Chapter 91 Be With Me

Chapter 91: Be With Me

Lin Juangui's doubt made Huo Zeshen's body stiffen, a mixture of shock and absurd grievance coursing through his chest like acid.

In Lin Juangui's eyes, had he already become someone who would resort to any means to achieve his goals, even sacrificing innocent people?

All the inner turmoil was forcibly suppressed. Huo Zeshen's Adam's apple bobbed, and when he spoke, his voice was deliberately steady, tinged with a note of mockery that was hard to read.

"What makes you think that?"

Huo Zeshen wanted to know how Lin Juangui had connected him to that tragedy.

He and Lin Juangui maintained a seemingly safe distance, but the atmosphere between them had grown subtle, as if ready to ignite.

Lin Juangui's tone was calm, without much accusation in his tone, more like simple curiosity. "On the eve of Mu Yuanqing approving that illegal experimental project, you visited his office. I couldn't find out what you talked about, but after that meeting, your attitude towards me changed, and Mu Yuanqing was like he'd been given a shot of adrenaline. I can't think of any other variable."

Huo Zeshen shook his head in disagreement. "My visit to him was a routine work handover. Why are you so concerned about him? Do you hope he can escape punishment?"

A thought flashed through his mind. Huo Zeshen's emotions suddenly grew agitated. He slowly closed in on Lin Juangui, like a snake zeroing in on its prey. "Are you this indulgent with everyone?"

Lin Juangui, however, smiled, his eyes crinkling. "Do you think everything I've done for you is just being 'indulgent'?"

"..." Huo Zeshen lowered his head, visibly guilty.

It was his own wishful thinking. Wanting a reason to get close to Lin Juangui, he shifted the blame onto him, trying to make Lin Juangui a co-conspirator.

But the one with all those dirty thoughts in his head was Huo Zeshen himself.

Huo Zeshen was easily soothed. His jumbled emotions were calmed by Lin Juangui just like that. Lin Juangui continued, "If—and I mean if—you want to get a real relationship from me, then the most basic condition is not to try to lie to me."

Huo Zeshen blinked, not sure if he'd registered it.

So Lin Juangui asked again, "Tell me, what exactly have you done?"

Perhaps knowing resistance was futile, Huo Zeshen turned his head away, no longer looking at Lin Juangui, and said, his voice low, "I asked him if your marriage to Mu Zhang was contractual, if Mu Zhang had forced you into it."

Lin Juangui's expression remained unchanged, as though it was no surprise to him. "What did he say?"

"He didn't answer me."

Mu Yuanqing was a principled man. Even with things weighing on his mind and Huo Zeshen noticing something off in his reactions, as long as he didn't say it out loud, what could Huo Zeshen do? Mu Yuanqing responded with silence from start to finish.

Huo Zeshen didn't press the issue further. Instead, he brought up something else: "Lin Juangui's pheromones are special. You've helped him through his heats so many times; you couldn't have missed it."

Mu Yuanqing finally showed a reaction. He looked at Huo Zeshen, as if gauging how much the other man already knew. But Huo Zeshen's confident demeanor wasn't feigned. If Mu Yuanqing played coy, he would only miss out on information.

"Huo Zeshen, the Liang family has taught you well. Bribery, interrogation, threats... Do you even know what you're doing?"

Huo Zeshen nodded, as if accepting it all. "Of course I know. But this is my way of survival. You and Zhai Yanhe have seen how I clawed my way up. If you're criticizing me just because I've deviated from your initial intentions in supporting me, I won't accept it."

"..."

The tactics of moral pressure Mu Yuanqing usually employed were completely useless on Huo Zeshen. Steadying his breath, Mu Yuanqing got straight to the point: "His pheromones can attract many living beings. Not just humans—animals, mutated beasts, even the insectoid race react to his pheromones."

Huo Zeshen's expression turned serious. It was fortunate that Lin Juangui usually wore inhibitor patches when going out. Otherwise, with his constitution, he would never know a moment's peace. Still, those who had contact with him and forgot to use extra neutralizing spray would be slightly affected.

