This Alpha Is So Devoted to His Wife - Chapter 48

“The Secondary Differentiation Gene Defect detection program is a globally astonishing invention. By leveraging the function of the Hyper-Memory Chip, this is itself a very advanced medical approach. Furthermore, implanting an Artificial Intelligence system to communicate the body’s condition and risks via a voice system offers a great sense of security to humanity. Controversy is unavoidable, but I believe this path can be explored further.”

“Over the past decade or so, the number of global patients with Secondary Differentiation Gene Defects has gradually increased. The risk posed by this recessive gene varies, but it is a disease that should be treated as much as possible once diagnosed. If controlled, patients can live lives no different from ordinary people. If discovered late, it is difficult to guarantee the outcome.”

“However, what is uncontrollable is when a newborn child develops the Secondary Differentiation Gene Defect at the very moment of birth. Survival rates are low, and such suffering is unbearable for an infant. Even if they survive, they are unlikely to be completely healthy, potentially suffering from blindness, deafness, aphasia, and so on. This is precisely why we must conduct and continuously improve this gene testing program.”

“According to incomplete statistics, the global number of individuals with Secondary Differentiation Gene Defects is sixty million, and the number of deaths attributed to it is two hundred thousand. More than a decade ago in F-Continent, a human with the Secondary Differentiation Gene Defect sexually assaulted a canine animal, causing a zoonotic disease that erupted into a large-scale epidemic. Research experts indicate that, to some extent, the Secondary Differentiation Gene Defect can transform pre-existing conditions after sexual transmission or contact with people who have underlying illnesses.”

“To date, detection methods are constantly being updated, but controlling or treating the defect remains unknown.”

“This path is difficult, but all nations must go through this step.”

“So, the last thing I, your professor, want to say is this: Since we have resolutely embarked on the path of scientific research, regardless of the final outcome, how can we know if we can succeed without giving it our all? Regarding all the controversial voices outside, what we can do is listen to the constructive ones, treat the negative ones as unheard, and not waver in our conviction. Only then can we be true to ourselves and to the unwavering support of our country.”

Inside the auditorium of Imperial Polytechnic University, the gray-haired research professor, who was past fifty, received the appointment letter from the usher. He opened the letter and looked out at all the students from the School of Biomedical Engineering. Finally, his gaze settled on the seat of his youngest student.

“Next, we will present an appointment letter, an honorary appointment letter from the Queen of Country D, inviting the recipient to become a member of the Imperial Secondary Differentiation Gene Defect Laboratory.”

“During this year, in our School of Biomedical Engineering laboratory, there is one student who is neither arrogant nor servile, who has given everything without reservation, dedicating all his ability and talent to this research. He spearheaded the joint initiative with Huaxia and Country D to launch the Secondary Differentiation Gene Defect Detection Plan and has made outstanding contributions to the Secondary Differentiation Gene Testing program.”

The professor smiled kindly: “He is a freshman in our School of Biomedical Engineering, a core member of the Secondary Differentiation Gene Defect Research Lab, and my capable research assistant: Jacob Duan, Duan Yu’luo from Huaxia!”

Grand music for the award ceremony began to play.

The entire hall erupted in warm applause.

Duan Yu’luo was also surprised. He never thought he would receive a special appointment letter from the Queen of Country D. This honor was likely not something he could have easily obtained at his age.

He subconsciously glanced at Lu Xinghe sitting next to him.

Lu Xinghe curved his lips into a smile, looking up at Duan Yu’luo who was standing up, his eyes full of admiration: “I knew my Baobao was incredible. Go on up. If I had known earlier, I definitely would have bought a bouquet of flowers first.”

His jest dispelled Duan Yu’luo’s suspicion; this honor must not have been obtained through the back door.

He smiled, his eyebrows slightly raised, and then walked forward.

After just two steps, his wrist was grabbed by Lu Xinghe. He cast a suspicious glance at Lu Xinghe.

“Remember to smile your most beautiful smile; I’m going to take pictures of you.” Lu Xinghe said with a smile, then released his hand and lifted the camera he was holding.

Duan Yu’luo: “…” Was this guy truly ignorant or just pretending? No wonder he suddenly brought a camera when we left. But time didn’t allow him to dwell on it; he adjusted his demeanor and walked onto the stage.

At this moment, in every corner of the venue, tall Alpha men in black suits raised their hands to their headsets. Their aura was powerful as they surveyed the inner hall and spoke softly into their mics.

