MTY chapter 6

Since it was a weekday, Hongye Art Museum wasn’t too crowded, with only a few visitors lining up at the entrance.

Lu Ziqing showed his temporary work pass to the security guard at the gate and led Lin Yu inside.

The exhibition hall their company was responsible for was on the second floor, in the center of the building. It was oval-shaped—the largest and most prestigious hall in the entire museum. Every quarter, the museum’s most high-profile exhibitions were held there.

Due to ongoing construction, the hall’s exterior walls were covered with plain grayish-white wallpaper.

As soon as Lin Yu stepped inside, he heard an angry young man’s voice.

“You’re kidding me, right? You spent an entire morning just screwing in one bolt?!”

A lazy middle-aged voice responded, “Calm down, boss. It’s not our fault—the blueprint is too complicated. We have to take our time and do it right.”

“You call slacking off ‘taking your time and doing it right’?! Where do you get the nerve?!”

The middle-aged man chuckled. “Now, now, don’t be like that. If you’re not happy, why don’t you do it yourself?”

Lu Ziqing glanced at Lin Yu.

Lin Yu quickened his pace, turned the corner, and took in the scene inside the hall.

A young man wearing a beige silk jacquard shirt with a bamboo-leaf pattern and black linen pants stood by a display case, hands on his hips, eyes blazing with anger.

He had strikingly delicate features, bright eyes, and fair skin. His frame was so slender that his shoulders protruded out sharply, like a finely sculpted statue.

But at this moment, his fury had turned his neck and face red, like a ripe lychee about to burst.

Opposite him stood a fat middle-aged man whose uniform was too tight to contain his bulging belly. He hadn’t even bothered to button his shirt properly, leaving it open to reveal a loose white tank top underneath.

Lu Ziqing murmured to Lin Yu, “The young one is Liu Yuwen, the museum’s curator. The other guy is Zhao Feng, our company’s construction team leader.”

Lin Yu had seen their names in the project files. “Whose relative?”

He didn’t specify, but Lu Ziqing knew exactly what he was asking.

“Zhou Youyu’s uncle,” Lu Ziqing replied. “Zhao Feng used to be a construction worker. Ever since he came to work for Zhou Youyu, he’s been leading the project teams.”

Lin Yu fixed his gaze on Zhao Feng.

Some workers had noticed Lu Ziqing’s arrival and were trying to signal Zhao Feng, but he remained oblivious.

Liu Yuwen’s face was ice-cold. “If I have to do it myself, then what’s the point of hiring you?”

Zhao Feng’s eyes swept over Liu Yuwen’s slim waist. He licked his lips and said, “Well, that depends on you, doesn’t it? You’ve paid me, but if you want me to do something else… I wouldn’t say no…”

Pa!

Before anyone could react, a bright red handprint had already appeared on Zhao Feng’s face.

It took Zhao Feng several seconds to realize that he had just been slapped.

Furious, he lunged forward, trying to grab Liu Yuwen by the collar.

Lin Yu suddenly spoke. “Stop.”

His voice wasn’t loud, nor did it carry much emotion—calm and indifferent, like a silver blade slicing through the air. Yet, it was sharp enough to make everyone instinctively turn their heads.

Zhao Feng had never seen Lin Yu before. Seeing a stranger step in, his first instinct was to curse, but then he caught sight of Lu Ziqing standing beside him. That made him hesitate and shut his mouth.

Zhou Youyu had warned him before—although Lu Ziqing didn’t hold a high position, he came from a wealthy family. The car he drove alone was worth over a million.

Zhao Feng naturally admired and feared rich people. If he could befriend them, great. If not, at the very least, he shouldn’t offend them. Who knew? Maybe they had connections or would be useful in the future.

Zhao Feng tried to seek support from Lu Ziqing. “We were just a little behind on work progress, and this Liu guy hit me for it—”

“If you have something to say, talk to Director Lin, not me,” Lu Ziqing cut him off. “Oh, and by the way, we all heard what you just said to Mr. Liu.”

Zhao Feng looked at Lin Yu. “Director Lin?”

Lu Ziqing added, “Director Lin was recently appointed by the head office. He has full authority over the company’s operations and personnel decisions.”

At the center of everyone’s attention, Lin Yu showed no expression as he continued typing on his phone.

Zhao Feng’s eyes flickered with panic.

The reason he dared to act so brazenly toward Liu Yuwen was because of Zhou Youyu. As the head of the design department, Zhou Youyu held a crucial position in the company. With no higher-ups overseeing him, other departments had to give way to his authority.

Zhao Feng, having followed Zhou Youyu and secured the role of construction team leader, had naturally grown bolder over time.

From the very first day the team entered the exhibition hall, Zhao Feng had set his sights on Liu Yuwen.

How could an omega be this seductive? His waist was so slim, his legs so fair, and he walked as if his bones were soft…

After some inquiries, Zhao Feng found out that Liu Yuwen was from another province, came from an average family, and had only graduated a few years ago. This was his first time curating an exhibition.

