between the three of them, «I've been waiting for like five minutes.»

Both Mu Qing and Hua Cheng's attention slid towards the hand resting on Xie Lian's arm.

Hua Cheng's face turned cold, and his shoulders tensed up slightly.

And, strangely enough, Xie Lian thought that he could almost smell a whiff of displeasure coming from Hua Cheng.

Perhaps alphas didn't get along with each other that well?

«Ah, we were just saying goodbye», Xie Lian said, laughing uncomfortably.

He found himself glancing back at Hua Cheng, the latter's stare still focused on his shoulder. Hua Cheng's arms were crossed over his chest.

«Good night, Hua Cheng», Xie Lian's voice was gentle, yet earnest as he spoke.

Meeting Xie Lian's gaze, the alpha's expression seemed to soften somewhat.

«Good night, Xie Lian», Hua Cheng said in that deep voice of his, a silver eye sparkling, «sweet dreams.»

His friends ushered him out of the sky bar, Feng Xin's hand firmly touching Xie Lian the entire time.

The latter couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed at their overprotectiveness.

«You guys were acting rudely back there», Xie Lian chided as they walked towards the elevator, «not only towards Hua Cheng, but towards me as well.»

Mu Qing snorted.

«We agreed that you were not to talk to him», he said, «besides, it's nearly midnight. You need some rest.»

Xie Lian shot him a sulking glance.

«You agreed», he murmured quietly.

«What was that?», Mu Qing arched a brow, then sighed, «you can't seriously be annoyed that we're taking care of you.»

«You even had to nap before dinner, remember?», Feng Xin added, patting Xie Lian's back comfortingly, «you obviously need to rest.»

Xie Lian exhaled lightly.

«But…», he paused, mulling over what words to use, «are you completely sure that I shouldn't talk to Hua Cheng about the mark?»

Mu Qing rolled his eyes, whilst Feng Xin smiled sympathetically.

«A-Lian», the latter said gently, «there is no point. You might not remember, but after Hua Cheng got promoted to leader of the sales department, he was interviewed by one of those business magazines.»

Letting out a huff, Mu Qing nodded in agreement.

«It was the talk of the week, so it's weird that you haven't heard about it», he added.

Brows knitting together, Xie Lian glanced between them.

«What's 'it'?»

«Ah, not much», Feng Xin chuckled, «just executive Hua having a secret romantic side, apparently.»

«When the magazine asked him about his love life, he said that he was single», Mu Qing paused to press on the elevator button, and Xie Lian felt his stomach flutter at the words, «because he's apparently saving himself for a special someone.»

Xie Lian's gut dropped.

Oh.

«He refused to say who, which makes sense», Feng Xin continued, walking into the lift when it arrived, «just that it was someone he had looked up to for a long time. He even admitted that a desire to impress that person is one of the reasons why he works so hard for H-VEN.»

Mu Qing snickered.

«I wonder what Jun Wu thought about that one.»

Swallowing, Xie Lian found himself looking down on his hands. He kept fidgeting with his long, slender fingers.

«Oh.», Xie Lian muttered, «I wasn't aware.»

«It's nothing of importance, anyway», Feng Xin said, yawning as he followed Xie Lian out when the elevator arrived at the correct floor, «c'mon, let's get you to bed. I wanna go to sleep myself.»

His friends made sure that he entered his room safely, then headed back to their own rooms. Xie Lian quickly went through his bathroom routines, then got undressed and crawled into bed, tugging the pile of blankets around himself. Mu Qing's shirt was still lying in his mess of a nest, he noticed, the sight making him feel a little warmer.

Although it had been a long day — Xie Lian found it hard to believe that it was just that morning he had awoken to a mating bite on his neck — and he was feeling both exhausted, sleepy, and warm, Xie Lian still struggled with falling asleep.

There were just so many things to take in.

How disoriented and foggy his mind still was, thoroughly hindering him from remembering details from the night.

The constant ache in his lower back and rear, which had followed him the entire day — combined with the itch of the mating bite, the soreness of his chest, and the stinging marks on his thighs.

All of the conversations he'd had with different people. Quan Yizhen and Yin Yu. Ling Wen. Shi Wudu and Shi Qingxuan. He Xuan.

Hua Cheng.

Heat travelled up his neck as the mere thought of Hua Cheng's intense stare was enough to make him blush.

The way the alpha had looked at Xie Lian. How he had spoken — how delightfully deep his voice had been.

Half a smile had appeared on Xie Lian's mouth, but it slipped away as he remembered what Mu Qing and Feng Xin had said.

Hua Cheng's special someone.

Bitter disappointment coated his tongue.

A feeling of discontent that he refused to acknowledge.

Shuffling around between the sheets, Xie Lian dragged a hand over his face as he remembered the conversation with Lang Qianqiu.

'You were all red and flustered, remember?'

His flush reappeared at the recollection of his colleague's words.

Lang Qianqiu was right — Xie Lian had been red and flustered. How could he possibly not be when—

When—

Although Xie Lian's memories remained clouded, he did remember most of that evening.

_______________________

After spending the entirety of the day attending lengthy meetings, most of them dull and monotonous, whilst seated on hard, uncomfortable conference chairs, Xie Lian eagerly took advantage of the hot springs the hotel offered. He had asked his friends to join him, but both of them had declined.

«Soaking in water with a bunch of strangers», Mu Qing scrunched up his nose, «I'm good.»

Feng Xin simply shook his head.

«I already have plans», he'd said apologetically.

Xie Lian therefore found himself walking to the springs alone, a towel and a pair of swimming trunks underneath his arm as he approached the changing room.

He didn't see anyone else as he quickly got undressed and put his hair up into a bun. Perhaps hot springs weren't as much of a luxury to other people as it was to him.

