Chapter Text
Jiang Cheng wants to die.
He had gone through various life events that made him want to sink into the ground and disappear from the face of the earth.
Like, the first time he went into rut as a young hormonal alpha, and deliriously begged his (ex) best friend to stay the night. He said no. They both pretended it never happened.
Or sometimes he remembers darker days, like when several Alpha Heirs from prominent houses were coerced into staying at the Wen mansion in Qishan for an indefinite amount of time. There was technically no harm done to any of them, but Jiang Cheng remembered the nagging fear of stepping out of line, because the Wen brothers were pretty fucked in the head and kept insinuating weird shit to him. They seemed to get a kick out of humiliating or putting other Alphas into submission.
Really, if he sat down in his study and documented every single humiliating and embarrassing moment in his life, he’d probably run out of paper and ink.
Now he’s staring at the invitation to the annual Omega debutante ball.
His closest friend (Nie Huaisang) and loved ones (Jin Ling) kept pestering him, asking when Jiang Cheng would finally come out of seclusion and announce why he had disappeared from the public eye. Jiang Cheng is an avoidant man, so he personally thought he could get away with isolating himself in his family estate. Forever.
It wasn’t until Nie Huaisang had finally broached the subject.
“You have to announce it at some point. You can’t keep this a secret forever.”
“Why not?! Why should I have to declare anything? It’s not like I’ll find a match, so why can’t I just live the rest of my life in solitude?”
Jiang Cheng can’t help the bite in his tone. He’s irritated at the prospect of anyone trying to interrupt his peace… but he’s even more frustrated at how lonely he is. It’s not that he doesn’t want a partner at all. He’s just being realistic about his prospects.
Nie Huaisang sighs. He sits on Jiang Cheng’s desk even though he knows Jiang Cheng hates it.
“Just think,” Huaisang pleads. “If you were the last of your family, then of course you can do whatever you want. But, you’re not, are you?”
He pointedly tilts the picture frame on Jiang Cheng’s desk, flashing the candid photograph of Jin Ling laughing. It’s Jiang Cheng’s favourite photo.
Jiang Cheng grits his teeth, his jaw clenching. He rubs the bridge of his nose. Of course he’s not the last of the Jiang lineage. He’s now responsible for Jin Ling.
“He’s fourteen years old! He won’t be attending these balls for at least another four years!”
“What exactly is your plan?”
“I’ll never redebut, no one has to know that I’m— that anything’s changed, and Jin Ling can live his life the way he wants.” Jiang Cheng knows he sounds like a spoilt brat. He’s in his late 30s and he’s whining at one of his only true friends.
“You really think this,” Nie Huaisang waves dramatically and gestures at all of Jiang Cheng in a rather rude way, “—will remain a secret until the day you die? What about when people question why Jin Ling always stinks of a certain Omega? What if people find out after Jin Ling has already made his debut into society? What about when people run into you in public? Or, what if you accidentally go into heat in public?!”
Jiang Cheng groans and sinks his head into his hands. It would be an absolute trashfire. People would be furious that Jiang Cheng tried to subvert societal and cultural norms. They would hate him even more, for surviving the downfall of his family and securing financial safety through his pre-existing connections as an Alpha, when he should have tripped and fallen behind long ago. If they found out he scraped by with all the power he holds in his family name, and it turned out he isn’t even an Alpha? A lot of goodwill was given to him, and it's questionable how much of it he'd have if people knew he was no longer Alpha Jiang of Yunmeng.
He would lose what little trust he was able to maintain. His entire family’s reputation and legacy would be ruined. He would singlehandedly fuck up Jin Ling’s future prospects, just by existing. Jin Ling would be known as the orphan who was raised inappropriately by a single Omega.
“I would ruin everything for him, before his life even began.”
“You are so dramatic,” Nie Huaisang scoffs. He ruffles Jiang Cheng’s hair. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. I have an idea. Here, look at this.”
Jiang Cheng takes one look at the flyer and crumples it. He grits his teeth.
