Chapter 55: A Match Made in Heaven

Fu Rangyi seriously reflected for a long time, but no matter how he thought about it, he hadn’t done anything that could have pushed someone’s reproductive cavity out. He was very clear on this; it absolutely had not reached that extent.

This was most likely not caused by physical means.

Compared to him, Zhu Zhixi, who seemed more like the culprit, was much more guilty. “I-we didn’t do anything either.”

Director Wang pushed up his reading glasses. “Just a moment ago you were giving such detailed accounts, and now you’re recanting on the spot? Will I need to bring a court reporter to my consultations in the future?”

“I’m not recanting, you’ve misunderstood me.” Zhu Zhixi rubbed his nose. “What I mean is, we didn’t do anything special. Just what everyone else does…”

Hearing this, Fu Rangyi’s vision went dark again. He quickly interrupted, asking, “Director Wang, could it be because I injected too much pheromone, stimulating his latent gland?”

Director Wang nodded. “Although the pheromone and endocrine test results aren’t out yet, based on my experience, that’s most likely the case.”

“Actually, a large portion of Betas don’t completely lack glands. What we call latent development actually refers to function. To use an analogy, their glands are like dormant volcanoes, and the pheromones are the magma buried underneath. Although these glands are generally very small and buried deep, they basically retain their form, and some can even produce trace amounts of pheromones, but they have completely lost the function of releasing them.”

He found the previous gland scan again and drew a circle. “Xiao Zhu’s gland is different. Although it was only the size of a small pearl before, its growth position is very special, very close to the subcutaneous layer. In layman’s terms, it’s very shallow. I suspect this is hereditary.”

Zhu Zhixi paused, stunned. “Right, the doctor who helped with my mom’s surgery also said her gland was very shallow.”

Fu Rangyi frowned. “Then other aspects shouldn’t be hereditary, right?”

“Not at the moment,” Director Wang continued. “Because his gland is very shallow, it’s easily stimulated. You just said that there have been repeated temporary marking behaviors during this period, which must have involved injecting pheromones, right?”

Fu Rangyi admitted, “Yes.”

“When was the first time pheromones were released?” Director Wang asked again.

Zhu Zhixi calculated, like a student who didn’t pay attention in class, his answer vague. “Probably, just, last week…”

Fu Rangyi was a little helpless. “End of December, during my susceptible period.”

Oh, right. There was also the susceptible period. Zhu Zhixi patted his own head.

At these words, Director Wang had a sudden realization and slammed his pen on the desk. “No wonder. I was saying it couldn’t have developed so quickly. The end of December to after the New Year makes sense.”

He added, “You yourself are an SA. According to your last check-up results, your pheromone rating is top-notch even within the entire S-class range. Inducing development is all too normal. And an Alpha’s pheromone indexes all double during their susceptible period.”

“As for you, you also have Malignant Susceptible Period Syndrome. For pathological reasons, your various indexes will grow explosively, which a regular SA simply can’t compare to. It’s as if your pheromones caused a violent movement of the tectonic plates beneath him, and the dormant volcano came to life. This situation is a special case among special cases. It’s impossible for a similar situation to occur in anyone else.”

Zhu Zhixi understood. “Ah, so, only Fu Rangyi can cause my Beta gland to undergo secondary development.”

“Correct.” Director Wang nodded. “Your position is special, and he probably couldn’t do it with another Beta. That’s why I said this is a special case among special cases. You two are a one-to-one match.”

For some reason, Zhu Zhixi suddenly felt happy again, mulling over these words in his mind. One-to-one, special. Doesn’t that mean we’re a match made in heaven? We’re a perfect match.

Director Wang was also quite happy, not for any other reason, but because a living thesis was standing right in front of him.

Zhu Zhixi asked again, “In that case, I’ve been quietly developing since Christmas. Why didn’t I grow taller?”

“This is your gonad, not your pituitary gland,” Director Wang said with a ‘this-child-is-a-lost-cause’ expression.

“Will the secondary development of the gland cause him any harm?” Fu Rangyi’s expression was serious.

Zhu Zhixi also nodded. “Right, Director Wang, my lower abdomen has been feeling dull and uncomfortable lately.”

“It’s fine. Regular check-ups, eat more protein. Temporary marking can continue. No intercourse for a week.”

Zhu Zhixi: “Ah?”

Fu Rangyi reached out and, helplessly, covered his mouth. “You should restrain yourselves a bit anyway,” Director Wang reminded.

