Chapter 119: Adulterer

Chapter 119 The Other Man

Two days later, Pei Huai’s mech arrived at the military region. Its appearance was largely indistinguishable from those of other alphas.

However, the moment Pei Huai took control and linked his psychic energy, he felt a hundred percent compatibility.

He had borrowed other alphas’ mechs before, including the one belonging to the alpha who had accompanied him to steal the phone that day. While he could operate them, the level of compatibility was lacking. Those were standard-issue mechs, designed to link with any alpha’s psychic energy. The personalized aspects required an alpha to "break in" the mech through repeated training to achieve synchronization.

But his mech was different. He didn't even need to break it in; the mech's limbs and entire body felt like an extension of his own, allowing for effortless and natural control.

Song Yuqing had made it specifically for him.

Song Yuqing was good to him, always giving him the best.

Pei Huai was in such a good mood all day that he was pleasant to all the other alphas.

Someone couldn't resist a snide remark, "What? Did his wife give birth? It's not even his child. Is he addicted to wearing the cuckold's green hat?"

"He got his mech, that's why. Even though it arrived two days late, I don't know what he's so smug about."

Those gossiping behind his back harbored some resentment. They believed that in the army, strength should speak for itself. The thought that Pei Huai might later infringe on their rights made them uncomfortable.

They saw Pei Huai as a resource hog.

But they only dared to gossip behind his back.

Suddenly, a cafeteria tray slammed down on their table. The alpha smirked, raising his eyebrows, and declared, "By the way, I got my mech. Have you seen it? It's insanely cool."

*My wife made it for me herself.*

Everyone: "..."

"Actually, we got ours a few days ago," someone reminded Pei Huai. In reality, he was the odd one out, the most pitiful, the unluckiest alpha—the last to receive his assigned mech.

Pei Huai: "It's not the same."

His was custom-made by Song Yuqing, while theirs were mass-produced.

His was one of a kind.

Pei Huai: "You probably don't have wives, so you wouldn't understand this feeling."

A group of people were baffled, not understanding how Pei Huai went from talking about his mech to his wife.

But they were already used to Pei Huai being a die-hard romantic, never going three sentences without mentioning his wife.

So smug.

As if anyone didn't know he was being cuckolded by his wife.

Westland and Xinzhou bordered each other. Over the years, Westland would occasionally stir up minor incidents, testing Xinzhou's limits in a way that was more annoying than harmful—in other words, they liked to provoke.

Especially now that they had the support of Srilan Continent.

Over the years, Srilan Continent had always been the strongest military power among the Four Great Continents. With their support, Westland became even more inclined to act provocatively.

The harassment along the border had always been handled by the garrison troops of the Border Military Region.

The border troops were directly managed by the parliament's military council, which was another safeguard these parliamentary factions kept for themselves.

Qi Ran was stationed in that border garrison.

Zhou Yongnian, the alpha who typically managed military authority, waited for Song Yuqing's instructions. Song Yuqing gently pressed his fingers on the desk, lifted his eyes, and asked, "What do you think?"

Zhou Yongnian cautiously replied, "The border troops' strength is insufficient. I suggest transferring personnel from Pei Wei's side to handle it."

Meaning he didn't want to do it, preferring to conserve his own strength and let the Central Military Region bear the drain.

Song Yuqing glanced up slightly. "Their strength is insufficient?"

The border troops had plenty of combat experience. If all that combat experience couldn't make those hundred thousand alphas stronger than the average alpha in the military region, then they were truly beyond help.

Song Yuqing smiled. "Then you go supervise. If they can't win, don't come back."

His tone was light and casual, as if discussing something trivial. With a few words, he decided the fate of someone like Zhou Yongnian. Although Zhou Yongnian managed the military affairs of the Border Military Region in the parliament, he hardly ever went to the military region himself.

Zhou Yongnian broke out in a cold sweat. "So, I should go?"

Song Yuqing: "Yes, go."

Zhou Yongnian: "..."

Zhou Yongnian exited Song Yuqing's office. Another parliamentarian asked, "What did he say?"

Zhou Yongnian: "He told me to go supervise and not come back if we can't win."

Other parliamentarians: "..."

