Fu Xingchao’s expression shifted violently before he quickly composed himself, forcing a flattering smile onto his face as he respectfully opened the door. “I had no idea Director Shen would grace my humble home today. My apologies for failing to receive you properly.”
Shen Louchen gave a faint nod. Zong Yuan stepped forward and handed over the gift bag he was carrying.
Fu Xingchao paused for a moment, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. He held the bag with both hands, smiling obsequiously. “You are far too polite.” He then made a welcoming gesture and guided Shen Louchen to the seat of honor.
Shen Louchen’s expression remained unreadable. Only after settling into his seat did he speak, his voice calm yet impossible to decipher. “Just a small gesture. I should be the one thanking the Fu family for giving me such a wonderful spouse.”
Fu Xingchao’s heart dropped like a stone. Was Shen Louchen here because of Fu Xu? He raised his eyes to observe Shen Louchen’s expression, but the man had always been one who never showed his emotions. It was impossible to tell whether he had come to demand answers or genuinely offer thanks.
Back then, Fu Xingchao had believed Shen Louchen did not have long to live. Confident in that assumption, he had taken the enormous risk of switching the bride at the last moment. Yet today, Shen Louchen stood here alive and well, showing no trace of gland deterioration.
Now that matters had come to this point, he could only take one step at a time.
Fu Xingchao forced a dry smile. “That is only what we should do. You have no idea how much effort it takes to nurture an omega. We truly poured our hearts into raising one.”
Shen Louchen let out a soft laugh. “I can see the Fu family has indeed raised the child very well.”
His tone was entirely normal, yet Fu Xingchao felt a chill spreading across his back. It was as though Shen Louchen already knew everything and was merely toying with him for amusement.
Surely Shen Louchen would not have discovered the truth in just two days of marriage, right? Even if he had, what did it matter? The marriage contract had always been for the Fu family’s first son, and since Fu Xu had already married into the Shen family, the promised benefits could not be denied.
Shen Louchen lifted his cup and took a light sip, his gaze drifting casually as he asked Zong Yuan, “Did you see my spouse?”
Zong Yuan had been standing behind him the entire time, able to observe the entire hall clearly. The omega was nowhere in sight. But he instantly understood the meaning behind the question and lowered his voice. “I did not. The Fu family has never allowed outsiders into their inner residence. Today the spouse entered the Fu household alone.”
“Oh?”
Fu Xingchao rushed to intervene. “Xu is not feeling well. He went to rest in his room. I will send someone to bring him out immediately.”
“Very well.”
Fu Xingchao sent a look toward Bai Shudie. She understood at once and left after preparing the tea. Fu Jiaze, sensing trouble in every breath, hurried after her.
Back courtyard.
Fu Xu struggled to push aside the makeshift bed made of several old planks. From the pile of tattered clothes tucked into the corner, he fished out a tiny longevity locket. It had been the only gift from the grandmother at the welfare home who had shown him kindness. He had hidden it well and the Fu family never found it. When he was taken away so suddenly that day, he thought he would never see it again. But now it seemed fate had granted him one more chance.
He gently brushed away the thin layer of dust from the locket. Behind him came the sound of the lock turning.
“Come out.”
Fu Jiaze’s face twisted in displeasure as he stood outside the railing. His eyes were full of disdain, as though merely stepping into this shabby place would stain him with the stench of poverty.
Fu Xu hastily tucked the locket into his clothing and turned around, slowly moving outward.
Bai Shudie seized his wrist the moment he was within reach and pulled him out. Her voice lowered into a cold warning. “When you meet the guests later, you know what you should say and what you must never say. If you dare reveal anything that should remain hidden, you know the consequences.”
Fu Xu stared blankly at her. In the past he had longed desperately for his mother’s affection. But now he felt her drifting farther and farther away, becoming someone he had never truly possessed.
He nodded. Years of conditioning had taught him to be obedient no matter what.
Only then did Bai Shudie exhale with satisfaction. She dragged him along as she spoke again, her tone sharp. “Also, the task you were given must be completed as soon as possible. You must find a way to let the Fu family obtain the Shen family’s project details. If you fail, I will not put in even a single word on your behalf.”
Fu Xu did not know if she had ever helped him. All he knew was that in her eyes he had always been a pawn, a tool that cost her nothing. He had once worked so hard for even a shred of motherly affection, yet he had never received the slightest bit of it.
Was he wrong from the very beginning?
“Yes Mother.” Fu Xu still answered with obedient sweetness.
Her brows twitched. She hated that form of address, and only after much restraint did she stop herself from shaking him off.
Fu Jiaze glared at Fu Xu with contempt. He had not intended to let Fu Xu have a good day today. And now things had taken an even worse turn. Not only had everything failed, but Fu Xu’s alpha had followed him back as well.
Why? Why should Fu Xu have such good luck?
He refused to let Fu Xu live well. In the past and now, and for as long as Fu Xu lived, he would always remain the adopted outsider. Fu Jiaze would never accept that.
Fu Xu followed Bai Shudie back to the front hall. The room was already filled with people, and the person seated at the head was no longer Fu Xingchao but Shen Louchen.
Mister Shen? Why was Mister Shen here?
