This Alpha Is So Devoted to His Wife - Chapter 60

“I apologize, but we have no authority to handle this matter. If you wish to have this batch of goods undergo a new professional inspection, the shipment will need to be retrieved.”

“Where is the shipment now?”

“The Customs Department.”

“I’m sorry, this impounded consignment requires approval and processing from a higher department before it can be released.”

“We have properly filed compliance documents and product labels that prove our imported product meets import standards. Are you telling me that even after presenting proof, you still cannot return the goods to us?”

“I am very sorry, Mr. Jacob. While this certificate proves that your standard meets our import criteria, a portion of the latest batch did show non-compliance. Therefore, these few existing certificates may not be sufficient as proof.”

“Alright. In that case, I need to take my goods for a re-inspection now. Is that possible?”

“We truly cannot touch this consignment. You need to apply for approval from the higher department. As soon as the relevant documents come down, we will immediately release the goods to you.”

At the seaport customs location, massive cargo ships moved back and forth constantly. Dock workers labored under the hot sun at the port.

Duan Yu’luo stood several tens of meters away from the dock, gazing at the ship belonging to the Galaxy Group that was detained at the shore. It was affixed with seals and was parked in the most conspicuous location, making it obvious at a glance that this was impounded cargo belonging to the Galaxy Group.

Serena watched the young man beside her. The wind from the shore swept his bangs and his white shirt, but his back remained as straight as bamboo, suggesting that these few rushed trips had not broken his resolve. His profile was deeply calm.

As the waves crashed against the shore and the spray splashed near their feet, Duan Yu’luo stood motionless. This silhouette, juxtaposed with the clear, blue sky, gave Serena an ineffable feeling of destiny.

“Jacob, are you sad?” She couldn’t resist asking.

“Why would I be?” Duan Yu’luo turned his head slightly.

Serena hesitated. She stepped forward to stand beside him: “If we can’t retrieve our goods, it could take a long time and significantly delay our costs. This loss will be enormous.”

“Then, how well do you think Manager Huo  handled things this past week?” Duan Yu’luo asked.

Serena answered without hesitation: “He was, of course, excellent. He has always been a great leader. As soon as this happened, he immediately contacted the legal team and the relevant quality supervision department, working overtime every day to deal with the problem.”

Duan Yu’luo saw how much she cared about Manager Huo and quietly withdrew his gaze: “Yes, he prepared an emergency plan. Theoretically, we should be able to get this shipment back. Serena, do you know anything about Queen Clemens?”

Serena paused when he suddenly mentioned the Queen, then her eyes widened as if realizing something: “Wait, Jacob, are you suggesting the Queen is using this to deliberately trouble you? Why! She shouldn’t be interfering with market affairs. As for knowing about her, I don’t know much, but she is a person who rarely changes her mind once she has decided.”

“Then, given that there is no problem with the quality of our product, what do you think is the reason for the goods being impounded?” Duan Yu’luo saw the waves by the shore growing rougher, so he turned around: “Let’s go. It’s windy here. We can talk in the car.”

Serena followed him, thinking of the only possible explanation: “Is it because you are Prince Bennett’s lover? Not the consort candidate in her heart? She wants Prince Bennett’s consort to be a woman.” Then, she added: “Let me be clear, I don’t have feelings for Prince Bennett. I like Manager Huo.”

Duan Yu’luo heard Serena’s candid admission and smiled: “I know. I can tell you like Manager Huo. So, do you need my help to set you two up?”

“Huh?” Serena stopped walking.

“I can create more opportunities for you to work with Manager Huo on projects, but I can’t guarantee that Manager Huo will like you. However, I think that if you seriously complete the tasks given to you and let Manager Huo see your dedication, you will be noticed.”

Serena seemed to grasp his intention. She hadn’t expected him to actively help her, especially since her attitude toward him had always been poor. She was a little afraid this might be a trap. She hesitated for a moment: “But…”

“In return, I need your help.”

“Huh?”

Duan Yu’luo saw the wind tousle her long hair and dress. He took the jacket he was holding and draped it over her shoulders, saying warmly: “I need you to clearly tell the Queen that you already have an Alpha you love and cannot become a consort candidate.”

Serena was momentarily taken aback that he would put his jacket on her, and a wave of surprise and regret washed over her: “Of course, I can do that. I never wanted it anyway. But I will refuse; others might not.”

This small gesture clearly changed her view of Jacob. She hadn’t expected Jacob to be so tolerant of her, especially since her tone had always been hostile.

Furthermore, his true identity was the heir of the Galaxy Group. Thinking of her previous petty jealousy, she felt a bit ashamed.

“It’s alright. All I need is your agreement. If there’s a next time, whether the Queen tries to set you up with him or you meet at other banquets, you must refuse. If you do that, I will fulfill your request.” Duan Yu’luo maintained a polite distance from her, smiling gently: “Can you do that, Serena?”

