Accidentally Picked Up a Rich and Amnesiac Alpha (GL) - Chapter 31

The day of the wrap party finally arrived. In the morning, Song Tingxue said before leaving, “A-Yan, I won’t be home for dinner tonight. We have a wrap party.”

Yan Qingqi asked worriedly, “There won’t be anyone like the fat Mr. Jin there, right?”

“No, it’s just the crew having dinner. There will be quite a crowd, maybe over a hundred people.”

That truly sounded like a company dinner. Yan Qingqi didn’t forget to remind her, “Don’t drink any alcohol. If anyone pressures you to drink, just say, well, you’re taking Cephalexin.”

Yan Qingqi remembered something. She found a box of Cephalexin in the medicine cabinet, put it into Songsong’s bag, then took it out, checked the usage and dosage, removed two pills, and put the rest back into the bag.

Song Tingxue asked with a smile, “Why are you so serious about faking it?”

Yan Qingqi also laughed. “You have to be serious about faking it, or else it would look too amateur.”

Xiaole came to pick her up. Yan Qingqi gave her a sandwich and fresh milk as usual. “Xiaole, at the wrap party today, please look after Sister Song. Don’t let her drink. She’s recently been taking Cephalexin and can’t touch alcohol.”

Song Tingxue gave her a look, shook her head, and left.

Xiaole, feeling indebted, said, “I know. I won’t let Sister Song drink. Drinking with Cephalexin is life-threatening!”

With the private kitchen shut down, Yan Qingqi was happy to be at leisure. After doing laundry, she put on her running shoes and went out for a run.

She ran into two customers, both of whom expressed their regret.

“Boss Yan, your private kitchen was doing so well, and now it’s shut down. What a shame! That person is no good. She’ll get what’s coming to her.”

“Boss Yan, why don’t you still cook? We’ll eat whatever you cook. We can come pick it up at your house. We’ll pay you in cash once a week. How does that sound?”

Yan Qingqi was very touched that everyone appreciated her private kitchen so much. “Thank you for your kindness, but I don’t plan to run the business anymore. I might be accompanying my wife out of town soon, and we might not return to L City for a long time.”

The two were even more disappointed. “Ah! Boss Yan, you’re leaving?!”

“Because of my wife’s job, she might have to travel a lot, and I want to spend more time with her.”

Although the two felt regretful, they understood that Boss Yan had to prioritize her family. It was truly difficult for the couple to live apart.

Yan Qingqi said, “How about this? Before I leave, I’ll cook one last private meal for everyone. I’ll still deliver it to your door, and it will be free of charge.”

“That’s wonderful! Thank you, Boss Yan!”

The last Yan family private meal! We’re looking forward to it!

When Yan Qingqi climbed to the highest point in the community’s park, the wind was perfect. She gazed at the distant corner of the bay—the blue sky and white clouds—feeling refreshed. After living here for a while, she was genuinely a little sad to leave the community.

However, Songsong’s next drama would be filmed in H City. Last night, she had agreed with Songsong to go with her to H City, continue cooking delicious meals for her, and be there for her every day when she came home from filming.

The phone in her shirt pocket rang. Yan Qingqi took it out and saw the caller ID: Jing Michu. She took a deep breath, already guessing why she was calling.

The moment the call connected, Jing Michu’s excited voice came through, just as she had expected. “Cousin, the report is due out tomorrow! Hahaha, I’m flying over tonight. We’ll pick up the report together tomorrow and celebrate!”

Yan Qingqi couldn’t quite describe her feelings. “What if the results disappoint you?”

“Oh, why are you being a killjoy right now? I brought a case of your favorite beer. We’ll have a good time drinking tomorrow.”

Yan Qingqi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Alright. See you tomorrow.”

Just as she was about to hang up, Yan Qingqi suddenly said, “Wait.”

“What is it?”

“You’re flying directly from S City, right? Don’t forget the favor I asked you for last time.”

“I remember. The Coblan strawberry shortcake. I’ll definitely bring it for you.”

Yan Qingqi felt relieved, but then she heard Jing Michu say, “Cousin, you still say you’re not my cousin. Isn’t that what you used to eat all the time?”

“I used to eat it all the time?”

