Guide To Lying Flat And Getting Rich As A Kept Alpha - Chapter 27
27
Ye Qingzhu wasn’t entirely without relatives. She had a distant alpha cousin who had joined the military years ago and rarely kept in touch. Recently, during a break from the army, he returned to Jiang City and happened to run into Ye Qingzhu at Qianbao. He marveled at how his relative had managed to open such a large store.
That evening, Ye Qingzhu invited her cousin and his friends for drinks. Her cousin, after getting a bit drunk, rambled on to her, saying that with her strong physical condition and technical school education, she was exactly the kind of person the military was recruiting in large numbers. Someone with her qualities could make a name for herself in the army.
Ye Qingzhu didn’t take it too seriously at the time, but after recent events, her cousin’s words came back to her.
Running a business honestly still meant facing all sorts of malicious competition. No matter how fiercely she fought in private, it couldn’t counter the underhanded tactics of Zhang Sheng and Xu Ruyan behind the scenes.
The life of an ordinary soldier wouldn’t be much different from her current one, but a small seed of ambition had taken root in her heart and kept growing. She couldn’t help but wonder—why couldn’t she aim for a higher position?
She had excellent physical fitness, was skilled in combat, and had real-world experience. Why shouldn’t she have the confidence to pursue this path? The country offered benefits to soldiers, including job placements and pensions even after retirement, not to mention the connections she could build.
If she made up her mind, she would embark on a completely different path from the one she was on now. Money wasn’t her main concern—she believed that even if she took this new road, with Luo Hetu around, she wouldn’t lack funds. The profitable businesses belonged to Luo Hetu anyway, and without her, Luo Hetu could easily find someone else to run them successfully. Meanwhile, Ye Qingzhu could make her mark in a broader arena and one day help Luo Hetu from a different angle.
The two alphas sat on the sofa in the suite, staring at each other. Luo Hetu asked, “Have you made up your mind?”
“I have,” Ye Qingzhu replied, her eyes sparkling. “Do you support me?”
“I support all the decisions my friends make,” Luo Hetu said, scratching her head. “If you’re ever short on cash, come to me.”
Ye Qingzhu laughed and ruffled her hair.
“Stop messing with my head!” Luo Hetu huffed. “Are you afraid I’ll grow taller than you?”
Among alphas, height and strength were points of intense rivalry. Luo Hetu, adapting to local customs, felt that if Ye Qingzhu joined the military, she’d probably grow even taller. She even imagined, with a touch of drama, how heartbroken she’d be if an omega she liked rejected her for being just 1.7 meters tall.
Luo Hetu pouted. She might not see Ye Qingzhu every day anymore, so she indulged her and let her pat her head a couple more times.
At six in the evening, they booked the largest hotel for dinner. At five, the two left the room to check out. While handling the checkout at the hotel lobby, Luo Hetu caught a glimpse of Cheng Youqing walking toward the front desk.
Cheng Youqing was accompanied by a group of people who looked wealthy or influential, seemingly on business. Her gaze lingered on Luo Hetu for a moment, flicked to Ye Qingzhu, then back to Luo Hetu before moving on without another glance.
The front desk manager hurried over to greet her group. Luo Hetu looked around but found no opportunity or reason to say hello, so she stood there for a moment, lowered her eyes, and left with Ye Qingzhu.
Luo Hetu thought to herself, No one could tell we know each other. And no one would guess that just a few days ago, Cheng Youqing poked me—twice.
Tch.
After her business partners checked in, the manager escorted them upstairs to rest, but Cheng Youqing stayed behind and asked the front desk, “What were those two alphas doing here?”
As a VIP client, her question didn’t breach guest privacy, so the front desk replied politely, “They booked a presidential suite.”
One suite?
“How long did they stay?”
“Four hours.”
Cheng Youqing’s expression became vivid with unspoken thoughts. After a moment of silence, she left.
When Zhou Chenghuan received a call from Cheng Youqing, it was usually about a health issue, so she answered immediately. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No,” came the reply, with the sound of wind in the background, as if Cheng Youqing was walking.
“What can two alphas do together? How do they do it, and how long does it take?”
Zhou Chenghuan paused for a long moment before saying, “That’s quite a bombshell. Give me a second to process.”
