TMDP CH 30

Chapter 30: Wings of Change

“If I accept, what price do I have to pay? Is it for Xiao Li?” Xia Ye’s heart was heavy. If he accepted Han Junzhou’s proposal, would he have to lose Xiao Li forever?

“Xiao Li? A price?” Han Junze was taken aback, finally understanding what Xia Ye was afraid of. “You think I’m offering you the chance to study abroad in exchange for something?” Han Junze shook his head. “It’s my fault, I didn’t explain clearly. Let me start from the beginning. Xia Ye, listen carefully.”

Han Junze straightened his expression and said seriously, “Regarding Xiao Li, thank you for sending him back to the Han family, but I, Han Junze, assure you that, until you agree, Xiao Li will only carry the surname Xia. He will be a descendant of your Xia family. At the same time, Xiao Li is also a member of the Han family. The Han family will always protect him. Just as you are a part of my Han family, I will take the place of your grandfather and look after you. Even if you don’t want a spousal relationship with Mingxiu, you will always be the father of my grandson—Xiao Li. This connection cannot be severed. Do you wish to sever it?”

Xia Ye shook his head blankly but couldn’t help frowning. How did he suddenly become part of the Han family? And Han Junze was even saying he’d take the place of his grandfather to care for him. This CEO of Han was too domineering!

“I know you can’t bear to part with Xiao Li. Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of him. He will always be your son, and no one can take him away.” Han Junze patted Xia Ye’s shoulder. “Xia Ye, you’re an outstanding person. It’s Mingxiu’s loss that he doesn’t have the fortune to spend his life with you. But the mistakes he made shouldn’t cost you the rest of your life. Your studies, your health—they shouldn’t be put on hold like this.”

“Uncle… you…” It had been a long time since anyone had helped him sort things out, help him plan for his future. Xia Ye felt a little lost.

“Junzhou told me about your gland problem, and that you don’t really want to treat it, right? He said you don’t want to be controlled by others.”

Xia Ye nodded slowly, his expression somber.

“Xia Ye, you don’t realize how serious gland damage can be. My third uncle, because of an accident, injured his gland. Back then, medical technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now. They thought there were no external injuries to the body, so it was fine. They ignored it, just like you, thinking that without the interference of the gland, he was a free Omega. In the end, less than ten years later, he died from multiple organ failure. When he passed, he was still under forty. Xia Ye, do you want your life to stop in your thirties?”

Xia Ye listened to Han Junze’s words, his face paling. Back then, Doctor Han Junzhou only mentioned that his lifespan would be shortened, and now, Han Junze said, “Do you want your life to stop in your thirties?” No, of course, he didn’t want that. But…

“I know you’re worried about pheromones, about your heat period,” Han Junze said as he pulled out a square metal box from his pocket and handed it to Xia Ye. “Take this.”

Xia Ye took the metal box with confusion. It was a delicate silver box with metal carvings, square in shape, but the edges were smoothly rounded and quite beautiful. When he opened it, inside was a platinum ring with a brown gemstone. The strangest thing was that as soon as the box opened, the car filled with the scent of cedarwood. Xia Ye quickly closed the lid and looked warily at Uncle Han.

“This was originally a women’s ring, but your Aunt Han recently had it changed into a men’s ring, just for you.” Han Junzhou said, “The gem on the ring is a wood crystal stone, passed down through the Han family, given to the eldest daughter-in-law.”

“You probably noticed the scent. The wood crystal stone emits a woody fragrance. At least, that’s what I smell as cedar. But our Omega partners smell something different. For example, your Aunt Han smells my cypress, while you probably smell Mingxiu’s fir.”

“I don’t want it. This isn’t something I should take. I can’t accept it.” Xia Ye immediately tried to push the box back to Han Junze. This was a ring passed down by the Han family to the eldest daughter-in-law. What would it mean if he took it?

“Don’t be in such a hurry, let me finish explaining. The value of this crystal stone isn’t in its gemstone, but in its function.” Han Junzhou sighed, holding the box and trying to explain the wood crystal stone’s use. “You probably know that all Han family Alphas have a woody scent, and the wood crystal stone is an ancient wood-mineral crystal. It resembles wood but isn’t quite wood, having the hardness of a mineral but the characteristics of wood. What’s special about it is that it can release a woody fragrance. The Han family ancestors discovered a large piece of wood crystal and realized that it had a calming effect on the Omega partners in the family. Sometimes, when we can’t be around our partners during special times, the wood crystal can help stabilize their hormone balance and soothe their emotions. Wearing the wood crystal daily will also release an Alpha-like scent, protecting you from being disturbed by other Alphas.”

