After Entering a Contract Marriage with a Disabled Alpha - Chapter 14

“Don’t feel too much burden or pressure. Just consider it extra compensation for treating my condition later on.”

Qin Shen placed the fountain pen into Pei Yu’s hand.

But the compensation was already given, wasn’t it?

Pei Yu lowered his eyelashes and looked at Qin Shen again.

Working from home, Qin Shen was dressed formally, though he wasn’t wearing a tie. His slightly open collar revealed a pale, cold collarbone with sharp, clean lines—he looked both noble and languid.

It had to be said that if one ignored Qin Shen’s illness and his difficulty walking, he was indeed an excellent marriage partner. Not only was his face pleasing to the eye, but he also conducted himself with grace and restraint in their interactions.

“I can’t accept these things…” Pei Yu placed the documents and the pen back on the desk.

The boy’s eyes were clear and flawless. His eye shape was beautiful—rounder than a typical “Phoenix eye.” When he smiled, he looked vivid and agile, with long, curled lashes that arched just right.

Qin Shen wasn’t surprised by his refusal.

However, these things truly weren’t important to him. Once wealth accumulates to a certain level, it becomes nothing more than a string of digits in an account where the first few numbers never change.

The main reason he was giving Pei Yu this gift was actually because of the boy’s background. Pei Yu was born into a wealthy family, yet Lin Shuxing had enjoyed luxury cars, watches, and jewelry for a long time while Pei Yu had not. He wanted Pei Yu to have them too.

“Even though we are in a marriage of convenience by agreement, what should be given must be given.”

“If you accept them, I will be very happy.”

Qin Shen’s thin lips parted slightly, his dark eyes fixed on Pei Yu with focused sincerity. He didn’t want to give these gifts out of mere politeness or to save face; he truly wanted him to have them.

After a few seconds of a stalemate gaze, Qin Shen was the first to yield. He moved forward slightly and lightly took hold of Pei Yu’s fingertips.

Pei Yu froze, his eyes clearly asking, “Why are you holding my hand?”

“I think signing will be faster if I hold your hand. I still have work to handle, let’s settle this quickly.”

Pei Yu: “?”

He had never seen a CEO so eager to give away money.

Already hesitating because the gifts were tempting, Pei Yu was essentially led along. He didn’t resist as Qin Shen uncapped the pen with one hand and, guiding Pei Yu’s hand, wrote out the name stroke by stroke in the signature line for the recipient.

The man’s hand was broad, warm, and dry. Most of Pei Yu’s attention was focused on the blue veins protruding from the back of Qin Shen’s pale hand. Being so close, he could vaguely smell the crisp scent of cedar mixed with wood—restrained to the extreme.

By the time he snapped back to reality, the signature was already finalized: [Pei Yu].

Pei Yu looked down at the name written under Qin Shen’s guidance. The handwriting was neat, delicate, and rounded—it looked very much like Pei Yu’s own handwriting, completely different from Qin Shen’s messy and wild signature style.

“You can even mimic handwriting?” Pei Yu was surprised.

Qin Shen’s palm pressed against the back of the boy’s hand—which was as smooth as fine suet jade—for a few seconds before letting go. His voice was slow and deep: “When you’ve been in business for a long time, you have to learn a few little tricks.”

Pei Yu reasonably suspected that Mr. Qin had done some “bad things” in the past.

He looked at his signature with conflict and asked the question in his heart: “But this signature… are you sure it’s legally valid?”

“Of course. You know, and I know.”

Qin Shen looked steadily at Pei Yu. “As long as you don’t say anything, it will remain valid forever.”

The man’s pupils were a deep, dark shade. When he gazed at someone, it gave the illusory impression of deep affection, as if turbulent emotions were hidden beneath the surface.

Pei Yu’s chest suddenly felt hot, and his heart began to race uncontrollably. He snapped out of it in a panic and joked, “Then I definitely won’t say a word. I’m not an idiot; I just got all this money for free.”

“Mm, you’re not an idiot.”

“Your grades are very good. You were always at the top of your grade in your old school.”

