A Disabled Alpha’S Guide To Being Loved Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Massaging the Beautiful Alpha, Wei Zhi Sees Through His Act…

Wei Zhi saw through his posturing but remained humble and polite. No need to be so formal with me.

Thank you, Boss! Cheng Cheng blurted out. Oh, no, I mean, thank you, Mr. Wei!

Cheng Cheng added Wei Zhi on WeChat and discovered his profile picture was a solitary little tree looking lonelily at the sunset. His username was also quite artistic: Zhi.

He hadn’t expected the big star to be so sentimental. That profile picture looked like something that would have been popular on QQ ten years ago.

Cheng Cheng was the exact opposite. His profile picture was a round, yellow orange with arms, legs, and a big smiling face. His nickname was Persimmon Orange.

Your profile picture looks like a child’s. Wei Zhi looked at Persimmon Orange, who had just sent him a cartoon greeting sticker, and for once, he didn’t bother to change the contact alias.

Your profile picture looks like an older man’s. Cheng Cheng relaxed a bit in front of Wei Zhi, boldly teasing his boss.

Wei Zhi lowered his head with a mock-melancholy expression. They say there’s a generation gap every three years. In that case, there are almost three generation gaps between us.

Don’t lose heart, Boss. Let’s read my WeChat name together. Cheng Cheng sent another sticker of an orange cheering him on.

Wei Zhi looked at the orange cheering for him and saved the sticker to his collection.

So the boss also steals people’s stickers. Cheng Cheng muttered to himself, seeing Wei Zhi’s actions.

You gave this to me, so it’s mine now. Wei Zhi curled his lips at Cheng Cheng, having heard his comment.

Cheng Cheng felt that the current Wei Zhi was a bit different from the one he had seen that morning; there was more life in his eyes.

After exchanging a few more playful words, Wei Zhi began to feel tired. Xiao Cheng, you should head out for a bit. I want to lie down on the bed for a while.

He had spent some time reviewing reports sent by Secretary He and handling company matters, and he truly couldn’t hold out any longer. Wei Zhi couldn’t help but feel disappointed in his own body.

Cheng Cheng noticed beads of sweat on the bridge of Wei Zhi’s nose and figured his body might be aching. If he went straight to sleep now, his body would be even stiffer when he woke up.

Mr. Wei, you shouldn’t sleep right now. Otherwise, you’ll feel even worse when you wake up, and it won’t be good for your evening rehabilitation. Why don’t you lie face down and let me give you a massage?

Wei Zhi’s eyes met Cheng Cheng’s gaze, which was full of genuine concern. He tilted his head slightly and gave a soft nod.

Cheng Cheng pushed Wei Zhi to the bedside. Move yourself over.

At this moment, Wei Zhi was actually a bit too lazy to move and wanted Cheng Cheng to carry him over, but he was too embarrassed to ask. He braced himself with his arms and moved onto the bed.

Help me move my legs. Moving his legs was exhausting, and Wei Zhi didn’t want to do it.

Alright, Cheng Cheng said as he briskly moved Wei Zhi’s legs onto the bed. He couldn’t help but add, Mr. Wei, Auntie Lan said you do many things yourself. Moving your legs is also a form of exercise. Even if it’s tiring, you should stick with it.

After saying this, Cheng Cheng watched Wei Zhi’s expression. He was giving sincere advice, but he realized he might be overstepping. He didn’t know if Wei Zhi would get angry.

A drop of sweat slid down Wei Zhi’s forehead. I understand. Also, don’t call me Mr. Wei anymore. It sounds strange. Stop using formal honorifics too.

Mr. Wei did sound distant, but Cheng Cheng wasn’t sure what Wei Zhi was thinking. Then should I call you Boss?

Wei Zhi smiled helplessly. Aren’t Boss Wei and Mr. Wei the same thing? Just call me Wei-ge.

Alright, Mr. Wei—oh, no, Wei-ge. It felt a bit like being in a gang, calling people Brother this or Sister that.

However, in their current setting, Wei-ge felt more intimate.

The words felt a bit awkward coming out of his mouth, Cheng Cheng thought to himself. Mr. Wei was perfectly fine; Secretary He and Auntie Lan both called him that, so there was nothing wrong with it.

