Twenty Seventh Day of Pretending to Be an Alpha

Chu Mo stood at the restroom entrance, waiting for Chi Cheng for a full five minutes. He was puzzled—what was taking Chi Cheng so long? Just as Chu Mo was about to check on him, he turned around and found his path blocked by a tall figure.

Chi Cheng stood there, face dark, holding Chu Mo’s jacket. His voice was cold and tinged with jealousy as he asked, “Chu Mo, who else has worn your jacket?”

Chu Mo was confused. “No one else has worn it.”

“Then why does it have omega pheromones on it?!” Chi Cheng frowned, staring directly into Chu Mo’s eyes.

Chu Mo’s heart skipped a beat. He fought the urge to look away. Meeting Chi Cheng’s gaze, he feigned confusion. “What pheromones? What are you talking about?”

Chi Cheng slowly uttered four words: “Mint-scented ones.”

Chu Mo inwardly cursed. He’d been so careful to clean off the pheromones, yet Chi Cheng had still noticed. Suppressing his anxiety, Chu Mo replied calmly, “Maybe it rubbed off from someone at the party. There were a lot of people.”

“I found the pheromones in your jacket pocket,” Chi Cheng said, his face darkening. “How did someone rub pheromones into your pocket? Do you think I’m an idiot?”

The pocket? Chu Mo’s calm facade nearly cracked. He realized—the pheromones must have come from the injector needle. He’d overlooked this detail, leaving a trace. Unfortunately, Chi Cheng had noticed this nearly undetectable flaw.

Seeing Chu Mo’s silence, Chi Cheng’s suspicion grew. He looked at Chu Mo for a long moment before asking, “You… you’re not an omega, are you?”

After asking, Chi Cheng’s gaze involuntarily drifted over Chu Mo. Without his jacket, Chu Mo wore only a white shirt, which outlined his muscular physique. If someone with a body like that were an omega…

Chi Cheng quickly looked away, his ears suddenly feeling warm.

Chu Mo had been asked this question so many times recently that he’d developed a reflexive response: “Of course not. How could I be an omega? Chi Cheng, are you crazy?”

Chi Cheng pressed his lips together, trying to calm himself from the strange thoughts. “Then explain the pheromones.”

“I just remembered,” Chu Mo paused, then explained, “another omega put their injector in my pocket, which is why it got pheromones on it.”

When in doubt, blame a nonexistent omega. Chu Mo didn’t dare say it was Chu Yun, fearing Chi Cheng might ask him for confirmation—just like Xie Songchen had asked Chu Yun about the inhibitors.

Chi Cheng frowned, his gaze wary. “Which omega? Do I know them? What do they look like? Are they good-looking? What’s your relationship…”

He fired off a barrage of questions.

“What does it matter to you?” Chu Mo replied coldly. “I’m an alpha like you. Do I need to report my relationships with other omegas to you?”

Chi Cheng’s frown deepened. He stared at Chu Mo, his voice low. “Are you telling the truth?”

Chu Mo raised an eyebrow. “What would I gain from lying to you?”

Chi Cheng said nothing. After a moment, he handed the jacket back to Chu Mo. “Your jacket has someone else’s pheromones. I don’t want it.”

Chu Mo took the jacket, relieved. Chi Cheng was surprisingly easy to fool.

Chi Cheng pressed his lips together, watching Chu Mo thoughtfully for a moment. He left with a parting shot: “Next time, don’t put omega injectors in your pocket.”

As Chi Cheng left the party, his eyes held a mix of emotions. He’d wanted to press for answers, to know the truth about the omega Chu Mo mentioned. But he knew Chu Mo wouldn’t easily tell him. He’d never been able to figure out what Chu Mo was thinking, even as a child.

Still, a strong intuition told Chi Cheng something was off. Chu Mo didn’t seem like the type to let an omega get close, let alone carry an omega’s injector in his pocket. Chi Cheng frowned, his mind circling one question—was Chu Mo lying?

In the days following the inhibitor incident, Chu Mo faced a few awkward situations. Fortunately, the plot soon returned to its intended course. Neither Xie Songchen, Chi Cheng, nor Zhou Jingyan brought up the injector again. On the main character’s career front, everything was progressing smoothly. The project Xie Songchen was in charge of was showing promising results, exceeding everyone’s expectations. People were impressed by Xie Songchen, surprised that an intern could perform so well. Even Zhou Ming, who was often critical, couldn’t find fault.

Soon, the project would launch in all Dingming Group malls, bringing significant profits to Chu Group. Everyone praised Xie Songchen. But he knew that much of the credit belonged to Chu Mo. Or rather, the most crucial contributions were Chu Mo’s. Whenever the project faced difficulties or deviations, Chu Mo was the first to step in. Though his words were often harsh, he always pointed Xie Songchen in the right direction. Without Chu Mo, the project wouldn’t have progressed so quickly or perfectly.

