After Entering a Contract Marriage with a Disabled Alpha - Chapter 32.1

Pei Yu did indeed hit back, and he made sure it landed with a crisp, loud snap.

However, Qin Shen’s reaction was entirely different from his own. Not only did Qin Shen feel no shame, he actually seemed to enjoy it, looking quite pleased with the exchange.

Pei Yu, feeling even more frustrated, was speechless. He puffed out his cheeks and glared at Qin Shen like a ruffled kitten, refusing to back down. “Your ‘feel’ is pretty good too,” he commented defiantly.

Pei Yu deliberately put on the air of a teasing rogue, hoping to irritate Qin Shen and make him feel the embarrassment of having his “texture” critiqued.

“Is that so? It seems you’re satisfied then. Do you want to hit me a few more times until you’ve vented your anger?”

Qin Shen watched him with perfect composure, taking pride rather than offense.

“It makes all that training I did worthwhile.” A shallow smile played across his features, making him look very much like a man pampering a temperamental kitten.

Pei Yu realized that when it came to being thick-skinned, he was truly no match for Qin Shen. He flopped back onto the soft bed with a thud and turned his head away. “Who wants to hit you again? Don’t think I don’t know you’re dying for it.”

“True,” Qin Shen drawled in a lazy, lingering tone, looking at the bundle under the covers. “After all, Baby’s palms are so soft. What should I do? I’m looking forward to your ‘help’ even more now.”

Pei Yu closed his eyes, comforting himself with a bit of mental escapism. Why on earth was he trying to compete with Qin Shen to see who could be more of a rogue? There was no point.

“If you keep interrupting my nap, you can stay ‘looking forward’ to it forever,” Pei Yu grumbled.

Pei Yu knew he was being a bit of a brat by saying that, but he knew Qin Shen would fall for it. Sure enough, a second later, Qin Shen spoke. “Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. I’ll go change and wash up first. It will take some time, so sleep a bit longer.”

Pei Yu paused, then rolled over to look up at Qin Shen. “Do you need me to help you get dressed?” he asked softly.

“Are you giving up the five minutes you worked so hard to win?” Qin Shen teased.

How can this kid be so good? Qin Shen’s heart melted. “No need. We have the whole morning; there’s no rush for those five minutes.”

“Oh, alright.” Pei Yu understood. He assumed Qin Shen probably didn’t want to show a vulnerable or “broken” side in front of him.

In truth, Pei Yu didn’t mind at all. But it was normal for Qin Shen to care; after all, he had once been the favored child of heaven. Pei Yu felt a slight sting of sympathy in his nose. “I get it. I’ll keep sleeping then.”

He buried his head back into the quilt to hide his emotions from Qin Shen. Qin Shen sensed something, watched him for a few seconds with lowered lashes, then turned to head to the dressing room.

Since they were going to the gym, Qin Shen threw on a black short-sleeved shirt. The simple style emphasized his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Changing into grey sweatpants was a bit more troublesome, but he was used to it, and the process wasn’t too difficult.

His gaze swept over the shoe rack. Logically, he didn’t need to change his shoes since he wouldn’t really be using them. However, his cool, pale fingers picked up a pair of sneakers. He leaned over to put them on; at least it would look better.

When he finished and returned to the bedroom, he was carrying a set of sportswear suitable for Pei Yu. Since the last time Pei Yu stayed the night, Qin Shen had ordered plenty of clothes in Pei Yu’s size to be kept there.

“Put these on.” Qin Shen placed a pair of blue and white sneakers by the bed and tossed the clothes over.

Pei Yu wriggled around, wanting to act spoiled and sleep more, but with Qin Shen watching him, he decided to save face and slowly climbed out of bed. He picked up the shirt and began unbuttoning his pajamas.

One by one, his snow-white skin was revealed. Qin Shen’s gaze shifted, his eyes seemingly glued to the boy’s delicate, curved collarbones as they trailed downward.

Pei Yu stopped unbuttoning and blinked. “Are you going to watch me change?”

Qin Shen’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “I’m not allowed to watch?”

“Of course not!” Pei Yu said with a hot face. He had to change his pants too.

“Fine, I’ll look away.” Qin Shen turned his back to him.