We’ve already been very restrained, okay? To a ridiculous degree, Zhu Zhixi retorted in his mind.

Director Wang added, “Your reproductive cavity was previously atrophied and closed. Now that it’s in a developmental stage and the opening is also growing, it’s normal to experience some soreness, swelling, and mild pain. Later, there might be some other pheromone-related abnormal reactions, which are all normal. Just come for check-ups. Think of it this way: your legs also hurt when you had growing pains during puberty.” He then added, “But you’re not growing any taller.”

Zhu Zhixi: “…Well, thank you very much.” The judge of height.

“I’ll prescribe you some medicine. It should provide some relief.”

Fu Rangyi thought and thought, but still asked the question, “Then… since he has developed a reproductive cavity, can he get pregnant?”

Zhu Zhixi and Professor Wang both looked at him, though their expressions were quite different. Director Wang stroked his chin. “You want to conceive… that’s not really possible.”

Fu Rangyi let out a sigh of relief.

“His reproductive cavity has developed, but it has developed very poorly.”

Hearing this, Zhu Zhixi felt as if his head had been hit by a rock. He couldn’t smile.

“Look, this fallopian tube is only on one side, and it’s closed, which is equivalent to being self-ligated. The comprehensive physical exam last time also showed that his hypothalamus is underdeveloped, and hormone secretion is insufficient… Simply put, he can’t produce eggs, and even if he did, they couldn’t be transported. Oh, and the lining of the reproductive cavity is also poorly developed, meaning there’s no soil. Even if the Goddess of Fertility herself intervened, the embryo couldn’t implant. This is basically infertility through all pathways.”

Ha. Hearing this, Zhu Zhixi actually laughed out loud. Then what was the point of my reproductive cavity growing? Was it just to show how amazing Fu Rangyi is?

Fu Rangyi let out a huge sigh of relief. “So there’s absolutely no possibility, right?”

“What, are you two trying to treat infertility?” Director Wang frowned at the scans, smacked his lips a few times, his expression grave, and muttered under his breath, “If this can be treated, it’ll be another top-tier journal paper.”

Zhu Zhixi: “Another?”

Professor Wang coughed. “It’s difficult. Even for Betas with all healthy indexes, conception is difficult. As doctors, we don’t recommend it. For a case like yours, don’t even think about it. It’s not in the cards. My advice is to be open-minded about it.”

After coming out, Zhu Zhixi shoved both hands into his coat pockets, nudged Fu Rangyi’s waist with his elbow, and asked with a grin, “Are you relieved now?”

Fu Rangyi wanted to smile and subconsciously said, “The one who should be truly relieved is the Birth Control Committee Member.”

Zhu Zhixi was puzzled. “Who?”

Fu Rangyi: “No one.”

Zhu Zhixi pestered him for a long time, but Fu Rangyi never said it. Based on his understanding of the two brothers, if he told student Zhu this nickname today, he would be at his older brother’s office laughing at him tomorrow, and the day after, the Birth Control Committee Member would come to kill him. He didn’t want to ask for trouble.

“Before I leave, I’ll make you more delicious food to nourish your body,” Fu Rangyi said. “High-protein things. Beef or chicken soup…”

Zhu Zhixi turned his head to the side, watching Fu Rangyi, who never looked at his phone while walking, now seriously searching for what was most nourishing to eat. All sorts of recipes filled the screen. His heart was suddenly touched.

Fu Rangyi suddenly turned again, as if to go back.

“Where are you going?” Zhu Zhixi grabbed him.

Fu Rangyi said, “I’m going to ask Director Wang if there are any health supplements and tonics suitable for your developmental period.”

Zhu Zhixi blinked. “It’s just a reproductive cavity growing. Eating anything isn’t as fast as you injecting pheromones, right?”

“It’s not about speed. I’m afraid you’re not getting enough nutrition,” Fu Rangyi said seriously.

Zhu Zhixi still didn’t let go of his arm. After a moment of silence, he said, “Before… when I was in Africa, there was a period when I was constantly sick. One thing would get better, and another would come. Anyway, my health was very poor.”

The topic started out of nowhere, but Fu Rangyi looked at Zhu Zhixi seriously.

He asked, “What happened?” He saw Zhu Zhixi’s backpack strap slide down. He reached out, took the bag off directly, and slung it over his own shoulder. The bag contained the “lost dog” posters Zhu Zhixi had printed.

