Chapter 49: Eternal Memento

Regarding the matter of making a pheromone-scented candle, Fu Rangyi first heard about it from his students. For an Alpha like him, who knew almost nothing outside of teaching and research, this was very novel.

“Does it smell similar?”

“Yes, the perfumer-owner of this shop developed this kind of scented candle because his partner got sick and could no longer smell his pheromones. My friend went to try it, and the similarity is quite high, though complex pheromones might require a few more tries.”

In the hallway, Fu Rangyi quietly listened to the students’ idle chatter, but the image that appeared in his mind was Zhu Zhixi’s awkward expression.

[Just like your pheromones, many people can smell them, but I’m the only one who can’t.]

Although it was very inappropriate, he still took a few steps forward and politely interrupted the conversation between the two Omega students. “Sorry to disturb your chat, but I’d like to ask, where is this shop you’re talking about?”

They weren’t even students he had taught.

“Professor Fu?” The two students were clearly startled, their eyes wide. They glanced at each other, but still immediately gave him the address and the owner’s contact information. After Fu Rangyi left, their gossiping hearts could no longer be suppressed, and they were just short of screaming on the spot.

When he went to the shop, Fu Rangyi was very silent and cautiously read the promotional brochure, seeming to hold a great deal of reservation and raising many questions.

“Rest assured, we have many customers who use their pheromones to make scented candle gifts for their lovers and friends, and the feedback has been very good. Our perfumers are very professional, and the production efficiency is also very high…”

He didn’t know what others thought, but for him, pheromones were both a private matter and a nightmare. When he was young and once thought he couldn’t differentiate, he actually had expectations, imagining that one day he would wake up and suddenly be able to smell his own pheromones. What would they smell like? Would they be unpleasant?

But later, when his differentiation period truly arrived, he also embarked on a path of no return, battling with the animalistic nature of an Alpha. Several times he wanted to have his glands removed, to get rid of this scent that followed him like a ghost, to let this body escape into a vacuum, clean and without a trace of scent.

Until Zhu Zhixi appeared. He clearly saw his possessiveness emerge, clearly became aware of the desire to mark, and the object of all this desire was even a person who couldn’t be marked. His first half of life seemed to have been a struggle for things he couldn’t have.

However, when Fu Rangyi realized that Zhu Zhixi really wanted to smell his pheromones, ripples of joy spread in his heart. It turned out that this time, the “unobtainable” was mutual.

“Can I make it myself?”

The shop owner was a little surprised. “Of course, but the process is very tedious and complicated. It might take up your time.”

“That’s fine, I want to try.”

Extracting, selecting fragrances, distilling scents, blending, and repeatedly adjusting—for a whole week, Fu Rangyi went in person every time. He didn’t find it tedious at all; on the contrary, he even found it very interesting, like conducting an experiment, like restoring an ancient artifact. He had plenty of patience.

But after it was actually completed, he felt a little apprehensive. Would such a gift be too… naked? What was the difference between this and standing naked in front of the other person? Would it be too self-absorbed? Before smelling it, it was all based on imagination. What if he was disappointed after actually smelling it?

This apprehension still lingered as the candle burned.

They sat facing each other on the carpet, a burning candle between them, both with their knees bent, their legs subtly intertwined but not touching.

Zhu Zhixi was exceptionally quiet. At some point, he had closed his eyes. His thin eyelids fluttered. His eye sockets were neither deep nor shallow; they felt like they would be soft to the touch.

Then he opened his eyes. The flickering flame lit up his already translucent pupils.

“It smells even better than I imagined,” he said, a faint blush appearing on his ears. “So I go out smelling this fragrant every day…”

His heartbeat suddenly quickened. The jade-white candle melted more and more, dripping onto the translucent pink candle holder.

Fu Rangyi stared at him, quietly observing every little detail on his face without speaking. Gradually, his canine teeth began to ache, like wisdom teeth acting up during puberty.

Zhu Zhixi lowered his eyes and took a very deep breath, drawing the scent that filled the air into his body. It turned out that when a person inhales to their limit, their chest tightens, as if being submerged in Fu Rangyi’s pheromones to the point of suffocation.

When it was time to exhale, he did so slowly and carefully, letting it out bit by bit, reluctant to let go.

After a few times, he placed the candle holder he was holding onto the floor and knelt on the carpet, moving closer to Fu Rangyi. Like a small animal, he closed his eyes and pressed closer. The tracing game he once played with his fingers while Fu Rangyi was asleep was now replaced by the tip of his nose, getting extremely close but stopping just short of touching.