“You rarely bought cake to eat out, but you said this brand had pretty good quality and taste. You even brought one to the orphanage once, saying it was for a girl.”

“I went to the orphanage?”

“It was mainly for adopting orphans or abandoned children. You used to go to the orphanage quite a bit when you were young, saying you were carrying on your aunt and uncle’s wishes. You went once or twice a year.”

Yan Qingqi’s attention was still stuck on the phrase “when you were young.” “I’m not old now. I’m quite young.”

“Yes, you’re 28, but you were seventeen or eighteen then. I wasn’t as charitable as you, so I didn’t go with you. But later, you stopped going so often.”

“Why did I stop going later?”

“How should I know? You’ll have to ask yourself. Alright, Cousin, don’t worry about it. I’ll bring the cake to you tonight.”

That evening, Yan Qingqi sat in the living room, waiting for Songsong to come home. A delicate, fresh strawberry shortcake, flown in from S City, was stored in the refrigerator.

Hearing the car drive up, stop, and then drive away, Yan Qingqi stood up and walked to the door. The door opened from the outside at that moment.

The fully masked Song Tingxue walked into the house.

“You’re back. Did you drink?”

“No. They heard I was taking Cephalexin, so they didn’t pressure me to drink. I had lemonade.” Song Tingxue took off her hat, sunglasses, and mask, and hugged Yan Qingqi. “Did you eat?”

“Yes, and I prepared a late-night snack for you.”

“What is it?”

Song Tingxue nestled in her arms, looking up and smiling. She particularly loved looking at her A-Yan like this. At this moment, she forgot that she was a movie queen and a big star. She was just an ordinary Omega, gazing joyfully at her beloved Alpha.

“You’ll know in a minute.”

Yan Qingqi pulled Songsong to the dining table, helped her sit down, and then took the box of cake out of the refrigerator.

“Look! It’s a Coblan strawberry shortcake. Do you like it?”

Song Tingxue was stunned, surprised, and delighted. “I love it!”

Yan Qingqi couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but she felt that Songsong was looking at her with an emotion other than happiness—a feeling of deep remembrance.

“Go wash your hands. I’ll wash some fruit.”

“Mhm.” Song Tingxue turned to wash her hands, her steps light and joyful, as if she were a girl in her mid-teens. Light and happy.

Yan Qingqi smiled. I should have bought her a strawberry shortcake sooner.

The cake was delicate, and the portion size was small. Yan Qingqi cut a large piece for her and kept the small piece for herself.

“Eat up. Don’t worry about gaining weight. You’ve had a rare few days of rest. You can rest and exercise at home.”

Song Tingxue smiled, agreed, and took a bite happily, then squinted her eyes in satisfaction. “It’s this taste. Ten years later, it’s still this taste.”

Yan Qingqi saw her enjoying it and asked with a smile, “You ate this cake ten years ago?”

“Yes, ten years ago, in S City, I ate cake with someone just like this. She also gave me the big piece and kept the small one for herself.”

Yan Qingqi was curious. “Who was that person?”

“That person was…”

Yan Qingqi waited for a long time but didn’t hear the rest of the sentence. She looked up and saw Songsong gazing directly at her with bright, sparkling eyes, looking excited and shy.

“What’s wrong?”

Song Tingxue shook her head, smiling as she continued to eat the cake.

Song Tingxue rarely ate snacks or desserts—at least Yan Qingqi had never seen her eat anything outside of meals—but Songsong seemed to genuinely love this strawberry shortcake. She ate it very meticulously, very seriously, with a sense of reverence.

“Is it good?”

Songsong looked up, with a girlish happiness in her eyes. “It’s delicious. I love it!”

“Then eat more.” Yan Qingqi pushed her portion toward her.

“No, I want you to eat it with me,” Songsong suddenly blushed. “It feels right that way.”

That’s how it felt ten years ago, sharing a cake with Miss Yan under the shade of a tree.

That was the best cake she had ever eaten. The strawberries were fresh and sweet, and Miss Yan’s eyes were especially bright. When she smiled, her eyes were like a sea of stars, profound, dazzling, and charming.

From that day on, Song Tingxue had never forgotten Miss Yan, who smiled so gently and radiantly while holding a cake.

