PHWM Chapter 19

Liang Xiao raised a hand, stopping Duan Ming, who was about to step forward.

 

He remained calm, gently moving his manager behind him, and smiled faintly. “Yes.”

 

The face before him seemed vaguely familiar. He only knew the man’s surname was Peng—Peng Lixin, deputy director of Tianxing Satellite TV.

 

Apparently, he was also the producer of this show.

 

Liang Xiao’s straightforward response caused Peng Lixin to frown. Without further ado, he turned and pushed open a door. “Come with me.”

 

Liang Xiao placed a reassuring hand on Duan Ming’s arm, pressing it twice in a calming gesture. After giving a brief explanation to the director, he followed Peng Lixin out of the recording hall.

 

Peng Lixin wasted no time on pleasantries, leading him to an office and getting straight to the point. “What are you here for?”

 

Liang Xiao found a spot on the sofa and sat down. “To earn money.”

 

“Be honest,” Peng Lixin said in a deep voice.

 

Liang Xiao lifted his head, meeting Peng Lixin’s gaze directly and without evasion.

 

Peng Lixin scrutinized him for a moment. Seeing that his eyes were indeed clear and candid, he frowned. “It wasn’t Long Tao who sent you?”

 

“No,” Liang Xiao answered candidly.

 

Peng Lixin’s frown deepened. “Then why are you in Xingguan’s production crew?”

 

Liang Xiao paused, momentarily taken aback.

 

He could follow the logic of the earlier questions, but this one threw him off. “Am I not allowed to be in Xingguan’s production crew?”

 

Peng Lixin looked at him in disbelief. “Huo Lan tolerates you?”

 

Liang Xiao opened his mouth slightly, sensing that Peng Lixin’s definition of “tolerates” might not align with what he thought. He hesitated to answer.

 

Peng Lixin studied him for a while, clearly unable to make sense of the situation.

 

When the recent trending topics surfaced, the public, unaware of the context, merely treated it as entertainment gossip. Within the industry, however, it was impossible to hide the truth. Many speculated whether Xingguan’s President Huo had finally broken his cold streak.

 

But those who had been present back then, like Peng Lixin, knew the truth: it was absolutely impossible.

 

Even if Huo Lan were to take an interest in someone, it definitely wouldn’t be Liang Xiao.

 

Peng Lixin had initially assumed it was just Long Tao stirring up trouble, fabricating fake news to generate buzz. But today, during the crew’s visit for the talk show, they had unexpectedly brought this omega—who had nearly caused a major disaster five years ago—into the lineup.

 

Rushing to the set, Peng Lixin had feared that Long Tao was pulling some dirty trick on Xingguan again. He hadn’t anticipated that Liang Xiao himself would be so clueless about it all.

 

The two of them—one seated, one standing—faced each other in silence, neither able to continue the conversation.

 

Peng Lixin was baffled. “So that trending post… it was really about you?”

 

This matter had already spread across half the industry. Liang Xiao hadn’t expected the deputy director of Tianxing to be so uncertain about it. Concerned that Peng Lixin might be out of touch with his subordinates, Liang Xiao hesitated before replying, “Yes.”

 

Peng Lixin was utterly dumbfounded. “You’re the one Huo Lan placed into the production crew?”

 

Liang Xiao hesitated before replying reluctantly, “…Yes.”

 

Peng Lixin nearly lost it. “So the omega that everyone in the industry is gossiping about Huo Lan finding is—”

 

Liang Xiao: “…”

 

Peng Lixin: “…”

 

The deputy director stood there for a few seconds, staring at him as though questioning the sanity of the entire world. Then, abruptly, he pulled the door open and stormed out to make a phone call.

 

The office was now empty, the door slamming shut with a bang.

 

The silence that followed was absolute.

 

Left alone in the room, Liang Xiao sat quietly for a while before pulling out a suppressant injection. Anticipating the worst, he administered it to himself.

 

Had he known the program’s producer was among those privy to the events of that year, he wouldn’t have come.

 

But it seemed there was no escaping it now.

