TAID CH1

On the day of Lu Zhao’s wedding, more than half the nobles in the Empire came to attend the ceremony.

The thread about the Major General’s marriage remained highly popular in the entertainment section of the Empire’s forum. The Omegas sighed that even someone as strong as Major General Lu Zhao inevitably had to submit to his own gender, forced to marry an Alpha with whom he had no emotional foundation. Meanwhile, the Alphas discussed with a hint of sourness that no matter how high he climbed, Major General Lu Zhao was still an Omega in the end, and marrying an Alpha was his ultimate destiny.

These condescending attitudes from the Alphas undoubtedly aroused the disgust of the Omegas, and the two sides argued fiercely on the forum. Compared to these two debating factions, some Betas were more concerned about the incredibly lucky Alpha who was about to marry Major General Lu Zhao, wondering how many ranks he could climb by leveraging his relationship with Lu Zhao.

This marriage seemed to be shrouded in secrecy. Lu Zhao himself made no response, and no one even knew who the lucky Alpha was. This made the speculation thread in the entertainment section even more popular. The young Alphas from various noble families were guessed by netizens one by one, yet they still could not reach a conclusion that convinced everyone.

It was not until half a month ago that the date of Lu Zhao’s wedding was officially announced on the Empire’s forum.

The celebratory post gleefully displayed two names. One was Lu Zhao, but the other name made everyone’s jaws drop.

No one expected that Major General Lu Zhao, the illustrious Eagle of the Empire, would crash into the Bai family’s courtyard, becoming the legal Omega of Bai Li, the young master of the Bai family who had long since retreated to the second line.

This was simply a fresh flower forcefully shoved into concrete.

Not only was there not a shred of aesthetic appeal, but it didn’t even provide nutrients like cow dung would.

Overnight, Bai Li’s background was dug up, and his early experiences were exposed. In the declining Bai family, reaching Bai Li’s generation meant there was no one left but him. Bai Li himself had been injured in a battle many years ago, nearly crippling his left leg. This made him unable to pilot mechas into combat anymore, and the Bai family subsequently lost their position in the frontline legions.

This young master had spent his early years lingering among flowers, rumored to have had scandals with several Omegas. It was said that when the Empire proposed he withdraw from the First Legion, he nodded in agreement almost without hesitation. That very night, he packed his personal belongings from the First Legion, drove his flashy hover sports car, and went straight to an Omega’s private residence.

Bai Li’s profile was stripped completely bare on the forum. The Omegas were furious. As an Omega, Major General Lu Zhao had secured the position of Major General in the First Legion at a young age through sheer strength that rivaled any Alpha. He could be considered the idol and dream of countless Omegas.

Marrying such an Alpha meant Lu Zhao would absolutely lack support from his husband’s family. As for Bai Li himself, physical limitations meant he was destined to be kept away from the frontlines, let alone earn any military merit.

The Bai family held the empty title of nobility, but inside they had long fallen into utter ruin.

How could Major General Lu Zhao marry such an Alpha?!

Countless Omegas shed tears of indignation. Even the majority of Alphas found it hard to accept that someone inferior to themselves could marry Lu Zhao. Whether out of indignation or burning jealousy, they swarmed to leave messages on Bai Li’s Imperial Blog account, clamoring for him to withdraw voluntarily.

The forum was also filled with uproar. The name Lu Zhao was like a symbol representing glory and hot blood. This Major General had no family background to rely on; he fought his way up on the battlefield through his own strength to earn his current glory. This gave hope to many Betas and Omegas who were unwilling to be subservient to Alphas.

As for Bai Li, his records did show some merits, but those were all from before his injury. Those achievements looked exceptionally bland when contrasted with Lu Zhao’s dazzling battle record. What everyone saw more of were his tabloid scandals. To be honest, perhaps the only presentable thing Bai Li had left was his face.

Regarding this point, Bai Li was perfectly self-aware.

Sitting on the sofa in the lounge, he lazily propped his long legs on the coffee table, playing with his personal terminal to browse the web. He was highly amused by the forum discussions regarding his marriage to Lu Zhao.

Although forcefully planting a fresh flower into concrete was indeed a tragedy, for the concrete, it was a beautiful stroke of luck.

Bai Li’s stomach hurt from laughing, feeling that this situation could be even more entertaining.

He boldly posted a selfie on the forum using his own account, accompanied by a single sentence: “I am definitely the most handsome concrete.”

