Chapter 21: Unexpected Heat

For once, the usually shameless, flirting Omega actually looked shy.

Her stunning face was flushed bright red like burning clouds.

Thankfully, her back was to Grandma and Shu Hui—if they’d seen, she might as well have died on the spot.

Ni Hezhi buried her head like a quail, pushing at Su Yu with open palms.

“What are you doing? Let… let go… cough cough…“

The harsh coughing hit Su Yu right in the chest.

It felt like her heart had been pricked by the same fish bone—sharp and lingering.

Ni Hezhi’s words were broken and labored from the discomfort.

Su Yu’s face grew more and more flustered, though her arms stayed firmly wrapped around her.

“Are you… are you feeling better? Is the bone still stuck?”

Ni Hezhi’s cheeks were flushed from coughing.

The lift of her eyes carried a rare fragility, while still brimming with a charm that couldn’t be hidden.

She looked at Su Yu softly, like a kitten.

“It still hurts… Maybe a bit more vinegar?”

Su Yu was completely caught by that gaze.

Her heart melted into a puddle, aching and soft at once.

She hurried to pour another bowl of vinegar and brought it to Ni Hezhi’s lips.

The strong acidity stung her nose.

Ni Hezhi coughed again, deep and heavy.

Su Yu panicked.

Like a Monkey King whose master had been kidnapped, she was utterly lost.

“This won’t work. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

Without waiting, she rushed over to Grandma.

“Grandma, I need to borrow some money.”

The old woman was still frozen in shock—her granddaughter had hugged an Omega right in front of her!

Her mouth hung open wide enough to fit a whole egg.

“Huh? Oh, yes, yes—go! The money’s under my pillow. If it’s not enough, check the wooden box under the bed.”

Su Yu didn’t delay and hurried toward the house.

Behind her, Grandma called out,

“A-Yu, it’s late… The hospital’s dozens of li away. How will you get there?” (TN: li is a Chinese unit of measurement which is equal to 500m)

Su Yu paused.

“I’ll ask Qiu Xiaoxia for help. Her dad has a car.”

The moment the name “Qiu Xiaoxia” left Su Yu’s mouth, every sharp thorn on Ni Hezhi’s body stood on end.

Her cold voice, tinged with a cough, reached Su Yu’s ears.

“Su… cough cough… Su Yu… come back. You’re not going!”

Despite the worry in her chest, Su Yu obediently turned back to her side.

But this time, her actions were surprisingly forceful.

She slid her arm around Ni Hezhi’s waist and started dragging her outside.

“No. We’re going to the hospital.”

Already looking miserable enough, Ni Hezhi had no qualms about being even more pathetic.

“I said no! Can’t you understand? cough cough Who do you think you are… cough What right do you have to make decisions for me? Even if it hurts to death—it’s my business.”

Su Yu didn’t say a word.

She took the scolding without complaint, not even sure why she was being yelled at.

All she could do was turn back and pour another glass of warm water.

Ni Hezhi coughed so hard it felt like her organs were flipping inside out.

Su Yu couldn’t bear to watch anymore—she pulled her into her arms again and gently patted her back.

After a few moments, Ni Hezhi suddenly realized… the pain was gone.

She swallowed carefully.

The fish bone had vanished.

As the discomfort faded, her other senses returned.

And then she noticed—

She was slumped against Su Yu’s chest.

Their bodies were pressed together.

Their breathing and heartbeats… gradually syncing.

Su Yu’s warm palm moved gently along her back, caressing in soft, steady strokes.

A tingling numbness shot up her spine and spread throughout her body.

It felt like Su Yu was peeling her apart layer by layer… until she melted into a puddle.

Ni Hezhi bit her lip, flustered.

The little dummy’s hands were so warm.

Her fingertips—warmer still.

So comfortable…

Her breath came faster.

Her almond-shaped eyes shimmered with moisture, tinted with a sultry red.

Her cheeks were flushed with a seductive glow.

Her body had gone soft.

Her breathing was short and uneven.

She knew this feeling well—

It was the sign of coming into heat.

Before coming to Tong Village, Jiang Sui had forced her to take long-acting suppressants.

They were supposed to prevent Omega cycles—for at least six months.

So how…

How was it that just a hug—without Su Yu even releasing her pheromones—was enough to…

To make her go into heat?

While Ni Hezhi’s thoughts spiraled, Su Yu’s hand slid lower, brushing over the delicate skin of her waist.

The heat gathered there was damp, throbbing.

Ni Hezhi nearly collapsed.

She clung to Su Yu’s neck, pressing her fevered face against her shoulder, her body trembling uncontrollably.

Su Yu seemed to sense something wrong.

She looked down—and saw Ni Hezhi biting her lower lip, her face bright red, the skin around her eyes flushed.

Tears welled at the corners.

She looked even more uncomfortable than before.

“Ni Hezhi, are you okay?”

Su Yu was clearly distressed, her voice laced with panic.

“I’m calling a car. We’re going to the hospital.”

Ni Hezhi quickly tightened her arms around Su Yu’s waist.

“No—don’t go!”

She fought to steady her voice.

“Su Yu, I’m fine. No need for the hospital. I’m better now.”

The worry between Su Yu’s brows eased—only for her to frown again.

“We should still check. What if your throat is scratched?”

“Really, I’m fine.”

Ni Hezhi looked away, unable to meet her gaze.

No other reason—

But the lace panties she was wearing… were soaked.

Just one little hug from Su Yu…

And her body had reacted uncontrollably.

With shame amplifying every sensation… the reaction was only getting worse.