To Marry My Little Chestnut - Chapter 25

Physically exhausted, Yu Yan fell asleep with a lingering fullness in his reproductive cavity.

Ever since his glands matured, he had grown accustomed to monthly suppressants. That agonizing torture had become a habit over the years, and pregnancy was no exception. He had never experienced a heat period that passed so swiftly and comfortably.

Subconsciously, a heat period was a weak, sweltering steamer to him. But this time, the feeling of cranial excitement and comfort Zheng Tingyang provided completely overwhelmed all unbearable sensations, replacing past hardships with a lingering, tender intimacy that brought tears to his eyes.

In his dreams, he returned to high school. His father had taken him to a dinner with strangers. Wearing his school uniform, he stood before the screen of a private room with downcast eyes, listening to his father and the Gao family discuss exactly how many contracts he was worth.

The elder President Gao, a cigarette between his fingers, laughed until his fatty face shook. He spun a glass of wine toward Yu Yan on the lazy Susan. “Young Master Yu, give me some face, and any contract is negotiable.”

His father also urged him to drink. Back then, his glands had just matured, and the tipsiness from the alcohol made his pheromones drift uncontrollably. He had hurriedly put on a gland patch. President Gao sniffed his sweetness in the air and asked suggestively, “Why bother with a contract? I’ll sponsor Young Master Yu’s future tuition. If he joins the Gao family to be Wenjing’s study partner, we’ll be one family. How about it?”

The implication was clear: not only would Yu Yan be denied a formal status, but he would also become a mere possession of the Gao family.

Yu Yan’s long eyelashes trembled as he hid in the clubhouse restroom, weeping silently. He didn’t know if, once he stepped out of that stall, he would learn that his father had already handed him over to the Gao family. He hadn’t even graduated high school…

The tiny world inside the stall was his only place of solitude. His scent and his pheromones were treated as commodities; he knew he could never escape this cage in his lifetime.

There was a knock on the stall door. A gland patch was slid through the gap at the bottom. Not a word was said. Through the door, he heard a man—seemingly a waiter—say to others trying to enter, “The restroom is broken. Use the one on another floor.”

Yu Yan applied the patch and cautiously opened the door. He saw the lean back of a youth in a waiter’s uniform standing before the mirror, washing his hands, wiping them, and drying them. The youth said nothing and showed no curiosity about his scent. It was only after the boy left that Yu Yan emerged.

On the mirror, a large smiley face had been drawn with water droplets.

Looking at that somewhat childish smiley face, Yu Yan wiped away his tears and walked out of the private room. The waiter was waiting quietly by the door. The youth’s face bore bruises from being hit by his foster father. Holding a tray, he walked behind Yu Yan, escorting him back to the room.

The youth was a hoodlum at school. Classmates called him a pathetic bug abandoned at birth, uneducated and a total loser. They didn’t need to speak. Despite the vast difference in their status, they were both pitiful souls, withered by the ravages of fate.

Lately, Yu Yan often dreamed about him and Zheng Tingyang in high school. They hadn’t spoken more than ten sentences back then, yet it seemed Zheng Tingyang was everywhere in his high school years, always hidden in a corner. Gao Wenjing had tried to bully him at school, calling him a low-life and saying that even if he didn’t join the Gao family, he was destined to be played with by others in the future.

Memories and dreams intertwined. It was as if the dreamcatcher in the flower shop was ringing…

As Yu Yan rolled over, he vaguely remembered Zheng Tingyang telling him that morning that he could sleep a little longer.

After arriving in the capital, Zheng Tingyang was indeed busier. Lying in bed, Yu Yan watched the heavy snow falling outside, draping the entire city in a silver robe. He sat up out of habit, gazing at the scenery.

The heavy memories of the dream faded slightly. Secretary Lin had been waiting in the living room, working, while the TV silently played financial news.

