Guide To Lying Flat And Getting Rich As A Kept Alpha - Chapter 62
62
She just gave her a little nudge, but who could blame her when that woman came in with such a sour expression, clearly unwilling to take responsibility? How could she resent her for it?
Luo Hetu sat down, and Zhou Chenghuan waited for a while before speaking. “So, what exactly is wrong with you? I have other patients waiting, and I can’t waste too much time here.”
“You already know about Chairman Cheng’s pregnancy. You know, I lost my parents when I was young…”
She stopped mid-sentence, realizing she was about to slip into the kind of pitiful talk she only used with her wife. Quickly changing tack, she said, “No one taught me about these things, so I came to ask some questions.”
Zhou Chenghuan replied, “You could’ve just called.”
“I don’t feel at ease unless I ask in person.” Luo Hetu continued, “Has Chairman Cheng told you whether she wants to keep the baby?”
Seeing Zhou Chenghuan’s expression shift to one that screamed “deadbeat Alpha,” Luo Hetu hurriedly explained, “Of course, I’m not saying I won’t take responsibility. I fully respect her decision. Whether she wants to keep it or not, I’ll support her and take care of her health. After all, she’s pregnant because of me—it’s my fault.”
Zhou Chenghuan was momentarily at a loss for words. “It’s not exactly your fault.”
She looked at the Alpha with curiosity.
Alphas were naturally driven to pass on their genes, and most would be overjoyed upon learning their Omega was pregnant. In a world with three genders—Alphas, who couldn’t carry children; Betas, who could conceive through artificial means; and Omegas, the only ones capable of natural pregnancy—Omegas were a cherished group. As societies evolved, the global population had been declining due to a decreasing number of Omegas. For Alphas, finding a mate was already difficult, and an Omega’s pregnancy was a major event for any family. Some developed countries had even passed laws prohibiting Omegas from terminating pregnancies. In short, an Omega’s pregnancy was supposed to be a cause for celebration. Yet, Luo Hetu’s demeanor was so unusual that it made her stand out.
“Here’s the thing, Dr. Zhou. I want to know, for an Omega, which causes more harm: giving birth or having an abortion?”
“Theoretically, both have their own risks.”
Luo Hetu’s face began to crumple.
“But both can be recovered from. Omegas are naturally suited for pregnancy and childbirth. With proper recovery, childbirth doesn’t cause lasting harm. Similarly, the damage from an abortion can also be healed with time and care.”
“So, I’m asking which one causes more harm.”
“For top-tier Omegas, it doesn’t matter much. Their bodies have strong self-healing abilities. In other words, they’re naturally gifted with the capacity for multiple pregnancies.”
Zhou Chenghuan let out an “oh” and added, “I shouldn’t say ‘they’—I should say ‘we.’”
She, too, was a top-tier Omega.
She gave a self-deprecating chuckle, her pen scratching two messy lines on the medical chart as she studied Luo Hetu. “You’re asking this because you want to know which option would cause her less harm, so you can persuade her to choose the less damaging one?”
“That was my original thought.”
“But you said you fully respect her decision.”
“I do, but she won’t tell me whether she wants the baby.”
Zhou Chenghuan looked at Luo Hetu with growing interest. “Haven’t you considered how exciting it is to have a child of your own? These days, it’s not easy for Alphas to have children.”
Luo Hetu replied, “I’ve never thought about having a child. What I want is her.”
The sudden declaration of love caught Zhou Chenghuan off guard, and her pen tore through the medical chart.
“I already told you, childbirth doesn’t cause significant harm to top-tier Omegas.”
“Aren’t the babies here born from the uterus?”
“Of course.”
The question was so odd, as if she weren’t from this world.
“Then how could it not cause harm?”
“Top-tier Omegas have highly flexible and resilient bodies.”
“But there must be some harm if recovery is needed.”
Zhou Chenghuan stared at her. “Are you serious?”
“Of course.”
“You haven’t even considered wanting a child of your own?”
“No.” After a brief hesitation, she added honestly, “I haven’t even sorted out my feelings with her. How could I think about a child?”
“Many couples are like that. Their relationship might be lukewarm, but having a child together strengthens their bond. Besides, getting married and having kids is just the natural order of things. Maybe having a child will change everything for you two.”
Outside the window, the leaves had turned yellow, marking Jiang City’s most beautiful season. A breeze carried the scent of disinfectant through the hospital courtyard.
Luo Hetu shook her head. “Our relationship is between me and her. It has nothing to do with a child.”
Zhou Chenghuan looked at her appreciatively. “So, you think there’s something wrong with your relationship with Cheng Youqing.”
Luo Hetu met her gaze. “You’re her friend. What do you think?”
“To be honest, Cheng Youqing has been very good to you. She’s a born businesswoman, a leader, and extremely rational. I can’t imagine her in love. I can easily picture her married life, though—two people being polite to each other, each busy with their own work, signing a divorce agreement without batting an eye when interests conflict. But with you, she’s not entirely rational.”
Luo Hetu fell silent for a moment before saying, “Thank you, Dr. Zhou.”
“Hey, I’m not trying to comfort you. I don’t know why she chose you, but I believe it’s not just because of some cold, rational calculation. You have no idea how much she favors you.”
Her favoritism was so obvious that everyone who knew Cheng Youqing had been shocked by their marriage these past few months.
“But I don’t know if she actually likes me.”
“Cheng Youqing wouldn’t marry someone she doesn’t like.”
“You also said she’d consider all factors before choosing someone to marry.”
Zhou Chenghuan sighed. “Miss Luo, you can’t expect a 30-year-old corporate chairman to make decisions based solely on love.”
Luo Hetu didn’t respond.
Zhou Chenghuan was right, of course.
