THE GAME

Chapter 42

Days later...

There was a new level of chill at the Jade Mansion. The estate that reflected the pride of the Gusu Lan clan was enveloped by loneliness. Despair lingered in every crevice like a mist,  choking the atmosphere as Lan Wangji meditated on the words of an omega. His mind reined in images of the few good encounters he could siphon out of that person, not leaving out the bad ones.

He opened his eyes: finding balance was unreachable in his current state. By sunset, he took a stand and walked down the corridors with his sword in hand. Lan Wangji put on a whole ensemble that depicted his status; light blue robes accompanied by the necessary accessories.

Bichen hovered just above the alpha's foot when he was let go. Taking a calm breath, Wangji places one foot up. He curses his heart for hesitating but sighed it off silently and got on. The sword lifts him high above and flew away...

The station was overwhelmed with a lot of paperwork and scheduled court proceedings during the day. At five the officers did their briefing and handing over for those filling in on night shift. All heads turned when a twin jade of Lan, in the person of Lan Wangji walked in.  It was easy to identify him because of his forehead ribbon and the peculiar headpiece. Many greeted respectfully and he responded with a nod.

"He looks better in person...Wow. What idiot would cheat on such an alpha."
Wangji turned his head to the side, causing the two females gossiping at a distance to stop.

"That's the Sect leader's son, his senses are sharp...Get back to work."

"But why is he here. Oh my, he came to see Detective Ling?", the whispers did not end.

Lan Wangji bowed slightly when he got to the woman's desk. The said detective was an alpha who was dedicated in her field. What made the jade single her out was her reputation for bringing some of the rich and powerful to book, especially those who abused and intimidated the weaker gender.
The woman stood to greet. It was a big thing being sought after by such a person. "Master Lan, please have a seat...What can I do for you.", her tone was friendly.
The jade's poker face was intimidating and commanded respect. It came off as a surprise when the alpha placed Bichen on the table and stretched his hands.
" I broke the law...I'm here to turn myself in."

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Xue Chengmei encounters a setback. It is difficult getting the lotus alone with Wen Xu and Wen Qing around him at all times. For now, the alpha had to find a better angle.
Walking the streets, he took a step back when he spotted the kid that robbed him the other day; Wearing the same outfit. The alpha chuckles seeing the same trick being used on another person.
Stealthily he follows the boy into a bus. Judging by the lack of proper scent, Chengmei deduced that the young one was probably a beta or had not presented yet.

About two hours later, the kid gets down at a humble neighbourhood out of town. The boy was almost home when a hand pulled and grabbed him by the neck.

"You're pretty smart, kid...Going such a long way to steal."
The boy yelped from the crushing grip.

"I dont know...what you're...talking about...let go.", the kid wheezed.

"Know when to lie...", Xue Yang smirked as he lifted the teenager off the ground.
He furrows his brow when the kid's hat falls off.

"A girl...with white eyes?", the alpha mutters under his breath.
Just then he hears a man calling. "A'Jing...I heard your voice. Are you okay? Who are you with... I warned you not to leave the house!"

Xue Yang tilted his head, confused. The young man had dark eyes that shone brightly, yet looked in all directions even when they stood right in front of him.