Twenty Ninth Day of Pretending to Be an Alpha

The rain poured harder, the wind dragging the droplets into thin, transparent lines that lashed against Xie Songchen. Worried he might actually get sick, Chu Mo quickly ushered him into the car.

“Turn up the heat,” Chu Mo instructed the driver. Then he handed Xie Songchen a clean towel.

Xie Songchen stared at the towel for a moment, surprised.

“It’s nothing,” Chu Mo said coldly, avoiding his eyes. “The project’s at a critical stage. I can’t have you getting sick and messing it up.”

Pressing his lips together, Xie Songchen began drying his soaked hair. With his hair wet, his features looked even more defined—his skin pale from the cold, his lips slightly flushed. He lowered his head, wiping at his hair absentmindedly.

“Do it properly,” Chu Mo ordered sternly.

Xie Songchen paused. With the towel covering his face, Chu Mo couldn’t see his expression. After a moment, he heard him mutter, “Okay.”

It was rare to see him so obedient. Growing up, no one had ever spoken to Xie Songchen like that. His father had been indifferent, his mother carefree. If he got caught in the rain, they’d just toss him a towel, never insisting he dry himself thoroughly.

For once, the usually detached Xie Songchen diligently dried his hair. When he finished, he set the towel aside and looked at Chu Mo. Then he pointed to his hair.

At first, Chu Mo didn’t understand. Then, seeing the expectant look in his eyes, he realized—he wanted him to “check his work.”

“…It’s fine,” Chu Mo said with a glance, pretending to sound annoyed. “It’s not a report. Do I have to check everything?”

“Habit,” Xie Songchen replied, handing the towel back to the driver. “I don’t feel at ease unless you check.”

Chu Mo blinked. From a work perspective, that made sense. But hearing it now… it felt strangely intimate.

He didn’t dwell on it.

As the car started, the driver asked, “President Chu, straight to the restaurant?”

Chu Mo nodded. “Drop Xie Songchen off at H University first.”

At this, Xie Songchen’s expression flickered, but he quickly composed himself. “I’ll go to the restaurant with you.”

Chu Mo looked at him, curious—but to Xie Songchen’s surprise, he didn’t object.

“Then straight to the restaurant,” he told the driver.

During the ride, Xie Songchen’s hands were clenched tightly in his lap. The closer they got, the tighter his grip. He was about to find out whether Chu Mo was really seeing an omega.

The silence between them grew heavier. Xie Songchen’s expression remained tense. Chu Mo simply assumed he was in a bad mood and didn’t press.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Chu Mo had barely stepped out of the car when a familiar voice called out:

“Ge—you’re finally here.”

Chu Yun waved with a bright smile, his small tiger teeth showing.

Following behind, Xie Songchen froze at the sound.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Xiao Yun.” Chu Mo approached with a rare, affectionate look in his eyes. Lately, they’d both been busy—Chu Mo with work and inhibitor troubles, Chu Yun with his thesis. They hadn’t had a proper meal together in weeks, so they’d finally arranged to meet today.

In the original story, Xie Songchen learned of this dinner and deliberately hitched a ride with Chu Mo just to see Chu Yun. Chu Mo, fully aware, didn’t refuse. He brought Xie Songchen along and ordered dishes he’d never seen before. Then, he’d mock him at the table:

“A poor student who usually eats at roadside stalls could never afford such delicacies—just like your relationship with Chu Yun, understand?”

So when Xie Songchen said he’d come, Chu Mo readily agreed.

Seeing him still standing there, Chu Mo called, “Xie Songchen, why are you just standing?”

Chu Yun’s smile froze the moment he saw him. His expression changed as he quickly approached, lowering his voice. “Xie Songchen, what are you doing here? This dinner is with my brother.”

“I hitched a ride,” Xie Songchen replied calmly. “It’s raining.”

Chu Yun scowled. “When did you become so shameless? I finally get to have a meal with him.”

Raising an eyebrow, Xie Songchen said, “Your brother let me come.”

Chu Yun was stunned. Why would Chu Mo—who dislikes him—agree? But since his brother allowed it, he could only grit his teeth and drop it.

A short distance away, Chu Mo stood watching the main characters whisper to each other, a knowing smile on his face.

Good. They’re progressing nicely.

The three of them entered a private room. Before the food arrived, Chu Yun seemed distracted. Lately, something felt off—Xie Songchen, Chi Cheng… even Zhou Jingyan. They all seemed to be acting strangely. At one point, Chu Yun had briefly wondered:

Could these alphas be interested in my brother?

