Beta on the Run: Mr. CEO, Take it Easy! - Chapter 10

December in City A was bitingly cold.

Snowflakes drifted outside the window, as a cold wind swept past, shaking the layer of white snow from the tree branches. Chi Xinglan watched the swirling snow, gradually becoming lost in thought.

There were only ten days left until the end of the contract.

The closer the date approached, the more anxious he became. From time to time, a sense of unease would wash over him.

Actually, he should be happy. Regardless of his feelings when he signed that contract, in ten days, he would finally be free. But he didn’t feel happy; instead, a sense of melancholy and loss lingered in his heart.

It felt as if he was the only one wallowing in sentimental sorrow. Liang Xiao didn’t seem to have taken this matter to heart at all, or perhaps he had simply forgotten it existed. He didn’t seem to remember the contract between them, nor that their five years together were coming to a close in ten days.

Logically, he should remind Liang Xiao or take the initiative to talk to him. But he didn’t. He didn’t even know how to begin that conversation.

Five years—to say they could just “settle the score” and walk away seemed impossible. Yet, continuing like this felt meaningless. He couldn’t bring himself to ask for a renewal or to stay by Liang Xiao’s side as a “lover.”

There was no longer a practical need for the contract, anyway. His mother’s illness had been cured years ago; she was now living a comfortable life back in the countryside. All of that was thanks to Liang Xiao. Over these five years, Liang Xiao had given him more than enough money to live luxuriously for the rest of his life.

He had gained everything so easily.

Moreover, Liang Xiao had given him sufficient love and respect. Perhaps that was why, as the end drew near, he found himself so reluctant to leave. He wanted to stay by Liang Xiao’s side, but he could no longer find a reason to justify it.

He couldn’t pretend nothing was wrong and continue dating Liang Xiao while knowing clearly about Wen Ran’s existence. Wen Ran was a thorn that would always be wedged between them.

Between Liang Xiao and Wen Ran—perhaps they were the true match. They had the support of both families, business ties, the Alpha-Omega pairing, and high pheromone compatibility. These were all things Chi Xinglan lacked.

He was just a Beta. He didn’t have alluring pheromones, and he couldn’t soothe an Alpha’s rut. He was just an ordinary person who wouldn’t have even crossed paths with Liang Xiao if it weren’t for his mother. Under these circumstances, he couldn’t stay.

There were too many problems and obstacles ahead of them. Chi Xinglan wasn’t completely blind to the faint affection Liang Xiao showed him, but it wasn’t enough. Besides, it wasn’t fair to him. He didn’t want to be caught between Liang Xiao and Wen Ran, nor did he want to be some inexplicable “third party.”

Chi Xinglan let out a soft sigh. If Liang Xiao didn’t bring it up, he didn’t plan to mention it either. He would leave quietly, with the quiet dignity of an adult.

Ding-dong—

Liang Xiao: It’s cold today. Want to come home early and rest?

Chi Xinglan checked the time. It was only three in the afternoon—far from the end of the workday. He replied helplessly: Unexcused absence results in double pay deductions.

Liang Xiao: Being called away on an errand by the boss doesn’t count as an absence.

Chi Xinglan: .

What kind of excuse is that?

Chi Xinglan wondered if it was just his imagination, but he felt that Liang Xiao had been exceptionally clingy lately. Everything felt a bit strange.

While he was lost in thought, Xiao Lin returned to the office, bringing a gust of wind and snow with him. Since winter began, the streets were filled with vendors selling roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts, making the air smell sweet and fragrant.

Chi Xinglan had been craving them for a long time. Lately, his palate leaned toward sweets, and he wanted a cup of hot milk tea every day. There were plenty of vendors in the studio area, but because he had been sick recently and the weather was so harsh, Liang Xiao wouldn’t let him go out and had Xiao Lin keep a close eye on him.

Originally, Liang Xiao had even wanted him to quit all his work with the film crew and stay home. If it weren’t for his persistence, he’d probably be huddled under a warm quilt right now.

So, Xiao Lin had taken over all the errand-running. Earning triple his usual salary, he happily ran around the studio every day to bring Chi Xinglan takeout.

Chi Xinglan finished a bowl of tangyuan and a large roasted sweet potato, and now he was peeling chestnuts. He showed no signs of stopping.

Xiao Lin asked with concern, “Brother Chi, did you not get enough to eat at lunch?”

He clearly remembered Chi Xinglan eating a large portion of fish with pickled cabbage and two bowls of rice at noon. He shouldn’t be hungry yet.

Chi Xinglan shook his head. “I was full at lunch, but I just feel hungry again now.”

His appetite had been strange lately. Not long ago, he was vomiting everything, but now he could eat anything and everything. Sometimes he even ate four or five meals a day—afternoon tea after lunch, and late-night snacks after dinner. And those snacks were usually prepared by Liang Xiao himself.

Xiao Lin observed him carefully, hesitating to speak. He felt that Chi Xinglan had gained a bit of weight recently, especially around his waist. His complexion looked much better—pale with a healthy flush—but he was often sleepy. It didn’t look like an illness; it looked a lot like his pregnant Omega sister-in-law.

At that thought, Xiao Lin froze. Could Brother Chi be pregnant?

But Brother Chi was clearly a Beta. Xiao Lin was a Beta himself, and he knew better than anyone how low the chances of a Beta pregnancy were.