The young man looked thinner than he had a while ago. The sunlight falling on his white shirt outlined his lean frame, but it didn’t diminish his striking and graceful bone structure. His eyes were sharp but curved gently. When he smiled, it was with a healing approachability. Even if his words were deceitful, one would be easily persuaded.

“Okay.”

Duan Yu’luo’s eyes curved in a smile: “Pleasure working with you.”

Serena: “…”

The two walked towards the parking lot.

On the way, Duan Yu’luo called his second grand-uncle, Gu Yuxi, and clearly explained the situation. Soon, his second grand-uncle’s stern, cold laugh came through the phone, stating that such an unreasonable and unjust impoundment should be immediately appealed.

This troubling incident was about to become an international lawsuit.

He knew that with his current capabilities, it would be difficult to outmaneuver the opponent on his own. But if he didn’t learn how to properly use all the resources of his family to cope with every difficulty that arose, he would never reach the position he wanted and would struggle to protect the people he wanted to protect.

After returning to the Group headquarters, he immediately called another meeting to organize the evidence and prepare for the appeal.

He was completely absorbed in work, not noticing the sunset filtering through the window. The sky gradually darkened. The inky blackness slowly washed away the city’s daytime hustle and bustle. As the neon lights came on, they illuminated another side of the city’s nighttime splendor.

Ding—his phone vibrated.

Duan Yu’luo finally tore his gaze from the computer, picked up his phone, and saw that it was already 7:00 PM. He saw that Lu Xinghe  was calling and suddenly felt annoyed—how could it be this late already?

He picked up the phone and answered: “Hello, Xingxing.”

“Are you off work yet, baby?” Lu Xinghe parked his car below the Group building. He took the call, opened the car door, walked to the passenger side, took two delicate dark-green paper bags off the seat, locked the car, and walked toward the building.

Duan Yu’luo put his phone on speaker and started clearing the documents from his desk, which he was planning to take to his new office: “Yeah, I’m off work. I’m just tidying up. Where are you? Are you home?”

“I’m here.”

Duan Yu’luo was stunned for two seconds, hearing both the voice on the phone and the voice from outside. He looked up and saw Lu Xinghe walking in, a smile instantly appearing on his face: “How did you get here?”

This was Lu Xinghe’s first time inside. He glanced around the floor; all the employees had left. He walked up to Duan Yu’luo: “Everyone else is gone but you. Are you leading by example or putting pressure on your employees, Young Master Duan?”

Duan Yu’luo looked helpless and turned off his computer: “I just ran into a bit of trouble. Our test kits were impounded by Customs. Our inspection reports are fine, so we’re gathering evidence to file a lawsuit.”

“I got the shipment back.”

Duan Yu’luo’s actions froze. He looked at Lu Xinghe in surprise: “What?”

Lu Xinghe rested his arm on the cubicle partition and reached out with the other hand to stroke his eyelid, as if wiping away the fatigue in his eyes. He smiled: “I got them back for you. The Galaxy Group’s cargo ship can start unloading tomorrow.”

Duan Yu’luo’s face lit up with joy. He immediately grabbed Lu Xinghe’s hand: “No, how did you do it? I ran to several departments today and couldn’t get them back.”

“I took the samples of your impounded goods and sent them for re-inspection this afternoon. The inspection report came directly to me. I showed it to my grandmother, and she didn’t say anything; she authorized the release.” Lu Xinghe’s eyes were full of indulgence at his happiness: “Are you happy, baby?”

“Of course I’m happy!” Duan Yu’luo lowered his head and kissed the back of Lu Xinghe’s hand, his smile radiant: “You are truly amazing!”

“Then I deserve a reward, don’t I?”

“Of course. What do you want?”

Lu Xinghe placed the two delicate paper bags on his desk. He propped his arms on the partition, his eyebrow slightly raised behind the gold-rimmed glasses, and a meaningful smile in his eyes: “Then put on this outfit and come with me to a hotel.”

Duan Yu’luo: “?” He lowered his head suspiciously and opened the paper bag. He saw a silver-white piece of clothing. The color made him a little dumbfounded. He took it out, unfolded it, looked at it seriously again, and fell silent.

In his hand was a silver-white, extremely sexy, backless, floor-length gown. The back was held together by only two thin straps, and the cut went all the way down to the small of his back.

Duan Yu’luo didn’t know what to say. He held the dress, looking speechless: “No, why did you get me a dress? Do you want me to wear it for you?”

“Baby, you have to hear my plan.” Lu Xinghe took the dress. He thought of the dozens of dresses he had carefully selected that afternoon. He walked to Duan Yu’luo’s side, wrapped an arm around his shoulder, and kissed his neck:

“I’m thinking, since my grandmother has this attitude—she believes I’m an outstanding, handsome, and capable heir apparent, which is why she selects noble ladies from wealthy families as consort candidates—what if my life were tainted with some bad negative publicity?”

Duan Yu’luo turned his head: “Are you suggesting…?”