The thought was so absurd he’d dismissed it immediately. But now, that wild idea resurfaced.

No, he thought. This needs to stop now.

He took the menu from Chu Mo and began ordering rare, expensive dishes. Chu Mo glanced at him in surprise—Why was Xiao Yun suddenly so aggressive with the menu?

Soon, the first exquisite dish arrived. Chu Mo crossed his legs, preparing to mock Xie Songchen with one of his usual lines.

But before he could speak, someone beat him to it.

“Xie Songchen, have you seen this dish before?”

Sitting across from him, Chu Yun’s tone was direct—and mocking.

Chu Mo blinked. He slowly lowered his wine glass. Wait… that was supposed to be my line.

“Xie Songchen,” Chu Yun continued, “this food isn’t cheap. You don’t usually eat like this. Just because people meet due to circumstances doesn’t mean the gap between them disappears.”

Chu Mo nearly dropped his wine.

Chu Mo: ???

Did the script flip itself?

Isn’t the main character supposed to get mocked, not do the mocking?!

He stared at Chu Yun, absolutely stunned. Why was the protagonist humiliating the male lead?

Why was his line stolen?!

Meanwhile, Xie Songchen remained composed. He and Chu Yun had been friends and classmates for years—he knew him well. The outside world saw Chu Mo as the brother-obsessed alpha. But only Xie Songchen knew the truth: it was Chu Yun who was the real brother-obsessed maniac.

If Chu Yun ever found out an alpha liked Chu Mo… he’d destroy them.

“Class divides are societal constructs,” Xie Songchen said calmly, meeting Chu Yun’s gaze. “The gap only exists for those bound by them.”

Chu Mo’s eyes widened.

Wait, why are the main characters arguing?!

What’s happening to the plot?!

Growing up, Chu Yun idolized Chu Mo.

To him, Chu Mo was the perfect brother. The Chu family doted on Chu Yun, yes—but only Chu Mo truly accompanied him through life. To Chu Yun, Chu Mo was a wise elder, a guiding light, a source of comfort. The rest of the family constantly reminded him to act like a proper omega from a prestigious family.

Only Chu Mo never did. He guided him when he was lost but never restricted him—he treated him like a friend.

As Chu Yun grew older and met more people, his belief only solidified: Chu Mo was the best alpha. Young, accomplished, handsome, wealthy, knowledgeable—every compliment under the sun could describe him.

Naturally, Chu Yun didn’t want other alphas targeting Chu Mo. In his eyes, no one was worthy. Especially not arrogant alphas.

He gave Xie Songchen a warning look and said coldly, “We’ve been friends for years. You’re smart. You know what I mean.”

Calmly, Xie Songchen replied, “I know.”

Next to them, Chu Mo mentally screamed: What do you know?! What do you both know?! What’s happening to this plot?!

After that exchange, the two didn’t speak again. Having lost his lines, Chu Mo awkwardly mocked Xie Songchen a few times. But Xie Songchen remained expressionless, like a block of ice. And Chu Yun, usually talkative, barely said a word. They didn’t look like main characters—more like estranged acquaintances.

After the meal, Chu Mo stood up to pay the bill. He had no idea what had happened between the two, but he figured they must’ve argued. It was normal for couples to fight, right? This was a novel, after all—their relationship arc would probably sweeten soon. He decided to give them space to patch things up.

But after Chu Mo left, the atmosphere between Xie Songchen and Chu Yun only grew colder.

Looking straight at him, Chu Yun said bluntly, “Xie Songchen, my brother is a straight alpha.”

Xie Songchen met his gaze. After a long silence, he said, “…I know.”

“Even if we ignore ABO orientations,” Chu Yun continued, his tone sharp, “do you think you’re rich enough? Do you think you can make my brother happy?”

They’d been desk mates, classmates, teammates. But now, because Xie Songchen liked Chu Yun’s brother, they stood on opposite sides. The tension was palpable.

Chu Yun’s voice dropped, low and cutting: “I advise you not to have any improper thoughts about my brother.”

Expressionless, Xie Songchen stayed quiet. After a moment, he slowly said,

“What if I become wealthy—and can make him happy?”

Chu Yun was stunned. He hadn’t expected such a direct response. He frowned, about to speak—when Chu Mo returned.

Seeing the still-tense atmosphere, Chu Mo merely thought, It’s normal for lovers to bicker. Happens all the time in novels. He didn’t dwell on it.

