Alpha
After experiencing that near-destructive pheromone backlash crisis, Shao Wei's recovery seemed to have been accelerated. Dr. Anderson's team, analyzing the data, confirmed the establishment of a rare "symbiotic balance." Siqi's risky and forceful intervention, like a forging of destruction and reconstruction, had transformed the two people's pheromone systems from a mere highly compatible coexistence into a deeper, unique connection that was both mutually dependent and mutually constrained.
Shao Wei's new pheromones were surprisingly stable, carrying the refreshing after-rain coolness of Siqi's pheromones while retaining the original calm undertones of cedar, creating a unique and harmonious aura. His strength recovered at a visible rate, and a hint of color finally appeared on his pale cheeks.
Si Qi's heart, which had been hanging in the air for months, finally settled down bit by bit. However, he did not relax his vigilance and continued to take care of Shao Wei meticulously. However, the deep gloom and anxiety between his brows gradually gave way to a calm and gentle look.
It was already late autumn when Dr. Anderson officially concluded the second phase of treatment. The maple leaves of Country M had dyed the mountaintops red, and the air was cool yet exceptionally refreshing.
"Congratulations! The most difficult stage is over." Dr. Anderson looked at the examination report with a relieved smile on his face. "Mr. Shao's pheromone system is basically stable, and his body functions are gradually recovering. Next is the third and final stage: rehabilitation and adaptation. This will focus on physical training and psychological adjustment to help him readjust to daily life. This process does not require hospitalization, but regular checkups are required."
No need for hospitalization. These words made Si Qi and Shao Wei breathe a sigh of relief. This meant they could leave this disinfectant-filled medical center and have some time and space to themselves.
Si Qi had already arranged everything. He rented a house with a spacious courtyard near the medical center. The environment was quiet and perfect for recuperation. The day he was discharged from the hospital, the weather was beautiful, sunny, and the sky was a clear blue.
Shao Wei changed out of his hospital gown and donned the soft cashmere sweater and trousers Si Qi had brought him. The clothes were a bit loose, making him look even thinner, but he stood there, his back straight, with his usual calm demeanor, though his eyes held a touch of clarity and peace, a touch of life-or-death experience.
Si Qi didn't sit in a wheelchair, but simply reached out and held onto his arm. Shao Wei glanced at him, didn't refuse, and, using his strength, steadily walked out of the place where he had lived for several months. The warmth of the sun on his body, the air filled with the fragrance of plants, gave him a feeling of rebirth, as if he had been reborn in another world.
The new home was beautifully maintained and comfortable. The living room had a large French window facing the courtyard, where several tall maple trees, their leaves resplendent in crimson, stood. Si Qi had even carefully placed a vase of dried lavender, one of Shao Wei's favorites, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.
"Do you like it?" Si Qi asked nervously, like a child waiting for a grade.
Shao Wei looked around, his eyes falling on the maple leaves outside the window, which were in full swing. He nodded, "Yeah. Very quiet."
This was already a high compliment. Si Qi's face broke into a pure smile as he took Shao Wei's coat and hung it up. "You take a break first. I'll go prepare lunch."
Shao Wei raised an eyebrow at him, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. Si Qi had been forced to improve his cooking skills over the past few months, but only to prepare simple hospital meals.
"I learned a new dish." Si Qi tied his apron confidently, "I guarantee it will taste better than the one in the hospital."
The result was, naturally, disappointing. The steak was a bit tough, and the vegetable salad dressing a bit salty, but Shao Wei sat at the table and quietly and attentively finished his portion.
"How is it?" Si Qi asked expectantly.
"Okay." Shao Wei put down his knife and fork and gave a fair evaluation, "You've made progress."
Si Qi immediately smiled, feeling even more accomplished than when he signed a billion-dollar contract.
Rehabilitation life was peaceful and regular. Every morning, a professional physical therapist would visit Shao Wei to guide him through physical training, starting with slow walks and gradually increasing the intensity of machine exercises. Si Qi was always by his side, either offering water and wiping sweat, or simply sitting quietly and watching from a distance.
