Su Xu’s hand froze midway as he held the menu.
Adultery?
He lifted his gaze. “General Chu really knows how to joke.”
Chu Xiyu rarely showed expression. His features were cold, his bearing rigid, his entire person steeped in a kind of restrained formality that made him seem untouchable.
To hear such words come from his lips felt utterly strange. There was no trace of humor in his tone, rather, it sounded as if he had reached that conclusion after serious contemplation.
Chu Xiyu continued in that same calm voice. “Didn’t you say you didn’t like Zhong Heng?”
“Sometimes, whether you like someone or not doesn’t really mean anything,” Su Xu replied softly. He lowered his long lashes, randomly pointed at a few dishes he wanted and passed the menu across the table.
Chu Xiyu nodded slightly. “I see. So that’s how it is.”
Su Xu noticed the peculiar air surrounding him, aloof, detached, as though he did not belong to the world of ordinary people. He let out a quiet laugh. “Tell me then, do you always get everything you like?”
Chu Xiyu suddenly turned his head, his gaze landing directly on Su Xu.
Su Xu froze for a moment.
Their eyes met. Perhaps it was the effect of the surrounding lights but Su Xu noticed that the color of Chu Xiyu’s gray irises seemed deeper than usual, a shadowed hue that drew one in.
The man didn’t look away. His voice was slow, almost casual. “Of course not. Just recently, I lost something very precious to me.”
He didn’t give Su Xu time to react before adding, “But I’ll get it back.”
Su Xu’s brows twitched slightly. “Then I wish you success.”
A while later, the waiter came in with the dishes they had ordered.
Su Xu focused on eating, not speaking further. Chu Xiyu was equally quiet. When the meal was over, Su Xu wiped his mouth and said, “General Chu, could you give me the IP address of that person who made the post earlier?”
Chu Xiyu shook his head. “No.”
The refusal came so cleanly and decisively that Su Xu was momentarily caught off guard. He frowned faintly. “Do you know that person?”
Chu Xiyu glanced at him once. “No.”
“Then why can’t you give it to me?”
Su Xu leaned forward slightly. His eyes were bright, the dark pupils lined by clear whites. Up close, the corners of his eyes seemed faintly tinged with red, his lips pressed together in a small pout, his expression filled with confusion.
When Chu Xiyu still did not respond, Su Xu lowered his voice and called softly, “Ge, please?”
They were born in the same year but Chu Xiyu was a few months older. Back when they were in school together, Su Xu often called him that.
He quickly added, raising one hand to make a small oath. His lashes fluttered like butterfly wings as he promised, “Don’t worry, I just want to see who did it. I won’t do anything bad.”
Looking at him now, Chu Xiyu was suddenly reminded of a cat they once kept at the base.
That cat had smooth, sleek fur and striking blue eyes. Usually it was cold and proud, refusing to be touched but whenever it got hungry, it would look at him with those same eyes, eyes shimmering with pitiful softness.
It would circle around his legs, meowing softly and sometimes even flop onto its back, showing its soft white belly in surrender.
Yet once it got what it wanted, it would instantly return to that lofty demeanor, jumping up onto high shelves to groom its fur, ignoring all calls. It was infuriating and irresistible.
Every time it repeated that same act, no one could say no.
So it wasn’t surprising when Chu Xiyu heard himself saying, “Alright.”
Su Xu’s eyes curved into a bright smile. “Thank you, ge.”
He immediately took out his terminal, worried Chu Xiyu might change his mind. “Send it to me now.”
The two exchanged the file while sitting face to face. When Su Xu saw the address appear on his screen, he let out a soft “Ah… Didn’t realize it’s already one-thirty. I still have class this afternoon and the school’s quite far from here. I’d better go, or I’ll be late.”
He stood up quickly. “Thank you for the meal, General Chu.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“No, no need.” Su Xu shook his head. “Zhong Heng’s nearby. It’d look bad if he saw.”
“…Alright.”
After watching Su Xu leave, Chu Xiyu remained seated for a long moment. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a photograph.
