Chapter 32: Nominal Partner

Chapter 32: The Nominal Partner

Song Yuqing eyed Ye Siling suspiciously, as if questioning what he had said to Qi Zhengqing that prompted the video call.

Ye Siling sneered inwardly, finding Qi Zhengqing incredibly petty.

To involve Song Yuqing in such a trivial matter.

What kind of behavior was this from a legitimate spouse? Was he so insecure?

These thoughts churned within him, yet his expression remained impassive.

Amidst the ringing phone, Ye Siling even gestured to the component in his hand, asking Song Yuqing, "Junior, how do I handle this?"

Song Yuqing: "..."

Song Yuqing: "Connect this here, or you can skip this part and just modify the code."

Ye Siling: "Got it."

Song Yuqing subtly raised an eyebrow. "And you're the junior here."

Ye Siling’s peripheral vision caught the still-ringing phone. He was torn, on one hand, hoping Song Yuqing would hang up, denying the old man any chance to complain, and on the other, secretly wishing he wouldn’t, hoping it would expose everything and lead to an early divorce from Qi Zhengqing.

Caught between these conflicting emotions, Ye Siling discreetly messaged Pei Huai.

YSL: "Don’t say I didn’t warn you—the old man is calling Song Yuqing. You’re already beneath him. If you don’t come now, you’ll end up with nothing."

Coincidentally, Pei Huai was just arriving at the lab door when Ye Siling sent the message.

Pei Huai’s usually cold expression instantly shifted. Glaring at the message, he thought, *Was that old man, already one foot in the grave, trying to make a move again?*

Pei Huai: "Thanks. Next time something like this happens, remember to tell me."

Pei Huai didn’t suspect Ye Siling. Since Ye Siling disdained being a third wheel, he wouldn’t resort to such tactics.

Still, Pei Huai’s mind raced—he needed to find a way to keep Song Yuqing and Ye Siling apart.

Who knew if that scoundrel Ye Siling might someday covet Song Yuqing? After all, Song Yuqing was drop-dead gorgeous and had a great personality. It wasn’t impossible for feelings to develop over time. He couldn’t allow that to happen; he had to nip any such possibility in the bud.

Song Yuqing walked to the window to take the video call. Just as the call connected, Pei Huai also arrived at the lab.

This was the first time Qi Zhengqing had video-called Song Yuqing, making it their first face-to-face conversation.

“Do you need something?”

Song Yuqing clearly didn’t care about the camera angle, casually placing his phone on the windowsill. Yet, his strikingly beautiful face remained pale as snow under the cool-toned light, his calm, unblinking eyes fixed on the camera, betraying almost no emotion.

His figure, however, looked frail, and the collar of his school uniform was slightly faded.

He resembled an impoverished student.

Poor yet ethereal, like the unattainable school crush that every alpha of that age would yearn for.

Qi Zhengqing quietly watched Song Yuqing for a moment before speaking. “Nothing, really. Just wanted to see you.”

Song Yuqing: "..."

*How absurd.*

Just as he thought this, the warm body of an alpha leaned against him—the uniquely intense, radiating heat of an alpha, palpable even through clothing.

“Why are you standing here? Aren’t you cold?” Pei Huai feigned innocence, speaking to Song Yuqing with practiced ease, his tone unmistakably familiar.

He raised an eyebrow, exuding an air of cocky arrogance, fearless and unyielding. Even upon seeing Qi Zhengqing on the video call, he merely lifted a brow, as if silently challenging him: *Your wife is in my arms.*

*So what?* Bold and reckless.

On the other end of the video, Qi Zhengqing narrowed his eyes. He hadn’t expected Pei Huai to actually make a move in front of him while Song Yuqing was there.

“Your hands are so cold.” Partly a genuine observation, partly a provocation aimed at Qi Zhengqing.

Song Yuqing: "..."

Song Yuqing glared at Pei Huai and shoved him back mercilessly. “Move.”

But Pei Huai, fueled by jealousy, felt that Song Yuqing’s rejection—especially in front of Qi Zhengqing—meant he was taking that old man's side.

