Chapter 48
All told, Xiao Yun had been here for three months. After countless moments of discomfort, she finally began to feel much more adapted as things progressed smoothly.
The Xiao family’s grand terraced villa was adorned with red lanterns, and every entrance was pasted with Spring Festival couplets. The drivers and butlers wore red outfits representing the New Year, standing ready on both sides.
Jiang Cha stood at the entrance wearing a red knit sweater over a white shirt with a red bow tie. She wore a pleated miniskirt, leaving her fair legs exposed above a pair of Martin boots. The purity of her upper half and the allure of her lower half intertwined; her long, seaweed-like hair curled like a waterfall, swaying with the spring breeze.
Spring had arrived, and Jiang Cha’s attire had become lighter. For this New Year, she was in charge of the decorations, the dinner selection, and the post-meal entertainment. Originally, these tasks belonged to Xiao Jingliang’s younger wife, Duan Hong, but Xiao Jingliang felt her taste wasn’t “youthful” enough. He had offhandedly suggested Jiang Cha try it, since she was from the entertainment industry and knew what was fun. Surprisingly, Jiang Cha had agreed and handled everything meticulously.
Xiao Yun, wearing a long indigo trench coat, stood at the gate watching for a while, thinking that it finally felt like a home. Spring was here, everything was reviving, and life was heading in a beautiful direction. She took a few brisk steps, intending to help.
Jiang Cha happened to be directing the butler on how to paste the couplets—a bit to the left, a bit to the right—but they were still crooked. Seeing the butler struggle, she simply told him to step down and climbed the stepladder herself.
Butler Mei looked up at her anxiously. “Madam, be careful.”
Jiang Cha stood on the ladder, her hands occupied with the scrolls. “I know,” she replied.
Afraid of startling her, Xiao Yun walked softly to the base of the ladder and looked up at the large characters for Gong Xi Fa Cai (Wishing you prosperity). She couldn’t help but chuckle.
Jiang Cha heard her and looked down. “What are you laughing at?”
“I’m laughing because even though our family is already this wealthy, my Madam hasn’t forgotten to pray for us to strike it rich.”
Jiang Cha, taking it as mere teasing, ignored her and returned to her work. Xiao Yun’s gaze dropped. In a moment of distraction, her eyes brushed past the hem of the skirt. Although Jiang Cha wore black safety shorts, the glimpse of the silhouette between her legs was enough to spark the imagination—spring was indeed in the air.
Luckily, no one else was around. If Xiao Qing, Xiao Yu, or any other Alpha passed by and saw this, it wouldn’t be good. Xiao Yun averted her eyes slightly and coughed. “Jiangjiang, come down first.” Such tasks should be left to the butler.
Jiang Cha finished pasting the couplet, clapped the dust off her hands, and looked down. “Didn’t I do a good job?”
She held onto the handrail, bent one leg, and began to reach for the next step. Unexpectedly, her foot slipped.
In a flash, Xiao Yun lunged forward beneath the ladder and caught the falling Jiang Cha.
“Ah!”
Jiang Cha landed steadily in her arms like a soft kitten, emitting nervous rose-scented pheromones, her eyes wide with panic. Xiao Yun supported her waist with one hand and held the crook of her knees with the other. She tilted her head. “Is this fun?”
Jiang Cha struggled to stand up from her embrace, her hand brushing her own leg where Xiao Yun’s hot palm had just rested. Her skin felt like it was burning. She took two steps back, her face flushed.
Xiao Yun, not realizing what she was thinking, leaned in slightly. “It’s still cold. Wear more next time; don’t chase the cold for the sake of fashion.”
The Omega’s beautiful eyelashes fluttered as she nodded. Xiao Yun wanted to remind her not to dress so… provocatively, as she wasn’t the only person in this house. But then she remembered that for an idol, this was already quite conservative, so she stayed silent.
Just as she was worrying about her “wardrobe malfunction,” Xiao Yu and Xia He approached. They greeted everyone, praising Jiang Cha for her hard work. Jiang Cha lowered her head with modest grace.
