After Entering a Contract Marriage with a Disabled Alpha - Chapter 4

A few days later.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains.

Pei Yu rubbed his eyes sleepily, his brain taking a few seconds to register that he was now living in Lin Shuxing’s room. His summer homework remained untouched in his suitcase, and he had no intention of doing it. For the sake of the Lin family’s reputation, he was set to transfer to Yangshen Private High School, the same school Lin Shuxing attended, once the senior year began.

After changing his clothes and putting on his glasses, his black bangs, which had been pinned back all night, stuck out awkwardly. Pei Yu smoothed them down twice using his phone screen as a mirror, then went to the bathroom to dampen them with water and blow-dry them. The bangs ended up drooping over his eyelids in a messy fashion. He glanced at himself in the mirror.

Unremarkable. Perfect.

He went downstairs for breakfast. Lin Yifeng was sitting in the head seat, holding a tablet and reading financial news. He turned his head at the sound of footsteps. His gaze swept over Pei Yu indifferently, taking in his attire, and his brows knit slightly.

Luo Meihua gave a soft greeting, while Lin Shuxing sat in his spot, not sparing Pei Yu a single glance.

“I heard you are working part-time at Deep Blue Bar?” Lin Yifeng set down the tablet.

A servant pulled out a chair for Pei Yu. He whispered an awkward thank you before sitting down.

“Yes, there is a lot of free time during the summer break,” Pei Yu replied calmly.

Lin Yifeng said, “Are you that short on money? Jiang He has already been moved to the hospital. If you are seen working a part-time job by business partners of Lingfeng Appliances, it will reflect poorly on us.”

In their first meeting since the truth came out, his biological father had not asked how he was doing. He only cared that a part-time job might damage the corporate image. Pei Yu was not surprised, nor did he expect to find any long-lost fatherly love from Lin Yifeng.

“Oh.” Pei Yu silently bit into a piece of toast; it tasted a bit dry. “I am used to it. I feel uncomfortable if I have nothing to do.”

“Some people just cannot stay idle,” Lin Shuxing chimed in with a laugh. “Dad, do not bother with him. Otherwise, he will think you are being nosy.”

Luo Meihua handed a slice of bread spread with jam to her husband. “Xiaoxing is right.”

Pei Yu suddenly felt the bread in his mouth turn even drier. Lin Yifeng said nothing. There were no topics of conversation between the father and son, and for a moment, he did not know what to say.

Like most wealthy families, Lin Yifeng and Luo Meihua were a political marriage. They had not developed feelings for each other after marriage; children were merely a means to strengthen the alliance between their two families.

After fulfilling that duty, Lin Yifeng kept women and children outside. Luo Meihua knew this. Having grown up in a wealthy family, she was used to the philandering nature of men and held no hope for those with wealth and power. Lin Yifeng had promised via a share agreement that he would never bring those outsiders home; Luo Meihua would be the mistress of the Lin house for life. Effectively, they lived separate lives.

Lin Shuxing enthusiastically called them Mom and Dad, chatting happily with them while occasionally casting sidelong glances at Pei Yu. By the end of breakfast, Pei Yu felt miserable, thinking that if this continued, he would soon develop a stomach ailment.

Before leaving, Lin Yifeng instructed, “The company is in a critical period. Do not cause trouble. Stay low-profile, both of you.”

There was no need to go to the bar during the day. Pei Yu made an appointment with the hospital and took the bus, traveling across half the city to get there. The breakfast experience had been so draining that his head felt heavy when he got off.

After collecting himself, Pei Yu bought a bouquet of elegant white roses from a street vendor.

The high-end private hospital was built on the outskirts of Jiangcheng. The greenery was lush, the man-made lake was as beautiful as emerald, and the environment was quiet and clean, which was conducive to patient recovery. Although far from the city center, the medical care here was top-tier. Several leading medical experts were guest physicians here, backed by massive funding; their research into pheromone-related illnesses was world-renowned.

Since Jiang He’s admission, she had received comprehensive medical resources and care. Pei Yu smiled and nodded at the caregiver, who smiled back and left, closing the door behind her.

“Mom, are you getting used to staying here?” Pei Yu placed the white roses by the bed and sprinkled some water on the petals. A faint rose scent filled the air, dispelling the lingering smell of illness.

“Xiao Yu,” Jiang He said with a smile, her face appearing somewhat pale. She struggled to prop herself up, and seeing this, Pei Yu hurried to help her, adjusting her pillows.

“It is quite good. What about you? How are they treating you?” She sighed. “You have suffered so much over the years. If you had not been swapped, you would not have had to endure such hardship.”

Jiang He’s body was weak from her illness. Her skin was dull, and her features, though delicate, looked like a withering lily. Her arm, extending from her hospital sleeve, was so thin it looked as if it might snap. She gently patted the back of Pei Yu’s hand.

