Raising My Sweet, Well-Behaved Puppy-Snake to Be My Wife - Chapter 15

The staircases from the first floor to the second, as well as Shen Zhiheng’s bedroom, were now carpeted. The little snake expanded his activity area within the villa bit by bit, as if he were conquering levels in a game. The brothers stayed together during the day and had to cuddle together to sleep at night.

Shen Zhiheng knew that as long as Shen Zhiqi stayed within the manor and did not venture out, he would be safe. In the eyes of the public, the hospital and the Omega Protection Association were colluding; however, even if they were all-powerful, they would not dare to directly trespass onto the Shen family’s island for a search. Still, he remained deeply worried and restricted Shen Zhiqi’s activities to the villa, even making excuses to postpone the little snake’s request to deliver his drawings to Grandmother.

That was until President Bai Yongjiang of the Omega Protection Association visited.

Just hearing Uncle Wang relay the news made Shen Zhiheng feel as if he were facing an enemy. A flicker of panic flashed through his eyes. He did not know if President Bai had found definitive evidence and tracked Shen Zhiqi, who was registered under Uncle Wang’s household, or if he was simply conducting a routine investigation. He was worried that someone who had attended his grandmother’s memorial had reported information to the Association.

Shen Zhiheng was silent for a moment, then patted the little fellow’s head and replied, “Dismiss the President directly.”

The teenager, not yet eighteen, was still too young and naive. He believed that as long as he kept the little snake protected within the manor, they would eventually give up the pursuit after some time. Uncle Wang patted him gently on the shoulder—both to comfort and to encourage him.

“Whether to understand their evidence and resolve, or to let him know that we do not have what he is looking for, it is best for you to meet with him, Young Master.”

Shen Zhiheng did not believe he had the winning hand in negotiating with the battle-hardened President Bai. For the first time, this notorious playboy—who did nothing but loaf about and even fell asleep for an hour during his recently completed high-level exams—felt regret that he lacked the power and authority in his own hands. If he had enough power to oppose them, he could properly protect Xiao Qi. More money, more power, upward social climbing in the social circles he loathed—only then could he protect those he cared about.

Since he had given up on himself, Shen Zhiheng had felt that there was no one or nothing in the world he cared about, and his life had lost its purpose. But perhaps he had now found a goal in life. He had to meet the President; at the very least, he had to know his opponent. Even though his mind was in a state of chaos and he had no idea how to deal with the President of the Omega Protection Association, he was determined to face him. Shen Zhiqi had only him as a brother, and he had only Shen Zhiqi as a younger brother.

“Uncle Wang, hide Xiao Qi. Take him to the annex.”

The teenager’s hands were cold, and his mind was a mess. He could not understand the obsession of the factory—cloaked in the shell of a hospital—regarding Shen Zhiqi’s disappearance. They hadn’t treated the little snake well at all. They had only released a missing person notice a while after Shen Zhiqi escaped; perhaps they hadn’t even realized the little snake Omega had escaped at first.

“Don’t panic, Young Master. I will accompany you to deal with President Bai, and I will have Uncle Huang take Zhiqi to the annex to hide. If President Bai brings up the new household registration, it will be easier to handle with the person who legally adopted him present.”

Shen Zhiheng nodded and walked to the little snake’s side.

“Be good, Xiao Qi. Stay in the annex with Uncle and do not come out. Wait for Brother to pick you up.”

Shen Zhiqi felt an unusual aura radiating from his brother. He could not explain the reason, so he nervously flicked his little snake tongue. He looked at his own tail, which was slightly pale on the surface, and shook his head, taking hold of his brother’s hand and shaking it back and forth.

“Brother! I, I do not want to leave Brother.”

He sniffled, and his dry, itchy tail retracted slightly. An atmosphere of anxiety spread between the brothers. Despite it being only a brief separation, they both felt a sense of separation anxiety, their heart rates increasing.

