After Secretly Marrying My Rival Omega - Chapter 4

Jian Jixing’s creative process demanded that she seek inspiration through field research before beginning any new project. The timing had been set right after the awards ceremony. Her rut period followed Sheng Ruxi’s, which meant she would leave on Sunday—provided the little princess could cooperate with her for once.

Sheng Ruxi had always been at odds with her in daily life, though things improved slightly in bed. Only slightly. It was only when Jian Jixing sank her teeth into Sheng Ruxi’s scent gland that the latter, under the influence of pheromones, would wrap her long, slender legs tightly around her, soft and pliant. Of course,

Jian Jixing wasn’t unaffected either. The sweet-tart pheromones burst in her mouth like berries crushed between teeth, and in that moment, her willpower faltered, lost in the intoxication. When their breaths mingled, their body heat nearly scorching them both, and Sheng Ruxi’s pheromones peaked, broken, fragmented sounds spilled out. That was when Sheng Ruxi would cry, clawing at her.

Those striking fox-like eyes brimming with tears made for a breathtaking sight when she wept—so much so that it stirred something wicked, a desire to hear her beg and sob even more. Sometimes, when Sheng Ruxi’s neck arched helplessly backward, her hands instinctively gripping Jian Jixing’s shoulders to pull her closer, it almost seemed like an invitation for a kiss.

Occasionally, Jian Jixing would be struck by a fleeting illusion—though she truly disliked Sheng Ruxi, she couldn’t deny their physical compatibility was undeniable. But it was just a passing thought. Jian Jixing would quickly snap out of it. Impossible. They never kissed during sex.

Afterward, once Sheng Ruxi regained her senses, she would shove Jian Jixing away without hesitation. Truly the epitome of “use and discard.”

“Dream on. I haven’t even settled the score with you for turning on the lights last time.” Sheng Ruxi had anticipated Jian Jixing’s request and curled her lips into a smirk, her beautiful face radiant with arrogance. So, what if she had once, in the haze of her heat, begged Jian Jixing?

Now that Jian Jixing’s rut was approaching, Sheng Ruxi had plenty of ways to make her suffer. The doctor had prescribed a treatment regimen—they had to do it. Jian Jixing had already indulged herself the last two times; there was no way she’d endure this alone. This thing—once tasted, never satisfied. Even Sheng Ruxi couldn’t resist the shivers brought on by their pheromonal match and physical harmony.

Besides, who was she? She was Sheng Ruxi. Even if Jian Jixing was her sworn rival, her body told her one thing—Jian Jixing was drawn to her. “If you want my cooperation this time, the condition remains the same,” Sheng Ruxi said, her eyes glimmering like spring water. “Beg me. Let’s see how you perform.” She naturally assumed Jian Jixing had come to her for this very reason.

“Mother called. She asked where you were—your phone was off.” Jian Jixing merely arched a brow, looking at Sheng Ruxi in the car. “She said your brother is coming home this week and wants us to go back for dinner.”

Sheng Ruxi’s expression darkened instantly, but before she could speak, Jian Jixing added, “Too busy? I happen to be free on Saturday. I can go in your place.” What kind of person was this? Jian Jixing returning to her own home while Sheng Ruxi didn’t show up—wasn’t that just handing her mother the perfect opportunity to say, “Look how unruly Sheng Ruxi is”? Sheng Ruxi’s mind went blank, “Unbelievable!”

Jian Jixing suppressed a laugh, feeling thoroughly amused by Sheng Ruxi’s irritated expression. In the end, she silently curled the corner of her lips and said, “We’re family—why speak so formally?”

Sheng Ruxi: “…” Jian Jixing! Using my own teasing words against me, huh?! “I’ll tell Mom we don’t have time.”

Jian Jixing shrugged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She turned and swung a leg over her motorcycle, ready to leave, when Sheng Ruxi suddenly realized—had Jian Jixing known all along that this would be her answer? Once again, she felt played. Clearly, Jian Jixing’s real purpose had been to notify her about their mother’s call, not the rut period Sheng Ruxi had assumed.

It almost made it seem like she was the one who cared. Sheng Ruxi was no longer sleepy at all. She straightened up in her seat, her anger swirling in her mind before finally spilling out in the fiercest tone she could muster—though all she managed were a few words: “Jian Jixing, you’re just messing with me, aren’t you? So annoying.”

This time, she slammed the car door shut with extra force. The person outside remained motionless, watching her with an amused smirk, as if observing a misbehaving child. Instead of reacting further, Sheng Ruxi leaned back and commanded, “Close the door for me.”

Jian Jixing had no intention of humoring her. Sheng Ruxi’s words made it hard for her to stay composed. After just enduring Sheng Ruxi’s heat, her pheromones were unstable—provoking an alpha in this state wasn’t wise.

