Powerful Investment Chapter 22: Large-Scale Shura Field

Chapter 22: Large-Scale Shura Field

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

 

Although he was very dissatisfied, Lu Yao still let go of Ji Jin and stepped aside.

Ji Jin was slightly stunned by the words and lowered his head to look for his phone. His hands trembled a little, and after five or six seconds, the picture in WeChat gradually became clear—

It was a backstage photo from the All-Star match, showing Cheng Pian crying while hugging him. Because Cheng Pian’s movements were a bit vigorous, his sleeve got rolled up, revealing the Omega suppression bracelet underneath.

The Omega suppression bracelet was specially made, only Omegas could buy it. Moreover, due to its special material, if an Alpha or Beta wore it, there would be slight side effects, so only Omegas wore it.

Just this one suppression bracelet was enough to prove that Ji Jin was an Omega.

And according to the unspoken rules in the esports circle, Omegas were not qualified to play esports.

Actually, it was not only the esports industry; many industries were also unwilling to accept Omegas. Although in recent years, because the number of Omegas decreased, the “Omega Human Rights Protection Law” was introduced to allow Omegas to integrate into society more freely and equally, discrimination against Omegas still existed. Omegas could only take simple jobs with low work pressure.

By now, esports was no longer an emerging industry; its system had matured and it belonged to competitive sports, so the requirements for players were higher. Besides, esports had some unique aspects, requiring players to stay up late, practice persistently, and endure a high-intensity competition rhythm, which discouraged physically weaker Omegas.

Moreover, Omegas were easily affected by their heat period. If a player entered heat during a match, opponents could just send an Alpha to the backstage, and the match could be won without playing.

That was why there was the saying that Omegas were unfit for esports.

Even Ji Jin… he did not deliberately lie but also did not actively clarify the rumors that he was an Alpha.

“Brother…” Lu Yao’s voice was not low; Cheng Pian could hear it. He had been a bit impulsive but could still understand most of what Cheng Pian said.

“Brother Zhao Ze said… there are many paparazzi around the dormitory, so God Ji better not… go back.” Cheng Pian was anxious but tried to explain clearly. “You didn’t reply and weren’t home, so Brother Zhao Ze told me to wait here for you.”

Moreover, there was some fault on his part in this matter.

“Alright, thank you.” Ji Jin lowered his head to think for a moment, then glanced back at Ji Xingxing, who was still sleeping soundly in the car. “I got it. You can go back first.”

“I…” Cheng Pian wanted to say more, but the situation did not allow it. “Alright… I’ll go back first. God Ji, please be careful.”

Ji Jin nodded and said goodbye.

Cheng Pian hesitated for a moment but then quickly ran back to the dormitory apartment.

Ji Jin turned around and took Ji Xingxing out of the car’s back seat. Ji Xingxing slept soundly in Ji Jin’s arms. After smelling his father, the chubby little hands reached up to Ji Jin’s collar and fidgeted restlessly as he pulled away.

“Brother, have you decided where to go?” Lu Yao tilted his head to observe the road conditions, but his peripheral vision kept watching Ji Jin beside him.

The surroundings were quiet, accompanied only by dim streetlights.

Ji Jin subconsciously played with his son’s soft little hand, looking somewhat dazed.

“Not yet, let’s find a hotel to stay for now. I can’t go back to the dormitory for the time being.” Ji Jin barely focused half his mind on thinking about where to go today. He hardly knew anyone in City B and hadn’t been home for many years. As long as he had Ji Xingxing, anywhere was a place to stay.

“I have a place. I don’t know if you’d be willing.” Lu Yao said softly, as if remembering something. His fair cheeks even showed a faint pink flush.

“Hm?” Ji Jin was puzzled.

But Lu Yao insisted on keeping it a secret and said nothing more. Instead, he let Ji Jin bring Ji Xingxing into the car, and he drove directly toward the MOE team headquarters.

However, their destination was not the MOE headquarters but a high-end apartment just one street away, directly facing the MOE dormitory building.

The gated community had strict access control, only allowing cars with registered license plates to enter or exit. Lu Yao drove in and went straight to the underground parking lot of the apartment.

“This place is…?” Ji Jin roughly guessed something but didn’t dare confirm it.

Lu Yao said nothing and took him up to the fifth floor. The apartment had one unit per elevator stop; exiting the elevator led directly to the apartment door. Lu Yao lightly tapped on the smart lock, which immediately unlocked.