“Baby, it will only be for a little while. Brother just needs to receive a guest; it is nothing major.” Shen Zhiheng squeezed out a smile and squatted down to give the little snake a gentle hug. “Be a good baby, Brother will be there soon.”

Shen Zhiheng’s nerves were already frayed, and hearing the news of President Bai made his hands turn cold. He had no intention of telling the little snake about the outside world, nor did he notice the negligible patch of pale color on the snake’s tail.

The little snake nodded obediently, rubbing his chin against his brother’s neck. He tugged gently at his brother’s hem and whispered, “Brother, can you give me one of your shirts? I do not want to stay alone.”

His aggrieved tone and clingy words made it seem like he couldn’t even stand to be apart from his brother for a moment.

“Of course.”

Shen Zhiheng ruffled his hair, his heart softening at the sight of the little one looking so pitiful.

Uncle Huang was the manor’s head of security—a burly, agile interstellar veteran. Leaving the little snake’s safety to him was the most reassuring choice. But Shen Zhiheng was still somewhat worried; as long as the little snake was not under his own guard and in his line of sight, there was a risk. The little snake wouldn’t let Uncle Huang carry him, at most letting the adult hold one hand while his other hand clutched his brother’s shirt, turning his head back every step of the way to look at his brother. He turned the brief separation of a few hours into a scene of life-and-death farewell.

“Don’t be afraid, baby. It is really only for a little while.” Shen Zhiheng called out from behind him.

The little snake didn’t respond, but he dutifully stopped looking back. He lowered his head, slowly dragging his tail, moving step by step toward the villa’s main entrance. Only after Uncle Huang led the little snake out the door did Shen Zhiheng mess up his silk loungewear collar, ruffle his slightly long hair, and walk toward the main entrance. Regardless of the cost, he would absolutely not let Shen Zhiqi face any danger; he would not let his only brother fall into the clutches of these people.

Bai Yongjiang had been waiting at the entrance for a while and was clearly becoming impatient. But upon seeing the rumored hot-tempered and arrogant eldest young master of the Shen family appear in person with messy hair, he still put on a friendly smile.

“Young Master Shen, I have long admired your name.”

Shen Zhiheng could not detect any hostility in his fake smile; instead, it was the familiar fawning he was used to.

“Does President Bai have any business here?”

He noticed the small black box clipped to the lapel of the man’s suit, flashing with a faint red light. Bai Yongjiang pressed the recorder on his chest and smiled politely.

“Apologies, Young Master Shen. This is a requirement for the Association’s work.”

“Mm.”

“Perhaps Young Master Shen has not been paying attention to the notifications from the Omega Protection Association. We are currently looking for a missing snake-hybrid Omega. His mental state is very dangerous.”

Listening to President Bai repeat the news from the internet, Shen Zhiheng lowered his eyes, his gaze cold and icy. He gripped the silk loungewear at his shoulders so tightly with both hands that the expensive fabric creased.

“Surveillance shows that your route seems to overlap with the last place he appeared?”

Shen Zhiheng’s gaze paused, and his heart skipped a beat. Logically, if they had the ability to check surveillance, they should have filmed him and the little snake together. Whether on the roadside or at the hospital, they would have been seen together. What did “overlap” mean? Did they have evidence or not?

He feigned a pause, as if recalling.

“A dangerous snake Omega?”

“Yes, a venomous snake with an abnormal mental state. This news has caused a certain degree of panic, so we are conducting a sweep.”

“Furthermore, if this Omega truly causes a public safety incident, we will have to consider public safety and hold him in custody or even execute him.”

Hearing the keywords, Shen Zhiheng frowned. As he leaned against the door with his head lowered, his long bangs obscured his eyes, preventing the recorder from capturing his reaction. He remained silent, swallowing nervously, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.

“A mental hospital’s lax supervision leading to the escape of a dangerous patient also carries serious responsibility.”

“Whether it concerns public safety, the snake-type Omega himself, or the mental hospital, finding this snake-type Omega is a very important matter.”

