Sitting cross-legged on the bed, Su Xu tapped the screen again and replayed General Chu’s voice message.
“Be careful of Chen Tingyi?”
Why? Could it be that after the Chen family went bankrupt, the rumor about Chen Tingyi becoming a star pirate had already spread around, even someone like General Chu knew about it?
That didn’t make sense.
In the original plot, Chen Tingyi had kept his identity as a star pirate hidden for a long time, unwilling to drag his family into trouble. It wasn’t until much later that his mask was finally lifted.
Su Xu sent a question mark in reply but the other side seemed busy and didn’t respond for a long time.
After thinking for a moment, Su Xu tossed the matter aside and went back to his little game. Chen Tingyi was a top-tier Alpha with undeniable strength. After becoming the leader of the star pirates, he quickly gathered a group of fiercely loyal subordinates.
If he really wanted revenge for the broken engagement, Su Xu wouldn’t stand a chance.
So, instead of worrying after hearing the general’s message, he might as well enjoy life while he could.
Whatever was destined to come, would come.
The only downside to living a laid-back, stay-in-bed lifestyle was that it completely messed up one’s internal clock.
Su Xu had taken a nap that afternoon and couldn’t sleep at night. Close to one in the morning, just as he was playing his game, he heard a faint sound downstairs.
When he went down to check, he found Su Rui waging a fierce battle in the kitchen.
Su Rui couldn’t cook to save his life.
He used chopsticks to fish out a clump of boiled noodles, blew on them several times, then cautiously took a bite. A second later, he spat it out in disgust.
“Sticky, gross and awful.” He muttered under his breath.
“I’ll do it,” Su Xu said.
Su Rui, too focused on the noodles, hadn’t noticed his brother coming down. The sudden voice startled him so badly he nearly jumped out of his skin.
His face paled and his eyes lingered awkwardly on Su Xu’s face before he mumbled, “I didn’t ask you to help. You’re doing it on your own.”
Su Xu stepped forward and gently nudged him aside. “Alright, alright, it’s me being nosy. You go wait at the table.”
Su Rui hesitated at the doorway, not leaving.
His gaze drifted over Su Xu, who was wearing soft pajamas. The bit of wrist showing beneath the long sleeves was pale and slender, his fingers long and deft as they moved with easy confidence.
After a pause, Su Rui couldn’t hold back. “If only you were a top-tier too.”
Su Xu cracked an egg into a bowl and looked over at his younger brother with an amused glance. “Come on, the world doesn’t hand out blessings that evenly. We can’t expect to have it all, can we?”
Su Rui fell silent.
When the aroma of stir-fried eggs and scallions filled the air, his stomach growled loudly. A moment later, he disappeared from the kitchen doorway and went to wait in the dining room instead.
Su Xu chuckled softly at the sight.
When the simple bowl of noodles was ready, he carried it out himself. “It’s hot. Eat slowly.”
Su Rui gave a quiet “Mm.” Though he was starving, he didn’t pick up his chopsticks right away. Only after Su Xu went back into the kitchen did he lower his gaze to the steaming noodles. His throat bobbed twice before he finally dug in, eating large mouthfuls at once.
When Su Xu finished tidying up, he came out again and saw the empty bowl on the table.
Wiping his hands, he said, “Put your bowl and chopsticks in the kitchen. I’m going upstairs.”
Su Rui looked down at the spotless bowl that he’d practically licked clean and felt a wave of embarrassment. Leaning forward, he tried to block it from view. Thankfully, Su Xu didn’t come closer, sparing him that humiliation.
“Okay,” he said quickly, getting up and carrying the bowl to the kitchen.
Su Xu tossed the napkin into the bin and headed upstairs.
He didn’t comment on his brother’s self-imposed hunger strike or his refusal to eat earlier. Having never experienced someone else’s pain, who was he to tell them how to heal? Some people needed time to work through their own knots; reasoning with them only made things worse.
He was halfway up the stairs when the sharp sound of a bowl shattering rang out behind him.
A second later, a rich, heady scent, something like blooming gardenias, spread through the house.
Su Xu’s brows furrowed. He turned and hurried back down.
