Ruan Shuyang continued rubbing against Pei Siyue’s back, murmuring softly, “I just want to stick to my big brother.”
Pei Siyue knew Ruan Shuyang was feeling insecure. After such emotional turbulence this afternoon, he needed comfort and companionship.
He abandoned the task altogether, carrying Ruan Shuyang upstairs to their room. He’d let Ji Huai handle the chores while he focused on soothing the little omega.
He carried Ruan Shuyang back to their room, sitting on the bed and letting the omega perch on his lap.
To him, Ruan Shuyang still felt like a tiny, soft creature. Seated in his lap, he looked incredibly petite, easily cradled within his embrace.
Her shoulders drooped listlessly, as if nothing could lift her spirits.
He should never have let Ruan Shuyang meet Ruan Jianchuan and the others.
But he also knew Ruan Shuyang wouldn’t be satisfied without meeting them at least once, so he had no choice but to agree.
He held him for a while to comfort him. Spotting the tablet on the bed, he picked it up, tapped a few times, then handed it to Ruan Shuyang. His voice was low as he said, “Softie, take a look at the engagement ceremony planning proposals. Let’s pick one together.”
Ruan Shuyang’s attention shifted as he looked down at the proposals.
To his surprise, none of the plans suggested holding the ceremony in their hometown.
There were island options, cruise ship options…
The scale was almost as grand as a wedding ceremony.
But they were only getting engaged.
He timidly suggested in a soft voice, “Brother, isn’t this a bit extravagant?”
Then he caught Pei Siyue’s unfathomable gaze, his expression impassive.
He immediately amended his tone obediently, “Whatever you say, Brother.”
But Pei Siyue still seemed to find his attitude dismissive. Pointing to several planning proposals on the tablet, he asked, “Which one do you like?”
Ruan Shuyang could only study the proposals as diligently as if doing homework.
For him, the simpler the better. The island required flying, while the cruise location was close enough to B City to drive to. Without hesitation, he chose the cruise option.
Seeing his choice, Pei Siyue offered no objection. Instead, he pulled Ruan Shuyang over to review the details together. By the time they finished, Ruan Shuyang’s mind went blank—he couldn’t be bothered to think about anything. This engagement business was exhausting.
Why had he ever agreed to this engagement? He deeply regretted it.
In this state, he couldn’t even muster sadness. After forcing himself downstairs to eat, he lay on his bed in a daze, feeling an exhaustion as if his brain had been overworked beyond thought.
At times like this, he always admired Pei Siyue. He handled so many responsibilities daily yet still had the energy to accompany him after returning home. He was truly remarkable.
**
The affairs of the Ruan family didn’t affect Ruan Shuyang’s school life. He’d always kept a low profile in class, never mentioning his family. No one knew he was the son of the Ruan Jewelry chairman. They only knew he lived with an older brother, so no one connected him to Ruan Jianchuan.
Amid this peaceful routine, the general manager of Yu Jewelry contacted him, reporting at least a hundred orders for necklaces made of shielding material.
Ruan Shuyang felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. Even if he split himself into eight parts, he doubted he could produce a hundred designs. Suddenly, he realized he’d underestimated these wealthy clients.
To the wealthy, a million dollars meant little—if the product was exceptional, they’d pay even more.
He bitterly regretted his earlier decision to design each necklace individually. It truly felt like drawing until his hands fell off.
Sometimes, overwhelming popularity brought its own sweet troubles.
Upon hearing the news that Friday evening, Ruan Shuyang felt utterly deflated. When Pei Siyue took him out to dinner, he was listless and had no appetite, declaring himself full after just a few bites of seafood baked rice.
Frowning at Ruan Shuyang’s cat-like appetite, Pei Siyue urged, “Eat some more.”
Ruan Shuyang slumped over the table, his chin resting on his folded hands. “I’m full,” he said weakly.
Pei Siyue gave up persuading him and simply lifted him onto his lap, pulling the rice bowl closer.
Startled, Ruan Shuyang tried to slide off Pei Siyue’s lap but was stopped by an arm tightening around his waist.
Pei Siyue’s large hands gripped his waist firmly. Sensing his attempt to escape, he even gave his waist a gentle squeeze.
The warmth of Pei Siyue’s touch made him flinch. Daring not to move, he stammered, “Brother, this… this is in public.”
“Mhm.” Pei Siyue asked calmly, “So?”