Because of her profession, she rarely ate sweets. But whenever she went to S City, she would buy one. She would sit in the unpretentious hotel room diagonally across from the orphanage, looking at the large, leafy tree in the orphanage courtyard. The branch that grew out over the wall seemed to divide the cake into two pieces, one large and one small. She would slowly eat the large piece, occasionally looking down and smiling faintly.

When she left, the large piece was completely gone, but the small piece remained untouched.

“Alright, I’ll eat it with you.” Yan Qingqi used a spoon to pick up a tiny mouthful. The cake was soft and fragrant. It didn’t taste like the rich, complicated cakes popular now. It had a simple, pure flavor: the fragrance of milk, the richness of cream cheese, and the refreshing sweetness of strawberries.

“It is quite good,” Yan Qingqi praised.

“Right? You liked it before,” Song Tingxue said, her eyes curving in a smile. She lowered her head and continued to eat the cake.

This time, Miss Yan was finally sharing a cake with her again.

Songsong was so happy at the moment. Her decade-long wish had been fulfilled, and she didn’t notice the momentary astonishment in Yan Qingqi’s eyes.

After finishing the cake, Song Tingxue showed a rare, cat-like expression of satiety. She wiped her mouth and took a sip of water.

“Next year, I’ll have to run 10 kilometers…”

Her voice trailed off. A pale hand, a tissue pinched between the fingers, was gently wiping away the cake crumbs from the corner of her mouth.

Song Tingxue remained still, letting her wipe.

Seeing the tenderness and affection in Yan Qingqi’s eyes, Song Tingxue couldn’t resist. She grabbed her hand, leaned forward, and kissed her. It was a sweet, shy, yet passionate kiss.

Yan Qingqi lost her balance and was almost knocked over. Fortunately, she quickly put a hand on the dining table, successfully steadying herself.

It would be humiliating for an Alpha to be knocked over by an Omega’s kiss.

Song Tingxue chuckled softly. When their lips parted, she asked, “Are you still okay?”

Yan Qingqi was a little embarrassed. “Of course I am.” She pursued Songsong’s sweet, soft lips and kissed her again.

Song Tingxue was enveloped in her embrace. The warmth and softness surrounded her, and her mouth was filled with the scent of cedar.

In her youth, this was a dream she didn’t dare to wish for.

Now, her dream had come true. Miss Yan was holding her and kissing her. Her scent was sweeter and clearer than she had imagined countless times.

Song Tingxue kissed her, her breath hot.

Yan Qingqi picked her up, securely carrying the Omega upstairs. At this moment, as an Alpha, she absolutely could not fail.

In the bedroom, Song Tingxue released her lips and jumped out of her arms. “I’m going to shower. I’ll be quick. You hurry, too.”

“Mhm.” Yan Qingqi agreed. While Songsong showered, she quickly went downstairs to clean up the leftover cake and fruit. Once the kitchen was neat and tidy, Yan Qingqi dashed back upstairs and quickly showered in the guest bathroom.

When she came out, she was still a little slower than Songsong. Songsong was already waiting for her in bed.

Yan Qingqi took a small blue pill. As she took it, Songsong watched her, her face flushed.

Their eyes met across the room. The intense heat in their gazes was enough to melt the other. Yan Qingqi felt even thirstier. She quickly drank the entire glass of water.

Afterward, Song Tingxue weakly nestled against Yan Qingqi, the flush of passion still lingering on her face. Yan Qingqi affectionately kissed her still-warm cheek. Song Tingxue closed her eyes, letting her lover’s lips touch her skin. She thoroughly enjoyed A-Yan’s tenderness at that moment.

“Are you tired?”

“A little.”

“Then did you like it?”

Song Tingxue still had her eyes closed, shyly biting her lip. “I liked it.”

“Me too. When we go to H City, you film, and I’ll cook for you at home. And at night, we’ll continue doing the things we both like. How does that sound?”

Song Tingxue smiled shyly. “Good.”

“This is called qī chàng qī suí (wives follow each other’s lead). I have to be with Songsong.”

A-Yan’s gentle voice in her ear was like a soft breeze.

