Chapter 52: Gu Xiujue
The ABO world had far too many deranged settings.
An Omega’s coming-of-age ceremony was basically a public announcement that your heat was here, that you were in a hurry to find a strong Alpha to get on you. Then give birth to children and keep giving birth non-stop.
It was said that once an Omega came of age, they could keep having children until forty-five.
The Empire was densely populated. You could thank Omegas for their contribution.
For a Beta like Mother Chu to bear two children in her lifetime was considered extremely fortunate.
Compared to an Omega, though, that was nothing. Not worth mentioning at all.
Li “Omega” Dong was dug out of bed by Mother Chu that morning. “Huanyan, put on this beautiful outfit.”
What was that in her hands, all sparkly?
Li Dong gave it a glance, pressed a hand to his chest in toothachey pain, and said, “I am not wearing that.”
“What, you are fussy now?” Mother Chu said. “You ordered this suit yourself in the first half of the year, and you said you wanted to wear it for your coming-of-age.”
Li Dong froze and lowered his hand. “Alright. I will change in a bit.”
After Mother Chu left, he picked up the gaudy suit and calmly put it on.
A man should be as gentle as water at home and as steadfast as steel outside.
Li “sometimes gentle, sometimes steel” Dong finished dressing, stepped out of his room, and came downstairs on a waft of fragrance.
By then there were already quite a few guests downstairs, but Omegas were precious. They did not have to play host.
On the second level of the Chu family’s duplex, they had arranged a special seat for their Omega to sit and carefully observe the Alphas in attendance today.
Right now Father Chu regretted having invited so many young talents to a coming-of-age where the chosen partner was already decided.
If it came out that the choice was a Beta, he feared the Alphas present would rip the roof off the Chu house.
“Look, he is here,” Mother Chu said. Everyone raised their heads at the hostess’s voice.
“Sigh…” Li Dong exhaled. He felt like a monkey in a zoo, every eye admiring him. He still had to wear a calm smile to show the proper bearing.
“He is outstanding.”
“He really is good…”
“I know that Omega. He is famous on StarNet.”
Whispers rose below.
The Alphas traded intel. Someone said, “Chu Huanyan is a very formidable Omega. Not my type.”
“I like gentle and cute.”
Another said, “It is fine. A pretty face is all that matters.”
That guy was immediately warned. “You would marry a tall, formidable Omega? Are you out of your mind?”
Huo Leishao cut straight into the circle of gossiping Alphas. “With all due respect, if Huanyan strikes you as tall and formidable, that is because you do not have the ability to handle an Omega like that. You lack confidence.”
So what if he had been jilted?
He felt it was glorious to be dumped by a competent Omega.
“Major General Huo Leishao, just because you got dumped by an Omega does not mean you should put him on a pedestal,” Alpha A said. “What is wrong with liking gentle and cute Omegas?”
“That is right. I only came as a favor to the Chu family,” Alpha B said, a rich second-generation with no noble title, face full of disdain and frustration.
“Tsk tsk. Tasteless cowards. I have no common language with you,” Huo Leishao said.
Alpha A laughed. “Yes, indeed.” He pointed at a tall figure who had just entered. “Major General Huo Leishao, you should have something to say to that major general.”
Huo followed his finger. The wine glass in his hand stopped mid-sway. “Xiujue?” Old lovers meeting again, he smiled, then turned back to stomp on the tasteless Alphas one more time. “Tsk tsk, you are right. Which is why he and I are nobles, and both major generals.”
All the Alphas: fuming.
“Major General Gu is indeed impressive, pity he cannot bear children,” Alpha B said. “You might not believe it, but I once liked him. What is with those looks you are giving me?”
That had been back in his school days. He too was a graduate of the Empire’s First Military Academy, and his entrance score had been higher than Gu Xiujue’s.
In the end the other man became a major general, while Alpha B was still a dead-end sergeant.
“If he could bear children, I would probably pursue him,” Alpha B said.
“If Major General Gu could bear children, you think it would be your turn?” Alpha C said. “You wish. Wake up.”
“Seriously, why would a Beta who cannot bear children attend an Omega’s coming-of-age?” Alpha A said. “The vibe is off.”
“Your cause of death will definitely be stupidity,” Alpha B said. “Major General Gu and Major General Huo Leishao are old lovers. You think Huo Leishao got dumped and still came to the ceremony just to show his face?”
“Yes. Major General Gu is here to stop Major General Huo Leishao from marrying an Omega,” Alpha C said. “In my humble opinion, that is a bit low. Since they have split, should he not be more self-aware?”
Over here, Gu Xiujue walked in as if nothing were amiss. If someone’s gaze was too blatant, he met it head-on until the offender looked away.
But his situation was too unusual for him to stop all the puzzling stares.
More than half the room thought he was here for Huo Leishao.
The rest, a smaller portion, had some idea about the StarNet fight and had heard the Omega himself say he would marry Gu Xiujue.
Incredible as it sounded, the people in the know had the popcorn out, eager to see what would happen next.
“Xiujue,” Huo Leishao said, sidling up. “Did not expect to see you here.” He smiled first, then looked worried. “Do you really believe winning one fight means an Omega will marry you?”
