[ABO] The Despised One Becomes an Internet Sensation After Marriage - Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Xu Zhimian, whose mind was clouded by lust, opened his phone to find messages sent simultaneously by Qian Luo and Lin Xi.

[Qian Luo]: I’ve arrived. [Lin Xi]: Mianmian, good morning! I got this ID from Brother Qian Luo (I’m not some sasaeng fan!). I thought about it for a long time and decided to secretly say hi. I hope I’m not disturbing you!

With his eyes half-closed, he brushed his teeth while casually replying to both.

[Xu Zhimian]: Okay. Where are you right now? [Xu Zhimian]: Not a disturbance at all! Hello and good morning, Senior Lin. [Raised Eyebrow/Flower emoji]

Ever since learning that Lin Xi had studied traditional Chinese painting for over a decade and achieved some success, Xu Zhimian couldn’t help but see Lin Xi in a new light. Unlike other genres, the market for traditional Chinese painting was shrinking; fewer people were willing to learn it, and most gave up halfway. He counted himself as one of those who quit.

Qian Luo replied quickly.

[Qian Luo]: Your house.

“???”

He quickly finished brushing his teeth, pushed open the door, and peeked into the first-floor hall. Fu Shiyan was chatting with three people: Qian Luo, Lin Xi, and Ah Hua.

“Good morning,” he said, changing clothes and walking down to the living room, greeting them lazily. “Why are you here so early?”

He directed this toward Ah Hua and Qian Luo; it took at least three hours to get here from Yuxi, and it was only about 9:00 AM.

Fu Shiyan and Lin Xi stopped their conversation. Lin Xi arched an eyebrow at him. “The three of us arrived in City A yesterday.”

Ah Hua greeted him happily: “Mianmian, over here!” she signaled for him to sit by her.

Fu Shiyan gave him a lukewarm look. The meaning was obvious: he wanted Xu Zhimian to sit with him. Being in a huff with Fu Shiyan, Xu Zhimian naturally pretended not to see it and sat down next to Ah Hua.

“Mianmian, how are you? Are you feeling better?” “I’m fine now. How is the little boy?” “He recovered long ago, he’s running and jumping around.” Having said that, as if remembering something, Ah Hua pulled a glittering gold safety lock from her backpack and handed it solemnly to Xu Zhimian. “This is a thank-you gift Grandma asked me to pass to you. If it weren’t for you, Ah Xia might not be alive. Please take it.”

The safety lock felt heavy in his hand—solid, forged from real gold, and clearly expensive. Xu Zhimian felt a bit conflicted, unsure whether he should accept it.

He looked at Fu Shiyan, who calmly took a sip of tea and said, “…It’s up to you. After all, you earned it with your life.”

“…” Conversely, Lin Xi winked at him. “If Mianmian doesn’t accept it, Grandma will think you find the gift too light. She’ll make an even bigger one and come to thank you in person. So, Mianmian, just take it.”

Ah Hua urged him: “Exactly! Besides, it has Brother Qian Luo’s blessing on it. His words are like gold; more effective than a Buddha. You can give it to the baby to wear in the future.”

“A baby isn’t a certainty yet,” Xu Zhimian muttered, but he stopped refusing and accepted it.

The three hadn’t come just for a social call. Lin Xi had official business with Fu Shiyan; Xu Zhimian had a hunch it was related to Fu Shuhan, but he didn’t ask. He took out the items he had prepared in advance and handed them to Qian Luo.

Qian Luo took the transparent bag containing the cotton swabs, stored it carefully, and nodded. “Once the results are out, I’ll notify you.”

Xu Zhimian nodded. Honestly, whether there was a blood relation wasn’t that important to him, because the people who truly cared about him were already by his side.

As Qian Luo and the others prepared to leave, Qian Luo hesitated for a moment and asked tentatively: “Is your marriage… okay?”

Xu Zhimian blinked curiously. “It’s fine, why?”

“I saw that news about your husband on Ah Hua’s phone. Even though rumors can be baseless, an Omega should learn to be a bit more vigilant. Don’t trust others too easily. Once a fundamental mistake is tolerated, there will be countless more. Never wrong yourself.” His face was solemn, his tone very much like an elder advising a junior.