Song Tingxue imagined their home in H City, A-Yan in an apron, busy in the kitchen when she came home from work. They would sit and eat together, laughing. At night, she could safely curl up in Miss Yan’s arms, bask in the sea of cedar scent, listen to her gentle voice, look at her elegant, charming smile, and sweetly kiss her.

Song Tingxue fell asleep, happy, a sweet smile on her lips.

The next day, Songsong was still sleeping when Yan Qingqi received a call from Jing Michu. “Cousin, I’m driving to pick you up. We’re going to the hospital.”

“Are you driving that sports car from yesterday?”

Jing Michu had driven a flashy, cool sports car when she delivered the cake to Yan Qingqi, which made people in the community stop and stare and take pictures.

“Yes. What’s wrong? This is my new car. Isn’t it cool?”

“It’s too loud. Don’t wake my wife. Wait for me at the corner near building 30. I’ll walk over.”

Jing Michu: “…”

The two arrived at the hospital with two reports: one for Yan Qingqi and one for Jing Michu.

Yan Qingqi’s hands were trembling when she received the report.

If she was Wen Shuyan, then Yan Qingqi was a fictional character—a name Songsong had invented for her.

If she wasn’t Wen Shuyan…

Yan Qingqi’s mind stalled. She couldn’t think any further, because Yan Qingqi’s past was completely blank.

Jing Michu, however, looked much more relaxed. “Haha, look! The results! We are cousins. Ah! Why is the similarity percentage so low? I’m learning something new. Cousin, hurry up and open it. Don’t be nervous. Let’s look together.”

“I… I…” Yan Qingqi’s voice was trembling, and her face was pale. She squeezed the report but couldn’t bring herself to open it.

A hand, steadier and firmer than hers, quickly flipped the report open, skipping the dense data and going straight to the conclusion page.

Yan Qingqi and Wen Shuyan DNA Match: 100%. Biologically, they are the same person.

“Cousin, you can’t deny it now, can you? You are my cousin!” Jing Michu gave her a big bear hug. “Cousin, I finally found you! Miss Wen of the Wen family!”

Yan Qingqi’s heart pounded rapidly, blood rushing to her head. “I… I’m Wen Shuyan?!”

“Yes, your name is Wen Shuyan, my dear cousin!”

Yan Qingqi was about to say something else when the phone in her pocket rang. She reached for it and realized her palm was completely sweaty.

It was Songsong’s call.

“Hello, Songsong, you’re awake… I’m out. I’m… I’m buying things. Didn’t I promise to cook something good today? I wanted to buy a little more… Mhm, okay. I’ll be a little while longer. I’ll be back as soon as I finish shopping.”

After hanging up, Yan Qingqi sighed. She felt guilty for just lying to Songsong.

Songsong trusted her so much, without an ounce of suspicion. When she hung up, she even playfully said, “Come home soon. I miss you.”

Yan Qingqi sighed again in her heart. She hadn’t even processed the identity of Wen Shuyan yet. How could she tell Songsong that she was actually the Wen family heiress?

Jing Michu smiled. “Cousin, should we go buy food now? Perfect! Let’s buy a lot! We’ll celebrate together later. You cook!”

Yan Qingqi: “…!!!”

The two drove to the farmer’s market first. Yan Qingqi got out, but Jing Michu made no move to leave the car.

Yan Qingqi asked, “Why aren’t you moving?”

Jing Michu rested her fair, long hands on the steering wheel. “I never go to the wet market. And I never buy groceries myself.”

Yan Qingqi frowned. “You’re spoiled! Get out! What’s wrong with buying groceries? Can’t you buy groceries yourself? Then why do you eat the food?! Besides, if you don’t buy groceries, are you going to leave it all to Xiao An? What if the servants aren’t there? Do you want to work Xiao An to death? I’m telling you, you have to come buy groceries with me today!”

“My mom never forced me like this.” Jing Michu was pulled out of the car. She followed her, grumbling unhappily.

“I’m your sister. I won’t spoil you!” Yan Qingqi tossed her a stick of celery. “Hold this.”

Jing Michu subconsciously caught it. “Oh.”

They went to the wet market and then to the seafood market next door.

“Cousin, buy a large lobster. An An likes it.”

