After the Corporate Slave Beta and the Top Alpha Married - Chapter 30

The person who stepped out of the car was dressed in a perfectly tailored, high-end custom suit that accentuated his tall, lean frame. With a gentle smile on his clean face, he took the arm of the handsome man waiting for him by the car door.

Though his own height was respectable nearly 180 cm standing next to the other man made him look ahead shorter. This height difference made him appear almost delicate by comparison, yet they were, in another sense, a perfect match.

The gala was held at a mountain resort. Before today, Ji Yu hadn’t realized that in the gold-paved metropolis of A City, such a massive plot of land in the urban center had been cordoned off to build a private estate. The mountain wasn’t particularly high, but once they ascended, it felt as if they were instantly isolated from the noise and chaos of the city. It offered a sense of “tranquility amidst the bustle,” a secluded corner in the heart of prosperity that was truly eye-catching.

Of course, the price of this resort was likely enough to make one’s eyes go dark.

However, that wasn’t for Ji Yu to worry about. As he entered the main building of the estate, he caught a glimpse of the name on the plaque: Wangyu Pavilion.

Participating in a gala with Shang Yuanzhou for the first time since their fake marriage made Ji Yu nervous, fearing he might mess up the act. As they drew closer to their destination, the tension grew. To ease it, he spoke softly to Shang Yuanzhou: “Is Wangyu Pavilion the name of this resort?”

Shang Yuanzhou led him inside, his tone casual. “No, that’s just the name of this main building.”

The resort was vast. Although called a “mountain villa,” the architecture wasn’t faux-antique; it was more like a modern luxury resort with numerous buildings and courtyards.

Ji Yu pondered the name. “So, this is a leisure resort specifically for fishing?”

The corners of Shang Yuanzhou’s lips curved slightly. “Perhaps. There are indeed ponds available for fishing inside.”

Ji Yu: “Then what is the name of the resort? I didn’t see a sign when we drove in.”

“It doesn’t have a name yet. Word has it this is a private estate bought to be given to the owner’s future wife. So, the name probably won’t be chosen until that person actually manages to get married.”

Shang Yuanzhou paused. “We’re here. Don’t be nervous.”

Ji Yu took a deep breath as the doorman pushed open the doors, and he followed Shang Yuanzhou inside. Tier upon tier of crystal chandeliers hung from the center, casting a dizzying glow that fell into Ji Yu’s eyes along with the crowd of guests turning to look.

“President Shang.” “President Shang has arrived.” “My, President Shang and Mr. Ji are looking more and more like a match.” “Indeed, a match made in heaven. This is Mr. Ji’s first public appearance since the wedding, isn’t it?”

“Yuanzhou.”

The first to step out from the crowd was a steady-looking middle-aged man. Ji Yu had seen him at the wedding; he seemed to be Shang Yuanzhou’s uncle. Behind him was someone Ji Yu remembered more vividly: Shang Yuanchen.

This man had been present the day they took their wedding photos, but after Ji Yu fell from the horse, he didn’t know when Yuanchen had left.

Shang Yuanchen also spoke up, calling out to Shang Yuanzhou: “Brother.”

Shang Yuanzhou nodded, addressing the middle-aged man: “Uncle.”

Ji Yu stood beside him and obediently mimicked the greeting: “Uncle.”

The Uncle clearly didn’t think much of Ji Yu, completely ignoring the polite greeting as he spoke directly to Shang Yuanzhou: “Regarding that Yuanshan project, Dad intended to hand it over to me before he passed”

“Uncle.”

Shang Yuanzhou interrupted him with calm composure. “Isn’t this a gala? Xiao Yu and I haven’t eaten yet for the sake of this meal. Whatever it is, let’s talk after we eat.”

He tilted his head, looking at Ji Yu with a hint of doting. “Are you hungry? Husband will take you to get something to eat.”

Ji Yu gave the uncle an apologetic smile, but his hand gripped Shang Yuanzhou’s arm firmly. He bit his lip hesitantly. “How about letting Uncle finish first? I don’t mind being a little hungry. Even though I was busy and didn’t have time for lunch it’s only been ten hours without food how could that compare to the importance of what Uncle has to say?”

The Uncle’s face successfully turned green.

The onlookers could all tell Ji Yu was looking for trouble on purpose, waiting to see Shang Yuanzhou’s reaction. However, Shang Yuanzhou acted as if he couldn’t see the “act” at all. His face darkened, but not because of Ji Yu’s drama. “You didn’t eat lunch either?”

Is ‘not eating lunch’ the issue here?!

To everyone’s shock, Shang Yuanzhou’s next line was: “And you’re still standing here waiting for people to talk? You… you’re just too kind.”

The expressions of the onlookers were hard to maintain. They had to use every ounce of their professional “smiling masks” to hold back a grimace. Yet, no one present dared to contradict or question him; they could only listen as Shang Yuanzhou redefined the word “kind.”

With that, Shang Yuanzhou led Ji Yu toward the seating area. He left the uncle standing there with a face that was shifting between green and black, looking exceptionally unsightly. “I was just a bit cold toward that Beta of his, and he humiliates me like this?”

“In a gala of our social class, who actually comes here to eat?”

“Kind?” He couldn’t vent his anger, and his chest ached from the suppression. “He’s a Beta! How can he be this high-maintenance and still be called ‘kind’?”

Shang Yuanchen patted his father’s shoulder. “Forget it, Dad. Last time I left out his name and just called Ji Yu a ‘Beta,’ Shang Yuanzhou warned me.” He gave a cold, mirthless smile. “My brother… he really treasures that Beta.”