Fu Xu’s steps instantly became heavy, as if he were dragging shackles. His heart pounded violently. He was terrified that Shen Louchen had come to end the marriage.
Shen Louchen slowly rotated the delicate porcelain teacup in his hand. When the slender figure of Fu Xu appeared at the doorway, timid and uneasy, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He set down the cup and beckoned to him.
Fu Xu looked at Fu Xingchao first, seeking direction, then hurried over in small careful steps. Shen Louchen was not wearing a suppressant patch. His cool aura of red wine completely enveloped Fu Xu. His voice, deep and magnetic, fell beside Fu Xu’s ear. “Are you feeling unwell?”
The omega’s face was pale, his eyes filled with fear. Even though he tried hard to hide it, the terror seeped through every movement.
Before Fu Xu could answer, Bai Shudie forced out a laugh. “Xu is delicate and fragile. The wind was strong today. He may have caught a chill.”
“Is that so?” Shen Louchen interrupted her. His long fingers brushed against the back of Fu Xu’s neck, lightly trailing across the burning gland. “Then why is his gland hot?”
Fu Xu froze. He did not know why this was happening. His lips trembled. “Mister Shen, I…”
Shen Louchen’s gaze slid toward Fu Xingchao, cold and cutting. His powerful red wine scent surged with unmistakable dominance. “Or is it that the omega the Fu family gave me cannot even manage the most basic control of his pheromones?”
The teacup in Fu Xingchao’s hand fell and shattered against the ground. A thin sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead. He forced himself to speak. “Director Shen, what are you saying? Xu has always had weak health. Our finances… our finances recently encountered some difficulties. We truly cannot afford his nutritional supplements anymore. So… I wonder if the previous agreement still stands?”
Even now, all Fu Xingchao cared about was his own gain.
Shen Louchen tapped a finger against the table, each tap slow but precise, the sound like a countdown that made everyone’s heart tremble. “The Fu family wants the South City development project you have been competing for? Perhaps you should use that money to fix the leaking dog kennel you forced him to live in.”
Fu Xingchao staggered back in terror. He knew this day might come, but he never imagined it would be so soon. He had covered everything so well…
Shen Louchen stood and slowly walked toward him. His posture was imposing, his voice sharp as a blade. “When we arranged this marriage, it was agreed that the Fu family would send a healing omega to the Shen family. And what did you give me? A counterfeit? Do you take my family to a charity shelter?”
Fu Xingchao’s lips trembled. “Director Shen, please listen. The marriage contract clearly stated the eldest child of the Fu family. And Xu is indeed the eldest son. He only…”
“Only what?” Shen Louchen cut in, watching him coldly. “Only low in rank? Or was your entire family lying from the start?”
Fu Jiaze’s face was drained of color. Nothing was unfolding the way he had expected. Had they not been told Shen Louchen was on the verge of collapse? That as long as they sent someone, they would obtain the land? People whispered that countless omegas had perished in the Shen household. Why was everything so different?
“We… we did not lie… Xu truly is my eldest son. And he has been tested. He does have healing abilities.” Fu Xingchao’s voice had lost all substance.
The Fu family’s centuries-long standing in the capital depended entirely on the healing abilities of their omegas. Until Fu Xingchao’s generation, everything had been smooth. They believed they could use the omega marriage to elevate the family further. But when Bai Shudie gave birth to an omega of the lowest grade, one whose gland was born defective and could not produce pheromones at all, the family was thrown into crisis. The testing center repeated the same result several times.
How could such an omega inherit the Fu name?
He had been forced to bring Fu Jiaze back as a replacement.
He had thought a simple deception would be enough to fool the Shen family. He never imagined Shen Louchen would personally come and expose their pathetic trick. The future of the Fu family was now impossible to imagine.
Shen Louchen laughed softly. “Did you really think I was so easy to fool?”
Fu Xingchao opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Sweat dripped from his temples, staining the expensive suit he wore.
“Director Shen, I have only two sons. The marriage contract… It has always specified the eldest son. I could not make such a decision alone. How about this? My second son possesses very strong healing abilities. I can send him to the Shen household instead.”
Now he had no choice. Sacrificing one omega for stability was the only path left.
Everyone present reacted differently.
Fu Xu’s fingers twisted nervously, his heart pounding so hard it hurt. At this moment, every word from Shen Louchen determined his future. Fu Jiaze felt both joy and dread. Shen Louchen was a peerless alpha, but his health was uncertain. If it could be cured it was fine, but if it could not… he did not want to die in the Shen household. Bai Shudie bit her lip, wanting to speak but afraid to. She could not bear children anymore. This omega was her only bargaining chip. If both of her children left for the Shen family, her position in the Fu family would crumble.
Shen Louchen leaned back in his seat, long legs crossing casually. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, the metallic sound of his watch meeting leather echoing through the hall like a slow beating drum. When he lifted his gaze, icy malice surged within it.
“What a mess of people you dare shove toward the Shen household. Fu Xingchao, you are truly bold.”
Fu Xingchao lowered his head completely in defeat.
Then he heard Shen Louchen’s cold voice.
“If you want me to spare the Fu family, I have a condition.”
✦ ✧ ✦
Vynellia
[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 ✦
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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