“It was nothing special,” Zhu Zhixi smiled. “The conditions for animal protection over there aren’t great. Although working with wild animals is very interesting, the environment is too wild, and it’s easy to get infected.”

“To be honest, at the time, I didn’t think it was a big deal. Just a bunch of minor ailments. I didn’t even bother telling my dad and my brother. Those two get worked up over nothing.”

Zhu Zhixi lowered his eyes. “I hate it when people think I’m delicate.”

“Especially some Alphas. Because of the natural physiological differences, they often take extra care of me. I’m certainly grateful, but it’s not really necessary. I think I’m quite strong,” Zhu Zhixi said very frankly. “And it really wasn’t a big deal. Although I was sick for a long time, I recovered, and I finished all my work.”

Fu Rangyi smiled. “You’re amazing.”

“But, seeing you just now so carefully asking the doctor questions, and then busy helping me supplement my body after we came out…” Zhu Zhixi stopped and looked at him. “For the first time, I discovered that I also like to be taken care of.”

He thought for a moment, keenly identified the reason, and added, “Maybe it’s because… your care for me isn’t out of pity from a physiologically stronger person for a weaker one.”

It was a very pure love.

He discovered that Fu Rangyi’s own vulnerability and sensitivity actually neutralized the inherent dominance and despotism in the Alpha gene, giving him a special charm that was different from others.

Fu Rangyi smiled and stepped forward to hug Zhu Zhixi. “Actually, in many ways, you are stronger than me. You have a stable core, high energy, and vigorous vitality. Even in the worst situations, you can find a positive perspective to face them. These are all things I lack.”

That’s why I’m attracted to you. Or rather, anyone would be attracted to you.

Fu Rangyi lowered his head, his eyes looking down at him. Although he didn’t have much expression, his tone was soft. “I am very honored that you can enjoy this kind of care.”

The corners of Zhu Zhixi’s mouth couldn’t help but curve upwards. In the bustling hospital corridor, he wrapped his arms around his waist.

“You really listened to what I said,” he whispered. “If it were the old you, you would definitely say: I don’t know what Zhu Zhixi is happy about all day.”

Fu Rangyi was a little helpless. His greatest strength was correcting his path in time to ensure progress. Besides, the foster care manual couldn’t have been written for nothing.

“I’ll take that as a compliment too.” He released his embrace, took Zhu Zhixi’s hand, and led him to pick up the other test results and medicine.

“It was. Oh, right.” Zhu Zhixi stood on his tiptoes and leaned close to his ear again. “Since it’s infertility, does that mean in the future you don’t have to wear…”

Fu Rangyi didn’t even turn his face. From the words “since,” he had already predicted it. He directly reached to the side and pinched the mischievous one’s cheek.

“Let’s consider it after a week,” he said in a normal tone, a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.

Fine. And it coincided with his business trip, so there was physical distance too. He didn’t know if this was good news or bad news.

Zhu Zhixi couldn’t figure out how this person could control his physiological desires with such ease, like a robot. Weren’t top-tier Alphas supposed to be sex-addicted monsters?

Most of the time, Zhu Zhixi felt he was consciously seducing him. But on second thought, it seemed like Fu Rangyi had been baiting him all along, giving him a little, but not enough, to keep him always wanting more.

Taking the elevator to the second-floor laboratory, Fu Rangyi scanned the form. The line to pick up test results was surprisingly long. Fu Rangyi looked at a chair not far away, which happened to be empty. He led Zhu Zhixi there.

He instructed, “You sit here. I’ll go queue up. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Hey,” Zhu Zhixi grabbed his hand. “Give me the backpack. Don’t carry it.”

“Okay.” Fu Rangyi put down the bag and went to queue for the results alone.

Zhu Zhixi placed the backpack behind him, turned his head to watch him go to the end of the line, then took out his phone, took a picture of his back.

Bored, he played on his phone for a bit, chatting with Liang Yi’en, then played with his fingers, staring at the countdown on his palm. His gaze shifted down, and he started playing with the beaded bracelet on his wrist, touching each bead one by one like a Buddhist disciple.

But soon he realized something was wrong. Most of the beads on this bracelet were ice blue, with only one white one, which had a very small number printed on the inside—you had to flip it over to see it—this was the adoption number.

Flipping this one over, he found that it said N0.99.

Huh? Zhu Zhixi looked and looked, his head tilting.

