[https://em.wattpad.com/5f0d3f6a7048ae76730b490ec041d3d8f203ecf6/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f634f386336516f717473364247773d3d2d3535313738373134352e313531663031346463663232353437353732393535363839343836372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
OVER THE YEAR, Dean had not been able to make any friends in his University. His beauty was too ethereal for many, and they also wondered what his actual relationship with the Math Professor Leon and the youngest daughter of the Bai Family were; both of which were influential individuals.
There was also a rumor that Dean was an acquaintance to both the Emperor and the Empress of the business world, their names even resounding to other nations. Just that fact caused others to avoid Dean, afraid of repercussions. Social life was everything after University and offending the wrong person was asking for death.
Besides the above, his genius in technology was also intimidating. Several students were paranoid that if they were rude to him once, they will be targeted online, which was worse than offline. After all, media was not to be taken lightly.
Some students were just talking about the incident that had occurred not too long ago in D City. The three men were relaxing under the shade of a tree, feeling the breeze and simply enjoying the mother nature as they gossiped about other people's lives.
The curious friend said, "I don't understand."
"Uhm?" The bookworm indifferently urged, not looking up to his friend. He was reading a Sci-Fi novel he had borrowed from the library and was reaching the climax.
The curious friend did not mind and spoke once again, as if he was dealing with a very difficult problem known to men. "If Feng Mian Zhao is a woman, the Zhao Family is doomed henceforth. The true Will is useless now since none of the later generation is born a man. What happens next?"
The bookworm quietly closed his book to thoughtfully answer his friend. He propped up his eyeglasses that had drooped further down than his line of sight and calmly explained.
"They have two options available in this case. One is to proceed with the current Will and have a branch family take over, since the Empress will obviously leave the Zhao's alone with how rich and powerful she is. Or two, they can adopt a child. The latter is no good if it's a traditional family. They will never allow their bloodline to be mixed with another."
The curious friend frowned, leaving him even more confused. He was not the type to remain quiet when he was curious, however. And so he opened his mouth to throw another query. "The blood will obviously still mix once their family marry another."
"Or yes, they can have one of their daughters marry another elite. And have him control all the assets of the Zhao's, which includes Horizon Line Inc."
Yet, just as soon as he explained this, their friend who had been quietly surfing the web suddenly exclaimed.
"Bloody Hell!"
The other two looked at him curiously, awaiting for his continuation.
He obliged and shared the world breaking news.
"Horizon Line Inc. has been overtaken by the Empress!"
The bookworm inhaled a sharp breath at how vicious the Empress was. "She wouldn't even let a worm escape." He momentarily shivered at the sudden fear.
His curious friend then gently asked, "Are you saying that because of the step-sister?"
The bookworm nodded his head in assent. "Even if she was ostracized because of Ying Yue Zhao, she should at least give the others a leeway. As far as I know, they were merely manipulated because.. think about it. How can a whole bunch of people think all the same? Someone must have been directing them."
"Wouldn't they be half to blame then? Which makes them as equally guilty."
"You are right. I just don't feel good when people overdo it when punishing people. Now that the Horizon Line Inc. have been taken away, the Zhao's will have no backing whatsoever. That was their only business."
"Then if it was you, how will you deal with the Zhao's? Just let them be? Luyang Zhao will have his term end in another 6 years, so wouldn't he chase after the Empress? After all, a man who had lost everything will not be afraid of any repercussions."
The bookworm was once again thoughtful, then politely explained his point of view. "She is the Empress, she can oppress whoever she wants and destroy whomever she finds an eyesore. In the end, it would have been fine if she left Horizon Line Inc. and keep everyone at bay. Maybe show them not to mess with her, if they don't want to be annihilated."
The curious friend nodded his head, but there were still questions inside his head. "If we take your reasoning into consideration, the Empress is probably the type of person who doesn't want to deal with things she doesn't have to. In which case, she completely removed the problem and be done with it. Free of worry, free of mind."
"That's right. That's why nobody messes with the Empress."
"Oh? Then what about the Emperor?"
"That's the same as messing with the Empress." The bookworm said, matter of factly.
"I don't quite understand. Should it not be the other way around?"
