TPLTMOE – Chapter 30

Zhao Qin had never had to clean up any messy romantic entanglements for Jiang Zhiyu—his experience in dealing with Omegas was sorely lacking.

"I've seen others send flowers or gifts to Omegas," Zhao Qin said as he drove off. "President Jiang, should I arrange for something to be sent to Mr. Ling?"

A brand-new Panamera was parked by the roadside, and the little Omega who had just fled was standing beside it, his eyes curved into a bright, lively are as he laughed and slid into the passenger seat.

"No need," Jiang Zhiyu replied, withdrawing his gaze.

Even after all this time, Zhao Qin sometimes still couldn't decipher his thoughts. He switched topics and reported, "HR already informed me earlier—the interview results were actually decided on the spot. Both candidates meet the requirements and can be hired directly. The only issue is that HR isn't sure how to assign them, so they wanted your input."

Jiang Zhiyu gave brief instructions—both were to be placed in the new program team under the News Department, personally mentored by the newly appointed director, Ning Xinqiao. Yin Chu hadn't been to the office in a month since his foot injury, and Jiang Zhiyu had ordered him to rest at home. In reality, Jiang Zhou had made some personnel adjustments during this time.

Ning Xinqiao and Yin Chu had originally been on-screen partners, co-hosting the news broadcast for five or six years. Many fans even shipped them enthusiastically, but behind the scenes, the two had never gotten along—especially after Yin Chu leveraged his relationship with Jiang Shengyi to become director, constantly overshadowing Ning Xinqiao and even forming cliques in private. The News Department had been embroiled in covert infighting for the past two years.

But now, with the establishment of the new program team, an additional director position had opened up. Ning Xinqiao naturally stepped into the role and, taking advantage of Yin Chu's absence, poached several key staff members to his side to prepare for the new program.

Jiang Shengyi hadn't been paying attention to Jiang Zhou lately, leaving matters largely unchecked, so headquarters had directly intervened in the personnel appointments. No one dared to object.

Zhao Qin roughly understood Jiang Zhiyu's arrangement. "Then I'll periodically update Director Ning on Mr. Ling's work progress."

Jiang Zhiyu rubbed his temples and gave a faint hum of acknowledgment.

The car merged onto the elevated highway, heading toward the airport.

Zhao Qin took another call along the way and reported to Jiang Zhiyu, "They say President Shang and President Yan have already arrived at the airport and are waiting for you on the private jet."

This time, Jiang Zhiyu had to personally travel to Bangkok for the business trip. Taking over the Southeast Asian project entirely from the second branch would require considerable effort. Jiang Zhisong had also been quietly working on connections there, determined to salvage the failed collaboration that Jiang Shengyi had messed up.

Coincidentally, Bangkok officials had invited Jiang Zhiyu to attend a charity auction. Naturally, all the local industry leaders would show up to give face. With official backing, any business deal would be easier to negotiate.

***

Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue returned home together and soon received their job offers one after another.

The two hugged each other, jumping for joy, nearly in tears.

One cried because he had finally found a job, the other because he could finally receive disaster relief rations.

Qin Chengyue immediately drove Ling Ran back to the Qin family home, swaggering inside, only to find his older brother, Qin Shixing, alone.

"Bro, Xiao Ran and I can work at the same company now. So, remember what you said—if I graduated and got a proper job, you'd give me more allowance every month." Qin Chengyue threw himself at his brother, clinging to his arm. "You're not going back on your word, are you?"

Qin Shixing was only three years older than Qin Chengyue, but he was steady, shrewd, and humble. He had already taken over most of the Qin family business. Though he couldn't compare to Jiang Zhiyu's ruthless decisiveness, as an heir who had entered the family business right after graduation, he had managed to steadily advance the Qin enterprise, excelling in every aspect.

Qin Shixing glanced at Ling Ran. "I meant it. How much do you want?"

Qin Chengyue thought about their expenses—mostly his own, since Ling Ran was like a kitten who could probably survive on the scraps that fell from his fingers.

