TuxedoTranslations

Chapter 41

Captain Lin, usually so composed and unflappable, was utterly dumbfounded.

Was he… really that fierce?

But seeing the little Omega’s heart-wrenching sobs, it felt as if he had committed some heinous crime. Lin Mingfei could only conclude that he was indeed very fierce and had thoroughly scared Xia Tong.

Guiltily, he glanced around the room. Zhou Yanjun, Bo Yu, and Auntie Song all looked equally stunned, their wide-eyed expressions seemingly at a loss for words. If their expressions could be interpreted, they clearly wanted to condemn him but were too intimidated by his authority to say anything.

Shi Ya, on the other hand, stood to the side, covering his face in exasperation, radiating an aura of disdain.

Lin Mingfei’s heart felt like it had been pierced a thousand times.

Maybe he should just apologize to Xia Tong… but he still couldn’t figure out why Xia Tong was upset.

Without understanding the reason, what was he supposed to apologize for?

This truly stumped him, a hardcore straight-A personality!

From Xia Tong’s perspective, after Lin Mingfei shouted at him, he had gone silent with a cold face. It made him seem even more unapproachable, like a lofty, untouchable flower. Perhaps due to his newly marked physiological state, Xia Tong instinctively wanted to nuzzle closer to Lin Mingfei but didn’t dare. He was tangled up in his emotions, thinking Lin Mingfei’s indifference must mean he didn’t care about him—or maybe he found him annoying after his embarrassing and disheveled state last night…

The more Xia Tong thought about it, the more upset and wronged he felt. He didn’t care what others thought of him—whether it was an Alpha like Zheng Linchuan being mad or throwing a tantrum, he could dismiss it as stupidity. But Lin Mingfei was different. Xia Tong didn’t want to leave a bad impression on him. He wanted to stick close to him forever. So the thought of Lin Mingfei disliking him was like having his heart repeatedly hammered with nails.

He already struggled with expressing himself, and now his face turned redder as he stayed silent, letting tears stream down his cheeks.

The awkward scene reached an unbearable stalemate, with the pitiful, crying little Omega looking like a mistreated child bride. Shi Ya, watching anxiously, had already mentally roasted Lin Mingfei dozens of times, thinking: What are you doing just standing there, you idiot?! Don’t you know that a newly marked Omega is especially sensitive and fragile? If you won’t grovel in apology for your rough handling, at least comfort him!

The worst part was, Lin Mingfei genuinely didn’t know what to do.

The strange tension only broke when He Youjin arrived.

“I complained all night yesterday and finally got that jerk taken down! That guy even called to apologize earlier!” He Youjin stormed in, ranting like a human cannonball, sweating as he threw his jacket onto the couch. “So smug when he was yelling at me last night! Hah, people like that are all cowards deep down. Wait, what’s going on here? Why are you all just standing there? Welcoming me?”

“Could you stop expressing your personal impressions about this supervisor?” Lin Mingfei felt his fists clenching. “Get to the point!”

“Oh, well, at least he didn’t immediately reject the idea of us having an Omega teammate,” He Youjin explained. “He said Omegas occupy a sensitive position in the holographic esports circle. It can easily raise suspicions of publicity stunts or dependency. Plus, living in a base full of Alphas might pose some inconveniences. Since there’s no precedent for this, any sudden issues would require a well-thought-out contingency plan to prevent negative social repercussions. Every decision has to be made cautiously, very cautiously.”

“That sounds reasonable,” Lin Mingfei said. “So?”

“He mentioned wanting to visit our base for an on-site inspection, to make sure we’re not some shady operation posing as an esports club,” He Youjin pointed at Xia Tong. “He might also want to have a private conversation with Xia Tong to understand the situation better.”

“Logical and fair,” Shi Ya said. “But for some reason, hearing it still doesn’t sit well with me.”

Zhou Yanjun deadpanned, “Same here.”

Bo Yu added, “…Are we really that bad that people think our base is so… questionable?”

He Youjin shrugged. “This is the impression you guys have been giving off, male Alphas.”

