Apex Predator - Chapter 2
Shen Dai left work early after completing a batch of experimental data.
In the research institute, he has a single-room dormitory where he normally sleeps if he works late from overtime. He does, however, make every effort to return home once a week.
After his family’s mortgage was auctioned off, he rented a tiny flat on the outskirts for his grandma. Despite its isolated location, it was inexpensive and clean, and his grandmother placed high importance on cleanliness.
He went underground and then changed to a bus. He passed a little store on his way home that was ready to close. He purchased some meat and veggies, as well as a few pinkish-purple peonies. Its petals are small and fragile, and they are crowded.
His grandmother used to grow a variety of flowers in the yard of their previous home. That was his boyhood paradise, with sproutings for each of the four seasons. They could only plant a few plants on the balcony now that they had moved into a small apartment. Those few pots had to battle for a room with a slew of other items.
The apartment is modern, the general upkeep is adequate, and the hallway lights are warm. As Shen Dai ascended the steps to the house, he could hear the TV steadily increasing louder. It was playing Grandma’s favorite song, Kunqu. When he entered the door, the aroma of the meal filled his nostrils, instantly relaxing him.
“A-Dai?”Grandma peered through the frosty glass door of the kitchen and smiled, “You’re terrific at showing up on time. “I’m almost finished with my last dish.”
Shen Dai smiled softly and called out, “Grandma.” He set the materials down, got a vase, and cleaned it with clean water. Then he cut the peony branches obliquely and inserted them. He took a sip of water and dusted it on the delicate petals before setting them on the table. It immediately improved the overall ambiance of the house.
“How much was it?” Grandma said as she emerged from the kitchen with a plate.” She set down the plate and freed her fingers to tickle the petals, “It’s very fresh, really beautiful.”
“Because the stall was about to close, this handful was only ten yuan.” “I chose the most recent ones.”
“That’s a pretty good deal,” Grandma said, tenderly looking at the flower. “Do you remember how I used to plant peonies near the East Wall?”
“Of course,” Shen Dai said, going to the kitchen and bringing out each dish one by one. He also brought out plates and chopsticks before serving the rice and soup, saying, “Grandma, sit down.”
Grandma smiled as she glanced at the flowers and then at Shen Dai, saying, “You seem paler. You should spend more time in the sun and less time in the lab.”
“Don’t worry, I will.”
They spoke about unimportant issues in life and work while eating. Shen Dai was saddened by his grandmother’s glittering white sideburns in the light.
Grandma was born into a well-educated household. Although it lacked great status or nobility, it was nonetheless considered prosperous. If she hadn’t given birth to a selfish and ignorant kid, she’d be living in a little villa with a garden, protecting a sizable fortune and pension. She would spend the rest of her life cultivating flowers, reading books, bathing in the sun, and enjoying herself.
Even after slipping into this state, she maintained her grace and sensitivity. She tried not to pull her grandson down by looking for lovable traits and the pleasure of living in these difficult days. Shen Dai, on the other hand, understood that her son’s treachery, the changes in her life, and the sorrow emanating from her body had already riddled her heart with holes. It’s only that she wouldn’t admit it in front of him.
He was working in the laboratory today. “Shen-gong, are you transferring?” said a curious HR colleague.”
“No,” Shen Dai said, perplexed. “Did they say anything about it?”
“Of course not, why would I ask you?” The colleague mused, “The headquarters normally don’t care much about our research institute’s affairs.” Just go first; someone will meet you at the front desk.”
“All right,” Shen Dai said, returning to the laboratory to welcome his colleagues before heading to headquarters. He considered calling his laoshi but opted to investigate the problem first.
The Xingzhou Group headquarters cost 500 million yuan to construct and could hold up the sky. Shen Dai comes here most of the time for the canteen. He never set foot in the offices or scientific research facilities.
He entered the lobby and noticed three or four individuals standing at the front desk. He had no idea who was waiting for him. However, as soon as he stepped there, he was hailed by a young guy dressed in a suit and leather shoes, “Shen-gong, right?” Hello.”
