Chapter 60 This World Is So Deranged

Chapter 60: This World Is So Crazy

Under Mu Zhang's persistent badgering, Lin Juangui added Huo Zeshen's contact information to his blacklist.

The price was a military production line, gifted by Mu Zhang to Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui had long been curious about Mu Zhang's business, but Mu Zhang rarely discussed such matters with him. He gave the production line to Lin Juangui so that he could establish his own military force, ensuring he would have both confidence and the means to protect himself in the future.

This production line was extremely valuable, by no means a marginal asset in Mu Zhang's portfolio.

Lin Juangui was effectively placated. His principle regarding Mu Zhang's actions remained the same: as long as the money was right, anything was possible.

When Zheng Shi found out, however, he held a small meeting with Ge Miao and Gu Mi, asking, "I think our boss has gone crazy. What do you guys think?"

Ge Miao remained calm. "The boss has always been like this with people he likes."

Back when Mu Zhang was interested in Mu Yuanqing, didn't he also throw money around without batting an eye?

Gu Mi was long used to it. "This time, the other party isn’t an Alpha, but a sweet-smelling and beautiful Omega who has also helped the boss with so many things. It’s fine if he’s a little crazy—after all, he’s family now."

"The problem is, they’re contract partners." This was what Zheng Shi found most difficult to understand.

With the contract in place, both parties were bound by restrictions, and emotions became the wild card. Who knew how messy the divorce would be when the time came?

Ge Miao spoke with the calmness of someone who had it all figured out. "With the boss’s personality, whether he follows the contract terms depends entirely on his whims. He likes Mrs. Lin, so he’s willing to restrain himself for her. The real storm will come when the contract ends."

Gu Mi nodded. "So your top priority should be figuring out what legal clauses can be used to keep Mr. Lin, instead of debating whether the boss has gone crazy."

This world is so crazy.

In utter despair, Zheng Shi ended the video call.

Not long after the sports meet at Yungang University, midterm exams arrived. During this time, Huai Fu’s mental state improved significantly, allowing him to focus more on his studies.

After the exams, Huai Fu wanted to invite Lin Juangui for bubble tea, but Lin Juangui politely declined. "I need to return to Sailing Star first. Mu Zhang’s rut has started, and I have to look after him."

Lin Juangui was one of the few married Omega students. When he requested leave, everyone knew what he was going to do, but that didn’t stop some from teasing him, saying he was tied down by an Alpha at such a young age and could already take such leave while still in school.

This kind of sarcastic envy was truly boring. Lin Juangui had to admit that dealing with Mu Zhang’s rut was a form of torture, but that didn’t mean he would allow anyone to mock him for it.

So, when encountering such people, Lin Juangui would usually say with a light laugh, "Really? I hope you get the chance to take leave for such special circumstances too. Wishing you an early pregnancy."

Lin Juangui was not easily provoked. Ultimately, it was Mu Zhang who attracted this resentment. If it weren’t for Mu Zhang’s rut, why would he receive so much attention? Lin Juangui would never blame himself for it.

Whenever Lin Juangui mentioned things like rut or heat, Huai Fu would blush. He urged Lin Juangui not to waste time and return early but couldn’t help asking curiously, "During their rut... do Alphas always lose control?"

Lin Juangui didn’t know. Mu Zhang’s pheromones made his scalp tingle, and he couldn’t be bothered to observe Mu Zhang closely.

However, he couldn’t dodge Huai Fu’s question, lest others speculate that his relationship with Mu Zhang was unstable.

So, Lin Juangui chose a more tactful response. "Mu Zhang behaves childishly during that time. I’m not sure about others."

Alphas in rut struggle to control their emotions, becoming irritable and easily angered, which makes them incredibly annoying.

If not for the contract, Lin Juangui would stay as far away from Mu Zhang as possible.

By the time he returned to Luochen Manor, it was already evening.

Whenever Mu Zhang’s rut arrived, it cast an unnameably tense atmosphere over the manor.

The servants were all on edge, some even afraid they wouldn't survive till morning.

Perhaps Mu Zhang’s state during his rut was too frightening—a frenzied Alpha was like a dog off its leash, ready to bite anyone in sight.

Lin Juangui, however, remained calm.

Butler Yang was naturally delighted to see Lin Juangui. The Colorful Cat emerged from a bush, rubbing against Lin Juangui’s pants.

Lin Juangui bent down to pick up the cat, showing no hurry, though he quickened his pace slightly.

Upon entering the villa, Lin Juangui removed the inhibitor patch from his gland, allowing his pheromones to slowly disperse. The Colorful Cat stretched and made biscuits on Lin Juangui as if it had caught a whiff of catnip.

