The Honest Man Was Targeted by His Ex-Boyfriend's Alpha Brother - Chapter 8

The person had not expected Chen Wang to wake up. Two burning hands clamped down on his waist like branding irons, gripping him so hard it felt as if they might crush him.

Panic seized Chen Wang as he struggled. He had experienced more R-rated encounters tonight than in his entire life combined.

“Who are you?” His voice was unnaturally hoarse. “Get off me!”

Before he could process why the intruder was lifting his shirt, the man changed tactics. He cradled the back of Chen Wang’s head with one hand and bit down hard on the back of his neck. The scent of Damascus roses swept over him like a tidal wave. It was a romantic fragrance, yet it held no warmth or tenderness; it was thick with possessiveness and aggression. The man seemed determined to inject all his pheromones into Chen Wang’s glands.

“Ugh, ah!”

Shame and pain caused Chen Wang’s back to stiffen as he gripped the man’s clothing. Unfortunately, he was a Beta. There were no glands on his slender, elegant neck. The crashing wave of intense pheromones received no response whatsoever.

Hua Yunlian could not force Chen Wang into heat this way. Unable to have him, he opened his mouth, dazed, the taste of metallic blood lingering on his lips. His breathing was heavy. As an S-class Alpha, his senses were incredibly sharp, and he easily blocked the water glass Chen Wang hurled at him.

Splash.

Half the cold water soaked Chen Wang, while the other half splashed across Hua Yunlian’s face. The lights flickered on. Chen Wang was breathless and flushed, his dark eyes glaring with fury. He had known who it was the moment he smelled the roses, but seeing the man didn’t calm his emotions.

Hua Yunlian’s eyelids were slightly red. After a long silence, he spoke. “I want to do it.”

Chen Wang’s heart sank. Hua Yunlian emphasized, “I want to do it.”

He had no idea that in Chen Wang’s mind, he was viewed much like Chen Yuxi: a child who pestered him for candy and attention. However, pestering him for sex was a hurdle Chen Wang could not cross.

There was no trace of lust on Chen Wang’s cold, handsome face. He calmed himself and reached out to touch Hua Yunlian’s forehead. Relying on his medical instincts, he remarked, “You haven’t reached your rut yet.”

Before he could finish the sentence, his neck was seized, and he was pinned against the pillow. Chen Wang stared at him in shock. Hua Yunlian looked down at him coldly. “Brother Chen Wang, do not push your luck.”

Earlier that day, the man had been perfectly normal, providing him with a home and making his bullies apologize. Now, he was throwing a tantrum for no reason. The tiny spark of goodwill Chen Wang had felt vanished instantly.

“Do you know how many people want to please me or climb into my bed?” Veins bulged on the back of Hua Yunlian’s hand. Chen Wang let out a muffled groan, struggling to breathe. “And yet, you cannot even function properly as a tool.”

Hearing this, Chen Wang’s heart turned to ice. Hua Yunlian’s words were laced with poison, intended to leave scars. “Are you really staying chaste for that guy Hua Jingchen?”

If Chen Wang wasn’t about to be strangled, he would have died of anger. “Fine,” he sneered, releasing his grip on the man’s arm and lying still as if at Hua Yunlian’s mercy. “I am indeed a tool.” He stopped struggling. “Then do it.”

Hua Yunlian recoiled, his expression turning even more hideous. Suddenly, he let go, stormed out, and slammed the door in the middle of the night. Chen Wang sat up, clutching his neck and gasping. The back of his neck stung from the bite, and the front ached from the grip. It was all so senseless.

As Chen Wang had noted, Hua Yunlian had the temperament of a little princess. He demanded everyone revolve around him, yet he was impossible to please. Resistance was unacceptable, but so was submission. Chen Wang had no idea what this young master wanted. He muttered a curse under his breath. “Psychopath!”

After his breakup with Hua Jingchen, Chen Wang had longed for a relationship. However, he was not good at emotional matters, and between the pressures of life, he never had time to look. He only hoped to one day meet a gentle, family-oriented Beta to build a life with. Someone like Hua Yunlian was the exact opposite of his ideal partner.

The young master’s temper was shorter than a fuse. For the next few days, he disappeared completely, sending no messages and showing no face. Chen Wang didn’t even realize this was a “cold war”; he simply assumed the man was fine. He went to work, finished his shifts, and did his part-time jobs as usual. He even sent more than half of his salary to Hua Yunlian to repay his debt.

One day, while his car was being serviced, Chen Wang found himself with nothing to do after leaving the hospital. Having spent his life working to support his family, he had few hobbies. Bored, he scrolled through his phone and found a new viral BBQ restaurant with a very affordable set menu. He decided to wander over.

The restaurant was bustling. People were gathered in groups, chatting and laughing. Chen Wang sat alone in a corner, suddenly feeling a wave of loneliness. The older he got, the more isolated he felt. Looking through his contacts, he realized he didn’t have a single friend he could just call out for a meal.

While waiting for his food, a dejected Chen Wang saw the top trending topic on Weibo and squinted in confusion. “Pleasant to hear… or unpleasant?” He clicked on it and saw a familiar face. Mentuojia’s pretty, made-up face appeared in a new music video, singing emotionally. He was a mint-scented Omega, though Chen Wang always thought his name sounded like Mentos. Mentuojia’s new song was titled “Pleasant,” but it was being trashed so hard it hit number one on the trending list. A netizen commented, “Can you try any harder to sound fake? The Queen of Autotune!”

Chen Wang frowned, thinking people were being too cruel. If everyone spoke like Hua Yunlian, the world would be beyond saving. Being a practical man, he decided to listen to the song himself before judging. A few minutes later, he joined the discussion. “I listened carefully, and I think it sounds great. It is full of energy; I feel completely recharged after hearing it!”

