If It's for You, Take It

Shen Yi stood before Yuan Chen with the heavy envelope in his hand and answered:

"Yes, that was what your mother meant."

Although it was awkward to say it himself, Yuan Chen needed to know the truth. He gave a full account of Lin Shulan's visit, including the envelope of money.

"She even said it would be nice if we got married."

"Has she gotten senile in her old age?"

Yuan Chen tilted his head to one side. Even after hearing the whole story, he remained as indifferent as though it had nothing to do with him.

When he opened the envelope and saw the thick stack of banknotes inside, Shen Yi couldn't help letting out a quiet sigh. He believed Yuan Chen would surely find a solution.

"You should explain it to her yourself, President Yuan. The sooner the misunderstanding is cleared up, the better."

"Is that necessary?"

Yuan Chen leaned back in his chair and idly shuffled the banknotes in the envelope as though they were playing cards.

"Letting her misunderstand isn't such a bad thing."

"What?"

"I don't mind the gossip, my mother can put her mind at ease for now, and you get a bonus for nothing. Isn't that good for everyone?"

He tucked the exposed banknotes neatly back into the envelope, pushed it to the edge of the desk, and motioned for Shen Yi to take it.

"So we're just going to leave it alone?"

"Since we work together, misunderstandings like this will happen often. Do we have to explain every time?"

"At least to your mother, we should..."

"We aren't a couple, and you've already made your position clear. She's just harboring unrealistic hopes. If we clear up the misunderstanding, she'll only become more persistent. Why bother?"

With each of his points rebutted, Shen Yi had nothing left to say. Still, he felt uneasy and lingered in the office.

Yuan Chen rose from his chair and walked over to Shen Yi, his tall figure instantly filling Shen Yi's field of vision. He lifted the front of Shen Yi's suit jacket and slipped the envelope into the inner pocket.

As the weight settled into place, his slender fingers inadvertently brushed across the front of Shen Yi's shirt.

Yuan Chen patted his suit jacket. "If it's for you, take it. Don't overthink it."

The words weren't exactly gentle, but they were somehow reassuring. Shen Yi looked up. Whether it was Yuan Chen's words or the "spending money" in his inner pocket, he felt much more at ease.

He smiled faintly and straightened his suit jacket. "Could your mother actually be right? Do we look good together?"

"Keep talking nonsense and get out."

He had clearly been joking, yet the other man answered with a stern face. Shen Yi smiled awkwardly and looked away.

Now he was certain. Setting aside the mutual attraction between Alphas and Omegas, the chances of him and Yuan Chen developing feelings for each other were close to zero.

There was an event that evening.

Five minutes before it began, a black sedan pulled up outside the hotel's main entrance. A doorman respectfully opened the rear door, and Yuan Chen stepped out, expressionless.

He wore a black three-piece suit, his hair immaculately styled. Anyone would have considered him a dazzling Alpha man. Even without deliberately showing it, his innate air of privilege drew every eye.

Meanwhile, Shen Yi got out of the front passenger seat on his own. Although their seating clearly distinguished their positions, this detail also hinted at his status. He wasn't dressed as formally as Yuan Chen, but his suit was more expensive than his usual ones, and his bangs were neatly combed back, fully revealing his smooth forehead.

Shen Yi took the lead, acting as a guide. When they reached the entrance to the banquet hall hosting the event, he stopped at just the right moment. From here on, Yuan Chen was to walk ahead. Following their unspoken arrangement, he pushed open the heavy double doors for Yuan Chen, allowing him to enter the venue with his head held high.

Beneath lights that glittered like stars, the sponsorship evening officially began. Champagne glasses filled the spaces between complementary floral arrangements and glass artworks, while guests stood in small groups, raising their glasses and chatting.

Shen Yi always remained two steps behind Yuan Chen. When Yuan Chen moved, he followed closely; when Yuan Chen spoke to someone, he lowered his gaze and listened quietly. He followed like a shadow, alert to every move of the man he served. This was how a president's special assistant ought to conduct himself.