His pheromones were of little use outside, so Lin Juangui often used inhibitor patches to cover his gland, concealing the fact that he had never been marked by an Alpha and avoiding any potential gossip.

But it turned out his pheromones also affected cats. How was this any different from the princess that everyone loves in fairy tales?

Lin Juangui closed his eyes slowly. His every move on the second floor of the villa was being secretly watched.

Perhaps he was tired, but Lin Juangui no longer felt like putting on an act of having multiple personalities for Mu Zhang.

When he woke up, the Colorful Cat was still curled up on his lap, asleep. Lin Juangui placed the cat where he had been sitting and began unbuttoning his clothes, preparing to take a bath.

Fortunately, Mu Zhang wasn’t that perverted—he had at least left Lin Juangui some privacy in the bathroom. But when Lin Juangui stepped out, his bathrobe hung loosely, revealing glimpses of the pinkish skin on the Omega’s chest.

Mu Zhang, who had been lying in bed inhaling Lin Juangui’s pheromones deeply, felt a drunken euphoria.

When he saw Lin Juangui just out of the bath, Mu Zhang’s eyes widened. He sat up and moved closer to the monitors, watching Lin Juangui’s every move.

Lin Juangui was entirely different from Mu Yuanqing. His demeanor was cold, and he maintained a noticeable distance from others. Unless socializing required it, he rarely smiled.

His Omega identity tempered his aloofness slightly, making him seem approachable and good-natured.

Mu Zhang seldom saw desire on Lin Juangui’s face—only an untouchable dignity.

But now, all Mu Zhang could see was Lin Juangui’s pale, sweet-looking skin, as pure and clear as snow.

Mu Zhang’s reaction was intense. His pants felt uncomfortably tight, and his fangs tingled faintly.

But remembering how Lin Juangui was repelled by his pheromones, Mu Zhang sighed helplessly.

Alphas in rut were often sensitive to light, and the monitor’s glare stung Mu Zhang’s eyes, but Lin Juangui’s figure was simply irresistibly captivating.

He wanted to touch, to taste.

Mu Zhang watched until he almost got a nosebleed.

He knew how perverted this was, but he couldn’t resist exploring every aspect of Lin Juangui.

Just being able to watch Lin Juangui’s every move was enough to bring Mu Zhang joy. Even if he couldn’t touch Lin Juangui, knowing he was nearby was satisfying. Mu Zhang’s unrequited longing had long shifted from Mu Yuanqing to Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui, of course, knew he was being watched. He had long been told the house was filled with hidden cameras.

Back when he traveled north for business, he’d visited public bathhouses with clients countless times. He had no virtue to protect, so he didn’t particularly care.

He needed to test the limits of Mu Zhang’s love for him.

Although the contract stipulated that the two were not to engage in intimate relations, who could restrain someone like Mu Zhang? Lin Juangui had to up the ante to test Mu Zhang’s self-control.

Lin Juangui was dancing on a tightrope now, hoping Mu Zhang could handle it.

The midterm exam results came out quickly, and Lin Juangui, as expected, took first place again. Mu Zhang couldn’t help but smile when he saw the news, but soon his gaze drifted back to the monitor.

Indoors, Lin Juangui was not in the habit of wearing shoes. His pants were loose, revealing only his pale feet.

Mu Zhang had seen Lin Juangui’s ankles—slender and straight, incredibly beautiful, with toes as delicate and lovely as flower petals.

The Alpha sat before the monitor with a subtle, ambiguous smile. His rut was almost over, but he didn’t want to leave just yet. Sometimes, he even chugged nutrient drinks hastily, afraid of missing even the slightest appealing angle of Lin Juangui.

Mu Yuanqing’s phone call pulled Mu Zhang out of this self-destructive obsession. He seemed to realize how wrong this was, and as he closed his eyes, two clear tears streamed down from the dryness in his eyes.

After the call ended, Mu Zhang turned off all the surveillance.

At that very moment, Lin Juangui looked up, feeling as if the magnetic field around him had suddenly stilled.

Sure enough, not long after, Butler Yang knocked on the door, informing him that Mu Zhang’s rut had ended and Lin Juangui could leave.

Lin Juangui picked up the Colorful Cat, put on his shoes, and left the villa unhurriedly.

The man and the cat went to a nearby flower patch to play with a small ball. After washing up, Mu Zhang came over and saw this harmonious scene.

