My Fierce Beta Husband is Surprisingly Sweet | Chapter 9 | A Spicy Reunion | Novela.app

“I was wrong, I really was, waaaaah!” Inside the steaming hot pot restaurant, Yu Tianwu wore a woeful expression as she stared at the pot of plain clear broth in front of her. Because of her earlier transgression, Li Zi had unilaterally decided that Tianwu was only allowed to cook her food in the non-spicy pot. Yu Tianwu, who couldn't live without spice, pressed her palms together in a pleading gesture, waving them up and down frantically. “I didn't do it on purpose! I lost a game, and they made me kiss the first person who walked through the door. I thought it would be you—how was I supposed to know it would be your boyfriend’s friend?” She opened her beautiful eyes wide, looking at Li Zi with a shimmering, watery gaze, the perfect image of a puppy begging for a treat. “Li Zi, please forgive me. I’m so hungry.” Li Zi gave her a thin smile, then picked up a piece of tripe for Li Zhengting and placed it in his bowl, advising, “Careful, it’s hot. If it’s too spicy, rinse it in your oil dipping sauce.” Yu Tianwu turned her head to look at her other roommates. Hua Yi and Xie Bing were calmly holding their chopsticks, dipping slices of dual-pepper beef into the red oil pot. The red meat shimmered in and out of sight within the fragrant, boiling soup, tormenting Yu Tianwu’s very soul. The two of them were also a bit annoyed today, so they simply ignored her. Seeing her roommates’ cold indifference, Yu Tianwu’s face fell. Just as she was about to throw a tantrum—muttering about being a “forsaken little cabbage that nobody loves”—she noticed Li Zi serving food to her man and carefully avoiding the chili peppers. Her mind whirred; she dashed to the front desk to grab something and then jogged back. She slammed the item down in front of Li Zhengting and grabbed his wrists with both hands, her face full of sincerity. “I’ve heard Li Zi talk about you all the time! She says her Zhengting is exceptionally wonderful, handsome, and considerate. She said you two are childhood sweethearts, innocent playmates, a match made in heaven! I just know you must be a truly kind person, so please, forgive my offense against your friend!” “Cough, cough!” Li Zi choked slightly and said, exasperated, “When did I ever say those things?” Seeing Li Zhengting looking at her with an expression that clearly said, *“Is that how you describe me behind my back?”* she helplessly tapped the table. “Let go of his hands. Don’t just touch people randomly.” Yu Tianwu chuckled and finally released Li Zhengting’s wrists. “The person you should be apologizing to isn't us; it’s Liu Yan,” Li Zi added. Yu Tianwu’s gaze finally shifted to the man in the corner who had been trying his best to remain invisible. Seeing everyone look at him, Liu Yan gave a couple of awkward laughs. The atmosphere was stifling. Although everyone had explained Yu Tianwu’s behavior back in the karaoke booth, and he had realized on the way to the restaurant that this girl was naturally uninhibited and probably didn't take such physical contact seriously—especially since they were both Alphas and there was no other... But still, that was his first kiss. At that thought, Liu Yan pouted slightly. “You’re... Liu Yan, right? How old are you?” Yu Tianwu leaned in and asked sneakily. “Uh, twenty.” “I’m two years younger than you! Then I’ll call you Yan-ge. Yan-ge, I was wrong. Just name a punishment and I’ll do it, but I really want to eat from the spicy pot~” Yu Tianwu made a crying face. *Is this really an Alpha?* Liu Yan couldn't help but wonder. He had never seen an Alpha like this. He thought of Li Zi’s golden retriever back home and involuntarily superimposed the image of a dog onto the girl in front of him. His heart softened. He scratched his head and acted magnanimous. “We’re all Alphas, it’s no big deal. I don’t really mind.” Yu Tianwu flashed him a brilliant smile. “You’re such a good person!” Then, with Li Zi’s silent permission, her hand trembled with excitement as she reached out to snag the last piece of tripe from the spicy pot. “How many days are you staying this time?” Li Zi finally had a moment to speak properly with Li Zhengting. She took the Coke Yu Tianwu had set aside and popped the tab with a click. Li Zhengting was currently battling the mountain of food in his bowl. Hailing from the south, he wasn't great with spicy food, and sweat was already beading on his forehead. “I don’t know, maybe a day or two. How long do you want me to stay?” Li Zi let out a soft laugh but didn't answer directly. Instead, she asked, “Why aren't you drinking the Coke Tianwu gave you? Don't you usually love it?” Li Zhengting pursed his lips, dissatisfied with