Chapter 7

Lin’s Group Building.

Lin Chuanwu had just finished a four-hour meeting. Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, he rubbed his temples with a gloomy expression. His head was starting to hurt again. He took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, and as he placed one in his mouth, the taste of snow orchid spread in his mouth, piercing straight into his brain. However, a substitute is just a substitute, only making him more restless and eager.

Qiu Yi knocked and entered to report, “Mr. Lin, your family called, asking you to come home for dinner.”

“Tell them I’m busy.”

“Your father said your grandfather is also there.”

Lin Chuanwu extinguished the cigarette, put on his coat, and drove back to the old residence.

In the living room, Lin Fuli sat in the main seat, his aged face tense. Lin Xiangyi was playing the role of a good son, attending to Lin Fuli, but all he got in return was Lin Fuli’s indifference. Lin Chuanwu handed his coat to the servant, unable to suppress a cold laugh.

Hearing his voice, Lin Xiangyi complained, “Do you think you’re so capable now? Do I have to beg you on my knees for you to come back?”

Lin Fuli said, “You think too highly of yourself. If it weren’t for me being here today, he wouldn’t have come back at all.”

Lin Xiangyi’s face turned a bit unpleasant.

Weng Yuzhu, who was sitting nearby, eagerly approached Lin Chuanwu, “Chuanyi, have you been busy lately? You haven’t come back for a long time.”

Hearing this name, Lin Fuli snorted heavily.

Lin Chuanwu stared at Weng Yuzhu. She looked aged, but her demeanor was still like a little girl. In the end, he responded, “Yes, I’ve been busy lately.”

“Have you been eating well? You look thinner. Come, sit down. These are all your favorite dishes.”

Lin Chuanwu sat down with her, letting her fill his plate with food.

“You love these mushrooms the most. Mom had the servants make a lot.”

Lin Fuli couldn’t stand it and reminded, “He’s allergic to mushrooms…”

But Lin Chuanwu had already eaten them.

Lin Fuli sighed.

After the meal, Lin Chuanwu went to the bathroom and vomited until his veins bulged. He cleaned up and came out. Weng Yuzhu had already been helped back to her room to rest, leaving only Lin Fuli and Lin Xiangyi at the dining table.

“The Lin family’s youngest son said he asked you out, and you deleted him?”

“Did that happen?” Lin Chuanwu wiped his hands slowly, “Maybe a subordinate accidentally deleted the wrong person.”

“You!” Lin Xiangyi slammed the table.

The next moment, a cane knocked on his head, and Lin Fuli said, “Your father is still here. What do you want to do?”

“Dad!” Lin Xiangyi was annoyed, “Is it wrong for me to want them to get married? Back then, when the group’s funds were tight, wasn’t it the Lin family who helped us? We agreed with the Lin family that when Chuanyi and the Lin family’s youngest son came of age, they would get married. Now that Chuanyi is gone, what’s wrong with him taking his brother’s place to marry someone else?”

“It’s wrong. Why should he bear his brother’s responsibility? Haven’t we helped the Lin family enough over the years!”

The argument made Lin Chuanwu’s headache worse, “Enough.”

The living room fell silent instantly.

Lin Chuanwu glanced at Lin Xiangyi, “Marriage, is it?”

“I’ll do it.”

After speaking, Lin Chuanwu’s temples throbbed with excitement, and he seemed to catch a whiff of snow orchid.

“You… it’s good that you understand.”

Although he agreed, for some reason, Lin Xiangyi had a bad premonition, making him feel uneasy.

Not long after Lin Chuanwu left, Lin Fuli also got up shakily, pointing his cane at Lin Xiangyi’s nose.

“Is there any parent in the world like you? Taking the eldest son abroad when he was young and leaving him alone.”

“Calling him back for dinner, is there anything on this table he likes? You know he’s allergic to mushrooms!”

Away from the argument, Lin Chuanwu’s headache eased a lot. He returned to the car and gave an order.

“Draft a prenuptial agreement for me tomorrow.”

Qiu Yi, temporarily acting as the driver, was stunned, “Prenuptial… Mr. Lin, are you really planning to marry the Lin family’s youngest son…”

There was no answer from the back seat. Qiu Yi glanced in the rearview mirror, only to see the alpha’s face hidden in the darkness, making it hard to discern his expression.

Suddenly, there was a gut feeling that the marriage partner might be someone else.

**

After securing investment, Wen Yan devoted himself entirely to the “Catch the Brother” game. After a busy week, he finally got off work a few hours early on Friday.

A middle-aged man was standing at his doorstep.

It was Wen Shichuan’s father, Wen Jingming.