Luo Yu’duan was standing on the side of the stage, watching the distance his younger brother traveled from his seat to the stage. He held his headset and calmly reported the situation to the commander, who was carrying out a task on the rooftop, his voice low:

“Commander, everything is normal inside the venue. How about your side?”

A calm and steady voice came from the headset: “Pay constant attention. The protesters are approaching the school. Measures may be taken if necessary.”

“Understood.”

“Stay safe.”

“You too.”

Lu Xinghe adjusted his posture, picked up the camera, set the parameters, and aimed the lens at his beloved little rose on the stage. Being by his side for all his achievements and moments of honor was naturally the most fulfilling feeling.

Due to family reasons, he had to choose a management major. Although their majors were different now, they were in the same school, and he was perfectly clear about everything concerning Duan Yu’luo.

He was proud of Duan Yu’luo. To be able to love such an Omega, and to be loved by such an Omega, was truly his dream come true.

He had to take more pictures to keep and save.

Tonight, he definitely had to give him a good hug.

“Congratulations, Student Duan. Receiving affirmation from the Queen is a very high honor.”

Duan Yu’luo received the appointment letter from the professor, stood beside him with a gentle smile, and spoke softly: “Thank you for your guidance, Professor. Your affirmation is my greatest encouragement.”

The usher, a young woman, held a tray with a crystal plaque engraved with an English honorary title and a bouquet of fresh flowers.

The professor picked up the crystal plaque from the tray, smiled as he handed it to Duan Yu’luo, and then presented him with the flowers.

Duan Yu’luo was holding the flowers and preparing to stand properly when his peripheral vision caught a cold gleam that flashed across his eyesight, right in the hand of the usher. Before he could clearly see what it was, with a “Crack!” the venue suddenly went dark. He only felt a cold, blunt force viciously stab into his chest.

His whole body went numb, and his blood seemed to flow backward.

“Stop spreading anxiety. You think you’re a hero who can save them, but in reality, you’ve harmed countless people and shattered countless families. You deserve to die.”

Below the stage, startled cries rose from the sudden power outage, but in his ear, he heard the woman’s voice, full of malice.

It was the usher.

The pain of being struck rendered him completely speechless. Before the pain could even fully wash over him, the cold object in his chest was violently pulled out. The dense, instantaneous pain felt suddenly released, surging out from his chest.

His fingertips trembled. Relying on survival instinct, he covered his chest with his hand, feeling a continuous warmth—sticky and smelling foully of blood—in his palm. Ignoring everything else, he used his other hand to desperately grab the person in front of him:

“…Who are you!”

The person across from him tried to struggle out of his grasp.

But she was a female, and in terms of strength, she could not compare to him as a male, even though he was an Omega.

“Only with your death can this plan stop! You deserve to die!”

The curse-like phrase echoed in his ear. His pupils contracted, but the strength with which he gripped the other’s wrist did not diminish. What did she mean, only his death could stop the plan? Why did the plan have to stop?

Before he could react, a dense, aching pain in his chest made him unable to stand, and the hand gripping the assailant’s wrist weakened and released its hold due to the pain.

Fortunately, the person in front of him seemed to have been seized.

He then heard the sound of many people rushing onto the stage. Many voices reached his ears; he thought he heard his elder brother’s voice, and also Lu Xinghe’s voice.

The darkness was only momentary; the auditorium lights flickered back on.

When his vision returned to clear light, the first person he saw was Lu Xinghe running over. He was right below the stage, his eyes instantly red as he looked at Duan Yu’luo, and then he leaped directly onto the stage from the floor.

He slowly removed his hand, seeing his palm and fingertips stained with blood. The blood had already soaked through his white shirt. His eyelashes trembled, his face was as pale as paper, his legs gave way, and he began to collapse downward.

“Zai Zai!”

Lu Xinghe rushed onto the stage with a long stride, catching Duan Yu’luo the moment he collapsed. But upon seeing the situation, his mind felt overwhelmed with blood, and he nearly lost control. Duan Yu’luo’s chest was covered in blood, which was still flowing profusely. He didn’t know where the bleeding was actually coming from.

His hands trembled as he pressed down on Duan Yu’luo’s chest. His eyes were bloodshot, and his voice shook: “It’s alright, don’t be afraid, it’s alright, I’m here…”

Duan Yu’luo slightly raised his eyes, but the lights overhead were too bright. He didn’t have time to clearly see Lu Xinghe’s face. He only heard the other’s voice, which sounded like he was crying. He moved his lips.