“There… there are people watching us.”
Pei Siyue only replied, “Then eat faster.”
As he spoke, he used a spoon to scoop rice and feed Ruan Shuyang, moving neither too fast nor too slow, watching the little omega with immense patience.
Ruan Shuyang felt particularly uncomfortable being held and placed on someone’s lap in public. He quickly ate the rice Pei Siyue had fed him. “Brother, let me down. We’re outside, and lots of people are watching.”
Pei Siyue calmly continued feeding him while asking, “What’s the big deal?”
It didn’t seem like a big deal.
No restaurant had a rule against feeding someone while sitting on their lap. At most, some might find it a bit too public display of affection, blindingly obnoxious.
But the restaurant they were at was expensive, with tables spaced far apart. They’d even deliberately chosen a spot separated by greenery. Unless someone was paying close attention, no one would really see them.
Besides, he knew Pei Siyue never cared about others watching and never bothered with what people said.
It was just that Ruan Shuyang felt exceptionally uncomfortable. Unable to pull away from Pei Siyue’s hand, he had no choice but to go along with the feeding.
He soon ate until he was stuffed, him eyes watering from the fullness. When he truly couldn’t eat another bite, he pulled Pei Siyue’s hand to him stomach and pleaded, “Brother, I can’t eat anymore. Please stop feeding me, okay?”
Pei Siyue gently stroked Ruan Shuyang’s belly before magnanimously relenting.
After finishing, he wiped Ruan Shuyang’s mouth and asked, “Will you eat properly next time?”
Ruan Shuyang nodded vigorously, looking pitifully at Pei Siyue and asking, “Brother, can I get down now?”
Pei Siyue released his grip.
Ruan Shuyang, as if granted a pardon, immediately slid down from Pei Siyue’s lap.
Waaah, Pei Siyue is so strict. Look, he even feeds me when I don’t eat properly.
Pei Siyue finished his meal quickly. After eating, he took Ruan Shuyang with him to leave. They had agreed to watch a light show together that evening.
As they departed, Pei Siyue helped Ruan Shuyang put on his coat.
The end of October brought a chill to the air. Ruan Shuyang wore a beige turtleneck sweater beneath a thin, light blue coat that fell below his knees, completely enveloping his frame. The tailored cut accentuated his graceful, slender figure.
It wasn’t long after moving in with Pei Siyue that Ruan Shuyang’s clothes became custom-made. Each piece fit his figure perfectly, making him look increasingly beautiful and confident.
Someone in class had secretly slipped him a love letter, but he returned it unread, flashing the engagement ring on his finger.
The sender immediately wore a look of regret while wishing him happiness.
He experienced many things he never had before.
Youth held no regrets.
As they descended to the parking garage and settled into the car, Pei Siyue asked, “What’s on your mind today?”
Ruan Shuyang: “Hmm… Is it that obvious?”
Pei Siyue gently stroked his cheek. “It’s practically written all over your face.”
Ruan Shuyang slumped back in his seat, tilting his head with a look of utter despair. “Brother, I got over a hundred orders. There’s no way I can finish them all.”
Pei Siyue wasn’t surprised at all. He simply said, “I didn’t have the general manager of Yu Corporation announce the order details.”
Ruan Shuyang perked up instantly and asked, “Brother, what’s going on?”
Pei Siyue didn’t elaborate further. “Figure it out yourself.”
He then drove them to see the light show.
“Are you saying I should change my approach?” Ruan Shuyang wrapped his arm around Pei Siyue’s, resting his head on the other’s shoulder. “I only designed one style, and every time I order necklaces, it’s that one.”
Pei Siyue didn’t say whether it was good or bad, only replied, “Think some more.”
By the time they reached the plaza, Pei Siyue reminded him, “Ruanruan, you’re running a jewelry company, not just selling barrier material necklaces.”
After watching the beautiful light show, Ruan Shuyang finally had another idea.
Excitedly, he grabbed Pei Siyue’s hand and said, “Brother, I’ve got a great idea!”
“We can establish a VIP customer tier system at Yu’s Jewelry. Spending a certain amount on regular jewelry grants membership at a specific level. Higher-tier members can purchase custom-made shielding material necklaces, while regular members can only buy standard retail pieces.”
Pei Siyue gently tapped Ruan Shuyang’s forehead after hearing this. “Not bad.”
He does have some business acumen.
