Marked by an Enigma After a Pheromone Disorder - Chapter 7

Sheng Yansheng had dressed him in a sharp, silver-gray suit, making him look like a proper, refined young man. The jacket fit snugly around his waist, and the buttons were so secure that not even a single wrinkle appeared when he leaned over. This was how a young master of the Sheng family was supposed to look: aristocratic, yet obedient.

However, because he wasn’t used to the attire, Tang Shi walked with a slight awkwardness, resembling a penguin that had just discovered its legs. He didn’t want his uncle to look at him that way, especially since the man’s gaze lingered on him for a long time—reminiscent of a scene in a movie where an Alpha lead stares intensely at his lover.

Furthermore, when they were getting into the car, Tang Shi had tried to lift his uncle into the seat. Sheng Yansheng seemed to yield to him on purpose, but Tang Shi’s strength was still insufficient, and he nearly tumbled onto the man’s lap. Sheng Yansheng hadn’t been angry when he hooked an arm around Tang Shi’s neck to steady him. If anything, he seemed to pull him just a little tighter.

Tang Shi hadn’t realized they were heading to a banquet until they stepped through the doors and felt the weight of dozens of gazes landing on them. Having never been to such a grand event, he felt overwhelmed by the sea of formal wear and familiar faces like famous veteran hosts, once-popular singers, and even a rapper who had survived public ridicule. These were people whose careers had faced turbulence but whose family wealth kept them immune to the whims of corporate capital.

Feeling out of place, Tang Shi instinctively ducked behind his uncle. Yet, the more he tried to hide, the more curiosity he drew. People whispered while casting calculating smiles in their direction.

Sheng Yansheng heard Tang Shi murmur a soft, almost unconscious “Little Uncle” behind him.

“He’s so beautiful. Is he an Omega?”

“Looks like it. Look, he’s wearing a scent-blocking patch. If he’s an Omega, it makes sense.”

“But… why would Film Emperor Sheng bring an Omega today?”

“He has to save face. He probably needs someone to hide behind when the Alphas and Omegas start throwing themselves at him. Who knows how many he’s kept hidden over the years?”

“A-Sheng.” A man in a white suit approached them slowly, his hands habitually tucked into his pockets. He wore silver-framed glasses that looked heavy and expensive. Upon seeing Sheng Yansheng, he immediately noticed Tang Shi. “Little nephew?” he asked hesitantly.

Tang Shi had never met him and wondered how he knew who he was, but he gave a compliant nod anyway.

“Last time, your uncle held—”

A loud, sudden cough cut the man off. Song Chi pivoted quickly, extending a hand. “I’m Song Chi, a doctor. I used to work at the research institute.”

Tang Shi felt too embarrassed to mention his own “job,” and before he could even attempt a formal handshake, his uncle pulled his hand back with a warning grip. “He’s an Omega, too.”

Tang Shi blinked, offering a confused “oh.” He didn’t understand what his gender had to do with anything, but his uncle’s grip had been quite firm—almost painful.

“What are you doing here?” Sheng Yansheng asked.

Song Chi looked troubled. “Ming Ge’s family forced him into a blind date. Several powerful families are here, and even Sheng Qian showed up, so he had no choice. I have to keep an eye on him.”

Father is here?! Tang Shi’s fingers curled inward with anxiety. And this was a blind date event? He suddenly wondered if he should have come at all. What if people misunderstood his presence?

As he pondered this, the sound of pitiful sobbing drifted through the crowd. “They said I’d inherit the company, but they never said I’d have to marry Sheng Yansheng! My friends told me… he’s a cripple now.”

The word “cripple” stung, and Tang Shi heard it with painful clarity. Yet, his uncle’s expression didn’t flicker. Eventually, the sobbing Omega was pushed forward by his family to stand before Sheng Yansheng. Their conversation was a facade of politeness, dripping with hidden agendas, but Tang Shi could see through the fake smiles. He kept hearing the name “President Sheng” whispered nearby.

The Omega glared at Tang Shi, his eyes filled with arrogance and jealousy at the boy’s beauty. He gritted his teeth and pointed a finger. “Father, look at who he brought along just to show me up!”

Tang Shi realized the misunderstanding was deepening. Before all eyes could settle on him, he slipped away. He didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea about their relationship. They were blood relatives; an uncle was an uncle, not a husband! He wanted his uncle’s “date” to go smoothly, and he certainly didn’t want to block the man’s marriage prospects.

*******

Once Tang Shi was gone, the Su family patriarch pressed for an answer. “Mr. Sheng, be honest with me. Who exactly was that Omega? When Dr. Song arrived, many people saw you grabbing his hand.”

In the world of the elite, etiquette was a weapon. This was a polite interrogation. The Enigma turned his head to watch the Alpha in the distance, who was currently staring at a glass of champagne with hesitation. After a long moment, the boy lowered his head to take a tiny, tentative sip. He coughed, clearly disliking the taste, but seeing others drinking normally, he forced himself to take a large, stoic gulp. Finally, his gaze settled on a pack of cigarettes nearby.

