Chapter 108: Break the Leg

Chapter 108: Breaking Legs

It hadn't felt like this when he first touched it.

But now, it seemed to have changed under his touch.

This realization made Pei Huai's emotions surge uncontrollably.

The scattered light fell on Song Yuqing’s fair skin; his cool, aloof aura, now warmed by body heat, wafted up, subtly entwining around them.

The person in his arms was slender and delicate, and all of this intensified Pei Huai’s inner desires tenfold.

Making him want to continue.

The alpha’s Adam’s apple bobbed again, his fingers twitched instinctively, a fingernail scraping lightly.

It was as if a faint electric current shot up his spine, an unfamiliar tingling sensation suddenly erupted. Song Yuqing’s mind went blank for a moment, his long eyelashes trembling slightly. "Pei Huai…"

His own name was quite ordinary, but when it came from Song Yuqing’s lips, it became lingering and intimate.

Even when Song Yuqing scolded him or bitingly criticized him, it carried a distinct allure.

He loved it, loved it so much, when Song Yuqing called his name.

He loved Song Yuqing.

"I’ll help you…" the alpha’s voice grew deeper.

Two minutes later, Song Yuqing came to his senses, grabbing Pei Huai’s hair, completely controlling the alpha who was nuzzling against him like a clingy pet, and looked up at Pei Huai.

The spilling light further accentuated Song Yuqing’s finely porcelain-pale face, his eyelashes lifting in a fine, cool curve as he stared at the alpha.

Song Yuqing bent his knee, planting it against the alpha’s waist and abdomen, preventing him from getting closer, a hint of coldness in his eyes. "Stop it."

Pei Huai still hadn’t shaken off the earlier touch, his gaze fixated on Song Yuqing, burning with obsession.

"Did I hurt you?"

"I was careful with my teeth, and it’s not like you weren’t comfortable, so why not?" The alpha’s words were crude, completely unaware of restraint or subtlety.

Song Yuqing: "…"

Song Yuqing couldn’t be bothered to explain to Pei Huai and dismissed him. "I don’t want to."

Pei Huai’s eyes showed a trace of disbelief. "You’re like this, and you still don’t want to? What would it take for you to want to, to—"

Song Yuqing didn’t give Pei Huai a chance to spout more obscenities, slapping him across the face.

"Are you sober now?" Song Yuqing stared at Pei Huai.

Pei Huai’s gaze remained fixed on Song Yuqing, his tongue grazing his teeth. There was the metallic taste of blood in his mouth, but his mind was exceptionally clear, fully aware of what he wanted. "Not sober, I want it even more now."

Song Yuqing’s tone was cold. "If you want to, then go sleep outside. I have work tomorrow and no time to indulge you."

Pei Huai: "…"

Song Yuqing was a dictator, never giving him a chance to express himself.

Either suppress his thoughts, suppress his desires.

Or admit his thoughts and get out.

Pei Huai felt frustrated, itching to rebel.

But he still couldn’t bear to give up the warmth of his bed and family. "I don’t want to, I *really* don’t."

"I’m tired, I want to sleep."

"Stay away from me." Song Yuqing shoved Pei Huai back again, showing no mercy. "If you come near me again, you’re going back to the military base tomorrow."

Pei Huai: "…"

Pei Huai could only huddle at the edge of the bed, not daring to speak, not daring to approach, not even daring to breathe too heavily.

Afraid that Song Yuqing would find his breathing too loud and send him back to the military base. He had finally managed to see Song Yuqing and didn’t want to go back so soon.

Pei Huai didn’t dare make any small movements either, staying frozen like that all night.

By the next morning, Pei Huai had raccoon eyes.

Song Yuqing glanced at Pei Huai but said nothing, picking up Coal Ball to nurse him.

Pei Huai tagged along like a lost puppy, watching as Song Yuqing held Coal Ball to feed him, and couldn’t help but relive last night.

Did that count as him being fed by Song Yuqing too?

Song Yuqing smelled so damn good.

Had Qi Zhengqing ever tasted him?

Qi Zhengqing probably hadn’t.

It seemed like Song Yuqing was a bit unaware; Qi Zhengqing definitely hadn’t.

Pei Huai’s gaze drifted downward, stole a glance, then shifted away uncomfortably, his ears turning flaming red.

When Song Yuqing went to wash up, Pei Huai followed him to the bathroom.

