A Disguised Scum Alpha Marked Her Aloof Ex-Wife - Chapter 28

The thirty minutes spent waiting in the pure-white corridor blurred into nothing but a number.

It was as if a dormant beast had suddenly awakened at midnight, devouring every trace of will. Scientists in white uniforms hurried to and fro, leaving only bewildered shadows behind.

Zhu Yu could only wait outside.

At first, she leaned against the glass, hoping to infer what had happened from people’s expressions. But blocking the doorway was too much of an obstruction, and she could not help with anything, so she moved to the wall opposite instead.

It was like standing as punishment.

She stood perfectly straight. The people coming and going all called her Your Highness Zhu Yu, and she went from anxious to numb acceptance, nodding with an unreadable expression.

This section had not been in the original book. At least, not in the parts Zhu Yu remembered.

Bai Shuzhou should have had a perfect life. From a gifted, much-beloved princess to the principal dancer, then after blackening, she should have gone one step further and, after Bai Qianze disappeared, become the ruler of the vast Empire.

Her first scummy Alpha wife had been the only stain on her perfect résumé.

Was it because of Zhu Yu’s arrival that something had changed?

Zhu Yu had heard of the butterfly effect. She had also thought about what the changed future might look like. Bai Shuzhou would not have to suffer so much, Zhu Yu would not have to die, and perhaps they really would have a daughter.

But the moment those wings fluttered, the world seemed to have become uncontrollable.

The sense of safety brought by knowing the “future” had become nothing but empty words, gently torn apart tonight.

The first half of Zhu Yu’s life had gone too smoothly. She had hardly suffered any setbacks. She grew up normally, went to school normally, and even during the most hot-blooded years of adolescence, she had no memories carved deep into her bones.

A normal eighteen-year-old life was romance, challenge, exploring a wider unknown.

But Zhu Yu had only entered an expected university, studied a major she liked, and spent every day with mechanical parts, hardly forming any new relationships.

If she had not met Bai Shuzhou, even after transmigrating to another world, she probably would have simply continued studying her specialty in some small city, making a living and spending her life quietly.

But now, she had become greedier. She wanted to stand by Bai Shuzhou’s side, share her light, and also shoulder her shadows.

She had thought that sending Bai Shuzhou home would be enough.

Home, to Zhu Yu, was a place that could shelter one from wind and rain, a place of absolute safety. As long as one went home, one would be safe.

But coming here brought Zhu Yu no sense of safety at all. Only in places where Bai Shuzhou’s scent existed could she feel even slightly at ease.

Feng Jiyan arrived quickly. She glanced at Zhu Yu in surprise, and Zhu Yu looked at her too.

Those pitch-black eyes were not as bright as before. Amid confusion, Zhu Yu rarely revealed a trace of aggression, like a young beast pacing outside a cave, bluffing as it bared its teeth and claws.

The Feng family controlled the Academy. Their suspicion was the greatest.

Those scars left from surgeries—what exactly had you done to her?!

Her eyes grew darker. Bai Shuzhou’s unique scent still lingered around her, while a faint woody fragrance slipped out from the gaps, clenched tightly in her palm.

She had no idea how frightening she looked at this moment. That ill-timed white protective suit did not weaken her aura. Instead, it made the low pressure frozen around her seem even colder, almost tangible killing intent making passing researchers obediently shut their mouths and unconsciously detour around her.

Not long after, Feng Jiyan came out with an ashen face. Seeing Zhu Yu, her frown deepened.

“How is she?”

“We need to talk.”

The two spoke almost at the same time.

Inside the office, an electronic barrier rose silently, blocking outside eyes. Feng Jiyan tapped her fingertips impatiently on the desk, and her fox tail drooped as well.

“We were all tricked by His Majesty.” She coldly threw out her conclusion, carrying a trace of anger at being fooled.

Zhu Yu said, “That isn’t what I want to hear. How is the princess?”

“There is no major danger. It’s only memory regression caused by abnormal mental power. For now, we’re not sure whether it was caused by stimulation or medication, but it’s still within the normal threshold.”