“I already said. Jin Ling is way too young to go to this year’s debutante ball. I’m not backing down from this. I know some parents are starting to push their wards to debut younger and younger, but I will not send my underage kid into the bloodthirsty mess of a debutante ball when he’s not even of-age just for some haughty alphas to gawk at him like he's part of a buffet—”
“Not him,” Huaisang interrupts. He jabs a finger into Jiang Cheng’s chest. “You. You'll be part of the buffet.”
Jiang Cheng’s jaw drops. He splutters an indignant laugh, waiting for the punchline… but Huaisang’s stare is extra serious.
“You want me to attend this?!” Jiang Cheng splutters, gaping at Huaisang. “And say what, hey everyone, look at me, remember when I was named as one of the top Alpha bachelors in this country? Just kidding, after some weird traumatic event, my hormones have flipped and now I’m an Omega?”
“Yes.”
“You want me, a thirty year-old washed-up old man, to show up as part of the annual buffet of barely legal Omegas?”
“That’s not exactly how I’d describe you, and also calling it a buffet is crude. But, essentially, yes.”
“So I just broadcast the news that I’m no longer an eligible Alpha? That I am an eligible Omega? I humiliate myself in front of everyone?” Jiang Cheng thinks about it. “Though, if I do it once on such a public scale… I don’t have to do it again.”
“Now you’re using your brain. Look, if you use the ball to answer all the questions people direct at you, the story will get out there. You don’t have to host any awkward reverse coming-out dinners in your own home. You don’t have to give a weird interview for one of those trashy gossip columns. You don’t have to verbally say you’re an eligible Omega now. Just… show up, eat some food, and answer some questions about your estate. Then no one can complain that you’re an illegal Omega trying to hoard your wealth in secrecy. Instead, you're a late-blooming Omega with an entire estate to your name, your entire wealth available and on-the-market.”
Jiang Cheng’s silence is loud. He smooths out the crumpled invitation and rereads it. As crazy of an idea as it is… there is something attractive to this plan. He can attend this one public event, put all the rumours to rest, then go back into isolation. People will stop bugging him to meet their freshly debuted omega children.
“Who knows,” Huaisang says in a sing-song voice, “maybe you’ll find a match too.”
Jiang Cheng bursts out laughing. Nie Huaisang was always such a dreamer. He slaps Huaisang’s leg.
“Alright, I’ll do this if you promise not to interfere with my outfit.”
“Hm. Show me what you plan to wear first. I deserve to see an example before I make any promises.”
Nie Huaisang absolutely interferes with his outfit.
Jiang Cheng wanted to wear something simple that he already owned, but Huaisang nearly went into a feral rage when Jiang Cheng showed the pieces of clothing to him.
“This jacket makes you look hideously bulky, and these pants don’t even fit you right! The colours aren’t even in-style anymore — why do you own these?!”
“Bulky… was in style for Alphas…” Jiang Cheng says sheepishly.
He lets Nie Huaisang rip through his closet like a whirlwind, searching for adequate clothing. The longer they spend there, the more irritated Huaisang gets.
Finally, Huaisang gives up and grabs a tape measure.
“I’m going to have new clothes made for you. Don’t argue. Stand still.”
Jiang Cheng shuts up and lets his friend do his magic. There was something sweet in Huaisang’s excitement over dressing Jiang Cheng up for an event. It reminded him of easier times, when Jiang Cheng had a sister and best friend to fuss over his clothes before big events.
It was nice to be looked after for once.
Sighing, Jiang Cheng fiddled with the silk tie around his neck. According to Huaisang, who was then backed by Jin Ling, tiny useless scarves are currently very trendy despite the fact that they offer zero function. Jiang Cheng stared in the mirror and fiddled with with the scarf some more, hopelessly trying to drape the ends in a way to strategically cover up more skin.
His poor excuse of a shirt is flowy and tight in all the wrong places. Apparently this season’s style is all about the look of someone finding fabric scraps in the garbage and haphazardly piecing them together in the vague semblance of a shirt. The neckline dips much too low, and if he leans forward, his chest is entirely on display.
If he squints, he’s pretty sure the fabric is see-through in bright light.
His pants are high waisted, and cinched uncomfortably tight with leather laces. It looks like the corset trend is spreading from dresses to pants.
“Isn’t this too much?” Jiang Cheng grumbles.
