Chapter 59

Chapter 59

After the Lunar New Year, Ying Zhiyu and Li Xi moved out of the garden villa at LI Group headquarters as planned.

With a clear suspect in mind, their past records certainly needed thorough investigation.

Of course, Panda and Zhou Shen, having been employed by the Li family, had their backgrounds meticulously vetted before joining.

Panda, a Beta, 27 years old this year, became Li Xi's personal bodyguard five years ago.

His father, Pan Muqiao, an Alpha, is the Chief Security Officer of the Li Family Office, known for his five-star loyalty, military bearing, and an extremely low risk of betrayal.

Pan Muqiao was forty when Panda was born.

Raised with a military-style education, Panda was assigned as Li Xi's personal bodyguard at 22. Many in the family office saw this as Pan Muqiao backing the next Head of the Li family, a clear signal to pave the way for his son's future.

There was also speculation that Panda was specifically requested by the third young master of the Li family, Li Xi, as a means to win over Pan Muqiao.

Li Xi told Ying Zhiyu that when he returned to the country five years ago, Panda was among the bodyguards Li Songqian had arranged for him. His initial choice of Panda was indeed influenced by the status of Panda's father.

In other words, both external theories about Panda becoming Li Xi's personal bodyguard were, in a sense, correct.

Li Xi's evaluation of Panda's performance over the past five years was that his professional skills were excellent, his loyalty and professional ethics were exceptionally high, making him a highly qualified personal bodyguard.

This largely aligned with Ying Zhiyu's impression of Panda from his previous life.

If it weren’t for the undeniable convenience Panda’s position offered for such actions, Ying Zhiyu would truly be reluctant to suspect him.

Even Ying Zhiyu, who considered himself reasonably intelligent and perceptive, had dropped all pretense in front of Li Xi, openly submitting to scrutiny.

For Panda to have maintained a "simple and straightforward" facade in front of Li Xi for so many years, without a single flaw, the probability of that success was minuscule.

As for the Li family’s head butler, Zhou Shen.

A Beta, the same age as the Li family’s eldest daughter, Li Qin, 45 years old this year, and still unmarried.

However, Betas have the highest unmarried rate in ABO society, so Zhou Shen’s lack of romantic relationships or marriage isn't particularly unusual.

Ying Zhiyu initially suspected that the person who kidnapped him in his previous life and "sent the ring finger" to Li Xi might have been motivated by "discontent," "jealousy," or "venting anger" toward his status as a live-in son-in-law.

However, Zhou Shen was much older than Li Xi—a fifteen-year age gap. For him to wait until Li Xi had been married for over a decade, by which time he was in his fifties, to vent his anger seemed a bit far-fetched.

Similarly, Panda presented the same problem.

Assuming Panda had a "secret crush" on Li Xi, if he truly resented Ying Zhiyu for taking the Alpha role with Li Xi, as Li Xi’s personal bodyguard over eleven years, Panda had plenty of opportunities to act.

To choose to strike only during the LI Group succession battle seemed to lack sufficient motive.

Thus, Li Xi’s initial judgment was likely correct.

The possibility of "romantic rivalry" as a motive for the attack on Ying Zhiyu could be ruled out.

However, after ruling out personal emotions, it seemed even more likely that the reason was related to Ying Zhiyu’s research.

"Butler Zhou..." Ying Zhiyu mused, "Didn’t he graduate from the École hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland?"

Graduating from a top global hotel management school, he entered the Li family with clear goals at age 23 and spent twenty years climbing to his current position as head butler.

Ying Zhiyu asked, "What did Zhou Shen’s parents do?"

Li Xi replied, "He was adopted. His adoptive parents have clean backgrounds, and his biological parents also..."

Mid-sentence, Li Xi paused, his expression turning serious, and suddenly said without warning, "Zhou Shen is indeed suspicious."

Ying Zhiyu was taken aback, not expecting Li Xi to say this so abruptly.

Li Xi’s brow furrowed as he recalled, "His adoptive parents are no longer in the country. He was adopted abroad as a child. The Li family also tracked down his biological parents before Zhou Shen was employed."

