Chapter 6

Odd Symptoms

Phapfun shifted restlessly under the blanket, reluctant to wake up due to the chill of the air conditioning. However, thoughts of last night's events kept him from closing his eyes again. His large round eyes widened as he scanned the spacious blue and white bedroom, letting out a heavy sigh upon seeing the empty space beside him. Glancing at the clock, he realized it was nearly ten in the morning. Normally, Phapfun was an early riser, no matter how late he stayed up the night before. But last night...

The young omega blushed deeply, looking at the remnants of his clothes scattered at the foot of the bed. The events of last night seemed more like a dream than reality. His first was Zhang Chengyi, the man who was the dream of many.

The tall, well-proportioned figure rose from the bed, feeling a slight soreness in that area but nothing unbearable. Phapfun paused when he saw the outfit hanging in front of the wardrobe. Judging by the size, it was undoubtedly his. A smile appeared on his face, unsure whether Zhang Chengyi had prepared it for him or had someone else do it. Yet Phapfun was still happy, unaware that Zhang Chengyi would never allow anyone to step into the alpha's territory like his, especially where a fragrant omega lay sleeping. Even the regular housekeeper wouldn't be allowed.

Phapfun hesitated to use the other person's bathroom, so he simply put on the outfit that had been prepared for him. However, as he stepped outside, he froze. Phapfun flinched slightly when he saw Zhang Chengyi sitting calmly, sipping coffee. He wanted to run back into the room to gather his thoughts, but it was too late as the other man noticed him.

"Aren't you going to say hello?" Zhang Chengyi wanted to laugh at the startled expression of his de facto spouse, looking more like a frightened rabbit than the curious person from last night. Yet, it was Zhang Chengyi himself who paused, calling Phapfun his spouse after just one night together.

You're getting ahead of yourself, Chengyi!

"Come sit here," he said to the startled man.

Phapfun sighed, gathering his clothes from yesterday, and sat beside Zhang Chengyi. Though he intended to keep some distance, the other man wouldn't allow it, pulling him close and handing him a red bag that resembled a money pouch.

"Open it."

Though curious, Phapfun opened the bag as instructed, his large eyes widening. Inside was a large sum of money, an amount he never imagined he would see in his lifetime. He looked up at the giver, as if wanting to ask a question.

"What is this?"

"That's your fee, Fun. Is five million enough?" Zhang Chengyi asked, without any intention of belittling him. He remembered that his father had helped Nanny Da with five million, a substantial amount that never reached Phapfun. So, he decided to give this sum to Phapfun himself. Of course, if Phapfun wanted more, he was willing to oblige.

"Isn't that too much?" Phapfun asked, but he still held the money pouch tightly. While he understood that money wasn't everything in life, if someone claimed that money couldn't buy happiness, Phapfun would passionately disagree.

"It's actually too little. You're not just sleeping with me... you also have to carry a child.” And it is something incredibly risky, Chengyi thought to himself.

Phapfun nodded in agreement before saying something that left Zhang Chengyi speechless. "Then, if Mr. Zhang wants to sleep with me, you have to pay me five thousand each time."

"Isn't your fee a bit too high?" The young man's voice grew more intense. Although he had said he was willing to pay if Phapfun asked for more, deep down, he felt disappointed. Perhaps Phapfun was like many others who approached him because of his wealth.

"Well..." Phapfun scratched his cheek, his face flushed. "If Mr. Zhang sleeps with me less, charging a lower price means I'll earn very little. But if Mr. Zhang wants to sleep with me often, I can charge two thousand each time. I want to save money."

"Isn't five million enough?" Chengyi asked, as if probing.

"Five million is a lot, I know, but I'm going to give it to Aunt Da," Phapfun's eyes sparkled with pride, feeling accomplished that he could repay his aunt's kindness with such a substantial amount. Many people often criticized him for being foolish, for not leaving his aunt who was obsessed with her husband to start a new life, even though he was already earning money. But to Phapfun, Kanda was more than just a benefactor; Aunt Da was the only one who didn't abandon him simply because he was an Omega, even though she could have.

Chengyi felt a tightness in his chest. Phapfun's innocent gaze made him feel guilty for having negative thoughts about him. It wasn't wrong for people to like money, and Phapfun had every right to ask for it. Yet, this straightforwardness pleased him, perhaps because Phapfun asked honestly and without any pretense.

