When Shen Yuqing woke up, it was already dark outside. He stared blankly at the ceiling, unable to comprehend how he had gone from the sofa to the bedroom in the blink of an eye.
The only constant was the “furnace” still lying beside him.
He turned his head and noticed something different this time—Pei Yiyan had slept on his right side, likely to avoid aggravating his injury.
Not only that, but he also saw piles of clothes stacked on both sides of them, as if every garment from the walk-in closet had been emptied out. They were nestled right in the middle of it all.
When had Pei Yiyan built this nest?
How had he not noticed a single thing?
Carefully, Shen Yuqing shifted Pei Yiyan’s arms and legs off him. Probably because of the nest, Pei Yiyan felt completely secure now, showing no reaction at all.
Shen Yuqing got out of bed, holding his breath as he tiptoed away.
Only after leaving the bedroom did he finally exhale and check his smart device. There were many unread messages, including one from Song Wangzhuo asking if he had gotten home safely.
That had been hours ago.
He quickly replied that he had arrived long ago. Song Wangzhuo must have been waiting by his phone because he responded immediately with a simple, [Got it.]
Shen Yuqing typed: [I fell asleep as soon as I got back. Are you feeling better this afternoon?]
[Much better.] Song Wangzhuo replied.
A moment later, he added: [How’s your arm?]
Shen Yuqing glanced down at it. [Much better.]
There was hardly any pain today. He’d probably be able to remove the bandages in a day or two.
Another [Got it.] came through. After reminding Song Wangzhuo to rest well, Shen Yuqing ended the conversation.
Xiao Zhao had also messaged him half an hour ago, saying he had started preparing dinner and would leave it by the door when it was ready, reminding Shen Yuqing to grab it.
They weren’t suitable to enter the room right now.
Just as Shen Yuqing was about to ask for an update, Xiao Zhao sent another message saying the food was ready and already placed outside.
Shen Yuqing acknowledged it and walked over to the tightly shut door. Sure enough, two food containers sat by the wall, and the elevator was still running—Xiao Zhao must have just left.
He bent down to pick them up and carried them inside, only to turn around and find Pei Yiyan glaring at him furiously.
Shen Yuqing instantly understood. He quickly raised the containers in defense. “I was hungry, so I came out to get food. I wasn’t trying to leave you—I was just about to wake you up.”
Pei Yiyan’s gaze dropped to the containers in his hands. After a moment of consideration, his expression softened slightly.
He strode over, and Shen Yuqing handed him one of the containers. “It’s pretty heavy. You carry it.”
Pei Yiyan weighed it in his hand before taking the other one as well.
Seeing his silent demeanor, Shen Yuqing couldn’t help but tease, “Pei Yiyan, your eyes are better now, but have you gone mute?”
Pei Yiyan finally uttered two simple words: “Want to bite.”
He had spent the entire afternoon clinging tightly to Shen Yuqing, and unlike when they first returned, he no longer seemed as agitated. He appeared much calmer now.
But in truth, his physical symptoms hadn’t completely faded. Still, the scent of Shen Yuqing’s pheromones surrounding him had greatly improved his mood.
From those two words, Shen Yuqing understood exactly what Pei Yiyan meant.
Because his canine teeth were emerging and he felt the urge to bite, Pei Yiyan kept his mouth tightly shut to avoid hurting Shen Yuqing.
Shen Yuqing didn’t know whether to feel exasperated or amused. In the end, he simply said, “Let’s eat first.”
Pei Yiyan placed the food container on the dining table, and Shen Yuqing opened it to find the dishes still warm.
After fetching bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen, Shen Yuqing noticed they weren’t sitting across from each other as usual—instead, they sat side by side. Beneath the table, Pei Yiyan’s left hand reached over and tightly grasped his. Shen Yuqing served him some food. “Eat more.”
Meanwhile, he silently asked the system: How long will Pei Yiyan’s condition last?
The system, already numb to the situation, replied: Hard to say. He hasn’t experienced a rut in years—this one will definitely drag on.
How long is “drag on”? Shen Yuqing pressed. I can’t babysit him like this every single day.
The system hesitated. The original plot didn’t cover this, so I can’t give you a precise answer.
In other words, they’d have to play it by ear.
Shen Yuqing asked, Do you have any items that could ease his symptoms?
You could give him suppressants, the system suggested. But this is genetic—not something AI can control.
However, the doctor had warned that Pei Yiyan should avoid excessive medication, fearing it might interfere with his secondary differentiation.
Shen Yuqing felt his head spinning.
Soon, the system added, Even if his rut lasts longer, the severe symptoms will peak in the first few days before gradually stabilizing. You won’t need to watch over him constantly.
Shen Yuqing hesitated before asking, But… wasn’t Pei Yiyan’s future partner supposed to be the protagonist shou? What about me—
He didn’t finish, but the system understood. His eyes healed ahead of schedule, and his glands show signs of early recovery, yet you’re still worrying about this?
After a pause, it continued, Fine. There’s no point hiding it anymore. Let me tell you—Pei Yiyan, Song Wangzhuo, and the protagonist shou don’t actually end up in a romantic entanglement.
Shen Yuqing was stunned. What?
By the finale, the system explained, the protagonist shou doesn’t choose anyone—not even in the extras. Their bonds are more about mutual interests than love.
But… Shen Yuqing frowned. After everything that happened in the novel, how did the author justify that?
The author initially wanted to pair them, the system admitted, but couldn’t convince themselves—or the readers—so they settled for an open ending.
Then why didn’t you tell me earlier? Shen Yuqing demanded. What was the point of keeping it secret?
Our programming works that way, the system said. The host’s involvement naturally causes minor deviations, but the ending usually stays on track. Revealing it prematurely wouldn’t have changed anything. But now, Pei Yiyan clearly shows dependence and affection toward you. For your future choices, I thought it best to disclose the ending now.
Shen Yuqing took a deep breath. You always said they’d be caught in a love-hate triangle.
[“Yes, didn’t I just say that the author can’t brainwash themselves and directly went OE.”] The system advised: [“Host, you actually don’t need to worry about these things. The corruption value is our primary target.”]
Shen Yuqing wanted to say something more but felt his fingers being played with. He snapped back to reality and looked at Pei Yiyan.
Only to find Pei Yiyan staring right back at him.
Shen Yuqing asked, “What’s wrong?”
Pei Yiyan’s fingers were still lightly pinching Shen Yuqing’s fingertips, his burning body temperature slightly raising the other’s finger warmth.
He asked, “What are you thinking about?”
He had been watching Shen Yuqing for a long time. Like a character stuck with a bug, Shen Yuqing had been holding his chopsticks motionless.
For a brief moment, Pei Yiyan felt an uneasy sensation well up inside him—as if if he didn’t take action now, Shen Yuqing would disappear.
So he couldn’t help but make some small movements to attract the other’s attention.
Fortunately, Shen Yuqing had “returned.”
Keeping a straight face, Shen Yuqing said, “I was thinking, after this estrus period passes, will your gland be healed?”
Pei Yiyan shook his head—he didn’t know either.
Shen Yuqing picked up more food for Pei Yiyan and actively grasped the fingers that had been holding his. Smiling brightly, he said, “But no matter what, having some reaction is better than none. One day, your gland will truly recover.”
Pei Yiyan’s heart swayed slightly. He murmured in agreement, “I believe you.”
His gaze drifted back to Shen Yuqing’s profile before moving further back to settle on the nape of his neck. He had to endure.
He would wait until he was fully recovered before piercing deeply.