The ball was nudged by the Colorful Cat to Lin Juangui’s feet. As long as Lin Juangui was there, the cat had no interest in going elsewhere. The ball no longer held much appeal, so it simply pawed at the hem of Lin Juangui’s pants.

Lin Juangui bent down to ruffle the fur of the Colorful Cat before scooping it up and holding it for a while.

“You’re such a mischievous one.”

For some reason, seeing Lin Juangui hold the cat made Mu Zhang feel an overwhelming sense of warmth, as if he, Lin Juangui, and the Colorful Cat were a family of three—a happiness that should rightfully be his.

But since he had never even touched the softest, most delicate parts of Lin Juangui, how could he dare hope that Lin Juangui would ever want to bear a child with his bloodline?

Moreover, Lin Juangui’s womb was underdeveloped, making childbirth nearly impossible.

Mu Zhang still didn’t care about any of that. All he wanted was Lin Juangui.

As the Alpha approached, the Colorful Cat in Lin Juangui’s arms let out a soft “meow” and, in the blink of an eye, leaped out of his embrace.

Lin Juangui watched the direction the cat fled, then turned to look at Mu Zhang, who had just washed up and now looked presentable. He smiled wryly, “After all this time, why is it still afraid of you?”

“I’ve never been popular with small animals. It’s been like this since I was a child—I’m used to it. Not like you.”

Anyone who spent time with Lin Juangui would inevitably be drawn to him.

Mu Zhang’s gaze fell on the exposed fair collarbone beneath Lin Juangui’s shirt. He unconsciously swallowed, his eyes growing increasingly intense.

The Alpha sat down on a nearby chair, picked up the teapot on the small round table, and quietly poured himself a cup of tea. “Mu Yuanqing’s mech is damaged and has been under repair for some time. He asked me to help source some materials so we can avoid going through Sword Group.”

Mu Yuanqing’s mech was left behind by the late former general Mi Yu. She valued Mu Yuanqing’s military talent and specifically gifted him the mech when he took up his post in the Fourth Military Region. Mu Yuanqing had been using it on the battlefield ever since.

But now the mech was severely damaged. To prevent Sword Group from tampering with it during repairs, Mu Yuanqing couldn’t send it to them and had to gather the materials himself.

Mu Yuanqing felt he had let down General Mi Yu and was overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness, as if he could accomplish nothing.

“He said everything else is easy to find—it’s just a matter of time. But the Rotten Lingzhi Grass needed to connect the mech’s core is extremely rare, and most of it is monopolized by Sword Group.”

Lin Juangui understood what Mu Zhang wanted. He leisurely propped his chin on his hand and said, “What a pity. If I had known the Rotten Lingzhi Grass was so useful, I wouldn’t have gone all the way to Bada. Just the Rotten Lingzhi Grass alone could have made me a fortune.”

Rotten Lingzhi Grass had unique properties, taking over half a month to refine. It required extreme growing conditions, and the deep processing was time-consuming. Its high price and scarcity were only natural.

Mu Zhang chuckled softly. “Bada is still burning. The Rotten Lingzhi Grass there has probably turned to ashes.”

“Indeed.”

“But according to my intel, Rong Rui’s people have been frequenting a chemical lab. What could he be up to?”

Back when Rong Rui and his team entered Bada, another squad was already harvesting Rotten Lingzhi Grass. Later, Lin Juangui acquired several chemical labs specifically for processing the grass, entrusting the task to Rong Rui for greater secrecy and safety.

Nothing could escape Mu Zhang’s notice. He agreed to Mu Yuanqing’s request precisely because he knew where to obtain the processed connecting materials made from Rotten Lingzhi Grass.

Lin Juangui pursed his lips, finding it uninteresting. Mu Zhang said gently, “Just a few dozen milliliters. Such a small amount won’t attract Sword Group’s attention, I promise.”

“Since General Mu needs it, I won’t be stingy. But whoever you send to deliver it will be watched, so it’s better if I go.”

Lin Juangui’s considerate generosity surprised Mu Zhang, but he worried that Lin Juangui might not be too gentle with Mu Yuanqing. In a slightly placating tone, he said, “He and I are in the past. Now, you’re the only one in my heart.”

His words made it sound as if Lin Juangui were some vengeful current partner trying to eliminate the ex. Lin Juangui felt Mu Zhang was being overly dramatic.

“I just want to avoid complications. Besides, I do want to have a proper talk with General Mu, but it has nothing to do with you. Don’t assume I’m as petty as you.”

“Alright, alright.”

Mu Zhang took Lin Juangui’s hand and kissed it. Lin Juangui slowly withdrew his hand, lightly tapping the back of Mu Zhang’s hand without showing much anger. To Mu Zhang, it felt more like flirtation.

