Yalian quickly settled me in the study near the reception room before hurrying off.
Contrary to the cold and opulent settings often depicted in dramas, this place felt lived-in. The books showed signs of frequent use, and clean teacups were left to dry nearby, evidence of regular upkeep.
I walked over to the main desk and glanced at the books scattered across it. Among the classics were several novels, but one book stood out as the most well-worn—*The 22nd Century ABO Gender Politics Report*.
I couldn’t help but grin as I picked it up and skimmed through it.
I could imagine how ridiculous my expression must have looked, but honestly, finding such a book on the desk of a noble beta was downright amusing. Especially with his annotations and musings scattered throughout—words like “independence,” “revolution,” and “education.” It seemed like he was trying hard to convey something profound, but it all came across as empty rhetoric.
But then again, even a pig, when well-fed, might feel its thoughts are at odds with reality. I consider myself lucky—since I’m often hungry, I rarely waste time overthinking.
When I do feel the urge to think, I prefer watching risqué videos. For an alpha from the lower class, thinking is a disaster. We’re experts at imagining success but have little experience in actually achieving it.
Too much imagination can drive you mad.
I flipped through the book for a few more minutes before setting it down and leaving, casually pocketing the expensive-looking pen on the desk.
Outside the study, layers of bodyguards stood like flies—everywhere. They were stationed at the door, along the walls, and around the corners. It was as if they were a collective monster; attack one, and the rest would swarm.
They seemed to have been briefed by Yalian, as they paid no attention to my movements.
The location of the reception room was obvious, guarded by a different breed of “flies”—their posture was upright, and their numbers were fewer. It was easy to guess they were active-duty soldiers.
Their vigilance was evident when I tried to approach the reception room door—their eyes widened as if I had stepped into a monster’s activation zone.
Guard A said, “No entry. Step back.”
Guard B added, “Unauthorized access is prohibited.”
I was a bit disappointed. I had hoped they’d speak in unison like twins, but alas, they weren’t.
“Let’s make a deal, fellas,” I said, moving closer and rummaging through my pocket.
Their eyes followed my movements, as if trying to burn a hole through my pocket.
I leaned in and whispered, “Standing guard must be exhausting. I’m not asking to go in directly, but could you do me a favor?”
“Just pass on a message,” I continued, forcing a sincere smile. “If they say no, I’ll drop it. No harm done.”
The guards exchanged glances, their expressions softening.
Guard A said, “It’s against protocol.”
Guard B added, “But we can make an exception this time.”
My eyes lit up with gratitude. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
Guard B went inside to relay the message, while Guard A turned to me and said, “Gratitude should be tangible. Hand it over.”
“Hand over what?” I feigned confusion before suddenly realizing and grabbing his hand, bowing profusely. “Yes, yes, my gratitude isn’t sincere enough. Thank you so much!”
I pretended to be on the verge of tears.
Guard A shoved me away and hissed, “Stop playing dumb! Hand over what’s in your pocket!”
I stumbled back, pulling out the patched inner lining of my pocket and the pen.
“You’ve got some nerve, trying to mess with me,” Guard A growled, punching me in the stomach.
I doubled over, coughing violently, feeling as if my organs were about to rupture.
As I crouched on the ground, Guard B returned with good news. “You’re allowed in—wait, what’s going on here?”
“Shut it,” Guard A snapped, kicking me to the ground.
I lay on my back, clutching my stomach, gasping in pain, yet I couldn’t help but laugh as I struggled to my feet. I staggered past them into the reception room, still rummaging through my pocket as I entered.
“Sorry, officers. Didn’t mean to cause any misunderstanding,” I said, bowing and tucking my head into my collar.
Their breathing was heavy, their faces twisted with anger, but they stayed put.
Too bad for them. If they hadn’t relayed the message, they could’ve beaten me to death without a second thought. But now that I was allowed inside, it meant their superiors needed to speak with me. What could they do?
The reception room was a serene space, with curtains swaying gently in the breeze. Scented candles and various intricate trinkets I’d never seen before adorned the room. Guards stood at each corner, and a lavish hallway stretched across the center, leading to two even more ornate doors. That must be where the real conversation was happening.
As I walked down the hallway, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirrored wall and paused for a moment.