Wei Zhi nodded in satisfaction and enjoyed Cheng Cheng’s massage.

The light and temperature in the room were adjusted perfectly. The air was filled with a lingering scent of medicine. Wei Zhi lay prone on the hospital bed, his silk pajamas worn backward and unbuttoned from the back to expose his entire back. His shoulders and arm muscles were quite strong, but his overall frame was somewhat thin, with the outlines of his shoulder blades protruding clearly. From the waist down, he was soft and powerless, with diminished muscle tone.

We’ll start with the shoulders. If you feel any discomfort, tell me immediately.

Cheng Cheng had massaged his mother countless times, and he had even studied massage videos in his dreams. He placed his warm palms gently and slowly over Wei Zhi’s neck and shoulder area, kneading steadily with his fingertips and the heels of his palms. He pressed and pushed along the muscle groups on both sides of the spine from top to bottom, patiently working out the knots.

Every subtle change in Wei Zhi’s breathing and every contraction of his muscle groups served as a signal for Cheng Cheng to adjust his pressure. He had long since memorized these cues.

As Cheng Cheng buttoned Wei Zhi’s shirt back up, he found that the man had fallen into a deep sleep. Stopping a massage halfway wasn’t very effective, so seeing how soundly he was sleeping, Cheng Cheng very gently removed his trousers.

Those legs lay there quietly, lacking proper tension. They looked even paler and weaker than the rest of his body, with skin so smooth it was almost transparent, showing faint glimpses of blue and purple veins.

The thighs were no longer full, the calf muscles were flat, and the lines of the shins were exceptionally sharp. The kneecaps were prominent, like overly hard screws connecting the upper and lower limbs.

His feet splayed slightly outward, toes curled naturally downward in an unconscious state of suppleness. They had already been forgotten by Wei Zhi’s brain.

Secretary He had said that Wei Zhi had been paralyzed for nearly four years.

Cheng Cheng felt pity for Wei Zhi, but a touch of bitterness also welled up in his heart.

He used to wallow in self-pity, thinking about how some people were so lucky and wealthy while he was so poor, burdened by his paralyzed mother and unable to attend university even after being accepted.

But looking at Wei Zhi now, something seemed to quietly change in his heart.

Cheng Cheng began pushing and pressing upward from the soles of the feet, opening up the tight plantar fascia. He worked his way up from behind the ankles, constantly kneading and squeezing the muscle fibers to promote blood circulation. Finally, Cheng Cheng supported the area under the knee with one hand and held the ankle with the other, helping the hip and knee joints flex and extend in a slow, rhythmic motion.

After finishing the massage, Cheng Cheng helped Wei Zhi turn over and replaced his underpad. He didn’t put the pajama pants back on him but instead wrapped his legs in warm towels.

Wei Zhi woke up at that moment. He had slept very comfortably, and his whole body felt warm.

He realized he wasn’t wearing his long pants and felt a flash of annoyance. Just as he was about to call for Cheng Cheng, he felt the warmth in his body and a few hints of heat in his legs.

Wei Zhi could actually feel a little sensation; he just couldn’t use his brain to move his legs. He was momentarily dazed.

Cheng Cheng’s massage was truly comfortable; he even felt a tingling sensation throughout his body now.

Cheng Cheng came out of Wei Zhi’s bathroom and saw that he was awake. How do you feel?

Wei Zhi propped himself up with his arms and shook his head slightly. Very comfortable. You have quite the knack for massage.

Hearing that Wei Zhi was satisfied, Cheng Cheng was also happy. I’ve studied it for twelve whole years. Even an old master might not massage as well as I do. If I massage you every day, maybe one day you’ll really regain sensation. I cleaned your bathroom while I was at it. Do you need to use it?

After the massage, Wei Zhi’s face was slightly flushed. No need. I don’t have the urge right now.

He had drunk quite a bit of water today, how could he…

Wei Zhi looked down and realized the underpad had already been changed. His face turned a bit redder.

Cheng Cheng looked at Wei Zhi in confusion. Your face is so red. Are you feeling unwell?

No, Wei Zhi said calmly.

