What's Wrong with This Alpha? - Chapter 40

Chapter 40 – Little Piglet

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Sheng Yunxi’s forehead creased with black lines. Is my brother trying to show off like a peacock? Impossible.

Others might not know Sheng Yunze well, but Sheng Yunxi had her brother figured out completely.

If Lao Sheng could strut like a peacock, every peacock in the world would drop dead from embarrassment!

But what else could explain her brother’s bizarre behavior?

Why change clothes just to open the door?

Sniffing carefully, Sheng Yunxi detected a faint scent of cologne on her brother.

Cologne at home? Is that really necessary?

Mrs. Sheng called out, “Why aren’t you inviting your guest in? Xiaoxi, is this one of your classmates?”

Sheng Yunxi, who had been frozen at the doorway, finally snapped out of her daze. “No, I met him at Cultural Plaza.”

She turned to Sheng Yunze. “Lao Sheng, are you… going through puberty?”

She glanced at Duan Yi. No way. Lao Sheng has always been obsessed with Jun Ji-hyun. Duan Yi might be cute and innocent-looking, but he’s a guy!

Since when did my brother’s type include men?!

To be more precise—could that sexless, study-obsessed maniac even have feelings for anyone other than his textbooks?!

Sheng Yunze’s gaze drifted downward, noticing Duan Yi’s casual clothes and the skateboard at his feet.

The skateboards leaned against each other, one of them Sheng Yunze’s—the one Sheng Yunxi had stolen from the study.

Duan Yi’s acting was terrible. Ignoring Sheng Yunxi’s shock and confusion, he desperately tried to look surprised. “Ah, Sheng Yunze! What a coincidence! So this is your house!”

Sheng Yunze leaned against the doorframe. “Pig, didn’t anyone tell you Sheng Yunxi and I look exactly the same?”

Duan Yi: ……

Sheng Yunze raised an eyebrow. “Anything else you want to say?”

Duan Yi wilted. “No, I just think you’re really handsome.”

Sheng Yunze’s heart skipped a beat. He straightened up, turning his left profile—which he considered his more attractive side—toward Duan Yi.

Sheng Yunxi covered her face, unable to watch her brother’s peacock-like display of subtle vanity.

“You two know each other?” she exclaimed, finally understanding. “Damn! No wonder Duan-bao greeted me so warmly. I thought it was my irresistible charm, but he was just eyeing my face.”

Sheng Yunze’s expression shifted rapidly, glaring at Sheng Yunxi. “What did you call him?”

Duan-bao?

When did you two get so close?

Didn’t you just meet today?

And most importantly…

Sheng Yunze himself had never called Duan Yi “Duan-bao.”

Sheng Yunxi asked, “What’s wrong? Why are you asking so many questions? Duan-bao, are you and my brother… classmates?”

Duan Yi mumbled vaguely for a moment before answering, “Yeah, classmates.”

She hesitated. “Just classmates?”

Duan Yi’s heart pounded. “What else would we be?”

He and Sheng Yunze weren’t dating. Although Duan Yi sensed Sheng Yunze might have feelings for him, their relationship was inconsistent, leaving him constantly anxious. Neither of them had dared to break through that fragile barrier.

Besides, Sheng Yunze was notoriously fickle. He could be infatuated one moment and move on the next. Duan Yi had witnessed Sheng Yunze’s talent for discarding old interests for new ones firsthand.

He would rather die than confess first!

What if Sheng Yunze, that sadistic, sharp-tongued bastard, mocked him mercilessly?

“Just playing around, didn’t expect you to take it seriously, did you? Heh, you’re as foolish as ever…”

Cold sweat drenched Duan Yi’s back. Damn it, that’s exactly the kind of twisted bullshit he’d say.

If he humiliated himself like that…

Duan Yi would rather cease to exist.

Hearing Duan Yi confirm their classmate status, Sheng Yunxi instantly understood.

Duan Yi probably came over to say hello because Sheng Yunxi looked just like his brother.

Although Sheng Yunxi knew he was handsome, Duan Yi was no slouch either. When Sheng Yunxi saw him at the Cultural Plaza, she was so surprised. It was hard to describe—it felt like she’d known Duan Yi for over ten years.

Sheng Yunxi was very friendly. The moment she saw Duan Yi, her eyes lit up. Duan Yi was exactly her type: cute and cool, with chubby cheeks that made her want to pinch them.

