What's Wrong with This Alpha? - Chapter 85

Chapter 85 – Daily Life of High School Students Raising Children Part 2

Duan Yi spent at least ten minutes explaining to Auntie Sheng that he wasn’t pregnant.

Explaining this to an elder was utterly mortifying. As he spoke, Duan Yi felt like crawling under the sofa to hide.

Auntie Sheng, please hide that disappointed expression! Duan Yi mentally groaned, on the verge of tears. I can see it! I’m not blind!

Mrs. Sheng was genuinely disappointed, but she tried to comfort Duan Yi. “It’s alright, you’re still young. It’ll happen eventually.”

Duan Yi: ……

Sheng Yunze, munching on an apple and enjoying the drama, chimed in with his usual bluntness. “Mom, you need to stop watching those palace intrigue dramas.”

He didn’t spare his own mother from his sharp tongue. “What are you thinking? Look at the underage protection laws on your right—you can’t get married until you’re twenty, okay?”

“What did Dad say?” Duan Yi fretted, pulling Sheng Ming into a tight hug and petting him like a cat. Sheng Ming’s meticulously styled, silky hair instantly turned into a frizzy mess.

Mrs. Sheng had already gone upstairs to prepare lunch. When Duan Yi arrived yesterday, Duan Ji Huai had conveniently packed Duan Yi’s backpack and luggage together and tossed them to Sheng Yunze.

Duan Yi tried calling home, but the line showed that Duan Ji Huai was already on another call.

“No answer,” Sheng Yunze said.

Duan Yi struck a melodramatic “thinker” pose.

Sheng Xi, nestled in Sheng Yunze’s arms, inherited his father’s sharp tongue. “That pose looks so ugly!”

Duan Yi: ……

“Shut your son up,” he retorted, glaring at Sheng Xi. “What does a kid like you know? It’s called the ‘Thinker’ pose. Thinking in this position makes you smarter.”

Sheng Xi burrowed deeper into Sheng Yunze’s embrace, his eyes disappearing behind his laughter.

Duan Yi didn’t mind being mocked by his younger son. After all, both these little brats were just like Sheng Yunze.

Sheng Ming, the older one, was more sensible, but the younger one was a mischievous, sharp-tongued rascal who’d be climbing the roof if left unsupervised for three days.

“What are you thinking about?” Sheng Yunze asked.

“I’m wondering if Dad is pretending to be sad about me leaving, but secretly he’s thrilled to be rid of me so he can have a romantic getaway with Mom.”

“Will he?” Sheng Yunze asked.

Duan Yi replied solemnly, “I can practically hear my dad’s triumphant laughter echoing from miles away: ‘Heh heh heh! Finally got rid of Duan Er! Heh heh heh!'”

Sheng Yunze was speechless. “Uncle Duan would never laugh like that. You’re just imagining things.”

Duan Yi stood up, and Sheng Ming, who had been waiting for him to do so, eagerly reached out. “Mommy, hug!”

“How many times have I told you to call me ‘Brother’?” Duan Yi lifted him by his little bottom. “Want to go buy toys?”

To be honest, Sheng Ming wasn’t particularly interested in toys. Sheng Xi didn’t seem too keen either. The two children exchanged glances.

Duan Yi immediately made the decision for them. “I knew you guys would love to go! Come on, I’m in a good mood today, I’ll take you!”

Sheng Yunze retorted sarcastically, “Isn’t it just you who wants to buy them?”

Duan Yi protested, “Hey! I’m practically an adult! Don’t underestimate the willpower of a high school student, okay? Who even plays with toys anymore?”

Sheng Yunze countered, “You were watching cartoons just two nights ago.”

Duan Yi retorted, “What man doesn’t watch One Piece?!”

Sheng Yunze countered, “And men watch Interstellar Babies too?”

Duan Yi felt a twinge of embarrassment. “…That’s what real men should be watching. Besides, why are you beating around the bush? Don’t you want to buy toys?”

Sheng Yunze scoffed, “I’m not like you.”

And so, on the fourth floor of a high-end department store, at the limited-edition Lego release event in the massive toy center, two boys squatted side-by-side, heads close together, whispering excitedly.

“Holy shit, Brother—” Duan Yi clutched a limited-edition box, his eyes wide with awe, sparkling like stars. He thrust it at Sheng Yunze. “The ultimate weapon against the dark world! 71702 Golden Fighting Mech! This year’s Christmas limited edition! Can you even build it?!”

