CH 65

C City Research Institute.

For the sake of his health, Lin Yuxing took a workday off to undergo a gland examination in the institute.

The next day, Ji Mu called him to the institute again.

He entered Ji Mu’s personal office for the first time. It was a simple room with only work documents and essential items, except for a family photo on the desk.

“Take a seat.”

The weather wasn’t too hot, so Ji Mu casually opened the window.

With practiced movements, he brewed a cup of tea and had his assistant prepare some healthy dried fruits and vegetables as a snack. After several interactions with Lin Yuxing, Ji Mu was no longer unfamiliar to him. However, Lin Yuxing still felt a bit reserved in front of Ji Mu.

After all, Ji Mu was his senior.

“Thank you for seeing me again,” Lin Yuxing said.

Ji Mu looked indifferent, but his tone was warm, “It’s no trouble. Please have a seat.” They both sat down, and like a doctor diagnosing a patient, Ji Mu opened the computer with the results of Lin Yuxing’s gland examination.

Lin Yuxing was worried, “Is there something wrong with the results?”

“No,” Ji Mu replied.

Lin Yuxing didn’t quite understand. If there was no problem, why did Ji Mu specifically call him over?

Suddenly, Ji Mu asked, “Have you been using the medication I prescribed?”

“Yes,” Lin Yuxing recalled, “I missed a few days because something came up before the Lunar New Year.”

“How do you feel?” Ji Mu inquired.

Lin Yuxing thought for a moment and replied, “I feel like my pheromones have become stronger recently. My roommate feels the same way too. He used to say my pheromones were faint. Also, I’ve become more sensitive to other people’s pheromones.”

He thought for a moment and believed there was nothing to hide from Ji Mu, “Previously, I was more sensitive to Senior’s pheromones compared to others.”

Lin Yuxing didn’t think it was a bad thing.

But according to Ji Mu, the fact that his gland’s perception was weak due to acquired trauma was not a good sign.

Fortunately, Lin Yuxing persisted with the medication, and this time, the examination results were all normal.

Furthermore, they even showed improvement.

Ji Mu carefully examined the data, and considering the 77% compatibility between Lin Yuxing and Gu Zhongyi, he spoke after a short silence, “Lin Xuesheng (Student Lin).”

Ji Mu noticed he hadn’t poured tea for Lin Yuxing yet, so he calmly poured the tea and placed the cup in front of him.

“I need to ask you an extremely personal question, and if you find it inconvenient to answer, then don’t. But considering the condition of your glands, I hope you can honestly tell me, so I can give you the most appropriate advice.”

“Okay,” Lin Yuxing picked up the teacup and took a small sip.

Ji Mu asked directly, “Have you and Zhongyi become intimate and if so how many times?”

“Cough!” Lin Yuxing almost choked on his tea.

Ji Mu pushed the tissue box over and calmly waited for him to answer.

Feeling extremely uneasy, Lin Yuxing held the teacup, blushing at Ji Mu’s inquiry. He nervously shrunk his chin back, speaking in a quieter voice than ever, “Umm… yes.”

Ji Mu had a look of “I knew it,” and furrowed his brows. Whenever Ji Mu thought deeply, he would habitually put on a stern face.

Lin Yuxing was so frightened by Ji Mu’s serious expression that he sat up straight and hurriedly said, “Uncle Ji, please rest assured! Although I’m young, I will take responsibility like an adult. I… I really like Senior!”

It was often said that the older generation might have more conservative thoughts, so Lin Yuxing wasn’t sure if Ji Mu was going to criticize him.

Even if that was the case, he was prepared to take the criticism. Ji Mu had been so kind to him; even if he said a few words of reproach, it wouldn’t affect him.

However, who would have thought that in response to Lin Yuxing’s heartfelt explanation, Ji Mu would ask in confusion, “Why are you telling me all this?”

Lin Yuxing was taken aback and hesitantly asked, “Then, what should I say?”

Ji Mu rubbed his chin and seemed genuinely curious, ” This should be a knowledge point you learned last semester.” Ji Mu had a bit of a lecturing tone, “Lin Xuesheng, it’s good to be in love, but you should also take your studies seriously.”

