“It’s bite marks!”
Xiao Zhou blurted it out first, his grip on Shi Yuxing’s sleeve creating tight creases. “It’s bite marks, right? A marked gland has teeth marks on it—you found bite marks on that so-called bionic gland.”
The next second, Xiao Zhou’s gaze shot past Shi Yuxing to Gu Lingzhou behind him. “Ha, you damn pervert old man number two—I haven’t even settled last night’s score with you yet.” The faint sound of teeth grinding could be heard.
Shi Yuxing quickly reached out to hold Xiao Zhou back. “Now’s not the time for that. I want to go back to the Old Mansion this weekend and take photos of the basement.” His gaze swept over all three with determination. “Together, okay?”
…
The Gu Lingzhous had no reason to refuse their wife. They geared up.
Layers of thick clothing were wrapped around the waist to create a heavy belly. Da Ling lowered his lashes, letting Shi Yuxing work. The baggy clothes bulged out over his stomach, looking almost real.
Gu Lingzhou commented: “Turned into an uncle.” Xiao Zhou couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Shi Yuxing clapped his hands in satisfaction, stared at this face, then thought of something and rummaged through the medical kit for cotton.
“Here, stuff these into your cheeks like I’m doing—it’ll give you chubby cheeks.” Shi Yuxing opened his mouth and stuffed a wad of cotton into each side, then handed the remaining ones to Da Ling.
The other two alphas stared at Shi Yuxing’s puffed-out cheeks. Xiao Zhou reached out and poked them. “So soft.” The touch made Shi Yuxing squint at him, his tea-colored eyes glinting with mischief. Xiao Zhou immediately sensed danger, but his feet were rooted to the spot.
With a shriek, Xiao Zhou clutched his clothes and struggled. “Wife, I was wrong, I was wrong—I don’t want to wear women’s clothes!”
The blue-and-white bunny-themed puffy dress looked especially ridiculous on a man standing 1.9 meters tall. The poor alpha covered his face: “How does this thing even exist in this house? So embarrassing!” Shi Yuxing held a comb and spray, wetting the wig while smoothing it out. “Bought it especially for you.”
Going back to the first year Gu Lingzhou was away—back then, Shi Yuxing would still get angry over their wedding fiasco. Whenever he got angry, he couldn’t help but spend money on things. He bought whatever was most expensive in the store—maybe it was a way of seeking attention. He figured that if he spent so much money, Gu Lingzhou would have to call and ask what was going on. But not only did that man not send a single message, when Shi Yuxing went back to spend more the next day, the balance in his card had doubled.
So, dizzy with rage, Shi Yuxing stumbled into a Lolita boutique by accident—and the gears of fate began to turn.
The shop assistant sweet-talked him into asking what size dress he needed. A wicked idea surfaced in Shi Yuxing’s mind, and so this little bunny puffy dress was born—custom-made entirely to Gu Lingzhou’s measurements.
All thanks to the wedding suit tailor who enthusiastically provided him with Gu Lingzhou’s full measurements—including the crotch.
Xiao Zhou: “This should clearly be worn by that guy!” He shot his hand out, pointing at the person snickering at his misfortune. That smug, detached attitude was infuriating.
“Don’t move.” Shi Yuxing carefully clipped the wig into place. The chestnut-colored long curls draped gently over both shoulders. If you ignored the terrifying height, with that face, he could easily win Miss Planet.
Da Ling took a sip of coffee. “Not bad. Has a certain ‘Dongshi imitating Xishi’ vibe.”
“Hey!”
Gu Lingzhou added his review—whether praise or mockery was unclear: “Very suitable.”
“Suitable? Want me to get a set for you too?” Shi Yuxing looked at the man over there whose body suddenly stiffened, feeling unusually cheerful. He patted the Lolita skirt. “Alphas can be this beautiful too.” Ignoring the leg hair, of course.
Four pairs of eyes stared at those poorly maintained legs—the masculine features were far too obvious. Xiao Zhou tugged at the hem of the skirt, his face red as a cooked shrimp. “I want to change!”
Shi Yuxing sighed regretfully. “What a shame.”
·
Setting out for the Old Mansion once again, the state of mind was completely different. This mission was more arduous than ever before. Shi Yuxing looked at the person driving beside him, then glanced at the carefully disguised big-bellied uncle and the pretty man in work clothes with flowing hair in the back seat. He leaned back against his seat, the lush green trees falling behind them.
The gloomy European-style building complex was bathed in light. Shi Yuxing placed his hand on Gu Lingzhou’s, instructing the back seat with a few words. Just like last time—split up.
Entering through the main gate, the butler was waiting as usual. Shi Yuxing remembered what he’d said last time and still felt uneasy about it. Though he wouldn’t tell Grandmother, still… his gaze fell on the butler leading the way—clean, neat suit, immaculate hair.
Shi Yuxing wondered: whose side is he really on?
The one who had always remained half a step behind Shi Yuxing looked down. The furrow between Shi Yuxing’s brows was full of worry. He reached out, his ring finger hooking around another suspended ring finger. The jade-smooth arm trembled slightly, then Shi Yuxing’s beautiful eyes shifted toward him, asking what he was doing.