Yan Qingqi bought it, and then bought a few crabs. “Songsong likes these. She said the stir-fried mantis shrimp was delicious last time.”

Jing Michu pressed her luck. “Cousin, I want oysters. Buy me some.”

“Fine. Since you helped out today, I’ll buy them for you.”

After buying everything, Yan Qingqi said, “Pay the bill.”

“Sure thing.” Jing Michu happily held out her payment QR code.

Back in the community, Yan Qingqi called Songsong first, telling her a friend would be joining them for lunch.

Song Tingxue asked, “Which friend?”

“It’s the one I told you about last time, the resident from building 31. She helped me with my private kitchen before. I ran into her fiancée, and I hitched a ride with her to buy groceries.”

Yan Qingqi tentatively asked, “Is that okay? If it’s inconvenient, I can just treat them to a meal outside.”

“It’s fine. Invite your friends over.”

Yan Qingqi smiled brightly. “Alright, wife. We’ll be home soon.”

After hanging up, Yan Qingqi turned to Jing Michu and spoke earnestly. “You know who my wife is, right?”

Jing Michu smiled faintly, putting away her playful attitude. “I do. Song Tingxue. Top-tier celebrity, a dazzling superstar, the Three Gold Movie Queen. Cousin, I should tell you first, I did investigate Song Tingxue before.”

Yan Qingqi wasn’t surprised. Remembering Jing Michu’s previous conversation with her, trying to persuade her to take the DNA test, it was clear Jing Michu had investigated Songsong.

“What did you find out?”

“She grew up in the S City orphanage, the one your uncle and aunt donated to. She left the orphanage at 18, passed the college entrance exam, and got into X Film Academy. During college, she filmed a short movie that won an award overseas, giving her some recognition. She was then recognized by the famous Director Lu, who cast her in her first major film, Mountains, Seas, and Rivers.”

Mountains, Seas, and Rivers?

Yan Qingqi paused. Some images flashed in her mind: a beautiful fishing village, golden rapeseed flowers, fishing nets cast at sunset, and a young, lovely girl who shyly lowered her gaze when she first met the male lead. “My name is Xiuxiu.”

“Is it about the life changes of a family over three generations in the small river village called Mountains, Seas, and Rivers?”

Jing Michu was surprised and cried out in delight. “Yes, her name was Xiuxiu, Zhao Hongxiu! Cousin, do you remember it all?!”

Yan Qingqi shook her head. “I only vaguely remember a few scenes and that the girl’s name was Xiuxiu.”

Jing Michu saw her pained expression and smiled. “Cousin, Xiuxiu has grown up now and left the screen to become your wife.”

Yan Qingqi gave her a helpless look.

“However, later on, your sister-in-law was sidelined for two years because she refused to participate in the ‘casting couch’ culture. She worked as a waitress at a bubble tea shop and a restaurant until three or four years ago when a production crew finally gave her a role, and she returned to the screen.”

Yan Qingqi was slightly shocked. Her heart felt deeply pierced.

Her Songsong must have suffered a lot.

“Yang Yifan also came from that orphanage. He must have been very charming and persuasive as a child for your uncle and aunt to adopt him.”

Yan Qingqi was a little confused. “Yang Yifan?”

“You forgot? I told you last time. He’s the orphan your mom and dad adopted. He refused to leave the Wen family when he grew up, claiming he wanted to repay their kindness, and pestered you to let him stay at Zhaoyuan.”

“You don’t seem to have a good impression of him?”

“Of course not.” Jing Michu’s face showed unconcealed disgust. “He’s not a good person. He’s very self-serving and will do anything to climb the ladder. You used to tell me to stop targeting him, but then, somehow, you finally saw the light and started treating him very coldly, strictly business. He’s a director at the company now. Anyway, let’s not talk about him. Just mentioning him brings bad luck.”

Jing Michu patted Yan Qingqi’s shoulder. “Today, we sisters are officially reunited. We should be happy. Cousin, when are you going back to S City? Should I send the private jet to pick you and your wife up?”

Yan Qingqi said, “She’s going to H City to film in a few days. I want to go with her.”

Jing Michu was very surprised. “Cousin, aren’t you coming back to S City with me?”