He takes some practiced steps around the dressing room, lifting his knees high, testing out the stretch of his pants. He drops into a comfortable squat, then bounces back up. Despite how tight the clothes are, they’re surprisingly stretchy.
“I feel indecent. I might as well go naked. Also, aren’t there any shirts that will hide my scars better?”
He tugs at the low neckline again, trying to make it sit in a way that won’t expose his scarred chest. Just as he starts to tug the useless scarf off, Huaisang slaps his hand away.
“Absolutely not. This is the look. The scarf tantilizes and teases. It’ll drive all the alphas up the wall. Don’t you remember what it was like?”
The question makes Jiang Cheng pause. He shakes his head.
“Not really. I mean, I remember lusting after someone because they bared their neck. But I couldn’t explain then why I liked it so much, and I can’t explain it now either.” He fidgets with his sleeves. “To be honest, I don’t feel that different. I’m still me… aren’t I?”
“Of course you are,” Huaisang says, patting him soothingly on the back.
The easy way Huaisang touched him had been so strange at first, but Jiang Cheng quickly grew to appreciate the comfort. He would’ve never done this before, it would’ve been inappropriate and near scandalous for an Omega and Alpha to freely touch each other like that when they were only friends. And Jiang Cheng especially wouldn’t have let an unmated and unmarked Omega touch him like that. But now they’re both unmated and unmarked Omegas, which put them in a much more comfortable territory.
Huaisang says cheekily, “You’re still the same oblivious gruff asshole. There’s a weird charm to you, but it might be your money talking.”
Jiang Cheng lunges at him, laughing as Huaisang dodges with a surprised squeal.
Huaisang acts like he’s got a low constitution, but truly he’s spry and dexterous when the situation calls for it. Like right now, when Jiang Cheng wants to tackle him and ruffle his perfect hair.
He finally catches Huaisang by the sleeve, but Huaisang pulls them both to the ground, until they’re a heap of limbs and tousled hair, gasping for breath.
Surprisingly, Jiang Cheng’s new outfit survives the short tussle.
“Seriously, you’re not pulling a prank on me, are you?” Jiang Cheng asks again, checking the mirror. He smooths a hand over his flimsy shirt, admiring the softness. “You’re not setting me up to be the laughing stock of town, right?”
“Oh my god, you are so fussy. Here, let’s get a second opinion.”
Huaisang grabs Jiang Cheng’s hand and tugs him down the hall, out of the eastern wing of Qinghe manor. They head straight into the western wing, where Huaisang’s older brother usually is.
The transition from the Omega Nie’s wing to the Alpha Nie’s wing is a stark contrast, like a line was drawn halfway through the manor and the two brothers scented and decorated however they liked without caring about blending their preferences. Not only does Huaisang’s bright and airy furniture contrast with Mingjue-ge’s darker and blockier furniture, the scent also changes dramatically.
Jiang Cheng sneezes as he’s pulled through hallways that stink of earth and leather. He had seen Mingjue briefly after Jiang Cheng had changed, but it was always in Huaisang’s wing of the house. He remembered Mingjue smelling strong, but not overpowering like this.
They burst into Mingjue’s study.
“Ge, can you please tell A-Cheng he looks like a respectable Omega— oh. Sorry. I didn’t know you had a guest today.”
They freeze guiltily in the doorway.
Nie Mingjue and his handsome guest are mid-conversation, sitting in the armchairs by the fireplace.
Jiang Cheng stares blankly at the two men, vaguely aware that he has no idea who this stranger is. He frowns, racking his brain for any hint of the smiling man with golden eyes. He used to know and track every single Alpha who entered their city, for competitive reasons but also for networking reasons. He has no recognition of this man.
Huaisang whacks him on the back, hissing. “What are you doing?! Bow!”
Startled, Jiang Cheng realises Huaisang had instinctively dropped into a proprietary bow, as customary for Omegas. Jiang Cheng hurries to copy him. While Huaisang is elegant and smooth, Jiang Cheng is… well, he's Jiang Cheng. He dips into a quick bow, starts to straighten up, but is stopped by Huaisang again, who pinches him in the side.
“No—Omegas stay in their bows longer!” Huaisang whispers hurriedly.