“…”

“When is he coming?” Lin Mingfei asked calmly, showing his usual composure.

“I’d guess today, but he didn’t give me an exact time. If we’re unlucky, he might show up any minute. You guys should clean up and prepare. First impressions matter, you know?” He Youjin glanced at Xia Tong, clicking his tongue slightly. “What’s wrong with you, Xia Xiao Tong?”

Xia Tong’s eyes were red, his lashes damp, and he hung his head low, exuding an air of grievance and even humiliation. Surrounded by Alphas, he unintentionally gave off a vibe that could indeed support the supervisor’s concerns about… the base’s “reputation.”

“Nothing,” Xia Tong mumbled quietly, visibly upset. He sniffled and decided to ignore Lin Mingfei for now. Turning to He Youjin, he asked, “What kind of questions will he ask me?”

“I’d guess mostly about daily life. Things like whether you find living with so many Alphas inconvenient.” He Youjin thought for a moment. “He might also ask about your opinions on King’s Tomb, your performance stats, and your training regimen.”

“And how… how should I answer?” Xia Tong asked nervously.

“Just tell the truth. You’ve been living well here, haven’t you? Nothing shady going on,” He Youjin said casually.

As he spoke, the room seemed to grow colder. Everyone exchanged subtle, uncertain glances.

Lin Mingfei and Shi Ya’s eyes met briefly before both shifted their gaze to Xia Tong. Xia Tong, however, kept his back to them, head low and silent.

“What’s going on?” He Youjin looked around, confused. “Why do you all look like you have something to hide?”

“Manager He, could you coach me a little more… just in case I say the wrong thing,” Xia Tong asked timidly. “What if… what if I mess up?”

“Ah, don’t worry. Just focus on saying good things about Team P,” He Youjin said, clapping his hands. “Everyone here treats you with respect, right? Nobody looks down on you or bullies you just because you’re an Omega. Isn’t that right?”

“Uh oh, but I did call him short once—” Zhou Yanjun panicked and tugged on Bo Yu’s pinky.

He Youjin shot him a sharp look. “If you knew better, why’d you say it in the first place?”

“I won’t bring that up,” Xia Tong reassured Zhou Yanjun earnestly. “Don’t worry, Fatty.”

Zhou Yanjun exhaled in relief. “I knew Xia Xiao Tong was the best!”

“But what about the time you sat on the couch cursing at King Kong—”

“That’s absolutely off-limits!” Zhou Yanjun yelped, jumping like he’d been burned.

“Oh, now I have a good idea of what not to say,” Xia Tong said, blinking innocently.

Zhou Yanjun muttered, “You’re getting cheeky, Xia Xiao Tong.”

Xia Tong grinned faintly.

“Oh, there’s one more important thing.” He Youjin suddenly grew serious, lowering his voice. “Xia Tong, he’ll probably ask you about your heat cycle.”

Xia Tong froze.

“If he does, don’t stress about it too much. Just say you’ve never gone into heat since joining the team.” He Youjin continued, oblivious. “I’ll guide you on what to say. Tell him you can regulate your heat cycle to avoid tournaments or critical events. We’ll also arrange full medical care for you before and after your heat, ensuring it never disrupts work.”

Xia Tong: “Oh.”

Nearby, Lin Mingfei: “…”

He Youjin pressed on, “By the way, when does your heat cycle typically occur?”

Xia Tong: “… I-I don’t know.”

“Then when was your last heat? I can calculate it.”

Xia Tong hesitated, nearly blurting out “yesterday.”

But after spending time outside, he’d learned some social awareness. While he couldn’t explain why, he instinctively sensed some things were better left unsaid.

He Youjin, a perfectionist Virgo, was on the verge of losing it. “Wow… are you even an Omega? You don’t even keep track of your own heat cycles? Do you know how dangerous that is? What if some Alpha deceives you and—”

“I understand now…” Xia Tong said softly, “I just don’t know if it’s too late…”

“Xia Tong.” Lin Mingfei suddenly spoke. He couldn’t hold back anymore. With his brows furrowed, he strode over in just a few steps, grabbed Xia Tong’s wrist, and pulled him closer. “Come here. I need to talk to you.”