“Uncle,” Wen Yan greeted softly.

Once inside, Wen Jingming looked around Wen Yan’s place, “Looks like you’ve been doing well these past two years.”

Wen Yan didn’t say anything.

“Xiao Yan, can you lend me some money?”

“Haven’t I been sending you money?”

“I need seven million.”

“Why do you suddenly need so much money?” Wen Yan’s heart tightened.

“Your Aunt Chen’s son went bankrupt in business, and now he’s in debt. The creditors come with knives every day, saying they’ll break his legs if he doesn’t pay. We’re living in fear every day…”

Wen Yan’s mother passed away shortly after marrying Wen Jingming, and since then, Wen Jingming had been supporting him and Wen Shichuan. After Shichuan disappeared, their family fell apart. Aunt Chen was Wen Jingming’s new partner, and she had a son who was in business.

“Seven million is not a small amount. I… need to think of a way.”

After Wen Jingming left, Wen Yan fell into deep thought.

Wen Yan had followed his mother to the Wen family when he was fourteen. Upon arriving, he immediately saw the little boy hiding behind Wen Jingming. His eyes were big, staring at him without blinking.

Wen Jingming said, “Xiao Chuan, call him brother.”

Wen Shichuan snorted heavily, “I don’t have a brother!” Then he ran off angrily.

Wen Jingming apologized to Wen Yan’s mother, “Sorry, he’s usually well-behaved. It’ll get better.”

Then he led Wen Yan to his room.

“I prepared this especially for you, Xiao Yan. If anything’s missing, just tell Uncle.”

And so began Wen Yan’s seven-year life at the Wen family.

It’s normal to feel hostility towards outsiders. Wen Yan calmly accepted Wen Shichuan hiding his backpack, wetting his bed, or blaming him for things he didn’t do.

Until one day, on Wen Shichuan’s birthday, after celebrating, Wen Yan woke up in the middle of the night to drink water and suddenly heard a sobbing voice.

“Mom…”

Wen Yan walked into Wen Shichuan’s room and saw him hugging a pillow, crying.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s none of your business.”

“Then don’t cry. You can tell me anything. I’ll keep it a secret.”

Only then did Wen Shichuan stop crying, looking at him with teary eyes.

Wen Yan patted his head, “Even if you don’t accept it, I’m still your brother.”

“Brother…”

“Yes.” Wen Yan smiled.

“What’s wrong? Missing Mom?”

Wen Shichuan lowered his head, sniffing.

From that night on, their relationship began to change.

Wen Shichuan was a simple-minded child. If he disliked someone, he really disliked them, and if he liked someone, he really liked them.

He started sharing his favorite snacks and toys with Wen Yan, and sometimes even wanted to sleep in Wen Yan’s room.

They went to amusement parks and zoos together.

Wen Jingming and Wen Yan’s mother had a good relationship too.

That was the happiest time for Wen Yan, but soon after, his mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in less than three months.

After her death, Wen Jingming said he would take care of him. Wen Yan believed he was sincere, but still felt like a burden, planning to return to his grandmother’s house in the countryside. Wen Jingming couldn’t persuade him otherwise, so he let him pack his bags. Originally, they planned to leave secretly without telling Wen Shichuan, but he found out…

Wen Shichuan clung to his arm, his eyes filled with anger. No matter how much Wen Jingming tried to persuade him, he wouldn’t let go…

“If he dares to leave, I won’t study anymore.”

Wen Yan had no choice but to stay at the Wen family.

Continuing to go to school with Wen Shichuan.

Their relationship grew closer, and Wen Shichuan, like a child who never grew up, would chatter endlessly, sharing everything he thought was good with Wen Yan.

He also listened to Wen Yan. If Wen Yan told him not to smoke with other alphas, he wouldn’t. If Wen Yan told him not to look down on omegas and betas, he would genuinely respect others…

It seemed like he only had eyes for his brother…

But…

When did things start to feel off?

Maybe it was after Wen Shichuan’s eighteenth birthday when he refused to call him brother anymore.

Maybe it was when Wen Jingming jokingly asked him what kind of wife he wanted in the future, and Wen Shichuan looked at him…

Or maybe it was when he found his missing clothes on Wen Shichuan’s bed… his ears turning red, stammering explanations…

When he heard him say he liked him, Wen Yan felt like he was struck, his mind going blank…

Then he got very angry, the angriest he’d ever been.

He sternly warned Wen Shichuan that he could only be his brother, and he could only be his brother, and they could never have any other relationship.

He even said very harsh words.

“If you insist on that, then you don’t need to see me anymore.”

Then Wen Shichuan really left and never came back.

