[ABO] The Despised One Becomes an Internet Sensation After Marriage - Chapter 46

Chapter 46

“The results are out? Are there traces of synthesis?” Kailin walked from the set into the corridor, her high heels clicking. “I knew it… send a copy to me as well when you send it to President Fu.”

Kailin hung up and turned the corner, only to find a tall figure standing at the door of Xu Zhimian’s dressing room. She froze, watching for a long while before speaking hesitantly: “…Cousin?”

Fu Shiyan turned his head and gave her a slight nod.

Kailin looked him up and down. His white shirt was wrinkled, his bowtie was gone, the top two buttons were undone, and stray hairs fell over his forehead. He looked somewhat haggard.

Fu Shiyan usually had a bit of a germaphobia streak; how could he allow himself to look like this… unless, last night, he really was with Qi Qingran?

Kailin immediately shook the thought away. No, Qi Qingran had a strong moral compass; he wouldn’t get entangled with a married Alpha like Fu Shiyan.

She hid her hesitation and asked, “Why aren’t you going in?”

“I’m about to.” Fu Shiyan pushed the door open. “Kailin, are you busy later?”

Kailin tossed her hair. “Of course not.”

“Good.” He stepped into the dressing room. “Then please go to the entrance and pick up Assistant Li.”

Kailin: “…”

Kailin had no choice but to run back out in her heels.

Inside, Xu Zhimian was removing his makeup. To enhance his look on camera, the makeup artist had applied silver highlighter along his collarbones. He was removing it absentmindedly, not even noticing that he was rubbing the skin over his collarbones red.

Hearing the door open, Xu Zhimian didn’t look up, assuming it was Kailin. “Sister Kailin, pass me a makeup remover wipe.”

When the footsteps didn’t sound right, Xu Zhimian snapped his head up and locked eyes with Fu Shiyan in the mirror. He froze.

Fu Shiyan looked like he hadn’t slept all night. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was still wearing the clothes he left in. Xu Zhimian’s sharp eyes noticed the missing bowtie. He looked away, his hand clutching the makeup wipe tightening.

“What are you doing here?”

“Listen to me first.”

They spoke at the same time. Xu Zhimian was taken aback.

Fu Shiyan’s gaze drifted to the Omega’s neck. He paused, pulled out a fresh makeup wipe, leaned down, and gently wiped the other collarbone.

Xu Zhimian shuddered and tried to pull away, but Fu Shiyan pressed down on his shoulder to keep him in place.

His voice was deep and helpless: “…Don’t move.”

The spot on his collarbone felt itchy and cool. The Alpha’s movements were clumsy but very gentle and careful. Warm breath fanned over his cool skin, sending a tingling sensation from his waist upward.

Xu Zhimian’s heart was hammered. He clenched his fists—here we go again, this Alpha was crossing the line again.

“Listen to me finish, okay?”

Fu Shiyan took the makeup wipe Xu Zhimian was clutching and threw both into the trash. He didn’t move away; staying at this intimate distance, he spoke in a negotiating tone.

Xu Zhimian pushed his chair back and replied expressionlessly, “…I’m listening to your excuses.”

“…” Fu Shiyan studied Xu Zhimian’s tense profile and couldn’t help but rub his hair, bringing up something seemingly unrelated. “Last night, the Gu family changed hands.”

“What?” Xu Zhimian looked up in surprise.

“Exactly what it sounds like. Your ‘good student’ Gu Xingchen teamed up with other partners at the shareholders’ meeting to push out Qi Qingran. At night, he held Qi Qingran hostage to force him to surrender his remaining shares.”

The internal politics of wealthy families were complex, and Xu Zhimian didn’t understand all the twists and turns, but he understood the gist. He pouted. “So, you went to back up Qi Qingran last night.”

“Yes. Afterward, I took him to a hotel, and my phone died. When we arrived, Qi Qingran suddenly developed a high fever and was about to faint. I caught him, and that happened to be photographed.”

Later, he took Qi Qingran to the hospital and learned two shocking things: Qi Qingran was an Omega, and he was pregnant. Both were earth-shattering, but Fu Shiyan didn’t share those details. He continued, “At the same time, the office called; there was a problem with the company’s capital chain.”

By the time he resolved everything and freshened up, he had received Xu Zhimian’s call.

“…” After hearing the explanation, Xu Zhimian didn’t feel relieved. Instead, he felt more frustrated. He frowned and muttered, “Before you left… what was it you wanted to say to me?”

If he doesn’t have those feelings for me, I’ll pack my own feelings away, Xu Zhimian thought, biting his lip.

“…” Fu Shiyan grabbed the chair and pulled it toward himself. Xu Zhimian gasped as the Alpha leaned in, his handsome face inches away. His ink-dark eyes were full of sincerity as he enunciated every word: “Xu. Zhi. Mian.”

The name made Xu Zhimian’s heart skip two beats.

“I don’t want to play a part in a show with you anymore. I want… to be your legitimate lover.”

“…What?”

Blood rushed to Xu Zhimian’s face. His mind went blank as he stared blankly at Fu Shiyan. This—this was the answer he wanted most, yet hearing it now, there was no great joy. Instead, he felt lost and sad.