Regardless, Xie Lian swiftly showered and pulled on his trunks, then walked out to the outdoors area.

It was huge. There were multiple pools of water, all of them separated by rows of bamboo, wooden fences, and decorative stones. The chilly night air made the springs even steamier, making it positively futile to see further than a meter in front of you.

A gust of wind made Xie Lian shudder, so he walked to one of the closest hot springs and discarded his towel next to the edge, then carefully walked into the water and sat down.

It felt heavenly. The warm, refreshing water immediately got to work softening Xie Lian's stiff muscles, and the quiet, soothing sound of tiny splashes made for relaxing background noise.

Sighing, Xie Lian lent back against the stone-covered wall, eyes fluttering closed to fully enjoy the silence.

He sat there for a good amount of time, simply emptying his head of every work thought that had filled it throughout the day, focused on slowing down and deepening his breathing.

Xie Lian inhaled and exhaled slowly.

Then, the slow and soft steps of feet against stone appeared.

Someone was walking down the path leading to the hot springs.

Xie Lian opened half an eye, glimpsing towards where the sound was coming from. Not that looking helped in any way — the steam was way too dense to give any idea of who was approaching.

The footsteps paused next to the pool he was sitting in, a few meters away from where he was located. The rustle of fabric hitting the ground, then a slight splash as someone else entered the water.

Xie Lian wasn't sure if the other visitor knew that there was someone else there, so he gently cleared his throat before speaking.

«Hello?», he said, the word more like a question than a proper greeting.

The other guest had been moving around a little, but paused completely as Xie Lian's voice broke the quietness.

The person chuckled.

«Hello», a deep, lilting voice said.

It was somewhat familiar, then yet again, Xie Lian had spoken to many people over the years.

The person's scent was completely obscured by the hot spring, as well, making it impossible to figure out their secondary gender.

«I wasn't aware that there was someone else here», the man continued speaking, his tone still languid, «I hope I didn't intrude.»

«Oh, not at all», Xie Lian found himself smiling although he couldn't see the stranger, nor vice versa, «there is plenty of space, after all!»

The man chuckled again— the sound was low and soft, almost intimate.

«That is true», another pause as the stranger shifted in the water, then a quiet moan as he evidently found a comfortable spot to rest.

Xie Lian felt his cheeks go red.

Silence surrounded them again, and Xie Lian found himself unsure whether it was an awkward one or not.

Biting his lower lip, he pondered for a moment, then opened his mouth.

«Are you here for the conference as well?»

The stranger hummed lazily.

«I am.»

The words were somewhat tinged with laughter, though Xie Lian struggled to see the humor of it.

«Ah», Xie Lian nodded, then flushed as he realized that the person couldn't see him, «me too! How do you like it so far?»

Letting out a deep exhale, the stranger's voice turned even deeper.

«So far, this has been the best part of the trip», he said, referring to the hot springs.

Xie Lian let out a genuine laugh.

«I'll have to agree», he smiled, «this is very enjoyable.»

The stranger was quiet for a moment, and Xie Lian found himself wondering whether he had said anything wrong.

Then—

«If I'm not mistaken… is it Senior Advisor Xie I'm talking to?», the man asked, the question smooth and quiet.

«It is», Xie Lian found himself smiling, «who am I speaking to?»

A heavy exhale sounded from the other end of the water.

«No one of importance», the man murmured, before letting out another chuckle, «why is gege visiting the hot springs so late at night?»

Xie Lian lifted a brow at the sudden familiarity, then smiled and closed his eyes.

«It's nice with a break after a long day», he said earnestly, «I find the water very calming. It's soothing.»

Another movement in the pool.

«…I'll have to agree with gege», the stranger was speaking so softly, so sensually, that goosebumps appeared on Xie Lian's arms.

He couldn't tell whether it was because of the steamy spring or something else, that he suddenly felt almost too warm.

Clearing his throat, Xie Lian continued speaking;

«It's nice to combine work with relaxation», he said, «I've heard that they offer massages here as well, so I think I'll try that out, too.»

The man was silent for a moment.

«…Does gege have a painful back?», he then asked.

«Mm», Xie Lian sighed, still resting against the edge of the pool, «just my neck and shoulders. I think it's the result of having had an office job for so many years.»

Another quiet minute passed.

«Then… would gege like some help with that?», the deep, elegant voice spoke, «I believe that I have very capable hands.»

Xie Lian's eyes popped open.

«Oh, that is- I couldn't possibly-», stuttering, he sheepishly rubbed his chin, «that would be too presumptuous of me.»

The stranger laughed, the sound like a caress against Xie Lian's spine.

«Not at all», the man crooned, «not when I'm the one offering. As long as gege is comfortable, I'd be happy to help.»

A low chuckle.

«After all, we do work for the same company. I wouldn't wish for a colleague to be in pain.»

Xie Lian blinked, then inclined his head in embarrassment.

He did have an achy neck, after all!

«Then», Xie Lian said, ears slightly pink, «I'd be happy to accept the offer.»

The stranger let out a low exhale, then gracefully stood up and waded slowly through the water towards Xie Lian.

With the steam as thick as fog, Xie Lian wasn't able to spot the man until he was right in front of him.

Xie Lian's mouth formed a small circle.

«Oh», he said, «executive Hua!»

The man in question had a half smile playing on his lips, his movements smooth as silk as he sat down next to Xie Lian.

The size difference between them was evident as Xie Lian found himself needing to tilt his head slightly backwards to look up at the other.

«Please just call me Hua Cheng», the man murmured softly, then let his voice drop into a whisper, the sound heating Xie Lian's stomach, «or, if you'd like, S-»

Xie Lian panicked.