On the way home, neither Xie Songchen nor Chu Yun spoke. Both were lost in their thoughts.

Chu Yun frowned, wondering when exactly Xie Songchen had developed feelings for his brother. High school? College? If it had started back then, that meant he’d been hiding it for years.

The thought filled Chu Yun with unease—and disdain.

Meanwhile, Xie Songchen stared out the window, thinking about the so-called “omega partner” Chu Mo had mentioned.

Despite all his observations, he’d found no sign of an omega. The more he looked, the more those clues seemed to vanish. Tonight’s dinner had been a misunderstanding… Had the omega never existed?

But then—how to explain the strong inhibitors?

Frowning, Xie Songchen mulled it over. Normally calm and clear-headed, he found that around Chu Mo, his judgment wavered. Add in a rival, and it completely collapsed.

He’d never been this troubled by a question in his life—not even during the most brutal exam season.

He wasn’t the only one feeling like a mess.

Chi Cheng was too.

The moment he heard Chu Mo had a partner, something in him cracked.

He’d always told himself it was fine. If Chu Mo dated an omega, so be it. He could even tease him about their looks, about how unworthy they were. He’d imagined it so many times as a kid.

But now that the day had come, he realized—he wasn’t fine at all.

In a private club room, Chi Cheng slumped in a chair, a pile of empty bottles on the table. Across from him, his friend Cheng Cheng looked exasperated.

“Dude, you can’t hold your liquor,” Cheng Cheng said, frowning. “Stop drinking like it’s the end of the world.”

Chi Cheng ignored him, still drinking.

Cheng Cheng finally reached out and snatched the bottle away. “Chi Cheng, if you keep this up, the person you like will never like you back.”

Drunk, Chi Cheng glared at him. “Who said I like anyone? I don’t like alphas. If he wants to date, let him! I don’t care…”

But his voice cracked on the last word.

Cheng Cheng watched him quietly. Chi Cheng reached for the bottle again.

“Looks like you really do like an alpha,” Cheng Cheng said softly.

Chi Cheng paused mid-motion. After a long moment, he set the bottle down and stared at the floor, silent.

“I don’t even know if it’s… like,” he mumbled. “I don’t like alphas. I hate when they touch me…”

Cheng Cheng knew. Chi Cheng had always hated physical contact with alphas. But from the looks of it, things had changed.

Cheng Cheng felt torn. “Either let it go,” he said gently, “or risk being rejected—and pursue him.”

Chi Cheng didn’t respond. Just when Cheng Cheng thought he’d passed out, he spoke hoarsely.

“He’s always… always hated me, for years.”

He gave a broken laugh. “I thought I wouldn’t care if he dated. But…”

He couldn’t finish.

Cheng Cheng sighed. “Young Master Chi, you’ve held on for so long. Why stop now? Are you really giving up halfway?”

Chi Cheng blinked, slowly turning his head. His eyes flickered.

Giving up halfway…

He didn’t want to.

⸻

That night, Chu Mo went to a high-end club for business. According to the novel’s original plot, he was supposed to run into Chi Cheng there—fresh off his investment success, making big strides in his career.

Chu Mo had planned to mock him:

“No matter how much money you make, you’ll never change.”

But strangely enough, he didn’t run into Chi Cheng at all.

The plot’s gone off-track again, Chu Mo thought. He assumed Chi Cheng had changed locations.

But then, in the underground parking garage, just as Chu Mo was heading to his car, he paused.

Someone was sitting against the side of it.

As he approached, he saw that familiar silver designer jacket. Gray pants. A familiar silhouette.

It was Chi Cheng.

Slumped on the floor, back resting against Chu Mo’s car.

The driver, clearly embarrassed, rushed over. “President Chu, Young Master Chi insisted on waiting here. I… I couldn’t make him leave.”

Chu Mo frowned and waved the driver away. Then he crouched down and patted Chi Cheng’s face.

“Hey. Get up.”

Chi Cheng stirred. His eyes fluttered open. Upon seeing Chu Mo, his gaze cleared slightly. He tried to sit up but was clearly still drunk.

“Why… are you so late?” he murmured, voice hoarse.

Unlike his usual brash tone, his voice carried an unintentional trace of clinginess.

Chu Mo scoffed, crouching beside him. “Do I have to report my work to you?”

Then, narrowing his eyes at the wine bottles nearby, he added sarcastically, “Drinking this much… what, planning to puke on my car?”

“I haven’t… puked,” Chi Cheng retorted.

