Chapter 4 Double Standards

Chapter 4: Double Standards

"Hey, have you heard? Our law firm is selecting senior partners, and Lawyer Lian made the candidate list. He’s only been here a few days!"

Several lawyers in tailored suits lounged casually in armchairs, chatting idly.

Lian Yi and Yan Zhi, each holding a cup of coffee, were about to push open the slightly ajar door when they paused upon hearing the conversation.

"What’s the big deal? He’s the director's golden boy now! Top graduate in law, with a win rate and client retention rate both over 95%. So many law firms were fighting to recruit him when he returned to the country. If it weren’t for his old classmate, Lawyer Yan, would he have condescended to join our firm?" The speaker sneered coldly. "Of course, they’re going to brown-nose him."

"Brown-nosing is one thing, but senior partnerships are supposed to be based on seniority. How could it possibly be his turn?"

"What’s wrong, Lawyer Chen? Jealous? Feeling resentful?" another voice chimed in, with a teasing tone.

"He worked at FBD for a year! That’s a huge honor—do you even understand the prestige? His future is limitless! FBD has only hired a handful of people externally over the years, and he went straight there after university. In the short time he’s been here, how many magazine headlines has he brought our firm? How many big clients has he landed?" The speaker exaggeratedly added, "Two words: authority! No one can argue with that."

"Hah, so what about FBD? He didn’t even last three years to get the certification. He resigned after just one year and came back with his tail between his legs, saying it was to get married. I think he’s just using it as an excuse to save face."

The one who started the topic continued sarcastically, "Everyone knows how stressful the work environment at FBD is—it drains your spirit. He just couldn’t handle it, couldn’t keep up, and turned tail and ran. Using marriage as an excuse? Please."

"Haha, exactly. What’s the use of being so capable?" Lawyer Chen chimed in gleefully, smugly adding, "Now he’s just working alongside us, isn’t he?"

The others paused for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"What the hell," Yan Zhi frowned, his temper flared up as he stepped forward to defend his friend, but Lian Yi grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Let it go. Let them gossip," Lian Yi released his grip and patted Yan Zhi’s shoulder, pointing to a corner seat by the window. Calmly, he said, "It doesn’t affect me. Why are you so worked up? I’ll still win the cases I need to win, and the partner position will still be mine."

Yan Zhi thought it over and conceded, though he couldn’t resist muttering under his breath toward the door, "Ungrateful snakes!"

The two walked over to the table with their coffee and sat down. Lian Yi’s dark eyes were lowered, his expression unreadable, but it was clear he wasn't in high spirits.

He didn’t care about the gossiping, but some of their words had struck a chord, leaving him momentarily lonely.

FBD had always been his goal and dream since childhood.

From the moment he chose to pursue law, he had meticulously planned every step of his future.

To seize that hard-won opportunity for advancement, he immersed himself in various practical experiences during college, driven by a deep respect and idealism for the law. His efforts yielded remarkable achievements and earned him a reputation in the industry.

It was precisely because of this that he managed to secure a position at FBD.

For lawyers, having FBD on their résumé was like being gold-plated—it set them apart from the rest.

He had envisioned countless outcomes and possibilities but never imagined he would resign and return to the country for such an absurd reason.

All the efforts and achievements from his four years of college had gone down the drain. His dream, once within reach, had now vanished, and everything he had worked for seemed to have come to nothing.

He still felt some resentment.

"Lian Yi!" Yan Zhi waved a hand in front of his face. "Hey! What are you spacing out? I’m talking to you!"

Lian Yi snapped back to reality, his dark eyes refocusing as he looked at the person across from him, furrowing his brows in confusion. "What is it?"

Yan Zhi sighed in exasperation and repeated his question. "I asked if you’ve requested time off."

"Requested what time off?" Lian Yi didn’t understand.

"Seriously," Yan Zhi said, puzzled by his cluelessness. "In a couple of days, there’s the Qiao and Wen families’ century collaboration project press conference. Isn’t Young Master Qiao supposed to attend the banquet with his brother? I heard Young Master Qiao had some involvement in the project. Don’t formal occasions like that require bringing a partner? Aren’t you, as the newlywed husband, going with him?"

Lian Yi frowned. He truly had no idea about this.

He searched through his memories.

He recalled that morning, while tying his tie, the omega sat on the bed, sleepy-eyed, watching him with an expression that seemed to hold back words.

Was this what he wanted to say?

"Lawyer Lian, I’m begging you," Yan Zhi’s annoyingly noisy voice rang out again, tinged with annoyance. "Check the financial gossip columns once in a while. The whole world knows about it, and you’re still waiting for your wife to tell you? Some alpha you are."

Lian Yi, annoyed by his nagging, shot him an annoyed glance. He checked his watch and pulled out his phone to scroll through it briefly.

Finally, he stood up, straightened his suit buttons, and headed out.

"Where are you going?" Yan Zhi remained seated, twisting around to ask.

"Requesting time off," came the two cold, magnetic words.