“I’ve already booked every top hotel in all of D-Country. Starting tonight, we’ll stay in a different hotel every day. You’ll dress up as different girls, boys—sexy, innocent, pure, whatever you want. I’ll change your outfit, makeup, and hair every day. I’ve already arranged for the gossip reporters to specifically capture us entering the hotel, embracing and kissing intimately. They just need to clearly capture me; they don’t need to show you.”

Duan Yu’luo: “…” He was silent, staring at Lu Xinghe with a blank expression, his eyes filled with suspicion.

Lu Xinghe understood his look. He raised both hands and swore: “It’s absolutely not just me wanting to play around. I think this is the best way to ‘destroy’ the perfect persona my grandmother has of me in her heart. As long as we know the truth, it doesn’t matter. I only have you. We can clarify everything when the right time comes.”

Duan Yu’luo stared at the dress in Lu Xinghe’s hand, the silver-white crystal rhinestones dazzling his eyes. He didn’t think this was a good idea; it was practically a terrible idea. But to a certain extent, he was making every effort to protect Lu Xinghe, and Lu Xinghe was paying every price for him.

If this was feasible, what did sacrificing a little dignity matter?

Lorman Royal Hotel, D-Country, as the oldest and most luxurious hotel in D-Country, countless VIP guests check in daily, and luxury cars constantly drive in and out.

In the grand lobby, filled with ancient red opulence, the distinct retro style scattered the beautiful glow of history under the refraction of the crystal lights. The reception manager stood at the door, on high alert. Soon, he would be receiving Prince Bennett.

Soon, a black Maybach stopped at the entrance. The doorman rushed forward to open the car door.

Under the night sky, a pair of fair, tight, long legs stepped out first from beneath the silver-white rhinestone gown, wearing exquisite, sparkling champagne-colored high heels. The person was not yet fully seen, but the jade-like complexion was already eye-catching.

On the other side of the car, a tall young man in a black shirt and gold-rimmed glasses walked over. He reached the car door, bent down, and led out the woman who was preparing to alight.

The woman wore the silver-white rhinestone gown, dazzlingly beautiful under the night. On closer inspection, her long, curled hair only slightly concealed the beautiful, fair shoulders that exposed the shoulder blades. Further down, her slender waist was cinched by only two thin ribbons, offering no concealment, leaving the small of her back completely exposed.

She was blindingly fair and intensely sexy.

The two intimately linked arms, like lovers deeply in love, and kissed as soon as they stepped out of the car.

In the dark, the cameras with red indicator lights fired furiously, capturing shots from every conceivable angle. After all, the boss had instructed them: only the ones clearly showing the boss’s face should be posted online; all the others were to be compressed and sent to him privately.

Walking into the hotel lobby, the manager greeted them enthusiastically.

Lu Xinghe nodded gently while talking. Just then, he felt his arm being pinched by the ‘sweet little wife’ beside him. He stifled the pain, smiled indulgently, and lowered his head to ask: “What’s wrong, darling?” He met Duan Yu’luo’s resentful gaze.

“My feet hurt.” Duan Yu’luo lowered his voice. He looked down at his feet in the high heels. Seriously, his feet hurt so badly they were about to be ruined. Women truly had to pay a great price for beauty; it was too exhausting.

The manager thought they needed help: “What’s wrong? Is there anything I can help with?”

Lu Xinghe smiled: “It’s nothing. My darling is just a little delicate. He wants me to carry him upstairs.” With that, he scooped Duan Yu’luo up in a bridal carry, holding him steadily in his arms.

Duan Yu’luo: “…………” Who said that?

He’s such an exhibitionist.

He buried his face in Lu Xinghe’s neck. It was too embarrassing.

Behind the inconspicuous greenery, the camera’s red light flashed, continuing its frantic work. This scene was worth hundreds of photographs.

The door to the presidential suite opened. With a beep, all the equipment powered up, and the lights instantly came on.

Slam! The door shut.

Duan Yu’luo had barely registered what was happening before Lu Xinghe carried him to the shoe cabinet. The high heels were removed, and his arch was held by Lu Xinghe’s slightly rough palm. He initially thought Lu Xinghe would say something about how hard he worked.

But then—

“Baby, you look so beautiful in a dress. I want you now.”

Duan Yu’luo: “!!!”

Before he could react, Lu Xinghe’s palm pressed against his back, and warm kisses landed on his ear, his marked posterior gland, and everywhere else.

The night was intoxicating. Water droplets clung to the petals of the roses on the bedside table. As the bed and cabinet shook, the petals trembled, and the water droplets fell from the petals.

The newly bought silver-white rhinestone dress lay beneath the bed.

It was ruined.

Duan Yu’luo covered his damp eyes with his arm, stubbornly refusing to let his tears fall or make a sound. He just knew it: Lu Xinghe loved him very much, but in some ways, he was also an absolute brute.

If they were going to stay in hotels every day, which couple goes to a hotel just to seriously study, work, and sleep under the covers?

Certainly, this guy of his, who turns into a mad dog at night, was not that kind of person.