The outdoor area of the resort was filled with exquisite snacks and dishes. Under Shang Yuanzhou’s influence, this gala became a meal in the literal sense.

Though not everyone sat at the same table, in the open outdoor space, everyone could see the interaction between the two. They watched as Shang Yuanzhou served Ji Yu food, handed him water, and even used his hand to wipe cream from a dessert off the corner of Ji Yu’s mouth.

Ji Yu even covertly rubbed his stomach after eating!

Don’t think no one sees you being handsy under the table!

Many people looked away, feeling a bit “tooth-achy” (cringed out), but they also realized in their hearts just how important Ji Yu was to Shang Yuanzhou. Any lingering contempt for Ji Yu being “just a Beta” was silently swept away.

However, some people had other ideas.

“Sister! Look at that!”

Ding Youlian covered her ears, somewhat helplessly. “Stop shouting in my ear. The engagement was just something the elders said casually; Mr. Shang doesn’t like me. Forget serving food and water he hasn’t even spared me a second glance. Xiao Yi, be good. I know you think Ji Yu stole Mr. Shang, but Mr. Shang was never mine to begin with.”

“First of all, Mr. Shang is a person, not an object. Second, in terms of status, I’m not a match for him either. In terms of feelings, you think I’m the best, but in Mr. Shang’s heart, the Ji Yu he loves is the best.”

The boy was indignant, muttering a scornful curse under his breath: “Does a Beta like Ji Yu deserve him? He should find a mirror and look at himself.”

“That’s enough, Xiao Yi.” Ding Youlian patted him. “Dad, say something to him too.”

Xiao Yi stood up abruptly, walking away without looking back. “I’ve had enough to eat.”

Midway through the gala, people gathered in small groups for pleasantries and calculated chatter. In a spot slightly away from the crowd, two people stood together, looking toward the group surrounding Shang Yuanzhou and Ji Yu.

“You must be very unwilling, right?” Xiao Yi sneered. “The brother you oppressed and looked down on has suddenly become high and mighty. If I hadn’t told you the news and brought you in, you wouldn’t even have been able to enter this resort.”

Ji Hexuan didn’t speak, his face looking extremely grim. Lately, neither he nor Ji Bohan could get in touch with Ji Yu their calls were blocked, and their contact info deleted. He thinks marrying Shang Yuanzhou means he can get rid of the Ji family? Think again.

Ji Yu’s marriage was supposed to bring profit to the family. Marrying Shang Yuanzhou meant he should bring even greater profit, he couldn’t just escape them by blocking their numbers.

“What, you’re not going over?” Xiao Yi tutted. “Afraid of Shang Yuanzhou? Wanting to wait until Ji Yu is alone?”

Ji Hexuan glanced at him. “What exactly do you want from me?” Xiao Yi clearly had done his research before approaching them, knowing their relationship with Ji Yu was poor.

Xiao Yi shook his head. “Actually, I don’t really want anything. I just can’t stand seeing a Beta like Ji Yu living so well. Why does he get to marry Shang Yuanzhou?” He suddenly looked interested. “How about this let me give you an idea. If it works, you can completely put Ji Yu back under your thumb.”

Ji Hexuan: “What idea?”

“Aren’t you an Omega? An unmarked Omega, at that. Just a bit of medicine, a bit of pheromone induction… once Shang Yuanzhou tastes the goodness of an Omega, will he still remember a Beta? As long as he becomes obsessed with you, everything Ji Yu has now will be yours. Even if he doesn’t fall for you afterward, you’re Ji Yu’s brother. Blame it on the alcohol, and Shang Yuanzhou probably won’t do much to you. And this incident will become a thorn in Ji Yu’s heart that will make him miserable for the rest of his life. A perfect chance to become a person of status with zero risk what do you say?”

SLAP!

A crisp, decisive sound rang out. Ding Yi clutched his burning face in disbelief. “You dare hit me?!”

“Do you know who I am? You dare hit me?” He lunged to strike back but was blocked by Ji Hexuan. “Just wait for the Ding family’s revenge!”

“Do you dare?” Ji Hexuan sneered. “If I tell Shang Yuanzhou what you just said, what will happen to the Ding family?”

Ding Yi glared at him. “You!”

Ji Hexuan threw his hand aside. “I hate Ji Yu, but no matter what, he is my brother. You want me to intervene in my brother’s marriage? You don’t understand the Ji family situation at all. I want Ji Yu to be miserable because he’s owed us since the day he was born.”

Ding Yi clutched his face and mocked, “How noble. ‘He’s still my brother’ you just can’t stand to see him doing well.”

Ji Hexuan didn’t pay him any more mind, leaving Ding Yi behind to walk toward Ji Yu in the crowd. Ding Yi was just a teenager; he was still young and didn’t understand that the world isn’t black and white it’s a hazy grey, and everyone is a mass of contradictions.

Ji Hexuan truly hated Ji Yu, a hatred that had manifested as over a decade of cold neglect. But to intervene in Ji Yu’s marriage? Ji Hexuan wasn’t that low.

Ji Yu was still following Shang Yuanzhou, acting the part of the “Little White Flower” by speaking up whenever Shang Yuanzhou wanted to end a conversation. He had drunk a little wine, and his face was slightly flushed. Leaning against Shang Yuanzhou and acting spoiled, he performed for the crowd, still unaware of the dark undercurrents swirling beneath the gala.