On this day, Zhong Qi invited Jiang Zhige to a local specialty restaurant and Mr. Yan was also going to go.

Gu Qinglan knew this restaurant, one of the best in the city. Mr. Yan wanted him to go up together, and as a bodyguard, Gu Qinglan didn't hesitate at all.

His determination was high; he understood that life is short, so as long as he followed Mr. Yan and scraped by, eating and drinking for free, it would be enough.

This is a low-key Chinese-style restaurant. As you enter, there are one-meter tall plate-shaped champagne cups on both sides, filled with countless candies, probably intended for children to enjoy.

Gu Qinglan glanced over and saw his favorite peppermint candy. He resisted the temptation to grab it, because he couldn't embarrass Mr. Yan.

Mr. Yan didn't wear formal attire. He rolled up his sleeves and reached into the glass to grab a handful. He did it effortlessly, with a calm and relaxed demeanor, which surprised Gu Qinglan.

Take it." Gu Qinglan received it with both hands, feeling a bit flattered. Mr. Yan's hands were really big; he could easily hold a piece of candy with just one hand, whereas Gu Qinglan needed both hands to do the same.

The astute waiter promptly brought a delicate box. Gu Qinglan placed the candy inside the box, which was also adorned with a playful elephant design. The waiter handed the elephant-shaped box to Gu Qinglan.

Gu Qinglan's attention was completely drawn to the elephant-shaped box. When she turned a corner at the stairwell and there was no one around, she bumped into Mr. Yan's shoulder.

"Childish stuff," Mr. Yan said.

Gu Qinglan smiled sweetly and said, "That's why I feel a bit embarrassed. Next time, I'll ask Mr. Yan to help me carry it, and besides, your hands are so big, you can carry a lot."

He definitely knows that he is being favored, so he dares to boldly make demands. Gu Qinglan tears open a candy with her mouth to give to Mr. Yan, but he gently pushes her away.

Gu Qinglan tilted her head back and put the candy in her own mouth. With a crunch, she bit the candy into pieces, and the refreshing coolness of mint filled her mouth.

When they were almost at the private room, Mr. Yan intentionally said, "Did you know that the scent of Omega pheromones in the company also smells like mint?"

"...Ahem!" Gu Qinglan choked.

Mr. Yan actually enjoyed teasing him.

Gu Qinglan forced a smile and said, "Mr. Yan, I am a Beta. How can I smell someone else's pheromones?" While feeling guilty, she still managed to push open the private room door for Mr. Yan.

Mr. Zhige was feeling extremely bored, with one hand supporting his head while the other hand played with his cellphone. When he saw Gu Qinglan approaching, he showed an animated smile and said, "The handsome little brother has arrived too, come sit beside me."

Gu Qinglan quickly waved her hands and stood behind Mr. Yan.

Jiang Zhige sang, "Don't be in a hurry to find your Mr. Yan." He let out a self-mocking sigh towards Mr. Yan, "Am I really so detestable?"

Mr. Yan did not answer. He wasn't asking a question, but rather playfully complaining.

Several dishes were already placed on the round table. The delicately arranged dishes had gentle colors, but there were no flamboyant or ostentatious decorations.

Zhong Qidian ordered a bottle of sweet white wine and a bottle of light and dry red wine from the brand Zweig, without calling the sommelier. He also ordered a special juice for Gu Qinglan.

From what Jiang Zhege could tell, Gu Qinglan held a very special position.

A few of them discussed their college days, raising their glasses for a toast. Gu Qinglan took charge of eating, while Jiang Zhige spoke with a smile, "Back then, the two of you were always inseparable. If it wasn't for Zhong Qi having a girlfriend at the time, I would have thought you both were a couple..."

Zhong Qi smiled faintly, not knowing whether this smile was due to disillusionment with the world or a nonchalant attitude. Could it be because of his past girlfriend?

Two-thirds of the food on the table had made its way into Gu Qinglan's stomach. Jiang Zhige's cheeks turned rosy from drinking, and suddenly he looked at Gu Qinglan and said, "Being a bodyguard must require great skills, but you can only stare at this tough guy, William, every day. Have you considered taking care of me instead?"

"Bao yang?" Gu Qinglan was at a loss, Jiang Zhige suddenly stood up and spun around in front of him, saying, "You won't regret taking care of me."

The introverted Gu Qinglan had no idea how to answer his question. Jiang Zhige was indeed a beautiful Omega, although his taste in clothing was peculiar - he wore a patterned shirt, black pants made of slightly shiny soft material hugging his slender legs, and exaggerated hoop earrings adorned his ears. The light golden curls emitted the fragrance of styling water. However, Gu Qinglan was an Omega and basically incapable of developing feelings for the same sex.

Zhong Qi said, "Gezi, you should find an Alpha."

Jiang Zhige laughed with exaggeration, but her chestnut-colored eyes dimmed: "Isn't Beta good? Alpha's possessiveness is too strong, easy to be marked, so it's only suitable for casual play... I almost died at the hands of that bastard back then."

Upon hearing this, both Zhong Qi and Mr. Yan's expressions turned icy with heaviness.

Gu Qinglan also sensed the solemn atmosphere and dared not make a sound.

To his surprise, the usually reserved Mr. Yan was the first to comfort Jiang Zhige, or rather state a fact: "As long as you're willing, no one can hurt you anymore."

Zhong Qi also said, "It has been so many years, forget about him."

Jiang Zhige sneered and laughed, "I've long forgotten, but I must admit I can be easily sentimental. Sometimes, I still think of that scoundrel. I truly wish he'd die in prison!"

It seems that Mr. Zhige has experienced many unpleasant past events.

Jiang Zhige seemed a little tipsy as he said, "Do you know... that scum is going to be released from prison soon. I have no choice but to hurriedly come back to the country..."

Zhong Qi said, "If you need the help of both Yan Lin and me..."

"No need, no one can help me... Unless I am marked..." Jiang Zhige chuckled, carefree.

After three rounds of drinks, my interest waned. Jiangzhi suddenly insisted on going to the bar to meet an online friend and left early.