“Your gland is damaged and needs treatment. Junzhou can help you connect with the right hospital, and the treatment isn’t difficult, but it requires long-term cooperation. Junzhou mentioned that during treatment, if there’s a slight stimulus from compatible Alpha hormones, it could help activate the glands better. So far, the Alpha hormone most compatible with you is Mingxiu, right? But I guess you wouldn’t want him to get too close. So, let the wood crystal help you. It can play a crucial role during treatment, like a medicinal catalyst. It can also release a type of pheromone so others will think you’re already marked and belong to someone, so you won’t have to worry about attracting unwanted attention after your gland treatment.”

Han Junze placed the ring box back into Xia Ye’s hands.

“Your Aunt Han knew you wouldn’t want it, so she said just consider it borrowed. You might need it when you go outside.” Han Junzhou tapped the metal box. “This box can isolate the scent. If,” he hesitated, seemingly considering how to word it delicately, “if you meet someone you’re interested in, just put the ring back in the box and the scent will be blocked, so it won’t affect your ability to make friends. Later, if you find someone you want to spend your life with, you won’t need the ring as a shield anymore. At that time, you can return the ring.”

What? Xia Ye was dizzy. The Han family elder was lending him the eldest daughter-in-law’s ring and even teaching him how to make sure it wouldn’t affect his ability to make friends. It was… Xia Ye felt his face flush.

“Xia Ye, I’ve discussed this with your Aunt Han for a long time. We both admire you and are willing to nurture you. This has nothing to do with Mingxiu or Xiao Li, nor is it out of any guilt toward your grandfather. It’s simply because you are you. We know your abilities and know you’re more than capable. We really can’t just leave you to fend for yourself. Putting aside them, I’ve known you longer than that reckless kid. You accepting the Yunbang sponsorship is even before meeting Mingxiu. There shouldn’t be any concern about nepotism between us. If you’re worried about what others might say, you don’t need to. The Yunbang Foundation sponsors hundreds of students from different schools every year—over the years, thousands of students have benefited. Your case is no different from theirs. Besides, all your qualifications are in order.”

“…” Don’t say any more, I’m starting to waver…

“I’ve arranged for the language school, the hospital, and your accommodation. It’s not a luxury villa, just a simple house near the school with a caretaker aunt to help with the housework. You can think of her as your local contact person. Since you’re unfamiliar with the area, having someone there will make it easier for you to ask for help anytime.”

Xia Ye seemed to want to decline, but Han Junze quickly added, “Don’t think you’re receiving any special treatment. If this small arrangement were to be spread around, it would be embarrassing. It would make the Han family seem petty.” Han Junze seemed a bit embarrassed, which made Xia Ye want to smile.

“If you’re still unsure, after graduation, you could come back and help me? At that point, I’ll send that brat, Han Mingxiu, to Africa to watch elephants?”

Xia Ye finally laughed. He lowered his head to look at the documents. “Can you give me some time to think about it?”

“You’re a smart person. You’ll find the best path for yourself.” Han Junze patted Xia Ye’s shoulder. “For these few years, live the life you want to live. Don’t worry about Xiao Li, we’ll leave that to Mingxiu, and we’ll make sure he becomes a good father.”

“You guys, don’t spoil him too much…” Xia Ye felt a little conflicted. He wanted Xiao Li to be loved by everyone, but at the same time, he feared that too much spoiling would make him uncontrollable. Moreover, now that he had entrusted the child to the Han family, if he kept intervening, it would feel disrespectful, almost like treating the Han family as a daycare.

Han Junzhou didn’t mind. “Hahaha, you’re worried we’ll raise another Han Mingxiu? That won’t happen. Xiao Li is much smarter than him.” Then, his tone grew serious. “Xiao Xia, please don’t worry. We’ve made one mistake, but we won’t make it again. I believe Mingxiu understands that as well.” Han Junzhou spoke with double meaning. Though he hadn’t said anything good about his son during the conversation with Xia Ye, deep down, he still hoped that one day, Xia Ye would formally enter the Han family as a son-in-law, not just as Xiao Li’s father.

Xia Ye understood Han Junze’s implication, but he didn’t respond. At this moment, Han Mingxiu wasn’t his concern. His own future was.

The elder before him, who was as kind as a father, had completely let down Xia Ye’s guard. The Han family had paved a path for him, so why should he make things difficult for himself and not walk down it? When he returned, renewed, he would still have opportunities to repay the Han family and express his gratitude for their support.

He tightened his grip on the box in his hand, nodded lightly, and said, “Thank you.”

The wings that Xia Ye had broken off over three years ago were now being reattached. He was about to take flight once again.

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– End of chapter –

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