RBNR Ch81: Susceptible period

On the day Feng Chengyu set off to fulfill his appointment with Tuduo, it was a Friday in early February.

The so-called appointment was actually a negotiation, and he was accompanied by an army captain and a team of negotiation experts.

The public was very concerned about this, and hundreds of people came to the Imperial Council Building holding banners and shouting encouragement before the departure day. By decision of the Imperial Council, this trip would not be broadcasted live, nor would media be invited.

The weather was clear, with a temperature of 7 degrees Celsius and a southwest wind.

The empire’s flag was flying, soldiers stood in neat rows, and Feng Chengyu still wore a black coat, with the silver imperial emblem pinned to his chest.

In addition to the Ministry of National Security and the military, Feng Chengyu’s family was also allowed to participate in the send-off.

Qin Bao stood by the venue with his family, watching the alpha solemnly swear under the statue of the Imperial Queen.

As Feng Chengyu’s omega, Qin Bao was also in the spotlight. His status as a model and artist made him somewhat out of place in such an occasion, but without a doubt, he was also extremely outstanding.

The omega had a very tall figure, was a natural clothes hanger, with jet-black hair and skin that was a lustrous white. Even without makeup, he was very eye-catching.

He was still so young, like a naive child, yet his expression was firm and steady.

Standing beside Qin Bao was his grandfather, General Qin Zhenyuan, behind him were Mr. Qin and Ms. Rong, and to the right stood Professor Feng and Professor Lin.

The two families had deep feelings since the days of General Qin and the old marshal, and the third generation’s union had made their bond even stronger.

Too much had happened in the past two years, but the Feng and Qin families remained tightly connected despite the rumors.

After the swearing-in, it was time to set off.

Professor Lin couldn’t hold back the tears that welled up and raised her hand to embrace Qin Bao’s shoulders.

Although this trip had layers of protection, in the eyes of a mother, it was still fraught with uncertainty. Only when she saw Feng Chengyu return safely could she truly rest easy.

In fact, every family member felt the same. Because they loved Feng Chengyu, they worried about his safety, and because they loved Feng Chengyu, they respected and supported his noble ideals.

The band softly played the imperial anthem, completing the small farewell ceremony.

Feng Chengyu turned around and walked over to say goodbye to each family member.

When he reached Qin Bao, Feng Chengyu hugged him, feeling the slight tremor beneath his calm exterior.

Their pheromones intertwined, reluctant to part from the one they had been intimate with the night before.

“I’ll be back in another week,” Feng Chengyu whispered in his ear. “I left you some clothes; you can make a bigger nest.”

What?!

Qin Bao’s face turned bright red. He knew Feng Chengyu had entered the hotel room!

But given the occasion, couldn’t he be a bit more serious?

Feng Chengyu continued, “Don’t worry about me, I won’t leave you a widow.”

Qin Bao was both embarrassed and angry, but at this moment, his mind was in turmoil, full of worry, and he couldn’t argue with him.

He could only tighten his fingers, grabbing the back of his coat, and threatened in a low voice, “If you dare not come back… I’ll throw away all your clothes.”

Feng Chengyu replied, “Alright.”

Time was tight, and the hug couldn’t last too long.

They let go of each other, but their hands remained clasped. As Qin Bao stood in a daze, under the gaze of the crowd, Feng Chengyu lowered his head and left a reverent kiss on his lips.

The steel gates closed, and the group disappeared through the entrance.

Before long, the Imperial military spacecraft took off, heading into the space away from Planet Aira.

Even when he reached the parking lot with his family, the warmth of the kiss seemed to linger on Qin Bao’s lips.

His family members were talking softly, and Qin Bao walked over and called, “Grandpa.”

The old man was wearing his military uniform that day, his chest adorned with medals. Despite leaning on a cane, he looked energetic. “Bao’er.”

“I want to spend some time with Mom and Dad,” he said, referring to Professor Lin and Professor Feng. “So I won’t go back with you.”

The old man readily agreed, “Alright, alright, you should stay with them. But don’t worry too much. Chengyu won’t be in danger this time, reassure them.”

Ms. Rong also smiled, “Go ahead.”

Qin Bao turned and walked towards the Feng family’s car. Looking back, he saw Mr. Qin helping Ms. Rong into the car.

So many years had passed. The deliberate estrangement that followed their divorce had disappeared, and their interactions had become very natural. However, it was unlikely they would return to how they were before.

Since holding an art installation exhibition at the Magian, Ms. Rong had expanded this business, though her focus was still on her studio. She no longer pursued it as single-mindedly as before, having learned to balance both aspects.

Mr. Qin was also much busier than before. With years of connections and experience, he worked as a special consultant, assisting the relevant departments in thoroughly investigating the Fuxing Group.

The tough times were finally over.

Everyone was living their lives in an orderly manner—peaceful and earnest. The most beautiful life is no more than this.

Qin Bao accompanied Professor Feng and Professor Lin back to their home.

This two-story house was bought by the couple thirty years ago. It was quite old, and though the exterior looked worn, the interior was well-maintained, with many items showing signs of age.

Feng Chengyu had not lived there since high school. After returning to the country, he bought his own house, but his original room had been preserved and was now being prepared to be converted into Professor Feng’s private study.

In the five years of marriage, Qin Bao had only come back with Feng Chengyu once and had never stayed overnight.

Taking this opportunity, he stayed and helped the two elders with the cleanup.

He carefully packed Feng Chengyu’s childhood books, trophies, and some collected models into boxes, preparing to take them home.

