TPLTMOE – Chapter 66

The moment these words were spoken, the main hall fell deathly silent.

Jiang Zhisong's expression was equally grim. He tried to pull Jiang Ronglian back but failed, raising his voice to reprimand, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Zhiyu was only acting in accordance with the group headquarters' decision. Since Sheng Yi is part of the Jiang family, of course, he must prioritize the Jiang family's interests in all matters. Besides, Zhiyu has always had a strong sense of the bigger picture—how could he possibly act on impulse the way you're suggesting?"

Jiang Ronglian was indignant. She had already been nursing a grudge after the last of her Jiangzhou shares had been wrested from her by Jiang Zhiyu's schemes. How much of the second branch's assets remained now? And how many of those still nominally belonged to the second branch were actually under Jiang Zhiyu's control?

Now, with just a single dismissive remark from Jiang Zhiyu, even her own son had been exiled abroad. She had no idea how long he would be gone or when he might return. When Jiang Ronglian first heard the news, she felt as if the sky had collapsed. To make matters worse, her son was a spineless fool who had obediently packed his bags and left without protest.

Over the past few days, Jiang Ronglian had relentlessly pressured Jiang Zhisong to return to the old estate and lodge a complaint with the family patriarch. If there was anyone in the Jiang family who could still rein in Jiang Zhiyu, it was the old master—the former head of the family—who might at least have a word or two of influence.

"Spare me your talk of the 'bigger picture," Jiang Ronglian spat, her gaze burning with resentment as she glared at Jiang Zhiyu. "I just want to know—with so many people in the Jiang family, why does it have to be Sheng Yi who gets sent away? Can you honestly say you have no ulterior motives? That this isn't deliberate retaliation?!"

Jiang Zhiyu stepped forward, the corner of his lips curling slightly. "You're right."

His gaze was unflinching, devoid of any attempt to conceal his intentions. "It is personal."

He simply couldn't stand Jiang Shengyi—either buzzing around Ling Ran like an annoying fly or exuding pheromones everywhere like an insufferable, clingy mutt.

Since Jiang Shengyi had been the one to propose breaking off the engagement in the first place, what right did he have now to demand a place back in the Omega's life?

Exile was already an act of mercy. If Jiang Shengyi dared to overstep again with his little aunt, Jiang Zhiyu couldn't guarantee he would return to Jiang Ronglian's arms in one piece.

Unfortunately, no one knew Jiang Zhiyu's true motives. They all assumed he had simply disposed of Jiang Shengyi ahead of time while dealing with the second branch.

Everyone knew how troublesome Jiang Zhisong and Jiang Ronglian of the second branch could be. Hearing his blunt admission, Jiang Ronglian's fury twisted her once-elegant and refined face into something almost grotesque.

"Y-you—what did you just say?!" Her eyes widened, rage surging through her so violently she nearly fainted. "I knew it! You really are this heartless! What unspeakable crime has our family committed to deserve such treatment from you?! No matter what, your elder brother and I are still your seniors. Even if you refuse to respect us as elders, you should at least observe basic courtesy! How could the old master—such a kind and gentle man—raise a son like you?! Or is this all something you learned from your mother?!"

The moment the words left her mouth, Jiang Zhiyu's expression darkened, his eyes glinting with a terrifying, predatory intensity. "What did you say?"

Jiang Zhisong immediately stood, ready to drag Jiang Ronglian—now incensed to the point of reckless speech—back into her seat. "Enough! Will you shut your mouth?!"

Jiang Zhiyu's mother had passed away long ago, and she was rarely mentioned in the Jiang family. Jiang Ronglian had been so enraged that she lost her composure, only realizing the impropriety of her words after they had already left her mouth. But it was too late to take them back—everyone present had heard them loud and clear.