Every day, Liu Yuwen moved around the hall, and to Zhao Feng, it felt like a piece of premium meat dangling before him, taunting him.

With temptation clouding his mind, his behavior and words had naturally become more audacious.

But what he hadn’t accounted for—no matter how many scenarios he had considered—was that a senior executive would suddenly be appointed to oversee everything.

And that this executive would arrive at the exhibition hall at precisely this moment.

A seasoned schemer, Zhao Feng quickly changed tactics. He claimed that he was experiencing a sensitivity period, and that his pheromones had temporarily overwhelmed his self-control, causing him to say some inappropriate things. He pleaded with Liu Yuwen for understanding.

His performance was so quick and seamless that it left the onlookers stunned.

Liu Yuwen sneered coldly. “It’s a shame you’re not an actor.”

Lin Yu finished typing and put away his phone. “Mr. Liu, may I have a word with you?”

Liu Yuwen’s face showed clear disdain. “You’re the new guy in charge, right? If you’re really in charge, fire this scumbag right now. Otherwise, there’s nothing to discuss.”

He had had enough.

This exhibition company’s efficiency and attitude were a complete mess. The original designer in charge had been sidelined, the so-called project leader was always absent, and the workers refused to cooperate, stalling progress at every turn.

With the exhibition’s opening looming closer, if not for the contract, he would have kicked them all out long ago.

Zhao Feng tried to cozy up to Lin Yu. “Director Lin, do you know Zhou Youyu? He’s my—”

Lin Yu didn’t even glance at him. Instead, he turned to Liu Yuwen and said, “I’ll have a new construction team here by tomorrow. I apologize for the trouble this has caused you.”

Zhao Feng froze. “What about us?”

Lin Yu didn’t answer.

But at that moment, Zhao Feng’s phone rang.

It was Zhou Youyu.

The moment he picked up, he was bombarded with curses, ordered to take his team and get the hell back to the company.

Everyone now understood what Lin Yu had been doing on his phone earlier.

Zhao Feng clenched his teeth but had no choice but to leave with his crew.

Lin Yu turned to Liu Yuwen. “Shall we talk?”

Liu Yuwen’s anger finally eased a little.

He extended a hand. “Nice to meet you. Liu Yuwen.”

Lin Yu shook it briefly. “Looking forward to working together.”

…..

Lin Yu and Liu Yuwen ended up talking for over two hours.

Their coffee went cold and was refilled three times.

Though Liu Yuwen looked delicate and pale, he was surprisingly stubborn and meticulous. His standards for the exhibition were almost ruthlessly high.

Unlike in the company, Lin Yu subtly adjusted his demeanor and tone while talking with Liu Yuwen. He maintained eye contact, listened carefully, and took occasional notes.

Lin Yu had never been directly involved in exhibition setup before.

Whenever he encountered knowledge gaps, Lu Ziqing stepped in to explain.

Gradually, Liu Yuwen’s attitude softened from frustration to cooperation.

By the end, though Liu Yuwen’s tone remained sharp, his expression had eased. “I just hope your actions match your words. I’ve had enough of your company’s empty promises.”

Lin Yu remained unfazed. “Feel free to oversee the work.”

After the meeting, Lin Yu pressed his fingers to his temples, clearly exhausted.

Seeing this, Lu Ziqing made him sit in the passenger seat and took over driving.

On the way back, Lin Yu leaned against the seat, resting with his eyes closed.

Lu Ziqing glanced at him and smirked. “Impressive, Director Lin. Strict and decisive, ruling with an iron fist.”

No response.

Lu Ziqing turned his head slightly, only to find Lin Yu fast asleep.

He really must have been exhausted—between the suppressant incident that morning and dealing with the construction team in the afternoon, even coffee couldn’t keep him awake.

Lin Yu looked amusing while he slept, the corners of his mouth slightly downturned, maintaining a serious expression even in his dreams.

Truly born to be a leader.

The seatback wasn’t reclined enough, causing his head to tilt further and further to the left, his brows knitting slightly, as if uncomfortable.

Lu Ziqing reached out with his right hand to support Lin Yu’s head.

Lin Yu didn’t wake up and simply continued sleeping in his palm.

His hair was incredibly soft, tickling Lu Ziqing’s palm, warm and fluffy, almost like he was holding a little rabbit.

“Great, I’ve turned into Li Ning carrying a pagoda,” Lu Ziqing muttered. “Ten bucks a minute, remember to pay up when you wake up.”

Of course, he didn’t hold him for long. Keeping his hand there like that felt ridiculous, like a complete fool.

He grabbed a cushion from the back seat and placed it under Lin Yu’s head.

It was already past working hours by then. Lu Ziqing drove into the company’s underground parking garage and turned off the engine.

