Chapter 82: Likes Younger Ones

Chapter 82: Preferring the Younger Ones

T-T: "Today, you're playing the role of a lovesick mad dog, openly provoking Qi Zhengqing."

xjs: "Haven't I always been?"

Song Yuqing: "..."

True to character.

xjs: "Brother, I'm your dog."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Qi Zhengqing: "What are you looking at?"

The alpha's peripheral vision caught the last line on the screen—a message that clearly overstepped the bounds of friendship.

His gaze swept over the familiar, highly provocative profile picture. Qi Zhengqing's hand rested on Song Yuqing's waist, his eyes darkening as he reminded him, "Watch your step."

Song Yuqing nodded, "Mm."

He replied to Xiao Jinshi right in front of Qi Zhengqing.

T-T: "Mm."

Lifting his eyes to meet the alpha's shadowed gaze, Song Yuqing placed his hand in Qi Zhengqing's. "Let's go."

Qi Zhengqing: "Mm."

Unlike the previous reception, Qi Zhengqing's invitation this time was of a higher tier. Even the attendants were not permitted to inquire about his identity. A dedicated server escorted them inside.

On the surface, it was a one-on-one service with full accompaniment, but in reality, it was full surveillance of Qi Zhengqing's movements.

The attendant's presence was subtle. After all, having someone placed near Qi Zhengqing, they couldn't overstep and risk displeasing him.

Those of high status and power who came to the Xiao family's territory adhered to their rules, but the Xiao family also knew better than to push their luck.

The two were led into a resplendent hall. The attendant pushed open the heavy carved doors, and light spilled out from within.

The masked guests in the banquet hall paused their clinking glasses and turned their attention to the entrance, curious to see who had arrived this time.

After all, those who received the Xiao family's invitation were individuals of immeasurable status, wealth, and influence.

At the doorway stood two figures. One was tall and broad-shouldered with long legs, his sleeves rolled up to reveal powerful arms and well-defined muscles.

His physique and aura were unmistakably that of a top-tier alpha.

Yet, around the neck of such an elite alpha was a collar—as if he belonged to someone.

The guests didn't linger their gaze on the alpha for long. Instead, their attention shifted to the beta or Omega beside him.

The young man wore a mask, revealing only the lower half of his face, but his skin was as fair as jade.

He was dressed in a well-tailored suit that cinched neatly at the waist, accentuating his slender yet graceful silhouette.

Delicate and fragile.

Yet, this fragility was entirely overshadowed by his cool, detached demeanor, making him unapproachable yet irresistibly captivating.

Such is the beauty of a person—in their bones, their skin, and their overall aura.

"Mr. Qi, who is this...?" An alpha stepped forward to strike up a conversation, breaking the strange atmosphere in the banquet hall.

The true upper-class circle was small enough that everyone knew each other. The masks required by Xiao Lin were merely to keep the identities of these guests hidden from the slightly more ordinary attendees.

Qi Zhengqing: "Song Yuqing, my partner."

The alpha now had a legitimate reason to turn his attention to Song Yuqing. "Mr. Song, hello."

Song Yuqing: "Hello."

Polite but devoid of warmth.

Qi Zhengqing placed his hand on the small of Song Yuqing's back. "Excuse us."

As soon as they walked past the alpha, Qi Zhengqing leaned in slightly to speak to Song Yuqing.

The alphas in the banquet hall could clearly see from Song Yuqing's attitude toward the alpha who had just approached, as well as Qi Zhengqing's demeanor toward his spouse, that Song Yuqing and Qi Zhengqing shared a deep bond.

So deep that Song Yuqing felt no sense of crisis and would never stoop to pleasing another alpha.

When someone dug up recent photos of Song Yuqing, everyone present understood even more why he feared nothing.

It was almost laughable—if anyone should feel threatened, it ought to be Qi Zhengqing. Without him, Song Yuqing could easily find another exceptional alpha.

A beautiful beta who couldn't be marked—was there really no one trying to tempt him into cheating?

Even a mere glance from him felt like a reward.

The guests harbored varied thoughts, but their gazes, without exception, drifted subtly and uncontrollably toward the beta who had already taken a seat in a corner.

Qi Zhengqing had no moment of peace. Those who approached him would exchange a few pleasantries before getting straight to the point.

