RBNR Ch78: I love you too

Qin Bao choked up, nodding heavily. A tear fell onto Feng Chengyu’s hand.

It seemed to burn him, and he raised his hand to wipe away Qin Bao’s tear with his thumb, staring deeply into his eyes. “Since you understand, can you stop talking about divorcing me?”

“…I can,” Qin Bao’s throat tightened, and he just wanted to quickly explain. “I never really wanted to divorce you. I just thought that if we divorced, it might help you.”

Feng Chengyu asked, “And what about us? What happens to us? Like you asked me in Grody, do you want to remain my secret lover without any status?”

Qin Bao was speechless.

Feng Chengyu added bluntly, “Turning a legal marriage into an affair—I didn’t know you had such a hobby.”

Qin Bao was at a loss for words.

Feng Chengyu’s eyes also reddened slightly.

It reminded Qin Bao of the time when he first asked for a divorce—Feng Chengyu’s eyes had reddened then too, furious but not really doing anything to him.

Moreover, even in that situation, Feng Chengyu had taken the initiative to visit him on set.

Not to discuss the divorce, but with the intention to confess. Such a proud person had already made several concessions in front of him.

At this moment, Qin Bao suddenly realized that in their relationship, Feng Chengyu had always been the passive one.

And he, himself, was the one who truly held the power.

Pale-faced, he promised Feng Chengyu, “I won’t ever talk about divorcing you again.”

Just a simple sentence, and Feng Chengyu easily forgave him, though clearly it mattered a lot to him. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he simply said, “Okay.”

Feng Chengyu’s confession was heavy, and Qin Bao owed him an “I love you,” but when he wanted to say it, he felt it was too light in comparison.

Sometimes, it turns out, love really is hard to express in words—it can only be shown through actions.

Seeing Feng Chengyu stand up, Qin Bao couldn’t hold back anymore. He threw himself into Feng Chengyu’s arms, who caught him steadily, and they both fell onto the sofa. “I…”

He couldn’t find the words, so Feng Chengyu held him as he used to, pressing him onto his lap.

Qin Bao missed him so much, he felt like he was wilting, burying his head in Feng Chengyu’s shoulder, his nose against his neck.

Feng Chengyu chuckled softly, “Turned into a little puppy again?”

The warmth of the Alpha’s skin and the pulse near his gland spread the scent of daffodils, gently surrounding Qin Bao. He held Feng Chengyu tightly and whispered, “I’m sorry…”

Feng Chengyu raised a hand, his long, strong fingers stroking the back of the Omega’s head, comforting him.

“It’s okay, no need to apologize,” Feng Chengyu said. “I am angry… but I’m at fault too.”

Qin Bao shook his head.

Feng Chengyu told him, “I’m sorry, Xiao Bao. It’s my fault for not giving you enough security, which made you want a divorce, made you think I valued status more than you.”

These words shook Qin Bao to his core. He wanted to speak, but the overwhelming surge of bitterness cut him off.

He started crying.

It was so embarrassing, clutching onto Feng Chengyu’s shirt so tightly that it soaked his shoulder, with tears running down into the collar.

There really was someone who loved him unconditionally, who waited for him, who, no matter how badly he behaved, always considered his feelings first.

He didn’t have to exchange anything for it, didn’t have to make much effort. Even if he was only willing to take the smallest step, this person would rush towards him without hesitation, giving him everything.

Knowing that Qin Bao hadn’t fully let go of his emotional burden, Feng Chengyu said nothing more, just wiped his face with a tissue.

Then he kept stroking him, comforting him like a child, gently patting his back.

How could he feel insecure?

Clearly, Feng Chengyu had already given him so much.

It took more than ten minutes for Qin Bao to calm down.

He barely managed to adjust his emotions and, with a hoarse voice, asked Feng Chengyu openly, “My dad said that Director Feng had made other arrangements back then. When she met me, she said she hoped we would be okay and supported your decision. But I didn’t understand what she meant at the time. I didn’t know you had already made a choice. Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

He felt like an idiot, thinking he could divorce Feng Chengyu and then have a secret affair. This was definitely retribution.

Feng Chengyu’s shirt was wet, wrinkled, yet it didn’t detract from his elegant demeanor. “Divorce was never an option for me, so I never considered that a choice.”

Qin Bao was stunned; he hadn’t expected that.

Feng Chengyu continued gently, “I also explained to you clearly: I’m part of the family, and I’m willing to share the burden when something goes wrong. Besides, the situation was unfavorable for me. Stepping down would have been a win-win. I thought you already understood that?”

Qin Bao: “…”

This man was both serious and not serious at the same time.

Feng Chengyu went on, “Moreover, while status is important, it doesn’t mean that the same thing can’t be achieved in another way. Do you remember what I told you on the spaceship? The reason I got into politics was to make something of my life. Since I succeeded the first time, with my abilities, don’t you believe I can succeed a second time?”

“Of course I believe in you!” Qin Bao said quickly, “I believe you can excel in any field.”

Feng Chengyu: “Your actions don’t express that belief.”

If this were about settling accounts, he could also go tit for tat, even more justifiably.

Feng Chengyu grasped the Omega’s chin. “Xiao Bao, it was also on that spaceship that you swore to me, with your own mouth, that you would never wash off my mark.”

The spaceship again…

Qin Bao honestly didn’t remember anymore.

At the time, he was in heat, so who knows what impulsive things he said?

From Feng Chengyu’s perspective, his actions had indeed been scummy. No wonder Feng Chengyu said he was so angry that he couldn’t eat.

Qin Bao’s face burned. He slapped Feng Chengyu’s hand away with a “smack” and buried his face back in the Alpha’s shoulder, mumbling, “I wasn’t serious when I said I’d wash off the mark.”