Pei Huai scoffed. “Why are you afraid of him? He’s so far away—what can he do? If he dares lay a hand on you, I’ll kill him first. An alpha with one foot in the grave—if he tries anything with you, I’ll beat him up.”

Qi Zhengqing coldly watched the young alpha’s intimacy and familiarity with Song Yuqing, his eyes seemingly detached as he observed their interaction, appearing calm and indifferent.

Only the hand gripping the phone, invisible to everyone, betrayed his anger, knuckles white.

Song Yuqing: "..."

*Like animals, always fighting.*

“Pei Huai.”

Song Yuqing’s tone turned cold. “Wait outside.”

The previously arrogant Pei Huai suddenly backed down. It had been a while since Song Yuqing had spoken to him so coldly, but he didn’t want to lose face in front of the old man.

He tossed a hand warmer into Song Yuqing’s arms. “Fine, I’ll go. Your hands are freezing—your husband is truly useless. He can’t even warm them for you.”

Before Pei Huai turned to leave, Ye Siling had already schooled his expression and returned to working on the small robots.

But the secret satisfaction remained. Earlier, Ye Siling had stood there, watching Pei Huai embrace Song Yuqing from behind, as if he were the one holding Song Yuqing, whispering in his ear.

Having Song Yuqing pinned against the windowsill, getting handsy right in front of his husband, being scolded by Song Yuqing—yet it still felt exhilarating.

Lowering his head, Ye Siling was genuinely confused. Why did being reprimanded feel so satisfying? Was there something wrong with him?

Qi Zhengqing glared intensely at Song Yuqing, at that mesmerizing and tempting face.

Just moments ago, his wife had been embraced from behind by another alpha right before his eyes.

The "other man" Song Yuqing was seeing on the side turned out to be bolder than he’d expected.

Song Yuqing had kicked Pei Huai out but offered no explanation. Instead, he said flatly, “You saw it. Anything else? If not, I’m hanging up.”

His demeanor was cold, without even a word of explanation—truly not worried about being misunderstood.

Qi Zhengqing lifted his gaze, staring at Song Yuqing. “No explanation?”

Song Yuqing’s eyes slowly focused on the camera, finally looking directly at him, and reminded Qi Zhengqing, “No. I’m only your partner in name.”

The documents Song Yuqing received included his prenuptial agreement with Qi Zhengqing, which clearly stated that Qi Zhengqing was only repaying a debt—he would provide Song Yuqing with protection but would not consummate the marriage with him, and they would have no claims on each other.

Qi Zhengqing had even considerately included that he didn’t care how Song Yuqing amused himself or whether Song Yuqing’s affections lay elsewhere—in fact, it would be better if Song Yuqing’s feelings weren’t directed toward him.

They hadn’t come together out of mutual affection; even their marital status was merely assigned to him by the system.

Song Yuqing also knew that Qi Zhengqing was cold and emotionless, devoid of desire, so he saw no need to offer any explanations.

Even if Qi Zhengqing had someone else in his life, Song Yuqing didn’t think Qi Zhengqing owed him an explanation. If someone from Qi Zhengqing’s outside life approached him, he would simply offer his respect and blessings.

Qi Zhengqing quirked the corner of his mouth. Though the alpha was smiling, not much emotion could be discerned. “Song Yuqing, don’t let your people make trouble in front of me.”

Song Yuqing glanced sideways at Ye Siling, then looked outside at Pei Huai, who was standing in punishment, and replied seriously, “It won’t happen again.”

Though he received this answer, Qi Zhengqing did not relax.

It was an agreement to his terms, yet it felt unnervingly final.

“Is there anything else?” The words clearly conveyed impatience.

Qi Zhengqing took a deep breath, feeling an inexplicable tightness in his chest. “Your bank account number—I should transfer the money to you, the share entitled to you as my nominal partner.”

Song Yuqing did not refuse. If Qi Zhengqing said it was his, then it was his.

After ending his first video call with Song Yuqing, Qi Zhengqing reviewed every moment of the scenes in his mind. Song Yuqing had quickly reprimanded Pei Huai, but the alpha’s actions seemed practiced, as if this happened often.

