Chapter 58 Don’t Think You Can Shake Me

Chapter 58: Don't Even Think About Shaking Me Off

Everyone's eyes followed the bowl of wontons that Mu Zhang took away.

Lin Juangui didn't mind it—not wasting food was a good habit, and if Mu Zhang wanted to eat his leftovers, he could go ahead.

But Lin Juangui noticed that Huo Zeshen looked a little down. He asked Huo Zeshen if he was still hungry, "Is there anything else you'd like to eat? We can go together."

Huo Zeshen had initially felt a bit sad—as long as Mu Zhang was around, he couldn't even be the one to finish Lin Juangui's leftovers. But when Lin Juangui came over to comfort him, he immediately felt better.

"Yes, I'll take you somewhere later."

Mu Yuanqing, who had been feeling sentimental earlier, was now amused.

So Mu Zhang could have a day like this—truly, live long enough, see it all.

It was clear that Huo Zeshen's dependence on Lin Juangui stemmed from an automatic trust. A child's nature was like this—they sought attention, and there was nothing wrong with that. But for Mu Zhang to pick a fight with a child over petty things showed how narrow-minded he was.

Before Mu Zhang could finish eating, Lin Juangui got up and went to the restroom. When he returned, he casually picked up the check.

This was a habit of Lin Juangui's, and he didn't think much of it. But when Mu Zhang heard about it, he frowned.

Mu Zhang had finished the half-bowl of congee Lin Juangui shared with him early in the morning, and now he had eaten nearly two bowls of wontons. He was already quite full.

In the past, Mu Zhang would've demanded to know where Huo Zeshen was taking Lin Juangui. He needed to keep complete tabs on Lin Juangui's movements to feel at ease.

But he knew that the more he asked, the more Lin Juangui would resent him. After all, the day wasn't over yet. Whatever Huo Zeshen wanted to do, Lin Juangui would accompany him to the end, just like how Mu Zhang was compensating Mu Yuanqing.

Mu Yuanqing thanked Lin Juangui for treating them. Lin Juangui said it was nothing, "Since we ran into each other, it must be fate. In the future, Xiao Shen will need General Mu to look after him."

"Of course."

It was just a simple polite remark, but the people present interpreted it differently.

Mu Zhang breathed an inward sigh of relief. Huo Zeshen lowered his head, his face paling slightly. Mu Yuanqing thought Lin Juangui was merely being polite.

When the four of them left the wonton shop together, Lin Juangui smiled and said to Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing, "We won't disturb your catch-up then. Xiao Shen and I will take a walk around."

Mu Zhang didn't say anything. Mu Yuanqing glanced at Mu Zhang, but Mu Zhang remained silent. Mu Yuanqing could only nod and say, "Okay," to Lin Juangui, not forgetting to encourage Huo Zeshen and express his expectations for his future performance.

"I will."

With that, Lin Juangui followed Huo Zeshen away.

"You actually let him go?" Mu Yuanqing's face was full of amusement.

Mu Zhang turned around, watching the disappearing figures of Huo Zeshen and Lin Juangui, his eyes dark and gloomy. "What's the point of me interfering on such a happy day?"

Mu Yuanqing felt as if he were seeing Mu Zhang for the first time. "I'm surprised. You've become much more easygoing and generous than before. It seems Mr. Lin truly has a magic touch with you, to bring about such a change."

Mu Yuanqing remembered when he first became friends with Mu Zhang. Mu Zhang would demand to know who he was talking to. If Mu Yuanqing's explanation wasn't satisfactory, Mu Zhang would get angry and sometimes ignore him for an entire day.

Mu Yuanqing didn't have the ability to change Mu Zhang. There were many reasons for their separation. Mu Yuanqing bore the responsibility of his family and couldn't abandon everything to be with Mu Zhang.

Mu Yuanqing had moved on. He knew that staying tangled up with Mu Zhang would lead nowhere. Being friends with Mu Zhang was better than being lovers.

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After Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen turned the corner and disappeared from sight, Mu Zhang finally spoke. "I hurt him. He said he once had feelings for me, but now there's nothing left. He's more carefree than I am—he doesn't care about anything, he doesn't mind anything."