Pei Siyue flashed a faint smile and nodded. “Alright.”
Sometimes he wished Ruan Shuyang had his own career, because whenever business came up, Ruan Shuyang’s eyes would light up.
Yet often, he wished Ruan Shuyang had little career to occupy him, leaving more time for him.
His support for Ruan Shuyang’s career had reached its limit. How far he progressed from here depended solely on himself. If the jewelry company didn’t grow large, that was fine—it would mean more time for him.
**
Since Ruan Shuyang began designing for Yu Jewelry, he’d occasionally browse other jewelry brands whenever he had free time. Upon learning this, Pei Siyue would deliberately secure auction invitations for him, encouraging him to attend events to study the pieces.
Ruan Shuyang would decide whether to attend based on the auction previews. Most times, Pei Siyue accompanied him, though occasionally Pei Siyue had to travel for work and couldn’t join.
For instance, in early November, he planned to attend an auction right after his midterm exams.
Since Pei Siyue couldn’t make it, he simply invited Wen Yusheng to accompany him.
Pei Siyue had no objections, only instructing Jiang Wu to tag along and keep a close eye on the little omega.
Jiang Wu, having previously recommended a soap opera to Ruan Shuyang, had been sent by Pei Siyue to attend a week-long conference in Africa. Since returning, he dared not chat much with Ruan Shuyang, fearing the possessive enigma might exile him somewhere else.
Thus, at the auction, Ruan Shuyang entered with Wen Yusheng, while Yu Ling and Jiang Wu, the two Alphas, followed behind.
Wen Yusheng was no stranger to such auctions. As he guided Ruan Shuyang toward the private box, he spotted Jin Nan and her Alpha brother, Jin Sheng, approaching.
Seeing Jin Nan reminded Ruan Shuyang of the incident at the club—the event that had changed his life.
Jin Nan gave him a faint, almost indifferent smile, as if to signal he shouldn’t be nervous, conveying little hostility.
But Jin Sheng behind her radiated intense hostility, scrutinizing him with a cold, appraising gaze.
Jiang Wu immediately stepped forward to block him, offering a distant smile. “Mr. Jin, if there’s nothing urgent, please move aside.”
Jin Sheng replied bluntly, “I have business.”
Yu Ling also stepped forward and asked, “What business?”
Ignoring the two Alphas blocking his path, Jin Sheng addressed Ruan Shuyang directly: “Ruan Shuyang, is hiding behind others and waiting to be protected all you know how to do?”
“Pei Siyue must be blind to have chosen you,” Jin Sheng said coldly. “You’re utterly useless. You can’t offer him anything, yet you demand his constant care and protection. What right do you have to stay by his side?”
Wen Yusheng wrapped an arm around Ruan Shuyang’s waist and whispered soothingly, “Ignore him. Let’s go. He’s just a jealous loser.”
To be honest, Ruan Shuyang didn’t feel hurt or saddened by the remark.
On the contrary, he found it rather intriguing.
So this was Pei Siyue’s romantic entourage?
He’d always assumed someone as outstanding as Pei Siyue would have countless admirers, yet he’d never encountered any. Even after the engagement, no one had ever confronted him with melodramatic demands like “I like Pei Siyue, step aside!”
His strongest reaction upon hearing it was: something felt off about the gender.
Why was Pei Siyue’s romantic interest an alpha?
This was the part he found most baffling.
He simply bypassed Jiang Wu and stepped forward, asking curiously, “So you brought Pan Lan in?”
After Pan Lan was kicked out last time, he’d spotted these two from the Jin family behind Pan Lan.
“Of course.” Jin Sheng sneered, admitting it outright. “You’re a useless piece of trash who can’t even handle Pan Lan without help. How could you possibly deserve to stand by Pei Siyue’s side?”
“We grew up together. I know him best—what kind of partner he needs, what kind of relationship he wants.”
“Hmm…” Ruan Shuyang pondered for a moment before tilting his head at Jin Sheng. “Are you jealous?”
Jin Sheng’s expression froze, staring at Ruan Shuyang with surprise and suspicion.
Ruan Shuyang smiled and continued, “This is between my brother and me.”
“If he thinks I’m useless, let him tell me himself. Outsiders shouldn’t judge our affairs.”
“Since you said you and your brother grew up together, your bond must be strong. You should be the one to talk to him.”
“Oh, and if he ignores you, well, that’s not my problem.”