Many subtle gestures also appeared intimate, making it clear that Song Yuqing and Pei Huai were not on bad terms—in fact, Pei Huai seemed quite obedient to Song Yuqing.

Then he recalled Song Yuqing’s words—*I am only your nominal partner*.

Qi Zhengqing closed his eyes. Right, it was best for them to maintain a simple cooperative relationship. With Song Yuqing as his shield, he could occasionally play the devoted partner for him in public to ward off those who might send unwanted Omegas or betas his way.

Once Song Yuqing grew independent enough to no longer need him, they could divorce and go their separate ways.

Perhaps he wouldn’t even live to see Song Yuqing’s growth—like all alphas, he might die from a psychic overload.

Why should he feel stifled? Was he actually expecting genuine affection?

Feelings dictated by pheromones, intertwined with power struggles—there was never any sincerity in such dynamics. What was he hoping for? The debauchery of high society? Brothers stealing wives, sons taking their fathers’ partners?

Song Yuqing was not a beta who prioritized emotions. He knew how to trade what he possessed for what he didn't, maximizing his benefits.

Waiting for Song Yuqing to love someone was nothing but a dream.

Fortunately, he wasn’t that hopeful anyway.

Song Yuqing put away his phone. The fluorescent lights brightly illuminated the room. He turned his gaze to Ye Siling, his lucid, cool gaze resting on him just as Ye Siling looked up.

Their eyes met, and Ye Siling held his gaze, simply asking, “Finished? Want to take a look at my code?”

But Song Yuqing continued to stare at Ye Siling without speaking. His eyes were cold and calm. Suddenly, he lowered his gaze, his eyelashes trembling slightly, casting a delicate shadow under his eyelids.

In that moment, he appeared distant yet vulnerable.

Ye Siling’s throat tightened. He hadn’t felt nervous when Song Yuqing was speaking to Qi Zhengqing, nor when Pei Huai was called over, nor even when Song Yuqing stared directly at him.

But the moment Song Yuqing lowered his eyes, Ye Siling panicked.

This slender, pitiful beta, interrogated again and again by his husband, had managed to maintain composure and respond coldly during the confrontation. Yet, after hanging up the phone, he could no longer conceal his fragility and letdown.

Did Song Yuqing really not love Qi Zhengqing? Did he really not care about Qi Zhengqing at all?

And he was the one responsible for all this—the one who ruined their relationship.

Ye Siling started: "I..."

But Song Yuqing didn’t wait for him to finish, saying coldly, "Don’t do this kind of thing again. It’s pretty pointless."

With that, Song Yuqing walked to the door without calling Pei Huai, and he left first.

Pei Huai quickly followed, "I didn’t mean to do it."

"I just found out you were on a video call with him, and I panicked. He’s your husband."

When Pei Huai rushed in and deliberately acted that way in front of Qi Zhengqing, he was caught up in the heat of the moment. He wanted Qi Zhengqing to know that Song Yuqing had no feelings for him, hoping Qi Zhengqing would let go willingly.

But after being outside in the cold wind for a while, Pei Huai’s mind cleared instantly.

Yet, just the title of "husband" was enough to make him jealous enough to go crazy. Even though he knew there was no affection between them, he still couldn’t help feeling jealous and lose control. The only thing he shouldn’t have done was act so blatantly.

"I don’t want to see you with him."

The alpha grabbed hold of Song Yuqing’s hand tightly. "I was wrong."

Song Yuqing finally paused. He didn’t turn around but lowered his head, his eyelashes trembling slightly. His light-colored eyes seemed to shimmer with shifting light.

Pei Huai felt a wave of panic. What he feared most was Song Yuqing ignoring him. If Song Yuqing hit him or scolded him, it would mean Song Yuqing still cared about him.

But if Song Yuqing remained silent, he would get especially anxious.

The once arrogant and flamboyant alpha now looked like a child who had done something wrong, helplessly clutching Song Yuqing’s hand.

"I’ll go apologize to him, Qingqing. I’ll tell him it was me pestering you, that it’s all my fault. I’ll ask for his forgiveness."