Really, how is he getting bolder and bolder? Pei Yu thought to himself. He changed quickly, the rustling of clothes hitting Qin Shen’s ears and making his heart itch. Qin Shen’s mind involuntarily began to wander, but within two seconds, he suppressed those “deviant” thoughts with his ingrained upbringing.

“All done.” Pei Yu hopped to the edge of the bed to put on the sneakers. “What size are these?” He checked the shoes; they were a perfect fit. “They’re just right, thank you.”

He bent his head, the white t-shirt clinging to his frame, revealing the faint outline of his thin shoulder blades. Pei Yu realized he couldn’t see any socks. “Did you not bring socks?”

Qin Shen turned and opened the bedside drawer, pulling out a pair of brand-new white socks. Pei Yu’s eyes lit up and he reached for them, but Qin Shen leaned over, lifted Pei Yu’s foot, and placed the slender ankle on his own lap.

“I’ll help you,” Qin Shen said, moving unhurriedly.

His ankle was surrounded by a warm, dry touch as those long, pale fingers put the socks on for him. Pei Yu’s heart softened instantly, a tingly, itchy sensation spreading through him. It wasn’t a blatant or passionate kiss, just a small gesture, yet it made the tips of Pei Yu’s ears burn red.

He shyly tried to pull his leg back, his lashes trembling. “No need, I can do it myself.”

He had only pulled back a few centimeters before his ankle was gripped firmly. The forceful grip sent a shiver down his spine.

“Are you shy?” Qin Shen squeezed the boy’s porcelain-white foot. The faint blue veins visible through the skin made it look like a finely carved piece of art.

Pei Yu had intended to insist on doing it himself, but he caught Qin Shen’s deep eyes full of amusement. The words changed as they left his mouth. “Mm. Even real couples rarely do this, right?” he said softly.

Qin Shen smiled. “It’s fine. I’m quite happy to do it.”

Pei Yu paused. “Don’t you think it’s a bit too much… like you’re serving me?”

Qin Shen looked up. “I like it.”

Pei Yu: “…”

It took him a long while to calm his racing heart. “Oh, I see. Then, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

With one foot left, Pei Yu proactively placed his other leg on Qin Shen’s sweatpants. Stepping on the thin fabric, he could faintly feel Qin Shen’s body heat. The man kept his head down, his hair falling naturally to partially veil his face, showing only his high bridge and his sexy, pale Adam’s apple.

Pei Yu glanced at him, then quickly looked away, his hands gripping the sheets tightly.

“Done,” Qin Shen said.

Afraid that Qin Shen would help him with the shoes as well, Pei Yu hurriedly shoved his feet into the sneakers and bent down to tie the laces. His flustered movements brought a soft laugh from Qin Shen’s throat.

After a simple breakfast and once they had digested their food, the two went to the gym.

This was the first time Pei Yu had carefully looked at the gym in the old mansion. The wooden floors were spotless, and the equipment was neatly organized. Some of the machines had even been modified to suit Qin Shen’s needs.

The caregiver came along as well, waiting nearby to see if Qin Shen needed assistance.

Pei Yu ran for over thirty minutes until he was heated through and sweat beaded on his forehead. Deciding not to overtrain, he sat down to rest, his eyes drifting toward Qin Shen.

Qin Shen was lifting dumbbells. The muscles in his arms were firm and bulging, full of power and explosive energy. His chest rose and fell with his breathing, straining against his black t-shirt, radiating a sharp, commanding aura.

The high-level Alpha’s keen senses seemed to catch his gaze. After finishing a set, Qin Shen turned his head to look. Pei Yu stood up quickly and walked toward the equipment area with feigned composure.

An hour later, Pei Yu’s collar was quite wet, while Qin Shen looked much better than him.

“So tired,” Pei Yu panted, collapsing onto a soft mat.

“Drink some of this.” Qin Shen handed him a bottle of electrolyte drink, waving it in front of Pei Yu’s face.

Pei Yu groaned weakly. “I can’t get up. Let me lie here a bit longer.”

“Lying down isn’t good for your body. I’ll pull you up.” Qin Shen took the boy’s wrist.

Their body temperatures were both high after exercising, their skin covered in a thin layer of sweat, and the scent of pheromones filled their senses. Pei Yu remembered the pheromone exchange and reached out to hug Qin Shen.

Suddenly held tightly, Qin Shen didn’t react at first. He let out a low, questioning sound. “Hmm?”

