Alpha
The starlight and promises on the mountaintop seemed to inject new vitality into their lives.
The pair of obsidian cufflinks became Siqi's most frequently worn accessory. Every time he caught a glimpse of the deep luster on his wrist, a warm, reassuring feeling welled up in his heart. The same was true for Shao Wei; this relationship, which he had actively pursued and reaffirmed, made him feel more relaxed and at ease.
Life remained busy, but the rhythm had become increasingly harmonious. Under Si Qi's leadership, the company progressed steadily. He abandoned some of its aggressive expansion strategies and focused more on deepening and innovating its core businesses, earning higher praise from the board. The businesses under Shao Wei's name were also integrated, creating a healthy partnership with the company while maintaining independence.
The two would occasionally discuss a cross-border project in the study until late at night. The collision of ideas was the exhilaration of meeting a worthy opponent and the satisfaction of a resonance of souls.
In late autumn, Si Qi photographed an ancient courtyard in a Jiangnan water town. He took the blueprints and models home and spread them out before Shao Wei like a treasure.
"This place is not far from the city, but the environment is quiet and the backyard faces the river directly. I hired an expert in ancient building restoration to preserve the original appearance as much as possible and only modernize the interior. We can stay there on weekends in the future. Don't you like the sound of rain? During the rainy season there, the sound of raindrops dripping from the eaves is particularly pleasant." Si Qi described with shining eyes, like a child expecting praise.
Shao Wei carefully examined the blueprints. The courtyard had an intricate layout, complete with pavilions and waterside terraces. It was indeed a perfect place for a quiet retreat. He looked up at Si Qi and asked, "Why did you suddenly think of buying this?"
Si Qi held his hand, stroking the platinum ring with his fingertips, and said seriously, "I want to give you a place where you can truly relax. The city is too noisy. And..." He paused, his voice lowered, "I want to grow old with you. In a place with a lively atmosphere and yet quiet."
Shao Wei's heart felt as if a feather had gently brushed against it, a delicate warmth spreading across it. He nodded. "Okay. I like it very much."
Restoring the courtyard would take time, but the planning itself had become something to look forward to. Occasionally, they would drive by to check on the progress, watching the dilapidated house gradually regain its former glory. It was as if they were also watching their shared future, gradually becoming more solid and heartwarming.
However, beneath the calm, there were still some disturbances. Although Shao Wei's body had recovered, his pheromone system had been remodeled, making it more sensitive and fragile than that of an average Alpha. Once, after spending too long in a confined space with poor ventilation and a large crowd, he developed a low-grade fever that night, and his pheromones showed signs of slight disturbance.
Si Qi immediately canceled all plans and stayed by his side, releasing pheromones to soothe and comfort him until he fell into a deep sleep. Seeing Shao Wei's brows still slightly furrowed in his sleep, Si Qi's heart tightened. The fear of loss, like a ghost, would occasionally peek out in the middle of the night.
When Shao Wei woke up, he saw the dark circles under Si Qi's eyes and the nervous look on his face, and instead comforted him: "It's okay, he's just a little uncomfortable. Just avoid that kind of environment next time."
Si Qi didn't say anything, just hugged him tighter. He knew that some scars took longer to heal, and perhaps would leave a faint mark for a lifetime. But it didn't matter, they would face it together.
As the first snow of early winter fell, Siqi received a long-distance call from his mother. Siqi's parents divorced early in life, and his mother had lived abroad for many years. Their relationship was not very close, but they maintained basic greetings.
On the phone, his mother asked about his recent situation as usual, and finally mentioned casually: "I heard that Shao Wei is in good health? I'm so lucky. What are your plans for the future? The Si family can't..."
She didn't finish her words, but Si Qi understood the implication. For a family like the Si family, the issue of inheriting the family line was always an unavoidable one, especially when the heir chose a same-sex Alpha spouse.