“Duan-bao,” Sheng Yunxi said dramatically, tears in his eyes, “I thought my spring had come! I thought I’d finally found the man I could spend my life with. But it turns out you just want me for my looks!”

Duan Yi felt really guilty. “…Hahahaha!”

Sheng Yunze glared at Sheng Yunxi, warning her. Sheng Yunxi was confused, not realizing her words had hurt his brother’s fragile feelings.

Father Sheng came down from his study and saw the three young ones standing at the door. “Come in and sit down,” he said. “Have some fruit while you wait. Your mother is still making the chicken soup.”

Besides Mrs. Sheng, Auntie Chen, their housekeeper, was also busy in the kitchen.

Sheng Yunze’s house was a four-story villa with a garden and swimming pool, located in the city center beside a clean and beautiful canal.

His parents lived on the second floor, while he and his sister each had a floor on the third and fourth floors, respectively. Auntie Chen, the housekeeper, lived in the nanny’s room on the first floor.

Duan Yi knew his way around. He found the shoe cabinet, changed his shoes, and stood quietly.

He had been to Sheng Yunze’s house before—in the parallel world, of course. The first time he met Sheng Yunze’s parents, he had been so nervous he couldn’t stop fidgeting.

Duan Yi wasn’t nervous now. Why would he be? He had called Sheng Yunze’s parents “Mom and Dad” for over ten years. It was impossible to feel awkward.

Sheng Yunxi introduced him, “This is Duan Yi, a friend I met at Cultural Plaza today. I just found out he’s a classmate of Lao Sheng.”

Duan Yi smiled politely. “Hello, Uncle Sheng.”

Father Sheng looked a lot like Sheng Yunze. Duan Yi could easily imagine what Sheng Yunze would look like in middle age.

He sighed inwardly. Uncle Sheng must have been quite the heartthrob when he was young.

Mrs. Sheng came out of the kitchen and glanced at Duan Yi. When he saw her, his eyes lit up like a puppy’s, and he wanted to run over and cuddle. But he remembered that he and Auntie Sheng weren’t related in this world.

In this parallel world, besides his own mother, Mrs. Sheng was the kindest to Duan Yi.

Xiaoduan Mom was delicate and couldn’t even take care of herself, let alone Duan Yi. He stumbled through childhood, assuming all mothers were irresponsible and left their sons to fend for themselves. It wasn’t until he married Sheng Yunze that he experienced Mrs. Sheng’s unwavering care and devotion.

Their mother-in-law and son-in-law relationship was perfect. Mrs. Sheng would hide treats, always making sure Duan Yi got some while Sheng Yunze got none. When Sheng Ming and Sheng Xi were born, Xiaoduan Mom cried on one side, and Mrs. Sheng cried on the other. After everyone was safe, Mrs. Sheng declared she never wanted another grandchild.

In short, Duan Yi and Mrs. Sheng had a special bond. Even Xiaoduan Mom joked that Duan Yi must have been Mrs. Sheng’s son in a past life, explaining their close connection.

“Xiaoxi, what’s your friend’s name?” Mrs. Sheng asked. She and Xiaoduan Mom were from the same hometown, sharing a soft, gentle accent that made their words sound warm and comforting.

Sheng Yunxi replied without hesitation, “This is Duan Yi.”

Mrs. Sheng looked Duan Yixin up and down, smiling. “You’re very handsome.”

Duan Yixin felt a pang of bitterness. He remembered that he was now just a stranger to Mrs. Sheng, while in his old world, she had cherished him like a treasure. The difference was overwhelming.

“Auntie, just call me Xiaoduan.”

“Xiaoduan, sit down. Would you like some fruit? I’ll peel it for you.” Mrs. Sheng was very welcoming.

Duan Yi was surprised. “No need, Auntie. You’re busy. I came suddenly and bothered you.”

“No bother at all.”

She secretly glanced at Duan Yixin again. She thought he was very cute and pleasing to her eyes. She also felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if she had seen him somewhere before.

Mrs. Sheng wandered around the kitchen for a while, lost in thought.

Auntie Chen noticed and told her to go sit in the living room. She could handle things here.

Mrs. Sheng put down her bowl and went to the living room. She saw Sheng Yunze and Duan Yi sitting together, talking. Suddenly, she remembered that Duan Yi was Sheng Yunze’s classmate and found an excuse to ask.

“Xiaoduan, are you in the same class as Ah Ze?”

Sheng Yunze answered, “He’s our Class President.”

“Wow!” Mrs. Sheng exclaimed in surprise. “That’s impressive!”