«Oh, I'll call you Hua Cheng then!», he said, laughing sheepishly as he tried to make a little more space between them, «that's a great name!»

Hua Cheng blinked as he listened to Xie Lian ramble about his name, his gaze raking over the smaller man.

«It means flower and city, right? That is just- that is great!», Xie Lian felt embarrassment color his neck and chest pink, but embarrassment was better than— better than what he had just—

Hua Cheng chuckled, and Xie Lian could feel the huskiness of the sound deep inside of him.

His breath hitched slightly.

Although he had managed to create a little more room between them, Hua Cheng was still towering over him. His icy, grey eye was positively sparkling as it took in Xie Lian's flustered state, amusement tugging at the corners of his lips.

The proximity also allowed his scent to graze Xie Lian's nose.

A musky, leathery warmth. Silky agarwood and spicy cocoa. Soothing, yet tantalizing.

Unable to meet Hua Cheng's stare anymore, Xie Lian let his gaze fall.

And found himself looking directly at Hua Cheng's throat. At his broad, strong shoulders, so much wider than Xie Lian's. At muscular arms, and a well-defined chest emphasized by clinging drops of water. It was the frame of an athletic and capable man — no, an alpha — who'd be able to throw Xie Lian over one shoulder, if he wished to.

Realizing that he was staring, Xie Lian hurriedly whipped his head around, glaring at the water in front of him.

He could almost feel the silent laugh rumbling through Hua Cheng.

Then a slight movement in the water.

«Let me help, gege.»

Then, a large, warm palm was resting against Xie Lian's neck.

He couldn't help the soft groan leaving his lips.

The hand against his skin paused, before a smooth thumb started stroking the area between his neck and shoulder.

«Mm», Hua Cheng hummed, «gege is all stiff here. No wonder he's in pain.»

Xie Lian felt himself turning scarlet, and closed his eyes, as if that could hide him.

Hua Cheng kept grazing his skin, then added a little more pressure against one of the troublesome spots.

«How is this?», Hua Cheng's voice was but a whisper.

Xie Lian whimpered.

«Good», he murmured, «sensitive, but good.»

Hua Cheng inhaled heavily, his scent for whatever reason spiking.

Turning heavier. Somewhat magnetizing.

«Don't worry, gege», the alpha murmured into his ear, «I'll be gentle.»

Xie Lian was burning.

He couldn't explain why, but he felt feverish. His breaths had turned heavy, bordering to panting.

And his body…

He pressed his thighs together.

Hua Cheng continued with the soft strokes, patiently taking care of the knots underneath Xie Lian's skin, massaging them out with tremendous care.

«Still comfortable?», he breathed after a while, a new roughness in his voice.

Xie Lian moaned faintly.

«En», he gasped.

Hua Cheng paused his hand, then moved closer to Xie Lian and started touching him again.

«Good», the word was more like a purr than anything else.

It sent a shiver through Xie Lian's body, and he swallowed hard.

Glancing over at Hua Cheng, he took in the intent expression on the alpha's face. Eye focused on Xie Lian's back, slightly narrowed in concentration.

Meeting Xie Lian's stare, a slow smile appeared on Hua Cheng's lips, and his eye twinkled with amusement.

Xie Lian's mouth popped open.

And Hua Cheng's gaze dropped down to it.

They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds.

Then, Xie Lian realized how close they were sitting.

Shifting backwards a little, he coughed sheepishly, before abruptly standing up.

«Ah, exec- Hua Cheng, thank you so much», he blabbered, forcing a wide smile on his face, «I'm feeling much better! I'm afraid it's getting kind of late, so I should probably head back to my room now!»

Blinking slowly, Hua Cheng studied Xie Lian's face for a moment before smiling lazily.

His eye seemed a lot darker than usual — assumably because of his flared pupil.

«I'll accompany gege, then. I need to get back as well.»

Although his voice was still a little husky, he sounded a lot more composed than Xie Lian did. His scent was still heavy, though, making Xie Lian feel all… unsettled. Restless.

He shook the feeling away, then nodded.

«Okay.»

Climbing out of the pool, Xie Lian quickly grabbed his towel and hung it over his arms, effectively hiding his crotch.

He had no idea about when, or even why, he had gotten hard.

Hua Cheng picked up his own towel, then waited as Xie Lian walked over to him, before following him back to the lockers.

The size difference was even more obvious as they walked side by side, and Xie Lian had to force himself to look at the pathway in front of them to get less distracted.

Just as they were about to enter the changing room, the door was pushed open, and someone came towards them.

The person smiled.

«Ah, Senior Advisor Xie», Lang Qianqiu paused to greet Xie Lian, a smile on his face, «I see you've been enjoying the hot springs!»

Hua Cheng threw a glance between them, then disappeared into the locker room.

He seemed to prefer carrying his towel in front of himself, as well.

Xie Lian blinked sheepishly towards Lang Qianqiu, struggling to take in the man's words.

«Oh, yes», he nodded, painfully aware of how flushed he was, «I have! It's, ah, very comfortable.»

Lang Qianqiu made a sound of acknowledgement.

«I'm looking forward to it, then», he said and smiled, «see you around, Senior Advisor Xie!»

Waving halfheartedly after him, Xie Lian then took a heavy breath and entered the door in front of him.

Inside the changing room, Hua Cheng had already got undressed. His swimming trunks and towel was laying on the bench in front of him, as he checked something on his phone.

Xie Lian found his eyes travelling down the wet, muscular body, moving from his chest to his waist to his hips to—

Hua Cheng turned towards him.

Xie Lian's eyes widened in shock, before he squeezed them shut and stumbled towards his locker.

It sounded like Hua Cheng was chuckling next to him, but Xie Lian could hardly notice it, too lost in thought by—

By—

He choked back a whimper.