Unfortunately, Sheng Ruxi didn’t seem to grasp that, still ordering her around with perfect clarity. Jian Jixing found it baffling—did Sheng Ruxi act this way with other alphas too, or was it just her? If she treated other alphas the same, then she truly deserved a lesson.

“Insult me, then boss me around, and when you want my pheromones, you beg? Sheng Ruxi, you’re the only one who dares order me like this.” Jian Jixing’s voice turned icy. “What do you take me for?” Sheng Ruxi smiled sweetly, completely unafraid of Jian Jixing’s temper, her voice light and honeyed. “What else could you be? I’m your wife—can’t even ask you to close a door?”

As the youngest reigning Best Actress, her acting was flawless and utterly convincing. The term wife rolled off her tongue with perfect sincerity. But Jian Jixing knew better. Beneath that seemingly spoiled, willful demeanor was a fox-like cunning. To achieve her goal—even something as trivial as closing a door—she could effortlessly wield words she usually despised.

Jian Jixing’s hand slowly rested on the door handle but didn’t move. Inside, Sheng Ruxi sat primly, meeting her gaze with a radiant smile. Jian Jixing recognized the slyness at the corner of Sheng Ruxi’s lips—What are you looking at? You say you hate me, but you’re still captivated, aren’t you? Though Jian Jixing disliked Sheng Ruxi’s haughty, triumphant demeanor, she had to admit it suited her perfectly.

She was, after all, the untouchable snow atop a mountain—a glimpse of tenderness from her was nothing short of a miracle. Words like down-to-earth would never apply to Sheng Ruxi. But Jian Jixing had never been one to look up at her.

Loving her, obsessing over her—neither was possible. Whatever patience and tolerance she had for Sheng Ruxi now was merely a matter of upbringing, and even that was limited. As the world often said, she had always been a rebel at heart. Just like the extra mischief during the marking period. She could have just bitten down directly—why wait for Sheng Ruxi to beg her?

She simply enjoyed teasing Sheng Ruxi, her nature inherently mischievous. Normally, she could keep it under control, but without reason to restrain herself, how could Sheng Ruxi possibly be a match for her? Her hand paused halfway through closing the door, and Jian Jixing lifted her gaze. “Is the esteemed Actress Sheng still immersed in her role, or is there a shred of sincerity here? Let me remind you—we’re nothing more than contractual partners. Twelve shared nights, and once the treatment is over, we divorce amicably.”

Sincerity for sincerity—but those words would never apply to her and Sheng Ruxi. Her meaning was clear: she would only cooperate until the treatment concluded. Both families had been overly optimistic, believing that since the two were of marriageable age and their pheromones were highly compatible, they were a match made in heaven. As for feelings? Those would surely develop after a year or two of living together—and it would conveniently help regulate their bodies.

Little did they know, neither of them cared the slightest about their own health. Even if Sheng Ruxi’s pheromones were indeed special to Jian Jixing, triggering a long-dormant rut that surged violently, her scent overwhelming and nearly suffocating—she had tasted the sweetness of it, but that sweetness wasn’t enough to strip her of all reason.

Had Sheng Ruxi not agreed to the marriage out of a desire to torment her as well, the two would have naturally gone their separate ways. But of course, Sheng Ruxi just couldn’t let her off the hook. A moment of spite had ended up sealing the alliance between their families.

Sheng Ruxi studied her briefly before suddenly laughing, her eyes glinting with mockery. “No sincerity is for the best. That way, when Wuwu and I get married, you won’t have to attend our wedding heartbroken.” Such outrageous words, yet Sheng Ruxi delivered them with utter confidence, as though she had already decided she would be the final victor.

Jian Jixing’s temple twitched at the mention of “Wuwu.” She wasn’t angered by Sheng Ruxi’s provocation—no, what got to her was Sheng Ruxi repeatedly bringing up another alpha’s name. It’s all because of the rut, Jian Jixing thought, suppressing her temper. Without another word, she slammed the door shut.

Now the door was closed, but not a single issue had been resolved. Sheng Ruxi barely resisted the urge to fling it back open and call her back, listening as the sound of the motorcycle faded into the distance.

Jian Jixing, you’re something else. What—you’d rather suffer through your rut alone than ask me for help? As if I’m the one with no backbone? The mere thought of Jian Jixing’s expression made Sheng Ruxi seethe. She wanted to hurl her phone across the room but instead just gripped it tightly, changing Jian Jixing’s contact name to Absolutely Ignoring You.

The moment she tossed it aside, the phone buzzed. Sheng Ruxi scoffed. “Couldn’t even last this long without me? Well, I’m not answering. Who needs who, anyway?” Her body, however, betrayed her. She picked up the phone—only to see a message from Yan Fuzheng: How’d it goes?