***

Nighttime, in the bedroom, the warm glow of the ceiling lamp illuminated the room.

Qiao Zhimian sat on the edge of the bed, absentmindedly flipping back and forth through his design sketches.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom—the alpha had been in there for a while after returning from the study. During this time, Qiao Zhimian had been struggling with how to bring up the topic of the banquet.

He knew that Lian Yi had never been fond of these glitzy, fame-obsessed social scenes.

In the past, when the Lian family attended functions, he rarely made an appearance, leaving it to Lian Yi’s parents and older brother.

So, should he bring it up or not?

Or should he go alone and, if asked, simply say his alpha was busy?

But how would he explain it to his brother?

The bathroom door clicked open. Qiao Zhimian blinked his dewy eyes and looked over.

Lian Yi walked out in his pajamas, his gaze lifting calmly to meet the omega’s complicated expression.

Slightly taken aback, he stepped closer, his eyes drifting down to the omega’s slender legs under his pants.

Realizing that bending down might be difficult for him, Lian Yi was about to crouch when he heard the omega mumble softly.

"In a couple of days... there’s an event," Qiao Zhimian looked up at the man, his fingers tightening around the design sketches. "Do you have time to come with me...?"

Lian Yi’s expression remained unchanged. He let out a soft ‘hmm,’ and as he crouched, he replied, "I’ve requested time off. What do I need to prepare?"

Qiao Zhimian felt the alpha’s large, warm hand wrap around his ankle, the warm, searing heat spreading through his skin.

Aside from doctors, almost no one touched his legs. The sensation made him instinctively shrink back, his ears tingeing pink.

His eyes followed the man as he crouched down, still processing the fact that Lian Yi hadn't even asked for details. Both confused and surprised, he stammered, "Oh, no, it’s fine. I’ve already arranged for the formal attire."

"Alright," Lian Yi replied, steadying the omega’s foot as it tried to pull away and deftly removing his shoe.

His attention didn't linger on the so-called event for more than a few seconds.

The white rose pheromones from the omega, mixed with the fresh scent of shower gel, drifted into his nostrils.

He stared at the man's legs, his thoughts turning to rehabilitation.

Logically, it should be done—at the very least, muscle massages shouldn’t be skipped. Why does it feel like he doesn’t even care himself?

***

At this joint press conference, Qiao Baichen and Chairman Wen were the main figures. Lian Yi and Qiao Zhimian could arrive later.

When the press conference began, Qiao Zhimian sat on stage alongside his brother for the interview, while Lian Yi waited for him below.

After the interview, Lian Yi pushed his wheelchair and accompanied him into the banquet hall.

As the two passed by the various guests, everyone’s eyes turned toward them.

Some congratulated them on their recent marriage, while others praised Qiao Zhimian’s latest architectural designs.

Standing behind the omega, Lian Yi gripped the handles of the wheelchair, his dark, star-like eyes taking in every subtle expression of the people around them.

Their seemingly casual flattery and fawning carried an undercurrent of malicious disdain whenever their gazes fell on Qiao Zhimian’s legs.

Fearing the Qiao family’s influence, they acted cordial to their faces but showed their true colors behind their backs—utterly hypocritical.

Lian Yi’s frown deepened. He quickened his pace, hurrying through the necessary formalities and dealing with the required social interactions.

As the event neared its end, considering that Qiao Zhimian hadn’t eaten much for lunch, Lian Yi stopped by a long table and selected two of his favorite pastries, placing them in his hands.

He discreetly observed his emotions, checking whether the earlier exchanges had affected him.

Over the past year, Qiao Zhimian had grown accustomed to such treatment. He wasn’t oblivious—he just no longer cared.

He picked up the macaron in his hand, took a bite, and let the sweetness spread in his mouth.

Knowing Lian Yi had given it to him made it taste even better. His eyes curved into smiles, and subtle dimples appeared at the corners of his lips.

Even if he knew that the alpha might only be putting on a show of marital harmony in front of everyone, he still felt genuinely happy.

But his smile didn’t last long. From a nearby table, whispers reached their ears.

“I heard the core architect of this project is the Qiao family’s youngest son? You have to admit, he’s really talented. I saw the designs—it’s a visual feast! Even with his legs disabled, he’s still making contributions, hahaha!”

“Oh, come on. No matter how good the design is, what’s the use? He’s still a shameless hanger-on. For the past couple of years, he was always chasing after the Lian family’s second son. Throwing himself at an alpha who didn’t even want him. And now, as a cripple, he finally got his wish through a marriage alliance. What shady things Qiao Baichen did—who doesn’t know?”

“Haha, honestly, that Qiao family’s youngest son is really pretty. His face is so fair and delicate, with big round eyes, and his smile is genuinely sweet. An omega like that must taste delicious, right? With his legs disabled, he’d be easy to pin down on the bed—no way to run.”

Lian Yi’s frown deepened, his fists clenching until his knuckles cracked. His jaw tightened, and his face darkened like a storm cloud.

