15: Good night, Mr. Sheng. Sweet dreams.
In the middle of Q2 this year, ShengFang Biotech’s gene-editing application research remained in troubling stagnation. Despite investing over three billion yuan in the first quarter alone, it was like a stone sinking into the ocean—no splash, no progress.
The bleak financial report left Sheng Shaoyou, who had barely warmed the chairman’s seat, with no dignity to stand on. His insistence on reforming the personnel in the research division had already disrupted the interests of the conservative old guard. Without hard-hitting results, murmurs of discontent would quickly become thunderous outrage.
Under tremendous pressure from all sides, Sheng Shaoyou demanded increased R&D funding while also directing HR to collaborate with top headhunters to extend even more enticing offers to domestic and international experts.
And just when things couldn’t get any worse, X Holdings’ International Division suddenly arrived in Jianghu, initiating talks with several promising local biotech firms.
On the invitation list was none other than HS Group.
Besides HS, X Holdings had also invited many companies that were smaller in size, capacity, and performance compared to ShengFang. Oddly, ShengFang itself was absent.
Word had it the delegation’s lead was Chang Yu.
Thinking of Secretary Chang’s sharp features and cold profile, Sheng Shaoyou couldn’t help but suspect he must have done something wrong at the Jianghu Chamber of Commerce banquet that offended the man. Otherwise, why was ShengFang—the clear leader in every aspect—excluded?
But that didn’t seem possible. Reflecting on his own conduct that night, while not flawless, it had at least been measured and polite. What about him had failed to impress the right-hand man of X Holdings’ current head?
Misfortunes rarely come singly. As Sheng Shaoyou was burning the candle at both ends, his susceptibility period hit.
It started with fatigue. Every evening he returned home utterly exhausted—too tired for parties or conversation. Thankfully, the little orchid was quiet by nature. Seeing his weariness, Hua Yong was considerate enough not to bother him.
Under Sheng Shaoyou’s “training,” Hua Yong’s massage skills had improved rapidly. That night, seeing the tension in Sheng Shaoyou’s shoulders, he offered to help him unwind.
In the room they had converted into a private spa, Sheng Shaoyou took a shower and lay face down on the massage bed. The Omega’s soft hands pressed against his skin, his elegant orchid scent thick in the air. Sleep crept in, soothing his exhaustion—but the yearning that scent stirred in his body only grew.
With his eyes closed, Sheng Shaoyou thought of the banquet Chen Pinming had reminded him about that afternoon. It was hosted by one of Jianghu’s veteran business moguls and scheduled for the next evening. They had just learned that Chang Yu would also be attending.
Though Sheng Shaoyou initially didn’t plan to attend any public events during susceptibility, he decided he’d go—worst case, he could wear a suppressant patch.
An Alpha in susceptibility is prone to irritability, erratic pheromone release, and an overwhelming craving for Omega pheromones. With S-level Alphas, that effect is practically a weapon. Uncontrolled pheromone release in public could be disastrous.
In past years, he would’ve just whisked away an Omega for a quiet getaway, steering clear of crowds. But not this time. With no end in sight to the R&D spending, ShengFang needed new blood and new deals.
The evening of the banquet, Chang Yu arrived fashionably late. Sheng Shaoyou, who had arrived right on time, grew increasingly anxious. He hadn’t socialized in a while, so his appearance drew a crowd. The mixture of scents was overwhelming, making him dizzy.
Fighting both physical and mental agitation, he smiled through every toast with impeccable decorum.
Off to the side, some second-generation heirs whispered:
“Business is truly war. Look at ShengFang’s young master—his smile’s about to freeze solid.”
“Yeah, but he’s so hot! I’d fall for him just for that face.”
By the time he made it around the room, the suppressant patch on his nape was soaked. His pheromones were rising dangerously.
“Excuse me,” he politely told an Omega he’d been speaking with, placing his champagne on a waiter’s tray and heading for the restroom.
Sure enough, the patch was saturated. His unique scent—bitter orange and rum—leaked uncontrollably. He tore it off irritably, reaching for a fresh one.
