Su Xu frowned slightly.
What was Chen Tingyi doing? Why was he placing a mirror right in front of him?
He tried flexing his wrists. A sharp, prickling pain shot through instantly. Without even needing to check, Su Xu knew the skin there must already be scraped raw and bruised purple yet the rope binding him didn’t loosen even a fraction.
He sighed inwardly.
The rope looked cheap, thin, like something that could be snapped with one good tug yet it was woven tightly, strand over strand, tough as iron. Unless he intended to break his own hands, brute force wouldn’t help him here.
And the stool beneath him was most likely chosen deliberately by Chen Tingyi: no sharp edges, no corners, every surface rounded, no chance of rubbing the rope against anything to cut it.
Su Xu thought for a moment. Since this part of the plot would unfold sooner or later anyway, he might as well push it along. He tapped his toes against the ground, shifting the stool deliberately and creating a loud scraping noise.
Sure enough, a moment later, the sound of a door opening came from behind him.
A bright beam of light shot forward, hit the mirror in front of him and reflected sharply into his eyes, making him squint.
The door closed with a soft thud.
Su Xu sat on the stool, his back facing the entrance but through the mirror before him he could clearly see everything happening behind him.
A tall man walked in with measured steps, each stride almost identical in length, as if meticulously calibrated. He was around one meter ninety and his face was hidden behind a mask shaped like a fierce demon. Only his eyes were exposed, dark, sharp and vicious.
The man stopped behind Su Xu’s right side. He said nothing, simply observed Su Xu’s reflection, as if satisfied with the state he was in.
Su Xu hesitated, then turned his head to glance at him.
He was already slender and when he turned his head, the sternocleidomastoid muscle along the side of his neck pulled taut, forming a pronounced curve that connected to his collarbone, making his neck look even more delicate and breakable.
His mouth was sealed with tape; he couldn’t speak, only let out a low, muffled sound, a single dampened syllable.
“Mmm.”
The man suddenly reached out.
Su Xu’s body flinched instantly, curling in slightly as if afraid.
But the man did not strike him. Instead, he rested his gloved hand on the backrest of the stool beside him.
The black leather tightened with a harsh, grating sound that made Su Xu’s teeth ache. At last, the man spoke. “Finally learned to be afraid?” His voice was clearly a synthesized one and there was a faint hint of amusement within it.
Su Xu blinked, his eyes slightly wet.
At that moment, the scent of leather thickened in the air.
The man raised a hand and tore the tape from Su Xu’s mouth.
Su Xu immediately asked, “Who are you? Why did you kidnap me? I don’t have any money.”
The man countered quietly, “And who says kidnapping must be for money?”
“…Then what do you want so you’ll let me go?”
Su Xu shifted a little; the rope bit into his skin, making him wince unconsciously. His brows drew together from the discomfort but he didn’t linger on the sensation.
Instead he spoke sincerely, “Ge, whatever conditions you have, just say them. Only if you tell me what you want can I know whether I can meet them, right?”
After a short pause, he added softly, “The rope’s… hurting me a little.”
The man’s eyelid twitched.
There he goes again, acting spoiled.
He walked around to stand in front of Su Xu and without a hint of gentleness, pinched Su Xu’s chin between his fingers, lifting it slightly. He studied Su Xu the way one might inspect merchandise. After a moment, his thumb brushed across Su Xu’s smooth, fair cheek.
“Speak properly,” he murmured, his voice low and slightly hoarse.
Su Xu’s long lashes fluttered.
His gaze drifted to the man’s neck and he frowned. Then he lifted his eyes again, staring at the mask covering the man’s face for a few seconds.
“Are you Chen Tingyi?”
The air seemed to freeze.
After a while, Chen Tingyi straightened. “You figured it out?”
This time, when he spoke, he used his real voice, deep and magnetic, far more pleasant than the electronically altered tone from earlier.
Su Xu replied, “There’s a pale mole on your Adam’s apple. Besides, aside from you, I haven’t offended anyone capable of kidnapping me.”
Chen Tingyi nodded. “A bit of self-awareness.”
“But wasn’t that matter already settled?” Su Xu shifted, angling his right shoulder forward slightly. “Help me untie this.”
Chen Tingyi didn’t answer. He simply stood there, looking at him.