Only after hearing Pei Huai’s words did Song Yuqing turn to look at him, his eyes still cold and distant, as if devoid of emotion.

He simply handed the phone to Pei Huai and said coldly, "Fine, go apologize."

Pei Huai had always been arrogant. Before meeting Song Yuqing, even if he hit someone, it was always the other person who apologized to him.

Pei Huai’s nature had never changed. Though he no longer bullied others, he was still someone people would steer clear of from several feet away—a living king of hell.

He only pulled in his claws in front of Song Yuqing; it wasn’t that he had no temper.

He had apologized to others before for Song Yuqing’s sake, but today was different. Today, he was apologizing to Song Yuqing’s husband in name.

Pei Huai’s expression turned grim, not only because Song Yuqing had asked him to apologize but also because Song Yuqing was defending Qi Zhengqing.

Pei Huai got angry again. "I..."

Song Yuqing looked at Pei Huai. "Pei Huai, what's his status compared to yours?"

Song Yuqing’s calm, unruffled eyes were eerily calm, and his frosty gaze reflected the alpha’s disheveled appearance.

"At the very least, he and I are husbands. What right do you have to provoke him?" Song Yuqing spoke slowly.

Pei Huai’s heart felt as if it were being tightly squeezed, suffocating him with pain. Right, that was Song Yuqing’s husband. What was he?

He didn’t even have Song Yuqing’s acknowledgment, like some dog following Song Yuqing around.

An insecure dog, afraid that Song Yuqing might abandon him at any moment.

He isn't even qualified to be called the other man.

With Qi Zhengqing around, he could never stand openly beside Song Yuqing in this lifetime.

The Alpha was utterly bitter. Taking Song Yuqing’s phone, his voice slightly choked up, "I—I’ll apologize to him right now. I’ll beg him."

At this moment, the Alpha’s pride, his arrogance, shattered in front of Song Yuqing.

The air was so quiet it seemed you could hear the sound of the Alpha’s pride breaking.

But Song Yuqing didn’t let go to allow Pei Huai to take the phone. Pei Huai stared at that slender, well-defined hand, momentarily stunned.

Lifting his gaze, he met Song Yuqing’s clear, calm eyes.

Song Yuqing spoke softly, "That's enough—just knowing you’re wrong is sufficient."

Pei Huai’s heart, which had just hit rock bottom, was lifted up again. "Don’t do this again next time."

He didn’t want to see Pei Huai humiliated or reduced to nothing—he just wanted Pei Huai to understand his mistake.

This is how puppies are—they always make mistakes. Owners need to teach them patiently so they won’t keep causing anger.

Pei Huai nodded hurriedly, "Mm. I won’t do it again."

He would carefully hide his jealousy and resentment, trying not to let Song Yuqing notice.

"If Qi Zhengqing tells your father, you’ll be the one punished. Watch your behavior a bit." Song Yuqing added calmly.

Pei Huai’s lips curled into a smile again—Song Yuqing was worried about him. So it wasn’t that Song Yuqing was taking the older man’s side; he was just worried the older man would report him. Song Yuqing still cared about him.

88: "…"

A slap followed by a sweet reward.

Pei Huai was thrilled.

88 also fell silent, mainly because Song Yuqing’s methods seemed familiar. Oh—it was from that book *How to Train a Dog* that Song Yuqing had been reading a couple of days ago.

That book was actually about raising dogs.

And now Song Yuqing was applying it to Pei Huai without any issues. Could it be that Pei Huai’s true nature was actually a dog?

Song Yuqing lifted his eyes lightly and looked ahead, "Aren’t Alphas just dogs? Dogs have heat cycles, and Alphas have something similar. Dogs are competitive, possessive, love being around people, and bark when they see other dogs—Alphas are the same."

"It’s all the same."

Song Yuqing’s tone was light, making 88’s heart flutter.

88 whispered, "Qingqing, do you think I might be a dog too?"

Song Yuqing suddenly let out a soft, charming laugh, one that made your heart feel like it was being tickled by a small feather.