This was the first time Mu Yuanqing learned about the current state of Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui's relationship from Mu Zhang himself.

Mu Yuanqing was very surprised. "I thought you two got along very naturally. So, it seems that before marrying you, he didn't have much of a foundation. It's already quite remarkable that he's done so much for you."

Even an outsider like Mu Yuanqing could sense Lin Juangui's efforts. He was undoubtedly the perfect partner, and Mu Zhang was fortunate to have him.

Mu Zhang knew that Lin Juangui was very good, but what he was worried about wasn't Lin Juangui.

"His care for that child is just too much. That child doesn't know any better either, always clinging to him."

Even though Huo Zeshen was pitiful—he was one of the first children Lin Juangui sponsored after getting involved in charity—his intimacy with Lin Juangui could ruin Lin Juangui.

Mu Zhang wasn't blind. How could he not see how much Huo Zeshen cared about Lin Juangui? Lin Juangui might not have feelings for Huo Zeshen, but the same couldn't be said for Huo Zeshen towards Lin Juangui.

In two years, Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang's contract would end. By then, Huo Zeshen would be an adult. Judging by the young man's current drive, he was sure to achieve great things in the future.

Mu Zhang didn't need to cut off an orphan's future. But when it came to anything related to Lin Juangui, Mu Zhang couldn't turn a blind eye. Moreover, Huo Zeshen's background wasn't as simple as it seemed, which made it even more imperative that Mu Zhang prevent Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen from getting too close.

Mu Yuanqing thought Mu Zhang's Alpha possessiveness was at play. "You have to understand. Xiao Huo has suffered such a great tragedy. Finally, there's a benefactor willing to help him. He's overwhelmed with gratitude. If he were cold and distant, wouldn't people call him an ingrate?"

"If that's the case, you can look out for him more in the future."

Mu Yuanqing didn't expect this task to fall on his shoulders. He only heard Mu Zhang continue, "Lin Juangui promised me that he would cut ties with that child today. It's perfect timing for you to take over."

"..." Mu Yuanqing suddenly didn't know what to say. He only felt that both Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen were pitiful.

Mu Zhang was an Alpha with a streak of madness in his bones. He firmly believed that he could get whatever he wanted, and indeed, that had been the case all these years.

But to harm a child's already broken and pitiful youth for the sake of his own feelings—Mu Yuanqing shook his head in disbelief.

"I thought you had changed, but you haven't changed at all."

Mu Yuanqing took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. His expression was complicated. "If you don't understand how to give your lover appropriate space, both you and he will be driven to a dead end."

After leaving the wonton shop, Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen didn't speak again.

-

Huo Zeshen didn't take Lin Juangui to another shop. Instead, he led Lin Juangui to the hill behind the school. "The training ground is nearby. Whenever I pass by here, I remember the big tree behind the orphanage."

That was where Huo Zeshen and Lin Juangui first met. Whenever Huo Zeshen returned to the orphanage, he would take a large bucket to water the tree.

Lin Juangui looked up, his eyes warm with a smile. "Xiao Shen, actually..."

"Brother." Huo Zeshen interrupted Lin Juangui. His eyes were filled with pleading. "I have another competition this afternoon. If you have something to say, can you wait until after the competition is over?"

"Hah..." So it was that obvious.

Huo Zeshen was a sensitive child. Lin Juangui hoped to minimize the hurt to Huo Zeshen and tried to talk about the subject in a light-hearted tone.

But Huo Zeshen stopped him. The shattered light in his eyes made Lin Juangui's heart ache with pity.

"You're making me feel very guilty. I'm afraid you won't be able to focus on your competition."

Earlier, at the wonton shop, Lin Juangui had gone to the restroom to take a call from Qu Yang.

Qu Yang said that a student had eavesdropped on their conversation and told Huo Zeshen part of what Lin Juangui and Qu Yang had discussed.

Huo Zeshen had beaten up that student. It was clear that he knew everything but hadn't confronted Lin Juangui about why he was doing this. He was just dealing with it on his own.

No wonder Lin Juangui saw that the boy's eyes were red-rimmed when he saw him.

