Diva Alpha Meets Her Biological Daughter on a Parenting Variety Show - Chapter 5

When Ming Nuo woke up early in the morning, she felt that the feverish patch of skin from behind her ear down to her neck had cooled.

She tried peeling back a corner of the scent-blocking patch; no pheromone scent leaked out.

“Eh?” Ming Nuo let out a curious sound and peeled the entire patch off. She could only smell the faint peach fragrance of the sticker itself.

What was going on?

Even with suppressants and a patch, the pheromone fluctuations should only be lessened, not completely receded to daily levels during an Interaction Period.

Could it be that she hadn’t actually entered her period early, but was simply affected by an Omega’s pheromones, causing a temporary hormonal disruption?

That shouldn’t be right either… She had encountered accidental Omega pheromone leaks before, and they had never affected her body like this. Could it be related to Ning Xueqing being a Level 1 Omega?

It was highly likely.

According to last year’s national census, there were only about a thousand Level 1 Omegas across all age groups nationwide. Ninety percent of them were born into wealthy, prestigious families, making them hard for ordinary people to encounter.

This led to a general lack of public understanding regarding the concentration and influence of Level 1 Omega pheromones.

Ming Nuo remembered her physiology teacher mentioning in school that the influence of a Level 1 Omega is incredibly strong; it could potentially cause endocrine disruption in Alphas and even Betas.

Yes, that must be it.

There was one other situation where two people would influence each other this way: an Alpha and Omega who had marked each other. Since Ming Nuo had been single since her differentiation, that possibility didn’t exist.

As long as my cycle isn’t a mess, it’s fine.

Now fully awake, Ming Nuo sat up in bed. The motorized curtains automatically pulled open a crack, allowing bright sunlight to filter through the green leaves into the bedroom. Ming Nuo ran her fingers through her messy morning hair and let out a long, yawning stretch.

Her gaze fell on the discarded patch on the nightstand.

Ning Xueqing had applied that herself.

After a moment of thought, Ming Nuo picked it up and stuck it back on.

What if her pheromones fluctuated again later? Better to be safe.

The hotel butler had prepared two types of breakfast. Ming Nuo chose the classic set because it included a bottle of milk, while the other set came with juice.

She opened the balcony window to warm up her voice, listened to classical music while eating, and with all her spring work schedules completed, Ming Nuo officially began her pleasant vacation.

“Hmm… all-natural pasture, daily fresh milk.”

Ming Nuo checked the label on the glass bottle.

Doesn’t taste as good as the milk Ning Xueqing gave me, she thought.

She leaned back into the lounge chair, letting the breeze brush her face. Contented, she tapped her fingers to a beat and sang an improvised melody.

Thinking of the chance encounter by the river last night, Ning Xueqing sitting on the back of the bike, and their pleasant chat under the moonlight, Ming Nuo felt as if she had swallowed honey, her eyes curving into crescents.

Let’s see how my orchid is doing.

Upon returning to the villa last night, she had washed the jar and specifically asked the butler where a night market was. She found a flower shop and ordered a small pot of Caleana major—the Flying Duck Orchid—to transplant into the jar.

It was an orchid unique to Australia. When it bloomed, it would be deep purple, with petals shaped like a small duck with spread wings. The one Ming Nuo bought was still just a bud, growing quietly in the glass jar.

Right, my status update.

In ten years, Ning Xueqing had never “liked” her Moments. But Ning Xueqing had come to her concert last night and knew she was using the milk jar to grow flowers. Maybe, just maybe, she would give her a little red heart.

Ming Nuo quickly checked WeChat. There were many red dots—messages from group chats and interactions on other Moments. She clicked on the post visible only to Ning Xueqing.

Nothing.

“…”

Sigh.

What was I thinking?

Ming Nuo slumped into the lounge chair like a deflated balloon, resting her hand over her eyes and exhaling a long, silent breath.

Ning Xueqing was just a lively, cheerful, and approachable “big sister” type. She was warm toward her assistants and collaborating artists alike. But that didn’t mean she actively sought out private friendships.