"During the reinforcement mission to the Sixth Military District, I had his pheromones on me. During combat, many insectoids rushed towards me. Just brief contact had that effect. His pheromones are priceless to everyone. You must have had the military-controlled labs conduct extensive research."

Huo Zeshen's guess was indeed correct, including his earlier doubts about Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui's marriage, and how to handle the discovery of Lin Juangui's pheromone secret.

Back then, Zhai Yanhe had taken a liking to Huo Zeshen not only because of his formidable pheromones but also because of his background.

"The current military is carved up and entrenched by various factions, difficult to unite. Some are even coerced by their families, acting against their will. Both you and I are in that situation. To fight our way out, we still need someone like him to do it."

Mu Yuanqing could vaguely understand Zhai Yanhe's thinking, but was it too risky to pin their hopes on a kid?

Huo Zeshen was indeed diligent on the battlefield. In recent years, no other commander had been as valiant and combat-effective. Every decision he made at critical moments was vindicated by the outcome. But his stance was gradually shifting; he had even done many things for the Huo family.

Had he already forgotten his hatred and become a slave to money and power?

Why was Huo Zeshen coming to talk to him about Lin Juangui's pheromones? To secure leverage for the Liang family?

It seemed these were the only reasons that could explain Huo Zeshen's actions. But Huo Zeshen gave Mu Yuanqing a very good reason: "You're engaged now. You won't be helping other Omegas through their heats anymore, or it would be easily discovered. So naturally, I can step in. You understand my feelings for Lin Juangui. I won't miss this opportunity."

Mu Yuanqing was shocked. "You... you..."

Back when he agreed to Lin Juangui's request, Mu Yuanqing had done some mental preparation. He kept telling himself it was because Lin Juangui couldn't tolerate Mu Zhang's pheromones, and that he indeed owed Lin Juangui in some ways. This was his way of atoning; he absolutely would not interfere in Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui's marriage.

After Lin Juangui lost his memory, Mu Yuanqing felt even more at ease being a tool. He would leave immediately after Lin Juangui's heat ended, never showing his face in front of him.

So when he saw Huo Zeshen so brazenly declare his intention to "take the position," Mu Yuanqing couldn't help but be shocked.

Yet, his first thought at that moment was: If Huo Zeshen really did this, there would inevitably be a major conflict between him and Mu Zhang.

This explained why Huo Zeshen needed to confirm with Mu Yuanqing whether Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang's marriage was contractual. Lin Juangui was Huo Zeshen's obsession for many years. Back then, he was too young to do anything, forced to watch helplessly as Lin Juangui was tormented by Mu Zhang until his cheeks were sunken, lying in bed unable to get up.

Although Lin Juangui never said anything to Huo Zeshen, Huo Zeshen could sense how terrible Lin Juangui's condition was during that time.

If Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang's marriage was happy, would Lin Juangui have become that ghostly figure? So Huo Zeshen felt no psychological burden about becoming Lin Juangui's lover.

"He advised me not to play with fire. I didn't listen and left. That's all."

After recounting the conversation with Mu Yuanqing, Huo Zeshen looked at Lin Juangui's expression. Lin Juangui lowered his gaze, seemingly deep in thought. When he blinked and met Huo Zeshen's eyes, he asked, "How much do you know about me and Mu Zhang?"

"Should I start from the beginning?" Huo Zeshen rested his arm on Lin Juangui's leg, much more relaxed than when he first arrived.

Lin Juangui raised his hand and ruffled Huo Zeshen's hair. "We need to compare information gaps."

"First, it was your eyes. They were beautiful without glasses, but with glasses on, they seemed veiled in a haze. You said the forehead injury was an accident, but that accident damaged your vision. Back then, who else would dare do such a thing to an Omega? It could only be him."

"Later, you sent me to the training base. I was suddenly summoned to his estate. He said you weren't doing well and asked me to comfort you. You couldn't even eat, so I cooked a bowl of porridge for you. To comfort me, you took two bites, but... you threw it all up. I heard you cursing him. You said you had never done anything to harm his interests, that you were forced into marriage with him, that you were sincere with him, but he kept scheming against you."

