Ge – means “older brother”
Example that can been seen in this chapter:
When the assistant Yuan says “Xiao Ge” (潇哥), she’s using it as a respectful and affectionate way to address Ju Xiao, likely because he’s older or in a senior position in the group.
NOTES: THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TRANSLATION INSTEAD OF Gege I WAS USING Brother/Older Brother.
# 1
In A City during December, the temperature plummeted sharply.
Snow had been falling steadily all day with no sign of stopping.
Withered branches were covered with a thick layer of white, and the once vibrant city gradually lost its color, appearing desolate and lonely.
As bleak as the weather outside was Director Duan’s face at this moment.
Today, the company’s popular boy band had been exposed by the media for internal bullying.
The only Beta in the team had been bullied by three Alphas to the point of depression, attempted suicide, and was now rescued but still lying in the hospital.
The scandal was spiraling out of control. When Duan Baisui learned of the news, he immediately summoned their manager.
They had just finished talking, and the situation didn’t look good.
“Any social engagements tonight?” Duan Baisui looked up.
His eyes and brows resembled his Alpha father’s—bold and defiant, showing oppression when looking at people.
But his temperament took after his Omega father, cold and aloof, with smiles that never reached his eyes, making him difficult to approach.
The new assistant was quite afraid of him.
“The General Manager of Chaoyue has invited you to a small gathering at the Blue Bridge Club.”
Duan Baisui replied coolly: “Decline it. Have the driver take me to the hospital.”
Luo Yin: “Understood.”
After a pause, he added: “Mr. Zuo called earlier, asking if you would be home for dinner?”
Duan Baisui stood up and took his coat from the floor-length coat rack, saying: “Tell him not to wait for me.”
His voice remained cold, devoid of any emotion.
“Understood.”
After leaving the office, Luo Yin first called the driver, instructing him to bring the car to the company entrance.
Afterward, he called Mr. Zuo back.
Having just started the job recently, his knowledge of the boss was limited to news and instructions from the previous assistant.
He only knew that Director Duan had married not long ago.
Logically, someone of his background and status would have had a grand wedding, certainly making headlines.
However, so far, no media had captured his wedding scene.
Some said he never held a wedding ceremony because his partner was a fool. Despite their childhood friendship, he married reluctantly, merely going through the formalities without inviting guests, making their relationship naturally discordant.
Director Duan often returned late, deliberately neglecting his spouse—a silent protest against this marriage.
That’s why Mr. Zuo’s calls frequently went through the assistant.
The phone rang only twice before being answered.
The voice on the other end was cheerful: “Hello.”
Luo Yin maintained a professional tone: “Hello, Mr. Zuo. This is Xiao Luo.”
“I’ve already confirmed with Director Duan. He won’t be home for dinner and asks you not to wait for him.”
“Oh…” The other person seemed very disappointed, his tone dropping from upbeat to dejected and mumbling.
“Then, could you please remind him not to drink alcohol? He has a cold and is taking medication. He should also drink plenty of hot water.”
“Certainly, Mr. Zuo, please don’t worry.”
Luo Yin had never met Duan Baisui’s partner.
But the man’s childish tone seemed to confirm the rumors.
“And, and tell him to drive slowly. I’ll wait for him no matter how late, and won’t wander off. Make sure to tell him, okay?” he rambled on.
Luo Yin patiently replied: “Of course.”
Just as he hung up, the office door opened.
Duan Baisui emerged dressed in all black, his expression gloomy.
Luo Yin clutched his phone and said cautiously: “Mr. Zuo said…”
“Is the car here?” Duan Baisui coldly interrupted.
“It should be,” Luo Yin replied.
“Mm.”
Seeing Duan Baisui’s expression, Luo Yin dared not say another word.
It was rush hour, and traffic was congested.
The normally twenty-minute drive from the company to the hospital took an extra fifteen minutes.
When Duan Baisui got out of the car, many reporters were still crouching at the hospital entrance, blocked by security from entering.
They took the elevator to the fourth-floor VIP ward, where people were stationed outside to prevent reporters from sneaking in.
Duan Baisui knocked on the door, and soon someone came to open it.
It was the young star’s assistant.
Seeing Duan Baisui, she timidly called out: “Director Duan.”