Chen Wang didn’t know modern internet slang. The phrase “completely recharged” was the best he could come up with after much thought. Just as a waiter brought a plate of grilled meat, Chen Wang was bombarded with over ninety-nine notifications from Mentuojia’s fans attacking him. Chen Wang felt like an old man trying to navigate the internet. He was utterly baffled. “Why are they attacking me?”

Ding. A message from Shen An popped up at the top of his screen. [Senior Chen Wang, have you eaten yet? I am wandering around XX Street. Want to grab a bite? Tell me where you are and I will pick you up.]

Chen Wang’s eyes lit up. He happily sent his location and offered to treat him to BBQ. He was prepared for a social encounter that felt as intense as a home invasion. Shen An was very cheerful. They hadn’t interacted much at school, only meeting at occasional gatherings. Chen Wang was the type who couldn’t drink, and he had once blocked a drink for Shen An at a party, ending up flushed red. Shen An had remembered that gesture ever since.

“I have been paying attention to you since then, Senior.” Even without alcohol, Shen An’s face was warm as he scratched his head sheepishly. “After looking into it, I realized your research is even more impressive. You are a legend among legends!” He gave an exaggerated thumbs-up.

No one could resist such sincere praise, especially when the person was looking at them with literal stars in their eyes. Embarrassed, Chen Wang placed some meat on Shen An’s plate. He smiled, though a hint of pain lingered in his eyes. Many people used to think he was impressive. He wondered if they would be disappointed or mocking if they saw his current situation.

Chen Wang was a proud man; he wouldn’t belittle himself in front of Shen An. He accepted the compliments with confidence. Shen An was brimming with enthusiasm. “Senior, you must be very busy. Since we have exchanged contacts, feel free to reach out if you are bored! I know so many great places to eat!”

Chen Wang nodded with a smile, but a hand suddenly slapped his shoulder. He jumped. A man wrapped up tightly in a hat and mask sat down next to him. Just as Chen Wang was about to panic, the man revealed his face.

“What are you doing here?” Chen Wang’s face turned grim.

Shen An asked, “Who is this?”

Chen Wang’s heart felt heavy, and his appetite vanished. “This is my father.” The father who had fled after racking up over a million in debt. Shen An tried to greet him politely, but Mr. Chen ignored him, his eyes locked on his well-dressed son.

“I had my reasons for leaving. Don’t think I’ve let you down. Your mother is doing fine at home by herself.”

Chen Wang remained silent in protest. He didn’t ask where his father had been because it didn’t matter; his father was useless wherever he went and only caused trouble. Mr. Chen smiled, putting on the act of a kind old man. “You are twenty-seven this year. It is time you found a partner. Are you and little Shen…?”

Shen An blushed furiously and waved his hands in denial. Before his father could start prying into Shen An’s family background, Chen Wang snapped, “Don’t talk nonsense. Shen An is just a friend!”

“That is fine too.” Mr. Chen had a great appetite and began devouring meat. “At your age, carrying on the family line is what matters most. I’ve set up a blind date for you with an Alpha. His family is rich, he has good character, he is handsome, and he is even willing to marry a Beta and adopt children later. Most importantly, the bride price is 200,000!” He gestured with his hands, his eyes lighting up.

Chen Wang couldn’t believe he was being sold. He stood up abruptly in a rage. “What did you say!?”

“Why are you shouting?” Mr. Chen took on a stern tone, lecturing him. “Don’t embarrass yourself. Sit down.”

Chen Wang was trembling, his fists clenched. Being humiliated in front of a new friend was one thing, but the realization that his life could be ruined was far worse. Sensing the eyes on them, Shen An calmed Chen Wang down and made him sit. Shen An also put on a serious face. “Uncle, marriage is a huge deal. How can you decide this without them even meeting?”

Mr. Chen pointed at him with his chopsticks. “You kids don’t understand. Our generation all lived through it like this. Don’t make a fuss; it is lucky that someone like him even looks at a Beta.” Mr. Chen turned back to Chen Wang with a faux-earnest expression. “Just because you haven’t seen him doesn’t mean he isn’t good. You need to get along well with your fiancé.”

Unnoticed by them, a tall figure had stopped behind Chen Wang.

Two minutes earlier, two other young men had entered the crowded restaurant. One had his arm around the other’s shoulder. “Come on, am I really ‘tainting’ the great Young Master Hua by bringing you here? This place is delicious!”

While looking for a seat, Hua Yunlian had overheard the word “fiancé.” His amber eyes turned cold as ice as he stared at Shen An’s hand, which was currently holding Chen Wang’s.

Chen Wang jumped in surprise. “What are you doing here?” He was so angry he hadn’t noticed someone standing there. His tone sounded as if he had been caught cheating.

Hua Yunlian fell silent for a moment. Perhaps the room was too hot, but the muscles in his jaw tightened, and the veins in his neck popped. A faint, repressed flush of anger rose to his pale skin. He locked his gaze on Shen An, looking ready to pass a death sentence.

“Is this guy… your fiancé?”

The situation turned into absolute chaos. Chen Wang held his head. “No!”

Hua Yunlian’s breath hitched, his expression turning even more sinister. The scene looked like a confrontation between “the other man” and a fourth party; his rivals had doubled in an instant. He pulled out a chair and sat right next to Chen Wang, nearly shoving Shen An onto the floor. Hua Yunlian stared intensely at Chen Wang’s guilty face, his voice forced into a casual tone while every word was hissed through gritted teeth.

“Brother, you really have your banners flying everywhere outside, don’t you?”