AP Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – “Do you really have no requirements?”

Title: 顶级掠食者 (Alpha Predator)

Author：水千丞 (ShuiQianCheng)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists ：沈岱 (Shen Dai -MC), 瞿末予 (Qu Moyu -ML)

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Shen Dai was taken by surprise at how efficiently everything unfolded next.

First, You Xinghai’s lawyer found him, had him sign some contracts, and facilitated the transfer of his household registration. Shen Dai decided not to change his surname, a choice You Xinghai had no qualms about. In short, they were now legally recognized as father and son.

Reflecting on how You Xinghai had once abandoned his Omega father, he was now selling himself off for a mere one million yuan. It was unthinkable that he would one day need Shen Dai to step forward and acknowledge his family roots. Although it left a distasteful feeling in Shen Dai’s mouth, he had to concede to the power of money.

Once the formalities were complete, Shen Dai received the money. Gazing at all the zeros on the check, the sum felt more exhilarating than achieving exceptional experimental data.

With a plan in mind, he first repaid his debts, leaving him with over two million yuan. Although it wasn’t enough to buy a house, it was sufficient for a down payment. Combined with his grandmother’s medical insurance, pension, and his own salary, covering medical expenses, mortgage payments, and daily living costs..they all became manageable. With this mountain of debt no longer weighing on him, he felt a tremendous sense of relief and a path forward.

However, the challenge remained of explaining the sudden influx of a large sum of money to his grandmother. As for the marriage, he intended to keep it a secret for as long as possible.

The following day, he had to take a half-day off to accompany Qu Moyu to the marriage registration office. There, they took photos, registered, reviewed, and signed the necessary documents. Shen Dai could sense Qu Moyu’s displeasure throughout the process. According to the media, they arrived even before beginning their official workday. Unfortunately, even someone as wealthy as Qu Moyu had to personally visit the registration office.

Once they were finished, Qu Moyu hurriedly left.

Shen Dai glanced at the little red book in his hand, staring at the photo of the two of them for a moment. He had never imagined he’d end up marrying someone like this. During the years of his financial struggles, he had refrained from starting any relationships, even regarding his ideas about Qu Moyu as unrealistic fantasies. Having a piece of sugar once in a while was enough to savour life’s occasional sweetness. He believed life needed a little placebo.

However, as he gazed at the photo, he saw two people—one reserved, the other perfunctory—neither of them smiling. If not for the red background and the marriage certificate, one might never believe it was a wedding photo. But Qu Moyu’s presence sparkled in Shen Dai’s eyes. This was more than sugar or a placebo. Qu Moyu illuminated his life like a beacon. Qu Moyu had rescued him twice from the depths. The first time, when Shen Dai had been framed and succumbed to his heat, Qu Moyu had been the only one capable of using his powerful pheromone control to calm him, averting dire consequences. The second time had been unexpected, like the earth suddenly falling from the sky, rescuing him from insurmountable debt.

Shen Dai was a scientific researcher, yet he couldn’t help but believe in fate at this moment. Could there truly be some kind of connection between him and Qu Moyu?

His reverie was interrupted by Attorney Chen’s voice. In the next moment, the marriage certificate was taken from his hand.

Attorney Chen placed the little red book in his briefcase. “I will keep these items, so you don’t need to worry. A car is waiting outside to take you to Mr. Qu’s residence.”

“Now?” Shen Dai glanced at his watch. “I’ve only taken a half-day off.”

Attorney Chen smiled. “You’re now Mr. Qu’s wife. Taking an extra day off is perfectly fine. Let me take you there.”

Shen Dai genuinely felt uncomfortable with this title. The surreal feeling persisted throughout the entire experience.

He entered the car and was driven south of the city.

Shen Dai silently observed the passing scenery until they reached a villa area. He opened his map software to check the distance from here to the company. It seemed quite far and there didn’t appear to be a subway station nearby.

Attorney Chen glanced at his phone’s screen. “Don’t worry. This car will be at your disposal in the future, responsible for picking you up.”

Shen Dai looked at Attorney Chen in amazement. “This doesn’t seem appropriate. I can’t explain to my colleagues why I’m being chauffeured to and from work in a car like this. It wouldn’t be conducive to maintaining confidentiality.”

“You can discuss a more suitable arrangement with Mr. Qu’s housekeeper.”

“Alright.”

The car entered an underground garage, where a Beta clad in silver clothing was waiting.

“Hello, Mr. Shen. I’m the housekeeper here. You can call me Uncle Heng. Welcome to this residence.”

“Hello.” Shen Dai looked at the unsmiling man in front of him and sensed he wasn’t genuinely welcoming him.