Huo Zeshen's hearing was too sharp. Even after being escorted away from Luochen Manor by the servants, before boarding the aircraft, he had clearly heard Lin Juangui's furious curses.

After that, every time he saw Lin Juangui smiling in front of him, he felt deeply sad, because he knew what kind of inhuman life Lin Juangui was living.

But Huo Zeshen wouldn't show it in front of Lin Juangui. Maintaining that ridiculous marriage was already exhausting enough; Huo Zeshen didn't want Lin Juangui to be even more tired because of him.

"After I got into military high school, I could sense your relationship with him had eased a bit, but it was entirely you making concessions. During that sports meet, I finally had a little time alone with you, only to see the two of them come to the school together. He and Mu Yuanqing were still entangled, yet he was very possessive of you and unhappy about our interaction. So, before the sports meet even ended, I heard you tell me... if you didn't leave me, someone wouldn't tolerate me."

That was indeed something Lin Juangui would say.

Just like after losing his memory, upon learning of Huo Zeshen's existence and analyzing the current situation, he still decided not to approach Huo Zeshen for the time being—it was better for both sides.

But seeing Huo Zeshen's despondent expression as he recounted this, he must have been hurt by those words back then.

"We didn't see each other for a long time until the joint training exercise at the military academy. I got into some trouble, and Mu Yuanqing took me to your room for a debrief. I could sense you two were very familiar, more familiar than I had imagined."

"Then, there's your pheromones—untouched by any other Alpha, your gland is clean, with no bite marks to be seen. None of them could lay a hand on you, yet they all exploited you. So—"

The answer couldn't be more obvious.

The marriage between Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang was a marriage of convenience. It was perfectly normal for Huo Zeshen to suspect there was some agreement between them; otherwise, why would Lin Juangui never leave Mu Zhang?

The further Huo Zeshen spoke, the calmer his voice became. He slowly straightened up, a hint of bloodthirsty fervor hidden in his eyes as he gazed at Lin Juangui as if looking upon a deity. "If I help Gege get revenge, kill both of them, can you stay with me forever?"

Huo Zeshen's tone didn't sound like a joke at all; instead, it carried a conviction that he could absolutely do it.

Lin Juangui didn't doubt Huo Zeshen's capabilities, but this wasn't what he wanted. So, he tapped Huo Zeshen's nose with his index finger. "What's the point of just killing the two of them?"

Huo Zeshen stared at Lin Juangui, who always exuded a mature aura that made him worshipful, completely unable to look away.

Lin Juangui continued, "If you're only targeting Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing for my sake, I'd advise you not to. Making enemies over emotions is too childish. Surely you understand that?"

"I don't want to understand." Huo Zeshen was fully aware of what he was doing. "I care about you deeply, both in the past and now. Seeing you suffer hurts me more than a knife cutting into my flesh. They treated you poorly, and I won't let them off easily."

Huo Zeshen fell silent for a moment, then surprisingly took the advice and nodded. The next second, Lin Juangui pulled him by the arm to sit beside him.

This time, it was Lin Juangui who looked up slightly at Huo Zeshen. "From now on, don't always lower yourself so much in front of me. Apart from that one slap, you don't owe me anything. And don't always think about sacrificing yourself for me. We're both independent individuals, sitting here because we're drawn to each other. Those schemes and pretenses can just be little games to add some fun. Don't think they're so important."

Huo Zeshen rarely heard anyone say such things to him. On Youlan Star, he listened to those people tirelessly talk about risks. In the Liang family, he only had to play the obedient fool. In the military, he was the one brainwashing others. But in front of Lin Juangui, it seemed he no longer needed to wear those disguises.

Most of Huo Zeshen's positive experiences in this world were brought to him by Lin Juangui, sustaining him all the way to now.

Lin Juangui was gentle yet strong, someone Huo Zeshen had admired from afar for many years. Now, he could finally sit beside Lin Juangui, reaching out to hold him tightly.

Lin Juangui wrapped one arm around Huo Zeshen's shoulder while gently patting his back with the other. He understood Huo Zeshen's fragility and arrogance. When someone does many things against their will, they start to doubt themselves, gradually fragmenting until they can never be pieced back together. He didn't want Huo Zeshen to become like that.

