For Gu Shuning, Shang Yichen was an Alpha like herself, but his family background and wealth far exceeded hers. As an illegitimate child who couldn’t be seen in public, she couldn’t help but envy him.

Moreover, Gu Shuning’s father had pushed her to contact Shang Yichen, to please him, and to prioritize him over her own son. This was particularly unbearable for someone with her pride and self-esteem, and over time, her jealousy and resentment toward Shang Yichen grew.

Who would have thought that, at this very moment, Gu Shuning’s family business would face such a crisis? Fortunately, because of the help Shang Yichen had given him when he was young, Shang Yichen was quick to lend a hand. Not only did he cover the costs of his studying abroad, but he also helped the Gu family survive on the brink of bankruptcy. Although their business shrank considerably, they managed to hold on, relying on a few remaining assets.

Gu Shuning also became aware of Shang Yichen’s growing affection for him, noticing the way he treated him with care. Being no fool, Gu Shuning skillfully played on this affection, often appearing weak and vulnerable in front of him to win his sympathy and get what he needed.

Despite his family’s financial downfall, Gu Shuning continued to live comfortably under Shang Yichen’s care, maintaining his image as a “noble and wealthy young man.”

Logically, Gu Shuning should have been grateful to Shang Yichen for his help. But over time, his envy distorted his perspective. His Alpha pride, combined with the frustration of needing Shang Yichen’s resources while being forced to depend on him, made him resentful and disgusted.

Gu Shuning hated Shang Yichen, yet he had to humble himself, flatter him, and tolerate his presence.

These were the thoughts Gu Shuning had kept hidden, never spoken aloud. But now, with Liang Xianzhang casually exposing them, his face turned pale, and he couldn’t utter a word. He gripped his cup tightly, his body shaking violently, fearful that Liang Xianzhang would reveal everything.

Liang Xianzhang’s calm demeanor was what Gu Shuning expected. He took a sip of his coffee and spoke casually, “Don’t misunderstand me, Mr. Gu. I came to you for help. Anything else doesn’t concern me. I just want to remind you that instead of depending on each other, it would be more dignified to cooperate with me. After all, my salary is generous enough to take care of your needs for the rest of your life.”

Gu Shuning raised his eyes, scrutinizing Liang Xianzhang. “Mr. Liang, you’ve piqued my curiosity. What’s your real purpose here?”

“Purpose?” Liang Xianzhang murmured, as though mulling over something. He absentmindedly touched his tie, his expression softening for a brief moment.

Gu Shuning noticed the small gesture. The tie was simple, a plain plaid pattern, but it complemented his gray suit perfectly, giving off an air of quiet elegance. It was clear that it had been chosen with care…

At that moment, something clicked in Gu Shuning’s mind. “You—”

Before he could finish, the tenderness in Liang Xianzhang’s eyes vanished, replaced by a cold, emotionless look.

Gu Shuning’s heart skipped a beat at the sudden shift, and he fell silent.

Liang Xianzhang no longer had the patience for these games. His goal had always been to extricate Zhou Yi from his association with people like Gu Shuning without causing harm. He wasn’t here to entertain or negotiate. If Gu Shuning didn’t agree, Liang Xianzhang had more than enough ways to make him comply.

His gaze now colder than ever, Liang Xianzhang gave an ultimatum, “Mr. Gu, you’re a smart man. I don’t need to teach you how to make the right choice.”

He checked his watch and added, “My flight leaves in three hours. I hope to have a satisfactory answer before then.”

Liang Xianzhang took another sip of his coffee, the silence heavy between them. On the surface, he seemed indifferent, but Gu Shuning knew better. If he didn’t provide an answer that satisfied him, he might not even be allowed to leave the café.

The offer Liang Xianzhang presented was too tempting to ignore, and each word had struck right to the heart of the matter.

Gu Shuning had no reason to refuse.

With a bitter smile, he wiped the sweat from his brow—despite holding a cold coffee cup in his hand, his palms were clammy. He drained the drink in one go, looked at Liang Xianzhang, and said, “I’ll do it.”

Liang Xianzhang seemed unfazed by the answer. “Someone will pick you up in three days to take you back to China. My secretary will handle the rest. You can contact him for the details.”

After finalizing the details, Liang Xianzhang left for the airport. As he drove, the trees outside the car window blurred, and he checked his phone for any messages from Zhou Yi. There were none.

Sighing, he turned off the screen and spoke to the secretary in the passenger seat. “Help me clean up the Zhenyuan villa.”

Meanwhile, Shang Yichen was still uneasy, particularly after his recent conversation with Zhou Yi.

Although Zhou Yi continued to care for him, taking care of his daily needs and being unconditionally patient with him, Shang Yichen couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed. There was no longer the warmth in Zhou Yi’s gaze, no signs of the love and admiration he once had for him. It was as if Zhou Yi had become more like a programmed robot—obedient and efficient, but devoid of any emotional connection.

Was this the consequence of him not realizing his own feelings sooner? Did Zhou Yi no longer care for him?

Shang Yichen felt unsettled. But why should he care whether a Beta like Zhou Yi still liked him? A Beta wasn’t even worthy of his attention. If it weren’t for Gu Shuning, Zhou Yi wouldn’t even be near him.

He forced himself to suppress the discomfort gnawing at him, convincing himself once again that he didn’t need Zhou Yi. He didn’t want him.

But the restlessness wouldn’t go away. That night, despite his best efforts, Shang Yichen couldn’t sleep.

The next morning, as he stumbled out of the bedroom, he saw Zhou Yi, ever the dutiful caretaker, preparing breakfast as usual. Despite everything that had happened between them, Zhou Yi greeted him with a smile.

Shang Yichen, still in a daze, looked at him, realizing that Zhou Yi’s behavior didn’t reflect the distance he had been feeling. Maybe he had been overthinking everything.