Chapter 44 part 1
"Really?"
Bai He did not answer and quietly looked toward the podium.
The young omega female professor stood gracefully at the front. She glanced at the full classroom and, covering her lips, smiled, "Oh my, there's quite a turnout today. If I remember correctly, this class is about omega physiology. Are any of you in the wrong class?"
The quiet classroom burst into murmurs for a moment. A tall boy raised his hand, "Professor, we want to learn new things too, so we can get along better with our omega classmates!"
It was obvious that he was an alpha.
The omega students were seated near the front, while the rows behind were filled with alphas, with some even standing.
"Of course," the professor said kindly. "Just make sure to pay attention, okay?"
This class was a required course for all omegas, taught across several large lecture halls. Recently, students from Alpha University had been moving over, and it was common to see situations like this, where they would sit in on classes.
Bai He quietly took notes throughout the entire lecture. Qin Yao, who sat beside him, seemed to listen seriously as well, not saying a word during the break.
After two consecutive classes, Bai He had to hurry to his next required course. He said goodbye to Xia Tian outside the main teaching building. Before leaving, he glanced back at Qin Yao behind him. Qin Yao, catching Bai He's gaze, was momentarily stunned. Then, stepping forward with his head slightly lowered, he said, "I have something to do. I won't be able to go with you for now."
Bai He could sense the expectation in his words, but he felt no obligation to provide emotional support. He averted his gaze. "There’s no need for you to report your plans to me."
Qin Yao gave a soft "Mm." "I know, but I just wanted to tell you."
As he spoke, his eyes fell on the earlobe partially hidden by Bai He’s hair. With his excellent view, he clearly saw the faint red mole on Bai He's right earlobe, standing out brilliantly against his fair skin.
Qin Yao's hand, resting at his side, lifted slightly, as though he wanted to reach out. But after a brief hesitation, he lowered it again.
"I'm off. See you later."
Qin Yao parted ways with Bai He, turning back every few steps, but Bai He didn’t look at him again. This left Qin Yao feeling a bit disappointed.
The winter weather was cool but not too cold. The trees were bare, with no leaves left, but many sparrows could still be seen perched on the branches.
Qin Yao made his way to the parking lot and drove out of the first gate. Last month, he had hurried to finish all his courses. His internship duties were entirely assigned to FREE, and Qin Wei had handed over the entire branch company for him to manage. By the end of last month, after working tirelessly, Qin Yao had finally gotten everything at FREE on track.
Only now did he have time to search for Bai He.
Qin Yao knew that the first step to repairing his relationship with Bai He was admitting his mistakes. Another priority was finding a way to cure his illness.
He used to believe that his illness had caused him to misinterpret his feelings for Bai He as being influenced by pheromones. Only recently had he realized that this wasn’t the case.
It seemed he genuinely liked Bai He.
If that were true, then it was even more urgent to cure this damn illness. He couldn’t let pheromones ruin things again. Qin Yao tightened his grip on the steering wheel, and his speed increased. Soon, he arrived at the hospital.
Familiar with the route, he found Chen Wensheng’s office and knocked twice on the door. Hearing a voice from inside, he pushed the door open and strode in hurriedly. "Brother Chen, I need your help with something urgent."
Chen Wensheng looked up from his computer, puzzled. "What’s wrong? You’re not having an episode, are you?"
"No," Qin Yao grabbed a cup of water, downed it, and set the cup down. He leaned on the desk, looking serious. "The treatment plan you mentioned last time—when can it be used?"
"…"
Chen Wensheng scrutinized Qin Yao. "You’re in a hurry?"
"Yes," Qin Yao nodded. "I’m in a huge hurry. It’s extremely urgent."
"What for?"
"To chase someone."
"…"
After a long silence, Chen Wensheng slowly put down his mouse and stood up, circling Qin Yao while scrutinizing him closely. "Chase who? That pretty kid? Does he mind your illness?"
Qin Yao chose to ignore the first question. "Bai He wouldn’t mind my illness. It’s me who cares."
"Why?" Chen Wensheng was surprised. "You’ve had this illness for years. Why does it bother you so much now?"
