Chapter 31 – Jin Wuqi’s Past (Part 1)
Novel Title: 长夏醒迟 (Long Summer, Late Awakening)
Author：麦香鸡呢 (McChicken)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 余炀 (Yu Yang -MC/Gong), 靳吾栖 (Jin Wuqi -ML/Shou)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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Jin Wuqi had a powerful father and a weak mother.
His father was not the eldest son. But due to his exceptional pheromones level and alpha gene, he was unquestionably placed in the position of heir from birth.
Under such situation, Jin Wuqi, as an omega among the descendants of a powerful family background, had a carefree childhood.
However, the good times that fate could give him ended there.
When he was nine years old, his father died in a plane crash. Like many other passengers who perished, his body sank into the sea. Jin Wuqi’s grandfather dispatched lifeboats and helicopters for search and rescue. But they found nothing.
That was his first loss. I was the first farewell in Jin Wuqi’s life. Before his father left, he was trimming roses in the yard. His father smiled and asked what gift he wanted for his birthday the following month.
Many years later, Jin Wuqi had forgotten his response at the time. He only remembered what his father had frequently said to him.
“You’re going to be a year older again. Dad can give you many things. But omegas will face more and more challenges. You can be afraid and hide behind me for now. But remember, when you’re alone someday, you have to be brave.”
It was a birthday message in advance, as his father was afraid he wouldn’t be able to make it to his son’s birthday. Little did he know, it became the last words of comfort in the carefree days of the young omega.
How long does it take to grow up?
Sometimes, it just took overnight.
When news of his father’s death arrived, his uncle’s family didn’t even bother to fake their grief. They pressured Jin Wuqi’s grandfather to pass on the seat of inheritance. His beautiful omega aunt looked at the omega mother and son with a triumphant expression, seemingly sympathetic as she said, “Such a pity, Xiao Qi. But don’t worry, we won’t treat you badly.”
“When you grow up, I’ll find a wealthy alpha for you. That way, you and your mother can climb up the social ladder even more.”
Jin Wuqi’s cousin, the delinquent alpha who was still in high school, sneered at Jin Wuqi. “Omegas are only good for this much.”
People are strange. When it comes to gender discrimination, they are experts at making sweeping statements. His cousin seemed to forget, while mocking Jin Wuqi, that his own mother was an omega. Perhaps he didn’t care. Or maybe even his aunt, an omega herself, looked down on omegas, despite being one.
With tears in her eyes, Jin Wuqi’s mother held him tightly. She silently pleaded for them to stop.
She was a common omega from an ordinary family. Jin Wuqi’s father had married her despite the family’s objections. Over the years, he had always protected her from any cold stares and indulged her for her weaknesses. Thus, she never learned how to deal with such hurtful comments herself.
But what Jin Wuqi’s father had taught his son was to be brave.
“I’m not bothered by it, Mom,” the young omega held his mother’s hand and said softly, “Don’t worry.”
***
The affairs of the company were temporarily handed over to his uncle. Jin Wuqi was brought by his grandfather’s side, barely escaping the conflicts and ridicule.
His grandfather was still the highest decision-maker in the company. Jin Wuqi followed him and heard him say the most frequent phrase: “Omegas can stand on their own.”
“But before you stand firmly, if possible, I still want to pave the way for more roads for you.”
After Jin Wuqi came of age, his grandfather announced that he would pass on the inheritance rights to this omega grandson.
The entire family was surprised. Even other conglomerates were astonished. Why would Director Jin make such a decision?
No one came out to push for an explanation. His grandfather, who was already beginning to feel powerless, had a tired look between his eyebrows. Over the years, he had seen how the company had been squandered and disrupted by his eldest son’s family.
He was no longer able to deal with the matters behind him. He only hoped that the family business could hold on a little longer.
“Grandpa is sorry to you.” He looked at Jin Wuqi and sighed. “What I’m handing over to you is a company that is all show and no substance.”
“If your father were still here, our family wouldn’t have ended up like this today.”
At twenty years old, Jin Wuqi shone like a rose. He was like a precious gem on the sceptre. He had grown up well.
“It doesn’t matter. I will work hard, Grandpa,” he said. “The company in City A has been running very well. I will gradually shift my focus there.”
“Good,” His grandfather nodded. “Be wary of everyone.”
“I will.”
His grandfather handed over the entire group to Jin Wuqi and retired to a nursing home.
At that time, Jin Wuqi had to face the family’s malice and cold stares, the distrust of business partners, the threat of shareholders withdrawing their investments, and the ill intentions of various alphas during negotiations.
He experienced more than once that those who were not part of this family were always so upright and honest. His cousin Cheng Che, at one of their grandfather’s birthday banquets, met Jin Wuqi. At that time, Jin Wuqi had not yet taken over the company. Cheng Che was still in junior high school.
Cheng Che calmly watched Jin Wuqi’s uncle’s family chatting and laughing. In their words, there was no concealment of their disdain and contempt for Jin Wuqi and his mother.
