Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Everything went quiet.

Lin Ze's eyes widened, shyly, then lowered as he slowly leaned in towards the alpha's lips. Before they even touched, he caught a whiff of a cool, clean scent.

When their lips met, it felt like pressing against a thick layer of snow, and Lin Ze shuddered.

Thinking that was the end of it, Lin Ze struggled to pull back, but the hand gripping the back of his head didn't budge.

Li Xiujin's eyes were pitch black. "Kiss me now the same way I kissed you last time."

Lin Ze hesitated, embarrassed, for several seconds before pressing against his lips, cold as snow, again, clumsily trying to pry them open with his tongue...

But they remained tightly shut. Lin Ze could only grip his shoulders and redouble his efforts...

The moment Lin Ze's tongue touched his, the tables were instantly turned. His waist and the back of his head were locked in place as the alpha's tongue plunged into his mouth, pressing against his palate.

His throat was stretched and worked over...

It wasn't like this last time...

But Lin Ze couldn't speak or breathe. His cheeks flushed from lack of air. Just before he blacked out, the tongue withdrew from his mouth, replaced by two rough fingers kneading his lips and the inside of his mouth.

Then the tongue returned...

This back-and-forth stimulation of his lips and tongue continued...

Until Lin Ze's lips were thoroughly ravaged, swollen and flushed from the inside out, before he was finally released...

The next day, Lin Ze opened his eyes and saw two guns.

They were two small pistols, lightweight, easy to conceal, suitable for someone agile like Lin Ze, and also for a beginner...

It was as if the alpha could read his mind. Lin Ze had gone to see Uncle Lin hoping to get two guns—one for Ji Ran and one for himself. He hadn't expected the alpha to give him exactly two.

Lin Ze lowered his gaze, absentmindedly stroking the gun barrel.

Lin Ze felt he understood the alpha less and less. He clearly said he wanted him to have a child, yet he had never actually done it. Instead, he kept helping him...

As he washed his face, Lin Ze saw his lips in the mirror. They were as swollen and red as *down there*.

It was as if he were a teething infant, biting him with such hunger...

To avoid being seen by the servants, Lin Ze wore a mask when he went out. He only had to take it off when he arrived at school. Several colleagues who were close to him asked with concern what had happened to his mouth, and even the students were curious.

"Teacher, was your mouth bitten by something?"

"No," Lin Ze replied, his ears burning.

"Then why is it so swollen?"

"Focus on your training."

During a break, Lin Ze sent a text to Lu Mo.

- Meeting at noon. I'll give the gun to Ji Ran.

- You got it? I thought Uncle Lin said he didn't have any? Where did you get it?

- I'll explain in detail when we meet.

After arranging to meet at noon, Lin Ze finished his class and hurried out of the school gate, only to see a familiar black car parked there. He intended to pretend he hadn't seen it, but when Fu Zhi got out and opened the car door, Lin Ze had no choice but to stop.

"Colonel Lin, our General would like to have lunch with you."

Fu Zhi opened the rear door for him. Lin Ze steeled himself and got in.

Li Xiujin finished a phone call and replied to a few messages before asking, "What would you like to eat?"

"I... can't have lunch with you. I already made plans with Lu Mo and the others." Lin Ze told him the truth, bracing for his anger. But he didn't get angry. He simply said, "Address."

Lin Ze paused. "...It's just ahead. I can go by myself."

"Fu Zhi, drive there."

The car stopped after just a few hundred meters. Li Xiujin cupped Lin Ze's face, inspecting his still-swollen lips, and said, his voice low, "I'll wait for you here."

In a private dining room, Lin Ze took out a pistol and placed it in front of Ji Ran. "I haven't had time to teach you lately. Let Lu Mo show you how to use it. It's very easy to handle. Remember, if you have a gun and encounter someone who wants you dead, never hesitate, never be soft-hearted."

Ji Ran carefully picked up the gun, examined it for a long time, then tucked it into his clothes as if it were a treasure.

Lu Mo asked from beside him, "Colonel, can you tell us now where you got the gun?"

Lin Ze lowered his gaze. "He gave it to me."

"He? Who is he?" Ji Ran didn't catch on.

"If that's the case, why go through such a roundabout way? Wouldn't it have been better to just ask him directly in the first place?" Lu Mo knew who Lin Ze was referring to.

