CHAPTER 14: NIE ZIHANG’S DARK EYES DARKENED.

On the fourth day of entering the pre-heat period, Nie Zihang’s reactions became increasingly intense.

He started experiencing occasional sourness and swelling at the back of his neck, and his temper was becoming increasingly irritable.

At 5 o’clock in the afternoon, he had a meeting with the employees of the law firm. The atmosphere was extremely tense, and each and every one of those little brats was scolded so harshly that they were afraid to even take a breath.

“Since I am not in the office, you all think you can slack off, huh? The clients are pressuring me for documents, and here you all are, doing such a fantastic job¹Being the sarcastic Lawyer Nie..”

As he spoke, he directly shared his Feixin chat interface in the meeting room, scrolling down one by one. The chat interface was filled with numerous red dots, each indicating urgent messages.

“Take a look at this. When you all procrastinate, this is how the boss covers for you! Do you see it?”

There were more than a dozen people on the screen, and not a single person dared to utter a word.

“He Gao, the client requested a lawyer’s letter from you. Are your hands not functioning, or is your brain not functioning? It is a task that can be completed in half a day, but you have been dragging it out for three days. I expect to receive the official hard copy, electronic version, and scanned electronic version, all three versions, before 8 p.m. tonight. Do you comprehend?”

The young boy named He Gao nodded repeatedly and said, “Alright, I promise to complete the task, boss!”

“Ren Xuan, you as well. Send the material list that Mr. Gao requested to the client group and mention me before 8 p.m. tonight.”

“Alright, alright, boss!”

As the instructions were given one by one, the entire meeting room was filled with a tense atmosphere. Everyone was on high alert, fearful of being called out.

In the chat conversation Nie Zihang was having at that exact moment, a message popped up.

Group Name: Mr. Y Lawsuit Acceptance Group—Collecting Evidence.

It showed that Chen Xin had just sent a message, and it was an emoji.

Everyone else was also startled, and their eyes were surprisingly in sync as they all glanced towards the bottom right corner of their screens.

That was the position of Chen Xin’s chat window.

The beta with a baby face, clearly unaware of what was happening, was still looking down.

Although the camera could not capture what he was holding in his hand, it was evident that the foolish disciple was playing with his phone.

Well, it was likely a work-related discussion with Yu Jingxuan.

Nie Zihang nonchalantly averted his gaze and made the decision not to intervene.

Unexpectedly, another message appeared in the group chat the very next second.

Chen Xin: [Master suddenly got angry for no reason; it is so frightening…]

All of a sudden, the sound of people inhaling could be heard through the earphones.

Nie Zihang raised an eyebrow and calmly opened Yu Jingxuan’s casework group.

Several messages popped up in succession.

Chen Xin: [crying.jpg]

Chen Xin: [Master is unreasonably angry again, it is so terrifying! Isn’t it normal for someone to follow up on orders? These clients, the specified time has not even arrived yet, but they are all pressuring us! Something is seriously wrong!]

Chen Xin: [Master even said he was wiping our butts! He had someone install a programme on his phone that automatically replies to private messages based on trigger words! He never actually replied to those messages himself! What a load of nonsense!]

Chen Xin: [He is just nearing his estrus period, in a bad mood; boo hoo²An onomatopoeic expression used to imitate the sound of someone crying or sobbing. It is often used sarcastically or mockingly to express a lack of sympathy or to belittle someone’s complaints or grievances., poor us; we have all become his punching bags for venting…]

He sent them out one by one, while Nie Zihang watched quietly.

The foolish disciple was so engrossed in complaining that he completely failed to notice that the meeting had already concluded.

After five minutes, another person in the group finally responded.

Yu: [I apologize, Chen Xin; I have been busy these past few days. I am still looking for the evidence. Has Mr. Nie been pressuring you?]

Yu: [@Nie, it is because I have not sorted it out yet. Do not scold him.]

Yu: [I am sorry… I did not read it clearly just now… Did Mr. Nie scold you for something else, Chen Xin?]

Chen Xin: [???]

Chen Xin: [What the heck!]

Yu: […?]

Chen Xin: [I apologize, Officer Yu. I sent the message to the wrong group! I thought it was a small chat group with my colleagues! Please pretend you did not see anything! I will delete the message immediately!]

[Ruyi Dinghai Shen Zhen.jpg]³如意定海神针 (Ruyi Dinghai Shen Zhen) is a powerful weapon in Chinese mythology and folklore. It is often depicted as a long, golden needle that has the ability to control the seas and calm turbulent waters. The needle is said to be able to pierce through anything and has immense power. In legends and stories, it is often wielded by deities or powerful figures to demonstrate their control over the seas and their ability to subdue any obstacles.

