Chapter 39: Reward You.

Chapter 39: Your Reward.

Qi Zhengqing fell silent.

Qi Zhengqing released Song Yuqing. "They've all gone back, and I haven't had a chance to thank them yet."

Song Yuqing nodded, finding the excuse acceptable.

Qi Zhengqing went downstairs to fetch Song Yuqing's medicine. "Your recent nutritional supplements and medication."

The nutritional supplements came in individual tubes, resembling cat treat tubes, but while cat treats are semi-liquid, these supplements were entirely liquid.

Song Yuqing consumed his food at a leisurely pace, with an ineffable elegance. Qi Zhengqing had the distinct impression that Song Yuqing was truly a cat—even while eating, he seemed somewhat disengaged, occasionally spacing out.

It was a subtle daze, easily missed without close observation.

Qi Zhengqing found it rather amusing. How could someone be so averse to eating that they wouldn't even properly drink nutritional supplements?

Though small in volume, the supplements fully met the body's nutritional needs and provided a strong sense of satiety.

Song Yuqing said, "The medicine, please."

Qi Zhengqing reminded the little cat, who wasn't eating properly, "You haven't finished your nutritional supplement yet."

Song Yuqing lowered his gaze, his slender fingers pressing the supplement packet. The liquid splattered from the torn opening, wetting Song Yuqing's clothes and splashing a bit onto his face.

The creamy-white supplement landed on the beta's lips—sweet, cloying, and conspicuous. Song Yuqing frowned slightly, seemingly displeased that his lips were soiled, and lightly licked them with the tip of his tongue.

The pink tip of his tongue briefly emerged before quickly retracting.

"It spilled," Song Yuqing said, looking up at Qi Zhengqing as if explaining. "I can can't have it now."

His eyes were calm and unruffled, devoid of any guilt for the mischief.

Qi Zhengqing’s gaze lingered on Song Yuqing’s lips, his eyes darkening slightly. He reached out, took the nutritional supplement from Song Yuqing’s hand, and handed him the medicine. "Here."

A mischievous, willful little cat, causing trouble everywhere.

No one could control him; they could only let him run wild.

Qi Zhengqing seriously doubted whether the people Song Yuqing kept outside could truly manage him.

Most likely, if Song Yuqing slapped one of them, they'd probably praise him for hitting just right.

After taking his medicine, Song Yuqing changed out of his soiled clothes and opened his computer to work on designs. Qi Zhengqing also retreated to his study to handle various matters.

Song Yuqing’s satisfaction with Qi Zhengqing increased further. Adults were good—each minded their own business without interfering with the other.

In the afternoon, Qi Zhengqing instructed the butler to deliver medicine and nutritional supplements to Song Yuqing. After delivery, the butler returned the leftover supplement to Qi Zhengqing.

This routine continued for several days. Noticing that roughly the same amount of supplement was left each day, Qi Zhengqing had the portion slightly increased when it was prepared.

Even with the increased amount, Song Yuqing still left about the same portion uneaten.

Still, it meant his daily nutrient intake was sufficient. Qi Zhengqing then had the supplement amount set to the current dosage.

In the evening, Song Yuqing stepped out onto the balcony outside the bedroom. Night had fallen. Looking out, there were no other residences near the Qi family property—only desolation stretched all around. The wind, unhindered, roamed freely, moaning and howling, emitting a chilling sound.

The Qi family estate stood amidst shadows, like phantoms, exuding a sense of bleak lifelessness.

Lonely and somber, monotonous and helpless.

It brought to mind an old manor inhabited by an eccentric lord.

Yet, Qi Zhengqing’s temperament wasn't particularly strange; in fact, he was quite easy to get along with.

Contradictions permeated every corner of the Qi residence.

Song Yuqing mused idly, the wind lifting his hair and the hem of his clothes, making him resemble a butterfly about to take flight.

Not trapped in this prison, his very presence made the place feel less like a cage for captives.

Qi Zhengqing didn’t understand the source of Song Yuqing’s fragile, broken vitality.

But he was content to watch Song Yuqing like this.

Only when watching him did it feel as though his own life could breathe, not suffocated.

The butler came to deliver nutritional supplements and medicine to Song Yuqing and happened to encounter Qi Zhengqing.

Qi Zhengqing cut off the butler's greeting, merely signaling for him to deliver the items, then turned and left.

The butler approached Song Yuqing. "Mr. Qi has gone to great lengths for you, Mr. Song."

Song Yuqing: "?"

The butler also shared the Qi surname. He was a beta around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Song Yuqing’s impression of him was always one of steadiness and severity—extremely taciturn, yet capable of managing all Qi family affairs methodically.

Song Yuqing didn’t argue, merely responded softly, "Hmm."

Butler Qi spoke again, as if reminding, yet also warning, "Mr. Song, if you also care for Mr. Qi, you should stay away from Qi Ran."

Song Yuqing finished his medicine, placed the cup and the remaining supplement on the tray, and didn’t respond, simply dismissing Butler Qi.

Butler Qi hadn’t intended to say much, but Song Yuqing’s indifferent attitude made him feel it was somewhat unfair to Qi Zhengqing.

