Becoming Puppet Emperor of a Paranoid Eunuch - Chapter 152

The dinner ended quickly as Wu Jing quietly focused on eating. He awkwardly said, “Mr. Ning, I’ve finished eating.”

 

Ning Qinghong had been waiting for him to finish, but his presence wasn’t overbearing. He occasionally lowered his gaze and moved his chopsticks a few times, making it clear to the omega that he was waiting but without creating too much pressure.

 

Wu Jing wanted to run back to his room but felt it would be very impolite. They would have to live together for a long time, and he wasn’t sure if they could divorce and return to the Empire one day.

 

Even though AO divorces are the least likely.

 

In any case, building a good relationship from the start seemed important.

 

Though his ears curled up nervously, Wu Jing tried to take the first step. He watched as Ning Qinghong slightly raised his hand, and the estate’s system recognized the gesture. Soon, cleaning robots came to tidy up.

 

In a somewhat overly straightforward and clumsy attempt to show friendliness, Wu Jing said, “Do I need to accompany you, Mr. Ning?”

 

Ning Qinghong smiled slightly, “I’m going to the study to handle some documents.”

 

Wu Jing reflexively thought it wouldn’t be appropriate to follow him, especially as a person from the Empire. What if he accidentally saw confidential Federation files? But the next moment, he heard Ning Qinghong say, “You can come along.”

 

Ning Qinghong stood up.

 

Wu Jing reflexively stood up as well, his movements large and jumpy like a startled rabbit. It was obvious that he was paying close attention to the Alpha’s every move, and then he realized his exaggerated reaction was embarrassing. His manifested spirit animal, the rabbit ears, curled up to cover his real ears.

 

Ning Qinghong observed quietly, smiled, and said, “Let’s go.”

 

Wu Jing nodded and followed behind him upstairs.

 

The quiet atmosphere made him feel awkward, causing him to lower his head and fidget with his hands in discomfort. He racked his brain to find something to say.

 

In a small voice, he said, “Sorry, on the first day I didn’t wait for you and just went to sleep. And these past few days…”

 

I fell asleep before you returned.

 

Not to mention, he had been carried back to his room by Ning Qinghong.

 

Thinking about it made Wu Jing feel suffocated. He glanced at Ning Qinghong, unable to imagine him in any sort of intimate situation with anyone. He meekly added, “Thank you, Mr. Ning, for carrying me back.”

 

Ning Qinghong, still facing away from him, chuckled, “That is also part of my duty.”

 

Once Wu Jing was sure Ning Qinghong wouldn’t suddenly turn around, he raised his hands, trying to push his rabbit ears back. At the same time, he asked, “Can I ask you a question?”

 

Ning Qinghong paused, slightly turning his head to glance at the person behind him. “It would be my pleasure to answer.” His calm gaze took in the sight of the young omega, caught off guard trying to push back his ears, only to freeze when caught in the act. The blush and panic that quickly spread across Wu Jing’s face were all too clear.

 

Wu Jing cleared his throat, pretending as if nothing had happened, and nervously asked, “I want to ask… why did you agree to this arrangement and bring me here? Why me?”

 

Maybe it was because Ning Qinghong’s tone was gentle, his demeanor casual, and he didn’t seem like an unreasonable person.

 

So Wu Jing dared to ask such a question.

 

In a small voice, Wu Jing said, “We didn’t even take the AO compatibility test. We’ve never even met before. I’m quite ordinary—neither I nor my family are well-known, and I didn’t do well in the omega academy.” He wasn’t demeaning himself, just comparing himself to this man who, at just twenty-six, held significant power in the Federation and was respected by all the elders as “the Elder.”

 

In contrast, Wu Jing seemed insignificant.

 

His dream was simply to live a peaceful, happy life. He never imagined he would be so close to the political center one day.

 

He couldn’t even bake a small cake; he only knew how to eat.

 

Wu Jing inwardly despised himself. His major was in design, specifically designing mecha exteriors. Drawing designs and drafting concepts was already exhausting, leaving him no time to pursue gardening or cooking like other omegas.

 

Or rather, he wasn’t interested in those things and found them difficult to do.

