The Unattainable Flower Pulled Down from the Pedestal by Universal Dislike – CH35

Chapter 35

Tan Ning recalled that in the past three hours, he had said “just ordinary friends” ten times and “I don’t remember his name” fifteen times. By the end, he was feeling dizzy.

What was the name of He Qingrui’s older brother again?

He really couldn’t remember.

Tan Ning was left in a daze, while the instigator was thoroughly satisfied. Lin Song’an always took advantage of his rut period to act pitiful or mischievous, pushing things further each time.

Tan Ning had no strength to resist and could only comply.

He felt Lin Song’an helping him pull up the blanket, and there was a constant rustling near his ear. Exhausted, he opened his eyes to see Lin Song’an’s slightly upturned lips.

It had been a long time since he’d seen Lin Song’an like this.

Tan Ning kept recalling that day in the duty room when Lin Song’an, with reddened eyes, asked him, “Are you very disappointed in me?” Just like long ago, when Lin Song’an begged him not to break up. He feared seeing Lin Song’an’s helpless appearance; it kept him awake at night. Lin Song’an shouldn’t be like that.

But now, Lin Song’an was smiling.

Tan Ning felt that the hardship of the past three hours was worth it.

Lin Song’an lay on his side, looking content and relaxed. His arm rested on Tan Ning, occasionally stroking his back or pinching his waist.

Tan Ning was like a cat plush toy that he couldn’t put down.

At first, Tan Ning was lightly sleeping, but soon he became annoyed by Lin Song’an’s touch. Frowning, he turned over, but Lin Song’an immediately snuggled up to him.

This closeness made Tan Ning even more upset.

Lin Song’an apologized sincerely, “I didn’t mean to, Ning Ning. It’s been half an hour since we finished last time.”

Tan Ning: “…”

He pushed Lin Song’an’s arm, trying to distance himself, but Lin Song’an’s arm was like iron, and Tan Ning could only be maneuvered by him, lifting his leg slightly.

Skin touched skin, igniting sparks instantly. In the end, Tan Ning was carried to the bathroom by Lin Song’an. After freshening up, he put on a bathrobe and crawled back into bed. Lin Song’an snuggled up to him again.

Tan Ning sighed.

He couldn’t stand Lin Song’an being so clingy.

Lin Song’an turned and grabbed something. Feeling cold, Tan Ning tried to pull up the blanket, only to see that Lin Song’an was holding his phone. Lin Song’an asked him, “Do you want me to transfer money?”

He was indirectly probing.

Just as Tan Ning had tested him earlier with the omega pheromone extract.

Lin Song’an opened the WeChat app, clicked on his chat with Tan Ning, entered “2000” in the transfer amount, and then handed the phone to Tan Ning, waiting for his response.

Tan Ning gave him a cold glance, first exiting the page and then navigating to the WeChat account named “Zhiyu.”

The chat was empty, still on the message: “You’ve accepted the friend request. You can now start chatting.”

Lin Song’an pinched Tan Ning’s waist proudly.

Just when Lin Song’an thought Tan Ning was satisfied with his inspection and was ready to fully accept him, Tan Ning had already returned to their chat, opened the transfer, and skillfully entered his six-digit password, transferring the money to himself.

Lin Song’an froze for a moment, then bit Tan Ning’s shoulder lightly. “You’re just trying to annoy me.”

Tan Ning curved his lips slightly.

Lin Song’an nibbled and kissed him, not truly angry. Having recently gone through many ups and downs and just coming down from an intimate moment, they only wanted to cuddle now. Lin Song’an hugged Tan Ning from behind, his arm serving as Tan Ning’s pillow, and his other hand rested on Tan Ning’s waist, gently patting him from time to time.

Tan Ning put down Lin Song’an’s phone. Just as he closed his eyes, he heard Lin Song’an say, “I thought you were really going to give up on me.”

Tan Ning’s breathing hitched.

“From last night until noon today, I kept wondering if you’d come, kept waiting for you.”

Lin Song’an suddenly hugged him tighter. “Why did you show up? You didn’t even know I was entering my rut period. Why did you appear so timely? Was it telepathy? Could you feel my pain, Ning Ning?”

Tan Ning thought, perhaps that’s the case.

Since last night, his heart had felt uncomfortable, stifled.

Even the ceramic kitten pressed against his chest didn’t help.

It wasn’t until Lin Song’an pressed him down, placed his palm over Tan Ning’s heart, and asked him if he loved him, that the suffocating feeling began to slowly dissipate.

“Ning Ning, let’s not fight anymore.”

Tan Ning blinked. Lin Song’an continued, “Actually, in your heart, you’re just like me—you can’t let go of the other person, right?”

Tan Ning remained silent.

Lin Song’an hugged him tighter. “I understand now. I won’t forget.”