After Song Yuqing finished washing, he was equal parts amused and exasperated by Pei Huai’s shadowing him. "What are you doing? Don’t you have your own things to do this early in the morning? Why are you following me?"

Pei Huai stared at Song Yuqing. "I have something to tell you."

The bathroom wasn’t small, but Pei Huai was broader and more imposing than the average alpha, taking up almost two-thirds of the space, leaving only one-third for Song Yuqing, who was pressed against the marble countertop.

Song Yuqing took a tissue and wiped the water off his face. "What is it?"

Pei Huai: "You know, I never had a mother growing up."

Song Yuqing nodded. "Yeah, I know. So?"

Pei Huai’s gaze followed Song Yuqing’s wiping motion, lingering on his lips. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. "My dad fed me formula when I was little. He used a spoon, feeding me scoop by scoop."

"My mom died giving birth to me, and he was in a bad mood. The military couldn’t do without him either. He wasn’t patient when feeding me and often burned blisters in my mouth."

Song Yuqing didn’t understand why Pei Huai was suddenly sharing this sob story with him.

Out of a bit of basic empathy, Song Yuqing didn’t laugh. After a moment of silence, he replied, "That’s tragic."

"Really?" Pei Huai’s eyes lit up.

Song Yuqing said expressionlessly, "Mm."

Sometimes, Song Yuqing couldn’t understand how Pei Huai made such pitiful situations sound so laughable.

Song Yuqing's words clearly encouraged Pei Huai, who continued, "Last night was the first time I learned what drinking milk was like."

Song Yuqing: "..."

"If you could feed me a few more times, I wouldn’t be so pitiful."

Song Yuqing crumpled the tissue in his hand and threw it at Pei Huai's face. "Get lost."

Pei Huai quickly caught the falling tissue and held it in his hand.

Song Yuqing arrived at the laboratory.

An assistant approached with a stack of papers. "Teacher Song, our annual physical is due. Should we schedule all researchers for their check-ups today?"

The assistant wasn’t foolish—the timing was clearly targeting Song Yuqing. So, upon receiving the notice, the first thing they did was ask Song Yuqing if he wanted to undergo the examination.

Song Yuqing: "We go today."

At the hospital, Song Yuqing saw Ye Siling. Ye Siling approached and whispered, "Do you want me to get someone arranged for you? At the very least, we shouldn’t let anyone find out you’re..."

There were only two ways to bring Zong He down now.

The first was for Pei Huai to assist the supervisory authorities in directly proving that Zong He had indeed stolen Song Yuqing’s documents. For now, they couldn’t use interrogation under coercion on Zong He; they had to rely on hard evidence.

The second was to confirm that Song Yuqing wasn’t pregnant, which would invalidate Zong He’s public claim that he was merely misunderstood while tracking Song Yuqing due to the pregnancy. This would reverse the narrative, turning it into Zong He spreading rumors about Song Yuqing’s pregnancy to cover up his theft of confidential files.

Disproving the pregnancy would refute Zong He’s 'tracking justification.' Although it wouldn’t directly prove theft, combined with witness testimony, it would be enough to suspend Zong He for investigation, at which point interrogation under coercion could be used.

Before Ye Siling could finish, Zong He leaned against the wall, glanced at Song Yuqing, and chuckled. "What? Planning to pull some tricks?"

Song Yuqing looked at Zong He. "What’s it to you?"

Zong He smiled. "Of course it has to do with me. After all, I just really like someone like Mr. Song."

Ye Siling clenched his fists, wanting to go up and beat Zong He to a pulp then and there.

Song Yuqing grabbed Ye Siling’s hand, separated his clenched fingers, and lowered his gaze slightly. "What are you so anxious about? I’m not even anxious."

"Calm down."

His slender beta fingers tapped lightly on the alpha’s palm.

Ye Siling was momentarily stunned, staring down at Song Yuqing. The tingling sensation in his palm left the alpha somewhat dazed.

Zong He found the scene irritating and raised his voice to interrupt, "Stop touching him, Song Yuqing. When the child is born, I’ll be its father."

His shout attracted a crowd of reporters. They had learned earlier that morning that Song Yuqing was scheduled for a physical and had swarmed the hospital as soon as they figured out which one. They had been lurking nearby, and Zong He’s full-name shout drew them like wild dogs to a bone.

Song Yuqing began his examination.

Ye Siling stood guard outside the door, keeping an eye on Zong He.

Song Yuqing had implied that he had already arranged everything and that Ye Siling should ensure Zong He didn’t interfere.

