RT Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Armor and Weakness

Chapter 41: Armor and Weakness

Having finished talking, it was already noon. Shao Chengxi, not seeing Shu Lin after leaving the study, went to the music room to find him.

Pushing open the music room door, sunlight spilled onto his little Omega.

The youth was curled up on the fluffy carpet, a light blanket kicked aside, revealing fair, slender legs.

The buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing two at some point, and yesterday night’s red marks remained on his collarbone, faintly pink in the sunlight.

Shao Chengxi quietly approached, his gaze sweeping over his slightly parted lips, eyelashes casting delicate shadows on his cheeks.

Shu Lin’s sleeping face always carried a hint of innocence, like a child who knew nothing of the world, yet precisely this appearance was the most alluring.

He squatted down, his fingertip gently brushing away stray hairs from Shu Lin’s forehead.

The youth unconsciously rubbed against his palm, making a small, cat-like humming sound.

Shao Chengxi’s eyes darkened, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

“Baby,” he called softly, “It’s time for lunch.”

Shu Lin wrinkled his nose, turned over, and continued sleeping.

The hem of his shirt lifted with the movement, revealing a section of his slender, white waist.

Shao Chengxi’s fingertip slid down his spine, stopping at the small of his back, gently circling.

“Mmm…” Shu Lin was finally roused, vaguely opening his eyes, “Shao Chengxi?”

“Yes.” Shao Chengxi leaned down and kissed the corner of his lips, “Sleeping like a little pig.”

Shu Lin rubbed his eyes, his voice carrying a just-awakened softness: “What time is it?”

“Half-past twelve.” Shao Chengxi scooped him up, “If you don’t get up, lunch will get cold.”

Shu Lin wrapped his arms around his neck, resting his head on his shoulder, his voice carrying a spoiled complaint:

“But I’m so sleepy. You were too fierce last night. My dad said he already told you to be gentler, but you still didn’t restrain yourself. You’re not obedient at all.”

He let out a cute yawn, found a comfortable position, and closed his eyes again, muttering, “If you’re still not obedient, I… I’ll complain…”

Shao Chengxi let out a low chuckle, pulled the light blanket to wrap him up, and walked out of the music room.

In the long corridor back to the main residence, Shu Lin was half-asleep in his arms, his cheek pressed against his chest, his breathing soft.

Sunlight streamed through the glass dome, stretching their shadows long.

He looked down at Shu Lin, his thoughts drifting back to the study that morning.

Bringing Shu Lingxiao this time was something he had discussed in advance with Shao Tingrui and Shao Bingheng.

Shu Lingxiao had handled the chemical plant and City Central Hospital bombing cases beautifully.

Decisive and clean, leaving no loose ends, and able to keenly perceive ulterior motives in public opinion, resolving them invisibly and promptly, this ability had earned Shao Chengxi’s approval.

At the same time, regarding the matter of her promotion, Shu Lingxiao and he shared many common political views.

This female Alpha, only a few months older than him, was bold and meticulous, not rash, and acted cautiously and thoroughly. She was someone with whom he could deeply cooperate.

Bringing her to formally meet Grandpa and Father today was to show that, in the future, she would be an important ally of the Shao family, with aligned interests, a win-win situation for both sides.

Taking Shu Lin to the Shao Residence, the four gathered together not only to formally recognize Shu Lingxiao’s status as an ally but also to discuss Shao Chengxi’s next steps in his career path.

They finished discussing shortly after eleven o’clock.

As they left the study, Shao Chengxi didn’t see Shu Lin, but he did see Shao Shiyan.

He hadn’t been with Shu Lin in the music room, but had been waiting outside the study.

Shao Shiyan greeted them, looking at Shao Chengxi, “Second Brother, can I talk to you alone?”

Seeing his serious expression, Shao Chengxi was puzzled, unable to guess what they could talk about, but still nodded, “Sure.”

Seeing this, Shu Lingxiao generously smiled, “Then I’ll accompany Grandpa and Uncle for a walk in the garden.”

Shao Tingrui was very supportive, “Good idea, we’ve been sitting all morning, it’s time to stretch our muscles, let’s go.”

After the three of them left, the brothers went into the study.