“It’s just biology. You should be an expert at this.”
“Thanks, but I’m a doctor, not a doi expert. And I’m an omega, you know.”
Cheng Youqing let out a rare chuckle. “I’ll come find you.”
As was her habit, Cheng Youqing didn’t accommodate others’ schedules. Since she rarely had free time, she’d show up directly.
Zhou Chenghuan met her in her office.
After sitting down and taking a sip of coffee, Cheng Youqing got straight to the point. “Today, I saw two alphas who looked like they’d just showered.”
Zhou Chenghuan waited, but Cheng Youqing didn’t elaborate. Curious, she asked, “And?”
“They booked a presidential suite together and stayed for four hours. So, I’m asking you—what do you think two alphas might do in a hotel for four hours?”
Zhou Chenghuan gave her a sidelong glance. “You’re so busy dealing with the mess at your company—patching one hole only to find another. Everyone says you’re scouting for a marriage partner, and every alpha heir in Jiang City is buzzing with excitement. Even my useless second brother keeps asking what you think of him. And you’re wasting time wondering what two alphas were doing in a hotel room?”
After a pause, Zhou Chenghuan, who had studied psychology, suddenly leaned forward. “Is one of those alphas someone you’re interested in?”
Cheng Youqing took another sip of coffee. “Just curious.”
Zhou Chenghuan leaned back. “Anyone can satisfy physical needs with tools. Besides glands, we have reproductive organs, and stimulating them can bring significant pleasure, though it’s not as intense as marking or temporary marking. That’s how same-s3x couples often comfort each other.”
Like that night.
“As for your question about what two alphas could do in four hours—there are plenty of possibilities. Maybe they just booked a room to take a shower?”
Cheng Youqing looked at her calmly, her eyes practically screaming, Do I look like an idiot to you?
Zhou Chenghuan crossed one leg elegantly over the other. “You rarely have time to come chat with me. Don’t bottle things up. If you want to talk, let’s talk. Who knows when you’ll have time again?”
Normally, Cheng Youqing would’ve left by now, but this time, she stayed. Zhou Chenghuan was inwardly thrilled, expecting some juicy gossip. But after a moment, Cheng Youqing looked at her and said, “It’s nothing. Not a big deal.”
She stood up. “I’m leaving.”
…Only two sentences more than usual.
But who’s to say that wasn’t progress? Under the dual pressures of her company and marriage prospects, she was either exploring a new path or had found someone she liked.
Who could that lucky person be?
Ye Qingzhu treated her team and Luo Hetu to drinks until midnight. Xu Ruyan showed up, and after a few rounds, Luo Hetu arranged a ride to send her home.
“They’re still partying.” Luo Hetu said. “Don’t go back too late.”
Xu Ruyan stood by the taxi, her clear eyes studying Luo Hetu for a moment before she smiled. “I’m off then. We’re still friends, right?”
“Of course we’re friends. You helped me so much—I can’t thank you enough.”
“Friends don’t need thanks. Just wait for me—” She paused, then continued, “Wait until I get into university. No arguing. I’m not asking you to do anything. Just say ‘okay’—it won’t hurt you. If you like someone, I’m not stopping you. Just humor me a little, okay?”
Luo Hetu, a bit tipsy, didn’t know how to respond. Since Xu Ruyan had helped so much, she said, “We’ll always be friends. As long as Qianbao and Shanhe Tuling are open, you’re the MVP every day. Bring your friends, and it’s all on the house.”
Xu Ruyan bit her lip. “You really can’t say a single nice thing to me, can you?”
She got into the taxi and left. Luo Hetu scratched her head, unsure if Xu Ruyan was genuinely upset. She didn’t want her to feel used, especially after all her help, but such matters couldn’t be used as leverage.
She’d deal with it later. Luo Hetu, with no education or background, figured Xu Ruyan would probably like someone else once she got to university.
When life has a goal, time passes quickly.
Qianbao reopened, with two muscular, good-looking alphas in uniforms standing at the entrance from morning to night. Rumors spread that Qianbao’s boss had connections. When troublemakers came, they were detained for a few days and released, but the instigators got beaten badly.
Another rumor claimed Qianbao’s backer wasn’t satisfied and went after the mastermind, beating them so badly they needed half a month to recover.
