Chapter 22: You’re Like a Mistress

Chapter 22 You're Like a Homewrecker

Qi Zhengqing offered no reply, continuing to scroll through the photos. The air around them seemed to congeal, the atmosphere abruptly heavy, and no one dared to utter another word.

The first photo showed a dimly lit scene: Song Yuqing held from behind by an alpha, who was biting his neck.

Song Yuqing's expression was one of clear annoyance.

The second photo, taken in a hospital, depicted Song Yuqing applying medicine to Qi Ran, appearing as if they were kissing. It was a clumsy trick of perspective; a closer look revealed it was merely an illusion.

The third photo, set on a training ground, captured Pei Huai reaching out to catch Song Yuqing's tears. Song Yuqing's face was pale, his downcast eyelashes making him appear exceptionally fragile.

It wasn't just Pei Huai; probably any alpha would find it unbearable to let Song Yuqing's tears fall onto such dirty ground.

Truly beautiful.

A beauty no one could resist.

To be coveted was simply natural.

Qi Zhengqing lazily lifted his eyelids to glance at the person who had just spoken. His eyes, long and narrow, conveyed not warmth or casualness but a chilling detachment when he stared indifferently.

"Why did you stop talking?"

The authority of a superior commanded respect without needing anger. Even when he spoke with a smile, people would fret over misinterpreting his thoughts.

The person felt a prickle of unease under his gaze. Even a fool would know their words hadn't resonated with Qi Zhengqing.

The surroundings fell silent, no one daring to speak further. Then, Qi Zhengqing slowly began, "A wife's beauty, a husband's glory?"

"My wife will likely make me an alpha envied by all, wherever I go."

Perhaps all alphas would even wish for his early demise. Before his memorial tablet, those damned alphas would eagerly vie for his wife.

Even his stepson would openly claim Song Yuqing as an inheritance.

Of course, he didn't believe Song Yuqing was at fault.

Beauty was blameless; the fault lay with those who coveted it.

And the one who sent him these pictures was Qi Ran.

Qi Zhengqing tapped the screen, replying to his worthless son.

Dog tag.

It was just a dog tag. He neither cared for it nor wanted it.

No alpha would want a beta to be a dog.

Qi Ran's willingness to wear the dog tag Song Yuqing gave him stemmed from Qi Ran's own degradation. Alphas were always the superiors, the leaders. An alpha could never be someone's dog.

Qi Ran acting as Song Yuqing's dog was Qi Ran's own debasement.

He had never imagined he would ever stoop to being someone else's dog.

Being Song Yuqing's dog?

Absolutely not.

"Brother Huai, you..."

Pei Huai didn't even spare Pei Luo a glance. He took the box Pei Luo offered and waved him away, signaling him to leave.

Inside the box was a collar.

Made of leather, it closely resembled the one Song Yuqing had given Qi Ran.

But the name tag on the collar read—ph.

Pei Huai picked up the collar with extreme reluctance, looking into the mirror. The alpha's brows were tightly furrowed. He still couldn't breach that mental barrier—he would never wear it and become Song Yuqing's obedient little dog.

He had only bought it to examine it.

Pei Huai's mind was filled with the warmth of embracing Song Yuqing that day, and the searing heat of Song Yuqing's tears.

Hearing footsteps, Pei Huai immediately tossed the collar back into the box, fumbling to hide it.

He looked up to see Song Yuqing. Pei Huai felt a thrill, as if he had been caught in the act of secretly "being a dog" by Song Yuqing.

Yet, Song Yuqing still didn't look at him.

Heaven and hell could be separated by a single moment.

It wasn't unusual for Qi Ran to not return to the dorm at night. Qi Ran was diligent and self-sufficient. Song Yuqing was willing to nurture such a good child.

Song Yuqing sent Qi Ran a message.

T-T: [Remember to balance work and rest.]

After sending the message, Song Yuqing drifted into sleep. He had many tasks to manage daily, and even with abundant energy, he would still feel exhausted.

Moreover, Song Yuqing's physical condition wasn't particularly robust; he possessed a natural, sickly pale frailty, as if malnourished. When using his intellect, it was fine, as it required no physical exertion. But when physical strength was needed for a fight, it felt like he was pushing himself to the brink.

Every time after a fight, it felt as though he might die the next second.

The cold little robot's battery had run out, and it was quiet once more.

Pei Huai stood by the bed, perfectly positioned to observe Song Yuqing's sleeping form.

His raven-feather eyelashes gently curved downwards, his cheek pressed into the pillow, leaving a faint red mark on one side. His pale lips were as soft as flower petals.