Duan Yi blushed. “No, actually…”

Actually, no one else wanted to be Class President, so they voted for me. I didn’t want it either, but I had to treat everyone at the start of the year!

Thinking about that treat, Duan Yi realized it was all Sheng Yunze’s fault.

“No wonder Ah Ze had to change his clothes before seeing you,” Mrs. Sheng said.

Duan Yi looked at Sheng Yunze in surprise.

Sheng Yunze stiffened, sat up straight, and stubbornly insisted, “I didn’t change!”

Mrs. Sheng ignored him and gleefully exposed her son in front of Duan Yi. “He changed so fast! I only blinked, and he was already changed.”

She mercilessly revealed, “Ah Ze isn’t like this at home. He’s so messy! He wears the same t-shirt all day…”

Sheng Yunze’s face darkened.

Duan Yi looked like he’d discovered a new world. “Really?”

Mrs. Sheng nodded. “Yes! I tell him, but he doesn’t listen.”

Sheng Yunxi walked in with a fruit plate. Wherever Lao Sheng was busy throwing someone under the bus, Sheng Yunxi’s handsome back was sure to follow.

“You’re dressed more extravagantly than a Paris fashion show model, Lao Sheng. When did you start caring so much about your appearance?” Sheng Yunxi placed the fruit platter on the coffee table. Duan Yi picked up a cherry tomato, and Sheng Yunxi suddenly plopped down beside him. “Duan-bao, eat up! Don’t be shy. It’s all Lao Sheng’s food. Once it’s gone, he’ll have nothing left.”

Duan Yi’s stifled laughter irritated Sheng Yunze. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, Secretary Sheng,” Duan Yi replied. “I just didn’t realize you had two sides to you.”

Sheng Yunze’s gaze shifted between Duan Yi and Sheng Yunxi.

They were sitting close together on the sofa, almost shoulder to shoulder.

Sheng Yunze couldn’t stand the sight, especially Sheng Yunxi’s face. His desire to get his “cheap younger sister” a makeover grew stronger.

He stood up. Duan Yi looked up at him. Sheng Yunze forced his way between Sheng Yunxi and Duan Yi.

Sheng Yunxi yelped as she was shoved aside. “Hey! Lao Sheng, isn’t there enough room on the other side? Why do you have to sit here?”

Sheng Yunze gave a fake smile. “There seems to be plenty of space between you two.”

Sheng Yunxi: “Just a tiny crack! How the hell did you squeeze through?”

Sheng Yunze: “It means I’m skinny.”

He turned to Duan Yi, demanding an explanatio,: “You looking for me?”

Duan Yi rubbed his nose. “Not really…”

Sheng Yunze: “Be honest.”

Duan Yi: “Alright, alright. I wasn’t trying to find you. I just went to the Cultural Plaza to skateboard—”

To see if I could run into Sheng Yunze.

But instead of Sheng Yunze, Duan Yi unexpectedly saw Sheng Yunxi.

In that other world, Duan Yi and Sheng Yunxi were practically sworn brothers, like the Three Sworn Brothers of the Peach Garden. Duan Yi immediately struck up a conversation.

He never expected Sheng Yunxi to invite him home for dinner. Duan Yi went along with it—he wanted to meet Mrs. Sheng and maybe see Sheng Yunze again.

Mrs. Sheng welcomed them to the table. Before they started eating, she apologized for not knowing Xiaoduan’s preferences, saying she hadn’t had time to prepare.

Duan Yi was startled and quickly assured her it wasn’t a problem.

After some polite exchanges, the only sound at the table was the clinking of chopsticks against bowls.

This was the Sheng Family’s rule: no talking during meals. The large dining table remained silent.

Sheng Yunze and Sheng Yunxi, despite their usual playful bickering, were very well-mannered. They ate politely, taking small bites of food and rice, and never reaching for more than one chopstickful at a time.

Unlike Duan Yi and his brother, whose meals resembled a battlefield with their mother—chopsticks flying, saliva spraying, and a whirlwind of chaos that could finish a meal in ten minutes.

Duan Yi quietly ate only the dishes in front of him, too nervous to reach for anything else.

Suddenly, a piece of chicken appeared in his bowl. Sheng Yunze calmly withdrew his chopsticks, while Father Sheng and Mrs. Sheng exchanged surprised glances at Duan Yi.

Duan Yi’s face burned with embarrassment. He had no idea why Sheng Yunze had done that. He lowered his head, pretending not to notice, and stuffed the chicken and rice into his mouth.