So whenever someone praised him, Xie Songchen would say, “It’s thanks to President Chu.” People would nod along, but they didn’t really believe Chu Mo had helped. After all, Chu Mo and Xie Songchen seemed like oil and water. Besides, with Chu Mo’s status and abilities, why would he personally involve himself in the project?

One day, after discussing the Dingming project with Chu Mo, Xie Songchen received his usual dose of criticism. He noted it down silently. Just as Chu Mo assumed Xie Songchen would return to his work, Xie Songchen suddenly asked, “Aren’t you bringing an inhibitor today?”

Chu Mo blinked, confused. “What are you talking about?”

Xie Songchen fixed his gaze on Chu Mo. After a moment, he continued, “Didn’t you say you were helping an omega with their inhibitors?”

Over the past few days, while appearing busy with work, Xie Songchen had been observing Chu Mo, looking for any inconsistencies. After seeing the dropped injector, he’d been skeptical of Chu Mo’s explanation.

Chu Mo nearly slipped up. The next second, he feigned realization and quickly said, “Oh, right. That omega’s heat period is over, so they don’t need my help anymore.”

After hearing Chu Mo’s response, Xie Songchen’s lips parted slightly, and he uttered two words: “Is that so.”

Chu Mo remained calm. “Is there a problem?”

“If they often trouble you for inhibitors, wouldn’t that be inconvenient?” Xie Songchen said slowly, his gaze probing. “I’m your secretary. You can tell me who the omega is, and I’ll help deliver them.”

There was a subtle hint of investigation in his eyes.

“No need,” Chu Mo replied coldly. “It’s unnecessary.”

Xie Songchen stared at Chu Mo for a moment. After a while, he gave a noncommittal “hmm” and said, “I understand.” Then he left the office, still harboring a trace of doubt. An alpha like Chu Mo, delivering inhibitors to an omega in heat? Wasn’t he worried about his alpha pheromones going haywire? The more he thought about it, the more something seemed off.

That evening, at the Chu family villa, ever since the inhibitor incident, Chu Mo had made it a habit to inject himself as soon as he got home. Afterward, he went downstairs and ran into Chu Yun returning home.

Concerned about the plot’s progress, Chu Mo asked, “Xiao Yun, have any alphas been approaching you lately?”

Chu Yun thought for a moment before replying, “Zhou Jingyan has been contacting me more often.”

Chu Yun didn’t know why, but ever since Zhou Jingyan’s company was acquired by Chu Mo, he’d become a fanboy of sorts. He was constantly curious about everything related to Chu Mo, to the point where Chu Yun was getting annoyed.

Hearing this, Chu Mo thought, The original plot is indeed progressing steadily. According to the novel’s timeline, this was when Zhou Jingyan would start developing a relationship with Chu Yun.

Chu Mo frowned. “I’ve already signed a no-dating agreement with him to prevent him from bothering you. If he doesn’t behave, he’ll have to pay a hefty penalty.”

Chu Yun quickly said, “Ge, we’re just teammates from the school team.”

Chu Mo thought Chu Yun was too naive. “How do you know what these alphas are thinking? They won’t write ‘I like you’ on their faces.”

Chu Yun sighed, exasperated. He didn’t think any of these alphas would like him. Besides, his true gender was alpha, and he had no interest in other alphas.

Chu Mo continued, “I’ve told you to stay away from alphas. I hope you find someone truly suitable for you…”

Chu Yun felt that Chu Mo had been acting strangely lately, not like his usual self.

“Ge,” Chu Yun interrupted, “why are you so concerned about which alpha I’m with?”

Chu Mo paused, then replied, “Because I care about you, of course.”

“But lately, it seems like you care less about me and more about the alphas around me,” Chu Yun said, looking down, a bit dejected.

Chu Mo fell silent. He was focused on the plot tasks, so naturally, he was concerned about these things. Seeing Chu Mo’s silence, Chu Yun’s disappointment deepened. He left with a “never mind,” turning to go upstairs.

Chu Mo watched him go, his fingers clenching and unclenching. He didn’t follow. Since transmigrating into the book, Chu Mo had always felt out of place in this world. His original world had only two genders, but this one had six. It was bizarre. The transmigration agency had told him that completing the tasks would allow him to return to his original world. So he’d always acted according to his character, hiding his omega identity.

Of course, Chu Mo’s heart wasn’t made of stone. In playing the role of a protective brother, he’d unconsciously come to see Chu Yun as a real younger brother. Even so, Chu Mo still felt a wall between himself and everyone in this world, including Chu Yun. The start of the plot tasks only reinforced this feeling. Chu Yun’s perception of Chu Mo’s coldness made Chu Mo feel a fleeting sense of guilt.