Lin Ze smiled bitterly. If they were truly a loving couple, he might have asked. But they weren't...

"Is it that awesome husband of yours?" Ji Ran finally understood.

"Did he only give you one?" Lu Mo asked again.

"Two," Lin Ze said. "You take the other one."

Lu Mo shook his head. "Colonel, have you forgotten? I have a mental block about firing guns."

Lin Ze smiled. "I remember."

"I'll keep this one for myself."

"Did you tell him about Ji Ran?" Lu Mo asked again.

"No, I haven't told him anything."

"Then that means he knows you need the guns for someone else. And by giving you two, the remaining one would be for you to keep for self-defense." Lu Mo analyzed.

Ji Ran gasped in amazement, "Wow, I thought he was the kind of husband who would be abusive. I didn't expect him to be so considerate of you."

"Colonel, although you're always reluctant to talk about him much with us, it's clear he cares a lot about you," Lu Mo said seriously.

"Cares? More than just cares? Colonel Lin, haven't you realized your husband loves you?"

Loves him...

Lin Ze reeled.

How could that be possible...

Just as the two began discussing how many children Lin Ze would have with his husband, Lin Ze stood up. "I should get going."

"Weren't we going to have dinner together?"

"Is your husband waiting outside for you again?" Lu Mo walked to the window and indeed saw a black car.

But Lin Ze had already hurriedly left.

Lu Mo and Ji Ran leaned against the window, watching Lin Ze get into the black car at the entrance. Through the car window, they could just make out two people embracing.

"Is your Colonel Lin kissing his husband right now?"

"How am I supposed to see clearly?"

*

On the other side, Lin Ze got into the car and found that Fu Zhi was gone. Only Li Xiujin remained in the vehicle.

The car was filled with his cold, clean scent, impossible to avoid. Lin Ze's head grew fuzzy. He asked softly, "Where are we going to eat?"

But Li Xiujin didn't answer. Instead, he gripped Lin Ze's chin, staring at his swollen lips. "Open."

Lin Ze felt a twinge of shame, but remembering Ji Ran's words, he obediently complied.

Li Xiujin looked at his red, moist lips, so obedient, looking as if he would allow anything to be done to him. A dry thirst rose in Li Xiujin.

He almost roughly pressed Lin Ze against the car window, forcing his lips open to their widest. His tongue swept over every part of Lin Ze's mouth, finally lingering at the back of his throat, a place exceptionally narrow and tender...

Only when he sensed the person beneath him was about to faint did Li Xiujin's tongue withdraw from his mouth with a soft pop. Pressing his forehead against Lin Ze's, he licked away every drop of the saliva that had trickled out, inch by inch. Finally, he couldn't resist kissing, licking, and sucking Lin Ze's cheeks and eyes...

That was the first time Lin Ze was late for class, his face still bearing a suspicious flush.

*

Lin Zhuo drove to Lin Ze's school at noon, hoping to have lunch with him. But when he reached Lin Ze's office, he found it empty. Asking around, he learned Lin Ze had gone out.

Lin Zhuo had work to do and didn't plan to wait. On his way back, a black car passed by. Through the half-open window, he caught a glimpse of Li Xiujin's grim profile.

Lin Zhuo quickly realized why Lin Ze wasn't there at noon.

He thought it over. Originally, he thought someone like Li Xiujin was just toying with Lin Ze, but it seemed he genuinely liked him.

Then again, Lin Ze was a genuinely good person. Whether classmates or teachers, anyone who spent time with him would grow fond of him.

Just as he arrived at the company, the big boss suddenly called him to the office.

His boss was Su Jingyuan. Su Jingyuan's older brother was Su Wang, a recently appointed high-ranking official. Lin Zhuo had initially come here hoping for a chance to connect with Su Wang, but he hadn't expected the opportunity to come so quickly.

"Chengjun is having a birthday dinner tonight. Why don't you join us?" Su Jingyuan instructed him.

"It might not be appropriate for me to attend such an occasion," Lin Zhuo said. Su Chengjun had invited him a few days ago, but he hadn't given a definite answer since his superior hadn't spoken.

"It's fine," Su Jingyuan patted his shoulder. "Su Chengjun is a playful kid. Thanks to you helping me keep him in line. You must come tonight."