Ji Jin noticed the password on the smart lock was… his birthday.

The first thing he felt upon entering was the abundant sunlight flooding the whole house. The interior had excellent lighting, and the decoration was in warm tones, looking soft and cozy.

The entrance opened to a large living room with a smart TV and game consoles. There was a long sofa, spacious and comfortable. Walking further inside was a game room with two computers and a projector. Next was a children’s room with a bunk bed, a desk underneath, and a small toy villa filled with many toys. The innermost room was the master bedroom with a large bed and a balcony.

Next to the living room were the kitchen and dining room, with the bathroom in between.

The house was fully equipped and ready for immediate move-in, with nothing else needed.

“Let’s put Ji Xingxing on the bed first, so he can sleep well for a while.” Lu Yao took Ji Xingxing from Ji Jin’s arms. He was tall and strong, and effortlessly laid Ji Xingxing down on the small bed in the children’s room, then covered him with a thin blanket full of strawberry patterns.

Ji Jin said nothing. He watched Lu Yao do everything, and finally awkwardly tucked the blanket corner around Ji Xingxing. After finishing, Lu Yao was the first to leave the children’s room and went to the kitchen to grab two bottles of mineral water from the fridge.

Ji Jin sat in the living room, looking around at the surroundings.

“Do you like it, brother?” Lu Yao sat down beside Ji Jin again and handed him one of the bottles.

Ji Jin wasn’t sure if the question referred to the water or something else. He quietly took the bottle but continued to remain silent.

The atmosphere instantly became quiet and awkward; the only sounds in the room were their breathing.

“What do you want to do?” Lu Yao pressed his fingers against the water bottle, trying to mask his inner emotions. “Being exposed as an Omega…”

Being exposed as an Omega was definitely not a small matter, at least not in the esports world. He couldn’t predict how the players, fans, and even haters would react; there was even a possibility that Ji Jin’s qualification to compete could be revoked due to player boycotts.

“What else can be done? Fight fire with fire. Wait and see how everyone online reacts, then deal with it.” Ji Jin felt more relaxed talking about this issue than in his previous silence. “It’s just a small problem.”

Sometimes Ji Jin thought the A/O issue seemed even harder to solve than life’s other difficulties.

Lu Yao laughed softly under his breath, feeling like a seed was slowly sprouting inside him.

His God Ji wouldn’t fear any difficulty.

“As long as you’re aware, that’s good.” Lu Yao guessed that Ji Jin had already prepared himself, so he wasn’t so worried. “This place is lent to you; you can stay as long as you want.”

Ji Jin immediately didn’t dare respond. He mentally struggled with how to refuse Lu Yao and take Ji Xingxing to a hotel instead. Lu Yao wasn’t even married but had already designed a children’s room, fully furnished and decorated.

The implication was obvious.

If he accepted Lu Yao’s kindness, he might only sink deeper.

Suddenly, Lu Yao moved closer to Ji Jin. “Why aren’t you saying anything? If you don’t want to say it… then I’ll say it.” His hand slowly wrapped around Ji Jin’s waist, forcing him to lean closer.

“This is the house I prepared… I want you to stay with me during the heat period.” Lu Yao’s voice was both yearning and hoarse. “It’s also the house where I want to keep my beloved.”

“Three years ago, you left without a word, making me search for you for so long. This time… you’ll live in my house with me, okay?”

Day and night… together.

Lu Yao’s voice paused midway. Actually, what he wanted to say was—

I might as well lock you in my house so you can never run away again.

But though he wanted to say this in his heart, he didn’t dare say it aloud.

Ji Jin felt a headache coming. He feared nothing but was most afraid of being treated with this kind of gentle clinginess. He couldn’t even be sarcastic, and yet he couldn’t refuse.

He had considered their relationship problems. Their relationship was too complicated to be resolved in a few words.

From the beginning, they were incompatible. He wouldn’t give up esports to obediently be an Omega who sacrificed for family, and he wouldn’t let Lu Yao give up everything to be his Alpha.

He chose that three years ago, and it wouldn’t change now.

Just as Ji Jin prepared to respond, the children’s room echoed with Ji Xingxing’s whimpering cries.

Ji Jin couldn’t refuse anymore. Lu Yao also couldn’t press further. They almost ran to the children’s room at the same time.

Ji Xingxing had played all day and was very tired, sleeping deeply. After waking up in an unfamiliar place, his leash was gone, his dad was gone, and the uncle who took him away was gone!

