What's Wrong with This Alpha? - Chapter 16

Chapter 16 – Husband

Duan Yi was really drunk.

When Jiang Wangshu realized this, Duan Yi was lying on the table, sobbing.

One moment he’d say he missed someone, wanted to go back, then he’d say “he’s good, but he’s not good.”

Jiang Wangshu’s head hurt from listening.

“Ouch, Grandpa, who are you missing? Where do you want to go? Who’s good, who’s not? I didn’t know you were such a romantic!” Jiang Wangshu helped him up from the table and said, “Okay, I see now how deeply you feel for Jian Qiao. You couldn’t reach Commander Sheng on the phone, right? Is it worth getting so upset? Our Xiaoduan has grown up, even drinking for love now…”

Duan Yi: “Ugh—”

Jiang Wangshu: “……”

Duan Yi had nothing to throw up. Even rinsing his mouth didn’t sober him up.

Jian Qiao couldn’t reach Sheng Yunze. She stared at the WeChat call screen until it looked like she might punch a hole through it.

A friend tried to comfort her, “Stop staring. Maybe try calling later?”

Jian Qiao felt sad.

The friend glanced at Duan Yi and whispered, “Why don’t you go check on Duan Yi? He’s really upset. I saw him crying.”

Jian Qiao turned her head, looking troubled. “Ah, I… I’m just friends with him. How can I comfort him?”

Friend: “Actually, I think Duan Yi is pretty good. He’s an Alpha, has money, is handsome, and tall. Sometimes he looks a bit silly, but he’s quite cute.”

After a moment, she added, “His grades are just a bit weak. But he’s really good at drawing, right? He’ll definitely get into art school. His scores are enough, and you can get in with some money. Art school is still important. Besides, why should rich kids work so hard? The most important thing is that he likes you. Why let go of someone who likes you to chase after some untouchable flower? Does conquering him give you pleasure or something?”

Jian Qiao: “I know what you’re saying, but it’s not about Duan Yi’s money. He’s a good person, and I like being friends with him. But I don’t like him that way.”

Friend: “What’s so good about Sheng Yunze? Just good grades, handsome, really handsome, wins awards every day, good character, keeps himself clean, aloof, mysterious, a cool guy, gives you the cold shoulder and you fall for it, good family background…”

After a while, the friend said, “He… actually does seem pretty good.”

Jian Qiao hesitated for a moment, then got up.

“How much has Duan Yi drunk? You’re not watching him? He can’t hold alcohol.”

Jian Qiao sat next to Duan Yi, gently patting his back.

Jiang Wangshu thought Duan Yi was heartbroken over love. He shook his head and said, “Qiao, why ask me? Why not ask yourself? Xiaoduan only has one heart. You’re the one hurting it.”

Jian Qiao sighed. “Why is he so stubborn? Can’t he just like someone else?”

She worriedly asked Duan Yi, “What do you like about me? Can I just change it?”

Jiang Wangshu quickly said, “He only likes you because you don’t like him.”

Jian Qiao rolled her eyes. “Ugh!”

The friend suddenly stood up and rushed to Jian Qiao, pulling at her clothes.

Jian Qiao was about to ask what was wrong when she looked up and saw a tall Alpha boy standing across the street.

He had a cold look, had just arrived, wore Second High School’s jacket, straight jeans with rolled-up ankles, and sneakers.

Jian Qiao said happily, “Yunze!”

Then her face suddenly turned red. She thought, did Sheng Yunze see my message?

Her friend said, “Holy shit!” and muttered, “He really came. I thought he wouldn’t.”

Sheng Yunze’s eyes landed on Jian Qiao and Duan Yi.

For some reason, Jian Qiao suddenly felt Sheng Yunze’s gaze was cold. It made her back feel chilly. She straightened up without thinking and pulled away from Duan Yi.

Duan Yi slumped over the table.

“You came…” Jian Qiao said, embarrassed. “What do you want to eat? I can ask the shop owner to make more.”

“I’m not eating.” Sheng Yunze walked straight to Duan Yi.

Jiang Wangshu quickly said, “Commander Sheng, Commander Sheng, he’s drunk. Did you need something from Duan Yi?”

“I have something at his place,” Sheng Yunze said simply.

Jiang Wangshu shut up.

Sheng Yunze was actually very cold by nature. Duan Yi often complained about him to Jiang Wangshu, making Jiang Wangshu really believe Sheng Yunze didn’t care about them.

Now, looking at her, the school beauty’s whole body said “keep your distance.” Jiang Wangshu didn’t dare say a word.

“Um… Commander Sheng, are you taking Duan Yi back?” Jiang Wangshu asked quickly, seeing Sheng Yunze supporting Duan Yi.

Jian Qiao’s heart skipped a few beats. “Want to eat first before leaving? We can go back to school together later.”