He was still inhaling deeply and exhaling shallowly, only the object was no longer the candle, but Fu Rangyi himself. In the darkness, the fragrance spread, and his senses gradually became confused, as if he could really smell the pheromones seeping out from Fu Rangyi’s skin—a faint, cool scent with a hint of refreshing floral notes.

“I love your scent so much,” Zhu Zhixi said with his eyes closed, his voice as soft and trembling as the breath on his skin, as if he were truly moved.

Fu Rangyi kept his eyes on him, watching the tip of his nose travel upwards from the collar of his knitted sweater, to his side neck, behind his ear, his jaw, and gradually higher.

Was it really not on purpose? Sometimes Fu Rangyi really couldn’t tell. He also became a little restless. The Alpha’s instinct devoured his rationality, and he lost the patience to distinguish.

This must be human nature. When insecure, one is particularly sensitive, afraid of being disliked for one’s true self, so one tries one’s best to hide one’s true heart, restrain desires, and use a gentle appearance to attract the other person. But once one receives special treatment and is surrounded by a sense of security, the aggression and possessiveness deep inside crawl out like a snake.

“Open your eyes.”

Zhu Zhixi was completely immersed in his fantasy when he suddenly heard this. He was a little stunned. Fu Rangyi rarely used a commanding and disciplinary tone with him.

He had also never been a cooperative person. He deliberately didn’t open them and even turned his face away. “I won’t.” With this turn, his lips lightly brushed against something. Soft skin. His heart beat faster.

“You don’t have the right to refuse.”

What? Did Fu Rangyi actually say that? Zhu Zhixi was extremely surprised and immediately opened his eyes. “Why don’t I have…”

He froze, his breath catching. The distance was too close; they were almost kissing.

“Because you broke the rule.” Fu Rangyi’s glasses glinted slightly as he calmly repeated the conversation from ten minutes ago. “You said, ‘I’ve been worrying myself to death over these things every day.'”

Zhu Zhixi’s eyes widened.

“How could you…” be so insidious. He didn’t point it out at the moment? And he brings it up now.

But he couldn’t refute it; he had indeed said those words.

The corner of Fu Rangyi’s mouth curved up slightly. He asked, “Are you going to cheat?”

“Who said I’m going to cheat?” Zhu Zhixi’s ears burned. He subconsciously wanted to back away, but just as his body moved back a little, Fu Rangyi’s hand shot out, grasped the back of his neck, and pressed firmly, preventing him from retreating.

“Very good.”

This praise made him feel even more embarrassed.

But he also became curious. What kind of command would a meticulous person like Fu Rangyi give?

“Close your eyes.”

Huh? Zhu Zhixi was a bit baffled, even a little disappointed.

What’s this? Is he teasing me?

But a bet was a bet. He could only obediently comply, closing his eyes and pouting.

He felt Fu Rangyi leave. The sound of his footsteps was softened by the carpet. A faint rustling sound could be heard. During this time, Fu Rangyi said nothing.

It was almost like he was being left in suspense. Is he doing this on purpose?

He’s not going to suddenly run away, is he?

It turned out his worries were unfounded. Before long, the footsteps approached again. He was back.

“Open your eyes.”

As soon as Fu Rangyi spoke, Zhu Zhixi immediately opened his eyes. A new, unopened gift had appeared in his line of sight.

“I almost forgot there was another one.” Zhu Zhixi looked up at him, his eyes full of surprise, almost leaning in to kiss his cheek.

“Open it and see.” When Fu Rangyi said this, his tone was clearly no longer commanding.

And so, in the atmosphere created by the second gift, Zhu Zhixi opened his third gift. The first two were already good enough, better than he had expected, and his expectations were repeatedly raised.

But when he removed the packaging, he was still stunned.

In the deep blue gift box lay a palm-sized specimen, embedded in white cardboard. Preserved in the glass slide was not an insect, nor a flower or the veins of a leaf, but a snowflake. A beautiful, standard hexagonal snowflake.

The top border of the white cardboard was inscribed with a fountain pen: [To Zhu Zhixi]. The bottom border was the production date, an early morning a few days ago.

“This is… you made this?” His eyes were full of astonishment, the points of light in them trembling slightly.

Fu Rangyi nodded. His face, though usually cold, looked extremely gentle at this moment.

“If only snowflakes could be preserved…” he softly repeated, looking at Zhu Zhixi. “You said that.”

Heavens.

His heart felt as if it had been hit by something light and feathery.

It was just something he had said unconsciously. Even he himself had forgotten. But Fu Rangyi had actually preserved a snowflake for him.

“How did you do it? It’s so beautiful.” Through the glass slide, Zhu Zhixi very lightly touched the snowflakes. “Will it melt if I touch it?”

“No, it’s already set,” Fu Rangyi said. “But it might break. Be careful with your hands.”