Baby was very scared!

So Ji Xingxing whined and cried on the bed, not even noticing his favorite little toys nearby.

When Ji Jin ran into the children’s room, he saw Ji Xingxing sitting at the edge of the bed, kicking his little legs, tears flowing nonstop like they had no cost.

“Why are you crying, little Xingxing?” Ji Jin asked, knowing the answer. He quickly walked over and held Ji Xingxing in his arms. Ji Xingxing was surprised Ji Jin came so fast. His crying stuck in his throat as he stared blankly at his dad and slowly wrapped his arms around Ji Jin’s neck.

“Daddy doesn’t want baby anymore! Wuwuwu…” Ji Xingxing sobbed into Ji Jin’s chest, refusing to come out. “Baby can’t find daddy… baby’s scared… wuwuwu…”

Ji Jin’s heart ached all over.

“Daddy’s right here, okay?” Ji Jin hurriedly grabbed an Ultraman toy for Ji Xingxing.

Unfortunately, Ji Xingxing grew up in England and had never seen Ultraman. Even with the toy, he wouldn’t come out.

Lu Yao stood beside Ji Jin, at a loss, not knowing what to do. He frantically looked for a toy that might suit Ji Xingxing, finally fixating on the brightest, most eye-catching one—Maka Paka.

He remembered Maka Paka was probably French. Although not British, it should… should work a little.

Lu Yao quickly handed Makapaka to Ji Jin. Ji Xingxing glanced at Maka Paka, then finally peeked out a little from Ji Jin’s arms and said in his baby voice, “Goodnight, Maka Paka!”

Ji Jin: …

Lu Yao: …

Alright, a Maka Paka who could soothe a child was indeed a good Maka Paka.

After fussing around for quite a while, it had gotten somewhat late. Lu Yao let Ji Jin soothe Ji Xingxing, while he went into the kitchen to make some dinner. Judging by how skillful Lu Yao looked, he probably knew how to cook and was quite professional at it.

So Ji Jin swallowed the words, “I’ll help you cook,” back. He knew Ji Xingxing never wanted to eat the food he made—he even looked worried whenever Ji Jin boiled water, fearing something might go wrong.

He carried Ji Xingxing and Maka Paka into the living room, which was closer to the kitchen. Through the glass door, they could see Lu Yao busy at work.

The young man’s back was straight and tall, and no matter what he did, he was always so serious and focused. The kitchen’s soft lighting scattered over him, making his silhouette appear even gentler.

“Does Xiao Xingxing like it here?” Ji Jin reached out to rub his son’s soft hair.

Ji Xingxing hugged Maka Paka tightly, a little sensitive, and looked up at Ji Jin, as if pondering why his dad asked. He glanced down at Maka Paka, seeming a bit reluctant to let go.

“I like it, Dad. I like it when you’re here,” Ji Xingxing said in a babyish voice, scooting closer to Ji Jin. “Want Dad to hold me.”

Ji Jin was amused by his little grown-up manner, scooped him into his arms, and gave him a quick kiss. Ji Xingxing was shy in the unfamiliar environment but secretly kissed his dad back before climbing down to continue playing with Maka Paka.

Ji Jin took a moment to check his phone messages.

He first read Zhao Ze’s message, then told Zhao Ze where he’d be staying for now and asked him to gather some of Ji Xingxing’s things and send them over when he had time.

After all, no one knew when this whole mess would be resolved.

Zhao Ze had originally planned to confirm the starting and substitute rosters for the autumn tournament today, but this breaking news had completely blown his mindset. Because only the team manager, senior staff, and the professional league knew Ji Jin was an Omega—no one else could know. Since this matter was exposed, Zhao Ze was the prime suspect.

So Zhao Ze apologized first and said he wasn’t the one who leaked the news.

Ji Jin believed Zhao Ze on this. MOE still needed him badly, and if MOE had been the one to leak it, they wouldn’t have signed him in the first place. With the autumn tournament coming up, the team would probably fall apart without him.

Zhao Ze then said they were trying to fix the problem quickly and told Ji Jin not to panic or post reckless things on Weibo or other social media.

Reading that, Ji Jin suddenly remembered he had a secondary Weibo account. He ignored Zhao Ze’s advice entirely and immediately logged into that account to check the day’s trending topics.

