RBNR Ch3: What brother?

Though he said he was taking a shortcut, it still took Qin Bao half an hour to arrive at the banquet venue.

Seeing him arrive with all his limbs intact, Shan Yiming, who was waiting at the entrance, felt his legs go weak and his back break out in a sweat. “Brother, my Brother Bao, please don’t mess with me like this next time.”

“What are you afraid of? If I crash, I’m the one who gets hurt.”

The teenager took off his helmet and threw him a light glare. That fair face was flushed with a vivid red, and sweat from the heat clung to his temples, looking indescribably lively.

After a long while, Shan Yiming squeezed out three words: “It’s illegal!”

Throwing the helmet and keys to Shan Yiming, he also got off the bike.

Qin Bao didn’t care. “I’ll go turn myself in later, alright?”

He stood there, not much shorter than Shan Yiming, his hair a mess, the back of his white T-shirt soaked with sweat, and opened his mouth to ask, “Where are the clothes you brought for me?”

“Upstairs, I got a room for you,” Shan Yiming answered, then added with emphasis, “Qin Bao, you are not allowed to just casually ride my bike from now on.”

Qin Bao grew a bit impatient. “Cut the crap. That bike of yours is heavy as hell. If I wasn’t rushing for time, I wouldn’t have taken it even if you gave it to me.”

Even though it was the back door of the banquet, because there were many guests, there were still quite a few people coming and going.

Worried about being seen in this sloppy state by acquaintances, Qin Bao didn’t waste words and had Shan Yiming lead the way directly to the room.

Halfway there, they ran into Shan Yiming’s younger sister, Shan Yike.

With a lollipop in her mouth, Shan Yike didn’t forget to report to Qin Bao, “Brother Bao, Uncle Qin is looking for you.”

“Okay.”

Shan Yike added, “I told him your room number.”

Shan Yiming: “…”

Qin Bao replied, “I thank you so much.”

He didn’t know whose side’s spy she was.

This kid had just turned twelve and was also an Alpha, just entering the gland development stage. She was probably an idiot.

“You’re welcome.” Wearing a floral dress, she fluttered around Qin Bao like a butterfly. “Brother Bao, did you put on makeup? It looks really good, the fake eyelashes are so natural. I’m learning how to do makeup recently, can you send me a link?”

The three swiped the key card to enter the room. Qin Bao threw his backpack on the floor and started taking off his clothes. “I don’t have a link for the eyelashes. If you really want it, go ask my mom.”

Shan Yike said, “Didn’t Uncle Qin divorce your mom? I don’t see Aunt Rong here today.”

The little sister was dancing in Qin Bao’s minefield as usual.

He turned his head, his back molars already clenched. “Shan Yiming.”

The teenager was just growing up. After taking off his clothes, one could see his shoulders were much wider than when he was a child, his waist lean and powerful, his chest covered by a thin layer of muscle.

Shan Yiming let out an “Ah,” reached out to cover his sister’s eyes, and consciously said, “I’ll take her and get lost right now.”

Shan Yike didn’t understand. “Brother, what are you doing?”

Shan Yiming dragged her out.

“Alphas and Omegas should keep their distance.”

“Ah? What does it matter with Brother Bao? It’s not like we haven’t seen it before.”

When the three of them were young, they took summer swimming classes together every year.

“…You’re not allowed to look now.”

“Why?”

“No reason why.” Shan Yiming rolled his eyes. “In short, you’re not allowed to look.”

The two quickly disappeared at the door. Qin Bao was stunned for a moment before realizing what they were avoiding. Being used to putting on and taking off clothes at the runway shows, with people of all genders around, he hadn’t even realized there was anything inappropriate.

Differentiating is really troublesome, he thought as he tore open the gland patch on the back of his neck. Even Shan Yike was starting to observe the differences between Alphas and Omegas.

The formal suit Shan Yiming brought him was placed at the foot of the bed.

A proper suit, complete with a black bow tie.

After taking a shower, Qin Bao resignedly took off his stud earrings. Just in case, he also used foundation to cover the tattoos on his forearm and ankle. Then, he slicked back his hair, which had been washed clean of the temporary dye, exposing his smooth forehead.

Next, he put on the shirt and the suit, buttoning the shirt collar all the way to the top, and then tied the bow tie.

Layer upon layer, for an occasion like today, he had to play the good boy.

Mr. Qin probably arrived right on schedule.

Seeing him look like this after entering the door, Mr. Qin swallowed the bellyful of lectures he originally had. “Are you ready?”

He didn’t mention the passport-tearing incident again.

“Ready,” Qin Bao said. “Where is Grandpa?”

Mr. Qin: “Outside talking with guests, he just mentioned you. I kept the fact that you went abroad alone this time a secret for you. You can’t just run off so recklessly next time. It’s your grandfather’s birthday today, just go along with whatever he says. If he lectures you a bit later, it doesn’t matter, don’t throw a tantrum over every little thing.”

Qin Bao: “Got it.”

