Chapter 80 Seduction

Chapter 80: Temptation

Lin Juangui once again fell into a void of thought, as if he had reverted to the version of himself who was pushed along by others.

The feeling of having no control over his own life was truly awful. Lin Juangui knew why he had lost his agency—because he didn’t understand what he wanted to do, nor did he comprehend the original Lin Juangui's hatred.

Lin Juangui had too many gaps in his memory, but fortunately, the plans he had laid out in the past were progressing smoothly. Looking back now, he couldn’t help but feel relieved that he hadn’t interfered with his past decisions.

The news that Ming Ling had been summoned to Lin Juangui’s home only to flee in panic and be demoted several levels to an entry-level position within the Runlin Group eventually reached Mu Zhang. Mu Zhang still seemed displeased upon hearing this.

Mu Zhang knew that Ming Ling’s father had previously worked for Geng Xuelan. After following in his father’s footsteps, Ming Ling had been assigned by Geng Xuelan to work under Lin Juangui. Lin Juangui had valued his skills and placed trust in him, but Ming Ling had turned around and betrayed Lin Juangui.

If Lin Juangui had expelled him from the group, Mu Zhang would have found it easier to take action against him. But the fact that Ming Ling was still working at the Runlin Group meant Lin Juangui was willing to give him another chance.

Mu Zhang thought Lin Juangui was too kind. If it were up to Mu Zhang, he would never have let Ming Ling escape alive.

But this was precisely the quality Lin Juangui possessed that Mu Zhang lacked.

When it came to winning people over, ten Mu Zhangs couldn’t compare to one Lin Juangui. Otherwise, Lin Juangui wouldn’t have been able to gain the loyalty of the *Tian Guang Xian Liu* members so quickly.

"Ah, well. Let it go."

Lin Juangui had always showed good judgment on important matters, and Mu Zhang didn’t need to worry about these things.

But when it came to emotions…

Even before losing his memory, Lin Juangui had already complicated the relationship between Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing. Mu Zhang knew Lin Juangui was using this method to retaliate against him. He felt utterly helpless but had no choice but to endure it.

As a high-level Omega, Lin Juangui had a very high demand for pheromones. Ordinary Alphas didn’t appeal to him, and Mu Zhang’s pheromones made him uncomfortable. Bringing in Mu Yuanqing was the ideal solution, and Mu Yuanqing was willing himself.

After Lin Juangui lost his memory, Mu Zhang hoped their relationship could become simpler, so he didn’t tell Lin Juangui about Mu Yuanqing’s existence.

However, Lin Juangui had already noticed that someone else had come to the house during his heat. He knew Mu Zhang was hiding something from him. Though he had doubts, he didn’t ask directly, knowing Mu Zhang wouldn’t give him an answer.

Sometimes, vague attitudes could lead to many unnecessary complications. Mu Zhang understood this well, but to maintain superficial harmony, he had no other choice. He couldn’t bear the thought of Lin Juangui leaving him, nor did he want their current happiness to become a bubble so fragile it could burst at any moment.

Lately, Mu Zhang had started having nightmares again. These dreams explained why Lin Juangui had wanted to leave him.

He had hurt Lin Juangui.

The scent on Lin Juangui felt familiar and comforting. He had pursued Lin Juangui, treating him as another person he loved.

The dream provided no insight as to when Lin Juangui had discovered the truth. Mu Zhang only saw himself lying helplessly in a hospital bed, while Lin Juangui, tears in his eyes, curled his lips into a strange smile and told Mu Zhang he would take care of him forever.

Mu Zhang jolted awake in the office lounge. He sat up, exhaled deeply, and leaned forward, resting his forehead in his hand. A fine sweat trickled down his cheeks, silently dripping onto the carpet.

He instinctively opened Lin Juangui’s emotional monitor. The readings were as stable as ever, as if all of Mu Zhang’s worries were unnecessary.

Mu Zhang knew Lin Juangui wouldn’t wait around passively. He couldn’t guess what Lin Juangui intended to do, but he was sure it wouldn’t harm their shared interests. However, Mu Zhang’s feelings were likely not within Lin Juangui’s consideration.

Lin Juangui had never cared about Mu Zhang. If it weren’t for Mu Zhang’s status, Lin Juangui would have long since overturned the table, unconcerned with Mu Zhang’s fate.

