Around 10 a.m., the tall and handsome alpha Chi Heng walked into Pei Siyue’s office at Rui Ji Technology, casually leaned back on the leather sofa, sent the surveillance footage to the other party, and asked, “What’s going on? I heard that Ruan Shuyang is supposedly your future sister-in-law. Why are you concerned about his affairs? Are you planning to steal him away?”
His eyes sparkled with curiosity: “I specifically watched the surveillance footage, and it seems like you saved him. Without you, he would’ve been taken back by those people. When did you become so kind-hearted?”
Lu Zheng enjoyed torturing and maliciously marking omegas for life, which wasn’t a secret in the circle. However, the other party was powerful and influential, and the prey was carefully selected—either orphans or those sent by their families as bargaining chips. So far, nothing had gone wrong.
Lu Zheng was ruthless in both his judgment and methods, with a large family and business empire. He was willing to use money and projects to acquire his prey. Ruan Shuyang was likely chosen as a sacrificial pawn by the Ruan family and Pei Siming to secure money and projects.
However, for some reason, Ruan Shuyang ran out of the private room, and the attendant on duty at the emergency exit on the same floor happened to be away on business. He was lucky enough to make it to the emergency exit and eventually reached the fifth floor.
Pei Siyue coldly stared at Chi Heng, his gaze sharp: “As the owner, you should reflect on why someone is openly abusing an omega in your club, without fear of consequences?”
Chi Heng shrugged, “The Night Flight side was raided two days ago, so they had nowhere else to go and chose the club yesterday. When they entered, everyone looked proper and consensual—how was I supposed to know what they were doing inside the private room?”
“However, this morning I checked the surveillance footage and saw Lu Zheng’s security team searching people inside the club. He’s already been added to the banned entry list.”
As he spoke, he handed Pei Siyue a document.
Pei Siyue: “What’s this?”
“Money to buy things for your little omega.” Chi Heng smiled mischievously, “Of course, you should reimburse me.”
Pei Siyue denied it expressionlessly: “He’s not my little omega.”
However, he still paid the money.
Chi Heng was genuinely surprised to see the payment, then asked half-jokingly, half-seriously: “What, are you really planning to steal Pei Siming’s fiancée and make his suffer emotionally as well?”
Pei Siyue replied calmly, “You said she’s Pei Siming’s fiancée, my future sister-in-law. I’m just reasonably concerned about the future Pei family.”
Chi Heng found it harder to believe this than to believe he was from Jerusalem. “You and Pei Siming are on the verge of openly hostile relations, and you still have unresolved issues with Zhou Wei. You’re concerned about Pei Siming’s fiancée? I absolutely don’t believe it.”
Pei Siyue didn’t explain further. He tapped the table with his middle finger joint and coldly reminded him, “I didn’t call you here today to discuss the Pei family’s gossip.”
Seeing Pei Siyue’s cold expression, Chi Heng wisely stopped smiling and began to talk about business.
“What are you planning to do for the banquet in five days?” Chi Heng asked. “Your brother went to great lengths to get an invitation, probably hoping to find a business opportunity.”
Pei Siming didn’t know that the chairman of Rui Ji Technology was actually his half-brother. His expression would be priceless when he found out.
Pei Siyue replied indifferently, “Nothing. You have to cast a long line to catch a big fish.”
**
When Su Yan asked Ruan Shuyang where to take him, he couldn’t answer. He instinctively didn’t want to go back, but it seemed there was nowhere else to go.
That place couldn’t even be called a “home” because there were no relatives there.
He dared not go back and even wanted to blurt out whether he could stay here, but upon seeing the other person’s faintly distant smile, he swallowed those words and only asked Su Yan to take him to a nearby shopping mall.
Su Yan had the driver drop him off and then left. The glass walls of the mall reflected Ruan Shuyang’s slender figure as he wandered alone inside, fearing the storm he would face if he returned.
But he couldn’t stay outside forever.
The mall was closing, and he couldn’t stay there forever. He couldn’t sleep on the street either, because that would be even more dangerous than going back home…
He had no money and couldn’t find a job. Even when he went to a milk tea shop to shake milk tea, he was rejected for being too skinny and weak, an omega who couldn’t do heavy work.