“Oh my god,” Jiang Cheng grumbles, wincing at the pinch. This was ridiculous. Omegas had such silly customs and now he had to learn them all anew and practice them. He had never noticed little details like the precise amount of seconds an Omega bowed to him. He waits a few seconds longer, then finally stands up.
Nie Mingjue and his guest are both standing too, the guest is frozen in spot, staring intently at Jiang Cheng.
“A-Cheng,” Nie Mingjue says, confusion and shock on his face. His eyes drift down, taking Jiang Cheng and his outfit in. Then something strange happens. Chifeng-Zun, the Alpha Leader of House Nie, blushes. He clears his throat. “I didn’t know you were visiting today.”
"Your annoying brother agreed to help me get ready for the ball. Although I don’t know if he’s truly helping, or hindering.” Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes, gesturing at himself in his ridiculous get-up. “Be straight with me, Mingjue-ge. Do I look like a fool?”
Nie Mingjue, who is usually blunt and crass, turns even redder as his eyes trail down Jiang Cheng’s body, then back up. He fidgets under Jiang Cheng’s confused stare. “Uh, no… you don’t look like a fool.”
“Oh my god,” Huaisang exclaims. Then he bursts into laughter. “Ge, you—oh my god, this is perfect!”
Mingjue snaps at Huaisang. “Shut up! Be quiet, you little monster.”
Confused, Jiang Cheng feels like he’s left out of an inside joke. Mingjue is now avoiding his eyes. Instead, Mingjue grabbed Huaisang and pulled him over into the corner, the two brothers now trading harsh whispers back and forth.
This left Jiang Cheng standing awkwardly close to a strange new Alpha. This strange Alpha who is still standing stock-still, like he’s trying hard not to spook Jiang Cheng, except his piercing stare is unnervingly trained on Jiang Cheng.
Crossing his arms, Jiang Cheng stares right back at him. He lets his eyes take in all the details he’s been trained to attend to his whole life. This man wore his hair long and loose, which spoke of someone who didn’t follow city-trends. His clothes were a little outdated, but crisp and clean. He’s tall, and yet his clothes are tailored perfectly to his measurements. With his immaculate posture and head held high, this man spoke of quiet wealth, nothing flashy.
The Alpha seems to remember his manners and offers a well-practiced charming smile. “I don’t think we’ve met.” A low smooth voice, one that commands attention. The man starts to sweep into a bow.
By instinct, Jiang Cheng reaches out a hand.
The man stares at his hand, then immediately takes it, as if he’s afraid Jiang Cheng will rescind the offer any second. The man’s hand is large and warm. Not sweaty or clammy. He gives a good firm handshake. Jiang Cheng nods approvingly, offering a satisfied smile.
The man’s face lights up. His smile is warm. “Lan Xichen, of Gusu.”
Ah, Gusu territories. Facts filter into Jiang Cheng’s head. A powerful piece of land claimed long ago, with incredible defenses due to its high vantage points up in the mountains, and its isolated grounds. Unfortunately, in today’s modern economy and state of affairs, it’s a bit too isolated for all the social events expected from prestigious families. In fact, there was a lot of mystery shrouding Gusu and its heirs.
Jiang Cheng is intrigued.
“Jiang Wanyin. House Jiang of Yunmeng.”
Something briefly passes over Lan Xichen’s face, like he has his own learned facts about all the major houses too, and they’re shuffling into space now that he knows who Jiang Cheng is. The sole survivor of Lotus Pier's massacre. The orphan who rebuilt his estate with sheer luck and will, and then promptly went into seclusion, hiding from society. A gamble for any unattached heirs or heiresses, who should be seeking potential partners to anchor themselves to. At least, that's the bits of rumour about Jiang Cheng that is most prominent these days. He has an idea of what people are saying. Unfortunately, he's been unmarried for so long, that most of the rumours have started to slide into negative territory, claiming Jiang Cheng is simply not likeable despite all the wealth to his name.
“Did you say this is to be your debut outfit?” Lan Xichen asks, eyes drifting down Jiang Cheng’s low neckline, then snapping back up again. His cheeks are pink, and this signals to Jiang Cheng that Lan Xichen thinks his outfit is extremely improper. He’s probably judging Jiang Cheng.
