PE Ch39: Can’t we sleep together?

Pan Yueshan patted his collar and said, “Brush your teeth first, you’ve got toothpaste all over your clothes.”

Pan Yinchuan gulped down the mouthwash, wiped his face, and then looked up. “What did my mom say to you?”

“Oh, nothing much,” Pan Yueshan replied. “She just feels that it’s about time you had a serious relationship, right? Good kids are hard to come by these days, and once you find one, you shouldn’t let them slip away easily…”

“You should go to work,” Pan Yinchuan interrupted, pushing him out. “I’m not thinking about dating right now.”

For most people, right after graduating from high school, they feel restless and eager to find a partner.

By the time they graduate from college, some have already settled down.

But Pan Yinchuan was always very methodical.

He took high school seriously when he was in high school, and once in college, he focused earnestly on preparing for his future career.

He had a vague image of his future partner in his mind, but beyond that, no concrete thoughts had taken root.

And now…

The discomfort that Huai Yu had caused him that day had long since disappeared after a few days of rest.

However, Pan Yinchuan still felt like he was walking out of something, yet not quite out of it.

After all, there was no future with girls…

Pan Yinchuan sighed inwardly. As for male Betas, he had absolutely no interest!

“Alright, alright, let’s talk about this another day,” Pan Yueshan sighed and left, thinking that his son must have been deeply affected.

What to do now?

Pan Yinchuan was unaware of his parents’ hidden anxieties. That afternoon, he went to Aunt Cheng’s house for lunch.

Aunt Cheng’s daughter was about his age, fashionable in her dress, with light makeup and neatly styled hair. Pan Yinchuan vaguely recalled seeing somewhere that a woman who could style her hair so neatly and still maintain facial symmetry was considered very beautiful.

His dad’s comment about “looking neat” was rather belittling.

Pan Yinchuan didn’t feel comfortable staring at others, so he kept his head down and focused on eating.

“Xiao Pan, I remember you went to work in Nanta City before…” Aunt Cheng started.

“Right when the rebellion broke out,” Pan Yinchuan replied.

“Yeah, such a pity. I remember your parents were quite worried during that time. It’s good you’re back now. Planning to work here from now on?” Aunt Cheng asked.

“Yeah.”

“What are your plans?”

“I’ll see if I can get some interviews.”

It was a straightforward answer, but it sounded like he had no plans for the future at all.

But since Aunt Cheng was a neighbor they had known since childhood, she smiled and said, “You’re still the same as when you were a child, always honest with your answers.”

“So many people change from their childhood before they even graduate,” Aunt Cheng’s daughter chimed in, “It’s quite rare.”

This remark served as a signal.

Aunt Cheng then continued, “Xiao Pan, have you been in a relationship?”

Pan Yinchuan had to say the prepared line, “No, but my dad is planning to introduce me to a young boy from his department.”

Aunt Cheng instantly stopped talking.

A boy.

Introducing a boy.

Ah, what a shame.

In fact, among Alphas and Omegas, there weren’t so many considerations. Like Omegas, whether they were with male Alphas or female Alphas, it was all about being dominated by that one. But it’s different for Betas…

After that, Aunt Cheng didn’t bring up the topic again, just chatted with Pan Yinchuan about recent news in Jiuhu City for a while, then served him a full bowl of food.

After finishing the meal, Aunt Cheng’s daughter suddenly said, “Let me see you out.”

Huh? Wasn’t this a bit too soon?

Pan Yinchuan wanted to refuse, but the girl had already confidently walked ahead. He had no choice but to follow her out the door.

“My mom said you’ve never been in a relationship, and you were such a good kid in school,” she paused, “I haven’t been in one either. What’s it like to like someone? I have no idea. I’m not really interested in that; I’d rather make more money. But in my mom’s eyes, you’re… well, clean in character, from a harmonious family environment, hmm…”

The girl paused again, seemingly searching for the right words to summarize.

“Anyway, in my mom’s eyes, you’re just a really decent person.”

Pan Yinchuan silently shed tears in his heart.

He wasn’t feeling very decent right now.

“I think it would be good for someone like you to try dating,” she continued.

“But don’t you like male Betas?” he asked.

“That’s strange, though. You didn’t even dare to look at me when you came in.”

The girl stopped and turned to look at him closely.

