RBNR Ch38: It smells like a scumbag

F: [Sorry, I can’t come home tonight either.]

His phone vibrated, displaying a new message.

Qin Bao was lying on the sofa, working on a model. Having just finished exams, his mind wasn’t clear. There was something wrong with his modeling parameters, so he was reviewing examples.

Seeing the message, he didn’t reply.

After a minute or two, another message popped up.

F: [Location]

Qin Bao finally picked up his phone: [?]

What did this mean?

Surely he wasn’t suggesting he should go over there.

F: [I have a meeting here tomorrow.]

Qin Bao stared at the message for a while, finally understanding Feng Chengyu’s intention. Because he hadn’t returned, Feng Chengyu was fulfilling the contract terms by reporting his location to him.

Qin Bao admired his meticulousness and sense of contract spirit, but felt it was unnecessary. He knew Feng Chengyu was busy, often racing against time.

So Qin Bao typed quickly: [You don’t need to report to me.]

After thinking for a moment, he sent another message: [Just do your own thing.]

Then he turned off his phone screen.

A healthy contractual marriage meant not demanding too much from each other and not being overly responsible.

For example, learning to solve his pheromone dependence on his own.

As soon as he got home, Qin Bao went online to search, and after reading some science articles, he confirmed that the aunt was right. He seemed to be craving Feng Chengyu’s pheromones.

There was a professional term for this situation: pheromone dependence syndrome, common among Omegas who hadn’t undergone permanent marking, and symptoms usually appeared under two circumstances.

One, when the pheromone compatibility was too high, the bond created by temporary marking became too strong, making the Omega crave the Alpha’s pheromones more.

Two, when kissing and se-xual activities occurred frequently in a short period, causing the Omega to ingest too many Alpha pheromones. Alpha pheromones were not only present in blood but also in saliva and se-xual fluids.

Qin Bao met both conditions, and after reading, he remained expressionless.

The articles said solving this problem was simple. An Omega with symptoms only needed to have their Alpha mark them again, and the symptoms would disappear immediately.

What to do?

Should he call Feng Chengyu and ask him to come back and bite him?

Qin Bao was very annoyed.

Not to mention how special Feng Chengyu’s work was, Qin Bao wouldn’t allow himself to depend on others to live normally.

The articles also listed several medications suitable for these symptoms. Although not as effective as being marked by an Alpha, taking them a few times could provide significant relief. Qin Bao immediately placed an order on the delivery platform.

Working quietly on his assignment halfway through, he suddenly received a call from An Qingyan.

“Bao, do you have time tomorrow? I need your help.”

“What’s up?” Qin Bao said weakly, “Did you break up with your new boyfriend again, and he happens to be your ad model?”

An Qingyan: “I’m not that kind of person, don’t slander me.”

Qin Bao: “…”

Silence was the best rebuttal.

“I’m serious, it’s about Baofenni.” An Qingyan cleared his throat and whispered a model’s name. “He got arrested last night.”

That model was Baofenni’s current favorite. Qin Bao was so shocked he forgot to continue adjusting his model: “What happened?”

An Qingyan said, “Drunk driving, injured someone.”

This incident was bound to hit the hot searches. Though such people deserved jail, the tricky part was that Baofenni’s autumn and winter resort collection launch was just around the corner. If Qin Bao remembered correctly, it was in a few days.

The official materials had been pre-released, and the model’s photos were urgently removed from the website.

An Qingyan, who had always had a great relationship with Baofenni, recommended Qin Bao after learning of the situation.

“You two have similar height and measurements, and you’re equally qualified and capable.” An Qingyan said, “I see you’re planning to return to work, right? On one hand, Baofenni really needs someone suitable for this show. On the other hand, you can use Baofenni to make a strong comeback. It’s a win-win for both of you.”

Qin Bao hesitated: “But I don’t have an agency to coordinate right now…”

“Start with personal activities, it’s not a big deal. I operated like that for a while myself.” An Qingyan, practically Qin Bao’s benefactor, said, “If you’re okay with it, I’ll have them contact you directly.”

In an emergency, everyone worked quickly, and the job was confirmed within an hour.

With only a day left before the show, the venue was set in Grody, a famous tourist city. Baofenni quickly arranged Qin Bao’s flight and team coordination.

Having had a company and manager since he was thirteen, handling everything on his own was a first for Qin Bao.

But he was used to this fast-paced lifestyle. He loved running around different cities, the uncertainty, and showcasing himself, rather than staying stagnant.

Packing his suitcase felt like a lifetime ago.

The night he landed in Grody, the tag #QinBaoCasualWear# quietly appeared online.

Netizens buzzed, and Qin Bao’s fans were excited.