"It's good that you're going. We can refine our plans."

"You should know, Qi Ran's departure was very sudden. He and Song Yuqing were so close before, but he left just like that. They probably had a falling out. If we leverage their love-hate relationship, we might achieve unexpected results."

"An alpha with C-level psychic energy, what good is he?"

"Your information is outdated. He underwent a secondary differentiation and became an S+ alpha."

"Hurry up and finish your report to Song Yuqing. We're having a gathering tonight. I'm about to go crazy holding back around Song Yuqing—I have to vent."

As soon as they got off work, a group of them headed straight to an upscale club, where a crowd of deeply resentful alphas had already gathered.

One person lit a cigarette first. After getting depressed, they collectively sighed.

Qi Zhengqing's ancestors must have been buried in a great spot.

Qi Zhengqing was S+. Everyone thought Qi Ran was a weakling, but who would have thought he'd undergo secondary differentiation after joining the military?

None of that compared to Song Yuqing, who was the mastermind behind it all.

In a way, Qi Zhengqing and Song Yuqing rose to power together. Song Yuqing now held power and had also solidified Qi Zhengqing's status in Xinzhou, making it unshakable by other families or factions.

No one dared to provoke Qi Zhengqing before, and even fewer dared to now.

"Do you remember the first time Qi Zhengqing publicly acknowledged Song Yuqing?"

Another heavy silence fell over the group.

What Qi Zhengqing had said back then was—

"A man’s status is reflected in his wife’s looks."

At the time, none of them had grasped the gravity of those words, assuming Qi Zhengqing’s wife was merely a pretty face.

After chatting a while longer, the alphas returned to their rebellious scheming.

There was no chance of them gaining control over the Third Central Military Region’s forces now.

Their best move was to install a puppet alpha within the Border Military Region.

If they didn’t act soon, Song Yuqing would have them completely under his heel—crushed for life with no chance of rising again.

"What’s the deal with Qi Ran?"

"Rumor has it he tried to make a move on Song Yuqing, but Song Yuqing found him too weak and kicked him to the curb."

"Huh?"

"Seriously?"

"In what way was he weak?"

"Obviously in terms of mental strength—what were you thinking?"

"So, never underestimate the underdog. Looks like Qi Ran has made a comeback now."

"Qi Ran has fought in three major battles—by all rights, he should’ve been promoted. But he’s been held down hard… Song Yuqing is ruthless. After all, he raised that alpha—Qi Ran even called him 'little mom' at one point. Was it really necessary?"

They completely overlooked the fact that the first two times, it was *they* who had blocked Qi Ran’s promotions—who in their right mind would want to boost Song Yuqing’s son?

Instead, they pinned all the blame squarely on Song Yuqing. The one time Song Yuqing did hold Qi Ran back became, in their telling, three times—all Song Yuqing’s fault.

The topic stirred both excitement and gossip among them. Beyond their own schemes, they genuinely looked forward to seeing Qi Ran return and engage in a love-hate dynamic with Song Yuqing.

Though, emphasis on the hate.

Zheng Kaiji kept to the corner, barely noticed, and no one paid him any mind.

While other council members often faced criticism when discussing matters with Song Yuqing, Zheng Kaiji alone received special treatment. This led the others to suspect he had betrayed them.

Life wasn’t easy for Zheng Kaiji either. Playing both sides was no longer an option—his only choice now was to obediently crouch at Song Yuqing’s feet like a dog.

Zheng Kaiji suddenly recalled the deliberations about whether to allow Song Yuqing into the council.

He had thought he was introducing fresh blood to revitalize the council.

Instead, he had let a wolf into the henhouse.

After dismissing everyone, Song Yuqing dug out the old combat reports from the Border Military Region.

They clearly detailed Qi Ran’s contributions across three battles.

Qi Ran had fought fiercely and followed orders obediently. For a year and a half, he hadn’t contacted Song Yuqing even once. Even when his contributions went unrewarded, Qi Ran never once complained.

Without even investigating, Song Yuqing knew Qi Ran must have had a hard time all these years. But…

88: "Do you miss him?"

Song Yuqing’s long eyelashes fluttered down slightly. "Yes."

