After Entering a Contract Marriage with a Disabled Alpha - Chapter 25.2

Ten minutes before the banquet officially began, Pei Yu received a message from Lin Yifeng: 【Have you arrived at the hotel? It starts in a few minutes.】

Pei Yu looked down and typed sluggishly: 【Yes, I’m already here.】

A reply came instantly: 【Good. It’s in the ballroom on the first floor. Once you arrive, have a waiter lead you to private suite 112. I’ll give you a brief overview of the proceedings.】

After exiting the chat, he saw countless unread messages from Jiang He. Pei Yu paused for a moment, then turned off his phone.

Outside the magnificent hotel, luxury cars of all kinds were pulling up one after another. Doors opened, and men and women in evening gowns and suits stepped out in pairs. Doormen bowed in welcome, taking car keys to park the vehicles.

When Pei Yu entered the hotel, he noticed many media professionals in the ballroom. After his identity was verified, he asked a waiter to take him to the suite.

“I’ll wait for you out here.” Qin Yiyang caught sight of a few familiar Alphas and waved in their direction.

Pei Yu nodded. “Alright.”

A minute later, he pushed open the door to Suite 112. Lin Yifeng, Luo Meihua, and Lin Shuxing stood up at the sound. Upon seeing Pei Yu’s attire and appearance, Luo Meihua and Lin Shuxing froze for a moment.

The boy’s aura was cold and clear, like the moon. Not a trace remained of the plain-clothed youth they had first met; it was as if he had been reborn.

Looking at Pei Yu—who seemed to have inherited every superior trait of her and Lin Yifeng’s features—Luo Meihua felt a ripple of complicated emotion. It was as if she had been a fool who didn’t recognize a treasure, throwing away a piece of raw jade with a perfectly translucent core.

And the President of the Qin Corporation was the one who had found that jade. He had taken Pei Yu in, cared for him, and nurtured him. Now, the meticulously carved jade was radiating a brilliance so dazzling it was impossible to look away.

Lin Shuxing, who had spent the entire day confidently preparing his look to overshadow Pei Yu, felt his brow furrow. His arrogance and self-assurance quietly crumbled.

“Are you alone?” Lin Yifeng frowned. “President Qin didn’t come with you?”

Pei Yu nodded slightly. “Yes. He has work to finish. He might be a bit late.”

“Really?” Lin Shuxing lifted his chin, his voice haughty. “Isn’t it just that President Qin couldn’t be bothered to attend, and you’re only saying that because you’re afraid of losing face?”

“Do I have a reason to lie?” Pei Yu gave him a cold, flat look. “Whether Qin Shen comes or not shouldn’t affect my parents announcing my identity, right?”

“What do you mean by—” Lin Shuxing snapped, his temper rising.

“Xiao Xing!” Lin Yifeng barked at him, his sharp eyes silencing the boy. “Many people from the business world are here tonight. Behave yourself.”

Pei Yu let out a soft, dry chuckle.

Lin Shuxing clenched his fists, squeezing the words from his throat: “I understand.”

Lin Yifeng briefly explained the banquet schedule, and soon a waiter came to inform them that it was time. As they walked out, Lin Yifeng asked in a low voice once more, “Are you sure President Qin is really coming?”

Many people were attending tonight solely for Qin Shen. If he didn’t show up, both Lin Yifeng and the Lin family would likely be looked down upon. The public claimed Pei Yu and Qin Shen were “Destined AOs,” but many in their circle knew Lin Yifeng’s actions were essentially selling his son for prosperity. However, businessmen prioritized profit; while such things were common in high society, they usually weren’t discussed openly.

“Probably. But if he’s truly delayed, I can’t guarantee anything,” Pei Yu said with a polite smile.

Lin Yifeng’s frown deepened. “I see.”

The opening music came to a close, and the ballroom lights dimmed instantly. A spotlight illuminated the stage as Lin Yifeng and Luo Meihua walked up together. Lin Yifeng took the microphone from the host and tapped it lightly. The sounds of conversation and clinking glasses gradually faded into silence.

Lin Yifeng smiled and bowed slightly. “Thank you all for coming to this banquet hosted by the Lin family. Most of you have likely heard about the incident eighteen years ago, where my son, Lin Shuxing, and Pei Yu were swapped by a nurse.”