Xiao Yun looked at Jiang Cha’s skirt and thought, Close call. Good thing she caught her.
Her gaze shifted to her sister. Everyone was dressed festively today. Although Xiao Yu wasn’t in full red, the red scarf around her neck added a touch of warmth to her cold demeanor—especially standing next to Xia He, her expression looked as if she had fallen into a jar of honey.
However, looking at the two of them, it was clear Xia He had no idea Xiao Yu liked her, let alone that she had secretly kissed her. Xia He was like an innocent white rabbit, unaware of the big gray wolf behind her ready to hunt. Xiao Yun sighed, wondering if she should warn Xia He, but then decided she should pretend not to know.
The three of them stared at her until Xia He finally spoke. “Xiao Yun, go change quickly. Everyone is in the festive spirit; you’re the only one left.”
Xiao Yun blinked and nodded.
When she came downstairs after changing, the living room had become lively. It wasn’t because of many people, but because the original Xiao Yun’s grandmother—Grandma Liu—had returned. She was being pushed in by a servant in her wheelchair.
As soon as she entered, Grandma Liu called out for Xiao Yun. In her heart, only the child born to Xiao Jingliang’s first wife possessed the family’s noblest bloodline; everyone else was considered a “concubine’s child.” The original Xiao Yun had become increasingly arrogant because of this support.
Later in the original story, Grandma Liu had pinned her hopes on Xiao Yun, but upon discovering Xiao Yun was a Beta and had committed atrocities, she was literally angered to death by a sudden stroke. After that, Xiao Yun’s status plummeted. Xiao Jingliang, having lost his mother and believing he had no worthy heir, passed away shortly after. That left the three sisters to fight it out.
Xiao Yun stood still for a moment, thinking. To avoid that fate, she was going to have to “perform.”
Grandma Liu sat in her wheelchair, looking around. “Where is my Yun’er?” She was in her seventies, with white hair and a wrinkled face, but her noble attire gave her a spirited energy. Jewels really do enhance a person.
“Grandmother!” Xiao Yun hurried down the stairs, knelt before the old lady, and looked up at her with tearful eyes.
“Oh, my Yun’er! So good, so beautiful.” Grandma Liu stared at her for a long time before confirming it was her. Her wrinkled hand gently pulled Xiao Yun closer as she asked excitedly, “Where is your Omega?”
Jiang Cha appeared from somewhere and knelt beside her as well, smiling sweetly. “Grandmother.”
Xiao Yun pointed. “Grandmother, this is my wife, Jiang Cha.”
The old woman looked at Jiang Cha, scanning her up and down for a while with a hint of a smile on her face. “Good, good. So handsome.”
She patted Xiao Yun’s hand and pointed to Butler Mei. “You, go and get the red box from the drawer in my nightstand.”
When they married, Grandma Liu couldn’t attend due to illness, and the gift hadn’t been delivered. Now, seeing Jiang Cha and hearing the family praise her for being a virtuous homemaker, she was very satisfied.
Xiao Jingliang spoke up. “Don’t just stand there. Let’s take our seats.”
At the table, Xiao Yun sat between Jiang Cha and Grandma Liu. It wasn’t her choice; Grandma Liu had pulled both of them to sit beside her. Because of this, Xiao Qing and her wife Li Huan were pushed to the further seats. In a strictly hierarchical Alpha family, even seating was a matter of prestige. The original host was truly pampered.
Soon, Butler Mei brought the red box. Grandma Liu took it and stroked it gently. “This was left to me by your mother before she passed. She said to save it for your Omega.” She opened the box to reveal a delicate pink jade bracelet.
She beckoned Jiang Cha over. Jiang Cha glanced hesitantly at Xiao Yun. “Go ahead,” Xiao Yun whispered. Under the table, Xiao Yun’s finger playfully tickled Jiang Cha’s palm.
