FSO Chapter 19

Jiang Wan fell into a deep philosophical reflection.

If Dou Ming refused to terminate the contract, didn’t that mean the two of them were both “cheating”?

So, between him and Dou Ming, who was the worse scumbag?

For this crucial question, they had a group vote. [Steel Teeth], [One-Eyed Dragon], Aunt Xue, and the cook—each got a vote.

All four votes went to Jiang Wan.

The smart alarm clock chimed loudly, “Don’t worry about being a scumbag to the Alpha, mating is the real deal!”

“Why are you everywhere?!” Jiang Wan swatted it away, defending himself, “I’ve already agreed to end the contract! He’s the one who didn’t want to! Isn’t it obvious he’s the one wanting to play both sides?”

[Steel Teeth], speaking in a heavily suggestive tone, said, “If there was a job where all I had to do was give off a little pheromone and earn fifteen thousand a month, I’d take it too.”

[One-Eyed Dragon] nodded in agreement. “And this is a kid burdened by his father’s debts, working part-time just to survive.”

“So pitiful.” Aunt Xue sighed with a wistful look. “Last time he came over, I could see his sincerity.”

The cook brought out a pot of chicken soup, gazing at the rising steam as if lost in thought. “Throughout history, deep feelings never lasted. Only strategies win hearts.”

Jiang Wan: “…” He wasn’t going to argue with this bunch who clearly weren’t on his side.

Though, thinking about it, Dou Ming really hadn’t had it easy.

Dou Deli, his father, was a seasoned debt dodger, a man skilled in the art of vanishing just in time, shifting from place to place. Even after Jiang Wan’s investigation, he couldn’t figure it out and ended up losing a million yuan.

The old scoundrel had fled, abandoning his son. Jiang Wan’s company handled debt collection professionally, but other companies might not be so kind.

Who knew what Dou Ming had gone through these past few years?

[Steel Teeth], seemingly having mastered mind reading, quickly posted two pictures in their [Father’s Debts Repaid by the Son] group chat.

One was of Dou Ming “working on a construction site” wearing a mud-splattered black tank top and grimy work pants, carrying two iron pipes, each as thick as Jiang Wan’s waist, across his broad shoulders. His muscles bulged from the effort, his skin slick with sweat and oil.

The second picture showed Dou Ming sitting on the ground eating a boxed lunch. A tarp served as his makeshift seat on the muddy ground, and his meal—stir-fried greens, braised pork, and a small chicken drumstick—looked like the best food in the world as he devoured it hungrily.

Jiang Wan’s face turned dark.

[Steel Teeth] explained, “This kid works at construction sites during summer and winter breaks. Since he’s an Alpha, he does twice the work of others, earning one and a half times their pay. On light days, he makes 700 to 800 yuan, and on good days, over 1,000. Working for just two months a year is enough to keep him living decently in school.”

Aunt Xue leaned in for a glance and became even more impressed by Dou Ming’s hardworking nature. “Doesn’t the school give scholarships? He seems to be a good student.”

“Maybe he’s saving up for the bride price.” the cook said casually, casting a glance at Aunt Xue. “Feeling sympathy for your future son-in-law?”

Aunt Xue shook her head. “I’m no mother-in-law. Everything is up to our young master.”

“Don’t make fun of me.” Jiang Wan said, realizing Aunt Xue was still upset about his previous criticism. But he didn’t have time to argue with her. “[Steel Teeth], did you pay Dou Ming this month?”

[Steel Teeth] nodded.

“Transfer him another 15,000. Tell him it’s a reward for being smart enough not to terminate the contract.”

[Steel Teeth] quickly handled the transaction but couldn’t help sneaking in another hint: “Speaking of, about my pheromones…”

Jiang Wan shot him a look, and [Steel Teeth] shrank back, not daring to joke further.

“From now on, send him 30,000 every month.” Jiang Wan said, finding a reasonable excuse for himself. “Our company can’t pay less than a construction site.”

[Steel Teeth] grumbled, “Alright, boss, whatever you say.”

Jiang Wan silently saved Dou Ming’s construction site photos on his phone, no longer worried about the contract.

If they couldn’t terminate it, so be it. At least the contract could ensure Dou Ming’s livelihood.

Yeah, he wasn’t a scumbag two-timer.

He was just sponsoring a poor high school student!

Feeling no more guilt, Jiang Wan went back to school as usual.

As always, Dou Ming was already seated at his desk, reading early in the morning.

Now that his guilt was gone, Jiang Wan greeted him cheerfully, “Dou Ming, I’m here!”

Your little cutie has arrived!

Jiang Wan shamelessly added this mental narration for himself.

Dou Ming looked up at him, his dark eyes seeming to carry some deeper meaning. Jiang Wan shivered, suddenly feeling as if all his thoughts had been seen through.

Confused, Jiang Wan stared back, but Dou Ming just smiled gently, his gaze soft and warm, all traces of shadow gone.

“You’re here.” Dou Ming said, his cedar-scented pheromones brushing softly against Jiang Wan’s head.

So it was just his imagination. Dou Ming was the same as usual.

Jiang Wan smiled brightly and, catching sight of the class teacher entering, hurried back to his seat.

The teacher strolled up to the podium, his tone cold. “Some people shouldn’t be exchanging flirty looks so early in the morning.”

The students all glanced at the “some people.”

Dou Ming and Jiang Wan were practically the officially recognized couple of Class 2.

There was no way around it. With their high AO compatibility, once they were matched, the teacher couldn’t and didn’t dare separate them.

After all, with an Alpha’s terrifying possessiveness, who knew what kind of disaster forced separation could bring?

Everyone also pitied the other Alpha in the class.

Their gazes turned sympathetically toward Zhou Kui.

Zhou Kui buried his face in his books, but all he felt inside was grievance.

Dou Ming had told him before that he wasn’t going to chase any Omegas. And now?

In just a few days, they’d already marked each other!

And here he was, naively talking about “fair competition.”

What the heck were those two doing after school!? Wahhh!

Still single, Zhou Kui bitterly sent a message to the class group chat: “A student’s duty is to study! Keep the romance for private time! Don’t let certain people ruin our class’s academic environment!”

The moment the message was sent, the chat exploded.

Big Eagle Cute Girl: He’s mad, he’s mad, he’s mad!

Time Heals No Scars: He’s mad, he’s mad, he’s mad!

FuHua Couple Has a Kid: He’s mad, he’s mad, he’s mad!

Silver King: He’s mad, he’s mad, he’s mad!

…

Zhou Kui: “…” I-I-I fcking hate all of you!*