TuxedoTranslations

Chapter 69

Thanks to Xia Xiaotong’s surprise kiss, Lin Mingfei was now practically floating on air—his mood was through the roof. Naturally, he didn’t hold anything against Zhou Yanjun anymore. He even gave the stunned man a warm hug before sauntering back into his room.

But instead of comforting Zhou Yanjun, this only made the fat man even more terrified. He spent the whole night in dread, paranoid that Lin Mingfei, in a fit of rage, would suddenly vault over from the balcony and assassinate him in his sleep.

He Youjin was a man of action and hated dilly-dallying, so early the next morning, he headed out with a thick file folder full of documents.

Xia Tong, deeply invested in the league registration, came running down the stairs after him, trailing all the way to the front door. He waved both hands earnestly to see He Youjin off. “Be careful on the road, Manager He!!!”

Then, he saw a gleaming black Mercedes parked at the base gate.

He Youjin walked around to the front passenger seat and got in.

The driver’s side window, facing Xia Tong, slowly rolled down. Inside sat a well-dressed alpha in a high-neck cashmere sweater. He removed his sunglasses and gave Xia Tong a polite smile.

“No need to worry about Youjin. I’ll take him there myself.”

Xia Tong blinked, dumbfounded. “Oh.”

He Youjin, just fastening his seatbelt, looked annoyed. He pushed at the driver and snapped, “Cut the crap! Just go already!”

The Mercedes roared off like it was voice-activated, disappearing in a flash.

Xia Tong blinked a few more times. Someone patted him on the shoulder—Shi Ya had come up behind him. With a smirk, he held Xia Tong’s shoulder and chuckled, “Not bad at all. Manager He’s treatment is top-notch.”

“In such warm morning sunlight, still wearing sunglasses… classic Old Fang. So full of himself,” Lin Mingfei sneered with his arms crossed.

“Maintaining your best image in front of certain people—isn’t that kind of necessary?” Shi Ya said meaningfully, squeezing Xia Tong’s shoulder with his fingers.

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Lin Mingfei yawned, completely indifferent.

“And that’s why you’ve been single since birth,” Shi Ya chuckled.

Xia Tong’s reflexes were sharp during these moments. He immediately joined the banter, “What does ‘single since birth’ mean?”

Shi Ya began to explain, “It refers to someone who’s grown up and never once had a relationship with the opposite sex—”

“Ahem ahem!” Lin Mingfei cut in with a dramatic cough and rolled his eyes, waving to interrupt Shi Ya’s roast. “Alright, alright, let’s go, morning run time!”

After nearly a month, Xia Tong had fully adapted to the healthy lifestyle of joining the P Team’s morning workouts. He rode Lin Mingfei’s mountain bike like a pro—almost like he could fly.

After a 20-kilometer ride, he returned to base drenched in sweat, showered, had breakfast, then hopped into the game to farm dungeons and clear cooldowns.

But on this particular day, Xia Tong was clearly distracted. His mind kept returning to the matter of league registration.

Even though He Youjin had promised everything would go smoothly, and Lin Mingfei had said it was all good, Xia Tong couldn’t help worrying. He feared that his secondary gender might become an obstacle to P Team’s progress. So after dinner, he went to wait anxiously by the base’s front gate for He Youjin’s return.

Time ticked on. The clock on the wall spun—seven o’clock, eight o’clock, nine… and still no sign of He Youjin.

One by one, the others washed up and went to bed, leaving Xia Tong alone on the living room couch, his little legs swinging nervously.

Shi Ya came downstairs to grab his fitness tracker and, seeing Xia Tong like that, asked curiously, “Xia Xiaotong, why aren’t you in bed yet?”

“Ah, I’m waiting for Manager He,” Xia Tong said worriedly. “It’s already 10:10, and he’s still not back.”

Shi Ya picked up his tracker from the coffee table, adjusting the settings on his wrist as he replied, “So what if he’s not back? I’d guess he probably won’t be coming back tonight.”

“Huh? He’s not coming back?” Xia Tong sat up and clutched the back of the couch, eyes wide. “But it’s already 10:10! It’s so late—what if something happened to him? Aren’t you guys even worried?”