Despite her hesitation, Jiang Cha went over. She felt a sense of weight as the bracelet was slipped onto her wrist. As a “fake” wife, receiving a family heirloom felt heavy—it didn’t belong to her.
“Beautiful,” Grandma Liu said, her eyes sharp. “It’s like it was made for you.”
“Thank you, Grandmother.” Jiang Cha turned the bracelet and returned to her seat.
“It’s not for free, Chacha,” Grandma Liu teased. “Remember to give the Xiao family a big, healthy daughter soon.”
The table erupted in laughter. Jiang Cha’s face turned scarlet as she covered her cheeks. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have dared wear Grandmother’s gift.” This joke lightened the solemn atmosphere, making it harmonious.
Grandma Liu shifted her gaze to Xiao Yun. “You too. Your father told me you spend all day in the hospital and don’t spend time with your Omega. Work is important, but life is too.” As a junior, Xiao Yun nodded obediently. Grandma Liu leaned in and whispered, “The reason she hasn’t conceived yet is because of you, isn’t it? It’s been three months. Work hard for me.”
Xiao Yun agreed with a smile, while glancing at Xiao Jingliang. She knew he had been “reporting” her to her grandmother.
After dinner, it was time for personal entertainment. Xiao Qing, Li Huan, and Xiao Jingliang stayed in the hall to watch the New Year Gala. Xiao Yun, Jiang Cha, Xiao Yu, and Xia He chose to go out to the lantern festival.
Before they left, Grandma Liu reminded them to come back early. Once they were gone, she pulled Butler Mei aside.
“How is the relationship between Xiao Yun and Jiang Cha really?”
Though Butler Mei was Xiao Yun’s personal butler, she was Grandma Liu’s confidante first. She lowered her voice. “To answer the Old Madam: on the first night of the wedding during Miss Jiang’s estrus, the Second Miss did not mark her, but gave her suppressants instead. However, their relationship has become very deep. They are both busy, but when they are together, they are very sweet.”
So, the relationship was fine. Grandma Liu breathed a sigh of relief. “Then why hasn’t she conceived?”
“Perhaps the Second Miss feels her career is busy and hasn’t put her mind to it.”
“There’s another possibility,” Grandma Liu mused. “They are young, after all. They might not understand the arts of the bedroom, or how to conceive. Find some relevant… materials and films for them to study.”
In the ABO world, it’s easy for a male Alpha and a female Omega to conceive. But for a female Alpha and a female Omega, it’s a bit more difficult. Most people aren’t sure how to do it.
Butler Mei looked surprised. “Where and when should I prepare them?”
“To avoid further delays, prepare them tonight. It’s the Spring Festival; the children aren’t working for the next two days. It’s perfect.”
The Spring Festival Lantern Festival in Shuncheng was much more colorful than in real life. Perhaps it was because in the author’s pen, everything was written to be so vivid—dazzling fireworks, lanterns in various animal shapes, and street performances. One could forget the deep winter.
Xiao Yun and Jiang Cha walked hand-in-hand through the streets. Watching the festivities, Xiao Yun felt everything was real and warm. The small hand gripped in her palm felt substantial.
Since the pheromone attack, when Jiang Cha had comforted her, Xiao Yun’s view of her had changed. Jiang Cha wasn’t that bad; in fact, she was quite good. She was gentle, kind-hearted, beautiful, and in great shape—she was just highly guarded. After spending time together, Jiang Cha’s guard had lowered significantly. Sometimes, she even relied on her.
Xiao Yun knew they were in a “collaboration,” and any reliance Jiang Cha showed was temporary. It was a pity; as good as Jiang Cha was, she wasn’t actually hers. After briefly tightening her grip, Xiao Yun gently let go and tucked her hand into her trench coat pocket.
Jiang Cha naturally put her hand back into her small purse. They did this because Xiao Yu and Xia He had already walked far ahead; they didn’t need to perform for anyone anymore.
Ahead, Xiao Yu and Xia He stood at a jewelry stall. Xiao Yu picked out an earring and held it against Xia He’s ear. Their behavior was indistinguishable from a couple’s.