Sheng Ruxi’s expression froze. She didn’t want to reply. But Yan Fuzheng’s messages kept coming.

Why aren’t you saying anything? My god, don’t tell me you’re butting heads with your wife again… Did you even tell her the truth about your condition?

Sheng Ruxi was still sulking and hadn’t replied to Yan Fuzheng’s message. After exiting the chat, she found Jian Jixing’s profile picture and started tapping it furiously to vent her anger. But even the internet seemed to disapprove of her relationship with Jian Jixing—there was no connection.

This time, no matter what Jian Jixing said, it absolutely wouldn’t work! If she was suffering from her sensitive period, then let her suffer!

Jian Jixing had just arrived home on her bike. She placed her keys on the entryway table and hadn’t even sat down when a notification popped up on her phone.

Reminder: Chu Wu’s science livestream Q&A this Saturday at 8 PM. Remember to confirm the response flow.

How could she have forgotten about this? Jian Jixing pinched the bridge of her nose. The reason she had set this reminder was because of Sheng Ruxi.

Chu Wu was devoted to scientific research abroad and was now the youngest professor in environmental science, with her own lab. Though she was an alpha, she was gentle and polite, with little aggression, and had a large following online.

Many netizens knew Chu Wu’s other identity—the unattainable white moonlight that neither Jian Jixing nor Sheng Ruxi had managed to win over in their youth. Whenever Chu Wu hosted a science livestream, neither Sheng Ruxi nor Jian Jixing would miss it. Any chance to interact with Chu Wu would spark a competition between them. This time was a little different—Jian Jixing had already arranged with Chu Wu to be the enthusiastic audience member.

On one condition: Chu Wu had asked her not to get into another spat with Sheng Ruxi, where the two of them would bombard the chat with extravagant gifts to outdo each other.

Having just quarreled with Sheng Ruxi, Jian Jixing suddenly recalled the expression on the princess’s face—like she was about to shatter. The corners of her lips curled faintly. The tasseled bedside lamp cast mottled shadows, and the sheets were soft and cool against her skin. Jian Jixing had to admit Sheng Ruxi’s taste was impeccable.

With Sheng Ruxi’s extravagant habits—everything had to be top-tier luxury—even Chu Wu’s research institute salary, no matter how high, wouldn’t be enough to sustain her. Not to mention Sheng Ruxi’s endless, chattering energy. Even if she divorced Jian Jixing later and went after Chu Wu, could she really handle being alone every day? Without anyone to admire her acting skills, she’d probably end up so bored she’d come back just to bicker.

At this thought, Jian Jixing could already picture Sheng Ruxi’s haughty, domineering demeanor—and the sweet, coquettish way she had called her wife earlier while lounging in her seat, ordering her around.

What a fox, Jian Jixing thought, this time chuckling out loud. When she opened the chat, she realized Sheng Ruxi had messaged her half an hour ago.

Little Mung Bean patted you—failed. Please check your connection and try again.

Little Mung Bean patted you—failed. Please check your connection and try again.

And just as she picked up her phone, two more identical notifications popped up. Jian Jixing couldn’t take it anymore and sent back a question mark. This was Sheng Ruxi’s way of extending an olive branch, but this was excessive. Could she really be dense enough not to realize this was a custom pat message Jian Jixing had set?

After the question mark, there was no further reply. Jian Jixing took a deep breath, feeling a headache coming on. This princess must still be fuming. She walked into the walk-in closet. Though they rarely stayed here, Sheng Ruxi’s exquisite dresses still occupied seventy percent of the space, always waiting for the princess’s favor.

Jian Jixing could smell the lingering traces of Sheng Ruxi’s pheromones on the clothes, warm as if they still carried her body heat. Her breathing steady, She closed her eyes and reached out. Jian Jixing’s fingertips didn’t actually touch the fabric, hovering a centimeter away as they slowly traced their path. From the open square neckline to the flared skirt, the exquisite diamond embellishments and delicate silk threads, the fitted waist, the full yet pale curves—all these vulnerable areas were revealed one by one under the measuring palm of her hand.

She caressed the dress as if she were truly touching Sheng Ruxi. If Sheng Ruxi had seen this, she would have surely mocked her endlessly. But Jian Jixing couldn’t care less right now. After temporarily marking Sheng Ruxi, her pheromones had become highly unstable, and her rut was approaching fast.

In truth, her glands ached, her pheromones on the verge of bursting forth. Nights were especially unbearable—her primal instincts urged her to hunt, poised and ready to capture her prey. But Sheng Ruxi refused to be marked by her. Jian Jixing wouldn’t force her, so she could only relieve the tension in her own way. After calming down slightly, her phone buzzed—Chu Wu was calling with a video chat.