Bai Yongjiang’s gaze was sharp. Although he spoke with a smile, every sentence he declared was, by all reasonable standards, a death sentence for the little snake Omega. His tone grew heavier as he continued:

“We need to give the public and the hospital an explanation, so I ask for your cooperation.”

Shen Zhiheng could not gauge his attitude. He let out a lazy yawn, acting out the role of an unlearned, dissolute rich playboy to the fullest extent.

“That is truly terrifying.”

“Unfortunately, I do not seem to have any recollection of this.”

“It is indeed a pity, especially since the reward for the clue is a full 500,000.”

A nameless fire burned in Shen Zhiheng’s heart. He was furious just thinking that these people only wanted to capture the little snake and cared nothing for public safety or the little snake’s actual physical health.

“Do I look like someone who is short 500,000?”

“Young Master Shen jokes. The figure of 500,000 is indeed not worth mentioning to you.”

Bai Yongjiang wore a hypocritical smile, but he raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone heavier than before.

“But for the hospital and the Association, this 500,000 is a significant amount. However…”

He chuckled and tapped the area next to the recorder on his chest, joking in a relaxed tone: “That dangerous fellow is worth 500,000.”

“…!?”

Shen Zhiheng just wanted to retort, but after looking at Bai Yongjiang, he choked on the words on the tip of his tongue. What did “that dangerous fellow is worth 500,000” mean? If one discarded all the previous rhetoric and looked only at this sentence… If he had not misunderstood… Shen Zhiheng’s heart raced wildly, and he shifted his gaze around in confusion.

“Since that is the case, I will trouble the housekeeper to ask the others here; hopefully, we can get some information.”

He moved slightly to the side, clearing a path for Bai Yongjiang.

“Please wait a moment, President Bai, and have a cup of tea in the living room.”

Even Uncle Wang, who had stood to the side and heard the entire conversation, wore a puzzled expression. Bai Yongjiang nodded, his previously tense expression becoming incredibly relaxed. Shen Zhiheng walked behind him, quickly reorganizing every word Bai had just said in his mind.

Surveillance overlaps—We already have relevant evidence; we need him to take a stance on this. Caused social panic.

We need to give the public an explanation: either find and control him, or he is already dead.

Must consider public safety.

His life itself is not important to us. Mental hospital bears responsibility.

They must give the public an explanation for this. Association needs an explanation, How we report this to the public depends on you, Young Master Shen, but as for the hospital, we need money as an explanation. 500,000 is not a small number 500,000 is already a lot for us. 500,000 is insignificant to the young master of the Shen family Young Master Shen can easily provide 500,000; if he wants to protect this Omega, 500,000 is more than enough. Snake Omega is worth 500,000.

Shen Zhiheng walked beside Bai Yongjiang, interpreting every sentence the man had uttered since he opened his mouth. He had almost missed such a glaring hint due to his emotions. These rhetorical tactics appeared high-sounding and pressuring, but in reality, every sentence was hinting at a dirty transaction.

Apart from Shen Zhiheng, no one cared if the little snake lived or died. The black-hearted factory packaged itself as a mental hospital; all it cared about was avoiding official investigations and trust crises that might arise if the public discovered that the escaped patient was a snake-type Omega.

They drew the public into their camp, successfully placing them in opposition to the little snake. Just as President Bai said, they needed to give the public an explanation that “the danger has been cleared.” Whether this explanation was a corpse or forcibly re-admitting a dangerous person for “treatment” made little difference to them. And that 500,000 bounty was simply the price tag they had placed on the little snake’s life.

Having figured this out, Shen Zhiheng’s heart, which had been pounding with worry and fear, miraculously calmed down. He had always loathed the deceitful social scenes and scoffed at the “upward social climbing” in the wealthy circles. But when he discovered that doing all this was to secure a future for Shen Zhiqi, those things he loathed were not so hard to accept. It was as if he had suddenly grown up overnight. For the not-yet-of-age Shen Zhiheng, this felt more like a grand rite of passage.