Si Qi frowned, his tone calm but firm: "Mom, Shao Wei and I are fine. I will take responsibility for the future of the Si family in my own way. Don't worry about the rest."
After hanging up the phone, Si Qi walked to the window, watching the snowflakes scatter outside. He lit a cigarette, but didn't smoke, letting it burn slowly between his fingers. He and Shao Wei had never discussed this issue, as if there was a tacit agreement to avoid it. They were both Alphas, with strong egos and careers, and the traditional concept of "family" seemed irrelevant to them. Yet, the voices of the outside world and the expectations of their families would occasionally find their way in, like the cold winter wind.
A warm coat was draped over his shoulders. Si Qi turned around and saw Shao Wei standing behind him without him noticing.
"Why are you smoking?" Shao Wei took the cigarette that was about to burn out from between his fingers and put it out in the ashtray.
Si Qi took him into his arms, rubbing his chin against the top of his soft head, and said in a muffled voice: "Nothing. My mother called."
Shao Wei quietly leaned in his arms, not asking further questions. He simply raised his hand and gently stroked the glands on the back of Siqi's neck, which had been left with a faint mark from having provided him with pheromones so many times. His gesture carried a silent comfort and understanding.
"Siqi," Shao Wei said softly after a long pause, "We don't need to prove anything to anyone."
Si Qi's heart trembled suddenly, and he tightened his grip. Yes, they had gone through life and death to stay together, so why should they use worldly standards to measure it? In their world, having each other was enough.
"Yeah." Si Qi responded softly, putting those unnecessary troubles behind him. "It's snowing. Do you want to go to the yard to build a snowman tomorrow? Just the two of us."
Shao Wei laughed softly in his arms: "Childish."
The next day, two crooked snowmen, one large and one small, appeared in their private courtyard downstairs. Si Qi even wrapped one of Shao Wei's old scarves around the little snowman, making it look both funny and heartwarming.
As the New Year approached, invitations to various banquets poured in. Si Qi and Shao Wei selectively attended the necessary ones. Now, they were recognized within the industry as a couple with a stable status and an unbreakable bond.
Wherever they go, they are the center of attention. Si Qi is calm and assertive, Shao Wei is cool and reserved. Standing side by side, their auras mesh perfectly. Even without any deliberate attempts at intimacy, a single glance conveys a tacit understanding that is difficult for outsiders to discern.
At a charity dinner, they ran into Mr. Li, the same CEO who had previously offended Mr. Shao. Mr. Li was much more respectful this time, offering a toast and his words were full of flattery. Si Qi simply nodded, and Mr. Shao didn't even take the glass, just a slight nod. After Mr. Li left, Si Qi leaned over and whispered in Shao Wei's ear, "How does it feel to be bullying others?"
Shao Wei glanced at him, and raised the corner of his mouth slightly: "Not bad."
Halfway through the banquet, Shao Wei felt a bit stuffy and went to the terrace for some fresh air. Si Qi was about to follow him, but was stopped by an important client to chat. While he was dealing with the client, his eyes kept following the thin figure on the terrace.
Shao Wei wasn't the only one on the terrace. A well-known young Omega painter was also there, seemingly interested in Shao Wei and actively engaged in conversation. Shao Wei had his back to Si Qi, so his expression couldn't be seen, but his demeanor was distant.
Si Qi felt a strange unease rising in his heart, an instinctive reaction to someone coveting his Alpha territory. He quickly ended his conversation with the client and strode towards the terrace.
As I approached, I heard the Omega painter say in a tone of admiration: "...Mr. Shao's temperament is truly unique, calm and powerful, very much like the lone pine on the snowy mountain that I have always wanted to paint. I wonder if I would have the honor of painting your portrait..."
Si Qi walked up to Shao Wei, put his arm around his waist very naturally, and pulled him into his arms. Then he looked at the stunned painter with a polite but distant smile on his face: "I'm sorry, my husband doesn't like being a model." Although his pheromones were not released deliberately, the unquestionable possessiveness had already spread.