Then should I help you put your pants on? Auntie Lan just called us for dinner.

Wei Zhi waved him away. No need. I can put them on myself.

Cheng Cheng was pleased to see him wanting to do it himself. He happily ran downstairs to help Auntie Lan serve the food.

Auntie Lan had prepared steamed fish, eggs stir-fried with cured sausage, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and yam and pork rib soup. Except for the sausage, everything looked very light.

It smells so good! Cheng Cheng’s mouth watered just looking at it.

Auntie Lan brought out the rice bowls and chuckled. It can’t compare to your cooking, Xiao Cheng. Secretary He mentioned you studied to be a chef. That’s very impressive.

Not at all, haha. But if you’d like, I’ll show you what I can do sometime!

Having cooked large-scale meals for several years, Cheng Cheng was very confident in his skills.

Wei Zhi happened to roll out of the elevator in his wheelchair and overheard their conversation. He smiled and interjected, I’d like to taste Xiao Cheng’s cooking too.

Sure, but the seasoning for the large-scale meals I used to cook is quite heavy. I don’t know if you’ll be able to get used to it.

Wei Zhi slowly slid to the dining table and picked up his chopsticks. Then just cook it a bit lighter.

Cheng Cheng wanted to argue that it wouldn’t taste good with fewer ingredients, but he bit his tongue. He shouldn’t take risks with Wei Zhi’s fragile health.

Auntie Lan’s dishes didn’t just look good; they tasted great too. Although they were light, they were very savory. Cheng Cheng ate two bowls of rice and still wanted more.

Wei Zhi, however, ate very little. He barely finished half a bowl of rice and hardly touched the side dishes.

Seeing Auntie Lan looking at Wei Zhi with worry, Cheng Cheng hesitated to speak. He guessed Auntie Lan had probably tried to persuade him countless times to no avail.

Cheng Cheng had left his hometown at five in the morning. He had spent the day catching trains and taking care of Wei Zhi, and this was his first real meal of the evening. Auntie Lan kindly served him another bowl.

Cheng Cheng couldn’t help but glance at Wei Zhi, who was eating like a rabbit, and suddenly felt his appetite vanish. He couldn’t finish his third bowl.

Wei Zhi was completely unaware that he had affected someone’s appetite. He pointed to the soup. Xiao Cheng, there are still plenty of pork ribs. You worked hard today, eat more.

Cheng Cheng shook his head and did his best to finish the rice in his bowl. I’m full.

Wei Zhi was stunned. Did I affect you? I’m sorry. My stomach isn’t great, so I can only eat a little, and I eat very slowly.

Cheng Cheng quickly said, Of course not! I’m really full!

The three of them finished the meal in relative silence. Wei Zhi said his goodbyes and went upstairs, seemingly having unfinished work.

Cheng Cheng took the bowls from Auntie Lan’s hands. I’ll wash them, Auntie Lan. Didn’t you want to go square dancing?

But this… Auntie Lan looked hesitantly in the direction Wei Zhi had left, unsure if she should go.

In the past, when it was just her and Wei Zhi, she would never have dared to leave the house. She didn’t feel comfortable leaving Wei Zhi home alone, especially since something had happened before…

Cheng Cheng reassured her, You said during the day that you wanted to relax. Don’t be nervous. Wei Zhi isn’t a child; he knows what he should and shouldn’t do. Besides, I’m here. Nothing will happen to him with me around.

Auntie Lan had been Wei Zhi’s nanny since he was a movie star and had long since regarded him as her own child. That was why she hadn’t left after he became paralyzed, fearing he wouldn’t get used to another nanny. She had even abandoned her happy retirement life to continue following him.

Cheng Cheng naturally knew what Auntie Lan was worried about. He had seen too many cases of paralyzed patients attempting suicide when left alone.

With Cheng Cheng’s comfort, Auntie Lan finally went out to meet her middle-aged friends.

After washing the dishes, Cheng Cheng began to organize the clothes he had brought. He didn’t have much; they didn’t even fill half the wardrobe. He hadn’t brought his winter clothes and quilts with him but had sent them by courier from his hometown; they would arrive in a couple of days.