At the time, Shao Chengxi hadn’t noticed the look in Shao Shiyan’s eyes when he looked at Shu Lingxiao.

Half an hour later, Shao Chengxi left the study and called Shao Bingheng to join them.

The father and sons talked until lunchtime.

When they came out of the study again, the three of them looked at Shu Lingxiao in unison.

She was chatting and laughing with Shao Tingrui in the living room, behaving appropriately, neither obsequious nor arrogant.

Shao Shiyan couldn’t help but say, “She’s really dazzling, isn’t she? I’ve never seen a female Alpha as beautiful and heroic as her.”

His eyes were full of liking and admiration for her.

Shao Bingheng glared at him, disapprovingly saying, “Hmph, I think you’re bewitched.”

Having said that, he flung his sleeves and left.

Shao Chengxi hadn’t expected things to develop in this direction, and for a time, still had to process it.

Seeing that Shu Lin wasn’t around at lunchtime, he went to find him in the music room.

At the dining table, the Shao family father and sons each had their own thoughts, and their appetites weren’t great.

But under Shu Lin’s influence with his good appetite, Shao Tingrui ate a bit more.

After finishing, Shao Chengxi prepared to leave with Shu Lin and Shu Lingxiao.

Shao Shiyan stood up, smiling, “Second Brother, can I ride in your car too? I have some things to take care of, and it’s on the way.”

Shao Bingheng frowned, sternly saying, “Shiyan, you stay here, I have something to discuss with you.”

Shao Shiyan shrugged, glanced at Shu Lingxiao, and helplessly followed him away.

Shao Tingrui’s gaze swept between the father and sons, a suspicion rising in his heart.

The atmosphere wasn’t right, he felt like they were hiding something from him.

On the way back, Shao Chengxi was driving, Shu Lin turned back to look at Shu Lingxiao sitting in the back seat, curiously asking, “Sis, what did you guys talk about in the study this morning? So mysterious.”

Shu Lingxiao chuckled, “Curiosity killed the cat. You shouldn’t know, so even if you ask, your sister won’t tell you. Be good, don’t ask.”

Shu Lin pouted, “Oh, okay then.”

Seeing that he was unhappy, Shu Lingxiao quickly changed the subject:

“I heard from Dad that you took on a radio drama, a popular historical IP. What stage are you at now? When will it be released to the public? Many of my colleagues like listening to radio dramas, I’ll ask them to support you then.”

A smile immediately appeared on Shu Lin’s face, “Okay, okay, I’m not actually the main character, but my character…”

Once he mentioned this, he opened the floodgates, talking non-stop along the way.

Shao Chengxi glanced at Shu Lingxiao through the rearview mirror, and the two tacitly reached a consensus.

They wouldn’t let Shu Lin get involved in these officialdom matters.

Shao Chengxi had his own considerations for pulling Shu Lingxiao into the Shao family’s game of chess.

His goal was clear: to ascend to the highest seat of power as quickly as possible.

This was his ambition since childhood, and also the Shao family’s desire to make a breakthrough in his generation.

In his original plan, there was no Shu Lingxiao, but because of Shu Lin’s appearance, Shu Lingxiao became indispensable.

Because she was Shu Lin’s older sister, a sister who loved him.

Shu Lin was a US-Class Omega. His appearance allowed Shao Chengxi to be free from pheromone constraints and to reach his goal more quickly and steadily.

However, it also increased the risks for each other.

Because of Shao Chengxi, Shu Lin would inevitably be watched by his political enemies, constantly in a state of exposure and danger.

Because of Shu Lin, he gained a weakness when he obtained his armor.

One day, his political enemies would use Shu Lin to restrain him.

Supporting Shu Lingxiao to a higher position as soon as possible, allowing her to stand taller, could ensure that, in the event that he was truly restrained, there would still be Shu Lingxiao to protect Shu Lin.

With him around, Shu Lin could only be his Omega, no one else could even think of laying a hand on him.

But the political arena was unpredictable and full of dangers.

Just in case.

Even if he were to fall, Shu Lingxiao could protect his Omega.

At least, it could prevent him from being snatched away by covetous S-Class Alphas.

Shao Chengxi tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

He needed to stand at the peak of power quickly and steadily, not only for himself.