Pei Huai carefully reached out to touch Song Yuqing's eyes, the tip of his nose, his lips, tracing his features.

He longed to defile Song Yuqing, to cover him entirely with his own impurities, to mark him completely, until even his reproductive cavity was filled with his filth.

If he defiled Song Yuqing, would Song Yuqing then belong entirely to him?

He yearned to mark Song Yuqing.

Why wasn't Song Yuqing an Omega?

If Song Yuqing were an Omega, once marked, he would only have him as his exclusive alpha. The alpha's tone was possessive, "Can't you just divorce and stay far away from other alphas?"

No alpha could tolerate their partner being entangled with other alphas. An alpha's possessiveness would only rage, making them want to hide their partner away.

"Is it only by locking you up that you would..."

Song Yuqing's eyelashes fluttered. Annoyed by Pei Huai's disturbance, he couldn't even be bothered to open his eyes. He raised his hand and sharply swatted Pei Huai's hand away.

"Go to sleep, stop being crazy."

Pei Huai instantly fell silent, having been hit by Song Yuqing again. Song Yuqing ordered him to sleep, in a tone one might use to command a dog.

It was a hard hit, very painful.

Song Yuqing's palm even turned pink from the impact.

Pei Huai's eyes were dark and unreadable. He should have felt humiliated, but instead, he ran his tongue over his teeth, feeling an indescribable excitement.

Perhaps, being Song Yuqing's dog wasn't so bad after all.

"Oh."

Pei Huai feigned indifference, but the smile on his lips couldn't be suppressed. "It's not like I'm listening to you; I'm just tired."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Song Yuqing ignored him.

The next day, Song Yuqing still hadn't seen Qi Ran.

He only received a message: a photo of the suppression collar he had given Qi Ran, sent from Qi Ran's phone.

Along with a simple location:

qr: [Psychology Room]

Song Yuqing: "..."

The suppression collar he gave Qi Ran had now become Qi Ran's identity marker. Was this the plot's inevitability? He had already told Qi Ran not to listen to Tan Shu, warned him that Tan Shu was not a good person, and even gave Qi Ran a suppression collar.

But Qi Ran still obediently removed the suppression collar and handed it over to that fox, Tan Shu.

It was as if his attempts to change things had become a crucial part of the plot.

Song Yuqing didn't know what to say. He could only go rescue his cheap son. Song Yuqing casually asked 88: "In the original plot, was hiding in the psychology room part of the 'play'? Did he go in voluntarily?"

88: "The original plot is just a soulless narrative. You just need to appear there; no one knows why you're there."

Great. An unimportant background character doesn't even need logical behavior.

Song Yuqing found no reference points at all.

The psychology room was located in the northeast corner of the campus, the quietest place in the entire school. The entire building was dedicated to psychology services, and each visitor was kept far apart to ensure privacy.

Song Yuqing entered the classroom mentioned in the message. As soon as he pushed the door open, he saw many mirrors.

A psychology room filled with mirrors was typically used for dance therapy or drama therapy.

But...

Song Yuqing gently tapped the mirror on the wall, and it produced a dull sound.

Song Yuqing lowered his gaze. One-way mirrors. One-way mirrors were also used in psychology rooms, but only with the patient's consent to observe their condition.

However, Tan Shu definitely wasn't using it to observe patients' conditions.

But to add a bit of excitement.

It was something only a pervert like Tan Shu could devise. Qi Ran was sprawled on the psychology room sofa. Song Yuqing tapped Qi Ran's face but couldn't wake him.

And he saw no trace of Tan Shu.

Song Yuqing guessed he might be in the adjacent room, observing his every move.

Just as Song Yuqing suspected, Tan Shu was in the next room. The room was completely dark, but he wasn't alone—there was another tall, well-built alpha.

The moment the alpha saw Song Yuqing appear, his eyes flashed with excitement.

Alpha: "Let me make this clear—if you get locked up by Song Yuqing later, there's nothing I can do. I don't know Song Yuqing's password."

Tan Shu: "I only asked you here to paint. Didn't you say Song Yuqing is your muse?"

"You're using me as part of your game?" Xiao Jinshi looked at Tan Shu, displeased.

Tan Shu said calmly, "I'm not like you. I don't blur the lines between acting and reality."

"I'm not some alpha driven solely by desire, devoid of thought. Don't you think winning Song Yuqing's love is more exciting?"

Xiao Jinshi merely smiled, saying nothing. Exciting?

He found it more exciting to forcefully take Song Yuqing's body.

Watching Song Yuqing's shocked, stubborn, yet desire-filled eyes was even more thrilling.