He held up a number. "This much."

Ling Ran's eyes widened. Two hundred thousand?

He wasn't even sure if his annual salary would reach that.

"Fine," Qin Shixing agreed without hesitation, his gaze subtly shifting away from Ling Ran. "You and Xiao Ran can share it. He's two years younger—look out for him if anything comes up."

Qin Chengyue beamed. "Of course! Don't you trust me?"

Ling Ran quickly waved his hands. "No, no, Shixing-ge, I'm already causing Chengyue enough trouble by living with him. Once I start getting paid, I can support myself."

Qin Chengyue knocked on his head. "Idiot, that measly salary won't be enough. My brother's just being generous—this is pocket change to him. Take it while you can."

Seeing how readily his brother agreed, Qin Chengyue even regretted not asking for more.

"Xiao Ran, no need to be polite with us," Qin Shixing stood up, his gaze softening as he looked at him. "If you ever need anything, just tell me. I won't inform your family."

Qin Shixing treated him with even more tenderness and care than his own elder brother. Their kindness and warmth were so perfectly gentle that Ling Ran felt flustered and at a loss, not knowing how to respond.

Qin Chengyue had specifically packed some belongings and moved them to their new home. That evening, Qin Shixing transferred the money to him. Overwhelmed with excitement, Qin Chengyue dragged Ling Ran out for a lavish shopping spree, capping it off with a grand meal at the most famous revolving restaurant in Haishi before heading home.

Two days later, the two of them went together to report at Jiangzhou Media.

The news department was located on the 20th floor, where Ning Xinqiao personally handled their onboarding procedures.

Ling Ran wasn't entirely unfamiliar with the tall, handsome young alpha before him. Ning Xinqiao had once been Yin Chu's long-time co- host. With sharp, cool features that perfectly complemented Yin Chu's sweet and gentle demeanor, their on-screen chemistry remained wildly popular even now. However, both had since transitioned to behind-the-scenes roles and hadn't appeared on camera for a long time. "Have you watched Jiangzhou's news programs before?" Ning Xinqiao asked the two newcomers.

Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue nodded obediently. "Yes, our professors even had us analyze Jiangzhou's news scripts in class."

"The new team is still in the preparation phase, but the tone of the program has already been decided. We'll continue covering social hot topics, aiming to provide sharp, unconventional perspectives on trending events. It'll still be live, but the hosts won't need to be as formal and serious as in traditional news broadcasts. A more relaxed and lively style for critique and analysis is encouraged. As long as the ratings are high, the format isn't too important."

After giving them a tour of the news department's layout, Ning Xinqiao led them to a conference room.

"Even though you're new, I'll hold you to the same high standards as veteran employees. Any problems with that?"

Both shook their heads. "No problem."

Ning Xinqiao was quite satisfied with their demeanor and presence. The conference room was already filled with the new team's staff—it was the first preparatory meeting for the trial broadcast of the new program, and the two had arrived just in time.

Under the gaze of everyone present, Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue took their seats in a corner.

Ning Xinqiao first introduced the two new employees to the group before officially starting the meeting.

Ling Ran pulled out a small notebook and began taking notes. The program's name had already been decided: Focus Perspective.

Today's meeting mainly involved team members presenting their proposed topics for the first trial episode. Several groups pitched ideas: the case of missing Omega teenagers, underage sex workers in high-end entertainment venues, an unemployed Beta who jumped off a cliff into the sea, and a violent Alpha who assaulted multiple people due to a damaged gland...

However, Ning Xinqiao wasn't satisfied with any of them. "I know everyone's been working hard on brainstorming topics, but do you think the solo broadcast team next door isn't working just as hard? Director Yin's team has been keeping a close eye on us, just waiting for us to mess up our debut episode. If that happens, Jiangzhou's flagship program will remain the solo news broadcast."

One employee grumbled under their breath, "Their team even came snooping around a couple of days ago, trying to find out what we're planning for our first episode. They probably want to rush and air their version before us. They'd be thrilled to see us fail before we even start."