Lin Juangui sighed, reached out to hug Huo Zeshen, and patted the boy's back. "I will never dislike you or find you annoying. That's just how things are—if I don't leave, someone will cause trouble for you. I've always hoped you could grow up healthy and safe. If that happens, then I'll consider my mission accomplished."

Lin Juangui's support led to Huo Zeshen being isolated. Though completely innocent, he had to bear burdens far beyond his years.

Lin Juangui remembered how, many years ago, he too had been ostracized and was chosen to participate in a long-distance race. No one cheered for him back then, so he trained alone.

Even after achieving a good result, the praise lasted only a few days. Once the sports meet ended, Lin Juangui remained an outcast in his class, with no one willing to engage with him.

Lin Juangui didn’t want Huo Zeshen to repeat his fate. He would still protect Huo Zeshen in secret.

But when the time came to part, Lin Juangui had no choice.

Huo Zeshen sobbed bitterly, burying his face in the crook of Lin Juangui’s neck and sobbing softly, mumbling, "But I don’t want to leave you, brother. You’re the one who treats me best in this world… Why take away the little I have…"

His voice was so faint that Lin Juangui couldn’t make out all his words.

He could only comfort Huo Zeshen repeatedly, "They say parting is for a better reunion. I’ll work hard to become stronger too, so something like this won’t happen again."

To be honest, Lin Juangui felt just as helpless. He wanted to watch Huo Zeshen grow up, but the environment wouldn’t allow it. With so many hostile people watching them, this was the only way to keep them both safe.

"Was it him? Your Alpha?"

Even having a meal together felt so controlling.

Huo Zeshen was clever—he quickly figured out what was really going on. But how could Lin Juangui admit it? He looked troubled, urged Huo Zeshen not to overthink it, and apologized again and again.

The boy cried uncontrollably, and Lin Juangui felt both heartache and amusement.

In the past, he never imagined Huo Zeshen could cry so dramatically. He kept comforting him, "It’s not a life-or-death separation—do we really have to make it so sad?"

Lin Juangui’s gentle smile remained familiar to Huo Zeshen. Gradually, the boy’s crying subsided, though he still hiccupped helplessly.

Huo Zeshen stared at Lin Juangui’s face, filled with a melancholy sense of treasuring every moment.

He didn’t ask why again, as if accepting whatever fate had in store for him.

They had originally planned to eat something, but Huo Zeshen had lost his appetite. His spirits dampened, he hung his head, lost in thought.

Lin Juangui placed a hand on Huo Zeshen’s shoulder, and they sat together on a nearby bench. Lin Juangui casually tidied the boy’s hair. "You probably don’t want to hear things like 'you’re still young.' I’m only three years older than you—there’s plenty of time ahead. Don’t rush things now. You’ve finally left a place like Youlan Star, and I’m just a stepping stone for you. You need to find someone more capable than me to truly flourish."

Huo Zeshen looked up blankly, his eyelashes still damp. He understood Lin Juangui’s words but was stunned by his resigned and indifferent demeanor.

Lin Juangui smiled apologetically at the boy. "In the end, my abilities are limited. At this stage, I can’t help you much more. General Mu has been promoted to Deputy Commander of the Military Department. With his support, you’ll surely go far."

Though Lin Juangui found the "leaving you to protect you" trope rather absurd, he truly had no means to ensure Huo Zeshen’s safety at the moment.

"But…" Huo Zeshen frowned hesitantly, "you and General Mu don’t seem to get along very well."

Though the two always exchanged polite smiles in person, Huo Zeshen was just as perceptive as Lin Juangui. He always felt Mu Yuanqing looked at Lin Juangui strangely, while Lin Juangui held an inexplicable hostility toward Mu Yuanqing.

Huo Zeshen suspected it all traced back to Mu Zhang, though he had no proof—it was merely a guess.

Lin Juangui shook his head. "Those are just minor personal issues between us. I still respect General Mu deeply—we simply have different perspectives on certain matters."

Huo Zeshen’s tears had completely dried. He stopped crying and simply gazed quietly at Lin Juangui. "Brother, do you know I’ll miss you?"

"I know. I often think of you too. But last time at Luochen Manor, you saw how sick I was, right? It wasn’t pretty, was it? That incident made many people aware of my psychological issues. Some even questioned my motives for charity work. Staying close to me will only subject you to criticism, and I don’t want to see you suffer."

