Brother, You're Screwed

The riverside was always shrouded in a misty gray haze in the morning.

Ye Qingpu forced open his heavy eyelids and looked at the person still asleep beside him.

He instinctively twisted his waist, only to groan in pain.

Pei Wensu, still half-asleep, swiftly opened his eyes and pulled him closer. One hand gently massaged Ye Qingpu's aching waist.

"Brother's awake so early."

Pei Jiaqian narrowed his eyes. His voice held the distinctive rasp of someone newly awake, his tone still thick with drowsiness.

"My body clock."

Even though Pei Jiaqian had not let him go until nearly dawn, Ye Qingpu still woke up right on schedule.

"Sleep a little longer."

Pei Jiaqian draped a leg over Ye Qingpu's legs, sounding almost like he was acting cute.

Ye Qingpu painstakingly fished out his phone and checked the time. There was still plenty of time before work.

"By the way, Brother, the deputy mayor is holding a coming-of-age ceremony for his omega son. Are you going?"

As Pei Jiaqian spoke, he shifted positions and rested his chin on Ye Qingpu's head.

"I am."

Though he was not particularly willing to go himself, Ye Qingpu could not refuse Harbor City's deputy mayor.

"I understand." Pei Jiaqian opened his eyes and suddenly became serious.

"I'm a qualified bed partner, right?"

"...Why are you suddenly saying that?"

"Brother won't be angry with me, right?" Pei Jiaqian's voice carried a pleading note.

Ye Qingpu found him rather inexplicable and could not be bothered to keep indulging his clinginess. He got up, grabbed his clothes, and went into the bathroom.

By the time he finished washing up, Pei Jiaqian had already changed the sheets and was sitting silently on the edge of the bed, watching him.

Ye Qingpu quietly changed his clothes.

"Brother."

"Mm?" Ye Qingpu responded instinctively.

"I have to go home for a while. I might not have time to come see you over the next few days."

Hearing the disappointment in his voice, Ye Qingpu sighed helplessly. After fastening his shirt stays, he stepped forward, cupped Pei Jiaqian's face, and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Then, like he was teasing a puppy, he ruffled his fluffy curls.

"Spend some quality time with your parents."

"I've never had any other bed partners."

"You're very qualified. Almost outstanding."

"And happy belated birthday."

Pei Jiaqian looked at him with emotion. His glittering eyes were filled with restrained forbearance.

"There are ingredients in the fridge. Cook whatever you want to eat. All right, I'm heading to work."

Only afterward did Ye Qingpu feel embarrassed. Carrying his briefcase, he headed out.

Pei Jiaqian lay flat on the bed, a trace of loneliness flashing over his face. He hugged the pillow Ye Qingpu had slept on and buried his face deeply into it.

Before leaving, he had left behind a plush charm. He had made it at the institute a few days ago, and it carried his pheromones. During the days he was away, he hoped it could help Ye Qingpu, who was still particularly sensitive in the later stages of his transition.

Over the following days, just as Pei Jiaqian had said, he did not go looking for Ye Qingpu.

Meanwhile, Jiang Jifu was constantly running around here and there, and was rarely seen.

Ye Qingpu felt like he had become one of those left-behind family members again... Then it hit him belatedly that he had already reached the age where people called him uncle.

"Boss, the car is here. If you're ready, we can leave," the assistant said.

Ye Qingpu adjusted his tie before speaking.

"What about the item we prepared?"

"It's in the car, custom-made French luxury goods as you instructed."

"Mm."

Ye Qingpu nodded and stepped into the car in his dress shoes.

"Are we going straight to the Harbor Seat Hotel?" the assistant asked.

"Mm."

The Harbor Seat Hotel was Harbor City's most luxurious hotel, located in the central district. It also hosted banquets, and the deputy mayor's son's coming-of-age ceremony was being held there.

Half of Harbor City's elite would probably be gathered there today. Just thinking about it gave Ye Qingpu a headache—there would surely be endless pleasantries to exchange.

A notification suddenly drew Ye Qingpu's attention. He took out his phone and looked at it, his eyes inadvertently revealing a trace of disappointment. Still, he tapped it open. It was from Jiang Jifu, who was tearfully complaining that his father had dragged and practically tied him up before hauling him to the coming-of-age ceremony.