“No, I’m going to be with Songsong. That’s what Songsong and I agreed on.”

“But…” Jing Michu’s lips parted. She seemed to have a lot to say, but she didn’t insist. “Alright, but you have to be careful. The circumstances of your accident haven’t been fully investigated yet. I’m afraid the person who attacked you won’t give up. I’ll arrange a few more bodyguards for you.”

Yan Qingqi didn’t refuse. “Okay, but don’t let them disturb Songsong.”

“They won’t. They’ll just provide covert protection.” Jing Michu paused and smiled. “Cousin, I can tell you really love your Songsong. I’m genuinely happy that you found someone you love.”

The corners of Yan Qingqi’s mouth curved up, and her eyes sparkled with gentle happiness. “Thank you. I’m also very lucky to have met her. I’m still not quite used to the identity of Wen Shuyan. To be honest, I still don’t feel like a rich heiress. I think I need a little more time.”

“I’ll defer to you, then.” Jing Michu nodded. “Your sister-in-law is a clean person. Even in the entertainment industry, she’s known for her self-respect and professionalism. Otherwise, I wouldn’t approve of you being with her.”

Yan Qingqi sighed softly. “It must have been incredibly difficult for her to get where she is today. I just want her to do what she loves, and I’ll protect her from behind the scenes.”

Jing Michu gave an easy smile. “Simple. If you run into another person like that Mr. Jin, Cousin, you should just give him a good slap right there and teach him a lesson.”

Yan Qingqi pursed her lips, remembering the sight of the fat Mr. Jin pressing Songsong, his lechery undisguised, and his arrogant demeanor toward her. If she had the chance, she wouldn’t slap him; she would punch him right in the face and knock the evil man down.

She interrupted Jing Michu’s endless chatter and cursing. “Alright, remember not to scare Songsong when you see her.”

“Sister, seriously? You won’t even let me talk? You’re treating your wife like a precious baby, spoiling her rotten.”

“I married my wife to spoil her. Didn’t you marry Qiao An to spoil her?”

Jing Michu’s lips curved up, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. “Of course! We marry our wives to spoil them!”

When they reached the door, Jing Michu pulled Yan Qingqi aside. “Cousin, one last question. When I see my sister-in-law, should I scream like a fan, or should I be more reserved?”

“Suit yourself. Just be civilized.” Yan Qingqi didn’t open the door right away but knocked. A moment later, Song Tingxue opened the door.

Yan Qingqi walked in, carrying a pile of groceries, followed by Jing Michu, who was also carrying a large number of items.

“Hello, Sister-in-Law.” Jing Michu introduced herself confidently. “My last name is Jing, as in ‘well-ordered’ Jing.”

“Hello. My last name is Song.”

Jing Michu saw Song Tingxue in person for the first time and was immediately stunned by her beauty. Her skin was as white as snow, and her demeanor was aloof. Jing Michu suddenly thought of an ethereal, otherworldly fairy from a novel.

“I know. You’re the big star, Song Tingxue. You’re even more beautiful in person than in movies and TV! I originally couldn’t believe that Sister Yan’s wife was a big star, but now that I’ve seen you, I truly believe it.”

Song Tingxue saw that even though she was excited, Jing Michu wasn’t overly familiar and was very polite and well-mannered. She smiled faintly and nodded her long, swan-like neck. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Jing. But please keep my marriage to Yan Qingqi a secret.”

“I understand. You are a public figure and need to protect your privacy.”

Song Tingxue smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”

“Your wife, Qiao An, is waiting for you at home,” Yan Qingqi said, taking the vegetables and fruit from Jing Michu. “I’ll call you when lunch is ready, and you can come over with Qiao An.”

Jing Michu happily accepted. “Sounds good. I’ll go back and wait for your call.”

After seeing Jing Michu off, they were alone again. Song Tingxue asked, “Are you two very familiar?”

Yan Qingqi thought, Now that I’m confirmed to be her cousin, of course we are!

“We chatted on the way while shopping, and we went from strangers to familiar very quickly.”

Song Tingxue asked, “What does this Miss Jing do?”

“Her family is in business. I think she’s the CEO of a corporation.” Yan Qingqi remembered the business card Jing Michu had given her the first time they met, which said CEO of Zhaoyuan Group.