Chi Xinglan noticed Xiao Lin dazing off and laughed. “What’s wrong? Did my appetite scare you?”

Xiao Lin quickly snapped out of it and shook his head. “No, I’m just worried you’ll get indigestion from eating too much.”

“I’m fine, I don’t feel anything. Maybe it’s just the cold weather; I need the calories, so I get hungry fast.”

Xiao Lin gave a hesitant “Mhm.” He wanted to suggest going to the hospital for a check-up, but felt it might be too forward. The odds of a Beta pregnancy were truly too low; if Chi Xinglan liked children and the test came back negative, it would just be an awkward situation.

Besides, after observing them for a while, he had a rough idea of the relationship between Chi Xinglan, President Liang, and Wen Ran. If Chi Xinglan really was pregnant, it might not necessarily be a good thing right now. He had heard that the Wen and Liang families were planning an alliance.

He wasn’t sure if Chi Xinglan knew about that.

As filming reached its peak, the plot neared its end, and the entire crew became busy—including the usually idle Chi Xinglan. Originally responsible only for set construction and oversight, he was now also in charge of the actors’ styling and makeup.

As fate would have it, the character he was assigned to was the second male lead, Wen Ran. It truly is a small world for enemies.

Not wanting to cause trouble for his colleagues, Chi Xinglan agreed. When Wen Ran found out, he was quite displeased. Chi Xinglan was just a newcomer; Wen Ran felt it was disrespectful to have a novice in charge of his styling.

However, he finally found an opportunity to corner Chi Xinglan and ask what he had meant the other day. What did he mean by saying Wen Ran would “get his wish soon”?

“What else could it mean? Exactly what I said,” Chi Xinglan replied.

Wen Ran: “…”

By his calculations, Chi Xinglan had been with Liang Xiao for five years. Aside from the two of them, no one knew the contents of their contract. Wen Ran boldly guessed that Chi Xinglan meant his time with Liang Xiao was up.

If this was true, it was wonderful news for Wen Ran. That annoying Beta was finally leaving. There would be no more obstacles between him and Liang Xiao. Wen Ran couldn’t help but let out a small, expectant smile.

Chi Xinglan glanced at him, the corner of his mouth quirked, but he said nothing. Actually, he was also somewhat expectant. He wanted to see how Liang Xiao would choose: would he yield to family pressure and marry the beautiful Omega, or would he reject the life his parents had paved for him?

As far as he knew, Liang Xiao was quite a filial son. If Liang Xiao chose Wen Ran in the end, it wouldn’t be so bad. It would be a “happy ending” for everyone else.

Chi Xinglan stared at the Omega in front of him, lost in thought. To be honest, Wen Ran was indeed very beautiful—the kind of Omega that made hearts flutter at first sight. He looked clean and obedient, with a sweet voice and a fragile “white lotus” face that triggered a strong protective instinct. Any Alpha would want to cherish and pamper him.

Though Wen Ran was a bit arrogant and they had their grievances, Chi Xinglan didn’t take it to heart. He couldn’t bring himself to hold a grudge against an Omega.

Chi Xinglan didn’t know how Liang Xiao could bear to ignore such a beauty. Wouldn’t any Alpha feel honored to be pursued by such a stunning star?

At that thought, Chi Xinglan chuckled softly. If I were an Alpha, I might like an Omega like Wen Ran too.

Wen Ran’s fans had a point: if Liang Xiao didn’t like Wen Ran, then he truly had no eyes.

The dressing room was quiet as the makeup artist studied the script’s requirements with the team. Chi Xinglan stared at Wen Ran for so long that Wen Ran grew impatient. He frowned and snapped, “What are you looking at?”

Staring at an Omega was considered very rude; in serious cases, an Omega could even report it as harassment.

Chi Xinglan lowered his eyes and smiled. “I’m looking at how beautiful you are.”

“You!” Wen Ran choked back the urge to ask if he was insane. Aren’t we love rivals? Why is he complimenting my looks?!

Chi Xinglan looked up. “Am I wrong? Do you think you’re not good-looking?”

He’s got quite a temper, but a beauty is still a beauty—even his anger is pleasant to look at.

Wen Ran’s face flushed through various shades of red. His ears turned pink as he huffed, “Don’t think saying things like that will make me hand over Brother Liang Xiao to you.”

Chi Xinglan let out a soft laugh. “You’re overthinking things.”

Liang Xiao wasn’t an object to be “handed over.” Moreover, neither he nor Wen Ran really had the power to choose. Wen Ran didn’t seem to realize that. Beautiful, but not very bright.

Wen Ran finally couldn’t help but mutter, “Chi Xinglan, are you sick?!”

Chi Xinglan gave him a cryptic look and said leisurely, “Liang Xiao has never liked people with bad tempers. He prefers his partner to have a gentle personality.”

Wen Ran’s face turned beet-red as he swallowed back a curse, glaring at him petulantly.

Chi Xinglan stopped teasing and turned his attention to the script. There wasn’t much time left. From the moment he decided to leave Liang Xiao, he had made peace with Wen Ran’s existence. Strictly speaking, Wen Ran hadn’t actually done anything to harm him. He just seemed like a child who couldn’t get the candy they wanted childish and somewhat pitiable.

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