Chapter 29: Taboo

Chapter 29: Taboo

Before the coming-of-age ceremony began, He Jing first took Cai Gu to sit on the sofa. As Cai Gu sat down, he still remembered to support his bulging belly with his hand.

He Jing used his body to shield Cai Gu from the burning gazes of others. He leaned in, placing his hand on Cai Gu's thigh. Even through the fabric of the gown, he could feel the soft, plump flesh.

He deliberately pressed down, causing the thigh flesh to spill out to the sides. Their bodies were almost pressed together, and anyone who saw them would think they were inseparable.

He Jing rested his hand on Cai Gu's shoulder, squinting his peach-blossom eyes with a smile. "I'll go get you something to eat. Can't let our child go hungry."

Cai Gu glanced at the tempting cakes on the table, reluctantly looked away, and said seriously, "Get a lot—I have a big appetite."

He had a large frame, ate without gaining weight, and his appetite was bigger than most Alphas.

He Jing pinched his cheek, then couldn't help biting it. His sharp teeth pressed in slightly, leaving a mark.

Seeing Cai Gu sitting dumbfounded on the sofa with the teeth mark, He Jing felt as pleased as a dog marking its territory.

Only Cai Gu remained on the sofa. The voluptuous beauty sat alone in the corner, his belly prominent. If not for He Jing's status, someone would have approached him already.

"Hey, Old Huo, look over there. That's actually brought by the Second Young Master He. I heard Second Young Master He is just over twenty—how did he find someone so much older?"

Huo Qizhou had no interest in another man's wife, but his friend kept nagging him. Annoyed, he lifted his eyelids and glanced over, but froze on the spot.

The figure on the sofa was unusually familiar—so familiar that his heart kept pounding.

No, how could it be?

How could Cai Gu be here?

As if bewitched, Huo Qizhou walked straight toward the sofa. His friend tried to grab his hand but was brushed off.

Cai Gu, waiting on the sofa for food, grew hungrier. He puffed out his cheeks and guiltily blamed the "child" in his belly.

To distract himself, he started fiddling with the fan beside him. With a whoosh, he opened it and gently brought it to his nose, the white feathers brushing against the tip of his nose, carrying a sweet scent.

"Cai Gu?"

Hearing his name called, Cai Gu instinctively looked up. When he saw Huo Qizhou, his eyes widened instantly, thinking he was seeing things.

Huo Qizhou’s reaction was even stronger. Although the person in front of him had a fan covering part of his face, the exposed upper half was enough for Huo Qizhou to recognize him immediately.

This was his wife.

Why was Cai Gu here?

Huo Qizhou lost his composure and reached out to grab Cai Gu’s hand. He gripped Cai Gu's wrist tightly, his hand tightening. "Why are you here? Who brought you? How did you get in?"

A barrage of questions left Cai Gu dizzy. Noticing everyone staring at them, Cai Gu quickly pulled his hand back and shrank into the corner.

Huo Qizhou, still with a cold face, was about to interrogate further when a hand cut in front of him. He Jing arrived with a plate full of desserts. He arched his brows and smiled without warmth. "Is President Huo drunk? Harassing my wife."

Seeing He Jing come, Cai Gu quickly grabbed the hem of his clothes and hid behind him.

The pressure of S-class pheromones snapped Huo Qizhou back to reality. He couldn’t help asking, "Is he... your wife?"

Huo Qizhou began to doubt his own eyes. He peeked behind He Jing and was drawn to the bulging belly.

Judging by the size, it looked three or four months along.

Huo Qizhou instantly calmed down. Cai Gu had only been away from him for a short while; there was no way he could be carrying another man’s child.

He breathed a long sigh of relief. "I mistook you. You look very much like my beloved."

At the mention of Cai Gu, Huo Qizhou’s brows and eyes softened. He solemnly apologized to Cai Gu. "Madam, I'm sorry for startling you just now."

Huo Qizhou didn’t dare stay long and quickly turned to leave.

After he was gone, Cai Gu cautiously poked his head out. Recalling what Huo Qizhou had said, he tilted his head in confusion. Since when did Huo Qizhou have a beloved?