“President Zheng prepared these. He said if you want to eat spicy food, you can check the menu. The chef will prepare it for you immediately.”

On the dining table was pumpkin porridge and a creme brulee dessert just flown in from Haicheng. The menu consisted of spicy dishes Zheng Tingyang had selected that were safe during pregnancy, complete with pictures for easy ordering. Secretary Lin’s assigned task today was to accompany Yu Yan for his meal.

“Do you want to eat this?” Yu Yan shared one of the two bowls of brulee with Secretary Lin. “It’s delicious.”

Secretary Lin was flattered, knowing the status this Young Master Yu held in President Zheng’s heart. He hurried to take it. “Thank you.”

“Tingyang works very hard usually. It must be hard for you to be by his side as well.” Yu Yan smiled, his eyes curving. He spoke softly, polite and gentle.

Secretary Lin thought to himself that President Zheng was truly hiding a treasure. If it were him, he would also keep a close eye on this young master; he looked like a child who could be lured away with a single bowl of brulee.

“Would you like to go for a walk after eating? President Zheng booked a table at Hewei Restaurant for tonight.”

Yu Yan nodded. “Are we going to find Tingyang?”

Secretary Lin remained silent but essentially confirmed it. “If you’re feeling unwell, you don’t have to go.”

Yu Yan said, “Wait for me, I’ll change my clothes.”

It was snowing heavily outside, and he really wanted to get some fresh air. After all, if he stayed in bed for the entire week of the business trip, he felt like he would melt away. Besides, going out to another restaurant for dinner surely counted as a date, right?

Zheng Tingyang had prepared clothes for him by the bedside. However, he still needed Secretary Lin’s help when putting on shoes. He sat awkwardly on the shoe bench by the door, supporting his belly. “Thank you.”

The nightmare from the night before vanished in the excitement of getting ready to go out. Dressed in a long down jacket with woolen gloves and a hat, he was bundled up like a little tank. When Secretary Lin helped him up, he could clearly feel the heaviness of his body. It seemed the baby really grew faster during the days of his heat, though he wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination.

As soon as Secretary Lin opened the door, he blocked half of Yu Yan’s body with his own. Yu Yan saw someone at the door, but they weren’t tall. He tilted his head past Secretary Lin’s shoulder to see the figure clearly: it was Gao Wenjing.

Behind Gao Wenjing was Jiang Xiao, the timid little secretary who always followed him. Secretary Lin reached out to shield Yu Yan, taking a polite step forward with a smile. “Young Master Gao. Why are you kneeling here?”

Gao Wenjing had dark circles under his eyes and looked utterly wretched. His arm was in a sling, he was wearing hospital scrubs, and the wounds at the corners of his mouth were still raw. As the door opened, the resentment and bitterness in his eyes poured out. The words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat, making his face flush a deep red.

Yu Yan stood stunned behind Secretary Lin, peeking out curiously. He had been bullied by Gao Wenjing before and was still afraid of him. His hand instinctively gripped Secretary Lin’s sleeve, and though he was confused, he remained silent.

Gao Wenjing choked out, “I want to see Zheng Tingyang!”

Secretary Lin took out his phone and squatted down to show him the screen. “You reported him to the police, and President Zheng has been sent to the station. Isn’t President Zheng being at the police station exactly what you wanted?”

Yu Yan frowned slightly. He didn’t understand the intricacies of the business world, but he knew that if Tingyang said they would have dinner together, he would definitely show up.

“Yu Yan, do you dare say you don’t know?!”

Yu Yan whispered to Secretary Lin, “Am I supposed to know something?” He wasn’t sure what he should know, but he figured he shouldn’t speak recklessly.

Secretary Lin said, “Whatever your purpose for coming here is, do not lose your sense of propriety when speaking.”

The file Lin Xilan opened on his phone contained the account books of the Gao family’s overseas businesses and the futures they had already lost. It was a sea of declining green lights. Scrolling down revealed evidence of Haoyang Group’s overseas asset loan losses and fraudulent accounts.