Sheng Yunze seemed to have developed a habit of putting food in Duan Yi’s bowl. He kept adding different dishes, until Duan Yi had tried everything on the table and his stomach was round and full.

When the last bowl of soup arrived, Duan Yi was too full to finish it.

At home, he would have simply put down his chopsticks and let the housekeeper deal with it.

But in someone else’s house, leaving food was impolite. He paused, took a deep breath, and, as if facing a great challenge, resolved to finish the chicken soup.

Sheng Yunze raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice. “What are you doing?”

He had already finished eating before speaking.

Duan Yi, feeling embarrassed, quietly explained to Sheng Yunze, “I’m full. I don’t want to eat…”

When someone is full, their body feels soft and their voice sounds soft too.

Afraid others would hear, Duan Yi lowered his voice like Sheng Yunze, making it sound almost like a soft plea.

Sheng Yunze’s ears felt a little warm from Duan Yi’s words. He picked up his spoon and took Duan Yi’s bowl of chicken soup.

Duan Yi startled, but Sheng Yunze had already taken a sip.

“I—”

Duan Yi wasn’t a neat eater. Rice grains stuck all over the rim of his bowl, making it look messy.

Sheng Yunze was extremely clean. Duan Yi remembered that they hadn’t been so strict about this after their marriage, but he wasn’t sure what this Sheng Yunze thought.

Seeing Sheng Yunze’s smooth movements, Duan Yi’s voice caught in his throat.

“What?” Sheng Yunze asked.

“I already drank from it…” Duan Yi said.

“Oh,” Sheng Yunze replied. “Didn’t you say you couldn’t finish it?”

“…I guess so.”

He couldn’t finish his drink, so Sheng Yunze finished it… and nothing seemed wrong.

Glug glug.

Sheng Yunxi’s bowl clattered onto the table, rolled around, and nearly fell off.

She froze, her eyes wide and staring like copper bells. She looked at Sheng Yunze, then at Duan Yi, then back at Sheng Yunze, her face a kaleidoscope of indescribable expressions.

Mrs. Sheng swiftly caught the bowl. Her expression was also a bit strange, but she held it back and scolded, “How could you be so careless…?”

Sheng Yunze set down his bowl. Sheng Yunxi had already returned to normal, and so had Mrs. Sheng.

But suddenly, Mrs. Sheng’s interest in Duan Yi flared even brighter than before. She pulled him onto the sofa and peppered him with questions.

Sheng Yunze tried to join in, but Mrs. Sheng sent him to help Auntie Chen with the dishes.

“Xiaoduan, can I call you Duan-bao like Xiaoxi?”

The nickname “Duan-bao” had originated with Jiang Wangshu, a boy with a wild imagination who had given Duan Yi countless nicknames since childhood.

No one had expected Sheng Yunxi to come up with “Duan-bao” too. Perhaps she and Jiang Wangshu could exchange notes.

“Call me whatever you like, Auntie,” Duan Yi replied obediently.

Mrs. Sheng carefully looked at Duan Yi’s face. His eyes were round like a cat’s, with slightly upturned corners and long eyelashes. His nose was straight, his lips were full, and his cheeks were chubby, making you want to pinch them.

When he acted cute, he was a heartthrob for middle-aged women. Duan Yi had never met an auntie who could stay calm when he was being so charming!

Sure enough, Mrs. Sheng’s heart fluttered. She was completely smitten.

“Auntie is just curious,” Mrs. Sheng asked. “Do you have a girlfriend at school?”

Duan Yi: “No.”

He wanted to make a good impression, so he said firmly, “We’re in our third year of high school. Our studies come first, so we can’t date right now.”

Mrs. Sheng smiled even brighter. “That’s right! Ah Ze doesn’t have a girlfriend either.”

Duan Yi didn’t understand what that had to do with anything. Mrs. Sheng then asked, “Are you an Omega or an Alpha?”

Duan Yi thought: Why is she asking that?

His ID said he was an Alpha, but he was actually an Omega.

Duan Yi didn’t want to lie, so he honestly answered, “Omega.”

Mrs. Sheng’s eyes narrowed into slits as she smiled, pleased with Duan Yi’s answer. Feeling relaxed, she casually asked, “What do you think of your brother?”

Brother? Duan Yi realized she meant Sheng Yunze. Xiaoduan Mom often called Duan Shaoheng “Brother” too.