Shi Ya paused, mid-check of his heart rate data. He looked up, amused by Xia Tong’s visible anxiety.

The little omega was genuinely concerned, even breaking a light sweat on his smooth forehead.

“Besides, Manager He didn’t give us any updates all day. What if something went wrong during the registration process? Or… what if someone detained him? Got into a fight? Maybe even a physical fight?” Xia Tong’s scenarios grew wilder. “Shouldn’t we call him? Just to check if he’s safe…?”

Shi Ya couldn’t listen any longer—he was genuinely worried Xia Tong would pick up the phone and ruin someone’s plans. “Actually… for adults, not coming home at night… is pretty normal,” he said, lowering his arm and walking over to lean on the back of the couch, smiling down at him.

“Normal?” Xia Tong asked, confused.

“Yeah,” Shi Ya nodded. “Especially since He Youjin left with Fang Haoyang. As for where he’ll be tonight… come on, even a fist could guess that one.”

Xia Tong blankly lowered his eyes, glanced at his little fist, and muttered, “Where would it be…?”

Shi Ya: “.”

He almost forgot who he was chatting with.

As an old gentleman, Shi Ya would never casually crack something dirty—it was far too undignified. He was still thinking of how to answer tactfully when Xia Tong suddenly smacked his fist into his palm, as though enlightened.

“Ah! I know! Manager He must’ve spent the night at Mr. Fang’s place, right?”

Shi Ya froze. “Ah… why did you suddenly—”

Suddenly become so perceptive?

He hadn’t even finished asking when Xia Tong, in a tone of particular seriousness and deduction, continued:

“Mr. Fang looks rich. If he has a car, then he must have a house too. And since he and Manager He are old acquaintances, that’s why he took out his super fancy car to give him a ride. Next, of course he’d invite Manager He to dinner, and if it got late, he’d let him stay over for the night! Isn’t that right?”

Shi Ya: “Well, yes, but…”

He could swear—what this little thing meant by “stay over” was definitely not what he meant!

“Then that’s it!!” Xia Tong clapped his hands. “That’s exactly the same as when Zero first met me! He took me to visit the base, and even let me sleep there!! So now we’re close friends!”

Shi Ya: “…?”

As expected.

Thinking of that flashy luxury car from earlier, Xia Tong still indulged in wild imagination. “Wow, Mr. Fang’s house must be super big and luxurious. Makes me really curious what it looks like! I wonder if Manager He could take some photos for us to see!” He paused, then pressed on: “Timer, aren’t you curious?”

Shi Ya rubbed his forehead and sighed in exasperation.

“I’m really not that curious…”

“That’s because your house must be super big too,” Xia Tong said enviously. “Having your own place is so great.”

Shi Ya looked at the little omega who was still stuck on the level of houses and cars, unsure whether to call him naïve or just lucky.

“Good thing you ran into Zero…” He couldn’t help sighing. “Honestly, only Zero in this world could do something like that…”

To pick up a cute omega, bring him into his car and then even take him home—yet have absolutely nothing happen. To let an opportunity like that slip by—Zero must be made out of reinforced concrete.

Even though the conversation was like chickens talking to ducks, Xia Tong, now sure that He Youjin was fine, felt reassured and went to bed at ease.

The next morning, around 9:30, He Youjin finally showed up, a document folder tucked under his arm, pushing the door open lazily. His usually neat hair was slightly tousled.

“You’re here!” Shi Ya happened to be coming out of the bedroom. Seeing him, he casually greeted, “Had breakfast yet?”

“I’m not very hungry,” He Youjin waved his hand. “I ate too much last night… you guys go ahead.”

Shi Ya smiled faintly, not pressing further. “Everyone’s in the dining room, come on.”

At that moment, Team P was gathered around the dining table, which was covered with all kinds of breakfast—buns, steamed rolls, fried bacon, you name it. Xia Tong was busy haggling with Zhou Yanjun, the team’s foodie.

“I want your drink, yours is taro flavor—”

“No way, you had taro flavor yesterday, today it’s my turn!”

“But I don’t like this cranberry one!”

“Mine’s full of additives! Yours even has real cranberry pieces in it, way healthier!”

“But the cranberry seeds always get stuck in my teeth!”