Because of this, Mu Zhang now craved power more than ever.

He needed to rise to a position so high that no ordinary person could reach him. That way, no matter what Lin Juangui discovered or how much of his past memories he recovered, he wouldn’t be able to leave easily.

Mu Zhang remembered how the old man had stared at him in disbelief when he decided to join the Political Department.

Perhaps Mu Zhang’s identity as a space pirate was too deeply ingrained. The battles he commanded had even been taught in military academies. Everyone had assumed that after reconciling with Mu Jie, he would take a position in the military.

But he had defied everyone’s expectations.

At the time, Mu Zhang had explained to Mu Jie, "The military has already been thoroughly infiltrated by the Sword Group. Even if I go, I won’t be able to change the situation. It’s better to slowly grasp power in the Political Department. I have far more advantages than others, don’t you think?"

Mu Zhang held many cards. The respected Elder Mu and the influential Lin Juangui were his greatest assets. Whether out of planning for the future or a sliver of selfish desire, Mu Zhang had given all his wealth to Lin Juangui.

This was Mu Zhang’s way of apologizing to Lin Juangui. After all, he truly didn’t know what Lin Juangui wanted—he only hoped Lin Juangui could live more freely and without constraints.

The only condition was that they not divorce, a rule that applied to both of them. Mu Zhang believed he could protect this marriage.

But now, Mu Zhang felt as though everything was on the verge of collapse.

There was still much to handle in the Political Department. Mu Zhang slept at most four hours a day.

It wasn’t that he was too impatient—it was that the Liang family could no longer sit still.

Liang Xiancheng was getting on in years. The way he looked at Huo Zeshen was like gazing at a vessel for longevity. Unfortunately, Huo Zeshen didn’t seem to realize this and continued to work diligently for the Liang family.

The elections were two years away, and the Liang family had long been preparing. Initially, they had hoped to control the federation through the military by seizing its economic lifeline. But most military personnel were principled soldiers, and not all were as foolish as Huo Zeshen. Many paid lip service while resisting in secret, so the Liang family quickly adjusted their strategy, attempting to control the federation’s economy.

But this, too, was thwarted by Lin Juangui. With Mu Zhang firmly stationed in the Political Department, the Liang family gained no advantage.

Now, the Liang family could only pin their hopes on the elections two years away—or perhaps they had other, more sinister plans. Regardless, Mu Zhang would not let them succeed.

Lin Juangui knew Mu Zhang and the Liang family had never gotten along. In the original plot, the Sword Group was cast as the final boss in the later stages. However, after Lin Juangui’s involvement, the storyline underwent earth-shattering changes. At the very least, Mu Zhang and his white moonlight had no romantic connection left—it had all shifted to Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui felt he didn’t deserve this affection. He didn’t see himself and Mu Zhang as partners—it felt more like a collaboration. Each did what was necessary, moving hand in hand toward greater power and wealth.

But to Lin Juangui, this was rather pointless.

His family background had always limited his ambition to become a leader. He understood that to survive in this society, he had to know how to leverage others’ strength and use powerful figures as his backing.

But everything came at a cost. Lin Juangui hadn’t been fortunate enough to encounter reasonable superiors. Most saw his abilities and wanted to tightly control him, leaving him no room to breathe.

It was no wonder Lin Juangui wanted to escape. After all, he was a normal person who valued equality and freedom—he had no desire to return to feudal times as someone’s slave.

It was almost shameful. Since arriving in this world, Lin Juangui had always been propelled forward. He listened to the original Lin Juangui's inexplicable words, watched Mu Zhang’s feeble attempts to conceal the truth, and deciphered the ambiguous hints from so-called friends. Rarely did he do anything for himself.

But after being provoked by Geng Xuelan, he became much clearer-headed, realizing he shouldn’t continue drifting through life.

Lin Juangui began going out more frequently. He wanted to reengage socially. Although he still visited the Runlin Group most often, his increased activity led many to speculate about what had prompted Lin Juangui to "resurface."

In the blink of an eye, the day of the charity gala arrived. Zhuang Xi attached great importance to this tricentennial celebration, having prepared for months. He personally handled everything from securing the venue to inviting high-profile guests, hoping to make it perfect.