It didn't matter if he acted childish or foolish in front of him. If Lin Juangui didn't accept him, who else would embrace all of Huo Zeshen?

"Meow."

The warmth between the two was interrupted by a cat's meow. Lin Juangui released Huo Zeshen, who remained frozen in place, still processing. Lin Juangui's waist was so slender, and he carried a faint, pleasant scent. If possible, Huo Zeshen would have held on forever.

But there was still a little calico cat in the room that had been on alert since Huo Zeshen entered.

The little calico cat wasn't afraid of strangers and could even adapt quickly to new environments, but aside from Lin Juangui, it wasn't particularly affectionate toward anyone else—it could even be described as somewhat aloof.

After Huo Zeshen entered the room, the little cat, which had been wandering freely, hid under the table. Throughout Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen's conversation, it kept its eyes wide open, observing intently, ears perked straight up.

When the talking stopped, it might have found the sudden silence strange and let out a "meow" to remind Lin Juangui of its presence.

Lin Juangui clapped his hands to call the little cat over, but the presence of someone else in the room was too strong. The cat stayed curled up in place, unmoving. Lin Juangui stood up to go find it, but Huo Zeshen pointed to a spot. "It's over there."

The dining area was quite far from the balcony where the two were sitting, and the earlier meow had been faint. Lin Juangui looked at Huo Zeshen in surprise, who smiled and explained, "A natural gift."

The little calico cat was quickly found by Lin Juangui. As soon as he approached, the cat got up and pressed against his leg. Lin Juangui picked it up, his voice unconsciously softening.

Huo Zeshen stood up. Just as Lin Juangui approached, the little cat hissed at Huo Zeshen. Lin Juangui quickly covered its mouth and glanced at Huo Zeshen.

Huo Zeshen had been around small animals a lot as a child and knew exactly what it meant when a cat hissed at him.

"Your cat doesn't like me."

Lin Juangui whispered soothingly, "Li, we need to be polite, okay?"

With that, he slowly removed his hand.

"Hiss—"

The little calico cat was turning into a rattlesnake.

Lin Juangui turned and placed the cat in its own room, not forgetting to give it a cat treat to soothe its mood.

When Lin Juangui returned to the balcony, Huo Zeshen was already asleep in the recliner he had initially sat in.

The recliner was adjustable. Lin Juangui pulled up the control panel, tapping lightly on the virtual screen. The room's lights dimmed, and the window tint gradually darkened, blocking out the outside light.

The recliner was laid flat. Lin Juangui fetched a pillow to place under Huo Zeshen's head, brought over a stool for his feet, covered him with a thin blanket, and even adjusted the room temperature.

Huo Zeshen had just returned from the battlefield on Puli Star and rushed straight to Cloud Harbor Star to see Lin Juangui. The journey had been nonstop, and after being pulled into so much conversation by Lin Juangui, it was only natural he was exhausted.

Lin Juangui had heard from Mu Zhang before that the little calico cat always had its ears flattened around him—unlike how it clung to Lin Juangui, it wasn't particularly attached to Mu Zhang. Mu Zhang didn't mind; he knew he wasn't popular with small animals. Only after spending a long time with Lin Juangui did he gain some favor. Now, the cat no longer flattened its ears around him, but it didn't react much either—basically, it ignored him.

But this was the first time Lin Juangui had seen the little cat show such strong aggression toward anyone.

Lin Juangui returned to the room prepared for the little calico cat. The cat pressed against him again, and Lin Juangui began his psychological work. "What's wrong? Don't like him?"

"Meow." The little cat was all about responding to everything, never missing a beat.

Lin Juangui also nuzzled the cat's ears and the top of its head with his face. "I know he has many flaws now, but I can get to know him better. I can't give up on him."

"Meow."

"In the past... I was too attached to that old relationship, forgetting the environment I was in. But if I look at it from a positive angle, doesn't it give me more motivation, hmm?"

"Meow."

Lin Juangui chuckled softly and said no more.