Shao Wei leaned in his arms cooperatively and nodded lightly to the painter: "Excuse me."
Back in the warm room, Si Qi finally let go of her hand and asked in a low voice, "Are you okay?"
Shao Wei looked up at him with a hint of teasing in his eyes: "Boss Si is quite jealous."
Si Qi was exposed, but he was not embarrassed. He said confidently: "Of course. I exchanged half of my kingdom for you, so I have to keep a close eye on you."
Shao Wei laughed, shook his head, but took the initiative to hold his hand.
They spent the moment the New Year's bell rang out on their balcony. No big party, just each other. Outside the window, fireworks filled the sky, illuminating the snow-covered city.
Si Qi held two cups of warm sake and handed one to Shao Wei. "Happy New Year, Shao Wei."
Shao Wei took it and clinked glasses with him: "Happy New Year."
Fireworks exploded above their heads, dazzling and dazzling. Si Qi looked at Shao Wei's profile, outlined by light and shadow, and his heart was filled with an unprecedented sense of peace and satisfaction. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Shao Wei's slightly cool lips.
"In the new year," Si Qi leaned against his forehead and promised softly, "I will love you more than last year."
Shao Wei returned the kiss, then leaned on his shoulder, looked at the colorful sky, and said softly, "Yeah. Me too."
Snowflakes drifted silently, covering the traces of the past year. Their story contained no earth-shattering legends, but rather a steady stream of companionship and a bond deep within their bones. In a clamorous and glittering world, they built an impenetrable fortress for themselves, filled with warmth, understanding, and a love that shone brighter after enduring life and death together.
The future is still long, but as long as I hold your hand, I will not be afraid of the long years.
The plum rain season in Jiangnan was more lingering than expected. The newly renovated ancient courtyard was bathed in a shroud of mist, its green tiles and white walls, its eaves dripping with rain, like a soaked ink painting. Si Qi and Shao Wei had already lived here for nearly half a month, escaping the city's summer heat and bustle.
Shao Wei truly loved the sound of rain here. He often sat on the waterside bench, a cup of tea at his side, a book on his lap, listening to the patter of raindrops hitting banana leaves and sliding down the eaves, and he would sit there for half a day. The sound was clear and melodious, unlike the rapid and noisy sound of rain in the city. It could sink deep into one's heart, smoothing out all the wrinkles of anxiety.
Si Qi finished his morning remote work and emerged from his study to look for him, only to be greeted by this scene. Shao Wei, slender in his plain linen shirt, blended into the hazy rain, as quiet as a figure in a painting. Si Qi stepped softly, not interrupting him. He simply leaned against the porch pillar and watched quietly.
Once upon a time, Shao Wei's silence always made him feel an invisible pressure and inexplicable irritation, and he felt that behind the silence was an unfathomable alienation. Now, he could savor a profound peace and contentment in this silence. He knew that Shao Wei's relaxation and focus came from knowing that he was by his side, without needing to be vigilant or pretend.
As if sensing his gaze, Shao Wei raised his head from his book and looked in his direction. Through the rain, his eyes were clear and inquiring.
Si Qi then walked over and sat down beside him, naturally placing his hand on the back of his waist and massaging it gently - Shao Wei's old back injury was prone to soreness and swelling in humid weather.
"Are you done?" Shao Wei closed the book and leaned relaxedly into his palm.
"Hmm," Si Qi agreed, lowering his head to sniff the light scent of cedar in his hair. The mingled scent of grass and rain in the courtyard calmed his mind. "What do you want for lunch? Auntie bought some fresh water shield and river shrimp."
"Just settle it down." Shao Wei closed his eyes and enjoyed his massage. This kind of trivial daily care has become very natural now.