After a long while, Tan Ning suddenly asked, “Lin Song’an, do you like me because I’m a beta?”

Lin Song’an was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“Because of your parents’ past, you resist in your heart. Your mother is too domineering, always suppressing you, so you want to rebel.”

“So you think I found a beta just to spite my mother?” Lin Song’an chuckled. “Ning Ning, you’re thinking too poorly of me.”

Tan Ning frowned in confusion.

Otherwise, he couldn’t find a reason to explain Lin Song’an’s affection for him. He didn’t believe that a beta could overcome instincts and pheromone attraction to completely capture the heart of a top-level alpha.

“When I fell in love with you at first sight, I didn’t even know you were a beta.”

“What did you think I was?”

“This is a trap; I’m not falling for it,” Lin Song’an teased, biting Tan Ning’s earlobe and whispering, “You’re my little cat, Tan Ning.”

“My mother… Objectively speaking, she’s a good mother. She has her own career while also taking care of the family. Tianhe Group has faced several crises, and each time, my mother unwaveringly supported my father, helping him get through it. The stronger she is in her career, the more vulnerable she is emotionally. Mentioning betas in our family is almost taboo. If brought up, she becomes hysterical. Ning Ning, I’m afraid she might do something to hurt you, so I’ve been keeping it a secret.”

Tan Ning looked at the hazy view of the garden behind the white curtains.

“But I’ve decided to come clean with her. Ning Ning, we have to face this hurdle eventually.”

“I understand,” he said.

“I—”

“Lin Song’an, what would you like to eat tonight?”

Lin Song’an was stunned. Tan Ning had already sat up, tying his hair with the elastic on his wrist. “I bought some groceries. Do you want braised ribs or rib soup?”

Staring at the ambiguous marks on Tan Ning’s fair neck, Lin Song’an was momentarily dazed.

Seeing Tan Ning turn and ask with a slightly annoyed expression, “I’ll give you three seconds to answer.”

“R-rib soup?”

Tan Ning said, “Okay.”

He got out of bed and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Lin Song’an quickly followed but was pushed away by Tan Ning. “Don’t cause trouble.”

Tan Ning cooked like he solved problems—serious and methodical. Any water droplets on the countertop from washing vegetables were immediately wiped away.

He found the vacuum-sealed container of rice from the cabinet, started cooking it, and handed the rice-washing water to Lin Song’an. “Use this to water the plants, and while you’re at it, tidy up the potted plant you knocked over.”

Lin Song’an’s eyes were full of amusement, but he pretended to be dignified. “No one has ever dared to boss me around like this since I was a child.”

Tan Ning ignored him, and Lin Song’an obediently did as he was told.

Tan Ning watched Lin Song’an out of the corner of his eye.

He still had that handsome appearance. Even in pajamas, he looked like a young master. That day in the counselor’s office, when Lin Song’an showed a cold face, everyone present held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

But Lin Song’an was different in front of him. Lin Song’an always yielded to him, trying every way to please him, willingly becoming the passive one in the relationship. Over time, Tan Ning almost forgot what initially attracted him to Lin Song’an.

Clearly, it was because he was unattainable.

Thinking of this, Tan Ning couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

He made one meat dish, one vegetable dish, and a soup. He served the rice while Lin Song’an was cutting fruit.

After sitting down, Lin Song’an asked in a peculiar tone, “You’re suddenly being so nice to me. It feels a bit off. This isn’t a breakup meal, is it?”

Tan Ning raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t we already break up?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Song’an clamped his calf under the table.

Tan Ning couldn’t move or pull away, so he continued eating expressionlessly.

Lin Song’an’s hand moved up along his calf, and finally, Tan Ning kicked him away; Lin Song’an smiled at him and praised the rib soup after tasting it.

Lin Song’an didn’t say, “Ning Ning, I want to get married,” but Tan Ning could hear that meaning in his silent smile.

As they were bantering, the doorbell suddenly rang.

Both of them were startled.

Tan Ning’s heartbeat skipped a beat, and he instinctively wanted to get up, but Lin Song’an grabbed his wrist and said, “Ning Ning, don’t hide.”

Tan Ning looked up at him abruptly.

Lin Song’an’s gaze was filled with reassurance. He said, “Ning Ning, there’s no need to hide.”

Don’t hide in the closet.

They looked at each other for a long time. Tan Ning’s tense muscles gradually relaxed, and he lowered his head to continue eating.

Lin Song’an put down his chopsticks and went to the door to check the video intercom—it was Lei Xin.

After some hesitation, Lin Song’an opened the door.

Lei Xin barged in, carrying a bag of beer. “Bro, I heard an outrageous rumor yesterday. Someone at school said you’re dating that autistic guy from the Law School. How is that possible? It’s ridiculous—”

His loud voice stopped abruptly when he saw Tan Ning sitting at the dining table.

Tan Ning calmly continued eating his ribs.

