The Top-Tier Alpha Is Lured and Captured by a Green Tea Merman - Chapter 25

“Then let’s exchange contact information.”

Pei Yan revealed his personal bracelet and subconsciously reached out to touch the one on Xie Yu’s wrist, only for the latter to pull away quickly.

“…”

Pei Yan’s hand froze mid-air, and a hint of awkwardness filled the atmosphere.

“Sorry, my bracelet has been acting up lately,” Xie Yu explained, tucking his hand behind his back to smooth things over. “Shall we take action tonight?”

Noticing the light flickering on Xie Yu’s screen, Pei Yan calmly withdrew his hand. “Fine. But I need to head back for now. Shall we meet at the Imperial Palace gates at 10:00 PM?”

“Alright, whatever Commander Pei says.”

The two parted ways. When Pei Yan returned home, Pei Li was already gone, and the butler informed him that Xie Yu had not returned.

Startled, Pei Yan immediately drove to the bar and sought out the manager.

The manager, who had been threatened just moments ago, wiped the sweat from his face and recited the pre-rehearsed lines: “Commander Pei, it’s not that I didn’t want to send him back, but the gentleman wouldn’t let us touch him. He said he only wanted to wait for you, and we couldn’t exactly force him…”

Hearing this, the knot in Pei Yan’s chest loosened. He had feared Xie Yu was in danger again.

“Where is he?”

The manager said cautiously, “I’ve settled him on the second floor. I’ll lead the way.”

Pei Yan followed the manager upstairs and into a private booth. Sure enough, Xie Yu was there.

He seemed to be in some discomfort, leaning back against the sofa. His shirt collar was pulled open, revealing a patch of fair skin. He covered his forehead with one hand, his lips slightly parted as he panted softly, as if enduring something.

The twilight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over him. The light traced the lines of half his face, creating a scene of tranquil beauty.

Hearing the movement, Xie Yu turned his head slightly. His hair was a bit messy, and his eyes were hazy.

Seeing the silhouette, he paused for a few seconds before calling out softly, “Brother…”

His voice was thin and fragile. Pei Yan’s heart trembled as he slowly walked over.

The manager at the door was speechless. Was this really the same person who had been terrifyingly threatening him just moments ago?

Not wanting to play the third wheel, the manager retreated, silently closing the door behind him.

Xie Yu sat up straight, his eyes fixed on Pei Yan, following his every movement.

When Pei Yan reached him, Xie Yu wrapped his arms around his waist. He looked up obediently, staring with such focus and devotion that it seemed as though Pei Yan was the only thing in his world.

Pei Yan’s expression remained neutral, but his hand was gentle as he touched Xie Yu’s face.

Xie Yu leaned into the touch, nuzzling against his palm, his eyes still unblinking. His voice was full of reliance. “Brother, you came to pick me up.”

Pei Yan’s heart suddenly hammered against his ribs. He moved his thumb, lightly stroking Xie Yu’s cheek, then lowered his lashes and kissed him gently.

Feeling the contact on his lips, Xie Yu blinked in surprise, then applied pressure to pull Pei Yan down.

Pei Yan allowed himself to be pulled onto Xie Yu’s lap, and the two shared a long, lingering kiss.

Once the kiss ended, Pei Yan leaned against him to catch his breath. Xie Yu’s hand rested on his back, patting him rhythmically.

“Brother, why are you so proactive today?”

Pei Yan pulled back and stared at him, huffing, “You don’t like it?”

“How could I not?” Xie Yu chuckled, taking Pei Yan’s hand and interlacing their fingers. He kissed the back of his hand suggestively. “I wish I could kiss you all day long.”

Pei Yan gave him a pointed look and stood up. “Alright, let’s go back. I have things to do tonight.”

Xie Yu didn’t let go of his hand; instead, he stood up with him. “Okay.”

When they arrived home, the butler smiled at their joined hands and handed over an invitation. “Young Master, the Royal Family is hosting a banquet tonight. You are requested to attend.”

Pei Yan raised an eyebrow as he took the card.

Perfect. He wouldn’t have to sneak into the palace, and he trusted that the Master of the Underworld would have his own ways of getting in.

Xie Yu swung their clasped hands slightly. “Is Brother going to be away again tonight?”

To ensure his safety, Pei Yan didn’t dare take him along. He simply promised, “I’ll definitely be back as soon as possible.”

“Alright then.”

Xie Yu didn’t make a scene. Instead, he smiled with an unreadable expression. “I hope Brother returns safely.”

Pei Yan finished changing and got into the car. Seeing Xie Yu standing outside watching him obediently, he paused, rolled down the window, and beckoned him over.

Thinking Pei Yan had something to say, Xie Yu naturally leaned down. Instead, Pei Yan grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him. Seeing that Xie Yu wasn’t focusing, Pei Yan bit down hard on his lower lip. Xie Yu narrowed his eyes in pain.

A few seconds later, Pei Yan pulled away, his breathing heavy. He rubbed his thumb over the small beads of blood on Xie Yu’s lip, his eyes dark. “Wait for me to come back.”

Understanding his meaning, Xie Yu looked delighted. He intentionally stuck out his tongue to lick Pei Yan’s finger, his gaze provocative. “Okay. I’ll wait for Brother to return.”

Feeling the moisture on his fingertip, Pei Yan’s pupils constricted. An Alpha’s possessiveness surged within him; for the first time, he felt a genuine desire to claim Xie Yu.

But now was not the time. He closed his eyes, rolled up the window, and drove away.

Only after the car had vanished into a distant speck did Xie Yu turn and leave.

The Royal Banquet

About fifteen minutes later, Pei Yan arrived at the palace.