In the spacious and luxurious living room, Bai Yongjiang sat on the leather sofa, picked up the top-grade Da Hong Pao tea prepared by the servants, blew gently on the froth, and took a shallow sip. The rich, mellow flavor was followed by a long, lingering sweetness after a slight bitterness.

This was definitely the taste of expensive tea, and it was being used to entertain a guest he had never met before. No one would question the foundations of a wealthy family, especially a family business like the Shen family, which ran listed companies in Country A and easily ranked among the top in the world.

This was not something a nouveau riche in gray industries could compare to; even a random antique placed in the living room was likely worth more than 500,000.

Money was the most insignificant thing to the Shen family. Bai Yongjiang sat in the living room, waiting for Shen Zhiheng with peace of mind; the recorder on his chest was slightly hot from long-term use. On the second floor, Shen Zhiheng was in the study, rummaging through the drawers for bank cards and passbooks.

He had no concept of the pocket money his father gave him and was always too lazy to count how many zeros were in the balance of each card. Initially, his father had left him a supplementary credit card and had him pay the bills every month; later, his father was too lazy to receive the consumption text messages sent daily by his son, who was in a distant country, so he simply set up a trust, having Lin Ze, the acting executive of the Country A branch, give him a bank card with a Class II savings limit every month. 500,000 would not even leave a scratch on Shen Zhiheng’s existing assets.

Shen Zhiheng dug out a checkbook from the deepest part of the drawer that he had never used before and filled it out according to an online tutorial. The nib of his pen paused on the 100,000 box, then he switched to the 1,000,000 box and wrote a “1.” One million should be enough.

Shen Zhiheng was just about to sign it when he realized he was under eighteen and not qualified to write such a large check. He filled in his own birthday in the date field. This post-dated check was the “hush money” he had resolved to pay to protect the little snake. Shen Zhiheng tore off the check, folded it, and tucked it into his pocket.

He stood up, walked to the full-length mirror, and adjusted the collar of his silk loungewear. Repeating the prepared draft in his mind, he walked slowly downstairs. He sat on the single sofa beside Bai Yongjiang, legs crossed, lounging in a relaxed posture.

“President Bai, I don’t know if you received some news that there is a giant green python here, but I think you have misunderstood.”

Bai Yongjiang’s hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly, a glimmer flashing in his eyes.

“Young Master Shen, what do you mean?”

“I do indeed like exotic pets, but I have never seen a snake-type Omega.”

The living room fell into a deathly silence. The two exchanged glances, neither able to glean any deep meaning from the other’s significant and sharp eyes. Finally, it was President Bai who broke the silence:

“Young Master Shen, I understand your concerns.”

He took a deep breath, his hands gripping the expensive teacup tightly.

“But the public opinion pressure outside is very high right now; if there is no clear whereabouts of the mutant, the public’s panic cannot be calmed.”

“The Association and the hospital also need definitive evidence to close the case.”

“Since you have nothing but empty words, it is very difficult for us to handle.”

Shen Zhiheng’s eyes were filled with ice and annoyance, carrying the aura of a high-and-mighty young master who viewed life as nothing—a genuine reaction. However, his gaze landing on President Bai was not one of hatred for the dangerous and sinister snake in the eyes of the public. Shen Zhiheng naturally knew this meant he had to offer a bargaining chip. He stood up, took a new teacup from the coffee table, and personally poured a fresh cup of tea.

The thin check was pressed by Shen Zhiheng against the side of the teacup.

“I am naturally cooperating with your work. If you need to, you can send people to search around the manor.”

Shen Zhiheng handed over the teacup, the side with the check facing away from the recorder on Bai Yongjiang’s chest.

“I hope you can get the evidence, and, the truth.”

