The Honest Man Was Targeted by His Ex-Boyfriend's Alpha Brother - Chapter 29

The moment they entered the house, the items in their hands dropped to the floor. Fervent kisses quickly covered Chen Wang’s cheeks, ears, and neck before pressing impatiently against his lips. It was as if Hua Yunlian wanted to swallow him whole as their bodies tangled wildly, exchanging heat and saliva.

Perhaps because Hua Yunlian was the first Alpha he had ever slept with, the slightest contact triggered a sort of muscle memory in Chen Wang, making him flush with an unbearable heat instantly. He let out a low, pained moan and attempted to resist, but the raspy, erotic quality of his own voice startled him.

Chen Wang was surely dazed by Hua Yunlian’s constant talk of boyfriends and wives. Deep down, he was the type who preferred legitimate, defined relationships. When Hua Yunlian played this game on purpose, Chen Wang had absolutely no defense.

The Alpha had been holding back for two days and was at his limit. He stripped Chen Wang’s clothes off in the entryway, lacking the patience for buttons and ripping them open with a sharp tug. Chen Wang gasped as he was pulled in for several rough bites.

“My clothes!”

“Stop nagging, I will buy you new ones,” Hua Yunlian chuckled low, leaning up to bite his earlobe.

They kissed their way into the bedroom and stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror. Hua Yunlian held him firmly, his powerful arms encircling Chen Wang’s thin frame from behind. Chen Wang, already dazed from the kissing, opened his eyes only to see their reflection. Shamed, he twisted his head to hide.

“What are you doing!”

The man turned Chen Wang’s face back with one hand. “I want you to see what you look like right now.”

Now, he had no choice but to look. Chen Wang’s ragged breath trembled. He could not believe the person in the mirror with the flushed, longing expression was himself. The white shirt he used for cover had been slid down until it hung uselessly from his arms.

It was even more humiliating than being completely naked. Even without looking closely at Hua Yunlian’s face, he knew the man must be wearing a playful, wicked smirk.

“Brother, did we not agree you would play for me when we got home?” The Alpha’s deep, ambiguous voice vibrated against the back of his neck, sending shivers down his spine. His straight nose trailed along the delicate skin of Chen Wang’s nape, teasing him as if searching for a nonexistent gland, waiting to mark him.

Hua Yunlian took Chen Wang’s hand and placed it on his own vulnerable spot. “Do it yourself.”

Chen Wang swallowed hard, his face turning a shade of red that looked like it might drip blood. “I, I.”

Hua Yunlian was annoyed by his hesitation but loved seeing his conflicted, shy expression. He scoffed, “What? Are you telling me you have never played with yourself at your age?”

“I have,” Chen Wang replied.

A flash of excitement crossed Hua Yunlian’s eyes. Seeing Chen Wang about to make another excuse about being tired or sleepy, he said, “Finish yourself off and I will let you go today. Otherwise, I will toss you around until you die. Who told you to run away?” He punctuated this with a hard bite on Chen Wang’s shoulder.

Chen Wang panted in distress. How does this man have so much energy? If he spent another night being tormented, he would truly be exhausted today. Last night, when Hua Yunlian had curled into his arms with trembling leopard ears seeking comfort, Chen Wang had thought he was actually quite cute, like a younger brother.

Today, it was his turn to lose his dignity in front of this kid. Chen Wang bit his lip, his movements hesitant and difficult. His pale pink lips were bitten into a seductive, bloody hue. Hua Yunlian’s eyes lit up as he nuzzled Chen Wang’s cheek, looking incredibly happy.

Unexpectedly, Chen Wang tried to turn the tables, hoping to spark a bit of shame in Hua Yunlian. He asked with a trembling voice, “What about you? Have you ever?”

To the young master, this question was more hilarious than one plus one equals two. “Of course I have. My technique is excellent. When I was coming to find you, I fantasized about you twice.”

Chen Wang shuddered for no reason. Hua Yunlian’s grip on his waist tightened. “Does hearing that make you excited?” he asked through gritted teeth.

