But I’m Just a Beta 30

30 

The next morning, Qi Zhao returned to work.

Qi Wei was still working from home for the next two days—to ensure there were no “relapses.” His gland had issues, so it was normal for his rut to be irregular. There were many such cases among alphas.

So when Qi Wei dropped Qi Zhao off at the company entrance, Qi Zhao said before getting out of the car, “Call me if you feel unwell.”

Qi Wei’s lips curved into a genuine smile. “Okay.”

Although Qi Zhao, the team leader, had taken leave, the project wasn’t completely stalled.

It was in a transitional phase, so his temporary absence didn’t matter much. Moreover, he returned to good news: the stubborn holdout was willing to relocate. They had contacted the village committee and expressed their willingness to move, without any additional demands.

Fang Xingxing gave him a thumbs-up. “Team Leader Qi, your tactic was ruthless, but it worked!”

A new team member, there to learn and also to do miscellaneous tasks, couldn’t help but ask, “But what if he finds out later that we’re not building a cemetery, won’t he cause trouble?”

A colleague passing by behind him tapped him on the head with a file. “Did we ever say we were building a cemetery? Didn’t he hear that rumor himself? Besides, even if he knew we were the ones who spread the rumor, so what? He’s not the emperor. The contract clearly states the terms. The transaction is complete. If he still wants to cause trouble, that’s a matter for the police.”

He added, smiling at the newcomer, “Kid, that’s how the adult world works.”

The newcomer was indeed fresh out of school, but… he looked at Qi Zhao, who had smiled and shaken his head, now focused on improving the project proposal.

Qi Zhao was the same age as him.

Comparing themselves was truly demoralizing.

No wonder he could be parachuted in like this.

His capabilities were evident.

After the complete project proposal was submitted, they just had to wait for Tang Huaiyuan’s approval and then hold a meeting.

When Tang Huaiyuan received the email, he hissed softly, “He came to work today?”

The secretary checked the attendance records. “Yes.”

“…He can actually still come to work?”

Tang Huaiyuan twirled the pen in his hand, unable to sit still. “No, I have to go see him. Could it be that Qi Wei couldn’t hold back any longer?”

Secretary: “…”

Did Second Young Master Qi know he was being gossiped about like this?

When Tang Huaiyuan appeared in Project Group One, many people tensed up.

Qi Zhao glanced at him and stood up. “President Huaiyuan?”

Tang Huaiyuan gestured. “Come out for a moment.”

Qi Zhao saved his file, closed his laptop, and walked out. “What’s wrong?”

They went to the nearby pantry. Tang Huaiyuan looked him over, seeing no signs of exhaustion. “Qi Wei’s rut is over?”

“Yes.” Qi Zhao didn’t understand at first. “Do you need something from him? He’s working from home for the next two days and will probably postpone anything that’s not urgent.”

Tang Huaiyuan: “I don’t need anything from him. We don’t have much business to discuss… I’m asking you.”

Qi Zhao paused, finally understanding what he meant, and said helplessly, “Since when did you become so gossipy?”

“This isn’t gossip.”

Tang Huaiyuan said matter-of-factly, “I thought you would at least take a month off. I was even prepared to take over your project proposal and finalize it.”

“…”

Qi Zhao couldn’t even process the rest of his sentence.

At least a month off???

Wasn’t that a bit ridiculous?

Seeing his silence, Tang Huaiyuan smiled. “Zhao, you underestimate us alphas.”

He didn’t think there was anything wrong with discussing this with Qi Zhao. Qi Zhao was a man, and so was he. Qi Zhao wasn’t an omega. Talking about this with an omega… outside of an educational context, would indeed be considered sexual harassment.

But Qi Zhao didn’t fit any of those criteria. More importantly, they were friends.

Tang Huaiyuan: “It’s mainly because you’re not an omega and can’t release soothing pheromones. For highly compatible alpha-omega pairs, it wouldn’t last that long… I estimated Qi Wei would need that much time because he’s a super S-rank.”

He said to Qi Zhao, “Many of you can’t comprehend what it means to be a super S-rank, but those of us alphas ranked A or above can generally sense it.”

That’s why Qi Zhao’s younger brother didn’t dare utter a word.

“But I’m not surprised.”

“About what?”

“That he didn’t do anything to you.” Tang Huaiyuan spread his hands. “You don’t like him, and he likes you very much, so he wouldn’t go against your wishes.”

Qi Zhao paused slightly. “…Although we’re friends, you knowing about my complicated relationship with Qi Wei is normal. But do I really seem like I don’t like Qi Wei at all?”

Tang Huaiyuan didn’t know how to explain it to him. He, an alpha who usually relied on pheromones to perceive everything, was actually giving someone emotional guidance. Strange.

“Do you remember choosing elective courses in high school?”

They could choose extracurricular courses in high school. At the time, Qi Zhao was very interested in new technologies and was often jokingly called a traitor by them. But the family of the teacher who taught new technologies had some conflicts of interest with the Qi family. Normally, in their situation, they would avoid such courses, but Qi Zhao still chose it.

Tang Huaiyuan: “You’re the type of person who, if you like something, you’ll pursue it, no matter the obstacles. But you’re working here now, not by Qi Wei’s side, and that says a lot.”

Qi Zhao lowered his eyes and chuckled. “But many people say I’ve changed a lot.”

Tang Huaiyuan said, “Have you? I don’t think so.”

He said sincerely, “I feel like you’re still the same as before.”