He Youjin was stunned and started stomping in frustration. “??? Lin Mingfei! Do you understand the concept of taking turns? I wasn’t finished talking! What are you butting in for… hey, hey! Are you even listening to me? That’s so rude!”

“Drink your five-grain porridge, Manager He. Your liver fire is burning too strong. You should steep some goji berries to calm yourself,” Shi Ya said, walking over and patting He Youjin on the shoulder with a soothing smile. “I’ll go and retrieve the concerned party for you.”

Lin Mingfei dragged Xia Tong into an empty conference room, shutting the door behind them. The room instantly fell silent.

Xia Tong glanced up at him briefly, then quickly averted his gaze, his reluctance palpable. Lin Mingfei took a deep breath, trying his best to appear less intimidating.

“If you have something to say to me, you can say it now. I promise I won’t scold you,” he said with his hands on his hips, his voice soft. “I just… want to know what you’re thinking.”

Xia Tong stayed silent for a long while.

“Why didn’t you give me a permanent mark yesterday?” he finally asked, forcing the words out.

Lin Mingfei froze.

He stared at the little Omega in disbelief, as if trying to see through the sweet and innocent exterior to grasp the true intent behind the question. But it didn’t take long to realize Xia Tong was completely serious.

“Do you… know what a permanent mark means?” Lin Mingfei hesitated, deciding to address the issue at its root.

“I do,” Xia Tong nodded. “Debon explained it to me. A permanent mark means our relationship would be legally protected. You would belong to me, and I would belong to you.”

Xia Tong was, as always, a straightforward and guileless Omega, speaking his mind without any hesitation.

Hearing such heartfelt and genuine words from Xia Tong was like a bomb going off in Lin Mingfei’s mind. It obliterated his composure, leaving his heart pounding and his thoughts scattered. For a while, all he could hear was the sound of his own breathing and racing heartbeat.

“So, does that mean you refused to give me a permanent mark because… I’m not worthy of it? Or is there someone else you want to mark permanently?” Xia Tong asked.

The blunt question jolted Lin Mingfei back to reality, like a sharp chisel breaking through his daze.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, forcing himself to stay calm, and said in a low voice, “Did Debon also tell you that an Alpha can mark many Omegas without consequence, but an Omega can only bind to one Alpha?”

Xia Tong’s eyes widened in surprise.

“It’s effortless for me to permanently mark you. I wouldn’t lose anything,” Lin Mingfei said, his tone becoming darker and more restrained. “But I didn’t do it because I don’t want you to regret it. And if you regret it, then so will I.”

“I…” Xia Tong stammered, his thoughts swirling in disarray. “But I won’t regret it! I’m willing to let you mark me! I want to be with you forever!”

“Then have you thought about why you want to be with me forever?” Lin Mingfei pressed on. “Is it because I gave you a mask at the hospital? Or because I helped you when you were at your most helpless? Or because I always happen to be there when you need help?”

Xia Tong looked puzzled. “You’re right, that’s exactly why… But what’s wrong with that?”

“And if it had been someone else who did those things—Shi Ya, or Zhou Yan-jun, for example—would you still feel this way about me?” Lin Mingfei asked, his voice lowering, his tone serious.

Xia Tong opened his mouth but didn’t speak. His large eyes brimmed with confusion.

“The things I’ve done for you, they would have done without hesitation too. You might have mistaken this sense of ‘dependence’ in difficult times for ‘liking,’” Lin Mingfei said, emphasizing each word.

“Mistaken it for liking?” Xia Tong murmured in response.

“Yes,” Lin Mingfei said. “Liking someone means you see them as unique, irreplaceable, and unlike anyone else. You’re still young and innocent. There are many things you don’t understand yet. But I’m not young anymore. I can’t take advantage of my greater experience to deceive or manipulate you. If I were to permanently mark you now, what would you do in the future if you met someone you truly loved? Would you get the mark removed? Do you know how painful that is?”

Xia Tong was speechless.

Lin Mingfei’s lips pressed into a thin line.