Rong Rui soon sent someone to deliver what Lin Juangui needed to his villa on Yungang Star.

That day, Lin Juangui went to school as usual. After classes, he carried his backpack and took a starship to the Federal Central Star.

The military was holding a promotion banquet for Mu Yuanqing. Mu Yuanqing hadn’t invited many people, and Lin Juangui attended as Mu Zhang’s partner. He didn’t dress up, his simple and casual attire drawing little attention.

It wasn’t until Lin Juangui took a small gift box from his backpack and handed it to Mu Yuanqing, explaining that Mu Zhang couldn’t make it but sent his congratulations, that the people around them turned to look, curiosity evident on their faces.

But Mu Yuanqing quickly stopped Lin Juangui. “It’s a bit noisy here. Would you like to go upstairs to chat?”

Lin Juangui had originally planned to schedule another time to talk with Mu Yuanqing but didn’t expect him to be so straightforward.

Lin Juangui nodded. “Of course.”

Mu Yuanqing had chosen a café as the venue for the gathering. His colleagues couldn’t drink alcohol—being detected with alcohol during work hours was strictly forbidden—so they settled for various beverages to satisfy their cravings.

The second floor had many private rooms. Mu Yuanqing and Lin Juangui sat by the window.

The café’s windows were all privacy glass. Lin Juangui smiled at Mu Yuanqing and asked how he was doing.

“Not bad. I’ve had my share of injuries over the years, but now that I’m moving to a secondary role, I can take my time to recover.”

Lin Juangui sensed that Mu Yuanqing was still being somewhat reserved, so he brought up the matter of the mech.

“Mu Zhang said your mech was damaged and needed many materials for repairs. I hope the gift I brought today makes you happy.”

Mu Yuanqing said, “Thank you.”

Lin Juangui’s gift was quickly taken away by Mu Yuanqing’s assistant.

Earlier, when Mu Zhang mentioned that Lin Juangui would personally deliver what Mu Yuanqing needed, Mu Yuanqing had been somewhat worried. But Mu Zhang just smiled and said, “He’s providing the materials, so he’ll set the price.”

Mu Yuanqing opened his light screen, swiped, and sent Lin Juangui an electronic check. “You can fill in any amount you want. You’ve really saved me this time.”

Lin Juangui pressed "Reject" on the virtual screen.

Under Mu Yuanqing's astonished gaze, Lin Juangui smiled easily. "General Mu, there's no need to talk about money between us. You should know I'm famously known as the 'generous benefactor' in the Federation—I just love giving things away."

"Then... do you want to talk about Mu Zhang? He and I are totally finished. Aside from official matters, we won’t have any further contact. You can rest assured about that."

Mu Yuanqing didn’t want to become a sticking point between Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui; it would only make him feel guilty.

Lin Juangui shook his head again. "I don’t really care about your past with Mu Zhang. It doesn’t affect me. You probably know about my relationship with him, right? I have no right or place, and I certainly wouldn’t do something so thankless. But there is something I’d like to ask for your help with, General Mu."

"Go ahead."

"Initially, I went to Mu Zhang as a human-shaped inhibitor. I used Federation laws to force him into a partnership with me. My role was to provide pheromones during his rut, but when my heat comes, he has no obligation to take care of me."

Mu Yuanqing was taken aback, his eyes widening slightly. He hadn’t expected Mu Zhang to be so harsh.

Lin Juangui, however, seemed unbothered. "My pheromones are special. Anyone can smell their favorite scent from me. So now you understand, General Mu? My tragedy originates from you."

Mu Yuanqing clenched his fists tightly and apologized to Lin Juangui.

"These were all Mu Zhang’s warped schemes. I can’t bring myself to hate him—after all, my current life is thanks to him. I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. But I simply can’t accept his feelings. I used to like him, but it ended with my family nearly going bankrupt. My parents had to send me to become Mu Zhang’s lover to save the family business. Didn’t Mu Zhang ever tell you any of this?"

Mu Yuanqing was still processing the shock. "Our feelings for each other faded long ago after we broke up. He wouldn’t share such private matters with me."

Lin Juangui wasn’t surprised. "I know you’re his friend. No matter what he does, you won’t side with me to condemn him. So I’m telling you this not to make you realize how terrible Mu Zhang’s actions are, but to let you know that my marriage with Mu Zhang won’t last long. I’m repulsed by his pheromones—I’m allergic to asphalt."

Mu Yuanqing could barely keep up with Lin Juangui’s line of thinking. When reality hit, he realized his ability to cope was insufficient.