 

If he sought another opportunity elsewhere, Long Tao would inevitably interfere. Xingguan, though uninvolved at first, was bound to get dragged into this mess eventually.

 

And so would Huo Lan.

 

Liang Xiao lowered his gaze, fidgeting with the empty syringe, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

 

…Huo Lan.

 

The same Huo Lan who sent him a two-yuan red envelope.

 

The Huo Lan who, despite being on the verge of losing control of his pheromones, maintained just enough composure to tell him to leave.

 

The Huo Lan who let him sleep undisturbed, even though the movement of his pheromones could have triggered a temporary marking. The same Huo Lan who gave up his own bed for Liang Xiao to rest.

 

The Huo Lan who, though furious amidst a snowstorm, did nothing, instead approving his application and creating a trial group solely for him.

 

The upright and unblemished Huo Lan.

 

Liang Xiao pressed his fingers against his temple, recalling the butler’s words. For a fleeting moment, he almost entertained the idea of becoming their “runaway little omega.”

 

The suppressant, Valu, worked quickly. Exhaustion unfurled within him like a wave, and he leaned back, trying to relax.

 

If only suppressants like this had been available five years ago.

 

…

 

Five years ago.

 

Liang Xiao closed his eyes, exhaling softly.

 

Five years ago, he had just graduated, stepping into the entertainment industry with two films that had earned him a promising start.

 

Along with a group of other newcomers, he was brought by Long Tao’s talent manager to a dinner party. They were told it was to greet some influential figures and perhaps secure endorsement deals.

 

Back then, fresh out of school and unfamiliar with the intricacies of the industry, Liang Xiao had done extensive research to prepare himself.

 

Then, he was taken to a private lounge by Long Tao’s manager.

 

…

 

“You don’t need to worry about anything else.”

 

“When the person enters, use the pheromone inducer to stimulate their pheromones.”

 

“An Alpha can’t resist an Omega’s pheromones. We’ll get him drunk first, so he won’t even be aware of what’s happening. He won’t be able to fight back.”

 

“As long as we make it look like an alcohol-induced assault on an Omega, he’s finished.”

 

“The company will handle the aftermath, and your reputation will remain intact. You’ll still be able to continue your career cleanly.”

 

“Five million. The company will support you fully, you’ll have all the resources you need, and you’ll get to choose the top endorsements.”

 

“You’re a Long Tao artist. With the company backing you, he won’t be able to retaliate.”

 

“Nothing will go wrong.”

 

“Why are you hesitating?!”

 

The person in front of him was frantic, tearing open the pheromone inducer. “There are so many people who would beg for this chance! If it weren’t for your pheromones matching his…”

 

The rest of the scene was drowned out by the overpowering pheromone inducer, distorting everything into fragments. The voice warped, echoing in and out like a distant hum.

 

Liang Xiao shivered, suddenly opening his eyes, cold sweat pouring from his forehead in layers.

 

…

 

He suddenly understood why Peng Lixin was so confused.

 

Being kept or following the industry’s unspoken rules is usually a mutual agreement; even though it’s unsavory, it’s not necessarily fatal.

 

But when an Alpha forces and violates an Omega, it’s a completely different matter. The nature of the offense is severe and deeply immoral. Once tainted by it, it’s nearly impossible to recover.

 

When Long Tao forced him to cooperate, Liang Xiao only knew he had to use his pheromones to set a trap for an Alpha. He never knew who exactly he was being set up for.

 

Liang Xiao took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

 

Because of the accident when he was younger, his body couldn’t handle a pheromone explosion. At that time, there were no special suppressant injections. He had to risk his life, pushing the person away and locking himself in the room. He barely lasted ten minutes.

 

Long Tao feared for his life and urgently sent him to the hospital.

 

The ambulance arrived in chaos, and the banquet was filled with clinking glasses, so not many people noticed.

 

The plan was ruined before it even began, and couldn’t be carried out.

 

The Alpha who almost got framed… most likely never even realized what had happened.

 

There’s no such thing as a completely impenetrable wall. Long Tao’s dark schemes couldn’t stay hidden forever. Eventually, people would find out. But no matter how many heard the rumors, no one would be crazy enough to warn him—or Huo Lan.