That’s not right. Mine was clearly 66. I even thought the number was very auspicious at the time.

If it weren’t for the NO. prefix, he really wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference.

Didn’t Fu Rangyi break this and help restring it? Zhu Zhixi thought, stood up directly, and, holding out his wrist, went straight towards Fu Rangyi, wanting to ask him what was going on. But just as he had taken two steps, he suddenly heard someone call him from behind.

“Young man!”

Zhu Zhixi turned his head, searched with his eyes, and finally met the gaze of a white-haired old lady. She was stooped over, her forearm raised. She had just had blood drawn, and her right hand was pressing a cotton swab on the crook of her left arm.

The grandma smiled kindly, nudged her chin towards the seat, and kindly reminded him, “You forgot your bag.”

“Oh, right.” Zhu Zhixi smiled and scratched his head, ran back to get the bag, and then helped the grandma’s arm. “You sit, take it easy.”

“Thank you.” The grandma sat down, her face tilted up, smiling.

Zhu Zhixi looked at her, frowned, and was suddenly stunned.

Wait a minute.

“You… you’re the grandma who fainted on You’an Street!” Zhu Zhixi’s eyes lit up. He squatted down and said to her, “What a coincidence! I didn’t expect to see you again.”

The other party was also taken aback, carefully studying the young man’s face before speaking, her tone uncertain. “Are you the handsome little Beta who helped me at the time?”

“Yes!” Zhu Zhixi was overjoyed. “You weren’t awake at the time, and I had something urgent to do so I left first. I didn’t expect to meet again. Are you feeling well? Are you here for a blood test?”

“I’m fine, it’s an old problem, just a follow-up.” The grandma couldn’t stop smiling. She reached out to pull him up. “Get up quick. You’re my lucky star, my great benefactor. Thanks to you, otherwise I would have been long gone by now.”

“Don’t say that!” Zhu Zhixi remained squatting on the ground, smiling and saying auspicious words. “You’re going to live a long life. Since you say I’m your lucky star, and we’re so fated to meet even when seeing a doctor, it means you’re a person of great fortune too.”

The old lady laughed, remembered something, and added, “The doctor in the emergency room said you paid for the emergency fee and medical expenses. I’ve been thinking about this matter. It’s perfect that we’ve met now.” As she spoke, she freed the hand holding the cotton swab and unzipped her small personal bag. “This money, I can’t let you pay for nothing. I have to thank you for saving my life.”

Zhu Zhixi saw this and became anxious, immediately standing up. “No, no, no, that’s not right. It wasn’t much money! How about this, you can treat me to a popsicle later. Really, I’m craving ice cream.”

“That won’t do, child. You listen to me. One thing at a time. I’ll treat you to ice cream too.” As the grandma spoke, seeing that Zhu Zhixi was holding a large bag, she simply pulled the zipper of his backpack, wanting to stuff the money inside.

“Really, no, I don’t want it. Oh, please listen to me.”

When it was almost his turn, Fu Rangyi turned his head, glanced over, and was startled.

What is Zhu Zhixi doing? Who is this old lady? Why are they fighting over a bag?

“Hey, handsome, it’s your turn. Scan the form quickly,” the person behind him reminded.

Fu Rangyi could only attend to this side first, waiting for the old machine to slowly print out the test results.

“Oh my, you’re so strong!” Zhu Zhixi didn’t dare to use much force. Seeing that the wad of cash was about to be stuffed in, he used one hand to steady the grandma and the other to take his backpack. But the grandma was still holding on, and with this tug-of-war, the bag fell directly to the ground.

The zipper was open, and the contents spilled out, scattering all over the floor. They were all his “lost dog” posters.

Zhu Zhixi immediately squatted down to pick them up. The old lady wanted to help too, but he quickly helped her back into her chair.

“You just sit tight. It’s just a few things. I’ll clean it up in a jiffy, don’t worry.”

“Look at me, meaning well but causing trouble,” the old lady was a little uneasy, bending over to look around. “Don’t miss anything.”

“It’s nothing important, just paper.”

As she looked, her expression suddenly changed. She reached out, her fingertips trembling, and grabbed the poster in Zhu Zhixi’s hand.

“This… this…”

Hearing this, Zhu Zhixi’s tone changed, and he looked up, frightened. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

The old lady’s lips were trembling slightly, her eyes full of doubt and surprise, staring at the photo on the poster. “Isn’t this my Snowball?”