But that had nothing to do with Cai Gu. He was still thinking about the compensation.

He Jing sat down beside him, casually draping an arm over his shoulder, and pretended to ask casually, "You know Huo Qizhou?"

"No, I don’t!" Cai Gu shook his head nervously. He was bad at lying—his eyelashes fluttered, and he curled up, looking pitiful.

His reaction was too intense. He Jing had his suspicions but didn’t expose him. Instead, he simply nodded. "Alright, it’s better if you don’t. You’re my wife now. If I ever find out you’re entangled with another man..."

He Jing pinched Cai Gu’s cheek, squeezing it inward, and threatened lightly, "Then forget about the money."

Cai Gu nodded frantically, too scared to resist. He was as meek as a glutinous rice ball—anyone could take a bite and taste the sweet filling inside.

He Jing smirked in satisfaction. He picked up a dessert from the side and brought it to Cai Gu’s lips, lifting his chin. "Eat."

Cai Gu obediently opened his mouth to take a bite. A smear of white cream lingered at the corner of his mouth, and he licked it off with his tongue. The movement darkened He Jing’s gaze. His voice hoarse, he said, "Keep eating."

He shoved a piece of the cake into Cai Gu’s mouth. Cai Gu’s cheeks puffed up.

His appetite was bigger than He Jing had imagined. In no time, the entire plate of desserts was gone.

Cai Gu smiled sheepishly, a blush rising on his cheeks. "I’m full."

He Jing glanced at the time, then lifted his eyelids. "Come on. I’ll take you to meet my father now."

Cai Gu nervously pursed his lips. He leaned completely into He Jing’s embrace, supporting his belly, and slowly made his way toward the center of the hall.

"Dad, Aunt Xiao."

Cai Gu cautiously peeked up. He saw a white-haired old man sitting in a wheelchair, his expression stern. Beside him was a young Omega, well-dressed, with her hair tied up.

Remembering their identities, Cai Gu followed suit. "Dad, Xiao... Aunt Xiao."

Facing an Omega younger than himself, Cai Gu had no choice but to force himself to address her that way. The moment the words "Aunt Xiao" left his mouth, the other three were stunned.

After a long pause, Cai Gu felt the person beside him trembling. He thought he had angered He Jing, so he quickly shrank his head, not daring to say another word.

He Jing was amused by him. The corners of his mouth involuntarily lifted. He covered his lips with his hand and turned his face away.

It took Aunt Xiao a while to recover. Her voice trembling, she asked, "A-Jing, who is this?"

He Jing glanced at Cai Gu, who was pretending to be a quail. With a smile in his peach-blossom eyes, he introduced him to the two. "Oh, him? He’s my fiancée."

Aunt Xiao looked at Cai Gu, who was bundled up in He Jing’s arms, and felt light-headed. The man was drenched in He Jing’s pheromones and had a prominent belly.

Her voice shaking, she asked, "Then the child in his belly...?"

"It’s not mine," He Jing said bluntly. "His husband died, so I have to take care of him and his child."

He Jing cupped Cai Gu’s face and said with deep affection, "I’m willing to be the father of his child."

Cai Gu was dumbfounded, completely stunned by He Jing’s acting. To get that ten thousand yuan, he mustered his courage: “He Jing and I are truly in love. I’m very grateful he’s willing to accept my unborn child. I’ll make sure he takes care of He Jing in his old age.”

Meeting He Jing's grandfather's gaze, Cai Gu deflated like a leaking balloon.

The old man’s face turned purple with rage: “Nonsense! Pure nonsense!”

“I’m not messing around,” He Jing said, playing with Cai Gu’s hand. The palm had hard calluses, rough to the touch, and he found it novel. “Didn’t you want me to get married as soon as possible? Now I’ve got both a spouse and a kid in one shot.”

Cai Gu silently added to himself, *Your dad seems like he’s about to croak too.*

The old man leaned back, gasping for breath from fury. Aunt Xiao quickly fished pills out of her pocket and fed them into his mouth: “Quick, take the medicine!”

The old man swallowed the pills with water, his color came back a bit, but he was still fuming, glaring at He Jing.