By the absolutely massive size of Hua Cheng's length.

Twisting his towel between shaky hands, the memory was as good as tattooed into his brain.

The way Hua Cheng's cock had been resting against his thigh, almost reaching half the length of it — in a soft state!

It had been thick, a few veins visible on the side of it, and the dark hair at the apex of it had been short and well kept.

Xie Lian's mouth felt dry, whilst his body felt scorchingly hot.

«Gege», a deep voice said behind him, and Xie Lian shuddered, «I'll just go ahead into the showers.»

«En», Xie Lian croaked, then listened to footsteps disappearing into the other room.

Then, Xie Lian quickly yanked his jeans on, slung his sweater — backwards — over his upper body, and bolted.

Struggling to close his zipper over the painfully hard erection he was sporting, Xie Lian stumbled out of the locker room, then ran the entire way to his hotel room. If not for the way his swimming trunks were soaking his pants, they'd sure to be wet anyways, due to the amount of slick running down the back of his thighs.

_______________________

Squealing in embarrassment over the memory, Xie Lian rubbed his bright red cheeks and buried his face in the pillows.

No wonder Hua Cheng had been shooting him strange glances the entire day! Not only had Xie Lian fled the first time they met — he had also gone back to calling the alpha Executive Hua, being quite disrespectful considering how the man had asked him to call him by his name.

Remembering another detail, Xie Lian let out a low groan.

He'd even… He'd even ogled Hua Cheng's body.

Right in front of him.

Leering at his chest, his abs, his—

His—

His cock.

Squawking, Xie Lian pulled the sheets over his head.

What a shameless man he was! Poor Hua Cheng — he had been helping Xie Lian out with his painful neck, and Xie Lian had repaid the favor by unabashedly drooling over him!

Kicking his feet against the mattress, Xie Lian tried to shove the painfully uncomfortable memories away.

How was he ever going to meet Hua Cheng's eye again?

Not only had Xie Lian been acting strangely, both during that day and back in the hot springs, but his friends had also pulled him away from the sky bar, definitely ruining Hua Cheng's impression of them as well!

Xie Lian grimaced, then forced his eyes shut.

There was no point thinking anymore about it. He was tired, he desperately needed some rest.

It'd be much wiser of him to go to sleep, instead of recalling how Hua Cheng had looked at him by the bar.

How warm and big Hua Cheng's hand had been against his neck.

How nice and comforting Hua Cheng had smelled.

How thick his cock had been—

Flushed, Xie Lian shifted around in bed, ignoring the wetness gathering between his thighs.

«No, no, no», he murmured to himself sternly, «let's not go there.»

Taking a deep breath, Xie Lian forced his thoughts elsewhere, and finally sunk into a heavy, sorely needed slumber.

He found himself dreaming.

«Gege», a deep voice moaned, «it feels so fucking good to be inside you-»

Another dark groan.

Cloudy need shrouded Xie Lian's mind, making it difficult to form words with his mouth.

Hands tugged on his hips, pulling him back against a warm, big shape.

Xie Lian moaned.

Fingers travelled possessively up his chest, resting against his collarbones.

Soft, wet lips skimmed his ear.

«Gege», the hungry voice breathed.

Whimpering, Xie Lian clenched around the length inside of him.

«San Lang!»

Gasping, Xie Lian hurriedly sat up in bed.

His heart was pumping with the rush of excitement, and his dick twitched inside his boxers, leaking against the cloth.

Panting, the omega could still feel the phantom sensations of strong hands clutching his hips, of a cock fucking him hard.

Xie Lian let out a flustered sound.

San Lang?

Feng Xin seemed baffled.

«But there is no one in the company called San Lang?», he waited for Mu Qing and Xie Lian to agree with him, «right?»

Mu Qing rolled his eyes.

«It's obviously a nickname», he said drily, then tapped his fingers impatiently against the table and looked over at Xie Lian.

«You only remember calling him by that name? Nothing else?»

Cheeks tinted a lovely pink, Xie Lian coughed into his fist.

«Not- not anything helpful», avoiding his friends' stare, Xie Lian picked on the toast in front of him.

He'd kicked off their breakfast by mentioning his latest dream, careful to only recount the suitable details.

Judging by the way Mu Qing's eyes turned narrow and Feng Xin choked on his coffee, they both seemed to comprehend what went unsaid.

«…Alright», Mu Qing sighed, «so we have a nickname. I guess we can use that when we speak to the remaining alphas.»

Munching on his breakfast, Feng Xin rested a strong arm against the table and looked at Xie Lian.

«You can try to call each of them by the nickname», he suggested, «maybe they'll react then.»

Xie Lian let out a groan and hid his face in his hands.

«But if I call the wrong person by such an intimate name-», he could already picture the humiliation.

«Stop worrying in advance», Mu Qing said, impatient hands cutting an apple, placing the slices on Xie Lian's plate.

«Yeah», Feng Xin snickered and snatched one of the pieces, earning himself a glare from Mu Qing, «they'll probably take it as a compliment.»

Huffing, Xie Lian lowered his hands, then put one of the apple slices into his mouth.

«I'll have it in the back of my mind», he said as he chewed, then glanced around the room.

They were seated in the hotel's cafeteria, enjoying the lavish breakfast buffet with the rest of their colleagues. The room was buzzing with voices, people walking back and forth between the different food stations. Seated on a table in one of the corners, the trio had a good view of who entered and who left the dining area.

Sucking on his lower lip, Xie Lian's brown eyes wandered between the attendants.

They fell short of who he wished to see.

«Have either of you seen Hua Cheng today?», Xie Lian asked casually, one hand playing with his napkin.

Mu Qing looked up from his phone.

«No», a curved eyebrow lifted, «…why?»