“He’s great! Lots of people in our class admire him—he’s a genius!” Duan Yi gave a thumbs-up. He could talk about Sheng Yunze’s good points all day.

“Oh…” Mrs. Sheng said meaningfully. “And what about you? Do you think he’s great too?”

“Of course!” Duan Yi replied.

Mrs. Sheng perked up immediately. She took Duan Yi on a tour of Sheng Yunze’s childhood awards, honors, and photos. She even told stories about how distant relatives’ daughters still had crushes on him.

She wanted to show that her son was outstanding, popular, and highly sought after.

Then she got to the point: how many properties Sheng Yunze’s family owned in Beijing’s second ring road, how many family members lived there, how open-minded and kind his parents were, and how the location near a subway station and good schools meant their future children’s education would be secure.

Mrs. Sheng spoke earnestly, gripping Duan Yi’s hand like a pushy insurance salesperson afraid her son wouldn’t sell. She emphasized that Sheng Yunze’s “factory settings” were perfect, a masterpiece crafted during her ten months of pregnancy. While he had picked up a few minor flaws during his upbringing, these were all within acceptable limits. If things got too difficult, the Sheng family even offered a ten-year warranty—just send Sheng Yunze back for “repairs,” which involved a good beating until he behaved.

After her impassioned speech, Mrs. Sheng’s eyes sparkled as she stared at Duan Yi. “What do you think?”

Seeing her expression, Duan Yi immediately realized his mistake. “No, Auntie! That’s not what I meant. I just meant that as a friend, I think he’s great!”

Having grown accustomed to being an Omega, Duan Yi had carelessly revealed his Omega status to Mrs. Sheng. He needed to clarify his feelings for Sheng Yunze to avoid any misunderstandings.

To his surprise, Mrs. Sheng looked puzzled. “You don’t like him?”

Duan Yi: …

…What kind of bizarre turn of events is this?

Mrs. Sheng was only sad for 0.0001 seconds before quickly changing her mood. She enthusiastically began promoting her other masterpiece, crafted over ten months of careful effort—Sheng Yunxi, the younger sibling who was “released” just five seconds after Sheng Yunze.

“If you don’t like the older brother, our younger sister is wonderful too! She looks exactly like him and is doing so well studying abroad…”

Duan Yi: ……

“Mom, what are you saying to him?” Sheng Yunze frowned, interrupting.

Mrs. Sheng fell silent, startled, then calmly replied, “We were just chatting about your school life.”

Duan Yi: Sheng Yunze’s ability to lie without blushing must be genetic! It absolutely must be!

After finishing his meal, Duan Yi lingered at Sheng Yunze’s house for a while. Checking the darkening sky outside, he stood up to leave. “Auntie, it’s getting late. I should head home.”

Mrs. Sheng looked surprised. “Leaving already? Why not stay the night? Tomorrow’s Sunday, and you and Ah Ze can go to school together in the morning.”

Duan Yi: “No, Auntie. I didn’t bring a change of clothes…”

Mrs. Sheng eagerly offered, “You can just wear Ah Ze’s! Or Xiaoxi’s, if needed. You and Xiaoxi are about the same height, right?”

Duan Yi: Damn it! This is humiliating! Being about the same height as a girl?!

Duan Yi glared at Sheng Yunze. “You’re still laughing! What’s so funny? Not every guy can grow to 186 centimeters! I’m only seventeen—will I even get any taller? Can I still grow taller by twenty?”

Duan Yi still had to leave. Mrs. Sheng reluctantly saw him to the entryway, then to the yard. She kept trying to find reasons for him to stay, even mentioning how delicious Auntie Chen’s late-night snacks were.

Duan Yi thought Mrs. Sheng was just as beautiful and kind as the one from his own world. If he didn’t leave soon, he might want to stay.

He wondered if Sheng Yunze would mind. Duan Yi glanced at the living room, a little annoyed that Sheng Yunze hadn’t come out to see him off.

Boom!

Duan Yi had barely stepped outside when dark clouds gathered overhead, threatening rain.

Mrs. Sheng seized this perfect excuse and quickly pulled Duan Yi back inside. The moment they were inside, a heavy downpour began.

Sheng Yunze pretended to read, while Sheng Yunxi burst out laughing, mocking him mercilessly. “Lao Sheng, your eyes practically followed Duan Yi into the yard! What book are you even reading?”

Sheng Yunze: …

He flipped the book over: The Proper Care and Feeding of Piglets.