She might soon have a daughter, and if her daughter wanted to marry, Luo Hetu wouldn’t want her to base her decision only on love.
Her heart softened. This was a truth everyone understood, yet she had deliberately ignored it because of her obsession with Cheng Youqing’s love.
She pursed her lips and sincerely thanked Dr. Zhou again.
Zhou Chenghuan wasn’t sure why she kept thanking her. If it weren’t for Luo Hetu’s earnest inquiries about the risks of pregnancy to Cheng Youqing, which convinced her she wasn’t putting on an act—since Alphas had no reason to pretend in such situations—her rare attitude made Zhou Chenghuan certain that she genuinely prioritized Cheng Youqing’s feelings.
With mixed emotions, she saw Luo Hetu off. After finishing the day’s consultations, she considered calling Cheng Youqing but decided to call Chen Lie instead, recounting the day’s events.
Chen Lie clicked her tongue. “Tsk tsk.”
“Right?” Their long-standing friendship, dating back to high school, meant they understood each other with minimal words. “Cheng Youqing, this cold, emotionless woman, actually found someone who genuinely cares for her and doesn’t even want a child.”
“Are you sure that ‘redundant Alpha’ isn’t putting on a show for you?” Chen Lie emphasized the term “redundant Alpha” rationally.
“Would she need to? Alphas are usually thrilled about having a child, acting like they’re high on something. No one would overthink like she does unless she genuinely doesn’t want the child and is pretending.”
“It’s not impossible.”
“You’re assuming the worst of people.”
“I’ve seen plenty of examples far worse than that—more than one.”
Zhou Chenghuan thought to herself, Never date a lawyer. They’ve seen the worst of humanity and either go along with it for profit or become incapable of trusting or giving genuine affection.
“No rush. Let’s see how this plays out. They’ve got a long road ahead. This baby’s timing is interesting—it’ll reveal whether her intentions are genuine.” Chen Lie switched to a relaxed tone. “Gotta go. My Alpha’s here.”
Zhou Chenghuan: …
So, she was the only single one.
“Do you know if your Alpha’s genuine or not?”
Chen Lie laughed. “She’s gorgeous, has a great figure, and loves clinging to me. Why would I care about that?”
Luo Hetu went to the Cheng Corporation. The receptionist, recognizing her, stood up with a smile to greet her, drawing curious glances from others who had been waiting for a manager.
Luo Hetu took the elevator to the chairman’s floor.
The chairman was in a meeting.
Cheng Youqing, dressed in a beige suit with her hair cascading down her back, sat at the head of the conference table, one leg crossed over the other. Even from a distance, her presence was commanding, her beauty and aura enough to make countless people fall for her, yet too intimidating to approach.
Her cold expression alone made the meeting feel endless.
Xiao Zhang, receiving word from the receptionist about Luo Hetu’s arrival, went out and saw her standing by a large potted plant, staring through the conference room’s small window in a daze. She approached to lead her to the chairman’s office to rest.
Luo Hetu said, “It’s fine. I’ll wait here for a bit.”
When the meeting ended, Cheng Youqing felt a headache coming on and planned to rest in her office. As she left the conference room first, she spotted Luo Hetu standing under her favorite banana plant. She was wearing the clothes Cheng Youqing had picked out for her, looking handsome and beautiful, waiting for her.
Joy bubbled up in her heart like a spring, unrestrained. Cheng Youqing’s lips almost curved into a smile before she caught herself and walked over, saying, “Come with me.”
The meeting had just ended, and many people would see her.
She didn’t want them to see Luo Hetu looking so handsome and beautiful. She wanted that sight for herself alone.
To Luo Hetu, however, it sounded like Cheng Youqing was upset, her tone cold, as if she didn’t want her there or didn’t want others to see her.
Luo Hetu felt a bit dejected and followed her silently into the office.
As soon as they entered, she was pressed against the door, her back hitting it with a slight pang.
“Why didn’t you wait in my office?”
“I missed you,” Luo Hetu said honestly. “I wanted to keep looking at you.”
Cheng Youqing’s fingers hooked under her chin, her gaze lingering.
Luo Hetu asked, “Weren’t you happy that I waited for you?”
“Of course not. Why would you think that?”
“You were so cold to me when you came out.”
The Alpha’s accusation sounded genuinely aggrieved.
Cheng Youqing’s gaze softened, and she pinched her ear. “I didn’t want others to see you.”
“Am I that embarrassing?”
She was getting a bit bold, saying whatever came to mind, Luo Hetu thought.
Cheng Youqing paused. “No. If they see you and think you’re attractive, I’ll get jealous.”
Luo Hetu froze.
It was the first time she’d heard Cheng Youqing use the word “jealous.” She never would have said it before.
Zhou Chenghuan had told her earlier about things to watch for during an Omega’s pregnancy, including unstable hormone levels and pheromones, which could make Omegas clingier to their Alphas and more emotionally sensitive, requiring more companionship and reassurance.
Luo Hetu’s heart softened. Cheng Youqing, who despised being influenced by pheromones and loathed Alphas who mindlessly spread their genes, was now saying things like “jealous” because of those very pheromones.
Cheng Youqing leaned in, sniffing Luo Hetu’s neck. “You smell so good.”
Luo Hetu wrapped her arms around her, letting her nuzzle into her neck. “If you like it, smell all you want. I’m your Alpha, and it’s free.”
In the office, Cheng Youqing clung to her Alpha, recharging. When the secretary knocked to deliver her meeting notebook and thermos, she caught a glimpse of the icy chairman nestled in a woman’s arms, clinging to her like a soft cat.
The secretary’s shocked expression lasted only a moment before Assistant Zhang swooped in, blocking her view and gently closing the door.