By the time he finished tidying up, it was already past seven. Cheng Cheng sliced some peaches and washed some grapes to bring up to Wei Zhi, eating the scraps himself.

When he reached the door, he heard Wei Zhi on the phone, speaking in a businesslike tone. He seemed to still be busy.

Wei Zhi is truly an ambitious person, Cheng Cheng thought. He was an international superstar when he was an actor, and now that he’s paralyzed, he’s started a company and is doing so well.

He sighed, thinking of his own lack of achievements.

Actually, he had never really had any goals since he was a child. He was fine as long as his clothes were wearable, his grades were average, and his food was edible. He had always wanted to be a “salted fish.”

Unfortunately, fate was like a non-stop train; once you boarded, there was no turning back.

During the summer break when Cheng Cheng was ten, his father had made a little money in the fabric business, bought a second-hand car, and took the whole family on a trip to the north.

On the way back, they were involved in an unfortunate car accident. Their small car collided with an oncoming truck. His father passed away, and his mother in the passenger seat didn’t escape unscathed, becoming paralyzed on half of her body.

Perhaps it was a mercy from heaven to let one person in the family live on with hope. Cheng Cheng had rolled out of the car and emerged completely unharmed, except for a few scratches.

From then on, Cheng Cheng’s life was suddenly flooded with responsibilities: going to school, cooking, taking care of his mother, doing housework… Fate had forced him to shoulder the burden of the family.

Now that his mother had passed away, everything seemed to have returned to its original state. Cheng Cheng wanted to be a salted fish again, but fate had brought Wei Zhi to him.

Knock, knock, knock. Cheng Cheng knocked three times. Wei-ge, I sliced some fruit. Getting some vitamins is good for your health.

After a long while, just as Cheng Cheng’s arms were starting to get sore, he heard Wei Zhi say, Come in.

Wei Zhi was sitting at his desk typing on the computer. He looked up and smiled. Just put the fruit on the table. Sorry, I was on the phone just now.

Cheng Cheng set down the fruit and noticed that Wei Zhi’s left hand wasn’t doing very well. Compared to his right hand, which was flying across the keys, his left hand’s movements were stiff and uncoordinated.

Cheng Cheng stared at Wei Zhi’s left hand for a moment before realizing his behavior was rude. He hurriedly turned his head away. I’ll tidy up the room for you. Auntie Lan said the rehabilitation therapist is coming at eight.

Alright, thank you. Wei Zhi picked up a piece of peach and ate it. I still have a bit of work to do; I’ll be finished soon.

Then I’ll finish tidying the room before I leave. Cheng Cheng began to work.

Wei Zhi watched Cheng Cheng buzzing around like a little bee. After thinking for a moment, he said to him, Xiao Cheng, if you want to read, I have many books here. If you need books for the top-up degree exam, I can help you order them as well.

Cheng Cheng, who was folding a small blanket Wei Zhi used for his legs, asked in surprise, Wei-ge, why would you say that?

Wei Zhi turned his wheelchair around and watched Cheng Cheng work.

Xiao Cheng, you do a great job as a caregiver, but that’s because you grew up in that environment. You had to take care of your mother, so you had to be a caregiver. Now that you have the ability and the time, and you’re so young and healthy, I don’t want you to be trapped by your lack of education or held back by your past. You can achieve greater things.

Hearing Wei Zhi’s words, Cheng Cheng trembled and lowered his head.

Wei Zhi thought he had taken his words to heart and might want to start studying, but then he saw Cheng Cheng tilt his head and look up at him with a gaze that could be described as sharp.

Wei-ge, I’m not trapped by my education or my past, and I’ve never felt that taking care of my mother was a burden. I love my mother very much. I wanted her to live, and she lived for my sake. You’ve investigated me thoroughly, but you don’t understand anything. I studied culinary arts in vocational college because I could work as a cook in a factory, but I also love this industry. I’m proud to be able to cook delicious food.

Cheng Cheng’s dark eyes stared fixedly at Wei Zhi. You are an excellent person who works very hard no matter what difficulties you face, and you’ve built a great career. But you shouldn’t dictate other people’s lives, nor should you judge my family.