As the daughter of the actual person in power at the Academy, Feng Jiyan spoke lightly, as if it had nothing to do with her.

Zhu Yu asked, “Memory regression? Around what period? When can she recover?”

“We’re organizing repairs. If everything goes smoothly, around a week. But—” Feng Jiyan lifted her eyes and stared at Zhu Yu. “His Majesty doesn’t seem to want us to continue advancing the process. She’s worried it might harm the princess.”

This was an obvious, clumsy excuse.

“The teenage princess, whose mother had just passed away, returning to before all tragedy happened, able to rely wholeheartedly only on her sole elder sister…” Feng Jiyan’s smile turned playful and cold. Softly, she said, “How interesting. How lovable.”

The entire interstellar world knew how much Bai Qianze doted on this younger sister. They were each other’s only family in the world.

Bai Shuzhou liked peace and quiet, so Bai Qianze built an entire aerial garden for her. When Bai Shuzhou fell ill, no matter how busy with official duties, the emperor would always stay by her side without sleeping or resting…

Countless people envied such a perfect elder sister.

“Was this Bai Qianze’s doing?”

“I never said that.” Feng Jiyan shrugged innocently. “How could His Majesty possibly harm the princess? She simply loves her too much.”

She deliberately emphasized the word “loves,” her gaze locked on Zhu Yu like a spider observing its prey, waiting to weave the next, more intricate web.

“So, the princess’s life isn’t in danger, right?” Zhu Yu summarized the point that mattered to her. “Then what about her legs? Will she be in a lot of pain during treatment? I want to see her medical records…”

“Stop.”

That string of questions made Feng Jiyan frown, displeased at losing control of the conversation.

She raised a hand to stop Zhu Yu, with the arrogance and dignity unique to nobles.

“First, I deeply regret the princess’s injuries. But I’m not responsible for external wounds. I only study brain science. Second, don’t doubt the Royal Academy’s technical standards. You should worry about yourself instead.”

“Hm?” Zhu Yu frowned. She racked her brain and thought through everything. The biggest problem she faced was that Bai Shuzhou seemed to have forgotten her.

Feng Jiyan looked like she hated iron for not becoming steel. “Do I need to remind you? In six days, you two are supposed to sign the divorce confirmation document.”

She sneered. “And at precisely this time, the princess has lost her memory…”

After a meaningful pause, she continued, “Think about it. When has His Majesty ever supported the two of you being together? Once the divorce is finalized and you lose the princess’s protection, can you truly escape unscathed from all those things you did before?”

“Previously, you clearly did quite a bit for the royal family as well.”

Her voice lowered, every word stabbing at the heart.

“But what did all your killing and risking your life on the front lines get you? The princess doesn’t belong to you, the emperor doesn’t trust you, the nobles despise you, and even Izelia, who once strongly supported you, was stabbed in the back by you—”

“You should know very well that your spot should originally have belonged to your old superior, Izelia. She and the princess are the childhood sweethearts, the natural pair.”

Feng Jiyan watched with satisfaction as Zhu Yu’s face paled little by little.

“As long as you leave, the princess will naturally end up with Izelia. The strongest knight and her princess. What a perfect union between the strong.”

“I don’t understand.”

After a moment of silence, Zhu Yu hoarsely bypassed Feng Jiyan’s provocation.

“I don’t understand how His Majesty can act against her own family for a reason like this.”

Zhu Yu also had an older sister. It was very difficult for her to believe Bai Qianze would make her only younger sister bear risk for such an absurd reason.

Was it only to control her?

“Don’t be stupid,” Feng Jiyan sneered. “This is the imperial family.”

Bai Qianze had indeed always looked forward to this younger sister’s birth. But Bai Shuzhou’s talent was far too astonishing. If not for her severe genetic illness, then in this Empire where martial strength was respected above all else, the one sitting on the throne would definitely be her.

What was more, Bai Shuzhou’s SSS data had been tested when she was six years old. That was the upper limit of the data, not hers.