Chen Wang lowered his eyes, not daring to look at the mirror or back at Hua Yunlian. He asked softly, “Why fantasize about me? Do you not have many lovers?”

Hua Yunlian grew displeased and pinched him. “What? Do you think I am some kind of escort? They are not worthy. Even for ten billion, they would not get a taste of me. You should be counting your lucky stars!”

The dominance shifted back to him instantly. Chen Wang’s hands pushed back weakly against the man’s forearms. “Then why, why are you so skilled!”

Hua Yunlian forcefully turned Chen Wang’s face, making him see their tangled reflections clearly, while his other hand continued to tease. He spoke without a shred of modesty. “Is it hard? You learn after doing it a few times. Maybe I am just naturally gifted. Brother Chen Wang, I am a top-tier Alpha; just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

Drowning in waves of sensation, Chen Wang gasped for air. He admitted he was quite rigid and single-minded in some ways. Several times, he wanted to ask Hua Yunlian why he called him his boyfriend. He had so many insults for him, all of them so unbearable and humiliating, so why use that word? In the end, the question remained unasked.

The next day, Chen Wang did not wake up too late, only five minutes past his usual time. Hua Yunlian had already left for the office; he was far more serious about his career than Chen Wang had imagined. On the dining table sat a plate next to a glass of warm, sweetened milk.

Chen Wang was pleasantly surprised; it seemed the little brat was actually becoming well-behaved. The toasted sandwich was vaguely shaped like a cat’s head, filled with cheese, bacon, crisp greens, and two slices of tomato. However, Chen Wang’s lips twitched as he picked up his fork and knife to examine the jagged, uneven edges of the sandwich. Why is it so ugly?

Only then did he notice a note under the milk glass. The handwriting was wild and scrawled, but the strokes were powerful.

“I bit the edges off. Eat it or do not.”

Chen Wang could not help but shake his head with a laugh. He took a bite; it tasted much better than expected. An image of Hua Yunlian’s face while saying those words popped into his head. He chuckled to himself, “Where did this elementary schooler come from, always acting so prickly?”

After breakfast, he did not stay idle. He spent the entire day preparing interview materials for the Glandular Genetics Research Institute. He sat on the rug in front of the sofa, surrounded by a mountain of documents. When Chen Wang entered work mode, he lost track of time. By the time he looked up, the smart lights in the house were all on. It was already dark outside.

He was actually quite anxious. After all, when he graduated, he had been reported for academic misconduct. His appeals had been unsuccessful so far. Without a recommendation, he would not even have the qualifications to interview. Even if Hua Yunlian had helped him, why did he do it? Did he really want him to be his blade at the Institute? And why did he trust him so much? Chen Wang closed his eyes, unease and doubt stirring in his chest. Was it because he cared?

Chen Wang snapped his eyes open, his cheeks burning. He did not dare think of that specific word. He buried his head back into his documents.

A week later, the moment he passed the final rounds of interviews, Chen Wang felt as if he had been reborn. He walked out of the institute with unsteady steps, his palms clutching his briefcase slick with sweat. He was still immersed in the high of the successful interview, finally regaining the pride of the golden boy he had been during his student years. All the previous grievances and hardships seemed like nothing in this moment of light at the end of the tunnel.

“This is great, this is so great.”

He took several deep breaths. The cold air felt sweet and refreshing. The honking of the cars nearby was not annoying; instead, it made the world feel vibrantly alive. His nose stung, and he almost wanted to cry. Chen Wang reached for his phone, trembling, wanting to share the good news with his mother. But he was afraid she would not be able to keep it a secret before he officially started.

He was so happy that the joy felt like it was going to burst out of him. In his daze, he looked up and thought he was hallucinating. A man in a black trench coat, tall and handsome, was leaning against a luxury car and watching him quietly. It seemed he had been there for a while. Hua Yunlian tilted his head and smiled. Just as he was about to wave, Chen Wang rushed forward and crashed into his arms without a second thought.