"Good boy..." he praised, pulling the slender figure to sit closer. "I don't mind if you give the money to Nanny Da, but I think now isn't the right time. Nanny Da's husband is addicted to gambling, isn't he?" Phapfun nodded, beginning to understand what Zhang Chengyi was trying to convey.

"Are you saying that if I give the money to Aunt, she won't have any left anyway?"

"You know what kind of business I run in China, right?" Chengyi probed, smiling as Phapfun nodded in response. Everyone knew that one of the Zhang Family's biggest businesses was casinos. "Once someone is possessed by the gambling spirit, they never know when to stop, Phapfun. Forget five million—even a billion could disappear in the blink of an eye."

"So what should I do, Mr. Zhang? I want Aunt to have money, but..." Phapfun's face was full of worry.

"I suggest you keep it for yourself for now. Trust me, if Nanny Da doesn't leave her husband, she'll face trouble again in the future. When that time comes, you can step in to help, okay?" Chengyi advised, gently brushing his fingers across Phapfun's smooth cheek to foster a sense of closeness.

"But where can I keep such a large amount of money?" Phapfun frowned, unaware that he had let himself be touched without any embarrassment.

"Do you have a bank account, Fun?"

Phapfun shook his head. Every penny he earned, he gave to his aunt. Even though she wanted him to save some for personal expenses, the money he made was barely enough for the household. He couldn't bring himself to selfishly spend it on his own whims.

"Then how about I take you to open an account?"

Phapfun beamed at the person making the offer, his eyes filled with gratitude, before giving a compliment that made the one receiving it chuckle softly.

"Mr. Zhang, you're so kind."

"No one has ever called me kind. You're the first."

Zhang Chengyi leaned in close to Phapfun's fair face, causing him to instinctively pull back a little but not retreat. The young alpha kissed Phapfun's full lips firmly, playfully repeating the action four or five times until Phapfun inadvertently smiled shyly. Their final kiss was deep and passionate, tongues playfully entwining. Naturally, Phapfun knew that Zhang Chengyi was teaching him something, and once satisfied, Chengyi withdrew from the kiss.

"Spend one night with me, and I'll give you a hundred thousand."

"Mr. Zhang..." Phapfun seemed startled by the amount, but the husky whisper and warm breath on his neck left him speechless.

"I want to spend that hundred thousand, Phapfun."

Phapfun was gently laid down on the sofa, which was spacious enough to accommodate both of them as their bodies pressed together. Chengyi took the red money pouch from Phapfun's pale arms and placed it on the glass table. The TV in the living room continued to chatter away, but Phapfun, who was usually engrossed in dramas, found nothing more captivating than Zhang Chengyi at that moment.

"Mr. Zhang... is it okay here?"

"Of course."

Zhang Chengyi spoke in a husky voice, driven by emotion. It seemed Phapfun had captivated him completely. In the blink of an eye, their clothes were discarded and scattered across the spacious hall. Perhaps because it wasn't a bedroom, Phapfun felt incredibly shy, yet he didn't retreat from the hands, lips, and tongue that were teasing his body.

"I've taken a month off work. If you don't get pregnant within this month, then it must be me who's lacking," Chengyi whispered into the pale ear. His father almost allowed him to take a year off upon hearing he was taking time off to make a grandson. Phapfun's eyes widened at the words whispered into his ear and the sudden intrusion of Chengyi, but there was no pain, as the path had been paved since last night... and just moments ago.

"Ah, Mr. Zhang, one... one month."

"Yes, one month," the handsome face revealed a cunning smile. "You'll be rich, Phapfun."

"Ah... yes."

Phapfun had no chance to protest, only moans that competed with the sound of the TV. He became Zhang Chengyi's once more in the wide hall, and this surely wouldn't be the last time, given that the young alpha had taken a whole month off to make him pregnant!

Throughout the month, Phapfun's bank account grew rapidly, thanks to Zhang Chengyi taking time off work. Although he said he'd take a month off, the young chairman only managed to take a little over two weeks off. Nevertheless, every night Phapfun had to cooperate in making a baby with him, without any resistance. In truth, he didn't mind at all.