In the afternoon, the rain subsided, and a grayish-white light filtered through the sky. Si Qi took Shao Wei for a walk in the backyard. The bluestone pavement in the courtyard, wet and glistening after the rain, was lush and verdant, and the air was filled with the fragrance of earth and flowers. They walked slowly along the winding path, Si Qi holding Shao Wei's hand the whole time, carefully avoiding puddles.
When he reached the hundred-year-old pomegranate tree, Shao Wei stopped and looked up at the few pomegranates that had survived and were beginning to turn red among the branches and leaves that had been washed shiny by the rain.
"Do you remember?" Shao Wei suddenly spoke in a very soft voice, "In the first year of our marriage, there was also a pomegranate tree in the yard of the old house. It bore a lot of fruit."
Si Qi was stunned for a moment, searching his memory. The old house… He had only been back a handful of times since his marriage, and he had no recollection of the flowers, plants, and trees in the yard. He said with a blush, "I… don't remember."
Shao Wei didn't seem surprised and smiled faintly: "You were busy at that time and rarely went back. When the pomegranates were ripe, they fell all over the ground and no one picked them up." There was no complaint in his tone, he was just stating a fact.
Si Qi's heart felt like it was pricked by a fine needle, a slight sting of pain and guilt rising. He held Shao Wei's hand tightly and said, "From now on, we will pick the pomegranates here one by one."
Shao Wei turned to look at him, a soft light in his eyes: "Okay."
They sat down in the pavilion, watching the koi carp swimming leisurely in the pond. The drizzle began to fall again, stirring up ripples on the water.
"It's nice here." Shao Wei said softly, watching the raindrops fall into the pond. "It's better than I imagined."
Si Qi looked at his profile, which was reflected in the water light and looked particularly soft. An idea came to his mind and he blurted out, "How about we stay here permanently in the future? We can handle company matters remotely and go back for important meetings."
Shao Wei looked at him in surprise: "Can you let it go?"
Si Qi smiled and reached out to wipe away the tiny water droplets on his shoulder. "What's there to be reluctant about? I used to think the Si family was everything to me, but now I know they're just external possessions. You're my true home." He paused, his tone filled with self-mockery and relief. "I almost lost it once, I can't be so stupid again."
Shao Wei was silent for a moment, without a direct answer, but simply placed his hand on the back of Si Qi's hand. His fingers were slightly cool, but his palm was warm and strong.
"Just come stay here occasionally." After a long moment, Shao Wei finally spoke, his voice calm and rational. "After all, neither you nor I can completely escape the mundane world. The Si family needs you, and I have my own affairs to attend to. Cities have their own conveniences, and here... let's just think of it as our own paradise."
Si Qi looked at him, knowing that what he said was true. They couldn't and didn't need to completely abandon their past lives, but having a space like this where they could retreat and find peace with each other was already a great blessing.
"I'll listen to you." Si Qi followed suit and interlocked his fingers with his.
The sound of rain intensified, and the air thickened with mist, isolating the small pavilion into a separate, quiet world. They stopped talking, simply sitting side by side, watching the rain, listening to the wind, feeling the warmth of each other's palms and the steady breath. Time seemed to stretch out here, becoming especially gentle.
Living in this isolated courtyard, some deeply buried emotions seem to surface more easily.
Late one night, Si Qi was awakened by thunder. The summer thunderstorm was fierce, lightning ripping through the night sky and thunder rattling the window frames. He instinctively reached for his side, but it was empty. His heart tightened, and he immediately stood up.
There was no one in the living room or the study. Finally, he found Shao Wei in front of the moon-shaped door that led to the backyard.
Shao Wei, dressed only in thin pajamas, stood quietly, gazing out the window at the courtyard ravaged by the storm. Lightning flashed, momentarily illuminating his pale face and overly calm eyes. He didn't tremble, nor did he betray fear, but his erect back exuded an indescribable loneliness, as if he might at any moment melt into the raging rainy night and disappear.