From the entrance to the inside was a short corridor, so Duan Baisui couldn’t immediately see the patient’s condition.
He asked the assistant: “How is he?”
Before she could finish answering, tears started falling from the girl’s face. She sobbed: “The wound has been sutured. The doctor said there’s no life-threatening danger, but Xiao Ge’s mental state…”
The girl couldn’t continue and covered her face, crying.
The bullied man was named Ju Xiao.
During the initial talent show, all the judges had high hopes for him.
Among a sea of aggressive Alpha contestants, he was exceptionally gentle and modest.
Even his appearance was that of a refined gentleman, easily winning people’s favor.
His skills were also not to be underestimated.
However, that season was exceptionally strong, with many handsome and talented contestants.
Ju Xiao’s looks were relatively plain, and despite his efforts, he inevitably fell behind in singing and dancing, resulting in average popularity.
He ultimately placed fourth.
But that was still quite impressive.
After the competition ended, Duan Baisui signed him.
He admired this young man who had dreams and worked hard.
The company formed the TR boy band with him and the first, third, and fifth-place winners.
The second-place winner chose to continue his education and had no intention of entering the entertainment industry, so the four of them became the company’s focus for cultivation.
Duan Baisui spent a fortune sending them abroad for advanced training, hired the best stylists to transform them according to their natural qualities, and invested heavily in promoting them.
Fortunately, all these efforts were worthwhile.
TR’s debut performance was a sensation.
All four members instantly became famous nationwide.
Advertising deals came pouring in.
Even TV dramas and variety shows approached them.
But beneath the seemingly peaceful and beautiful days, undercurrents were flowing.
The boy band’s problems first surfaced during an interview.
The host asked: “Who in your group has the best temper?”
The three Alphas all pointed to Ju Xiao.
The host smiled and asked: “Is it because Ju Xiao is more accommodating to all of you?”
The youngest, Rong Jin, blurted out: “Yes, we privately call him our nanny. He even washes our underwear.”
Ju Xiao looked embarrassed and quickly added: “I’m the oldest, so I should take care of them more.”
That video quickly topped the trending searches.
Some criticized Rong Jin for being ungrateful and tactless, some criticized Ju Xiao for being too submissive, saying he wouldn’t have even made the top four without Rong Jin’s help rallying votes. A small faction began shipping them as a couple, writing numerous fan fictions.
Without exception, they all portrayed Ju Xiao as a motherly figure.
When Duan Baisui saw the interview, he called a meeting and severely reprimanded Rong Jin, warning him to be careful with his words in the future.
The incident eventually concluded with Rong Jin’s apology, Ju Xiao’s forgiveness, and a group photo showing their brotherly bond.
Little did anyone realize then that Rong Jin’s careless remark was just the tip of the iceberg of Ju Xiao’s bullying.
Duan Baisui approached Ju Xiao’s hospital bed.
The man looked pale and weak.
His left wrist was wrapped in thick bandages, and short stubble had grown on his chin.
He stared vacantly at the ceiling, a stark contrast to his once bright-eyed dreamer self.
“I’m very sorry I didn’t discover this sooner, nor did I notice Hu Chun’s inaction. The company will fire him immediately,” Duan Baisui promised.
Hu Chun was their manager, and Duan Baisui didn’t believe he knew nothing but had been helping to conceal everything.
Seeing no response from Ju Xiao, Duan Baisui continued: “I will represent the company in providing appropriate compensation. Of course, I also support you in defending your rights. If you want to sue them, the company will hire the best lawyers for you.”
Hearing this, a tear slid down from the corner of Ju Xiao’s eye.
He still didn’t speak, just closed his eyes and turned his face away.
“Xiao Ge, if you have any grievances, tell Director Duan. He can definitely help you. Let’s sue those three beasts, let’s sue them,” the assistant Yuan sobbed.
Ju Xiao pulled the blanket over his head, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He rejected all communication.
He was still living in fear and anxiety.
“Alex.” Ju Xiao’s attending physician approached.
He and Duan Baisui were friends who had known each other for many years and trusted each other.
That’s why, upon learning the truth, Duan Baisui had immediately transferred Ju Xiao to this hospital.