Feng Xin shook his head when Xie Lian glanced over at him.

«Oh. No reason, I just wanted to speak with him.»

«About what?», Feng Xin looked puzzled, «I thought you didn't know each other?»

Xie Lian ate another piece of apple.

«He wanted to ask me about something yesterday», he said, then added, «we were actually having a pleasant conversation, until you guys interrupted us.»

He shot his friends a pointed look.

Mu Qing rolled his eyes, then got up from his chair and stretched his back.

«You can talk to him later. Let's settle the entire mating bite thing first - I want to know who we need to confront.»

Xie Lian followed his friends out of the dining room, rubbing his chin as he pondered.

«So you think that it's either Jun Wu, Pei Ming or Pei Xiu?», he asked.

Walking right next to him, Feng Xin looked at Xie Lian and nodded.

«Those are the only plausible alternatives, right?»

«Well-», Xie Lian started.

«Yes», Mu Qing agreed, long ponytail flicking over his shoulder as he snapped his face towards Xie Lian, «they are.»

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Xie Lian let out a quiet sigh and zoned out as his friends started planning out when he should next approach an alpha.

Directing his attention elsewhere turned out to be quite the easy feat, as he discerned a familiar shape further down the hallway.

A smile appeared on his lips as he saw Hua Cheng leaning against a door frame, strong arms leisurely crossed over his chest as he spoke to He Xuan. As Xie Lian and his friends kept making their way down the hall, all of the alpha's distinct features got more and more discernible.

«Also, Xie Lian, I just remembered something I wanted to ask you», Mu Qing said, making Xie Lian tilt his head slightly towards him.

«Yes?»

«Are you even on any birth control?»

The entirety of Xie Lian's attention snapped to his friend, just as Feng Xin started coughing violently.

«IS IT POSSIBLE THAT YOU'RE PREGNANT?», Feng Xin blurted out, way too loud for the public setting they were in.

«Ssh!», Xie Lian hissed, just as a bang sounded from in front of them.

He glanced towards the source of it.

It seemed that executive Hua had just walked directly into a glass door.

He was rubbing his forehead as he stared speechlessly in the direction of Xie Lian.

Blushing furiously, Xie Lian grabbed both of his friends' arms, then pulled them towards the end of the hallway and the elevators waiting there. Multiple people walking next to them glanced over at the trio, probably curious about their brisk march.

«Couldn't you have saved that topic for later?», Xie Lian muttered, face and chest burning with mortification.

The way Hua Cheng had looked at him — what could he possibly be thinking!

The thought alone made Xie Lian groan.

Mu Qing pursed his lips.

«I wasn't aware that someone would be so loud about it», he said, side-eyeing Feng Xin.

«How could I not be!», Feng Xin exclaimed, gawking at Xie Lian as they paused next to the lifts, «is it possible? Do you think you've gotten knocked up?»

«SHUSH!», hiding his face, Xie Lian made an exasperated sound, «I'm on birth control, so no, I am most definitely not pregnant! Can you please keep it down!»

Feng Xin let out a relieved sigh, whilst Mu Qing cocked his head.

«Why are you even on birt-»

«Cut it out!», Xie Lian let his hands fall and shot Mu Qing an indignant look, «that's none of your business! Stop interrogating me!»

Raising his hands in an amenable manner, Mu Qing turned around and pressed the button to fetch the elevator.

Feng Xin still seemed bewildered by the whole ordeal.

«It's just so weird to think about… that you have… have-»

«Then don't think about it!», Xie Lian snapped, «we're all adults, what we do in our free time is private!»

He didn't bother to explain to his friends that the only reason he was on birth control was to better sync up his heats.

If they found out that he had lost his virginity to someone he didn't even know—

Well. He wouldn't put it past them to force the poor alpha into marriage with Xie Lian, then.

A pained expression was still tinting Feng Xin's face as the elevator arrived. They walked into it, then took it to the floor where they'd attend that day's meetings.

The first couple of meetings went by relatively quickly. Xie Lian noticed when Hua Cheng entered the room and felt the intensity of the alpha's stare, though was still too flustered to be able to meet it.

Instead, he spent most of the meeting silently listening to Jun Wu or some of the other executives present a new strategy, or a goal, or some of last year's numbers.

Hua Cheng rarely spoke. It seemed like he'd prefer to not be attending the conference at all, judging by how unimpressed and cold his facial expressions were. Especially when Jun Wu spoke — Hua Cheng almost came across as deliberately inattentive, lazily picking flecks of dust off his shirt, or gazing at the ceiling.

Jun Wu didn't seem to mind, though. He spoke as calmly and poised as usual, dark eyes shifting through the crowd before resting on Xie Lian.

Feeling slightly unsettled by the heavy stare of the CEO, Xie Lian found himself often adjusting the way he was sitting, sometimes even turning towards his friends for a distraction.

«Jun Wu has been looking at you a lot, lately», Mu Qing pointed out during one of the five minute breaks, «do you think that means anything?»

Xie Lian's breath hitched.

«He has always been fond of Xie Lian, though», Feng Xin said, lazily resting an arm on the back of Xie Lian's chair, «every time he talks about the customer service department, he keeps bringing up Xie Lian and the great work he's doing.»

«That doesn't mean that he'd- that he'd spend my heat with me, though», Xie Lian pointed out, glancing between his friends, «right?»

Feng Xin scratched his jaw.

«Maybe? He'd probably be more inclined to help you than some of the other alphas would be, that's for sure. It would be strange of him to not have contacted you yet, though.»

Seated on Xie Lian's left, Mu Qing was scrutinizing the other omega's face.

«Even if it turns out that Jun Wu is in fact your mate», Mu Qing tilted his head to meet Xie Lian's eyes, «it doesn't mean that you're bound to him in any way. It'll just make it easier for us to know what we have to deal with.»