Tan Shu stared at the mirror, watching Song Yuqing pull Qi Ran up.

The prey had stepped into the trap; the bait was now useless.

Song Yuqing yanked Qi Ran up, and Qi Ran briefly regained consciousness.

Qi Ran's head was still spinning. Seeing Song Yuqing, he hesitated, "Why are you here?"

Song Yuqing said coldly, "No questions. Let's go quickly."

If they didn't leave, they'd be caught by that pervert Tan Shu.

Qi Ran reeked of ether. If they didn't move fast, they'd both be done for today.

Song Yuqing quickly stripped off Qi Ran's ether-soaked clothes and discarded them.

Tan Shu was the most sinister person he had ever met. Knowing Song Yuqing would come for Qi Ran, he used Qi Ran as poisoned bait.

He had no choice but to endure it and carry Qi Ran out.

Song Yuqing half-carried Qi Ran as he walked out. Pushing the door open, he felt dizzier and dizzier. Looking at Qi Ran, who had already passed out again, he finally reached the door but nearly collapsed.

Outside, the trees were verdant, the sunlight dazzling, and the wind rustled through the branches. It was a peaceful afternoon.

An afternoon full of hope.

Just a little further, and he could get Qi Ran out. Song Yuqing gritted his teeth and took another step forward.

The sunlight shone on his face, making it hard to keep his eyes open. He instinctively wanted to close them, but the next second, his body went limp and fell into a strong, broad embrace.

He completely lost consciousness.

He had caught the little rabbit.

Tan Shu scooped up Song Yuqing. He felt light in his arms—so light that he could lift Song Yuqing with one hand, so fragile he feared he might break him, as if holding a porcelain doll.

Why is he so thin? Doesn't he eat properly?

The exit turned into an entrance, leaving only the silhouette of the tall alpha carrying Song Yuqing into the shadows.

"He's really beautiful..."

"His nose, eyelashes, lips—all so captivating."

It was the kind of stunning beauty that left one's mind blank at first sight.

Like a rose, a silent temptation. Xiao Jinshi stared at Song Yuqing up close, his gaze almost obsessive.

He suddenly remembered a saying:

—The only way to get rid of temptation is to give in to it.

Xiao Jinshi leaned in to press his face against Song Yuqing's, but Tan Shu held a hand out to block him. "Today, Song Yuqing is my prey."

"You can't approach him or kiss him."

Xiao Jinshi sneered in response. Though Song Yuqing was Tan Shu's prey, shouldn't he have a claim since he was here?

Xiao Jinshi retreated to his position, that dark room, where he watched Song Yuqing like a shadowy male specter.

Yet, this feeling of sneaking a peek was thrilling too.

If only Song Yuqing could turn into a little doll, pocket-sized, so he could take him out to kiss and cuddle whenever he wanted. Even just a single finger would leave Song Yuqing flustered.

When Song Yuqing woke again, he was bound to a chair with two types of knots—one a slipknot, the other a dead knot.

His hands, feet, and body were restrained with red ropes, tied in a humiliating way.

His school uniform shirt was creased from the tight bonds, the red ropes wrapped tightly around the beta's slender waist, grazing his lower stomach.

His pale wrists were bound to the chair with red silk, a stark contrast between red and white.

It highlighted Song Yuqing's beauty and allure perfectly.

The cicadas hummed lazily, and the tree shadows danced, drifting into his line of sight. Song Yuqing instinctively closed his eyes but could still feel the heat burning his eyelids.

"Awake?" Tan Shu's tone was gentle. "Qingqing, are you surprised to see me?"

Seeing Tan Shu's face the moment he opened his eyes was no surprise, but it was annoying.

"Not surprised?"

Tan Shu smiled. "I know you're not surprised, but..."

"You knew it was a trap. How could you go this far for Qi Ran?"

The alpha's voice seemed calm, but there was a hint of gritted teeth in his tone.

He seethed with jealousy.

Song Yuqing didn't reply, nor did he want to speak to Tan Shu.

Tan Shu: "Do you hate me? But I've never shown any hostility toward you. I've even shown you nothing but kindness."

"Why?"

The alpha's fingers gently tugged the red rope, the knots brushing against his skin. Song Yuqing's thick, dark eyelashes fluttered like a dying butterfly's wings.

"You're so beautiful, Qingqing. I've never seen a beta as beautiful as you."

"No, I should say, a person as beautiful as you."

"So beautiful that every alpha, beta, and Omega would want to possess you."

"Psycho," Song Yuqing couldn't help but hiss under his breath.