Then he helped Professor Feng move the books from his original study, filling the empty shelves.

Professor Lin oversaw and guided the process. “Those you rarely read, put them on the top shelf.”

Standing on a stool, Professor Feng placed the books, “So high? These are my favorite books.”

“They’re all in the alliance language. Didn’t you say they make you sleepy?” Professor Lin teased him. “Besides, you don’t read them more than twice a year, but every time, you end up falling asleep with them on your face. Here, two more books.”

Professor Feng wasn’t annoyed; he smiled and said, “Thank you, you’re right. Let’s put them on the top shelf.”

The two of them were truly respectful to each other. Qin Bao had never seen them be anything but polite. According to Feng Chengyu, their marriage of over thirty years had always been this way.

Everything was calm and steady, with no big waves, no grand gestures of love or intense quarrels, just a slow and steady flow.

“Dad, let me do it.”

Qin Bao got Professor Feng down from the stool. A man in his sixties wasn’t really suited for climbing high places.

Professor Feng cheerfully said, “Thank you, Xiao Bao.”

Qin Bao climbed up the stool. The height was just right, making it easy for him to place the books.

“With Chengyu not at home, it’s good to have Xiao Bao here,” said Professor Lin. “Xiao Bao’s height is really great, almost like an alpha. When you were born, no one expected you’d grow this tall.”

Qin Bao had heard this story from Ms. Rong many times. She said he was a premature baby, very tiny at birth, but had the loudest cry among the newborns.

Professor Lin said, “Oh, I remember we have a photo of that.”

Qin Bao was puzzled, “A photo of me?”

“Yes, taken when you were a month old, with Chengyu in the picture too.”

Professor Lin asked, “Professor Feng, where did you put the family album?”

Professor Feng adjusted his glasses and said, “Wait, I’ll get it.”

Before long, he brought the family album, a thick book. Professor Lin told Qin Bao, “Your dad loved film photography. Most of our family photos were taken and developed by him. When Chengyu grew up, we traveled together, and he took many photos too.”

Professor Feng proudly said, “I won the grand prize in the school photography competition.”

He held up four fingers and added, “Four times.”

“That’s amazing,” Qin Bao said sincerely. “I’ve seen Chengyu’s travel albums; the photos are really good.”

The three of them sat down on the sofa to rest and looked at the photo Professor Lin had mentioned.

The album was organized by year, and they found it quickly.

In a pink baby cradle, there was a tiny baby with a bow on their head, and a young alpha standing in front of the cradle, looking down.

Feng Chengyu was nine years old then, dressed in a small suit with a black bow tie. His features already hinted at what he looked like now. His thick, dark eyelashes were half-lowered, and his handsome face showed a mix of shyness and pride.

Qin Bao’s face turned red instantly. His own outfit was overly pink, and he was crying with his mouth wide open!

Feng Chengyu must have thought, what kind of little monster is this, with no teeth and looking so ridiculous!

“You didn’t like crowds,” Professor Lin pointed at the photo and said. “Back then, you were very fussy. If you were held a little too tightly, you’d cry. If there were too many people, you’d cry. If you were put in the cradle, you’d cry.

“Right after this photo was taken, Chengyu picked you up.”

So the elders weren’t exaggerating; Feng Chengyu really did hold him when they were younger.

Qin Bao felt a bit regretful.

Because Professor Feng hadn’t taken a photo of Feng Chengyu holding him.

As they flipped through the album, they found group photos from the full moon party and individual photos of Feng Chengyu.

Seeing Qin Bao’s interest, Professor Feng continued organizing, letting Professor Lin enjoy the album with him.

“Look, this is his elementary school graduation photo.”

“This one is from when he won a competition in middle school, and this one is with the basketball team…”

As they went through the photos, Feng Chengyu’s current image became clearer. From the innocence and cheerfulness of his childhood, he gradually turned more cold and aloof. Especially in the photos from when he was fifteen or sixteen, his sharp and intimidating demeanor was almost the same as it is now, just a bit more youthful.

“The older he got, the more he became a closed book, never saying what he was thinking,” said Professor Lin. “Just like his dad.”

From afar, Professor Feng in the living room said, “I can still hear you.”

Qin Bao said, “He really doesn’t talk much.”

When they first met, Qin Bao was a bit intimidated by him.

Probably because he didn’t talk much and always stood so straight and elegant, Feng Chengyu gave off a very arrogant impression.

Of course, Feng Chengyu is quite talkative now, but he’s also a bit of a rogue.

There’s no need to let the elders know that; let’s be kind and keep Feng Chengyu’s image intact.

Professor Lin said, “It might also be because he often interacted with his aunt and uncle. He set high standards for himself and learned to be very cautious with his words and actions.

We could never guess what he was thinking, just knew he had a bad habit—if he wanted something, he wouldn’t say a word until he got it.

And if there was something that wasn’t his, no matter how much he wanted it, he would never ask for it.”

Qin Bao asked, “Really?”

That did sound like something Feng Chengyu would do.

“Yes, let me give you an example.

His father had a fountain pen passed down from the old man. On his eighteenth birthday, we gave it to him as a gift.”

Professor Lin said, “Later we found out he had liked that pen for many years but never said a word about it. If we hadn’t given it to him, he would have kept quiet about it forever.”

Qin Bao had seen that pen but didn’t know the story behind it.

Professor Lin smiled and said, “The only things he can’t keep silent and restrained about are probably you and his pursuit of his ideals.”