“The people who view omegas as representatives of weakness are very narrow-minded,” Cheng Che said. “I dislike those who hold such biases against their own family.”
“I’m used to it, kiddo,” Jin Wuqi chuckled, patting Cheng Che’s head. “But you’re right. Congratulations that you don’t have to live with them though.”
“My grandfather said you also have a company in China. Why don’t you go back to run that one?”
“Because they need me here too,” Jin Wuqi continued to smile. “Otherwise, who would want to stay here?”
After Jin Wuqi took over the company, his uncle’s family became even more insatiable, like vampires, relentlessly demanding. They held positions in name only, using their positions and shares in the company to constantly seek their own benefits.
This was Jin Wuqi’s life before he met Yu Yang, before he turned 24.
He had not been without romantic experiences. Countless alphas chased after him, some coveting his looks, some his wealth, some his body, and some genuinely loved him.
Jin Wuqi had met many outstanding alphas. Even though they eventually parted ways, he felt fortunate. He had received love from his parents, from his grandfather, and from others. This love was an indispensable part of his emotions. They were warm and bright, preventing him from becoming a cold and hypocritical person.
***
Later, he returned to China because there were some matters in the domestic company that needed his personal attention.
Cheng Che’s grandfather was a shareholder in this company. Cheng Che was already in his senior year of high school.
Temporarily breaking away from the family, it felt like crawling out of a swamp. Jin Wuqi had just returned to the country and felt a longing, enduring for so long. To say he wasn’t tired, how could that be possible?
When he wanted to buy a car, he sent a photo to Cheng Che, asking which colour looks good.
Cheng Che picked the most flamboyant red one and said, “This one’s suitable for you.”
A dazzling omega should be matched with such a sports car.
The car was only driven for a month before being scrapped by a high school alpha riding a bicycle.
Such a small mark. People wouldn’t even notice it if they didn’t look closely.
The other person stood by the car, saying they were in a hurry to go to school and asked Jin Wuqi to leave his contact number.
The pure and stunning eyes of the teenage alpha touched Jin Wuqi deeply. He was impressed. It was like climbing a mountain for a long time, feeling very tired, and then suddenly seeing a beautiful and fragrant flower in front of him while resting on the ground.
He carried the scent of lemon soda pheromones.
The weather that morning was really nice. In a daze, Jin Wuqi felt like he had returned to before he was nine years old, when his father was still alive. Every day of his life back then was sunny and pure.
***
Teasing Yu Yang was probably something Jin Wuqi was born to do. Although he acted stubborn and tough, his heart couldn’t hide the excitement.
Jin Wuqi didn’t want to hide it either. The second time they met, he straightforwardly confessed his feelings to Yu Yang. There was no surprise or excitement on Yu Yang’s face, only bewilderment and impatience after a moment of stunned silence. He furrowed his eyebrows and said he didn’t have time to play with Jin Wuqi and told him to find someone else.
There was no denying that Jin Wuqi’s direct and teasing behavior might seem frivolous and carefree to others.
After returning to the country, there were many matters to attend to. But before they could be resolved, Jin Wuqi’s grandfather fell seriously ill.
Cheng Che and Jin Wuqi went abroad together. His grandfather refused to see Jin Wqi’s uncle and his family but entrusted everything to Jin Wuqi, asking him not to completely drive his uncle’s family out of the family.
“I won’t, I never thought of that,” Jin Wuqi said, holding his grandfather’s hand. “Don’t worry, I will handle it well. After everything is settled, I will transfer back to China.I will also integrate the company there.”
His grandfather looked at his omega grandson and alpha great-grandson and nodded gently.
His uncle’s family was dissatisfied with the distribution of shares in the will but, out of respect for the recent passing of the elder, they were afraid of causing a scene that would tarnish their reputation. So, they found an excuse for a visit and went on a trip abroad.
The company was temporarily stable. After handling his grandfather’s affairs, Jin Wuqi returned to China with some core documents, accompanied by Cheng Che.
Jin Wuqi missed Yu Yang a lot. He missed the alpha he had only met twice, the one he couldn’t help but kiss on the second meeting.
Yu Yang was sulking because Jin Wuqi hadn’t contacted him for many days. When he learned it was because Jin Wuqi’s grandfather had passed away, his expression became very careful. He asked softly if Jin Wuqi was very tired.
“I’m so tired. I’m always so tired.”
Jin Wuqi leaned on his shoulder, letting him kiss him.
Afterwards, they naturally ended up in bed, as if they were a perfect match made in heaven. They were not clingy or too possessive. But just a glance of each other would make their hearts beat faster.
But it seemed that they were moving too fast. Jin Wuqi could feel Yu Yang’s infatuation. But he wasn’t sure how long a young man’s infatuation could last.
It wasn’t until many years later that he realised the infatuation of that summer and the love from a young man could persevere.
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*Translator’s Note: I haven’t proofread this chapter. Please inform me if there are any mistakes. Thanks! -K
Next update: 2024.05.31
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