AMTPA Chapter 27

The smell on Ji Chenxi had mostly faded, leaving behind just a faint trace of alcohol. He finally stood up and said to Su Yu, “I’m heading back. We’ll catch up later when there’s time.”

 

“Wait a second—are you just dropping a bomb like that and walking off?”

 

“You asked for it,” Ji Chenxi replied with a light chuckle, as if he were completely innocent.

 

Su Yu had known Ji Chenxi for years, of course, and he could read the effortless way Ji Chenxi shifted the blame. He felt equal parts annoyed and amused.

 

He followed him, lowering his voice. “Your Highness, jokes aside, there’s something I need to ask ahead of time.”

 

“Go on.”

 

With that, Su Yu didn’t beat around the bush. “What exactly is your relationship with that person from the Chi family?”

 

His gaze flicked subtly again to Ji Chenxi’s neck.

 

The bite marks were fresh, harsh, and violent—nothing that should ever be associated with anything romantic—but the almost mingled scent left him unable to stop worrying.

 

Ji Chenxi was busy untying the ribbon of his shirt, then casually wrapped it once around his neck. He folded the ribbon over the mark in a rose-like pattern, securing it so that the bite was perfectly hidden.

 

When he finished, he said casually, “Two alphas—what kind of relationship do you think there could be?”

 

His answer was as good as saying nothing at all.

 

Su Yu was genuinely exasperated. “You know exactly what I mean.”

 

Seeing that Ji Chenxi ignored him, Su Yu went on anyway. “Since you asked what kind of relationship two alphas could have, I’ll take that as you saying there’s nothing going on between you. But I still need to warn you: two alphas together is a big taboo. Especially since you’re a prince of the empire—you should understand that even better than I do.”

 

Ji Chenxi gave a light hum. “Got it. Don’t worry.”

 

“That just makes me even more worried, you know?”

 

“Su Yu.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“You look like an anxious old mother right now, fretting over her kids,” Ji Chenxi said with a sigh.

 

The words were sharp, and Su Yu couldn’t help feeling a little provoked.

 

“Fine, I won’t say anything more. Just keep it in mind for yourself.”

 

“Don’t worry so much. The pheromones between alphas repel each other. The chance I’ll end up with another alpha is really low.”

 

“So… there’s still a chance!!” Su Yu almost couldn’t believe it.

 

“Who can say for sure? What if I stumble upon a true love that can overcome pheromone barriers?”

 

Hearing that, Su Yu felt considerably relieved—clearly, it was just a joke. “Alright, fine. You just need to know, and I won’t tease you as much from now on. After all, our little rose is still just a young, newly blossomed flower.”

 

“Get lost.”

 

Su Yu laughed out loud. “Gu Hechuan will be back soon. How about we all meet up then?”

 

Gu Hechuan was Ji Chenxi’s other close friend besides Su Yu. He was the fourth son of the Gu family, one of the four major clans, and had already been designated heir by the family head. Being around the same age, the three of them had formed a solid friendship.

 

Each of the four major clans had many children. Beyond the legitimate heirs, there were countless illegitimate sons and daughters. Climbing to the position of primary heir was like passing through countless trials—rare and difficult. But Gu Hechuan had been lucky. With two older brothers, one older sister, one beta, and two omegas above him, he had smoothly claimed that top spot.

 

“Speaking of which,” Su Yu continued, “I remember the eldest prince once considered allying with the Gu family. But the Gu family had two omega children, and their youngest son is particularly close to you. So instead, the prince turned his attention to the weaker Ruan family. They only had one son and one daughter, conveniently one alpha and one omega. That way, the grand prince could secure both by marrying one and forming an alliance with the other, gaining the Ruan family’s full support.”

 

“Watch your words.” Even though Ji Chenxi had already used his spiritual powers to check that no one was around, he still gave a soft warning. This guy really did seem to say anything without fear.

 

“It’s not exactly a secret,” Su Yu replied. “Relax. I’ve put up several layers of protection, and I’m carrying a jamming device to block eavesdropping. Just thought I’d give you a little heads-up. The eldest prince’s maternal family is strong, and now they’ve got the Ruan family backing them. Your second sister isn’t weak either. You need to be careful—running straight into str pirates the moment you step out? I don’t buy that it’s just bad luck.”

 

“What if it really is just bad luck?” Ji Chenxi chuckled, then steered the conversation back to the beginning. “He won’t be back for a while anyway. We’ll call him once he’s actually here.”

 

“My Third Prince,” Su Yu continued, “staying cooped up in the manor every day can’t be good for you. There’s an auction in two weeks—why not go together?”

 

Mentioning the auction immediately triggered memories in Ji Chenxi’s mind. Wasn’t this timing exactly one of the key plot points in the book?

 

In the story, Bai Anran and Chi Zhuo’s relationship obviously didn’t just stop at a temporary mark. The auction served as a turning point.

 

After that mark appeared, Bai Anran stayed home for a while. In the book, Ji Chenxi would occasionally come check on him, and even invited Bai Anran to the auction to pick up some rare items.

 

Of course, all these setups were really just to make Bai Anran encounter Chi Zhuo a second time—only to be saved by him—breaking the original awkwardness between them.

 

Auctions weren’t something Ji Chenxi normally cared about, but this time he genuinely wanted to see if Bai Anran would go on his own, just like in the story, if he didn’t actively invite him.

