Ye Yumeng wore a white suit, exuding an air of warmth mixed with elegance—he looked exactly like someone from an artistic background.

He knew Xiao Zong would be attending today, so he put extra effort into his appearance. This custom-made suit, which he personally designed, was one of a kind. If one looked closely, they’d notice some “coincidences”—while Xiao Zong didn’t have an overt style, his frequent appearances at formal occasions had revealed certain preferences in the details.

“This is the romance of a designer,” he thought, feeling pleased with himself for this subtle way of expressing affection.

The only unfortunate thing was that he couldn’t stand too close to Xiao Zong. High society had its own set of rules, and trying to force one’s way into a circle they didn’t belong to would only make them a laughingstock. His pride wouldn’t allow it, so he could only watch from afar.

After observing for a while, he noticed Xiao Zong occasionally glancing toward a certain corner.

Xiao Zong’s actions weren’t very noticeable, but Omega’s sixth sense was sharp.

The object of his gaze was a young, unfamiliar face.

For many years, Xiao Zong had only been accompanied by Wei Mian. Also an Alpha, Assistant Wei was famous for his lack of personal taste and intense work ethic. Xiao Zong, as a boss, could be considered quite restrained in his personal life.

However, gossip about the casino scandal had barely subsided when suddenly, a new Omega was hired as a secretary in the Henghua CEO’s office, sparking much speculation.

After all, it’s not unusual for Alphas to enjoy some fun, especially in their prime.

Seeing this person, Ye Yumeng felt a sense of relief.

There was nothing particularly remarkable about him, other than being younger.

Ye Yumeng and Xiao Zong were the same age, and his career in the fashion industry had taught him the importance of maintaining his appearance. Still, no amount of care could bridge the age gap between him and Gu Yin.

Gu Yin looked like he was only eighteen or nineteen. With looks like that, he was certainly presentable in social settings, but he clearly had the aura of an intern.

The little secretary stood quietly in a distant corner, his gaze fixed on Xiao Zong from beginning to end—that man was naturally the center of attention, as if he were surrounded by an aura, drawing the eyes of the crowd.

How many people at the party had the same reaction as Gu Yin? Just ordinary faces among the masses.

“He has a nice smile, doesn’t he?” Ye Yumeng casually stepped beside Gu Yin, following his line of sight, his tone laced with an almost unnoticeable sense of pride.

Gu Yin didn’t know who this person was, so he absentmindedly replied, “Yes.” The boss really was good-looking.

He only gave Ye Yumeng a polite glance, completely oblivious to the subtle intricacies of the other man’s outfit.

Suddenly, Ye Yumeng asked, “Is he strict with you guys?”

Gu Yin was taken aback, answering, “It’s only right for the boss to be strict.”

“Is that so? Actually, I’ve always thought he was quite gentle,” Ye Yumeng smiled, pausing for two seconds before adding, “You like him a lot, don’t you?”

“Huh?”

Caught off guard, Gu Yin felt flustered—was he being too obvious?

Did Xiao Zong notice too? Was that why he was glaring at him earlier?

The more Gu Yin thought about it, the more nervous he became.

Ye Yumeng quickly reassured him, “I didn’t mean anything by it, don’t get the wrong idea.” His smile deepened, “What I meant was that such an outstanding Alpha like Mr. Xiao probably has many admirers.”

Gu Yin was thoroughly confused by this string of comments, finally turning to properly scrutinize Ye Yumeng.

He knew nothing about luxury brands, but Xiao Zong had called him in to help pick out his outfit for the event.

Xiao Zong’s office was a suite, with a workspace and reception area in the front and a bedroom in the back—a full three-room, two-living space setup with an additional walk-in closet.

Xiao Zong’s schedule was packed, so to save time, he often went straight to events from the office. The suits in his walk-in closet were tailored monthly to fit him perfectly.

Ye Yumeng’s all-white suit shone like a star in the glamorous venue, and with Xiao Zong in the distance, they looked like a matching couple’s outfit.

Noticing Gu Yin staring, Ye Yumeng smiled and asked knowingly, “Is there something wrong?”