She could only stiffen her neck and retort defiantly, "Was I wrong? Your temperament is exactly like your mother's! And besides, your own behavior is hardly beyond reproach—it's all over the news. As the face of the Jiang family, you've been frequenting those kinds of clubs in private, even keeping some cheap little whore—“

This time, before she could finish, Jiang Ronglian suddenly felt a hand clamp around her throat like an iron vise. Long fingers dug mercilessly into the pulsing arteries on either side of her neck, calloused fingertips pressing down with deadly force.

Jiang Zhiyu stepped forward, gripping her throat in his palm, his cold, sharp eyes concealing a storm of brutality. With just a little more pressure, he could have choked the life out of her in the next second.

Originally, he hadn't planned to resort to violence today, not in front of the entire family. His objectives had already been achieved—the second branch of the family was on the verge of collapse, no longer a threat, and Jiang Shengyi had vanished from sight. Everything else was progressing smoothly, all under his control.

But Jiang Ronglian should never have mentioned his mother—or Ling Ran.

Jiang Zhisong was stunned, watching as Jiang Ronglian's eyes rolled back, on the verge of passing out. He even forgot to step in and stop Jiang Zhiyu, frozen in place by the sudden, overwhelming pressure radiating from the enigma before him, gaping at the scene in shock.

A few of the peacekeeping elders, seeing the situation escalate beyond control, finally stirred from their seats and feigned attempts to mediate.

The hall was packed with people, all crowding around the octagonal table. "Zhiyu, Shengyi's mother didn't mean it like that. Calm down, let her go first."

"She misspoke—anger makes people lose control. Don't take it too personally."

"We're all family here. There's no need for things to get this ugly. Besides, aren't you running for chairman of the chamber of commerce? You should be careful not to give anyone ammunition against you."

"Don't actually kill someone in the family home—that would be too disgraceful. And over something so trivial, it's not worth it. That was all so long ago anyway."

"I saw that news about the club too, but it's just baseless rumors from those unscrupulous media outlets. There's no way you'd be involved with that kind of person—we all know that."

“….”

The buzzing in his ears was deafening. The veins on the back of Jiang Zhiyu's hand bulged like gnarled tree roots, snaking all the way up his forearm.

The voices around him grated on his nerves, his pheromones surging violently within him, desperate for release. But they were ruthlessly suppressed beneath his scent-blocking patch, crashing against the hollow emptiness inside him with thunderous reverberations.

He could hear his own heartbeat—thud, thud.

Whether it was his pheromones or his emotions, anything repressed for too long would eventually reach the brink of eruption.

A figure emerged in his mind—a little Omega standing under dim yellow light, soft hair clinging to his cheeks, obediently telling him to wait for his return home.

With a snap, a string deep in his heart abruptly snapped.

Jiang Zhiyu tightened his grip, closed his eyes briefly, and took a deep breath, holding it in his lungs for several long moments before slowly exhaling.

The same method he had once taught the Omega to calm himself was now being used to forcibly steady his own emotions.

Jiang Ronglian was flung several steps back by an immense force, her body crashing into a white porcelain antique vase beside her. The vase toppled and shattered into pieces, leaving several bloody scratches on her face.

Clutching her chest, she coughed violently amidst the shattered porcelain, her lungs sounding as if punctured, emitting ragged, ugly gasps. Covered in blood, she lay sprawled on the ground, unable to get up.

The family had its rules, but even when the Old Master had been the head of the household, he had never been this furious.

Amidst the chaos of blood and broken porcelain, the new head of the Jiang family, cold as a statue, finally spoke.

"From today onward, Jiang Ronglian is struck from the family registry."

The moment the words left his lips, the entire hall erupted in gasps of shock. Even Jiang Ronglian widened her eyes, staring disbelievingly at the man who had just pronounced her fate.

Jiang Zhiyu's gaze was dark and unreadable, with no intention of retracting his order.

Since everyone was gathered today, it saved him the trouble of making separate announcements later.