Gu Lingzhou looked down at their linked skin, his thumb rubbing over the base of Shi Yuxing’s ring finger. Since he hadn’t worn it for long, there was no visible trace of a ring at all. Shi Yuxing felt uncomfortable under his gaze and tried to pull his hand back, but it was firmly held. Gu Lingzhou’s breath brushed against his ear, and his hand tightened.
“Don’t be nervous, baby. I’m always with you.”
Finally, they stopped in front of a room. The butler pulled the door open.
Grandmother was draped in a thick down coat. Her stern face showed a hint of a smile when she saw them. “You’re here. Come sit. Some premium tea just arrived.” With that, the butler stepped forward and brewed a cup for each of them.
The rich aroma of tea mingled with a gentle, non-irritating sweet fragrance. Shi Yuxing’s eyes darted around. This room was different from the tea room—it was filled with various beauty devices. Though he knew Grandmother was a woman who took great care of her appearance, seeing such a large room packed with instruments he’d either seen or never seen before, along with wall after wall of skincare products, still made his jaw drop.
“Xingxing, this is your first time here, isn’t it?” Kolia was in an unusually good mood, curving her lips. “This is my beauty room. If you like anything on the walls, you can take some back.” Shi Yuxing waved his hand. He didn’t even dare drink the tea in front of him—how could he possibly use any of those chemical concoctions?
Gu Lingzhou was less restrained. Compared to his last visit when his hatred was practically written all over his face, he was much more composed this time. He took a sip of the hot tea. “Grandmother, have you been well this past week?”
“Fit as a fiddle. If I were in the city center, I’d even join the old ladies downstairs for some square dancing.” This comment made Shi Yuxing feel that Kolia was in a good mood—Grandmother rarely made jokes.
“Xingxing, would you like to stay here tonight? It’s been a long time since you’ve slept in the Old Mansion.”
Shi Yuxing snapped back to attention, his scattered thoughts instantly snapping taut like a fishing line with a bite. “Sure.” Perfect—nighttime was the best time for reconnaissance. He’d already arranged with the other two to meet up if the opportunity arose.
Gu Lingzhou said, “Thank you for making the arrangements, Grandmother.”
Kolia could barely suppress a smile. “I’ll have someone prepare a room for you. After dinner, you can rest early. You young people always stay up late—how can you raise excellent children if your bodies aren’t up to par?”
Even though he was prepared, hearing these words still made Shi Yuxing uncomfortable. His hand was held again—this time, the palm was burning hot, and faint traces of fir scent wafted from it. Shi Yuxing shook his head, remembering the important matter. Besides collecting photos of the lab this time, he also needed to extract Grandmother’s connection to Jiang Chusheng.
“Do you know my mentor Jiang Chusheng?” Shi Yuxing asked. Kolia’s kindly face seemed to slip for just a moment. “Jiang Chusheng? You mean that very prestigious professor in the medical field? What about him?”
Shi Yuxing had caught that momentary flicker. “He transferred to Imperial Hospital recently. I had a meal with Teacher Jiang, and he said he knows you.” Kolia didn’t deny it. “We had some acquaintance in the early years. What else did he tell you?” Her fingertips gripping the teacup turned white—clearly gripping it tightly.
“He said you’re still beautiful, and that raising Gu Lingzhou into who he is today wasn’t easy.” Shi Yuxing knew very well how to please people—he just rarely used his mouth for sweet talk. Grandmother didn’t seem cheered up by his honeyed words. Shi Yuxing knew this might make Kolia and Jiang Chusheng more wary, but not doing it would only leave them spinning in circles.
“He said that? Did he say anything else?”
Shi Yuxing shook his head. Gu Lingzhou followed up: “Grandmother, do you have business dealings with this Teacher Jiang?”
“No.” The expected denial—but it was enough. At least she admitted to having contact with Jiang Chusheng in the early years.
The recording pen in his pocket blinked with a faint green light.
“Dong—dong—seven o’clock.” The electronic clock chimed, and a lark popped out to announce the time before retreating back inside.
Setting down his chopsticks, Shi Yuxing was about eighty percent full. Gu Lingzhou’s earlier whisper to eat less had been completely thrown out the window. Food prepared by a five-star chef had to be eaten in one go—anything less would be an insult to the cuisine.
So what if it was drugged? There was still Gu Lingzhou beside him, who’d only eaten a little cold dish. Someone would always clean up after him.
He rubbed his round belly and finally turned his attention to his husband beside him. One look and he was shocked—Gu Lingzhou’s cheeks were flushed as if he’d been drinking, his palm pressed against his forehead, his distinguished facial features hidden in the shadows. His thick, dark lashes fluttered occasionally, as if caught in a terrible nightmare. Shi Yuxing scanned the table—there was no alcohol. He hadn’t seen any alcohol on the table either.
Grandmother had excused herself halfway through the meal, citing fatigue. Shi Yuxing reached out and touched the alpha’s cheek—nearly pulling his hand back from the heat. How could it be this hot?!
“Gu Lingzhou? Gu Lingzhou, you have a fever. Wake up.” Shi Yuxing gently patted his cheek. The next second, those pitch-black eyes suddenly snapped open and locked onto him. Along with that gaze climbing up his arm came a fir scent so overwhelming it was impossible to ignore.
The alpha’s rut was approaching like a towering tsunami—so close now, there was no time to escape.
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