Xie Lian inclined his head.

«Yeah», Feng Xin joined in, «besides, it might very well be Pei Ming instead! He's always had the hots for you.»

Lips curving into a lopsided smile, Xie Lian shook his head slowly.

«Having executive Pei as a mate…»

«That'd be guaranteed heartbreak for sure», Mu Qing said coolly, gazing over at where the man in question was currently chatting up two gorgeous female omegas.

Pei Ming was grinning mischievously at the women, his handsome face an enticing combination of flirty and playful.

Xie Lian hummed thoughtfully.

«I'll talk to him during lunch. Maybe Pei Xiu as well, if I can find him», Xie Lian rubbed his nose, «then, if it's neither of them, I'll speak to Jun Wu.»

As lunch hours finally came around, Xie Lian made his way back to the cafeteria with Feng Xin and Mu Qing. He couldn't help but to feel slightly nervous, his palms somewhat sweaty.

Was it strange that he somehow would prefer his mate to be one of the Peis, instead of—

Instead of—

Breathing out, Xie Lian shoved his thoughts aside, then glanced around the dining room as they entered it again.

Their colleagues were usually gathered together in small groups, seated together with whomever they knew best. That's why Xie Lian usually ended up sitting with Feng Xin and Mu Qing, and sometimes Shi Qingxuan as well — he didn't know the latter that well, but they were on friendly terms.

This time, however, Xie Lian had already decided that he wouldn't sit together with his friends. Instead, he glanced around to spot where Pei Ming was seated.

It didn't surprise him too much when he located the alpha at one of the bigger tables, conveniently enough sitting next to Pei Xiu.

What did surprise Xie Lian, was that Hua Cheng and He Xuan was seated at the same table.

He blinked.

«Let's go over there», Feng Xin said, touching Xie Lian's back, «I'll join you, so it'll be less weird.»

Mu Qing glanced over at them, eyes wandering down to Feng Xin's hand.

His eyebrow twitched.

«I'll leave you to it, then», he said coldly, «I have other business to attend to.»

He swiftly turned around and left, back stiff as he marched away. Xie Lian and Feng Xin exchanged glances, looking after their friend, then made their way to grab some food before walking towards the table where the executives were seated.

Clutching his tray with damp hands, Xie Lian took a deep breath before stopping next to Pei Ming. The alpha was busy chatting away with Pei Xiu, big hands waving around as he gesticulated about something.

Hua Cheng, however, noticed Xie Lian's presence immediately.

A grey eye widened as he saw the omega, swiftly raking over Xie Lian's face.

«Xie Lian», he said, deep voice slightly tinged with surprise.

Pei Ming looked over his shoulder, a lazy grin growing on his lips as he took in Xie Lian and Feng Xin standing there.

«Senior Advisor Xie», he greeted, «Project Coordinator Feng. To what do we owe this pleasure?»

«Ah», Xie Lian smiled sheepishly, «would it be okay if we joined you for lunch today?»

«Of course», Hua Cheng answered smoothly, cutting in before Pei Ming managed to speak, «please feel free to do so.»

Both He Xuan, Pei Ming, Pei Xiu and Feng Xin shot him an incredulous look, faces stunned at the friendly tone of the alpha.

Xie Lian met Hua Cheng's gaze and smiled with crinkled eyes.

«Thank you.»

Because he was already standing next to Pei Ming, both he and Feng Xin ended up sitting down next to the alpha. Xie Lian couldn't help but to shoot a look towards the empty spot next to Hua Cheng, aware of how the latter followed him with his eye.

Shoving his thoughts away, Xie Lian looked down on his food and tried to scent the two alphas next to him as discreetly as possible.

Pei Ming's scent was the strongest, which made sense as he was seated closer to Xie Lian, and it was surprisingly… intriguing. It was an alluring mixture of deep, smoky run and freshly smelted iron, giving it a sweet, yet smoldering touch.

Though, although it was strangely pleasing, it was still not the scent that Xie Lian was looking for. It wasn't home.

Pei Xiu's scent was somewhat similar to Pei Ming's — he also had a comfortable, beguiling smell; all deep, earthy mountain pepper and amber, perfectly soothing and enjoyable to the senses.

Still, as Xie Lian looked up and met Hua Cheng's gaze, feeling the faintest whiff of a familiar, leathery musk — neither of the Peis' scents could compare.

He swallowed, and Hua Cheng's eye dropped to his throat.

«So, what are bringing the two of you to our table today?», Pei Ming asked, eyes twinkling as he glanced over at Xie Lian and Feng Xin. His voice somehow always managed to drip with laughter, making it seem as if he never took anything particularly seriously.

Xie Lian cleared his throat, shooting a pleading look toward his friend. Feng Xin nodded.

«We actually wanted to ask you about something», Feng Xin said, voice steady and firm as he looked at the Peis.

It managed to calm Xie Lian down a little, reminding him that he was not alone with the alphas for once.

«Yes?»

«Two days ago, Xie Lian wasn't feeling too well», Feng Xin patted Xie Lian's back, «and during the evening, he went out alone to look for, uh, medicine.»

Xie Lian's eyes were stuck to the table in front of him, heart beating hard.

If it wasn't Pei Ming or Pei Xiu, then it would have to be—

He took a quiet, shuddering breath.

Then it would have to be Jun Wu.

Biting his lower lip, Xie Lian failed to noticed how Hua Cheng had turned still the second Feng Xin started speaking.

«And someone ended up helping him, but he was so out of it that he can't remember who it was», Feng Xin kept speaking, hand resting on Xie Lian's shoulder, «so, by chance, did it happen to be any of you?»

Silence fell upon the table.