Zheng Tingyang’s overseas assets were immense; he had once grown fifty thousand in principal into eight hundred thousand. Even if the Gao family’s stock was worth billions, as long as he chose the right entry points and used leverage, those financial figures would evaporate as easily as air. The hottest thing abroad lately wasn’t real estate but virtual currency. Zheng Tingyang had long ago used retail shares to buy heavily into the Gao family’s stock. Once his capital was withdrawn and the stock fluctuated, he would release the Gao family’s falsified accounts and tax evasion records. Whether the Gao family lived or died depended entirely on Zheng Tingyang’s whim.

Haoyang Group’s overseas assets had begun a downward spiral during the night session yesterday. Their opponent was a famous international financial operator. Many of Haoyang Group’s accounts were outsourced to this financial firm, and the legal representative behind the capital was Xiao Kai. Gao Wenjing never would have imagined that Xiao Kai—a man whose influence abroad was as solid as a rock—was actually Zheng Tingyang’s pawn.

One wrong move led to another. By the time he realized it, his father, the elder President Gao, was on a flight back to the country. Upon landing in the early morning, he was arrested for massive accounting fraud. Gao Wenjing had limped here to find Zheng Tingyang, but Zheng Tingyang had conveniently gone to the police station to be investigated for the assault on the Gao family’s son.

Gao Wenjing wanted to drop the charges, but the other party refused to see him—they would only see Yu Yan. In short, his only way to save the Gao family was to beg Yu Yan to get Zheng Tingyang out. The evidence in Secretary Lin’s hands was scheduled for release at 7:00 PM. No one but Zheng Tingyang himself could revoke the publishing rights.

Gao Wenjing had three broken ribs. Not only did it hurt so much he trembled just to stand straight, but he also had to kneel here and wait for Yu Yan—kneel before someone he once utterly despised. If he didn’t kneel, he and his father would be in prison tomorrow. Between the two options, a businessman knew how to weigh the stakes.

“Yu Yan.” Gao Wenjing bit his teeth, his heart full of bitterness. “I have dropped the charges. Please…” He paused. “Please bring Zheng Tingyang out. I need to see him.”

Secretary Lin stood up and looked down at Gao Wenjing. “Young Master Gao, this isn’t the attitude of someone asking for a favor. If Young Master Yu doesn’t nod, how many hours will your ‘face’ still be worth?”

Secretary Lin raised his watch for Yu Yan to see. “Young Master Yu, how many hours are left until seven?”

Yu Yan looked over obediently. “Six hours.”

Secretary Lin said, “Then your ‘face’ has six hours left. President Zheng said you know better than anyone why you are here. Once seven o’clock passes and this information is leaked online, even a god won’t be able to help you.”

His words were blunt. Gao Wenjing’s scarred face looked hideously pale, the veins at his temples throbbing violently. Seeing that he could no longer hold his kneeling posture, his secretary hurried to support him. “Young Master Gao…”

Jiang Xiao said, “Young Master Yu, my Young Master Gao didn’t mean to offend you yesterday. Please go to the police station so President Zheng and Young Master Gao can meet!”

Yu Yan thought it over, biting his lip. His naive confusion gradually turned into understanding. Gao Wenjing was kneeling to him, begging him. Now, he was the one in power. After all these years, the tables had turned. With just one night of northern wind, he had become the one looking down from above.

So, this is what it feels like to have power and money?

Secretary Lin asked, “Young Master Gao?”

The title “Young Master Gao” pinned him to a pillar of shame. Gao Wenjing bowed his head. To save his own life and the life of the Gao family, he had to bow.

Secretary Lin asked, “Is Mr. Yu satisfied?”

Yu Yan opened his mouth. He had no right to interfere in business matters, so he just pulled Secretary Lin’s sleeve. “I want to see Tingyang. I can’t make the decisions.”