Pan Yinchuan could only say, “I feel awkward looking at anyone who’s good-looking.”

The girl burst into laughter, “Okay, okay.”

“It’s really a pity…” she sighed, “Bye-bye, come over for dinner again next time. Don’t feel awkward; my mom will probably be looking for someone else for me soon.”

Pan Yinchuan muttered a quiet “bye” as well.

It wasn’t until he got inside that he sighed deeply.

He was starting to feel like he deserved that money!

Pan Yinchuan gritted his teeth fiercely.

Today’s events were just a minor episode. He went to interview at several companies but didn’t particularly like any of them, so he decided he might as well go get his advanced nursing certificate.

So he registered on the official website.

Days passed before he received the exam notification.

Upon checking, the exam location was: Nanta City.

Pan Yinchuan: “…”

But he had already paid the registration fee, a hefty 380 yuan!

Pan Yinchuan quickly checked the current security situation in Nanta City; the unrest had been quelled.

He also posted online to get opinions from netizens before packing his bags and heading over there.

Because of his lingering shadow from the last plane landing, he walked slowly among the crowd.

It gave him a sense of security.

“Mr. Jian, I’m really sorry. The batch of goods you requested, it’s not that we don’t want to give it to you, but there was a genuine mishap at sea…”

“Mr. Jian, please listen to me.”

“Mr. Jian?”

In the bustling crowd, Jian Yan, who had just landed from Ros State, stood still.

He felt like he was seeing someone he shouldn’t be seeing.

He patiently looked again…

The target was walking slowly, allowing him to precisely capture their figure and profile.

Apart from a change in appearance, nothing else had changed.

Jian Yan had scrutinized the contents of his phone’s photo album countless times. How could he make a mistake now?

Pan Yinchuan!

It was Pan Yinchuan!

Jian Yan took a step forward, then abruptly halted. Cold sweat enveloped his entire back.

Where could Mr. Huai be at this moment?

Was Zhang Hang following behind?

Jian Yan stared at Pan Yinchuan’s figure with a murky expression, watching as he was about to disappear from view.

In the end, he hastily followed.

“Mr. Jian!” a middle-aged man beside him shouted, hurrying to catch up.

“I saw a friend. I’ll contact you later,” Jian Yan said, getting into a taxi. “Follow that car in front.”

“This…” The driver hesitated.

“I’ll pay extra.”

“Alright!”

Meanwhile, Pan Yinchuan wandered around near the exam site before selecting a nearby hotel for check-in.

“This doesn’t feel right,” Jian Yan muttered.

The driver asked, “What doesn’t feel right?”

Jian Yan handed him the money and hurriedly got out of the car.

With Mr. Huai’s possessiveness, how could he allow Pan Yinchuan to be alone here?

No Zhang Hang following, no bodyguard in sight. Even the hotel he chose was a four-star!

A thought suddenly struck Jian Yan—had Mr. Huai finally grown tired?

Over the next few days, Jian Yan would come over whenever he had free time, closely observing Pan Yinchuan. He continued this until Pan Yinchuan finished his exams, and Jian Yan finally confirmed his suspicions.

So, on the second day after Pan Yinchuan returned home from Nanta City, carrying some pastries he bought on the street and clutching his keys, he turned the corner of the stairs.

“Assistant Jian?”

“It’s me.” Jian Yan slowly lifted his head from his daze, revealing a standard smile.

“What are you doing here?”

“No one answered when I knocked, so I figured you must have gone out. I decided to wait outside.”

“The ground is dirty.” Pan Yinchuan walked over and quickly unlocked the door with his keys.

Jian Yan stood up slowly behind him, saying, “It’s okay. I just wanted to see you as soon as possible.”

That sounded…

Strange.

Pan Yinchuan turned to look at him, and their eyes met instantly. Jian Yan stared at him intently, showing no intention of looking away.

Even stranger.

“Mr. Huai isn’t here,” Pan Yinchuan spoke first.

“I know,” Jian Yan smiled and emphasized, “I came to see you.”

Pan Yinchuan fell silent for a moment and asked softly, “Assistant Jian, how have you been in Ros State? Not too well?”

How could you think like that?

As Jian Yan was about to say this, he suddenly changed course, smiling and saying, “Not too well.”

Pan Yinchuan wondered if Jian Yan had come to hold him accountable?

He turned and handed him a glass of water along with the pastries in his hand. “Want some?”