“The investigation is complete. The error lay with a careless intern nurse at the hospital. Fortunately, both children grew up healthy. I invited you all here today primarily to officially announce the identities of my and my wife’s children—”

As Lin Yifeng stepped aside and gestured, the ballroom lights brightened again.

“Xiao Yu, come here.” Lin Yifeng squeezed out a smile he believed looked kind and fatherly.

Pei Yu, who had been waiting in the wings, walked gracefully onto the stage. Most people already knew Lin Shuxing, so they looked curiously at this “True Young Master” who had grown up in a poor family.

They were collectively stunned.

He was nothing like the “poor, shabby, and vulgar” descriptions found in the rumors. The elegant moon-white suit perfectly suited the boy’s slender, upright frame and refined features. Unlike Lin Shuxing’s vivid, striking looks, Pei Yu’s beauty was in his bone structure—fair skin, cool eyes, and a transcendent aura.

The slim-fit suit highlighted his narrow waist and long legs perfectly; his back was as straight as a stalk of bamboo. The brilliant lights of the ballroom reflected in his eyes like a shimmering sea of stars. Just by standing there, he effortlessly captured everyone’s attention. He was a natural focus.

As Pei Yu stood in the center of the stage, Lin Shuxing—who couldn’t go up yet—was gradually forgotten.

“This is our child, Pei Yu,” Lin Yifeng announced. “He has suffered much over the past eighteen years. What makes us incredibly proud is that in the face of such hardship, Xiao Yu was not crushed. Instead, he remained resilient and strong, working to pay for medical bills while maintaining excellent grades. My wife and I feel we owe him much, and we will do our best to make up for the regrets of the past in the years to come. I also hope that if you have the chance, you will look after Xiao Yu. I, Lin Yifeng, will be eternally grateful.”

Pei Yu took the microphone and gave a brief, simple self-introduction. As he finished, a continuous wave of applause broke out. Every eye was fixed on this glittering pearl on stage.

Below the stage, Lin Shuxing’s hands clenched tighter and tighter by his sides, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Pei Yu. If… if the one marrying Qin Shen were me, the Lin family would never have announced Pei Yu’s identity. If Qin Shen had chosen me, I would still be the high-and-mighty Young Master Lin. How could Pei Yu ever stand above me?

The more he thought, the more resentment grew, until he wished he could kill Pei Yu with his gaze alone. Sensing the stare, Pei Yu tilted his head and glanced at him briefly. His gaze was devoid of emotion, as if he were looking at someone entirely inconsequential.

“Lin Shuxing…” Luo Meihua called out softly.

Lin Shuxing composed his emotions and walked up. Luo Meihua said with a smile, “Shuxing has lived with the Lin family for so long. Since his biological mother is currently ill and unable to care for him properly, Yifeng and I have decided to keep Shuxing in the Lin family. We hope these two children can get along well in the future. Please look after them both.”

Whispers and murmurs of various volumes rippled through the audience.

A few rich heirs who had long-standing grudges with Lin Shuxing began discussing the situation quite loudly.

“Wait, didn’t someone say Pei Yu wasn’t much to look at? If that’s considered average, then he’s miles ahead of Lin Shuxing.”

“You don’t get it. All those rumors about him being ‘shabby,’ ‘scheming,’ and ‘wicked’ were probably spread by a certain someone~”

“LMAO, the once high-and-mighty Lin Shuxing is actually a fake. Hahaha.”

“I don’t know how he has the face to stay with the Lins. Zero backbone.”

“Is backbone more important than money? Lin Shuxing is just a materialistic Omega at heart. Now we see his true colors.”

“The True Young Master is much more pleasant to look at. At least he doesn’t walk around with his nose in the clouds.”

“Hahaha, he actually had the nerve to show up. If it were me, I would’ve packed my bags and left ages ago…”

The undisguised gossip grew louder, as if specifically intended for Lin Shuxing’s ears.

Once the formal introduction concluded, the melodious sounds of piano and violin resumed. The ballroom was a flurry of clinking glasses and elegant silhouettes. To reclaim some dignity, Lin Shuxing picked up a wine glass, put on a practiced smile, and began navigating the social circles he had been a part of since childhood. Relying on his rich social experience, he approached various guests with confidence, chatting and laughing gracefully.