For the past two years, he’s regretted every day, wondering why he said such harsh words, why he couldn’t guide him slowly, letting him know they could never be…

If only he had been a little softer, would Wen Shichuan not have run away, not disappeared for so long?

He’s always blamed himself, feeling deeply guilty towards Wen Jingming.

It’s all because of him that at such an old age, he lost his child.

Seven million, just seven million…

Even if Wen Jingming wanted his life, Wen Yan would give it…

*

On Monday noon, Wen Yan was having lunch with Gu Yi.

“Mr. Gu, are you financially comfortable lately?”

“How much do you need?”

Wen Yan felt a bit embarrassed, “Seven million.”

Gu Yi put down his chopsticks, looking at him, “Did you pick up a bad habit? Or is someone morally blackmailing you for money?”

“No.”

“I’m just like you, a working man. Where would I get that much money?” Gu Yi joked, “I can transfer twenty thousand to you right now, but seven million, I might not have that even when I die.”

Chang Jing and Liu Ren were discussing work by Wen Yan’s computer. They were the type to enjoy life as it comes, with no money in hand. The thought of borrowing from them was dismissed in a second.

Wen Yan rubbed his face in shame. He was clearly older than them and should be helping them, but instead, he was thinking of troubling them.

His colleagues and friends were just like him, ordinary people. No one could come up with that much money. To get that much money at once, he’d have to take out a loan, but formal loans consider the borrower’s overall conditions. Wen Yan might qualify for tens of thousands, but seven million… And private loan institutions have exorbitant interest rates…

Late at night, Wen Yan stared at his phone screen.

In this materialistic world, any app can lend you money with just a tap.

But upon closer inspection, the interest rates are terrifyingly high.

Wen Yan turned off his phone, and when he turned around, he saw a photo of Wen Shichuan.

For the past two years, part of his salary went to his basic living expenses, and the rest went to Wen Jingming.

He had a big responsibility for Wen Shichuan’s disappearance. He felt guilty towards Wen Jingming…

The next morning, Wen Yan went to see Liu Feng.

“Seven million?” Liu Feng looked troubled.

Wen Yan lowered his eyes in shame, “Mr. Liu, I’m in some trouble. If you’re willing to lend it to me, I can transfer my share of the game’s profits to your company once it’s completed.”

“It’s not that I care about that,” Liu Feng said calmly, “Right now, we’re in a client-contractor relationship. If I transfer money to you privately and someone finds out, it could affect my reputation.”

Liu Feng was someone who valued talent. When he saw someone with great potential, he would support them without reservation.

At the venture investment conference, Wen Yan’s presentation of his product impressed Liu Feng, making him feel that Wen Yan had a bright future.

After getting to know him, he found Wen Yan to be of good character, so he was willing to work with him and help him when he was in trouble.

“Recently, my two brothers have been watching for any mistakes I make. Why don’t you wait a few months? In a few months, I can transfer the money to you in a personal capacity.”

Wen Yan thought of Wen Jingming’s anxious tone, realizing time was tight. But Liu Feng was willing to lend him the money, and Wen Yan was already grateful. He couldn’t shamelessly rush him.

“Thank you, thank you…” After expressing his gratitude, Wen Yan reported the progress of the game’s development to him.

Wen Yan was very organized when explaining things, speaking in a way that even an outsider like Liu Feng could understand, a skill many of his subordinates lacked.

Before they knew it, it was noon. Liu Feng wanted to invite Wen Yan for lunch but noticed Wen Yan seemed a bit distracted.

“If you really need the money urgently, I have a suggestion for you.” Liu Feng smiled slightly.

Wen Yan left Mingyang Company and got on the bus back to his company.

On the bus, Wen Yan took out a business card.

It was an alpha’s business card.

Lin Chuanwu.

Wen Yan looked at the three characters, his dark eyelashes trembling slightly.

“I noticed you seem to know Mr. Lin quite well. Why not try borrowing from him?” Liu Feng’s words echoed in his mind.

Should he ask him…

Wen Yan wouldn’t let trivial matters affect his work. On the contrary, when faced with something he didn’t know how to handle, he would use work as an escape.

“Boss, let’s go downstairs for lunch!” During the lunch break, Liu Ren called him.

“You guys go ahead.” Wen Yan took out the rice ball he bought from the convenience store in the morning and put it in the company microwave, “I need to work on the NPC’s details.”

“You can do it after lunch too.” Liu Ren said, “You eat unhealthy stuff every day. Can your body handle it? I think you’ve lost weight. Your waist looks so thin from behind.” Liu Ren made an exaggerated gesture.