“Just brush your teeth more, what’s the problem?”

“I don’t want healthy, I want taro~~~~”

The two argued endlessly. Lin Mingfei, sipping his coffee nearby, couldn’t stand it anymore and rolled his eyes at Zhou Yanjun. “Just swap with him, what’s the big deal?”

Zhou Yanjun, stubborn as ever about food, was furious. “Zero! How could you put girls over bros like this?!”

“Good morning, everyone.”

He Youjin happened to walk into the dining room. Xia Tong immediately spun around, and forgetting all about taro or cranberry, leapt up from his seat and bounded over in just a few steps.

“Manager He! You’re finally back!!” His eyes were wide and sparkling, fists clenched in excitement. “You were out of contact all night, I was so worried about you!”

A faint blush rose on He Youjin’s cheeks. He coughed lightly, patting Xia Tong’s shoulder in reassurance. “I’m fine.”

“Then did the registration go smoothly?” Xia Tong asked with earnest concern.

“Yeah.” He Youjin glanced around at the group, meeting a room full of serious, focused gazes. Instantly he reverted to his usual cocky, sharp demeanor. He pulled out the file folder from under his arm, waved it flamboyantly, and bragged:

“Look! All done. Every contract’s right here. Everything went smoothly. By this time tomorrow, we’ll have our own training camp!”

“What—the hell, tomorrow??” Zhou Yanjun blurted out in disbelief. “Doesn’t it usually take at least a week—”

“That’s why I’m the one with skills.” He Youjin raised an eyebrow proudly.

Zhou Yanjun nearly burst with joy. He immediately high-fived Bo Yu and cheered, “Oh yeah yeah yeah!!”

Shi Ya, relieved, smiled warmly. “That’s great. Finally we’ll be able to act with legitimacy, no more being called ‘washed-up ex-players of Team Wither’ or ‘Red Scavengers’ or whatever ugly names.”

“You mean act as in picking up girls, right, Player Timer?” Lin Mingfei rested his chin in his hand lazily.

“That’s not ‘picking up girls,’ that’s called socializing. Which includes but isn’t limited to socializing,” Shi Ya retorted. “And besides, how long has it been since I’ve picked anyone up? I’ve spent all my limited playtime on our omega player here.” He jerked his chin toward Xia Tong.

“Manager He is amazing!” Xia Tong’s eyes were practically brimming with admiration. “You’re incredible!”

“Ah, it’s nothing, really.” He Youjin’s pride as a beta was thoroughly satisfied; he floated on air, waving his hand and raising his eyebrows.

“Yeah, this time Old He really put in the effort,” Lin Mingfei said. “By the way, help me thank Old Fang too. Inside, dealing with the clearances and all, he didn’t slack off either.”

At the mention of Fang Haoyang, a faint, almost imperceptible blush crossed He Youjin’s face. He scratched his head, speaking with a hint of disdain: “What does that have to do with him? I was the one busy everywhere…”

“Yes, yes, yes, you definitely did most of the work!” Shi Ya said with a laugh.

“Well, you all eat first. After you’re done, I’ll come back and explain the details of the new contract.” He Youjin cleared his throat, and while they were cheering and celebrating, he turned and went into the living room.

Pouring himself a glass of water, he pulled out his phone and saw several unread messages.

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Made it to the base?]

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Did you report to them? Any other opinions? If you have questions about the regulations, you can ask me. I can see all your messages.]

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Are you feeling unwell anywhere else?]

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Still in pain?]

He Youjin stared at the phone screen. These messages had been sent some time ago, and he hadn’t responded. He didn’t know if the alpha on the other side was getting impatient…

The ear tucked in his hair burned hot.

He Youjin Gary: [I’m fine, totally manageable, no need to worry!]

To his surprise, the reply was instant.

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Then I’m relieved.]

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Keep my keys safe, don’t lose them. I’ll arrange to meet you on the weekend.]

He Youjin Gary: [Get lost. Meet? Dad was just drunk last night and accidentally did that with you.]

He Youjin Gary: [Dad won’t be free in the future, got it?]

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Won’t be free in the future? Turning your back on me already?]