He Xuan even glanced up from his meal, noticing the tense atmosphere.

Then Pei Ming chuckled, resting an arm against the table as he tilted his head curiously.

«How did the person help him?», he asked.

«Well», Xie Lian coughed into his fist, then lifted it to scratch his neck, «they helped me back into my r-»

Then he froze, as he realized that by touching his neck, he had pushed his hair aside and revealed—

Ah.

Feng Xin's palm snapped to cover the mating bite, but it was already too late.

The smile on Pei Ming's lips widened into a devilish grin.

«Hoho», he said, «who's the lucky bastard?»

Pei Xiu's expression was politely attentive, whilst He Xuan frowned and glanced toward Hua Cheng.

Pale with the realization of what he had just shown, Xie Lian couldn't help but to look over at the alpha as well.

Hua Cheng was staring at him with shock in his face, eye wide and fastened on Feng Xin's hand. He looked positively horrified.

Xie Lian's gut dropped, seeing the disgust on Hua Cheng's face.

Oh.

«That's-», Feng Xin clenched his jaw, looking at Pei Ming with annoyance, «that's what we're trying to figure out.»

Swallowing hard, Xie Lian got up from the table, his cheeks and neck reddening rapidly.

«I'll- ah, I'll just-», he stuttered, rubbing his forehead as distress filled his body, «…I have to go do something.»

Feng Xin rose as well, uneaten food left behind.

«I'll accompany you», he said, dark eyes visibly worried.

Xie Lian nodded, turning around.

Another chair scraped against the floor behind them.

«Xie Lian.»

Glancing over his shoulder, Xie Lian met Hua Cheng's piercing stare, the latter now standing up as well.

Xie Lian swallowed, fingers curling into fists.

«Yes?»

He could see the alpha's muscled chest rise as he took a deep breath — he could even smell a particularly strong burst of his scent. A flare of… apprehension?

«I need to talk to you», Hua Cheng said solemnly, facial expression turning grim and intent.

He Xuan looked up from his plate, glancing between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng a few times. His nostrils flared as he noticed his superior's scent.

He Xuan's eyes widened.

«Fuck», he said.

Hua Cheng shot a glare towards him, then met Xie Lian's gaze again, his face sincere.

Xie Lian exhaled deeply, then nodded and met Feng Xin's stare.

«I'll catch up with you later», he said.

Feng Xin looked like he wanted to argue, but he seemed to notice something in Xie Lian's face that made him nod, then slowly walk away.

Pei Ming chuckled deeply as Hua Cheng walked over to Xie Lian, visibly enjoying the show.

«Good luck», he said, grinning at the severe glower Hua Cheng shot him.

Xie Lian grimaced. He assumed that he'd need the luck if Hua Cheng was going to make him talk about the entire mating bite thing. Especially if he questioned Xie Lian about the pregnancy-incident from earlier.

Why one of his workplace's executives would be so interested in the situation was a little beyond Xie Lian's understanding — then again, Hua Cheng had proven himself to be quite friendly over the last few days.

He was probably just being thoughtful.

They stepped outside of the cafeteria, Hua Cheng looking tense and uncomfortable as they walked, his broad shoulders visibly stiff.

Xie Lian shot him a weak smile, and the alpha's brows furrowed.

«Xie Lian-»

«It's okay», Xie Lian said, shaking his head as he laughed quietly, «it's fine. Everything's fine.»

Hua Cheng's mouth cut a tight line, eyebrows still tightly knitted as his silvery eye glanced between Xie Lian's.

«It's fine?», he asked with horrific gentleness.

The question hung between them.

Xie Lian couldn't help but to feel like he was missing something.

«En», he nodded, «I'll be fine. Even if I don't figure out who left the bite, I'll be okay. I have my friends to support me, after all.»

Hua Cheng's expression turned astonished as Xie Lian suddenly blinked.

«Oh», the latter said, «I just remembered something.»

It looked as if Hua Cheng was struggling to breathe.

«What?», the alpha croaked, his usually so smooth and languid voice now throaty and rough.

A smile tugged on Xie Lian's lips, his eyes forming two crescent shapes.

«We talked earlier this week, didn't we? In the hot springs?»

Staring at him in disbelief, Hua Cheng's mouth popped open.

Xie Lian laughed sheepishly.

«I'm sorry, I really wasn't feeling too well when I got-», he gestured towards his neck, «this. I didn't even remember our meeting until last night.»

He inclined his head apologetically.

«I'm sorry I made you introduce yourself to me all over again», Xie Lian said earnestly, meeting Hua Cheng's eye, «that was rude of me.»

Taking a shuddering breath, Hua Cheng used a large hand to rub across his face.

«You- you remember the hot springs», his words were more of a statement than a question.

Xie Lian nodded, head tilting slightly in confusion at the other man's reactions.

«En.»

Hua Cheng's well-defined jaw clenched.

«But you don't remember what happened afterwards.»

«I don't.»

Silence fell over them again, Hua Cheng evidently deep in thought.

His scent emitted waves of discontentment, yet Xie Lian failed to see why.

Unless—

«Hua Cheng», Xie Lian said softly, «if- if you're thinking about our encounter in the hot springs», he smiled reassuringly, «I know that I might've seemed a little out of it, and that I… Ah, left kind of abruptly. But you don't have to feel bad about not noticing my strange behavior, or-»

«Gege», Hua Cheng's eye was burning into him as he cut him off, deep, deep frustration tainting the air around them, «I need you to listen to what I have to say.»

Blinking in surprise, Xie Lian found his heart beating hard. His breathing was heavy, as well, almost leaving him panting.

Staring at Hua Cheng, taking in the handsome, clean-cut face of his, the intensity of that grey eye, Xie Lian suddenly found himself relaxing.

