Lin Yunzhou studied the tense line of Shen Louchen’s jaw, choosing his words with care. “His gland suffered severe damage. Physical trauma stacked on top of psychological scars… The reaction just now was closer to a post traumatic stress response. I had been focusing only on the physiological recovery and overlooked the possibility that…”
He paused briefly, deliberately skipping the details of what had happened at the staircase, attributing everything to Fu Xu’s deeply rooted psychological wounds instead. “Some injuries aren’t on the body. When the heart can’t pass a certain threshold, the condition of the gland will also be affected.”
Shen Louchen’s gaze drifted to Fu Xu’s curled up figure on the bed. The young man clutched the corner of the quilt unconsciously, knuckles turning stark white. He remembered how, when Fu Xu had first arrived at the Shen household, the boy’s every lifted glance carried a trembling cowardice.
His neck had always been hidden tightly beneath a high collar; at the time, he had dismissed it as an omega reluctant to show their gland. But thinking back now… that must have been fear.
Not shyness. Not modesty. Pure, suffocating fear.
“Psychological treatment?” Shen Louchen repeated.
“Yes. A professional counselor should intervene.” Lin Yunzhou shrugged lightly. “But with the way he is now, it’ll be very difficult for him to cooperate and…” His voice trailed off as the flashing lights of an ambulance swept past the window.
“This sort of case isn’t rare among omegas at the bottom of society. He’s just unlucky enough to have been completely crushed.”
A vague dizziness washed over Shen Louchen. Raised in the disciplined environment of the military compound, with a father who was a steel hearted general and a mother who was a renowned researcher, the omegas he’d seen all his life were either delicate flowers sheltered in greenhouses or protected family members within the military system.
He knew the rules placed limits on omegas but he had never truly witnessed what it looked like when a low class omega was treated as a disposable object. Everything Fu Xu had experienced today was like a dull, rusted blade scraping across the last layer of the “order” he had believed in.
So behind the Fu family’s label of “useless omega,” what lay hidden was an entire warped reality, one where an omega’s worth was reduced to a machine for reproduction, where damage to the gland equaled losing one’s “utility,” where the power of a governmental department could be twisted into a shield for an illegitimate son.
The so called social order had long been rotting in the shadows. Every word Fu Xu’s father spat while gripping the back of his neck had not been mere cruelty but the disgust of a system rejecting a “defective product.”
“This was my negligence,” Shen Louchen said quietly.
He had always assumed the Fu family’s treatment of Fu Xu was merely a matter of familial corruption. It had not once occurred to him that beneath it existed a structural oppression targeting the lowest tier of omegas.
He oversaw a portion of the defense system yet he had never truly touched the very bottom of the hierarchy built beneath those rules.
Shen Louchen’s heart sank sharply. He recalled the weightless diagnostic report Fu Xu had been sent over with, “gland underdeveloped, infertile.” Back then, he had taken it as the Fu family discarding a useless pawn to gain the Shen family’s favor. Only now did he realize that might have been Fu Xu’s sole chance to escape hell.
Lin Yunzhou blinked, thrown off. “What do you mean by that?”
“It’s nothing.” Shen Louchen changed the subject, fingertips absently rubbing at the fold in his suit sleeve. “That alpha from the Protection Department who laid hands on him, found out his full identity.”
“I already said it isn’t necessary, ”
“It is necessary.” Shen Louchen cut him off, his tone cooling rapidly. “The Protection Department allowing its staff to commit violence in a hospital and tied to a private illegitimate child matter at that, this is a disciplinary issue.” His voice remained level but beneath the calm there was authority that permitted no refutation.
“Have the inspection team intervene. Use the charges of ‘abuse of power and disruption of public order.’ And while you’re at it, pull the Protection Department’s personnel files and financial records for the last three years.”
Lin Yunzhou raised a brow, finally understanding. This wasn’t about private retaliation, Shen Louchen intended to use this incident as leverage to sweep through the entire department. When this man decided to act, his methods were always sharp, clean and frighteningly precise.
“I remember the regulations mentioning the establishment of an omega protection center.” Shen Louchen paused, searching through memory. “What are they doing now?”
Lin Yunzhou gave an awkward cough. After all, Shen Louchen had spent these past years buried in border defense matters, with no time to keep up with the realities of social welfare institutions.
How could he know that the so called omega protection center had, in many areas, degenerated into little more than a clinical dissection lab?
To avoid answering, he redirected the focus. “Those things are secondary. No matter how far your authority reaches, there are always places you can’t control. The priority now is getting your omega better.” He put special emphasis on the word your.
“I understand.” Shen Louchen pressed a hand to his forehead. “I’ll find a psychologist for him.”
“It’s rare to see you patient with anyone. Didn’t think it would be for an omega,” Lin Yunzhou muttered. He had imagined Shen Louchen in countless scenarios but never had he pictured his friend going this far for an omega.