“She’s a CEO at such a young age?”

Yan Qingqi, afraid of Song Tingxue digging too deep and finding out Jing Michu’s identity, casually said, “People nowadays, no matter how big or small their company is, love to give themselves impressive titles.”

Song Tingxue laughed. “If you had a company, would you give yourself a CEO title?”

“No,” Yan Qingqi said, remembering Wen Shuyan’s powerful status. “I would definitely be the Chairman of the Board.”

Song Tingxue burst out laughing, looking straight at her.

“What are you laughing at?”

“This is the first time I’ve thought you were vain.”

“Hmph! I’m the CEO and Chairman of the 37 Private Kitchen, even though it’s been shut down.”

Song Tingxue laughed so hard her eyes were red. It was the first time she had laughed so freely. Her usual aloofness disappeared, and her eyes shone even brighter as she looked at Yan Qingqi.

Miss Yan is actually this funny and witty sometimes.

Lunch was incredibly lavish, a table full of exquisite and varied dishes.

Large lobster, large crab, oysters, scallops, wagyu beef, crispy chicken, mandarin fish with sweet and sour sauce, and three or four vegetable dishes, all prepared with meticulous care.

“Wow! Cousin—Sister Yan, your cooking is amazing!”

Jing Michu was so excited she almost let the cat out of the bag. “Sister-in-Law, let me introduce you. This is my fiancée, Qiao An. We’re getting married in the second half of this year.”

Song Tingxue saw her and recognized her as the girl from the morning jog and the girl who had visited after the private kitchen was shut down.

They had only seen each other fleetingly twice before. This was their first formal meeting.

Qiao An’s eyes sparkled. She was a little excited. “Hello, Movie Queen Song. I’ve seen many of your movies and dramas. I really like them.”

Jing Michu smiled. “Don’t call her Movie Queen Song. That’s too formal! You should call her sister-in-law.”

Qiao An smiled sweetly. “Hello, Sister-in-Law.”

Song Tingxue felt a little strange. Even though they were neighbors and were familiar with A-Yan, A-Yan had only lived there for a short time. How close could they possibly be?

But Jing Michu and Qiao An calling her “sister-in-law” felt sincere, natural, and not forced because she was a celebrity.

Song Tingxue smiled faintly. She almost felt as if she really was their sister-in-law.

Qiao An, slightly excited, asked, “Sister-in-Law, can I take a picture with you?”

“Of course.”

Jing Michu took out her phone and carefully took a few photos of Qiao An and Song Tingxue. Then, Jing Michu suggested, “Should we all take a picture together?”

So, they all posed for a group photo.

Jing Michu warmly put her hand on her cousin’s shoulder. Song Tingxue noticed this and slightly frowned, almost imperceptibly. Yan Qingqi was accustomed to her cousin’s overly familiar affection and didn’t notice, cheerfully moving closer to Songsong while smiling.

Songsong and Qiao An, two Omegas formally meeting for the first time, maintained a polite distance from each other.

Click. The photo was taken.

Jing Michu sent the group photo to Qiao An and her cousin.

Yan Qingqi looked at the picture. She was leaning against Songsong and smiling happily. Songsong was truly a Movie Queen; she looked beautiful and photogenic at all times. Her smile was polite but distant. Her brow seemed slightly furrowed, but it didn’t detract from Songsong’s beauty.

The best part was that she and Songsong looked good together!

Yan Qingqi liked the photo more and more and sent it to Songsong.

Jing Michu took out the beer her cousin liked and poured drinks for everyone. Yan Qingqi quickly reminded her, “Songsong doesn’t drink. Her stomach isn’t well, so she can’t drink.”

Song Tingxue saw Miss Jing bringing her own alcohol and casually asked, “What kind of alcohol is this?”

“It’s a new release from the French B winery last year. The production is low, so it’s a niche brand. It hasn’t been widely distributed yet.” She didn’t mention that her cousin had tried it last year at her house and praised it highly.

“I brought it specifically for everyone to taste today. Sister Yan, try it. Do you like it?”

Yan Qingqi drank two sips, completely unaware of her wife’s cautious gaze. After a large gulp, she closed her eyes and nodded. “It tastes very good.”