“Sure.” Jian Yan nodded, taking a few bites and asking, “Where did you buy these? They’re delicious.”

Pan Yinchuan thought, “You’re not staying here, why ask about that?” But he still answered, “It’s just past the residential building on the right, at the second intersection.”

At that moment, the sound of keys turning in the door lock echoed.

Wang Qiu was back.

Seeing Jian Yan, she was momentarily stunned, “Xiao Jian?”

Jian Yan’s smile widened a bit, “Auntie still remembers me? I’m so happy.” He stood up to greet her, and casually handed over a paper bag that he had placed by his feet, “A small gift, Auntie, please don’t mind.”

Wang Qiu hesitated for a moment, then reached out to take it, “Xiao Jian, you’re too thoughtful, how could I mind? Stay for dinner tonight.”

Jian Yan agreed readily, “Sure.”

As a good assistant, Jian Yan smoothly followed Wang Qiu into the kitchen, saying, “Let me help you.”

“How can that be? You’re our guest.”

“Considering the relationship between Xiao Pan and me, how can I be just a guest?” Jian Yan said with a smile.

Wang Qiu’s eyes flickered, and she did not say anything further.

Pan Yinchuan didn’t hear what Jian Yan said; he saw him go into the kitchen and not come out again.

Pan Yinchuan’s head was suddenly filled with a big question mark. He walked to the kitchen door, about to ask, just calling out “Mom.”

Wang Qiu turned around and interrupted, “Take the fruit plate out from under the table, and call your dad, buy some melon seeds, peanuts, and fruit on your way home from work. When you’re done, go watch TV, the animation channel will start soon.”

Pan Yinchuan: ?

“Mom, that’s what I used to watch when I was a kid…”

“Now you can watch it too. Go on.” Wang Qiu casually closed the door.

It was clear that Wang Qiu wanted to ask Jian Yan something.

Pan Yinchuan sat back down helplessly and obediently called Pan Yue Shan.

Hoping Jian Yan wouldn’t slip up.

Inside the room.

Wang Qiu asked, “The past six months have been chaotic everywhere, Xiao Jian hasn’t been affected much, right?”

“I’m fine.”

“Yinchuan only came home half a month ago, he was staying with you before, right?”

It was hard to lie about this.

Jian Yan lowered his eyes, while sorting the vegetables, and said, “With people we both know.”

“Oh, then thanks to him for keeping Yinchuan well protected.” Wang Qiu paused and asked, “It must be thanks to your face that he helped protect Yinchuan, right?”

Jian Yan smiled bitterly, “I don’t have such a big face.”

So she guessed wrong?

Wang Qiu gave up asking about the mysterious third person and instead asked, “Xiao Jian, did you have a fight with Yinchuan?”

“No, why would you ask that?” Jian Yan also wondered. Could it be that Huai and Pan Yinchuan had a fight? Did they part on a bad note?

If so… even better.

“That’s good. Yinchuan has few friends. I noticed he’s been in low spirits recently and thought it was because of a fight with you.” Wang Qiu brought the conversation back, but then casually added, “His dad wants him to be happier and wants him to go on a blind date to make some friends.”

“A blind date?” Jian Yan’s expression froze for a second.

“Yes.”

He came at just the right time.

Jian Yan immediately smiled and asked, “So, what did Xiao Pan say about it?”

“He refused.”

“It’s difficult to meet a good match through blind dates anyway… Xiao Pan probably doesn’t like blind dates.”

“Maybe… Well, this dish is ready. Why don’t you take it out first?”

“Alright!”

When Pan Yue Shan returned from work, the four of them sat around the table to eat.

Pan Yinchuan was afraid of saying something wrong, so he didn’t say much. Jian Yan, on the other hand, was quite talkative at the table. Over the course of the meal, he talked about growing up in the slums, how he was selected for the Beta training program, and his journey to the military academy.

“Xiao Jian, why don’t you stay here tonight?” Pan Yue Shan warmly invited.

“That would be imposing on Uncle and Auntie.” Jian Yan genuinely didn’t want to overstay his welcome.

Pan Yinchuan watched them chat happily at the table and could only go set up the bed.

Jian Yan followed him upstairs and saw him carrying the blanket out. He quickly asked, “Are you asking me to sleep on the couch?”

“And if not?”