“Is it not obvious?” the Enigma asked, his voice airy yet heavy with an overwhelming pressure. “He’s my little lover.”

The Su family patriarch turned pale, his mouth twisting as he nearly spat out a string of curses. The implication was clear: if their Omega married in, they would have to tolerate a kept lover. Proud and insulted, the patriarch turned on his heel to find the head of the Sheng family.

With the area finally quiet, Sheng Yansheng realized the little Alpha was gone. Song Chi’s earlier comment about Sheng Qian being here weighed on him. Today was a grand occasion, and Sheng Qian was likely looking for a high-value match for his “son.” When it came to utility, Sheng Yansheng knew he couldn’t outmatch his elder brother. Sheng Qian was ready to sell his son off before even properly meeting him.

Ultimately, the little Alpha still had a father, and he probably didn’t trust his “Little Uncle” entirely. The boy was far too prone to being frightened.

Sheng Yansheng had an appointment with Ming Ge, so he entered a private room and signaled Song Chi to find the boy. Inside, Ming Ge’s planning team from Fengjing was waiting. On the surface, it was a banquet for matchmaking; in reality, it was a business meeting.

As Sheng Yansheng entered, the team shuffled out. Ming Ge pushed a glass of orange juice toward him and crushed his cigarette into an ashtray. “Are you satisfied with the partner Sheng Qian picked for you?”

Sheng Yansheng found the mix of cigarette smoke and fruit juice unappealing. “If you don’t do a better job of keeping Song Chi happy, I might just invite him to move into my house,” he countered.

Ming Ge stopped smiling and handed over a contract. “Seriously, I want you to join us.”

Sheng Yansheng had come specifically for this, but he pushed the contract back for now. He trusted Ming Ge; the man had been instrumental in his early career and remained a loyal friend.

“You’re agreeing?” Ming Ge asked, surprised.

“Not quite,” Sheng Yansheng replied. “I want you to sign that Omega from the other day.”

Ming Ge thought back. The only one who had captured Sheng Yansheng’s undivided attention was the “monster rookie” who hadn’t signed with the platform yet. Usually, the platform wouldn’t sign someone just for a sudden burst of popularity; they looked for talent and a solid economic foundation.

Suddenly, Ming Ge laughed as if he’d caught a secret. “So you like that kind of little beauty? [Tang Xiao Tang] is indeed gorgeous. Once Alphas see her in person, few will be able to control themselves. But you’re the Film Emperor; I didn’t think you’d be so easily swayed.”

The Enigma’s expression hardened. Hearing about other Alphas coveting the boy made him realize how dangerous the little Alpha’s “Omega” disguise really was. “You’re overthinking it,” Sheng Yansheng snorted. “He is Sheng Qian’s son.”

Before Ming Ge could even process the word “son,” Sheng Yansheng was already turning his wheelchair toward the door. “Sign him. Arrange a private room for him to stay in.” He paused. “And as for everything else, have everyone sign non-disclosure agreements.”

Ming Ge was left bewildered. Was Sheng Yansheng taking his brother’s son under his wing just to spite him, or was there something else going on? And why all this sudden concern?

*****

Tang Shi had only gone to the restroom because the alcohol was making his head spin. When he came back, his uncle was nowhere to be found. He had intended to look for his father, but if his uncle got lost, it would be a failure of his duty as a nephew. If the man injured his arms or legs further, even a Film Emperor would have trouble finding a wife.

Panicked, the Alpha began searching the hall. He noticed many people staring at him, though he couldn’t imagine why. He was walking perfectly straight!

“Excuse me, which family are you from? Can I get your WeChat?”

“Are you an Omega? No, wait… you smell like an Alpha.”

“Go away,” Tang Shi snapped, sounding more adorable than threatening. He nearly collided with the edge of a table but was caught by a steady hand.

“Careful!”

The Alpha before him wore a white suit accented by a delicate silver-white chain at his waist. He held a wine glass in one hand while the other supported Tang Shi’s back. His eyes curved into an affectionate, “peach blossom” smile, making the obsidian stud in his ear even more prominent. He smelled of burning amber—a fierce, oppressive heat that made the tipsy Tang Shi feel nauseous.

Tang Shi covered his forehead, his face flushed deep red. “Who are you? I don’t want an Alpha touching me.”

The man let go immediately, seemingly losing interest in Tang Shi now that he had helped. “Second Young Master, President He is calling for you,” a voice nearby said.

The man shot one last look at Tang Shi. As he lowered his gaze, an unfathomable and powerful force seemed to radiate from him, making the air feel even hotter. Turning away, he spotted Sheng Yansheng in his wheelchair. The Alpha gave a disdainful look, thinking to himself that the boy was simply another servant tending to the Sheng family’s “cripple.”

Tang Shi blinked several times before finally confirming he had found his uncle. He knit his brows together, a pinkish smile spreading across his face as he babbled incoherently, “Little Uncle, be a good boy. Don’t run off. It’s time to go home.”

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