He Youjin Gary: [Exactly! I’m turning my back! I threw the keys away! Stop bothering me! I still need to take Polaris to compete; don’t make others suspect our Polaris results were obtained by improper means.]

Fang Haoyang Richard: [Isn’t our relationship legitimate? I think our AB relationship is perfectly normal.]

He Youjin wanted to type a few insulting words at this opportunistic, shameless alpha when suddenly a sharp, sweet voice rang behind him:

“Manager He!”

Startled, He Youjin jumped, as if some shameful secret had been exposed. He slammed his phone face-down on the table and turned to look at Xia Tong.

The little omega stood there with hands behind his back, smiling innocently at him, like a model of purity.

He Youjin’s scalp tingled.

He kept repeating to himself: he absolutely must not let the alphas in Team P find out he had slept with Fang Haoyang, the despicable capitalist alpha! Not only had they slept together, but it had felt quite good… And he and Fang Haoyang were sworn enemies! If anyone found out, his face would be smashed!

“Why… why did you suddenly come?” he stammered.

Xia Tong’s expression was genuinely admiring and innocent. “I just wanted to ask, is Mr. Fang’s house big?”

He Youjin: “…”

What?! The only genuine, properly-raised child in this base is already being led astray by the old scoundrels? Is this a timer or zero situation?

Thinking He Youjin hadn’t heard clearly, Xia Tong curiously added: “You didn’t visit Mr. Fang’s house last night?”

Visit… the house?

He Youjin stared at Xia Tong, scrutinizing him carefully. From the little omega’s expression, it seemed he was truly only concerned about whether the house was big or not…

“Who told you I went to… visit Fang Haoyang’s house?” he asked.

“No one told me, I just guessed,” Xia Tong said. “The first time I met Zero, it was like this too. He drove me to this base and even took me up to play video games!”

He Youjin immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

He had overthought it—Xia Tong was still Xia Tong, the little steel-hearted innocent.

He straightened his back, determined not to appear guilty, and said solemnly: “It’s big. His house is extremely large, three floors in total, plus a basement.”

“Wow! A mansion!” Xia Tong’s eyes sparkled. “Our base is only four floors!”

He Youjin: “Hmm… And he’s not quite what I imagined. I always thought he’d be the kind of flashy, shallow, rough alpha, but actually he—”

Xia Tong: “He’s…?”

He Youjin’s words cut off abruptly. His mouth twitched, returning to his usual cold indifference. He bent down to rummage for tea bags and drank: “Actually… just so-so.”

He buried his head diligently. The motion slightly lifted the back of his pale, thin neck above his collar.

Xia Tong’s eyes froze for a moment; his pupils contracted slightly, as if startled. He jumped up, supporting herself on the sofa.

Meanwhile, Lin Mingfei was walking leisurely out of the dining room and bumped straight into the little omega who seemed about to burst into flames.

“Ouch!” Xia Tong cried.

Lin Mingfei steadied him, puzzled: “What’s wrong? In a rush?”

“Zero! Zero!” Xia Tong grabbed his arm and dragged him into a corner, her small face twisted with fear and seriousness. “I’ve discovered something very serious!”

“What serious thing?” Lin Mingfei asked, remaining calm, slightly curious.

“That Fang Haoyang might not be a good person!” Xia Tong said.

Lin Mingfei raised an eyebrow slightly. “Ah… really?” He pretended to be serious and asked, “How did you figure that out?”

Xia Tong nervously said, “Manager He stayed overnight at Fang Haoyang’s house last night! Manager He said he was flashy, paying with gold and silver, and was rough! And then I saw a really deep bite mark on the back of Manager He’s neck!” He paused, then concluded: “He actually bit Manager He!!”

Lin Mingfei’s reaction seemed perfunctory. “…Wow.”

Xia Tong shook his arm anxiously. “What do you mean, ‘wow’!?”

Lin Mingfei: “Uh… it just means that some alphas, when they go crazy, even bite betas. Looks like he really likes him.”

Xia Tong: “Huh?”

The little omega was completely confused by his words.

“It’s just a bite. I thought it was something serious!” Lin Mingfei said lazily, laughing. He stretched out his arm to ruffle Xia Tong’s little head. “Don’t forget, I bit you too, on the back of your neck. You forgot?”