Someone requested a private conversation with Yuan Chen. Because the subject was sensitive, they needed to find another place.

As it happened, the banquet hall had several secluded terraces that were ideal for confidential discussions. While Yuan Chen spoke inside, Shen Yi stood guard at the entrance, keeping others from approaching.

The wait was painfully dull. With nothing to do, he surveyed the banquet hall. It was a grand affair, with celebrities and prominent figures everywhere.

Parties and events had long since become routine, nothing remarkable in Shen Yi's eyes. But in the spacious room, where all kinds of pheromones mingled, his nose began to hurt.

Did Yuan Chen have to endure this every time? It really wasn't easy.

Things he had never noticed as a Beta were gradually becoming clear. Alpha pheromones, considered superior, weren't pleasant in every respect.

To avoid making mistakes, he had been keeping his pheromones under constant control. His fatigue was far worse than when he had been a Beta. Shen Yi rolled his neck from side to side, trying to ease the tension in his body.

"Hello."

Suddenly, someone approached him with an air of familiarity. Few people ever took the initiative to speak to a secretary, so Shen Yi was puzzled. He quickly composed his expression and responded politely:

"Hello."

The face was unfamiliar. The man looked quite young, barely into his twenties. Shen Yi quickly searched his mental database but knew nothing about him. Judging by his tailcoat, however, he was probably an important guest at the event.

"You're Secretary Shen, aren't you? It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Oak, from the Medical Foundation."

"I've heard much about you. I'm Shen Yi."

They exchanged names as a formality, then shook hands. Secretary-General Oak should be Olay's second son from the Medical Foundation. Shen Yi instantly grew alert: this man was an Alpha.

Pheromones were like body odor. No matter how carefully they were suppressed, traces remained. This was the most basic way to distinguish an Alpha from an Omega.

"If you're looking for President Yuan, he's meeting with someone."

"What unfortunate timing. Actually, I was hoping to take this opportunity to get to know you."

Contrary to his regretful tone, the man showed no disappointment. Instead, he looked at Shen Yi with a meaningful smile.

His profession had taught Shen Yi to quickly see through people's hidden intentions. Was this man's smile sincere, a matter of social etiquette, or a sign of ulterior motives? Clearly, it was the last.

Shen Yi politely folded his hands and bowed slightly.

"Of course. I'll be sure to pass that on to President Yuan."

"Thank you so much. Secretarial work really is impressive. Not only are you capable, you're trustworthy in so many ways."

"You're too kind."

"I hate people who are prejudiced against Omegas. What century are we living in? Ability is obviously more important."

The man gazed at Shen Yi with a smile, using his pheromones to probe the Omega before him. Rather than having any particular objective, he was simply curious. An Omega secretary? He had even made a bet with his friends. Could one remain professional in a setting like this? He had bet that the answer was no.

"..."

But Shen Yi only looked at Oak calmly, his expression unchanged. Such composure was extraordinary.

"Mr. Oak, are you feeling unwell?"

"What?"

"Your pheromones are very unstable. Perhaps you need to rest?"

Finding that Shen Yi was showing concern for him instead, the man burst out laughing. But soon, under the gazes turning toward them, his face flushed red.

"What nonsense are you talking about..."

Oak muttered under his breath, unable to conceal his irritation. He was young, after all, and still poor at controlling his emotions. He awkwardly averted his gaze and hurriedly excused himself.

Shen Yi straightened his posture and offered faint smiles to those looking his way, as though nothing had happened.

Behind his back, however, his fists were already clenched tight. Assaulted by the Alpha's intensely aggressive pheromones, he felt the lunch he had eaten earlier threatening to rise into his throat. He forced down the nausea and a wave of chills, struggling to maintain his outward calm.

Shen Yi closed his eyes and smiled bitterly to himself.

Living as an Omega was no way for a person to live.