Sheng Yunze, squatting beside him, held another box—Jay’s Storm Fighter, a lightning ninja’s aircraft with interchangeable flight and combat modes. He smirked smugly. “Of course I can build it. I already built the one you’re holding.”

Duan Yi carefully examined the box. “I want to get this one. Do you want it too? I just saw they have a Harley-Davidson motorcycle set on sale today…”

Sheng Yunze made a quick decision. “Let’s get them all.”

He grabbed a new Lego set—a 110th-anniversary edition of a soccer stadium. Buying it now came with two commemorative Lego water bottles, and Sheng Yunze, wanting the water bottles, added the large box to their cart.

The two of them squatted on the floor, thoroughly examining every box on the bottom shelf, before reluctantly standing up.

Then, the two high school newbie dads turned around and found the twins staring at them with indescribable expressions.

Sheng Yunze, the coolest guy in the coolest clothes, who always said, “I’m not like your mom—I’m more mature”: ……

Duan Yi, who insisted, “Don’t underestimate high schoolers’ self-control! Who even plays with toys anymore?”: ……

Sheng Ming spoke up. “Dad…”

Sheng Yunze replied expressionlessly, “These are for you.”

Sheng Xi’s expression became even more conflicted. “Daddy, I don’t li…”

Sheng Yunze insisted, “They’re definitely for you.”

Sheng Xi muttered, “Why do you always use the same excuse…?”

Then, in an even quieter voice, he grumbled, “Every time you say it’s for us, but then you take it home and play with it more enthusiastically than anyone else…”

Sheng Yunze, unable to maintain his composure, cleared his throat awkwardly.

Duan Yi remained completely oblivious to the fact that his two precious children were watching him and Sheng Yunze squat on the floor, excitedly discussing toys—a rather embarrassing sight.

His face was pressed against the drone display window, practically clinging to it like an octopus refusing to let go.

Sheng Yunze grabbed him by the back of his shirt. “Didn’t you already buy one of these?”

Duan Yi felt his saliva practically dripping. “This one’s different! It’s the latest model—I don’t have this one yet!”

Sheng Yunze’s eyebrow twitched. “Are you a child? Your son is watching! Can you at least try not to embarrass yourself?”

Duan Yi silently stared at the Lego set in Sheng Yunze’s hand.

Sheng Yunze’s back stiffened. “This is for Mingbao.”

Duan Yi: “Oh.”

He nodded mechanically, his voice dripping with insincerity. “I believe you.”

Sheng Yunze: ……

In the end, the twins didn’t want any toys, so they bought nothing.

Duan Yi, however, bought a mountain of things: figurines, drones, Gundams, Legos—enough to fill the shopping cart to overflowing.

Sheng Yunze’s credit card was swiped for over ten thousand yuan. As they walked, Duan Yi poisoned his sons’ minds, explaining the various transformations of the Gundams.

Sheng Ming thought his mother was being childish, but he was too embarrassed to say so. Offending Duan Yi was one thing, but this topic could easily offend and inadvertently injure his dad. Sheng Yunze was not someone to be trifled with; crossing him would surely lead to unpleasant consequences.

So he kept his mouth shut, marveling silently.

Sheng Yunze followed behind, carrying Duan Yi’s shopping bags. On the first floor, he handed the bags to the driver to take home, then led Sheng Ming and Sheng Xi to lunch.

On the way, Duan Yi received a call from Cao Ming, the man he’d met the previous day.

Sheng Yunze’s face immediately fell, clearly displeased that their date—or rather, their family’s private time—had been interrupted.

Duan Yi had drunkenly agreed to Cao Ming’s request the previous night, only to regret it the moment he woke up. He’d assumed Cao Ming’s silence meant the man had just been making empty promises, but the stubborn fellow actually showed up at their door.

Duan Yi glanced guiltily at Sheng Yunze, who gave him a haughty, “Deal with it yourself” look.

Oh dear, Duan Yi thought, steeling himself to give Cao Ming their address.

Half an hour later, Cao Ming arrived, approaching from a distance.

Sheng Yunze stood behind Duan Yi, pouting in displeasure and grinding his little canines together, Sheng Ming cradled in his arms.

Then, slowly and subtly, Sheng Yunze shifted back a step, glancing at the mall mirror.

Hair: perfect.

