But I’m Just a Beta 58

58

If it weren’t for the presence of others, and Qi Zhao’s aversion to public displays of affection, Qi Wei would have pulled him into his arms, kissed him senseless, and never let go.

His Ah Zhao…

For seven long years, Qi Wei had believed his pursuit was one-sided, that Qi Zhao had a terrible impression of him, even hated him.

So he had strived to present a gentle and approachable image, not that of a brooding madman.

But the encounter he had considered a disastrous first impression had actually been a turning point for Qi Zhao, a moment that captured his heart. This realization lifted the weight that had been on Qi Wei’s heart for seven years, filling him with an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

Unable to be too demonstrative, he could only hold Qi Zhao’s hand tightly, his thumb and forefinger caressing his skin, his deep, dark eyes fixed on Qi Zhao, their intensity making Qi Zhao instinctively flinch and look away.

Seeing his reaction, Qi Wei couldn’t help but lower his head and whisper, “Ah Zhao, I want to hug you, is that okay?”

As expected, Qi Zhao’s voice was also soft. “We’re in public…”

Meaning no.

But Qi Wei chuckled softly. “Okay.”

Whether it was agreeing or anticipating Qi Zhao’s response, it made him happy.

An alpha’s gland was more stable outdoors due to various environmental factors and the lack of confinement, so they were less likely to release pheromones.

So Qi Wei’s pheromones weren’t as unrestrained as before, but they still restlessly crept towards Qi Zhao, clinging to his ankles.

An alpha of his rank could, of course, control his pheromones, targeting a specific individual, sending them any signal he wanted.

But Yan Shuang, being an S-rank alpha, vaguely sensed the restless pheromones and instinctively wanted to move away, then realized something and turned to look at Qi Zhao and Qi Wei, who were three spots away.

Few people knew that alphas ranked S or above could “see” pheromones.

It wasn’t seeing with their physical eyes, but a higher level of perception.

So he could “see” the super S-rank alpha’s pheromones, like countless small snakes, creeping up Qi Zhao’s legs from his ankles, carefully yet eagerly, enveloping him completely. And sensing his gaze, they bared their fangs, their tongues flicking out in a hissing warning.

Yan Shuang wisely looked away, clicking his tongue softly in his heart, a complex expression on his face.

Knowing full well that Qi Zhao couldn’t sense anything, yet still being so cautious, as if afraid of being discovered… Although he had long known that Qi Wei was completely smitten with Qi Zhao, seeing them interact like this still felt incredible.

…Qi Wei wasn’t treating Qi Zhao like an oblivious beta at all.

After playing for a few hours, Qi Zhao felt refreshed, exhaling and stretching his body. “It’s good to get out and exercise sometimes.”

“If you want, we can come out often,” Qi Wei handed him a folded towel. “Exercising outdoors is more refreshing than exercising at home.”

That was true.

Qi Zhao took the towel, wiped his sweat, and heard Tang Huaiyuan call out, “It’s almost dinner time. Want to eat together?”

Qi Zhao had no objections, but…

He glanced at Qi Wei, and the perceptive alpha turned his head, his eyes questioning, his expression indicating that he would go along with whatever Qi Zhao decided.

So Qi Zhao agreed.

Yan Shuang naturally joined them; he wanted to get closer to Tang Huaiyuan, to win over his future brother-in-law. But the others had their own matters to attend to, so in the end, it was just the four of them.

“I’ve booked a table,” Tang Huaiyuan said. “Let’s go to Guanyue Tower.”

Guanyue Tower was a famous restaurant in Kyoto, designed in an antique style, open 24 hours, serving various cuisines.

And more importantly…

Qi Wei chuckled softly. “Just say you want me to treat you.”

It was a Qi family business.

Tang Huaiyuan spread his hands. “You were the one who insisted on coming.”

He had booked the table at Guanyue Tower earlier, thinking that Qi Wei wouldn’t come, that it would just be a casual dinner among friends. He hadn’t expected Qi Wei to bring Qi Zhao, forgoing their “romantic getaway.”

As they walked out, Yan Shuang sent the location of Guanyue Tower to their group chat; there was no need for further explanation.

Qi Zhao glanced at Qi Wei’s phone and noticed that Yang Shou was the first to reply with a “1.” “Is the President coming too?”

“He likes to join in the fun,” Qi Wei rubbed the back of Qi Zhao’s hand. “He always makes a big fuss, even for just a meal.”

Qi Zhao imagined the scene of Yang Shou surrounded by bodyguards in the news. “…That’s a little scary.”

He knew Yang Shou wouldn’t bring so many bodyguards to dinner, but three or four were probably unavoidable.

He was the President, after all.

“Let him be,” Yan Shuang said casually, “he’s probably suffocating, dealing with those old folks in the government all day.”