As he was about to say more, Song Yuqing spoke coldly first, "If there’s nothing else, leave."

Song Yuqing wiped his hands, his slender fingers rubbing repeatedly with the towel, elegant and casual, until the tips of his fingers tinged with a faint red.

He didn’t seem like someone from the slums, but more like a young master raised in nobility.

His demeanor was impeccable, his movements exuding a rational elegance.

Butler Qi, who normally wouldn’t stare or glance around arbitrarily, now had his gaze fixed entirely on Song Yuqing’s hands, following every movement. A look of confusion flickered in his eyes.

Seeing Butler Qi still standing there, Song Yuqing slowly lifted his eyelids to look at the man. "Do you not understand what I said?"

His cold gaze made Butler Qi snap back to reality, and he left the room.

88: "Feels like he wanted to tell you some secret about the Qi family? Not going to listen?"

Song Yuqing propped his chin on his hand, continuing to listen to the autumn wind whistling outside, his fingers lightly tracing something on the railing. "Why listen? It’s all vague and unclear."

"Besides, what good could the dogs around Qi Zhengqing possibly say about me?"

Butler Qi obeyed only Qi Zhengqing’s orders; he recognized only Qi Zhengqing as master, never treating Song Yuqing or Qi Ran as masters of the Qi household. Occasionally listening to Song Yuqing was only because he was Qi Zhengqing’s partner.

Rather than let Qi Zhengqing’s dogs point fingers at him, it was better to make them scram before they started barking.

88: "Then say a few words to Qi Zhengqing, have him send Butler Qi away so he doesn't annoy you—whisper in his ear."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Song Yuqing: "Are you a serious system?"

Song Yuqing: "Oh, I forgot—you’re a red-light district system. Your programming only has 'play,' no plot, and no usefulness."

88: "..."

But although he seemed useless, he really was quite useless.

Qi Zhengqing did return to the room to rest every day, but communication between the two remained minimal.

One day, Qi Zhengqing handed Song Yuqing an agreement. Song Yuqing glanced through it—it basically said that Qi Zhengqing would fund his project, even build him a lab, but Song Yuqing’s research results would be shared with the Qi family.

Though it was called "sharing," in reality, it meant he’d be working for the Qi family.

After quickly reviewing it, Song Yuqing looked up at Qi Zhengqing and gave a faint smile, "You investigated me?"

Qi Zhengqing watched Song Yuqing’s smile that didn’t reach his eyes and replied calmly, "It’s concern for one's partner. And since you’ve taken my pheromones, I should know what you plan to do with them."

Song Yuqing: "You really do care a lot about your pheromones."

Qi Zhengqing: "You need the Qi family’s support. Your project will cost a lot of money. With the Qi family behind you, you can go further, and we’ll share the risks."

"Song Yuqing, if you want to stand at the top of the research field and become a jewel in New Continent's research crown, the Qi family can help you get there."

"As long as you have the ability, I guarantee I can help you reach that goal."

Qi Zhengqing’s sharp eyes rested on Song Yuqing, scrutinizing every expression on his face.

Song Yuqing almost laughed in anger. Shared risks? What risks could his project possibly pose to the Qi family?

Qi Zhengqing was more like playing the stock market—the only extra risk he was taking was noticing Song Yuqing, who had no published research or results to his name yet.

And he wanted full ownership rights over Song Yuqing’s project.

In the end, he’d still patronizingly claim, "I’m helping you. Without me, you’d have nothing."

Song Yuqing: "See? This is the worst of them all."

88: "..."

Thankfully, Song Yuqing wasn’t following a love-struck plotline.

"No need, Mr. Qi. The place I want to go is somewhere you can’t help me reach," Song Yuqing said dismissively.

He added, "If Mr. Qi wants to meet his obligations, just remember to wire me money every month."

Song Yuqing threw the papers in Qi Zhengqing’s face.

*Smack.*

The papers landed on the alpha’s sharply defined face. The alpha looked up at Song Yuqing, then suddenly chuckled. Song Yuqing’s face, with its porcelain-pale skin and delicately sculpted features, radiated a cool refinement.

The soft pink of his lips was the only touch of color, making him look fragile and pitiful.

Yet the hint of anger that seeped through made him seem vibrant and alive.

Qi Zhengqing gazed at Song Yuqing, "Won’t you really reconsider? Outsiders won’t be as gentle as I am, offering you so much protection. Even if you produce results, they’ll suppress you repeatedly."

"These privileges are only yours because you’re my partner."

"Others like you, who produced results on their own and refused to deal with the council or the elite families—do you know what happened to them?"

Qi Zhengqing took Song Yuqing’s hand, pulling him down, while his other hand cupped Song Yuqing’s chin, mapping every feature of his face.

"They suffered gruesome deaths, with no place to be buried—deaths you can’t even imagine." If it were Song Yuqing, it might not be a simple death. He’d be imprisoned, abused, hidden away as someone’s possession. Beauty itself was a crime, and with talent others coveted, if he couldn’t protect himself, Song Yuqing would be squeezed dry of all value and die without a grave.