Click to send.

A few seconds later, his personal terminal’s notification chimes rang like a crowing rooster.

Bai Li reaped countless curses with a single post.

Watching the drama unfold without minding the chaos, he slapped his thigh and laughed out loud.

Two knocks sounded on the door. Lu Zhao pushed it open, immediately seeing Bai Li clutching his stomach and collapsed on the sofa, laughing like he had a seizure.

Seeing him, Bai Li wiped away the tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes and greeted, “Fresh flower, you’re here.”

Lu Zhao didn’t understand, but he couldn’t be bothered to ask. His gaze swept over Bai Li as he said flatly, “Don’t mess up your hair.”

The smile of the man sitting on the sofa didn’t fade, but at least he stopped laughing like a maniac. He stood up, casually adjusted his black suit, and threw a wink at Lu Zhao. “Fresh flower, do you think I look alright like this?”

Lu Zhao acted as if he didn’t hear the teasing in his tone. He seriously looked him up and down, walked over, and casually smoothed out a wrinkle on his sleeve. “The Marshal wants to see us.”

“Us?” Bai Li checked himself in the mirror on the wall, noting his hair wasn’t messy. “He wants to see me too?”

Lu Zhao replied, “To offer congratulations.”

Bai Li thought for a moment and understood Lu Zhao’s meaning: since the Marshal wanted to offer congratulations, of course he needed to see both of them.

He didn’t mind. “Alright, let’s go then.”

He turned to walk out the door.

Lu Zhao didn’t move.

Bai Li looked back at him, meeting Lu Zhao’s calm eyes. Suddenly realizing, he immediately held out his arm. “Forgot, I forgot, we need to coordinate well. So, are you going to take my arm?”

Lu Zhao still didn’t move. After a few seconds, he finally asked, “What did you mean by ‘fresh flower’ just now?”

“Ah?” Bai Li didn’t react at first, staring blankly before he couldn’t help but laugh again. “They all say that you being matched with me is like a fresh flower planted in concrete.”

Lu Zhao found this answer somewhat boring. He slapped away the arm Bai Li had extended in front of him, taking the lead to open the lounge door, telling Bai Li, “Read less of that nonsense.”

“Yes, sir,” Bai Li leaned over with a grin. “Major General Lu Zhao.”

Bai Li’s figure was tall and straight. He indeed had a good physical appearance, and his smile made him look somewhat careless. Fortunately, his handsome features masked much of the ruffian vibe in his smile.

Lu Zhao stood beside him, their heights almost identical. Just looking at his physique, it was truly impossible to tell he was an Omega. His back was straight, his eyebrows resolute. Years of military life had stripped away some of the natural softness and roundness inherent to Omegas, revealing a sharp decisiveness.

“Major General Lu Zhao, Mr. Bai Li.” Standing outside the door was Lu Zhao’s adjutant, Huo Cun, who had been leaning against the wall in a daze. Seeing the two come out, he stood straight and said, “The Marshal is already in the main hall.”

Lu Zhao nodded slightly and walked toward the main hall.

After taking two steps, he stopped, waiting until Bai Li was side by side with him before asking, “Do I need to take your arm?”

Bai Li was stunned. “Why ask that?”

Lu Zhao replied, “I don’t know if other Omegas need to hold their Alpha’s arm during their wedding. It is my first time getting married.”

Bai Li pointed at his own face. “Do I look like I’m on my second marriage?”

Lu Zhao looked at his face and objectively stated, “You look like the type who would know whether to take an arm or not.”

Bai Li was speechless. You certainly have a nice way with words.

Because of the issue of whether to take the arm, the two slowed their pace. This dragged Huo Cun into walking slowly behind them, forcing him to listen to their discussion over such a mundane topic.

Lu Zhao asked, “Haven’t you attended weddings before?”

Bai Li thought about it. “I have, but I don’t care about the Omega getting married. I only care about the ones who come up to flirt with me.”

Lu Zhao asked, “Then is one arm enough to hold?”

Bai Li replied, “Your thirst for knowledge is quite strong. Let me tell you, not only do I have two arms, I also have two legs. Do you think that’s enough?”

Following behind, Huo Cun couldn’t help but speak up. “Mr. Bai Li, it hurts a lot when Major General Lu Zhao hits someone.” Just in case you didn’t know, giving you a heads up, don’t cry to me if you get beaten.