Lin Yuxing couldn’t find the words to defend himself and could only reluctantly agree, “Uncle Ji, I will try my best…”

Ji Mu sighed silently, patiently telling him, “In simple terms, his pheromones have a ‘healing’ and ‘reparative’ effect on your glands. It’s like a ‘special medicine’ that is more effective than anything else.”

Gradually, it will also reactivate your glands that were injured but haven’t completely recovered, mending the gaps within.

After saying that, Ji Mu asked again, “Are you comfortable answering now?”

Lin Yuxing bit his lower lip and gave a number.

This time, Ji Mu’s teacup almost slipped from his hand.

Lin Yuxing, trusting Ji Mu’s professional judgment, began to speak openly, “Most of the time, it happens during the weekends.”

Ji Mu: “?”

“It may sound a bit exaggerated…”

They were still in the honeymoon phase, and although Lin Yuxing felt embarrassed on the surface, he thought it was normal in his heart.

However, even at that moment, he still wanted to explain a few things for Gu Zhongyi: “Senior becomes clingy after falling in love, but I’m usually busy with work and stubbornly want to stay in the school dormitory. So, we only have more time together on weekends.”

Lin Yuxing honestly squeezed his hands, feeling embarrassed as he said, “We’ve done it a few times.”

The more he tried to explain, the more powerless he felt, and the more he explained, the darker it seemed.

Ji Mu’s previously calm heart finally showed a hint of disturbance: Alphas from the Gu family were really possessive.

He reached out and empathetically held Lin Yuxing’s hand, saying solemnly, “You’ve worked hard.”

Lin Yuxing didn’t react immediately and instinctively replied, “It’s not hard; it’s what I should do!”

Ji Mu: “…”

Ji Mu thought to himself, “Impressive, young man.”

After the shocked and awkward atmosphere subsided a bit, Ji Mu lightly cleared his throat.

Then, he touched his forehead for a few seconds, finally understanding, “No wonder there’s such a drastic change in your glands compared to the last checkup, which was only a few months ago.”

Lin Yuxing blinked and listened quietly as Ji Mu spoke, his face turning as red as a tomato.

Ji Mu noticed that Lin Yuxing was thin-skinned and didn’t plan to continue embarrassing him.

“Since Zhongyi is by your side, you don’t need to apply the medication I gave you every day. Use it every other day. Also, don’t feel shy; being in close contact with him is beneficial for your glands.”

It seemed to be a win-win situation.

Lin Yuxing asked with surprise, “So, will my glands be completely normal again?”

“With the current situation, they’re recovering quite well,” Ji Mu replied. “Lin Xuesheng, what I’m about to say might be a bit premature, but if your relationship remains stable, you might consider marking each other a bit earlier.”

At the mention of marking, the smile on Lin Yuxing’s face froze, “Marking?”

“A mark with a very high compatibility could help stabilize your glands more quickly. Of course, it’s up to you; it’s not a necessity.”

Ji Mu believed that Lin Yuxing wasn’t taking his studies seriously at all. He decided not to explain further and directly pulled a  book from the nearby shelf, placing it in front of Lin Yuxing. He said with a serious tone, “Your college years are limited, so make good use of them.”

“…”

“For someone like you, having an Alpha mark with high compatibility has many advantages and no disadvantages.” Ji Mu pointed to the hardcover of the book, “This book is for you. Take it home and read it. It covers everything I didn’t go into detail about.”

Lin Yuxing pursed his lips.

Although the knowledge points Ji Mu mentioned were things they would be taught word by word in their major courses, that day’s focus on him made him feel uncomfortable.

Embarrassed, Lin Yuxing raised his hand and unconsciously touched his neck, “Thank you.”

This time, Ji Mu didn’t call him over solely to discuss that.

Ji Mu took out a well-packaged box from a drawer and gently pushed it in front of Lin Yuxing.

The box was pure white with no text or patterns printed on it.

Lin Yuxing politely looked at Ji Mu.

“It’s for you,” Ji Mu said, “It’s a newly developed product by the Gu Group called ‘Gland Patch.’ In some situations, Omegas are easily accidentally marked by Alphas. Although the surgery to remove marks is fast, it still involves cutting, which can harm the Omega’s body.”

As a result, the Gu Group collaborated with the institute and developed this gland patch in recent years.