He lifted his chin. “Look at Qi Wei. He liked you so early on, and he still likes you now. That means you haven’t changed much.”

This was a perspective Qi Zhao hadn’t considered.

But he didn’t want to discuss his relationship with Qi Wei any further, so he changed the subject. “Is this all you wanted to talk about?”

He teased, “President Huaiyuan, slacking off at work and encouraging your employees to slack off too? Are you still running this company?”

Tang Huaiyuan wasn’t just there to gossip. “There’s something else.”

“I have a business trip abroad next week, a very important collaboration. I’ve discussed it with them, and there’s no way to postpone it.” Tang Huaiyuan took out his phone. “But there’s a bidding scheduled for next week. I originally planned to send my assistant, but since you’re back, I’m more comfortable entrusting it to you.”

He sent the information to Qi Zhao. Qi Zhao glanced through it, his eyes pausing on Qi Wense’s name for half a second.

Tang Huaiyuan said casually, “Your family will also be participating in this bidding. For them, this might be their last hope.”

Qi Zhao continued reading. “It’s a government project, and many partners have already been confirmed. It’s a guaranteed profit, even if it’s not a huge one. If they win the bid, they’ll be revitalized.”

But if they didn’t… it would be difficult for the Qi family to find a new way out.

Tang Huaiyuan looked at him. Qi Zhao’s expression was calm, unreadable, so he said, “It’s okay if you don’t want to go.”

He believed Qi Zhao could win the bid, so if Qi Zhao went, it would be the final blow to the Qi family.

“How can I refuse the boss’s orders?”

Qi Zhao put away his phone and chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to secure this project.”

Tang Huaiyuan wanted to pat him on the shoulder and say, “Good brother,” but he was afraid that if he touched him, Qi Wei would be able to smell it when Qi Zhao returned home.

The higher the alpha’s rank, the more sensitive their nose. As an alpha, he knew this.

So he could only touch his nose and say, “I’ll give you a bonus if you win.”

“No need.”

Qi Zhao smiled. “I also have something to tell you.”

“I plan to work for Qi Wei after finishing this project.”

Tang Huaiyuan was stunned. “Huh?”

It wasn’t that he wouldn’t let Qi Zhao leave; it was just a little sudden.

And…

He recalled his earlier words, “You’re the type of person who, if you like something, you’ll pursue it, no matter the obstacles.”

Huh?

Huh???

Huh?????????

Tang Huaiyuan’s eyes widened in disbelief. He looked at Qi Zhao. “You…”

Knowing what he was thinking, Qi Zhao tilted his head slightly, the smile in his eyes unwavering. “I’m not sure either. I just suddenly want to get to know him better.”

It wasn’t exactly sudden. It seemed that the thought of getting to know Qi Wei had been planted seven years ago.

He just hadn’t realized it until now, after being repeatedly triggered. He clearly felt that, although it was a bit slow, and he hoped to take it slow, he truly wanted to get closer to Qi Wei.

Qi Zhao stood up and looked at his watch. “It’s getting late. I’ll get back to work.”

Tang Huaiyuan was still a little dazed. He stepped aside. “Oh, okay…”

Qi Zhao reached the door, then seemed to remember something and turned back to him. “That’s not my home anymore.”

He had a new home now.

And in his new home, there was an alpha who loved him deeply, whose world revolved around him.

After a busy day at work, Qi Zhao finished his tasks and left a little late.

He got into the passenger seat, and after fastening his seatbelt, Qi Wei handed him a glutinous rice ball.

Qi Zhao took it and started eating without hesitation.

It was filled with red bean paste, his favorite.

“Did you feel unwell today?”

“No.”

Qi Wei started the car, his nose twitching slightly. “You were in the same room as Tang Huaiyuan?”

Qi Zhao: “…”

What a nose.

“He wanted to talk to me, and I told him about my resignation.” Qi Zhao said, “I have a business trip next week.”

Qi Wei discreetly released his pheromones, covering the faint scent clinging to Qi Zhao, and lowered his eyes slightly. “How long will you be gone?”

Qi Zhao calculated the time. “At least three days.”

“Ah Zhao.”

The traffic light ahead turned red, and a long queue of cars formed. Qi Wei slowed down and joined the line. “I want to go with you.”

Once again, there were no polite inquiries like “okay?” or “is that alright?” hoping for his approval.

But Qi Zhao found this more comfortable.

Whenever Qi Wei added those polite phrases before, it always made him feel a little strange.

“Tang Huaiyuan is lending me his assistant.”

Qi Zhao explained in advance, “And I’m going there for work.”

Meaning he wouldn’t be able to spend time with Qi Wei.

Qi Wei looked at Qi Zhao, his eyes curving into a smile. “Hmm.”

He said slowly, “I’m also going there for work. It just so happens that I haven’t made a surprise visit to the branch company there this year. Let’s make it next week.”

Qi Zhao couldn’t help but laugh, then recalled Tang Huaiyuan’s words.

He met Qi Wei’s gaze and, after a pause, asked, “…Do you think I’ve changed a lot compared to before?”

Qi Wei raised an eyebrow slightly, a little surprised, but answered without hesitation, “You haven’t changed.”

Qi Zhao was stunned.

Qi Wei said softly, “Ah Zhao, everyone faces difficulties. You just happened to be in a difficult situation, but you’ve never changed.”

He hadn’t become worse; he was still as exceptional and bright.

So much so that even though Qi Wei was now an alpha, even though he held power, he still had to work hard to keep up with him.