Outfit: perfect.

Face: beyond perfect.

Completely outclassing this Cao what’s-his-name—Cao Nima?

Sheng Yunze preened with satisfaction, like a peacock spreading its tail feathers.

Cao Ming spotted Duan Yi first, surprised to see him with Sheng Yunze.

He paused briefly, then noticed Sheng Ming in Sheng Yunze’s arms and Sheng Xi holding Duan Yi’s hand.

What’s with this bizarre, instant family-of-four vibe?

“Duan Yi, who are these two?” Cao Ming asked.

Sheng Xi preempted him, chirping, “Hello, Uncle!”

Uncle?!

Cao Ming felt a metaphorical arrow pierce his heart. He forced a strained smile. “…Uncle?” he repeated, his tone clearly questioning.

Sheng Xi and Sheng Ming exchanged glances. Sheng Xi innocently explained, “Sorry, Auntie, you just look kind of androgynous.”

Sheng Ming added politely in his childish voice, “Hello, Auntie.”

Cao Ming: …

Who are these kids?!

Duan Yi covered his face and glanced back at Sheng Yunze.

Sheng Yunze remained remarkably calm, wearing an expression that said, “I know nothing.”

Cao Ming chuckled awkwardly. “Haha, kids say the darndest things. Just call me Uncle, okay?”

Sheng Xi glanced at Sheng Yunze again before turning to his grandfather. “Okay, Grandpa.”

Cao Ming was speechless. This kid’s doing it on purpose, I can tell.

Duan Yi figured he could just treat Cao Ming to lunch and send him on his way, to avoid Sheng Yunze giving him the cold shoulder.

Noticing it was almost noon, Duan Yi asked Cao Ming about his preferred cuisine.

Cao Ming’s heart warmed. “I love Sichuan food.”

Duan Yi then turned to Sheng Yunze. “You want something sweet, right?”

Finally, he leaned down to ask the twins what they wanted.

Sheng Xi raised his hand. “Ice cream!”

Sheng Ming raised his hand too. “Crab roe burger!”

After gathering everyone’s preferences, Duan Yi ultimately chose his favorite chain restaurant.

He exuded the shameless air of someone who had asked for opinions but had no intention of actually using them.

So what was the point of going through all that trouble to ask everyone?!

Cao Ming’s initial warmth vanished instantly, leaving him speechless with frustration. Duan Yi hasn’t changed a bit since childhood.

Since there were two children in the group of five, the restaurant seated them at a four-person table.

Cao Ming had planned to sit next to Duan Yi, but as soon as Duan Yi sat down, Sheng Xi climbed onto his lap.

Sheng Ming immediately claimed the seat next to Sheng Xi.

Finally, Sheng Yunze arrived fashionably late. Cao Ming, though slightly resentful, had no choice but to say, “Let’s sit on the other side then.”

But Sheng Yunze didn’t even glance at him. Under Sheng Ming’s sparkling, expectant gaze, he calmly picked up the boy, placed him on his lap, and sat down next to Duan Yi.

This left Cao Ming alone on the right side of the table.

Cao Ming: ……

I shouldn’t be at the table; I should be under it.

“You’re Sheng Yunze, right?” Cao Ming changed the subject after they ordered. “We met at the banquet yesterday.”

Duan Yi, realizing he hadn’t introduced Sheng Yunze yet, said casually, “Oh, this is my boyfriend.”

Cao Ming’s smile stiffened momentarily before returning to normal. “I’m surprised Uncle Duan never mentioned you had a boyfriend.”

Sheng Yunze gave him a cold look. “Even if he did, he wouldn’t need to explain it to you.”

Cao Ming chuckled. “I heard you had a secondary differentiation and are now an Omega, right? Having a boyfriend is fine, but you’re both still young. Your studies should come first. Don’t let early romance distract you from your education.”

Duan Yi casually asked, “Brother Cao, which university did you go to?”

Cao Ming smiled elegantly, trying to appear humble while subtly showing off. “China University of Political Science and Law.”

Duan Yi was impressed despite not fully understanding. “Wow… that’s pretty impressive.”

“It’s alright,” Cao Ming replied. “I just didn’t perform my best on the National College Entrance Examination that year. Uncle Duan mentioned you did well on your finals. You’re an art student, right? The score requirements shouldn’t be too high. Do you think you have a chance at the Central Academy of Fine Arts?”

