Chapter 138
Xiao Xiao had initially thought that, because his body was different from an omega’s, his heat wouldn’t last as long. But when it finally arrived and he received an alpha’s pheromones and comfort, he discovered that the duration of his heat was no different from a normal omega’s. He and Gu Qian spent three days at home before his condition improved. It wasn’t until the fifth day that he could finally manage to get himself ready to go out.
But even when he was able to go out, Gu Qian didn’t seem willing to let him. So, Xiao Xiao never brought up the subject of going out alone again.
Gu Qian was back to his normal self, gentle and humble, just like before, treating him exceptionally well. He took him shopping for clothes and shoes, and then he took him to work.
The moment he stepped into the office, all eyes were on him. Everyone was surprised, as Xiao Xiao had been gone for a quite some time. They didn’t know where he had gone, and Gu Qian hadn’t been coming to work much either.
Xiao Xiao’s sudden disappearance and reappearance made many people want to ask where he had been. But no matter how curious they were, they never found an opportunity to be alone with him. Every time they tried to use the excuse of delivering documents, Gu Qian was there. Xiao Xiao never went to the restroom, the breakroom for a drink or a snack, and even his lunch was ordered and delivered to the office by Gu Qian.
The whole atmosphere was just off.
Many people began to speculate that Xiao Xiao had been won over by the boss and was now being hidden away from everyone. They figured his disappearance was a honeymoon with Gu Qian.
“They’re together now, so why hasn’t the boss told us?” Colleague A whispered with a smile.
“We’re just regular employees,” Colleague B replied. “Even if the boss is dating, or even married, he wouldn’t tell us.”
“That’s not necessarily true,” Colleague A argued. “Isn’t the boss getting married something for the whole company to celebrate? He should at least show off a little, let us congratulate them.”
“I think A is right,” Colleague C chimed in. “If the boss is happy, he should be giving out wedding candy.”
“The boss looks pretty happy today,” Colleague D said with a grin. “The wedding candy might be coming soon…”
At that, everyone burst into laughter. They all waited for Gu Qian’s good news and the wedding candy that would come with it.
But the subject of their gossip, Xiao Xiao, was sitting in the office drinking bubble tea. Gu Qian had specially sent someone to buy it for him. It was his favorite, mango pomelo sago. As he drank, he said, “You brought me to work just to sit here and keep you company?”
It was already afternoon, almost time to leave. From morning until now, he hadn’t even stepped out of the office. He ate, drank, and did everything in the office. He hadn’t done any work, just played. On his phone, on the computer, or eating snacks. It was a nice life, just not what he had imagined.
“Isn’t this nice?” Gu Qian said. “Your salary is the same, and you can spend the money in my account however you like.” Even before they were married, Gu Qian had laid all his assets before Xiao Xiao.
But Xiao Xiao wasn’t particularly moved. He just thought Gu Qian was overly confident, certain he wouldn’t run away with all his wealth. But on second thought, it wasn’t confidence, it was just a fact. Even if Gu Qian gave him everything, he wouldn’t take it and leave. Because he couldn’t. No matter where he went, Gu Qian would find him. And because he had truly come to understand his heat, he knew he couldn’t leave Gu Qian. He imagined that if he insisted on leaving, he might go mad from the torment of his heats, just like his mother. And he would probably die even sooner than her. Because he wasn’t as strong.
“It’s nice,” Xiao Xiao nodded. It really was a good life, the kind he had once dreamed of. And as long as Gu Qian didn’t have an episode, as long as he didn’t show his obsessive, crazy side, it was a life many would envy. That included him.
He took a sip of his bubble tea and said in a small voice, “So… how are things with Lele? When can I go see him?” He really wanted to see An Le, but he didn’t want to distract him while he was still dealing with his own problems.
After he spoke, he was a little afraid of Gu Qian’s reaction and secretly watched his expression. But Gu Qian was still smiling gently. “It’s almost resolved, Xiao Xiao. I’m helping him.”
Gu Qian’s calm demeanor was a relief, but his last words made him curious. “What?” Gu Qian was helping An Le? With what?
A corner of Gu Qian’s mouth lifted as he gazed at Xiao Xiao with affection. “I’m helping him deal with my father. I’m helping him bring down the Gu family. Xiao Xiao, do you know who I’m doing this for?”
“Wh-what?” Xiao Xiao was shocked. No wonder Li Jie had called Gu Qian a madman. Besides being held captive and tied up, this was further proof of his insanity. He was helping others take down his own father and ruin his own family. He was sure very few people in the world would do such a thing. Gu Qian was truly insane.