“Yes. I’m making my official debut this year.” He leaves the ‘again’ out of the sentence. “I know, I know. The clothes don’t fit me well. I’m afraid I don’t have the right fragile look that is so trendy amongst Omegas these days. I’m also a bit older than the usual crowd.” Jiang Cheng sheepishly scratches at his neck, irritated when he’s reminded of the useless slip of a scarf tied there, the silky fabric tight on his hot skin.
“You’re right,” the man says faintly.
Jiang Cheng frowns again. He knew he was the one who had said the clothes didn’t fit well in the first place… but the man didn’t have to agree that quickly. He starts to withdraw his hand, but Lan Xichen tightens his grip, refusing to let go.
“I meant, you’re right that you don’t look fragile. But,” the Alpha takes a deep breath to steady himself, yet he still looks winded. “I think it suits you. You look lovely.”
Jiang Cheng abruptly laughs in Lan Xichen’s face. Lovely?! Who in their right mind would ever describe Jiang Cheng as lovely?! Still laughing, Jiang Cheng tugs his scarf off with his free hand. He knew he looked stupid. Lan Xichen's eyes follow the strip of fabric, probably unable to look away from such a ridiculous fashion statement.
“Oh goodness, what on earth—” Huaisang whirls back into the vicinity, and practically shrieks at the sight of Jiang Cheng having skin-contact with a strange new Alpha.
“Uh,” Mingjue jumps in nervously, as if suddenly sensing something improper about the scenario. “This is Jiang Cheng, Head A—, ah… Head of House Jiang. He’s Huaisang’s childhood friend. And, this is Lan Xichen, my own childhood friend. Head Alpha of Gusu territories.”
“Yes, yes. We just met. I thought the Head Alpha of Gusu is said to be much older. Old enough to have two adult wards.” What was Lan Xichen doing in the city? Gusu is a long way away. Jiang Cheng flips Lan Xichen's palm, holding it open and stuffing the scarf into the Alpha's grasp.
Lan Xichen blinks at him, dazed. He looks down at the strip of lilac silk in his grip, and blinks several times. His confusion is cute.
Jiang Cheng snorts.
"You can keep that as a token for the 'lovely' comment. I almost believed you." He's never wearing something this embarrassing again. He sits himself on the edge of Mingjue's desk, crossing his legs and leaning back on his arms. “You’re a long way from home, Alpha Lan.”
“Yes, Xichen, why don’t you explain why you’re here?” Mingjue says. Is that sarcasm in his tone?
“I’m here to discuss Mingjue’s project proposal. I’ll be hosting this year’s debutante ball. In Gusu.” Lan Xichen says this all matter-of-factly. He straightens up, his arms folding comfortably behind him. His cheeks are still a little pink.
“You’re—wait, really? I thought—” Mingjue’s shock is cut off by Lan Xichen’s prompt response.
“You’ve put up a thoughtful discussion on the merits of this joint venture. It would bolster Gusu’s economy, and you’re right. It’s time I participated in society. I’ve hidden away long enough.” He never looks away from Jiang Cheng. “I think I would like to finally meet people.”
“A ball in Gusu? What a brilliant idea,” Jiang Cheng said excitedly, looking between the two Alphas. “Everyone’s always wondered what the grounds are like. I’ve heard the mountains itself hold so much history about the Lan family. Is it true you have a Grand Library with hundreds of books detailing centuries of war tactics and land-keeping practices?”
Lan Xichen stumbles over his words, thrown by Jiang Cheng’s excitement.
“Yes, I… we’ve never allowed anyone but family in them. But I’ve convinced my uncle it would be a good chance to show what we have to offer, by temporarily opening the Library to the public while we hosted.”
“Would you be hosting everyone on the grounds? I imagine that would be a logistical nightmare, unless you happened to have that many spare rooms for everyone…” Jiang Cheng trails off at Lan Xichen’s polite smile. Maybe a tiny bit smug, if he’s reading him correctly. “You have plenty of rooms, don’t you?”
Nie Mingjue laughs, elbowing Lan Xichen in the side.
“The Lan manor is ridiculous. They have more rooms than they have people — staff included!”