Duan Yi was peeling grapes for Sheng Xi as he casually answered, “Yeah, it’s alright. I don’t really have a dream university. Wherever Sheng Yunze goes, I’ll go too. I don’t like long-distance relationships.”

Cao Ming choked slightly. “You haven’t thought about your own plans?”

Duan Yi caught the grape seeds Sheng Xi spat out, looking genuinely surprised. “But I do have plans! My plan is to go to the same university as Sheng Yunze. I don’t want to be in a long-distance relationship.”

“Then Xiaosheng…” Cao Ming began.

Duan Yi finally had something to brag about. When someone asked about Sheng Yunze, he became even more boastful than Sheng Yunze himself. “He’ll just take the exam casually. Either Tsinghua or Peking University, anyway. He’s the provincial top scorer, guaranteed.”

After a moment’s thought, he added, “If I couldn’t get into Peking University, I’d even consider going to the one near him.”

After a moment’s thought, Duan Yi seemed to have discovered a new continent. He turned to Sheng Yunze and said, “Why don’t you go to Tsinghua? I can get into the Tsinghua Academy of Fine Arts.”

Damn, you talk about Tsinghua and Peking Universities like they’re your family’s private schools, okay?

Cao Ming felt a pang of frustration, but Sheng Yunze remained remarkably calm. He peeled a grape, fed it to Duan Yi, then held his hand to Duan Yi’s mouth to catch the spit-out seed. “Whatever you want,” he said.

Cao Ming: ……

Fine. Young love. Graduation equals breakup. It’s not like it’s going to last forever.

Besides, Sheng Yunze doesn’t exactly look like the type to settle down.

Cao Ming adjusted his mindset. Suddenly, Sheng Xi, acting remarkably mature, ladled a spoonful of chicken soup for Duan Yi. “Brother, drink more chicken soup,” he said. “Grandpa says you need to eat well when you have a little baby in your tummy.”

Cao Ming nearly choked on his soup, forcing down the scalding liquid. Before he could even react, Sheng Yunze’s performance began.

With a look of exaggerated concern (Duan Yi inwardly screamed, God, Sheng Yunze, why aren’t you auditioning for the Beijing Film Academy?!), Sheng Yunze steadied Duan Yi as if he were a fragile porcelain doll. “Baby’s right,” he said.

Duan Yi, the unwillingly pregnant one, could only stare in silence.

Duan Yi gritted his teeth. “If I don’t give birth to anything in ten months, you three are dead.”

Sheng Ming calmly took a sip of his soup. “I’m not part of this performance. You can’t just falsely accuse innocent people—”

Hearing the word “performance,” Cao Ming’s heart, which had been pounding in his chest, sank back into his stomach.

Right, Duan Yi is only seventeen. How could he possibly be pregnant? The kid’s just making things up, right?

Then the “lying kid,” Sheng Ming, innocently and deliberately drew out his words, looking at Duan Yi with exaggerated emphasis, “Mom—”

In his childish voice, he added, “Am I right?”

Cao Ming’s pupils dilated in shock.

He nearly shoved a mouthful of rice up his nose.

This meal was truly the most invisible meal Cao Ming had ever eaten.

He was usually quite talkative and, as a rare and exceptional Alpha, considered a good match for Duan Yi. Combined with Duan Yi’s undeniably handsome and charming looks, Cao Ming had developed an interest in him at the banquet.

Not only did Duan Yi have a boyfriend, but the fucking bastard also had two kids (though Cao Ming wasn’t entirely sure, his mental state had taken such a beating that he was now convinced the children belonged to Duan Yi and Sheng Yunze). And to top it off, Duan Yi was fucking pregnant!

What the hell was going on?!

Were all high schoolers this wild these days?

After finishing his meal, Cao Ming mumbled a goodbye and drifted away like a ghost.

Sheng Xi’s devilish little tail flickered into a blur as he waved cheerfully. “Goodbye, Auntie!”

Sheng Ming and Sheng Yunze, the two little devils, suddenly sprouted sharp horns on their heads, correcting him in unison, “It’s Grandpa.”

Sheng Xi: “Goodbye, Grandpa!”

Cao Ming’s retreating figure stumbled. Fuck, goodbye forever!

I never want to see your goddamn family of four again in my life!

Author’s Note:

No need for a paternity test—the school beauty is their biological father. [Pushes up glasses]