HOYSE CHAPTER 89

Chapter 89 — I'm screwed.

Wu Hanqi was in a tailored suit, looking as if he had just come from some important function and had swung by to pick up his son for dinner.

He had floated the idea of moving to Shangjing for a while and had already tried to ask Rong Jing out. Back then Rong Jing was busy dealing with a flock of scummy exes and had no energy to spar with an old fox. Besides, he had always been wary of Wu Hanqi, so he avoided private contact.

Among the younger generation, the one Wu Hanqi appreciated most was not the universally praised Xie Ling, but the very low-key, seemingly out-of-nowhere Rong Jing.

At a gathering once, someone brought up the four old houses known as “Invulnerable,” and their most venerable clan, the Xies. They said Xie Ling was a phoenix among men, the heir apparent nailed down. The second young master had vanished for unknown reasons, even the Ji clan that used to back him had gone quiet. The third young master, Rong Jing, was more like a peripheral figure, never showing up at parties or in public, practically a mystery.

To everyone’s surprise, Wu Hanqi, who rarely commented on juniors, said that Rong Jing knew when to advance and retreat, had precise judgment and a clear mind, and if properly cultivated, could be a great asset to the Xie family.

Coming from Wu Hanqi, that was very high praise.

No one expected the man at the top of information technology to be watching a junior from another clan. People were surprised, then started paying attention to Rong Jing.

Only to discover he truly was not doing his “proper job.” Instead of managing perfectly good companies, he had gone to act.

What a way to waste talent.

Rumor had it that with the old master gravely ill and Xie Zhanhong just out of the hospital and still recovering, the Xie family had sealed off all news, and Xie Ling was now holding the reins alone. No one knew exactly why the Second Young Master had ended up in prison. 

But since this younger heir also had a claim to the family fortune, people said he was simply choosing the wise path of self-preservation. And besides, the Xie family’s household affairs weren’t something outsiders could interfere with anyway.

Thinking of it that way made Rong Jing’s choices feel especially intriguing.

Rong Jing had no idea that merely being lazy about socializing had turned the entire Xie family into a den of tigers in the rumor mill, while he himself, in some eyes, had become a pitiful creature playing dull to survive under Xie Ling.

To some, that so-called brotherly harmony was only a facade, the protective coloration Xie Ling showed the world.

Wu Hanqi had always liked this child. Meeting him again grown up, he was entirely different from the cowardly boy of before, as if reborn, shining with a light that was uniquely his, dazzling yet able to be reined in at will.

He had long noticed that several small companies Rong Jing invested in were showing results. With capital continuously fed in, plus sensible planning and an influx of talent, they sprang up like bamboo after the rain, flourishing one by one. When Rong Jing sent people to contact a second batch of targets, Wu Hanqi deliberately cut in front, just to see what counters Rong Jing would have. He was inclined to cultivate the boy.

But the boy did not react at all, simply letting it go.

That disappointed Wu Hanqi. He felt Rong Jing was putting his mind where it did not belong.

There were exactly two people Wu Fuyu went limp in front of: his father and Xie Ling. The former because he felt he had not half his father’s bearing and was always called the drag on the team. The line he heard most was not that he was not good enough, but that if Wu Hanqi were not a Beta, he would never have raised such a headache. His earlier unrestrained behavior had a lot to do with that. 

The latter was a lifelong imprint. Ever since childhood, Xie Ling had been the model child, good at everything, a figure Wu Fuyu could only look up to from a distance.

Lately there was a third, Rong Jing. No need to explain, the reasons were plentiful.

Wu Fuyu was a little excited. “You told me to learn from Rong Jing. So I am asking him for tips. Dad, how did you know I was here?”

Wu Hanqi told his son to get in the car. “Your assistant.”

Rong Jing caught on and greeted him with a slight smile. “Uncle Qi.” Outside the house, he had always been a well-mannered junior.

In private, he and Wu Hanqi got along well enough, with no major conflict. Sometimes, when he ran into a knot in business, he would even ask for advice. Wu Hanqi answered freely. Rong Jing saw no reason to turn Wu Hanqi into an enemy for nothing.