The examination proceeded quickly. In Xinzhou, rush physical reports were available the same day, complete with detailed data, analysis, and even doctors’ health recommendations.

Song Yuqing’s results were posted online before he even received them.

The report showed no indicators of pregnancy. On the contrary, the doctor’s recommendation was:

—Mild malnutrition and overexertion. Advise reasonable work schedule adjustments and increased sleep.

When Zong He saw the results, he was so angry he almost blacked out. He had his people among the doctors, but clearly, Song Yuqing had his as well.

In a clash between both sides, only the authentic results would prevail—otherwise, the report wouldn’t withstand a second examination.

Zong He pieced everything together almost instantly.

Song Yuqing and his lackey had put on an act, spreading rumors of a pregnancy to lure him in, then capturing those he sent to take photos and fabricating charges against him.

Their dispute had drawn the attention of both the supervisory authorities and the public. Song Yuqing then revealed he wasn’t pregnant, discrediting Zong He’s 'tracking justification' and forcing the authorities to take serious action.

Damn it, Song Yuqing was downright sinister.

The news broke in the morning, and by the afternoon, Zong He was suspended pending investigation.

Pei Huai had learned a thing or two in the military—at the very least, he had no shortage of interrogation techniques.

In Zong He’s basement, they discovered Song Yuqing’s drafts, lab coat, discarded rubber gloves, and a large number of photos. During DNA and fingerprint testing, they even detected Zong He’s bodily fluids on the photos.

Pei Huai: "..."

Zong He had really enjoyed lusting after his wife—what a sick pervert.

Zong He’s suspension turned into dismissal from his post, and he was locked up in a Xinzhou prison.

Parliament:

"I wondered how Song Yuqing put up with Zong He for so long. Turns out he thought a charge of workplace harassment wasn’t enough to ruin him."

If Song Yuqing had only gone after Zong He for workplace harassment, Zong He wouldn’t have been brought down—there was too much room for debate, and conviction would have been difficult.

"He didn’t exactly endure it, though. He punched him when he was unhappy."

"I knew that good-for-nothing would eventually take a fall, but I didn’t expect him to be completely finished."

"Song Yuqing plays dirty."

"Will Zong He’s vacated position of power have to go to Song Yuqing now?"

"Zong He is so pitiful..."

"What exactly is pitiful about him?" A cool, clear voice cut through the room as the door opened. The parliament members immediately straightened up.

They looked toward the door and saw a man with defined, elegant features and strikingly cool eyebrows—it was Song Yuqing.

He hadn’t attended a meeting in a long time.

His sudden appearance today clearly surprised everyone.

Song Yuqing smiled faintly. "Are you all also planning to betray Xinzhu? Or have you already betrayed it?"

He took his seat, his gaze sweeping over the Alpha members present. Though he seemed to be smiling, his words sent a chill down everyone's spine.

Damn it, who would dare?

Zong He's example was right there.

They all had some influence behind them, but a charge of betraying the nation would be enough to get them kicked out of parliament.

"No, Mr. Song, you're joking. How could we ever think that? Zong He got what he deserved."

Song Yuqing fixed his eyes on the speaker, offering no reply, simply staring intently at the Alpha, who immediately felt his scalp prickle with unease.

Was Song Yuqing going to come for him next?

Just as the man was about to speak again, Song Yuqing gave a slight nod. "Mm, I think so too."

Zheng Kaiji, realizing belatedly, tried to smooth things over. "Since Zong He can no longer serve Xinzhu, perhaps Mr. Song should take over his responsibilities."

The shift of power in the parliament had always worked this way—whoever managed to seize another's influence would claim it.

This was also a way to get on Song Yuqing's good side.

"No need," Song Yuqing said softly. "You'll handle the ensuing public opinion together."

His words hung in the air; the room went still for a moment.

This meant that Zong He's power would be distributed among them.

Everyone’s gaze instinctively returned to Song Yuqing, but he didn’t even lift his eyes, his fingers idly tracing the smooth surface of the table.

"If you don’t want to follow in Zong He’s footsteps, then mind your own business. Don’t overreach. Parliament affairs should keep all of you busy enough."

"What do you think?" His lowered eyes held no hint of inquiry.

"Managing the parliament is our duty. We won’t stick our noses where they don't belong," one council member spoke up, eager to claim a share of Zong He’s influence and power.

Song Yuqing: "Mm."

After the meeting, Song Yuqing left the room again.