With that, he turned to Wen Yusheng with a smile. “Senior, let’s go inside. My brother’s invitation is for a private room upstairs. We’ll head straight up.”
Jin Sheng frowned, trying to follow, but was blocked again by Jiang Wu and Yu Ling.
Once inside the private room, Wen Yusheng finally smiled and said, “Who knew you were such a smooth operator, little freshman?”
Ruan Shuyang replied with an innocent look, ” ‘Senior, this is perfectly normal. Matters between me and my brother are none of outsiders’ business. If they have something to say, let them talk to my brother directly. If they think they can persuade him, let them try.’”
As for claims that they grew up together, they held no weight with him. He had grown up alongside many people, including Ruan Qi, yet that didn’t mean he felt nothing for them.
Besides, if he remembered correctly, Pei Siyue had left for overseas studies at twelve, while Jin Sheng seemed to have stayed in China until university before going abroad. So where was this “growing up together” nonsense?
It was all just deceitful rhetoric.
Ruan Shuyang didn’t consider himself stupid—after all, genuine stupidity wouldn’t have allowed him to survive in the Ruan household.
Still, he was annoyed. After all, an alpha had come to “compete for his affection.”
Ugh.
He opened Pei Siyue’s chat window and typed: Ugh
Ruan Shuyang: Ugh, big bro
I’ve gotten myself mixed up with an alpha.
This message didn’t get an immediate reply because Pei Siyue was in a confidential meeting with no cell reception.
Before Pei Siyue could reply, Ruan Shuyang received a friend request. The name was unmistakably Jin Nan, with the note: Lu Zheng has been having a rough time lately. Probably Pei Siyue’s doing.
Ruan Shuyang didn’t accept it. Why go out of his way to hear from others when Pei Siyue’s secretary was right beside him?
He set his phone aside and asked Jiang Wu directly, “How’s Lu Zheng been lately? Did my brother have you do something?”
Jiang Wu shook his head. “Not me. It was Cheng Yi, the secretary over at Hanfeng Group. He pulled out of a lot of Lu Zheng’s deals. He’s also got a huge bank loan coming due soon. He must be in a real bind right now.”
Ruan Shuyang was shocked that Pei Siyue would even take revenge for Lu Zheng. Suddenly, he regretted sending that “I hate you” message earlier.
He quickly pulled out his phone and sent another: “Brother, I forgive you. I don’t hate you anymore.”
Wen Yusheng patted him on the shoulder: “The auction has started. If you’re in a bad mood, just spend more of Pei Siyue’s money on jewelry you like. No need to save his money. The funds in Mr. Pei’s bank account are unlimited.”
Wen Yusheng patted him. “The auction’s starting. If you’re in a bad mood, just splurge on jewelry you like using Pei Siyue’s money. No need to save for him—Mr. Pei’s bank account holds astronomical sums.”
Ruan Shuyang smiled. “Sounds good.”
After their engagement, Pei Siyue had given him an additional card, telling him to swipe it whenever he saw something he liked. He hadn’t used it.
He wasn’t in the habit of buying luxury goods. His own bank account held plenty of money; he didn’t need to spend Pei Siyue’s.
But today, he decided to splurge a little. Pei Siyue’s romantic entanglements had upset him.
The auctions Ruan Shuyang attended primarily featured jewelry—many antique pieces, along with high-end items from some merchants.
This time, he set his sights on an antique brooch. It held a sapphire of extraordinary saturation, stunning at first glance. He swiped Pei Siyue’s card and won it for over ten million.
His hands trembled during the bidding—never had he purchased anything so expensive. Wen Yusheng reassured him beside him, “Little brother, you’ll get used to this. Buying things at auctions is perfectly normal. Some favors are repaid through auctions. My daddy buys things at auctions to repay favors for my father.”
Hearing Yu Sheng’s words, Ruan Shuyang gradually calmed down. Realizing there would be many more such occasions ahead, he composed himself.
By the time Jiang Wu drove Ruan Shuyang home, Pei Siyue’s confidential meeting had just concluded. Afterward, he saw Ruan Shuyang’s messages and purchase records on his phone, along with Jiang Wu’s tip-off about Ruan Shuyang encountering Jin Sheng and the unpleasant remarks exchanged.
He first messaged Ruan Shuyang: Where’s Softie?
Ruan Shuyang replied upon seeing the message: In the car.