She stared at Sheng Yunze’s profile, then suddenly mustered courage. “A-Ze, I have something to tell you. Can you wait a few minutes?”

Jiang Wangshu saw Jian Qiao was about to confess. He picked up Duan Yi and walked away. “You two talk. I’ll take Duan Yi to another table.”

Just as she sat down, friends 1234 gathered around, pretending to drink and eat barbecue, but their eyes kept drifting toward Jian Qiao’s direction.

Among her friends were students from other schools, especially many from the arts vocational college. They studied music and singing, full of romantic ideas.

When they saw Sheng Yunze, their eyes went wide.

“Second High School’s heartthrob! I’ve only seen his pictures on forums before.”

“Wow, he’s not fake. So handsome, damn.”

“Click.” The sound of a photo being taken.

“I heard he has a girlfriend. Can Jian Qiao confess?” A girl said in a sly tone.

Jiang Wangshu helped Duan Yi sit up. As soon as Duan Yi opened his eyes, everyone looked at him like he was a spare tire.

“Hey, heartthrob. My condolences,” the sly girl said.

Duan Yi mumbled, “What’s going on…?”

Jiang Wangshu said, “Sheng Yunze is here. He’s alone with Jian Qiao. Your crush is definitely going to confess.”

Duan Yi pushed himself up on the table and saw Sheng Yunze and Jian Qiao under the streetlight.

Jian Qiao’s back was turned to him, so Duan Yi could only see her long hair like noodles.

“A-Ze, it’s my birthday today. Why haven’t you wished me happy birthday?” Jian Qiao asked Sheng Yunze, sounding shy.

“Happy birthday,” Sheng Yunze said.

Jian Qiao let out a breath, then held it again. “You didn’t bring me a birthday gift?”

Sheng Yunze’s hands were empty. He wasn’t here for Jian Qiao’s birthday party, and he didn’t plan to bring a gift.

Jian Qiao talked to herself, “Ha ha, I’m not asking for that.” She nervously kept touching her long hair, then looked up and stared deeply at Sheng Yunze.

“Sheng Yunze, I’ve liked you since middle school. What do you think of me?”

“Not bad,” Sheng Yunze said.

Jian Qiao’s heart beat fast, “Not bad… What do you mean by ‘not bad’? Would you like me as your girlfriend?”

Sheng Yunze answered without hesitation, “Jian Qiao, you’re not bad, but don’t waste your time on me.”

Jian Qiao’s face turned completely white.

After a long moment, she finally found her voice, “Do you still like that person?”

Sheng Yunze said calmly, “We weren’t from the same school.”

During the third year of middle school, the city-wide exams were held at the affiliated middle school.

Students from seven schools took the exams together at the affiliated middle school. Sheng Yunze was in the second classroom on the third floor of the science building, where he met a special boy.

The boy wore his school uniform tied around his waist—gray and red stripes, Caihe Middle School’s uniform. Not a student from this school.

He had a thin build, standing by the Class 1 door with his friend, joking and chatting.

His half-turn face stayed in Sheng Yunze’s eyes, beautiful and moving. It stayed with him for years. Really, it wasn’t much—just seeing him laugh so happily made Sheng Yunze wonder, What’s so funny?

Jian Qiao’s eyes reddened. “I’ve liked you for so long. Was there never a moment you felt anything for me?”

Sheng Yunze sighed. “No. Jian Qiao, never before, never now, and never in the future.”

Hearing his words, Jian Qiao’s heart felt cut. She raised her voice. “How do you know there won’t be in the future?”

Sheng Yunze paused. He said to Jian Qiao, but also to himself, “I think I’ve found someone I like.”

Jian Qiao stood frozen, as if struck by lightning.

“Come on, come on, come on!” Jiang Wangshu shook Duan Yi hard. “Wake up!”

Duan Yi stared blankly at Sheng Yunze. Jiang Wangshu betrayed his teammate without hesitation. “Commander Sheng, please take him back to the dorm. We’re moving locations soon.”

He pulled out a dorm key from his pocket. “This is it. Just put it under the carpet after you use it.”

Sheng Yunze rejected Jian Qiao. He walked straight to Duan Yi.

Jiang Wangshu gave the key and worried again. “Can Duan Yi walk? Should we call a car?”

Sheng Yunze spoke. “The school gate is across the street. What kind of car do you plan to call?”

Jiang Wangshu made a “please” gesture. “Commander Sheng, please walk.”

Duan Yi, supported by Sheng Yunze, walked unsteadily.

The barbecue shop’s music grew quieter, replaced by street horn sounds.

Duan Yi nearly hung off Sheng Yunze, taking two steps forward, then being dragged two steps.

At the school gate, he protested. “I’m not walking anymore. Dragging me hurts.”

“Then endure the pain,” Sheng Yunze said.

Duan Yi straightened up. “Why are you like this?”

His eyes widened like a cat’s, reflecting Sheng Yunze’s face.