After a long while, he took a deep breath, his voice tight: “You…”

Fu Shiyan stared at his face and repeated, “I want to be your legitimate lover.”

Xu Zhimian lowered his eyes. After a long silence, he shook his head. “…I don’t want to.”

“…”

This was clearly an answer Fu Shiyan hadn’t considered. He was stunned and instinctively asked, “Why?”

Xu Zhimian was in a state of panic. He didn’t even understand why he was rejecting him. It was something he had looked forward to for so long, but now that it was happening, he felt a strong resistance. It felt like… it hadn’t reached the level he wanted in his heart. As for what that level was, he couldn’t describe it.

After a while, Xu Zhimian avoided his gaze and stammered, “I just don’t want to. Why does there have to be a ‘why’?”

“…” Fu Shiyan watched him for a few seconds before a knock at the door broke the tension.

“I’ll get it.” Xu Zhimian ran to the door as if escaping.

“Could I borrow your…” The person speaking stopped abruptly.

“Mianmian!”

Standing at the door was actually Ye Ming.

Ye Ming’s blonde hair had been dyed white for some reason. He was wearing a traditional Tibetan robe with a headpiece adorned with red and green turquoise, looking like an exotic youth stepped out of an oil painting.

He said in surprise, “What a coincidence, baby! When did you get out of the hospital? I was planning to visit you with Uncle Ze later.”

“A few days ago.”

Ye Ming curiously pinched Xu Zhimian’s cheek. “Is the AC off? Why is your face so red?”

“Ahem.” Xu Zhimian changed the subject. “Ming-ge, what did you want to borrow?”

Ye Ming remembered his task. “Lend me a reflector.”

Xu Zhimian tried his best to avoid eye contact with Fu Shiyan. He grabbed a reflector and handed it to Ye Ming, only to be pulled out the door. Ye Ming slung an arm around Xu Zhimian’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, “Is your President Fu in there? I asked Uncle Ze about the trending search. He said the person in the news isn’t an Omega; it’s President Fu’s Beta childhood friend. Don’t worry, baby, I guarantee your President Fu won’t cheat!”

“…” Xu Zhimian’s face turned even redder. “…I know, Ming-ge.”

“Ye Ming.” A ghostly voice drifted over.

Lu Ze had appeared at the door of the neighboring dressing room, his eyes fixed on their locked arms.

Ye Ming let go as if he’d been burned. He patted Xu Zhimian’s shoulder: “Baby, talk it out with your President Fu. I’ll catch you next time!”

Ye Ming ran back to Lu Ze. Xu Zhimian saw Lu Ze firmly but gently knead the back of Ye Ming’s neck. Before the door closed, Lu Ze’s muffled voice drifted out: “…Baby? Who are you calling, baby?”

Ye Ming grumbled, “It’s just a nickname. You’re even jealous of that… mgh, don’t bite me!”

Things were going sideways. Xu Zhimian turned to leave, vaguely hearing Ye Ming mutter, “Wait, the door isn’t closed yet…”

Slam! The door shut tight.

“…” He stood in the hallway. Thinking about Fu Shiyan still being in the dressing room, he suddenly didn’t want to go back.

Kailin ran into him. “Mianmian, where are you going?”

Xu Zhimian didn’t look back. “I’m going home.”

Kailin looked at Assistant Li in confusion. “Wait, didn’t my cousin just go in?” Did Fu Shiyan upset him? She hurried after him. “Wait for me!”

“Ahhh! Mianmian! Look over here! I’m your mommy!” There were many fans at the van entrance, filming and greeting him warmly. He smiled back, triggering a wave of screams.

One voice was the loudest: “Ahhh! Mianmian, look at me!”

The voice was familiar. He turned—it was Lin Xi. Lin Xi waved at him and pointed to her WeChat. Xu Zhimian then realized his phone was still in the dressing room.

Damn it!

Once he was in the van, Kailin followed. She coughed and asked curiously, “Why such a hurry? Not waiting for President Fu?”

At the mention of the name, Xu Zhimian felt flustered. He looked out the window. “He has business with Assistant Li. I’m heading back first.”

On the other side, Fu Shiyan looked at the empty doorway, his expression grim. Assistant Li watched him, feeling terrified. “President Fu, here is the share transfer contract you wanted.”

What use was a late contract when the person had run away?

“…” Fu Shiyan took the contract. Assistant Li peeked at his face. After a long silence, Fu Shiyan asked deeply: “How… did you used to confess to people?”

Confess?

Assistant Li’s eyes lit up. Was President Fu trying to get romantic with Xu Zhimian? He cleared his throat. “There’s a method to it. First of all, the big taboo: never say it bluntly or stiffly. Otherwise, there’s a 90% chance of being rejected!”

First Blood.

Fu Shiyan froze.

Assistant Li continued: “The location and the format can’t be too casual. It’s best to do it in a formal setting, holding a bouquet of flowers, and say it sincerely and devoutly.”

Double Kill.

The atmosphere became even quieter.

Fu Shiyan rubbed his eyes. “Right. Anything else?”