But with so many people watching, he couldn’t scold He Jing openly, so he had to choke down his anger.

Cai Gu hadn’t expected things to end so calmly. He’d expected it to be like a TV drama—they’d get thrown out.

He Jing wrapped an arm around Cai Gu’s slim waist, following behind the old man’s wheelchair, and murmured in Cai Gu’s ear: “He cares about saving face.”

Sharp teeth bit Cai Gu's rounded earlobe, his warm breath spreading over it. He didn’t dare pull away, just endured it.

As they walked, He Jing explained, “Today's my nephew's coming-of-age ceremony. The old man insisted on a grand celebration, lasting several days.”

Cai Gu recalled that the guest of honor at today's banquet was a student from Yasa Academy, but he didn’t know who.

“He Yanxing, come say hi to your little aunt.”

Oh, so it’s He Yanxing.

Wait...

What?!

Cai Gu looked up in disbelief. A blue-haired young man walked over and stopped in front of him. When he got a clear look at Cai Gu's face, he narrowed his eyes.

He Yanxing stared at that familiar, beautiful face, uttering three words: “Little aunt?”

Suddenly, ten thousand yuan didn’t seem so important. Cai Gu lowered his head, wanting to run, but He Jing patted his firm bottom, urging him forward.

Cai Gu reluctantly extended his hand, eyes glistening with tears as he met He Yanxing’s gaze: “H-Hello.”

He Yanxing grasped his hand firmly, thumb stroking the back of his hand: “Hello, little aunt.”

This seemingly harmonious scene stung the old man. He couldn’t hold back and snapped: “He Jing, come to the study with me!”

Thinking He Jing was leaving, Cai Gu quickly pulled his hand free and grabbed the hem of He Jing’s shirt. In this opulent hall, he felt completely out of place, and He Jing was his only support.

But He Yanxing gently pried Cai Gu's hand away, his cold palm covering Cai Gu's as he pulled them apart: “Little aunt, don't bother uncle when he's working.”

He Jing’s brow furrowed—something felt off—but the old man was urging him, so he reassured Cai Gu softly: “It’s fine, I’ll be right back.”

Left alone in the hall, Cai Gu, like a clinging vine, immediately latched onto another Alpha. He grabbed He Yanxing’s hand: “I… I…”

But He Yanxing acted as if he didn’t know him, wrapping an arm around his waist and leading him to a corner, hiding him entirely in his shadow.

Cai Gu felt relieved, though—away from prying eyes, he was more at ease.

As the guest of honor, one guest after another came to toast He Yanxing. Cai Gu bit his lip anxiously, watching He Yanxing down glass after glass.

He’d only just turned of age—how could he drink so much?

After the people who had toasted left, Cai Gu placed his hand on He Yanxing's cheek. “Not feeling well?”

Behind his glasses, He Yanxing's blue eyes were deep and cold, staring straight at Cai Gu. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he uttered one word: “Yeah.”

“Take me out to the balcony.”

Cai Gu quickly helped him up and they left silently, almost unnoticed.

The cool evening breeze brushed their faces. Cai Gu smelled the heavy alcohol on He Yanxing and sighed: “You’ve only just come of age, why drink so much?”

He Yanxing replied flatly: “I didn’t expect that on the day I came of age, you’d surprise me with something that blows everything I learned in sex ed out of the water.”

He placed his hand on Cai Gu’s belly, raising an eyebrow: “How old is my little cousin?”

Cai Gu shrank his shoulders and answered cautiously: “Maybe just a few hours.”

He tugged He Yanxing's hand, drawing out his words with a hint of pleading: “This is just a job. Please don’t tell anyone, okay? After I get the money, I’ll buy you a gift.”

Thinking about how Grandpa had been pushing He Jing to get married recently, He Yanxing almost immediately guessed what Cai Gu’s job was. A wave of relief washed over him.

God, when he saw Cai Gu showing up with a belly, he thought he was seeing things.

Moonlight fell on Cai Gu’s face, casting a silvery glow. His skin was smooth—no makeup needed—but he had applied a shiny lip gloss.