Pei Yu felt a sting in his nose. He shook his head slowly. “I do not think it was that hard.”

Pei Yu only shared the good news. Since Jiang He had been in the hospital for a long time, she did not know the reality of his situation at the Lin house. Pei Yu did not tell the full truth, but he did not over-embellish it either. “We are not very familiar yet. Maybe it will get better after we spend more time together.”

“That is good,” Jiang He lamented. “Now that you are with them, you will not have to worry about the future.” Having worried about money herself, Jiang He believed that wealth could solve most problems. Even though Pei Yu was no longer her biological son, she was genuinely happy for him. “Get along well with them. Just come to see me when you have time.”

Pei Yu had always been obedient in front of her. “I will.”

After some casual chatter, Jiang He’s expression became hesitant. The words she wanted to say circled her tongue before she finally spoke. “Has Xiaoxing been very busy lately? Why did he not come with you?”

Pei Yu paused and lowered his voice. “I think so.” The lie was too obvious. He tried to fix it. “The family hired a tutor. He is busy with extra lessons.”

“I see,” Jiang He murmured, a trace of sorrow in her brow. She looked at a photo on her phone and talked to herself. “His nose and mouth look just like your father’s. I wonder if he looks even more like him in person. Old Pei picked out your name while I was pregnant with him. It is a nice name, right? You have good grades; help him out when you can.”

Jiang He likely did not believe the excuse that Lin Shuxing was too busy. She probably thought it was normal for Lin Shuxing to refuse to acknowledge her because they were poor, but facing the reality was difficult, so she numbed herself with self-talk.

Pei Yu spent ten minutes listening to her talk about Lin Shuxing. The caregiver came in to say that visiting hours were over. Noticing Jiang He’s tired face, Pei Yu closed the door and left.

Sitting on a bench in the hallway, he checked Lin Shuxing’s social media feed. The latest update from that morning was a game screenshot with a string of angry curses.

Pei Yu hesitated for a long while before typing: [Can you find some time to come to the hospital to see Mom?]

His phone vibrated. Pei Yu looked down.

[Lin Shuxing: ?] [Lin Shuxing: Hahaha, no way. Why would I go? I do not acknowledge her.] [Lin Shuxing: I might consider it when she is about to die.]

Anger surged in his throat. Pei Yu’s face flushed red. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He sent a few more messages, but the other side did not reply.

Pei Yu licked his dry lips and walked to the self-service water dispenser in the corner of the hospital. He filled a cup with hot water and took a large gulp, finally suppressing the fire in his chest. His pocket vibrated again. He pulled out his phone with one hand.

[Lin Shuxing: Actually, it is not impossible for me to go see her. You just have to beg me a little.] [Lin Shuxing: Will you beg? (Watch the show) jpg]

Pei Yu typed expressionlessly: [I will just post these chat records online.]

[Lin Shuxing: ??? Are you damn crazy? Dad told you not to cause trouble and to stay low-profile.] [Pei Yu: Oh. This matter depends on you.] [Lin Shuxing: You are a psychopath. Fine, I will go see her in a few days. Happy?]

Pei Yu was silent for a few seconds. Just as he was about to turn off his phone, another message popped up.

[Lin Shuxing: But I heard your mom and dad were very much in love. Jiang He never looked for anyone else. Are you not afraid?]

Pei Yu typed: [What would I be afraid of?]

[Lin Shuxing: Afraid that your mom only acknowledges me and not you. I am the crystallization of the love between her and your father. Tell me, if I say I will only acknowledge her if she chooses me over you, what do you think Jiang He will choose?]

Pei Yu’s light brown pupils contracted, and his heart trembled. What would she choose?

Thinking of the longing Jiang He had shown for Lin Shuxing in the hospital room, Pei Yu felt as though the hospital air conditioning had suddenly turned freezing. The cold air seemed to crawl into his skin with a mind of its own. He had seen how much Jiang He loved his father; during those melancholy days, Pei Yu had seen it more clearly than anyone. He bit his lip, unable to be certain, yet feeling that doubting Jiang He was unfair.

“Hey! You in front!” “Get out of the way!” A lively, boyish voice shouted in his ear.

Before Pei Yu could react, a dark shadow blurred before his eyes. The next second, he was knocked flat onto the ground. His shoulder blade hit the floor hard, and pain instantly radiated through his body. Amidst the surrounding noise, Pei Yu could not help but hiss in pain. At the same time, a low, muffled groan sounded near his ear.

“Are you alright?” Qin Shen frowned deeply, his voice carrying a hint of raspiness. He instinctively tried to stand up, but the weightless sensation in his lower body pulled him back to reality.

Pei Yu’s legs were bent, and the man was slumped over him, the two of them pressed closely together. When Pei Yu opened his eyes, he was met by a pair of dark, quiet eyes that looked like pebbles in a clear pond. The man’s features were excellent, his aura cold and noble, and his brow line was strong. He seemed tall and had a significant weight to him as he pressed down.