[Ah, fresh BB! Can he appear more often?]

[This outfit looks great. Someone else wore it before, but the difference between a supermodel and a celebrity is clear. (Smile)]

[Shh, don’t attract trolls. Isn’t there enough negativity about BB?]

[He’s been focusing on studying since he started university! Now that it’s summer break, of course, he’s more active! (Heart)]

[Lol, if he was blacklisted, just say so. BB fans sure love to fantasize.]

[Look, the trolls are here.]

[Wait a minute, why is my Bao in Grody? Is he there for a show?]

Eighteen hours later.

Qin Bao walked the runway for Baofenni’s autumn and winter resort collection, while news about the arrested model hit the hot searches.

Thus, #QinBaoSavesTheDay# and #BaofenniQinBao# also trended.

*

At 3 a.m., Qin Bao returned to the hotel accompanied by the brand’s PR. They arranged for an afternoon departure and asked worriedly, “Are you sure you don’t need a doctor? You don’t look well.”

Even with a cap and mask, his flushed cheeks were evident.

On the runway, with the lights and makeup, the staff hadn’t noticed. Seeing his quiet, cool demeanor, they assumed it was his personality or shyness from being alone.

Only after he removed his makeup did someone notice his discomfort.

Politely declining the offer, Qin Bao closed the door, took off his mask and hat, and collapsed onto the hotel bed.

What a mess.

Going to a doctor meant revealing his pheromone dependence, which wasn’t something he wanted to publicize.

On the runway, the adrenaline and excitement masked his symptoms. But once the tension eased, the pheromone dependence symptoms returned.

The worst part was forgetting the medication he had ordered while rushing to pack.

His temperature rose, and he felt dizzy.

His gland throbbed, causing indescribable sensations throughout his body.

Dragging himself to the bathroom, he lowered the shower temperature, hoping to cool down. Standing under the cool water for a long time, he finally felt a bit better and returned to bed.

Half-asleep, he felt his phone vibrating. It was Feng Chengyu calling.

What was it now?

He answered, and Feng Chengyu’s deep voice came through: “Open the door.”

Qin Bao, his voice nasal: “I’m not home. What’s wrong? Is the lock broken?”

“I know you’re not home.” Feng Chengyu said, “I’m in Grody, at your hotel.”

Qin Bao was bewildered.

He slowly sat up, turned on the bedside lamp, and looked at the hotel room door.

Hearing a light sound at the door, he incredulously asked, “Are you outside?”

Upon receiving Feng Chengyu’s confirmation, his heart raced, and his gland throbbed more intensely, as if knowing the desired pheromone was just outside.

Click.

The chain was removed, and the door unlocked.

The tall Alpha appeared in the doorway, dressed in black, as if stepping out of the news, making Qin Bao feel like he was dreaming.

“What are you doing here?” Qin Bao’s mind was muddled. “Feng Chengyu, are you stalking me?”

Feng Chengyu: “…”

The next moment, Qin Bao took a step forward and hugged him.

Unable to see Feng Chengyu’s expression, Qin Bao only felt his body stiffen for a moment.

Fearing Feng Chengyu would leave, Qin Bao didn’t have the energy to question why he was there. Instinctively, he nuzzled against Feng Chengyu’s shoulder and made a request: “Don’t move.”

There was no time to question Feng Chengyu’s sudden appearance.

Feng Chengyu seemed to have something to say but ended up just sighing, closing the door, and hugging him back, asking softly, “Where does it hurt?”

Qin Bao’s cheeks were flushed, and even his shoulders, exposed at the neckline, were red.

“Everywhere feels bad,” he replied to Feng Chengyu, then naturally asked, “Can we do it?”

He was feeling awful.

Especially after smelling the other’s scent again, his somewhat clear head turned into mush once more.

No time to think about anything else, this human remedy was right here, only a fool would leave it unused.

The room was dark, with only the bedside lamp still on.

The scent of daffodil subtly enveloped all his senses. Qin Bao’s breath was hot, making his body feel comfortable, but his thoughts even more muddled.

He was late to realize that he was being picked up, his lips and tongue invaded.

The Alpha responded to every request, it was an extremely gentle giving.

It had been nearly a week since they last met, and within five minutes, it felt like they continued from where they left off.

In a foreign country’s early morning.

The leaves swayed, rustling, occasionally mixed with rapid breathing and clear sounds.

Outside the window was a large Chinaberry tree, lush and full of leaves. Its shadow cast on Qin Bao’s graceful back, highlighting the forceful hands holding him down.

Canine teeth pierced the Omega’s vulnerable nape.

Pheromones were injected in waves, filling what had always been an empty part, occupying it as it should. Qin Bao tilted his head back, losing his mind.