 

The two weeks wouldn’t pass quietly. The day after his eldest brother’s engagement, Ji Chenxi was summoned back to the palace by the old man.

 

Receiving the command, Ji Chenxi furrowed his brow slightly. His masterpiece had just begun to take shape in detail.

 

When the old steward lowered his gaze and asked for instructions, Ji Chenxi stretched his back and casually tossed the brush onto the palette.

 

Before leaving, he added, “Don’t put it away yet. I’ll continue when I get back.”

 

The old steward nodded in acknowledgment.

 

After changing into a slightly more formal outfit, Ji Chenxi headed toward the Imperial Palace.

 

The palace sat at the very center of the imperial star and was the most beautiful complex in the entire empire.

 

Servants guided him along the way, and even entering the massive study required someone to request permission before the door was opened for him.

 

“You’re here.”

 

Before stepping inside, Ji Chenxi heard a greeting.

 

The man was middle-aged but looked no older than forty, exuding a commanding royal presence that was both impressive and intimidating. Yet, upon seeing Ji Chenxi, his face softened into an approachable smile. “Haven’t seen you in a few days.”

 

Ji Chenxi returned a polite, measured smile and inclined his head slightly. “Good day, Your Majesty. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

 

Even though the slightly formal greeting was one the man had heard many times before, he still furrowed his brows briefly in displeasure. “Sit first.”

 

Ji Chenxi complied. On the table beside him was an afternoon tea set, neatly arranged and lightly sweet—obviously prepared especially for him.

 

Wearing his usual faint, calm smile, Ji Chenxi glanced at the exquisitely plated snacks and tea. The aroma was subtle and inviting, yet he had no intention of taking even a sip.

 

“Xi’er,” the man said, his tone carrying the authority of one who sat atop the throne, “don’t you want me to explain what happened during your recent attack?” Even though he was supposedly just reviewing paperwork, his presence made the question weighty.

 

Playing with the teacup in his hands, Ji Chenxi showed a touch of polite surprise. “An explanation? The Red Scorpion star  pirates who tried to hunt me were destroyed, and those who failed to provide timely backup were punished. Isn’t that explanation enough?”

 

The man lifted his eyes, that innate air of power radiating from him. “Xier.”

 

Ji Chenxi didn’t bother pretending confusion any longer — dragging it out would only make things worse. He smiled lightly and said, “If there really was more behind the attack, I trust Father would have already taken care of it. And if you haven’t, then that just means there’s nothing left to deal with.”

 

The word “Father” seemed to soften the man who had long sat in power. “You’re grown now, and yet you still act like a child craving attention. Rather than letting me handle things, why not take matters into your own hands?”

 

“My methods can’t compare to yours,” Ji Chenxi said with a smile.

 

The man chuckled helplessly. “You, huh!”

 

After the mood lightened, Ji Chenxi lingered for a while, leaving with a faint, lingering smile on his face. But the moment he stepped into the floating car, that small trace of amusement vanished completely.

 

It was as if everything before had been a mask.

 

In truth, it was rather dull.

 

When he was very, very young—truly a child—Ji Chenxi had been cherished by his father and loved by his mother. He had grown up in a honeyed world, a pampered child, a jewel in his parents’ hands. Even ordinary families wouldn’t dote on an omega so intensely. But all that peace was shattered without his knowledge. His mother had taken him away from the palace, and he had lived with her in that beautiful manor.

 

Even now, Ji Chenxi didn’t know exactly what had happened between his mother and his father, though he could piece together some clues from the past.

 

After his mother died, his father’s attitude toward him had been strange—partly loving, partly wrapped in disdain.

 

He often wondered why the position of imperial crown prince hadn’t gone straight to him, the legitimate son, why his elder brother and second sister had been allowed to stir undercurrents of rivalry. And if there was genuine dislike, why had his father shown that, as long as Ji Chenxi wished it, he could punish his elder brother properly?

 

It was as if he were being silently encouraged to join the struggle. As long as he wanted to participate, he would have support far stronger than any legion or noble family.

 

Ji Chenxi frowned in annoyance—he really had no interest in this battle for the throne.

 

Returning to his studio, pretending to still be absorbed in his work, he found he had completely lost the desire to paint. He had his tools cleaned and then just stared out at the vast swaths of roses outside, lost in thought.

 

The May roses were in full bloom, and the entire manor was wrapped in their sweet fragrance.

 

As dusk settled, Ji Chenxi, who had been holed up at home since returning, finally decided to go out for a bit of fun.

 

Rarely venturing out, he picked a bar he often liked to frequent for a quiet drink. He hadn’t even had more than a few cups before attracting the attention of the ever-energetic Su Yu.

 

Su Yu, who had long wished for Ji Chenxi to step outside and stop sulking at home, hurriedly waved him over, telling him not to run off. He then led him to a louder, livelier place. Before showing Ji Chenxi the new fun he’d found, Su Yu got pulled into a conversation by a familiar face.

 

Ji Chenxi wasn’t interested in their chat, so after a quick greeting, he stepped a few paces aside to explore.

 

In the stairwell, a huge floor-to-ceiling window caught his eye. He paused to admire the view outside, and in that instant, his sharp eyes spotted someone familiar.

 

It was unmistakably someone he knew.

 

Seeing that person, weapon in hand and a wary look in their eyes, Ji Chenxi’s frown finally faded. He allowed himself a composed, restrained smile.

 

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