Hua Yunlian actually stumbled back a step, instinctively catching him. The intoxicating scent and the real sensation of the person in his arms made Hua Yunlian’s mind go blank. Chen Wang had initiated a hug, and such a passionate one, filled with pure joy.

He hugged me. He hugged me first!

Chen Wang did not notice the man’s stunned silence. He held him and shook him with excitement. “I passed! I passed! Hua Yunlian, I am going to be a genetic researcher! I can make all my ideas a reality! I really passed!”

Hua Yunlian had never seen such a raw, vivid smile on this emotionally reserved man’s face. There were even tears shimmering in that smile. Hua Yunlian felt himself blushing for some reason. His heart pounded wildly, and his body temperature began to rise. “Congratulations. I told you you could do it. I did not even use any backdoors for you.”

It took a good while for Chen Wang to settle down from his euphoria. Holding onto Hua Yunlian’s arm, he realized he had been hugging and shouting like a child. It was hardly dignified. He felt a bit embarrassed. “But why are you here suddenly? Is the office not busy?”

Chen Wang thought he had business at the institute, but Hua Yunlian opened the passenger door and tilted his head, signaling him to get in.

“The investment project just finished, so I got off early. I thought if you failed the interview and were crying on the curb, what would I do? If someone asked who you were and rumors spread that Hua Yunlian’s little boyfriend was a mess, I would be humiliated.” Hua Yunlian smirked. “I had to come prevent that, did I not?”

Boyfriend again. Chen Wang’s ears burned at the teasing. He glared at him and got into the car.

A simple celebratory dinner was a must. Chen Wang was broke, so he did not pretend otherwise when Hua Yunlian offered to treat him. Thinking back on his loss of composure, he felt he had been too undignified, acting like a kid getting his college entrance exam scores. It was quite embarrassing in front of Hua Yunlian.

He explained, “Um, President Hua, please understand. When I graduated, I was falsely accused of academic fraud. My career was restricted, and I have been struggling until now. Finding a job has been very difficult, so joining the institute feels like finally clearing a dark cloud.”

Hua Yunlian focused on driving and nodded. “I understand. With your ability, you do not need to fake anything.”

Chen Wang had not expected the man to have actually looked into his academic and research work. A strange feeling churned in his chest, making his heart race. As they passed a newly opened shopping mall, Chen Wang suddenly rolled down the window. “Let me out, I need to buy something.”

“What do you need?”

“Nothing specific, but they will have opening discounts. I need to stock up.”

Hua Yunlian was helpless, knowing he could not talk him out of it. “My company uses those marketing strategies too. It is just to stimulate consumption and get you to buy things you do not need. In the end, I am the one making all the money.” He gave a smug, annoying smile.

Chen Wang’s face fell, and he settled back into his seat. “Already so rich and still greedy. I hope you guys choke on it.”

“And you,” Hua Yunlian said with obvious disdain. “You are like a hamster. Why stock up on so many discounted goods?”

Chen Wang was in a perfect mood today. Usually reluctant to talk, today he was quite chatty. “A young master who does not run a household does not know the price of rice and oil. You have probably never experienced the worry of having no money in your life. The month I graduated, I was penniless. I could not even pull fifty dollars out of my pocket. Once, I bought a roast chicken on sale for nine-ninety and felt like I had struck gold. The next day, I went back and waited with an empty stomach for a long time, but there were no discounted items that day.”

As he spoke, he laughed a few times. Chen Wang was dressed in a sophisticated gray suit, looking refined from head to toe. This was proof of how much he valued his dignity in public. He was just too happy today, even sharing such embarrassing stories with Hua Yunlian. Having realized he had said too much, he fell silent.

Hua Yunlian’s expression was subtle; he did not laugh. He stepped on the gas and took him to a fusion restaurant. Chen Wang nearly stuffed himself to death on sesame crispy chicken. “What are you doing? Do you think I am some kind of weasel spirit?”

The young master replied calmly, “I could afford to support your whole family even if you were all weasel spirits.”

