A White Cloud (GL ABO) - Chapter 50

As expected, a few days later, Tomb Cheng underwent tests at the research institute.

The results showed her gland was changing slightly.

The pheromone concentration in her drawn bl00d was two percentage points higher than before.

Doctor Liao, who conducted the tests, was astonished, seeing such a case for the first time.

“Your gland is actually healing itself!” she exclaimed.

Tomb Cheng looked at the tube of active pheromones but felt no joy.

She only half-understood the report’s other results but grasped the simplest, most direct information.

If her pheromones became more active due to contact with Shen Zhiqing, what should she do? Keep entangling with her like this?

An unclear entanglement benefited neither of them.

She had fallen into Omega’s tender trap once before.

Falling again would be too deliberate.

She believed Shen Zhiqing needed her comfort.

Their perfect compatibility laid them bare, but Tomb Cheng no longer thought she could leverage pheromones to earn Shen Zhiqing’s equal affection.

By the time she left the institute, her mood had calmed.

She coolly accepted that highly compatible Alphas and Omegas could influence and heal each other.

For now, this was more beneficial than harmful to her.

She walked to the hospital to pick up Xu Yiyi from a follow-up.

Before arriving, she saw Shen Zhiqing at the entrance, holding Xu Yiyi’s hand, waiting for her.

The gloomy weather matched her mood.

Tomb Cheng watched the wind lift Shen Zhiqing’s curly hair.

The doctor didn’t notice her, crouching to talk to Xu Yiyi, holding a piece of paper.

Her clean white coat touched the ground.

Suddenly, Shen Zhiqing smiled, her eyes crinkling as she stroked Xu Yiyi’s hair.

Xu Yiyi didn’t resist or show discomfort at the touch.

“Doctor Shen,” Tomb Cheng said, approaching them.

Dark clouds hung heavily overhead. Shen Zhiqing buttoned Xu Yiyi’s jacket, stood with a clear smile, and said, “You’re here.”

Her voice brimmed with uncontained joy.

Xu Yiyi didn’t immediately leave Shen Zhiqing’s hand to rush into Tomb Cheng’s arms.

The woman’s black hair blew behind her shoulder.

Tomb Cheng’s lashes lowered, nodding slightly, her eyes hiding her emotions.

Spring breeze rustled the willows.

The busy hospital entrance drew attention.

After a few curious glances, Shen Zhiqing handed Tomb Cheng the drawing, saying, “This is her gift for you today.”

It was a refined drawing of three people holding hands, walking toward a house.

Tomb Cheng keenly sensed Shen Zhiqing’s intent.

She crouched, reached for Xu Yiyi, and said gently, “Thank you, Yiyi.”

She led Xu Yiyi away.

Shen Zhiqing watched them until a flashy luxury car stopped in front.

A male Alpha stepped out, holding a large bouquet, and gave it to her.

Across the distant crowd, Tomb Cheng somehow knew it was lilies of the valley.

She later recalled that Shen Zhiqing only accepted those flowers.

Xu Yiyi tried to look back, but her mother blocked her.

Tomb Cheng hugged her neck, her eyes questioning why her mother turned back.

Tomb Cheng hid the fleeting smile in her eyes from Shen Zhiqing, lifted Xu Yiyi, and asked softly what she wanted for dinner.

The child quickly shifted focus, clung to her mother’s neck, and went home with her.

While cooking, Tomb Cheng called Xiao Zhiman.

Hearing weak coughs, she worried, saying, “Is Sister Xiao swamped with work lately? How did you get sick?”

For over a week, Xiao Zhiman, not wanting to be alone or worry her parents, went to Lin Momo’s place after work, exhausting herself into illness.

“Seasonal cold, no big deal,” Xiao Zhiman said.

She felt unwell at work today, her desk still piled with translation materials and interview drafts, not yet quitting time.

Tomb Cheng advised her, heard voices on Xiao Zhiman’s end, and hung up after reminders.

On the other side, Xiao Zhiman agreed to visit the hospital tomorrow for the weekend.

She didn’t expect Tomb Cheng to “force” her by saying she’d be upset if Xiao Zhiman didn’t show up.

Little Orange seemed sensitive to colds and fevers.

Once, during military school, harsh training and sudden weather changes gave Tomb Cheng a severe fever.

Xiao Zhiman visited her then, finding her delirious in the infirmary, muttering “sister, sister.”

Keeping her promise, Xiao Zhiman didn’t back out.

The next day, Lin Momo drove her to the hospital.

Since Lin Momo had other plans, Xiao Zhiman went for tests alone.

“Slight respiratory infection,” the doctor said.

“I’ll prescribe nutrient fluid. Pay the fee, then get an IV in the lobby.”

As he spoke, the clinic door knocked twice.

Xia An pushed it open, standing at the doorway.

“Director Li,” she said.

“Doctor Xia, what brings you here?” the director asked.

Xia An closed the door, glanced at Xiao Zhiman’s flushed face from fever, and smiled warmly, saying, “Director Li, Manman is my friend.”

Lin Momo had called her, despite Xiao Zhiman’s clear refusal.

“Oh, help her out then. It’s minor,” the director said.

“Thanks, Director,” Xia An replied.

Xia An half-supported Xiao Zhiman from the clinic.

Xiao Zhiman felt dizzy, letting her guide her to a seat in the lobby.

Omega carried a faint jasmine scent, likely perfume matching her pheromones.

“Manman, sit here. I’ll pay the fee,” Xia An said, bringing a cushion from her office.

Xiao Zhiman, weak and limp, leaned back, closed her eyes, and rubbed her nose bridge, saying, “Thanks, Anan.”

Xia An went to pay.

Xiao Zhiman raised her arm to her forehead, the scalding heat burning her skin.

The lobby buzzed with noise—crying kids, arguing adults, and a sobbing boy, comforted by a handsome man half-coaxing, half-hugging him.

Irritated, Xiao Zhiman dialed a number without thinking.

Her voice weak and faint, she asked, “Can you come down?”

Please, it’s so noisy here.

“Doctor Xia, what’s this?” a surgical colleague asked, seeing Xia An with forms and medicine.

Xia An smiled politely, saying, “A friend, she’s sick.”

“Oh, carry on,” the colleague said.

Xia An handed the medicine to a nurse, ready to head over, but stopped at the lobby entrance.

The nurse, assuming she had business, didn’t ask.

Xia An slipped her hands into her pockets, turned, and left.

—

Tomb Cheng brought morning soup and Xu Yiyi to visit Xiao Zhiman at the hospital.

Before entering the clinic building, a dark blue sedan parked at the entrance.

Shen Zhiqing got out from the passenger side.

A female Alpha, dressed in a suit with a refined face, looking like a social elite, stepped out too.

“Doctor Shen, remember our deal,” the Alpha said.

Shen Zhiqing glanced back, nodded gracefully, and said, “Safe travels, Representative Pei.”

As she turned to re-enter the hospital, Tomb Cheng and Xu Yiyi had already entered the elevator.