The two shook hands and said, “Hello.” “How should I address you?” Shen Dai asked.”
“My name is Cheng Ruoze, and I’m the president’s assistant.” He made a “please go ahead” motion and strolled forward, nonchalantly taking Shen Dai’s shoulder. He appeared to be in a rush. “Let’s talk as we walk.”
“Uh, okay.” Alphas were usually tall, so Shen Dai had to pick up the pace to catch up with him, “Assistant Cheng, may I ask if I’m…”
“This way,” Cheng Ruoze said as he swiped his employment card to enter an elevator. know
A rich wool carpet filled the majestic interior of the elevator. At first appearance, it appears to be an interior elevator for supervisors. Shen Dai stepped in, unsure, and tried to inquire again, but was cut off by Cheng Ruoze. “I don’t know the specific situation either. I was just ordered to pick you up.”
Shen Dai grimaced, unsure of what he was about to face. Before assessing, investigating, and exploring, scientists like them normally gather some inspiration or follow traces of evidence. But because he wasn’t provided any cues, he couldn’t figure it out.
Cheng Ruoze noticed the pheromone patch on the glands behind Shen Dai’s neck out of the corner of his eye. He was taken aback and inadvertently took a half-step to the side. “Are you an omega?”
Shen Dai nodded and grinned.
Cheng Ruoze apologized awkwardly, “My apologies.” He covertly measured Shen Dai from head to toe for another take. The young man in front of him was tall and slim, with a clean and fair complexion. He made a soft yet attractive impression. The lab coat he was wearing just so happened to draw attention to the shape of his torso. His straight shoulder and waist sat beautifully under the cloth; if they were a little broader, they would appear excessive; if they were a little thinner, they would look fragile. His disposition matched his appearance, and the impression he gave others was exactly perfect; a little more and he appeared frigid, a little less and he appeared ordinary. Cheng Ruoze’s pulse became erratic as the elevator rose in altitude. Why hadn’t he heard of such an omega at their organization before?
According to standard social etiquette, alphas and omegas should not touch more than shaking hands. Cheng Ruoze’s hand on the other’s shoulder seemed improper right now. Shen Dai, on the other hand, was not insulted since he knew his look was not as delicate and soft as other omegas, and he knew he was more like a beta. Furthermore, his pheromones are often quite mild, leaving little fragrance after applying barrier patches. Growing up, he was frequently misidentified as beta. It’s beneficial to him, especially at work.
The elevator accelerated to the 28th level. A lovely handcrafted carpet stretching to an office with an ebony door could be seen as soon as the door opened.
“It was Director Qu who wanted to see me?” Shen Dai exhaled deeply.”Was he about to get a promotion? But he hasn’t been producing much lately.
Cheng Ruoze regained consciousness and said, “This way, please.”
Shen Dai went with him inside the office. He was taken aback when he noticed the guy in the room. How did he not think of the Ebony door before? He instinctively stuffed his hands into the pockets of his lab coat. People who know him claim he’s just like his name. They commended him with phrases like calm, cool-headed, and steady. However, he does not believe he possesses any unique soothing abilities. He just believes that people should use their intellect more and their emotions less, but that he will be frightened.
Cheng Ruoze looked at his watch and said, “President Qu, I’ve brought Shen-gong here.” “The meeting will begin in twelve minutes.”
“Okay.”
When Cheng Ruoze departed and shut the door, the individual reading paperwork on the sofa lifted his head. A collision in the air brought two sets of eyes together.
It was a beautiful man who could light up the entire room. He can blend into any environment and transform it into a cinematic scenario. He has an erect nose and a large forehead, his eyes hold the entire cosmos, and his facial features are as sharp and flawless as a knife. He sat on the plush sofa in a relaxing stance, yet he exuded the air of a sword. It’s simply that he kept his cool as if he were the calm water, but no one dared to overlook the raging undercurrent beneath.