Gu Qian stood up, walked over to the sofa, and pulled the stunned Xiao Xiao into his arms. He kissed him on the ear and said, “Are you that surprised? Are you worried we won’t have any money after the Gu family falls?”
“We won’t. I have many assets that won’t be frozen and have nothing to do with Gu Chen or the Gu family. So, even if the Gu family falls, the name Gu Qian will still stand at the top of our circle.” He smiled. “I will absolutely not let you suffer.”
Xiao Xiao was speechless. He didn’t think it would be suffering. He had lived through hard times before, and even after his life had improved, he had never forgotten those days. So, even if he had to go back to that life, he wouldn’t consider it suffering. It was just… Gu Qian’s methods…
Seeing him silent, Gu Qian asked, “Are you not happy that I’m helping An Le?”
“No.” Xiao Xiao was more than happy for Gu Qian to help An Le. It was just that, from their perspective, Gu Qian’s actions were very… filial. But then again, with a father like that, Gu Qian’s actions could be seen as righteous, serving justice even against his own family. It was a good thing.
Xiao Xiao wrapped his arms around Gu Qian’s neck, smiled faintly, and said, “Will your father be angry when he finds out?”
“What does his anger have to do with me?” Gu Qian said dismissively. “Don’t worry about him.” He didn’t dare to recall how Gu Chen had treated his mother, but… thinking of his mother, he instinctively looked at Xiao Xiao.
Xiao Xiao paused, then asked in a small voice, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Gu Qian thought for a moment before saying, “Gu Chen is sick. He’s very good at torturing people. So my mother… she was tormented by him. Xiao Xiao, I’m sick too. I… I really want to be good to you, but I’m so afraid that one day you’ll end up like my mother. I’m afraid my love for you will become your torment.” He frowned and said in a low voice, “Xiao Xiao, I’m sorry.”
Xiao Xiao pursed his lips and said nothing. He wanted to argue that it wouldn’t be “one day,” because Gu Qian’s love had already become his torment. But he didn’t dare say it out loud, afraid Gu Qian would break down and have another episode.
However, the fact that Gu Qian was aware of this was a good start. At least then, no matter how obsessive he got, he wouldn’t go too far. Xiao Xiao knew he couldn’t leave Gu Qian in this life, so he would do his best to accommodate and guide him.
He forced a smile. “As long as you control yourself, don’t get angry and hurt me out of jealousy, don’t lock me up over misunderstandings, and just treat me well… then it won’t be torment.”
“I will, I will.” Hearing his words, Gu Qian was delighted. “I’ve been taking my medication, and I see a psychologist every three days. Xiao Xiao, look, haven’t I gotten a lot better recently?”
This time, Xiao Xiao nodded in agreement. “Yes, you’re much better than before. Your eyes aren’t as scary.” When Gu Qian had shown up with a medical team, he had thought it was all an act to trick him. But in the days that followed, even during his heat, Gu Qian would go out into the hallway to talk with his psychologist for two hours while he was resting. He would only come back when Xiao Xiao got impatient and went to the door to look for him. Gu Qian was really trying hard to get better. He just didn’t know how effective it would be in the long run.
If Gu Qian was truly cured, then his future… should be a happy one.
Hearing the praise, Gu Qian’s spirits lifted. He kissed Xiao Xiao on the cheek and said, “It will only get better from here. I will never hurt you again.”
Xiao Xiao took another sip of his bubble tea and said with a smile, “Then keep trying. Also, don’t you have work to do? It’s almost time to leave.”
“I’ll get right to it.” Gu Qian immediately let go of Xiao Xiao and went back to his computer. As the boss, Gu Qian could slack off as much as he wanted and spend all day with Xiao Xiao. But recently, the issues with the Gu family had forced him to focus on his work. Otherwise, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to get out unscathed after the family’s downfall. After all, he had plenty of enemies. What if someone decided to kick him while he was down and try to ruin him too? For Xiao Xiao’s future, Gu Qian had to work.
Xiao Xiao watched the focused Gu Qian and thought to himself, If only he were always this reasonable.
He lowered his gaze, sipping his bubble tea while scrolling through his phone, secretly searching for news about An Le. There had been a lot of news online recently. The Gu family was constantly in the spotlight, which was why Gu Qian was so busy.
He was looking thoughtfully when he suddenly heard Gu Qian’s phone ring. He looked up and saw Gu Qian staring at the screen with a somewhat terrifying smile. The caller was none other than Li Jie…
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