“No,” Gu Yin shook his head. “You and President Xiao’s stylists must think alike, what a coincidence.” Jealousy.jpg.

Ye Yumeng’s face instantly changed.

Earlier that afternoon, before heading out, Xiao Zong had been fussing over what to wear in his closet.

His stylist, Tony, who was in charge of crafting his formal look for events, had been persistently recommending, “This one looks great! Seriously! Gu Secretary, back me up here—am I right or not?”

Gu Yin had nodded along dutifully, “Right, right, right.” Xiao Zong looked good in anything. Honestly, he’d look great wearing nothing…

Xiao Zong had muttered in frustration, “Why does it feel like I wear the same thing every time?”

In the end, Tony won with a 2-1 vote, and since there was no time left for Xiao Zong to argue, he reluctantly changed into the suit. Because of the delay, they ended up getting stuck in traffic.

Gu Yin noticed a small golden logo on Ye Yumeng’s collar and instantly understood.

“You must be Mr. Ye, right?”

Hearing his name correctly, Ye Yumeng’s expression softened slightly as he asked, “Has he mentioned me to you?”

Gu Yin thought to himself, Xiao Zong would never talk to me about you—it was Assistant Wei who mentioned you.

It was during his first few days at work—

Wei Mian: “Since you come to the office so early every day, can you do me a favor?”

He solemnly handed Gu Yin a box with a gold logo on it, “Take a good look at this name. The delivery usually arrives at 8:30 a.m. Once you get it, dispose of it immediately. Don’t let the boss see it—if he does, he’ll get mad.”

Gu Yin, puzzled, had opened the flashy package and found, “…A lunchbox?”

Wei Mian, fearing Gu Yin wouldn’t take it seriously, added, “It’s from one of the boss’s admirers. It gets mixed in with the other deliveries, and I don’t want the front desk girls to open it—too many people coming and going. Don’t mention this to anyone.”

Gu Yin had nodded, “Why would someone send this?”

Wei Mian had vaguely replied, “Maybe they think the boss likes it.”

Gu Yin wasn’t stupid. Why would someone get angry over food from an admirer? This was clearly more than just one-sided affection.

Someone as outstanding as Xiao Zong was bound to have a few relationships. But as he thought about it more, Gu Yin suddenly felt a twinge of anxiety.

The bond between Alphas and Omegas, influenced by pheromones, was nearly uncontrollable. Could Xiao Zong have marked someone before?

From a purely biological standpoint, an Alpha could mark multiple Omegas in their lifetime, but an Omega could only ever be completely marked by one Alpha.

The Federation had developed medical procedures to remove complete marks, but studies showed that Omegas remained influenced by their first Alpha for life.

So, when Gu Yin realized this person was Ye Yumeng, his first reaction was one of relief.

Marked Omegas always carried the scent of their Alpha, but Mr. Ye didn’t have that.

Gu Yin’s mood brightened again.

Just as he was about to say something, a figure suddenly stepped between them.

A middle-aged Alpha in his forties or fifties, reeking of alcohol, stumbled into their conversation, interrupting what Gu Yin was about to say. “Where’s this little beauty from, huh? Whose assistant are you?”

Since entering the venue, Gu Yin had stood in this inconspicuous corner, quietly downing five or six drinks, unaware that, to others, he looked like a helpless little white rabbit, waiting to be devoured.

Anyone with half a brain could see he was a fresh-faced newbie, dazzled by the glamorous world of power and wealth.

Gu Yin’s youthful appearance, combined with his cold and indifferent expression, gave him an innocent, boyish charm. He had a slender yet upright physique from his time in military training—though slim, his body was well-proportioned. Compared to Xiao Zong’s sharp-edged beauty, the fragile, delicate type was more aligned with the mainstream Alpha aesthetic—especially for those looking to have some fun.

An unmarked Omega naturally exuded a sweet, enticing scent.

The middle-aged man, dressed in a suit but smelling heavily of alcohol, leaned in close, pushing Gu Yin further into a less noticeable corner of the room. “Why aren’t you saying anything? It’s your first time here, isn’t it? Has your boss left you standing here for hours without a care?”