"Alright, President Su."

After the person left, Su Jingyuan stood by the window and lit a cigarette.

He silently recited two names.

Lin Ze, Lin Zhuo...

Su Jingyuan gave a light, cold laugh.

At six in the evening, Lin Zhuo, dressed in a neat suit, showed up right on time at Su Jingyuan's home.

Su Chengjun was delighted to see him. "Wow, I thought you weren't coming! Come upstairs, let's play games together."

Before Lin Zhuo could respond, Su Jingyuan frowned. "Go by yourself. Xiao Lin and I have serious matters to discuss."

"Tch." Su Chengjun pouted.

"This kid is such a headache," Su Jingyuan said helplessly, then turned to Lin Zhuo. "Come, let's talk in the study. My older brother happens to be there too."

Lin Zhuo followed Su Jingyuan to the second floor. When Su Jingyuan opened the study door, Su Wang was indeed inside.

Contrary to Lin Zhuo's expectation of aloof superiority, Su Wang appeared amiable and approachable.

After Su Jingyuan introduced them, Su Wang said, "Have a seat."

Lin Zhuo sat down respectfully.

Su Jingyuan poured Su Wang a cup of tea and began discussing company matters. "Back when we wanted to go public, I sought financing from Li Tingyuan. Now Li Xiujin is in charge. After the incident last time, Li Xiujin started demanding repayment of that debt. The key issue is we can't come up with the money now. Even if we scrape together everything to pay him, the company would pretty much go bankrupt."

"This Li Xiujin is truly ruthless, and I can't figure out how to deal with him," Su Jingyuan sighed leisurely.

Su Wang lit a cigar. "Didn't they say he got married?"

"Yes," Su Jingyuan replied, glancing seemingly casually at Lin Zhuo. "I recall Lin Ze is your older brother, right?"

Lin Zhuo instantly understood the reason for his presence today. "Yes, President Su."

"My brother and Li Xiujin have a good relationship. Perhaps if my brother persuades Li Xiujin, he might change his mind," Lin Zhuo volunteered.

"If that's possible, it would be excellent," Su Jingyuan smiled.

Su Wang looked thoughtfully at Lin Zhuo. "Your father is Lin Zheng, right? I actually had a good relationship with your father. It's a shame what happened."

"It's all in the past," Lin Zhuo said.

Su Wang's guard knocked on the door, coming to report on upcoming work. Su Wang could stay no longer. Before leaving, he patted Lin Zhuo's shoulder with clear appreciation.

"Such a young man with limitless potential. I'm precisely lacking someone like you by my side."

"If you handle this matter well, how about working alongside me?"

Lin Zhuo's head snapped up.

"If possible, I would be honored."

*

- Brother, are you free tomorrow evening? Let's have dinner together.

Seeing the message, Lin Ze smiled, about to reply 'okay,' but his smile slowly faded.

He needed to ask the alpha first.

After school in the afternoon, Lin Ze saw the black car at the school gate. He lowered his head and hurried into the vehicle.

As soon as the car door closed, he was pulled into an embrace, a large hand slipping under his shirt hem.

Lin Ze trembled slightly. These past few days, Li Xiujin had been picking him up after work.

"I... I'm having dinner with Xiao Zhuo tomorrow night," Lin Ze said with trepidation.

As if he hadn't heard, Li Xiujin continued rubbing his waist while burying his face in Lin Ze's neck, inhaling deeply.

"Is that okay..." Lin Ze, afraid he would do it in the car, spoke up again.

Li Xiujin finally lifted his head, his dark eyes, sunken in their sockets, staring fixedly at him.

Lin Ze felt a slight palpitation.

Finally, Li Xiujin nodded.

By the time they got home, Lin Ze's lips were even more swollen.

The next evening, Li Xiujin's driver was waiting for him outside the school gate. Knowing refusal wasn't an option, Lin Ze got in the car and had the driver take him there.

It was an upscale restaurant, and Lin Zhuo was already seated, waiting for him.

"What made you think of treating me to dinner?" Lin Ze glanced around, worried it might be too expensive. "Next time, we can just grab a bite somewhere casual..."

Lin Zhuo smiled. "I'm pulling in a good salary now, so don't worry about it."

