Chapter 2 The Quintessential Dominant Archetype

Chapter 2: The Quintessential Aggressive Alpha Stereotype

Lin Juangui found himself locked in the attic once more.

Outside the door, Mr. and Mrs. Lin were profusely apologizing to Ge Miao.

As one of Mu Zhang's most trusted confidants, Ge Miao's presence to handle such a private matter was a clear testament to his importance.

The contract had been unhesitatingly shredded by Lin Juangui, making Ge Miao's report back a difficult one. Even as Mr. and Mrs. Lin attempted to press gifts into his hands, he merely shook his head, stating, "I will report the situation truthfully to Mr. Mu. Young Master Lin is your son; I hope you can do more to address his psychological state."

From inside the room, Lin Juangui couldn't suppress a derisive snort. He rapped his knuckles on the door, ensuring his voice carried clearly to those outside: "Mr. Ge, there's no need for such trouble. Just take me with you now. I merely have objections to the contract; it's not that I refuse to go. Why let your boss know you haven't handled things properly? There's a simpler solution right here, isn't there?"

Before transmigrating into this book, Lin Juangui had been the second-in-command of a major corporation. Not only was he highly regarded, but after the chairman's passing, he had inherited a substantial portion of shares.

The reason such a significant inheritance was entrusted to Lin Juangui, who shared no blood relation, was to ensure he would dedicate himself tirelessly to the company.

After all, the true heir of the corporation was a profligate playboy, interested only in indulgence. Lin Juangui was the one tasked with keeping the struggling enterprise afloat.

However, Lin Juangui no longer had to concern himself with those bothersome affairs. Summoned by his alternate self, he had already embarked on a new life.

No matter how unwilling, he had to accept reality. What other solace could Lin Juangui offer himself?

He had no other choice.

Ge Miao was a meticulous individual. He could discern the strained relationship between Lin Juangui and his parents, and that Lin Juangui's actions were solely aimed at reclaiming agency. He rather admired Lin Juangui's character.

Regardless, Lin Juangui was the one destined to spend his days with Mu Zhang. Ge Miao saw no need to be overly rigid; extending some courtesy was perfectly reasonable.

"Then, please pack Young Master Lin's belongings. I will take him now. Otherwise, neither of us will have a satisfactory explanation for Mr. Mu."

The contract remained unsigned, and their most valuable bargaining chip was about to depart. It was incredibly rare for a Beta couple to produce an Omega, especially one of such exceptional beauty. How could Mr. and Mrs. Lin possibly agree?

They stood firmly, blocking the door, adamantly refusing to let Ge Miao take him.

Ge Miao, left with no alternative, had to leave first.

Lin Juangui could surmise his parents' reluctance to let him go. His earlier words were merely a message to Ge Miao—that despite tearing up the contract, he was willing to cooperate.

Lin Juangui was vying for an opportunity to negotiate on his own terms. No matter what, he could not surrender his fate to others.

Even in the direst circumstances, one must seize the initiative. This was a hard-won lesson Lin Juangui had learned from his many years in the workforce.

That evening, Mother Lin brought food for Lin Juangui.

The meal was slid through a small opening near the doorstep. Lin Juangui felt like a dog awaiting breeding, stripped of all human dignity.

Outside the door, Mother Lin said to Lin Juangui, "Things have been difficult at home lately. Your father and I don't want to treat you this way, but we've invested so much effort into raising you over the years. We truly don't want to see you suffer out there, nor do we want you to ruin yourself."

The spectral form of [Lin Juangui] materialized out of nowhere, standing beneath the skylight. A shaft of white light illuminated him, giving him a translucent, almost angelic quality.

"I was always swayed by such rhetoric. They constantly spoke of the insurmountable debt of upbringing, and how everything came with a price. At first, I didn't understand, but later I realized they were merely investing in me. When I couldn't deliver the expected returns, I was sold off cheaply."