At the very least, Ning Xueqing hadn’t thought about being her friend.

Otherwise, why would she always take a while to reply? Why was there never any online interaction outside of business?

As for coming to the concert… She had said it herself: “I live nearby. Might as well listen.”

Ning Xueqing already has a lover, and they have the crystallization of their love. Ming Nuo repeatedly warned herself.

She lay there for a while, clearing her mind.

Ming Yan called, asking her to come to the hotel’s tea restaurant. Since Ming Nuo was on vacation, Ming Yan wanted her to stay in Australia for a few more days to accompany her.

Ming Nuo had originally planned to stay, but since she’d promised to visit the fan back home, she had adjusted her itinerary.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Ming Nuo said, choosing clothes from the closet and glancing at the electronic calendar. “But I’m heading back the day after tomorrow. If you want to keep playing, Mommy, you can stay. I’ll hire a translator to accompany you.”

Ming Yan’s voice turned displeased. “What’s the big deal with going back a few days late? I raised you all this way, and now that you’re independent, you won’t even spend a few extra days with me.”

“Mommy, I have things to handle back home. That’s all for now, hanging up.”

Ming Nuo threw the phone on the bed. Sometimes, vacations were more exhausting than work.

She took a shuttle from the villa area to the hotel lobby. The tea restaurant was in a tropical garden outside the lobby. Ming Nuo walked to Ming Yan’s table wearing sunglasses. Ming Yan was sitting alone, but the table was set for four.

Ming Nuo sat opposite her. Ming Yan was busy admiring the massive ring on her index finger. Sunlight hit the ring, reflecting a kaleidoscope of colors.

Ming Yan elegantly touched her newly permed hair and raised her hand. “Auntie Xu gave this to me. Opal. Isn’t it beautiful? This kind of luster is rare.”

Ming Nuo: “Beautiful.”

Ming Yan patted her. “You didn’t even look. You’re just saying it.”

Ming Nuo took a proper look. “It’s nice.”

“Hmph.” Ming Yan retracted her hand and picked up a macaron with tongs. “Do you know how rude you were to Yingying at dinner yesterday?”

Ming Nuo frowned at the macaron. She didn’t like things this sweet; they were cloyingly heavy.

“I know.” Ming Nuo didn’t touch it. “But you invited her without discussing it with me. I have no intention of dating, so being direct is better for everyone.”

Ming Yan slapped her back again. “No emotional intelligence! If you keep being this uninteresting, no Omega will ever like you.”

Ming Nuo looked away. She had zero common ground with Ming Yan on this topic.

Ming Yan continued: “Auntie Xu and Yingying will be here soon. I’ll stay here to chat with Auntie Xu, and you take Yingying rowing. Whether it works out or not is another story, but you owe her an apology. She’s your fan and has liked you for a long time. She went home crying because of how heartless you were.”

“…”

Ming Nuo replied: “A real fan? I’ll sign a new album and write an apology card. You give it to her for me. I’m not meeting her.”

She called her assistant, Xiao Zhu, to bring over a new album set.

“Ming Nuo, you! You’re impossible. Xu Ying is so good—we know her family, she’s obedient and filial…” Ming Yan turned her head and happened to see the back of Ming Nuo’s neck. From this angle, the transparent patch was obvious.

Ming Yan blinked. “Are you… in your period?”

Ming Nuo looked at the patch and went along with it. “Mm.”

Ming Yan changed her tune: “Then it really is inconvenient for you to see Yingying. Fine, just give me the album when you’re done.”

Xiao Zhu soon arrived with a limited-edition album box. Ming Nuo quickly signed the poster and card, then stood to leave. “Mommy, I’m going back to my room. I’m a bit sleepy.”

Ming Yan’s expression softened considerably. “Go on, get some good rest.”

On the way back to the villa, Ming Nuo touched behind her ear. The patch still held a trace of refreshing coolness. She leaned back against the shuttle seat and closed her eyes.