All of the messages from this group, without exception, were being displayed on the screen in the meeting.

Someone could not hold it in any longer; they muted themselves and covered their mouths to secretly laugh.

Nie Zihang raised his hand and tapped twice on Chen Xin’s profile picture.

Underneath the long “Ruyi Dinghai Shen Zhen” sticker, a row of small characters appeared: “Nie” tapped “Chen Xin” and called him “Dad.”

Nie Zihang raised an eyebrow.

Oh, really?

He turned his head and looked at the small video window of Chen Xin, and indeed, he saw his foolish disciple looking up with a shocked expression.

With that upward glance, he happened to see the “Ruyi Dinghai Shen Zhen” sticker he sent on the conference screen, and his expression instantly changed from shock to fear.

“Master! I know I was wrong, Master! I am kneeling down to you!”

Nie Zihang sneered: “Forget it; just expel me from the sect. Are you waiting for me to be irritated by you every day and shorten my lifespan?”

Chen Xin sobbed: “Master, if you expel me, your clever, cute, and clever disciple, I will be gone forever, sob sob sob. I have not properly respected you as a filial disciple, nor have I repaid you properly. How could you give up on me so soon…”

Nie Zihang immediately muted him and said, “If you keep crying, I will kick you out right now.”

Chen Xin could not speak and exaggeratedly wiped his eyes.

After wiping for a while, Chen Xin suddenly paused and started gesturing vigorously towards him.

Seeing that he was not moved at all, Chen Xin simply opened the handheld barrage software.

Then, a row of words slowly appeared on the phone screen: “Master, phone! Look at your phone!”

Nie Zihang lowered his head and realised that Yu Jingxuan had sent him a private message.

[Have you been bullying Chen Xin again? Please refrain from constantly criticising him, as he is quite reliable in his work.]

[When I am alone at home, I do not feel very well. I will cook green bean and lotus seed porridge in the evening, which can help soothe the liver and alleviate depression. I will send it over to you. Is there anything else you would like to eat?]

Nie Zihang’s eyebrows and eyes visibly softened.

And then… amidst the expressions of everyone’s mouths forming an “O” shape, he turned off the screen mirroring on his phone.

“Alright, that is all for today’s meeting. Those who have work to do should go back and get it done. If you do not submit your work before 8 o’clock, be prepared for a penalty on your bonus this month.”

After finishing speaking, without caring whether they responded or not, he simply left the meeting.

On the phone, in the private chat dialogue box, Chen Xin excitedly sent several messages in a row:

[A match made in heaven, Master! Do not let the rich water flow to outsiders⁴A metaphorical expression that means to protect or keep valuable resources, opportunities, or benefits within a specific group or community and not share them with outsiders or people who do not belong to that group. It implies the idea of preserving and prioritising the well-being and interests of one’s own community or group., Master!]

[Delivering porridge to you; hey, have you ever experienced such treatment in all these years!]

[A wise person does not beat around the bush⁵Means that someone who is intelligent or clever does not speak in a vague or indirect manner. They are straightforward and direct in their communication, without using unnecessary or confusing language.! I want this future mother-in-law!]

Nie Zihang ignored him and switched to the conversation box with Yu Jingxuan.

On the other side, seeing that he did not reply, there were no further messages sent.

[Can I still place an order?]

After a short while, the other side replied: [You can order dishes or meat, but please avoid specifying the exact dish names.]

The tone was just as serious as it was in person.

Nie Zihang could imagine the Alpha’s serious expression while typing.

[Officer Yu, whatever you cook for yourself, just bring me some. Being a lone Omega, as long as there is food, I am good. If you do not mind, you can come directly to my place, and we can cook together. It is weird to be in the same neighbourhood and still eat separately at home.]

[Alright, as long as Mr. Nie does not mind.]

[I do not mind; it is not like I am really picky. What dishes should we have for dinner? I will go to the vegetable market downstairs to buy them.]

[Let us go with one meat dish and one vegetarian dish. Buy some shrimp; they are quick to cook. As for the vegetarian dish, you can just choose whatever you think is good; I can cook anything.]

[Thank you, Officer Yu. I am looking forward to it. Do not worry, by the time you come after work, everything will be chopped and washed; even the onions, ginger, and garlic will be prepared for you.]

[Okay.]

　　┈

Nie Zihang checked the time and realised it was already half past five. In just half an hour, Yu Jingxuan would be off work. With limited time, he quickly changed his clothes and headed out.