As for Bai Qianze, only after differentiating as an adult had she barely touched the boundary from SS to SSS.

As crown princesses, they were inevitably compared.

Could Bai Qianze truly have had no grudge after all these years? Feng Jiyan did not believe it. The fact that the sisters had such a good relationship was already beyond her expectations.

So when Bai Shuzhou was stranded outside and did not contact the emperor first, but instead contacted Feng Jiyan, Feng Jiyan had been practically ecstatic.

Bai Shuzhou undoubtedly trusted her elder sister very much. But human hearts could not withstand tests. Once a rift appeared, it would certainly continue to expand.

What was more, they were in the vortex of power, destined for conflict and disagreement.

Seeing the cracks of collapsed faith in Zhu Yu’s eyes, Feng Jiyan knew the timing was right. She elegantly approached, like a persuasive mentor, and tempted her.

“Listen. In these next few days, you must win the princess’s favor and outside support. Make her give up on divorce and support our medical treatment progressing smoothly.”

“This is your only choice.”

She had already analyzed the situation very clearly. Zhu Yu had no reason to refuse.

But the young woman clenched her hands behind her back. After thinking for a long time, she asked hoarsely, “Will it cause any danger to the princess?”

She could not forget the shocking scars on Bai Shuzhou’s body. If the price of remembering was pain…

Then Zhu Yu would rather Bai Shuzhou give up those memories.

“…”

Feng Jiyan stared at her in disbelief, as if she had seen a ghost. It was hard to imagine that someone as unscrupulous as Zhu Yu had gone into exile once and somehow turned into a devoted lover.

What on earth was there in the chaotic zone that could change a person this much?

How ironic.

But it did not matter. This also meant her weakness had become extremely obvious. Feng Jiyan no longer had to expend effort guessing it.

“A doctor’s heart is benevolent,” Feng Jiyan instantly put on a hypocritical mask, her tone warm and subtle. “We merely want to help the princess recover and return to her original position.”

Her tone suddenly changed.

“Of course, the prerequisite is that His Majesty does not obstruct us. And the person who can move this ‘scalpel’…”

She paused suggestively.

“Besides His Majesty, only I can.”

So, you can only rely on me.

Cunning light flickered in the fox’s eyes.

“There is only one thing I find strange. Why did it happen at precisely this time? Could it be that after the princess returned, she said something? As though the canary firmly held in the palm wanted to fly out of the cage, and so her wings were broken…?”

“Zhu Yu, to the princess, you seem to have always been a very special existence.” Feng Jiyan’s tone held a smile, lifting Zhu Yu very high.

—Look. Because of you, the princess did not hesitate to defy the emperor. And because of you, she brought destruction upon herself.

While investigating the case of Zhu Yu abducting the princess, Feng Jiyan had always felt something was wrong.

The emperor’s desire to control Bai Shuzhou was very strong. Since childhood, every activity of hers had been arranged by Bai Qianze. Yet during this disappearance, although the emperor flew into a rage, she did not send out the highest-level search team.

If the military had acted, then even if they had to flatten the entire universe, the princess would certainly have been found immediately.

But the emperor did not do that.

At first, when Feng Jiyan received this case, she thought Bai Qianze wanted to borrow her hand to deal with Zhu Yu. Safe and concealed, without needing to worry about Bai Shuzhou finding out and getting angry.

The little princess had grown up. A little rebellion, a little longing for the outside world—these were all normal. But what if the outside world was very dangerous, and coincidentally, there was a scumbag who abducted her?

Would a canary raised in a cage since childhood still yearn for such a filthy world?

With Zhu Yu alone, a mere commoner, how could she possibly have abducted the princess without anyone knowing?

And Feng Jiyan was responsible for the large-scale investigation, yet she had uncovered many pests from the Northern District, which opposed the Southern District. Even the gray wolf heir had died in the interrogation prison.

Everyone thought Feng Jiyan was borrowing the dragon’s might like a fox and eliminating dissidents. She had no way to explain. She had been terribly busy during this period, and then had to turn around and handle the mess at the Academy.