"Yeah, yeah. Their team has been snooping around everywhere, even following our cameramen to try and snatch footage. How shameless can they be?"

"Probably a case of "like leader, like subordinates," someone muttered under their breath. "We all know how their director climbed to his position."

"Enough, this talk is pointless," Ning Xinqiao said. "We'll hold another pitch meeting in two days. Whoever's proposal gets approved will host the first episode."

"Meeting adjourned."

Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue were the last to leave the conference room. Back at their desks, Ling Ran immediately threw himself into work, scouring the internet for trending news in search of inspiration.

"Chengyue," he asked the person sitting next to him, "what do you think we should pitch for the first episode? Everyone's suggestions in the meeting were pretty good—why wasn't Director Ning satisfied?"

Qin Chengyue had been staring intently at his phone, looking completely absorbed. Ling Ran assumed he was brainstorming ideas too—until he leaned over and saw:

Iced Shaken Hibiscus Blackcurrant, Oat Velvet Latte...

Macarons, canelés, vanilla soufflé...

His fingers flew across the screen, tapping wildly before confirming a payment of 5,500 yuan.

"First day on the job—figured I'd treat everyone," Qin Chengyue said, tucking his phone away and winking at Ling Ran. "When it arrives, come with me to distribute everything. We'll say it's from both of us. It's just good manners."

Ling Ran nodded. "Where'd you learn all this?"

It was their first job—how was Qin Chengyue already so smooth at office politics?

"My brother taught me. He's reimbursing me."

Qin Chengyue showed Ling Ran the chat log with Qin Shixing, complete with a 10,000-yuan transfer.

Ling Ran caught a glimpse of his own name and was about to read what they'd said about him when Qin Chengyue suddenly snatched the phone back.

"What were you asking me about earlier?"

"The pitch," Ling Ran said. "For the first episode."

Qin Chengyue slumped in his chair. "Do we really have to use our brains on the first day? I don't feel like working yet. Let's take a break until the food gets here. Or give me something concrete to do—just don't make me think. Please."

Back in school, Qin Chengyue had always relied on Ling Ran to carry him through group projects. Ling Ran was sharp and resourceful, and Qin Chengyue had grown accustomed to coasting along, doing minor tasks while Ling Ran handled the heavy lifting—and then sharing in the accolades.

"Fine, keep slacking. I'll keep thinking."

Ling Ran buried himself in brainstorming while Qin Chengyue buried himself in slacking.

When the delivery arrived, the two borrowed a cart and wheeled back a mountain of coffee and desserts, drawing stares from everyone in the lobby.

Back in the news department, they handed out treats to every member of their new team, earning warm thanks. Employees from other teams watched enviously.

Look at these two new hires sharp—looking and generous. They really hit the jackpot.

Ling Ran brought coffee to Director Ning's office, and Ning Xinqiao took the opportunity to pull him aside for a chat.

Ling Ran never expected that he was actually quite talkative. The two of them even ended up discussing Yin Chu.

It was only after arriving that Ling Ran vaguely sensed the extremely hostile relationship between Ning Xinqiao and Yin Chu. He felt fortunate he hadn't been assigned under Yin Chu's supervision.

"You have excellent qualities and great potential to become an outstanding news anchor," Ning Xinqiao told him. "Go back and carefully consider your topic selection. I want to see your report in two days. I have confidence in you."

Ling Ran was surprised. "You mean I should also present my topic selection at the next meeting?"

"If you have ideas, of course you can propose them," Ning Xinqiao said. "My approach is different from Yin Chu's. As long as you have the ability, I don't mind promoting you across levels. Even though you're a new hire, I can arrange for you to anchor the first episode."

***

After his conversation with Ning Xinqiao, Ling Ran felt electrified with motivation. On his very first workday, he stayed late at the office until 8 p.m.

No one had left the office yet—everyone was rushing to prepare for the first episode.

Qin Chengyue, starving, ordered two takeout meals to share with Ling Ran. But once Ling Ran got into his work, he showed signs of becoming a workaholic, not eating a single bite. In the end, Qin Chengyue ate both portions.