“Yes,” Lan Xichen admits. “There will be plenty of room. The main issue is that we’re quite boring. I’m not sure what kind of activities everyone would be interested in. Do you have any suggestions?” He asks Jiang Cheng directly.
“Hm. You should host some type of competition. Like archery, or horse-back riding. I suppose you’ll be obligated to have the usual big evening dances…”
“You don’t enjoy dancing?” Lan Xichen asks, cocking his head.
“Pfft. I hate it! I never got the dances down, and I would accidentally lead my partners straight into another dancing couple. I’m a complete disaster on the dance floor.”
Lan Xichen smiles. “I suppose you’ve always had to lead your previous dances. Perhaps this time will be different, if you find someone skilled to lead you.”
Jiang Cheng blinks at that. Right. He wouldn’t be leading his partnered dances anymore. He’d be guided by a random Alpha, swishing and swooping him around on command. He'd have to get used to being pulled and pushed around the floor.
“I don’t know about that, Alpha Lan. Do you know anyone looking for an Omega past his prime with two left feet, who doesn’t like getting pushed around, and promises to be a challenge to wrangle on and off the dance floor?”
“I think I have just the man.” Lan Xichen grins. He stands a little taller, eyes twinkling as his chest puffs out. “A good leader enjoys a challenge.”
Jiang Cheng lets out a surprised laugh.
Lan Xichen is delighted by Jiang Cheng's laughter. His eyes sparkle like dancing sunlight. “I look forward to seeing you grace my halls with your two left feet, Omega Jiang.”
No one had dared address Jiang Cheng as Omega before, and he had dreaded this moment. Everyone danced around his changed designation, afraid to say the obvious. He had expected it to feel like a slap, like fate laughing in his face.
But Lan Xichen said it with warmth, a genuine tenderness that left Jiang Cheng’s stomach fluttering.
“Likewise, Alpha Lan,” Jiang Cheng responds.
When Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang take their leave, Jiang Cheng can't help glancing back one more time as he steps out the door. He catches Lan Xichen staring down at his own hand, where he's still clutching Jiang Cheng's silk scarf. His mouth is parted in… awe?
As soon as Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang return to the safety of Huaisang’s dressing room, Jiang Cheng is promptly tackled onto the floor.
“You kept whining about how you didn’t know how to play the game as an Omega — then you go and run into the biggest Alpha bachelor of the century, just once, and you leave with him wrapped around your little finger!” Huaisang shrieks, rolling on top of him.
“What—get off me! I didn’t do anything!” Jiang Cheng insists, laughing as Huaisang tickles him with rage.
“Oh, Alpha Lan, do you think I look okay?” Huaisang does a poor mimicry of Jiang Cheng, batting his eyelashes and tugging his shirt loose, as if Jiang Cheng was purposefully flashing himself.
“I did not do that!” Jiang Cheng cries out in his own defense. He rolls on top, pinning Huaisang down. “Besides, he said I looked ‘lovely’, which we all know isn’t true!”
“No, I definitely wouldn’t have used ‘lovely’ to describe you. I don’t think Ge would’ve either. Maybe something more like, ‘delicious’, or ‘scrumptious’.” At Jiang Cheng’s incredulous expression, Huaisang wails in despair. “You have no idea how you looked! Your hair was a mess, and your shirt was hanging all weird and loose like you just had a sensual roll in the hay!”
Jiang Cheng gapes at that. “My sensual roll in the hay was wrestling with you!”
“Yes, yes, but nobody knew that!” Huaisang groans. “Oh my god, you have no idea the power you have. My brother has been bitching about how stubborn Xichen-ge is. He’s been trying to get the Lans to host the debutante ball for YEARS, and all it took was one look at you in those ridiculously tight pants—”
“So, you do admit these pants are too tight!”
“No—they’re perfectly tight you absolute moron—”
Huaisang spends the rest of the afternoon lecturing Jiang Cheng on not shaking hands with strangers, especially Alphas. Something about how it’s an alpha-specific habit. Jiang Cheng personally couldn’t find it in himself to care. He kept thinking about how warm and firm Lan Xichen’s hand had been. He'd shake that man's hand again, for sure.