By the time Huo Zeshen woke up, over ten hours had passed. The presidential suite was dimly lit. He sat up and looked around. Lin Juangui was sitting at the dining table, working intently. The screen emitted a blue fluorescent glow, casting his face in a cool, enchanting light.

Something was simmering on the stove. Lin Juangui had set it to low heat; the range hood's light was on, but it made little noise. He was doing his best not to disturb Huo Zeshen's sleep.

A warm feeling washed over Huo Zeshen. He recalled what Lin Juangui had said to him yesterday and felt increasingly that his earlier conflicts and struggles had been childish.

Lin Juangui had always been good to him, yet he had stubbornly insisted on making things difficult.

At Huo Zeshen's age, Lin Juangui had already been mature, knowing what he wanted to do. He had carved out a name for himself despite Mu Zhang's disdain, earning respect. Lin Juangui was already far stronger than Huo Zeshen.

Yet even after all these years, even after losing his memory, Lin Juangui remained as kind as ever.

Huo Zeshen suddenly felt ashamed.

A few lights in the room were turned on. Huo Zeshen instinctively looked up as Lin Juangui walked over with a glass of warm water, asking if he had slept enough.

"I've heard that long-term combat is a basic skill for military personnel, and catching up on a day's sleep after returning home is perfectly normal. Are you hungry? I made a pot of beef short ribs. I hope you like them."

Huo Zeshen gave a somewhat flustered smile, nodded at Lin Juangui, took the water he offered, and drank it all in one go.

Lin Juangui took Huo Zeshen's hand, showing him where the bathroom was, where the wardrobe was, and where the study was.

Huo Zeshen remained quiet the entire time, his attention focused on the fingers Lin Juangui was holding.

"If you need anything else, just let me know. I'll have them prepare it."

While Huo Zeshen was asleep, the empty wardrobes in Lin Juangui's apartment had been filled with his clothes. Everything an Alpha might need was fully prepared. Lin Juangui was completely familiar with Huo Zeshen's little habits; asking a few questions was just to avoid making him feel awkward.

Lin Juangui felt a bit like he was keeping a lover, but Huo Zeshen seemed to adapt quickly. Lin Juangui's warmth was already melting his heart.

"Nothing's missing. It's even better than my own place."

Huo Zeshen went to the bathroom. Perhaps because Lin Juangui had looked around his home, everything he needed for grooming was prepared, including even a very inconspicuous little razor.

That was what Huo Zeshen used for body hair removal.

Huo Zeshen's ears burned bright red. He showered with cold water, but it was hard to calm the heat in both his body and mind.

When he left the bathroom, Huo Zeshen was wearing the loungewear Lin Juangui had prepared. Lin Juangui had already set the beef pot on the table and even tossed a salad in that short time.

Seeing Huo Zeshen come out, Lin Juangui motioned for him to come over. "Come eat."

Huo Zeshen sat down beside Lin Juangui. There were two bowls of rice on the table, but Huo Zeshen's was piled high, while Lin Juangui's had just a bite or two.

"Earlier, watching you eat, I knew you had a big appetite. Well... I must have known before I lost my memory, too, so I cooked extra rice. You can handle it, right?"

"I can."

When Huo Zeshen first went to the Alpha Training Base, he was required to gain weight, eating several meals a day. That food had nutritional value but no flavor to speak of, yet he still had to choke it down.

Later, when Huo Zeshen hit his growth spurt, the military academy cafeteria was open all day—after all, without eating enough, there was no strength for training. He made the most of that last growth period to reach nearly two meters tall.

The beef short ribs Lin Juangui made were in a clear broth yet flavorful, with no blood residue. The meat was tender and delicious. Lin Juangui ate at a leisurely pace beside him, like a cat. After finishing, he put down his chopsticks and watched Huo Zeshen wolf down the meat and even start on the broth.

"Just a couple of sips is enough; too much is hard on your stomach."

Huo Zeshen drank half the pot like a water buffalo.

Lin Juangui bit his lower lip, trying hard not to laugh. After Huo Zeshen finished, he handed him two napkins to wipe his mouth.

Who knows what his life was like before. Lin Juangui had just casually cooked a pot of meat, yet Huo Zeshen ate it so eagerly.

