Chapter 53
If Li Rang found out her wife had been used as a substitute plaything, Xiao Yun’s life would be forfeit. A person like Li Rang, who constantly tested the legal boundaries, wouldn’t hesitate to do something harmful or even murderous.
Looking at Yin Xue again—that petite face, the upright little nose, the almond eyes, and even the red beauty mark beneath the eyelid—she was a carbon copy of Jiang Cha. Both loved wearing slightly sexy clothes and dressing fashionably. The only difference was the hair length. Yin Xue’s hair was cut just past her ears, making her look more sharp and capable.
In the original work, Xiao Yun had cut Jiang Cha’s long, ink-like hair short. Suddenly, the intention became clear: Jiang Cha was living out a literal “Stand-in Literature” script.
Yin Xue lowered her head bashfully. “You’re already married, yet you’re staring at me like this. Aren’t you afraid your Omega will find out?”
Xiao Yun slowly withdrew her gaze. She fell silent for a moment before explaining, “I haven’t seen you in years; I didn’t recognize you for a second.”
“I have things to do, Doctor Xiao. I’m leaving.” The Omega turned around decisively, leaving a draft in her wake.
Xiao Yun fell into deep thought. No, they were similar, but not identical. Jiang Cha’s eyes tilted upward at the corners, giving her a natural, enchanting aura. Yin Xue’s tilted downward, making her look more crisp and sharp. Furthermore, Jiang Cha was gentle, poised, and elegant; she never rushed her steps or spoke loudly. Her personality was soft, not rigid.
She wouldn’t believe she was in love with Yin Xue just because of a single ambiguous look. One was soft as water; the other was fiery and pungent. How could the two be confused? No matter how much they looked alike, Yin Xue couldn’t match Jiang Cha’s delicate grace.
There were still over four months until Li Rang’s release. Despite the mounting difficulties, Xiao Yun was determined not to do anything self-destructive before then. As for Yin Xue, she fervently hoped the girl had only appeared for a fleeting moment.
Work was heavy after the Spring Festival. Xiao Yun worked some overtime and ate dinner at the hospital before heading home. It was 10:00 PM when she arrived. Seeing the lights in her room still on, she knew the night owl, Jiang Cha, was still awake.
The single light in the massive terraced villa gave her a warm feeling. She smiled faintly, shook the fatigue of the day off her shoulders, and headed inside to seek comfort in that “gentle land.”
Jiang Cha had finished her shower and was wearing a pink camisole nightdress, performing “cat stretches” on the bed. Her head faced the door and her back was to the wall, her body arched in a pouncing pose, her waist moving up and down.
Because the nightdress was loose, the silk neckline hung in a curve while she was on all fours, leaving a gap between the fabric and her skin. Upon entering, Xiao Yun caught a glimpse of the drifting “springtime” within that curve. It was like misty rain falling beneath mountain peaks, or a cloud-capped mountain shrouded in fog.
Seeing her return, Jiang Cha greeted her and sat up. she raised a hand to wipe the sweat from her chest and neck, her movements gentle and her breathing shallow—the lingering heat of a finished workout. A few strands of her bangs were damp, clinging to her temples and curling slightly at the ends.
She looked natural and relaxed, not at all embarrassed or panicked by Xiao Yun’s sudden entrance. Their relationship had become casual at some point—perhaps a bit too casual. But Xiao Yun didn’t remind her. She felt a “wicked” sense that this was fine; they didn’t have much time left together anyway, and a reminder might only cause awkwardness.
She corrected herself immediately—she shouldn’t covet someone else’s wife. Any accidental “seduction” by Jiang Cha must be her own overactive imagination. I am guilty, she thought.
After greeting her, Jiang Cha put on a robe and stepped out. Having reached a tacit understanding, Xiao Yun didn’t interfere. She pulled out a copy of the Heart Sutra to read, trying to calm her restless heart. She understood her situation—she was young, spring was here, and her “lesbian heart” was stirring. But she couldn’t spend all day fantasizing just because Jiang Cha was nearby.
A moment later, Jiang Cha returned, carrying a bowl of loquat paste. She walked softly to Xiao Yun’s side. Jiang Cha glanced at the book. “What are you reading?”