Lin Juangui also remembered how, less than a year into their relationship, someone had told Huo Zeshen about Lin Juangui once being held captive by an arms dealer.

Though Lin Juangui had handled that battle brilliantly, some still whispered behind his back, calling him "damaged goods."

Zhou Yi had even come to subtly inquire about it. Lin Juangui looked up from a pile of documents, his smile cold and sharp. "What, you think that would make me willing to sleep with you?"

"Get out." Lin Juangui’s lips formed only that one word. Zhou Yi left in disappointment.

Lin Juangui couldn’t exactly broadcast whether he’d been violated by that arms dealer. As a man, he didn’t care much about such things—why should he devoutly burn incense at the chastity arch others erected for him?

So he largely ignored the rumors. Yet, who would have thought that years later, someone would deliberately bring it up to Huo Zeshen?

It was only when Huo Zeshen’s friend mentioned it that Lin Juangui understood why Huo Zeshen had been staying away from home those days. He felt some regret—if Huo Zeshen was bothered, he could explain. But what good would explaining do?

Once a seed of doubt is planted, it quickly grows into a towering tree. Lin Juangui didn’t respond to the friend’s probing, only saying he would talk properly with Huo Zeshen.

That day, Lin Juangui had already begun considering a breakup. He couldn’t stand for doubt in a relationship—it made him feel his love was tainted.

Lin Juangui was grateful for the love Huo Zeshen had given him. Honestly, as a partner, Huo Zeshen was impeccable—attentive, considerate, reliable, always mindful of Lin Juangui’s feelings. Sometimes Lin Juangui even forgot Huo Zeshen was younger, because he was so well cared for.

He never thought such a beautiful relationship would end because of external rumors. Lin Juangui truly thought it was a pity.

That evening, Lin Juangui texted Huo Zeshen as usual, saying he was home from work, that he missed him, and asking when he’d be back.

Huo Zeshen didn’t reply. Disappointed, Lin Juangui sighed, washed up, and went to bed—though he slept restlessly, feeling dizzy and floaty.

Around midnight, Huo Zeshen returned. He moved quietly, clearly not wanting to wake Lin Juangui, but Lin Juangui still propped himself up.

Huo Zeshen emerged from the shower wearing only a towel, water droplets still trailing slowly down his body.

"You’re awake," Huo Zeshen said, setting aside the towel he’d used to dry his hair. He leaned down as if to kiss Lin Juangui, but Lin Juangui turned his face away.

Huo Zeshen looked puzzled and hurt—his drooping eyes always gave him a pitiable air.

Lin Juangui rubbed his face. He’d meant to ask if Huo Zeshen wanted to break up, but that attempted kiss felt no different from usual. The words stuck in his throat.

Huo Zeshen dried himself quickly with the towel and moved to get into bed, but Lin Juangui, unmoved by his charm, pressed a hand to his shoulder. "You… lately…"

Lin Juangui had never been so hesitant. Biting his lip, conflicted, he avoided Huo Zeshen’s gaze, making Huo Zeshen frown slightly.

"Actually, there’s something I need to tell you. Let me get dressed first."

Huo Zeshen didn’t force anything, fully respecting Lin Juangui’s wishes.

"Okay."

So it’s finally happening, Lin Juangui thought. He took a deep breath, propped a pillow behind his back, and already wondered if he’d need to stay at a hotel after breaking up.

But when Huo Zeshen returned, he sat beside Lin Juangui and opened his phone to show him something.

Lin Juangui’s heart raced. He remembered personally destroying all the original photos—if copies existed, he’d stop at nothing to find the source.

But Huo Zeshen’s screen only played a video.

It was an apology video from a wealthy heir in their social circle.

Lin Juangui looked over at Huo Zeshen in surprise. Huo Zeshen curved his lips, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he stared at the screen. "I heard some rumors earlier. I don’t think they were targeting you—they were questioning my judgment in people. Lately, I’ve been trying to find where they're coming from."

"..."

Lin Juangui’s mouth dropped open slightly, clearly shocked.

He hadn’t expected things to go in the opposite direction of what he had imagined. Not only did Huo Zeshen not mind, but he had also taken immediate action to find who was responsible.