In contrast, the stunning Pei Yu found himself at a disadvantage in this segment. He didn’t know anyone, and being in such a grand setting for the first time, he felt a bit of social anxiety. Naturally, he had no desire to mingle. Qin Yiyang, being a free spirit himself, was equally disinterested in wearing a fake social mask. He directly pulled Pei Yu toward the buffet area.

“This pasta is okay, the shrimp is good… Holy crap, this dessert is actually top-tier,” Qin Yiyang mumbled while stuffing his face. He kept piling food onto Pei Yu’s plate until it resembled a small mountain.

Pei Yu ate bit by bit, not particularly worried about his “image.”

The young ladies and masters nearby who had intended to introduce themselves: “…” Wait, an Omega eating this much at night? Do they really not care about gaining weight?!

Qin Yiyang then led Pei Yu to try the colorful cocktails. Lin Yifeng hadn’t dared to slight Qin Shen; the banquet was top-specification, and the food and drink were all first-rate.

Not far away, Lin Shuxing—who was talking enthusiastically with an Alpha—watched Pei Yu’s “uncouth” behavior and felt a faint surge of triumphant pleasure. It was as if he were still the cherished young master of the Lin family, and Pei Yu was merely an ugly duckling who knew no etiquette. He was the noble swan.

Lin Shuxing’s eyes darted around as he sent a message to a waiter he had pre-arranged.

A minute later, a waiter in a black-and-white vest moved through the crowd with a tray of red wine. As he passed Qin Yiyang and Pei Yu, he “accidentally” tripped, splashing the wine all over them.

Qin Yiyang was wearing a pure black tuxedo, so the stain wasn’t very obvious. Pei Yu, however, was in trouble; a large, dark wine stain spread across his light-colored suit.

Pei Yu frowned but waved it off as the waiter bowed repeatedly in apology. He went to the restroom to try and clean it, but several stubborn red patches remained. Typically, experienced guests would bring a spare outfit for such accidents, but Pei Yu and Qin Yiyang lacked experience, and Qin Shen had forgotten to remind them.

The rich heirs watching the drama: “…” A few Omegas who disliked Lin Shuxing even whispered complaints about why Pei Yu wasn’t being more “impressive.” His entrance was a perfect 10, so why does he look like an incompetent rich kid now?! It’s like watching a promising student fail a test!

Seeing Pei Yu make a fool of himself made Lin Shuxing feel incredibly refreshed. Lin Yifeng and Luo Meihua were busy talking to celebrities and officials; they heard the commotion but couldn’t see clearly through the crowd.

“I heard President Qin of the Qin Corporation was coming tonight. Why haven’t we seen him?”

Lin Yifeng laughed awkwardly. “Xiao Yu said President Qin might be delayed a bit.”

“I see. Well, I heard Lingfeng Electronics is moving into smart home tech…”

“Are you okay? I’ll take off my jacket and give it to you,” Qin Yiyang offered.

Pei Yu looked down at the wine stain and said indifferently, “It’s fine. I don’t know anyone here anyway.”

“Brother Pei, your mental fortitude is incredible,” Qin Yiyang said with genuine admiration.

Pei Yu blinked. “Is it?”

The phone in his pocket vibrated. He pulled it out to see a message from Qin Shen saying he’d be there in a few minutes. Pei Yu replied with an “Okay” and went back to battling the food with Qin Yiyang.

Midway through, it was time for the ballroom dancing. Lively piano and violin music began to play. A few Alphas, unable to resist Pei Yu’s exquisite looks, came over one by one to invite him to dance.

Pei Yu had never danced in his life. Moreover, he had no desire for physical contact with strange Alphas, so he rejected them one after another.

Lin Shuxing, who was thriving in the social atmosphere, saw this and walked over gracefully.

“Don’t make things difficult for my brother,” he said to the Alphas. “He grew up in an environment where he never had the chance to learn such things. If he actually accepted your invitation, your shoes would be the ones to suffer.”

“Right, brother?” Lin Shuxing curled his lips.

Pei Yu frowned, wondering what Lin Shuxing was trying to pull now.

Lin Shuxing continued, “To be honest, it’s hard to imagine someone coming to a gala without knowing how to dance. If we’d known, we should have hired a dance instructor a few days early so you could learn the basics. Don’t you think, brother?”