Being struck from the registry meant she would no longer have any ties to the Jiang family. Even if Jiang Zhisong didn't divorce her, neither she nor the second branch would ever receive another benefit from the Jiangs again. And given Jiang Zhisong's lack of loyalty, he might very well discard her and remarry a new concubine.

Jiang Ronglian had never expected Jiang Zhiyu to say such a thing. Despairing, she turned her gaze toward the Old Master seated at the center.

The Old Master had always prioritized family harmony and prosperity. Jiang Zhiyu had only been the head of the family for a few years, yet not only had he monopolized power, he had now bypassed the elders and overridden even his own father's authority. The Old Master had remained silent, yet Jiang Zhiyu had already taken matters into his own hands, disposing of Jiang Ronglian and the second branch.

Furious, the Old Master hurled his scalding teacup straight at Jiang Zhiyu.

"Who gave you the right to make such a decision?"

Jiang Zhiyu raised a hand and caught the purple clay teacup effortlessly. Scalding tea splashed out, drenching his hand and instantly reddening the skin.

His expression had already returned to one of calm rationality. He set the teacup back on the table unharmed, then stood beneath the crystal chandelier with lowered eyes. The light cast a noble, almost blinding aura around him.

Slowly, he retrieved a ring bearing the family crest from his pocket and slid it onto his thumb.

The crest ring had been passed down from their ancestors, its intricate, ancient patterns crafted by the most skilled artisans of Egypt. Only the head of the family was entitled to wear it.

By donning this ring, he wielded absolute authority and status within the entire Jiang family.

The moment Jiang Zhiyu made this gesture, not only the Old Master, but everyone else in the room paled.

The meaning was unmistakable—Jiang Zhiyu had the final say in all matters concerning the Jiang family, and he certainly didn't need anyone's permission.

"Any other questions?" Jiang Zhiyu asked coolly.

The main hall was utterly silent. Whether they had something to say or not, everyone kept their mouths tightly shut, not daring to voice any further objections.

Power is the best weapon to make people submit.

***

The night breeze on the small terrace was gentle.

A solitary figure nearly melted into the boundless night, with only the glowing ember at his fingertips flickering intermittently.

Jiang Zhichen leaned on his cane as he slowly walked to the railing.

Jiang Zhiyu had been gazing at the night view below the mountain—the commercial CBD center that lit up the night sky like daylight. The brightest and tallest building among them belonged to the Jiang Corporation. Across the winding Puyu River, in the upscale residential area opposite, lived a young Omega.

"Your leg better now?"

"I can walk a bit, but not too much each day," Jiang Zhichen replied. "Still recovering gradually."

"Hmm," Jiang Zhiyu took a drag from the damp cigarette between his lips. "That European doctor was somewhat useful."

Jiang Zhichen had undergone treatment in Europe for quite some time, including two surgeries. Surprisingly, it had been quite effective. After returning home, under Xu Guanyi's relentless daily supervision, he had gradually begun practicing walking with a cane—though not too much, and never to the point of exhaustion.

Jiang Zhichen frowned. "I thought you didn't smoke?"

"Occasionally."

Jiang Zhichen studied his younger brother's profile and suddenly realized how little he truly understood this sibling two years his junior. "How's your hand? Do you need some ointment or bandages?"

That cup of tea must have been freshly boiled—scalding hot. Splashing it on the back of his hand would have been terrifyingly painful, likely blistering the skin if not worse.

Jiang Zhiyu didn't even lift his eyelids as he stubbed out the cigarette against the railing.

"It's fine."

But then again, Jiang Zhiyu had always had an exceptional tolerance for pain. Since childhood, their uncle had subjected him to frequent corporal punishment, yet no one had ever heard him cry out. Before he'd even turned ten—before his secondary gender had manifested—he'd knelt silently in the snow behind the bamboo grove in the courtyard, his small face frozen stiff, without uttering a sound.

Never begging for mercy. Never bowing his head. Unyielding to the core.