“Last time at least I had the chance to sleep in the bedroom.”

“In that case, you sleep in the bedroom, and I’ll take the couch.”

Jian Yan grabbed his wrist, “Can’t we sleep together?”

“Do you think this bed can fit both of us?” Pan Yinchuan asked in confusion.

“How did you and Huai sleep together last time?”

The air suddenly became quiet.

Pan Yinchuan pushed the blanket onto the bed and closed the bedroom door behind him. He looked at Jian Yan earnestly and suggested, “The conflict between you and Huai because of me. But now that I’m not there anymore, you can go back to Huai, Jian Yan. You can have a better future.”

“But I don’t want to go back. It’s okay if we can’t fit in the bed; I can sleep on the floor. At least let me stay in the same room as you?” Jian Yan said while watching Pan Yinchuan’s expression.

Before Pan Yinchuan could respond, Jian Yan continued, “Please don’t refuse me. When I was in Ros State, I knew you came with Huai, but I couldn’t come to see you.”

“That person, his name is Yu Jia’an, right? The day I arrived in Ros State, I almost died by his hand…”

Pan Yinchuan’s expression softened somewhat, looking at him helplessly, “I just don’t understand why you came to find me.”

It’s really heartless.

Jian Yan thought to himself.

“Aren’t we even friends when we’re away from your parents’ gaze?” Jian Yan looked somewhat hurt.

I just don’t want to be involved with anyone related to that.

It seems like I haven’t fully moved on.

Pan Yinchuan sighed quietly in his heart.

But considering what Jian Yan said about not doing well in Ros State, Pan Yinchuan still didn’t say anything too harsh.

“You’re a guest, so you can sleep in the bed.” Pan Yinchuan hesitated for a moment before adding, “And please stop secretly taking pictures of me.”

Jian Yan heard this statement without feeling embarrassed or caught out. He simply replied, “Okay.”

It’s only when someone is right in front of you but doesn’t belong to you that the thought of “taking away” arises.

But now, Pan Yinchuan had become someone within reach, and Jian Yan had countless reasons to see him every day. There was no need for clandestine photography anymore.

Outside the door, Wang Xiu made a “okay” gesture to her husband.

“What? What does that mean?”

“I think Jian is the person Yinchuan likes, and it seems like Jian also likes Yinchuan.”

“Oh!” Pan Yue Shan suddenly understood, “So, we don’t need to consider that young man from my department anymore? He’s actually not bad.”

Wang Xiu was speechless, “Are you serious? Do you want your son to have multiple relationships?”

“Yes, yes, I understand. Our family tradition emphasizes fidelity; we shouldn’t mess around.”

…

The next day, Pan Yinchuan went for his second interview.

When he returned, he saw Jian Yan sitting in the stairwell waiting for him again.

“Why are you still sitting here? The floor is really dirty.” Pan Yinchuan handed him a tissue with a helpless expression.

Jian Yan smiled and said, “Then give me the keys to your place, and I won’t have to sit in the stairwell.”

Pan Yinchuan didn’t respond.

Jian Yan tactfully dropped the topic and instead extended what he was holding, saying, “Turn right after leaving the apartment building, at the second intersection. I found that shop. I ate what you bought yesterday, so today it’s my treat.”

…

Central City.

Although Yan Xue knew this might tread into dangerous territory for Huai Yu, she still said, “I want to request marriage leave.”

Huai Yu’s hand, flipping through documents, suddenly stopped. He looked up and asked, “With that Omega?”

“Yes.”

“Have your parents agreed?”

This question hit a sore spot.

Yan Xue was different from Huai Yu.

Huai Yu’s background could only be considered average, and everything he achieved later was earned bit by bit by himself. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so badly betrayed during the battle in Southern Lu.

Yan Xue, on the other hand, came from a prestigious family background, with both parents holding high military positions. For his marriage, not only did his parents need to approve, but his entire family had to agree as well.

“What if they don’t agree? It’s not like they’re the ones sleeping with me.” Yan Xue remained resolute.

“Huai Yu, about the marriage leave…”

“Approved.” Huai Yu said.

Even Zhang Assistant was surprised; it was approved just like that?

“I’ve picked a good day.” Yan Xue smiled, “If you’re free then…”

“Wedding?”