That did not sound like a compliment. Chen Wang choked. “You are the one!” Before he could finish his curse, he let out a delicate hiccup, clutching his chest. He saw the normally expressionless Hua Yunlian laughing.

For some reason, the atmosphere between them today was exceptionally harmonious. At a glance, they were no different from a normal couple. Hua Yunlian’s talk had been getting more and more suggestive lately. Somehow, even fully dressed, the vibe was more subtle than when they were in bed. The little master seemed to have become much more well-behaved lately.

Chen Wang had no experience with casual partners or being a kept man. That unidentifiable, floating feeling in his heart grew heavier. He felt a bit dazed, thinking that having a defined status would feel more grounded. But they were impossible from the start, he thought.

Hua Yunlian only had this afternoon and evening to rest. Perhaps he had not had time to call his bad influence friends, so he stuck to Chen Wang, insisting he accompany him to a bar for a drink. Chen Wang could not hold his liquor well, but when happy, he wanted a couple of drinks.

Before entering the bar, Hua Yunlian asked casually, “Is there a gift you want? While I am in a good mood, tell me.”

Chen Wang’s curious gaze was busy scanning the fashionable men and women. It was dizzying. He did not quite process the question. “Huh?” He was not a greedy person. Otherwise, when he was dating Hua Jingchen, he would have secured a car or a house. Why waste the resources of the Hua family’s eldest son? During this illicit relationship with Hua Yunlian, he had never asked for luxury goods or money, which made Hua Yunlian and his circle of friends think this Beta was incredibly composed.

He truly was a few years older. Seeing Hua Yunlian still staring at him seriously, waiting for an answer, Chen Wang thought about it. He had always been the breadwinner, the one people relied on and took from. Rarely did anyone give him gifts. He felt a bit embarrassed. “Well, then just get me a juicer.”

Hua Yunlian’s amber eyes widened instinctively. “Huh?”

Chen Wang did not care if he heard correctly and walked right in. The bartender knew Hua Yunlian. Chen Wang did not know how to order, so Hua Yunlian had them bring the usual. Chen Wang noticed the bar was high-class; the young people there were dressed in authentic designer brands, likely the rich kids of the city center.

He instinctively reached for his phone to take a photo. Seeing Hua Yunlian watching him with a smirk while leaning on his hand, he felt a bit guilty. But he remained defiant. “What? Can I not be a lifestyle blogger in my spare time?”

“Sure.” Hua Yunlian took his phone. “I will take some for you.”

Chen Wang could not stop him in time and did not want to act coy, so he let him take them. The atmosphere was good and romantic, and he enjoyed himself. After a while, Hua Yunlian secretly sent the photos to his own phone and deleted the records from Chen Wang’s side.

“Let me see,” Chen Wang reached out.

These photos were taken entirely according to Hua Yunlian’s tastes: the refined gold-rimmed glasses, the polished leather shoes, the clear wristbones visible beneath the shirt cuffs, and those cool, handsome long legs and narrow waist. Unintentionally, he had highlighted Chen Wang’s silhouette under the suit perfectly. Amidst the ambiguous, sparkling lights, with fine wine and a beautiful man, anyone would envy the person behind the camera.

Chen Wang looked at the photos and gave him a strange look. Hua Yunlian asked, “What is wrong?”

Chen Wang did not have any hidden motives; he thought for a moment but could not say what was strange. “Nothing. They look good.”

“Senior,” someone suddenly called from his right. A glass of wine was placed on the bar, and a man sat down next to him. It was Shen An, whom he had not seen in a long time.

The moment he appeared, Hua Yunlian’s face darkened, looking very unwelcoming. Chen Wang’s expression was not much better, remembering how embarrassed he had been last time when Shen An saw him looking disheveled. But he was clearly feeling the alcohol now, and he said dizzily, “Ah, long time no see.”

Shen An, caught off guard by seeing him, took a moment to adjust his expression. No Alpha could witness the person they liked being toyed with and remain unfazed. He tried to stay calm, exchanging pleasantries like a little sun, deliberately avoiding the previous awkwardness. Any idiot knew Hua Yunlian was behind everything.