Jiang Cha asked, “Has your third sister won Xia He over?”
Xiao Yun shook her head. “Not yet. My sister is a coward; she hasn’t said anything yet.”
They walked side-by-side. Because of the crowd, they were pressed together. Afraid Jiang Cha would be pushed away, Xiao Yun took her hand again. Their fingers touched. Jiang Cha hesitated for a moment, then looked at her.
“Better hold on; there are too many people here,” Xiao Yun whispered. Jiang Cha said “okay” and Xiao Yun felt her gently squeeze back.
“By the way, what was the final verdict on Li Rang’s case?” Jiang Cha asked. It had been over half a month without news.
“My sister knows, but she won’t say. She says we have to wait for the announcement after the New Year.” Seeing Jiang Cha’s concern for her ex-wife, Xiao Yun added, “We could sneak a look at the verdict.” It was in the file folder in Xiao Yu’s room.
Jiang Cha looked suspicious. “When would we have the time?”
Xiao Yun flicked her forehead. “Now.”
She pulled Jiang Cha forward. Although she felt bad for interrupting, she broke up Xiao Yu’s flirting session. “Third Sister, Auntie—Jiangjiang and I have something to do, so we’re heading back. You guys enjoy the festival.”
Xia He was disappointed. “The lantern train is coming up. You won’t wait a bit?”
Xiao Yun shook her head. “No, you and Third Sister enjoy it.” She leaned in and whispered to Xiao Yu, “Good luck, Third Sister.” Then she led Jiang Cha away.
Once they were gone, Xia He sighed. “It’s not as lively with two people missing.”
Xiao Yu smirked. She had been worrying about how to get rid of Xiao Yun and the others. This was perfect; after all, if she was going to confess, she’d be too embarrassed with familiar faces around. She took Xia He’s hand and they boarded a beautiful pumpkin lantern carriage. “Come with me.”
Xia He was pulled into the carriage unexpectedly. Romantic music filled the air. The Alpha beside her had matured and emitted a faint, pleasant pheromone; she was no longer a child. Xia He pulled her hand back. “Xiao Yu, you’re an adult now, and an Alpha. You shouldn’t just pull another Omega’s hand like that.”
She wanted to say “my hand,” but she still considered Xiao Yu’s feelings. Xiao Yu rested her elbows on her knees, her hands hanging naturally. After a moment, Xiao Yu reached for Xia He’s hand again. “I’m pulling your hand, not some other Omega’s.” She held the small hand in hers, cherishing it.
However, the hand slipped away, and Xia He gave her a playful pat on the head. “Even if it’s me, you can’t just pull it.” Xia He placed her hands on her knees and leaned back. As she sat across from Xiao Yu, she saw a strange look in Xiao Yu’s eyes.
“Then whose hand can I pull?”
The carriage moved slowly. A beam of light hit Xiao Yu’s face, highlighting her sharp features and an aura of inexplicable pressure.
“When you’re in a relationship later, you can pull your Omega’s hand.” Xia He tried to advise her, though she felt something was off. She thought Xiao Yu was just acting out because she had grown up. She never expected what happened next.
Xiao Yu didn’t say a word. She reached out again, but this time she didn’t just pull her hand—she dragged Xia He over to sit right beside her.
“Xiao Yu!” Xia He stared at her.
Xiao Yu pressed against her. The Alpha’s citrus pheromones flooded her nose. “Miss Xia… you said if I won the case, you’d give me a gift, right?” She stared straight at her.
Xia He breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought it was something serious. Just say it—mmph!”
Xiao Yu didn’t say another word; she leaned down and kissed her. The moment their skin touched, Xia He shivered. Deep down, she had always cherished Xiao Yu. To have Xiao Yu—who was so much younger than her—suddenly kiss her… she didn’t know how to react. How could the obedient Xiao Yu treat her like this?