“The Heart Sutra.”
“I made you loquat paste. It’s sweeter this time.” The Omega’s sweet voice was soft, like a gentle breeze brushing her ear, carrying a faint scent of pheromones. She had just exercised, so droplets of sweat still clung to her skin; she looked like she had been rinsed by spring rain—moist and soft.
“Thanks. Why go to so much trouble?” Xiao Yun stole a quick glance, picked up the bowl, and drank.
The paste was scalding. It went down the wrong way, making her choke on the sweet taste and cough uncontrollably. Jiang Cha leaned in, her cool fingers touching Xiao Yun’s arm as she gently patted her back. “It’s my fault for not warning you. Did it burn you?”
As those fingers brushed her back, Xiao Yun felt the Omega’s cool body temperature penetrate her system. The scent of roses filled her senses. She was becoming increasingly dependent on Jiang Cha’s pheromones and could deeply perceive their intent. For instance, right now, the pheromones were friendly.
She knew the loquat paste wasn’t “free.” What was it this time?
After the snack, Jiang Cha took the bowl back but didn’t mention her goal. It wasn’t until Xiao Yun had showered and climbed into bed that Jiang Cha sidled over. Her honey-sweet lips parted slightly. “Yunyun, I’m going to record a variety show soon.”
Xiao Yun turned to look at her, those full cherry-red lips inches away. “Go ahead.”
Jiang Cha frowned slightly. “It’s for three months. Closed-door recording.” She gripped the edge of the quilt tightly. She was a bit reluctant to leave Xiao Yun, but she couldn’t find the words to express it. “We won’t see each other for three months,” Jiang Cha added softly. “I mean… I won’t be able to help you look after Mom.”
They wouldn’t be able to lie in the same bed, comforting each other.
Xiao Yun took a deep breath. Three months. Shortly after the recording ended, Li Rang would be out of prison. That meant their “act” would be over. Good, good, she thought, feeling a sense of relief.
“You’ll see her when you get back,” Xiao Yun said calmly. “By then, Auntie’s surgery recovery will be mostly finished.”
For some reason, she sensed a trace of reluctance from the Omega. Perhaps it was because Jiang Cha had lacked love since childhood and rarely had close relationships. Her personality was similar to Xiao Yun’s in many ways. Jiang Cha was lonely and helpless in this book world, hiding her fear behind a gentle exterior. Xiao Yun had arrived in this strange world, vulnerable, and used a strong front to protect herself.
The two had faced everything alone until they accidentally became allies. It was natural to feel reluctant when the time to part drew near. But all good things must come to an end. The farewell was simply coming a bit early.
Xiao Yun stroked the Omega’s head, her fingers lingering on the cool hair. Jiang Cha looked up, meeting her gaze. In those tea-brown eyes, Xiao Yun could see her own reflection. They were so close they could almost hear each other’s heartbeats.
The Omega leaned in a bit closer, her eyes dropping to Xiao Yun’s lips for three seconds before looking up again. “Your lips are pretty.”
Xiao Yun’s heart pounded wildly. Jiang Cha’s lips were right there; her little tongue curled slightly as she spoke—it was incredibly cute. Xiao Yun pursed her lips. “They’re… they’re okay.”
Jiang Cha had leaned in to test Xiao Yun’s reaction. Xiao Yun was too calm; even with their lips nearly touching, there was no sign of anything unusual. Even though Xiao Yun looked so “kissable” with her soft, peach-like lips, a sudden kiss would be hard to explain. Jiang Cha leaned back to create distance.
“Yunyun, are you interested—I mean, could you ask Uncle if he’s interested in sponsoring this show?”
As the saying goes, one doesn’t visit the temple without a reason; there was no such thing as free loquat paste.
In the original novel, the show The Making of an Idol was a turning point in Jiang Cha’s career. At that time, Jiang Cha knew how to judge the situation. On one hand, she submitted to “Xiao Yun” to get the chance to work; on the other, she secretly seduced the sponsor—a big shot from Beike Pharmaceuticals. Using her status as the lead mentor, she made the show a hit and transformed into a “mini-capitalist,” paving her way to future success.