Chen Pinming, watching him closely, followed him in. The second he entered, he felt the oppressive weight of an S-level pheromone burst over him.
Fortunately, as a Beta, he wasn’t too sensitive to scents. Still, the pressure made it hard to lift his head. Inside, he saw Sheng Shaoyou fumbling to apply a fresh patch to his own neck.
Chen had just thought to lock the door—too late.
Sheng Shaoyou froze mid-motion, his expression fierce. He looked toward the entrance, where Chang Yu was walking in.
Forced back a few steps by the overwhelming Alpha pheromones, Chang Yu’s face darkened instantly.
A thirty-something Beta in a suit—one of the banquet staff—stood awkwardly and apologized.
Chang Yu, now irritated, asked, “Sheng is inside?”
Chen Pinming hesitated. Admitting it could be seen as a grave insult—especially since X Holdings had already shown signs of snubbing ShengFang. Another pheromone clash would be a nail in the coffin.
Even without his reply, Chang Yu pieced it together. Only one S-level Alpha in this room could stir this kind of reaction—and only one would have a secretary tailing him this closely.
Chang Yu smirked coldly. “Quite the display. Holding the restroom hostage with pheromones? I see ShengFang’s arrogance firsthand now.”
With that, he turned on his heel and left.
Chen Pinming was left frozen, while Sheng Shaoyou—unfairly caught in the mess—stood silently inside.
He had planned to make a good impression and maybe get a meeting with X Holdings. Instead, he’d been branded as domineering before the night even began.
This susceptibility period was proving especially brutal. Sheng Shaoyou was losing control over his pheromones—something he had never experienced before.
Normally, an S-level Alpha had immense control over body and scent. But now, his pheromones were breaking free on their own.
On the eve of the full onset, no A or O employees dared approach him. Sheng Shaoyou had to leave early.
Surprisingly, Hua Yong was home. He didn’t seem surprised to see him. He walked over quickly, frowning. “Mr. Sheng, you look terrible.”
The familiar orchid scent immediately soothed him, like fresh spring water poured onto scorched earth. It wasn’t enough, but it was relief nonetheless.
So fragrant… Orchid… I want more.
Unlike the O’s in the office who either stared or avoided him, Hua Yong simply supported him with warm hands. “Do you want to lie down? Are you in pain?”
Lie down… On the bed?
Sheng Shaoyou clung to the little orchid, his lips brushing against his scent gland as he whispered, “Hua Yong, I feel awful…”
Hua Yong chuckled softly, seemingly enjoying the clingy Alpha. He hugged him back gently, stroking his back. “I know. I know. Let’s go to bed, alright?”
“Okay,” Sheng replied hoarsely.
Hua Yong led him to the master bedroom, undressed him down to his shirt and pants. But Sheng clung stubbornly, making everything difficult.
Still, the orchid didn’t get annoyed. “Mr. Sheng, let go. Raise your leg. I can’t help you change if you keep holding on.”
“No,” he grumbled, “I don’t want to undress.”
Hua Yong laughed again—soft and warm. “But how will you sleep if you don’t change?”
“I’m not sleepy.” Sheng pressed his cheek against the cool neck, muttering, “I feel so awful, and you don’t even care…”
He rubbed his lips and face along Hua Yong’s neck, refusing to release him.
With no choice, the orchid lay down with him fully clothed.
The susceptibility was expected—but Sheng’s clinginess went far beyond it.
His cute dependency and repressed longing softened Hua Yong’s heart beyond words.
The orchid scent in the room thickened, blending with the Alpha’s rum-wood musk into something dangerously alluring.
Though he said he wasn’t tired, Sheng drifted off quickly under Hua Yong’s calming pheromones. The S-level Alpha, who had been leaking oppressive pheromones all day, now held his favorite orchid and finally rested.
Despite the suffocating strength of those pheromones—enough to make even Shen Wenliang crumble—Hua Yong didn’t flinch. He gently brushed the hair from Sheng’s cheek, leaned over, and kissed his parted lips lightly.
And whispered, “Good night, Mr. Sheng. Sweet dreams.”