Swallowing, Xie Lian nodded earnestly.

«Okay.»

Hua Cheng's lips parted to let out a quiet exhale. His eye closed, and he nodded as well.

«Okay. So, that night-»

«Xianle?»

A smooth, familiar voice sounded behind from them.

Hua Cheng's expression turned black.

Xie Lian spun around to find himself looking at Jun Wu. The latter wore an amused smile, glancing between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

«If I may borrow you from executive Hua for a moment», Jun Wu said, his tone as amiable as always.

Xie Lian spun around to meet Hua Cheng's gaze.

«Hua Cheng-», he started, just as the other man opened his mouth.

«Gege», Hua Cheng urged him, his voice almost pleading.

Jun Wu clicked his tongue.

«You can speak together later», he said, impatient words clashing with how mildly he stated them, «Personnel Manager Mu requested for me to get a hold of you. He said that it was urgent.»

Xie Lian frowned, checking his phone.

If Mu Qing needed him, why hadn't he sent him any messages?

«Did he mention why?»

Jun Wu's eyes travelled over to Hua Cheng, glittering slightly.

Hua Cheng's scent spiked.

«He did not», Jun Wu's expression turned somewhat apologetic, «he seemed to be in distress, however.»

Worry made its presence known in Xie Lian's gut, and he turned around to meet Hua Cheng's eye, his lips downturned.

«I'm sorry, Hua-», he started.

The alpha's dark face eased up, and a lopsided smile appeared on his lips.

«It's alright, gege», Hua Cheng comforted him in his sensuous, deep voice, «we'll speak after you've checked up on your friend.»

His soothing words caused Xie Lian's stomach to warm pleasantly.

«Okay», he said quietly.

Hua Cheng's eye, usually so cold and indifferent, seemed to sparkle as it blinked at him.

Xie Lian entered Mu Qing's hotel room five minutes later, the latter seemingly puzzled and annoyed at the same time.

«What are you doing here?», he asked, moving aside to let Xie Lian in.

Feng Xin was there already, sitting almost overly relaxed in one of the armchairs next to the windows. His cheeks were a little red.

Xie Lian's brows lifted in surprise at Mu Qing's words.

«Jun Wu sent me. He said that it was urgent.»

Mu Qing glanced toward Feng Xin, then looked at Xie Lian again, sharp brows furrowing.

«That is strange. I met Jun Wu in the hallway earlier, but he was the one asking for you.»

Feng Xin tapped his fingers against the side table.

«Maybe he wanted to get Xie Lian away from Hua Cheng», he said, stroking a hand through slightly mussed hair, «it would make sense, considering that neither of the Peis turned out to be Xie Lian's mate.»

Xie Lian felt his gut swoop as Mu Qing stroked his chin.

«So, Jun Wu is the last possible option», the latter murmured.

Clearing his throat, Xie Lian glanced between his friends.

«Are we completely sure that it can't be Pei Ming? Or even Pei Xiu?», he asked.

Feng Xin shot him a sympathetic smile.

«Yeah. No alpha would allow another alpha to touch their mate right in front of them - especially not their mating bite.»

Worrying his lip, Xie Lian missed the sharp glare Mu Qing sent across the room.

«Touch?», the latter drawled.

Coughing, Feng Xin got up from his chair and walked over to them. He met Xie Lian's eyes.

«What do you think?», he asked gently, «about having Jun Wu as your mate?»

Xie Lian let out a quiet sigh.

«I guess I have to talk to him, then.»

Crossing his arms, Mu Qing nodded.

«That would be wise. Just to get an idea of what his thoughts are, at least», his eyes narrowed, «also. What did you and Hua Cheng speak about?»

Scratching his head, Xie Lian smiled sheepishly, the thought of the alpha making his stomach flutter.

«Don't worry about it», he said, then walked towards the door, «I want to shower and get changed before I speak to Jun Wu. See you guys later?»

Mu Qing snatched his phone and keys from the nightstand.

«We'll join you», he said, «I don't want you to be alone with your thoughts.»

Xie Lian gazed at his friend, half a smile tugging on his lips.

«Thank you», he said earnestly.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing occupied the armchairs in his room as he went to grab a shower, talking quietly as he locked the bathroom behind him.

Xie Lian showered quickly, dragging a hand over his face as he stood in the steamy enclosure.

He thought of Jun Wu being his mate, of Jun Wu leaving those marks on his chest, his hips, his thighs. Of Jun Wu moaning into his ear, pounding into him.

Queasiness filled him, and his already cloudy head felt even heavier, his entire body too warm, too uncomfortable.

Exiting the shower, Xie Lian swiftly dried himself off and put on clean clothes. Although the neckline failed to hide his mating bite, he'd had no choice but to switch to a new sweater, the previous one disheveled and in need of a wash.

He brushed through his hair, putting the top part up in its usual bun, then made sure that the lower strands covered the teethprints adorning his neck. Then, he left the room.

As soon as he opened the door to the bedroom, Mu Qing and Feng Xin stiffened.

«Out», Mu Qing snapped, abruptly getting up before tugging at Feng Xin's shirt, «out, out, out!»

Inhaling heavily, Feng Xin's eyes followed Xie Lian as Mu Qing shoved him out of the hotel room. Slamming the door behind the alpha, Mu Qing turned towards Xie Lian, the latter watching what happened with a confused expression.

«Okay», Mu Qing said slowly, «this explains some things.»

He walked over to Xie Lian, resting the back of his hand against his forehead.

«You're burning up.»

Something connected inside Xie Lian's head.

«Oh», he said, «no wonder I've been feeling so dazed and warm.»

Mu Qing's lips pursed.

«Yeah», he said, «not if you've been in heat this entire time.»