Shen Louchen didn’t respond. He simply looked at Fu Xu, whose breathing had steadied bit by bit. Even so, the young man’s brow still held a faint crease, like a small creature curling into itself after being startled..
For the first time, Shen Louchen clearly understood that this omega brought him more than just the potential continuation of life. Fu Xu was a mirror reflecting his own blind spots and even more, he was Shen Louchen’s only window into understanding the people living at the very bottom.
Only when Fu Xu had completely fallen asleep did Shen Louchen call for Zong Yuan.
“Minister.”
Shen Louchen finished signing, then handed him a document. “In a couple of days, submit a proposal to City Hall under the name of ‘enhancing government operational efficiency.’ It concerns ‘transparency in grassroots Protection Department authority.’ This”, he tapped the attached envelope, “is an anonymous report listing evidence of that officer accepting bribes and repeatedly bullying omegas within his jurisdiction.”
Zong Yuan tilted his head in confusion, the hand holding the document trembling. “Minister, you’re planning to close the net early?”
It was over. The Minister must have discovered his condition was even more severe. Why else would he drag all these people out ahead of schedule? Even ritualistic blessings wouldn’t help anymore. What were they supposed to do? Without a backbone, how would they survive?
Shen Louchen shook his head. His current plan wasn’t complete enough yet; pulling the entire network out by its roots would be difficult for now. But handling these offenders wouldn’t necessarily alert the rest. As for the reason… he saw no need to explain it.
“Just do as I say.”
“Yes, sir.”
The proposal was perfectly reasonable and the anonymous report was backed with solid evidence. The higher ups had been desperate for a high profile case to rectify and he was giving them performance on a platter. They would take it gladly.
After settling that matter, Lin Yunzhou dragged Shen Louchen off for a full medical examination. As he read the latest blood report, his brows furrowed deeper and deeper.
“What is it?” Shen Louchen’s voice was calm, as though he had already prepared for the worst.
“You…” Lin Yunzhou pushed the report toward him. “The stability of your pheromones has improved, barely but it has. This is the first positive change in six months. I haven’t even completed the experimental protocol yet, so how did you manage this?”
Shen Louchen stared silently at the numbers.
“It’s strange,” Lin Yunzhou murmured, fingertips rubbing his chin. “Based on everything we know, in your condition, the only way to cause a reversal is sustained pheromone soothing from a fully compatible omega. Otherwise it shouldn’t be possible. So is it…” His eyes lifted to Shen Louchen, curiosity sharp.
Shen Louchen seemed to realize something. He closed the report, fingers tightening slightly until the paper creased with a soft sound. Ignoring Lin Yunzhou’s question entirely, he asked instead, “When can Fu Xu be discharged?”
Lin Yunzhou lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug. “He can be discharged today.”
“Then I’ll take him home today,” Shen Louchen said immediately.
Lin Yunzhou raised a brow. “You’re sure? An alpha and an omega staying alone together, especially with your condition… And he’s unstable right now. Aren’t you afraid you’ll lose control?”
“I won’t,” Shen Louchen replied, voice steady as stone. “More importantly, he needs a safe environment.”
And if it really was Fu Xu’s pheromones unconsciously stabilizing him, then that omega had not only given him a sliver of hope, he might very well have saved his life without even knowing it.
The afternoon weather was warm and clear. Sunlight streamed through the car windows in soft golden patches. Fu Xu sat in the front passenger seat, slightly tense, fingers curled tightly around the seatbelt as he watched the scenery outside blur backward.
“Mr. Shen, we… aren’t going home?” he asked in a small voice.
“We’re going to another villa of mine,” Shen Louchen answered, eyes focused on the road ahead, tone even. “The current place has too much residual inhibitor in the air. It’ll interfere with your recovery.”
Fu Xu nodded quickly and said nothing more.
A faint unease churned quietly in him. Mr. Shen treated him well, far better than anyone had in years but the pressure of standing before someone so high up, so powerful, lingered like a shadow. It made him too afraid to guess anything, too afraid to hope.
The car stopped before a villa by the riverside. Unlike the solemn, oppressive atmosphere of the previous residence, this one was open and bright, with simple lines, spacious windows and the shimmer of water glinting just beyond the glass.
Shen Louchen opened the car door for him, watching the omega stand stiffly at the entrance, unsure where to place his hands.
“This will be your room from now on,” he said gently.
He led Fu Xu upstairs to a south facing bedroom. The room was clean and warm, a large, comfortable bed, an oak wardrobe, and a few green plants placed along the window sill. Sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow across the plush carpet.
“Thank you, Mr. Shen.” Fu Xu lowered his head, fingers twisting at the hem of his clothes.