He stayed outside until almost 10 p.m., then returned home with a nervous and anxious heart.
In July, the air was still hot and humid, with a sticky feel to it.
He walked through the sticky evening breeze and slowly made his way to the gate of the Ruan family villa.
As he unlocked the door with the password, he prayed that everyone had gone to sleep, and the living room was empty.
However, his prayer clearly didn’t work, because when he opened the door, he saw his father, Ruan Jianchuan, and his stepmother, Pan Lan, sitting in the living room. His heart skipped a beat, and he was so scared his lips turned white.
But unexpectedly, Ruan Jianchuan didn’t ask anything. He just stared at him with a strange look for a while, then said mercifully, “Go upstairs. Don’t stay down here and get in the way.”
In the living room on the first floor, Pan Lan glared at Ruan Jianchuan and complained, “Why did you just let him go upstairs without asking what happened?”
The most important thing was that she didn’t get to vent his anger by scolding him. After all, she had lost a lot of money playing cards today and was feeling frustrated.
Ruan Jianchuan looked at Pan Lan and said, “There’s been no news from Pei Ershao since last night, and he hasn’t mentioned how things are going. I think this is a good sign—things are proceeding smoothly. Plus, he came back today in one piece, so maybe Lu Zong is temporarily smitten with him.”
Ruan Jianchuan, of course, knew about Pei Siming taking Ruan Shuyang to Lu Zheng, and he had agreed to it because he would also benefit from it.
Originally, he thought Ruan Shuyang wouldn’t come back, or even if she did, she might have to stay in the hospital for a few days first, but unexpectedly, Ruan Shuyang returned unharmed and seemed to have suffered no injuries.
If he could return unscathed after being toyed with by Lu Zheng, perhaps there was something about him that Lu Zheng found appealing. From a cautious perspective, Ruan Jianchuan felt it was best not to touch Ruan Shuyang for the time being.
However, Pan Lan refused to believe this speculation, frowning in disgust and saying, “Impossible. With his disgusting appearance, how could Lu Zheng find him appealing?”
Ruan Jianchuan countered, “If it’s not infatuation, then why did he come back unscathed?”
Which omega who had been tormented by Lu Zheng hadn’t ended up in the hospital for a few days, or lost something?
Pan Lan couldn’t say anything, so she suggested, “Why don’t you ask Pei Ershao what’s going on?”
Ruan Jianchuan dared not call, so he only dared to send a message to Pei Siming: Second Young Master, Shuyang is back. I don’t know how things are with Lu Zong.
When Pei Siming received the message, he stared at the screen for a moment before finally replying: I’ll go see him tomorrow night.
**
Ruan Shuyang stayed cooped up in the attic until the next evening, when his half-brother Ruan Qi called him down to eat.
Ruan Qi kicked open his door, stood at the entrance, and looked at him with a disgusted expression, “Dad called you down to eat.”
Ruan Shuyang dared not delay and immediately stood up, saying, “I understand.”
His stepmother, Pan Lan, loved to torment him, often making him watch others eat while he went hungry, and after meals, he had to do the servants’ work of clearing the dishes.
However, when Ruan Jianchuan saw him standing at the staircase entrance, he unexpectedly said, “Come sit here.”
Ruan Shuyang looked in astonishment at the two empty seats next to Ruan Jianchuan, then walked over and sat in the seat he had pointed to, which was slightly farther away.
The table was set with rare delicacies like bluefin tuna and Alba white truffles, clearly meant to entertain a distinguished guest—or rather, a distinguished guest that Ruan Shuyang was tasked with hosting.
He realized something and tried to seek help from the only person in the family who occasionally offered him assistance.
“Dad, I… I feel a bit unwell… Can I go back to the attic…”
“Sit still.” Before Ruan Jianchuan could speak, Pan Lan shouted, “Wait for Mr. Pei Er to arrive. If you dare to say another word, you’ll have to go golfing with Aqi all week.”
Golfing with Ruan Qi was an absolute nightmare he didn’t want to recall.
Ruan Shuyang’s face turned pale, and he dared not say anything else. He lowered his head, biting his lip, counting the time until he could escape from here.
Just wait a little longer; in less than two months, he could leave.