The emperor wanted the Feng family to contribute and do the dirty, exhausting work, but she had always refused to grant more power. How could Feng Jiyan be willing?

Zhu Yu was a variable.

For everyone.

The lofty nobles had always looked down on Zhu Yu, yet it was precisely she who had done many things nobles could not, again and again.

“How deeply the princess loves you, Zhu Yu. You must not disappoint her.”

Feng Jiyan approached elegantly and placed a hand on Zhu Yu’s shoulder, forcing her to meet her gaze.

“Back then, when she chose you, she already took a great risk. Now what outrageous thing did she do that angered certain people?”

“Your cowardice and despicableness will sooner or later kill her.”

The demon-like whisper echoed beside Zhu Yu’s ear.

The young woman’s expression went completely cold, as if covered in frost. She clenched her fists, knuckles turning pale, and asked in a low voice:

“What do you want me to do?”

Feng Jiyan had said so much, so she had clearly already made plans. Zhu Yu did not trust her. But right now, she trusted Bai Qianze even less. They had a common enemy.

“Very simple. I will help you.” Feng Jiyan smiled with satisfaction.

“His Majesty certainly does not want you to contact the princess again, so you will need a little help. For example—the voice of the people.”

As the star of the common people, this was Zhu Yu’s greatest use.

Ever since her reputation had been widely promoted, even the number of people enlisting and applying to military schools each year had increased considerably.

“You are at the peak of attention after the auction. The Federation side also has intentions of cooperation. The impact of beastfolk smuggling was far too vile. Unless you are willing to come forward and help clarify some rumors.”

“As far as I know, your relationship with certain Federation officers is not bad. Only when the two nations join hands can benefits be maximized. This is also the hope of the vast public.”

Feng Jiyan’s magnetic voice cast out the final bait.

“As long as you do as I say and obtain Federation support, even His Majesty cannot rashly separate the two of you.”

“At the very least, during this sensitive time, no one will dare touch you. I will help you too, Zhu Yu.”

What a perfect plan.

Zhu Yu looked at her and thought again of Bai Shuzhou holding her hand, carefully analyzing those things. At that time, Bai Shuzhou had undoubtedly already been very tired, yet she had still stubbornly warned her.

She was so clever. Had she already sensed something? But if she learned the truth, what expression would she have to face the elder sister she had always loved and respected?

Zhu Yu clenched her palm. It seemed to still hold Bai Shuzhou’s icy body temperature and the very faint scent of roses.

“All right.”

Her fingertips rubbed lightly as Zhu Yu extended her hand toward Feng Jiyan and said in a low voice:

“Happy cooperation.”

“…”

Feng Jiyan’s plan rapidly unfolded.

The next day, everyone knew that after the princess and Zhu Yu joined, they both lost their memories. The Omega princess, whose constitution was weaker, had even fallen seriously ill and was receiving treatment at the Academy.

At the same time, trending searches were flooded with doubts about the Tree of Life report and their compatibility.

Precisely because humans had difficulty reproducing after long-term genetic modification, the Tree of Life auxiliary system had been created. Its main duty was to filter suitable pairings. It could be called a genetic-level matching of family backgrounds and rarely made mistakes.

Although large complementary gaps often appeared, this was still the first time someone like Zhu Yu, a D-rank, had matched one hundred percent with an SSS-rank.

From a probability standpoint, it was no different from not buying a lottery ticket but still winning a billion-dollar prize.

Before, people had praised how great the magic of love was. Now that something had gone wrong, they had no choice but to start thinking: had something gone wrong at some step?

The “amnesia” Bai Shuzhou had laid as protection for Zhu Yu before entering the hospital had now, in this moment, become a boomerang in such a strange way.

After carefully guiding public opinion and completing a pleasant cycle of counterattack, Feng Jiyan was in quite a good mood. She even personally wrote a speech draft for Zhu Yu.