By 10 p.m., Qin Chengyue had dozed off at his desk. Only a handful of people remained in the office area.

"Xiao Ran, aren't you tired? When can we go home?"

Ling Ran checked the time and looked at Qin Chengyue's exhausted face before starting to pack up his computer.

"Let's go. I'll finish this at home."

Upon arriving home, Qin Chengyue went straight to bed. Ling Ran worked in the living room until nearly midnight before finally producing a draft he was satisfied with.

The next day, he completed his PowerPoint presentation and managed to make it to the second topic selection meeting.

The other teams presented their selected topics, but Ning Xinqiao's expression remained unreadable—he still didn't seem entirely pleased.

Finally, he asked if Ling Ran had anything to contribute. Gathering his courage, Ling Ran presented his ideas along with his PowerPoint to the entire group.

His focus was on a recent news story about Omega patients whose glands, removed during surgery and supposed to be donated for scientific research, had secretly been funneled to illegal research institutions. This wasn't the first time such incidents had occurred, and some media outlets had reported on them. However, once the initial attention faded, no one followed up on what ultimately happened to those glands. At the same time, through extensive research into related news and materials, Ling Ran discovered that there had been previous exposes about organizations secretly trafficking glands. Some would repair damaged glands and sell them at high prices to other hospitals for transplantation into Omegas needing gland implants. Others extracted pheromones from the glands to create so-called "comfort agents," which were then sold on the black market.

Ling Ran connected this with a news report from News Exclusive two weeks prior, which exposed some pharmacies illegally selling these suppressants. It was hard not to suspect these two incidents might be linked to a larger underground profit chain.

After Ling Ran's report, Ning Xinqiao immediately decided to make this the focus of their first episode—combining the black market trade of Omega glands with the illegal suppressants flooding the market. This explosive combination was bound to draw widespread attention.

"My previous words still stand,” Ning Xinqiao announced to the entire meeting room. "For the debut episode of Focus Perspective, one of the anchors will be Ling Ran."

The room buzzed with discussion, but no one could deny Ling Ran's investigative angle was superior. The team operated on meritocracy, leaving little room for envy.

With Ling Ran leading the project, Ning Xinqiao handpicked several capable colleagues to assist them personally.

Field investigations, undercover operations, data collection, networking—Ling Ran was swamped. Though physically exhausted, excitement and anticipation outweighed the fatigue.

Ning Xinqiao mentored the newcomer unreservedly, teaching everything he knew. Meanwhile, Ling Ran continued attending new anchor training sessions with Qin Chengyue. Though the content mirrored their university coursework, practical application required adjustment.

This wasn't like their campus broadcasting club—this would air live during Jiangzhou TV's prime time slot, the dream platform for countless journalists.

The program preparation progressed remarkably smoothly. Ling Ran proposed an additional segment: alongside investigative footage, they could invite a medical expert to explain the dangers of illegal suppressants, discouraging public consumption.

Ning Xinqiao approved immediately, his admiration for Ling Ran growing. Initially assuming Ling Ran was just another privileged incompetent, he'd been pleasantly surprised multiple times now.

Ling Ran already had the perfect doctor in mind—Xu Guanyi, who agreed without hesitation when approached.

With everything set, they awaited the first recording in two days. Ning Xinqiao would co-anchor to ease Ling Ran's nerves.

Using a fresh face as anchor was strategic—viewers responded to first impressions, and Ling Ran's naturally likable appearance was an asset.

Ling Ran floated through each day, barely containing his joy. Qin Chengyue, witnessing this unprecedented happiness, felt genuine pride for him.

Yet Ling Ran realized Qin Chengyue might be the only person who'd truly celebrate his success.

Another figure surfaced in his thoughts—he hadn't seen that person since his first day at work.

Undoubtedly preoccupied with corporate affairs, such trivial achievements would mean nothing to him.

Ling Ran sighed inwardly, yet his fingers had already opened a chat window.