“Give the patient some space. Let’s talk outside,” Dr. Qin suggested.
Duan Baisui looked at the bundled figure and said: “Rest well. If you need anything, contact me or Assistant Luo immediately. Rest assured, the company won’t shield anyone.”
Ju Xiao emitted a faint sob from under the blanket.
Yuan rushed over to hug him, comforting: “Xiao Ge, it’s okay, it’s okay, don’t be afraid. We’re all here.”
Dr. Qin patted Duan Baisui’s shoulder, gesturing for him to leave.
Following Dr. Qin out of the ward, Duan Baisui asked: “How is his condition now?”
Dr. Qin: “Physically, there are no major issues, but his psychological problems are severe. He not only cut his wrist but also swallowed sleeping pills. His desire to die is strong. I recommend getting him a psychologist.”
Duan Baisui nodded: “Mm.”
After thinking for a moment, he asked: “Was he assaulted?”
With three Alphas involved, it was difficult not to consider this possibility.
Dr. Qin shook his head: “Based on current examinations, no.”
Duan Baisui sighed in relief: “That’s good.”
“However, there’s something strange. He keeps asking me if he’s an Omega.”
Ju Xiao showed no signs of secondary gender differentiation, so there was no reason for him to ask this question.
Duan Baisui intuitively guessed something.
“By the way, it’s rare to see a busy person like you. Want to have dinner together later? My treat,” Dr. Qin invited.
Duan Baisui checked the time—just after seven, neither early nor late. If he went home on an empty stomach, Zuo Nian would fuss over him. Thinking of this, he agreed: “Sounds good.”
They ate casually in the hospital cafeteria.
This was a private hospital that mainly served celebrities.
Therefore, there were fewer patients, strong privacy, and decent food in the cafeteria.
Duan Baisui and Dr. Qin talked about Ju Xiao’s injuries and asked him to take special care of Ju Xiao, after all, he was one of his company’s artists. With this incident, he couldn’t escape responsibility.
The bullying incident wasn’t exposed until the artist attempted suicide, which really made the company appear negligent.
Without even thinking about it, he knew how harsh the online criticism must be.
He didn’t care about rumors, but his conscience truly bothered him.
Leaving the hospital, Duan Baisui went straight home.
Outside, night had fallen completely.
When he opened the door, the living room was brightly lit. The TV was playing a new historical romance drama, the volume just right to give this lonely villa a touch of humanity.
On the spacious European sofa, someone was sweetly sleeping wrapped in a plush thin blanket.
He was curled up, facing the back of the sofa. Duan Baisui could only see his round head.
But even from this thin silhouette, he could recognize that it was Zuo Nian.
Duan Baisui tiptoed, wondering whether to wake him to go back to his room.
Zuo Nian was very timid. When alone at home, he always slept with the lights and TV on.
He was afraid of the dark and ghosts.
It made him feel safe.
Duan Baisui took off his coat and walked to the sofa. The previously sleeping young man woke up vigilantly.
He raised his head, drowsy, with slightly reddened eyes.
His loose pajama collar hung askew, revealing delicate collarbones.
Duan Baisui had to admit that Zuo Nian was attractive.
Even though he had seen all sorts of beauties in the entertainment industry, Zuo Nian was the most beautiful Omega he had ever seen.
His simplicity and naivety weren’t pretenses, especially those moist large eyes that always looked at people with innocent curiosity, making others want to bully him and see him cry.
“Brother…”
The Omega had just woken up, his voice husky with drowsiness.
“Did I wake you?” Duan Baisui asked.
Zuo Nian shook his head, shuffled over in his slippers, and reached out to take his tie, asking: “Has brother eaten? Luo Ge said you had a social engagement tonight, so I didn’t cook. I just made noodles for myself. If you haven’t eaten, I can make something for you.”
The housekeeper was on leave recently, so Zuo Nian had been cooking these past two days.
Duan Baisui looked down at him: “I’ve eaten.”
“Then do you want some dessert? Like cake?” Zuo Nian inquired carefully.
Duan Baisui glanced at the coffee table, finally noticing the small eight-inch cake.
He suddenly realized that today was Christmas, and also Zuo Nian’s birthday.
He had forgotten.