Lin Yu was still asleep, head resting against the cushion, deep in slumber.

Lu Ziqing went upstairs to clock out. When he returned, Lin Yu was still out, so he opened his music library and played a soft song at a low volume.

He usually listened to English country folk—gentle melodies, soft vocals, practically a lullaby.

Lin Yu smacked his lips and sank into even deeper sleep.

Lu Ziqing: “…”

If he had known, he would’ve played death metal.

Technically, he should wake Lin Yu up, have him clock out, and then head home together.

But seeing how peacefully he was sleeping, shaking him awake felt a bit unrefined, not very gentlemanly—unbecoming of an alpha.

Lu Ziqing hummed along softly with the music, when suddenly, the car was filled with the sound of a ringtone.

It was a segment from a German musical.

Meanwhile, Lu Ziqing’s own ringtone was the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song.

Lin Yu’s phone vibrated, slipping out of his pocket.

Lu Ziqing glanced at the screen—and immediately saw the caller ID.

“Dr. Xie.”

When Lin Yu woke up, the first thing he saw was Lu Ziqing holding out his phone.

An incoming call from Dr. Xie.

Lin Yu immediately sobered up and answered, “Hello?”

The car was a confined space, making Dr. Xie’s voice crystal clear: “I’m free tonight. Want to grab dinner together?”

Lin Yu almost instinctively smiled. “Yes!”

Lu Ziqing stared at him.

It was the first time he had ever seen Lin Yu smile like that.

Bright.

So damn bright.

Brighter than the morning sun at eight or nine o’clock. Brighter than a puppy gnawing on a big, meaty bone.

Lin Yu realized what he just did and coughed. “I-I’ll think about it.”

Dr. Xie’s voice was gentle. “Is it inconvenient for you?”

Lin Yu hesitated. “…No.”

Dr. Xie chuckled slightly: “So, are you going to turn me down?”

Lin Yu: “…”

The amusement in Dr. Xie’s voice deepened. “Seven o’clock then—I’ll meet you at our usual spot.”

After hanging up, Lin Yu glanced at Lu Ziqing hesitantly.

Lu Ziqing: “A friend?”

Lin Yu: “…Yeah.”

“Then why so nervous?” Lu Ziqing smirked faintly. “He wouldn’t happen to be your boyfriend, would he?”

Lin Yu’s eyebrows visibly tensed.

Lu Ziqing had noticed—Lin Yu’s intelligence seemed to be limited to work.

“No,” Lin Yu said. “He’s just my… dentist. I’ve been to him a few times.”

“Oh,” Lu Ziqing said. “So, are you getting your teeth checked tonight?”

Lin Yu: “No, I just… see him often enough that we’re familiar. Sometimes we have dinner together.”

…He might as well have had his feelings written all over his face.

Lu Ziqing thought, shifty eyes, avoiding direct eye contact, constantly pressing his lips together, slightly flushed cheeks…

Might as well grab a megaphone and shout, ‘I like him!’

Lu Ziqing kept his tone neutral. “Who invites someone to dinner last minute? If I were planning to eat with a friend, I’d at least set it up a day in advance. Otherwise, how would I know if they’re free?”

Lin Yu: “Dentists are busy. It’s hard to schedule.”

Tch.

He’s a total simp.

Lu Ziqing suddenly wanted to curse.

I’m handsome, tall, broad-shouldered, long-legged, lean yet toned, rich, and generous. I’m offering free meals, a free place to stay, and even a marriage contract—and you’re still obsessing over some stingy dentist? Are your eyes broken?!

What are you even fixing your teeth for? Go get your eyes checked!

Even if Lu Ziqing had no real interest in Lin Yu, this blatant unfairness still ignited his alpha competitive streak.

Lu Ziqing said, “What a coincidence. I was just thinking of treating you to dinner tonight, since you’ve had such a long day. How about—”

Before he could even finish his sentence— ‘You and the dentist can reschedule.’—Lin Yu cut him off.

“You should head home first. No need to waste money.”

Lu Ziqing: “…”

Lu Ziqing: “I was thinking of treating you to the most famous Cantonese restaurant in the city. Most people have to book six months in advance.”

Lin Yu: “I’m not a big fan of Cantonese food…”

Lu Ziqing: “Hunan cuisine? Sichuan? Huaiyang? Shandong? Pick anything.”

Lin Yu: “I don’t eat much at night. Eating too much makes it hard to sleep…”

Lu Ziqing: “Then why are you going with the dentist?”

Lin Yu struggled for a moment before finally squeezing out, “He’s stingy. When we eat, we just get a bowl of plain noodles with an egg.”

Lu Ziqing: “…”

Oh, so you like stingy guys?

Fine.

Lu Ziqing: “Then I’ll treat you to plain noodles. Two strands, half an egg. That shouldn’t be too much, right?”

But Lin Yu suddenly raised his eyes and asked, “Are you jealous?”