"Mr. Qi, why haven't you brought your partner out before?"

"Mr. Qi, may I discuss robotics with Mr. Song? I've been quite interested lately."

Qi Zhengqing: "..."

Song Yuqing patted Qi Zhengqing's shoulder. "I'm stepping out for some air."

Qi Zhengqing: "I'll accompany you."

Song Yuqing lowered his gaze and gently brushed Qi Zhengqing's hand away. "No need. Focus on your conversation."

Upstairs, Xiao Lin leaned against the railing, wearing a mask as if to say "nothing to see here," and swirled the champagne in his glass.

His gaze, utterly unconcealed, lingered on Song Yuqing.

His useless brother really knew how to covet.

Xiao Jinshi's taste was something he had always acknowledged.

The first time he saw Song Yuqing, there was still a hint of youthful innocence about him. This time, however, he exuded an aloof, untouchable allure.

He did nothing at all, yet he was utterly captivating.

No wonder Hubbard and Xiao Jinshi were locked in a life-or-death feud over Song Yuqing.

That good-for-nothing Hubbard is still missing to this day because of what happened with Song Yuqing.

Xiao Lin didn't hold much hope that Hubbard was still alive, and Hubbard's death was truly frustrating—to die over a beta, how stupid. To make matters worse, his body can't even be found, probably long since been eaten by sea creatures. He had to start looking for the next Hubbard worth training.

Song Yuqing seemed to notice Xiao Lin's blatant staring and looked up.

Xiao Lin met Song Yuqing's cold stare, raised his glass, and toasted from a distance as if celebrating something.

Song Yuqing: "..."

Psychopath.

He really didn't understand what Xiao Lin was so excited about.

Song Yuqing withdrew his gaze and headed to the corridor.

The venue for this banquet was completely isolated from other areas—gardens, corridors, all sectioned off, off-limits to uninvited guests.

Just as Song Yuqing reached the end of the corridor, he was yanked into a narrow corner.

"Brother..."

"What happened to Qi Zhengqing's neck? Did you bite him? You've never bitten me before."

Xiao Jinshi's tone was whiny, not feigned, as if genuinely jealous.

Song Yuqing: "Don't provoke Qi Zhengqing. He's in his rut."

Xiao Jinshi wasn't wearing a mask, but Song Yuqing was. Xiao Jinshi nuzzled Song Yuqing's face through the mask like a puppy, utterly unable to resist snuggling close. He shamelessly marked Song Yuqing with his own scent.

"So what?"

"Which alpha doesn't have a rut? Does Qi Zhengqing have a monopoly on bad moods?" Xiao Jinshi's tone was indignant, his disdain plain to see.

Suddenly, Song Yuqing covered Xiao Jinshi's mouth as footsteps grew louder.

Their hiding spot was shielded by foliage, but it wasn't enough if someone came too close. As the footsteps drew nearer, Xiao Jinshi, holding Song Yuqing, got more and more worked up.

Xiao Jinshi grasped Song Yuqing's hand, pressing his face into Song Yuqing's palm as if seeking praise.

Song Yuqing shot him a warning glance, telling him to behave.

It was an icy glare.

Xiao Jinshi's mind went blank under that look.

But with the footsteps closing in, even just being this close to Song Yuqing was an electrifying thrill.

Song Yuqing pushed Xiao Jinshi back, preventing him from moving closer.

Just as Xiao Jinshi was getting carried away with desire, Song Yuqing pressed a finger to stop him and gave another warning look. Xiao Jinshi was even more dazed, wanting to take Song Yuqing's hand to stop himself again, only to be pinched by Song Yuqing.

Pain did nothing to curb his reckless ideas. Xiao Jinshi looked up at Song Yuqing's face—so beautiful, with dappled shadows from the leaves falling on his eyelashes and pale cheeks.

Song Yuqing's lips were slightly pursed, devoid of any warmth, as if all gentleness was frozen beneath his cool detachment. Xiao Jinshi loved Song Yuqing's tenderness but was utterly captivated by his current coldness and the lesson he was being taught.

"You tell me, how did Qi Zhengqing get so lucky?"

Two alphas arrived nearby and stopped to chat right there.

"If I had a spouse as gorgeous as Qi Zhengqing's, I'd follow him everywhere. Not to brag, but I'd be worried someone might tempt Song Yuqing to cheat."