He thought of Qi Ran now and then, occasionally wondering if, should Qi Ran return, they would become enemies.

88: "Actually, the first two times, you didn’t yet control the council—others suppressed his promotions. He shouldn’t blame you for holding back his merits."

Moreover, Song Yuqing wasn’t that kind of person. The most recent time, Song Yuqing continued to suppress Qi Ran’s merits only so that others could later grant him this long-overdue honor.

Song Yuqing was a calculating strategist, skilled at using everyone to achieve his goals.

The colder Song Yuqing acted toward Qi Ran, the more opportunities and room to advance Qi Ran would have later—and the safer he would be.

Song Yuqing’s character was truly…

Whether it was Pei Huai, Xiao Jinshi, Ye Siling, or Qi Ran—all these alphas—even 88, who had accompanied Song Yuqing this far, would willingly become his dog.

Song Yuqing was not only powerful himself but also willing to build up those around him, offering them opportunities and carefully planning for each one.

The scraps of affection Song Yuqing let slip were enough to drive anyone mad.

Because his love was high-quality, never half-hearted—perfectly targeted to meet others’ needs.

In fact, 88 believed Song Yuqing was a natural at loving.

Song Yuqing organized all the reports. "Yes."

Whether it was love, hatred, or becoming strangers—none of it really mattered.

If Qi Ran truly hated him and things reached that point, then bring it on. He wasn’t afraid of facing Qi Ran as an enemy.

Still, since he’d raised that boy for a time, he hoped Qi Ran could find happiness.

Even if it was a long shot.

Song Yuqing rested his chin in his hand, gaze distant. The next moment, he picked up the knitted toy dog from his desk. "Fa Fa, time to head home."

Mei Qiu was still waiting for him at home.

He didn’t need Qi Ran—that rascal—as his only son.

If Qi Ran truly resented him and refused to call him "Dad" again, then he’d just adopt ten or eight kittens, scoop up ten or eight children, and raise them one by one. Surely one would grow up to respectfully call him "Dad."

88: "…"

On the surface: "If we break ties, I’ll take him down."

In reality: "If that little brat dares not call me Dad, I’ll reduce him to tears."

88: "Qingqing, I think you’re actually a bit softhearted beneath that tough exterior."

Song Yuqing had never truly considered abandoning anyone.

Song Yuqing tilted his head toward 88. "Shut up."

88: "…"

One month later,

The "Blade" closed training concluded, and the second batch of mechs entered the Military Region.

Song Yuqing accepted Pei Wei's invitation to inspect the training results. Pei Wei also took the opportunity to invite several councilors as per Song Yuqing's request.

Pei Wei certainly understood Song Yuqing's intention—to put pressure on the councilors and intimidate them with a military display.

The view had changed from barren yellow soil to a cold, stern expanse of silver-white.

The mechs' metal heads tilted upward at identical angles, their facial sensor units glowing with a deep red light, like thousands upon thousands of mechanical eyes fixed uniformly on the viewing platform.

Awaiting commands.

Song Yuqing stood on the viewing platform, looking down at them.

He was the only Beta councilor in Xinzhou, wielding power that many Alphas could not even grasp. Like a bright moon, aloof and elevated, he stood there, his serene and beautiful profile alone driving countless Alphas crazy with desire.

Just the thought that these mechs were built by Song Yuqing himself and would fight for him made the Alphas' blood race.

Song Yuqing cast a cold glance at the councilors and asked, "Do any of you see areas that need improvement?"

The councilors, their faces dark, fell silent…

Song Yuqing was *fucking* intimidating them again.

Lately, Song Yuqing had taken a liking to asking for their opinions, but not to actually consider them. Instead, it was to make it crystal clear that any ideas they had should remain buried in their stomachs.

After the demonstration, Pei Huai dismissed the troops, and the instructors granted everyone half a day of free time.

"See that? My cyber waifu?"

"Great, we share the same waifu. He's insanely beautiful. I’d die for Song Yuqing."

"Pei Huai, where are you going?"

In the ranks, an Alpha looked intently at Song Yuqing on the viewing platform. He wondered if it was his imagination, but Song Yuqing’s gaze seemed to linger on him.