It was a very plain statement, yet coming from Qin Shen’s lips, it seemed to carry a hint of pampering.

Looking at Qin Shen again, he still had that same cold and aloof demeanor. Feeling his face heat up over his own messy thoughts, Pei Yu grabbed the documents and turned to leave.

“I won’t disturb your work anymore. I’m going out.”

The door to the study remained closed for a long time before Qin Shen finally sat back down at the desk.

His WeChat dialog box was being bombarded by Jiang Yibai.

【Am I still the one representing us for the Zhonghe acquisition tomorrow?】 【Where are you?!!!】 【You never used to disappear like this!】

After some impotent rage and grumbling, Jiang Yibai, knowing Qin Shen had gone to the Lin house that morning, sent another message: 【Don’t tell me you’re hanging me out to dry just to accompany your wife?!】

Qin Shen: [ . ]

Jiang Yibai: 【! You finally acknowledged me. I’ve been waiting for you for fifteen minutes!】

Qin Shen: 【Oh.】

He didn’t believe for a second that Jiang Yibai would just sit there waiting.

Qin Shen: 【You handle the acquisition. Tomorrow is the start of school at Yangshen; I’m taking Pei Yu to school.】

The other side was silent for a few seconds before a string of exclamation marks appeared.

Jiang Yibai: 【So you really were with your wife just now?! You’re a scumbag Alpha who prioritizes romance over friends!】

Qin Shen: 【Don’t talk nonsense. Get back to business.】

Jiang Yibai: 【Hmph. But many of the rich heirs in Jiangcheng are placing bets on the forum.】

Qin Shen frowned: 【Betting on what?】

Jiang Yibai: 【Betting on how long Pei Yu can stay with you. After all, your reputation out there isn’t great.】

Qin Shen: 【Boring.】

Jiang Yibai: 【Hahaha! Well, I’ll bet against them then. If I win, I’ll treat you and my sister-in-law to dinner.】

Qin Shen: […]

Pei Yu, clutching the documents, ran into Qin Yiyang waiting expectantly for him in the hallway as soon as he stepped out. Qin Yiyang was extremely curious and asked what he and Qin Shen were doing in the study.

Pei Yu figured there was no need to hide the fact that he had received a massive sum of money, so he showed the documents to Qin Yiyang.

“Holy crap! I never knew my cousin was this generous?!”

Qin Yiyang felt only envy and admiration, no hatred. He became even more convinced that Pei Yu and Qin Shen were a case of love at first sight.

“Big boss, please support me!!!”

Qin Yiyang’s expression was exaggerated. He instinctively reached out to put an arm around Pei Yu’s shoulder, but catching a glimpse of the boy’s pale, delicate face, he abruptly pulled his hand back. He almost forgot his place.

Pei Yu joked, “Sure. I’ll tell Qin Shen tonight. I’ll say you asked me to use the money he gave me to support you.”

Qin Yiyang clutched his “wounded” heart. “You’ve already mastered the art of ‘pillow talk’ without even being taught.”

Pei Yu: “…”

The conversation was over.

Seeing Pei Yu’s speechless expression, Qin Yiyang reined in his playfulness slightly and asked, “Do you like the gift Grandpa prepared for you? Grandpa asked me secretly just now; he wasn’t sure if you’d be satisfied.”

Pei Yu remembered the gift sitting on the desk in his bedroom. “I haven’t opened it yet. I’ll open it tonight.”

“But regardless of what Grandpa Qin gave me, I’m sure I’ll be satisfied.”

That night after dinner, Pei Yu returned to his bedroom and took a comfortable, hot bath.

A vast expanse of white mist swirled within the enclosed space.

Pei Yu changed into soft pajamas. Droplets from the tips of his hair fell onto the hollow of his collarbone, dampening the slightly open neckline. His snowy cheeks were flushed pink from the steam, his eyes moist, and his aura gentle and refined.

 

He sat on the bed, used a hairdryer to dry his hair, and then slowly began to unwrap the gift from Grandpa Qin. He untied the bow made of luxurious silk scarf, and as the box opened—

 

A celadon-glaze, sunflower-shaped porcelain piece and a pale pink jade bracelet with a lotus pattern came into view.

