"Who… who is that? Seriously, who looks that good? That face is illegal," said Lu Jin, clicking his tongue in amazement as he peered through the window with Jackson. "The features are so sharp and cold…"
"But with that long hair and the way he's holding a child, smiling so gently—oh no, I think I'm in love, Jackson," Lu Jin sighed dramatically. "I've already picked out names for our kids."
Raising an eyebrow, he opened the car door as if to go introduce himself. "Who knows, by this time next year, you might be the godfather to my child. Excited?"
Jackson gave him a flat look. "You?"
"…What?" Lu Jin looked over, caught off guard enough that he temporarily forgot about the stunning omega he was about to approach.
Jackson had always been aloof, a classic "cold on the mountain" type—wealthy, talented, with admirers from all corners since they were young. But he'd never shown the slightest interest in any of them. Lu Jin had almost thought he was asexual.
Even when his family arranged his engagement after college, Jackson hadn't opposed it. Lu Jin had assumed Jackson viewed marriage as nothing more than a duty, something he accepted without much thought.
But now? Lu Jin scanned him up and down in surprise. "Wait a minute… you've never reacted like this before. Today, you're actually taking jabs at me?"
The more he thought about it, the more intrigued he became. "Hold on—you haven't finally, um… taken an interest, have you? I mean, that would explain why—"
He leaned closer, sniffing the air theatrically. "I thought I smelled a hint of omega on you."
Lu Jin turned toward Jackson's assistant with a mischievous grin. "So, Jackson finally did the deed with his fiancé, huh?"
But before he could indulge his imagination any further, Jackson shot him a cold glare. "Shut up."
Laughing, Lu Jin teased, "Why so defensive? Can't even let me say a word?"
Ignoring him, Jackson opened the car door and stepped out.
Lu Jin shot a meaningful look at the assistant, who was visibly sweating. The assistant, remembering last night when Jackson had left with that omega from the dance studio, decided to stay quiet. After all, this was his boss's business, and he knew better than to gossip.
Realizing he wasn't getting any information, Lu Jin sighed and followed Jackson, thinking he might as well try to get the dance teacher's contact information. As he approached the dance studio, he noticed Jackson standing next to the omega, who was holding a small girl in his arms, looking slightly surprised at Jackson's presence.
To Lu Jin's further shock, Jackson—who usually avoided omegas as if they were snakes—had not only initiated the conversation but was also crouched down, talking casually with the omega.
The omega smiled warmly, his gentle, refined aura contrasting with Jackson's tall, sharp presence. Together with the little girl in his arms, they looked almost like… a family.
Instinctively, Lu Jin took out his phone and snapped a picture.
The trio turned to look at him, and Lu Jin offered an awkward laugh. "Uh… the view here is nice, and the sunset is beautiful too."
Jackson glanced at him, saying nothing.
Enola's eyes curved with a smile. "It does have a great view. I was just saying I should take a photo to post online."
So gentle, so considerate.
Lu Jin could feel his heart melting all over again.
"Hello," he said, clearing his throat as he approached Enola and crouched down to look at the child in his arms. "I'm Ruan Ruan's god-uncle. You must be her teacher?"
Enola nodded. "Yes. And you are?"
The soft way he spoke made Lu Jin's heart flutter. "Ah, yes, that's me! Mind if I get your contact info?"
Before Enola could respond, Jackson's calm voice cut in. "Want to grab some dinner?"
Jackson extended a hand toward Enola, who instinctively placed his hand in Jackson's, allowing himself to be pulled up.
Ruan Ruan blinked her big eyes and pouted. "Ruan Ruan's legs hurt."
The little girl reached up toward Enola, who smelled nice and looked so gentle. "I need a hug to feel better."
Smiling indulgently, Enola said, "Of course, Ruan Ruan. Shall I carry you?"
But before Enola could bend down, Jackson effortlessly lifted her into his arms, holding her close against his formal jacket.
Ruan Ruan blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Enola looked at him with mild confusion. "Mr. Jackson, I can carry her."
"She's heavy," Jackson replied bluntly.
"…"
Ruan Ruan, who was old enough to understand, immediately frowned, her little mouth trembling before tears started to fall. "Uncle, you're mean."
"No, you're heavy," Jackson replied dryly.
Enola quickly stepped up to console her, smiling gently. "No, Ruan Ruan isn't heavy. You're the cutest little girl ever."
His voice was soft and soothing, and he playfully tapped her chin, earning her immediate adoration.
"You're such a good girl, Ruan Ruan," he said, his tone warm. From Jackson's perspective, he could see Enola's long lashes and rosy lips.
Enola had a naturally cool elegance, but there was an undertone of gentle allure that was hard to ignore. It was as if his presence alone tempted the typically composed Jackson into feeling something deeper, something more intense.
…
"Snap—" Lu Jin took another picture.
He couldn't help but feel that there was a certain chemistry between the two, an undeniable air between them that made them seem… well, perfect together.
Especially in this moment.
Jackson, tall and imposing, stood with the little girl in his arms, while Enola looked up at him with serene, gentle eyes. And Jackson, usually aloof and detached, was actually looking down at him, their gazes meeting.
They looked like they were about to…
"Kiss!" Lu Jin blurted out, only to immediately clear his throat awkwardly when both turned to look at him. "Uh, I mean, weren't we going to dinner? I'm starving!"
Oh god, these two were too much.
Wasn't Jackson already engaged? How unfair for Mr. Jiang to be so unwittingly pulled into this situation.
The two seemed to snap out of whatever moment had passed, and Jackson looked back at Enola.
Enola, regaining his composure, lowered his gaze, his lashes trembling, and the tips of his ears slowly turning pink.
Jackson finally looked away, though his expression remained unreadable.