Though reluctant to admit it, some things needed to be said to a doctor. Qin Yao briefly explained his past mistakes to Chen Wensheng, who laughed in disbelief.
"Seriously? You’ve never been in love? Can’t even recognize your own feelings?"
Chen Wensheng laughed for a long time, but when he saw Qin Yao’s serious expression, he stopped and asked cautiously, "Wait, have you really never been in love?"
Qin Yao’s alpha pride inexplicably reached its peak as he shot back with a string of questions. "What’s wrong with never having been in love? You seem experienced. Does Brother Li know about your extensive dating history?"
Chen Wensheng was left speechless.
The office fell into an awkward silence. Two alphas, one looking experienced but with no real dating experience, and the other seemingly devoted but with a rich romantic history.
For a moment, neither spoke. Then Chen Wensheng cleared his throat and declared, "I’m only devoted to your Brother Li now!"
Qin Yao scoffed dismissively, brushing away Chen Wensheng’s hand. "Enough with that. Let’s talk business. When can the treatment start?"
The treatment plan Qin Yao referred to was a new method that Chen Wensheng had recently applied for. This treatment had only been developed recently and was still undergoing research, but seven patients were already known to have fully recovered after using it.
The hospital’s application had been approved, and the treatment would be available soon.
This treatment primarily involved medication.
Compared to the drugs Qin Yao had used before, the new medication was much more effective.
But alongside the medication, other treatments were required.
These involved a combination of drug therapy and artificial pheromone release.
The first part was similar to Qin Yao’s previous treatment, while the second involved artificially extracting the excess pheromones accumulated in the gland. This process required piercing the gland, simulating an omega’s bite. However, medical instruments were used instead.
An alpha’s pheromones naturally needed to be regulated by an omega. A healthy alpha, without an omega partner to help release pheromones, would typically experience a build-up every three months, peaking during a sensitivity period. This could cause serious issues, and Qin Yao, suffering from pheromone overload, was in an even worse situation.
Pheromone overload, coupled with extremely intense pheromone pressure, meant that if he had an episode, it would be like a bomb going off. Nobody would be able to handle it.
"Bai He and I have a high compatibility rate. Even so, I can't guarantee that my condition won't affect him."
Qin Yao realized that his past actions toward Bai He had crossed the line of friendship. In hindsight, it was his actions that had sent mixed signals, leading Bai He to confess his feelings, only for Qin Yao to reject him.
Qin Yao closed his eyes and then reopened them. "I need to cure my illness, then I’ll properly pursue him."
Chen Wensheng listened quietly, arms crossed, leaning against the side. "The project has already been approved. I was debating whether to let you try it. Since you’re so determined, we can give it a shot."
Qin Yao looked at him. "When?"
Chen Wensheng thought for a moment. "Tomorrow. Dr. Li will be here in the afternoon. He’ll need to supervise."
"Got it." Qin Yao nodded. "Thanks, Brother."
"Hah, the sun must be rising from the west today." Chen Wensheng clapped Qin Yao on the shoulder. "Don’t worry. We’ll get you fixed up. By the way, want me to give you some tips on how to chase someone?"
"Have you even managed to win over Brother Li?" Qin Yao brushed away Chen Wensheng’s hand again, his tone sharp despite having just thanked him.
"You little brat," Chen Wensheng pushed Qin Yao out the door, laughing and fuming. "Now get out of here and stop bothering me!"
Qin Yao didn’t mind being shoved out. With his hands in his pockets, he left the hospital with long, easy strides.
On his way to the parking garage, Qin Yao felt much lighter.
He had taken care of everything. Once he completed his treatment, he would be free to pursue Bai He with peace of mind.
Though Bai He didn’t seem interested in him at the moment.
At the thought of Bai He adopting a corgi that morning, Qin Yao’s cheerful steps faltered. His mood fell, his expression deflating like a balloon losing air.
He didn’t want Bai He to adopt another pet.
That’s what Qin Yao thought.
But deep down, he knew it was wrong to feel that way. He had no right to interfere with Bai He’s decisions.
Still, he couldn’t help feeling sad and upset. He didn’t want Bai He to have any other pets besides him.
"Big brother, are you sad?"
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