Mr. Qin nodded, relieved, and then asked out of concern, “Did you change your gland patch?”

Qin Bao: “I changed it.”

“What about blockers? Did you bring them?”

“I brought them.”

Mr. Qin still wasn’t reassured. “There are a lot of people at the banquet, how about you take a couple of puffs first?”

Qin Bao was speechless. “Dad, I’m not that fragile.”

The father and son entered the elevator.

Qin Bao’s height was already approaching his father’s. In recent years, they spent very little real time together, and always argued about Qin Bao walking runways. Every time they met, Mr. Qin had opinions about Qin Bao’s “avant-garde” style of dressing. It was rare for the two to be able to speak calmly for a few sentences.

Seeing him dressed so properly and looking so obedient, Mr. Qin’s heart melted into a puddle of mud.

Although being a model or a star wasn’t a great career path, how old was this child? He had been spoiled and pampered, yet he could endure hardships and work hard, climbing upwards with such ambition. It wasn’t as if Mr. Qin didn’t feel sorry for him.

Therefore, Mr. Qin asked gently, “Going out alone this time, without anyone by your side to help you sort things out, was it very tiring?”

“It was alright.”

The bow tie made Qin Bao feel constrained.

He tugged at it uncomfortably. “No different from before. Without Brother Lu nagging in my ear, it was actually quieter. He talks way too much.”

Mr. Qin, known for being elegant and meticulous, shut his mouth: “…”

The banquet hall was filled with guests and friends, exceptionally lively. Prominent figures from all circles made their appearance here.

Old Master Qin had graying temples but was in robust spirits. Although he had used a cane since he was young due to an old leg injury, he was a man who had been on the battlefield after all. Looking at his posture from behind now, it was almost indistinguishable from a young person’s.

When Qin Bao reached his side, the old man happily introduced him to the distinguished guests, saying, “His grades aren’t too good, he’s late because he had cram school.”

Qin Bao: “…”

His grades weren’t top-tier, but he definitely didn’t need to attend cram school either. At most, because work delayed his coursework, he asked teachers to give him regular private tutoring. Who knew Shan Yiming would find such a lame excuse for him? His face burned in waves.

Where was Shan Yiming?

He searched with his eyes, deciding to assassinate him.

Enduring the “loving” gazes of the guests while accompanying his grandfather in socializing, Qin Bao stood for a full half hour before finally escaping using the excuse of needing to use the restroom.

On the second floor, a group of unruly friends had long been waiting eagerly.

As soon as Qin Bao collapsed on the sofa, they swarmed him like bees, some kneading his legs, some massaging his shoulders.

“Long time no see, big supermodel. I heard you’ve been doing well lately!”

“Brother Bao is getting better and better looking!”

“Take me with you to the next runway show! I’ll be your assistant!”

“Brother Bao, Brother Bao, you’re mingling in the circle, can you help me get JOJO’s phone number?”

It had indeed been a long time since he last saw this group of people.

It seemed like after entering high school, they had drifted apart a bit. After all, each of these Alphas bore family missions and weren’t as free as ordinary people. They either went to schools with militarized management or to training camps swarming with strong Alphas.

Furthermore, as everyone gradually completed their differentiation, concepts of gender became clear. A group of Alphas couldn’t fool around with Qin Bao day and night like they used to.

This gathering was a social occasion for the elders, but also a playground for everyone to catch their breath.

The biggest benefit of Qin Bao entering the modeling industry was that he could take them to fashion shows to appreciate, up close, those Omegas who wouldn’t normally appear in their lives. The moment they saw him, this group of pubescent Alphas were all rubbing their hands in anticipation, as if they had prematurely entered mating season.

“What can you do even if you get her phone number?” Qin Bao asked curiously. “She is mixed British and French, and your foreign language skills are so terrible. If you call, can you speak to her in English or French?”

That person was named Tu Yisen, from a military family background, and famously illiterate himself.

Tu Yisen didn’t get angry either: “I’m so handsome, I only need to say ‘hello I love you, I have muscles, do you want look look’ and that’s it, right?”

Qin Bao: “Alright, alright, losing face all the way abroad, huh?”

The crowd burst into laughter.

As they were talking, Shan Yike squeezed in. She was addicted to being a spy, hastily reporting loudly: “The people from the Feng family are here!”

The scene fell inexplicably quiet for a moment.

The Feng family, they were heavyweight VIPs.

When the Alliance was founded, the Feng family was among the founding fathers. Times changed, hundreds of years passed, and today’s Feng family still occupied an important position of power and influence in the Alliance.

The Alliance’s powers were complex and intertwined, and the Feng family’s roots plunged deeply into it, like a massive entity that didn’t reveal its true size, firmly grasping the Alliance’s lifeline. It was no exaggeration to say that if their family were to take over the highest authority of the Alliance one day, no one would be surprised.

Before his death, Old Master Feng and Old Master Qin were sworn brothers, having a life-and-death bond.

