Chapter 3 Devouring Without Spitting Out Bones

Chapter 3: Eats You Alive

Lin Juangui remained unfazed by Mu Zhang’s imposing aura. He pulled up a chair, sat directly opposite Mu Zhang, and, without a hint of pretense, articulated his thoughts.

“I’ve thoroughly reviewed the contract. The terms are largely acceptable, but I tore it up because the benefits wouldn’t accrue to me.”

Mu Zhang narrowed his eyes, surprised by Lin Juangui’s candor. He raised an eyebrow, signaling Lin Juangui to continue.

“Whatever is gained by using me should rightfully be in my possession.”

After Lin Juangui spoke, Mu Zhang remained impassive, seated motionlessly on the sofa. He watched Lin Juangui, a faint, unreadable smile playing on his lips.

“I doubt Mr. Mu would be interested in the trivial domestic affairs of the Lin family. I understand the die is cast and cannot be undone. I am willing to sign the contract with Mr. Mu and fulfill my duties, but I recall a clause in federal law that states—”

Before Lin Juangui could finish, Mu Zhang interjected, “Before formal marriage registration, an Alpha and an Omega cannot cohabit for more than seven days.”

Due to their unique biological characteristics, Alphas and Omegas are subject to special regulations. Even if an Omega and an Alpha are in a relationship, cohabitation is prohibited.

Omegas are inherently vulnerable. In the past, irresponsible Alphas had permanently marked Omegas only to abandon them later.

Without the protection of marriage, an Omega separated from their Alpha is like a flower deprived of water, destined to wither and perish.

Federal marriage laws lean towards protecting Omegas, as they bear the responsibility of reproduction. Safeguarding their rights ensures their willingness to have children.

The duration of an Alpha’s rut or an Omega’s heat typically does not exceed seven days, establishing this as the legal limit.

Mu Zhang intended for Lin Juangui to serve as his human inhibitor, an act inherently illegal. The only way for Mu Zhang to mitigate this risk was to marry Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui’s objective was now transparent. Mu Zhang’s expression remained unreadable, yet his entire demeanor radiated the decisive authority and oppressive gravitas of a superior.

“I anticipated some surprise, but who would have thought you’d bring up marriage law?”

Mu Zhang disliked Omegas and had no intention of being constrained by marriage.

As the ruler of Sailing Star and the commander of Tianguang, he adhered to federal laws only when convenient; otherwise, they were mere scraps of paper.

The conversation had reached an impasse. Mu Zhang rose, preparing to leave. Lin Juangui also stood, calmly stating, “I know marriage holds no significance for Mr. Mu! However, most rulers of other star systems in the federation are already married. Much information cannot be obtained through public channels. I believe I can help you bridge that gap.”

As expected, Mu Zhang paused.

Lin Juangui continued, “The contract you previously asked me to sign was for a term of three years. This marriage would also only need to last three years. During that time, I will do my utmost to assist you during your rut. Once the three years are up, I will pack my belongings and leave without causing you any inconvenience.”

Mu Zhang turned to face Lin Juangui, his eyes holding an inscrutable expression.

Lin Juangui received no verbal response from Mu Zhang, but he observed a thoughtful expression on the other’s face before he departed.

Mu Zhang was a businessman; he would not engage in a losing venture.

Initially, Lin Juangui’s sole value was to serve as his inhibitor—a mere ornament in his home, requiring little effort from Mu Zhang.

But now, Lin Juangui had introduced a valuable bargaining chip, one that Mu Zhang happened to need. Mu Zhang was compelled to consider the feasibility of marriage in light of Lin Juangui’s proposal.

After leaving the restaurant, Ge Miao arrived to drive Lin Juangui home.

Ge Miao’s expression was complex. He had never seen Mu Zhang so indecisive, nor did he know what Lin Juangui had discussed with him.

On the way back, Lin Juangui kept his gaze lowered, appearing somewhat weary.

Ge Miao cautiously inquired, “Young Master Lin, are you… alright?”

After much deliberation, this was the only question Ge Miao could formulate.

Lin Juangui nodded. “I’m fine, but Mr. Mu didn’t seem very pleased. I don’t understand why.”

“What did you say to him?” Ge Miao probed tentatively.

Lin Juangui blinked. His dark pupils were partially obscured by his lowered lashes. “I was only considering Mr. Mu’s interests, and hoping to leave that house as soon as possible…”

Ge Miao fell silent.

He could see Lin Juangui’s current distress, but as a Beta employee, his capacity to help was limited.

After dropping Lin Juangui off at home, Ge Miao addressed Lin Juangui’s parents: “Mr. Mu is still considering. During this time, I hope you will treat Young Master Lin well. He doesn’t appear to be in good spirits, and Mr. Mu certainly wouldn’t want a sickly person.”

Lin Juangui returned to the attic. Exhausted, he sat on the floor, leaning against the door and gently catching his breath.

An Omega’s body was simply too frail. Or perhaps it was because *Lin Juangui* had been malnourished and sleep-deprived recently, leaving him utterly depleted of stamina.

As Lin Juangui pondered this, *Lin Juangui* materialized before him, his face contorted with anger. “Who is Mu Zhang?! He’s a man who devours people whole and utterly despises Omegas. Even if you marry him, what benefits will you gain? In the end, won’t you just be brutally cast aside?!”

Lin Juangui pressed a hand to his chest and took a deep breath. He was tired, but he had to explain to prevent *Lin Juangui* from disrupting his sleep that night.