Taking over the chaotic zone, rescuing beastfolk in the remote star systems, attacking star pirates, a prisoner turning the tables…

Each point alone was enough to ignite public opinion. It was more than enough to make several propaganda films.

Such a good wave—how could it not be a pity to give it up?

As long as Zhu Yu claimed all the credit under her own name, cooperated with the Federation, then tearfully sold the image of deep affection, even the emperor would have no choice but to compromise under pressure.

Everything was ready. Feng Jiyan was extremely satisfied with her arrangements. Zhu Yu’s speech draft, the first version, was still in her hands. As for the other one on her left, the backup plan, it was for intensifying the conflict between commoners and nobles.

The Empire’s structure was rigid. The middle and upper levels were almost monopolized by nobles, and this had long been criticized.

Zhu Yu was about to become a double-edged sword, a fuse. No matter where she was placed, she would be very useful.

The fox’s eyes curved into crescents. Filled with satisfaction, she slightly raised her hand and gently swirled the wine in her glass.

The media were already in place. In order to prevent royal interference, she had likewise chosen the format of an interstellar livestream.

This speech—the stage Feng Jiyan had built for Zhu Yu—was no smaller than the auction that day.

Under countless dazzling lights, Zhu Yu’s outfit from head to toe, clean and amiable, had been packaged by a professional team.

They did not choose a military uniform, which would remind the entire Empire of Zhu Yu’s past sacrifices on the battlefield. Instead, they chose a gentler everyday outfit.

The most ordinary white shirt, a high ponytail. These common elements softened the young woman’s edges. The great heroine currently at the height of fame across the interstellar world appeared with such an approachable image.

Through the glass, Feng Jiyan looked at the slightly distorted figure behind the podium and laughed in delight.

Everything was within the plan.

In this long game, she would ultimately be the winner.

Feng Jiyan had always known she would not lose, nor should she lose, even though her beast form was only a fox, a fox that could be oppressed by any ferocious beast.

They naturally could not compete with fierce beasts like tigers and dragons. Every meeting triggered biological instinct and fear, forcing her to kneel at the feet of imperial power…

So humble.

But why?

The times had changed. Wisdom and science were the most important!

She seemed already to see the dawn of victory, to see the Feng family climb to the peak of power under her leadership.

Zhu Yu’s throat was a little hoarse. After Bai Shuzhou fell ill, she seemed to have grown a great deal overnight. Even while waiting backstage, she did not casually find a place to lean crookedly and rest like before.

If the Zhu Yu of the past had been a sword with all its sharpness exposed, now her edge was slightly reduced, hidden in secret. She smiled gently at everyone.

According to the plan, she first thanked everyone concerned with the incident’s progress, sternly condemned the star pirates, and called for peace between the two nations.

A speech draft written by Feng Jiyan was unquestionably highly inflammatory.

Many people were already listening with tears in their eyes, as if through Zhu Yu’s narration, they had truly participated in these events and fought shoulder to shoulder with her.

Feng Jiyan burst into laughter. Through the surveillance feed, she specially observed the expressions of those impassioned people.

With wicked amusement, she had preserved a few subtle details. In the future, once the relationship between the two nations deteriorated, these blades that currently split apart extreme prejudice would turn back toward Zhu Yu.

She wondered what expressions these ignorant masses would wear then.

Would they still be so excited?

Truly…

Too interesting!

Controlling people’s hearts was as easy as turning over her palm.

Even Zhu Yu, in the end, had been born in a small place. So what if she had climbed up? She lacked any grasp of the greater picture. Like a frog at the bottom of a well, once she caught hold of a life-saving straw in danger, she would cling to it desperately.

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

Perhaps she would even have to thank Feng Jiyan.

The fox’s tail rose happily.

Under the camera, Zhu Yu, who had already memorized the speech draft fluently, took a deep breath and suddenly folded the speech. She looked directly at the dense, dark crowd before her.

In the past, in scenes like this, she had always been only an observer, standing in the corner, boredly thinking about when it would end and whether she could slip away early.