Jiang Zhichen said, "I've heard you've offended quite a few people recently. Just from what I know, there's the Yin and Tang families—the Lings don't count, since our relations soured after Sheng Yi called off the engagement with their family. But was the incident at the club deliberately framed to sabotage you before the election? 'Pearl in the Palm' is Dong Hui's business, isn't it? Was it him?"

Jiang Zhiyu's tone remained calm. "It wasn't a frame-up."

Because he and Ling Ran really did have an affair—so it was the truth.

Jiang Zhichen looked puzzled. "But I thought you were with...

Halfway through his sentence, realization dawned. "That Omega?"

"Yeah."

Jiang Zhichen understood. "I don't know what you two are planning, but I've dealt with Dong Hui before. He's not as easygoing as he appears—he's ruthless. With the election approaching, even though he's running for vice-chairman and isn't directly competing against you, you still need to be careful."

"He doesn't stand a chance at vice-chairman either." Jiang Zhiyu pronounced it like a verdict. Once tomorrow's program aired, Dong Hui's political career would be completely derailed.

"As long as you know what you're doing. After all these years, you've never needed me to worry about your affairs. Forget I said anything." Jiang Zhichen conceded.

"Why wouldn't I need to worry?" Jiang Zhiyu turned to look at him. "I'm still waiting for you to return to the group and help me. In a couple of days, I'll assign you a project to follow up on. Zhao Qin will send you the materials in advance."

Jiang Zhichen shook the crutch in his hand and chuckled wryly, "You're asking a cripple to work for you?"

Before Jiang Zhiyu could respond, his phone rang.

Just glancing at the caller ID softened the gloom in his sharp features slightly.

Noticing the change, Jiang Zhichen tactfully fell silent.

Jiang Zhiyu answered the call, his voice dropping to a low murmur that sent shivers down Jiang Zhichen's spine.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

A soft, drowsy voice immediately came through the phone, "Mr. Jiang... are you coming home tonight...?"

The little Omega sounded like he was barely clinging to consciousness, forcing himself awake just long enough to make this call before his eyes fluttered shut.

It was nearly midnight. To wait for his enigma's return, he'd watched several episodes of cartoons but couldn't stay awake any longer. Yet his worry compelled him to make this call.

Because Mr. Jiang had told him to call whenever he missed him.

"I still have some matters to attend to. Be good and go to sleep first, alright?"

Ling Ran protested weakly, "Then I'll wait a little longer—"

He was firmly interrupted.

"It's very late. If you don't sleep now, you won't be able to wake up tomorrow morning," Jiang Zhiyu's tone brooked no argument. "Go to sleep now. Be good."

Ling Ran could only mumble reluctantly, "Alright..."

"Go lie down in bed," Jiang Zhiyu instructed.

Ling Ran rose from the sofa and groped his way to the master bedroom's large bed, replying, "I'm lying down now."

"Cover yourself with the blanket."

The central air conditioning ran year-round, and nights grew chilly.

Ling Ran bundled himself up securely before reporting obediently, "I'm covered."

"Mm," Jiang Zhiyu's expression remained impassive. "Give me a kiss."

Over the phone, Ling Ran sounded flustered. "Ah..."

"I might not get to kiss you tonight," Jiang Zhiyu reasoned logically. "Consider this an advance goodnight kiss."

Even through the receiver, they could hear the little Omega bringing the phone close to his lips. Soft, shallow breaths traveled through the staticky connection, followed by the faintest moist sound near their ears.

Jiang Zhiyu's brain short-circuited momentarily—that was the sound of the little Omega licking his lips.

Then he heard an almost inaudible, tiny "mwah."

The corners of his lips curled up unconsciously as Jiang Zhiyu kissed the receiver in return, murmuring, "Goodnight, baby."

After hanging up, Jiang Zhichen—who had been standing nearby throughout the entire exchange—stood frozen like a statue carved from ice.

Jiang Zhiyu glanced at him. "Anything else?"