her changing the subject. He muttered vaguely, “I’m controlling my weight lately.” *Classic him,* Li Zi thought, speechless. “If you can’t eat it, don’t force yourself. You’ll have an upset stomach tonight.” “I know. I’ll just finish this bowl.” “Li Zi, this is the first time we’ve actually had a meal with your boyfriend, isn't it? And the semester is almost over,” Hua Yi said, having retreated from the "battlefield" to wipe her mouth and chat. “Yes, the timing just never worked out before.” “I remember when the semester started, you even claimed he was your brother, haha!” Yu Tianwu chimed in while struggling with a piece of shrimp paste. “If it weren't for our sharp eyes, we wouldn't have guessed the truth so quickly. Otherwise, how would we have helped you block all those guys trying to hit on you?” Upon hearing this, Li Zhengting’s relaxed expression became visibly, menacingly "amiable." “All those guys hitting on her?” “If you don't speak, no one will think you're a mute,” Xie Bing said, quickly nudging Tianwu with her elbow. Couldn't she see that Li Zi’s boyfriend was a total vinegar jar? “Zhengting-ge, don't worry. Li Zi is famous at school for her 'three-point line' routine—dorm, cafeteria, class. She has no worldly desires. The rest of the time she’s with us; she doesn't have time to pay attention to anyone else.” “Thank you,” Li Zhengting replied politely. “I know Li Zi isn't that kind of person. At the same time, I’m grateful to the three of you for looking after her this semester.” “She hasn't had many friends since she was little. It’s rare for her to be so close with the three of you.” Watching the man put on his serious act, Li Zi felt amused. As for why she didn't have many friends growing up—whose fault was that? With someone who looked like he was looking for a fight following her every day, glaring fiercely at anyone who tried to get close, who would dare approach her? However, she didn't expose him. Li Zhengting cared deeply about his image. “That’s true, that’s true. It seems like Li Zi-jie has always only had Li-ge by her side. They’re always together; I’ve never seen anyone else,” Liu Yan joined the discussion. Unexpectedly, as soon as he said this, everyone present caught the underlying meaning. *Oh~ such strong possessiveness.* Under everyone’s teasing gazes, Li Zhengting, who had finally managed to project the aura of a dignified guardian, slapped Liu Yan hard on the shoulder. “You’re full, aren't you?” Liu Yan wilted. “Full...” “Didn't you spend all day shouting about how hungry you were? Eat more.” *And stop making trouble for me.* “So, where are you staying tonight? Our dorm has a curfew soon,” Xie Bing said, checking the time on her phone. “Are you silly, Bing? Li Zi will definitely have it arranged.” Having finally eaten her fill, Yu Tianwu wiped her mouth and pulled a mirror from her bag to touch up her lipstick. “Right. I’ll take them to the hotel nearby and get two rooms. Help me cover for the room check,” Li Zi said. “Sure. It’s the end of the term, so they shouldn't be too strict,” Hua Yi nodded. “Waiter, check please!” Li Zi settled the bill. After seeing off her three roommates, Li Zi hailed a taxi and gave the hotel’s address. She sat in the back with Li Zhengting, while Liu Yan consciously took the front passenger seat. “Xiao Liu, is there a specific reason you came this time?” she asked Liu Yan. “Yeah, I want to bring my dad to the Central Hospital for a check-up. He hasn't been feeling well lately.” “I see. If you need any help, have your Li-ge tell me.” Li Zi caught the man’s hand as he tried to sneakily place it on her lap. It was a bit cold, so she wrapped her hands around it. “Thanks, Li Zi-jie.” “It’s nothing. Was the trip here smooth today?” Feeling Li Zi’s warmth, Li Zhengting placed his duffel bag at his feet and sat a bit closer to her. “What could go wrong? It was very smooth,” Li Zhengting said. “Haha, it was okay, except Li Zi-jie didn't reply to his messages, so Li-ge was grumpy the whole way. The flight attendant kept eyeing him, afraid he was going to start trouble, hahaha!” Remembering how he had been bullied at the hot pot table, Liu Yan decided to get some revenge. He peeked at Li Zhengting and tattled. “Tsk, you really have a lot to say today.” Li Zhengting grew flustered with shame. He rolled up his sleeves, wanting to grab Liu Yan and drag him to the back seat for a lecture. He was bluntly stopped by the driver. “Sir, please do not interfere with the driver.” Li Zi chuckled softly. “Alright, stop it. Let the driver drive in peace.” She reached out to intercept the man’s hands, pulling them into her lap. Only then did the man grumble dissatisfactorily and look out the window. His ears were bright red. ***