Si Qi's heart felt like it was being gripped by an icy hand. He recalled the days and nights during his treatment, when Shao Wei had fought the pain alone in the isolation pod, and his unconscious mumblings while he was feverish and comatose. All those memories and fears he had deliberately suppressed came flooding back like a tidal wave.
He quickly stepped forward and hugged Shao Wei tightly from behind, with such force that he almost rubbed him into his bones and blood.
"Shao Wei!" His voice was filled with lingering fear and a subtle pleading. "Go back to your room. It's cold here."
Shao Wei's body stiffened at first, then slowly relaxed and leaned into his arms. His back felt cold.
"Did I wake you up?" Shao Wei's voice was a little hoarse.
Si Qi didn't answer, but buried his face in the crook of his neck, greedily absorbing the reassuring breath from him, and said in a muffled voice: "Don't stand here... I'm scared."
Shao Wei was slightly startled. He had never heard Si Qi speak in such a tone, with such naked vulnerability. He was silent for a moment, then raised his hand to cover Si Qi's hand around his waist and patted it gently. "It's just raining."
"It's not just the rain." Si Qi hugged him tighter, his voice low and hoarse, "I'm afraid... I'm afraid that if you turn around, I'll disappear again."
Outside the window, thunder roared and rain poured down. But in Siqi's almost childish whisper, Shao Wei clearly heard the bottomless fear. It turned out that he was not the only one trapped in the shadow of the past.
He turned and faced Siqi. In the flickering light of lightning, he saw Siqi's red eyes and tense jawline. Shao Wei raised his hand and gently traced Siqi's brow bone with his fingertips, his movements slow and careful.
"Siqi," he looked into his eyes and said each word clearly, "I will not disappear. Wherever you are, there I will be."
His voice was not loud, but it carried a firm and certain tone that penetrated the rumbling thunder and reached Siqi's heart.
Si Qi stared at him, stunned, taking in the quiet, unshakable strength in his eyes, like the center of a storm. His tense nerves gradually relaxed, and the panic that threatened to consume him receded like a tide. He lowered his head, resting his forehead against Shao Wei's, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry..." He apologized for his sudden loss of control.
Shao Wei shook his head and took the initiative to kiss the corner of his lips: "Go back."
That night, they broke their tacit agreement to sleep in separate rooms for the first time. Si Qi brought Shao Wei back to the master bedroom, and the two of them lay on the large step-out bed, hugging each other tightly as the wind and rain continued to roar outside the window. Si Qi's arms were always around Shao Wei's waist, as if only in this way could he confirm his presence. Shao Wei also let him hold him, and even when he occasionally woke up from a nightmare, he would subconsciously release soothing pheromones and whisper "I'm here."
On a stormy night, two hearts that were once adrift and helpless found the most solid anchor in each other's body temperature and breath.
The next day, the rain stopped and the sky cleared up with bright sunshine. The courtyard was completely refreshed and the grass and trees were lush and green.
When Si Qi woke up, Shao Wei was gone. His heart tightened, and he immediately got out of bed to look for him. He found Shao Wei in the kitchen, wearing an apron and clumsily frying an egg. The pan was a mess, and the edges of the egg were slightly burnt, but Shao Wei's expression was focused.
Seeing Siqi, Shao Wei looked away a little embarrassedly: "...Awake? Let's try, it might not be very successful."
Si Qi walked over and hugged him from behind. Looking at the fried egg in the pan, which was not perfectly shaped but had a smoky aroma, his eyes were slightly warm. He lowered his head and placed a kiss on the side of Shao Wei's neck.
"It looks delicious." He said hoarsely.
Sunlight filtered through the carved wooden window lattices, casting a warm glow on the two of them. The sizzling sound of oil in the wok mingled with the fresh fragrance of morning grass and trees. The ordinariness and warmth of this moment surpassed all the prosperity in the world.
Their story continues. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city and the tranquility of Jiangnan, in their mutual protection and dependence, they write the story of their long-lasting, deeply rooted life.
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