He Yanxing pressed his finger against Cai Gu's lips, his breathing quickening: “It’s my birthday today. I want my gift now.”

Cai Gu had to lift his chin, his back pressing against the balcony railing, trembling uncontrollably. He managed to stammer: “Th-Then what gift do you want?”

He didn't agree right away, afraid the kid would ask for something too expensive.

He Yanxing finally voiced his long-awaited wish: “I want you to kiss me.”

Cai Gu’s lips parted slightly, his expression softening. He leaned in to kiss He Yanxing’s cheek, but He Yanxing stopped him: “Not there, but here…”

As he said the words, he lowered his head and kissed Cai Gu’s lips. The lip gloss tasted like sweet peach. His Adam’s apple moved, a hint of urgency in his actions.

But He Yanxing had never kissed anyone before; he just licked at them like a dog.

Cai Gu slowly raised his hand. He Yanxing thought he was going to push him away, but instead, Cai Gu gently cupped his cheek and sighed helplessly: “That’s not how you kiss.”

Cai Gu parted his lips and guided He Yanxing's mouth into the kiss. At first, he could keep up, but He Yanxing learned fast—soon he had his hand on Cai Gu’s waist, kissing back hungrily. Saliva dripped from the corner of Cai Gu’s mouth.

He couldn't keep standing, leaning his whole weight on He Yanxing, legs trembling.

After what seemed like an eternity, He Yanxing finally let go and whispered: “Little uncle's coming.”

Cai Gu felt a twinge of guilt. He quickly straightened his rumpled shirt collar and stepped away from He Yanxing, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. His chest heaved as he gasped.

Footsteps grew closer. A tall figure approached, tilting his head as he looked at the two in the corner: “What are you two doing here?”

He Yanxing answered casually: “Little auntie got drunk, so I brought him out for some air.”

“Oh, really?”

He Jing saw the blush on

Cai Gu could only nod and respond, "Mm-hmm, I understand."

He Yanxing, squeezed to the side, pressed against the railing and said flatly, "Uncle, you need to lose weight. I can't breathe."

He Jing said half-jokingly, "If you can't stand it, jump from the third floor. If you die, the banquet food won't need to be cleared; just spread a white cloth and we can have the funeral."

Cai Gu saw He Yanxing pitifully huddled in the corner and couldn't help feeling sorry for him. He looked up at He Jing and said, "Can we go back? I'm a bit tired."

"Okay."

Just as the two were about to leave, He Yanxing suddenly spoke from behind, "Auntie, I really liked today's gift. It's the best gift I've ever received."

He Jing's eyebrows curved, but there was no trace of a smile in his eyes. Although he didn't know what gift Cai Gu had given, he was still annoyed.

Tsk.

Watching the two leave, He Yanxing leaned against the railing. He took off his gloves, revealing a hideous, scarred hand. He lightly touched his lips and murmured, "So sweet."

Cai Gu followed He Jing back to the room. Even the slow-witted Cai Gu sensed something was wrong. He raised his eyes and secretly glanced at He Jing.

The Alpha still wore a smile, but his eyes were gloomy, and his whole being exuded a dangerous aura.

The room was silent. Just as the two were in a tense silence, the phone rang.

Cai Gu's eyelashes trembled. It took him a while to realize it was his phone ringing. He fumbled to take it out, and the screen clearly showed the name Huo Qizhou.

He Jing also saw it. He let out an exasperated laugh, hugged Cai Gu's waist from behind, and sat down with him on the sofa.

Cai Gu's plump, soft bottom rested on his thighs, the flesh spilling over, filling them completely.

Cai Gu hadn't forgotten the warning He Jing had given him earlier. Afraid that He Jing wouldn't pay him, he struggled to explain, "He called me, so it's not me pestering him."

He Jing shifted him closer. The flesh was soft and springy, pressing against him like a big marshmallow. He let out a breath and said, "Answer it."

"Put it on speaker, or I'll deduct your wages."

Cai Gu huffed inwardly. He opened the phone, and Huo Qizhou's voice immediately came through the speaker.

"Where are you now?"