As the apology video ended, Huo Zeshen looked down at Lin Juangui, only to find him already crying.

Huo Zeshen quickly pulled him into a hug and asked what was wrong. Lin Juangui shook his head, then reached out and hugged Huo Zeshen tightly, murmuring, "Thank you."

Huo Zeshen gently stroked Lin Juangui’s back, as if comforting him. "No matter what your past holds, it’s part of your journey. I love everything about you, including all your experiences. So don’t worry about what others say—I’ll always have your back."

Lin Juangui kept crying quietly, feeling guilty about the negative thoughts he’d harbored over the past few days.

Huo Zeshen nuzzled against Lin Juangui’s cheek with his chin, his tone playful, as if trying to lighten the mood. "Didn’t you say you missed me? Why won’t you even give me a kiss?"

Lin Juangui sniffled, raising his teary, red-rimmed eyes to give a soft kiss on Huo Zeshen’s cheek. "I thought… if you knew about those things, you’d want to break up with me."

Huo Zeshen smiled while frowning, as if finally understanding why Lin Juangui had been so resistant earlier.

The man tilted his head, took Lin Juangui’s hand and placed it over his heart. His usually cheerful face now wore an unusually stubborn and serious expression. "Have you been thinking about leaving me again? That’s not allowed. I’ll never break up with you in this lifetime—or the next. Don’t even think about getting rid of me."

"Why are we suddenly talking about the next lifetime?" Lin Juangui’s expression softened as he leaned against Huo Zeshen’s shoulder, muttering to himself, "I won’t have thoughts like that anymore. Nothing can separate us."

Huo Zeshen nodded, holding Lin Juangui as they lay down on the bed, his expression gentle and understanding. "I’m glad you feel that way."

Lin Juangui had a feeling that, in that moment, Huo Zeshen truly believed that his decision to be with him hadn’t been a passing fancy.

Lin Juangui reached up to play with the man’s still-damp hair, his gaze drifting away thoughtfully into the distance. "Thank you for being willing to love me. From now on, I’ll… work harder to return your feelings."

Although Lin Juangui had been the one to pursue him initially, it was Huo Zeshen who had put in more effort into their relationship. He treated Lin Juangui like a child, looking after his every need with meticulous attention.

Huo Zeshen continued patting Lin Juangui’s back, a calming rhythm that made him relax and grow drowsy.

"It’s okay. Take your time."

Because Lin Juangui had experienced such profound love from Huo Zeshen back then, he was now willing to show the same care to the younger version of Huo Zeshen.

Lin Juangui reminded himself that their separation was only temporary. He had the ability to handle everything in his hands—to avenge Lin Juangui, uncover the rules governing this world, identify the person stuck in the cycle of rebirth, and unravel the truth behind the time loop.

Lin Juangui leaned in close to the boy’s ear and whispered a clue, "General Mu knows all the secrets you’re curious about. The path you’re on is difficult, but I believe you can overcome the unexpected challenges thrown your way. You’ve been growing constantly, and if you persist, you’ll become a remarkable adult."

The tears on Huo Zeshen’s face had dried. Lin Juangui used his fingers to gently wipe them away.

The boy grabbed Lin Juangui’s wrist. After long hours of training, he had grown strong—even this simple gesture made Lin Juangui flinch slightly.

"Brother, please help me."

It was only then that Lin Juangui had fully earned Huo Zeshen’s trust.

After parting ways with Huo Zeshen, Lin Juangui felt a little disoriented. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down and hoping to act naturally without giving anything away.

Mu Zhang showed up unexpectedly, studying Lin Juangui’s expression as he asked if he had finished talking. He held two ice cream cones of different flavors in his hands.

The school was crowded, and the people Mu Zhang had sent could only follow Huo Zeshen and Lin Juangui from a distance, had no idea what the two had discussed behind the hill.

"Yeah, it’s all done. But he has a high jump competition this afternoon and asked me to watch. He was crying so hard—I’m worried it might affect his performance."

That kid is pretty clingy.

But since Lin Juangui had done what he wanted, Mu Zhang was satisfied, seeing no need to nitpick. "Well, he already won the long-distance race and gave you his medal. Whether he ranks in the high jump doesn’t matter much."