After Attorney Chen left, Uncle Heng escorted Shen Dai upstairs, providing a general introduction to the various areas of the villa. It felt more like a tour of a house he was considering purchasing. As Uncle Heng walked him through the areas, Shen Dai felt the layout of his upcoming life being meticulously planned out. Instructions were relayed to him, such as “Your room is the southernmost one on the second floor,” “The entire third floor is the private domain of the young master, please do not enter without permission,” “You can choose to dine in your room or the dining hall, but I suggest dining in your room since the young master prefers solitude,” and “the gym and swimming pool are located on the basement floor; feel free to use them when the young master isn’t.” As he listened, Shen Dai began to feel more like a guest at a hotel than a resident. After all, he couldn’t afford a house like this. He was only residing here temporarily.

Finally, Uncle Heng brought Shen Dai to his room. Though it was considered a guest room, it was larger than many typical bedrooms, equipped with an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet, complete with all essential amenities and facilities. All he needed to do was unpack his belongings. This way, when the time came for him to leave, he wouldn’t have to take much with him, which was what Shen Dai hoped for.

Uncle Heng inquired, “I’m not sure if you have any special preferences in life. I’ve made some arrangements in advance. If you find the bedding material uncomfortable, desire a specific brand of toiletries, or if the coffee doesn’t meet your taste, feel free to let me know.”

“Thank you, everything is fine.”

“The young master mentioned that you have to commute to work daily. Would you like a car…”

“No, it’s not suitable for me to use such a car. I usually reside in the company dormitory most of the time and take taxis.”

Uncle Heng raised an eyebrow, appearing somewhat surprised. “Alright, do you have any other requirements, perhaps regarding dietary habits?”

“No, anything is acceptable for now,” Shen Dai replied. “If I think of anything later, I’ll inform you.”

“Very well, I’ll take my leave.”

The two descended the stairs and they coincidentally crossed paths with Qu Moyu, who had just returned home.

Upon seeing Shen Dai, Qu Moyu seemed momentarily perplexed. It was as if he couldn’t comprehend why this individual was in his house. However, he quickly regained his composure.

“Why did the young master return home?”

“I woke up early this morning and came back to rest. I was in the neighbourhood.” Qu Moyu removed his suit jacket and handed it to Uncle Heng. “I’ve already had lunch.” He loosened his tie and glanced at Shen Dai with inquisitive eyes.

“Mr. Qu,” Shen Dai greeted him with a slight nod before averting his gaze. Qu Moyu’s act of adjusting his tie was tugging at his heartstrings—it was truly disconcerting.

“Are you adjusting to the environment?” Qu Moyu asked casually.

“I am.”

“Just let Uncle Heng know if you require anything.”

“Alright, thank you,” Shen Dai replied. “I’ll return to the company for now. I mainly reside in the company dormitory, so I won’t disrupt you.”

Qu Moyu turned to him. “Do you intend to live in the company dormitory?”

“It’s more convenient for me…”

“We’re married now, so you should live at home.” Qu Moyu handed his tie to Uncle Heng and strolled over to the sofa. “Tea.”

Shen Dai hesitated for a moment, then slowly approached Qu Moyu’s side. It was as if he were in an office meeting. In essence, he was still Qu Moyu’s employee.

Uncle Heng placed the tea on the coffee table and stepped back.

Qu Moyu took a leisurely sip of tea, leaning back into the leather sofa. He took out his phone, glanced at it, and spoke, “Even though this is a contractual arrangement, there are certain appearances to uphold. You might not fully comprehend it yet. But you can follow along, right?”

Shen Dai felt an unexplainable pressure. Although Qu Moyu didn’t even glance at him, his words felt like a series of slaps, calls to attention, and warnings. Shen Dai remembered the clause in the contract—you are not authorised to bear Mr. Qu’s offspring. For an Alpha of Qu Moyu’s stature, countless individuals sought to gain his favour. In his first year at the company, Qu Moyu had even severed ties with anyone in the group who attempted to get closer to him.

It was ludicrous to think that Shen Dai was worried about Qu Moyu’s intentions. It was Qu Moyu who should be worried about any nefarious plots. He wouldn’t allow an Omega of ordinary origin and pheromone level to carry the Qu family’s legacy. Thus, this clause was explicitly outlined in the contract.

Shen Dai wasn’t naïve. He knew from the outset that Qu Moyu would never touch him. However, hearing these soft but razor-sharp words from someone he admired was profoundly embarrassing.

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Next Update: 2022.04.06

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*Proofread by 2023.09.03* I will proofread other chapters when I’m free.*