Qiao An heard her cousin say it was good. “Really? I want some too.”

Jing Michu filled her cup. “It tastes good, right? Don’t you think this is much better than the beer the woman from building 16 gave us?”

Song Tingxue watched in silence. For some reason, she felt that Miss Jing had brought the beer specifically for Yan Qingqi.

The conversation turned to the delivery incident with the woman from building 16.

Song Tingxue realized there was such a character in the community. She smiled and shook her head after hearing how the two Alphas had been scared away by the harassment.

Jing Michu said, “Compared to that ‘Just Saying’ person, the woman from building 16 is alright. At least when you refused, she didn’t do anything drastic.”

Yan Qingqi nodded. “Yes. The next time I delivered to her, she was very cold and told me to leave the takeout at the entrance.”

“That’s why ‘Just Saying’ from building 14 is the truly crazy one.”

The three of them discussed “Just Saying’s” outrageous behavior. Song Tingxue realized there was a whole backstory to why A-Yan’s private kitchen was shut down.

Jing Michu raised her glass to Yan Qingqi. “Don’t worry, Sister Yan. I’ve already taught that person from building 14 a lesson. I reported him to the L City Tax Bureau and the XX Bureau. His husband’s company isn’t just evading taxes; they’re selling counterfeit goods. You can just wait and see that person get what he deserves.”

Jing Michu’s eyes hardened. What she didn’t mention was that she had found out the main client of that person’s company was a supplier for a subsidiary of Zhaoyuan Group. She would make sure that person’s company never got a major order again.

Qiao An chuckled softly. “Is the karma coming that quickly for building 14?”

Jing Michu gave a cold smile. “Who told him to bully Sister Yan! He saw someone running a small private kitchen takeout and felt free to pick on them, not giving them a chance to make a living.”

Song Tingxue glanced at Jing Michu, quietly lowering her gaze, subtly hiding her suspicion. This Miss Jing not only had connections but also seemed exceptionally invested in A-Yan’s affairs.

“Songsong, have some soup.” Yan Qingqi served her wife a bowl of seafood soup, her bright eyes full of apology. “I’m sorry, wife. We’re all drinking, and you can’t.”

Songsong smiled faintly. “It’s alright. Soup is better anyway.”

Yan Qingqi served a bowl each to Qiao An and Jing Michu. Qiao An held the bowl, smiling sweetly and charmingly, like a well-behaved younger sister. “Thank you, Sister Yanyan.”

Qiao An was an Omega, so that was understandable. But Jing Michu, an Alpha, also had a slightly spoiled, affectionate tone. “Thank you, Sister Yan. Your cooking is the best! I wish I could eat your cooking every day.”

The expression on her face was exactly that of a spoiled younger sister.

Song Tingxue’s heart skipped a beat.

Yan Qingqi, the enthusiastic host, was completely oblivious. “Dream on! You want me to cook for you every day? Maybe we can have a meal together again when we have the chance.”

Later, they talked about Song Tingxue’s acting. Qiao An curiously asked, “Sister-in-Law, Sister Yanyan said you’re going to H City to film?”

“Mhm. In a few days.”

“Is it a historical drama?”

“Yes. Historical, a palace drama.”

Yan Qingqi interjected with pride and confidence. “Songsong is most beautiful in historical costumes! Compared to modern clothes, historical outfits give her more charm and beauty. She’s like a fairy who descended from the snowy mountains.”

Song Tingxue’s face flushed. “We have guests. You shouldn’t call your own wife a fairy.”

Yan Qingqi laughed cheerfully. “My wife is very beautiful! She is a fairy!”

“That’s true. No wonder Sister Yan is so devoted to Sister-in-Law,” Jing Michu laughed heartily and raised her glass. “Come on, let’s toast to Sister-in-Law’s new drama!”

The three simultaneously raised their glasses. “Cheers!”

After lunch, Yan Qingqi invited them, “Songsong and I are moving to H City soon. If you want to eat my cooking, come find me in H City.”

Jing Michu said, “Deal. I won’t be formal with you.”

---

Author’s Note:

Yan Qingqi: Alright, it’s confirmed I’m a rich heiress.