As a child, he’d once vomited on the Chu family car door after getting food poisoning. Chu Mo had been in the car, helpless.

Hearing this, Chu Mo fell silent for a moment.

“…Should I give you an award?”

Judging by Chi Cheng’s state, he’d clearly overdone it during some business event. Chu Mo decided to go along with the plot and deliver the expected mockery.

“Chi Cheng,” he said coldly, “what are you doing here again? Always hanging around clubs. Can’t change your ways?”

Chi Cheng said nothing.

Just as Chu Mo thought he’d passed out, Chi Cheng suddenly leaned into him.

Chu Mo’s eyes widened.

Chi Cheng turned slightly, pinning Chu Mo between himself and the car door. Lowering his head, eyes heavy with drunkenness, he murmured,

“Then I won’t come anymore.”

The scent of wine on his breath made Chu Mo tense. He didn’t dare move.

“Let go of me,” Chu Mo said, frowning.

“What else don’t you like about me?” Chi Cheng asked, his gaze locked onto Chu Mo’s. “Tell me all at once.”

Chu Mo reminded himself he was supposed to mock Chi Cheng. Gritting his teeth, he said,

“There’s too much to dislike. An alpha like you—drinks too much, totally unworthy of my brother…”

“I don’t drink much,” Chi Cheng interrupted, lowering his eyes like a sulking golden retriever. “I just can’t hold my liquor.”

Usually loud and cocky, he was now clingy. Obedient. Chu Mo was unnerved.

Through the expensive fabric of Chi Cheng’s jacket, he could feel his body warmth—heated by alcohol. The closeness was overwhelming.

“I’ll drink less,” Chi Cheng added softly.

Chu Mo took a deep breath.

“You’re a playboy. You have too many omega admirers. My brother won’t be with someone like you…”

“Then I won’t like omegas,” Chi Cheng interrupted again. He paused, voice low and cautious.

“Is that okay?”

His tone carried a spoiled petulance, as if begging for approval. Then he lowered his head and rested his chin lightly on Chu Mo’s shoulder. His breath was warm against Chu Mo’s neck.

Chu Mo froze.

Then he blinked, puzzled. Was this really happening?

He quickly rationalized: He’s drunk. He must’ve misspoken. He probably meant he doesn’t like those flashy omegas. Only likes someone like… Chu Yun.

Frowning, Chu Mo pushed against him.

“No matter what you say, I won’t agree to you and my brother.”

Chi Cheng didn’t move.

He just leaned there, warm breath brushing against Chu Mo’s neck, his weight heavy from drink.

Realizing he wasn’t getting up anytime soon, Chu Mo reluctantly called the driver to help move him into the car.

⸻

On the ride back, Chu Mo kept glancing at Chi Cheng.

He… seemed more obedient than usual?

Shaking his head, Chu Mo dismissed the thought. How could someone like Chi Cheng—hot-tempered, arrogant—be associated with the word “obedient”? That term only applied to his brother, Chu Yun.

⸻

The next morning, Chi Cheng woke up in bed, his mind a blank for ten seconds.

Then last night hit him.

His face turned crimson.

He’d… hugged Chu Mo?! Acted spoiled?!

He groaned and rolled over, burying his burning face in the pillow.

“All Cheng Cheng’s fault,” he muttered, ears visibly red. “I’m gonna kill that guy…”

Last night, after seeing Chu Mo enter the club, Cheng Cheng had dragged half-drunk Chi Cheng to the parking lot and left him by Chu Mo’s car. He even told the driver that Chi Cheng insisted on seeing him. And then—

Chi Cheng hugged him. Rested his chin on his shoulder?!

Embarrassment surged through him.

But when he remembered that moment, heart racing, he realized—he hadn’t minded the physical contact. Not even a little.

Did I really… like him?

He’d asked himself that question more times than he could count.

Chu Mo was a straight alpha. Maybe he already had a partner. Maybe it was that omega.

The idea of someone hugging Chu Mo like that every day… made Chi Cheng’s heart tighten.

Jealousy hit him like a wave.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

A message from the private detective.

[Young Master Chi, we’ve observed the target for many days. We’ve found no sign of an omega partner.]

Chi Cheng froze, staring at the screen.

Even in his heartbreak, he hadn’t forgotten to confirm the truth. Quietly, he’d hired a private investigator to monitor Chu Mo’s company—just to see if this mysterious “partner” existed.

He hadn’t expected much. He’d been ready for the worst.

But now…

The text lit a spark.

No omega partner.

Could it be—

Chu Mo made the whole thing up?