Pei Siming soon entered, led by the servants. Upon seeing him, everyone in the Ruan family stood up to greet him.
Pei Siming nodded slightly to Ruan Jianchuan, saying only “Uncle Ruan,” then ignored everyone else and walked straight to Ruan Shuyang’s side.
In front of the other members of the Ruan family, Pei Siming did not say anything. He stood there for a moment before saying, “Let’s eat first.”
Decades ago, Ruan Jewelry had once been at the height of its glory. The renowned genius designer Yu Xuanpo had created many stunning classic designs for Ruan Jewelry, and during his lifetime, the company reached its peak in scale.
However, after Yu Xuanpo’s death, Ruan’s Jewelry never managed to release another stunning design. Even the classic designs from over a decade ago, despite their timeless appeal, had become difficult to sell after being on the market for so long, gradually losing market share to other jewelry companies.
When Pei Siming approached Ruan Jianchuan, Ruan’s Jewelry was already on the brink of financial collapse.
At that time, Pei Siyue, who had been abroad for over a decade, announced his intention to return to China. According to the will of the previous patriarch of the Pei family, the next patriarch was to be Pei Siyue. Although Pei Siming had achieved some success in managing the Pei family business over the years, his status was neither high nor low, leaving him in a rather awkward position. He wanted to expand his influence and solidify his position before Pei Siyue returned.
Coincidentally, the Pei family was considering entering the jewelry industry, so Pei Siming approached the declining Ruan family jewelry business with a proposal for collaboration.
Typically, such collaborations are accompanied by arranged marriages to stabilize the confidence of external shareholders.
The chosen candidate for the marriage alliance was Ruan Shuyang, who had just turned eighteen and graduated from high school this summer, as he was the only omega in the Ruan family.
However, those in the know understood that Ruan Shuyang was merely a pawn being pushed forward by the Ruan family. No one in the Ruan family cared about his opinions, and some even hoped he would disappear.
As long as the collaboration can be facilitated and the stock price soars, even if Ruan Shuyang is exploited by Pei Siming, no one in the Ruan family will stand up for him.
Securing a project for Lu Zheng was definitely a good deal.
Ruan Jianchuan was unaware of what had happened that night and genuinely believed it was a good deal, so he didn’t bother Ruan Shuyang for several days, fearing that Lu Zheng might come looking for him again.
After dinner, Pei Siming said he wanted to go out for a walk with Ruan Shuyang, and Ruan Jianchuan immediately agreed.
No one paid attention to Ruan Shuyang’s feelings, even though he showed signs of fear and anxiety.
Pei Siming tried to take Ruan Shuyang’s hand, but Ruan Shuyang quickly pulled away as if he had been burned.
Ruan Jianchuan, standing nearby, sternly reprimanded him: “Ruan Shuyang!”
They walked together to the small garden in front of the Ruan family villa. The servants had already thoughtfully lit incense to ensure that mosquitoes would not disturb the second young master of the Pei family.
After stopping in the small garden, Ruan Shuyang kept his head down and did not look at Pei Siming.
Pei Siming looked at Ruan Shuyang, who kept his head down, and asked with a wry smile, “Are you blaming me?”
He felt a bit irritated.
It was just taking his to meet an alpha. Nothing had happened that night, and Ruan Shuyang had run away on his own…
Right.
Pei Siming looked at Ruan Shuyang thoughtfully and asked, “How did you leave that night?”
He had forgotten to lock the door, so it was normal for Ruan Shuyang to run out of the room, but how had he evaded the secretary and security guards’ capture and returned home unscathed?
His memories after that were even more blurry. An alpha asked him something, and he resisted fiercely. Then he was bitten and marked on his gland.
Recalling that mark afterward was even more blurry. He didn’t even remember the person’s appearance or voice, or the scent of their pheromones.
He knew nothing, only shaking his head in fear and panic.
Pei Siming was dissatisfied with Ruan Shuyang’s attitude. He grabbed Ruan Shuyang’s chin with one hand, forcing him to look up, his voice growing harsh. “Tell me the truth. What happened that night?”
Ruan Shuyang was forced to lift his head, seeing Pei Siming’s unusual sternness and oppression, his face growing even paler.