“With this, even if you’re bitten by an Alpha, there won’t be any marks left.”

The Gu Group had not yet launched that new product. The box in Ji Mu’s hand was a qualified test sample, and it was not for sale.

Ji Mu, who had been marked for many years, immediately thought of Lin Yuxing, who always wore high-necked clothes.

The doctor Ji Mu recommended had a high price for treatment, and he estimated that Lin Yuxing couldn’t afford it at the moment. He also believed that Lin Yuxing would not want to trouble Gu Zhongyi.

Having experienced enough years, Ji Mu understood that preserving one’s self-esteem was a complex issue.

Therefore, that box of gland patches came at the right time.

“I picked the one that suits your skin tone the best, and I also checked the ingredients, so you won’t have an allergic reaction. Oh, and the size, I got the largest size. It can cover your scars and a bit more below.”

This way, Lin Yuxing could wear normal round-neck clothes in the summer, which would be much cooler.

The box didn’t come with an instruction manual, so Ji Mu took on the role of an explainer.

“The box includes a bottle of cleaning solution. Use it to gently wipe around the gland patch, and it will naturally fall off. The gland patch is disposable, so don’t wear it for more than eight hours each time.”

Lin Yuxing held the box with surprise and was deeply moved.

“Uncle Ji, I…”

“It’s not unconditional; you have to tell me about your trial experience later. If you find it helpful, I’ll send you a few more boxes as a trial reward.”

Lin Yuxing quickly nodded his head, cherishing the box in his hands as he said again, “Thank you.”

That box was Ji Mu’s heartfelt gesture, and he didn’t want to refuse it.

Lin Yuxing said, “I will use it carefully. But if I want to use it again, I’ll wait for it to be on the market and buy it to support the Gu Group’s product!”

Ji Mu raised an eyebrow, letting him be.

When Lin Yuxing left the institute, it was already around 3 PM.

He calculated the time and knew it would be 5 PM when he returned to school.

During the gap while waiting for the bus, he took out his newly exchanged phone and sent a message to Gu Zhongyi: “[The check-up is done.]”

Gu Zhongyi replied to the message only after Lin Yuxing had boarded the bus: “[How was it?]”

Lin Yuxing: “[Uncle Ji said I’m recovering quite well.]”

Lin Yuxing: “[Uncle Ji also gave me a box of gland patches that can cover my scars. I won’t need to wear high-necked clothes in the summer anymore.]”

Gu Zhongyi: “[yes it is a new product from the company. I prepared it for you.]”

Lin Yuxing asked in disbelief: “[You had a falling out with your dad, and you can still get products from the company? Won’t you get scolded?]”

Gu Zhongyi: “[I Just have a thick skin.]”

Lin Yuxing: “[Hamster shocked expression]”

Worried that Gu Zhongyi might be wronged, he hurriedly added: “[I’m quite well-off now, so I can afford to buy it if I need it. You don’t need to get it for me, and even if you do, I won’t accept it.]”

Soon, Gu Zhongyi called Lin Yuxing, and he heard the bus announcement in the background. Gu Zhongyi asked, “Did you just get on the bus?”

“Yeah.”

Gu Zhongyi’s voice was, as always, pleasant and tender over the phone. He said, “That part is not under my dad’s jurisdiction, so don’t worry. If you want to buy it yourself later, we’ll buy it ourselves.”

Listening to Gu Zhongyi’s voice, Lin Yuxing felt his ears tingling, and he liked it. He nodded and then realized that Gu Zhongyi couldn’t see him nodding, so he added, “Yes.”

He wanted to tell Gu Zhongyi the specific details about his glands, but it wasn’t appropriate to discuss it on the bus. He also felt it might not be clear enough on the phone, so he decided to wait until Gu Zhongyi got home to talk about it.

Lin Yuxing moved his lips and asked, “How are things going on your side?”

Before Gu Zhongyi could reply, someone next to him asked him something. Gu Zhongyi told Lin Yuxing, “I have something to deal with now. I’ll call you back later.”

“Okay, you go ahead.”

The call ended, and Lin Yuxing’s shoulders slumped with disappointment.

Gu Zhongyi had been “away on business” for almost two weeks.

He missed Gu Zhongyi a lot.