“Damn it, how did the book I bought to tease Duan Yi end up here?”

The sound of thunder made him jump. He stood up and said dramatically, “Is it raining?”

Sheng Yunxi grinned, munching on an apple. “Looks like Duan-bao’s stuck here now. I wonder where he’ll sleep tonight. He might as well sleep with me—at least he’d be safe. I have no ulterior motives!”

Sheng Yunze glared coldly. “If you want to die, just say so.”

“Hey, Brother,” Sheng Yunxi said, nudging his leg with her foot and wiggling her eyebrows. She watched him with mischievous amusement. “Do you like him?”

“Mind your own business.”

“Ooh~” Sheng Yunxi flopped onto the sofa. “Fine by me! If you don’t like him, I’ll just win him over myself. I’ll make Duan-bao your brother-in-law!”

Sheng Yunze: …

Sheng Yunxi squirmed on the sofa like a worm, mockingly imitating Sheng Yunze’s inner turmoil. “What to do? What to do? So angry, but I can’t say anything~”

Sure enough, Duan Yi returned.

Sheng Yunze looked down at him. “Not leaving after all?”

Duan Yi: “Let me be clear, I’m not sticking around because I want to. It’s pouring outside, so I can’t leave. And just so you know, I won’t use this as an excuse to share a room with you. Relax, school beauty, I won’t ruin your innocence!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Mrs. Sheng waved her hand. “Duan-bao, we’re out of rooms. You’ll have to squeeze in with your brother tonight. His bed is huge—plenty of room for two.” She added with a guilty tone, “You’re both boys, so it shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

Sheng Yunze raised an eyebrow. “You won’t ruin my innocence?”

Duan Yi: …Damn it!

Sheng Yunze’s room occupied the entire fourth floor, complete with a private entrance, living room, and kitchenette. A study in the middle housed overflowing bookshelves filled with every kind of book imaginable.

Across from the bedroom was a large balcony with a glass greenhouse. Sheng Yunze had no interest in gardening, so the plants must have been put there by Mrs. Sheng.

Duan Yi’s memories of Sheng Yunze’s room were hazy. He felt a thrill as he opened the door, wondering what it would be like. Would it reflect Sheng Yunze himself? Given his obsession with cleanliness, it must be spotless…

Duan Yi immediately thought of the male lead’s room in novels: black marble floors, luxurious floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bed so neat not a single hair was out of place.

So when he opened the door to Sheng Yunze’s room, Duan Yi was shocked.

A messy bed, a cluttered desk, clothes and pants scattered on the floor, and spare jackets hanging haphazardly—

Sheng Yunze looked a little awkward and kicked a pile of clothes aside. “Auntie Chen hasn’t had time to tidy up today.”

He turned to Duan Yi. “What’s with that face? What’s so surprising? Don’t you think there’s a kind of order in this chaos?”

Duan Yi was speechless, unable to believe what he was seeing. “But… don’t you have a thing about being clean?”

Sheng Yunze shrugged. “Yeah. Haven’t you heard of people who are only picky about other people’s messes, not their own?”

“Damn it! Can’t you clean up your own room?!” Duan Yi exclaimed.

Sheng Yunze replied matter-of-factly, “I don’t come back here often. Why bother? Auntie Chen takes care of it.”

…Damn, he was so shameless!

But Sheng Yunze’s room wasn’t dirty, just messy. Things were scattered everywhere—clothes thrown around, books piled up haphazardly.

There was no strange expired food or milk.

Duan Yi couldn’t stand it anymore. He picked up a shirt from the floor and asked, “Is this clean?”

Sheng Yunze pulled out a chair, opened a bottle of water on his desk, and took a sip. “I forgot.”

He paused, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “Why don’t you smell it?”

He was teasing Duan Yi, but Duan Yi actually sniffed the shirt. He did it so naturally, as if he were Sheng Yunze’s wife.

Sheng Yunze had shot himself in the foot. He stood frozen as Duan Yi said with disgust, “It just smells like your pheromones.”

Duan Yi tossed the shirt into the laundry basket and picked up the rest of the clothes from the floor.

Sheng Yunze didn’t move. It was rude to let a guest clean his room, but he felt strangely satisfied watching Duan Yi.

Duan Yi was wearing a jacket with a high collar. The jacket was short, and he didn’t tuck in his shirt. When he stretched, you could see his thin, strong waist.

After throwing the clothes into the basket, Duan Yi opened the closet. It was neat, probably cleaned by Auntie Chen.