The word “scram” was on the tip of Gu Yin’s tongue, but he quickly composed himself, opting for a more refined approach, “Go away.”

Ye Yumeng, meanwhile, had quietly moved a few steps to the side, holding his wine glass and increasing the distance between them, pretending nothing was happening, ready to enjoy the show.

“Why don’t you come with me? It won’t take long, we’ll be right back—the room is just upstairs.”

The man leaned in closer, noticing how fair and flawless this young Omega’s skin was, like it was glowing. He reached out, aiming to touch Gu Yin’s face.

Gu Yin knew that some people couldn’t handle their alcohol. With people like this, a good beating usually solved the problem, and they wouldn’t remember a thing the next day.

But this was a formal event, and he wasn’t here alone.

Would defending himself cause trouble for Xiao Zong?

He quickly glanced over to where Xiao Zong had been standing, but there was no trace of him.

The man’s alcoholic breath was getting closer to his face, forcing Gu Yin to turn his attention back.

Perhaps sensing his hesitation, the man lowered his voice, “…What are you afraid of? You’re not in heat, so you won’t get marked. You’ll still be able to explain things to your boss later. We’re just here to have fun. I’ll take good care of you.”

Gu Yin’s pupils reflected the approaching hand, and his mind kept replaying, Throw him out, don’t throw him out, throw him out, don’t throw him out…

Just as the hand was about to touch his face, Gu Yin’s mind froze on the words “throw him out,” and in that moment, another hand appeared out of nowhere—

Gu Yin watched as slender fingers gripped the man’s wrist like a vice, the knuckles turning white with pressure.

Xiao Zong’s arm jerked back violently, pulling the man’s entire body away. He staggered several steps back, even bumping into a passing waiter.

The tray of drinks splashed all over him.

The commotion drew the attention of many in the venue.

“I’m so sorry, sir! It was my mistake! Are you alright?” The waiter apologized profusely, while the drunk man struggled to stand, looking as though he had simply tripped.

Before Gu Yin could fully take in what had happened, Xiao Zong began scolding him, “Do you have no backbone at all? You just stood there and let him touch you?!”

Xiao Zong’s back was to the crowd, so no one could see his expression, but his low, oppressive tone completely enveloped Gu Yin.

Gu Yin looked up at him, dazed.

Seeing that expression only made Xiao Zong angrier.

He was already an adult, yet still so easily bullied.

Gu Yin promised, “Next time, I’ll fight back.”

Xiao Zong didn’t take his words seriously. With his soft personality, he was practically the embodiment of that saying: “What harm could an Omega possibly intend?”

“There won’t be a next time. I’m not bringing you to any more events,” Xiao Zong said fiercely.

“Please don’t, boss,” Gu Yin pleaded pitifully, “I swear I’ll fight back next time.”

I, promise!

Although he was from Lin City, his accent had a soft, southern lilt, sounding sweet and gentle.

Before Xiao Zong could react, Ye Yumeng’s voice cut in, “Ah Zong, is this your secretary?”

“He’s still a student, isn’t he? First time at an event like this—if he doesn’t know the ropes, it’s understandable. Don’t be too hard on him.”

Xiao Zong turned his head to glance at him.

By now, Ye Yumeng had moved much closer.

One was an exceptionally good-looking heir to a wealthy family, and the other was a refined, top-tier fashion designer. Many eyes in the venue were flitting between the two.

There was something unreadable in Xiao Zong’s deep, dark eyes.

With this sudden interruption, Gu Yin completely forgot the plan he had for tonight. On the other hand, Xiao Zong, for reasons unknown, subtly leaned against him.

He looked like he was feeling the effects of the alcohol.

Instinctively, Gu Yin reached out to support him.

Seeing his little secretary standing there in a daze, Xiao Zong frowned and said, “What are you waiting for?”

“I drank a little too quickly just now. Take me back.”

The words Gu Yin had prepared once again remained unspoken, and with a dazed expression from Ye Yumeng, he said, “Sorry, Mr. Ye. We’ll be leaving now.”