Chun Yuyan went wild looking for Luo Hetu. She couldn’t find her at Shanhe Tuling or Qianbao, and every time she showed up, Ye Qingzhu had her escorted out. Later, even Ye Qingzhu was unavailable, and Chun Yuyan was physically removed by Xiao Ba and Xiao Jiu.
“I’m not here to cause trouble! I want to see Luo Hetu! She’s friends with your boss—where is she?” Chun Yuyan shouted persistently.
She couldn’t find Luo Hetu, who had been busy checking out storefronts in the north of the city.
The northern district was starting to take shape as a commercial area, but according to the book, it would become a booming internet industry hub after internet access arrived, second only to the capital. Located near the university town, it was an ideal spot for an internet café.
Luo Hetu had about 200,000 yuan. Computers were expensive, costing around 10,000 yuan each—unaffordable for most people. After comparing suppliers, she negotiated a slightly lower price and ordered 10 computers with cash. She then used up her system’s gold coins to exchange for 30 more computers.
This kept her costs low. She needed three adjacent storefronts, which, when combined, offered over 400 square meters—perfect for an internet café. Buying them would cost 800,000 yuan, a heavy loan burden. After some thought, she decided to rent them first, using the remaining money for renovations. She’d save up to buy the storefronts later.
And so, Luo Hetu became broke again.
Renovation workers had already started, and Luo Hetu rode her bike daily to check progress. When she had time, she visited Shanhe Tuling to update the menu or went to Li Baitian’s to pick up rare discs. She rarely went to Qianbao, as the business there didn’t need her attention. Ye Qingzhu was training her team to take over, and Luo Hetu could stay in the background as the boss.
Among the old gang from the south of the city, the lazy and incompetent had either quit or been fired by Ye Qingzhu for causing trouble. She wasn’t without principles. After seeing Ye Qingzhu’s methods, Luo Hetu fully trusted her to build a loyal, capable team. Even after Ye Qingzhu left, Luo Hetu could rely on them for any task.
One day, she visited Li Baitian’s store, which was still doing well, but Li Baitian wasn’t there.
“The boss went to Qiancheng Appliances,” a clerk said.
Luo Hetu dropped off rare discs, picked up a list of needed ones, and, with nothing else to do, rode her bike to Qiancheng Appliances to chat with Li Baitian.
Qiancheng Appliances was thriving, as were video stores on weekends. Li Baitian asked if Luo Hetu got the missing discs, called her finance team to ensure payment, and then they started chatting.
“You’re close with President Cheng from the Cheng Group, right?” Li Baitian asked.
“Not really.” Luo Hetu replied honestly.
“Oh. I overheard some customers buying discs here, saying the Cheng Group is struggling.”
Luo Hetu frowned. “Their business looks fine.” The store was packed, with VCDs selling in huge volumes.
“I don’t know the details, but apparently some director caused trouble. They were close to paying off their debts through their VCD monopoly, but now their funding chain’s broken again.”
Luo Hetu furrowed her brow, watching the bustling store. “Sounds like a rumor.”
Li Baitian shrugged. “Maybe. But I’ve noticed the staff don’t know, though the manager seems more stressed than before, always on the phone and overly polite to customers. With the Cheng Group’s VCD business at this scale, they shouldn’t be so tense.”
Luo Hetu got her point and teased, “You’re pretty good at business. Not just a movie-obsessed dreamer.”
Li Baitian bristled. “Movies are passion; business is business. They’re different. I’ve noticed music videos and CDs sell better than movies. I’m thinking of increasing their stock. Also, customers have favorite songs scattered across discs. What if we offer custom discs? They provide a song list, we make it, and charge a premium.”
Luo Hetu was impressed. “You came up with that yourself? That’s brilliant. Talk to the supplier about it. If they can’t do it, come to me.”
Leaving Qiancheng Appliances, she went to Shanhe Tuling near No. 1 High School. As soon as she entered, she ran into Chun Yuyan, who’d been looking for her.
“Luo Hetu! I’ve been searching everywhere for you!” Chun Yuyan rushed forward.
Luo Hetu looked confused. “What for?”
“Zhang Sheng’s still in the hospital. Did you beat him up?”
Luo Hetu gave her a skeptical look. “Did you see it, or did he say it himself?”