“Is it that thin?” Wen Yan blushed, looking down. His stomach was indeed flatter than before.

Fortunately, Liu Ren was too hungry to notice Wen Yan’s embarrassment and had already run off to eat. Wen Yan took out the heated rice ball, took a bite, then put it down again, taking out the business card he had in his folder. Wen Yan didn’t know where else to get that much money…

Wen Yan worked for three days, finally pushing the game’s progress forward. After getting off work early on Friday, he sat in a café downstairs from his company. The sunset shone on him, then slowly faded away.

Eventually, Wen Yan made the call.

No one answered, which made Wen Yan breathe a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to put his phone in his pocket, the other party called back.

Wen Yan answered with trembling hands.

Half an hour later, a luxurious black car stopped in front of the café. Qiu Yi stood beside it, “Mr. Wen, Mr. Lin wants to talk to you personally.”

“I’d like to go home and get something first,” Wen Yan said softly.

“Of course.”

When he got back in the car, Wen Yan was holding an alpha’s coat.

The car drove towards the eastern suburbs.

This wasn’t the way to Lin’s Group. Wen Yan thought, maybe they were meeting in a more relaxed setting.

But soon, he saw one villa after another. This was where the wealthy lived, exuding luxury everywhere.

“Where does Mr. Lin plan to meet me?” Wen Yan asked softly, his face pale even in the dim car.

“At Mr. Lin’s residence,” Qiu Yi replied.

Residence…

Wen Yan pressed his lips tightly.

Qiu Yi noticed his nervousness, “It’s like this, Mr. Lin wasn’t feeling well today. When you called, he was already resting at home.”

“Sorry,” Wen Yan lowered his eyes.

“It’s okay.” Qiu Yi tried to keep his tone light, “Don’t be afraid.”

“Actually, Mr. Lin is a good person. Every year, he sponsors underprivileged omegas and betas for education and actively supports beta rights…”

“Mr. Lin is also very kind-hearted. He has many pets at home…” Qiu Tian, in the passenger seat, added.

“Pets…” Wen Yan thought of the alpha’s not-so-friendly face, finding it hard to associate him with cute cats and dogs.

“Yes, Mr. Lin even set up a fence at home to give the pets more space to move around. He plays with them whenever he has time, even if they bite him, he doesn’t get angry.” Qiu Tian quickly said.

“Bite?”

“The pets are… a bit fierce.”

Soon, Wen Yan saw those pets.

In a space as vast as a wildlife park, three or four wolves were lying around, and on a rock, there was a majestic white lion…

“These are all nearby animals. Sometimes Mr. Lin feeds them… Don’t be fooled by their fierce appearance; they’re actually very gentle.” Qiu Tian waved at the white lion, “Mimi, come here.”

The white lion was exceptionally large. It opened its huge mouth, roared, and the ground began to shake. It rushed over in a few steps, baring its teeth at Qiu Tian.

Qiu Tian broke out in a cold sweat, “…It doesn’t like being called Mimi, but it’s still cute, right?”

Wen Yan’s smile was a bit forced.

In this world, apart from the declining abo population, other creatures were thriving. Keeping any animal wasn’t illegal, but most people chose to keep cute ones. This was the first time Wen Yan had seen someone keep… these.

“Actually, Mr. Lin rescued them.”

Qiu Yi quickly explained when he saw Wen Yan.

“Let’s go, Mr. Lin is waiting for you.”

Wen Yan followed Qiu Yi, soon seeing a building that looked like a prison. It was cold and gray, with no trace of luxury or any warmth of a home, only a sense of oppression.

Upon entering, he found the walls were made of bulletproof steel, and the doors were thick iron.

The living room was spacious, with only a table made of iron, its six legs firmly fixed to the ground.

There was nothing on the table.

“Please sit, Mr. Lin will be down shortly,” Qiu Yi said.

“Thank you,” Wen Yan replied softly.

Wen Yan sat quietly, his profile thin, his chin pale, exuding a gentle and soft aura.

Lin Chuanwu stood on the second floor, tying his tie while staring at his profile, his throat tightening with thirst.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and someone walked behind him. A restless aura surged into Wen Yan’s nose, instantly reminding him of the fear of being aggressively dominated, causing his slender back to tremble slightly.

Lin Chuanwu sat across from Wen Yan, staring at his face.

For a moment, his gaze seemed to turn into a sticky organ, making Wen Yan feel a bit embarrassed, his long eyelashes drooping.

“I… I need seven million…”

No one spoke for a moment, and Wen Yan felt the other’s gaze grow heavier.

“I’ll give you thirty million.”

“On the condition that you marry me,” Lin Chuanwu paused, “marry me.”