72: Chapter 72 The Noble Omega Young Master's Benefactor 14
Since that day, the relationship between the two had eased considerably. By unspoken agreement, neither brought up the unhappy matters of the past.
Lu Zhan no longer treated him with a cold face; he had become much gentler overall. Their interactions now held a touch more intimacy, and the atmosphere carried a hint of ambiguity.
Mu Lin was extremely obedient and compliant in all other aspects, except he refused to use suppressants. He basically timed it so he could coax Lu Zhan into giving him a temporary mark.
Deep down, he desperately wanted Lu Zhan's Permanent Mark. He wanted to become Lu Zhan's rightful, only Omega. With Lu Zhan's temperament, he would never easily abandon him again. And if he could get pregnant from it, perhaps Lu Zhan would accept him completely and utterly.
But no matter how he tempted him during this time, Lu Zhan remained unmoved.
So, he could only put aside those thoughts. He had hurt Lu Zhan so many times. That Lu Zhan could still treat him like this was something he should be utterly content with. Yet, for some reason, a faint unease always lingered in his heart.
It was this very unease that drove him to feel he needed to do something quickly. During this time spent with Lu Zhan, he had subtly calculated that Lu Zhan's rut should be coming soon, though he didn't know the exact timing.
He fervently hoped that day would arrive quickly. Then, under the guise of providing comfort, he could guide Lu Zhan into giving him the Permanent Mark.
He also clearly knew that for a marked Omega, the higher their Pheromone Rank, the stronger their dependence on the Alpha who marked them. He would never be able to leave Lu Zhan's Pheromones. Naturally, Lu Zhan would also stay by his side forever.
The plan was perfect, but unexpected events always arrive with shocking suddenness, nearly causing a complete loss.
...
On this day, the sun was bright, the sky a clear, washed blue, as if draping the entire city in a layer of golden gauze.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the scent of flowers and fresh air filled the streets and alleys. This beautiful scene lifted the spirits of Lu Zhan, who rarely went out.
Checking the time, it was about right. Lu Zhan drove away. Feeling somewhat guilty about the incident at the last banquet, he had specifically invited Song Shu out today to properly apologize.
Song Shu was a good person, sincere and loyal to him. They had known each other for seven or eight years, and he was Lu Zhan's only friend. For these reasons alone, Lu Zhan felt he should take this seriously.
However, he hadn't stayed in the city long and wasn't sure which restaurants were better. This one was recommended by Mu Lin. Given Mu Lin's pickiness, if he said it was good, it should be fine.
The restaurant was located in a bustling area, not far from where Lu Zhan lived. He arrived shortly, parked, and took the elevator up.
The restaurant was on a high floor, its decor understated yet hinting at luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view of the river, allowing one to enjoy the scenery while dining. Paired with today's fine weather, it was indeed quite pleasant and satisfying.
Lu Zhan was very pleased. A tall, stunningly beautiful waitress with a warm smile immediately approached. After a brief inquiry, she led Lu Zhan to his seat. As for ordering, Song Shu hadn't arrived yet, so that would come later.
Lu Zhan sat quietly. He had left a bit early today and, due to the short distance, arrived before Song Shu. But he figured the other man should be there soon.
Not long after, Song Shu arrived. His face was still that refined, jade-like, exquisite countenance, but his attire was more casual. The aura of a CEO around him had faded considerably, replaced instead by a touch of youthful spirit.
Lu Zhan stood up, took a few steps, and guided him to sit with an arm around his shoulder.
"You're usually right on time. How come you're earlier than me today?"
Song Shu's eyes held a smile, his words full of teasing.
But his heart felt a pang of discomfort. Just now, standing so close, he had caught the scent of Pheromones unique to an Omega on Lu Zhan—faint yet carrying a hint of sweetness.
"Isn't this my treat, my apology? Of course I need to be a bit more serious and careful."
Lu Zhan smiled sheepishly. Seeing Song Shu's demeanor, he probably wasn't angry, which put Lu Zhan's mind somewhat at ease.
Saying this, he handed the menu over and raised a hand to signal the waitress.
"Here, order whatever you like. My treat today."
Song Shu didn't stand on ceremony either. His gentle face held a touch of pleasure, though his churning emotions betrayed no outward sign.
"Of course. If I don't make you pay dearly today, it won't ease the resentment in my heart."
With that, he took the menu and flipped through it, ordering several dishes in a row. Feeling it was enough, he returned the menu to the waitress and sent her off.
Lu Zhan didn't mind. This was basically how it always went. Lu Zhan was just responsible for enjoying the meal. He was used to it.
"About what happened before, I was in the wrong. Please don't hold it against me."
Song Shu actually did feel some resentment, but he couldn't resist when Lu Zhan spoke softly. Every time, he surrendered immediately.
"It's fine. I stopped holding it against you long ago. Besides, it's rare you remembered to treat me. With no news for so long, I thought you'd already forgotten?"
His words carried a hint of reproach, and a trace of embarrassment appeared on Lu Zhan's face.
He had indeed been quite entangled by Mu Lin lately. The other man constantly tempted and seduced him, both overtly and covertly, right in front of him. It had taken immense self-control to hold steady.
"How could I? We've known each other for seven or eight years. Have some confidence. You still hold a place in my heart. I might forget others, but never you!"
Song Shu knew perfectly well that Lu Zhan was only speaking of friendship, nothing more. He shouldn't read into it. But his heart, which had harbored a secret crush for years, still stirred uncontrollably, unable to calm down.
Especially since Lu Zhan clearly had another Omega by his side now, and it was very likely Mu Lin. This made it hard for him to bear.
Just as he was about to tentatively ask something, the waitress arrived with their dishes, so Song Shu temporarily set aside his thoughts.
During the meal, the two conversed little. This was Lu Zhan's habit, which Song Shu knew well, so he naturally didn't disturb much.
Twenty minutes later, Lu Zhan wiped the corner of his mouth, washed his hands, and looked up slightly at Song Shu across from him. The other man had glanced at him several times, seeming on the verge of speaking but holding back. He probably had something to say.
"Song Shu, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Between us, there's no need for such hesitation."
Hearing this, Song Shu's eyes darkened slightly for a fleeting moment before clearing. His gentle face faintly revealed a sense of urgency.
"Lu Zhan, what exactly is your relationship with Mu Lin?"
Lu Zhan pondered for a moment, not expecting this question, but he didn't overthink it. After all, Song Shu had asked him at the banquet.
"There's some entanglement between us. I don't really know what to call our relationship myself. It's just something that can't be cut off for now, and maybe it never will be. Probably destined to be bound together."
Song Shu's face paled several shades. Disbelief flashed in his eyes, along with a flame of jealousy and hatred.
"You and Mu Lin are back together? Why? After how he treated you before."
His words carried unwillingness and confusion, and upon closer listening, a thread of anger.
Lu Zhan faintly felt Song Shu's state wasn't quite right. He frowned slightly but didn't dwell on it, simply assuming the other man was indignant and concerned on his behalf.
"It's not that simple between Mu Lin and me. And it's not something that can be easily severed."
Lu Zhan chose his words carefully, explaining in a gentle tone.
But Song Shu could no longer hear it. He didn't know where he fell short compared to Mu Lin. Was it status? Position? But he had been trying so hard.
Back then, he had been timid and insecure, not daring to confess his feelings, which led to Lu Zhan, through a twist of fate, being taken by Mu Lin.
But three years had passed. He was the one who had stayed by Lu Zhan's side all along. He was the one who invited Lu Zhan back to the city. Yet, once again, Mu Lin had beaten him to it.