Lin Ze nodded and asked with concern, "Is work going well?"

"Yeah."

Lin Zhuo then took out a gift box. "I saw this the other day and thought it would suit you."

Lin Ze opened it and found an expensive suit inside.

"Brother, do you like it?"

Lin Ze looked at the suit fondly and said softly, "I already told you not to buy me things."

"So you don't like it? I thought you'd really like it."

"I do, of course I like it..." Lin Ze quickly replied.

"That's good."

After that, the two ate and chatted together.

"Brother, how have things been with Li Xiujin lately?" Lin Zhuo probed.

Lin Ze put down his knife and fork, feeling a bit uneasy. "Why do you ask?"

"Nothing, it's just that since you're married to him, I should know if he treats you well."

"He treats me... very well."

Lin Zhuo had originally intended to pump him for more information, but he noticed Lin Ze frequently checking his watch.

It was as if he had a set time to leave. On the hour, Lin Ze stood up.

"Xiao Zhuo, I should head back now."

"Can't you stay a bit longer?"

"Next time."

"Then let me walk you out."

"No need."

"It's fine, I'm heading that way anyway."

Lin Ze said awkwardly, "Li Xiujin's driver is waiting for me downstairs."

Watching Lin Ze get into that luxurious black car, Lin Zhuo felt he understood.

Although Lin Ze was reluctant to talk about his relationship with Li Xiujin, it was clear that Li Xiujin cared deeply about him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent his own driver just for a dinner.

This General Li, rumored to be ruthless and tyrannical, turned out to be quite the romantic.

*

When he arrived home, it was past the time set by the alpha, but fortunately, the alpha hadn't returned yet.

The maid saw him carrying an exquisite gift box and asked happily, "Is that a gift from the general for you?"

"It's from my brother."

"So you have a brother? I've never heard you mention him," the maid said. "It seems you and your brother are close, since he gave you a gift."

"What is it?"

"Clothes."

"The general bought you many clothes before, all stored in the wardrobe, but I've never seen you wear them," the maid remarked.

Lin Ze seemed to recall Fu Zhi mentioning this, but he felt his own clothes were still wearable.

"Sir, would you like to try it on? I can help you see if it fits."

Lin Ze nodded, went back to his room to change, and as he buttoned it up, he felt it was a bit tight.

The maid noticed too. "It doesn't fit quite right. Is it tight around the waist and hips?"

"Should we ask your brother to exchange it for a different size tomorrow?"

Lin Ze smiled. "It's fine as it is."

"Then let me wash and dry it for you so you can wear it tomorrow."

"I can do it myself."

Although he knew Li Xiujin paid her salary and this was part of her job, Lin Ze often preferred not to trouble her.

After the maid finished preparing the late-night snack, she heard a car pull up and knew the master of the house had returned. She waited by the door.

Li Xiujin took off his suit, intending to go take a shower, but suddenly asked, "What time did he come back?"

"He returned at 7:30, carrying a gift box. It was a suit from his brother."

Li Xiujin stopped and listened as she continued.

"Mr. Lin seemed to really like it. Even though it was the wrong size, he didn't want to ask his brother to exchange it."

"I offered to wash it for him, but he insisted on doing it himself."

"It seems Mr. Lin and his brother are very close. You've bought him so many clothes, but I've rarely seen him wear them."

After the maid finished speaking, she caught a glimpse of Li Xiujin's expression out of the corner of her eye and was suddenly startled. She couldn't understand why the man, who had been fine just moments ago, suddenly darkened.

Li Xiujin stood by the bed, watching Lin Ze curled up, sleeping soundly and defenselessly.

His hair was slightly tousled, revealing a smooth forehead, with long eyelashes resting downward and a faint blush on his cheeks.

The cold room seemed to soften because of him.

Li Xiujin's eyes darkened as he gripped his chin.

He had never felt this way before—jealous, angry, yet also aching with tenderness.

Li Xiujin dug his fingers into his cheeks, only letting up when red marks bloomed, then bent down and captured his lips. Without even prying, they parted for him as if deliberately enticing him in.

Li Xiujin sneered inwardly, yanked them open, and made him lie exposed before him...

Then he knelt between his legs, staring at his fair and handsome sleeping face, and began to stroke back and forth with a dark intensity...