What would be the point in making himself a needless foe.

Hearing Rong Jing call him, a trace of almost imperceptible fondness and amusement warmed Wu Hanqi’s gaze. He grunted in acknowledgment.

Those who did not know him would see the same calm as always. Those who did would notice that his manner softened for the few juniors he truly admired.

Wu Fuyu noticed this, for instance, and clicked his tongue twice secretly. Worthy of being the man his old man favored. Just look how much his dad liked him. There shouldn't be any mother-in-law conflicts in the future, right?

Wu Hanqi ended the update from the meeting in his ear. He was all gentle polish as he smiled. “Xiao Jing, come with us?”

Rong Jing adjusted his mood and teased, “Is Uncle Qi treating?”

Wu Fuyu stared. Why are your attitudes toward my dad and me polar opposites!

Wu Hanqi snorted. “You brat. You want an old man to let a junior pay?”

“You look about my brother’s age. Where are you old? If I look like you at your age, I will laugh myself awake.”

“Full of nonsense. Get in,” Wu Hanqi said, half laughing.

Ji Jiongjie had taken a nasty fall recently. He had gone to complain to Wu Hanqi, only to receive an answer that disappointed him.

Outwardly soothing, inwardly, Wu Hanqi slowly cut Ji Jiongjie out.

He had once appreciated his nephew’s ruthlessness. But if the ruthlessness went too far and he lacked the ability to clean up after himself, then he was nothing but a time bomb.

Use him, then toss him.

Someone like that could drag the Wu family down. Better to sever the tail for everyone’s good.

Rong Jing got in. He headed for the passenger seat, but Wu Fuyu had staked it out.

Unruffled, Rong Jing slid into the back, only a few dozen centimeters from Wu Hanqi. The air felt different at that distance.

Wu Hanqi did not often touch the “plot.” He was neutral by nature and in the original story too, but his aura was hard to read. A single mild glance could make you feel he had seen right through you.

When Ji Jiongjie got into trouble, Wu Hanqi had not moved to help, even seemed to have given the situation a little push. Still, Rong Jing felt a nameless unease. He did not know if Wu Hanqi would keep watching.

If he moved, when would he move?

They arrived at a club. The moment the big boss showed, the staff snapped to attention and led them to a private room.

It was elegantly done. A small fountain burned pale incense. The scent told Rong Jing it was a line specially blended for AOs with unstable pheromones, calming and steadying. The Wus had always done a lot in pheromone-related products.

Not far off was a glass house, good for day views and night stars. By the ornamental pond, a small forest of green. Sunlight dappled shade, instantly putting one at ease.

The manager had specially selected a few Omega servers with soft temperaments and striking figures to greet them. Wu Hanqi lifted a hand. “Not necessary. Family dinner. Dismiss them. We will manage.”

“Any objections?”

Rong Jing went with the flow. “Uncle Qi decides.”

Wu Fuyu fixated on the words “family dinner.” When his father went a bit farther away, he leaned in and whispered to Rong Jing, “Quit dreaming. I am not calling you brother.”

“… You are overthinking it,” Rong Jing said.

When it came to ordering, he let the host choose.

“Do you eat spicy?”

“I do.”

“Hotpot, then.”

Rong Jing had not expected Wu Hanqi to eat something so grounded. He looked openly surprised.

Wu Hanqi glanced up. “What are you looking at?”

“You also eat such ordinary food?” Rong Jing said.

“Who said I could not. You think I do not need to eat?” Wu Hanqi chuckled.

He raised a hand and tapped Rong Jing on the forehead.

Rong Jing dodged with a look that said he was speechless, which only deepened the man’s smile.

After holding it in a long time, Wu Fuyu burst out, “Dad… is he your son, or am I your son?”

“If I could, I would stuff you back in,” Wu Hanqi said lightly.

“… Back to the factory for remolding? That hurts,” Wu Fuyu muttered.