In the kitchen, Su Rui had collapsed on the floor. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes hazy, sweat breaking out across his forehead as his trembling fingers clutched at his collar.
“Hot…” he gasped. “It’s too hot… it hurts…”
Su Rui had started to differentiate and entered his first heat.
The Su family had prepared for this possibility. There were strong inhibitors and suppressor patches placed all over the house but those alone weren’t enough. For the next three days, Su Rui would need several injections until his hormone levels stabilized.
Su Xu tore open a pack of inhibitors from the table and knelt beside him. Though anxious, his hands were steady. He disinfected Su Rui’s shoulder before pressing in the needle.
“Brother…” Su Rui murmured weakly.
“I’m here,” Su Xu said quietly. “Just hang on a bit longer.”
“Brother,” Su Rui called again.
After finishing the injection, Su Xu picked up a suppressor patch. “Lean forward a little. I can’t reach from this angle. Or turn around?”
Su Rui didn’t move.
Su Xu looked up. Their eyes met.
Su Rui’s eyes, already glistening with tears, looked impossibly soft and pitiful now.
Su Xu lowered his gaze and calmly tore open the patch. But before he could stick it on, Su Rui suddenly threw himself into his arms.
The younger man clung to his neck, first whimpering like a small wounded animal before breaking into full sobs. His tears streamed down endlessly, soaking through Su Xu’s shoulder.
Su Xu froze, falling silent.
Minutes passed.
“…Still not done?” he asked at last, his tone flat. “You’re going to make my ears ring at this rate.”
Su Rui only cried harder in response.
The patch still in hand, Su Xu thought for a second, then tilted his head slightly and applied it anyway. The placement was neat and even, very professional.
The inhibitors were effective. Within ten minutes, the air was already clearing, the scent fading away. But Su Rui didn’t stop crying, as if all the frustration and grief he’d bottled up had finally burst out.
Soon, heavy footsteps echoed from upstairs.
Zhu Pan had clearly been woken by the noise. She hurried down, calling out, “What happened? Did Rui just differentiate? I can smell the pheromones, oh dear, why is he crying?” She paused briefly, then said, “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll give your father a good scolding later!”
Su Xu patted his brother’s shoulder. “Let go. She’s here.”
Hearing that, Su Rui instinctively tightened his grip for two seconds before finally releasing him.
Su Xu stood, cleaned up the broken shards on the floor and stepped back as Zhu Pan rushed forward to help Su Rui up. Her eyes softened as she cooed, “So it’s true. You’ve differentiated, my precious boy. As expected of my Rui, a top-tier Omega, your scent is divine! If a group of Alphas caught wind of it, they’d lose their minds.”
Then she turned to Su Xu. “You gave him the inhibitor?”
Su Xu nodded. “I heard the sound and came down.”
“Good,” she said warmly. “Seeing you two brothers get along makes me so happy.”
It was Su Rui who had differentiated into a top-tier Omega and though Su Xu was still useful to the family, it was obvious where Zhu Pan’s attention would now be focused.
She fussed over Su Rui, her gaze never once returning to the elder brother.
But Su Xu didn’t mind. He simply said, “Since you’re here, I’ll go to sleep.”
Zhu Pan didn’t answer.
Assuming she’d heard him, Su Xu turned and went upstairs.
With the responsibility of caring for Su Rui handed off, he was free again, back to being a perfectly content loaf in bed.
The next morning after breakfast, Su Xu baked a batch of cookies and messaged Su Rui, telling him to keep them as emergency snacks.
This time, the ungrateful little brother replied with a simple “Mm.”
Two days later, Su Rui’s pheromones had stabilized.
Early that morning, Zhu Pan came knocking at Su Xu’s door.
“Your brother’s pheromones have been extracted,” she said briskly. “It’ll take a day or two to process. We need to arrange a meeting with the Zhong family elders soon and hopefully finalize things within two months. You know there have been Omegas who differentiated earlier than expected, so we can’t risk delays. Oh and remember to wear a suppressor patch every day, don’t let anything slip.”
“Got it,” Su Xu said.
“I’ll transfer you some money later,” she added. “Buy yourself some new clothes.”