In the end, reason triumphed over emotion. Chu Mo reminded himself that in a couple of months, once the tasks were complete, he’d leave this place. He couldn’t afford to form any unnecessary attachments—be it familial, friendly, or romantic. It didn’t matter, as long as the plot was completed.

Chu Mo reassured himself: At least for now, the plot was progressing smoothly. Aside from a few minor hiccups. But what Chu Mo didn’t expect was that shortly after comforting himself, he’d face a “major hiccup.”

Last time, after questioning Chu Mo, Xie Songchen hadn’t fully trusted him. He still suspected Chu Mo might be an omega. Xie Songchen had researched “how to identify an omega pretending to be an alpha” on his phone. Following these guides, he subtly tested Chu Mo at work. For instance, during lunch breaks, he’d place snacks that omegas in heat typically craved on Chu Mo’s desk, watching his reaction. Chu Mo ignored them, showing no interest, which disappointed Xie Songchen. What he didn’t know was that after nine years of inhibitors, Chu Mo had long become desensitized to such things.

Or, Xie Songchen would ask questions related to omegas, like how they reacted to an alpha’s pheromones they liked. Chu Mo’s responses were straightforward—he answered what he knew and avoided what he didn’t, skillfully sidestepping any answers that might suggest he was an omega. Xie Songchen’s gaze grew more puzzled—could it be that Chu Mo really wasn’t an omega?

While Xie Songchen’s suspicions wavered, Chi Cheng visited Chu Group, harboring similar doubts about Chu Mo’s true gender. Unlike Xie Songchen, Chi Cheng was direct. “Chu Mo, are you really an alpha?”

Chu Mo’s response was casual. “Of course I am. If you don’t believe me, check my differentiation report.”

Chi Cheng thought his suspicion was crazy. After all, Chu Mo did have a differentiation report. But something still felt off.

In the following days, both Xie Songchen and Chi Cheng, as if in cahoots, occasionally tested Chu Mo, trying to find any cracks in his facade. Thanks to his quick thinking, Chu Mo managed to navigate each situation, maintaining his cover.

One day, Zhou Jingyan came to Chu Group’s headquarters. He was about to debut, attending numerous idol training sessions and meetings. Today, he was there for a meeting. Chu Mo hadn’t had the chance to see Zhou Jingyan lately. There was something he wanted to discuss with him. After the meeting, Chu Mo called Zhou Jingyan to the break room.

Looking at Zhou Jingyan, Chu Mo said, “I warned you not to have any improper thoughts about my brother. Why are you still contacting him?”

His tone was icy, his gaze carrying an intimidating aura.

Zhou Jingyan quickly shook his head. “President Chu, I have no such intentions toward Chu Yun.”

Chu Mo sneered. “Then why do you keep seeking him out?”

Zhou Jingyan glanced at Chu Mo, then quickly looked down. “No reason, just chatting.”

For some reason, Zhou Jingyan had recently become very interested in everything about Chu Mo. He frequently sought out Chu Yun to learn more about the man who was helping him debut and had arranged for many instructors. But he couldn’t say that out loud.

“It better be just that,” Chu Mo warned coldly. “Otherwise, I have ways to bury your career.”

Hearing the word “bury,” Zhou Jingyan panicked. “I swear, I have no such intentions.”

Chu Mo eyed him skeptically, not believing a word.

Meanwhile, Chi Cheng, determined to uncover the truth, decided to start with those close to Chu Mo—like his ever-present secretary, Xie Songchen. Arriving at Chu Group, Chi Cheng found Xie Songchen and arrogantly asked, “Hey, secretary, has Chu Mo been acting strange lately?”

Xie Songchen paused in his work. “Yes.”

“What?”

“His mistake was letting you into Chu Group’s building.”

Chi Cheng was infuriated, but he held back his temper. “Answer my question seriously,” he said, trying to be patient. “Has Chu Mo been acting strange, like hiding inhibitors in his pocket or bag?”

In Chi Cheng’s mind, if Chu Mo were an omega, he’d likely slip up with the injector. After all, alphas typically wouldn’t handle such things.

Xie Songchen frowned. He had indeed been questioning Chu Mo’s gender lately. But he hadn’t expected Chi Cheng to suspect the same. He didn’t want Chi Cheng to know about this. He gave Chi Cheng a cold look and said calmly, “President Chu is an alpha. Why would he hide inhibitors?”

Chi Cheng didn’t want to reveal his suspicion that “Chu Mo might be an omega” either. He scoffed. “Of course I know Chu Mo’s an alpha. I was just asking.”

With that, Chi Cheng headed off to find Chu Mo himself.

Watching Chi Cheng’s retreating figure, Xie Songchen felt uneasy. If Chu Mo was an omega… he couldn’t let Chi Cheng get close to him. Rising from his seat, he quickly followed.