"Where do you think he went?"

"Listen to you—sounds like you're aiming to seduce a married man into an affair."

"If he doesn't cheat, what's it to you? If he'd cuckold Qi Zhengqing, he'd do the same to you. You really think you're better than Qi Zhengqing?"

The other alpha suddenly laughed. "After I push Qi Zhengqing out of the picture, I'll be with him. I'll lock him up so no one else gets a chance."

"Besides, the thrill of cheating. It doesn't matter who it's with—it's the excitement, you get it?"

The cold marble against his back made Song Yuqing uncomfortable, and he frowned slightly.

Xiao Jinshi stared eagerly at Song Yuqing, who pulled him closer. Song Yuqing's cool, scented breath burned Xiao Jinshi's ear, making his whole body tense for a moment.

"Get rid of them," Song Yuqing whispered, his heated breath sending shivers down the alpha's spine.

Listening to those disgusting talk, Xiao Jinshi's mind had been at war—disrespect Song Yuqing or play nice.

But when Song Yuqing pulled him down, he lost all reason. Seizing the moment, Xiao Jinshi kissed him on the lips. "Okay, I'll make them leave now."

Xiao Jinshi's lips were smeared with a trace of blood as he emerged from the bushes, still wiping it away.

He glared coldly at the two alphas outside. "What are you doing here?"

The two alphas flinched like scared rabbits—their earlier conversation was not something to be spoken aloud. If it reached Qi Zhengqing's ears, they'd be in deep trouble.

Seeing the chilling grin in Xiao Jinshi's eyes, they grew even more fearful. "Second Young Master Xiao, what are you doing here?"

Xiao Jinshi took note of their faces and said with a smile, "Not leaving? Waiting for me to see you out?"

The two alphas immediately bowed their heads and hurried away.

When Xiao Jinshi returned, Song Yuqing was dabbing with a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his lips—Xiao Jinshi's blood.

Xiao Jinshi: "Those adulterers really take the cake."

They had grand illusions, talking casually about Song Yuqing cheating as if he'd ever be with them.

Song Yuqing glanced at Xiao Jinshi. "You're one to talk."

Xiao Jinshi looked at Song Yuqing, excitement blazing in his eyes. "Brother, isn't it thrilling?"

Song Yuqing: "..."

There are bigger thrills ahead.

Forget it—no use reasoning with a lunatic like Xiao Jinshi. He'd only find it more exciting.

"We're having an affair, aren't we?"

Song Yuqing: "..."

"That doesn't count. Qi Zhengqing knows about you and me." Song Yuqing lowered his gaze, folded the handkerchief, and threw it to Xiao Jinshi, who caught it effortlessly.

Song Yuqing: "Qi Zhengqing will be bidding on the alpha secondary differentiation agent later. You are not allowed to compete with him for it."

Xiao Jinshi almost instinctively retorted, "Why?"

Why should Qi Zhengqing get both the wife and the agent?

Moreover, he knew exactly why Song Yuqing wanted it—it was for Qi Ran.

Song Yuqing: "No reason. Just don't cause trouble. You have no use for that."

"How could I not need it? Can't I inject it myself and undergo secondary differentiation? If you like alphas with S+ psychic ability, I can become one for you."

Such a lovestruck remark, as if he could lose his mind over love, even willing to abandon his innate S-level psychic talent.

"Are you insane? What would you need it for? If your level decreases, you'll regret it."

Xiao Jinshi raised his voice slightly, "So what if it does? It's better than you giving it to Qi Zhengqing's good-for-nothing son! Do you like Qi Zhengqing that much?"

"You come to me, do these things with me, only to make me give way to Qi Zhengqing."

As soon as Xiao Jinshi finished speaking, Song Yuqing slapped him.

A hard slap, holding nothing back.

Xiao Jinshi's face turned to the side from the force. He pressed his tongue against his cheek, his expression pained, but when he met Song Yuqing's icy gaze, he grew even angrier.

"Do you even care about me, Song Yuqing?" Furious, he addressed him by his full name.

"You have no heart."

"Fine. If you want the agent, a kiss isn't enough."

"If you come with me now, be with me, I'll go steal the agent from Xiao Lin and give it to you."

Xiao Jinshi spoke louder and louder, only to be slapped again by Song Yuqing.