Jiang Zhichen said, "Well, tonight's matters are pretty much settled. Who knows how long the discussions downstairs will drag on. If you have things to attend to, you can head home first. I'll keep an eye on things here."

Jiang Zhiyu pulled out another slender cigarette and lit it.

"I'm not going back."

"Why not?" Jiang Zhichen was genuinely curious—he'd clearly seemed desperate to return moments ago.

The night breeze swept aside the enigma's fringe, revealing sharp, cold eyes devoid of the earlier tenderness, as if shrouded in gloom once more.

"It would frighten him."

Omegas were indeed timid creatures, and the mess surrounding him hadn't been fully dealt with yet.

At the very least, he should wait until he had completely resolved the mess downstairs before going back to hold him.

***

When Ling Ran woke up in the morning, he realized the spot beside him had been empty all night. The sheets were neatly arranged, showing no signs of anyone having slept there.

After asking Song Yi, it turned out Mr. Jiang hadn't returned last night.

Ling Ran quietly ate breakfast alone before heading to work. Tonight's program was set to air, and with time tight and tasks heavy, he and his team still had a lot to finalize.

Upon arriving at the company, the entire news department had paused work on other segments for the day, with nearly everyone pitching in to help Ling Ran's team prepare for the live broadcast of Focus Vision that evening.

Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue spent the entire morning refining the script, adding substantial new content in the process.

At noon, Zhao Qin delivered fresh intelligence, further strengthening the chain of evidence against Dong Hui. The group was electrified, immediately piecing all the clues together—almost fully reconstructing the entire power-and-sex trade network that began with Pearl of the Palm.

By the time the live broadcast began in the evening, Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue exchanged words of encouragement before stepping onto the set together.

"Focusing on societal hotspots, uncovering the realities of life. Welcome to Focus Vision. I'm Ling Ran..."

"And I'm Qin Chengyue."

The camera slowly zoomed in on Ling Ran's face as he spoke solemnly, his tone measured and steady. "Recently, our city has cracked down on underground clinics and research facilities illegally selling suppressants and Omega pheromones. Through extensive investigations, we've discovered that many of the victimized Omegas share a common thread—they all had work experience at a private club in the city. Let's take a look at the following footage..."

The screen cut to advertisements and recruitment notices for Pearl of the Palm, targeting female Omegas, followed by clips from Ling Ran's undercover visit—including his exchange with the blond-haired man.

Qin Chengyue then provided supplementary commentary before transitioning to the interview with the Omega from the hospital. A series of incriminating evidence pointed squarely at Pearl of the Palm, ultimately leading to the mastermind behind it all: Dong Hui.

Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue engaged in a back-and-forth discussion, analyzing the case with precision. Their roles were clear—Ling Ran's words carried a sharper, more aggressive edge, while Qin Chengyue balanced the tone with neutral remarks. As the narrative increasingly leaned toward condemning Dong Enterprises and Dong Hui, she subtly redirected the audience's perspective to avoid a one-sided trial. Yet, with every piece of evidence indisputable, the broadcast was, in essence, a powerful indictment.

Outside the studio, the rest of the news department stood watching. For now, internal conflicts were set aside—this had escalated into a full- blown confrontation between the Jiang and Dong factions. Everyone silently rooted for Ling Ran and Qin Chengyue, hoping they wouldn't falter at this critical moment.

Any program hosted by Ling Ran was guaranteed high ratings, and this episode, bold in its accusations, saw viewership surge from the start. Before the broadcast even concluded, hashtags began climbing the trending lists, soon reaching the top spot with a blazing red "Explosive" tag.

[Power-Sex Trade at Pearl of the Palm]

[Dong Hui of Dong Enterprises]

[Chamber of Commerce Election]

[Vice Chairman Candidate Dong Hui]

[Chairman Candidate Jiang Zhiyu]

Seeing their own President Jiang also trending alongside, the company employees flocked to the hashtag for a collective fan rally, flooding the comments with a string of glowing praises for him.