Is Mu Zhang even human? How could he do so many cruel acts without any guilt?

"The doctor says my constitution is unusual—I have an extremely high need for pheromones. The more strong-effect inhibitors I use, the less effective they become. What I’m thinking is, since General Mu knows about my relationship with Mu Zhang, could you help me during my heat?"

Lin Juangui’s expression turned deeply earnest, as if hoping Mu Yuanqing would believe this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment request but a carefully considered decision.

Mu Yuanqing was completely dumbfounded.

He let out a confused "What?" while Lin Juangui watched him quietly, seemingly hoping for agreement.

What kind of situation was this?

Was Mu Zhang’s wrongdoing now Mu Yuanqing’s to repay?

But Lin Juangui’s suffering indeed stemmed from Mu Zhang’s love for Mu Yuanqing. Mu Zhang needed Omega pheromones yet couldn’t forget Mu Yuanqing, which was why he found Lin Juangui—this unlucky stand-in—to help him through his ruts.

If not for Lin Juangui’s unique talents, he might still be the dodder plant trapped in Mu Zhang’s home.

Mu Yuanqing didn’t agree immediately. His lips trembled slightly as he said he needed time to think.

But Lin Juangui was confident. "It’s fine. I know you and Mu Zhang communicate directly about everything. But he’ll surely agree to my proposal. Rather than leaving it awkward between you two, it’s better if I discuss it with you directly—it shows more sincerity."

If Mu Zhang could cut ties with Mu Yuanqing for Lin Juangui’s sake and sever years of love and resentment, he’d likely be willing to do other things for Lin Juangui too.

Moreover, Lin Juangui’s rejection of Mu Zhang’s pheromones must be agonizing for Mu Zhang. Mu Zhang couldn’t bring himself to find another Alpha to help Lin Juangui during his heat, but if it were Mu Yuanqing, he might reluctantly accept it.

But wouldn’t that still mean Mu Yuanqing was meddling in Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui’s relationship?

When Mu Yuanqing and Lin Juangui went downstairs, many people glanced their way. Seeing Lin Juangui beaming while Mu Yuanqing appeared pale, they hurried over to ask what happened.

Lin Juangui said his goodbyes and left.

Mu Yuanqing took a deep breath, waved his hand, and said it was nothing. He told his colleagues to continue enjoying themselves while he went to the bar for a glass of iced lemonade.

He needed to clear his head.

From that day on, whispers circulated secretly that Lin Juangui had said something at Mu Yuanqing’s promotion party that left him humiliated.

No one knew exactly what was said, but after their private conversation, Mu Yuanqing looked very upset, while Lin Juangui seemed completely unfazed.

What else could it be related to besides Mu Zhang?

But Mu Zhang had been married for so long—could he and Mu Yuanqing still have lingering emotions that warranted Lin Juangui personally delivering a warning?

Lin Juangui didn’t tell Mu Zhang about asking Mu Yuanqing to help during his heat, and Mu Yuanqing had no idea how to bring it up with Mu Zhang. Just thinking about it felt awkward.

As another semester neared its end, Lin Juangui’s 20th birthday aligned closely with his heat.

The lively celebration ended with brilliant fireworks—this year, Lin Juangui’s birthday was held in a warm climate amid a sea of flowers.

Back in the penthouse suite, Lin Juangui collapsed onto the soft silk sheets, tugging at his shirt. Mu Zhang urged him to slow down and be careful not to bump into anything.

A sweet pheromonal aroma burst into the room as the inhibitor patch was torn off. Mu Zhang had already prepared a pheromone pillow for Lin Juangui, but shortly after, a knock came at the door.

Mu Zhang frowned. He’d specifically ordered that no one disturb them—who could be so bold?

But when he looked through the peephole, he saw Mu Yuanqing standing there, looking conflicted.

He quickly opened the door and asked Mu Yuanqing what he wanted. Mu Yuanqing didn’t speak, only gestured to come in.

Mu Zhang stood firm in the doorway until he heard the Omega behind him say, "I called him here. Let him in."

"..."

Mu Zhang was too stunned for words. He had no idea when Lin Juangui and Mu Yuanqing had connected—why hadn’t he noticed any signs?

Once inside, Mu Yuanqing finally spoke. "Mr. Lin said he can’t tolerate your pheromones, but his need for them is very high. I know why you chose him to be your Omega. I’m doing this only to alleviate his pain during heat."

Everything was in chaos.

Mu Zhang braced himself against the door, realizing at last that Lin Juangui’s revenge had only just begun.