Today’s trending topics were almost completely dominated by MOE and Ji Jin. Because Legend Reappearance was truly a popular and national-level phenomenon in the online game scene. As the most popular player in the game, Ji Jin had a huge influence.

Most importantly, Ji Jin’s past achievements were too dazzling. Three championships in three years—whenever he competed, he almost never lost. Plus, he was an all-rounder, able to fill in any position skillfully. Combined with a mocking smirk and sharp tongue, no one would have thought he wasn’t an Alpha.

But Ji Jin really wasn’t an Alpha.

The first to break down were actually Ji Jin’s fans and haters. Ji Jin was handsome, fierce in gaming, and the dream lover of many Omegas. Now that the dream lover had changed gender, many fans found it hard to accept. Most haters were Alphas jealous of Ji Jin’s skills and honors; now that they knew he was an Omega, they felt a bit ashamed.

Especially fans of rival teams who hated Ji Jin and the IKW team. Now that they knew Ji Jin was an Omega, they were silent, afraid to kick him when he was down.

What could they mock Ji Jin for? For being an Omega? But if they couldn’t even beat one Omega on their own team, wouldn’t that be slapping themselves in the face?

So the situation looked a bit better than Ji Jin had imagined. Still, many protested that Omegas shouldn’t join the RPL, saying Omegas didn’t deserve to play esports and should just go home to get pregnant and have babies.

Ji Jin scrolled through the trending list when suddenly a call from Xu Jinyi popped up.

“You really don’t let people have peace of mind!” Xu Jinyi’s irritable voice came from the phone. “The entire league is working overtime trying to figure out how to keep you.”

“What does that have to do with me? I’m just a delicate and innocent Omega, Mr. Chairman,” Ji Jin said, hearing that Xu Jinyi sounded upset but wasn’t really mad at him.

“Delicate Omega, huh,” Xu Jinyi snorted coldly. “You’re almost tearing the league apart, and you still say you’re delicate. Not even the most rebellious Alpha has caused this much trouble.”

Before Ji Jin could reply, Xu Jinyi continued on his own: “What are you going to do? It’s probably hard to keep your Omega identity hidden now. Netizens are smart; they’ve started digging into your past and will probably find new evidence soon.”

“Let them find it,” Ji Jin said casually. “Who said I want to hide being an Omega? Does the league forbid Omegas from playing esports? Does it forbid Omegas and Alphas from competing on the same stage?”

“…” Xu Jinyi was momentarily stunned, then slowly replied, “No.”

“Then that’s settled. I am indeed an Omega, and I’ve never hidden it,” Ji Jin said confidently and fearlessly. “It’s actually very simple—just admit it.”

Xu Jinyi’s heart skipped a beat.

For most people, admitting they were Omega in Ji Jin’s position was already very difficult. Why did Ji Jin make it sound so easy? Prejudices, Alpha-centrism, and Omega stereotypes would drown anyone like a tide with no way out.

But right now, this guy had never thought about hiding it and was ready to admit it?

At this moment, Xu Jinyi was even moved to tears by Ji Jin’s fearless spirit.

“Alright, I know what’s what,” Xu Jinyi stopped teasing. “Be careful with your team members. I don’t know if you noticed, but the photos that got leaked had Cheng Pian’s face pixelated. That means this person doesn’t want to drag Cheng Pian into this, though they probably didn’t expect netizens to dig up stuff on Cheng Pian as well.”

Xu Jinyi was just kindly reminding Ji Jin and didn’t mention that Ji Jin and Cheng Pian were hugging in the photo.

Ji Jin had his private life, and he wouldn’t or couldn’t interfere with that.

“Okay… I’ll be careful,” Ji Jin said. He hadn’t thought about this problem until Xu Jinyi reminded him and then took a look.

Indeed, Cheng Pian’s face was pixelated, but Ji Jin’s was not. He had even deliberately enlarged the Omega suppression bracelet on his wrist, as if wanting others to know he was an Omega.

Ji Jin thought it over and then hung up.

At that time, Lu Yao had already prepared dinner and had also made some milk and simple complementary food for Ji Xingxing.

“Come eat,” Lu Yao called Ji Jin over from the kitchen doorway. He was carrying plates, going back and forth two or three times.

Ji Jin smelled the aroma and carried Ji Xingxing over. On the dining table, there were four or five plates arranged neatly. The dishes were exquisite, with a perfect combination of color, aroma, and taste, looking very delicious.