Lin Juangui's face remained impassive. He felt little pity or sympathy for [Lin Juangui]'s lamentations about family, and [Lin Juangui] clearly didn't need it.

After a brief stretching routine, Lin Juangui bent down, picked up the food from the floor, placed it on the desk by the window, and ate it with focus.

Before accomplishing anything, one must first ensure their physical well-being.

Lin Juangui genuinely wished for death, but when you realize you are unkillable, a sense of indifference sets in—a feeling of "might as well see what this life becomes."

Lin Juangui had thoroughly grasped the ABO world dynamics.

Alphas are inherently powerful, possessing not only abundant physical strength but also potent and unmistakable pheromones.

Brave and combative, most Alphas opt for military service, as only the battlefield can exhaust their boundless energy.

However, some Alphas, after prolonged absence of Omega pheromones, may enter a sensitive period—a physiological imperative compelling them to seek an Omega.

Many Alpha soldiers gradually withdrew from the battlefield after experiencing this sensitive period.

Omegas are comparatively delicate. After their glands mature, they are more or less affected by heat cycles.

Their primary role is reproduction, finding an Alpha to spend the rest of their lives with.

However, with societal advancement, heat cycles no longer significantly impact Omegas' daily lives.

After all, numerous Alpha volunteers are available for Omegas to choose from at rescue associations. Once heat ends, they can resume their normal routines, and Omegas can even attain certain statuses within the Federation.

Thus, pairing with an Alpha is no longer an Omega's primary choice. They now dedicate more time to personal growth.

Betas are ordinary individuals who can perceive pheromones but are unaffected by them. Relatively stable, they form a crucial component of society, comprising approximately 90% of the Federation's population.

Initially, upon hearing [Lin Juangui]'s explanation, Lin Juangui believed he should be a Beta.

He had toiled for so many years, knowing he wasn't the protagonist of this world. He worked diligently, finally found love, only for the person he cherished to die—what a simple yet tragic life.

[Lin Juangui] couldn't help but laugh at Lin Juangui's words. "Indeed, everyone initially thought I was a Beta. But I was slow to differentiate, and when I finally became an Omega at seventeen, it was too late to develop properly. That's why I'm a bit taller than the average Omega. As for the pheromones that caught Mu Zhang's attention, I didn't want them either, but they were just there. Even if I wanted to remove my gland, my parents wouldn't allow it. An Omega's marital value in wealthy families is simply too high."

Lin Juangui understood. The old-money circles he had encountered placed immense importance on marriage and progeny. Regardless of how promiscuous men and women might be outside, male inheritance rights and female reproductive value were always openly discussed. Marriage and childbirth were almost inescapable.

"So you hate Mu Zhang so much because he doesn't love you, or for other reasons?"

Upon hearing the word "love," [Lin Juangui] found it laughable. "Why would I care about the love of a scumbag Alpha like him? What I hate, of course, is his arrogance, his condescension, and his tyrannical control."

Mu Zhang's influence was too vast; it was natural for [Lin Juangui] to be outmatched, but he refused to accept it.

"The system's ability to intervene mechanically indicates it agrees with my perspective. Mu Zhang deserves a good lesson. But all I can do is provide you with the information you need. There are some things I might not remember either. Do your best—I'll just watch from the sidelines."

[Lin Juangui]'s intense dislike for Mu Zhang was fully conveyed to Lin Juangui. His multiple rebirths had clearly been beneficial, at least elevating his mindset beyond obsessing over romantic love.

"Hmm... a hell-level difficulty game," Lin Juangui mused before smiling. Since this game allowed save points and restarts, he might as well play along.

A few days later, Ge Miao returned to the Lin family.

After relaying Lin Juangui's attitude to Mu Zhang, Mu Zhang agreed to meet Lin Juangui in person. The location was chosen—a high-end restaurant near the Lin family, so Lin Juangui wouldn't have to travel far.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin were overjoyed and quickly asked Ge Miao if they could accompany Lin Juangui to meet Mr. Mu.