The bed was piled high with pajamas and sweatpants, some worn and some not. Duan Yi instinctively folded them neatly or hung them in the closet. Turning around, he saw the bed looked like a typhoon had hit it. He remade the bed, arranged the pillows, and folded the blanket.

Having finished that, Duan Yi thought, I’ve folded the clothes and made the bed. Might as well sweep the floor too, since I’ll be sleeping here tonight anyway.

He rolled up his sleeves, opened the curtains, and opened the window to air out the room. He began tidying up with practiced ease.

Sheng Yunze’s gaze never left Duan Yi. Wherever Duan Yi went, Sheng Yunze’s

The two little ones who had been trailing Duan Yi like little tails suddenly materialized before Sheng Yunze. Their eyes were wide, their lashes long, and their faces, like Duan Yi’s, were soft like glutinous rice dumplings. Sheng Yunze had never visualized something so clearly before.

The children’s appearances seemed to materialize directly in his mind, as if… he had actually seen them before.

Sheng Yunze’s thoughts froze, and a cold sweat broke out on his back: How do I know they’re two boys?

Duan Yi yawned, glanced at his watch, and saw that forty minutes had passed.

He stared speechlessly at Sheng Yunze, thinking, This guy really is an otherworldly fairy. He’s been watching me work this whole time and hasn’t even offered to help?

Seriously, whose room is this anyway?

Only after finishing cleaning did Duan Yi realize he must be crazy. Why was he rushing to clean Sheng Yunze’s room? Was he sick in the head?!

But it was done now. Even after marrying Sheng Yunze, he had done housework before—though mostly the nanny handled it, Duan Yi had actually enjoyed the simple joy of being a regular stay-at-home husband, always eagerly pitching in himself.

Duan Yi felt a sense of accomplishment watching Sheng Yunze’s room transform from a typhoon-ravaged mess to a picture of domestic tranquility.

Besides, there was nothing shameful about tidying up his husband’s room.

Men should be more understanding!

Knock, knock. Two knocks sounded on the door. Mrs. Sheng called out, “May I come in?”

When she opened the door, Duan Yi was still holding the clothes he was about to hang up. Mrs. Sheng froze, and Duan Yi froze too. He stammered awkwardly, “Auntie Sheng…”

Mrs. Sheng sputtered, “What’s that in your hands…?”

Sheng Yunze declared shamelessly, “My clothes.”

Mrs. Sheng’s face flushed with anger. “Why would you let him wash your clothes?”

Sheng Yunze shrugged. “Oh, he insisted on doing it himself.”

Fuck! Duan Yi thought. Don’t make it sound like I have some weird fetish!

Mrs. Sheng hurriedly set down the late-night snack she was carrying and snatched the damp clothes from Duan Yi’s arms. “These chores are for the housekeeper! You’re a guest—you shouldn’t be doing this! Come, Auntie made you some noodles. See if you like them.”

“But Auntie,” Duan Yi protested, “we just finished dinner.”

Only three hours had passed, and it was already time for a midnight snack?!

Sheng Yunze quipped, “Aren’t you the big eater? Why the sudden modesty? Who’s the pig who has milk tea and afternoon tea after lunch, and then orders a fried chicken cutlet to go?”

A vein throbbed on Duan Yi’s forehead. Mrs. Sheng glared at her son and coaxed Duan Yi, “Don’t listen to him. Boys who eat a lot grow tall and strong. Besides, you’re not fat at all. Auntie likes them a bit chubby.”

Sheng Yunze opened his mouth to retort, but Mrs. Sheng cut him off.

Under Mrs. Sheng’s doting gaze, Duan Yi finished his midnight snack, this time truly stuffed.

Mrs. Sheng’s maternal love nearly overflowed as she beamed at Duan Yi. “I always wanted a son like you—so cute and eats everything his mother makes.”

Duan Yi let out a milky burp and hesitated. “Doesn’t Sheng Yunze want any?”

Mrs. Sheng scoffed, “That picky eater? He won’t touch this or that. Even a princess isn’t this fussy. And he always argues with me! I tell him not to drag his feet, but he never listens…”

Then Mrs. Sheng went on and on, spilling all of Sheng Yunze’s embarrassing secrets. Sheng Yunze’s face darkened with annoyance, especially when he saw Duan Yi getting more and more excited, his eyes sparkling with interest. Finally, Sheng Yunze kicked them out.