Shen Louchen stepped closer. After a slight hesitation, he lifted a hand and gently patted the top of Fu Xu’s head. “Just focus on recovering. A doctor will check on you regularly, help with conditioning and treatment. If you need anything, you can tell me directly.”
Fu Xu’s head shot up in surprise. Shen Louchen’s palm held the inherent warmth of an alpha but the temperature that seeped through the fabric wasn’t oppressive, it was grounding. So much so that he felt an inexplicable calm settle inside him. His mouth opened as if to speak but the words stuck in his throat.
“Rest well,” Shen Louchen said, withdrawing his hand and walking toward the door. “If you need anything, just tell me, as long as it isn’t too unreasonable.”
“Okay… Mr. Shen.”
The door closed softly behind him.
Left alone in the room, Fu Xu stood dazed for a moment before slowly drifting toward the window. The wide stretch of the river glistened outside. His chest tightened with emotions he couldn’t name.
From the Fu family’s kennel-like storage room, to the stark hospital ward and now to this bright, warm bedroom filled with sunlight… He had never imagined he could live in a place like this.
Downstairs, Shen Louchen’s low voice murmured as he spoke to the butler. Fu Xu leaned against the windowsill, then slowly crouched down, burying his face in his knees.
A faint trace of wine, Shen Louchen’s pheromone scent, still lingered on the tip of his nose. It wasn’t harsh or suffocating like the alpha from the stairwell. Instead it was deep, calm, steady, an anchor rather than a threat.
He didn’t know what the future held. But at this moment, listening to the muffled voices from below, the tension that had wound through his nerves for years finally began to loosen.
✦ ✧ ✦
Vynellia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
Statistically speaking, coffee would be appreciated.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
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ChaptersChapter 1 · Substitute MarriageChapter 2 · PleaseChapter 3 · Thank you, Mr. ShenChapter 4 · Mr. Shen, are you going to throw me away?Chapter 5 · You don’t have to please me in everythingChapter 6 · Is This For Him?Chapter 7 · Do you know you don’t have long to live?Chapter 8 · But what about you? What will you be then?Chapter 9 · That’s a vehicle from the logistics department.Chapter 10 · What do you take my Shen family for?Chapter 11 · Can I bite your gland?Chapter 12 · He is not my “medicine catalyst”Chapter 13 · Who is that Alpha?Chapter 14 · Perfectly matched omegaChapter 15 · Perhaps you could call him, baby?Chapter 16 · That’s… Fu Xu’s scent?Chapter 17 · It was made by the masterChapter 18 · Abusing a pregnant omega is a serious crime.Chapter 19 · Mr. Shen is the best alpha.Chapter 20 · Family elderChapter 21 · Shen Louchen’s berserk periodChapter 22 Part 1 · You are my wifeChapter 22 Part 2 · You are my wifeChapter 23 · Aren’t we mutually in love?Chapter 24 · Which alpha did you go to see?Chapter 25 · Fu Xu, tell me you like meChapter 26 · Could Mr. Shen possibly have a little crush on him?Chapter 27 · Get out!Chapter 28 · Stay close to meChapter 29 · Mr. Shen and I are a legally married coupleChapter 30 · Spit it outChapter 31 · He’s been acting increasingly strangely latelyChapter 32 · Do you listen to everyone except me?Chapter 33 · Monthly ExamChapter 34 · Parent Teacher MeetingChapter 35 · The classroom was cold at nightChapter 36 · Court deathChapter 37 · Wife, Kiss meChapter 38 · This omega trying to steal a kiss from him?Chapter 39 · His omega turned out to be a little cunning.Chapter 40 · Is this little omega taking advantage of him?Chapter 41 · “Madam Shen” is your trump card, understand?Chapter 42 · Mr. Shen, I don’t know how to wear it…Chapter 43 · HusbandChapter 44 · Why is Shen Louchen acting like a peacockChapter 45 · I won’t abandon you, and I never willChapter 46 · Omega with a 92% match rateChapter 47 · Are you waiting for him?Chapter 48 · How can someone magically transformChapter 49 · Now it’s all good, two kids.Chapter 50 · Mr. Shen, will you regret it then?Chapter 51 · What is regret?Chapter 52 · If you’ve got the guts, say it again!Chapter 53 · That’s my milk teaChapter 54 · What he wanted to replace was the alphaChapter 55 · How do you know I’m not part of Mr. Shen’s plan?Chapter 56 · Why don’t you just kill me?Chapter 57 · Are we sending him away?Chapter 58 · Are you angry?Chapter 59 · Inhibitor or marker?Chapter 60 · Let Fu Xu mark himChapter 61 · There should be limits to joking, right?Chapter 62 · Do you really not like Young Master Lian?Chapter 63 · Will you still love me after I go to school?Chapter 64 · You are the best husband in the worldChapter 65 · Extra 1Chapter 66 · Extra 2