The Unattainable Flower Pulled Down from the Pedestal by Universal Dislike – CH63

Chapter 63

It seemed Lin Song’an was genuinely hurt.

The playful jab had stung his alpha pride, which he usually would have shrugged off, likely even turning it into an excuse to tease Tan Ning. But this time was different; he’d just undergone a surgery that left him weakened, both physically and emotionally.

A casual joke from Tan Ning now seemed like something Lin Song’an took to heart.

Tan Ning pinched his lips in regret, cursing himself for always speaking thoughtlessly and hurting the one he loved most.

After cleaning up the kitchen and washing the cups, he looked upstairs; the bedroom door was still closed. He carried Lin Song’an’s suitcase upstairs, unpacking his clothes and placing them neatly in the closet. Lin Song’an lay on the bed with his back turned, clearly sulking.

Soothing Lin Song’an took effort, and Tan Ning decided to start by taking a shower.

Lin Song’an grew even more annoyed at being ignored.

With the hot water streaming down his face, the noise of the shower allowed Tan Ning a brief respite from his thoughts, letting him process the dull ache he’d been holding back for a month. Lin Song’an’s arrival had reset his pain to zero, as love washed away his worries.

Tan Ning brushed water away from his eyes, smiling to himself.

Love really was a frightening word.

Just last night, he was looping Lin Song’an’s voice messages, crying alone into the early hours. And now, with Lin Song’an finally here, he was too happy to care. He had promised himself he’d no longer pretend to be indifferent, but around Lin Song’an, he still somehow turned into a version of himself he didn’t recognize.

Only Lin Song’an saw every side of him.

He hadn’t matured at all; if anything, he’d become even more stubborn and proud because he knew Lin Song’an would indulge his little moods.

Without Lin Song’an…

He’d never have truly understood the power of love to change someone.

When Yue Ying had left him, when his grandfather had left him hungry to play mahjong, and during the times people’s groundless malice at school had fallen on him, Tan Ning had believed he’d never be capable of loving or being loved. He’d expected to spend his ordinary, lonely life hidden in the shadows.

But fate had a strange way of intervening. He not only had a romance to envy but also a partner willing to give up a fundamental part of himself for their future together.

Tan Ning suddenly felt that everything in the world was destined to follow a mysterious cause and effect.

He was grateful for the day Lin Song’an had asked if he wanted a ride at Lin Qi’s doorstep, and he’d nodded.

He’d often thought back to that night with gratitude.

He had spent years in silent solitude, only to receive Lin Song’an’s constant, affectionate “Ning Ning” as a reward. It was well worth it.

Tan Ning turned off the shower, stepped out, changed into his sleepwear, and gave his hair a quick, half-dry blow.

Lin Song’an still had his back turned, determined to stick to his sulk.

Tan Ning, smelling of lemony shower gel, climbed into bed beside him, lifting the covers to slip under.

Lin Song’an shifted slightly as if he wanted to sneak a peek but didn’t turn around.

Staring at the ceiling, Tan Ning thought about how to ease things over.

“Lin Song’an.”

No response.

“Sleeping on your side can’t be comfortable.”

Lin Song’an let out a huff.

Tan Ning considered a different approach. “When you sleep on your side, there’s a gap in the blanket between us. I’m freezing.”

In his sulk, Lin Song’an tugged the blanket back to give Tan Ning more coverage.

Seeing this wasn’t working, Tan Ning changed tactics, moving closer to wrap his arms around Lin Song’an’s waist and resting his face on Lin Song’an’s back, his voice softening. “Lin Song’an… are you really mad?”

“Do I look like I’m not?”

Tan Ning’s gaze lingered on the bandage at the back of Lin Song’an’s neck, and he pressed his forehead against Lin Song’an’s back, holding back tears. “You’re silly. Instead of feeling sad about your gland, you take a joke of mine to heart. Do you even realize what a serious thing you’ve done?”

Lin Song’an covered Tan Ning’s hand, gently stroking it. “From the moment I left that operating room, things like glands and pheromones stopped being a part of my life.”

Tan Ning closed his eyes, his face pressed against Lin Song’an’s back.

“You fool.”

“You presumptuous fool.”

“But I’m still an alpha. My pheromone concentration has dropped to 20%, and that’s as low as it’ll go,” Lin Song’an replied lightly. “Now I’m an alpha who can’t emit or perceive pheromones. It’s pretty nice.”

This didn’t reassure Tan Ning; his eyes grew moist again.

Just as Lin Song’an was about to comfort him, he realized something and turned around in surprise, still lying on his side. “Wait, aren’t you supposed to be comforting me? Is calling me an idiot your idea of being sweet?”

Tan Ning couldn’t help but laugh through his tears.

“What should I do then?”

“Figure it out yourself.”

Tan Ning thought carefully, then hugged Lin Song’an’s waist, whispering softly, “Song’an.”

Lin Song’an chuckled coolly.

“…Husband.”

Lin Song’an turned around so quickly he nearly strained his neck.

Tan Ning put a hand on his neck. “Does it hurt?”

Lin Song’an leaned in and kissed him. “Say it again.”

“…Husband.”

Lin Song’an kissed him deeper.

During their kiss, Lin Song’an always closed his eyes, his eyelashes fluttering softly, making him look focused and sincere.

Tan Ning placed his hands on Lin Song’an’s shoulders, gently tracing his neck and back, his palms warm and tender in their comforting touch.

He no longer felt the need to act reserved or distant with Lin Song’an; he was willing to show his true self. He held him close, expressing his love through action. Lin Song’an would often bury his face in Tan Ning’s neck and ask what fragrance he was wearing.