"Can you stop being so childish?" A trace of disgust, cold and sharp, flickered in Song Yuqing's eyes.

"I'm childish? Qi Zhengqing isn't childish? Then go find Qi Zhengqing."

Song Yuqing turned and left without another word to Xiao Jinshi.

The two parted ways angrily.

After Song Yuqing left, Xiao Jinshi was furious, slamming his fist against the marble where Song Yuqing had leaned, grazing his knuckles.

As soon as Xiao Jinshi left, a figure quickly hurried away.

After that figure disappeared, another one followed.

Xiao Lin sat in the private room, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It seems no one can endure cold violence. Did Song Yuqing only say a few words?"

Apart from Song Yuqing's brief remarks, the rest was just Xiao Jinshi throwing a fit.

It seemed like an argument, but Song Yuqing had no intention of truly engaging.

"My younger brother really takes after his mother—a love-struck fool."

Xiao Lin said this, but his smile didn't reach his eyes.

Xiao Jinshi burst in, in a commanding tone, "Don't you dare put the alpha secondary differentiation agent up for auction."

Xiao Lin adopted the demeanor of a dutiful older brother. "Stop fooling around."

The word "fooling" hit a sore spot. Xiao Jinshi leaned on the table, "Who are you to talk? Shut up. I'm not discussing this with you—I'm informing you, Xiao Lin."

"You piece of trash, how dare you?" The alpha sneered mockingly.

Xiao Lin's eyes turned cold. "Talk to Father. If you can persuade him, I'll hold it for you."

The three alphas had a brief call. Their father continuously kept putting down and berating Xiao Lin, soothing his younger son's temper but not agreeing to let Xiao Jinshi take the auction item.

"Fine, you bid for it. Put it all on your brother's account."

Xiao Jinshi grudgingly accepted this compromise.

The alpha secondary differentiation agent was rare, but not so rare that it had to be obtained at any cost.

However, the Xiao family were unwilling to let Qi Zhengqing or Qi Ran have it. Regardless of their relationship, Qi Ran was Qi Zhengqing's adopted son and had inheritance rights. They wouldn't allow Qi Ran to grow stronger.

This was something Song Yuqing realized upon thinking it over—what had drawn him in was the secondary differentiation agent, and what would attract Qi Ran was likely the same. What was curious was that the starting bid for the secondary differentiation agent was within what Qi Ran could earn fighting in the arena for three days.

The secondary differentiation agent was just bait to lure Qi Ran into the arena.

On the surface, it seemed like Xiao Jinshi had it in for Qi Ran, but Xiao Lin and the Xiao family had likely egged it on behind the scenes.

If Qi Ran died in the Xiao family's arena, the Xiaos would at most apologize, but they would effectively leave the Qi family without an heir. Even if things didn't go smoothly in Sri Lanka, they could wait a few years to dismantle the Qi family's power.

If it failed, it didn't matter—the agent would still be auctioned off to someone else. In any case, it wouldn't end up in the Qi family's hands or leave the Xiao family, preventing Qi Zhengqing from acquiring it elsewhere.

Now, with Xiao Jinshi muddying the waters, Xiao Lin was uncertain what role his brother was playing.

"Why bother?" Xiao Lin half testing, half unable to resist saying, "If you have your eye on someone else's wife, I can get her into your bed. But you had to fall for Song Yuqing. Don't let him beckon, and you hand everything over to him again."

Xiao Jinshi laughed, innocently and guilelessly, "Even if I pour it down the drain, I won't give it to that father and son."

Xiao Lin studied him, trying to discern if Xiao Jinshi knew about his dealings with Hubbard or suspected he had allowed Hubbard to target his life.

Song Yuqing returned to the hall. Qi Zhengqing was now alone, sitting with graceful composure.

Song Yuqing approached him and asked, "Not busy anymore?"

Qi Zhengqing's gaze fell on Song Yuqing's lips. He raised his hand, brushing his thumb over Song Yuqing's slightly swollen lips. "And you?"

The strong scent of another alpha's pheromones attempted to mask his own scent he had left on Song Yuqing.

The foreign alpha's scent and Song Yuqing's current state agitated the alpha in his rut, pushing him toward frenzy. "Do you prefer younger ones?"

Author's Note:

Song Qingqing: If you're going to fish, why take back the bait?