Just as he was about to step forward and teach those people a lesson, a small, cold, soft hand grasped his thumb and ring finger.

The omega lowered his head slightly, his long lashes hiding the emotions in his eyes. His lips were pressed tightly together, and his breathing had noticeably quickened.

“I’m a bit tired,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “Can you push me over there to rest for a while?”

Lian Yi stared at the omega’s crown, not responding immediately. His fingers, along with his wedding ring, were still held tightly.

He couldn’t quite understand Qiao Zhimian’s intention.

Back in their school days, many people had liked Qiao Zhimian. But when they realized he had no interest in other alphas, those resentful, bitter individuals started spreading rumors, belittling and mocking him for being a hanger-on.

If this had happened before, if someone had spoken ill of him behind his back, the young man would have charged forward to argue. Even if he wasn’t good at quarreling, he would never have swallowed his anger—he’d have stood his ground and reasoned with them.

Now, he had become the subject of gossip and ridicule among these shallow, snobbish people. Why was he acting as if nothing had happened?

Feeling the grip on his fingers tighten even more, even trembling slightly, Lian Yi suppressed his boiling emotions, let out a soft sigh, and gently squeezed the omega’s hand in reassurance before pushing him toward a private room to rest.

***

Ten minutes later.

A figure was suddenly dragged by a black-gloved hand into a blind spot in the hallway, out of the surveillance camera’s view.

Soon after, the sound of sudden, forceful punches landing heavily on flesh echoed.

The victim’s pig-like squeals were muffled by a foul-smelling rag stuffed into his mouth, leaving him helpless and unable to cry out.

From the surveillance angle, only the faint sway of a suit jacket could be seen.

After what felt like a long time, the owner of the black gloves seemed to have finally had enough. He stopped, yanked the rag out of the man’s mouth.

“Ugh... please, no more... I beg you...” The beaten man, his face covered in blood, could barely speak clearly. He raised his hands to shield his face, fearing another blow, and wept as he pleaded for mercy.

Though his face was already unrecognizable, his clothing and features still identified him as the alpha who had spoken the most vulgar insults about the Qiao family earlier.

Lian Yi’s suit was slightly disheveled from the “exercise.”

He straightened up, loosened his tie, and casually removed the black server gloves he had somehow acquired, breathing heavily.

His dark eyes looked down at the trembling man cowering in the corner as if he were garbage.

“Tell your little friends,” he said in a low, menacing voice, his expression dark and teeth clenched, “if I hear any more rumors or gossip about Qiao Zhimian from any of you, I’ll beat you up every time I see you.”

“Who are you? Agh!” The man seemed dazed, still foolishly daring to threaten despite his state. “Assault is illegal! I can sue you!”

He hadn’t even seen clearly what happened—he’d been blindsided by a sudden beating, too stunned to even cry out.

“You want to take me to court?” Lian Yi narrowed his eyes, squatting down and patting the man’s bruised face with the back of his hand. His tone carried an almost excited edge. “Go ahead. I’ll gladly accompany you all the way.”

So arrogant?

The man forced his swollen eyes open a slit, and upon recognizing Lian Yi’s face, he froze.

Suing him would be suicide, wouldn’t it?

Wasn’t the Lian family’s second son supposed to be a refined gentleman and a lawyer? How could he handle things so brutally?

And wasn’t it widely said that his marriage was forced? Why was he so fiercely protective of the Qiao family’s youngest son?

“I won’t dare anymore...” He resignedly closed his eyes, as if drained of his last ounce of strength, gasping weakly, “Cough... I’m sorry... I’m sorry...”

***

Any commotion at a banquet spreads quickly.

Before long, guests were buzzing with chatter, and a crowd had gathered near the back entrance, the scene lively and chaotic.

“What happened?”

“Young Master Li said he slipped in the restroom—the floor was too slick. He fell pretty badly; they even called an ambulance.”

“Huh?”

“I doubt it was a slip. I saw him—his face was swollen like a pig’s head. How could a fall do that? His nose was crooked. Looked like someone beat him up.”

"Who hit someone here? How dare they? Let's go check it out."

After searching for his alpha for a while, Qiao Zhimian wheeled his chair through the crowd, looking puzzled.

He said he was just going to the restroom, so what took him so long? the omega thought, pursing his lips.

Then he realized—the name "Young Master Li" rang a bell. Wasn't that...

Lian Yi emerged from the direction of the restroom, moving against the flow of the crowd. His suit jacket was draped over his arm, his shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and droplets of water still dripped from his freshly washed hands.

Their eyes met by chance, and they both stopped several steps apart, facing each other.

They stood out sharply against the bustling crowd.

Qiao Zhimian locked his wheelchair in place, his gaze just happened to fall on the man’s raw, bruised, and scraped knuckles.

After a moment of stunned silence, understanding dawned on him.

A wave of complex, overwhelming emotions washed over him, leaving him feeling lost, his eyes growing hot and watery without warning.

***

Author's Note: Dear readers, don't look too deeply into the legal profession details; this is a completely fictional world [tongue-in-cheek].