Lu Zhao didn’t get angry. In truth, he didn’t care much about Bai Li’s past personal life, merely steering the topic back to the starting point. “Let’s talk business.”

“Is linking arms considered business?” Bai Li was amused. He found Lu Zhao quite funny, unlike the cold and rigid person he had heard about. “Alright then, do you want to hold it?”

Lu Zhao paused. “You’re asking me?”

“Ah, who else?” Bai Li said. “Hold it if you want, don’t hold it if you don’t want to. It’s just one arm, yet you’re treating it like serious business.”

Lu Zhao fell silent for a few seconds. “I just heard it’s better for Omegas to act a bit more submissive.”

Bai Li glanced at him. “Then are you willing to?”

Lu Zhao shook his head. “I am not.”

Bai Li simply said “Oh,” and added, “Then don’t hold it.”

Huo Cun trailed behind them, looking at Lu Zhao and then at Bai Li. The two newlyweds were quite relaxed, rationally discussing boring issues. Aside from not looking like a couple at all, there was absolutely nothing wrong with them.

Yet they were about to become legal partners.

Huo Cun felt this was really quite interesting. He truly hadn’t expected Lu Zhao’s marriage partner to be like this.

Just as he was thinking, Bai Li spoke up again. “How about this, to make it look like we have a really good relationship, we can put our arms around each other’s shoulders.”

Then he immediately slung his arm over Lu Zhao’s shoulder. “Good brother!”

Lu Zhao twisted his wrist, nearly fracturing the bone.

Bai Li grimaced in pain. “Let go, let go, let go! I won’t do it again!”

Lu Zhao kept twisting for a few more seconds before letting go, telling Bai Li very calmly, “Sorry, I couldn’t hold back.” I just couldn’t resist hitting you.

Bai Li still felt quite wronged. “Wasn’t I just trying to bond with you?”

Lu Zhao couldn’t even be bothered to reply.

Following behind, Huo Cun felt secondhand embarrassment for Bai Li and could only lower his head, pretending he hadn’t seen anything.

They proceeded this way to the main hall. The nobles who had come to offer congratulations filled the entire venue. Ceremonies like exchanging rings had long passed, and it was now free time for the nobles. Bai Li and Lu Zhao’s wedding venue was basically an intersection for the nobility and military circles to socialize.

The Marshal stood in a prominent position, surrounded by the heads of several aristocratic families. Upon seeing Lu Zhao and Bai Li, he broke into a smile. “Look, I told you the two of you are a good match.”

Bai Li and Lu Zhao walked over shoulder to shoulder, the bright lights of the main hall illuminating their features clearly.

This was the first time since the ceremony ended that the two had appeared at close quarters in the main hall. Because of his work, Major General Lu Zhao rarely appeared in public, making it a rare sight for nobles outside the military to see him in person. He indeed did not possess the soft, delicate beauty favored by the Imperial public, and the body clad in the white suit had nothing to do with being petite or cute. His features and aura carried a rugged steadiness that did not lose out to any Alpha.

As he walked slowly from a distance, the nobles and officers at the ceremony couldn’t help but recall the unseemly discussions on the forum. No one could imagine what expression would appear on this Major General’s face when submitting to another.

This topic had once made countless Alphas’ blood boil, but the desire to conquer roaring in their veins had to yield to Lu Zhao’s untarnished and glorious battle records.

Today, this Eagle of the Empire finally had his own legal partner.

“Bai Li, it’s been several years since we last saw each other, right?” The Marshal was no longer young, but his words still carried the forthright exuberance of his youth. He strode toward the man walking next to Lu Zhao. “You kid are still so… well… eye-catching.”

It was no exaggeration to say that the Marshal’s description was already somewhat tactful.

Bai Li had a face meant to attract bees and butterflies.

It was said that generation after generation of the Bai family had good looks, but as the Bai family declined, these good looks gradually came to be known as “noble vases,” as they truly had nothing else to show for themselves besides their faces.

Bai Li undoubtedly inherited his family’s strong suit, possessing an extremely striking and handsome face. With sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, his thin lips carried a smile. As someone who had rolled around in the military during his early years, his figure was tall and robust, completely lacking the sluggish laziness of current noble Alphas. This aura gave his face a more aggressively beautiful appeal. He walked with a leisurely and unhurried pace, showing no signs of any issue with the left leg that was rumored to be nearly crippled.

Judging purely by outward appearance, Bai Li was certainly top-tier among the current batch of Alphas from noble backgrounds.