Everything seemed the same, yet different. The “big shot” being seduced was now Xiao Yun.
To be honest, Xiao Yun had been looking for a chance to save her family business. Sponsoring a school had brought the first wave of goodwill, but sponsoring a variety show was more than just goodwill. If all went well, she could put the struggling Xiao family back on track.
She remained silent for a moment. Regardless of whether Jiang Cha was “seducing” her, she decided to agree. “That’s a great idea. Why didn’t I think of that? Jiangjiang, you’re so smart—you really are cut out to be a boss. I’ll convince my dad tomorrow.”
Under the covers, Jiang Cha smiled, her breath tickling Xiao Yun’s ear. “If it succeeds, I’ll reward you properly.” As for what that reward entailed, the original book made it quite clear. Xiao Yun just wondered if she would get a “discounted” version.
The next day, Xiao Yun took a half-day off and drove to Xiao Jingliang’s company. The entire thirty-six-story office building belonged to her family. It housed over a hundred thousand employees. Entering the building, Xiao Yun felt the intoxicating aura of wealth.
Everyone treated her with extreme respect. She smiled her way from the first floor to the thirty-six-floor Chairman’s office. The office featured a plaque reading “Heaven Rewards Diligence.” Beneath it, Xiao Jingliang sat with his glasses on, sternly reviewing contracts. Seeing her arrive, he stopped his work.
The two sat by the tea table. “How do you have time to visit the company?” Xiao Jingliang felt comforted, thinking his daughter had finally decided to inherit the family business.
Xiao Yun sipped her tea and looked at the building. She spoke bluntly. “Dad, I want to borrow some money.”
Xiao Jingliang frowned. “We’re family; don’t talk about borrowing. How much? I’ll give it to you.”
“Two hundred million.” Xiao Yun held up two fingers with an awkward smile.
Xiao Jingliang nearly choked on his tea. “How much?!” His first reaction was that this profligate child had committed some new atrocity. He was about to throw a tea ornament at her, but Xiao Yun caught his hand. “Dad, it’s for a sponsorship. For the show Jiangjiang is going to.”
She explained the situation. Xiao Jingliang calmed down. It turned out Xiao Yun had been thinking ahead, finding a way to expand the Xiao family’s reach. He scrutinized his daughter. He had failed to discipline her for years because of Grandma’s pampering. Now, after getting married, she had actually changed. He attributed this to Jiang Cha’s capable management.
He grew increasingly satisfied with Jiang Cha. Compared to Xiao Qing’s branch, the eldest daughter’s wife seemed quite petty. He lit a cigar and looked at Xiao Yun through the smoke. She fanned the smoke away, reminding him that smoking was bad for his health. He laughed and put the cigar out.
“One condition: have a child soon. Forget two hundred million; I’ll give you a billion.”
Xiao Yun recalled her little wife’s “picture painting” method and spoke sincerely. “Jiangjiang and I have already discussed it. We plan to have a child this year. And, if all goes well, we want two in the future.”
The “Picture Painting Method” worked. Xiao Jingliang quickly agreed to her request. Xiao Yun left the office in high spirits and called Jiang Cha to share the good news.
Through the phone, she could feel Jiang Cha’s sweetness. “Hello, Yunyun?”
“Mhm, it’s me. My dad agreed to sponsor the show.” Xiao Yun was beaming, hearing the joy on the other end.
“Really? That’s great! I’ll come find you after work.”
“Sure. When do we sign the contract?”
“I’ll tell them. It needs to go through the corporate account. I’ll have Xiao Ke contact you.”
“Fine. I’ll send my dad’s assistant over this afternoon.”
Xiao Yun felt a weight lifted. She had surgery in the afternoon, so she energized herself and drove off.
At 6:00 PM, the sunset bathed the hospital in a warm glow. Yin Xue was wearing a tight red dress with a black knit sweater. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and continued scrolling through her phone.
So, Xiao Yun was married. Her wife was a girl-group member named Jiang Cha. Yin Xue had been curious what kind of woman could make Xiao Yun settle down. Looking closely, she saw a beautiful, glamorous woman… but there was a strange sense of familiarity. It wasn’t until someone pointed out that Jiang Cha looked remarkably like her that she realized it.