When the food came, Wu Hanqi rolled up his sleeves and personally swished lamb for them. He dropped a portion into Rong Jing’s bowl first, then, like teasing his own child, finally gave some to his son. Wu Fuyu turned green with vinegar. The table buzzed warm and bright.

Rong Jing’s phone rang. A newly acquired company’s CEO was reporting on the day’s work.

He stepped out and spoke for ten minutes. When he hung up, a familiar voice drifted from the hall around the corner.

“President Li, go easy on me later. I am not very good.”

“Easy, easy.”

“How about we make it a game? Whoever wins, neither can complain.”

“Of course. How could I argue with an Omega!”

A few steps closer, he saw a familiar back, with a boss he felt he had seen somewhere.

Gu Xi. Where was he going?

Rong Jing texted Wu Hanqi, saying his stomach hurt and he would be back late, then slipped after them.

Inside the private room, Wu Hanqi watched his son’s eyes track the direction Rong Jing had gone ever since he left. He asked, half smiling, “That Alpha you fancy is him?”

Wu Feiyu almost dropped his chopsticks. “Dad…” No wonder he was his father. Too sharp.

He studied his father’s face. Seeing no particular anger, he exhaled.

He really did not want to be force fed a pile of random Alphas again. “You are not against it?”

“Would that help?” said Wu Hanqi.

Probably not.

A moment later he gave his verdict.

“You do not have a chance.”

“Dad, who talks like that!” Not even his own son got a vote of confidence.

“You cannot hold him,” Wu Hanqi said. “He has a streak of wildness and whim. You need someone even wilder and bolder to make him feel anything.”

“How am I not wild!”

“You are just crazy. ‘Wild’ is a flavor that seeps from the bone.”

Hard to describe, but it caught the soul.

Naturally, Wu Fuyu thought of that little demon and poked at his meat in a sulk. “When he fell into the water, why did I not think to jump in too? If I had a life-saving favor to cash in, he would be stuck. He would not treat me like this.”

“What did you say, fell in?” Wu Hanqi’s eyes changed.

Wu Fuyu missed the undertow rippling beneath his father’s calm tone.

“Lately, during a shoot, Rong Jing almost drowned,” he said.

“What date?”

He had had a hunch. He had not expected it to come true.

Gu Xi, for his part, was fuming. Not long ago, Wu Fuyu had added him on WeChat. Gu Xi accepted, planning to spy on the enemy.

Scrolling through his moments, he discovered that despite the playboy facade, Wu Fuyu was always in motion. Today an inspection at a company, tomorrow a flight to look at land, the day after some business event, never repeating. It looked like he would not rest until he made a hundred million.

So the crown prince was very driven, not the lay about outsiders thought. There were no flashing neon nights in his feed at all. Gu Xi did not believe it. Not a single bragging post?

He did not know that Wu Fuyu had scrubbed his moments. The kind of content Gu Xi imagined had existed, worse in fact. After realizing his feelings, Wu Fuyu had spent nights deleting, then before adding Gu Xi he staged a pile of positive shots and posted motivational captions with Very Deep Meaning, set so only Rong Jing and Gu Xi could see.

He had just sent Gu Xi a video. It made the heart clench. The way that trainee looked at someone reminded Gu Xi of himself.

That humble boy, who only wanted Rong Jing to turn his head once, full of seriousness and longing.

Slim as the hope had been, he still wanted to try.

Gu Xi had thanked his past self a thousand times for striking when he did. Without it, he would still be chewing air today.

The video was sly. It only showed the handsome trainee’s confession, not Rong Jing’s answer.

It hooked Gu Xi, made him itch. He glanced at WeChat.

Wu Fuyu: Want to know his answer? Ask me.

Wu Fuyu: Beg Grandpa, and Grandpa will show mercy and tell you.

Wu Fuyu: Winning now does not mean winning later. I will wait my whole life for you two to break up.

Silently, Gu Xi thought: keep waiting.

He refused to reply, just to make Wu Fuyu stew.