Ye Qingpu smiled helplessly. Just as he was about to put away his phone, a new message popped up. His heart jolted, and he quickly opened it.

"Brother, be careful on the way here."

"Brother knows I like you very, very, very... much, right?"

Seeing a message from someone who had not contacted him for days, a hint of tenderness appeared in Ye Qingpu's eyes, perhaps without even his realizing it.

Judging by the meaning behind those words, Ye Qingpu thought he would probably see that kid at the venue. Though Pei Jiaqian's father was not from Harbor City, it had long been rumored that he was close with some of Harbor City's prominent figures. Since Pei Jiaqian knew about this coming-of-age ceremony, he would presumably be there as well.

Perfect. He could make up for the birthday gift then.

With that thought, a faint smile appeared on Ye Qingpu's lips. He slipped a small box into the inner pocket of his suit, anticipation quietly growing in his heart.

By the time they reached the parking garage, he was walking noticeably faster toward the elevator.

As the elevator rose floor by floor, the instant its doors opened, the sound of piano music from the banquet drifted into his ears, while reporters at the venue swarmed forward.

Ah... all kinds of pheromone scents... Ye Qingpu frowned instinctively. He still was not entirely used to being an omega.

"Mr. Ye!"

The deputy mayor was the first to greet him. The two shook hands and exchanged a few pleasantries before Ye Qingpu turned and signaled for his assistant to present the congratulatory gift.

"Mr. Ye, this is my son, Jian Wen. He's a double S-rank omega and has been abroad until now," the deputy mayor introduced the person beside him.

Without showing it, Ye Qingpu assessed the tall, strikingly beautiful young man before him. Golden hair, refined features, pale eyes with a hint of shyness, and a silk lace shirt—he was beautiful as a doll.

"I'm Ye Qingpu. Nice to meet you."

Ye Qingpu politely extended his hand.

"Hello. Thank you for attending."

The beautiful omega timidly returned the handshake and gave a slight nod.

After the three exchanged a few words, the deputy mayor led Jian Wen away to greet the other distinguished guests.

Ye Qingpu swept his gaze around the room and immediately spotted the red-haired young man, so he walked over.

"Uncle, you're here!"

Jiang Jifu put down his champagne and politely, if somewhat awkwardly, nodded at the person he had been speaking with.

"An omega?"

Ye Qingpu asked, watching the departing figure.

"Yeah. My dad forcibly dragged me here, claiming he wanted to broaden my horizons, but he's really treating me like a product to market. He's terrified that an alpha like me won't find anyone who wants me." Jiang Jifu let out a heavy sigh.

Amused, Ye Qingpu patted his shoulder and looked around with practiced poise.

Jiang Jifu pouted in dissatisfaction, then lifted his chin.

"There. Over there."

Ye Qingpu followed his gaze, only to meet Pei Jiaqian's eyes at that exact moment.

Both of them froze.

The kid had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, the classic build for wearing anything well. After just a few days apart, his hair had grown quite a bit. He had copied those old-fashioned workplace elites and slicked it back, but what was with those few strands hanging over his forehead? Was that intentional styling? Why did it make him look a little wild and roguish? Still, the outfit was restrained yet sexy.

Pei Jiaqian nodded apologetically to the person beside him, set down his wineglass, and walked over.

"Brother, you cut your hair."

"Mm." Ye Qingpu nodded. With his hair cut shorter, he looked far more bold and eye-catching.

"Come with me."

Without waiting for a response, Pei Jiaqian smiled gently and handed Ye Qingpu a plate.

"What are you doing?"

Watching him place little desserts onto his plate, Ye Qingpu smiled helplessly.

"I've tried them. These little desserts are delicious."

Pei Jiaqian turned and smiled, but a trace of loneliness flickered through his eyes.

Ye Qingpu did not notice the emotion in his eyes. He only sensed someone watching him and instinctively looked back. What entered his sight was a powerful-looking middle-aged man staring directly at him.

Ye Qingpu gave a slight nod in greeting. When he looked back and saw that his plate was nearly piled full, he could not help laughing.

"That's too much. I can't finish it."