Even someone as experienced as Zhuang Xi could occasionally overlook details. Given his close relationship with Lin Juangui, it was only natural for Lin Juangui to help ensure everything was in order. He offered many useful suggestions regarding the banquet hall’s layout.

To express his gratitude, Zhuang Xi even mentioned that there would be a surprise for Lin Juangui at the gala.

"Really? A surprise for me?" Lin Juangui’s expression showed genuine surprise. After all, he considered Zhuang Xi the star of the charity gala and hadn’t planned to make an appearance on stage.

Zhuang Xi chuckled mischievously, deliberately being coy. "You’ll find out when the time comes."

The crystal chandeliers refracted dazzling light, making the entire banquet hall glitter like a sky full of stars.

Lin Juangui hadn’t attended such events in a long time. He held a full glass of champagne, his fingertips lightly tracing the rim.

Many people approached him with smiles, eager to chat. He gave polite but distant replies, clearly finding it somewhat tedious, but Zhuang Xi’s promise of a surprise kept him there.

Lin Juangui wore a moon-white formal suit adorned with exquisite, lifelike embroidery that made him appear even more noble.

The banquet hall doors suddenly swung open as servers pushed them apart, drawing numerous gazes. The sound of military boots clicking on the floor was exceptionally clear as Huo Zeshen, clad in a black military uniform, stepped into the venue. The atmosphere in the entire hall momentarily froze before polite applause rippled through.

Huo Zeshen nodded, his expression cold and restrained. "The charitable efforts of the association are worthy of respect. As someone who has also benefited from its protection, I had no excuse to miss the three-hundred-year celebration."

His voice, deep and clear, penetrated every corner of the banquet hall.

Standing at the back of the crowd, Lin Juangui watched him quietly, his heartbeat seeming to quicken ever so slightly.

Huo Zeshen was ushered onto the stage by the collective gaze of the attendees. As a VIP guest of this charity banquet, his brief appearance was already generous, and it was certain he wouldn’t stay for long.

"On behalf of the military, I extend my gratitude to the charity association. Over the years, many retired soldiers have received assistance…"

Huo Zeshen’s speech was brief. Not only did he thank the charity association for its aid on behalf of the military, but he also specifically highlighted the association’s medical support for impoverished star sectors, which greatly alleviated pressure on the federal government. He even mentioned Zhuang Xi’s personal efforts over the years.

Yet, he made no mention of Lin Juangui.

Even though everyone knew who had been the driving force behind the charity association’s reforms in recent years, and who his benefactor had been when he was a minor.

Zhuang Xi turned his head slightly to glance at Lin Juangui, who still wore a slight smile, his expression unreadable. It was as if Huo Zeshen on stage were nothing more than an ordinary stranger in his eyes, unable to stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.

After Huo Zeshen stepped down from the stage, applause erupted. Lin Juangui clapped symbolically, and Zhuang Xi leaned in to say, "I didn’t expect him not to mention you at all."

Lin Juangui smiled and asked, "Is this the surprise you mentioned?"

Zhuang Xi’s expression was pained. "I… thought he would… How could he not say a single word of thanks…"

Lin Juangui took a deep breath, magnanimously. "I’ve lost my memory. He stands so high now, but I must have seen him in vulnerable moments many times before. So, it’s a good thing he’s forgotten all that."

Even now, Lin Juangui was still making excuses for Huo Zeshen. Zhuang Xi knew Lin Juangui was kind-hearted and disliked holding grudges, but didn’t that just make him seem easy to bully? Zhuang Xi couldn’t stand to see Lin Juangui like this.

As longtime friends, Zhuang Xi couldn’t let Lin Juangui be wronged without speaking up. He was about to leave his seat when Lin Juangui grabbed his arm. "Alright, today is a good day. Don’t get angry over such a small matter. The banquet still needs you to host it."

"Even now, it’s you comforting me."

Zhuang Xi realized his good intentions had backfired and finally understood that Huo Zeshen was no longer the timid, withdrawn child he once was. He wouldn’t give anyone the chance to test him.

After the young general on stage saluted and exited through the back, Lin Juangui smiled. "Everyone grows up and develops their own thoughts. After all, I was the one who forgot everything first."

