Beta Doesn't Mean a Bottom

Day before the start

Chapter 16

The house was quiet.

Lin Wanyue sat on the sofa, wrapped in a knitted throw, cradling a cup of warm flower tea in his hands. His complexion was paler than usual, with a faint sheen of discomfort painted across his features. The faint hum of the air conditioner filled the room, and sunlight streamed lazily through the windows.

He had been preparing for this.

Tomorrow was the gala—the major turning point of the original story. He had returned to work days ago, appearing in front of cameras and stylists with Shen Jue always arriving on time to pick him up, earning teasing and smiles from the studio staff. Their relationship had always been private, but never hidden. With enough curiosity, anyone could find out who Shen Jue’s partner was.

Tonight, though, the atmosphere was different.

Shen Jue returned from the office just as the sun dipped low beyond the skyline. The moment he stepped inside, his brows knit together at the sight of Lin Wanyue curled up quietly, face wan and fragile.

“You’re still not feeling well?” Shen asked as he loosened his tie, his voice lowered with concern.

Lin gave a soft hum and set the tea down. “Just a bit dizzy. Nothing serious.”

Shen approached, crouching down beside him to feel his forehead. Still warm.

“I can call the doctor.”

Lin’s hand shot out to gently stop him. “No need. It’ll pass. Probably just a little fatigue.”

Shen Jue didn’t look convinced. He remained kneeling, watching him closely.

After a long moment, Lin broke the silence. “The gala is tomorrow, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Shen exhaled. “It’ll be boring. Businessmen and shareholders playing dress-up.”

Lin hesitated, lowering his lashes. “Should I go with you?”

It was said so softly, so naturally, like someone who simply didn’t want to be left behind.

Just as the original Lin Wanyue had once said.

But as expected, Shen shook his head. “Absolutely not. You’re still recovering. I won’t let you wear yourself out for something so pointless. Just rest at home.”

Lin Wanyue didn’t argue further.

He only gave a small nod and a faint smile. “Okay… Will you come home afterward?”

“I promise.” Shen gently tucked a few stray strands of hair behind Lin’s ear. “Once the formalities are done, I’ll leave and come back right away.”

Lin Wanyue leaned back against the sofa, gaze thoughtful as Shen stood and moved to prepare their dinner.

In the original story, the male lead had made the same promise.

And failed to keep it.

The responsibilities of hosting, the ancestral house, and a few glasses of wine would keep him away. That night in the garden, he would meet the heroine—the omega pretending to be a beta—just as the plot intended.

Lin would not stop it.

He only had to follow the script.

And make sure that when the time came, he would leave first.

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End of Chapter 16