Ji Xingxing’s little nose sniffed eagerly, also smelling the food’s fragrance, impatient to start eating. Ji Jin placed him on a nearby chair, just the right height for the little baby to stand.

“Eat quickly, don’t be polite with me, brother,” Lu Yao said, amused by Ji Jin’s serious expression as he observed the food. He pointed at a chair for Ji Jin to sit down. He himself also served rice and sat opposite Ji Jin and Ji Xingxing.

Hearing Lu Yao say that, Ji Jin didn’t hesitate anymore and picked up his bowl to start eating. Ji Xingxing couldn’t use chopsticks yet, but he already knew how to use a spoon. He imitated Ji Jin and started eating too.

The big and small had exactly the same posture. Lu Yao felt as if he was seeing a miniature version of Ji Jin right in front of him—so adorable it melted his heart completely.

If Ji Jin could be with him, Lu Yao really wouldn’t mind treating Ji Xingxing as his own child. The kid was just too cute and likable.

And he looked so much like Ji Jin—

Just like there was another Ji Jin in this world.

The food Lu Yao made looked tasty and tasted great. Although it was just ordinary home cooking, the flavor and presentation were quite good. Ji Jin even helped himself to another bowl of rice halfway through.

After finishing the meal, Ji Jin wanted to help with the dishes, but Lu Yao firmly refused. So the two of them, big and small, went straight to the living room sofa and lay down, patting their little bulging bellies.

Lu Yao finished washing the dishes and then brought over a plate of cut fruit. He turned on the TV and found a cartoon for Ji Xingxing.

Since Ji Xingxing returned to the country, Ji Jin hadn’t shown him any cartoons. Ji Xingxing found it very novel and sat obediently on the sofa, eyes glued to the screen.

At this moment, Ji Jin realized Lu Yao’s ultimate intention. While Ji Xingxing was watching TV, Lu Yao quietly came over and sat beside Ji Jin. His hand was not very steady; he stealthily touched Ji Jin’s fingertips as if testing Ji Jin’s attitude.

However, Ji Jin was so full from the meal that all his blood had settled in his stomach; his brain didn’t react as sharply as before. He let Lu Yao hold his hand and even felt warm and sweet because of their fingers intertwined tightly.

“Brother…” Lu Yao turned his head to look at Ji Jin, his eyes moist and innocent. His fingertip gently stroked his dear brother’s palm.

Like a soft feather, it tickled Ji Jin’s heart.

Ji Jin stared at the young man before him, slightly stunned. The young man’s features were delicate and deep, his eyes full of indescribable feelings, like a gentle star river—deep and unfathomable.

Ji Jin felt warmth spreading throughout his body. Lu Yao’s face slowly moved closer to his, the sweet scent of plum wine gradually becoming stronger.

It made him increasingly unable to resist.

Just then, the doorbell suddenly rang. Both of them were startled by the unexpected sound, especially Ji Jin, who instinctively moved over to make a large space.

Lu Yao’s gaze instantly became more resentful, with a hint of suspicion. He had only bought this house recently, and aside from him, only Ke Yu knew about it. There shouldn’t be anyone else coming here.

Ji Jin remembered he had told Zhao Ze about the place and even asked him to bring some of Ji Xingxing’s things over. Maybe Zhao Ze had arrived, so he hurried to open the door but couldn’t see who it was through the peephole.

As soon as he opened the door, he was embraced tightly by the person outside.

The faint salty-sweet sea breeze scent on that person couldn’t be ignored as it enveloped Ji Jin like something precious, unwilling to leave.

“God Ji… God Ji!” the person’s hoarse and tired voice sounded, as if they had traveled for a very long time without a drop of water but suddenly found a source of water.

The hug was so tight that Ji Jin couldn’t break free immediately.

Until someone in the living room accidentally knocked over a glass of water with a loud crash, which startled the unexpected visitor, but he still did not let go of Ji Jin.

Ji Jin was the first to react. He took a step back and asked in a very surprised tone,

“Jiao Yue? How did you get here?”

Jiao Yue’s team headquarters was in City C, nearly two thousand kilometers away from MOE’s City B, and even by plane it took two to three hours.

How could Jiao Yue have arrived in City B so quickly and even found Lu Yao’s home?

Only then did Ji Jin suddenly realize Lu Yao and Ji Xingxing were standing in the living room, forced to witness everything that had just happened.

 

Author’s Note:

Congratulations to Jiao Yue for becoming the second innocent victim!

 

 

 

 

 

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