After two months passed and they entered the third month, things started to slow down. From engaging in activities almost every night except weekends, it changed to three times a week. Phapfun was puzzled and couldn't help but wonder if the young alpha was getting bored of him. However, the real reason Zhang Chengyi was spacing things out was because he feared Phapfun might already be pregnant. If they continued at the previous pace of five times a week, something unexpected might happen.

The noise outside drew Phapfun's attention away from the TV screen, and he smiled widely. He craned his neck to see the tall figure stepping into the hall. It was Zhang Chengyi in a dark suit. He smiled at Phapfun and placed a box of pastries on the glass table.

"You're staying up late again, Phapfun," his voice sounded almost scolding, but the gentle hand stroking his head didn't make Phapfun afraid.

"I was waiting for you, Mr. Zhang," Phapfun smiled. "Have you eaten yet?"

"Yes, I have."

Upon hearing this, Phapfun's expression turned somber, causing Zhang Chengyi to feel guilty. He knew well that Phapfun wanted to be useful, so for the past three months, he had chosen to frequently return to enjoy the milky-scented omega's homemade meals. However, today he had a dinner appointment with a business partner, so he couldn't force himself to eat more. The handsome face broke into a smile before he spoke words that made the listener beam.

"I stopped by to buy some cake. Could you help me put it on a plate, Fun?"

"Of course!" Phapfun nodded. "Then you should go take a shower, Mr. Zhang. I'll handle it."

Chengyi simply nodded and watched the slender figure walk away. He intended to shower and then sit down to watch a drama with Phapfun, just like every day. Indeed… these days he watched dramas with Phapfun daily. Sometimes, on weekends, they would lie down to watch movies and listen to music together, which Chengyi thought wasn't a bad way to spend time at all.

After Zhang Chengyi finished showering, he came out to sit and watch the drama with Phapfun. Bite-sized pieces of cake were beautifully arranged on a porcelain plate, with a large glass of warm milk beside it. He smiled at the thoughtful gesture, feeling quite pleased. However, today Phapfun was looking at him in a peculiar way.

"Is there something wrong?"

Phapfun jolted at the question, then smiled shyly and asked in a soft voice, "Can I... can I have a little taste?"

Zhang Chengyi looked at Phapfun's gaze and smiled fondly. Did Phapfun want to eat the cake he had bought? It was his usual fresh milk strawberry cake. Interestingly, he had bought it so often that recently Phapfun started making desserts for him, so he stopped buying it. Yet, no matter how many times he bought it, Phapfun never seemed interested. Even the desserts he made himself, Phapfun would only taste them, leading Zhang Chengyi to think that maybe Phapfun didn't like sweets at all.

"Sure, you can have it all, Fun," he pushed the cake box in front of him. Although Chengyi was a sweet tooth, he didn't prefer eating much at night.

"Really?" the young omega asked for confirmation, prompting Chengyi to nod in agreement.

Phapfun dashed off to the kitchen to grab a spoon before returning to his seat, lifting the entire cake box to take a bite. The sweet aroma of milk and the tartness of strawberries made the young omega close his eyes in delight. Zhang Chengyi watched in surprise, taking bites of the cake on his plate as well. He felt like stopping Phapfun when he saw him eating non-stop until the large cake began to shrink, but seeing his happy face, who could bring themselves to stop him?

"Heh heh," Phapfun laughed awkwardly, looking at the empty cake box and then at its owner.

Phapfun couldn't quite understand why either. He didn't hate sweets, but he wasn't so fond of them that he'd devour them in an instant. Yet, he found himself licking the spoon as if he couldn't get enough, still craving more.

"Are you still hungry?" Chengyi asked, noticing Phapfun's behavior. "Do you want to eat something else?"

"No, I just want something sweet," Phapfun replied, lowering his head. He felt unsatisfied to the point of tears; he wanted to savor sweets, not savory food.

"Do you want my milk?" Chengyi offered his glass of milk to the young omega who seemed on the verge of tears. Phapfun's behavior was truly peculiar.

"Mr. Zhang's milk is plain," Phapfun shook his head. It was plain milk, and he didn't want it.

"Actually, I bought chocolate milk too."

Zhang Chengyi's words brightened Phapfun's eyes with joy. Without waiting for him to repeat, Phapfun dashed to the kitchen. He had noticed several times that Phapfun didn't like plain milk, so today, when he bought the cake, he also brought back chocolate milk and strawberry milk.