But the pain prevented him from making a sound.

“Lu Xinghe, what are you spacing out for? Hurry up and stop Zai Zai’s bleeding!” Luo Yu’duan leaped onto the stage from below, pulling off his own black T-shirt with one hand and throwing it to Lu Xinghe.

Lu Xinghe raised his hand, caught the shirt, and immediately pressed it against Duan Yu’luo’s chest, letting him lean against him. He then felt the youth in his arms trembling all over. His arms were ice cold, and his lips gradually lost color.

He lowered his head, seeing Duan Yu’luo’s lips moving. Controlling his emotion, he leaned his ear toward him.

But at that very moment, Duan Yu’luo’s hand fell heavily, and his head rested heavily on Lu Xinghe’s shoulder.

He collapsed into his arms.

Without saying a single word to him.

At this moment, Lu Xinghe felt ice cold all over. His breathing was rapid, and his anger, climbing to its peak, was on the verge of breaking loose. He slowly lowered his head. Duan Yu’luo had already closed his eyes in his arms, his face horrifyingly pale. The pressure on the wound no longer seemed able to stop the bleeding, and the black T-shirt was soaked even darker.

His mind went completely blank.

…Why did this happen?

He was right there, just the distance between the stage and the floor.

“DOCTOR!!!!”

His emotions seemed to have completely snapped. The two words he shouted—”Doctor”—were a release of emotion, trembling and full of fury.

Medical staff rushed in from the doorway. The students inside the venue were quickly evacuated under the organization of security, leaving the men in black to control the scene. Despite the security and special personnel being fully prepared, an assassination attempt still occurred, and the atmosphere instantly became tense and frozen.

“Let me go!!!”

The usher was pinned to the stage by the men in black. She no longer had her elegant demeanor, now acting like a shrew. Her long blonde hair was disheveled as she tried to break free from the Alpha guards’ restraint, her eyes full of hatred, staring at the pale youth whose shirt was soaked in blood not far away.

Even though he was unconscious, she didn’t spare him the verbal abuse, yelling various hateful foreign words that were unbearable to hear.

Lu Xinghe’s body tensed as he listened, his eyes dark and ferocious. He slowly raised his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed on her. He enunciated every word: “Say that again.”

“Alright, ignore her. Get Zai Zai to the hospital immediately. I’ll handle things here.” Luo Yu’duan’s tone was calm and his expression composed, as if he had seen such things many times. He reached out and patted Lu Xinghe’s back, then stood up, raised his hand toward the other team members below the stage, and gave a decisive signal for escort and evacuation.

But he still took a few extra glances at his younger brother as he was being placed on the stretcher.

He then turned around to organize the scene.

It was also in the instant he turned away that his eyes turned red.

Outside the university auditorium, the sound of an ambulance pierced the sky. It was escorted by police motorcycles and vehicles on all sides, clearing the way and speeding to the hospital.

Inside the ambulance, a life-and-death rescue was taking place.

The complication was that the knife had been stabbed into his chest and then pulled out, leading to severe and difficult-to-control blood loss.

Lu Xinghe sat beside him, listening to the serious conversation between the doctors and nurses as they performed emergency procedures. He watched Duan Yu’luo, who was wearing an oxygen mask, lying on the gurney with his eyes tightly closed and his face pale. The ECG readings nearby were not ideal.

He could do nothing. He lowered his head, his throat dry, tightly gripping Duan Yu’luo’s ice-cold hand. No longer able to hold back his emotions, he dropped his broad shoulders and rested his forehead on the back of Duan Yu’luo’s hand.

…Why did this happen?

It was supposed to be a very happy day, wasn’t it?

When he was little, he had made a wish to the Bodhisattva for Duan Yu’luo’s allergies to quickly get better, so he wouldn’t see him suffer anymore.

Now, he had to make a wish again, begging the Bodhisattva for Duan Yu’luo to be safe and unharmed.

Before this, he was proud that Duan Yu’luo worked so hard to achieve this goal. But now, he wanted to be selfish. He didn’t want Duan Yu’luo to be a hero; he just selfishly wanted him to stay by his side and be his beautiful Baobao.

Outside the car window, the sunset was fervent, shining through the glass onto the tall young man, illuminating a face that was already streaming with tears, yet suppressed and restrained.

It was a silent torment.