The parliament members were left in silence once more.

"Why does it feel like Song Yuqing is breathing down my neck?"

"I feel like I’m working for him. I must be going crazy."

Zheng Kaiji stared blankly at the spot where Song Yuqing had exited, only snapping back to reality when another parliament member nudged him. "Zheng Kaiji, you’re spacing out again."

Zheng Kaiji: "..."

On other floors of the parliament building, the gossip exploded. "It’s clear Mr. Song is in charge now. No one dares to oppose Mr. Song."

"It’s better to side with Mr. Song early if you want a future."

Song Yuqing hadn’t expected that his act of making an example of Zong He, combined with the older members' guilt, would lead others to mistakenly believe the parliament was now his personal dictatorship.

What Song Yuqing did know was that, for the next six months, those with ill intentions would likely stay out of his way.

They would also stop trying to plant people around him.

Song Yuqing and Ye Siling’s laboratory underwent another major reshuffle, leaving only completely reliable personnel. There was no longer any need to put on acts to fool these parliament members.

"Now that everything’s settled, when are you going back?"

Pei Huai: "…"

Pei Huai: "Song Yuqing, are you just going to toss me back after using me?"

What a user. Poor him, constantly deceived and manipulated by this user, yet still working his hardest for Song Yuqing.

Song Yuqing rested his chin in his hand, looking at Pei Huai. "Don’t want to go back?"

"Then stay here and keep me company."

Pei Huai was puzzled by Song Yuqing’s unusually easygoing attitude today.

The next moment, he saw the document in Song Yuqing’s hand.

Gender: Alpha.

Psychic Power Level: S (90% chance of secondary differentiation to S+)

Age: 18

Name: ***

Pei Huai was in disbelief. "Are you looking for my replacement?"

Song Yuqing patted the Alpha’s face. "Don't be so dramatic. It’s not about replacing you. If you don’t want to go, I’ll find someone to take your place. Is there a problem?"

These were promising candidates he had screened from the courses he previously recorded. After selection, he sponsored their education, and in return, they would serve him.

This was one of the usable Alphas. Whether Pei Huai liked it or not, the people he selected would enter various fields, including the military.

Pei Huai grabbed Song Yuqing’s hand, leaning in aggressively. "He might differentiate into an S+ Alpha, but I’m already here. He’ll make you wait, but I won’t."

"Do you still want him?" Pei Huai was so angry he lost all reason. "If you want him, I’ll track him down and take him out while you’re asleep."

Song Yuqing: "…"

You bastard.

Song Yuqing stared back at Pei Huai. "Your Psychic Power Level is high, but you’re disobedient. You always disobey orders and go AWOL."

Any random Alpha would be more obedient than Pei Huai.

They had discussed Pei Huai’s sneaking off before, but nothing had been resolved.

Before Pei Huai returned, they needed to have a second conversation. Otherwise, this bastard would think there were no consequences and push his luck.

After laying out his complaints, Song Yuqing repeated his earlier question. "Are you going back?"

Pei Huai knew he had been falling short here. Following orders is what soldiers do.

Though frustrated, Pei Huai quickly agreed. "I’ll go back tomorrow."

Song Yuqing told Pei Huai, "Don't run out again, focus on training properly."

Pei Huai stared at Song Yuqing, wanting to imprint his image in his mind once more. This time, after leaving, he didn't know when he would see Song Yuqing again—he could barely even see many photos.

He could only look a bit more, just a bit more.

"I'll miss you, Qingqing," Pei Huai muttered, lowering his head. His big furry head almost buried into Song Yuqing's neck. His warm breath ghosted across the beta's slightly raised neck, but the alpha's mood sank despite himself.

He hadn't even left yet, and he already missed him.

Song Yuqing's emotions were also complicated. Pei Huai really was a dog in every sense of the word.

Song Yuqing slid his fingers into the alpha's hairline, rubbing gently with his fingertips. "Alright, I'll come see you when I can. Listen to Pei Wei and follow military orders."

"If you run out again, I'll break your legs." Song Yuqing's tone was light, casually threatening Pei Huai.

Pei Huai brightened up again, staring at Song Yuqing. "Which leg?"

Song Yuqing: "…"

Song Yuqing: "Both."

Author's Note:

Pei Dog: No one can replace me. Whoever tries, I'll kill them.

Song Qingqing: Honestly, no one can replace this fool. Those as foolish as him aren't as good in a fight, and those as good in a fight aren't as foolish.