It was a new photo, unlike the others sealed and preserved in his room. The image was dimly lit but one could still make out the figure of a person lying sideways on a bed. The blanket covered only half of the body, creating a soft curve that rose and fell at the waistline.
Chu Xiyu’s expression remained calm as he murmured, “When there’s something you need, you call me ge. But when there isn’t, I’m just General Chu.”
Su Xu’s worries weren’t unfounded.
He had barely taken a few steps from the restaurant when he ran into Zhong Heng and his group.
Five or six people came walking down the street, arms draped over each other’s shoulders, laughing loudly. The smell of alcohol hung thick in the air. Su Xu kept a polite distance and greeted them with a faint nod.
“Su Xu.” Zhong Heng’s eyes flicked toward the restaurant behind him, noting the name above the door. “Are you eating here?”
Su Xu replied lightly, “Yes. What a coincidence.”
“Our restaurant’s not far from here. If I’d known, I would’ve asked you to join us.”
He slung an arm over Su Xu’s shoulder, grinning lazily as he turned to the others. “Let me introduce you all, this is my future wife, Su Xu.”
The others were already tipsy and immediately began cheering and teasing.
“Sister-in-law! Nice to meet you!”
“Zhong Shao, you’re amazing! Marrying such a beautiful Omega, we’re all jealous, hahahaha!”
“That’s right! And if our sister-in-law ever needs help with anything, just call us. Whether it’s errands or trouble, we’ll take care of it for you!”
“Yeah, yeah, we got you covered!”
Su Xu lowered his eyes, ignoring the rest of the noise. He only said quietly to Zhong Heng, “You’ve had too much to drink. I’ll take you home.”
Zhong Heng chuckled. “This little bit? I’m fine.”
“Sister-in-law, don’t worry! Our Heng-ge doesn’t get drunk, not even after a thousand cups!” someone chimed in.
Su Xu nodded. “Then fine. I have class soon, so I should head to school. Are you all going together?”
The group exchanged uncertain looks.
Zhong Heng waved dismissively. “Class? Forget that. We’re going out to play. Come with us. We’re heading to Lantern Bloom.”
Lantern Bloom?
Su Xu raised an eyebrow.
In the original plot, the protagonist frequented that place often later on.
Lantern Bloom was an elite private club that only accepted VIP members under extremely strict criteria. So far, there were only fifty registered members in total.
Even the Su family didn’t have the privilege to enter yet Zhong Heng was a member?
Noticing Su Xu’s surprised look, Zhong Heng smirked and pulled a sleek black card from his pocket. “See this?”
At first glance, the card was completely black, with no visible writing. But when sunlight caught it, faint golden letters shimmered across its surface, Lantern Bloom.
It didn’t look fake.
Su Xu asked, “Yours?”
Zhong Heng’s brows lifted with pride. “Of course. Registered under my name.”
Su Xu’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer.
He had heard that Mr. and Mrs. Zhong spoiled their youngest son but now he was certain it was true. That single exclusive membership at Lantern Bloom, something even major family heads couldn’t easily acquire, had been handed to him freely. It wasn’t just a mark of wealth, it was status, power and access.
Thinking of that, Su Xu suddenly found it easier to understand why Zhong Heng’s parents were willing to spend so much to buy him as a spouse.
“Sister-in-law, what are you hesitating for? It’s Lantern Bloom! You can’t even get in no matter how rich you are! I heard the annual membership fee alone is six million!”
“Exactly! And if you don’t come, you’ll embarrass our Heng shao!”
“Stop talking nonsense.”
Zhong Heng snorted, reaching out to grab Su Xu’s wrist.
But Su Xu’s hand lifted slightly, evading the grasp. “I’ll go.”
Zhong Heng blinked, his hand closing on empty air.
Su Xu looked a bit warm, his pale fingers slowly unfastening the top button of his shirt collar. Catching Zhong Heng’s gaze, he asked mildly, “What is it?”
“…Nothing. Let’s go.”
As an Alpha, Zhong Heng’s physical reflexes should have been faster, there was no way Su Xu could have dodged that easily. It had to be a coincidence.
He dismissed the thought and followed the group.