“Understood.” Secretary Lin took a step forward, stopping in front of Gao Wenjing. “Please move aside, Young Master Gao.”

Supported by his secretary, Gao Wenjing staggered to his feet. His suppressed rage had nowhere to go. Watching the two walk away, he shoved his secretary. “Get lost!”

Jiang Xiao obediently let go. Unable to stand, Gao Wenjing fell to the ground with a thud, letting out a silent scream of pain.

As Yu Yan entered the elevator, he glanced back. His fear of Gao Wenjing seemed to vanish as the doors closed. Even when Tingyang wasn’t by his side, he still felt like a majestic mountain guarding his back.

“Did Tingyang make him do this?”

Secretary Lin remained silent; he was prudent and would not say a word. Yu Yan looked down and stuffed his gloves into his pocket. Inside was a milk tablet Zheng Tingyang had put there in case his blood sugar dropped. He whispered to himself, “Tingyang is so good…”

Secretary Lin stole a glance. Seeing the gentle and soft-tempered face of Young Master Yu, his heart softened slightly. President Zheng’s taste was good—very good—so good it made him a bit envious. He had thought a pampered Omega would find President Zheng’s actions too cruel, or that he would be too childish to understand the struggles of the business world and claim President Zheng had gone too far. He hadn’t expected Yu Yan to understand President Zheng so well. Even without communication or explanation, he understood his husband’s painstaking efforts.

The lawyers for Haoyang Group had been waiting at the police station entrance for a long time. As the suspect, Zheng Tingyang refused a private settlement. The group couldn’t see him and was frantic with worry.

Yu Yan waited quietly in the hall for a while. Zheng Tingyang walked out carrying his jacket. Yu Yan took a few quick steps and threw himself into the arms Zheng Tingyang had already opened. However, his little belly hit the man’s embrace before his head did.

Zheng Tingyang smelled faintly of something sweet. “Careful of the belly.”

“Tingyang!”

They spoke at the same time. Yu Yan buried himself in his chest, his voice muffled but filled with joy as Zheng Tingyang held him. Zheng Tingyang rubbed his chin against Yu Yan’s short hair. “Did you eat your fill at lunch?”

“I ate my fill. I didn’t save any brulee for you.”

Zheng Tingyang raised an eyebrow in satisfaction. “A good appetite. To be able to eat so much is very impressive.”

Yu Yan said, “I had one and Secretary Lin had one.”

Zheng Tingyang led Yu Yan out, glancing at Secretary Lin waiting in the hall. Secretary Lin’s heart skipped a beat, thinking, Young Master Yu, please don’t set me up!

Yu Yan said with a beaming smile, “He protected me just now. He’s even more impressive.”

Zheng Tingyang’s expression softened, and he pinched Yu Yan’s cheek with satisfaction.

Outside the station were not only Haoyang Group’s people but also reporters who had caught wind of the news. The story of President Zheng outbidding everyone at the Pearl Plaza meeting and the sudden trouble at Haoyang Group had already spread; it was too big a story to miss.

Zheng Tingyang pulled Yu Yan’s hat down low and used a scarf to cover most of his face. As they walked out, Gao Wenjing’s car had just arrived. Bodyguards fended off the reporters as camera flashes went off incessantly.

“Young Master Gao reported you for intentional injury. President Zheng, did you have a hand in the crash of Haoyang Group’s stock?”

“President Zheng, since your overseas assets are so vast, why do you still serve as a branch president at Changxing Group? Is it to occupy the domestic market?”

“What was your motive for the assault?”

“President Zheng, can you answer?”

“Your marital status has never been made public. Someone recognized your spouse’s family as having gone bankrupt. Does this corporate struggle involve your personal grievances?”