I stared at the woman in the mirror—she stared back at me. Her black hair was tied into a low ponytail, and her face carried a faint smile. Her round eyes made her look particularly… honest. Her face was pale, her figure slim but not tall, and her clothes were clearly outdated. But she was pretty.
I mentally whistled at myself. Good job, genes.
There was no time for vanity, so I quickened my pace toward the doors, psyching myself up.
Chen Zhiwei, give it your all. You’re about to meet the person who holds your worthless life in their hands.
I pushed the door open.
*
“So, are you here to plead on her behalf?”
Jiang Sen leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. His raised eyebrows gave him a menacing air. “Do you think I’ll just tolerate your nonsense?”
He stood up.
Jiang Sen was tall and imposing, and his sudden rise made Yalian feel a wave of pressure.
But Yalian was never one to back down. He lifted his chin defiantly. “You’ll tolerate it because you have to. Don’t forget, without my family’s support, the Jiang family would’ve collapsed long ago! Who are you to accuse me of being unreasonable?”
“I haven’t accused you of anything since I walked in,” Jiang Sen said wearily, his sharp eyes like a hawk’s, his lips pressed into a thin line. “How much longer are you going to keep this up? Running off to this place, joining the rebels, and then carelessly giving away your engagement ring, flaunting it in front of me?”
Jiang Sen let out a cold laugh. “If you’re not being unreasonable, why did I have to come here with the inspection team to bail you out? Can’t you just stop causing trouble? No one’s forgotten your status, okay?”
“You haven’t accused me, but you’ve been giving me that look,” Yalian retorted, his beautiful eyes blazing. “You started by saying if I didn’t want to get engaged, I shouldn’t make a scene, then demanded I hand over my lover. Hilarious. You just want to accuse me of cheating first so you can break the engagement, don’t you?”
“What do you want me to say? That it’s all a misunderstanding? That I should understand my omega fell for some lowlife in prison and is now desperate to save her? Should I be happy about wearing this green hat?” Jiang Sen’s face turned icy as he pulled out a ring box and threw it at Yalian. “I’ve put up with your wild ideas and antics, but giving away the ring? How dare you—”
“You threw it at me!” Yalian shouted, his voice high-pitched with rage. “I must’ve been blind to think you still had any feelings for me. Where was this attitude when you were chasing after me like a dog?”
The bitterness in his heart refused to fade. No matter how many times he’d been disappointed, he still felt his eyes burning with unshed tears.
“What attitude do you want from me? Tell me! What the hell do you want? I’ve already been patient enough with you, haven’t I?” Jiang Sen’s chest was filled with rage. His long legs paced back and forth before he grabbed Yalian by the collar and pinned him against the wall. “You wanted to pretend to be a beta, I agreed. You wanted to come to this godforsaken place to clear your mind, I agreed. You said you didn’t like physical intimacy before marriage—”
“Click—”
The door swung open.
Both of them turned their heads.
*
Well, well.
So it’s an omega pretending to be a beta, no wonder he’s so feisty.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should interrupt this classic scene of a domineering alpha pinning a delicate omega against the wall. After all, according to drama tropes, they’d probably resolve their issues with a passionate moment.
But since you’ve run into me, don’t expect to make up. Rest assured.
I rushed forward, yanking Jiang Sen away and shielding Yalian behind me. “Are you okay? What’s going on?”
Tears were already streaming down Yalian’s face, but he still seemed anxious. “Why did you come out?”
“I… was worried about you.” I paused, then added, “I overheard some things, and I just found out—”
I glanced at Jiang Sen, whose expression was icy, then at Yalian, who was crying with pride, and said, “So you two are engaged.”
Jiang Sen sneered, “And what of it?”
I replied, “I don’t want you to misunderstand him. He didn’t know about the ring.”
That’s the third truth I’ve told.
My quota’s full.
Jiang Sen’s handsome features twisted in anger, and he looked even more furious. “Who do you think you are, meddling in our affairs?”
Yalian grabbed my wrist. “It’s fine. I’ll handle this.”
Jiang Sen’s rage deepened, and he roughly pulled me away. “You’ll handle it? How? What can you even do? Let me be clear, the Anderson family has ordered me to take you back and confine you.”