Free publicity was too good to pass up.

Fortunately, the public had sharp eyes—Jiang Zhiyu's hashtag was filled almost entirely with admirers gushing over his looks, sparing Jiang Corporation from the crossfire of online vitriol.

The show's broadcast was a resounding success, and public opinion had already shifted. Everyone began digging up all possible clues about Palm Pearl online. Some who had been there also chimed in, claiming they'd long suspected the place was shady and must have involved illicit dealings—they just hadn't dared speak out before, knowing their posts would be deleted.

But this time, the Jiang Corporation had pressured Weibo in advance, ensuring all discussions about the Dong family would remain untouched.

Dong Hui was pinned at the top of the trending list, with netizens practically excavating his family history down to eighteen generations.

After leaving the set, Ling Ran checked the reactions on Weibo and saw public outrage had been successfully stirred. The Chamber of Commerce's official account even issued a statement revoking Dong Hui's candidacy, while the Haishi police followed up with their own blue-background announcement pledging to investigate the matter.

Ling Ran felt a mix of joy and excitement, as if he'd accomplished something monumental. Eager to share, he sent the Weibo link to Mr. Jiang. But even by the time he returned home from work, there was no reply.

Disappointment crept in as he stepped out of the car, phone in hand, heading toward the building entrance.

Night had fully fallen, with streetlights swaying through the gaps in the camphor tree leaves, casting flickering light.

The surroundings were silent except for a gentle breeze.

Ling Ran's shirt fluttered against his slender waist, the fabric lightly outlining his frame.

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine—the unmistakable feeling of someone silently following him.

He froze at the building entrance, turning to look behind him.

But there was nothing. Only empty darkness.

Yet unease clung to him, stronger than ever before. This wasn't ordinary night; it felt like a predator lurking, ready to pounce and devour him whole—or drag him into the abyss with unseen hands.

Yutang Mansion's security was impeccable; outsiders shouldn't be able to enter. Still, Ling Ran quickened his pace, rushing into the lobby and frantically pressing the elevator button.

When the doors finally opened, he darted inside, rapidly jabbing the close button.

Just as the doors were about to shut, a pale, slender hand forced its way through the narrowing gap, prying them back open.

Ling Ran's heart hammered against his ribs at the sight of that hand, loud as drumbeats in his chest.

His wide eyes, filled with fear and confusion, locked onto the figure stepping inside.

Only when Jiang Zhiyu stood before him, reaching out to caress his cheek, did Ling Ran begin to emerge from that nameless terror.

The elevator doors closed behind them.

Without a word, Ling Ran threw himself into the enigma's arms, burying his face against him, hands clutching tightly as if afraid he might vanish.

His entire body went soft and weightless—like a newborn vine that could only survive by clinging to a stronger trunk. To be torn away would mean withering roots and slow decay.

Surprised by the initiative, Jiang Zhiyu opened his arms, lifting Ling Ran by the thighs to hold him close.

Noticing the little Omega pressing his face close to his neck, the soft breaths against his skin as if sniffing for something—searching for a scent.

But Ling Ran inhaled deeply and found no trace of the tequila aroma that could soothe him, instantly growing dissatisfied. He stretched his neck further, pressing closer with more insistence.

Jiang Zhiyu chuckled, ruffling the fluffy head resting on his shoulder. "What, are you a puppy now?"

Ling Ran naturally wrapped his arms around Jiang Zhiyu's neck—he had been held like this so many times that his body had long grown accustomed to it.

In a small voice, he made his request: "Want... your pheromones..."

Just then, the elevator doors slid open with a soft ding.

Jiang Zhiyu stepped out, carrying him effortlessly through the private foyer that led straight into the living room and then the master bedroom.

Pressing him down onto the bed, Jiang Zhiyu took his time peeling off the scent-blocking patches from both their necks.

Then, leaning close to Ling Ran's ear, his voice dropped low and unhurried.

"Here you go, baby."

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