Lin Juangui disagreed. "For a kid like him, honors are the only things he can rely on."

Both fell silent. Lin Juangui took a deep breath, refusing to get gloomy, and glanced beside Mu Zhang. "Isn’t General Mu with you?"

Mu Zhang handed one of the ice creams to Lin Juangui. "The school is holding a lecture, and he’s a guest speaker. That kid has to attend too. I thought you’d be alone, so I came to find you."

Lin Juangui thought it was funny. "Am I an underage child? Can’t I walk alone without an adult accompanying me?"

Mu Zhang laughed softly. "You’re an Omega. In a place like a military academy, if you’re alone, someone could drag you off without anyone noticing. You always seem unaware of the dangers around you, oblivious to what it means to be an Omega."

He wasn’t wrong—after all, Lin Juangui had lived as an ordinary human for so long. He’d only been an Omega for about a year.

Lin Juangui tasted the ice cream. He usually didn’t care for overly sweet things, but the military academy’s ice cream was really good. His eyes lit up immediately, and the gloom in his heart quickly faded.

"How does it taste?" Mu Zhang asked.

Lin Juangui nodded without speaking, focusing entirely on the ice cream.

"Are you waiting for Mu Yuanqing to finish the lecture so you can leave together?"

Without Huo Zeshen to guide him, Lin Juangui didn’t know where to go, so he wandered aimlessly around the campus with Mu Zhang.

Mu Zhang remained silent, clearly not fond of the ice cream. He frowned occasionally as he ate it.

When Lin Juangui looked at him, Mu Zhang finally spoke. "I’ve made things clear with him. From now on, there won’t be any emotional entanglements between us."

Lin Juangui paused mid-bite. He took a bite of the cone, not asking for details, but a trace of concern flickered across his face. "Will Mu Yuanqing think I’m the reason you did this?"

Mu Zhang nodded matter-of-factly. "You’re my Omega. Who else would I do it for?"

"Sometimes the things you say make me cringe." Lin Juangui stuffed the last bit of the cone into his mouth. The burst of chocolate sauce made him frown, and he blinked hard before swallowing.

Mu Zhang watched his every move intently, pulling a black silk handkerchief from his pocket and motioning to wipe Lin Juangui’s mouth. Lin Juangui shrank back, refusing, so Mu Zhang simply handed him the handkerchief.

Lin Juangui took it and dabbed the corner of his mouth. Mu Zhang looked at him calmly and asked, "Have you ever been chased by another Alpha before?"

"No." When Lin Juangui met Huo Zeshen, he hadn’t even known what ABO dynamics were, so he counted as never having been chased by an Alpha.

Mu Zhang’s smile deepened. "Then consider this my way of pursuing you."

Lin Juangui looked puzzled. He didn’t recall any clause in their contract forbidding one party from pursuing the other. Mu Zhang was exploiting a loophole.

As if reading his mind, Mu Zhang sighed. "You’re not oblivious—you just don’t want to accept me."

If that was the case, why bother wasting emotions? Lin Juangui returned the handkerchief. "I just don’t see the point in wasting our time on this. Your initial reason for marrying me wasn’t to pursue a relationship."

"Lin Juangui, every time I show a little enthusiasm, you throw cold water on me and drag me back to reality. Is there anything you’ve wanted that I haven’t given you? Why won’t you ever respond to me?"

Lin Juangui’s expression cooled. "You’re too harsh on me, Mu Zhang."

Mu Zhang tossed his ice cream into a nearby trash can. He never liked sweets to begin with—he’d only bought it because he’d heard Omegas enjoyed such treats.

For Mu Zhang, trying hard for Lin Juangui was already a significant step. But Lin Juangui’s refusal to acknowledge it left him feeling helpless, as if nothing he did mattered.

Before they knew it, they had reached the auditorium entrance. Mu Yuanqing’s voice echoed through the speakers inside.

Lin Juangui turned to Mu Zhang and said, "You can’t expect someone emotionally lacking to reciprocate your feelings. Even if I had any to begin with, they’ve nearly faded by now. You even found my affection for the child inappropriate. You know how rebellion works—the more you want something, the less I’m able to give it."