Mrs. Sheng wanted to stay longer in Sheng Yunze’s room to chat with Duan Yi, but her cold-hearted son didn’t hesitate to kick her out.

Standing forlornly at the door, Mrs. Sheng suddenly had an idea. “Oh, right! Boys need milk before bed. I’ll go make them some.”

Full and sleepy, Duan Yi lay on Sheng Yunze’s bed.

The pheromones here were different from his home and school dorms. Without the usual blockers, Duan Yi felt like he was wrapped in a warm hot spring.

It felt so good.

This must be heaven, Duan Yi thought drowsily as he rolled over.

He felt the bed dip as Sheng Yunze sat down.

Duan Yi instinctively scooted over, completely lost in the blissful haze of a good meal and a comfy bed.

Sheng Yunze chuckled. “Hey, Duan the Piglet.”

Duan Yi: “Don’t talk to me right now, and don’t try to drag me out of bed, or I’ll give you a humanitarian beating.”

Sheng Yunze sat beside him and suddenly pinched his cheek. Duan Yi yelped in pain, opened his eyes, and glared. “Damn it! You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”

“You just ate and went straight to sleep. Shouldn’t you get up and walk around to digest?”

“I’m naturally gifted,” Duan Yi retorted. “I can digest lying down.”

Sheng Yunze suddenly reached out and poked Duan Yi’s stomach, wrinkling his nose. “All flab.”

Duan Yi curled up defensively. “=口=! Then don’t touch me! I didn’t ask you to!”

Sheng Yunze lifted Duan Yi’s shirt. “Let me see if your abs are still there.”

This was definitely crossing a line.

For anyone else, this would be blatant sexual harassment with a lame excuse.

Duan Yi looked doubtful. “They should be, right?”

He let Sheng Yunze lift his shirt. One glance was enough for Sheng Yunze to burst out laughing and roll around on the bed, while Duan Yi’s face turned bright red.

He’d eaten too much, and his stomach was a little bloated.

Duan Yi, humiliated and furious, grabbed a pillow and started hitting Sheng Yunze.

Outside, thunder roared and rain poured, while on the bed, a fierce pillow fight raged.

Sheng Yunze let Duan Yi hit him a few times with the pillow until he calmed down. Then, catching Duan Yi off guard, he wrapped his arms around Duan Yi’s waist and pulled him close.

“Let me see if you’ve gained weight,” Sheng Yunze said innocently, before playfully pinching Duan Yi all over.

Duan Yi squirmed in his arms, but Sheng Yunze found his ticklish spots, making Duan Yi laugh so hard he cried.

“You’re ready to be sold at the market,” Sheng Yunze teased.

“Tch,” then Sheng Yunze clicked his tongue, unimpressed.

Duan Yi, tired from playing, leaned against Sheng Yunze’s shoulder. “This little brother is worth a lot, you know.”

“I don’t see it. Who would buy you?” Sheng Yunze raised an eyebrow.

“Even if no one buys me, you’re not getting me cheap.”

Sheng Yunze sneered. “I raised this pig for a thousand days, just to slaughter it once. Why shouldn’t my pig come cheap to me?”

Duan Yi was now accustomed to being called a “pig.”

Besides, pigs were great—every part of them was valuable.

He took it as a compliment.

“Who’s your pig? You’re dreaming,” Duan Yi retorted, sitting up and slowly climbing off the bed.

He wore loose pants, obscuring the view, but Sheng Yunze could easily imagine it. Duan Yi’s thighs must be soft and white, easily marked by a man’s touch.

Sheng Yunze’s eyes darkened. He grabbed Duan Yi’s ankle and yanked him back.

Caught off guard, Duan Yi was dragged back onto the bed, followed by a sharp smack on his butt.

“Fuck! Three strikes and you’re out!” Duan Yi raged. “This is too much! You don’t hit a man’s face and butt!”

Sheng Yunze ignored him, flipping Duan Yi onto his back and pinning him down. With his right hand clamped on Duan Yi’s cheek, he drawled, “Who’s the one dreaming?”

Duan Yi: …

Sheng Yunze’s interest rekindled. Seeing Duan Yi lying obediently on the bed, a mix of shame and anger on his face, sent a jolt through him. His blood ran hot. “Piggy,” he said, “call me ‘Master.’“

---

Author’s Note:

School Beauty: passively triggers the sadist.

Your Xiaoduan Piggy makes his grand entrance! By the way, Xiaoduan isn’t fat at all—just soft and squishy, not even a little chubby!