This is because he is an S-class alpha. He is the proud son of the heavens who was born with top-tier pheromones and stood at the top of the human food chain.
Qu Moyu is the first successor of the Xingzhou Group.
Shen Dai was dazed as he glanced at Qu Moyu. He hasn’t looked at this individual from such close quarters in a long time. He appeared to be able to smell the black aroma from his recollections. Of course, this was most likely his delusion. It is a common courtesy to wear pheromone barrier patches in public areas. The subtle perfume could only be detected at a close social distance while wearing it. Shen Dai was still knocking on the door.
He calmed down as soon as he realized there was someone else in the room. On the other side of the sofa, a middle-aged alpha with spectacles sat, appearing as if he was waiting for an order. Shen Dai recognizes this individual; he works in the company’s legal department. He is unsure of the exact role, but he must be an executive.
Without hesitation, Qu Moyu assessed Shen Dai. His eyes were serene yet perplexing, and he grinned, “Shen-gong, come sit.”
Shen Dai’s Adam’s apple had shifted. He stepped up and bowed slightly, “Hello, President Qu.” He eventually sat down after nodding to that executive as well.
He looked over and saw that the paperwork in Qu Moyu’s palm was his personnel file, complete with his two-inch headshot. Why was Qu Moyu on the lookout for him?
“Shen Dai.” Qu Moyu touched his information file with his slim fingers, clearly pronouncing his name, “Dai refers to Mount Tai, right?”.”
“Yes.”
“It’s a lovely name. Who gave you it?”
Shen Dai was overcome with emotion as she said, “My grandpa.” “He is a traditional Chinese painter who enjoys painting mountains.”
“Mount Tai is known as the first of the Five Sacred Mountains, and it is the site of grand ceremonies held by ancient emperors to worship the heavens for prosperity.” Such a deep term, it appears that the old man has high hopes for you.” It’s difficult to imagine an omega holding such a rich name, but Qu Moyu thought that this name was quite appropriate for the person in front of him.
“Perhaps he just likes Mount Tai,” Shen Dai said, blushing.
“The ‘accident’ in the laboratory three years ago didn’t have any negative impact on your work, did it?” Qu Moyu asked Shen Dai.”
“No, it’s been fine,” Shen Dai said, “Y-you still remember?” N4eq9U
“I have a very good memory.”
“That time… thank you for assisting me, President Qu,” Shen Dai will never forget. Qu Moyu dropped from the skies in his most humiliating, scared, and desperate moment. He not only saved him but also prevented the story from spreading and resolved all subsequent problems. His most vivid recollection of the day following the shock was the tangling of their rich pheromones, the yearning, and the kiss. the torment, the restriction, and the unfulfilled yearning that slowly erupted in the depths of his heart.
Since then, he has paid close attention to Qu Moyu whenever he sees or hears about him. He wasn’t sure if this qualified as a hidden infatuation, although he had some crazy thoughts from time to time. Though it’s more adoration than anything else since this individual was much too high, far away, and far too flawless. He never imagined he’d get another chance to be so close after that accident.
“You are an excellent researcher for our company; it is expected of me to assist.” “I asked you to come here today because first, I want to formally get to know you, and second, I want to know if you have any requests,” Qu Moyu explained.
“… Requests?” Shen Dai was perplexed. “President Qu, I’m not sure I understand. My teacher had not lately suggested anything to me.”
“What I mean is, after marriage.” Qu Moyu lifted his brows slightly. You are free to make whatever requirements you want, such as living expenditures, living environment, personal preferences, nutrition habits, beliefs, automobile choice, and so on, as long as they are not excessive.”
Shen Dai could only hear a buzz in his mind. He’s not stupid, and he could even be brilliant, yet he couldn’t respond to these remarks for a long time.
Qu Moyu took a glance at his wristwatch. While he didn’t appear eager, he dropped his tone and continued, “Shen-gong, President You said that you had personally agreed to marry me.” Is there an inaccuracy in our data?”