Song Yuqing’s expression remained unchanged as he looked down into Qi Zhengqing’s dark, pool-like eyes, deep and impenetrable.

"Or, you could give up your ambitions and peacefully be my partner. I’ll give you the respect and care you deserve."

Song Yuqing pushed Qi Zhengqing away, but Qi Zhengqing didn’t let go. Pulling Song Yuqing’s hand, he fell back onto the bed, bringing Song Yuqing down on top of him.

It was the same position as last time, still leaving Song Yuqing in the dominant role.

Song Yuqing looked down at Qi Zhengqing from above, "You don’t need to test me."

"I know what I’m doing, and I know what I’ll face."

From the moment he decided on his path, he’d considered what he might encounter. He would do everything he could. If his research was stolen or he was killed along the way, then that was fate. There was nothing to blame or fear.

Song Yuqing’s voice was soft, even gentle at that moment, but his aura was strangely intimidating.

A presence that, though not yet confronting those challenges, was already beginning to show its edge.

Qi Zhengqing held Song Yuqing’s hand, his thumb gently rubbing the web between Song Yuqing’s thumb and index finger, "Fine, then go ahead."

"Take a look at another agreement—see if you’re willing to work with me. It’s also for exclusive rights, but I think you might be interested."

Song Yuqing adopted a professional demeanor, "Show me the agreement."

"Not in a hurry," Qi Zhengqing said lightly. "I thought you’d accept this one, so the other agreement isn’t ready yet."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Who are you trying to fool?

Song Yuqing didn’t believe for a second that Qi Zhengqing wasn’t prepared. The beta pressed his fingers against the alpha’s chest, "Not ready?"

"I don’t believe you." Song Yuqing leaned down to search, his expression still serious.

With a cool demeanor, he performed the boldest actions—searching through Qi Zhengqing’s clothes, working open his buttons.

He even asked pointedly, "Why aren’t you pretending today? Not wearing a suit at home?"

Qi Zhengqing: "..."

In Song Yuqing’s eyes, was he just fake?

Song Yuqing reached for the pillow, but Qi Zhengqing blocked him, "What are you doing? Who checks under a pillow for agreements?"

Song Yuqing was suspicious, "If it’s not there, why won’t you let me look?"

Qi Zhengqing watched Song Yuqing’s movements and offered a pointed observation, "You’re moving around like this, I can see your waistline. Stretching over me—guess what I can see from this angle?"

He would see Song Yuqing's pale waist, catch the curve as it rose and fell, and couldn't help but want to kiss him.

Qi Zhengqing’s large hand landed on the hem of Song Yuqing’s shirt, tugged it down as he spoke with a hint of puzzlement, “So slender, absolutely no abs. Can you really make an alpha cry?”

So slim and fair, blatantly enticing.

Song Yuqing was the one who stirred up chaos, yet also the one who remained unshaken.

Song Yuqing truly knew how to punish someone.

It was probably difficult for anyone not to like Song Yuqing—he deserved the most passionate and ardent admiration in the world.

Song Yuqing: “…”

Song Yuqing’s fingers tightened slightly.

Suddenly, Qi Zhengqing grasped Song Yuqing’s hand, guiding it down to rest on his waist and abdomen.

Song Yuqing looked at Qi Zhengqing in confusion—eight-pack abs, sharply defined, and the sleek lines of his obliques trailing down.

The man’s twenty-eight-year-old body was still vigorous and powerful.

Song Yuqing: “What is he showing off?”

88: “…”

Song Yuqing pressed his fingers heavily against Qi Zhengqing’s abs, as if trying to crush the muscles of his waist and abdomen.

Song Yuqing had sparred with Pei Huai too, yet he still had no abs—it was just absurd.

Qi Zhengqing stared at Song Yuqing’s slightly furrowed brow and spoke slowly, “You didn’t touch Qi Ran like this at the hospital last time.”

“He was injured—shouldn’t I have been gentler?”

“Would you only be satisfied if I pressed his guts out?”

Qi Zhengqing: “…”

Qi Zhengqing asked hesitantly, “So, what are you doing now? Are you planning to beat me until my guts spill out? You can comfort Qi Ran with a gentle touch, but not me?”

Qi Zhengqing’s gaze fell on Song Yuqing’s hand, already clenched into a fist, ready to strike.

Song Yuqing: —

Song Yuqing deadpanned, “Rewarding you.”

Qi Zhengqing: “…”

Qi Zhengqing: “Thank you.”

Qi Zhengqing took Song Yuqing’s hand, pried open the clenched fist with his larger one, opening each finger one by one. “A reward isn’t like this. Let me teach you.”

Song Yuqing: —

He was just saying it—why take it seriously?

His hand, now unfolded, was guided to touch the alpha’s abdominal muscles. Song Yuqing tried several times to clench his fist again, but Qi Zhengqing kept opening his fingers.

The hand guided by Qi Zhengqing drew closer and closer to his own lap. Song Yuqing instinctively leaned back.

Suddenly, both of them froze.

Author’s note:

Qingqing: Reads as “rewarding you,” writes as “hitting you.”