 

If he wanted food, he could just buy it. The gardener at home tended the garden much more professionally than he ever could. Those things were too bothersome—he just wanted to lie down.

 

Ning Qinghong asked, “Is that so?”

 

Wu Jing nodded.

 

“If you… had no choice but to accept due to political reasons, I… I can understand.” Wu Jing was so nervous that his fingers turned white, and his voice grew softer. “If you’re also in a difficult position—”

 

“I’m okay with you bringing up divorce later.”

 

He continued, “But, if possible, could you take me back to the Empire after we finalize the divorce? And… please don’t throw away my old lightbrain. I might need it when I return.”

 

“In the meantime, I’ll try not to cause you any trouble. I’ve brought my own clothes, and my family transferred a lot of star credits, so I can take care of my own living expenses.”

 

“If you don’t want me to bother you, we can just treat this as me temporarily staying here. I… I can pay rent and cover the cost of food.”

 

Ning Qinghong paused, then smiled. “Divorce?”

 

He continued, “Temporarily staying?”

 

Wu Jing sensed something was off, his eyes widening in confusion. He wanted to nod but wasn’t sure if he should.

 

Ning Qinghong said calmly, “You don’t need to worry about the AO compatibility.” After a moment, he added, “It seems your scent-suppressing collar isn’t working completely. I can smell your pheromones all over the house.”

 

“That suggests our compatibility is probably quite high.”

 

The higher the AO compatibility, the more sensitive they are to each other’s pheromones.

 

Wu Jing’s face instantly flushed red, and he stammered, “I-I’m sorry.” In nature, it was like a small animal trespassing on someone else’s territory and rudely marking its scent everywhere.

 

It was almost akin to harassment.

 

Ning Qinghong softly said, “As for why I chose you.” He paused as if recalling something. “Last time I was at the Empire on a diplomatic visit, I saw you once at a banquet in the royal palace.”

 

He only mentioned half of it and didn’t elaborate further.

 

Wu Jing tried to follow his words and think back, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t remember.

 

At such banquets, his family had always been transparent, only interacting with people in the business world. Besides, Wu Jing was still young at the time—aside from eating, all he did was… eat.

 

Ning Qinghong smiled and said, “If we’re talking about divorce, we can wait until the post-war turbulence has settled.” His expression remained unchanged, calm and steady. In a soft voice, he added, “You don’t need to worry about paying for rent or food. In name, you’re still my wife, and it wouldn’t look good if others found out about this.”

 

“During this period, you only need to fulfill the basic duties of a wife. Don’t worry, if you’re uncomfortable and still thinking about divorce, I won’t cross any lines.”

 

Wu Jing immediately felt relieved, his eyes curving as he nodded. “You’re really nice.” He held his scent-suppressing collar, saying, “I’ll get a better collar soon. I’m really sorry.”

 

Ning Qinghong’s smile didn’t change. “It’s fine. Do you want my lightbrain number?”

 

Wu Jing nodded. “Okay.”

 

The innocent omega pulled out his lightbrain and carefully noted down Ning Qinghong’s number. It was the first and only contact saved on this new lightbrain.

 

Ning Qinghong reminded him, “I suggest you set up an emergency call feature. If anything happens, you’re unfamiliar with this place in the Empire, and I’m the only one who can help you.” He added meaningfully, “It’s best if you can notify me immediately.”

 

Wu Jing obediently set it up, thinking Ning Qinghong was very considerate and unlike any other Alpha he’d met.

 

He maintained a proper and respectable social distance, spoke with great courtesy, and could even be described as gentle and understanding.

 

Wu Jing couldn’t understand why there were so many negative rumors about the Council President in the Empire—things like being cruel, ruthless, and cunning. Well… it must be baseless gossip due to the Federation’s opposition to the Empire.

 

With the conversation over, Wu Jing followed Ning Qinghong to the study. He watched as Ning Qinghong sat at his desk and began working, while Wu Jing quietly sat on a wooden sofa, looking at his lightbrain.

 

Too embarrassed to play games, Wu Jing started watching educational videos.