The word “truth” was deliberately emphasized, and the cup in his hand, containing the check, was slightly raised. The tea in the cup sloshed, forming a small ripple. Bai Yongjiang took the teacup, his wrinkled hands cupping the outer edge, holding the entire cup.

“Thank you for your cooperation, Young Master Shen. We will certainly carry out our work as soon as possible.”

Shen Zhiheng looked at his hands gently stroking the teacup, the corners of his mouth curling up, and he said in a relaxed tone:

“No rush. I hope this ‘perfect resolution’ will be the best gift for my upcoming eighteenth birthday.”

Clearly, anyone who had fought in the arena of fame and fortune knew the relationship between eighteen years old and a check. A more hypocritical smile deepened on Bai Yongjiang’s face. He drank the tea calmly, and when he put the cup down again, the check was gone.

“Young Master Shen is truly young and promising. Let me wish you a happy birthday in advance.”

“Thank you, President Bai. I won’t see you out.”

Shen Zhiheng originally thought President Bai would have to circle the island to collect some symbolic evidence. Instead, the man left the island directly without looking back. After confirming that Bai Yongjiang had completely driven out of the manor’s main gate, Shen Zhiheng finally dropped the act of a villainous young master.

He slumped weakly against the sofa, letting out a long, heavy sigh, his temples throbbing and his back feeling cold. There shouldn’t be any problems. He would soon see the Association’s investigative results posted. Perhaps tomorrow, or at the very latest, on his eighteenth birthday, once they got the money, this whole thing would be completely over. The experienced President Bai was the truly sinister and cunning one, with not a drop of his actions leaking. He acts more like a sinister, venomous snake.

Shen Zhiheng’s thoughts paused. Thinking of a sinister, venomous snake, the image in his mind was actually of little Xiao Qi, who loved to hang lazily on the sofa. I shouldn’t say that about snakes; that little ball of snake is the cutest little fellow in the world. In order to protect that little fellow, he could force himself to grow fangs capable of tearing apart anyone who attempted to separate them.

“I’m going to find Xiao Qi.”

When Shen Zhiheng opened his eyes again, the coldness and calculation in them seemed to melt away, becoming incredibly soft concern. He strode toward the annex. I miss the little snake so much. He had to tell the innocent little snake the good news; tell the snake he never had to be afraid of anyone capturing him again. Tell the snake that he could live with his brother forever.

Forever together.

No one else would ever be able to intervene in their relationship; there would always be only the two of them in this chain. At the entrance of the annex, Uncle Huang stood guard with a broom in front of the locked door. He remained vigilant, preventing anyone from approaching the small villa.

“Young Master, no one has approached this small courtyard.”

“Mm, thank you for your hard work. That man has left, everything is fine now.”

Shen Zhiheng’s voice was tired but light, with a feeling of relief. He opened the locked main gate and scanned the lobby of the annex.

“Xiao Qi, Brother is here to pick you up!”

His voice echoed through the vast, empty lobby of the annex, the raised intonation unable to hide Shen Zhiheng’s relaxed and happy mood. Shen Zhiheng looked forward to the ink-green figure dragging its heavy tail to run toward him, throwing itself softly into his arms, and then slowly wrapping around him with its big tail.

However, the lobby was dead silent, with no sound in response, let alone a figure. Shen Zhiheng’s smile faltered slightly.

“Xiao Qi?”

Hasty footsteps echoed through the empty villa as he ran through each room on the first and second floors. Nothing, nothing there was no sign of the little snake in the entire villa. Shen Zhiheng’s face instantly turned pale, his previously light footsteps becoming staggering. He rushed to the villa entrance, grabbed Uncle Huang by the shoulders, his voice trembling violently with fear and panic.

“Where is the snake?! Where is my little snake! I told you to keep an eye on him! Where is he!”

His roar was heartbreaking, his eyes instantly turning blood-red from congestion and tears. Veins popped out on his forehead, and a thin layer of sweat covered it.

“Where is my snake! I want my snake! Give my snake back to me!”