Xu Zhimian was stunned. Aside from his grandmother, no one had ever looked out for him like this. It was a wonderful feeling.

Ah Hua burst out laughing at Qian Luo’s intensity. “Brother Qian Luo, Mianmian and Brother Fu Shiyan clarified everything last night. The news reports weren’t true.”

His expression remained serious: “Truth and lies are often blurred. You must be careful. Without parents to back you up, it’s easy to suffer in your husband’s family.” Qian Luo glanced back at the luxury villa, his gaze falling on Xu Zhimian’s empty ring finger. He frowned slightly. “You haven’t had a wedding ceremony yet?”

This was the second time Xu Zhimian had heard someone ask this, and he was momentarily speechless.

Qian Luo took his silence as confirmation. He stared intensely at Xu Zhimian. Xu Zhimian felt a sudden pressure, like facing a strict parent. After a long while, he heard Qian Luo say deeply: “A beginning that is unclear will only lead to an ending that is unclear.”

These words resonated like a heavy blow to Xu Zhimian’s head.

The crowd below replied with a string of “Oh~”, leaving Xu Zhimian confused. Someone specifically commented: [Crying emoji] What the hell! Here I was kindly trying to comfort you, and it turns out you’re just showing off your love!

“???” Where was the showing off?

…

Fu Shiyan finished the last stroke of his calligraphy. Lin Xi looked at the completed work with admiration. “Master was right; your handwriting really does have the flair of the late Senior Fu Zhengyu!”

Having heard such praise since childhood, Fu Shiyan remained calm. “I was taught by him personally.”

While waiting for the ink to dry, Lin Xi asked tentatively: “President Fu, may I ask a forward question? When are you and Mianmian holding the wedding?”

Fu Shiyan’s hand paused as he tidied the desk. A hint of warmth flickered in his eyes. “Soon.”

Lin Xi nodded with relief. “That’s good, then.” After all, the whole internet was arguing about why the two didn’t have wedding rings. The most popular theory was that they had registered but the wedding was still in preparation.

Lin Xi left shortly after.

Fu Shiyan received a list of betrothal gifts from Li Xi.

[Li Xi]: President Fu, this was sent by the elder Mr. Fu. I’ve inventoried it. Is there anything else you want to add?

This betrothal gift included not only items prepared by Old Master Fu but also things Fu Shiyan had asked Li Xi to scout for a month ago. It had taken nearly a month to gather everything. The registration had been a bit rushed, but these rituals could not be skipped.

He double-checked the list and replied with a simple “Mm.”

…

In the afternoon, Fu Shiyan flew abroad for a business trip. When Xu Zhimian received the update from Fu Shiyan, he was briefing his newly hired female assistant, KK. He glanced at the phone screen, a smile naturally spreading across his face. His vivid, beautiful expression made KK blush.

Because Xu Zhimian’s side had provided the evidence, they won the second lawsuit. They recovered the song copyrights and received compensation. That day, the studio posted the synthesized recording evidence, pointing the finger directly at Jiang Xiaocheng.

The live stream from a few days ago was dug up, and public opinion shifted entirely toward Xu Zhimian. Fu Shiyan specifically instructed Kailin to hire “water soldiers” and marketing accounts to keep the topic at the top of the trending charts.

…

“Chenrui is about to collapse. I suggest you find a new ‘sugar daddy’.” “Chenrui? Impossible. Where did you hear that?”

Xu Zhimian, who had come to attend a certain brand’s dinner party, was about to push open the restroom door when he overheard two Omegas talking.

“Did you forget Chenrui was investigated by the Regulatory Bureau two days ago? Word is they offended some big shot in the industry who caught them by the throat. I bet a few of them will end up behind bars soon.”

The other Omega frowned. “It shouldn’t be that severe. Chenrui is such a big company; it can’t just be shut down like that.”

“Haha, believe what you want. But let me warn you, that ‘sugar daddy’ of yours named Wu Hang isn’t reliable. My husband says he’s very likely one of the targets.”

Wu Hang? The name felt like it was from another life. Xu Zhimian dithered for a moment before remembering who it was. Fu Shiyan had called him stupid back then for almost being set up without realizing it.

The two left shortly after. This dinner party was attended by many A-list stars. Xu Zhimian wore a white V-neck suit, with a brand’s official necklace adorning his slender neck. He sat there casually; under the dim, hazy lights, he was exceptionally alluring.

He wasn’t even aware of it. He had a glass of red wine—not much, but enough to make him slightly drowsy. He found himself thinking of Fu Shiyan, who was far away overseas. He felt that the Wu Hang matter was related to Fu Shiyan; perhaps it was to vent anger on his behalf.

The sofa beside him dipped, and a very familiar voice said: “Teacher Xu, what a coincidence. You’re here too?”

It was Gu Xingchen—the one who had successfully scored 30 points under his tutoring. It was truly a dark moment in his history. Xu Zhimian glanced at him and couldn’t help but move away a bit. “Student 30-Points, is there something I can help you with?”

“…” A playful smile touched Gu Xingchen’s lips as he swirled his wine glass. “It’s been a few years; Teacher has become quite humorous.”

Xu Zhimian waved his hand. “Thanks for the compliment.” He had no intention of talking further with this playboy. After a few pleasantries, he said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”

“Don’t be in such a hurry… I think there’s something you’ll be very interested in.” Meeting Gu Xingchen’s playful yet cold gaze, Xu Zhimian felt a chill. Gu Xingchen seemed to be smiling, but it carried no warmth; he looked sinister.

“Tell me what it is first.” Xu Zhimian sat quite far from him, but Gu Xingchen suddenly grabbed him and leaned close to his ear, whispering maliciously: “Teacher, your President Fu is having an affair.”

…

Side Story: Lu Ze & Ye Ming (AB Pairing)

Note: This takes place before their marriage.

“How are things going with that Alpha of yours?”

The bar lights were dim. Ye Ming swirled his glass, propped up his chin, and snorted after a sip of wine. “Not great. He refuses to touch me.”

Just thinking about it made Ye Ming angry. Yesterday, he had dressed so provocatively to seduce him, yet Lu Ze had actually endured it, wrapped him in a quilt, and went to sleep in the guest room.

A friend nearby gasped: “No way! Was he a monk in a past life? How could he resist a catch like you?”

“Who knows?” Ye Ming leaned back, his eyes gleaming with determination. “Anyway, I’m going to win him over this time.”

The friend didn’t understand. “There’s no need to hang yourself on this one tree. Your previous Alpha boyfriends were quite good.”

Ye Ming shook his head. “It’s different.”

The friend grumbled: “How is it different? At least they were marrying for the first time. I really don’t get how you fell for a divorcee.”

Ye Ming stopped talking. This friend was someone he met abroad and didn’t know his history with Lu Ze. No one knew he had a secret crush on Lu Ze for ten years.

The first time he saw Lu Ze was in the Lu family’s back garden. Ye Ming’s father had finally brought him out to meet people—at the time, Ye Ming was an unfavored illegitimate son. A few playboys from the Ye family had “escorted” him to the back garden and maliciously poured wine over his head.

“Look at him, hahaha, like a clown.” “What will Dad do if he knows you intentionally got your clothes dirty?” “He’ll probably make him kneel in punishment again. But kneeling is boring; let’s tell Uncle to put him in solitary confinement! Hahahahaha!”

Wine dripped from Ye Ming’s head. He looked down, his fists clenched amidst the piercing laughter. I will make these people pay.

A sharp voice rang out from a nearby gazebo: “What are you brats doing?!”

The boys shrunk back, their laughter cutting off instantly. Ye Ming looked up. A tall Alpha stood there, a cigarette hanging casually from his mouth. He had a band-aid stuck crookedly on his face, hair falling over his forehead, and sharp, wild eyes full of rebel energy. A leather jacket was draped over his shoulder, revealing a black sleeveless undershirt and muscular arms wrapped in white bandages.

He looked like someone you didn’t want to mess with.

The arrogant Ye family brats immediately lost their nerve. “Hello, Brother Lu Ze.”

“Hello? What’s good about this?” Lu Ze walked over quickly, glanced at the disheveled Ye Ming, and grabbed the ear of the leader. “Bullying people again, are we?”

“Ow, ow, ow! Brother Lu Ze, let go! We weren’t bullying him!” “Exactly! He poured the wine on his own head!”

Hearing such blatant lies, Lu Ze laughed in anger. “You think I’ll believe that? What kind of achievement is it for older siblings to bully a child? Apologize to him right now, or don’t blame me for bullying ‘children’ like you!”

Ye Ming looked timidly at this rebellious Alpha. Lu Ze caught his gaze and gave him a reassuring smile.

“Brother Lu Ze! Stop pulling! I’ll apologize, okay?!”

“That’s more like it.” Lu Ze let go and stood aside with his arms crossed. “The bow wasn’t deep enough. Redo it. Tsk, the apology isn’t sincere enough. Change the wording.”

Despite his casual tone, he managed to make the brats perfectly obedient. They were resentful but followed his orders.

Lu Ze exchanged a look with Ye Ming. “Kid, do you accept their apology?”

The brats glared at him secretly. Ye Ming knew his situation at home; Lu Ze could vent his anger for him now, but it would only invite more retaliation later. He lowered his eyes and gave a soft “Mm.”

Lu Ze waved the others away. “Go, go. Don’t let me catch you again.”

As Ye Ming turned to leave, Lu Ze grabbed him. “Hey kid, where are you going?”

Ye Ming was pulled back a couple of steps. He looked up, dazed, and said softly: “Brother Lu Ze, do you have any other instructions?”

Lu Ze burst out laughing. He rubbed the little mixed-race boy’s curly ash-blonde hair. “You’re an interesting kid. What ‘instructions’? Come to my room and change into some clean clothes.”

Ye Ming’s pale blue eyes widened, and he waved his hands in refusal. “I don’t want to trouble you, Brother Lu Ze.” His mother told him not to accept kindness from strangers.

Lu Ze felt his heart melting from the cute kid. He leaned down and pinched his cheek. “I’m the host and you’re the guest. Shouldn’t a guest follow the host’s arrangements?”

Ye Ming tilted his head, thought it over, and found it made sense.

Lu Ze found some of his own clothes from when he was ten, washed them, and put them in the dryer. Seeing the kid’s head full of wine, he even got a basin of warm water to wash his hair. “Tell me if I’m pressing too hard.”

Ye Ming kept his eyes closed. The warm water felt like his mother’s touch—light and gentle. He thought: This brother who looks like a ‘bad guy’ is actually very nice.

Once he was changed and his hair was dried, Lu Ze pinched his baby-fat cheeks and said: “Kid, if they bully you again, you can do this…” He taught Ye Ming a set of “counter-attack” tricks. Ye Ming nodded, though he only half-understood.

Lu Ze coughed: “If all else fails, just mention my name. It works every time.”

And it did. From then on, few people at home dared to bully him. He often thought of that rebellious Alpha. As he grew older, Lu Ze appeared in his dreams more frequently. One day, during puberty, he suddenly realized he had fallen for Lu Ze.

That love only grew stronger during his dull, gray days. Even when he saw Lu Ze’s scandals in the news, he would only feel a momentary catch in his breath before calmly closing the tab. He followed Lu Ze on Weibo, watched all his movies, and bought every poster and magazine. After hearing that Lu Ze liked listening to songs, he studied vocal music and applied to a music conservatory.

Ye Ming would try every means to “accidentally” meet Lu Ze at business galas, but Lu Ze seemed to have forgotten him. He watched Lu Ze shine in his field and eventually win the “Best Actor” award.

Since you don’t recognize me, let’s get to know each other all over again. Lu Ze, let’s meet at the top, Ye Ming thought silently.

At 18, Ye Ming entered the entertainment industry and debuted as a singer. That same year, Lu Ze announced his marriage to a legendary King of Pop. Everyone said the playboy had finally settled down for love. Only Ye Ming forced a smile at the wedding. That day, he got dead drunk, his face wet and cold.

It turned out Lu Ze didn’t “like listening to songs”—he just liked the person who was singing.

Ye Ming resolutely went abroad. That secret crush was buried in time. He dated a few Alphas in college, but none of them lasted; they all had bits of Lu Ze’s shadow, but they were never Lu Ze. In the end, he couldn’t even tell if he liked Lu Ze the person or just the “type.”

A year later, Lu Ze got divorced. Ye Ming, who was doing well abroad, felt his whole body tremble when he saw the news. Coincidentally, his father forced him to return home. His father was gravely ill and entrusted Lu Ze to look after Ye Ming.

This was the second year Ye Ming and Lu Ze lived together. Ye Ming attended university while singing. Last night, he had openly seduced Lu Ze, making him furious. “Kid, what on earth is going on in your head?!” Lu Ze hadn’t replied to his messages all day.

His friend poked his shoulder excitedly: “Look over there! Is that your Alpha?”

Following his friend’s finger, Ye Ming saw Lu Ze sipping wine. A few Omegas were approaching him; whatever was said made the Omegas laugh and playfully punch his arm. It was clear flirting.

Even his friend was confused: “Honestly, those Omegas aren’t as good-looking as you. What is he thinking?”

Ye Ming’s grip on his glass tightened. He said tonelessly: “Maybe because they are Omegas.”

Alphas and Omegas were naturally attracted to each other.

“Wait, I thought of a way to see if he cares about you,” the friend whispered in his ear.

Lu Ze sent away another wave of “sweet” Omegas with a fake smile. He rubbed his temples tiredly. Huo Chengyuan chuckled: “I didn’t expect Big Brother Lu to still have this much charm nearing thirty.”

Lu Ze pulled out a cigarette and rolled his eyes: “Chengyuan, your brother was looking for me two days ago…”

Huo Chengyuan interrupted him instantly, putting his hands together in a pleading gesture: “Brother! My bad! Don’t tell my brother I’m here!”

Old Luo snorted: “Look at you, what a wimp! Haha.”

Lu Ze lit his lighter. The scent of tobacco dispersed the mix of sweet pheromones. Previously, Lu Ze loved this “type,” but for some reason, the sweet Omega scents just now made him think of Ye Ming immediately. Ye Ming didn’t have a sweet pheromone scent; he only smelled faintly of lime—the scent of the body wash Lu Ze always used. On Ye Ming, it smelled surprisingly good.

Adam’s apple bobbed. He couldn’t help but think of yesterday, when Ye Ming had worn his oversized white shirt and knelt on his bed. Ye Ming was half a head shorter than him; the shirt was too big, revealing a pale shoulder. Ye Ming had looked at him timidly, his light blue eyes seemingly magical.

Damn it. Recalling the scene, Lu Ze felt a heat rising in his lower abdomen. He cursed under his breath and took a sip of wine to suppress the fire.

Then he saw something that made him even angrier.

The dance floor was a chaotic mix of people. He spotted Ye Ming—who had told him on WeChat that he was at a “party”—dancing exceptionally provocatively. His shirt wasn’t worn properly; several buttons were undone, and as he moved, it slid off his shoulder. He was immersed in the music, his eyes hazy, his exquisite mixed-race features making him look like a little prince from an oil painting.

Lu Ze saw several Alphas with bad intentions trying to press against Ye Ming. One was whispering in his ear, and Ye Ming actually laughed and put his arms around the guy’s neck.

Fuck! Lu Ze slammed his glass down. This brat is getting bold, even learning how to lie. Shaking with anger, he crushed his cigarette and strode onto the dance floor.

The Alpha being hugged by Ye Ming was thrilled. He put his hands on Ye Ming’s waist. “Sweetheart, I’ll take that as an ‘yes’ to my invitation.”

Ye Ming gave a mysterious smile and shook his head: “Sorry, I refuse.”

The Alpha took it as playing hard to get, squeezed the soft flesh of Ye Ming’s waist, and smirked: “Oh? Baby, what do I have to do to take you away?”

Before he finished, a heavy force pulled them apart. Ye Ming was forcefully pulled into a broad chest. Lu Ze’s cold voice rang out: “Sorry, he’s mine!” He pulled Ye Ming toward the exit.

The Alpha was quickly pushed away by the crowd, shouting: “Hey! What’s your problem? I was here first!”

Lu Ze dragged Ye Ming into a restroom stall and locked the door. He looked at Ye Ming with a face full of fury. “A party? You came to a bar for a party? Do you know how those Alphas were looking at you? Hugging a stranger’s neck! If I hadn’t come, would you have left with him?!”

Ye Ming sat on the toilet, looking up at the fuming Lu Ze with a half-smile: “Uncle Ze… are you jealous?”

Lu Ze froze, frowning. “Are you testing me?”

…

Side Story: Lu Ze & Ye Ming (Part 2)

Ye Ming’s eyes widened, his smile deepening. “Tell me first, are you jealous?”

Lu Ze grabbed his chin roughly, forcing him to look up. “What if I am? What if I’m not? Have you ever even been in love? Do you know what love is?”

“What do you mean!” Ye Ming glared. “Of course I’ve been in love—more than once! So I know exactly what I’m doing.”

Lu Ze laughed instead. “Ye Ming, don’t degrade yourself. You’re young; you’ll meet better people in the future.”

Ye Ming hated it when Lu Ze brought up age. He countered: “So what? You’re the best in my heart! I only want to be with you.”

Lu Ze: “Tsk, can’t you understand human speech? When you find someone truly suitable later, you’ll regret your current behavior.”

“Who are you calling a kid? I’m 21, I’m an adult! I know what I’m doing!”

“…” Lu Ze suppressed his anger. “Ye Ming! Why won’t you listen! Are you trying to kill me with anger?”

The conversation ended on a bad note. After that, Lu Ze was barely seen at home.

Until that day—

“Hey, come back to the country this Saturday. Dad says he wants to see you.” The Omega on the phone sounded arrogant.

Ye Ming was adjusting recording equipment in the studio. Hearing the tone, he paused and said coldly: “Why, is he finally dying?”

“You!” The person on the other end was furious. “How can you curse Dad like that! You ungrateful wolf! Dad keeps mentioning you!”

“Right, right, you’re the filial son, I can’t compare.” Ye Ming hung up before the other person could explode.

Despite his words, he went home to pack. Since it was summer break, he might be gone for over ten days. His friend, hearing he was leaving, came over for a farewell, accompanied by a senior named Yu Yucheng.

“Eve, I’ll die of sadness if you don’t come to the island with us,” his friend said piteously.

Yu Yucheng burst out laughing. Ye Ming took a bottle of wine from the cabinet and placed it before her. “Baby, that’s not how you use that idiom.”

The friend switched to English: “Fine, looking at your faces I said it wrong again. My point is I’m very sad, especially since Yu finally found time to join us.”

Yu Yucheng smiled and comforted her: “It’s fine. We’ll hang out when Eve returns.”

The friend grumbled and downed two bottles of wine. The topic shifted to relationships, and she drunkenly hugged Ye Ming, wailing about the “scumbag Alpha” who dumped her. Yu Yucheng and Ye Ming eventually managed to lead her to the guest room. As they tucked her in, she kicked the quilt away. “Dead scumbag Alpha! I’m never liking an ‘Uncle’ again!”

Ye Ming comforted her: “Okay, okay, ignore the scumbags! No more Uncles!”

After calming his drunken friend, Ye Ming was sweating. He looked at the equally exhausted Yu Yucheng and suggested: “Senior, it’s late. I’ll get a room ready, why don’t you stay over?”

Yu Yucheng looked at him with a pleasant arch of his eyebrow. “Oh? Sure.”

Ye Ming didn’t see the “predator” look in Yu Yucheng’s eyes. If he had, he never would have let him stay. When he finished showering and came downstairs for a drink, he was suddenly pinned against the refrigerator.

“What… what are you doing?”

The Alpha’s frame was starting to mature, though still a bit lean. He looked down at the “Little Prince” before him, his breath hitching. “Ye Ming, give me a chance.”

This was the second time he had confessed. He had been in love with this exquisite Beta for two years. He cut off Ye Ming before he could speak: “Don’t reject me yet. I know you love an Alpha, but hasn’t that Alpha been divorced? If he were good enough, why would his wife leave him? He isn’t worth your wait!”

“Shut up! Who gave you permission to talk about him like that!” Ye Ming drove a knee into his stomach. Yu Yucheng groaned in pain, clutching his midsection.

“Our values don’t align. Don’t see me again,” Ye Ming said, turning to go upstairs.

The furious Alpha grabbed him and shoved him onto the sofa. Yu Yucheng’s eyes were bloodshot. “Why won’t you look at me? I’ve been by your side for so long. How am I worse than some aging divorcee!”

Ye Ming kicked and struggled. “Yu Yucheng, let go of me!!”

His nature amplified by alcohol, Yu Yucheng tried to kiss him. Ye Ming turned his head away, his voice cracking with rage: “Yu Yucheng! Try touching me and see what happens!”

Yu Yucheng pinned him down: “You invited me to stay today; you should have expected this!”

Ye Ming was terrified. The thought of what Yu Yucheng was trying to do made him sick. “Yu Yucheng, let go!”

No, absolutely not…

“What are you doing!” A low, angry shout came from the door.

It was Lu Ze.

Ye Ming trembled, his eyes filled with hope. While Yu Yucheng was distracted, he kicked him off and scrambled into Lu Ze’s arms. “Lu Ze, Lu Ze! He… he tried to assault me.” He was visibly shaken, his eyes red.

Lu Ze looked at the Alpha on the floor with a dark expression. Alphas naturally repel each other’s pheromones, let alone the aggressive aura Lu Ze was emitting now. He touched Ye Ming’s hair. “Stay here. Turn around.”

…

“Holy shit, Boss. What did that Alpha do to you?” The Alpha Huo Chengyuan taken away was black and blue, with two broken ribs. It was clear Lu Ze had intended to kill him. It had been a long time since Lu Ze was this ruthless.

“I asked you to handle something, why so much talk?” Seeing Lu Ze was in a bad mood, Huo Chengyuan didn’t dare ask more.

Ye Ming, still shaken, peeked at Lu Ze who was on the phone by the bed. Lu Ze caught him. Seeing Lu Ze’s grim face, Ye Ming felt a chill. “Lu Ze…”

Lu Ze smiled coldly. “I was only gone for a few days and you dare bring an Alpha home for the night. Do you know what would have happened if I hadn’t returned today?! Answer me!”

Ye Ming lowered his head. “I know…”

Having finally calmed down, being yelled at by Lu Ze made the grievances well up again. His eyes clouded over. “But I didn’t ask him to do that! I didn’t know he was like that! Why are you yelling at me…”

His voice was full of hurt. He sniffled—it was so embarrassing to cry in front of Lu Ze. Hearing his pathetic complaint, Lu Ze’s anger vanished. Why was he arguing with a kid? He was clearly terrified today. Now wasn’t the time for a lecture.

The bed dipped as Lu Ze sat down and gently wiped his tears. Ye Ming slapped his hand away. “I don’t need your fake kindness. I get it, you don’t like me at all, you don’t care. Even if something happened to me, you wouldn’t care.”

“I see through you, Lu Ze! I’m not going to like you anymore!!”

Tears poured out. Lu Ze grabbed his shoulders. “What nonsense are you talking! If I didn’t care about you, would I be watching over you every day? If anything really happened to you, I would be the first to kill that Alpha!”

“…” Ye Ming stared at him, forgetting to cry.

He looked so captivating like this. Lu Ze closed his eyes and pulled him into an embrace, whispering desperately: “I’m only this angry because I care. I can’t even imagine what would have happened if I hadn’t arrived in time. I was… I was truly terrified.”

The Alpha had surrendered, showing his softest, most vulnerable side to Ye Ming.