Hearing this, Tan Ning felt a pang of discomfort and didn’t want to respond. But Lin Song’an continued, “I love your scent—it’s better than any pheromone.”

It was strange; Tan Ning had no pheromones, yet Lin Song’an seemed to prefer his scent to any other.

At these words, Tan Ning’s mood lifted considerably. No matter how much Lin Song’an teased him afterward, he couldn’t get too annoyed.

Still concerned about Lin Song’an’s wound, Tan Ning stayed unusually docile, which only encouraged Lin Song’an’s boldness.

The chimes of a clock sounded outside, and Tan Ning paused, reflecting.

They had traveled from Ningjiang to England, overcoming many misunderstandings and obstacles, yet here they were, still together—a testament to their incredible bond.

As the clock rang, he silently counted the time passing, yet Lin Song’an showed no signs of stopping.

“Liar,” he muttered.

Lin Song’an shamelessly smiled and kissed him.

Finally, Tan Ning gave in, draped over Lin Song’an, eyelids heavy with exhaustion, momentarily forgetting who was supposed to be the one resting. Half-asleep, he muttered, “Lin Song’an, did you really need to prove yourself like this?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Lin Song’an replied. “You had to pay for that condescending look earlier tonight.”

Tan Ning found him so immature.

Raising an eyebrow, Lin Song’an asked, “So, do you still want to be on top?”

When it came to this, Tan Ning had no qualms about his pride; he’d always preferred lying back comfortably.

“Not anymore,” Tan Ning replied, too tired to argue, wiping the sweat from his eyelids.

“Are my abs any use?”

Tan Ning thought not really, but obediently replied, “Yes.”

“Anything else to say?”

Reluctant to waste this time on banter, Tan Ning, with exaggerated reverence, replied, “You’re amazing, truly unstoppable.”

Lin Song’an narrowed his eyes, sensing something off in Tan Ning’s tone, as if there was a hint of mockery in his praise.

Fortunately, Tan Ning added a kiss on his cheek.

Though there hadn’t been anything too intense, Tan Ning felt a unique weariness. Raising himself slightly, he lay beside Lin Song’an, catching sight of the bandage on Lin Song’an’s neck resting against the feather pillow. He immediately asked, “Is your neck uncomfortable like this? I bought a special pillow for neck support, with a dip for your neck area. I’ll get it.”

But Lin Song’an turned, pulling him into his arms. “No rush, just lie here with me a bit.”

Tan Ning’s thoughts drifted to what he’d bought at the store before Lin Song’an arrived.

“I also got some waterproof bandages for showering.”

“Perfect.”

“And some scar treatment gel—a senior recommended it; her mom used it after surgery last year, and it worked wonders.”

“Thank you, babe.”

“I’ve never taken care of a patient before. Just tell me if you need anything, and I’ll go get it.” Tan Ning covered Lin Song’an with the blanket, tucking in the edges.

Lin Song’an chuckled softly. “Alright.”

They exchanged a glance and both laughed, and Lin Song’an said, “Don’t feel guilty, Ning Ning.”

A shadow crossed Tan Ning’s gaze.

“This was my decision alone. If it weighs on you for the rest of your life, then it’s not worth it. In love, the effort between two people is never perfectly equal, and it doesn’t need to be—what would be the point? I love you, so I chose to do this to be with you comfortably. You love me, so you take care of me, cook for me, and make me happy. It’s more than enough.”

Tan Ning nodded.

Lin Song’an playfully flicked Tan Ning’s forehead. “Alright, all guilt and self-blame end here. If I ever hear you say you regret the gland, I’ll really be upset.”

Tan Ning hugged him close. “Alright.”

“Our little Ning Ning grew up like a sad, wilted cabbage, weathered by sun and rain. Isn’t it only right that he’s now being pampered like a treasure?”

Tan Ning thought to himself: You’re my treasure, too.

He retrieved the special pillow and nestled onto Lin Song’an’s shoulder, the two of them falling asleep together.

They slept until morning.

It was the weekend, so Tan Ning didn’t have classes.

Around nine, his senior called, asking, “Tan Ning, the insect museum I mentioned last week—is today good for you?”

“Sorry, senior, I’m busy these days.”

“Oh? What’s up? Didn’t you say your fiancé hasn’t arrived yet?”

Tan Ning’s cheeks flushed instantly.

Too late to cover the receiver, he glanced over to find Lin Song’an already watching him with a curious look.

Realizing there was no hiding it, he honestly replied to his senior, “He arrived yesterday.”

After the call, Lin Song’an looked at him, amused. “So, I’m Ning Ning’s fiancé, huh?”

Tan Ning got up to fetch water and morning medication for Lin Song’an.

Lin Song’an couldn’t resist teasing, “Is that how you introduce me? Telling everyone you’re already engaged?”

Tan Ning said nothing, setting the cup on the bedside table.

Lin Song’an kept teasing him, asking nonstop, “Ning Ning, when are we getting married? I don’t think I can wait until your studies are over. Ning Ning, where should we have the wedding? No, wait—we haven’t even registered yet! Where should we do that?”

Tan Ning, fed up, slipped the elastic band off his hair, grabbed Lin Song’an’s hand, and wore it tightly around his ring finger.

Lin Song’an looked down at his finger, suddenly silent, with a look that resembled a starry-eyed schoolgirl.

Finally, some peace.

After a while, Lin Song’an suddenly said, “Ning Ning, you’ll have to take responsibility now.”

Instead of replying, Tan Ning picked up his phone, holding it up in front of them to snap a photo of the two together.

There are many experiences in life that only become precious once they’ve turned into memories, while some moments are already priceless right at the time they happen.

Tan Ning said, “Alright, I’ll take responsibility for you.”