He did not need to ask to guess what Rong Jing had said.

But the worry never died. Too many eyes coveted him. He was always afraid Rong Jing would turn around and dump him. He was not so exceptional that Rong Jing could not live without him, was he?

Anxiety bred irritability. Gu Xi took a deep breath and pressed it down. He opened the “Surprise CP” super-thread and dumped ten-plus sugar posts in a row, trying to feed the growing horde. He did not know why, but the past two days the thread’s traffic had been steadily rising. He was startled and delighted.

He had prepared the sugar beforehand. Watching the comments and squealing below made him feel bright and light.

God, that felt good.

What was there to fear? He was the Omega who had conquered Rong Jing, after all. He was the one giving Rong Jing pointers in bed.

He was already seeping in, drop by drop, making Rong Jing less able to let go by the day, was he not?

He set himself. It should be the little goblins out there who were getting anxious.

Gu Xi had been staffing his new studio these days. Someone wanted to invest, so he used the holiday to meet.

He soon realized the man was not here for the studio. He was here for him.

Gu Xi cut it short. “Why do we not make it a bout. If you win, I will let you in. If you lose, we drop it.” Which was perfect. He had nowhere to put his fire.

The club had all kinds of recreation, including a martial room, with stands and mats.

The floor was divided into sparring squares. Small groups were trading moves. When they realized a top star like Gu Xi was in the room, many looked over.

Thanks to the club’s unspoken rule of confidentiality, no one filmed. If you broke it, being blacklisted by the club was the least of it. Having your reputation tank among your peers hurt much more.

“Is that Gu Xi? He came here? This club really does have pull to bring him in. I kind of want an autograph. My sister is crazy about him.”

“Why is he doing such a brutal sport against an Alpha!”

“Omegas are all fancy fluff. How could he beat an A… holy—”

The last letter stuck. Gu Xi flipped a man twice his weight in a single over-the-shoulder throw.

His face never changed, still that mild calm, nothing like a person doing something so vicious.

The boss had assumed that, as an Alpha, he had a strength advantage and was a lock to win.

He had not accounted for Gu Xi’s quickness, that fluid body. He had technical gaps, sure, but a lifetime of sitting and growing fat made the Alpha easy prey.

In stunned silence, they watched an Omega use a middle-aged man as a sandbag, kicking and sweeping him around the mat.

It looked like a game, wicked and mesmerizing.

He stayed within the rules, every move clean. No one could fault him.

The boss howled. Surroundings fell silent. Oh, how terrifying.

They were all very glad they had never had dirty ideas. Otherwise, they would not even know how they died.

There was a reason Gu Xi, this globally famous flower on a high peak, had never been plucked. Who would dare approach?! Weren't they afraid of getting beaten into a pig's head?

What was even worse than becoming a pig head was becoming disabled.

And the worst of that was being laid out by an Omega. What Alpha wanted to be laughed at like that?

Gu Xi’s meaning was plain. If you want to covet me, first weigh yourself.

He had been seething. He vented it all. As long as he pretended the man in front of him was Wu Fuyu, he had endless fuel.

Now he felt clear and fresh. Everything looked fine. The world was still beautiful.

Even seeing Rong Jing now, he would not give himself away.

He crouched by the groaning boss. “Are you alright?”

The man waved both hands. He was dying inside, but he would not lose face in front of an Omega.

“So, that makes me the winner?” Gu Xi asked gently.

“You win, you win!” the Alpha said quickly.

Gu Xi made a little finishing gesture. “Thank you for letting me.”

He turned with a faint smile and headed out.

Then, on the stands, a silhouette that could not be mistaken. Someone whose eyes had never had room for Alphas found him with perfect precision.

Rong Jing, staring at the mat, dumbstruck.

Probably not even in his dreams would Rong Jing have expected to see the supposedly fragile Gu Xi, a feather who would fall at a breath, cold and sharp as a blade, scaring an Alpha too stiff to move.

Gu Xi’s heart gave a hard thud. His smile faded.

I'm screwed.

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