It was a new mark from Feng Chengyu.

The Alpha imprinted his exclusive mark on his gland, and like a beast cherishing its prey, licked the fresh bite gently.

Two types of pheromones intertwined, creating a new bond.

Then, the gentleness abruptly changed.

A storm raged.

As the sky lightened with dawn, Qin Bao, exhausted, only slept for a while.

He was still lying down but already awake, his voice nasal as he asked, “Do you have a cigarette?”

Their clothes were scattered messily at the foot of the bed. Feng Chengyu picked up his clothes and indeed found a pack of cigarettes inside.

The cigarette pack was gray, very plain.

Qin Bao glanced at it. These cigarettes didn’t have a flavor capsule, but they were acceptable.

He casually took one from the pack, got out of bed and put on a piece of clothing. His ears turned red as he took the lighter, but he nonchalantly walked towards the window.

There was a small balcony there, with leaves providing good privacy.

Qin Bao lit the cigarette and sat in the wicker chair, his long legs casually resting on the railing.

In the clear morning light, with the tree shadows and his presence, it looked like an oil painting.

Goodness.

His dizziness was gone, his headache too, and he felt completely comfortable all over.

Feng Chengyu also came over and lit a cigarette for himself.

This cigarette tasted a bit bitter. Qin Bao frowned, not having seen Feng Chengyu smoke often. Unexpectedly, his taste was this strong, smoking one of these was like smoking ten of his own.

During this post-coital clarity, both of them were quiet.

For men, after sleeping together, looking at the other person was always easier. Qin Bao, rarely proactive, looked at Feng Chengyu and pulled his collar, forcing him to lower his head.

Leaning closer, he kissed Feng Chengyu on the lips, as a reward.

Feng Chengyu took one last drag of his cigarette, then took Qin Bao’s cigarette and extinguished both in the ashtray before lowering his face to block Qin Bao’s lips again.

The kiss deepened, his back muscles stretching the shirt, full of strength.

Having already been rewarded, this wasn’t good anymore.

Qin Bao scratched at that broad back, kissing while refusing, “Enough, no more…”

The other didn’t stop.

He angrily said, “Feng Chengyu… really no more!”

Now he had that playboy vibe.

Feng Chengyu didn’t continue but insisted on holding him on his lap, finally asking, “Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling unwell?”

Qin Bao feigned ignorance, “What?”

“Pheromone dependence.” Feng Chengyu directly exposed it, staring at him with dark eyes, “It’s already to the point of needing medication, why didn’t you just tell me?”

So he had seen the medication forgotten at home.

Because of his absence, his Omega developed pheromone dependence, only able to be relieved by medication, probably something no Alpha could tolerate.

But Qin Bao thought Feng Chengyu didn’t need to worry too much.

Feng Chengyu pressed on, “Were you angry? You could have told me if you were.”

Qin Bao was puzzled, “Why would I be angry?”

“Sorry.” Feng Chengyu kissed his cheek, “It’s my fault for being too busy and neglecting you. I’ll make up for last week’s missed appointment this weekend, and I’ll try to spend more time with you in the future. I won’t let you suffer again.”

Without Qin Bao asking, Feng Chengyu proactively added conditions.

Qin Bao was even more puzzled, “What are you talking about?”

How could someone be so pure and seductive at the same time.

Feng Chengyu’s lips curved, “I’m apologizing.”

“Why are you apologizing? Didn’t we agree to mind our own business? I won’t interfere with you, and you don’t need to interfere with me.”

As Qin Bao spoke, he suddenly remembered that Feng Chengyu seemed quite willing to be managed, so he naturally moved away to sit aside.

“Ahem, about that… it’s my own choice. It’s not your fault that we have high compatibility. If we must assign blame, then neither of us has much self-control. Let’s just call it even.”

“Besides, I’m very happy today. Finally being able to work again, I don’t have the energy to think about those things.”

Thinking about the past few days, Qin Bao added, “And I said you don’t need to report to me. Don’t worry too much. I’m busy too, I don’t have time to read your messages all day.”

Feng Chengyu: “…”

Seeing his expression wasn’t good, Qin Bao felt he might have gone too far. The other had come specifically to help relieve his symptoms, yet he was being ungrateful.

“How did you know my hotel room number?” Qin Bao looked at him gratefully, “Thank you, it must have been a hassle for you to come all the way…”

“An Qingyan gave me the address.” Feng Chengyu interrupted, “I happened to have a banquet in Grody.”

Feng Chengyu seemed a bit cold.

Qin Bao obediently nodded, “Oh, I see. If I had known, I would have called you earlier.”

___

Author’s Note:

Xiao Feng: I admit I was over my head.