She smiled. “The meeting is this Saturday. Be prepared, I’ll go with you.”
Su Xu had stayed up too late the night before and his interest in her words was minimal. He stifled a yawn and nodded. “Alright.”
Seeing his low spirits, Zhu Pan’s eyes softened with motherly affection.
“Su Xu, don’t overthink it,” she said gently. “Rui just differentiated. His body’s weak and after fighting with your father, he needs comfort. That’s why we’ve been focusing on him lately. But you’ll always be our first priority.”
…Huh?
Why did she suddenly sound like she was making excuses?
“Oh,” Su Xu replied vaguely.
Pleased by his obedient response, Zhu Pan left with a smile.
Saturday.
Su Xu got up early, dressed carefully and before leaving, picked up the small vial containing Su Rui’s pheromone. The scent of gardenias quickly surrounded him, pleasant, though perhaps a little too strong.
Zhu Pan, wearing a sharp business suit, was waiting by the door. Anyone who didn’t know better would think she was heading to a corporate negotiation.
When she saw Su Xu come down, her eyes lit up. “You really have a good eye for clothes, Su Xu.”
At twenty-one, he wore the custom-tailored suit with effortless elegance. The fit was perfect around his waist, the color refined but not dull and even the tie matched seamlessly.
But what truly stole attention was his face, so striking it made people forget to breathe.
When he approached, Zhu Pan leaned closer, taking in the faint fragrance around him. “This scent suits you. No one would suspect it isn’t yours.”
Then she sighed softly. “If only you were a top-tier too. Your pheromone would’ve been even more exquisite than Rui’s.”
Su Xu said nothing.
He slipped on his shoes, resting a hand against the wall as he tapped the toe of one. “Shall we go?”
Zhu Pan didn’t seem to mind his silence. “Don’t feel inferior, Su Xu. You have the face I’m most proud of. Even if your pheromones can’t drive Alphas crazy, you’ll always be my good son. Oh and you did put on the patch, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s head out!”
They boarded a hovercar. As it sped along the airway, Su Xu watched the scenery flash by outside, his long lashes half-lowered. His fingers tapped lightly against the console.
Moments later, a soft chime sounded, the tone of an incoming call.
“It’s me,” Zhu Pan said, her voice warm and composed. “Yes, who is this? I’m with my son right now, we’re going out for lunch.”
Her expression changed abruptly. “What? …I see. Yes, of course. I’ll be right there.”
Su Xu turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, Su Xu,” she said, sounding genuinely troubled. “Something urgent came up at work. I have to handle it personally. I won’t be able to accompany you…”
“It’s fine,” Su Xu said mildly.
Relieved by his calm tone, Zhu Pan softened again. “This meeting is very important. Make sure you behave well, it could determine your future happiness. I trust you’ll do great.”
Then, in a tender voice, she added, “Su Xu, this is as much as your mother can do for you.”
Pretty words but if she and Su Dianlin hadn’t already pocketed so many benefits from this deal, he might have believed them.
Su Xu smiled faintly. “I know.”
When the hovercar stopped, Zhu Pan hurried off. After watching her disappear, Su Xu exhaled quietly and sent a message to Chi Lin.
“Thanks.”
Chi Lin replied almost immediately: “Don’t mention it. I can’t stall Zhu Pan for long but you should have enough time to do what you need.”
“Got it,” Su Xu typed back. “I’m almost there. Talk later.”
The restaurant was one of the most exclusive private dining spots in the imperial capital, quiet, refined, perfect for negotiations.
Su Xu stepped out of the car, too lazy to ask which room they were in. Instead, he sent a message straight to Zhong Heng.
“I’m here. Which private room are you guys in?”
The reply came quickly.
“Huh? I’m at home. What room? Did you send this to the wrong person? Who are you meeting?”
Su Xu froze.
“Hey, wife.”
A familiar voice called out.
He looked up and saw Zhong Yi standing not far away, with his trademark white hair streaked with green highlights. Hands in his pockets, posture lazy and confident, he grinned at Su Xu.
“Over here.”
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The Realm accepts your wallet. The translator accepts coffee. ✦
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
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)