Yun Xingze’s movement as he cut open his gland was decisive and forceful.
The original owner had died after damaging his gland because he had done it during his heat cycle.
But Yun Xingze now was not in heat, so there was no life-threatening danger.
Still, the gland was ultimately sensitive and fragile.
When the laser blade pierced into it, sharp pain instantly surged through him, forcing Yun Xingze to suck in a sharp breath.
He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, and cleanly split the gland down the middle, leaving a deep wound.
Blood immediately gushed from the injury, staining Yun Xingze’s pale neck in thick, crimson streaks.
Stimulated, the gland began to heat up, producing pheromones uncontrollably.
“Yun Xingze, have you lost your mind?!” Yun Changsheng shouted in panic, unable to believe his eyes.
Qin Shuang’s face turned deathly pale. She had never imagined things would escalate to this point.
As for the Chi family, they were collectively stunned. They had assumed Yun Xingze was merely using this opportunity to bargain, never expecting he would actually go through with cutting his gland.
The scent of roses spread in an instant.
But no Alpha would be drawn to such pheromones now, for the fragrance of roses was tainted with the overwhelming stench of blood.
Like a rose blooming in a pool of blood.
Just as everyone stood frozen in shock, Chi Yu snapped out of his daze and moved to intervene but before he could, a tall figure abruptly emerged from the crowd.
Luo Wenchuan shoved past the guests and, before Chi Yu could react, rushed to Yun Xingze’s side.
The excruciating pain made it hard for Yun Xingze to think straight. When he saw Luo Wenchuan, he couldn’t believe it for a second.
“You…” Yun Xingze’s fingers trembled, the laser blade slipping from his grip and clattering to the floor. “Why…”
Before he could finish, the effects of the severed gland became more pronounced. His legs weakened, and he collapsed into Luo Wenchuan’s arms.
Luo Wenchuan’s eyes burned with urgency and fear, his voice shaking as he said, “Don’t speak. I’m taking you to the hospital now!”
Without another word, he scooped Yun Xingze up into his arms and bolted toward the banquet hall’s exit.
Perhaps because Luo Wenchuan’s expression was too terrifying, no one dared to stop him—not even the Yun family.
Cradled in those strong arms, Yun Xingze could feel his pheromones fading, a sign that his gland was failing.
The rose scent in the air was nearly gone.
A rose had briefly bloomed in blood, only to wither just as quickly.
Yun Xingze couldn’t help but look up at Luo Wenchuan.
From this angle, he could see Luo Wenchuan’s clean neck, the sharp jut of his Adam’s apple, and the tense line of his jaw.
Further up was that familiar, handsome face.
But it no longer carried its usual cold indifference instead, it was etched with panic.
As Luo Wenchuan ran, he glanced down at Yun Xingze, meeting his gaze.
“Don’t be afraid. It’s going to be okay. You’ll be fine.” Luo Wenchuan panted; his voice frantic yet still trying to soothe Yun Xingze. “The hospital is close. Just hold on.”
Luo Wenchuan’s narrow, deep-set eyes still the familiar single eyelids Yun Xingze knew so well—had thick, long lashes, but their rims were slightly reddened.
At this moment, Yun Xingze suddenly felt a pang of heartache for him.
Slowly, he reached out and touched Luo Wenchuan’s cheek, feeling the faint stubble along his jawline and the cold sweat breaking out. His voice came out weak and raspy as he murmured, “Senior, I-I’m fine. It just hurts a little.”
Hearing Yun Xingze’s frail, hoarse voice, Luo Wenchuan’s eyes reddened further, his gaze flickering unsteadily, fingers trembling uncontrollably.
He couldn’t even bear to look at Yun Xingze’s wound again. One glance was enough to make his heart feel as though it were being sliced apart.
He wished, more than anything, that the blade had cut into his own flesh instead.
Suppressing his grief, Luo Wenchuan gathered Yun Xingze into his arms and carried him into the aircraft. Swiftly retrieving gauze and disinfectant, he began dressing the wound with practiced precision.
Yun Xingze felt his vision blurring.
He lay in Luo Wenchuan’s embrace, acutely aware of every careful movement as the gauze was wrapped around his neck.
Despite the tremors in his hands, Luo Wenchuan remained composed, meticulously securing the bandage.
“Xingze, hold on a little longer. The pain will fade soon.”
—Those were the last words Yun Xingze heard before darkness swallowed him.
After Luo Wenchuan carried Yun Xingze away, the banquet hall descended into chaos.
Qin Shuang was the first to react. She snapped at Yun Changsheng, “What are you standing around for? Follow them!” before bolting toward the exit.
Yun Changsheng jolted, then scrambled after her in a panic.
Yun Wu had also intended to follow, but Qin Shuang barked, “Stay out of the way!” freezing him in place.
Fear for Yun Xingze’s safety stripped away Qin Shuang’s usual restraint, her tone sharp with the authority she wielded at Changsheng Mecha Corporation.
Once inside the aircraft, she ordered the driver, “Hurry, follow that craft!”
Her heart pounded violently, terrified Yun Xingze might be in mortal danger.
Yun Changsheng, meanwhile, was consumed by dread over the possibility of Yun Xingze’s gland failing.
“That idiot! How could he do something so reckless?!” Yun Changsheng cursed, frustration and helplessness warring in his voice.
“And whose fault is that?” Qin Shuang shot back, glaring at him. “Why did you have to say those words earlier?!”
Yun Changsheng’s face twisted with regret. “I just wanted to scare him! How was I supposed to know he’d actually go through with it? He’s been afraid of needles since he was a child.”
“Shut up!”
As Qin Shuang snapped, remorse welled up inside her.
Perhaps she shouldn’t have told Yun Xingze the news in advance maybe then he wouldn’t have hidden a blade in his suit pocket.
The thought made her press a trembling hand to her face. “How did things turn out like this?”
Back in the banquet hall, Chi Yu stood frozen, his spine rigid. The image of Yun Xingze slashing his own gland replayed endlessly in his mind.
Shock and horror had numbed him.
His throat dry, he turned to Chi Yin. “Dad, what do we do?”
“Yun Xingze actually cut his gland?!” Chi Yin’s expression was one of stunned disbelief.
When Yun Xingze had made the cut, Chi Yin had seen something terrifyingly resolute in his eyes. A willingness to die rather than submit.
It was clear just how much he despised this marriage.
“If an Omega removes their gland, their life is ruined!” Chi Yin tightened his fingers, frowning as he said, “At this point, it has nothing to do with us anyway.”
“Dad, how can you say that?!” Chi Yu stared at his father in shock, his voice trembling. “It was your idea to force him into an engagement, and now you’re claiming it has nothing to do with you?!”
The surrounding guests turned their gazes toward them.