“Hug me. Don’t let all these pheromones go to waste.” Exhausted, Pei Yu rested his chin on Qin Shen’s shoulder and panted in small breaths.

“Actually…” Qin Shen returned the embrace, holding the boy’s slender back. With every breath Pei Yu took, a wave of heat brushed against his collarbone.

Hearing this, Pei Yu looked up and blinked. “What?”

His lips were red and moist after the workout, glowing like soft, bouncy jelly. His whole face was flushed with heat, like a little rose covered in morning dew, vivid and full of life.

Qin Shen swallowed hard. The scent of wild roses spread through his nostrils, into his chest, and down to his limbs. Knowing that saying this would definitely make Pei Yu angry, he still couldn’t restrain himself. His eyes flickered with greedy adoration. “Hugging isn’t as good as kissing for a few minutes.”

The air turned still for a few seconds.

Pei Yu’s gaze landed on the man’s sharp features. He said indignantly, “If you keep talking like that, you won’t even get a hug.”

“…” He really was angry.

Qin Shen licked his lips, ignoring the itch in his throat. His voice was incredibly raspy. “I know.”

“Hmph.”

Pei Yu smiled, once again rubbing his pheromone-laden sweat onto Qin Shen. His soft hum and the mischievous look in his eyes struck Qin Shen right in the heart. Qin Shen smiled slightly and reached out to smooth the boy’s damp, messy hair.

“Brother Pei, you’re still working out?”

“You’re too diligent! We finally have a holiday. Do you want to play a game? I’ll carry you!”

Qin Yiyang pushed the door open and saw the two people hugging tightly on the soft bench.

“…”

Damn, he had come at the wrong time.

Pei Yu and Qin Shen looked at him simultaneously. Previously, if they were caught, Pei Yu would have been embarrassed. But now that he was used to it, he figured it was just a hug, so it didn’t matter. He blinked his moist eyes and looked straight at Qin Yiyang.

“We finished training. We’re resting,” Pei Yu said.

Qin Shen nodded in agreement. “Yes, resting.”

Qin Yiyang felt like he’d been hit by a critical blow. “No… what kind of Alpha and Omega rest like that?!”

“You call this resting? Do you think I’m blind?”

“It’s sickeningly sweet!”

The investigation into the drugging incident proceeded rapidly. Because they didn’t want to alert the target prematurely, the professional investigators hired by Li Shuang quickly obtained the hotel’s surveillance footage.

The recording clearly showed Lin Shuxing holding two glasses of orange juice while speaking with Qin Shen. After being ignored, he casually placed the glasses onto a passing waiter’s tray. As fate would have it, the waiter entered the main banquet hall, and Qin Yiyang happened to pick up the orange juice before it could be discarded. It remained unclear whether Lin Shuxing had drugged both glasses or just one that Pei Yu unfortunately ended up drinking.

As for the source of the prohibited drug, Qin Shen’s team couldn’t trace it. After consulting with Pei Yu, Qin Shen reported the matter to the police and provided a detailed statement. Upon hearing that an Omega had been drugged with a prohibited substance—nearly resulting in a disaster—the local police immediately opened a criminal case.

On Sunday, when the police arrived and knocked on the Lin family’s door, Lin Shuxing was still sleeping in. When told that someone had reported him for malicious drugging, he was utterly stunned. Lin Yifeng was at work, leaving only Luo Meihua and the servants at home.

When Luo Meihua heard the word “drugging,” shock flickered in her eyes. She looked at Lin Shuxing in disbelief, wanting to interrogate him, but she suppressed her anger in front of the officers.

“That’s impossible, I clearly—” Lin Shuxing bit back the words failed to drug him just in time. He struggled to change his tune: “I clearly didn’t drug anyone.”

With the video evidence and the hospital laboratory report, the police followed protocol and took Lin Shuxing to the station for questioning. While there was no direct evidence yet that the orange juice was the specific source, the investigation was officially underway.

Since the Lin family lived in an affluent neighborhood, news of Lin Shuxing being taken away by the police spread within minutes to the local social forums and several Yangshen High School class groups.

Luo Meihua recalled Lin Shuxing’s paranoid and obsessed expression that night and felt a sense of dread. Although he had come home with them after the banquet, if he had actually done something. The moment she realized the accuser was Pei Yu, she became certain Lin Shuxing was guilty.

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