During the fifth reincarnation, Lin Juangui had begun researching federal laws on his Light Brain.

At the time, *Lin Juangui* didn’t understand why he was doing this, perceiving this version of himself as unremarkable and even more mentally unstable than he was.

But now, Lin Juangui provided the answer.

“Different nations have laws and policies that reflect their local characteristics. Understanding these means understanding the rules. Clearly defining interests within a known framework can prevent many complications. I have my own way of doing things. Just observe quietly, and be good.”

Lin Juangui placed his index finger to his lips in a shushing gesture, signaling *Lin Juangui* to cease bothering him.

Lately, his dreams were haunted by images of his boyfriend plunging into the deep sea.

Waves crashed over him, and Lin Juangui desperately wanted to jump in to save him, but the surrounding sailors held him back, insisting the storm was too severe for a rescue attempt.

Lin Juangui awoke repeatedly from these nightmares. Maintaining enough composure to negotiate with Mu Zhang had utterly drained his energy.

He forced himself to regulate his breathing as his psychologist had taught him, eventually drifting into sleep.

*Lin Juangui* silently sat down beside him.

He watched Lin Juangui, his eyes reflecting a profound, icy sadness.

The next day, Lin Juangui awoke with a sneeze. He rubbed his forehead, taking a moment to realize he was still within the story.

He had been utterly exhausted the previous day, but now, rested, he had the mental clarity to consider his next steps.

Mu Zhang would likely not reject his proposal. *Lin Juangui* had mentioned that after Mu Zhang severed ties with his grandfather, he maintained a close relationship with his grandmother.

His grandmother lived in a nursing home and was unaware of Mu Zhang’s sexual orientation. For years, she had been urging him to find an Omega partner and bring them home.

There were certain Omega-exclusive events that Mu Zhang couldn’t attend, causing him to receive information later than others.

While Mu Zhang could obtain such information through other channels, some intelligence relied on timing—even a one-second delay could result in significant losses.

Since Lin Juangui was willing to act as Mu Zhang’s partner, Mu Zhang would naturally evaluate Lin Juangui’s utility carefully.

Getting married would not only reassure his family elders but also prevent outsiders from constantly scrutinizing his marital status.

Even if they divorced later, it wouldn’t matter. After all, Mu Zhang would have fulfilled his task, and his elderly grandmother would finally have peace for a few years.

Additionally, Mu Yuanqing’s stance would become clear as a result.

After careful consideration, Mu Zhang instructed his lawyer to draft a new agreement.

This agreement was intended for Lin Juangui’s parents, with the aim of persuading them to release him.

As for the marriage and the signing of the prenuptial agreement, these matters would need to be negotiated between Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang themselves.

The brief meeting at the restaurant had made Mu Zhang realize that Lin Juangui was a person with a strong will. Since Lin Juangui would be the one fulfilling the contract, his parents could not make the decisions.

Lin Juangui finally received word that he could leave the attic.

Seeing the gleeful faces of his parents as they clutched the contract, Lin Juangui handed his meager belongings to the bodyguards brought by Ge Miao. He walked up to his parents and said, “This time, you’ve traded me for the survival of the Lin family. But what about next time?”

Lin Qiu’s smile slowly vanished.

The Lin family’s business primarily involved the development of barren planets and energy processing. Finding energy-rich planets was of paramount importance.

Cosmic Merchants searched throughout the universe for planets containing energy resources.

If a planet had no traces of civilization, it could be claimed through registration and then resold through various channels to profit from the price difference.

Not long ago, Lin Qiu had spent a fortune at an auction to acquire a planet that was touted as something that would not disappoint anyone.

However, after the company’s exploration team investigated, they discovered that the planet contained nothing but biogas and various strange, eerie plants.

Lin Qiu had never suffered such a significant loss since taking over the company. When he confronted the cosmic merchant, the merchant simply retorted that Lin Qiu didn’t recognize a good deal when he saw one.

The planet had cost a fortune, and with the company unable to generate effective returns, banks, sensing the shift, refused to grant loans. Thus, the Lin family plunged into crisis.

Mu Zhang’s investment could provide immediate relief, and Lin Qiu reminded himself to be more cautious in the future.

But upon hearing Lin Juangui’s words, he became enraged and raised his hand to strike him.

Fortunately, Lin Juangui dodged quickly, causing Lin Qiu to spin around in place.

Feeling humiliated, Lin Qiu took a deep breath and pointed at Lin Juangui, scolding, “You ungrateful wretch! The family has raised you all these years. What’s wrong with contributing a little? It’s not like we’re asking you to die!”

Well, being by Mu Zhang’s side was practically the same as being dead.

Lin Juangui couldn’t be bothered to say anything more. Ignoring Lin Qiu, he left the villa directly.

After getting into the car, Ge Miao outlined the upcoming schedule to Lin Juangui: “Mr. Mu is waiting for you on the starship. We’ll first head to the Federal Central Star, where a hospital appointment has been made for the pre-marital check-up. Then, we’ll take wedding photos. Once the medical report is ready, we’ll immediately go to the marriage registration office to obtain the marriage certificate. After that, you’ll accompany Mr. Mu back to Sailing Star.”

Ge Miao never imagined that Mu Zhang would actually marry Lin Juangui. Reflecting on his past attitude toward Lin Juangui, he felt he hadn’t made any major missteps and breathed a slight sigh of relief. Still, he didn’t dare to let his guard down.

He congratulated Lin Juangui and said with a beaming smile, “From now on, I’ll have to address you as Madam.”