They were old lovers after all. Like Old Mr. Gu, he could not bring himself to pour cold water, only offer a careful reminder.
“You do not believe it?” Gu Xiujue said. “You think he will stand me up the way he dumped you?” He picked up a glass from the side and took a leisurely sip.
“Drop the act. I know you too well,” Huo said with a snort. “You are nervous out of your mind. Xiujue, you are pitiful.”
“Huo Leishao…” Gu Xiujue warned.
“Do you know why I used to be friends with you?” Huo said. “Because I pitied you and wanted to treat you well.” He lifted his glass. “I did that, but you never knew how to give anything back.”
It was his true feeling. With Gu Xiujue, he had never felt a lover’s warmth or consideration.
“What counts as giving back?” Gu Xiujue said. “Do you want me to be like an Omega, worship you, get shy around you?” Huo had those traits. So did he. Why should he worship?
As for being shy, he muttered under his breath, “You are not capable of making me shy.”
They had bathed together naked before and felt nothing, the same as with all comrades-in-arms.
“You are too competitive, Xiujue. It is not pleasant being with someone like you,” Huo said with a shrug. “Even without other reasons, we would not have worked. You make me feel awful now.”
Basically, he considered Gu Xiujue a poor partner in life after several years being together.
“No need to tear me down,” Gu Xiujue said, eyes narrowing. “I know exactly what kind of person I am. I admit everything you said.”
That was how he had been with Huo. Their way of being together had calcified.
If Huo said they broke up because of that, Gu Xiujue did not buy it. He saw no reason to take the blame.
Most likely Huo had come back and met an Omega, got a taste of sweetness, and decided he did not want to marry a cold, hard Beta who was also stronger than him.
Upstairs, Mother Chu walked over to Li Dong.
“Well?” she smiled. “Seeing all these outstanding Alphas downstairs, have you changed your mind?” Still sticking to the earlier decision?
“I have not looked at them at all,” Li Dong said. He flipped through a magazine to pass the time. “Is it time to open the first dance?” Then, “Has Xiujue arrived?”
“Why not go take a look yourself,” Mother Chu said. She felt it was a pity. With conditions like her son’s, he ought to show himself off, make those Alphas fall for him.
“You just want me to show my face,” Li Dong said, as if he knew everything. He stood and leaned on the railing to look below. A surging sea of Alphas, hormones everywhere.
Among them were no shortage of outstanding young men with handsome faces that drew the eye.
These people were chatting and laughing, constantly displaying their charm, social skills, and so on.
Li Dong spotted Gu Xiujue in the crowd, with Huo Leishao at his side. The two were deep in conversation.
“I see him,” Mother Chu said. “I heard he and Major General Huo were classmates and years-long comrades-in-arms.” She looked at her son. “And lovers who were once engaged.”
A noble Alpha and a Beta together had to be because of feelings.
Those feelings could not outweigh fertility, but they still made one wonder if there were lingering affection.
“I know all that,” Li Dong said.
“You really do not mind?” Mother Chu’s gaze kept shifting, now to Li Dong, now to Gu Xiujue and his old flame.
“Mm.” Li Dong thought, mind what? It was not like he was in a proper romance. He said, “Time to invite our adorable Major General Gu.”
To dance the opening dance.
“This child,” Mother Chu said, shaking her head. She lifted her skirt and went to find her husband.
“Dear, it is time for the remarks. Have Huanyan get ready,” Father Chu said, looking around. “Where is Huanyan?”
“There,” Madam Chu said.
Husband and wife looked together. Their outstanding youngest son was walking into the crowd, drawing eyes to him.
“Up close, he is indeed very pleasing to the eye,” Alpha A said. That Omega had a face you could find no fault with and a very distinct presence.
“He is just fine… huh?” Alpha B’s eyes went wide. He stammered, “He is walking toward Major General Gu.”
“Maybe the target is Major General Huo,” Alpha C said, full of the thrill of watching a show.
Li Dong was a bit annoyed right now. Affected by the hormones in the air, his whole head was a bit fuzzy. He felt the air was very sticky, making it hard to breathe.
But since he’d already come down, he couldn’t return the same way.
His much-watched entrance stirred a small commotion. Gu Xiujue and Huo cut off their conversation and both stared at Li Dong.
“Hi,” Li Dong said, stopping before the two. He had told Mother Chu he did not mind, but he did mind a little. “Xiujue, catching up with Major General Huo?” Then, “How is the chat?”
“Just small talk,” Gu Xiujue said. Seeing Li Dong, he smiled at once. “No surprise you are the star today.”
“What kind of taste is that, same as my mom’s,” Li Dong said. Then he looked at Huo with genuine puzzlement. “Major General Huo Leishao, why are you here too?” Was this guy not someone he had dumped?
“I asked Mr. Chu and he gave me an invitation,” Huo said, baffled in his heart. “Why did you suddenly start to dislike me and break the engagement?”
As a powerful Alpha with a very high opinion of himself, Huo had been waiting for Li Dong to come back and make up with him.
Today was the Omega’s coming-of-age and last chance to choose. He wanted to see what the man would say.