“Not exactly a big wedding; it’s small. Oh, he doesn’t like big events, he says something smaller will prevent jealousy.” Yan Xue almost grinned broadly as he spoke.

Zhang Assistant was genuinely worried he might get punched.

“Oh.” But Huai Yu calmly responded, “Report the date to the secretary’s office. If it fits my schedule, I’ll attend.”

“Then I’ll be waiting! I need to go pick out a dress.”

“Mm.”

Yan Xue didn’t show up for work for three days.

On the day chosen for the wedding, Huai Yu didn’t have time to attend.

Days passed by swiftly – the fourth day, then the fifth.

Zhang Assistant was astonished, “The marriage leave is over already, but we still haven’t seen Major Yan?”

Huai Yu casually flipped through the documents in his hand, “Call and ask.”

Zhang Assistant followed the order and dialed the phone three times before someone picked up, “Hello.”

“Major Yan, when are you coming…”

The voice on the other end interrupted Zhang Assistant wearily, “My wife is dead.”

“…Ah?” Zhang Assistant was dumbfounded.

For a moment, he almost suspected it was Huai Yu’s doing.

“I… I offer my condolences…”

“Pass the phone to Mr. Huai. I need to request a few more days off from him.”

Zhang Assistant handed over the phone to Huai Yu, his expression complex.

“How did she die?” Huai Yu asked.

“My parents… came to my house, I don’t know what happened, I only saw on the surveillance that she jumped into the lake.” Yan Xue’s voice was tired and filled with suppressed anger.

“When is the funeral?” Huai Yu didn’t attend the wedding, but he could attend the funeral.

“It hasn’t been scheduled yet. Her body hasn’t been recovered…” Yan Xue’s tone grew even more suppressed.

“Her body hasn’t been recovered? Are you sure she’s dead?”

“What do you mean by that, Mr. Huai? Are you suggesting my wife faked her death and ran away because Pan ran away? Do you think that’s reasonable?”

“Yan Xue, are you out of your mind?”

Yan Xue instantly calmed down, “I’m sorry, Mr. Huai. I lost my composure.”

Huai Yu hung up the phone.

Half an hour later.

Zhang Assistant raised an eyebrow in surprise, “Major Yan called again.”

Huai Yu pressed the speakerphone indifferently.

Yan Xue’s voice immediately erupted, “Damn! She really fucking ran away! They found a road at the bottom of the lake during the salvage… Why did she run? Why? Wasn’t I good enough to her? Did she elope with someone?”

Huai Yu felt relieved.

He hung up on Yan Xue again.

Zhang Assistant couldn’t help but look at him.

Huai Yu didn’t lift his head, calmly stating, “What are you looking at me for? It’s not like I ordered someone to kidnap his wife.”

Before long, someone reported, “Major Yan is here and wants to see you.”

“Let him in,” Huai Yu nodded.

As he finished speaking, Yan Xue briskly walked in. He looked thinner, his eyes bloodshot, and he seemed somewhat lost due to the sudden and immense shock.

“What do we do?” Yan Xue uttered three words.

Before anyone could respond, he suddenly erupted in anger, shouting, “I need to find him! Bring him back!”

“Are you planning to use the resources of Central City?” Huai Yu raised an eyebrow, “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”

“Yes… I need your approval,” Yan Xue looked at him.

“What’s the name of that Omega of yours?”

“Lin Shaoyan.”

“The name sounds familiar.”

Previously, Yan Xue hesitated to bring up the topic with Huai Yu, mainly out of concern for stirring up any unpleasant memories. After all, Pan had just fled. But now that it was already done, it didn’t matter anymore…

Yan Xue continued, “It’s the same one from before, the Omega you’ve met, the one Pan rescued in South Tower City. He’s still quite young, only nineteen this year…”

“It’s him,” Huai Yu’s gaze deepened, “Will he go to find Pan Yinchuan?”

“It’s highly unlikely…” Yan Xue paused, then chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Or it could be possible. I used to firmly believe he couldn’t leave me. Turns out, my logical conclusions weren’t exactly accurate.”

Huai Yu pinched his fingertips lightly and said in a quiet tone, “Then go check on Pan Yinchuan first.”

Zhang Assistant stood by, stunned.

A straightforward reason…

He looked at Yan Xue, feeling impressed, Your wife “died” quite conveniently!

_________

Author’s note:

Yan Xue: % # ¥% @% ** @ # @