Huo Qizhou questioned him right away. Cai Gu answered honestly, "In the room."

Even after knowing him for over a decade, Huo Qizhou still couldn't keep up with his train of thought. He took a deep breath to calm himself and asked, "How have you been lately?"

Just as He Jing had guessed, the two had known each other before. But from their conversation, Cai Gu was completely unaware of Huo Qizhou's feelings.

He Jing raised his eyebrows in a good mood, stroking Cai Gu's belly with the air of a lawful spouse.

Completely forgetting that he was only Cai Gu's employer and had only known him for a day.

Cai Gu didn't speak, because He Jing started licking his nape again. He felt an itch on his nape and bit his lower lip hard, not making a sound.

"Cai Gu? Cai Gu?"

Seeing that Cai Gu wasn't responding, Huo Qizhou grew anxious and kept calling his name. Realizing his loss of composure, he said arrogantly, "You can come back. Just beg me."

"But..."

Cai Gu stammered, "I don't want to go back."

After going back, there would be endless work. Being a security guard at the academy was actually quite leisurely.

Upon hearing this, Huo Qizhou's expression twisted. He shouted, "Are you still blaming me? Cai Gu, as long as you beg me, I'll let you come back..."

Before he could finish, He Jing hung up directly, saying, "Noisy."

With the phone hung up, Cai Gu finally let out a sound. He shrank his neck and couldn't help complaining, "It's so itchy."

Seeing He Jing's hand still resting on his belly and tightening, he said subconsciously, "Don't hurt the child."

After saying that, Cai Gu realized that he had said something quite strange.

Sure enough, He Jing behind him pressed his face into his nape and laughed uncontrollably.

Cai Gu felt that his whole body was shaking, and was a bit worried he'd laugh so hard he'd pass out.

Cai Gu puffed out his cheeks and said worriedly, "Stop laughing, I'm a little scared."

"Then for the sake of our child, I need to give you some pheromones."

He Jing bit down without hesitation, but the shriveled gland couldn't satisfy his possessive desire. He nearly swallowed that piece of nape flesh.

Cai Gu propped his hands on the edge of the table, kneeling on the sofa with his body suspended. He lifted his eyes and, through the window glass, took in the pitiful sight of the Alpha behind him.

The Alpha is so pitiful.

Cai Gu thought silently. He relaxed his body and tolerated He Jing's almost rough movements.

The consequence of such indulgence was that when Cai Gu woke up the next day, his nape throbbed with pain, and it was obvious at a glance that he had been bitten by an Alpha.

Cai Gu groggily followed He Jing downstairs. When they reached the living room, Cai Gu realized that everyone else had already gathered around the table, waiting for them.

Cai Gu's face instantly turned red. Embarrassed, he hugged He Jing's arm, and his soft chest pressed against it, looking like a doting wife.

He was a Beta and didn't know that after being bitten on the nape, he should wear a blocker patch. So he appeared reeking of Alpha pheromones.

Grandpa He's face began to turn green again. Aunt Xiao, seeing his condition, skillfully took out heart medication and stuffed them into his mouth.

Recovering, Grandpa He pounded the table and said, "How could you do that... that... in the old residence last night?"

The remaining words were too shameful for him to utter.

He Jing was long accustomed to his words and retorted unceremoniously, "You're so noble, so aloof. Back then, my mother got pregnant out of nowhere, it had nothing to do with you."

He Jing wanted to find a seat for himself and Cai Gu, but there were only two seats left: one next to Grandpa He and one next to He Yanxing.

The other stools had all disappeared, as if someone had deliberately moved them away.

Seeing He Jing standing still, He Yanxing looked up and said coldly, "Auntie, sit by me."

Before Cai Gu could react, He Yanxing reached out and pulled him to sit beside him.

He Jing let out a cold laugh and had no choice but to sit next to Grandpa He, suppressing his disgust.

Cai Gu had just sat down when a hand rested on his thigh. He instinctively pressed his knees together, showing a hint of fear on his face.

The culprit even looked at him innocently and asked, "Auntie, what's wrong?"

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Author's note: Nephew:

Mommy:

Uncle:

Boss: