Staying Alive by Clinging to the Cold O CEO - Chapter 4

The provocation in those words was no longer important; Meng Li was completely floored by the fact that she—of all people—could utter something so suggestive and bold.

Her toes curled so hard she could have dug out a three-bedroom apartment, followed by a detached villa.

When it came down to it, she was only a junior in college before she transmigrated. She had never been in a relationship and knew absolutely nothing about romance; she was incredibly innocent. Just saying the words “passionate kiss” felt like her mouth was on fire.

It was inexplicably sultry.

But the die was cast. She braced herself and glared at Li Zilong. It was all this “Phoenix Man” Alpha’s fault.

Li Zilong didn’t speak. It was as if his soul had been snatched away by invisible threads; he lost all his spirit and stared behind them with a look of strange panic.

Thump.

The sound of a heavy object hitting the ground.

Meng Li instinctively turned around and saw a cane that had fallen to the floor, rolling forward until it got stuck against the wheelchair.

Old Madam Ming was being supported by the butler, staring at the interlaced hands of Meng Li and Ming Yufu with a look of shock, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

Meng Li’s brain short-circuited for a moment. Her ears turned a deeper red than her moist lips as she recalled the “tiger-and-wolf” words she had just spewed.

A match made in heaven.

My baby.

Passionate kiss.

“…”

She slowly closed her eyes.

Some Alphas may look like they are standing still, but in reality, their souls have already boarded a rocket and accelerated into deep space.

Even a week later, Meng Li couldn’t help but recall the scene from that day.

Although she had programmed her brain and warned herself not to think about it anymore, every time she closed and opened her eyes, she saw the embarrassing scene of her asking everyone if they wanted to watch them “passionately kiss.”

Fortunately, Old Madam Ming eventually accepted her explanation, though for some reason, the elder looked a bit disappointed.

“…”

Okay, stop. Don’t think about it anymore.

Meng Li curled up on her bed, her thick eyelashes fluttering, a thin flush creeping up her neck. Hugging a body pillow, she tapped her head as if to knock out the embarrassing memories, leaving only the banquet pastries, the grand hotel, and the winding paths.

It was as luxurious as a dream.

Once the dream ended, Meng Li was just an ordinary female college student living in a small studio apartment.

The apartment was a single room with standardized layout and decor. There was no distinction between the living room and bedroom; it featured an open kitchen and, within its thirty square meters, a TV, a sofa, shelving, and a balcony for drying clothes. It had everything, yet didn’t feel cramped.

The Meng family had once been a prominent household in the capital. While they couldn’t compare to the number-one family, the Mings, their financial power had been significant.

However, Father Meng had failed in his investments years ago, and the family went bankrupt when the original host was in elementary school. Their assets and home were used to pay off debts. Later, Father Meng committed suicide by jumping from a building, leaving Mother Meng to raise two daughters alone.

Having fallen from the clouds, the original host hated her ordinary life and pinned her hopes on the engagement to the Ming family’s second daughter, Ming Shu. She spent every day dreaming unrealistic dreams of the wealthy.

The phone rang—a buzzing vibration from an unknown number.

Meng Li snapped back to reality and answered. A pre-recorded, sweet electronic voice played.

“Hello. Your loan of 60,000 yuan from XinXin Credit must be repaid in full by midnight on the 18th of this month. Overdue payments will incur daily interest penalties, and credit records will be reported to the central system. A third-party agency will be commissioned for collection…”

The call disconnected automatically. Meng Li rubbed her temples.

The original host loved to adorn herself with luxury goods. Unable to afford the real thing but unable to resist the temptation, she had taken out loans via apps to buy several expensive but useless luxury replicas.

After paying off XinXin Credit and uninstalling the app, Meng Li counted her remaining balance.

1,500 yuan left.

It wasn’t much, but compared to her remaining life expectancy of just over two months, it felt quite wealthy.

If she lived frugally, kept the lights off, and planned well, she could make it last a few months.

Full of fighting spirit, Meng Li began her research.

Top floor of the Ming Corporation, CEO’s Office.

The room was filled with abundant light, illuminating the minimalist decor. A floor-to-ceiling window took up an entire wall, offering an expansive view. Standing by the window, one could see the magnificent river scenery, with gulls skimming the shimmering waves.

Assistant Ji took the documents signed by the CEO and reported the schedule. “This afternoon, there is a meeting for the last quarter’s data report that requires you to preside.”

Ming Yufu gave an almost imperceptible nod. “Fine.”

She slowly wrote her comments on a document submitted by the design department. Her emotionless voice was thin as bone, yet it sent a sudden chill through the air. “After the cooperation with the Li family regarding the transport routes expires this year, do not renew it. Notify the other subsidiaries to terminate all cooperation negotiations with the Li family entirely.”

“Understood.” Assistant Ji paused and added, “Miss Kong from Taixi Pharmaceuticals hopes for a private blind date with you. Should I decline on your behalf?”

This reminded her of her grandmother’s nagging. Ming Yufu lifted her chin slightly and said without hesitation, “Decline it.”

The lines of her shoulders and back were elegant and straight; her cool features were like a painting, her dark pupils like a deep sea hiding mysteries beneath a calm surface.

Ming Yufu said, “Do a preliminary screening of eligible Alphas in the capital. Once the information is organized, send it to my email.”

Assistant Ji noted it down and asked further, “Do you have specific requirements for the Alpha’s rank, ability, appearance, or family background?”

Ming Yufu’s gaze swept over the clean handkerchief at the corner of her desk. She retracted her gaze, looking composed. “I want a normal A.”

After a pause, she added, “A good A.”

Assistant Ji’s pen tip paused for a few seconds as she noted down these two increasingly abstract terms. The CEO was responsible for the requirements; the subordinate was responsible for turning the abstract into reality.

“Understood, President Ming.”

Ming Yufu put down her pen, her brow furrowing slightly. Just as Assistant Ji was about to leave, she called her back.

“Wait.”

Assistant Ji turned around.

Ming Yufu toyed with her cold pen. Her slightly thin voice was unhurried. “There’s no need to look anymore.”

The CEO’s thoughts were like June weather—changing in an instant.

Assistant Ji was puzzled but complied.

Ming Yufu looked composed. “Compress my schedule for the next few days. Clear one day for me; I have personal business.”

The sunlight through the window traced the cold yet gorgeous lines of her face. She exuded the chilly aura of someone in a high position.

Her gaze moved to her black-screened phone.

A normal A.

A good A.

She seemed to have a candidate who met the criteria.

The screen lit up.

The body pillow had been tossed aside at some point. Meng Li, who had just finished planning how to use her 1,500 yuan, lay on her bed and focused on opening WeChat.

She scrolled down her contacts, found the rain-themed avatar with a pure black background, and clicked into Ming Yufu’s “Moments” (feed).

It was empty; there was no content at all.

It fit her cold and taciturn image perfectly.

Meng Li’s hope of finding clues about her schedule from her Moments was dashed. She clicked “back” with regret, but her thumb slipped.

The phone vibrated, and a line of small text appeared in the chat interface:

[You nudged Ming Yufu]

Her heart skipped a beat. Meng Li frantically withdrew the message.

Widening her eyes, she confirmed three times that it had been withdrawn. She breathed a sigh of relief, praying the other woman hadn’t noticed, and exited WeChat.

She clicked into her browser and searched “Ming Yufu.”

The page jumped to show various news reports. Meng Li skipped the news and went to the image gallery, staring at the woman’s peerless face for a full minute.

Then, she looked at her wrist. No miracle had occurred with the countdown; it was still decreasing second by second.

It seemed that to get life points, she had to see the person in the flesh. Looking at her WeChat or photos didn’t work.

The phone vibrated, and a WeChat call popped up. Seeing the avatar, Meng Li’s thoughts overloaded. She sat up with a start, her actions faster than her brain, and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Meng Li?”

A slightly cold, low, magnetic voice came through the receiver, curling into her ear like a stray current.

Meng Li rubbed her itchy ear and unconsciously mimicked the other woman’s tone. “President Ming?”

She wondered why the woman would call her of her own accord.

“Yes,” Ming Yufu replied, getting straight to the point. “Are you free recently? I have something I’d like to discuss with you in person.”

Meng Li was just lamenting her lack of opportunity to see her. Hearing this, she nodded repeatedly. Realizing the woman couldn’t see her, she smiled as brightly as the moon and stars. “I’m free. I’m free tomorrow afternoon.”

“Good. See you tomorrow afternoon then. I’ll send the time and address in a moment.”

Ming Yufu arranged to meet at a cafe not far from Meng Li’s apartment.

Meng Li walked there. After entering, a waiter led her into a private booth.

Today she wore an apple-green sleeveless top paired with a loose black maxi skirt. Her tea-colored curls were tied in a high bun with a few stray strands by her ears. It was a casual style different from the banquet—clean and pretty. Even without makeup, her natural beauty was not diminished in the slightest.

The booth was minimalist and air-conditioned. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air. A three-tiered dessert stand sat on the black square table, filled with adorable-looking treats:

Almond crisps, chestnut cakes, Longjing tea cookies, blueberry puffs, Boston cream pie, jujube flower pastries, mochi, brown sugar cakes, osmanthus cakes, Basque cheesecake…

Meng Li glanced at them, then glanced again before sitting down. It was a fusion of East and West, exquisitely plated.

The waiter introduced them: “These are low-sugar snacks provided free of charge to you both. Healthy and not too sweet.”

Meng Li sat opposite Ming Yufu, her skirt sliding past her snowy-white ankles. She placed her shoulder bag on the empty seat beside her.

The woman was dressed formally—elegant and ascetic. She wore a primrose-yellow silk shirt; the delicate fabric didn’t have a single wrinkle. The buttons were meticulously done up to the very top, her slender neck extending from the collar. She looked like she was attending a major conference.

Meng Li had the illusion of being treated with great care.

She checked the time—she had arrived exactly on the dot. She couldn’t help asking, “President Ming, have you been waiting long?”

Ming Yufu’s hands were interlaced. Her satin-like long hair was extremely black. “No, I just arrived as well.”