A levitating car waited at the corner.
Lantern Bloom stood in the heart of the imperial capital, where every inch of land was worth gold. The estate covered over eight thousand square meters, designed like an exquisite Chinese courtyard. It held world-class lounges, restaurants, banquet halls and wellness centers.
The students, dressed casually, looked entirely out of place among the elegant surroundings yet the doormen did not so much as frown. Their training was impeccable.
“Good afternoon, sir. May I see your VIP card?” one greeted politely.
Zhong Heng handed it over.
Standing at the back of the group, Su Xu let his eyes wander. Every detail here exuded wealth and refinement, the carved beams, painted eaves, the golden light filtering through intricate latticework.
“Su Xu.”
Zhong Heng’s voice pulled him back. “What are you looking at? Come on.”
“Oh.”
He followed him inside.
Moments later, a long, sleek car rolled to a stop at the entrance.
The doorman glanced at the license plate and immediately hurried forward.
The car door opened. The first thing that appeared was a polished leather shoe, then a long leg.
A man stepped out. His hair was jet-black and reached his shoulders yet he wore a tailored suit that somehow didn’t clash with the unconventional style. There was an unmistakable aura of dominance around him, cold, sharp and commanding, so much so that people instinctively averted their eyes.
He said nothing as he strode toward the entrance, a small entourage following behind.
Just as he was about to enter, he stopped and turned his head slightly. His gaze swept the area and his low, magnetic voice rumbled out, “Someone entered Lantern Bloom just now?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
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ChaptersChapter 1 · The Inner WorldChapter 2 · Pheromone Testing CentreChapter 3 · Low Grade OmegaChapter 4 · Faking to be Top tier OmegaChapter 5 · Zhong YiChapter 6 · The culprit behind the videoChapter 7 · Lecture ticket of powerful military OfficerChapter 8 · Zhong Heng acting like a thugChapter 9 · General ChuChapter 10 · Do you really like that good for nothing, Alpha?Chapter 11 · Chen TingyiChapter 12 · Class AssessmentChapter 13 · Call me HusbandChapter 14 · Almost Like AffairChapter 15 · Lantern BloomChapter 16 · Mild Pheromone overflowChapter 17 · Hi, WifeChapter 18 · Or you can kiss me. I’m not pickyChapter 19 · It’s not too late for you to call off the engagementChapter 20 · My BoyfriendChapter 21 · Kidnapped?Chapter 22 · Sister in LawChapter 23 · So you didn’t differentiateChapter 24 · PrinceChapter 25 · That Alpha… is none other than His MajestyChapter 26 · My mom said you’re too oldChapter 27 · Do you still have me in your heart?Chapter 28 · You Can call me Brother in law or sister in lawChapter 29 · I fell in love with you at first sight.Chapter 30 · What kind of friend? Alpha, Beta, or OmegaChapter 31 · Your current boyfriend is hereChapter 32 · I can protect youChapter 33 · Mental suppressionChapter 34 · It doesn’t matterChapter 35 · Watched another horror movie?Chapter 36 · Did you hear thatChapter 37 · You’d know what it tastes like once you try itChapter 38 · He is my boyfriend, his name is Zhong YiChapter 39 · This is what I just received from your father todayChapter 40 · Who did you return the photos of me and Su Rui to?Chapter 41 · As a result, Rui Rui ran away with meChapter 42 · Constitutes accomplice behaviorChapter 43 · You can’t stay in the second bedroomChapter 44 · No one will think you are inferior anymore.Chapter 45 · I am inferior, what’s it to you?Chapter 46 · Let’s wait until the debt collectors come knockingChapter 47 · Focus on your studiesChapter 48 · Am I that valuable?Chapter 49 · From now on, call me MasterChapter 50 · I have always been tolerant of beautiful MenChapter 51 · Don’t be so recklessChapter 52 · He’ll only get more