Lei Xin couldn’t believe his eyes. His grip loosened, and the canned beers in the bag all fell out, rolling across the wooden floor to the edge of the sofa.

“Bro, what’s going on?” Lei Xin looked at Lin Song’an in disbelief.

“Tan Ning and I have been dating for over a year.”

Lei Xin’s first reaction was, “Bro, stop joking. Is this some kind of prank?”

“When have I ever participated in your pranks?”

Lei Xin’s smile froze. After a moment, he pointed at Tan Ning indignantly, “But he’s a beta!”

“Yes.”

“You don’t like Ye Ling or that omega surnamed Fang, that’s fine—there are plenty of omegas. But how can you like him?”

“Why not? I love him.”

Tan Ning’s chopsticks paused, resting against the edge of his bowl.

Lei Xin’s eyes widened.

“I pursued him; I begged him to be with me. I didn’t tell you before because I was afraid you’d tell him about the pheromone compatibility and hurt him. Now he knows, so it doesn’t matter if I tell you.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Tan Ning’s hand began to tremble uncontrollably.

So that day… So that day…

Was the “I’m not in a relationship” he overheard at the villa entrance Lin Song’an’s way of protecting him?

Had he misunderstood Lin Song’an?

“Bro! What’s wrong with you?” Lin Song’an’s words were like a bolt from the blue for Lei Xin. He grabbed Lin Song’an’s arm angrily. “What about your rut periods? What about the future? Betas don’t have pheromones and might not even be able to have children. What can a partner like him provide for you?”

“He has his own life; he doesn’t need to provide me with anything.”

Lei Xin lowered his head. “I don’t understand, bro. I don’t get it. He must have cast some spell on you.”

“Lei Xin—”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Aunt Fang?”

Lin Song’an glanced back at Tan Ning, who was still eating, seemingly calm.

“I hope you won’t tell her, but if you do, it doesn’t matter. That day will come eventually.”

Lei Xin stormed out, slamming the door.

Returning to the dining table, Lin Song’an asked Tan Ning, “Do you want me to reheat the soup?”

Tan Ning replied, “No need.”

He placed a piece of rib in Lin Song’an’s bowl. “Hurry and eat; it’ll get cold.”

“Okay.”

After eating, they cleaned up the house together. Tan Ning, being particular about cleanliness, felt that even though the potted plant had been tidied, it wasn’t enough. He took out the vacuum cleaner to remove all the dirt and dust from the corners.

Young Master Lin, having never used a vacuum cleaner in his life, couldn’t help and could only watch Tan Ning clean.

It was almost ten o’clock when Tan Ning finally went to bed. Lin Song’an quickly pulled him into his arms, but Tan Ning pushed him away with both hands, annoyed. “Do I have glue on me?”

“How cold, little cat Tan.”

Tan Ning used both hands and feet to push him away, keeping a distance between them.

They lay on their sides, facing each other.

Lin Song’an entwined his fingers with Tan Ning’s, then slipped his hand into Tan Ning’s pajama sleeve, rubbing his forearm.

“Lei Xin knows now.”

“Mm.”

“Do you think he’ll tell my mom?”

“He probably wouldn’t dare go against me, but he might let it slip.”

Tan Ning curled his lips disdainfully. “Fair-weather friend.”

“We grew up together,” Lin Song’an said helplessly. “He was quite well-behaved when he was young. It wasn’t until high school, after he met a bunch of bad kids, that he became like this.”

“You talk as if you were a good student.”

“I was a good student—studied hard and didn’t date early.” Lin Song’an leaned in and, catching Tan Ning off guard, planted a kiss on his lips.

Tan Ning raised his hand, his fingertips sliding over Lin Song’an’s brow, nose tip, and the corner of his mouth. He felt a bit dazed, with fear hidden beneath his impassive expression, appearing less calm than usual.

“Lin Song’an,” he suddenly called softly.

“Yes?”

“We’ve been found out.”

“Yes.”

“What should we do?”

For the first time, he asked Lin Song’an this question.

Fang Jin might find out soon—maybe in a day, maybe three. If not from Lei Xin, then from school leaders’ gossip. The incident with Zheng Yu caused quite a stir. Lin Song’an openly revealed his relationship with Tan Ning, alarming the administration. The truth couldn’t be concealed.

As his hand slid down from Lin Song’an’s cheek and was about to retract, Lin Song’an grabbed it, holding it in his palm.

“Lin Song’an, the temperature in Ningjiang has dropped sharply recently. Winter break is coming, and Xuan City is also very cold,” Tan Ning suddenly said something seemingly unrelated.

But Lin Song’an understood his meaning.

Tan Ning looked up, tears welling in his amber eyes.

Lin Song’an cupped his face and said, “Ning Ning, let’s elope—to a place without winter.”

Tan Ning felt his heart tremble violently.