“I won’t be that rough.” Zhu Zhixi picked up the snowflake specimen, held it up to the ceiling light, and stared at it seriously. “So beautiful… how long did it take you?”

A long time. Almost three hours. He had to wait for the snow to fall, had to be fast yet careful. His hand holding the tweezers was frozen stiff, and he wasted countless glass slides. He even ruined one while trimming the slide. Luckily, he had made several extras.

“Not long,” Fu Rangyi said.

“Really? But it’s so beautiful.” Zhu Zhixi’s heart was bubbling with excitement.

He had always felt he was strange, that not many people truly understood him. In the past, he thought Fu Rangyi was the one he was least compatible with. It turned out he was wrong.

“Are these snow particles that accidentally fell on it?” he asked, pointing to the edge of the specimen.

“Mm,” Fu Rangyi nodded.

No.

This is the first snow we saw together. The first snow when we built a snowman together in the early morning. The first snow hidden in the freezer. I scraped a little off and put it in with selfish intentions.

“A few scattered, unformed ones, interspersed, look better,” he said.

Zhu Zhixi was completely mesmerized, appreciating every tiny crystal. After a long observation, he was finally willing to put it down and said to Fu Rangyi with a red face, “Thank you. I’ve never received such a good gift.”

The second gift had burned down by a small half.

Fu Rangyi didn’t speak, just quietly gazed at his happy expression.

This suffocating gaze made Zhu Zhixi’s heart beat even faster. It was as if he too had become a snowflake, captured, observed, and collected by Fu Rangyi.

The scent of plants and wood slowly released into the room. It was clearly a cold, snow-like scent, yet it made the air become scorching hot.

“Is that so?” Fu Rangyi tilted his head slightly, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes. “You must have received many gifts.”

“None like this,” Zhu Zhixi pursed his lips, his throat dry.

And no one like you.

His hand fell, clutching the fluff of the carpet, then released, scooting forward until it touched the back of Fu Rangyi’s hand. His fingertips moved, tracing upwards along the prominent veins of his hand.

“Shall we continue?” he asked.

Fu Rangyi seemed to do it on purpose, asking, “Continue what?”

“The bet,” Zhu Zhixi breathed deeply, the end of his voice light and airy.

Fu Rangyi was quiet for a moment.

“Take off my glasses.”

Surrounded by his “pheromones,” Zhu Zhixi felt like he couldn’t breathe. He was just taking off glasses, but it felt like he was undressing Fu Rangyi.

“Look at me.”

He clearly had so much power, could issue any command, and he couldn’t refuse, yet Fu Rangyi was giving such trivial, proper instructions.

Zhu Zhixi looked up at him, feeling himself getting hotter bit by bit. Even his breath was hot. He liked him so much. He wanted to kiss him so badly.

He made so many gifts for me. It’s impossible that he doesn’t like me, right?

Telling me to take off his glasses, isn’t that just an invitation for a kiss? Isn’t he seducing me?

Breathing in the scent of pheromones, Zhu Zhixi’s heart was a chaotic mess. It was a good thing he wasn’t an Omega. If he were an Omega, he might have already melted into a puddle.

Hurry up. Say the next command.

But Fu Rangyi remained silent for a long time.

The submissive one finally couldn’t bear it and took the initiative to ask, “What else are you going to command me to do…”

And so Fu Rangyi smiled softly. Two seconds later, he said warmly, “Do what you want to do.”

What? Zhu Zhixi was stunned for a second. At first glance, it sounded like a command. On second thought, it seemed like indulgence. But if he really did something, it would feel like he was the one actively seducing. How could he be so wicked?

The “pheromones” were working their magic, and Zhu Zhixi’s mind was a mess.

Screw it. We’re already married. Unmarried people do whatever they want. I’m married, what am I afraid of?

He decided not to think about it anymore, simply following his heart and obeying the command. His hands climbed up to the back of Fu Rangyi’s neck, and he kissed his lips.

Are you satisfied?

Well, I’m satisfied.

The moment their lips touched, a spark of static even crackled between them, a subtle, numbing tingle spreading out.

Fu Rangyi’s hand was still holding his nape, the grip even tightening a bit.

“Open your mouth.”

Zhu Zhixi complied. As soon as his lips parted, a wet, soft tongue darted in. Fu Rangyi was truly a natural-born master of kissing. How could someone be so smart? Did he not need to learn this kind of thing at all? From the very first kiss during his susceptible period, his tongue had already figured him out. With a casual flick, Zhu Zhixi was completely opened up.

The snowflake specimen wouldn’t melt, but he was about to.