He entered the ballroom and took a glass from a waiter. He spotted He Bai waving at him and walked over.

He Bai naturally threw an arm around his shoulder. “How did that matter turn out?”

Pei Yan took a sip of wine. “It is what it is.”

Until things were fully clarified, Pei Yan didn’t want to tell them too much to avoid unnecessary worry.

Lu Xiao suddenly asked, “He didn’t do anything to you, did he?”

“What?” Pei Yan didn’t catch the drift.

Lu Xiao looked at him pointedly. “The Master of the Underworld.”

Pei Yan was even more confused. “What could he possibly do to me?”

Lu Xiao watched him silently for a moment before looking away. “Nothing.”

Pei Yan: “…”

Was it just his imagination, or was Lu Xiao becoming increasingly cold toward him?

He Bai glanced between them, sensing the awkward atmosphere. Just then, a group of people entered the hall. He gestured toward them to distract Pei Yan. “Do you know who that young man is?”

Pei Yan followed his gaze.

It was a tall, thin, and elegant young man. His complexion was unnaturally pale, and he wore a white suit. He walked behind a group of leaders from the Royal Research Institute, his expression cold and detached, as if he cared for nothing around him.

As if sensing the gaze, the youth looked over sharply. Their eyes met, and Pei Yan noticed a faint glimmer of interest in the stranger’s eyes.

Meanwhile, He Bai’s voice sounded in his ear, hushed and mysterious. “His name is Song Yan. He’s a genius in research. Even the Director of the Institute is incredibly polite to him.”

“You know him?”

“Not personally,” He Bai shook his head. “I’ve just heard he’s extremely arrogant and quite rude to people. I suppose all geniuses are like that. Plus, he’s currently highly favored by His Majesty. Those old guys at the Institute have a love-hate relationship with him—they have to swallow their anger even when he treats them poorly.”

Pei Yan raised an eyebrow. “How do you know everything?”

“Of course,” He Bai said proudly. “Do you even have to ask?”

“Then let me ask you this: what is the purpose of this royal banquet tonight?”

He Bai was stumped for a second, rubbing his chin. “I guess… it’s either to maintain relations with the high officials and nobles, or there’s a major announcement.”

Pei Yan let out a short laugh. “That’s not a guess; you just covered every possibility.”

He Bai quickly added, “But my gut says it’s a major announcement.”

The hall suddenly fell silent. The Emperor appeared with his family. As everyone bowed, Gu Xibai saw Pei Yan and immediately waved at him happily.

The Emperor took this all in, a smile spreading across his wrinkled face. He raised a hand and said kindly, “No need for formalities. Tonight is a family gathering; please, make yourselves at home.”

Then, he called out, “Xibai.”

Gu Xibai froze for a moment, then walked to his side. The Emperor took his hand affectionately. “I have an announcement to make. Tonight, my son Gu Xibai and the only son of the Pei family shall be engaged. I ask you all to bear witness.”

Both Pei Yan and Gu Xibai were stunned.

Neither had expected things to move this fast. It meant their original plan—to use “getting to know each other” as a cover—was completely useless. Their elders had no intention of giving them any breathing room.

He Bai looked at Pei Yan with concern, cursing his own “crow’s mouth” (bad luck) for being right. Lu Xiao’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening into a hard line. Gu Xibai, meanwhile, looked at his father with pleading eyes. “Father…”

The Emperor gave him a brief, sharp look. The words Gu Xibai was about to say died in his throat, and his face turned deathly pale.

The Emperor then turned to Pei Yan and beckoned him. “Child, come here.”

The eyes of the crowd fell on him—some were watching for drama, others were filled with resentment. Pei Yan’s body was tense. Knowing he currently lacked the power to resist, he hesitated for a few seconds before starting to step forward.

Suddenly, a hand pressed down on his shoulder. A voice cold as ice rang out through the hall.

“Your Majesty, are you trying to use your power to force a marriage?”

Pei Yan’s body jolted, his eyes wide with shock.

Why is he here?

Xie Yu patted his shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. He then turned to look at the hypocritical man on the high platform, speaking with cold indifference. “I didn’t expect Your Majesty to use such a despicable method just to secure the Alliance.”

The Emperor’s face soured for a split second before he regained his composure. “What brings the City Lord of the Underworld here?”

Xie Yu wasn’t interested in being polite. “What, you sent me an invitation, and now I’m not welcome? Are we playing pretend?”

The Emperor: “…”

Sending an invitation to the Underworld was a mere formality—a show for outsiders. It had become a habit for the Underworld to never attend these banquets. He hadn’t expected the City Lord to actually show up, let alone in person.

“Not at all. You are very welcome.”

Xie Yu gave a mocking smile, neither accepting nor declining the sentiment.

Stung by the cold shoulder, the Emperor’s expression flickered with annoyance. He looked at Pei Yan standing behind Xie Yu and asked, “Are you and Commander Pei acquainted?”

“Not exactly,” Xie Yu chuckled. “It’s just that Commander Pei is a major client of mine. When a client is in trouble, how could I not help?”

The Emperor maintained a fake smile, though he was thinking: Since when did you ever care about that?

“The City Lord is generous. However, Commander Pei and my Xibai are mutually in love. Isn’t that right?” Though he was looking at Xie Yu, the question was directed at Pei Yan, carrying an undeniable weight of pressure.

“Indeed,” Pei Li added in support. “My wife and I are very satisfied, and I’m sure Ah Yan feels the same.”

Under the weight of double the threats and pressure, his fate being tossed around by others, Pei Yan clenched his fists. A few seconds later, he lost his strength. Gritting his teeth and resigning himself to his fate, he spoke.

“Yes.”