Before revealing his identity, Su Xu had been trembling like someone terrified out of his wits but now that he recognized him as Chen Tingyi, he immediately reverted to that proud, imperious attitude from before.
Clearly, this Omega had absolutely no awareness of how dangerous his situation still was.
Seeing Chen Tingyi remain silent, Su Xu raised a brow. “What? You’re not worried I’ll run away, are you? You’re a top Alpha, can’t even keep an Omega under control?”
“Such a crude provocation…. ” Chen Tingyi sneered. “Do you think I’d fall for it?”
Su Xu froze for a moment and schooled his expression. “For the sake of old times….. ”
“Su Xu, you still have the nerve to talk to me about old times?” Chen Tingyi’s eyes darkened. His voice dropped lower. “Shall I remind you what you did the last time we met?”
He straightened abruptly and slammed one boot onto the stool beside Su Xu, the impact echoing with a loud bang. The side of his boot pressed against Su Xu’s thigh and he tapped Su Xu’s leg lightly with his toe.
“Hmm?”
That low, rumbling laugh slipped from his throat again and again but anyone could tell he wasn’t as amiable as he appeared.
Su Xu thought to himself: bringing up that past incident… wasn’t he just pouring fuel on the fire?
He knew he was walking straight into danger but he had no choice, he had to handle Chen Tingyi exactly the way the original Su Xu had in the novel: stubborn, unyielding, glaring up at him with tightly pressed lips.
The two stared at each other for a long moment before Chen Tingyi finally spoke again.
“I heard you completed your differentiation?”
Su Xu blinked and didn’t answer.
Chen Tingyi withdrew the leg he had propped on the stool. He leaned down, closing in to sniff him. The pointed nose bridge of the mask almost brushed Su Xu’s pale neck, oppressive and overwhelming.
A few seconds passed before he straightened.
“Quite strong,” he commented lightly. “Creamy.”
Hearing the faint displeasure in his voice, Su Xu was a little surprised. “You don’t like it?”
“No.”
His gaze drifted slowly, inch by inch, over Su Xu’s body, lingering the longest at his collarbone and waist.
“But if it’s yours…. ” Chen Tingyi added, “I don’t particularly mind what it smells like.”
“…Is that so?” Su Xu lowered his eyes. “I thought you would like it.”
Su Rui was a top-tier Omega, his pheromones were practically a potent aphrodisiac to Alphas. Zhong Heng claimed he didn’t like it but that was only because he’d never actually smelled it.
Zhong Yi said it didn’t suit him but he never claimed it smelled bad. So why would Chen Tingyi also say he didn’t like it?
Even though Chen Tingyi said he didn’t like the scent, Su Xu knew it smelled quite pleasant. Qiu Jiang and Jing Chang had both said it was nice.
Was it because his pheromones were… a knock-off version? That the scent his body released was ultimately different from the natural, genuine pheromones of Su Rui?
That made sense.
And that was exactly why top-tier talent was top-tier, irreplaceable, impossible to replicate.
Su Xu let the thought drift idly through his mind. By the time he lifted his gaze again, he noticed that Chen Tingyi, standing in front of him, had slightly unfocused pupils. He remained in the same rigid stance, unmoving, lost in thoughts of his own.
“You!”
Su Xu had just opened his mouth when the ropes around his body suddenly loosened.
He froze, then very wisely refrained from asking what Chen Tingyi had just been thinking. Instead, he quietly began rubbing his wrists.
The damage there was severe, unsurprising. He had tugged earlier to test whether the rope could be broken. Now, looking at it, a large red patch had bloomed across his pale skin, the deep purple indentations stark against the faint blue veins beneath.
Su Xu frowned and slowly stood up, stretching his legs that had grown stiff and numb from being bound in the same seated position for so long.
As for his terminal, it had been removed long ago. No doubt Chen Tingyi had stashed it somewhere.
While walking toward the door, Chen Tingyi spoke as if casually explaining, “Don’t relax so soon. I’m only taking you to get something to eat. After you finish, you’re coming right back here to sit exactly where you were.” His tone was even, like stating a simple fact.
A few steps later, not hearing anyone follow, he turned around. Seeing Su Xu still standing in place, he spoke with a commanding sharpness: “Move.”