Ge Miao politely declined. "Mr. Mu said he will only meet with Mr. Lin. Please prepare quickly; Mr. Mu dislikes tardiness."

The fact that Mu Zhang was willing to come personally suggested that Lin Juangui's value was higher than initially estimated.

Father Lin excitedly told Mother Lin to help Lin Juangui choose clothes.

When they entered the wardrobe room, Mother Lin promptly picked out a brightly colored outfit and held it up against Lin Juangui. After a glance, Lin Juangui refused outright: "I'll choose myself."

"Honey, would I ever steer you wrong?"

Lin Juangui looked at his mother, his eyes moving slowly with an eerily unsettling gaze.

"The one who will be spending time with Mr. Mu in the future is me. My preferences and habits cannot be hidden, and I'm not skilled at pretending in front of him for long. If you insist on dressing me according to your ideas, then you go meet him yourself, or continue to lock me in the attic."

Lin Juangui’s tone was flat, carrying an undeniable coldness and pressure.

His mother pressed her lips together and remained silent.

She knew this child was incredibly stubborn—he’d already made a fuss before over changing schools. Now that he was finally willing to cooperate a little, she might as well let this one go with something as minor as clothing.

So Lin Juangui selected a shirt and a loose black knit sweater from the wardrobe, paired with black casual pants and black canvas shoes.

When his mother saw Lin Juangui, her heart sank. With that outfit and his expression as if he were going to a funeral, anyone who didn’t know better would think he’d just lost his husband.

After finishing his pleasantries with Ge Miao, Lin Juangui’s father came in to hurry him up. In his eyes, Lin Juangui’s attire was completely inappropriate. Just as he frowned, ready to scold Lin Juangui and make him change, Ge Miao followed him inside.

Ge Miao smiled at Lin Juangui and asked if he was ready to go. Lin Juangui nodded and followed Ge Miao out without hesitation.

Watching Lin Juangui’s resolute and decisive back, his father suddenly sighed. "He hasn’t even made it to the top yet, but he already knows how to put on airs. Look at you—you’ve spoiled him since he was little, and now he’s turned into an ungrateful wretch!"

His mother pressed her lips together without a word, her eyes welling up with tears.

Once in the car, Lin Juangui turned to look out the window, silent.

Ge Miao found the atmosphere too stifling and took the initiative to break the ice. "There’s no need to be nervous. Mr. Mu is very easygoing. Just say whatever you want to him directly."

"Okay, I understand. Thank you."

"..."

Lin Juangui knew Ge Miao was trying to offer some information about Mr. Mu, but he really had nothing he wanted to ask.

After all, [Lin Juangui] had already given him a biased description of Mr. Mu’s character more than once.

[Lin Juangui]’s goal was to make the two Alpha protagonists in this book feel the same frustration and pain he had. To do that, Lin Juangui needed real contact with Mr. Mu to learn more.

Ge Miao was Mr. Mu’s subordinate. Like [Lin Juangui], his evaluation of Mr. Mu came from his own perspective. Lin Juangui didn’t need that kind of unhelpful, biased information.

But when Lin Juangui arrived at the restaurant and saw Mr. Mu, he seemed to understand why this man could be the protagonist.

The Alpha, like Lin Juangui, was dressed entirely in black—cold and imposing. His hair was slicked back meticulously with shiny pomade, glinting faintly with silver.

Such a classic image of a dominant top.

The man said nothing, busy working on his tablet. When Lin Juangui entered, he merely lifted his eyes briefly, only looking at Lin Juangui properly after finishing his task.

"Take a seat. So, weren’t you going to discuss the contract details with me? Half an hour should be enough for us to reach an agreement."

Author's Note:

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Starting from this chapter, the characters appearing will be listed after the content summary for easier reading.