She had never liked large scenes like this very much. Even in class, she rarely raised her hand. Even if she knew the answer, being called on would make her heart race.

She did not much want to expose herself in front of others. She had always lived very quietly.

But now, before her were countless pairs of eyes, countless cameras. How many? Hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands? Where would her voice be transmitted through the star network? How many people would hear it?

Zhu Yu did not know.

Amid the violent rise and fall of her emotions, she strangely calmed down.

She only knew that there were some things she had to do.

Even if she embarrassed herself.

Even if she failed.

Even if she had to try again—

She simply did not want to let go like this.

She set down the speech draft with a soft pa. No one would notice it.

Like the instant a treasured sword was drawn silently.

Light refracted from the depths of her eyes.

“Here,” she said, her voice clear and steady, completely different from the deliberately held, sentimental tone before, “I must also thank His Majesty for her appreciation and support. She allowed me to be with the princess, yet I failed to take good care of Her Highness. For this, I feel deeply ashamed.”

“I must also thank everyone at the Academy for their tireless efforts. For many years, they have silently given their all for the princess and for all those troubled by genetic illness.”

“There are many voices praising me. I am unworthy of them. My thoughts were never that noble. I am only an ordinary person. But I believe that if the person present that day had not been me, but any one of us, in that situation, they would have made the same choice I did.”

Feng Jiyan’s expression changed slightly.

This paragraph was not in the speech draft.

How could she not even read a script properly?

“It was Her Highness the princess who proposed reclaiming the chaotic zone and strictly investigating the related cases. And my friend—Lady Feng Jiyan.”

“She not only possesses outstanding professional abilities, but also provided crucial help to us. Here, I sincerely hope she can step into the light together with me. She deserves everyone’s applause and respect more than I do!”

Originally, Feng Jiyan had expected Zhu Yu to die that day, on the auction stage.

The fox’s smile disappeared. She stared fixedly at Zhu Yu, but the media cameras had already turned over. Countless shining eyes were full of expectation.

Riding a tiger, Feng Jiyan had no way to get down. She could only force up an elegant fake smile and walk onto the stage under everyone’s gaze, sharing an “enthusiastic” embrace with Zhu Yu.

“Don’t play tricks!” she gritted out beside Zhu Yu’s ear.

“Thank you, Lady Feng.”

Zhu Yu’s voice was clearly transmitted through the microphone. At the same time, her fingers were like iron pincers, tightly clamping around the wrist Feng Jiyan was trying to pull away.

Zhu Yu turned toward the camera, her expression sincere and worried.

“Recently, there have been some rumors among the public regarding the Academy… I would like to take this opportunity to help Lady Feng clarify a few things.”

“I guarantee with Feng Jiyan’s life and the honor of scientists that these are not human experiments, but medical experiments. Everyone knows the princess’s health is poor. All these years, it was only because of the Academy’s treatment that she could be sustained.”

Feng Jiyan: “……???”

What right do you have to use me as a guarantee??

“Lady Feng has always been committed to solving genetic illness, this incurable interstellar cancer. The princess…”

Zhu Yu took a deep breath. The hand grabbing Feng Jiyan’s trembled from using too much force.

Zhu Yu inhaled deeply again, and a nearly undetectable tremor entered her voice. Her eyes rapidly reddened.

“The princess… is still fighting illness at this very moment. I beg everyone, during her recovery, not to spread any malicious speculation or slander.”

She paused. Great sorrow seemed to drown her instantly, and her voice choked.

“If after the princess recovers, she thinks we are not suitable, I will quietly leave. But now…”

Her nose stung. A tear slid down her cheek without warning.

“I only beg His Majesty to give me one more chance. Please do not forbid me from seeing her… even if it is only from far away…”

The young woman’s voice broke, carrying heartbreaking pleading. Her upright figure trembled uncontrollably beneath the spotlight.

“She is still ill. I really… miss her so much.”

After speaking, the young woman who had originally been spirited and impassioned bit her lip, seeming to feel embarrassed by this too. She covered her eyes and could no longer continue.