Hearing Song Yuqing's curse, Tan Shu suddenly leaned in, almost kissing his lips. But Song Yuqing turned his head away, and the alpha's lips only brushed against his earlobe.

Tan Shu let out a soft chuckle. "Are you afraid I'll kiss you?"

"Qingqing, you're so adorable."

Tan Shu gently stroked Song Yuqing's shoulder blades, wanting to kiss him, but Song Yuqing's face was full of disgust. Song Yuqing truly despised him.

If he sullied Song Yuqing, would he hate him forever?

Tan Shu whispered into Song Yuqing's ear, "'Psycho'—that's what you meant to say from the start, wasn't it?"

Song Yuqing lowered his eyelashes, a hint of fragility in his expression. "Yes, you're a psycho. You followed me everywhere—did you get off on it?"

The beta's lips parted slightly. "You're a pervert. You should see a psychiatrist, but even they would think a pervert like you is a lost cause."

Now, Song Yuqing could only attack Tan Shu with words. "You blind bastard. The way you look at me with those lifeless eyes makes me sick."

He aimed straight for Tan Shu's weakness. Sure enough, Tan Shu's expression darkened as he stared at Song Yuqing. "You..."

"Song Yuqing, don't talk like that. It'll only backfire on you." Tan Shu's face was cold as he fixed his gaze on Song Yuqing.

Looking at this clever beta, he felt love and hatred for the first time.

He loved his beauty, his allure, his intelligence, but he also hated Song Yuqing's cleverness—how he saw through everything, observed everything, even when Tan Shu tried his best to hide it.

Song Yuqing lifted his eyes slightly, his gaze clear as glass beads fixed on him.

"I said..." Song Yuqing's voice was soft, his voice tender but words cutting, "you're a blind bastard. Your eyes disgust me."

The beta looked up at him, a silent standoff.

Tan Shu, furious, let out a cold laugh. "Fine, Song Yuqing. If you hate my eyes, I'll make you touch them. I'll use these very eyes to look at you."

"Press against your eyes."

A flash of disbelief crossed Song Yuqing's beautiful eyes, especially when Tan Shu lowered his head, burying it against him.

The hard gaze, the scorching breath, slowly rising.

The beta's eyes flushed with a seductive hue. Even with a cold, disgusted expression, he couldn't hide the captivating allure when touched.

Aloof yet captivating.

"You've gone too far, Tan Shu..."

So sweet, so intoxicating. Tan Shu thought he would be furious, that he would despise Song Yuqing for hitting his weak spot, stripping him of all dignity.

But at that moment he lowered his head, he couldn't tell if he wanted to embarrass Song Yuqing or if he was just impatient.

The cybernetic eye pressed against Song Yuqing through the alpha's skin and clothes—a form of redemption he had never imagined.

Across the one-way mirror, Xiao Jinshi watched the scene, both disgusted by Tan Shu's actions and utterly captivated by Song Yuqing's expression at that moment.

"So beautiful, brother," he thought.

As expected, even when treated like this, brother only showed an expression of annoyance and a desire to kill the other.

"What to do? I want it, I want it so badly—I want brother to show that expression for me too."

Even if brother locks me away countless more times, I'd still feel this way.

At this moment, Xiao Jinshi completely gave in to his desires, surrendered to Song Yuqing's beauty.

Tan Shu: "You really want to hit me, don't you?" he said.

Song Yuqing's gaze was icy; he didn't respond to Tan Shu. He had severely underestimated Tan Shu's perversion and shamelessness.

Every expression, every movement, even a single word from him could become a point of excitement for this damn alpha.

"Don't want to talk to me anymore?" Tan Shu asked.

"Qingqing, I didn't mean it—will you believe me?"

"Having your body isn't my goal; I just want you to like me."

Song Yuqing: "..." he muttered.

Damn bastard.

"Not talking to me? Then let's see what your husband wants to say to you."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Truly fucking insane.

Qi Ran's phone, its screen cracked like a spiderweb, appeared before Song Yuqing's eyes. The text read:

Qi Zhengqing: [Stop clinging to your father-in-law. Stay away from him—you're acting like a homewrecker.]

Author's Note:

Qingqing: ? Instead of worrying about your son, you should worry about other people.

Tan Shu & Xiao Jinshi: Old man, your cuckold's hat has more layers than grave grass.

Qi Zhengqing: ...

As Oscar Wilde wrote: The only way to get rid of temptation is to give in to it.

This quote is from *The Picture of Dorian Gray*, which also features a stunningly beautiful young man. My type is clearly just a weakness for beautiful people.