Feng Chengyu: “Hmm, now I know I should take your words in reverse.”

Qin Bao didn’t deny it and, gritting his teeth, confessed, “It wasn’t true when I said I’d wash off the mark or wanted to date someone else. I was just saying things. That day when I went back to the capital, I only wanted to secretly see you. Who knew I’d miss you? And when I got back to the set, I saw you had left your ring on my desk. I thought you really wanted to break up.”

Feng Chengyu let out a short, low laugh. “You even drafted divorce papers. The ring is part of the assets; should I not give you your share first?”

“Bullshit.” Qin Bao retorted, “You just said you came to the set to confess.”

He started to get a little upset, his face turning red as he looked at Feng Chengyu.

“How were you planning to confess?”

He shouldn’t have left that day. How could he have missed it?

Feng Chengyu asked, “Where’s the ring?”

Qin Bao snapped, “I threw it away!”

Yeah, right.

He didn’t want to admit it. The more he revealed, the more childish he seemed.

But the mood was just too good. He slowly climbed off Feng Chengyu and sat cross-legged on the sofa, pulling the ring out from under his hoodie’s neckline.

The wedding ring, hanging on a silver chain, sparkled and was still warm.

He took off the necklace, removed the ring, and placed it in Feng Chengyu’s palm, lifting his chin. “Here you go.”

He gestured for Feng Chengyu to demonstrate.

Feng Chengyu just smiled, grabbed his left hand, and slowly slid the ring onto his ring finger, pushing it all the way to the base. “Xiao Bao, I love you… that’s how I planned to confess.”

Qin Bao did want to hear it again, but he was mostly joking.

He hadn’t expected Feng Chengyu to actually say it again.

Now, if he didn’t respond, he would be heartless. His face grew redder, as hot as ever, like a ripe tomato.

“…I love you too.”

Feng Chengyu was still holding his hand, not letting go, his deep black eyes gazing into his. “Say it again.”

Qin Bao couldn’t bring himself to say it a second time. His whole body felt like it was on fire, and he looked away, his heart beating so fast he could hear it. “You know it already. I’ve never thought about finding someone else; it’s always been you.”

Feng Chengyu asked, “When did you start liking me?”

Qin Bao’s ears were so red they were about to bleed. “…Don’t worry about that for now.”

I’ll tell you later! I’ll say it all!

*

It was time for the end of the workday at Magic Eye, but something was off; no one seemed to want to leave.

Qin Bao pressed the button for the frosted glass and peeked out. The employees clearly had nothing to do, idly bantering, but no one seemed eager to leave.

The big star had walked into Mr. Feng’s office with a bouquet of red roses, and everyone wanted a glimpse of them together. The photos that the media posted online weren’t enough; they wanted to see the live version.

Even Jacob called: “I heard your wife bought roses to pick you up after work?”

Feng Chengyu glanced at Qin Bao and calmly replied, “Rumor.”

Jacob played along: “The front desk caught the back view, sent it to the group chat—those legs, that height, not much different from your wife, right?”

Feng Chengyu replied, “You’re a foreigner; don’t try to mimic Shu Helan’s style. Knowing idioms won’t earn you an award from me.”

The call ended.

Qin Bao heard everything clearly. He sat in Feng Chengyu’s boss chair, long legs crossed, muttering with a black line across his forehead: “Your employees are wasting their talent not working in entertainment.”

“I’ll have them leave first.” Feng Chengyu pressed the intercom, “Sister Zhong—”

“No need!” Qin Bao interrupted, blushing a bit but looking calm. “It’s not like we can’t be seen together. Let them look; they’ll get used to it after a few more times.”

Knowing how shy he was, Feng Chengyu asked, “Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” Qin Bao stood up, straightening his clothes, “Let’s go. I’ll take the flowers home to put in a vase. I’m going to bike; you can take the flowers in your car.”

Feng Chengyu said, “Let’s go together. You can bike next time.”

“Okay.” Qin Bao agreed, “I don’t have much work lately anyway…”

He could come to the office more often.

Qin Bao hugged the bouquet of roses, lowering his head to sniff their fragrance, exposing a slender nape. The pale bite mark stood out starkly against his fair skin.

He and romance were a perfect match.

“Click.”

The sound of a camera shutter.

Qin Bao looked over, his face a bit red, and said, “What are you taking pictures for? I’ll buy you a new one next time.”

Just as he reached the office door, he felt himself being pulled. He turned back, “What now—” The sound abruptly stopped.

Feng Chengyu had lowered his head and kissed him.

With a thud, Qin Bao’s body hit the door, the back of his head cushioned by Feng Chengyu’s palm.

Both of them had been holding back for too long, just wanting to kiss.

But their lips and tongues tangled, breathing grew heavier, and as their brains buzzed with electricity, reason snapped. Qin Bao grabbed Feng Chengyu’s collar, returning the kiss with equal fervor.

The pheromones surged violently, almost spiraling out of control.

Feng Chengyu hit the brakes urgently, his large hand gripping Qin Bao’s chin, forcing them apart. The Alpha’s heavy breathing fell into Qin Bao’s ears. He couldn’t care less now and leaned in to chase the kiss.

Bold as always, Qin Bao had Feng Chengyu’s lower lip under his lips, while Feng Chengyu half-closed his eyes, letting him kiss his lower lip uncontrollably.

It really felt like cheating.

Inappropriate for the situation, amidst Omega’s soft, wet kisses, the internal phone line rang abruptly: “Mr. Feng, your call earlier was disconnected. Is there something you need?”

“Misdialed.” Feng Chengyu pressed against the door frame. “Let everyone leave on time.”