Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Bai Chen's face flushed instantly.

He chuckled awkwardly, his expression innocent and sincere, and apologized earnestly, "I'm sorry, there have been quite a few strange communications lately."

At the same time, Bai Chen extended his hand, trying to ease the tension, "Hello... I'm Bai Chen."

His gaze wandered, checking if there were any suspicious reflections from cameras around. The man's brows furrowed slightly, his lips unmoving. The Alpha looked down at him with a cool, distant gaze and said indifferently, "Xie Yilin."

Xie Yilin?

Bai Chen was certain he hadn't heard this name before, yet it felt oddly familiar.

Not from someone mentioning it, but rather...

He racked his brain but came up empty. Instinctively, he tilted his head slightly, meeting the man's gaze with a look of confusion. Their eyes locked, and Bai Chen noticed the man's unusual eye color—not pure black, but a rare light gray.

This made the man's demeanor appear even more aloof and cold, as if he weren't a real person but a machine made of cold, unfeeling metal.

His voice was low and icy, like silent snowflakes in winter, chilling to the bone and paralyzing.

Under this icy stare, Bai Chen felt as if he were about to freeze too. Summoning courage, he flashed a professional, sweet smile, dimples showing, and asked politely, "Mr. Xie, what can I do for you?"

"..."

The man narrowed his eyes again, fixing him with an intense gaze without speaking.

The atmosphere turned awkward again. Just then, someone hurried over from the staircase nearby, calling, "Wait... Your Highness!"

Your Highness???

Bai Chen blinked, wondering if he'd misheard—right, the caller had claimed to be from the royal external affairs office. So, this Alpha was a noble with royal blood?

Only those above a duke could be called "Your Highness."

No wonder.

Bai Chen thought to himself, annoyed, watching as the person approached. Dressed like an attendant or assistant—it didn't matter. The young man, out of breath, caught up and gasped, "Your Highness, you... you walked too fast. With an Omega, we have to..."

Xie Yilin stepped back, his lips twitching slightly, "This is Bai Chen."

"Oh... Mr. Bai."

The young man cut himself off and introduced, "I'm Xiao Ling, His Highness's adjutant. My second role is as a staff member in the royal external affairs office..."

It was also him who had made the earlier call.

Bai Chen extended his hand as well, but for some reason, the other man flinched, avoiding the gesture. Xiao Ling coughed awkwardly, "Mr. Bai, would it be convenient to talk inside?"

He seemed nervous, "We're not scammers or bad people, really!"

Bai Chen couldn't help but chuckle.

At this point, he couldn't just shut the door.

The charming Omega stepped aside, letting the two Alphas enter. The room was comfortably decorated, with many cushions scattered on the sofa, looking soft and cozy. Xiao Ling's initial surprise was instantly melted away by the Omega's dimples, and he sat down with a silly grin.

He picked up a teacup and sighed at how comfortable an Omega's home was—fragrant, soft, making you want to sit down, lie down, and never get up...

Then, a cold gaze fell upon him.

"Ahem!"

Xiao Ling straightened his back, immediately putting on a serious face. "Mr. Bai, His Highness wishes to speak with you. I'll excuse myself now."

He hurried out, making sure to close the door behind him. The room was left with just the two of them. Bai Chen held his breath, his fingers unconsciously fidgeting with the hem of his clothes.

Xie Yilin sat alone on the sofa.

His expression was icy, his demeanor calm and collected. A moment later, the man leaned forward slightly, interlacing his fingers, and spoke in a low voice, "I’d like to propose a deal to you."

Bai Chen: ...What?

"I’m an Alpha."

Bai Chen: ...Oh?

"My background and family are... unique."

Bai Chen: ...Really?

Though a thousand thoughts raced through his mind, his expression stayed calm. The man seemed momentarily affected, but then Xie Yilin’s fingers tensed slightly, and an electronic check appeared on his wristwatch.

The amount was already filled out.

A sum that even Bai Chen found staggering.

The electronic check was fully prepared, ready to be sent immediately. As Bai Chen stared in shock, Xie Yilin initiated the transaction and asked in a deep voice, "I’d like you to agree to a three-year contract with me."

"...A sham marriage. I need an Omega."

"Our compatibility falls within the acceptable range."

Bai Chen: ...W-what???

His eyes widened as he stared at Xie Yilin in disbelief.

The man stared intently, his gray eyes piercing into him. A chill ran down Bai Chen’s spine, and as if compelled, he blurted out, "You’re Xie Yilin?"

Xie Yilin looked down and said, "Yes."

Xie Yilin.