This Alpha soldier who had risen from the bottom of the military had not yielded or shed tears even when tortured by star pirates on the auction stage that day.

Yet at this moment, she could not control the redness in her eyes. That intense grief and grievance could not be faked, striking straight into every person before the screen.

The entire venue fell into dead silence.

Then public opinion was completely detonated by that one tear.

The instant the livestream cut off, Feng Jiyan violently shook off Zhu Yu’s hand. Looking at the clear purple-red finger marks on her own wrist, then at Zhu Yu’s tear-streaked face full of innocence and sorrow, she was so angry her entire body trembled. Her chest heaved violently, and she nearly passed out.

She finally understood.

Where had Zhu Yu changed?

She had evolved!

From sunny youth into a high-level green tea schemer!!

Again!

Once again, Feng Jiyan had been unexpectedly tricked by this bastard!

The frenzied reporters were like a zombie siege. Carrying cameras and microphones, they surged over like a tide. The guards could not hold them back. Each one wished they could stuff a microphone into Zhu Yu’s mouth.

But Zhu Yu was like a long-legged, slippery fish. She swiftly flipped down from the podium without the slightest hesitation, her goal clear.

The Imperial Royal Academy of Sciences!

Her long legs strode forward, every step firm and swift. The hem of her clothes snapped behind her, and even the wind she stirred seemed unable to catch up with her determined heart.

“Zhu Yu, Xiao Yu! This way!”

A shout with an excited sob pierced through the noise.

By the roadside, an older taxi-driver sister with red eyes leaned half her body out of an aircraft, waving hard.

“Quick! Take my aircraft! Free!”

She had just listened to the entire livestream, and her blood was boiling. Even if Zhu Yu wanted to go blow up the council right now, she would take her. Who would miss such a chance? It would be worth dying for!

“Hey, hey, friends, I’ve got Zhu Yu! Heading to the Academy! Hurry and help clear a road! This is going down in history!”

The older sister shouted excitedly into the communicator, her tail swaying. Then she stomped the accelerator wildly, as if the thing were powered by pedals.

The orange aircraft let out a roar like a starving beast, speeding toward its target prey.

Inside the cabin, Zhu Yu pressed her lips tightly together, her fingertips still trembling faintly.

That desperate gamble just now seemed to have exhausted all her courage. But now, only one incomparably clear thought remained in her chest:

Go see her!

Once they reacted, it would be too late!

The aircraft reached the Academy at astonishing speed. Zhu Yu did not even have time to thank the warmhearted taxi sister before her body had already rushed inside first.

Relying on the identity of a marriage contract that had not yet been dissolved, and the sky-shaking public opinion she had just created, she advanced unstoppably until she reached that familiar hospital room door. Only there was she blocked firmly by Snow Leopard Knights who looked as if they were facing a great enemy.

They could not open fire, but they absolutely could not let her pass either.

The two sides faced off silently before the door. The atmosphere was tense.

The Snow Leopard Knight looked miserable. “Please don’t make things difficult for me. If I let you in, His Majesty will kill us.”

“I understand.”

Zhu Yu nodded and took a deep breath.

Then, a clear voice containing all her longing, grievance, determination, and pleading pierced through the heavy door and entered the hospital room clearly.

“Your Highness, I am your wife, Zhu Yu.”

“Zhu as in blessing, Yu as in abundance year after year—!!”

Inside the door.

On the hospital bed, the woman whose face was pale as jade trembled her long lashes almost imperceptibly, like the rise and fall of a butterfly in a dream.

Those pale blue, gem-like eyes lightly flashed from confusion with a faint, puzzled light.

Zhu Yu.

Wife?

These were extremely unfamiliar words, yet subtly, they felt as if a foxtail grass were gently curling around her fingertip, making her heart itch. The scent of cooking smoke drifted.

Very abruptly, she thought of buns.

Soft.

Very nice to pinch.

And also…

Braised beef noodles?

Author’s Note:

Her taste buds remembered you first. [Food please] [Rainbow praise]