The last time he'd sent a message was when he was on the island—half a month ago.

He typed out a few lines with his fingers, wanting to say he'd passed the interview, that he was about to record the first episode of the show. But after thinking for a long time, he deleted them one word at a time.

He couldn't be too clingy. He couldn't keep bothering others—it would just annoy them.

Ling Ran tried to stop himself from overthinking, but it was barely effective. If anything, it was getting worse.

After work, Qin Chengyue went back to the Qin family home. He had to return for dinner once a week—a rule set by Qin Shixing.

After leaving the company, Ling Ran took a taxi to the hospital.

Grandma Jiang had been hospitalized for some time now. It wouldn't be right if he never visited, especially since she had always doted on him. Even though his engagement with Jiang Shengyi had been called off, he still wanted to keep in touch with her.

The old woman had been admitted for an asthma attack, and her family felt more at ease with her staying in the hospital, so they hadn't let her go home yet.

Fortunately, when Ling Ran arrived, only the caregiver was in the room. He sat for a while, chatting with Grandma Jiang.

She held his hand, her eyes full of pity and heartache.

"Xiao Ran, I may be old, but my mind is still clear. In the end, our Jiang family has wronged you. You're a good boy, and you'll have a bright future ahead. Don't let this make you feel inferior or resentful. Shengyi just wasn't meant for you. Promise me you won't grieve too much, alright?"

Ling Ran smiled obediently, his tone light and unburdened. "Grandma Jiang, don't worry about me. I understand everything. You just focus on recovering quickly, okay?"

"Ah, Xiao Ran," Grandma Jiang sighed, regret heavy in her voice. "If only we could have really become family."

Ling Ran stayed with her a little longer before leaving the ward. But just as he was about to reach the hospital entrance, he ran into Jiang Shengyi, who was carrying a thermal lunchbox—personally delivering soup.

Ling Ran kept his gaze straight ahead, pretending not to recognize him as he prepared to walk past. But then a hand grabbed his arm. Jiang Shengyi's expression was dark. "So you finally show up."

That night when Ling Ran had injured him, Jiang Shengyi had angrily announced the end of their engagement and since then, he hadn't seen Ling Ran at all.

He had expected Ling Ran to come crying after him, begging for forgiveness, pleading for the engagement not to be broken. But instead, Ling Ran had vanished without a trace—and now, he was pretending not to know him.

Ling Ran yanked his arm free, giving him a cold look. "Don't touch me."

The scar near Jiang Shengyi's brow hadn't fully healed yet. He glared at the young Omega in front of him. "I never thought you'd actually join Jiang Zhou. Do you really think headquarters would hire you if it weren't for my influence? The only reason I didn't have you fired is because you've been decent to Grandma these past two years. Consider it a favor. Don't think there's still a chance between us."

Ling Ran stared at him silently before suddenly letting out a soft laugh. How had he never noticed before just how arrogant and disgusting Jiang Shengyi's face was?

It must have been those damned pheromones clouding his judgment.

"Of course there's no chance," Ling Ran said with a smile. "Jiang Shengyi, I was the one who wanted to break off the engagement first—you just beat me to it. Since you like Yin Chu so much, why don't you just marry him?"

Jiang Shengyi's face froze instantly. He never expected Ling Ran not only knew about his feelings for Yin Chu, but also wanted to proactively break off their engagement.

Ling Ran's gaze flickered as he suddenly noticed Yin Chu approaching from a distance. He immediately understood—these two must have come together from home.

He flashed a bright smile at the bewildered Yin Chu, but his words were directed at Jiang Shengyi standing before him.

"I'll definitely work hard at Jiangzhou, but certainly not because of you," he said, deliberately moving closer to Jiang Shengyi in Yin Chu's presence. "By the way, Yin Chu seems rather unsteady on his feet. I wonder if he's ill—he fell down the stairs without anyone pushing him. Shouldn't you go help him?"

Jiang Shengyi whirled around at these words to see Yin Chu's face frozen in shock. Turning back, he hissed angrily at Ling Ran, "How can you say such things? When did you become so vicious?"