Lin Shuxing was desperately trying to assert his presence, wanting to prove that even if he were the “fake” son, Pei Yu would never match him in terms of etiquette and grace. Even if Pei Yu had the blood of a wealthy family, he wouldn’t fit into high society.

To Pei Yu, Lin Shuxing’s words were dripping with sarcasm. He knit his brows. “Is not knowing how to dance a reason to not attend a banquet?”

“Naturally. What’s the point of a gala if you don’t dance…” Lin Shuxing started to say.

“Is that so?”

A deep, commanding voice sounded from behind the crowd. Everyone froze and turned around to see a man in a wheelchair slowly approaching.

The man looked to be twenty-eight or twenty-nine. His charcoal-gray suit made him appear both abstinent and refined. His face was exceptionally cold and handsome—a sharp brow, a high bridge, and thin lips. His pale wrist rested on the armrest, the lines of his bones sharp, and his watch reflected the glittering lights. Even in a wheelchair, his noble and frigid aura was not diminished in the slightest.

The guests began to whisper, wondering who this extraordinary man was. This age, a wheelchair, an Alpha… The man moved straight toward Pei Yu.

“Based on your logic, I suppose I shouldn’t be here either.”

Qin Shen raised a hand. “Qin Yiyang, Pei Yu, let’s go.”

He looked at Pei Yu and frowned upon seeing the stains on his clothes. Qin Yiyang and Pei Yu replied with a simultaneous “Mm,” put down their plates, and prepared to follow him.

Qin Shen leisurely took off his jacket, pulled Pei Yu close, and wrapped the jacket around the boy’s waist, tying the sleeves in a knot at the back to hide the stain. “How did this happen?”

“Thanks.” Pei Yu reacted half a beat late. “Uh… there was a small accident.”

“The President of the Qin Corporation?!” “Holy crap, I thought they said he was disfigured?!” “Heavens, I remember him. He’s just as handsome as he used to be!”

Whispers and mocking laughter rippled through the hall. Lin Shuxing’s face turned deathly pale.

“P-President Qin—” Lin Shuxing’s throat felt dry and tight.

Suddenly, a “wind” seemed to rush past, and his cheek felt a stinging, burning pain, as if it had been set on fire. Lin Shuxing’s head was snapped to the side—he realized, in front of everyone, he had been slapped hard.

Lin Yifeng, who had rushed over, glared at him before scurrying to stand before Qin Shen. He bowed slightly, acting with great respect. “I am deeply sorry, President Qin. It was my lack of discipline. Listen to the nonsense he was spewing. I hope you can be the bigger person. I will certainly educate him when we get home.”

Qin Shen let out a light, cold laugh. “Father-in-law, there’s no need for that. It’s just that Xiao Yu and I are joined in marriage, and seeing him bullied… it truly pains my heart.”

“I understand, I understand!” Lin Yifeng grabbed the dazed Lin Shuxing. “Apologize to President Qin and Xiao Yu! How dare you say such nonsense!”

Qin Shen raised his thin eyelids. “No need to apologize to me. Apologize to Pei Yu.”

“Yes, of course.” Lin Yifeng struck Lin Shuxing on the back. “What are you standing there for? Apologize!”

Lin Shuxing staggered from the blow, a clear red handprint appearing on his delicate cheek. He looked at the people around him who were snickering; an overwhelming sense of shame and humiliation buried him alive.

“Apologize!” Lin Yifeng urged.

Lin Shuxing began to cry from the sheer humiliation. He bowed slightly and forced a trembling voice from his throat.

“Pei Yu… I’m sorry. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have mocked you.”

Pei Yu’s gaze was flat. He gave Lin Shuxing a cursory glance and nodded. “Mm. I heard you.”

Lin Yifeng smiled tentatively. “President Qin, what do you think…?”

Qin Shen ignored him, simply taking Pei Yu’s hand and kneading it gently. “What do you think?” Qin Shen asked the boy.

Pei Yu wasn’t sure what to do, but then he thought for a second. “The food here is actually pretty good. You haven’t eaten yet, right?”

The corners of Qin Shen’s lips hooked up, and his cold eyes couldn’t help but crinkle into a smile.

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