The bookworm scratched the back of his head in thought, then explained carefully with warning. "The Emperor may either punish you with demerit, give you trouble with your work, or even ruin your reputation, but you will still have a chance to make a comeback. This is not the same with the Empress. You must remember these words."
The curious friend blinked and asked, "Why?"
The bookworm mysteriously said, "She will not make you live another day. Look at the Zhao's—"
He was not finished with his explanation yet when their friend exclaimed another piece of breaking news. This time, he delivered it swiftly.
"Wew! The Empress is deadly as ever. All the members of the Zhao Clan were shipped to some island!" He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The bookworm solemnly nodded his head. It was obvious he did not agree with Feng Mian's viciousness.
The curious friend however, still wanted to hear his friend's next words. "So, what were you gonna say?"
The bookworm looked at his friend sadly, pitying the man for being less observant. Nevertheless, he kindly obliged and explained carefully.
"Look at the Zhao's, not only was Horizon Line Inc. overtaken, but the whole clan was shipped to a foreign land. What were they going to do there? Build a new tribe?" He shook his head at the thought of Feng Mian's actions. "Truly heartless."
"Oh, another breaking news."
The curious friend eagerly jumped, expecting another destruction from Feng Mian. "What is it?"
"The Empress proposed to the Emperor."
"So fast?! We just got the news of her removing all traces of the Zhao's and now she is getting married?!" He felt dismayed. He had found himself interested with the valiant businesswoman who was not indecisive, but sharp as a double-edged sword.
His friend bobbed his head, then shook it sideways, confusing his other two friends. "Just an engagement."
The curious friend heaved a sigh of relief, which the bookworm had noticed. His face paled tremendously and hastened to warn his friend once again.
"You must not get close to the Empress! You must not!"
The curious friend tilted his head in confusion, his eyes swirling with questions. "Why?"
The bookworm scratched the back of his head and carefully said, "Making the Emperor jealous is not gonna make you any safer than offending the Empress' sacred rules."
"Huh? Did you mention any sacred rules? What are you talking about??" He was suddenly lost, many more questions popping in his head.
The bookworm explained hastily, "Sacred Rules of the Empress is known to the world. One, you must not seduce the Emperor. Two, you must not cause trouble with any of her enterprises. Three, do not approach her without talking about money. Four, do anything illegal in D City and you'll have hell to pay. Five and the most important one... Never approach the Empress with any ulterior motive besides talking business. Else..."
The curious friend gulped. "Or else..?"
"Or else you'll be framed and locked in jail. And that will be the end of your life. Depending on your crime, your whole family tree might also be involved. The Empress's heart is cold except for a very few people."
"..Scary..." He had thought the Empress valiant and possibly kind, especially after enduring so many years of being ostracized but still come back strong and generous.
The curious friend nodded his head solemnly, promising to his heart not to dream of the Empress ever again.
Just when the curious friend was gonna jump on other topics, a huge shadow suddenly towered over them, and promptly landing on the ground.
He seemed to have dropped himself off the tree.
As the figure tagged at his shirt neatly, he gave the group of friends a side glance then smoothly said with his deep and husky voice, "The Empress is very kind. Do not talk nonsense." Was all he said before turning around to walk away.
The curious friend was confused and thoughtlessly asked, "So the rumors of him being friends with the Empress and the Emperor is true?!"
The bookworm slowly nodded his head as his thoughtful eyes followed after the figure's back. "It seems so, and he heard our whole gossip."
Realizing this, the friend that was holding his laptop immediately checked his social media accounts, searching for any irregularities. "Phew. I guess we are safe."
"For now."
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Dean left his napping area a little miffed. He had thought he finally found the perfect place to wile away the time before evening classes begun, but alas, certain gossipers couldn't find anywhere else to laze around and must choose the only isolated tree northeast of the dormitory.
It was always quiet there until today.
He also realized he was not upset when he had heard Feng Mian and Fei Long's engagement. Only when they incorrectly talked about Feng Mian did he feel upset.
After all, it was Feng Mian who changed his whole life, and it was also because of her that he decided on a path in University that he now enjoyed.