“No complicated reason,” Li Dong said. “I simply realized you are not my type.”
“So it is your coming-of-age and I guess you mean it,” Huo said. It was the first time he had been told so directly, and his expression showed a bit of defeat.
“If we’re not suitable, we separate. It’s a normal thing,” Gu Xiujue said with a soft smile, moving a little closer to Li Dong. “Is it time for the opening dance?”
“Mm.” Li Dong stood there tall and steady like a great Buddha.
“My outfit matches yours today,” Gu Xiujue said, secretly pinching his fiancé’s sleeve.
Li Dong looked Xiujue over, then looked at his own cuff, and had to hold back a laugh. So this man really was the subtle, sentimental type.
He was icy and aloof to those he felt nothing for, but for someone who could pluck his heartstrings, he turned to spring water in a second.
We could only respect a male lead like that.
“Everyone, may I have your attention,” Father Chu said as the music paused. He stepped on stage. “All the guests are here. We are honored to have you at my son’s coming-of-age.” He bowed. “Thank you.”
After the applause, every gaze landed on Li Dong.
With a smile that did not reach his eyes, Li Dong walked up to his father.
Father and son embraced, then mother, then big brother. “Thank you. Love you all,” Gentle Dong suddenly came online.
From a distance, Gu Xiujue watched with unabashed envy on his face, tucking the sense of loss carefully away.
No one noticed him, except the one who knew him best, Huo Leishao. The scoundrel’s mouth went scoundrel again. “Huanyan really is a perfect Omega. He is blessed and he is not from your world.”
“Can you shut up?” Gu Xiujue radiated dark energy.
“Okay,” Huo said.
“I now declare that my son Chu Huanyan’s coming-of-age ceremony has officially begun,” Father Chu announced.
Music rose again, a lively, romantic dance tune. “Huanyan, pick whoever you think is good and ask him for the first round.”
In Li Dong’s ears that was, Go on, Pikachu.
Sigh…
He stood where he was, glanced around, and saw one after another person staring at their own shoes. He believed there were those eager for him to invite them, and those who would rather he did not.
His eyes fell on Gu Xiujue and did not move on.
Tall and handsome, with a proud air, a male lead who would even act cute to an Omega in private. Was he ready?
Li Dong walked straight ahead. From then to now, he always moved with a wind-at-his-heels Li-style swagger.
People around him stared, stunned. Of course this Omega would play shooters and fights on StarNet. That was only natural.
“Major General Gu Xiujue,” Li Dong stopped in front of him and held out his hand. “First round. Dance?”
People nearby keeled over. Was there such a casual way to invite a dance?
No, the real point was, why invite a Beta?
Alphas in the room, did your cheeks sting?
“Dance,” Gu Xiujue said at once, taking Li Dong’s hand. “It would be my honor.”
His face remained as cool and dazzling as ever. In his heart, the scrolling comments were: !!!
How could this Omega be so cute? Being pampered by him, what was this feeling!!!
It must have been the sleeve-pinch that did the trick, thought Major General Gu, going lightheaded in Li Dong’s arms.
“??” Huh? In his arms?
Sensing something off, Gu Xiujue quickly adjusted their steps and held Li Dong with elegant dignity, smiling as they turned.
“I heard you are supposed to chat while dancing,” Li Dong said. He had had an arm around Gu Xiujue’s waist, but was now forced to rest his hand on his shoulder.
The height gap was a sore point. He was annoyed.
“I think… yes,” Gu Xiujue said, mind blanking. His face was cool, but dancing with the one he liked had his body heating up. Not good. He was about to embarrass himself again.
There was a sea of people here, all with keen Alpha noses. They would definitely notice.
“I have never asked you this,” Li Dong said, turning with the reserved male lead. “What do you like about me?”
Gu Xiujue took him through another turn, then ended that round perfectly. “Thank you.”
An Alpha slipped into the gap and took Li Dong’s hand to continue the dance. “Hi, dear Chu. My name is Buddy, 25, graduate of the Royal Institute of Technology, now an excellent architectural designer.”
Li Dong broke out in a cold sweat. F**k, what was with the male lead? “Nice to meet you, Buddy. You’re quite excellent.” Sorry, the whole room added together still could not outshine a male-lead-shou in a female author’s pen.
“Hi,” said Alpha B, becoming Li Dong’s third partner. “Okay, I do not want to lie.” He had a thing to say, not sure if it was appropriate. “As someone who was once engaged to Major General Huo Leishao, to then tangle with Major General Gu, a lot of people do not like that.”
In Alpha B’s eyes, that behavior was low. He would not choose a low Omega.
Maybe in this lifetime he would never be with his crush, Major General Gu Xiujue, but he refused to accept low-grade goods.
“Mm, you’re quite excellent,” Li Dong said. What was he doing at this moment?
Throwing the male lead sultry looks.
“…” Gu Xiujue lowered his eyes, took a deep breath, and went to find a spot to have a glass of wine.
Author’s Note:
Feel sorry for our poor male lead and the people of the ABO world. The setting is too insanely twisted. Should I write about Zerg? That's also an insanely twisted yet exhilarating setting.
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