Squeezed into the subway against his will, Chen Bei had his cheek squashed against the glass. His wise, profound gaze rested on the darkness of the tunnel as he began sorting through the plot in his head.
"Oh my, so this is what a rich young master is really like" was actually a reality lifestyle show independently developed by the film and television company under the Luo Group, soon to enter the entertainment market.
On the surface—Old Luo intended to create an approachable image for the Top Alpha elite family, ease extreme resentment toward the rich, and make the show a propaganda tool that would close the distance between them and ordinary omegas and betas, making the latter willingly work themselves to the bone.
In reality—Old Luo knew exactly what little shits his grandsons were. He wanted to use the reality show to give them a harsh lesson and lay down the rules, selecting the ultimate successor based on their performances. It bore a striking resemblance to a certain satellite TV show, Metamorphosis.
A novel combining an ABO setting with domineering CEO elements was already melodramatic enough. Add the entertainment industry into the mix... and it became more than a little deranged. The later livestreams practically turned into a tenth-anniversary edition of the Korean drama The Heirs-
Endless posing, flaunting wealth, fighting over people, competition among women, among men, among omegas, and even gut-wrenching little romantic dramas that could unfold anytime, anywhere.
Yet this hollow, insubstantial trash of a variety show moved the viewers to floods of tears. Then they whipped out their keyboards to demand a happy ending, driving the entire novel toward its climax...
But in fact,
Love was merely camouflage for the struggle for power and profit. In reality, the Top Alpha family was rife with intrigue, every one of them wanting the others dead so they could seize the right to inherit hundreds of billions in assets.
The original owner of the body Chen Bei had transmigrated into was a casualty of this wealthy family's infighting. He was forcibly written out not long after the show began, without even the trouble of describing how he died...
He had planned to resign early and escape his miserable, melodramatic fate,
But Old Luo was offering way too much!
One last paycheck, then I'll run.
"We will shortly arrive at Taoyuan Road. Passengers getting off, please prepare to exit."
Chen Bei came back to his senses, braced both hands against the doors, and hauled himself back, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Make way, I'm getting off."
Fuck this bullshit ABO world.
Even the body types had to be so discriminatory. Omegas had no advantage whatsoever when cramming into the subway, okay?
Though his previous life had ended in suicide, Chen Bei, who was actually a ruthless workhorse, walked out of the subway cursing.
Meanwhile, in the CEO's office, the sound of a potted plant shattering slipped through the gap beneath the door.
The employees at their desks all pricked up their ears, their eyes gleaming with gossip.
"Not only wasn't he fired, he got a raise?"
"Is the old man trying to slap me in the face?"
"Heh, isn't that livestreamed variety show about to start?"
"Three minutes. Get me all the information on the show!"
"I'll force him to resign himself!"
Standing before the desk, the finance director trembled as he forced himself to speak calmly. "President Luo, Assistant Chen was personally appointed by the old master, after all..."
"So what?" Luo Chen's lips curved in contempt. "The old man's getting on in years. The entire group will be handed over to me sooner or later!"
Hearing this, the finance director hurriedly glanced behind him. Only when he saw that the office door was firmly shut did he relax and advise in a low voice, "President Luo, there are eyes and ears everywhere in the company. You must be careful about what you say."
Luo Chen frowned impatiently, his gaze falling on the photographs delivered by the private investigator. His voice held a hint of puzzlement. "Didn't you say Special Assistant Chen earns a high annual salary? Why is he squeezing onto the subway and renting an apartment?"
The finance director said, "I've asked Special Assistant Chen about that too. He told me his philosophy on spending is,"
"'Save where you should, spend where you should. Ride a bicycle to the bar.'"
Luo Chen said, "..."
He looked up. "Ride what to the bar?"
The finance director was just about to repeat himself when a knock sounded at the office door.
Without waiting for Luo Chen to answer, the person outside pushed the door open and entered.
"Bro, I missed you. Thought I'd come see you."
At the sound of that lazy, languid voice, the finance director turned and immediately bowed and scraped. "Hello, Second Young Master."
"You can leave." Luo Chen tipped his chin.
As though granted a pardon, the finance director scurried out of the office, then shut the door securely with impeccable professionalism.
In an instant, only two people remained in the spacious, lavish executive office.
Luo Ming pulled out a chair and sat down, crossing his legs as he did. "What are you busy with?"
As he spoke, his casual gaze fell on the desk.
The photographs of Chen Bei crammed onto the subway were particularly eye-catching. Luo Ming's lips curved involuntarily. "This Special Assistant Chen is interesting. Could you transfer him to my department and let me borrow him?"
Luo Chen put the photographs away expressionlessly, his voice cold. "He's a person, not an object. He can't just be lent out."
"What if he wants to?" Luo Ming leaned forward, fixing him with an intent stare.
Luo Chen paused briefly, then said with certainty half a second later, "He's utterly loyal to me. Why would he want to?"
"Utterly loyal, really?" Luo Ming raised an eyebrow. After a pause, his lips curved into a wicked smile. "Then do you know what his pheromones smell like?"
Luo Chen said, "..." He wears those Scent-blocking Patches so securely every day. How would I know?
Without waiting for his older brother to answer, Luo Ming rose from his chair, his expression returning to its usual languor. "I came to tell you that, for the livestreamed variety show Grandpa arranged, we should do our best to act like loving brothers,"
"So he won't worry."
Luo Chen snorted. "I don't need you reminding me. Remember your place and don't overstep. Some things aren't even yours to covet."
Only after Luo Ming left the office, walked straight into the elevator, and his tall figure disappeared completely did the gossip start up at the desks.
"Oh my god, those elite-family genes really are something. Those faces are heaven-sent. What a waste not to become celebrities!"
"Luo Ming's even hotter than our CEO. If only I could switch departments and work for him."
"Huh, where's Special Assistant Chen? Why hasn't he come to work today? He's never been late before. Is he sick?"
"I'm so jealous that he gets to come and go among the rich and have close contact with all those handsome men. Ordinary omegas and betas like us don't stand a chance."
"It's not like there's no chance at all. Have you heard? The Luo Family's about to launch a livestreamed variety show. Even the young masters studying abroad are rushing back. We'll get to observe rich people's lives up close this time. Just thinking about it is exciting!"
"Really? Then I'm definitely camping out in that livestream. I really want to see whether the young masters have to strain when they poop, just like us..."
Their whispers grew increasingly unrestrained, and they failed to notice someone quietly approaching.
"I can confirm that they're just like us."
"Huh?" At the clear, pleasant voice beside their ears, the employees turned in surprise. "Special Assistant Chen?! What did you say-"
Chen Bei curved his lips in a gentle smile. "I said I can confirm that they have to strain when they poop too."
"The CEO was constipated once and ran out of toilet paper. I was the one who brought him some..."
He was only halfway through when a roar suddenly erupted from the CEO's office.
"Special Assistant Chen, get your ass in here!"
Who said you could tell people I was constipated?!
Before you continue