Halfway through the banquet, Lin Juangui began to feel oppressed. His body had been modified; theoretically, he shouldn’t feel fatigued from lack of oxygen, but an intangible sense of oppression made him want to temporarily escape this high-profile event.

Lin Juangui set down his glass and silently made his way through the crowd, heading toward the rest area at the end of the corridor.

The corridor was much dimmer than the banquet hall, with wall lamps casting slender shadows that seemed like silent observers.

Lin Juangui’s footsteps were muffled by the plush carpet, and the surroundings were so quiet that only his own breathing could be heard.

—Until he caught a faint, elusive scent of wormwood.

Cold, bitter, with a penetrating sharpness—like a blade in the depths of winter, silently held to his nose.

Lin Juangui hesitated briefly. Without turning around, he narrowed his eyes and listened carefully, trying to catch any unusual sound in the dim corridor.

But there was nothing.

No footsteps, no breathing, not even a shadow.

Yet the scent of pheromones grew increasingly distinct, like a silent lure or a long-planned ambush.

Lin Juangui’s fingertips twitched slightly before returning to normal. Instead of heading back to the banquet hall, he continued forward, step by step, toward the staircase at the end of the corridor.

The staircase was equally silent. Lin Juangui had only taken two steps when he abruptly looked up.

The person he wanted to see was standing quietly by the window on the landing, staring out into the night. The night wind, carrying a slight chill, brushed against his cheeks. The outline of his military uniform appeared razor-sharp in the darkness, like some lurking beast.

Lin Juangui did not make a sound, simply standing there quietly. Huo Zeshen did not turn around either, steadily emitting his pheromones.

Only when the wind outside grew stronger did Huo Zeshen close the window, turn around, and look down on Lin Juangui. "What’s so worth staring at?"

Lin Juangui rested his hand on the railing, ascending the stairs step by step. His gaze was focused and intense as he looked at Huo Zeshen. "You."

Huo Zeshen scowled. When Lin Juangui stood before him, he slowly raised his hand as if to touch Huo Zeshen’s face. But then, as if remembering something, a thick, lingering bitterness welled up in his eyes.

Just as Lin Juangui was about to withdraw his hand, his wrist was clamped down on by Huo Zeshen. Surprised, Lin Juangui looked at him as Huo Zeshen pressed his palm against his own face. The warmth from the touch spread through his palm, contrasting sharply with Huo Zeshen’s expression.

Huo Zeshen’s face was stormy, his eyes shadowed as he stared at Lin Juangui, in a tone that was both questioning and accusing. "You forgot me."

Lin Juangui quirked a smile. "Sorry, this is my first time meeting you, but you feel very familiar."

His words seemed to soften Huo Zeshen’s expression slightly. He released Lin Juangui’s wrist, but Lin Juangui’s hand remained pressed against his face, fingertips gently tracing Huo Zeshen’s skin.

Lin Juangui’s gaze was deeply affectionate. This Huo Zeshen was no different from the one he knew—just not as gentle, and a little more severe—yet the feeling he gave Lin Juangui was exactly the same.

Was it really him? Had Huo Zeshen not died but instead come to another world, living a different life? Was that it?

Huo Zeshen watched Lin Juangui’s expression, frowned, and turned his face away. He had once again become the enigmatic, ruthless General Huo, his words icy. "If you forgot, then let it be."

The man turned to go downstairs. Just as Lin Juangui was about to say, "How can we just forget it?" he instinctively reached out to grab Huo Zeshen but, unsettled and unable to control his body, pitched forward down the stairs.

The staircase tiles had sharp, jagged edges that not only tore through Lin Juangui’s trousers but also sliced through the bionic skin on his leg, exposing the delicate alloy framework beneath.

Huo Zeshen was horrified. "Brother!"

He rushed down to check Lin Juangui’s injuries. Lin Juangui, still dazed from the hard fall, regained some awareness as Huo Zeshen picked him up. Seeing Huo Zeshen’s eyes reddened and hearing him say he would take him to a doctor, Lin Juangui murmured, "No need. A doctor won’t help."

Huo Zeshen remained anxious, kneeling on the ground and holding Lin Juangui in his arms as he examined the injury on his leg.