Yang Shou was indeed a relatively young President. He had been elected not only because he was an S-rank alpha, but also because his family had considerable political influence, and… he was probably the only known alpha in the world with awakened special abilities.

And with the support of the Qi family and other influential families in Z Country, it would have been strange if he hadn’t become President.

And Yang Shou himself was capable, not a puppet ruler.

The only thing noteworthy was that rumor had it he liked an alpha. Although under certain circumstances, alphas could legally marry each other, it still wasn’t the “norm.”

And Yang Shou and that alpha hadn’t married yet, and the alpha hadn’t even made a public appearance. There were only some unsubstantiated rumors, their truth unknown.

Besides Yang Shou, another S-rank alpha said they would come.

But Yan Shuang said, “She always says she’ll come, but she never shows up.”

Pei Lechuan, the daughter of the Pei family, Qi Zhao had met her before.

And he had even run into her abroad. Pei Lechuan had smiled at him and exchanged a few words.

At the time, she was holding an unlit cigarette and asked him for a light.

When Qi Zhao took out his lighter, she said, “Never mind,” with a meaningful look.

Qi Zhao had thought she was acting strangely, but he hadn’t thought much of it. Now, seeing Pei Lechuan saying she would definitely come in the group chat, he recalled the incident and couldn’t help but glance at Qi Wei.

If Pei Lechuan and the others had known about Qi Wei’s feelings for him, was Qi Wei behind that strange encounter?

After all, Pei Lechuan was the one who had known Qi Wei the longest among them.

Qi Wei lowered his eyes, meeting Qi Zhao’s gaze, and asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

His tone was gentle, as usual, nothing out of the ordinary.

“Nothing.”

Qi Zhao didn’t really care.

He was just thinking that, given Qi Wei’s personality, he probably couldn’t accept him being abroad for seven years, completely out of his reach.

Or… he wouldn’t let him suffer any grievances abroad.

So how much of the kindness he had received, those seemingly coincidental encounters, those sudden leads from friends suggesting he try his luck at the golf course… how much of it was orchestrated by Qi Wei?

Qi Zhao sighed inwardly.

He wasn’t displeased or felt belittled. He knew that in their world, ability alone wasn’t enough; you also needed connections.

He just felt that… Qi Wei had done too much.

Yan Shuang casually said to Qi Zhao, “Ask Qi Wei to add you to the group chat.”

“No need,” Qi Zhao smiled, “I’ll leave you guys some privacy.”

Qi Wei paused slightly, and Yan Shuang raised an eyebrow subtly.

Indeed.

Someone as intelligent as Qi Zhao had probably already guessed many things.

Since they had a driver today, Qi Zhao and Qi Wei sat in the back seat.

Qi Zhao looked at Qi Wei and, as the car started, asked softly, “Do you still want to hug me?”

Qi Wei answered with his actions.

He immediately turned and hugged Qi Zhao, then, finding it insufficient, reached out and gently hooked Qi Zhao’s leg. Before Qi Zhao could say no, the alpha, with his superior strength, lifted him with one arm and placed him sideways on his lap, his other arm firmly securing Qi Zhao’s arms within his embrace.

Thankfully, Qi Wei’s car was an SUV, with a high roof, but even so, Qi Zhao still had to lean forward slightly, making it easier for Qi Wei to bury his face in his chest.

“…Ah Zhao.”

Qi Wei murmured, “I really like you.”

Qi Zhao: “…?”

What was this about now? Hadn’t they just been fine?

“I know,” Qi Zhao couldn’t raise his hand, so he just nestled in Qi Wei’s embrace and said softly, “I can feel it.”

Perhaps because he was too rational and calm, he could discern the worry and care beneath Qi Wei’s possessiveness.

He… was quite happy.

He had thought he was alone and adrift, but Qi Wei had always been behind him… This feeling was nice.

Even though he was only just starting to realize it now, he was still content.

It had been too long since he had felt this sense of security, of having someone behind him, and he had just learned that Qi Wei had always been there for the past seven years.

Qi Zhao exhaled softly, lowering his head and resting it against Qi Wei’s hair, his voice muffled. “Qi Wei…”

He had so much he wanted to say, but in the end, it all turned into a sincere, “Thank you.”

Those other words were too formal; these two words were enough.

Qi Wei paused, tightening his embrace, and heard Qi Zhao murmur as if lost in thought, “You’ve given me so much of what I wanted.”

Qi Wei’s eyelashes fluttered. “What?”

“A lot.” Qi Zhao smiled, teasing him. “Guess.”

Qi Wei: “…”

There was a smile in his voice, tinged with helplessness. “Ah Zhao, you’ve become mischievous.”

Qi Zhao hummed in agreement, his tone matter-of-fact. “You taught me.”

Qi Wei was utterly helpless against him. After staring at him for a moment, he cupped Qi Zhao’s head in his hands and kissed him.