Sheng Yunze remembered their intimate posture with Jian Qiao and felt inexplicable irritation.

Duan Yi accused him first. “Did you promise Jian Qiao something?”

“What? Class president concerned about classmates’ relationships now?”

Duan Yi’s sulking expression showed clearly to Sheng Yunze, that Duan Yi was deeply in love with Jian Qiao.

He’d heard Duan Yi had pursued Jian Qiao for two years without success.

Tsk.

So obsessed with Jian Qiao?

Duan Yi didn’t want to talk about Jian Qiao. He slumped against Sheng Yunze’s shoulder, unhappy.

It was too natural, like a habit formed over years. Even Sheng Yunze was taken aback for a moment.

Uncomfortable, Duan Yi shifted and nudged with his fuzzy head.

Sheng Yunze patted his head. “Stop moving.”

“I can’t walk. Carry me.”

He swayed in place, then found a stone bench he liked. He climbed up quickly, stood straight, and looked down at Sheng Yunze.

“Come carry me.”

Sheng Yunze looked up. Under the dim streetlight, he saw Duan Yi’s red cheeks. He thought Duan Yi was really drunk.

“Duan Yi, you’re drunk.”

Duan Yi didn’t care. Impatient, he waved. “Hurry up.”

Sheng Yunze stood still for a moment, then walked over. Duan Yi gestured for him to turn around. Sheng Yunze didn’t want to argue with a drunk. Suddenly, Duan Yi jumped onto his back.

Sheng Yunze almost lost his balance, swaying. He muttered, “You’re so heavy.”

Duan Yi shifted on his back, then wrapped his arms around Sheng Yunze’s shoulders. He buried his face in Sheng Yunze’s back and took a deep breath of his pheromones.

The pheromones were like frost and snow—cold and clear. They didn’t wake Duan Yi’s dazed mind even a little.

Instead, Duan Yi became more addicted to Sheng Yunze’s pheromones. His body reacted too.

Sheng Yunze suddenly felt his heart race. Something about Duan Yi was attracting him, like a basic instinct.

This feeling was strange, but couples who’ve marked each other wouldn’t find it strange. They know this is the basic attraction between an Alpha and his Omega.

But Sheng Yunze was too young. He’d never marked an Omega before, and he still thought Duan Yi was an Alpha. He didn’t know Duan Yi already belonged to him, that he was his Omega.

Duan Yi held him tight. Sheng Yunze could smell a faint scent of alcohol.

The campus wasn’t empty yet at 8 PM. When they saw Sheng Yunze carrying Duan Yi on his back, a few girls gasped and quickly left.

Sheng Yunze knew without thinking that the campus forum would soon have more strange rumors.

Duan Yi was dizzy and slumped against his back.

After a few steps, Duan Yi suddenly said, “Hey, Sheng Yunze.”

Sheng Yunze didn’t want to talk to him.

Duan Yi mumbled, “Do you like Jian Qiao?”

Sheng Yunze felt annoyed for no reason. Do you care that much about Jian Qiao? What about me?

Why pretend to like me so much, then chase after Jian Qiao like you own her?

He remembered seeing Jian Qiao and Duan Yi acting so close earlier, which made him even more upset.

“Why should I tell you?” Sheng Yunze answered coldly.

Duan Yi wasn’t satisfied with this answer. He kept asking, “Do you like Jian Qiao?”

Sheng Yunze was silent for a moment. “I don’t.”

Duan Yi chuckled. To Sheng Yunze, it sounded like a sharp pain in his back, as if confirming Duan Yi’s deep feelings for Jian Qiao.

He felt dizzy, overwhelmed by Sheng Yunze’s pheromones. He wanted to stretch lazily.

Sheng Yunze asked him, “What about you? Do you like Jian Qiao?”

Duan Yi seemed to have fallen asleep and didn’t answer.

Sheng Yunze’s face darkened. He didn’t ask again, but his expression remained bad.

After returning to the dormitory, Duan Yi slowly fell onto his bed.

Sheng Yunze stared at him expressionlessly for a while, then looked away at Duan Yi’s desk.

It was full of comic books and novels. There was also a drawing tablet on the desk. It was clear he really liked drawing.

Duan Yi turned on the bed, most of his jacket sliding off to reveal short sleeves.

Half of his shirttail rolled up, exposing his soft belly to Sheng Yunze’s eyes—pale and white, making his gaze grow deep.

Duan Yi’s face had baby-fat cheeks. Though seventeen and in his third year of high school, he looked like a fifteen-year-old—tender and plump, skin so fair it would turn red with a pinch, strangely delicate.

“Duan Yi, put your clothes on properly,” Sheng Yunze said, sitting on the bed.

Lying on the bed, Duan Yi’s eyes glistened, lips slightly open and moist, “Husband…”

Sheng Yunze’s eyes darkened. “What did you call me?”