Chi Cheng frowned, annoyed. “Why are you following me, Xie?”

“Unauthorized personnel shouldn’t wander the company,” Xie Songchen replied expressionlessly.

Chi Cheng snapped, “Do you think you own the place?”

As they bickered, they inadvertently approached a break room. Suddenly, both stopped in their tracks. They seemed to hear a familiar voice.

Inside the break room, Chu Mo hadn’t planned to dwell on the “Zhou Jingyan approaching Chu Yun” issue. He had something more important to discuss with Zhou Jingyan today.

Looking at Zhou Jingyan, Chu Mo cleared his throat and said, “If you don’t want your career buried, you need to promise me one thing.”

Zhou Jingyan quickly replied, “Anything.”

“What you saw that day, you can’t tell anyone.” Chu Mo locked eyes with Zhou Jingyan, lowering his voice. “Not a word.”

Zhou Jingyan froze, quickly realizing what Chu Mo meant. With a righteous nod, he said, “Rest assured, President Chu. I won’t breathe a word about seeing you administer an inhibitor to an omega in the alpha restroom.”

Chu Mo, who’d been calm, suddenly froze, eyes widening. “When did you see something like that?!”

Zhou Jingyan mistook Chu Mo’s shock for disbelief that he’d seen the other person in the stall. Zhou Jingyan hadn’t actually seen them, but he knew they were there. So, with a righteous nod, he said, “Heat periods are normal. You’re very kind, President Chu, to help an omega in need.”

Chu Mo was floored by the “very kind” comment.

Zhou Jingyan continued, “But I’m curious, where did the omega go afterward? Were they embarrassed?”

Chu Mo was about to stop Zhou Jingyan’s imagination when suddenly, the break room door was flung open. He’d assumed it was just an employee. But when he looked up, he froze.

Standing at the door were two tall alphas. One looked furious, the other calm but with a storm brewing beneath the surface. Both had a similar emotion in their eyes—jealousy.

Chu Mo’s heart sank. He hadn’t expected Xie Songchen and Chi Cheng to show up at Chu Group’s break room. Had they overheard Zhou Jingyan’s nonsense?

As Chu Mo clung to a sliver of hope, Chi Cheng snapped out of his shock, stepping forward with a frown. “Chu Mo, did you really do something like that in a restroom stall?!”

Xie Songchen’s brow was also furrowed, his gaze fixed on Chu Mo.

Chu Mo was alarmed. Could they really have heard that? It seemed the company’s soundproofing wasn’t great. Just as Chu Mo was about to deny it, a thought struck him—

If he denied it now, they’d likely still suspect his gender. But if he admitted it, no one would question if he was an omega.

So—

Chu Mo’s eyes shifted. He looked at Xie Songchen and Chi Cheng, his tone serious and firm. “I take responsibility for my actions. I’m not an irresponsible omega. I encountered an omega in heat and helped them with an inhibitor. As you can see, I’ll take full responsibility for that omega.”

In the ABO world, an omega being touched by an alpha’s scent gland was an intimate act, reserved for couples.

Chi Cheng’s eyes widened in shock. Even Xie Songchen, who’d been prepared, stiffened.

Silence fell. The air seemed to freeze.

Just when Chu Mo thought his performance was flawless, Xie Songchen’s expression turned thoughtful. After a moment, he stepped forward, standing before Chu Mo. He stared into Chu Mo’s eyes. The next second, a hint of murderous intent flickered in his gaze.

Chu Mo wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him.

Xie Songchen’s doubts and suspicions, along with a hidden jealousy, peaked at that moment. After a pause, he stood beside Chu Mo, his alpha aura fully unleashed. Coldly, he asked, “When did you meet this omega? I’ve been by your side for so long, why haven’t I seen them?”

Chu Mo thought for a moment, feigning calm. “Just a few days ago.”

“A few days ago?” Xie Songchen’s gaze bore into Chu Mo, making him feel a bit guilty.

After a while, Xie Songchen pulled a crumpled box of strong inhibitors from his pocket. He’d found it after the basketball game and hadn’t returned it to Chu Mo. Now, he held it out to Chu Mo.

Chu Mo’s face stiffened, his hands and feet turning cold. He hadn’t expected Xie Songchen to have picked it up!

“If you only met that omega a few days ago,” Xie Songchen asked coldly, “then who was this box of inhibitors you left at the court for?”

To prevent Chu Mo from making excuses, Xie Songchen added, “I asked a doctor. Strong inhibitors are usually used by omegas pretending to be alphas for a long time. Their effect is over three times that of regular inhibitors.”

After a pause, he continued, “Clearly, someone is pretending to be an alpha.” Fixing his gaze on Chu Mo, he asked the final question, “So, President Chu, who is this omega pretending to be an alpha?”