Chapter 54: The Very First Word Was His Name
Two days later, He Yushen genuinely accompanied Nan Yi for a hospital check-up.
As the stark, cold light illuminated Nan Yi's face, a wave of anxiety overtook him, his palms clenching tightly.
The examination process was agonizing, but as he looked towards the alpha standing outside the door, his tense body considerably relaxed.
Thankfully, he wasn't alone.
"How did it go?"
Inside the head doctor's office, the physician was closely examining the medical report.
"You're recovering well. You can start practicing using your voice again."
"Have you tried speaking yet?" asked the doctor.
Nan Yi shook his head.
"Try saying something now."
Nan Yi stared blankly at the doctor, frozen and silent for a moment.
"What's the matter? Can't you speak?" He Yu Shen stared intently at the dazed Nan Yi.
Again, Nan Yi shook his head.
The doctor glanced at him nonchalantly, "Don't be afraid. Take your time and try to make a sound."
After not speaking for over a decade, Nan Yi had almost forgotten how to talk. Cautiously and with hope, he tried to utter his first words.
"He... Yu... Shen."
His voice was raspy and slow, pausing five to six seconds between each word, taking nearly a minute to say the full name.
He Yu Shen kept his eyes fixed on Nan Yi's slightly reddened lips from the moment he began speaking.
His gaze deepened, and he held his breath, waiting.
The first thing the omega said was his own name. It was the most laborious and less harmonious time he'd ever heard his name uttered.
Yet, strangely enough, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and pride.
Nan Yi's eyes widened with excitement. He could speak.
He was no longer mute.
"That's good. Practice every day, and in time, you'll become fluent."
"It's okay if your voice sounds raspy. It's natural after not speaking for so long. It'll get better with time."
With tears threatening to spill, Nan Yi looked at the doctor, who had already moved on to the next patient's file, and managed, "Th... thank you."
On the way back to the mansion, Nan Yi kept trying to speak, unfazed if He Yu Shen would find it annoying. He seemed to forget there was another person in the car.
"Today... is foggy... cold."
"Kitten..."
"Nan... Yi."
"Nan... Yi."
He Yu Shen gazed intently at the curious omega leaning against the car window, his lips curving into a smile, he gently urged, "Call me again."
"He... Yu Shen."
Raspy, but just like the omega's pheromones, the voice carried a sweet undertone.
"Hmm, say it again."
"He... Yu Shen."
Overwhelmed with joy, the normally aloof Nan Yi instinctively collapsed into laughter, falling into He Yu Shen's embrace.
He Yu Shen looked down, the omega in his arms resembled an obedient little rabbit, gazing up at him with dewy eyes.
Feeling a warmth surge through him, he swallowed hard.
"He Yu Shen, I... can... speak... now."
He Yu Shen chuckled softly, "Yes, you can speak now. No longer a mute."
"I'm not... a... mute."
Speaking haltingly, with a hint of playfulness in his expression, Nan Yi continued, "Thank... you, He... Yu Shen."
Dark, mysterious eyes sparkled with amusement, "After all I've done for you, a mere 'thank you' is all I get?"
Nan Yi frowned, "Then... how should... I thank you?"
He didn't have money for gifts, and wasn't skilled at other things. His only talent... drawing. Perhaps he could create a comic-style portrait for He Yu Shen?
"Or... maybe..."
"Now that your voice is back, I want to hear it the next time we're in bed."
Nan Yi was interrupted, his face instantly flushed crimson.
He Yu Shen teased playfully, "You've turned into a boiled crab again."
Embarrassed and slightly annoyed, Nan Yi turned away, hiding in the corner of the car seat, avoiding the alpha's gaze as if he hadn't heard anything.
Truly like a little rabbit, so easily embarrassed. He Yu Shen pulled him back into his embrace.
"I won't tease you any further. Continue practicing your speech."
Once again, Nan Yi looked up, fixating on He Yu Shen's chin. Feeling the intense gaze, He Yu Shen looked down.
That same blazing, pure gaze met his eyes. For someone with such seemingly cold eyes, they held such deep emotions.
An omega's feelings are indeed unadulterated.
"Do you like what you see?" He Yu Shen asked.
"Yes.. it's beautiful."
"Then keep looking after we get out." The smiling alpha seemed almost enchanting, causing Nan Yi to be lost in thought, remaining dazed for a while.
He Yu Shen locked eyes with the mesmerized Nan Yi, chuckled, and gently patting Nan Yi's head, "What's the matter? Don't want to get out?"
"Huh?"
Coming back to his senses, Nan Yi realized that the car had long since stopped in front of the villa, with the driver quietly waiting for them to disembark.
His face flushing once more, Nan Yi was the first to exit the car.
He followed closely behind He Yu Shen as they entered the villa, wearing a smile that hadn't left his face all morning.
After stepping through the entrance, he lightly tugged on He Yu Shen's clothes, "No... porridge... tonight."
"Hmm, but still no spicy foods." He Yu Shen didn't turn around but slowed his pace.
After leading Nan Yi inside the villa, He Yu Shen left again, probably heading to his company.
Nan Yi had several chapters of his manuscript saved up. Feeling good today, he allowed himself some leisure time instead of diving back into his work.
He initiated a video call to Yin Feng.
It was the first time Nan Yi had ever video-called Yin Feng.
"Yi Yi! What a surprise to see you on video today."
It was already past noon, yet Yin Feng was still lying in bed, with light blue pillows and sheets forming the backdrop.
"I... can..."
"You can speak now!"
Before Nan Yi could finish his sentence, the person on the bed sat up abruptly, his tone full of astonishment.
"Yes... I can... speak now."
"That's fantastic! Such a momentous occasion deserves a grand meal. Tell me what you'd like to eat, and I'll reserve a private room immediately."
"No, I need... to rest... my voice."
"Right, it's been just shy of a month since your surgery."
Yin Feng's enthusiasm deflated in an instant, his shirt collar hanging loosely, revealing most of his collarbone.
"Feng.. Feng."
"Yes, what is it?"
Nan Yi, with eyes filled with amusement, sincerely commented, "Your... name... sounds beautiful."
"Hehe, so does yours, and your voice too. It's sweet."
The two chatted for a long while. Even though Nan Yi spoke slowly, Yin Feng never interrupted him and always patiently waited for him to finish.
Just as the call ended, the butler entered.
"Madam."
"Someone outside is looking for you," the butler informed.
"Who?"
Standing up with a hint of perplexity, Nan Yi placed his phone on the sofa.
The butler hesitated for a moment, "He looks identical to you, Madam. He claims to be your younger brother."
Nan Yi froze, never expecting that Nan Zhi would actually come to the villa.
Uncertain of Nan Zhi's intentions for visiting, the smile on Nan Yi's face vanished, and he exited the room with a stern expression.
Outside, Nan Zhi stood wearing a dark green down jacket, a smile on his face.
"Big brother, long time no see. You seem to be living a life of luxury now, looking very well-taken-care-of."
"It's surprising that He Yu Shen isn't put off by the fact you're an inferior omega. His patience is truly commendable."
"But now that I'm back, maybe it's time for the stand-in to step aside for the rightful heir."