He smiled with a hint of satisfaction, his demeanor becoming more composed, even as his anger subsided. His eyes were filled with mockery. “One month. Why do you think I brought so many guards? Do you want to keep causing trouble?”
Jiang Sen slammed his hand on the table, and instantly, a swarm of guards rushed in, surrounding us.
Yalian’s face turned pale with shock.
I immediately shook off Jiang Sen’s grip and steadied Yalian by the shoulders, whispering, “I was supposed to die anyway.”
“Shut up, I already told you—”
Yalian’s breathing was rapid, but he gritted his teeth.
I took his hand and placed it in my pocket. “Your hand is so cold. Warm it up a bit.”
Yalian’s anger hadn’t subsided, and he didn’t look at me, instead glaring directly at Jiang Sen.
Jiang Sen’s aura grew even colder.
How should I put it? Isn’t this mutual affection?
But you upper-class folks seem to think you’ll die if you’re not arrogant.
I did my best to shield Yalian behind me, blocking Jiang Sen’s line of sight, and said, “If I’m the cause of all this, just kill me. I swear, we’ve never crossed any boundaries… it’s just…”
“Who gave you the right to speak?” Jiang Sen interrupted, laughing. “Since you’re about to die, stop talking so much.”
I wasn’t angry and replied earnestly, “I hope you’ll respect him. He’s not your property.”
Yalian’s hand, which I had placed in my pocket, twitched. He whispered, “You—”
So I pulled my hand out of my pocket, turned, and patted Yalian’s shoulder, smiling. “It’s okay. I’m sorry he misunderstood you, but it’s fine. I’m just glad to have met you.”
Jiang Sen scoffed. “What? Are you really putting on a lovey-dovey act in front of me?”
As soon as he finished speaking, his pupils suddenly contracted.
At that moment, I felt a warm, sticky sensation on my neck. I turned around to see Yalian’s eyes red, his black hair falling over his forehead. With lightning speed, he pulled out a pen, removed the cap, and plunged the tip into his neck. Blood sprayed out.
I immediately grabbed his hand, pinning him to the ground. “Let go! Let go! What are you doing?”
Jiang Sen clenched his teeth, not daring to act rashly, but his eyes were filled with exhaustion and disappointment. “Do you really have to go this far?”
Yalian didn’t look at me. Of course he didn’t. After all, I was just a tool in his game with Jiang Sen. He used me to perform his proud persona and as a means to assert his dominance.
I thought to myself.
Yalian looked at Jiang Sen and laughed. “You think I’m easy to control? Confine me, sure, of course. But in one month, I want to see her unharmed in front of me. Otherwise—”
He pushed the pen deeper into his neck, his rose-like lips turning pale, but his resolve remained unshaken.
“Whether I’m an omega, your fiancé, or the object of the alliance between the Anderson and Jiang families, I will never yield to you! Now, will you back down? Do you dare not to?”
Yalian’s shoulders shook with laughter, his breathing ragged, like a broken bellows.
He smiled at me. “It’s not your fault. You’re worth it. I promised you, and I’ll keep that promise. Without you, I wouldn’t have known what kind of person my fiancé really is.” His tone was laced with unmistakable provocation and mockery.
Tears streamed down my face as I tightly clutched his bleeding neck, silent, just staring at Jiang Sen.
Jiang Sen’s fists clenched tightly, his straight posture finally slumping. He rubbed the bridge of his nose before saying, “I agree.”
He roared, “Fine, you’ve got guts! I agree!”
Yalian finally relaxed, collapsing into my arms.
He was taken away by the guards.
I stared in confusion at the blood covering me, then touched my cheek, completely unprepared for how far things had escalated. I thought he’d at most point the pen at someone’s neck, whoever it might be.
As I was thinking this, Jiang Sen’s men had already grabbed me and shoved me into a car.
I glanced at him, feeling it wasn’t surprising after all.
When two prideful souls clash, it seems blood must be shed.
Jiang Sen stood outside the car, staring at me for a long time, his dark eyes burning with an unreadable fire.
I bit my lip, my eyes red, trying to convey hatred, determination, and… something else.
Before I could figure out what that other emotion was, Jiang Sen was already furious.
Good heavens, I didn’t do anything. Why is he mad at an innocent person?