Su Xu paused. “…I know, no need to be so fierce.”
Then he muttered under his breath, “So after eating, I still have to come back here?”
Chen Tingyi replied lazily, “You can also choose not to… ”
“…Fine, fine, fine.” Su Xu immediately surrendered. Then, muttering again, “Why does he act like a complete maniac…” His legs tingled uncomfortably, so he shifted his stance a few times until the numbness faded. Only then did he purse his lips and follow.
Once they stepped outside, Su Xu realized they were no longer on Capital Star. They were on a scorching, barren desert planet.
As far as the eye could see, a blazing sun hung high in a cobalt sky, irradiating endless waves of yellow sand. Some minerals mixed into the dunes caught the sunlight and glittered faintly like fragments of gold.
Several industrial buildings stood scattered around them, each one covered in bizarre graffiti, bright strokes, distorted symbols, rebellious murals, lending the entire area a strong cyberpunk feeling.
Su Xu stole a few glances and suddenly, it reminded him of how Zhong Yi dressed.
When they entered a cafeteria converted from one of the factory buildings, the feeling only intensified. Su Xu looked around at the intentional weathered textures, the dramatic skull decorations, the metallic accents, then asked, “You designed all of this?”
“Mm..” Chen Tingyi replied.
It was only one syllable but it was obvious he was very satisfied with his own work.
Su Xu raised a brow.
If Chen Tingyi and Zhong Yi ever met, they’d probably have endless things to talk about.
“You can tell the chef directly what you want to eat.” Chen Tingyi jerked his chin toward a certain direction.
Su Xu followed his line of sight. Sure enough, there was a slightly chubby man in a chef’s uniform, energetically playing cards with a few others. Several people had gathered around to watch.
Su Xu walked over. “Hello, do you have time to cook? One bowl of egg noodles, please.”
The group paused, stunned to see a new face. One of them asked, “New guy?”
Su Xu didn’t explain, just nodded lightly.
Someone glanced toward Chen Tingyi. “Looks like the boss brought him.”
Since Chen Tingyi was present, none of them questioned Su Xu’s identity further. The chef shoved his hand of cards at a spectator. “You take over for me.” Then he got up and headed to the kitchen.
But instead of continuing their game, the others kept stealing glances at Su Xu.
“You’re an Omega? How old are you?”
“Holy shit, I’ve been telling the boss forever, our team is too damn uniform. Nothing but Alphas. And now we finally got an Omega? Hahaha, guess the boss listens to me after all.”
“Listen to you? Stop dreaming.”
“You’re really good looking. Where’d the boss kidnap you from?”
Their bluntness didn’t faze Su Xu. He didn’t bother answering their questions. Smiling politely, he said, “Sorry, the boss is still waiting for me over there. I’ll head back first.”
The moment they heard that, they didn’t dare stop him. They all nodded quickly.
Su Xu returned to Chen Tingyi’s side. As soon as he sat down, he went completely quiet, nothing like the casually conversational demeanor he’d had while talking to those Alphas.
Without warning, Chen Tingyi produced a Rubik’s Cube from who knows where and twisted it with one hand, the pieces clicking rapidly between his fingers. “Why were you smiling at them? Hoping they’d save you?” He lifted his eyes, clearly expecting an answer.
Su Xu: “?”
After a second, he replied slowly, “Wouldn’t it make more sense for me to smile at you instead?”
Chen Tingyi halted, almost startled, then let out a low chuckle, clearly amused. His gaze fixed on Su Xu again. “Then why don’t you try?”
Before Su Xu could answer, an Alpha burst into the room, hurrying straight toward Chen Tingyi.
“Boss, that resource planet you told me to pinpoint last time!”
He was about to report but his eyes suddenly landed on Su Xu sitting beside the boss and he froze mid-sentence.
“Huh? Isn’t this that Omega you kidnapped before? Why’s he out here?” He blinked, staring blankly at Su Xu. Then, as understanding dawned, he straightened up and declared enthusiastically, “Hello, sister in law!”
Of course! That explained why the Omega had walked out of the little dark room, the boss must’ve brought him back as a bride!
Heh.
He really was so clever.
✦ ✧ ✦
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
Somewhere, a translator stares dramatically into an empty coffee cup. ☕
☕ 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)