It seemed he was very well aware that he had been blessed with good looks. He didn’t hide his pride in his appearance at all, returning a smile to every Omega who looked at him with a dazed expression. The glances he shot back were full of affection from the corners of his eyes, completely disregarding the angry, warning glares from other Alphas, his attitude utterly arrogant and domineering.

“You should at least tone it down a bit,” the Marshal muttered softly as he gave him a friendly hug.

Bai Li looked very innocent. “I just wanted to seem approachable and friendly.”

“It is enough for you to just be friendly and approachable to your Omega.” The Marshal smiled very cheerfully, patting Bai Li’s arm with one hand, looking as if he admired him greatly. The hand resting on Bai Li’s arm paused for several seconds before moving away to shake hands with Lu Zhao.

If the Marshal’s friendliness toward Bai Li was due to the friendship between their two families when Bai Li’s grandfather was still alive, then his friendliness toward Lu Zhao was absolutely pure appreciation.

He had shown his appreciation for Lu Zhao early on, and his attitude was many times more sincere than the one he showed Bai Li. On one hand, he advised Lu Zhao to take a good rest during his marriage leave; on the other hand, he patted his chest, promising that if Bai Li dared to step out of line, he would be the first to stand up and beat this young master half to death for Lu Zhao.

While responding to the congratulations of other nobles, Lu Zhao felt Bai Li lean in beside him, whispering in his ear, “Major General, this old man has definitely concluded in his heart that I won’t be able to control my lower half and will do scumbag things to wrong you.”

Lu Zhao turned his head and glanced at Bai Li. The other man’s expression was very subtle, his lips curling up as if smiling, but it looked somewhat enduring and helpless. Lu Zhao also asked in a low voice, “Why do you say that?”

“He almost snapped my arm just now.” Bai Li rubbed the spot where the Marshal’s hand had patted him. “I almost screamed out loud.”

Lu Zhao remembered the few seconds the Marshal’s hand had paused on Bai Li’s arm earlier and couldn’t help but find it funny. He had known early on that Bai Li and the Marshal had some connection due to their family backgrounds, but he didn’t expect that this connection wouldn’t stop the Marshal from striking a heavy blow in the dark.

Seeing no response from Lu Zhao, Bai Li looked exceptionally wronged. He nudged Lu Zhao with the arm that had almost been pinched off. “Really, it hurt a lot.”

Lu Zhao turned to him. “It really hurts?”

Bai Li nodded repeatedly. “Really, really.”

Lu Zhao raised his hand and landed another vicious blow right on his arm.

Bai Li was speechless.

Lu Zhao whispered, “Then I can be at ease.”

Before Bai Li could answer, the Marshal’s adjutant hurried over, informing them that the Marshal intended to introduce them to several rising nobles, inviting the two of them to drink and chat together.

Bai Li immediately swallowed back the words he was about to say. Lu Zhao casually smoothed out the wrinkled suit on his arm where it had been pinched.

The two exchanged a glance, each putting on their best expression for socializing, and walked shoulder to shoulder through the ceremony filled with mingling guests and clinking glasses.

On this day, Lu Zhao and Bai Li’s wedding caused a sensation on the Empire’s forum, with photos from the ceremony dominating the front page. Under the brilliant and bright lights, the two looked like partners who had been together for many years. In the photos, Bai Li was slightly bent over, tilting his head to speak to Lu Zhao in a low voice. Major General Lu Zhao’s perennially cold and stern face seemed slightly softened, his listening posture appearing exceptionally earnest.

Even the most critical forum netizens had to admit that, at least in this moment, Bai Li’s face barely made him somewhat worthy of Major General Lu Zhao.

The marriage was done. The Imperial residents who had been dissatisfied with this marriage recently also had to face reality. The eagle soaring high above the Empire had already fallen into the Bai family’s courtyard. Since that was the case, they could only bless this damn trash Alpha to be beaten half to death by Major General Lu Zhao as soon as possible.

Many noble ladies and young masters who were present at the ceremony contributed photos taken from various angles. Amidst everyone’s vigorous discussions, someone finally began to admit, “I have to say, Bai Li might really be the most handsome concrete.”

Bai Li’s incredibly arrogant selfie post was bumped back to the top. Facing that unrestrained, flamboyant, yet flawless face in the photo, the netizens of the Empire’s forum did not hesitate to give him a new title: “Imperial Concrete.”