Through the thin fabric of their clothes, Pei Yu could even vaguely feel the lines of the man’s muscles and bones. Warm breath puffed against his eyelashes. Pei Yu was about to speak, but the slightest movement caused a sharp pain in his back, making him gasp again.

“I am fine. Please, get up quickly,” Pei Yu said, shifting his body.

Qin Shen paused, his gaze unreadable. He whispered, “I am sorry. Please wait a moment.”

Pei Yu blinked. “Wait for what?”

Qin Shen looked down at the youth beneath him. The brown eyes were clear and clean, and the boy’s features were as exquisite as a painting. Noticing the glasses lying on the floor, he reached out to pick them up, held them by the bridge, and placed them back on the youth’s face.

The man’s hand had reached out suddenly. His fingers were long, his wrist bones sharp. It was as if he were holding a priceless work of art rather than a cheap pair of decorative glasses. His warm fingertips brushed against the tip of Pei Yu’s ear, making him shrink back from the itch. Feeling the weight back on his nose, Pei Yu realized the man was putting his glasses back on.

The sound of footsteps approached. Pei Yu lifted his head slightly to look. A young man in a hoodie and several bodyguards in black were rushing over. The nurses beat them to it, helping right the overturned electric wheelchair before working with the bodyguards to lift the man off Pei Yu and back into his chair.

Was his leg injured?

Pei Yu took a moment to breathe. He stood up quickly, his chest wet where water from his cup had spilled onto his T-shirt.

“Holy crap!” Qin Yiyang said, still shaken. He had not expected the wheelchair to lose control so suddenly. He brushed the dust off Qin Shen’s trousers. “Brother, are you okay?”

“I am fine.” Qin Shen pursed his lips and shook his head. A dark wet patch had spread across the lapel of his suit. He looked down, pulled out a handkerchief, and held it out to the youth. “I am sorry. Use this to wipe yourself off.”

“Oh, okay.” Pei Yu took the dry handkerchief and wiped himself down. He suddenly caught a whiff of a cold, crisp scent of nature and wood, likely the man’s cologne. The lingering scent was faint, just right, and very pleasant.

Qin Shen asked, “Did you hurt your back in the fall? Do you want to see a doctor?” His voice was low and direct, yet he could not help but sound a bit worried.

Pei Yu had grown up in a complex environment and was skilled at observing details. He keenly sensed that the man was in a hurry. “No need. I will just apply some medicine when I get back. If you have something urgent, do not worry about me.”

Qin Shen was taken aback. “But…”

Qin Yiyang gripped the back of the wheelchair. “Brother, maybe we should go see Grandfather first.”

“Yes, Mr. Qin. The Old Master’s condition is a bit…” the doctor standing nearby suggested in a low voice.

“I am really fine. Go on and tend to your business.” Pei Yu placed the handkerchief on the man’s lap and turned to leave.

Qin Shen felt the handkerchief on his lap; it still seemed to hold a bit of the youth’s warmth. He turned to look at the slender receding figure, then lowered his gaze. “Let’s go.”

The next day, news broke from the Qin family. The head of the Qin family, Qin Shen, intended to enter a marriage of convenience with a high-compatibility Omega.

For a time, the Omegas of Jiangcheng’s wealthy families were terrified. While they craved the Qin family’s immense wealth and power, they could not help but remember the terrifying rumors about the patriarch’s pheromones.

The story was well-known in their circle. During a fierce battle for control of the Qin Group, Qin Shen’s relatives had orchestrated a car accident to murder him. Qin Shen was left disfigured and paralyzed in both legs. Rumor had it he was also injured in a certain private area, rendering him completely impotent.

For a man with wealth and power to be impotent—was there anything more tragic or terrifying? In movies, such characters were usually depicted as twisted individuals who took pleasure in torturing others. People suspected that Qin Shen’s heart had long since become darkened and distorted.

Over the past two years, Qin Shen had slowly faded from the public eye, mostly exercising power from behind the scenes. If there was nothing wrong with him, why would he not show his face? Just last year, they had heard that he suffered from a highly complex pheromone disorder. It was said that during his ruts, his eyes would turn blood-red and he would lose his sanity, even beating his own father until he had broken bones.

Thinking of the shareholders who had failed to seize power and were sent to prison by Qin Shen, which Omega raised in luxury would want to marry him? To marry him would be to live as a widow while he was still alive.

Yet, the marriages of wealthy children were always pawns in their parents’ pursuit of profit. In the high-end private hospital that served the rich, the number of people at the Alpha-Omega Compatibility Testing Department suddenly surged.

The young masters and ladies waiting in line all clasped their hands together, closing their eyes in prayer.

“Please do not let me match! Please do not let me match!”

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