 

As time passed, he gradually got used to the faint scent of the Alpha’s pheromones nearby. The longer he smelled it, the calmer he felt, and his initial anxiety subsided.

 

The rabbit ears that had refused to retract earlier finally pulled back as Wu Jing felt at ease.

 

Time ticked on, and Wu Jing, who had long since switched from educational videos to scrolling through funny short videos on a popular app, yawned. It was already very late. He turned his head to glance at Ning Qinghong, who was still working, debating whether to say that he was tired but not wanting to interrupt him.

 

“If you’re sleepy, go rest first,” Ning Qinghong said considerately from his desk.

 

Wu Jing’s eyes lit up, his fondness for Ning Qinghong growing. “Then I’ll go wash up and rest? You should rest early too.” He smiled, eyes curving. “Goodnight!”

 

Ning Qinghong smiled faintly. “Sweet dreams.”

 

Wu Jing jogged out of the study and went back to his room. He quickly washed up and fell asleep. Since he trusted Ning Qinghong’s character and didn’t think he’d lock the door, he didn’t bother locking it.

 

Several days passed this way.

 

Wu Jing always went to bed late and didn’t get to see Ning Qinghong leave in the morning. But they had lunch together, and the housekeeper even told him that Mr. Ning made a point to come back to eat with him to show that he valued Wu Jing in front of others. That way, Wu Jing, as someone from the Empire, wouldn’t be looked down upon by the Federation.

 

They would also eat dinner together, and then Wu Jing would follow Ning Qinghong to the study. Each of them quietly worked on their own things. Gradually, Wu Jing became so used to being around Ning Qinghong’s pheromones that he no longer reacted unnaturally to them.

 

It was like eating and drinking, he adapted to this way of living. And since they had been sleeping in separate rooms, he felt particularly safe.

 

He even grew bold enough to start speaking up in the quiet room.

 

“Mr. Ning? I’m sleepy. Can I go to bed now?” Wu Jing yawned, asking, “Goodnight again for tonight!”

 

“Wait a moment,” Ning Qinghong said. “There’s something I need to discuss with you.” It seemed he had just thought of it. “I think you should move into my room.”

 

“In a few days, we’ll have guests.”

 

With one sentence, he blocked all of Wu Jing’s possible excuses for refusing.

 

As his omega in name, Wu Jing had to fulfill the duties of a wife. First and foremost, he couldn’t show any cracks in front of outsiders.

 

It was a universally applicable argument.

 

Although Wu Jing didn’t fully understand why he couldn’t let others know or what harm it would cause, he had already agreed to it.

 

The omega, sitting on the black wooden sofa, looked a bit dazed. His translucent rabbit spirit animal ears had appeared again, and while his mind went blank, one rabbit ear covered his eyes while the other half-covered them.

 

Wu Jing didn’t realize that his extreme shyness and nervousness had been entirely exposed by his spirit animal. Still, he pretended to be calm and obediently nodded, stammering, “Okay, okay.”

 

His breath felt hot, and his heartbeat quickened.

 

The confused yet obedient omega stood up, “I-I’ll go wash up first,” then walked out with awkwardly synchronized steps. Once the study door closed, the sound of his hurried footsteps could be heard outside.

 

Wu Jing ran all the way back to his room, slamming the door shut in a panic. He pressed his burning face with his hands, fumbling to tuck his disobedient rabbit ears back in place.

 

What should I do? What should I do?!

 

Should he wear a scent-suppressing collar? Probably, though it was uncomfortable. But what if his pheromones were too strong and caused the Alpha to enter a rut?!

 

Wu Jing’s mind was a chaotic mess. He swallowed nervously and pulled out his pajamas before heading to the bathroom, telling himself to calm down.

 

An hour later, the young omega, dressed in soft pajamas with little bunny patterns, stood outside the master bedroom door. He cautiously knocked, his rabbit ears standing upright in nervousness. Hugging a large stuffed toy and pillow tightly, he whispered, “…Hello, Mr. Ning… Are you there?”

 

He had cleaned himself up, smelling fresh and soft, delivering himself right to Ning Qinghong’s door.