Pei Siyue: How long until you get home?
Ruan Shuyang: Twenty minutes.
Shortly after arriving home, Ruan Shuyang received a call from Pei Siyue. Timed perfectly, it came just as he was taking off his coat and changing his shoes.
Pei Siyue’s deep, gentle voice came through the receiver: “Softie.”
Whenever Pei Siyue used his nickname, Ruan Shuyang would blush—this time was no exception, though Pei Siyue couldn’t see it over the phone.
Ruan Shuyang suddenly felt a pang of hurt: “Brother.”
Pei Siyue detected the hurt in his voice and immediately explained, “The Pei family and the Jin family have some connections. I met Jin Sheng a few times when I was little. After my parents divorced, I rarely saw him. After going abroad, we lost touch. It wasn’t until I returned this year that we met again because of business matters.”
Ruan Shuyang muttered, “Did Secretary Jiang Wu tip you off?”
How else could he explain it so clearly?
Pei Siyue didn’t deny it. “I had him accompany you to protect you.”
“Jin Sheng and I have no personal relationship,” Pei Siyue told him clearly and firmly. “Our interactions are strictly business-related, and I’ll minimize them going forward.”
Ruan Shuyang listened, feeling a pang of guilt over his earlier childish behavior.
Truthfully, he knew there was nothing between Pei Siyue and Jin Sheng.
Pei Siyue was so busy, yet he used whatever spare time he had to be with him. Ruan Shuyang didn’t doubt Pei Siyue; he’d just gotten angry when confronted by an Alpha.
“Brother, I didn’t doubt you,” Ruan Shuyang said softly, sitting on the sofa. “I was just angry earlier and impulsively sent that message. I’m sorry.”
He regretted it almost immediately, but the message had been sent too long ago to recall. All he could do was add “I don’t hate you anymore” afterward.
Ruan Shuyang bit his lip, unwilling to discuss it further. Instead, he asked, “Jin Sheng is an Alpha. Would he want to be with you too?”
This was also what had puzzled him earlier.
Upon hearing this, Pei Siyue reminded him, “Softie, don’t forget I’m an Enigma.”
“I know that,” Ruan Shuyang replied, still confused. “But what does that have to do with this situation?”
“Enigmas can mark Alphas,” Pei Siyue whispered. “They can turn an Alpha into an Omega that belongs solely to them.”
Ruan Shuyang covered his mouth in surprise. “So that’s how it is.”
This also explained why Jin Sheng, an alpha, would want to be with Pei Siyue—because Pei Siyue could turn an alpha into his own omega.
He found enigmas both formidable and a bit terrifying, capable of transforming alphas into omegas.
Speaking of which, he grew curious.
“Brother, are there many enigmas who marry alphas?”
Pei Siyue paused briefly before answering truthfully, “Many.”
“Enigmas marrying Alphas are the most common.”
Ruan Shuyang instantly grasped the implication. “So Alphas are actually Enigmas’ best matches, right?”
Just as an Alpha’s ideal partner is an Omega, each gender has its optimal companion type. Yet the ideal match often doesn’t equate to actual choice.
Pei Siyue didn’t conceal this from Ruan Shuyang, quietly acknowledging, “That’s correct. Because Enigmas possess physical capabilities far exceeding ordinary humans, typically only Alphas can endure them.”
“But, Ruanyang…” Pei Siyue’s voice was deep and smooth, like a glass of rich, intoxicating red wine. “The ideal match doesn’t mean they have to choose each other. Many enigmas choose omegas.”
“Like how many alphas choose betas?” Ruan Shuyang tilted his head curiously. “The ideal match in a physiological sense is just a physiological definition. It doesn’t truly determine everyone’s choice.”
Pei Siyue replied, “Yes.”
Ruan Shuyang muttered in slight defiance, “Why say only alphas can handle it? Why is the physiologically optimal partner always an alpha?”
He felt omegas could endure it too—they possessed remarkable resilience.
Pei Siyue rubbed his temples, reluctant to delve into the topic, fearing it might upset the young omega.
“It’s merely a physiological classification, not a reflection of reality.”
Ruan Shuyang remained puzzled. “Then why? Can’t omegas handle it?”
“It’s not that they can’t.” Pei Siyue closed his eyes briefly before asking calmly in a low voice, “Softie, could your body endure being pinned to the bed by me for a full day and night?”
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