The Beta’s voice was lazy, "Yeah."

"You’re an electronic puppy."

Wu-wu, ah-ah!

It was Qingqing’s electronic puppy.

Pei Huai gripped the other side of the phone tightly, not letting go, as if holding hands with Song Yuqing through the phone.

Through the very phone that had almost gotten him abandoned by Song Yuqing.

They were holding hands.

Song Yuqing didn’t say anything, nor did he take back the phone.

The campus late at night was almost devoid of pedestrians. The night breeze was gentle, carrying the fragrance of osmanthus in the air. Osmanthus petals fluttered down along Osmanthus Avenue, landing on the Beta’s slight shoulders—even a few stray petals fell onto Song Yuqing’s delicate collarbone.

Song Yuqing was wearing a white T-shirt today, layered under his school uniform. It was a thin T-shirt, something the original owner had brought from the slums, of average quality.

But on Song Yuqing, it accentuated his slender, fragile frame.

It was even a bit sheer—when the light hit it just right, it accentuated his slim, enticing waist.

A lazy charm, pure yet openly alluring.

Pei Huai suddenly stopped, "Wait a moment."

Song Yuqing looked at him curiously, only to see Pei Huai carefully brush away the osmanthus petals from his collarbone.

But then another petal suddenly fell, slipping into Song Yuqing’s collar and sliding down his pale, smooth skin all the way down.

Pei Huai: "…"

This was really too much.

Even osmanthus petals had been where he hadn’t.

Pei Huai looked away and tucked the petals he’d taken from Song Yuqing’s collarbone into his own pocket.

Song Yuqing: "…"

When Pei Huai turned back to look at Song Yuqing, a handful of osmanthus petals were thrown into his face. Song Yuqing had grabbed a bunch and tossed them at him before walking away.

Pei Huai quickly chased after him, scooping up a handful of petals and throwing them back at Song Yuqing, "Song Yuqing, look at me!"

Song Yuqing was hit on the neck, his hair near his collarbone now dotted with osmanthus petals.

Watching Song Yuqing continue to playfully retaliate, Pei Huai raised his eyebrows, a bright, sunny smile on his face.

Song Yuqing couldn’t resist. Just as Pei Huai was laughing happily, another handful of osmanthus petals scooped up by Song Yuqing was smeared across his face.

"Pfft, pfft…"

Seeing Pei Huai’s messy appearance, Song Yuqing suddenly let out a light laugh.

Pei Huai smiled too. How nice—only every so often did Song Yuqing show this kind of genuine, amused laughter.

Not like a ruthless young widower, but like a… youth in his prime, bright and sunny.

The two figures walked away into the distance.

Only then did someone emerge from the corner, also gathering a handful of osmanthus petals, inhaling their scent carefully, watching the slender figure gradually disappear into the distance.

So fragrant, so fragrant—but Song Yuqing was even more fragrant. After being touched by Song Yuqing’s scent, these osmanthus petals were no longer commonplace.

Everything about him was perfect specimen material.

Song Yuqing and Pei Huai arrived at the dormitory, where only Qi Ran was present. Seeing Song Yuqing enter with Pei Huai, Qi Ran clutched at his sleeve. For a moment, his eyes turned dark and gloomy, like something monstrous crawling out of the darkness.

His gaze was pitch-black, heavy like a demon dragged down to hell, so suppressed it felt like he was digging into his own palm until it bled.

But the moment Song Yuqing looked over, Qi Ran smiled obediently at him. "Dad, there's something here for you."

Song Yuqing indeed went over to Qi Ran's side.

Pei Huai sneered. What else could that worthless mutt do besides calling him "dad" to beg for Song Yuqing's pity?

Yet his molars ground so hard they creaked.

Song Yuqing opened the package, and Qi Ran stood obediently beside him. The moment he saw what was inside, Qi Ran's expression changed abruptly. He snatched it from Song Yuqing's hands and slammed it to the ground.

Author's Note:

YSL has a thing for wearing fur suits - he'll wear the skin of anyone who gets close to Qingqing.

Qingqing: ...