Only then did Pei Jiaqian put down the tongs. He looked at Ye Qingpu as though he wanted to say something, but hesitated.

"By the way, can we talk alone after the banquet? I have something for you."

"...Mm." Pei Jiaqian looked quietly at him and forced a smile.

Ye Qingpu thought he seemed a little strange, but did not press him. After Pei Jiaqian was called away, he simply found a seat and sat down.

Before long, Jiang Jifu approached Ye Qingpu with a troubled expression and sat beside him.

"Um, Uncle."

"Mm?" Ye Qingpu looked at him.

"...Sigh, never mind. The atmosphere at this banquet is pretty good. Rich people really are different. This coming-of-age ceremony is so lively—I heard even the mayor came."

Jiang Jifu gave two dry laughs, completely forgetting that his own coming-of-age ceremony had also been held here.

As the guests gradually took their seats, the deputy mayor stood at the front hall with a microphone. Jian Wen and the middle-aged man who had exchanged looks with Ye Qingpu earlier stood beside him, while the mayor sat in the very front row.

The deputy mayor began with a few words of thanks, then raised tea in place of wine before announcing that the Jian Household would soon be entering into a marriage alliance.

This was nothing unusual in high society. Marriage alliances were practically commonplace.

Still, Ye Qingpu was curious. The Jian Household was wealthy and influential, and their son was a double S-rank omega. Which young master from Harbor City could possibly be considered a suitable match?

After the deputy mayor kept everyone in suspense long enough to draw laughter from the crowd, he finally got to the point. Amid a grand introduction, Ye Qingpu saw a familiar figure slowly step onto the stage and stand directly beside Jian Wen.

At first glance, he was striking enough to seize anyone's attention.

"On this auspicious day, I have another piece of good news to announce. My son, Jian Wen, will formally enter into a marriage alliance with CR Group's... alpha heir, the deputy chief director of the Italian Institute of Biological Research... Young Master Pei Jiaqian."

As his words fell, thunderous applause erupted throughout the banquet hall.

Ye Qingpu silently clenched his hand. His breathing became shallow as his gaze rested on the person onstage, before settling into stillness in an instant.

Jiang Jifu, who had been silently watching Ye Qingpu, finally felt his suspended heart die completely. He quietly reached over and patted Ye Qingpu's slightly trembling leg.

Sigh... Good luck, brother... Jiang Jifu glanced helplessly at the man onstage, who wore a gentle smile. When that man had asked Jiang Jifu to help cover for him and take care of his uncle without explaining why, Jiang Jifu had thought he was somehow part of their play. Instead, the guy had come right out with something this huge...

Ye Qingpu did not know when the person onstage had come down. When he came back to himself, he was already holding a wineglass and exchanging pleasantries with people from the world of fame and fortune.

He could not hear what he himself was saying or remember what pleasantries he had exchanged with others. He simply smiled and chatted, then drank glass after glass.

"Uncle... Stop drinking..."

Jiang Jifu quietly pulled him aside.

Ye Qingpu looked somewhat displeased, then smiled helplessly.

Right... the world of fame and fortune...

Yet only moments later, he was surrounded by the owner of this company and the chairman of that company, all raising glasses to toast him.

By the middle of the banquet, Ye Qingpu was already somewhat drunk. After offering his farewells, he took the elevator downstairs.

He loosened his tie and casually threw the item from inside his suit into a trash can. The instant he sat in the car, he could no longer endure the twisting pain in his stomach and braced himself against the seat as he vomited blood.

Jiang Jifu's face went deathly pale. He instructed the assistant to take Ye Qingpu to the hospital, then hurried back to the banquet hall to retrieve his coat and phone. On the way, he dragged Pei Jiaqian, who was chatting and laughing with others, into the restroom.

"Where's Brother?"

Pei Jiaqian straightened the collar that had been rumpled from being grabbed.

"You fucking—"

Jiang Jifu punched him in the face, then angrily tossed a small box into his arms. Pointing at his nose, he cursed in a low voice.

"Fuck, you asked me to help you cover things up, and then you fucking dropped a bomb like this... Brother, you're screwed. I wish you and your double S-rank omega a hundred years of happiness. Now get as far away as you can!"

Without waiting for him to react, Jiang Jifu rushed frantically toward the hospital.