“Neither, but it has to be you. He targeted you before, so you’re getting revenge!”
“Got any proof?”
“Why do I need proof? Luo Hetu, you did it and won’t admit it? I know you’ve always resented me being with him…”
Luo Hetu cut her off. “Miss Chun, if you keep raving, I might have to make good on my promise to kick you out every time you show up.”
She waved her hand, and Shi’er, a muscular, inverted-triangle-shaped alpha who managed the store, stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. “Teacher Xiao Luo.”
Luo Hetu had them stop calling her boss. She gestured. “Escort this lady out. Make sure she doesn’t come near me again—she’s giving me a headache.”
“Got it.” Shi’er grinned and moved to grab Chun Yuyan’s arm.
Chun Yuyan screamed, “Luo Hetu! Come with me to the hospital to take care of Zhang Sheng and apologize! You injured his gland…”
Gland injury?
Luo Hetu remembered how, when she first transmigrated, those two schemed to get her to the hospital, likely targeting her “useless” alpha gland. No way she’d go anywhere near a hospital with them.
She said simply, “Call the police then.”
Fuming, Chun Yuyan was easily dragged out by Shi’er.
The manager told Luo Hetu that Chun Yuyan had come looking for her multiple times. Luo Hetu rubbed her chin, thinking she needed to distract these two foolish troublemakers, or they’d keep being a nuisance.
As for Zhang Sheng’s hospitalization, Luo Hetu would never admit involvement.
Xu Ruyan had relayed her father’s message: it was just a brawl among thugs, and the police, swamped with cases, might not bother with it.
This was exactly what Luo Hetu expected. The police, likely wary of her evidence, treated it as a minor scuffle, letting both sides off lightly as long as it didn’t escalate. So Ye Qingzhu and her team returned safely. Luo Hetu, however, wanted to settle the score her way.
Though she’d already dealt with the alphas who tried to burn Qianbao, Zhang Sheng hadn’t faced her wrath directly. She wasn’t about to get her hands dirty. In the book, Zhang Sheng had a rival who, jealous of his rising status after securing a prime development deal, tried to sabotage him. Zhang Sheng’s protagonist aura let him escape and turn the tables.
Luo Hetu staked out the highway where it happened. When Zhang Sheng’s car passed and the rival’s car crashed into him, she saw him crawl out of the driver’s seat, ready to roll down the hill to safety, just as the book described.
Using the mall system, she bought a cheap tranquilizer gun. As Zhang Sheng emerged, she fired a single shot, knocking him out like a detective in a cartoon, collapsing into the bushes.
True to her style, Luo Hetu took revenge without moving an inch. She watched as Zhang Sheng’s rival found him in the bushes, carried him to the car, and drove off.
Luo Hetu dusted herself off and left, hassle-free.
The incident had nothing to do with her. Chun Yuyan, being foolish, kept coming after her. Either Zhang Sheng’s rival covered their tracks perfectly, or Zhang Sheng was still unconscious. Luo Hetu’s annoyance with stupidity flared up again.
She set the matter aside. It was almost 4:40 p.m., and No. 1 High School would soon let out. Students would flood the snack street to fill their stomachs before evening study sessions.
She waited, and sure enough, Sun Yinuo arrived.
“I’ve got a question,” Luo Hetu said hesitantly. “Is President Cheng facing some trouble lately?”
Sun Yinuo sighed. “Where’d you hear that? It’s no secret in my sister’s circle. Everyone in Jiang City’s business world knows. And now, tons of people want to marry her. You’d think with so many options, she’d find a good one, but you wouldn’t believe how arrogant these alphas are, acting like they’re doing her a favor. None of them are even close to worthy of her.”
Luo Hetu hadn’t expected Sun Yinuo to ramble on so much.
She wanted to hear more, but Sun Yinuo grabbed her milk tea. “I’ve got evening study. See ya.”
“…”
She couldn’t keep a kid from studying.
Besides, what good would knowing do?
Those two pokes the other day were just a playful whim.
Why was Cheng Youqing there that day? Luo Hetu didn’t know. Running a massive corporation, she had her reasons—nothing a small fry like Luo Hetu could guess.
The manager noticed Luo Hetu sitting alone for a while before leaving, looking unusually preoccupied.