Zheng Tingyang shielded Yu Yan as they got into the car, his body blocking Yu Yan’s face. Gao Wenjing’s wretched appearance looked even more like a performance for the media. “There was a misunderstanding with President Zheng. I hope to sit down and talk with him. President Zheng wouldn’t forget our agreement and refuse me this face, would he?”

He had bowed the head he needed to bow and admitted the faults he needed to admit.

Zheng Tingyang closed the car door and motioned for Secretary Lin to let Gao Wenjing approach. In front of the media, separated by a distance, their words could only be heard by each other.

“You aren’t afraid of dirty tactics, but what about Yu Yan? You’re standing up for him, but aren’t you afraid that the truth of Old Man Yu gambling away his son will be exposed and drag you down? We’ll go down together!”

For anyone in a high position, the purity of their partner’s background was vital. Old Man Yu’s reputation in Haicheng was in the gutter. Zheng Tingyang seemed to be protecting him, but wasn’t Yu Yan’s pregnancy still hidden because no one knew he was Zheng Tingyang’s man? Gao Wenjing thought Zheng Tingyang was ashamed to go public and tried to use this as a final, desperate leverage.

Zheng Tingyang laughed.

Gao Wenjing was stunned, his voice trembling as he endured the pain in his ribs. “We can cooperate. I know the truth about your foster father’s death years ago. As for the Yu family, no one in Haicheng will mention it ever again.”

“An Omega isn’t worth ruining Haoyang Group over. Aren’t your overseas assets invested in Haoyang too? What good does it do you if the group falls?”

Even if Zheng Tingyang was incredibly wealthy, a true businessman wouldn’t throw money away. But it was precisely because he held overseas shares in Haoyang Group and knew the internal mess of their company that he could bring them down. Zheng Tingyang had thought Gao Wenjing might actually have some redemptive power. The truth about his foster father’s body suddenly appearing by the sea? That was supposed to be a bargaining chip?

He had still overestimated this Young Master Gao.

The calm smile on Zheng Tingyang’s lips remained. Gao Wenjing mistakenly thought there was hope, unaware the man was laughing at his refusal to repent even as death approached.

“Go back. Prison won’t be so easy to endure, Young Master Gao.”

“Zheng Tingyang, you fucking played me?!” He had knelt, he had admitted fault, and even after bringing out his chips, the other party still wouldn’t budge.

Zheng Tingyang said, “Young Master Gao was born with a high Alpha pheromone level. I believe you won’t be bullied anywhere.”

Including prison.

The man turned and got into the car. The window wasn’t even rolled down halfway. He protected Yu Yan’s appearance, giving the reporters no chance to take a photo.

Inside the car, it was silent. Yu Yan cautiously extended his index finger to try and touch the man’s pinky. The reporters outside, the business maneuvers, the way Zheng Tingyang was at work—he knew none of it.

The next moment, his hand was gripped tightly by the man. Zheng Tingyang asked him, “Were you scared?”

Yu Yan shook his head. “I’m not a child anymore. I’ve seen great storms.”

Zheng Tingyang’s heart sank. He gripped Yu Yan’s hand, afraid of hurting him, and pulled him into his arms, his heart aching. He knew exactly what Yu Yan meant by “great storms.” When the Yu family went bankrupt, Zheng Tingyang was on a business trip from the capital to a foreign country. He was thinking that once the final step was complete, he could return to Haicheng to see him and marry him legitimately. That one time, only that one time, he received the news and rushed back from abroad despite his injuries, but he was still a step too late, allowing Yu Yan to suffer.

His voice was husky as he kissed the corner of Yu Yan’s forehead. “We’re going back to Haicheng. We’re going home.”

“Tingyang, I think… I really like you.”

The baby was already so big; was it a bit late to say it now? Yu Yan’s sparkling eyes looked at Zheng Tingyang. The calm, deep pond seemed to stir with a tsunami. Zheng Tingyang took a deep breath, his Adam’s apple rolling.

He wanted so, so badly to catch a scent of Yu Yan’s smell, even if just once.

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