Chapter Twenty-Nine: Luo Yanchi
Shi Chu silently followed the sheriff to the top floor. The quiet corridor held only the two of them; no other staff members were seen.
The beta sheriff stopped before a door, raised her hand and knocked, her tone tense and reserved: "Mr. Luo, I've brought the person."
"Yes, let her in," came a response from the half-open door, the voice as deep and mellow as a cello.
The sheriff turned and glanced at Shi Chu, then gestured for her to proceed.
"Miss Shichu, please."
The girl hesitated a moment, as if she had made up her mind, then pushed open the half-closed door and walked in with firm steps. The door slowly closed behind her.
The private reception room exuded refined elegance. A plush carpet cushioned the floor, while a heavy, dark brown solid wood sofa, adorned with soft velvet cushions, commanded the center. An exquisite tea set graced the coffee table.
An alpha occupied the sofa, his long platinum hair pulled back with a simple ribbon. Light blue eyes fixed on her, a cool indifference etched on his face, like a pristine snow lotus.
His posture was elegant, naturally radiating an undeniable aura of power and authority.
Formidable, she thought, and troublesome. Her charade likely appeared as mere clownish antics to him. She mentally strategized her next move.
Sigh, she mused. Too late to turn back now. Might as well commit. After all this time, a sudden change would only invite suspicion.
She resolved to play the role to the very end, consequences be damned. Her decision was swift and resolute.
Luo Yanchi's pause was almost imperceptible as she entered, before he calmly stated, "Miss Shichu, please sit."
Shi Chu settled on the sofa opposite him, hands on her knees, and asked with forced composure, "Hello, may I ask what this is about?"
Sensing her unease, he offered, "Please don't be afraid, Miss Shichu. I won't harm you."
"I am Luo Yanchi, Luo Yanchuan's older brother. I'm here to inquire about a few matters."
That morning, an urgent call from the Public Security Bureau had interrupted an important meeting. His brother, they reported, had lost control during his vulnerable period.
He'd been forced to suspend the meeting and rush to the scene.
By the time he reached the coffee shop, federal security had already cordoned off the area.
The nearby staff visibly relaxed at his arrival, quickly ushering him into the coffee shop.
Inside, chaos reigned. Luo Yanchuan, eyes bloodshot and feral, was pinned against a wall in the lobby, completely out of control. Driven by his alpha instincts, he relentlessly attacked the security team, desperate to escape.
Subduing him had been a struggle. Luo Yanchi later learned that the alpha's outburst had resulted in 2 deaths and 13 serious injuries. The incident occurred around 9:30 that morning.
Normally, his brother would be at home, reflecting on his behavior. His presence here was strange and concerning.
Checking Luo Yanchuan's personal terminal, he discovered the meeting invitation had been sent by a beta.
Luo Yanchi's gaze, filled with inquiry and scrutiny, settled on Shi Chu. He seemed determined to dissect her, to understand her completely.
This is the beta my brother mentioned, he thought, the one he lost control around, the one marked with his pheromones.
She sat quietly, a hint of tension evident on her delicate features. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her long black hair pulled back in a high ponytail, revealing the graceful curve of her neck.
Luo Yanchi forced himself to look away. He had detected an unusual scent upon her entry.
The faint, elusive fragrance was so subtle that even a top-tier alpha like himself could barely perceive it.
It was delicate and refined, like the scent of bamboo, or the clear, sweet water of a mountain spring. It evoked tranquility and peace, leaving one feeling refreshed and calm.
He noticed the fatigue and frustration that had been plaguing him lately, a result of relentless work, seemed to dissipate. The gloom in his heart lifted, replaced by a sense of clarity and peace.
It's coming from this beta, he realized. Her scent likely triggered my brother's loss of control.
Regaining his composure, Luo Yanchi met her gaze and stated calmly, "I believe you're aware that my brother was involved in an alpha riot. He's currently in a very unstable condition."
He recalled Luo Yanchuan's state – not just unstable, but utterly broken. He hadn't even recognized his own brother, acting like a rabid animal, attacking anyone who approached.
"Furthermore, he's been frantically releasing pheromones, completely out of control. If this continues, his glands will suffer irreversible damage, potentially leaving him a disabled alpha."
This was an outcome he couldn't accept, nor could the Luo family.
The interrogation of the beta before him, along with its results, were fully accessible to him. He had reviewed her information, confirming she had no involvement in the incident. Consequently, he instructed the police to drop all suspicions against her.
While the Luo family lacked direct influence within the magistrate's court, their reputation commanded respect. Given the lack of concern from other parties and the evidence pointing to her innocence, the order was swiftly executed.
Only after confirming her non-involvement did Luo Yanchi decide to meet with her personally.
In truth, he was clinging to a sliver of hope. His brother was in the throes of his vulnerable period, completely uncontrollable. He would lash out at anyone who approached, be they omega or even himself.
Perhaps this beta, who had previously triggered his brother's pheromonal surge, held a key.
He knew Luo Yanchuan was not an alpha prone to losing control. His earlier outburst likely stemmed from a unique connection with this beta – a fondness or affection he himself might not even recognize.
During their vulnerable periods, alphas crave the presence of their chosen partners to soothe their anxiety and quell their restless pheromones.
Perhaps she could reach his brother, pull him back from the brink of madness.
Upon seeing her, he instantly understood why Luo Yanchuan had lost control.
Her scent wasn't overtly alluring, but it possessed a subtle power, drawing people into a state of quiet tranquility from which they struggled to escape.
And that, he realized, was its most potent and dangerous quality.
This beta girl was dangerous, lethally so.
Luo Yanchi understood precisely how alluring she was to alphas.
Alphas were inherently combative, their minds often tense and agitated. Her presence was like a gentle breeze sweeping across a battlefield – seemingly harmless, yet capable of calming even the most savage instincts.
No alpha could resist her, precisely because she appeared so "harmless."
Luo Yanchi fixed his gaze on the beta before him. She tilted her head, her clear eyes filled with curiosity and apprehension, awaiting his next words with an innocent, obedient expression.
His breath caught momentarily, and he subtly averted his gaze. "I hope you'll accompany me to see him."
The beta hesitated briefly before responding softly, "Okay."
You pathetic alpha, she thought, what choice did you even give me? What could I do but agree? That sheriff outside is clearly in on this charade.
Refuse, and they'll simply fabricate some charge. I'd be in serious trouble.
A gentle, innocent smile bloomed on her face.