The afternoons were free time. Sometimes they watched a movie together, sometimes they read separately. When Shao Wei was in a good mood, he would even open his computer again to handle some simple remote company matters that Si Qi had carefully selected. Si Qi no longer tried to stop him as he had before. He knew that appropriate work could bring Shao Wei a sense of accomplishment and a real sense of connection to the outside world. He simply set strict time limits and kept a close eye on his status.
Change happens gradually.
Shao Wei spoke more than before, still concisely, but he would proactively express his feelings, such as "The sun is shining brightly today" or "This book is good." He even began to object to the schedule.
Once, Si Qi excitedly bought a large, extremely expensive box of fresh mangoes flown in by air, intending to make mango ice cream for him. Shao Wei looked at the pile of tempting golden fruits, was silent for a few seconds, and said, "Actually, I prefer strawberry flavor."
Si Qi was stunned, then burst into laughter, his eyes aching. He put the mango down, walked over and hugged Shao Wei, buried his face in the crook of his neck, and said in a muffled voice, "Okay, let's buy strawberries tomorrow. We'll make whatever you like."
Shao Wei's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed, raising his hands to gently hug him back. This hug was brief but natural, no longer a snuggle that required courage or was driven by pain.
At night, they still slept in separate rooms. Si Qi slept in the master bedroom, Shao Wei in the guest room. But Si Qi's habit of getting up in the middle of the night to check on his family remained. And Shao Wei seemed to have gotten used to feeling the door being gently pushed open in his light sleep, a figure lingering for a moment before quietly leaving. Sometimes, if he was awake, he would whisper, "I'm fine," and the figure outside the door would pause, followed by a sigh of relief.
After a follow-up examination, Dr. Anderson looked at the latest data and said to Siqi, "His recovery is very good, exceeding expectations. Perhaps... you could consider increasing his outdoor activities and exposure to social environments. This would be beneficial to his psychological recovery. For example, seeing a movie or having a meal in a quiet restaurant."
Si Qi was a little hesitant, as he was worried that the outside environment would still be a burden to Shao Wei.
On the contrary, Shao Wei, after hearing this suggestion, thought for a moment and said to Si Qi: "You can give it a try."
So, one weekend evening, Si Qi drove Shao Wei to a restaurant in the city center that was well-known for its elegant environment and privacy. He had reserved a quiet corner in advance.
This was Shao Wei's first public appearance since his illness. He wore a well-tailored dark coat, which accentuated his pale complexion. Though thin, he carried himself with composure. His alpha-like composure hadn't been diminished by his illness, but rather, it had a certain fragility, drawing the occasional sidelong glances from onlookers.
Si Qi was a little nervous, constantly paying attention to Shao Wei's expression and the surrounding pheromone environment. The restaurant was inevitably filled with a mixture of various smells, but Shao Wei seemed to adapt well, even taking a second look at an exquisite dessert on the menu.
Si Qi immediately understood and ordered the dessert.
The meal was peaceful. They chatted about insignificant topics: movies, books, and how long the maple trees in the courtyard would remain vibrant. They didn't mention their illness, the past, or make any plans for the future. They simply savored the rare, almost ordinary tranquility of the moment.
When paying the bill, a waiter accidentally knocked over a glass of water, and the water splashed onto Shao Wei's sleeve. The waiter apologized in panic.
Si Qi's face darkened. Just as he was about to speak, Shao Wei waved his hand, indicating that it was okay. He took out a tissue and wiped it himself, saying in a calm tone, "It's a small matter. Don't worry about it."
Si Qi looked at his calm profile and suddenly realized that his Shao Wei was truly different. No longer the sensitive and forbearing partner who suppressed all emotions under a calm exterior, he had truly become strong and peaceful from within, able to calmly deal with the turmoil of the outside world.
On the way back in the car, Shao Wei looked out the window at the glittering street scene and suddenly said, "It's very different here from back home."
"Well. Do you miss home?" Si Qi asked softly.
Shao Wei was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "It's all the same where you are."
Si Qi's grip on the steering wheel tightened, and the softest part of his heart was gently touched by these words. He freed one hand, reached out, and tightly grasped Shao Wei's hand on his knee. Shao Wei's fingers were slightly cold, but he shook his hand firmly.