Her reflex was to push her away, but the Alpha’s strength was far superior. Xiao Yu held her tight and forced her way in, tasting the gardenia pheromones. Xia He pounded on her back, trying to get her to let go. But the Alpha’s mesmerizing, oppressive pheromones flowed from her mouth into Xia He’s system, making every pore shiver.
Xiao Yu kissed her for a long time before pulling away. “I’ve always loved you, Miss Xia.”
After returning to the villa, Xiao Yun and Jiang Cha snuck into Xiao Yu’s room. Though it was a side bedroom, it had a large bathroom, a small study, and a row of wardrobes. They didn’t turn on the lights, using only their phone flashlights. This was Xiao Yun’s first time playing thief, and she was nervous. But having someone with her made her feel more grounded.
Jiang Cha looked through the books outside while Xiao Yun searched for files in the study. “Where is it, where is it?” She scanned the files until she found the one for the smuggling case. “Found it,” she whispered, beckoning Jiang Cha.
Jiang Cha stood close to her, their heads together as they read the predicted sentence. Their bodies were pressed tight in the dim light. Because visibility was low, the Omega’s scent became exceptionally clear. Jiang Cha read the words softly, looking as cute as a little hamster.
“The predicted sentence is six to eight months,” Jiang Cha whispered. That meant Li Rang would be out soon.
Like two little hamsters, they quickly put everything back and prepared to sneak out. Suddenly, they heard the lock turn. They froze, looking at each other and swallowing hard. The door opened. Before the lights could be switched on, Xiao Yun grabbed Jiang Cha and ducked into the wardrobe.
They squeezed together in the dark. The wardrobe had a crack that allowed Xiao Yun to see what was happening outside. Soon, the scent of gardenias wafted in—a scent that Xiao Yun realized belonged to Xia He.
There were hurried footsteps and heavy breathing. Xiao Yu’s voice sounded anxious: “You’re in estrus, don’t move around.”
Xiao Yun was stunned. Before Jiang Cha could let out a cry of surprise, Xiao Yun gently covered Jiang Cha’s face with her hand. Jiang Cha’s face was only half the size of her palm. Her palm felt the softness of Jiang Cha’s lips and the warm puffs of her breath. Xiao Yun’s heart pounded wildly, both because of the proximity of the Omega beside her and the madness happening outside.
Through the crack, they could see the scene. Xiao Yu had placed Xia He on the desk, holding her tight, her head buried in Xia He’s neck. “Miss Xia, let me help you, okay? I won’t hurt you.”
Xia He seemed semi-conscious, making whimpering sounds. During estrus, an Omega might cry or lose emotional control, seeking out their Alpha.
“If you don’t speak, I’ll take that as a yes.”
Xiao Yu looked around for a suppressant. She finally found one—her room was full of suppressants and nutrients. Xia He had been married before and had been marked for a long time, so now anyone getting close to her made her feel distressed. Xiao Yu felt for her, smelling the intense gardenia scent from her nape.
Xia He had been married and marked, but not permanently. Even so, her pheromones carried that man’s scent, making Xiao Yu feel jealous and provoked. Why had Xia He been bullied and abandoned while she was away? The pain of this estrus was that man’s fault.
Jealousy turned her eyes red. She was no longer gentle. She administered the suppressant to the unconscious Xia He. The redness on Xia He’s face faded, and her expression smoothed. She leaned weakly against Xiao Yu’s shoulder, making soft sounds. Finally, the pain had eased.
Xiao Yun had never seen a suppressant administered like this. To be honest, it was like the beginning of an incredibly explosive drama. Xiao Yu was too rough.
As she was reeling from the scene, a rose scent hit her. The Omega beside her was now leaning into her embrace. Jiang Cha seemed to have been affected by Xiao Yu’s pheromones just now; she was releasing her own scent and nuzzling against Xiao Yun.
Xiao Yun tilted her head, only to feel something soft brush against her ear. The sound of breathing followed, making her entire body go numb.
Was that… Jiang Cha’s lips touching my ear just now?
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