Talking about Chen Wang’s new job, he was envious, stating his own abilities were not enough to get in. After a while, he circled back to Chen Wang’s private life, glancing at Hua Yunlian. “Is Senior dating President Hua?”

Chen Wang was woozy and waved his hand emphatically. “No! No! I am just a Beta, how could I date President Hua? He has a fiancé. Do not, do not talk nonsense.” His speech began to slur.

Shen An visibly relaxed, his smile brightening as he began to plan their next meal together. But Hua Yunlian’s scowl returned. Where did this idiot come from, grinning and calling him Senior so affectionately? It is infuriating.

Chen Wang had finally been kind to him; he did not want to ruin that so quickly. He held his temper for a moment and did not explode. Chen Wang tilted to the side and mumbled that he needed to go to the restroom. Shen An reached out to help, but Hua Yunlian beat him to it, pulling the man into his arms.

“Brother, look at how much you have had,” he complained affectionately. He shot Shen An a look that said he was not even in the running for this flirtation. While he was over there planning a meal, they had already done it from the bedroom to the balcony, bathroom, kitchen, and study. “Dr. Shen, you should head back if you are done. Brother Chen Wang and I have a lot of things to do at home tonight.”

Hua Yunlian added, “Oh right, Brother and I went to the same high school. I can call him Senior too.”

Shen An was livid. He looked like a student who had bent down to pick up a pen during math class and looked up to find the teacher was already on advanced calculus.

Chen Wang’s tolerance for alcohol was so poor it made Hua Yunlian helpless. Back home, the man was limp and talking in his sleep; he could not do anything. Hua Yunlian had wanted to light a fire, but now the other person was unconscious, leaving only him burning. He lifted him from the sofa, intending to undress him and get him cleaned up, but Chen Wang suddenly grabbed his wrist, his eyes squeezed shut in his drunken state. “Hua Yunlian.”

His heart skipped a beat. It seemed he was seeing another side of Chen Wang. Hua Yunlian was uncharacteristically patient. “Yeah?”

Chen Wang’s grip was very, very tight. Fueled by the alcohol, he spoke his mind. “I am very, I am, impressive.”

Hua Yunlian chuckled, kneeling beside him and letting him grip as hard as he wanted. “Yeah, you are pretty impressive. I have never treated anyone else like this, only you.”

“I was only ten or so when I, damn it, sold several research papers on the anonymous black market,” Chen Wang said.

“Mm.” Hua Yunlian thought that was indeed impressive. “And what was the great master’s name?”

Chen Wang slurred for a long time before Hua Yunlian caught one word: “Morningstar.”

Hua Yunlian nodded. Ten years old—what kind of genius would that take? One would certainly need anonymity for people to believe them. He knew Chen Wang was incredible; he was the person who most deserved to stand proudly at the top. To be rational, Chen Wang should not even be by his side; Hua Yunlian was too unstable and was a major risk.

“Alright, alright, you are the greatest, you are the best,” Hua Yunlian lifted him up. “Let us go get you cleaned up, okay?”

“So,” Chen Wang leaned dizzily against his chest, murmuring like a prayer, his voice turning into a whimper. “Use me, to your heart’s content.”

Hua Yunlian stiffened. He never thought Chen Wang would want to be used by him. Chen Wang was too drunk; he probably would not believe he had said this himself. It was as if he were suppressing too much resentment and pain, clutching Hua Yunlian’s chest so hard he wrinkled the young master’s clothes.

“I never,” his voice grew quieter, “never.”

Hua Yunlian could not hear him and leaned his ear close to his lips. “Never what?”

He could clearly feel Chen Wang’s burning breath hitting the artery on the side of his neck, as hot as Chen Wang’s heart. In that choked voice were countless grievances and persistence. Tears fell steadily as if to wash away the dust from a hidden pearl, wetting Chen Wang’s face and Hua Yunlian’s shirt.

“I never want to be unseen again.”