Outside the car window, the neon lights of the city flew by quickly, and inside the car, the warmth of the two people's clasped hands gradually blended.
As Shao Wei's health improved, some practical issues gradually surfaced. Emails from Si Qi and his assistants in China began to pile up in Si Qi's inbox. While they were all screened, non-urgent matters, they signaled the countdown to his departure.
One night, the two of them were in the study, each dealing with emails. Shao Wei closed his computer and looked across at Si Qi, who was frowning slightly. "Is there something going on in China?"
Si Qi rubbed his brows. "Some trivial matters. Father... asked when we will be back." He paused and looked at Shao Wei with a cautious look. "What do you think?"
Going back means facing their family, career, and everything in the past all over again. There are memories that they cannot bear to look back on, and there are also responsibilities that they need to bear.
Shao Wei didn't answer immediately. He walked to the window and looked at the shadows of the trees in the courtyard swaying in the night breeze. The moonlight stretched his figure outward.
"It's time to go back," he said calmly. "We can't hide here forever."
Si Qi walked behind him, gently put his arms around his waist, and rested his chin on his shoulder: "Are you scared?"
Shao Wei tilted his head slightly, his cheek brushing against Si Qi's temple. "With you by my side, there's nothing to be afraid of." He paused, a hint of subtle teasing in his voice. "Besides, I have a 'symbiotic balance' now. If Mr. Si dares to bully me, my pheromones will rebel."
Si Qi was stunned for a moment, then he laughed softly, his chest vibrating, and even Shao Wei's body felt the joy. He turned Shao Wei around and looked at him face to face, his eyes filled with deep affection and relief.
"I dare not." He lowered his head and kissed Shao Wei's forehead, then the tip of his nose, and finally kissed his lips carefully. "I will never dare to do it again in this life."
The kiss was gentle and long, without lust, only confirmation and companionship after experiencing life and death.
Returning home was put on the agenda. Dr. Anderson conducted a final, comprehensive examination and gave his final assessment: "Mr. Shao's physical condition has stabilized, and he can adapt to long-distance flights and a normal work and life rhythm. However, it is important to remember that your pheromone systems are unique and require mutual maintenance. Avoid prolonged separation, maintain emotional stability, and receive regular checkups. Congratulations on truly regaining your life."
Before leaving, Si Qi took Shao Wei to the city park they had passed on their initial arrival. In late autumn, the park was ablaze with vibrant colors, creating a magnificent scene. They strolled slowly along the lakeside, the fallen leaves rustling softly underfoot.
Walking to an empty bench, Si Qi stopped and took out a small velvet box from his coat pocket.
Shao Wei looked at him with a questioning look in his eyes.
Si Qi opened the box and found two platinum rings with simple design but exquisite workmanship. The inner rings were engraved with the initials of each other's names and the start date of treatment.
"When we got married, the wedding ring was just a formality." Si Qi picked up the smaller ring and held Shao Wei's left hand. The old wedding ring had been removed at the beginning of the treatment. "Now, I want to put it on you again. This time, it's not because of the contract, but because..." He looked into Shao Wei's eyes, his voice low and solemn, "Si Qi loves Shao Wei, until death."
Shao Wei's eyelashes trembled slightly, and tears seemed to flash in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He didn't say anything, but just raised his finger slightly.
Si Qi carefully put the brand new ring on Shao Wei's ring finger. The size was perfect. Then he handed the other ring to Shao Wei.
Shao Wei took the ring and, holding Si Qi's left hand, slowly pushed the ring down to the base of his finger. His movements were slow and careful, as if he were completing an extremely important ritual.
The moment the ring was put on, the two of them interlocked their fingers, and the brand new ring sparkled with a warm light in the autumn sun.
"Let's go back." Shao Wei said softly, "There are still many things waiting for us."
"Okay." Si Qi held his hand tightly.
The plane soared into the sky, leaving the land that had given them a second life. Outside the cabin was a vast sea of clouds, while inside, Si Qi and Shao Wei held hands the entire time.
The road ahead may still be full of challenges, such as family, career, and the shadows of the past... But at this moment, they rely on each other and are fearless.
Because the bond forged by love and life and death has become their strongest armor.
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