excitedChapter 53 · Call him sister in lawChapter 54 · You haven’t even fulfilled your obligations yetChapter 55 · What? Grandma Su Xu is sick?Chapter 56 · That wasn’t what he meant at all!Chapter 57 · I could actually share him with youChapter 58 · Why was someone added at the last minute?Chapter 59 · You can’t record videos here.Chapter 60 · I like it tooChapter 61 · Distinguish between two similar pheromones.Chapter 62 · Why do you think I blocked you?Chapter 63 · Why hasn’t Su Xu replied yet?Chapter 64 · His Majesty never comes back to eatChapter 65 · Hide your things wellChapter 66 · Connection?Chapter 67 · Maybe I can even inhale it for some comfortChapter 68 · So you don’t run awayChapter 69 · Will you be with His Majesty?Chapter 70 · Take itChapter 71 · Who is this person?!Chapter 72 · Who did you just call worthless?Chapter 73 · Weren’t we talking about Mr. Su and His Majesty?Chapter 74 · Aren’t you very capable?Chapter 75 · As expected of Wu ChuChapter 76 · Help him sleep?Chapter 77 · Su Xu’s Alpha was His MajestyChapter 78 · You really are something, playing favorites like thatChapter 79 · World of a novelChapter 80 · I simply… know them inside outChapter 81 · Wait for meChapter 82 · But I think you’ve become a lot cuter latelyChapter 83 · The feeling of me kissing you?Chapter 84 · Our Xuxu… is finally becoming an adultChapter 85 · Rare stolen moments for an affair like this.Chapter 86 · What kind of death-level love triangle battlefield was this!?Chapter 87 · It was practically torture!Chapter 88 · What sinful karmaChapter 89 · You weren’t worried I’d get angry?Chapter 90 · I’m going to mark youChapter 91 · Who did you go with?Chapter 92 · Chu Xian….. You really aren’t humanChapter 93 · Did this man actually know how to kiss?Chapter 94 · After all, he’s still the current boyfriendChapter 95 · Did they mark you again?Chapter 96 · It’s not my bloodChapter 97 · Did you seduce another alpha??Chapter 98 · After that, don’t use that kind of thing anymoreChapter 99 · Even at this point, Su Xu is still lying to him!Chapter 100 · What’s wrong with you?Chapter 101 · Don’t tell anyoneChapter 102 · I Think my hear startedChapter 104 · A wedding?Chapter 104 · You’re Wu JiChapter 105 · Exceptionally Beautiful OmegaChapter 106 · If you’re with him, aren’t you afraid of being cheated on?Chapter 107 · “Am I the same person as him?”Chapter 108 · What important matter could Chu Xian possibly have to do?Chapter 109 · Did the boss actually steal someone else’s partner?Chapter 110 · Wu Chu is preparing for his weddingChapter 111 · I know better than you what’s so great about Su XuChapter 112 · Chu Xian had gotten a bit tannedChapter 113 · Su Xu, your boyfriend is here!Chapter 114 · I’ve completely lost face!Chapter 115 · Don’t you think your sister-in-law is interesting too?Chapter 116 · I will definitely tell Wu Chu the truth.Chapter 117 · Didn’t you already meet your boyfriend today?Chapter 117 · Why do I need to take a day off on Saturday?Chapter 119 · This is a TrapChapter 120 · This is the future queen chosen by their monarch!Chapter 121 · Could it be that Su Xu went directly to the scene?Chapter 122 · Slipped the ring on Su Xu’s ring fingerChapter 123 · You have no experienceChapter 124 · I haven’t even mentioned your lover in Galaxy A yetChapter 125 · He suddenly had a strong urge to kiss Qi YanChapter 126 · May I ask what you encountered?Chapter 127 · It’s not Jiang Cang, it’s Jiang CangxingChapter 128 · Where does the money come from for a single line of code?Chapter 129 · This is unbelievable!Chapter 130 · Su Xu slammed the box shut.Chapter 131 · This is so weird!Chapter 132 · This person and Teacher Sang are mutual followers!Chapter 133 · I can finally keep my promise and come see youChapter 134 · Extra 1: He’s mango FlavouredChapter 135 · Extra 2: Boyfriend meets ParentsChapter 136 · Extra 3: The Game (1)Chapter 137 · Extra 4: The Game (2)