 

Pei Yu stared at the fresh, elegant color of the porcelain, which looked as pale as the blue sky, and the clear, translucent “ice-crack” patterns covering the body. The famous phrase “the blue of the sky after rain, where the clouds break” flashed through his mind.

 

Pei Yu murmured in shock, “No way…”

 

He took a photo with his phone and searched online, and sure enough, he found related news. It was a report on an auction for Song Dynasty Ru-ware; a piece identical to the one in Pei Yu’s hands had been purchased by a private collector at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong several years ago.

 

Pei Yu: “…”

 

His hands were shaking.

 

Was Grandpa Qin really this extravagant? He had spent all morning carrying this gift box around casually. Although it was protected by padding, if he had accidentally dropped it…

 

Even though Qin Shen had just told him not to say things like “I couldn’t afford to pay it back even if I sold myself,” holding a piece of porcelain worth over a hundred million yuan made Pei Yu’s hands shake uncontrollably. He quickly placed the porcelain on the bed, his heart thumping wildly.

 

This was terrifying. No wonder the box felt heavy earlier—it contained a literal treasure!

 

Grandpa Qin surely didn’t expect him to just leave this sitting in his bedroom, did he? In a daze, Pei Yu felt an impulse to break into the collection room at night and secretly put the Ru-ware back.

 

It took a long while for Pei Yu’s mood to settle. He swallowed hard, not daring to touch the porcelain again, which sat deeply embedded in the soft bedding, its color bright yet gentle on the eyes.

 

He picked up the other item: the jade bracelet. The eighteen lotus beads were a tender, icy pink, glowing with a soft luster. Every bead had a slight variation in color, with the pink hues appearing like faint clouds trapped within the jade. It was accented by natural, clear green jadeite rings and a small turquoise feather charm at the end.

 

Pei Yu used to think that jade only looked good on older people, but this bracelet was delicate, warm, and lively—perfect for someone young. Although he didn’t know the exact price, it was undoubtedly very expensive. He stroked the jade chain for a few minutes before placing it on the bed as well.

 

Facing these precious gifts, Pei Yu felt as though he were facing a formidable enemy. He couldn’t decide how to handle them. He pulled out his phone to ask Mr. Qin, only to realize he hadn’t added Qin Shen on WeChat yet.

 

He stood up, walked out of his room, and knocked on the bedroom door opposite his. The hallway was lit only by a dim orange night light. Since it was late, Pei Yu didn’t want to make a scene, so he leaned against the door and called out softly. Shortly after, the dull rolling sound of wheels echoed from behind the door.

 

With a click, the door opened.

 

Pei Yu was about to speak when he saw Qin Shen drying his damp black hair with a towel. He appeared to have just finished a shower; his body was enveloped in moisture, and droplets from his hair fell onto his dark gray bathrobe. Because he had come to the door in a hurry, the deep V-neck of his robe was loosely open.

 

Because Qin Shen was sitting in a wide-legged position, the standing Pei Yu looked down and caught a glimpse of his well-defined chest muscles. Water droplets slid down the center of his chest, disappearing into the dark shadows.

 

All words caught in his throat. Pei Yu muttered a silent prayer to “see no evil” and covered his eyes with his hands.

 

“Why are you covering your eyes?” Qin Shen looked down at himself. He was wearing what he was supposed to be wearing; there was nothing shameful to see.

 

Having just showered, Qin Shen’s voice was even huskier than during the day, sounding deep and sexy in the night air. Catching the scent of the crisp Alpha pheromones again, Pei Yu suddenly felt a bit thirsty.

 

He heard Qin Shen ask what was wrong.

 

Pei Yu steadied his mind, slowly moved his hands away, and spoke about the gifts. “I just opened Grandpa’s gifts. They’re too precious—a piece of Ru-ware and a jade bracelet. I want to return them.”

 

While Pei Yu was looking at him, Qin Shen was also observing the boy. The boy in cotton pajamas had soft, fluffy hair, and his large eyes were striking in the dim light. He carried a faint scent of roses.