Lin Juangui seemed to sigh, then smiled faintly. "Does it disgust you?"

Huo Zeshen shook his head, saying nothing. The earlier cold severity had completely vanished from him, replaced only by concern as he looked at Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui leaned closer against Huo Zeshen’s chest—still so solid, enough to envelop him entirely.

"After losing my memory, I felt less than human. I lived in a beautiful gilded cage, diligently rehabilitating, trying to regain control of my body. I kept falling, then getting up, until I could fully control my limbs… Just now, for a rare moment, I experienced that weightlessness. It was as if I was alive in those few seconds, only to face this body again."

Huo Zeshen’s expression was complex. He took a deep breath, as if plunged back into that powerlessness of the past.

Lin Juangui wrapped his arms around Huo Zeshen’s neck. Huo Zeshen looked down at him, but Lin Juangui only buried his face in the hollow of his shoulder. "You know me, yet you resent me for forgetting you. Won’t you give me a chance to atone? I want to hear my past from you…"

A gust of wind swept through the stairwell, snapping Huo Zeshen out of his thoughts. "What they say and what I say wouldn’t be any different."

"Really? That’s a shame. I thought you were ignoring me, pretending I never existed in your life because you hated me."

"…"

Huo Zeshen’s silence made Lin Juangui’s smile grow more unrestrained. "Since that’s the case, and I’m right here in front of you, why not take this chance to exact your revenge?"

Huo Zeshen finally lowered his gaze to meet Lin Juangui's eyes, "Haven't you been through enough?"

Lin Juangui's smile faded slightly. He gently stroked Huo Zeshen's hair and slowly shook his head, saying, "It hasn't been hard since meeting you. I truly want to atone; at the very least, let me stay by your side during your rut this time."

Huo Zeshen frowned. Lin Juangui peeled off the inhibitor patch on the back of his neck, releasing a small amount of soothing pheromones. Their scents intertwined, and Lin Juangui's expression grew somewhat dazed, seemingly satisfied by the pheromones seeping from Huo Zeshen's early rut symptoms. Huo Zeshen, too, could sense the aquatic fragrance he had long yearned for.

After calming down a little, Lin Juangui asked, "Why did you cover my eyes on Pi Feng Star?"

Huo Zeshen's reply was simple, "You were married."

Lin Juangui dismissed it, "So what?"

"I shouldn't have gotten so close to you."

"Really?"

Lin Juangui traced circles on Huo Zeshen's Adam's apple with his fingertip, "What about here?"

Huo Zeshen said nothing, his Adam's apple bobbing as if reluctant to admit what he had done.

Lin Juangui didn't press him further, slumping weakly against Huo Zeshen as if he had no strength left, not even attempting to move.

Huo Zeshen knew they couldn't stay like this any longer and intended to pick Lin Juangui up to leave. But Lin Juangui suddenly said, "Huo Zeshen, you're contradictory. If you really cared that I was married, you wouldn't be holding me so tightly."

They had been talking for so long, yet Huo Zeshen had maintained the same posture the entire time, even holding him tighter, as if afraid Lin Juangui might slip from his embrace.

Huo Zeshen had nothing to say. His feelings for Lin Juangui had been developing for so many years—how could they change overnight?

"Lin Juangui, I've already kept my distance from you. You shouldn't seduce me."

Seduce? Fine.

Who was it that had been emitting pheromones from afar to lure Lin Juangui over? Since Huo Zeshen didn't want to take the moral high ground, Lin Juangui didn't mind taking the fall.

Lin Juangui tilted his head and whispered into Huo Zeshen's ear, "Then, are you willing to take the bait?"

Huo Zeshen hadn't expected Lin Juangui to be so bold after losing his memory. He was no longer the naive young man he once was. In the past, Lin Juangui had been kind to him because he saw potential in Huo Zeshen, believing he could help him in the future. But now?

Having forgotten the past and the words spoken between them, he wrapped Huo Zeshen in his pheromones and boldly asked if he wanted to take the bait.

Would he behave this way with other Alphas too?

Even though he knew he had no right, Huo Zeshen's heart seethed with jealousy.

"I…"

Just as Huo Zeshen hesitated, Lin Juangui's communicator rang.

It was Mu Zhang.