As it was nearing the estrus period, he applied a barrier patch to the back of his neck.

He leisurely made his way to the vegetable market.

As it was almost mealtime, the vegetable market was bustling with activity. He first went to the seasoning section and bought some commonly used condiments. Then he went to grab a set of pre-prepared onions, ginger, and garlic.

After getting all the basic ingredients ready, he then went to choose the vegetables and meat.

Finally, he walked out of the vegetable market with a big bag full of groceries.

Just as he stepped out, he saw a chaotic scene at the entrance of the residential area ahead.

Amidst the crowd, there were intermittent screams, followed by a strong scent of omega pheromones, indicating a high concentration of estrus signals.

An Omega was in heat.

What was even more troublesome was that shortly after the Omega pheromones were released, several different scents of Alpha pheromones began to spread as well.

“Call the police! The Alphas are fighting!”

Someone in the crowd shouted.

Immediately after, a voice came through the loudspeaker: “Warning! Warning! An Omega is in heat and has caused chaos. All nearby Alphas and Omegas, please evacuate immediately! All nearby Alphas and Omegas, please evacuate immediately!”

Nie Zihang, who was an Omega himself and about to enter the estrus period, consciously moved aside and started to evacuate.

Out of the corner of his eye, Nie Zihang caught sight of an electric scooter charging into the crowd.

“Make way, police!”

“I am Officer 39520, an Information Pheromone Monitoring Officer in H City! All Alphas and Omegas, evacuate immediately!”

“Unrelated individuals, please do not gather and watch. Please immediately clear the way for the police. Thank you for your cooperation!”

The familiar voice continued to issue commands, one by one.

The panicked crowd immediately seemed to find a leader, as everyone spontaneously escorted the less disturbed Alphas and Omegas to safety while also creating a wide pathway for the electric scooter to pass through.

So, Nie Zihang saw Yu Jingxuan in the crowd, completely different from his usual self.

The man in the police uniform quickly jumped off the electric scooter after it stopped. With one hand, he grabbed the Alpha, who was about to take advantage of the Omega, and with a swift knee strike to the man’s leg, he brought him down to the ground.

Then, he took out a suppressant from his pocket and sprayed it a few times on the glands of both the Alpha and the Omega, skillfully handcuffing the Alpha.

Despite his slender figure, his movements were decisive and efficient, without any hesitation or delay.

After dealing with one Alpha, the other Alphas seemed to have noticed the identity of Yu Jingxuan and thought he was also there to compete for a mate. They immediately surrounded him.

Three against one.

Nie Zihang could not help but furrow his brow.

During the mating season, Alphas, influenced by pheromones, had no rationality whatsoever. Their instincts were the driving force behind each attack.

Yu Jingxuan, being conscious and mindful of not causing harm to these people, gradually found himself at a disadvantage.

In the momentary lapse of concentration, while Yu Jingxuan was entangled with one of the Alphas, he accidentally took a punch to the abdomen from another Alpha.

Nie Zihang’s dark eyes darkened.

Turning around, he hung the purchased items on a neatly trimmed branch by the roadside and quickly made his way through the crowd with determined strides.

The author has something to say:

Nie Ge: Tsk, disgusting Alphas fighting over mates again. (Disdainful)

After seeing Yuyu injured,

Nie Ge: I am here. (Rolls up sleeves)

┈

ienij: When the wife’s the only one that can soften his husband! Lawyer Nie, you found a good wife this time. (⁠´⁠∩⁠｡⁠•⁠ ⁠ᵕ⁠ ⁠•⁠｡⁠∩⁠`⁠)

• 1
  Being the sarcastic Lawyer Nie.
• 2
  An onomatopoeic expression used to imitate the sound of someone crying or sobbing. It is often used sarcastically or mockingly to express a lack of sympathy or to belittle someone’s complaints or grievances.
• 3
  如意定海神针 (Ruyi Dinghai Shen Zhen) is a powerful weapon in Chinese mythology and folklore. It is often depicted as a long, golden needle that has the ability to control the seas and calm turbulent waters. The needle is said to be able to pierce through anything and has immense power. In legends and stories, it is often wielded by deities or powerful figures to demonstrate their control over the seas and their ability to subdue any obstacles.
• 4
  A metaphorical expression that means to protect or keep valuable resources, opportunities, or benefits within a specific group or community and not share them with outsiders or people who do not belong to that group. It implies the idea of preserving and prioritising the well-being and interests of one’s own community or group.
• 5
  Means that someone who is intelligent or clever does not speak in a vague or indirect manner. They are straightforward and direct in their communication, without using unnecessary or confusing language.