"Mr. Zhang, I see there's strawberry milk too," Phapfun exclaimed excitedly. Chengyi was taken aback when he saw that Phapfun wasn't just pouring milk into a regular glass, but was holding a mini-sized thermos.

"In case you don't like chocolate milk."

"I like it. I couldn't decide which flavor to have, so I mixed them together and added ice." The young omega spoke as if boasting, comfortably sticking a straw into the thermos.

Though Zhang Chengyi was surprised, he willingly sat still, allowing Phapfun to rest his head on his shoulder. Over the past few months, he had been trying to build familiarity with Phapfun, both in bed and in daily life. Fortunately, Phapfun wasn't someone who closed himself off, so they had grown somewhat close. The two of them drank milk together while watching an old movie on the giant TV screen late at night. The president of Zhang Chan Group glanced at the person leaning on his shoulder, sipping milk contentedly, and shook his head. If he drank it all, Phapfun would surely be up all night going to the bathroom.

In the blue and white bedroom, only Zhang Chengyi lay alone. Since there was no task of creating an heir for the family, he and Phapfun chose to sleep in separate rooms by mutual consent. However, just as he was about to fall into a deep sleep, the sound of knocking on the door echoed.

Knock, knock, knock.

At first, Chengyi thought he was hearing things, but as the knocking continued, he got up from the bed. The president of Zhang Chan Group looked at the person at the door in surprise. It was Phapfun, hugging a large pillow, standing with his head bowed.

"Phapfun."

"Can I come in, please?"

Zhang Chengyi nodded in agreement when the other man softly requested. He led Phapfun to sit at the foot of the bed, contemplating asking why he had come to him at nearly two in the morning. But before he could voice the question, the slender white arms wrapped around his neck, seemingly to pull him in for a kiss.

"Wait, Phapfun!"

The young alpha resisted the lips he knew were soft and fragrant. It wasn't that he wanted to play hard to get; with Phapfun, he could barely control his emotions. But now wasn't the right time.

"I told you we should avoid it for now because you might be pregnant," he stated frankly.

Upon hearing this, Phapfun's tears began to fall, feeling both embarrassed and uncomfortable. He didn't want to do anything like that with Zhang Chengyi; he just craved the scent of the other party. Phapfun was tired but couldn't sleep. He wanted to sleep but couldn't. Unable to endure it any longer, he had to get up and knock on the door of the room belonging to the scent he longed for.

"Phapfun, what's wrong?" Chengyi asked in surprise, gently wiping away the tears from the sensitive man with his fingers.

"I can't sleep. I've tried, but I keep thinking about your scent, Mr. Zhang. But if... if we don't do that, Mr. Zhang won't let me sleep with him."

Ah... I feel like such a terrible person.

Zhang Chengyi's face fell as he looked at Phapfun, who was wiping away tears and sobbing like a little boy. He felt like a terrible husband who had abandoned his wife just because they hadn't made love, even though it was Phapfun who had asked to return to his own room. So why was he crying so desperately now?

"Phapfun," he called softly, while gently rubbing his back and shoulders.

"Mr. Zhang... can I sleep with you?"

The pleading look in his eyes made it impossible for Zhang Chengyi to refuse. In truth, even if the other party hadn't asked so sweetly, he would have been more than willing to let him stay. Chengyi nodded in agreement, carefully cradling the smaller figure to lie down in the empty space beside him. But before he could reach for the blanket, Phapfun pulled him into an embrace, burying his face against Chengyi's chest. The sound of Phapfun inhaling deeply made the young alpha raise an eyebrow in surprise. Was his scent really that alluring?

Before Zhang Chengyi could ask, the steady breathing told him that Phapfun had already fallen asleep. The young man slowly reached for his phone on the bedside table to call his close friend. It took a while for the call to be answered, and when it was, he spoke softly, as if afraid to disturb the person nestled against him.

"Mr. Jenjop, could you please contact the doctor for me tomorrow?"

Before becoming a father, Zhang Chengyi had to learn many things. One of them was the early pregnancy symptoms that varied among new mothers. Perhaps Phapfun was experiencing one of those symptoms. He couldn't quite explain how he felt, only that he was eagerly waiting for tomorrow to arrive.