In the past, Pei Siming had always been polite and courteous in front of him. Although they had spent little time together, he had never spoken harshly to him, never laid a hand on him, and even gave him delicious food. Until the night before last, he had always liked Pei Siming.
But the Pei Siming of the night before last was a demon.
Fear gripped his throat like an invisible hand, and Ruan Shuyang replied in a broken voice, “I… I really don’t remember.”
In truth, he wasn’t completely forgetful. He knew he had been saved by a stranger, but he didn’t want to tell Pei Siming about it.
Pei Siming narrowed his eyes slightly. Ruan Shuyang was held by the chin and couldn’t move, his large almond-shaped eyes filled with terror, and his cherry-blossom-pink lips bitten until they turned white.
Ruan Shuyang was afraid of him.
This realization made Pei Siming even more irritable. He loosened his grip, and Ruan Shuyang’s head was finally free.
Ruan Shuyang immediately took a few steps back, wrapped his arms around his body like a wounded animal, and looked at Pei Siming with extreme caution.
Pei Siming wanted to explode.
Why was Ruan Shuyang so resistant to him? Nothing had happened that night, had it? In fact, he had even promised numerous benefits to appease Lu Zheng, who was furious at the time.
But… never mind.
Perhaps the vulnerable omega had been startled and needed comforting.
Seeing how scared Ruan Shuyang was, unable to speak, he probably wouldn’t dare to lie to him. Maybe he really did escape by luck.
He thought that after saying this, Ruan Shuyang would relax and show his usual clean smile with a hint of shyness, but he didn’t.
Pei Siming couldn’t control the rage boiling inside him.
He had said he wouldn’t pursue the matter, so why was she still acting like this, as if she had been terribly wronged?
She had gone home as if nothing had happened.
His expression darkened, but the next moment, he saw Ruan Shuyang take another step back.
Pei Siming took a deep breath, forcing himself to suppress those dark thoughts.
Perhaps he should give Ruan Shuyang a reward. After all, she had been his fiancée for so long, and aside from that one night two days ago, she had been obedient and well-behaved.
If he gave his a reward, Ruan Shuyang would be as obedient, shy, and sweet as before.
His mother, Zhou Wei, loved it when Pei Yan took his to various banquets to acknowledge his status.
So Ruan Shuyang should be the same.
Give his a little reward; they were already engaged, and the outside world needed news of them appearing together to confirm the stability of the marriage alliance.
Pei Siming was looking for an excuse.
Finally, he told Ruan Shuyang, “There’s a banquet at Rui Ji Technology in five days. You’ll come with me.”
Ruan Shuyang felt this was another trap. Pei Siming had failed to send him away the night before, and now he was trying again in five days.
He was so scared that his face turned pale, and he hugged himself tightly in an attempt to resist, “I… don’t want to go.”
Pei Siming’s face darkened, and his expression became gloomy.
Ruan Shuyang realized that Pei Siming was not as gentle and polite as he had always thought, and that he could also look scary when he frowned.
Perhaps noticing Ruan Shuyang’s fear, Pei Siming forced himself to hide his gloomy expression, closed his eyes, and resumed his usual polite and refined demeanor. He gave a wry smile and said to Ruan Shuyang, “You should know that my older brother returned to the country a few months ago.”
“He is a ruthless and cold-blooded person. As soon as he returned, he expelled me from the group, leaving me no way out. I had no choice but to…”
Ruan Shuyang dared not respond, unsure how to assist him. Could it be that he was suggesting sending him to another alpha?
After saying this, Pei Siming pulled Ruan Shuyang inside with him.
Ruan Shuyang struggled for a moment but couldn’t break free from Pei Siming’s iron grip. He felt both terrified and despairing.
Was he going to be sent away again in five days?
Pei Siming dragged him inside to say goodbye to Ruan Jianchuan, and casually mentioned, “The attic doesn’t seem suitable for living in.”
Ruan Jianchuan immediately understood and said, “Second Young Master, don’t worry. There’s another room on the second floor. Let Ruan Shuyang move there tonight.”
Pei Siming smiled contentedly, then reached out to gently stroke Ruan Shuyang’s back. His voice was low, soft, and gentle, but to Ruan Shuyang, it sounded like the whisper of a demon.
“Stay at home and wait. I’ll come to pick you up in five days.”
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