Old Master Feng had three children. The eldest son didn’t enter politics; he and his wife both taught at a university. The eldest daughter and the second son did take the political path, but both held posts out of town. Therefore, after Old Master Feng passed away, the two families rarely visited each other, but they would definitely appear on such occasions.

“The Feng family…”

“Are they here too? Will we be able to see the Marshal?”

“Nonsense, isn’t that him in the front.”

Everyone walked to the railing to look down.

Speaking on the second floor, they actually couldn’t be heard from below, but they still subconsciously lowered their volume, only daring to whisper.

The crowd below had parted at some point, leaving a very wide path for that group of people.

The middle-aged male Alpha walking at the very front was familiar to people across the country, often appearing on the news. Although his aura wasn’t as ruthless as when he fought in all directions with his mecha in his youth, he still possessed a commanding presence without needing to be angry. The female Alpha next to him was slightly older than him, also a regular in national defense news, and their facial features were about seventy or eighty percent similar.

These were the siblings who currently held power in the Feng family.

Tu Yisen asked quietly, “Who is that on the far right?”

A childhood friend answered, “That’s the Feng family’s eldest, Professor Feng. Shan Yiming even takes his wife’s class, the one holding his arm, right Shan Yiming?”

Shan Yiming nodded, his gaze falling on the young man by Professor Feng and his wife’s side.

Someone asked him, “So the Alpha next to the couple, is that their son?”

Shan Yiming had also noticed that person, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Too conspicuous.

There was no one who wasn’t paying attention to him.

After a long while, Shan Yiming shook his head: “I’ve never seen him, I’m not sure, but it should be. I heard Professor Lin say before that her son was sent abroad to study when he was very young.”

The one who could walk in that position was naturally the Feng family’s eldest grandson.

Shan Yike leaned on the railing listening to her brothers talk, and as if remembering something, her eyes suddenly widened. “Ah! Professor Feng’s son, then isn’t that Brother Bao’s—”

Before she could finish, Shan Yiming rewarded her with a rap on the head. “Keep your voice down!”

Shan Yike covered her head and said aggrievedly, “What, it’s not a secret…”

Her brother was merciless when he struck, whereas Tu Yisen was somewhat better. He reached out, pulled the kid’s head into his embrace, and rubbed it. “Your brother is considered gentle. Careful that Brother Bao doesn’t beat you if he hears.”

After speaking, Tu Yisen even opened his mouth to show her his teeth. “See this tooth? When I was young and brought this up, Brother Bao punched it out. Fortunately, it grew back later when I was changing teeth. You’ve already passed your teeth-changing phase, think about whether yours can grow back?”

Shan Yike shrank her neck back in lingering fear.

Turning back to look, Qin Bao was still sprawled on the sofa behind them, looking listless, clearly having zero interest in the Feng family or whatever.

Mr. Qin called, telling Qin Bao to come downstairs.

He had to follow his father to begin a new round of socializing.

Qin Bao held a glass of juice, acting as a social butterfly by Mr. Qin’s side, his face almost freezing from smiling so much. He didn’t know how many guests he had met. Amidst the clinking glasses, they turned to a person and heard the other party politely call out, “Uncle Qin.”

Qin Bao thought to himself that it was another childhood friend he hadn’t seen in a long time. Just as he lifted his eyes, his heart unexpectedly gave a heavy thump, as if struck hard by something, and his entire person was dazed.

It was a strange, young Alpha.

He had a handsome face with deep facial contours, completely hitting Qin Bao’s aesthetic strike zone; the visual impact was massive.

Because of his work, Qin Bao had seen countless people with outstanding looks, but he had never felt that anyone was as special as the person in front of him. This person’s posture was calm and elegant, yet he didn’t make people feel close to him at all. Instead, his whole body carried an indescribable coldness, like a dazzling sword, its sharp edge completely exposed.

“Almost forgot, this is my youngest son Qin Bao. Chengyu, you even held him when you were little.”

Mr. Qin said with a smile.

At the same time, he lightly nudged Qin Bao’s shoulder. “Qin Bao, call him older brother.”

Qin Bao snapped back to his senses abruptly: “…”

Call who older brother?

What older brother?

How old was he already, still calling people “older brother”?

Qin Bao’s heart beat faster and faster, completely out of control. He didn’t know what was wrong with himself, what kind of spell he was under.

The atmosphere stagnated for a few seconds.

Due to their height difference, Feng Chengyu’s eyes slightly lowered, his gaze falling onto Qin Bao’s face.

So it was him.

Feng Chengyu recognized him. This was the teenager who had somewhat unskillfully ridden the motorcycle out of the underground garage. In such a short time, he had put on a suit, tied a bow tie, and appeared here behaving obediently and politely, practically a different person from just now.

Is this the “very well-behaved, non-drag-racing Qin family’s Xiao Bao” his mother spoke of.

No different from the wealthy playboys in his impression.

“Hello.”

Qin Bao said dryly, putting on a calm front.

Feng Chengyu didn’t care about other people’s lives, no matter what kind of relationship the future might assign them.

He merely maintained his due grace and politeness, replying: “Hello.”