Bai Chen remembered why the name sounded familiar—

Isn’t this... isn’t this the infamous cold-blooded demon... the one serving in the Empire’s Lionheart Corps...

The Crown Prince of the Empire!!!

In the silent living room, the Omega and the Alpha locked eyes, neither speaking for a full thirty seconds.

***

Bai Chen belatedly remembered who Xie Yilin was.

The Crown Prince of the Empire, an Alpha, single and unmarried.

A military serviceman, the youngest general in the history of the Empire.

With a long list of military achievements, the most famous was the Battle of Keshan three years ago.

That battle captured the attention and excitement of the entire empire.

Before that, it was unknown that the Crown Prince served in the Lionheart Glory Corps, and through accumulated military merits, he had attained the rank of Major General.

At the brink of the frontline's collapse, with just one mecha, he turned the tide, standing resplendent on the battlefield in a manner that no one could have imagined or described, reclaiming the Keshan base, lost to the empire for twelve long years.

...It must be known, that was the empire's shame from over a decade ago, the most sorrowful page in the empire's history.

And it was this Alpha before us, with his formidable command ability and unparalleled individual combat skills, who alone was like an army, defeating tens of thousands of vast Federation mechas.

He is the undisputed strongest of all Alphas, and now the empire's god of war.

Yet...

Perhaps because he is a military officer, Xie Yilin's reputation among the populace is far from favorable.

Some media have highlighted his heroic deeds on the battlefield, but it is seen as a symbol of tyranny and cruelty; in official propaganda, his mecha is almost always blood-soaked, causing Omegas to recoil in panic at the sight; and many pacifists believe he provokes wars on his own, demanding the military impose strict restrictions on him...

There are also rumors that he was in an uncontrollable rage at that time, and any Federation soldiers who witnessed his carnage have since been trapped in inescapable nightmares.

Everyone seems convinced that Xie Yilin is a terror, chilling and fearsome, his hands forever stained with blood.

Just a few days ago, Bai Chen overheard passersby discussing.

"If the Crown Prince becomes the next emperor, wouldn't that mean we'll be at war every day?"

"Right, after so long of peace, why provoke war? The Federation is so weak, they're no match for us..."

"Speaking of which, I heard the Crown Prince once lost control and had an incident..."

"Indeed, compared to him, the second prince seems more popular. It's a pity the second prince was born too late..."

...In summary, Xie Yilin has a few nicknames among the people.

Child-silencing terror, killing machine, bloodthirsty executioner... oh yes, Omegas especially dislike him.

Delicate and lovely Omegas favor fragrant flowers, soft feathers, gently brushing breezes, and all sorts of sweet nothings; they turn pale at the mention of the battlefield, covering their mouths, tears brimming in their eyes, pleading for the conversation to end.

So...

It seems quite normal for him to find a suitable Omega and propose a sham marriage agreement.

Bai Chen: ...Also very reasonable.

The Omega begins to seriously consider.

Given the unique dynamics of the ABO society, the empire has naturally introduced a series of policies encouraging AO unions. Especially Alphas and Omegas, who are the primary focus of marriage initiatives.

As the Crown Prince of the Empire, Xie Yilin, already 27 or 28 years old, being concerned about his marriage seems to be a matter of course.

Moreover, moreover—he's offering an irresistible deal!

Bai Chen admits he's tempted.

He falls into deep thought, a few strands of hair falling over his forehead, covering his delicate brows and eyes. In a house filled with the scent of Omega life, the Alpha across from him does not glance aside, so his gaze occasionally focuses on one spot. Xie Yilin's eyes sweep over his fair cheeks, pausing at the straight nose, and the pink, petal-like lips.

The Alpha suddenly speaks up.

"I know this is a difficult decision."

His tone was rational, calm, and objective, as if he were completely detached, as if it were not about him. "Even in a sham marriage, I am not a suitable candidate for a husband."

Violence, bloodshed, the constant risk of becoming a widow—these traits were enough to make any Omega scream and keep their distance, never wanting to associate with him.

"So, if you have any other concerns or need to adjust any details."

"We can discuss it in detail."

Bai Chen looked up.

The Alpha seemed cold and unfeeling, like a flawless statue carved by divine hands in a frozen wasteland.

Handsome, flawless, but distant, even his scent was faint, with a subtle hint of bitter patchouli.

The Omega blinked.

His thick eyelashes fluttered slightly, and his clear, lively eyes—black and white—suddenly curved into a smile, his eyes and brows instantly lit up.

Then, the Omega straightened up, spread his arms forward, and tilted his head, making a request.

"Prince Xie Yilin."

"May I..."

"hug you first?"

He added earnestly, "Just one."