Although he was not what she needed, it did not mean he would simply disregard all the things she had done for him. And now, he was just happy being alone and from time to time, enjoy the exciting moment of building a program.
At least with programming, he can control how it functioned, design how it looked and enjoy its completion. Thanks to this hobby, he had missed the chances to visit social groups.
He was not really fond of mingling with others either. Everyone had their own opinion and he was fine not sharing his'. Not when he had two others to keep him busy every other day.
And speaking of the devil, a certain Math Professor was smiling at him while holding a water can, watering the flower beds beside the library.
"Hey, Dean! I know you would pass by here." Denise smiled, revealing his deep set of dimples.
Dean couldn't help but frown. He always encountered Denise wherever he went. Even outside Northeastern University, which creeps him out sometimes. The guy was obviously into him, but he couldn't bring up himself to consider another love interest.
Dean just walked passed Denise, like a fly just happened to swirl around his face. Yet, he wasn't even two steps away from Denise, the latter grabbed for his wrist and gripped it gently.
Indeed. Denise was always gentle.
Even when he was left by Feng Mian in Buna Kafe, the bulky man gently embraced him and brought him away from the eyes of the crowd.
Dean was thankful for his thoughtfulness, but seeing that particular smile on his face made him feel disgruntled, always.
"Let go or I'll kick your balls."
Denise merely chuckled, not letting go. His deep-set eyes were bright, revealing a mixture of green and blue. His lips were full, his nose was straight and long. Over all, he had a charming face, especially so when he flashes his dimpled smile.
Dean didn't like how the man was too persistent. He liked being alone and not used to being cared for. And every time Denise set his eyes on him, he would feel awkward.
"Dean, why do you always pull away?" Denise gently asked, his signature bright smile faltered.
Dean gazed up at him and quipped, "Can I not?"
"I'd rather you not."
"Sadly, I am not you."
"Sad indeed. So can I do anything to make you happy at all?" He asked dotingly. It was obvious Denise was not only attracted to Dean. He found the young man intriguing, and he thought he was better not being alone.
Dean was thoughtful. "Then tell me why I should accept you?"
Dean was confused. Even after a year, his attitude towards Denise was at most biting, and that was normal. What was not normal was how he found comfort in the bulky man's company.
It was likely because the other was always gentle and thoughtful of him that he would unconsciously let his guard down.
Denise's smile deepened. His hand was still gripping Dean's wrist, not wanting to let go nor stop their rare moment together.
"Because I can love you more than I'll love myself. Wouldn't you want to experience it?"
He was truly an honest fudanshi.
Dean was perplexed. "I don't like being bothered too much."
"Granted."
"And I don't like being stalked."
"What to do... I always feel wherever you are." Denise smoothly said, softly chuckling. A sense of warmth was slowly spreading in his chest by merely having an agreeable conversation with the person before him.
Dean frowned for the nth time. "Then we can end this discussion."
He tried to pull his wrist away but Denise's grip did not loosen.
"Dean Argus, you are such an awkward man. I can see that you are slightly interested in me." Denise moved forward, his face only inches apart from Dean's. "It's about time you stop moping, beautiful."
Dean couldn't help but blush at being called beautiful, which was usually likened to 'women'. He had several annoying memories of being treated as a woman, which he never fancied!
"Don't call me beautiful. And no, I'm just the way I am and we have nothing more to say! Now, get your hand off or I'll definitely kick your balls."
Dean's threat was like bells to Denise's ears, making him chuckle. He also did not miss Dean's blush, making him look adorable. His heart felt like it was being tickled at the sight.
He gently held Dean's chin and pressed his lips, then let him go after.
Denise was just in time to avoid Dean's balls kick.
"I can't just wait for you anymore, beautiful. Do expect for more, because you are totally what I want."
His baritone voice was carefree with glee, unable to hide the excitement he felt at their first kiss. Although all of it was to his credit.
Dean was ashamed as he rob the back of his hand on his lips, reddening them at the same time. He looked even more adorable with his glossy eyes and red lips.
Denise wanted to steal another kiss, but he knew he cannot force his way too much. So he merely reached out to stroke Dean's soft lips with his thumb. But even that was enough to make him shiver with delight.
He wondered when he will be able to bend the wolf.