Carpe diem

The consequences⁠‌​⁠‌⁠​​​⁠​‌‍‍​⁠‍⁠‍‌‌‍‌‌ of two individuals going mad together naturally had to be sustained by both parties.

The old Woodpecker noted with bitter grief: “I assumed you two possessed a sense of measure. I never anticipated it would be so, so…” He searched his mind for a long moment yet failed to locate an adjective both polite and fitting for the scenario.

A nurse was currently re-bandaging Yu Chen. The man had applied far too much raw force, causing the wound to break open and coat the entire bed in blood. An outsider looking in would assume Bai Ling had executed a ruthless assault along the way.

Yu Chen didn’t stand on the ceremony of his status, baring a smile as he noted warmly, “Having reached this age, I must naturally be particular about carpe diem.”

The old Woodpecker let out a long sigh. What carpe diem? This was purely leveraging the fact that he was hard to kill to execute a manic streak of courting death.

He shifted his gaze toward the smaller one. The white-haired fledgling sat to the side in absolute silence, his fingers quietly tracing and smoothing over the Old Emperor’s wrist. The young omega’s collar was buttoned exceptionally tight; even so, it failed to obscure the teeth marks gnawed across his neck.

Sustaining a deep bite, supplemented by a wild frenzy.

Recalling something, the old Woodpecker manufactured a random excuse about gathering medication, calling the little white bird outside the room.

“You’ve just been fully marked by an alpha; you must absolutely pay heed to your physical conditioning over these next two days. The introduction of an alpha’s pheromones into your bloodstream will trigger diverse chain reactions—such as low fevers, localized aching, a parched throat, and a heightened emotional dependency. During this period, focus more on supplementing vitamins and minimize… intense physical conditioning.”

Zhuo Liangmu coughed once to cover his embarrassment, adding: “Only by preserving the physical health of both parties can the waters flow long.”

Yet after he finished speaking, he caught zero response from the young man. Lifting his head to look over, he found the little bird’s expression completely dazed, staring directly into the darkness at the far end of the corridor, his thoughts entirely unreadable.

After a long while, Bai Ling pinched his palms, asking slowly, “A complete mark… what does it feel like?”

Zhuo Liangmu dazed for a moment: “You don’t feel it?”

On second thought, he reasoned that the omega might be far too young, deficient in physiological knowledge regarding these matters, remaining entirely unaware that he had been marked. After all, being processed so thoroughly by an alpha of the Old Emperor’s caliber, the imposition of a mark was an absolute certainty.

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“I don’t know. I can’t perceive it.”

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Zhuo Liangmu hesitated, stating: “It will… render a complete mark forever impossible.”

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“When that time comes, you will witness the person you treasure grow increasingly intimate with another, ultimately resulting in an emotional collapse as you are forced to accept that they are the match made in heaven.”

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“It is all to prevent the clasping of the wrong hands…”

A draft swept through the corridor as a biting chill struck straight into the bird’s slender wrists. The overhead lighting of the hospital corridor cast a stark white glow, rendering Bai Ling’s features nearly transparent. He stood there without uttering a syllable, his aura radiating a distant do-not-approach warning, yet Zhuo Liangmu developed a delusional sensation that the young man was quietly fracturing pieces of himself.

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Knowing that the young man and the Old Emperor shared a profound bond, Zhuo Liangmu truly couldn’t bear to tear them apart, so he loosened his phrasing by two fractions:

“In truth, a final mark is also a question of probability, influenced by numerous factors. There are also individuals who only achieve a successful mark on the second or third attempt.”

Though that probability was a mere 0.001%.

“In short, attempt it a few more times; perhaps a turning point will manifest.” Zhuo Liangmu dared not make absolute assertions.

The tension within Bai Ling’s heart eased slightly.

In truth, given his testament, the person he fretted over most was not himself, but rather Yu Chen. That old man harbored such a ferocious possessiveness over him; if the man discovered down the line that marking him was impossible, he would inevitably undergo all manners of dark, toxic degeneration. Yu Chen’s mental state was already incredibly fragile; he truly had no desire to append further burdens onto the man.

Therefore, he made up his mind…

He would simply bind that old fish up and keep going until a successful mark was accomplished.

Bai Ling suddenly spoke: “That specialized rope of yours works quite efficiently. Can you gift me a crate of it?”

The old Woodpecker: “?!”

Author’s Note:

The Little Bird is truly something—remembering the lesson but forgetting the punishment. An hour ago, he was processed to the point of dry-heaving; an hour later: Forcing that old bastard into compliance is something I can handle with ease, the advantage is entirely mine!

Old Merman: Having reached this age, I must naturally celebrate a joyful year, consuming some choice meat, premium dishes, and a bit of little bird soup.

Little Bird: (Stands up to propose a toast) Come, come, come—eat the dishes! (Pecks continuously) May there be fish year after year!

Old Merman: (Leans in close to be pecked)