Ying Zhiyu remained silent, knowing Li Xi had more to say.

"His biological parents divorced. His birth father was an Alpha, and his birth mother was a Beta. His father married his mother when he was down on his luck but later abandoned his first wife after making a fortune. Zhou Shen’s custody was granted to his father, but after remarrying, his father found an opportunity to abandon him."

Zhou Shen’s birth father was financially well-off and later married an Omega.

They had two children—Zhou Shen’s biological half-siblings—one of whom differentiated into an Alpha, the other into an Omega.

If, as Ying Zhiyu suspected, the attacker was concerned about their school laboratory’s "AO differentiation" research project, then Zhou Shen’s background could indeed be a motive for targeting Ying Zhiyu.

But... why send the finger?

Ying Zhiyu still had doubts.

Li Xi, unaware of the events of the previous life, wouldn’t consider this layer. But Ying Zhiyu couldn’t understand—if it wasn’t out of "jealousy or venting anger," then it could only be to "intimidate or threaten."

Threaten Li Xi?

For what purpose?

What connection was there between the AO differentiation research project and the LI Group succession battle?

In his previous life, during the succession battle, Li Xi should have also been in the stage of developing and launching new pharmaceuticals...

What pheromone product was he leading the development of at that time?

Damn it. To avoid any suspicion of him, the "live-in son-in-law," coveting the LI Group, Ying Zhiyu hadn’t paid the slightest attention to Li Xi’s work back then.

-

Li Xi had been quite busy lately.

The clinical trial for artificial pheromones was completed, and after the New Year, LI officially began the application process for the new drug’s market launch.

Little Qingshu’s current feeding method followed the "breast milk + formula" mixed feeding model recommended by infant care experts.

This ensured the Omega could maintain normal work and rest hours postpartum while guaranteeing the child received the best and most scientifically balanced nutrition.

A little after 8 p.m., Li Xi hadn’t returned home yet due to unexpected work tasks.

The nursery teacher prepared to take Little Qingshu to LI Group to find Li Xi.

She explained to Ying Zhiyu that the breast milk Li Xi had expressed and stored with a pump before leaving in the morning had run out, but Little Qingshu was accustomed to breastfeeding before bedtime.

On a typical evening, Li Xi would have been home long before Little Qingshu’s bedtime.

But these past couple of days, Li Xi had been too busy and likely wouldn’t make it back in time for this breastfeeding session.

Ying Zhiyu thought for a moment. "I’ll go with you."

With the Omega and the child both away, him, an Alpha, staying home alone felt neither appropriate nor thoughtful, and somehow inexplicably "bleak."

Arriving at LI Group headquarters, though it was past 9 PM, the building was still brightly lit, with many offices across several floors illuminated.

Large corporations offer excellent benefits, but the workload is equally demanding.

They took the executive elevator directly to the floor where Li Xi's office was located.

After entering, Li Xi paused his work and went into the lounge to feed the baby first.

Since Ying Zhiyu had previously participated in the development of LI Laboratory's artificial pheromones, he didn’t deliberately avoid suspicion when entering Li Xi's office this time.

While greeting earlier, he glanced at the data tables on Li Xi’s computer screen and casually remarked, "Does Director Li still need to personally handle those data reports?"

Submitting a new drug for market approval requires providing all preliminary R&D data and complete clinical trial data from Phases I, II, and III.

The development of the new artificial pheromone agent is a highly classified project within LI Group.

Until the official market launch, the final archives of these R&D data are kept solely by Li Xi. Even his personal assistant, Zhang Jingrui, does not have full access to all the research data.

While gently soothing Little Qingshu, who was comfortably nursing in his arms, Li Xi explained, "Once artificial pheromones are launched, it’s inevitable that artificially simulated pheromones, custom-matched pheromones, and even DIY artificial pheromones will quickly follow."

"To prevent misuse of artificial pheromones for criminal purposes, not only must the new agent be kept confidential before market launch, but corresponding measures to restrict such crimes must also be developed. Only when everything is fully prepared can it be officially released."