 

…

 

Huo Lan.

 

Liang Xiao sat on the sofa, gripping the empty syring of the suppressant, listening to his own heartbeat.

 

The first time Butler Huo found him, he brought a stack of pheromone compatibility test reports, politely bowing to him with a smile: “Mr. Liang.”

 

“According to the test…”

 

Butler Huo said: “We’ve confirmed that your pheromone compatibility with President Huo is extremely high. We would like to sign a contract with you.”

 

Liang Xiao sat there for a while, slowly raising the corner of his mouth, but unable to continue, closing his eyes.

 

…Vice President Peng was mad, but he had a point.

 

Five years ago, it was him. Five years later, it was still him.

 

Pheromones, trending searches, Weibo, Xingguan, Long Tao.

 

No need for Huo Lan.

 

He himself felt he was being insidious.

 

Duan Ming listened to the whole story and was surprisingly calm: “…Alright, I understand.”

 

Liang Xiao was still uneasy: “Brother Duan.”

 

“It’s fine,” Duan Ming turned to comfort him, “We know what’s in our hearts, and you know too.”

 

Duan Ming took a couple of steps and turned around to clean up, searching around for a while but finding nothing. He took a deep breath and exhaled, “It’s fine, it’s fine… It’s not like this is the first time.”

 

“We made it through five years ago, we’ll make it through another five years if needed.”

 

He rubbed his face, then smiled at Liang Xiao and the assistant, “Keep a good mindset, look at me.”

 

“Brother Duan.” Liang Xiao looked at him, “Your eyes are red—”

 

Duan Ming: “Shut up.”

 

Liang Xiao went silent.

 

Duan Ming stared at him for a long while, his heart aching so much that he couldn’t stand it. He took a deep breath, shaking, and exhaled.

 

Duan Ming just couldn’t make sense of it: “Why?”

 

Liang Xiao froze for a moment: “What?”

 

“What did you do wrong?”

 

Duan Ming’s eyes were red, his voice cracking: “Shouldn’t you have pushed away the golden opportunity handed to you? Shouldn’t you have walked into heaven when the path was there, and barged into hell just for President Huo?”

 

Liang Xiao smiled helplessly: “At that time, I didn’t know it was President Huo.”

 

“Don’t talk nonsense!” Duan Ming was furious, “If you knew, you might as well have let him bite you then! After all, he would have bitten you sooner or later, better than waiting five years! Better than you almost dying!”

 

Back then, Duan Ming had just started his job as Liang Xiao’s manager and didn’t know about the inner workings of the industry. Later, he had to work hard to gather information and finally got a vague sense of what was going on.

 

At the time, Long Tao had dared to coerce and tempt Liang Xiao because Liang Xiao had the aftereffects of a pheromone outbreak.

 

When artists join the industry, they undergo a health check. Long Tao knew that Liang Xiao couldn’t handle a pheromone outbreak, and his original plan was to use a pheromone inducer to force Liang Xiao to comply if he refused.

 

He never expected Liang Xiao to risk his life instead.

 

“…” Liang Xiao had never even considered that possibility. After a long pause, he was at a loss for words and couldn’t refute it: “Yes.”

 

Duan Ming saw him sitting there, stunned, feeling tight in his chest. He squatted down and grabbed him: “Do you think… President Huo might… suspect that you have ulterior motives for coming this time?”

 

Liang Xiao forced a bitter smile: “If I were him, I would also suspect that I have ulterior motives for coming too.”

 

Duan Ming held onto a shred of hope: “Do you think Deputy Director Peng didn’t tell President Huo?”

 

“If Deputy Director Peng doesn’t say it, I will tell President Huo myself.”

 

Liang Xiao grabbed his wrist, speaking sincerely and gently: “Brother Duan, I’m sorry…”

 

Duan Ming sighed, speaking on his behalf: “I know, you don’t want President Huo to be tricked by Long Tao without knowing anything.”

 

Liang Xiao lowered his head and smiled faintly.

 

“President Huo is reasonable.”