The wet sounds of kissing overflowed. They were both soaking in warm, golden honey, getting hotter the more they entangled. At times like this, Zhu Zhixi became very proactive, especially now that he knew this person was what he wanted. Letting go of his reservations and coyness, he kissed him while rising, then straddled Fu Rangyi’s lap.

As if afraid he would fall, Fu Rangyi’s broad palm supported his lower back, tightening more and more. The kiss also became more ferocious.

Zhu Zhixi was almost out of breath. Just as they separated a little, he was chased again, blocked, his tongue pushed in and then pulled out, tangling. He couldn’t get any air in, but saliva was about to overflow. He subconsciously pushed Fu Rangyi’s shoulder with his hand. “Mmph…”

Fu Rangyi actually laughed. He also separated their lips, moved up, kissed the tip of his nose, and said in a low voice, “Breathe through here. Do I have to teach you this too?”

His mouth was starting to be wicked again! Zhu Zhixi was angry from embarrassment, but just as he said, “How could you…”, his mouth was covered again. Fu Rangyi kissed him while deliberately nuzzling his nose, as if reminding him to breathe.

Zhu Zhixi was kissed until he was dizzy. His fingers instinctively clutched the back of his neck. Suddenly, he heard Fu Rangyi’s muffled groan. The kiss paused for a moment, and the arm holding him tightened. When it continued, it was even deeper.

Did I touch his gland? Zhu Zhixi thought dizzily, his fingers kneading without a care, a tingling numbness as if an electric current was passing through his skin. There seemed to be a light flashing in his vision, but it wasn’t golden, but a blurry, silvery white, flickering.

The wet sounds intertwined. The candle was still burning. The further it burned, the more prominent the floral notes became, so fragrant that his mind became dazed, as if he had become a Beta whose senses were completely opened up. It turned out that drowning in a partner’s pheromones was so wonderful.

His consciousness was stirred into a chaotic, intoxicated state, but suddenly, an abrupt vibration woke him up, making Zhu Zhixi’s shoulders tremble.

“I think it’s my phone…” he slurred, wanting to separate but not being allowed. The kiss just became a little shallower.

The hand around him caressed his back, as if comforting him. Fu Rangyi said in a gap between breaths, “It’s nothing, just my wristband alarm.”

Alarm? A sense of a guardian’s responsibility suddenly arose in Zhu Zhixi. He released the hand holding him. “Let me check the data…”

Fu Rangyi looked up, bit Zhu Zhixi’s lower lip, and asked in a hoarse voice, “Do you still need to look?”

His heart was in chaos again.

Fu Rangyi offered him his wrist. The wristband on it was still emitting a faint glow. He said, “Take this off.”

Zhu Zhixi obediently did so, but his fingers slipped, and it took him a long time to take it off. He placed the wristband on the carpet and suddenly felt that everything was different, as if from this moment on, the barrier between them had been completely removed. He was truly and completely surrounded by his partner’s pheromones.

“Release a little more,” Zhu Zhixi said in a low voice, hooking his neck, kissing his lips, then nuzzling his nose and inhaling deeply. “Fu Rangyi, you smell so good.”

Fu Rangyi said nothing, but his eyes seemed to have hooks in them as he looked at him.

After a moment of silence, he actually picked him up directly. Zhu Zhixi was startled, his legs subconsciously wrapping around him, hanging onto him like a precarious koala, until Fu Rangyi gently laid him down on the bed.

He rested his forehead against Zhu Zhixi’s, his knees coming up between his legs.

“If I release too much, you’ll feel uncomfortable.” His fingertip lightly tapped Zhu Zhixi’s heart. “Didn’t you say so? Like being crushed by a mountain.”

“But I’m already out of breath now.” Zhu Zhixi looked at him with wet eyes, his fingertips intertwining with the hand wearing the wedding ring, fingers laced tightly, pulling it down, further down, pressing it on his lower abdomen. “It’s a little uncomfortable here…” It was tight and painful, so strange.

Fu Rangyi suddenly frowned and became nervous. “What kind of uncomfortable? What’s going on?” His hand rubbed the spot, trying to help relieve it.

“It’s nothing.” Zhu Zhixi lifted his face, kissed him, and then said in a super small voice, “Maybe… this is just the reaction you have when you smell your partner’s pheromones.”

To seduce him, he even used the title that had been cold-shouldered for so long. After his epiphany, he had been too embarrassed to call him that.

“Husband.”

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Author’s Note:

 Professor Fu, a type of older Dom who looks cold and sharp but is gentle by nature, is very good at service but also has a subtle, intense possessiveness.
Student Zhu, a type of flirty little Beta who looks like a pure little white rabbit but is actually audaciously lecherous, casting his fishing hooks without any regard for his own life.