Meng Li curved her lips, a hint of a smile in her eyes. The “little oriole” in her heart was chirping with curiosity. “What did you want to see me about?”

In the original book, Ming Yufu was used to controlling everything and was always efficient; she never did anything useless. Since she couldn’t guess the purpose, Meng Li simply asked directly, her gaze falling on the woman’s nose.

The Band-Aid was gone.

A thin scar had scabbed over and partially fallen off, revealing patches of tender pink. It was like a flaw on perfectly glazed white porcelain. Impossible to ignore.

Ming Yufu looked into her eyes. “Outside the door on the day of the banquet… you heard my conversation with Grandma, didn’t you?”

Meng Li recalled, “Are you talking about the part where Old Madam Ming was anxious for you to start a family?”

Ming Yufu said, “Yes.”

Meng Li sympathized with her for three seconds. In any world, once you reach a certain age, you can’t escape the family’s pressure to marry.

She said, “You can’t rush romance. It takes time.”

Ming Yufu said slowly, “I have no intention of dating.”

Meng Li rested her chin in her palm. In the original book, Ming Yufu was indeed a character who lived a solitary life.

Ming Yufu continued, “But she is pressing hard. Therefore, I need a marriage to satisfy her.”

She pushed her hand forward, her jade-like slender fingers looking extremely cold. A check entered Meng Li’s field of vision.

Meng Li looked down. The number “2” was followed by a string of zeros.

Meng Li picked up the check, not daring to use any force for fear of damaging the thin slip of paper. “Is this… for me?”

Ming Yufu gripped the handle of her coffee cup, her posture elegant and composed. “This check is my sincerity. I wonder if you are willing to consider being my contract wife for two years.”

Meng Li’s heart throbbed. She could hear the sound of her blood accelerating.

The little oriole in her heart gave a long chirp! She was willing!

There was no need to consider. Even without the check, she would have agreed. To find a chance to see her and gain life points, she had even booked a seat at Ming Yufu’s upcoming lecture at Jingda University and signed up as a volunteer.

Marrying Ming Yufu was the equivalent of inviting a cat to live in a nest made of catnip. She could see her every day and absorb life points every day.

Happiness came too suddenly. No “cat” would miss this deal, and neither would she.

But then she remembered the original host’s verbal engagement with the Omega heroine. It was like a bucket of cold water. She cooled down.

Meng Li said, “I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Ming Shu and I originally had a verbal engagement.”

Ming Yufu lifted her eyelashes. “So it was you.”

Meng Li licked her lips nervously. “Do you mind? But that engagement has been canceled. I am currently single.”

“I don’t mind. You are the ideal candidate in Grandma’s heart; that’s even better.”

Meng Li cleared her throat demurely. “Then I’ve considered it. I’m willing.”

Ming Yufu didn’t miss the slight tug at the corner of the girl’s lips. It was smoother than she had imagined—no need for more money or extra material incentives.

Was it the amount on the check that moved her? Or was the girl naturally helpful and kind?

The doubt lasted only a moment. Ming Yufu didn’t dwell on it. She didn’t care about the reason for Meng Li’s agreement; the result was more important.

She handed a paper contract to Meng Li. “You can take a look; this is the agreement. For two years, I need you to cooperate with me and act the part of a sweet, loving couple in front of Grandma.”

Meng Li flipped through the contract. Every clause was clear, but there was so much content—rights, obligations, requirements for certain locations… she couldn’t finish it in one sitting.

She closed the contract, her amber eyes warm and bright. “Can I take it home and read it slowly?”

“You can. If there are other clauses you’d like to add, tell me on WeChat. If there are no issues, we will use this version.”

“Okay.” Meng Li’s smile was full of vitality. Her thick, curled lashes traced the exquisite shape of her eyes. Her fingertips brushed the title page of the paper. She couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity, “Why did you choose me?”

Based on family background alone, Ming Yufu should have had many choices. Meng Li had no power or influence; perhaps being liked by Old Madam Ming was her only bonus.

“Because you are a good A,” Ming Yufu said.

Her cold-tipped fingers tapped the table, and her other hand tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear. Her peerless beauty was undeniable, and her tone was nonchalant.

A trace of confusion flashed in Meng Li’s eyes. She took a sip of coffee. This reason was incredibly simple.

She was actually this much of a good A? The most powerful character in the original book acknowledged her character and was willing to spend a fortune to hire her as a contract partner. She felt a bit flattered. Was she really that excellent, or were the other Alphas just that incompetent?

Though she felt she could handle being the woman’s wife, she wondered if she should tell this “naive” CEO sister: A “good A” is one thing, but a “good wife” is another.

Before she could start worrying, Ming Yufu spoke again.

“And also…” Ming Yufu’s gaze swept over Meng Li’s slender hand on the contract, then over Meng Li’s beautifully curved red lips. The lips were full and smooth, with a natural upward curve, dampened by a bit of moisture—shimmering and alluring.

“I don’t hate it when you touch me. A passionate kiss… should also be fine.”

“Cough—!”

Even though she hadn’t swallowed her coffee yet, Meng Li began to cough, covering her mouth.

Wh-what?