LI Group is jokingly referred to online as the "Pheromone Commercial Empire."

This title is not just casual banter.

The impact of pheromones on Alphas and Omegas in ABO society is profound, affecting every aspect of life.

It’s no exaggeration to say that every pheromone agent launched by LI Group could alter the current landscape and future trends of ABO society, even influencing societal systems to adapt accordingly.

Greater influence comes with greater responsibility.

The more cautious and thorough the considerations must be.

Halfway through drinking her bedtime breast milk, Little Qingshu’s eyes began to glaze over, her big, round eyes half-open and half-closed.

Ying Zhiyu, who had recently spent much of his free time playing with the baby and trying to bond with his child, recognized at a glance that the little one was "milk-drunk" and about to fall asleep.

Since Little Qingshu is still very young, a few months old, she needs to travel in a specialized infant car seat, which often makes it hard for her to sleep soundly on the road.

Li Xi still had unfinished work and couldn’t leave yet. After Little Qingshu finished nursing, the nursery caregiver took her home first.

At 11:30 PM, Li Xi finally left LI Group’s headquarters office.

Just as he stepped out of the elevator, a shadowy figure emerged from the stairwell.

Li Xi’s bodyguard nearly sprang into action, but the "shadowy figure" quickly spoke up: "It’s me."

Li Xi paused, looking at the face of the "shadowy figure."

Alphas have astonishing learning abilities, mastering counter-surveillance and anti-tracking skills with ease, even applying them creatively. Hidden in the shadows just now, even Li Xi hadn’t noticed him in time.

Ying Zhiyu had somehow acquired a baseball cap, changed his clothes, and even pulled up the hood of his jacket.

...He looked a bit like a troublemaker, yet somehow still handsome?

Seeing Li Xi staring intently at his face without moving, Ying Zhiyu actively approached: "Director Li kept me waiting for so long."

Before they moved out of the Li family’s garden villa at LI headquarters, Ying Zhiyu had deliberately left some "clues" related to his school’s research project in his usual study.

However, whether out of caution or because Ying Zhiyu’s earlier assumptions were simply wrong, there had been no unusual activity from the Li family so far.

Ying Zhiyu’s work and life had also been uneventful.

Lately, Ying Zhiyu and Li Xi were no longer putting on a united front while being divided at heart. After all, since the other party hadn't made a move, it wouldn’t make sense for them to remain at odds indefinitely.

Even though they had "reconciled," a relationship with cracks couldn’t be repaired overnight. Public displays of affection were still kept to a minimum.

Thus, it seemed only natural for the Alpha dad to go home with Little Qingshu earlier.

But Li Xi hadn’t expected Ying Zhiyu to reappear in disguise over an hour later, changing his outfit and waiting downstairs at LI Group.

Since Li Xi’s personal bodyguard, Panda, hadn’t been fully cleared of suspicion, Li Xi couldn’t be seen getting too friendly with the young Alpha in public.

He forced himself to look away.

His Adam’s apple bobbed visibly as he coldly said, "Who told you to wait here?"

With that, he brushed past Ying Zhiyu and got into the car directly.

Ying Zhiyu obediently followed and got into the car as well.

Once inside, Li Xi coldly raised the privacy partition between the front and back seats.

Ying Zhiyu, still seemingly in character as the "coquettish little Alpha," smiled at Third Prince Li and said, "Your Majesty, don’t be angry. How about considering flipping my card tonight..."

Before he could finish, his chin was suddenly grabbed.

Ying Zhiyu: "..."

Li Xi narrowed his eyes, staring at the Alpha’s handsome face—still clear and innocent even after becoming a father—and even the clothes he’d changed into in the middle of the night exuded a "college boy" vibe.

Recalling how many netizens joked online, "If I were rich, I’d keep a handsome college boy too."

Li Xi thought, well, if you’re rich, you should keep a pretty boy college student.

After all, pretty boys are easy on the eyes and refreshing.

Ying Zhiyu, his chin held by his Omega, buried his face in Li Xi’s neck and took a deep breath.

The comforting scent of Alpha pheromones filled Li Xi’s senses.