Wei Zhi looked at Cheng Cheng in silence. He was certain that if someone told Cheng Cheng right now that he could trade his legs for his mother’s life, Cheng Cheng would agree without hesitation.

Wei Zhi’s face turned pale. He thought that perhaps he was just too tired.

He reached out to grab the water glass on the table, but his left hand was trembling. He lost his grip, and the glass fell.

The transparent glass shattered instantly, splashing water across the floor.

Wei Zhi’s breathing became unsteady. His lungs felt itchy, and he began to cough violently. A wave of pain also radiated from his back.

Cough, cough, cough… The coughing grew weaker.

Wei-ge! Cheng Cheng cried out. He picked him up directly and placed him on the bed, letting him lean against his chest while constantly rubbing his back to help him breathe. Try to take deep breaths instead of coughing! You can’t cough anything up right now! You need oxygen!

Wei Zhi raised his hand, wanting to say he could raise the adjustable bed, but he couldn’t muster any strength. His breath was filled with the scent of grapes. Cheng Cheng was clearly a Beta and shouldn’t have pheromones—had he also eaten grapes just now?

Wei Zhi’s head was spinning. Ever since he became paralyzed, he had become insensitive to pheromones. He hadn’t smelled such a strong scent in a long time; he had almost forgotten he was an Alpha.

Cheng Cheng had no idea the bed was automatic and continued to anxiously guide Wei Zhi’s breathing.

After several attempts at deep breathing, Wei Zhi finally stopped coughing. Only then did Cheng Cheng feel relieved enough to lay him down on the bed.

Cheng Cheng pulled up the covers for him and said guiltily, Wei-ge, I shouldn’t have said those things. I forgot you’re a patient.

Wei Zhi was so kind to him—giving him a place to stay, a job, and letting him call him Wei-ge—yet he had snapped at his boss on his first day of work.

Wei Zhi’s complexion was poor, and his eyes were moist. His brown pupils shimmered with tears, yet he still managed a smile. Xiao Cheng, don’t worry. It’s better that you don’t see me as a patient. It’s my fault for miscalculating today’s workload; my body is a bit overextended. Can you feed me some grapes? I only ate the peaches just now; I haven’t tasted the grapes you washed yet.

Alright, but you can only have two for now.

Cheng Cheng meticulously peeled the grapes and fed them into his mouth.

Wei Zhi chewed one grape for half a minute before swallowing. Cheng Cheng was worried about his rehabilitation. It’s almost eight o’clock. Can you still do your rehab today?

Wei Zhi swallowed the second grape and closed his eyes tiredly. It’s fine. We can start a bit later.

He was either sleeping or working; he really was a workaholic. Cheng Cheng remembered reading something written by a marketing account: “Hardworking Wei Zhi” was on set 366 days out of 365.

Cheng Cheng tucked him in. Don’t sleep now, or you won’t be able to sleep tonight. Sleep is more effective at night than it is now.

I know, Wei Zhi finally lifted his thin eyelids and turned to look at Cheng Cheng. You’re like a nagging old lady.

Cheng Cheng’s face turned red. Am I being too talkative? I’ll be more careful.

Wei Zhi hooked his hand. This is good. I don’t have the strength to talk right now. Say something else to keep me from falling asleep.

Cheng Cheng thought for a moment and told him a story about how he had almost drowned when his boat capsized in the village when he was a child. Everyone had mocked him for not being like a child from a fishing village since he couldn’t even row a boat.

I also thought it was strange. I was born and raised in Yuwei Village, yet I couldn’t swim, while my friends were naturally good in the water without even being taught. Later, my father became very concerned about my swimming. After all, there was water everywhere, and it wasn’t safe if I couldn’t swim. Every day after school, he would force me to learn…

Ding-dong, ding-dong. The doorbell rang. It was likely the rehabilitation therapist. Cheng Cheng said, I’ll go get the door.

Just as Cheng Cheng was about to get up, Wei Zhi gently grabbed his wrist. You haven’t finished the story. What happened next?

Cheng Cheng gave a shy, slightly proud smile. Later, I became the best swimmer in the village! Isn’t that inspiring?

Yes. Wei Zhi nodded, his eyes filled with a smile.