Ling Ran appeared indifferent to any judgment from him now. He stepped back calmly, unaffected by any pheromones, examining the man before him with clear rationality.

He must have been blind before—thinking Jiang Shengyi resembled Jiang Zhiyu, even mistaking them for each other in moments of confusion.

"Whatever I become has nothing to do with you. Let's pretend we're strangers if we meet again," Ling Ran said airily before delivering his final blow: "Jiang Shengyi, you're actually quite pathetic."

Being strung along as a backup option without even realizing it—the epitome of pitifulness.

Ling Ran turned and left, hailing a taxi home.

Half his good mood had been ruined by those two. Feeling deflated, he texted Qin Chengyue from the car.

[Little Grape]: Ran into someone I didn't want to see...

[NoWatermelon]: Let me guess—Jiang Shengyi?

[Little Grape]: Yeah...

[NoWatermelon]: Did he bully you? If he dared, I'll gather some guys to beat him up in a sack tonight to vent your anger.

[Little Grape]: Actually I already hit him

[NoWatermelon]: You fought him? With what?

[Little Grape]:....A wine bottle. Broke his head open. Not sure if it'll leave a permanent scar.

[NoWatermelon]: Serves him right! Perfect timing, like chickens clucking at dawn! Who cares about scars—that bastard deserves it!

Ling Ran got out of the car and entered his home, laughing at the messages.

[Little Grape]: When are you coming back tonight?

[NoWatermelon]: Already finished dinner. Be back soon, don't miss me too much!

Ling Ran felt slightly better after his shower. He stepped out with damp hair, only to find Qin Chengyue hadn't returned yet. Just then, a message suddenly popped up on his phone.

Are you asleep?

Blow-drying his hair, Ling Ran replied without even checking who the sender was, assuming it was Qin Chengyue.

[Little Grape]: Not yet~

[Little Grape): Waiting for you to come back so we can sleep together.

There was no reply for a long time. After finishing his hair, Ling Ran picked up his phone and took a closer look. His watery eyes immediately widened, his heart leaping into his throat as he wished he could dive into the screen and retract his previous messages.

[Mr. Jiang]: Photo.jpg

[Mr. Jiang]: On a business trip.

Ling Ran let out a short "Ah!" before burying his face into the soft couch, flailing his slender legs in frustration. Regret washed over him— why hadn't he checked properly before replying? He never expected Mr. Jiang to message him first.

He wouldn't think I actually want to sleep with him, would he...?

At the thought, the milky-white skin beneath his bathrobe flushed crimson from his ears down to his neck.

Though the two of them had shared intimate moments before, sleeping together was the most intimate act of all. How could he have been so careless with his words?

With a pitiful expression, Ling Ran clutched his phone, his delicate fingers tapping hesitantly on the screen before finally composing a response and hitting send.

[Sorry, Mr. Jiang, I replied to the wrong person earlier. Please pretend you never saw that last message.]

Only after sending it did he open the photo Jiang Zhiyu had sent.

It appeared to be a lavish, decadent club dimly lit, with the camera focused on a massive floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the city glittered with lights, skyscrapers towering over bustling streets.

A shimmering river cut through the night, flanked by a chaotic cluster of towering pagodas on the opposite bank. The grand Brahmin-style spires were adorned with colorful ceramic tiles, glass, and seashells, resembling divine relics docked along the shore.

It was the nightscape of Bangkok's Chao Phraya River—a view exclusive to the Mansion on the River.

Zooming in, Ling Ran noticed a faint reflection in the glass. Though blurry, the figure was unmistakably broad-shouldered and long-legged, lounging lazily on a plush seat near the window. One hand held the phone taking the photo, while the other seemed to be loosely clutching something long and thin, half-dangling.

Ling Ran's breath hitched.

It was a necktie.

Another message arrived almost immediately.

[Mr. Jiang]: I saw it.

[Mr. Jiang]: What do you plan to do about it?

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