They then shared a passionate, almost "clandestine" kiss.

Before returning to his seat, Li Xi made sure to fasten the seatbelt for the Alpha who had volunteered to "have his card flipped."

As Li Xi reached for his own seatbelt, Ying Zhiyu took it from him first and buckled it with a click.

On the road, the young Alpha snuck glances at Li Xi’s chest.

Li Xi looked down at his clothes, then at Ying Zhiyu.

"What are you looking at?"

Ying Zhiyu asked curiously, "Does it feel full?"

Just now, as the car was about to start, they had stolen a quick kiss. Li Xi had pressed close to him, and Ying Zhiyu felt that the sensation of Li Xi’s chest seemed slightly different from before.

Male Omegas are rare after all, so Ying Zhiyu wasn’t familiar with many of these matters. Previously, he’d been worried that Li Xi might be sensitive about postpartum body changes, so he didn’t dare ask casually.

Moreover, when Li Xi fed Little Qingshu, he always made an effort to avoid Ying Zhiyu.

In fact, today was the first time Ying Zhiyu had actually seen Li Xi breastfeed the baby.

With an innocent and pure expression, the young Alpha out of nowhere asked such a question.

Li Xi paused for a moment: "...Occasionally," he said.

Male Omegas are different from female Omegas. Due to biological differences, their milk supply is usually not as abundant as that of female Omegas, but they can still experience engorgement.

After hearing this, Ying Zhiyu blinked, still looking innocent but speaking mischievously.

He looked like he was up to no good!

"Want me to help massage them for you?" he asked.

Li Xi: "..."

From the young Alpha’s gaze, Li Xi could tell that Ying Zhiyu didn’t just want to give a massage—it was more like the curiosity of a scientist, eager to check things out and experiment!

Yet Ying Zhiyu’s eyes were so innocent, even carrying a hint of genuine curiosity.

Li Xi’s mind flashed back to the image of the Alpha waiting in the stairwell earlier.

Winter had just ended, and the early spring chill still lingered. He didn’t know if the heating in the emergency exits of the LI Group headquarters building was inadequate.

Ying Zhiyu’s neck felt cold.

Whether it was due to his thin clothes or having waited too long in the stairwell, Li Xi couldn’t tell.

After a moment of silence, Li Xi clenched his jaw and said, "Hold out your hand."

Ying Zhiyu raised an eyebrow: "Now?"

He had actually planned to wait until they got home...

But glancing at the digital clock on the car’s central console, he realized it would be past midnight by the time they returned. If he were to "massage" then, they probably wouldn’t get any rest that night.

So, the Alpha, with a mix of restraint and willingness, obediently held out his hand.

The area during nursing was extremely sensitive. Ying Zhiyu only touched it lightly over his clothes.

Li Xi instinctively clenched his fists and turned his head away, avoiding eye contact with Ying Zhiyu.

The luxury car’s soundproofing was excellent, leaving only the sound of their breathing in the quiet, confined space—more precisely, Li Xi’s breaths growing heavier as the Alpha’s hands moved.

Ying Zhiyu’s movements were very gentle, clearly not haphazard. It even seemed like he had looked into it beforehand.

However...

Just as Li Xi had had enough and felt like biting the seemingly well-behaved but actually mischievous Alpha’s hand—

The Alpha beside him paused.

Ying Zhiyu suddenly remembered something and asked abruptly, "After the synthetic pheromones are released, will they be sold under a real-name restricted purchase system?"

Li Xi was taken aback. It’s often said that smart people’s minds jump around, but for the Alpha to bring up work at a time like this...

Though confused and somewhat speechless, Li Xi still nodded in acknowledgment: "That’s the plan."

Ying Zhiyu finally realized what the new drug developed by the LI Laboratory in his previous life was!

To prevent the new drug from being used for criminal activities after its release, it had to be sold under a real-name restricted purchase system with monthly purchase limits.

During the peak of the inheritance battle within the Li family in his previous life, the new drug that Li Xi advocated for was the synthetic pheromones—claimed to be perceivable even by Betas—which had been successfully developed a decade earlier in this lifetime!