“You’ll continue to live at the club, meet new people, and gain financial independence. Your world will expand, and your understanding will deepen. If, at that point, you still feel the same way and want to be with me forever, then come find me, and I’ll give you what you want.”

Xia Tong’s eyelashes quivered.

“But what if by then… you don’t—”

“I will,” Lin Mingfei interrupted, his gaze steady and resolute. “I will.”

Xia Tong was deeply moved.

He couldn’t describe the feeling. It was warm, spreading through his chest and making his nose sting. “Thank you, Zero. Thank you for thinking so much for me. I even misunderstood you. I’m really awful.” He scratched his head shyly and murmured, “But why do you think so far ahead?”

Lin Mingfei raised his hand, instinctively covering his eyes with his palm.

“Because I don’t want anyone to suffer because of their feelings for me again,” he said hoarsely. “I’m not worth it.”

Over there, none of them noticed that a window in the meeting room wasn’t fully closed. The blackout curtain hung low, and outside the window stood Shi Ya, leaning against the wall with arms crossed, silently observing.

The conversation between the two inside flowed into his ears, word for word.

His expression was stoic, but in his eyes, faint cracks of icy emotion surfaced—feelings he hadn’t shown in years.

It was all in vain.

Shi Ya’s lips curled in a silent, self-mocking smile. Without disturbing the two inside, he turned and left quietly.

When he returned to the living room, he found He Youjin holding a cup of goji berry tea, glaring with a pair of puffed-up, goldfish-like eyes.

“What’s the deal?” The moment He Youjin saw Shi Ya, he went into high-alert mode and demanded loudly, “What secret are you two hiding from me?”

Shi Ya beckoned him over with a finger. He Youjin leaned in and received a whispered explanation.

“What the hell!” He Youjin froze like a statue. “Are you all insane? This is way too reckless!”

“What do you mean, ‘we’? It’s them—those two.” Shi Ya waved dismissively, distancing himself. “But since Xia Tong didn’t show any adverse reactions after being temporarily marked, it seems their pheromone compatibility is quite high. In my opinion, that’s actually a good thing. If Xia Tong goes into heat again in the future, we can handle it internally without causing a public scene at the hospital.”

“Good thing? You’re calling this a good thing?” He Youjin was shocked. “What if they end up with a kid before the competition even starts? How am I supposed to explain that? I’ll lose my mind!”

“You’re overthinking it.” Shi Ya was unconcerned. “Zero is a responsible person. I trust him.”

“Are you sure keeping Xia Tong at the base is the right choice?” He Youjin asked darkly, his face somber. “I’m starting to have serious doubts.”

“What? Are you planning to kick him out? Over my dead body.” Shi Ya shot him a glare. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Why not?” He Youjin asked, exasperated.

“Because… I like him. I enjoy living under the same roof with him,” Shi Ya said frankly.

“You like him too?” He Youjin was hit with a second shockwave. “What is this? A love triangle? Aren’t you guys supposed to focus on the competition?”

“I said I like him, not that I’m going to fight Zero for him,” Shi Ya replied with a lazy smirk. “Why are you acting like I’m ready to duel Zero with a gun and knife?”

“Isn’t that what this is?” He Youjin countered. “Two Alphas after one Omega? And you two are good bros? This is straight out of a primetime soap opera!”

“You underestimate my maturity as the great Young Master Shi.” Shi Ya chuckled, raising a brow. “I admit I like Xia Tong, but I care more about Lin Mingfei and Polaris’s honor.”

“I just don’t get what you’re after,” He Youjin said, bewildered.

“Giving roses leaves a lingering fragrance on your hands—double the happiness. That’s the adult world.” Shi Ya wagged a finger. “You wouldn’t understand even if I told you.”

“Well, I don’t understand, and I don’t want to!” He Youjin deadpanned. “The world of playboy Alphas…”

—Author’s Note:
Shi Ya: I like Xia Tong, but I care more about Zero.
He Youjin: You’re all out of your minds!!!

Feel free to donate for earlier/bonus chapter releases! Thanks for supporting me and enjoy reading 😀