 

The darkness made the air feel hot and ambiguous. Qin Shen felt a slight itch in his heart, but then he noticed Pei Yu was barefoot and frowned. “The floor is cold. Why didn’t you put on shoes before coming out?”

 

Pei Yu: “?”

 

He pouted in dissatisfaction. “I’m talking to you about the gifts.”

 

“You still need to wear shoes. Your body is weak after differentiating. Go back and put your shoes on first,” Qin Shen insisted.

 

Pei Yu: “…”

 

Seeing Qin Shen’s persistence, Pei Yu scurried back to his room, put on shoes, and even pulled on a pair of white socks for good measure. Seeing the socks covering the boy’s delicate ankle bones, Qin Shen nodded in satisfaction.

 

Only then did he address the gifts. “Just keep what Grandpa gave you. He likes you very much.”

 

Pei Yu bit his lip hesitantly, thinking of the bracelet that had really caught his eye. “I can keep the bracelet, but please let me return the porcelain to Grandpa. Otherwise, I won’t be able to sleep.”

 

After a few seconds, Qin Shen sighed softly. “Fine. Bring the porcelain out, and we’ll put it in Grandpa’s collection room.”

 

“You should be the one to carry it. I’m scared,” Pei Yu said timidly.

 

Seeing his cowardly look, Qin Shen couldn’t help but chuckle. He rolled his wheelchair into Pei Yu’s bedroom, put the porcelain back into the box, and fastened it. Placing the box on his lap, he headed toward the collection room with Pei Yu.

 

He didn’t forget to tease him: “Not worried about the box crushing my legs now?”

 

Pei Yu pursed his lips, too embarrassed to speak. After a few steps, he said hesitantly, “Once we put the porcelain away… should I give you a leg massage?”

 

Qin Shen paused and looked at him. “You know how to massage?”

 

“A little bit,” Pei Yu said. “My mom used to spend a lot of time lying down, so I’d massage her hands for her sometimes.”

 

Qin Shen smiled. “Alright. I’ll look forward to it.”

 

During their conversation, the two arrived at the collection room. As they pushed the door open, the light from the hallway spilled inside. The light switch was high up and out of Qin Shen’s reach, but he was familiar with the room and navigated his wheelchair inside.

 

Moonlight streamed through the glass windows, causing the various porcelain vases displayed in glass cabinets to glow with a silvery luster. The room was dazzling. Pei Yu’s eyes widened; the scene before him looked like something out of a dream.

 

Qin Shen went to an empty independent display cabinet, opened the glass door, and placed the gift box inside. “There. Grandpa can take it out himself later.”

 

Pei Yu stood beside Qin Shen, took a glance, and whispered an “Okay.”

 

“Why are you speaking so quietly?” Qin Shen looked up and asked.

 

“Hm?” Pei Yu noticed the silence. “I feel like a thief, so I instinctively lowered my voice.”

 

“Can you sleep peacefully now that we’ve gone back?” Qin Shen chuckled.

 

“I can.”

 

Pei Yu used to work late at the Deep Blue bar, so it was only just past 11:00 PM and he wasn’t sleepy at all. “How about I give you that massage now?”

 

Just as Qin Shen was about to respond, a sharp shout came from the distance: “Who’s there?!”

 

Along with the voice came a bright beam from a flashlight. The blinding light hit Pei Yu right in the eyes. Already nervous in the dark, the shock caused him to trip over the wheelchair’s wheel. His body pitched forward uncontrollably.

 

Qin Shen’s heart leaped. He quickly leaned over to catch the boy. Crashing into his arms, Pei Yu instinctively tried to steady himself. He couldn’t see anything, and his senses were enveloped in the faint scent of cedar.

 

Suddenly, Pei Yu’s hand accidentally pressed down hard on something. It was hot much hotter than normal body temperature so hot it made his palm go numb.

 

Before he could react, a muffled, repressed groan escaped from Qin Shen’s lips. Immediately after, his wrist was firmly grabbed by Qin Shen.

 

The man’s voice was hoarse and raspy: “Don’t touch me there.”