 

Duan Ming calmed down a little, sitting down to analyze: “The show should let us finish filming. At most, we won’t work together again in the future, and we won’t cross paths in the industry.”

 

Duan Ming ran through the entire situation, a little worried about his suppressant: “What about the volunteers…”

 

Liang Xiao shrugged nonchalantly: “I’ll go earn it.”

 

“Alright.” Duan Ming rubbed his face, smiling: “Still the same as before.”

 

Liang Xiao saw him starting to calm down, feeling a bit more at ease. He smiled back: “You all stay at home. I’ll go see President Huo.”

 

Duan Ming was still uneasy: “What if President Huo gets angry?”

 

Liang Xiao changed his tone: “I’ll go see President Huo in the heavy snow.”

 

Duan Ming: “…”

 

Duan Ming couldn’t help but laugh at his words: “Since when did you start being so witty…”

 

Liang Xiao also smiled, about to speak, when the doorbell suddenly rang.

 

Butler Huo stood outside the door, covered in frost and snow, and bumped into Liang Xiao as he opened the door.

 

“President Huo is in a meeting and can’t get away,” the butler said, looking somewhat troubled. “He asked me to find Mr. Liang…”

 

Liang Xiao paused for a moment, then understood.

 

President Huo didn’t know about the past, and Liang Xiao knew half of it. Regardless, it was necessary to clear things up with him.

 

Now that the butler was here… explaining things would be the same.

 

No need to brave the snow to see President Huo anymore.

 

Liang Xiao smiled with relief: “Please, come in.”

 

“…Wait a moment.” The butler gathered his courage. “It’s not very easy to enter.”

 

Liang Xiao froze: “What?”

 

The butler stepped aside.

 

A group of bodyguard-like NPCs carried in about a dozen boxes filled with various formulations of the Valu series suppressants. They included injection kits and portable sets for different use cases, along with an entire box of portable injectors.

 

“Mr. Liang,” the butler said, “this is the medical warehouse… I mean, a selection of suppressants our President Huo has prepared for you.”

 

A domineering president might throw money or resources around, but there was no precedent for a president to send half a medical warehouse’s inventory.

 

The butler, though visibly troubled, dutifully followed through and picked out a box of portable injectors, emphasizing, “President Huo said this type doesn’t hurt much.”

 

Liang Xiao stared at the injectors, a sudden pang in his chest. “How does President Huo know?”

 

The butler wasn’t entirely sure himself. “It might be based on scientific calculations…”

 

Liang Xiao understood.

 

Huo Lan likely hadn’t contacted Feiyang Pharmaceuticals, as the company was already overwhelmed by Phase IV trials, drug recalls, and plummeting stock prices. They probably didn’t have the bandwidth to analyze which needles hurt less.

 

To figure out which hurt less, there was actually a straightforward way.

 

Liang Xiao closed his eyes for a moment.

 

He had never really thought too deeply about things. From the time he returned home from the radio station building to when he explained the situation to Duan Ming, comforting his manager, everything had seemed under control.

 

Back then, there had been too many variables. He hadn’t known the alpha they were trying to set him up against was Huo Lan, and Huo Lan hadn’t known the omega nearly used to entrap him was Liang Xiao.

 

A twist of fate—neither could be blamed.

 

The insiders only knew about the plot, not the actual truth of what had transpired. Long Tao would never admit to what had really happened; it all came down to Liang Xiao’s word.

 

So he couldn’t say anything.

 

It really wasn’t a big deal.

 

Liang Xiao took a slow, steady breath. “President Huo…”

 

His voice was hoarse. “Did President Huo say anything else?”

 

“He did.” The butler handed him a wristband-style personal alarm. “This is pre-set with emergency contact numbers. In case of an incident, just press and hold the alarm button for five seconds.”

 

Duan Ming, knowing more than the butler, was caught between disbelief and bittersweet gratitude. His eyes turned red as he was moved to the point of madness. “Is the emergency contact President Huo’s phone number?”

 

“…No.”

 

The butler had been dreading this question but couldn’t avoid it. He took a deep breath, speaking in precise accordance with President Huo’s instructions: “The contacts are 110, 119, and 120.”

 

 

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