Huo Zeshen wasn't full to bursting, didn't even burp. Lin Juangui rested his chin in his hand and smiled. "Good thing I can afford to feed you. Your appetite would be a burden for most families."

"Yeah, you used to say providing for me was very important."

Lin Juangui suddenly felt sorry for Huo Zeshen.

His memory was so good, he could remember almost everything Lin Juangui said or did. Yet Lin Juangui had forgotten all their past moments, leaving Huo Zeshen alone clinging to those memories, grieving.

"I'm sorry you had to endure so much because of me."

Lin Juangui was good at putting himself in others' shoes. If one day Huo Zeshen lost all his memories and treated him like a stranger, he'd probably end up spending his later years in a mental hospital.

Just thinking about it made Lin Juangui's skin crawl, unable to think calmly.

"It's nothing. You still know me now, cook for me, take care of me. This is the love you give me. I understand. Thank you."

Perhaps Lin Juangui had suddenly awakened a sliver of Huo Zeshen's humanity. He was no longer as irritable as before; instead, he was very calm and composed, as if he had truly accepted some outcome.

Lin Juangui was waiting for the "but."

Usually, after giving a "good person card," some kind of bombshell would be dropped. But Huo Zeshen just sat upright, staring at Lin Juangui's face. Seeing Lin Juangui blinking, looking a bit puzzled, he finally spoke. "What's wrong?"

"I thought after saying thank you and praising the food, you'd say goodbye, maybe never see me again, or ask me something."

But no.

Huo Zeshen was more composed than Lin Juangui expected.

The man lowered his eyes, looking even more pitiful. But he quickly shook his head and said, "Unless you don't want me first, I won't say goodbye. As for other things..."

There was a look of compromise in Huo Zeshen's expression. "I thought about offing them all and taking over, but you have your own plans. I won't interfere. So I understand you won't divorce him in the short term. I don't ask for anything; just being by your side is enough."

"You really don't consider anything else at all." Lin Juangui didn't know what to say.

"I do consider, but... it's all too much."

"Like what?" Lin Juangui probed step by step.

Huo Zeshen slowly clenched his fists on his knees. "Like, how I should treat you during your heat."

"..."

The service mindset was too strong; Lin Juangui was momentarily speechless.

Lin Juangui rarely felt so exasperated. He guided Huo Zeshen again. "What you mentioned are all things for others' benefit. What about for yourself? Haven't thought about it?"

"You know more than me, think further ahead. I just need to listen to you, don't I?"

A faint smile flashed in Huo Zeshen's eyes. Realizing he was being teased, Lin Juangui reached out to punch him. Huo Zeshen gently wrapped his palm around Lin Juangui's fist and said sincerely, "I know you want me to be more assertive. You told me to interact with my heart. This is my heart; it doesn't want to defy you. Don't you want me to be obedient? I can do that too."

The meaning was that Lin Juangui could treat Huo Zeshen like dough to be kneaded and shaped however he wished.

Lin Juangui, unusually, felt a surge of take-charge energy. He took a deep breath and pulled Huo Zeshen to wash their hands.

Huo Zeshen didn't know what Lin Juangui intended. He only saw the other squeeze rich foam onto his hands, then slowly rub his fingertips and palms. Huo Zeshen felt ticklish from that gentle touch but didn't dare say anything, afraid to ruin the mood.

After rinsing off the foam, Lin Juangui had Huo Zeshen brush his teeth, even picking up an electric toothbrush himself.

Huo Zeshen, bewildered, completed everything. When Lin Juangui pulled him to his bedroom, the knot in his brain suddenly snapped.

Lin Juangui grabbed Huo Zeshen's collar and threw him onto the bed, casually tossing his glasses aside. His imposing manner was not to be underestimated, exuding a boldness as if he intended to have his way with Huo Zeshen right there.

Huo Zeshen: "..."

Too shocked to speak.

Lin Juangui, however, leaned down slightly, tilting his head to give Huo Zeshen a stunningly beautiful smile that made him forget to blink.

"Didn't you want to know what to do during my heat? I'll teach you right now."