Giving him an icy, emotionless look.

For a moment, the Alpha’s heart nearly overloaded.

Pei Huai walked past him and responded to another Alpha, "Going to find my wife."

The Alpha overheard Pei Huai’s reply and curled his lips in disdain, shooting a scornful look at Pei Huai.

*Cuckold dog, off to find his wife again.*

He was different from Pei Huai—he wanted to be the one giving the green hat. Song Yuqing had a husband.

But what did it matter if such a Beta was married? Making the lofty moon fall from its pedestal for him was what an Alpha should do.

To conquer such a beauty, one should dominate him fiercely.

Make him dependent, thrust into his reproductive cavity, say the most vulgar things to him, watch him become delirious because of you.

Make him cry, make him ache, let him savor the pleasure until he remembers your shape.

Not like Pei Huai, acting like a lickspittle, trailing after Betas or Omegas waiting for favors, even happily licking their boots after being cuckolded.

Pei Huai was a gutless, worthless Alpha.

Song Yuqing was speaking with Pei Wei. "With the closed training over, have Pei Huai lead the team to the Border Military Region. Let them test their mettle against those from Westland."

Pei Wei: "I was thinking the same."

Pei Huai stood nearby waiting. "I have something to report to Commander Pei."

Pei Wei: "..."

*Reporting that you want to see Song Yuqing, right?*

Song Yuqing’s gaze shifted slightly, landing on Pei Huai. Dressed in a crisp black military uniform, the Alpha’s figure appeared tall and imposing, his broad shoulders straight, brass buttons fastened all the way to below his Adam’s apple. He looked serious and steady when composed.

Pei Wei: "Let’s go."

Song Yuqing had just finished discussing future plans with Pei Wei and left with him.

The Alpha watched Song Yuqing and Pei Huai walk away, his eyes glinting. Pei Huai really had a good father—while other Alphas couldn’t get close to Song Yuqing, he could easily meet him.

Pei Huai had been in a good mood all day since morning, knowing he would see Song Yuqing. Once by Song Yuqing’s side, he started talking incessantly.

He leaned slightly closer, his burning gaze fixed on Song Yuqing’s aloof profile, his tone full of pride. "Qingqing, I haven’t slacked off lately. I ranked first in overall performance."

Song Yuqing: "Mm."

Pei Huai found Pei Wei somewhat annoyingly present and shot him a few glances. Pei Wei: "..."

Pei Wei volunteered to leave. "You accompany him. I’m heading back."

After Pei Wei left, Pei Huai followed Song Yuqing to his office. Once they entered, he asked, "Qingqing, I missed you. Did you miss me?"

Song Yuqing was so well-provided for—whether he came to the office or not, such a workspace was always prepared for him.

The Alpha followed them all the way there, saw the door close, but didn’t leave. He even frowned.

*If their relationship was bad, would they enter the office together?*

The Alpha recalled Pei Huai’s words earlier—when Pei Huai went to find Pei Wei, he said he was going to find his wife.

Pei Wei was Pei Huai’s father, so Pei Huai’s wife could only be Song Yuqing.

But that didn’t make sense—Song Yuqing was already married, and almost everyone knew his husband was a big shot with money and influence.

Even if he was slow, the Alpha began to realize something.

What cuckolding? Pei Huai was clearly the other man. The wife wasn’t his wife to begin with, so the child not being his was only natural, right?

Connecting this to the recent rumors about Song Yuqing’s pregnancy, the Alpha was almost certain he had uncovered the truth.

Pei Huai was the adulterer.

They had all been deceived by Pei Huai.

They even thought Pei Huai was incompetent.

If this was incompetent, then hell, he had balls.

Then... if Pei Huai could do it, why couldn’t he?

He wasn’t much worse than Pei Huai. He could give Song Yuqing pleasure just as well.

Author's Note:

Song Qingqing: I love being a dad.

Pei Dog: Mommy!

Xiao Jinshi: Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!

Ye Siling: M-mom...?

Qi Ran: Little mom? Little dad and mom?

Qi Zhengqing: Wife.

Song Qingqing: ...Can't reason with you damn alphas.