—Thank you, Xueqing.

Even when you aren’t around, you’ve helped me.

Shadows flickered on the wooden walkway by the river.

“Mommy, wahh—!”

A little girl with straight bangs pointed at a swan on the water, turning toward Ning Xueqing. Her round cheeks looked like a little apple. “Baby swan!”

“Mm, the cygnet is out with Mommy Swan to soak up the sun.” Ning Xueqing leaned down to press her forehead against her daughter’s, asking softly: “Want some water?”

Mengmeng watched the grey cygnet hop from the adult swan’s back into the water, her small mouth making a “gulu” sound. She nodded. “I want some too.”

Ning Xueqing pulled a cartoon thermos from her soft bag and opened the lid for her daughter, stroking her fine hair. “Drink slowly.”

Mengmeng took a big gulp, blinking her bright, sparkling eyes. She looked around. “Mommy, where’s Grandma?”

Ning Xueqing stood up and looked ahead, spotting Ning Zhixuan sketching under a tree. She took Mengmeng’s hand and helped her step onto a stone bench to see. “Grandma is over there painting.”

Mengmeng smiled, showing tiny teeth, her cheeks lighting up. “Is Grandma painting the baby swan?”

Ning Xueqing protected her with both arms, her exquisite peach-blossom eyes full of gentle joy. “Maybe. Shall we go see what Grandma is painting?”

“Yes!” Mengmeng lunged into her mother’s arms. Ning Xueqing carefully set her down and led her toward her grandmother.

Small flowers bloomed in the grass along the walkway. Mengmeng, wearing pink shoes, ran through the flowers, her two small ponytails bouncing under her little hat.

“Grandma! Grandma! Are you painting the baby swan?”

Ning Zhixuan turned leisurely, set down her brush, and smiled as she leaned over to embrace her. “Yes, my little treasure Mengmeng. Come, let Grandma give you a kiss.”

“Heehee~” Mengmeng squinted her eyes as her grandma kissed her cheek.

Ning Xueqing sat on a bench under the tree, setting her bag beside her. Mengmeng skipped over. “I want to get Grandma a little cookie.”

“Mm, they’re in here.” Ning Xueqing gave her the bag and unzipped it.

“I see them! Chocolate cookies~” Mengmeng reached in, but something suddenly vibrated inside the side pocket.

“Aya!” She quickly pulled her hand back, looking at the bag in surprise as the object started playing music.

“Mommy!” Mengmeng pulled out the ringing phone, calling to Ning Xueqing. “Someone is looking for you on the phone!”

Ning Xueqing patted her daughter’s head and laughed. “Someone is looking for me… it’s called ‘a phone call’.”

Mengmeng giggled.

Ning Xueqing looked at the caller ID: her manager, Erin. She walked a bit further away to answer.

“Erin?”

“Xueqing, after your news broke, Jinyu TV contacted me immediately. They want to invite you to participate in a new parenting variety show they’re planning for this year. I think it’s a great comeback opportunity and an interesting experience for the child. What do you think?”

“Coincidentally, I was thinking the same thing. I heard about this show from a friend at Jinyu before. I asked Mengmeng, and she’s willing to participate if she gets the chance.”

Ning Xueqing smiled and discussed it with Erin for a while before deciding to accept.

Erin reminded her: “By the way, the production team plans to invite four families: two traditional ‘families of three’ and two single-parent families. For the single parents, they will arrange a special guest to form a ‘temporary family.’ The director respects your opinion. If you have a preferred candidate, fill it out in the email receipt I sent you. The team will do their best to get them, and it will be kept confidential from everyone.”

“Okay.”

“Alright, take your time thinking of a candidate. Just fill it out by Friday.”

“I’ve already filled it out.”

Erin: “?”

Erin: “Don’t you usually have ‘choice paralysis’? That fast?!”

Ning Xueqing looked at the receipt interface in her mobile email. In the column for “Desired Guest” on the digital invitation, she had typed:

Ming Nuo.