Comparing herself in the mirror to Jiang Cha’s photos, it was undeniable. She felt a surge of arrogance. Xiao Yun, Xiao Yun… after all these years, you still can’t forget me? Some people in her Weibo comments were even saying she looked like the “Heavenly Queen” and was her successor.
What a joke. It wasn’t that she looked like Jiang Cha; it was that Jiang Cha looked like her. Why else would Xiao Yun find a woman so similar, even down to the placement of the beauty mark?
She researched further. Since Xiao Yun married Jiang Cha, her personality had done a 180-degree turn. She went from being a playgirl to a devoted, career-oriented person. Everyone said Xiao Yun had changed for Jiang Cha. Yin Xue grew suspicious. Had Xiao Yun changed for Jiang Cha, or because of that face? If she had agreed to be with Xiao Yun back then, maybe she would have been the one who changed her.
Walking forward, she spotted Xiao Yun. Xiao Yun had changed into casual clothes—a camel trench coat and black wide-leg jeans. She was smiling brightly under the sunset, looking genuinely happy. She looks so good when she smiles, Yin Xue thought, recalling the heartbeat she felt yesterday.
Xiao Yun greeted the staff familiarly. “Off work, Doctor Xiao?”
“Yes, an early shift today.”
She tucked her hands into her pockets and strode forward, only to see the original host’s “White Moonlight” looking at her. Why was she at the hospital again? Xiao Yun didn’t care and didn’t intend to greet her; she kept her head down to pass by.
The woman approached, the scent of rose pheromones trailing her as she blocked the way. “Doctor Xiao.”
“Miss Yin, is there something?” Xiao Yun looked at her coldly. If she was the “White Moonlight” the original host couldn’t win over, she should be avoiding her. Why was she looking for trouble every day?
Yin Xue looked up with arrogant eyes. “Nothing. I just wanted to see you.”
Xiao Yun didn’t understand her intent. “That’s inconvenient. I’m busy.” She wanted to see her wife.
Yin Xue followed. “I know you must still be mad at me. But when you tried to mark me back then, I had to refuse. I was a minor then, after all.”
Xiao Yun’s face went numb. She stopped. Was this girl here to apologize? “That’s ancient history. I was out of line back then. I liked you, and my actions were ill-considered. I apologize for that.” With a few words, Yin Xue seemed to act much more politely.
They stood at a corner in the corridor, the sunset washing over them. From a distance, they looked like they were sharing an intimate conversation. Xiao Yun felt she had to clean up the original host’s messes one by one. She said helplessly, “I’m married now and have a family. The past is like smoke. It’s best if we have each other’s understanding.”
Yin Xue looked at her face, her demeanor, her way of speaking. She felt a long-lost pang of regret. “Actually… I didn’t hate you that much back then.” She stepped closer, lowering her head. “It’s a pity we missed out.”
Xiao Yun didn’t understand her meaning; she just felt the atmosphere was mysteriously subtle. She had no time to waste, so she patted the girl’s shoulder. “Missing out just means you have better options. Miss Yin, I wish you find the right person.”
As she withdrew her hand and prepared to turn away, Yin Xue suddenly lunged forward and threw her arms around Xiao Yun’s waist. “Xiao Yun, thank you for liking me.”
Xiao Yun’s pupils dilated. She hadn’t even had time to refuse before this girl jumped on her. Luckily no one was around. She pushed her away. “I’m married. What are you doing? People will misunderstand.”
She whispered urgently, but the Omega’s strength was considerable; she held on tight as her pheromones grew more intense. Yin Xue didn’t believe her pheromones couldn’t entrance Xiao Yun. She released a little more.
Xiao Yun stopped being gentle. She gripped Yin Xue’s hands and pried them off her waist. “Miss Yin, please have some self-respect. I have a wife now. I am no longer the person who liked you.”
Yin Xue looked up, a hint of mockery in her eyes. “Is that so? Did you marry her because of her face?”
Xiao Yun let go of her hands, her head tilted back slightly. “That has nothing to do with you.” She took two steps back and straightened her clothes. “Miss Yin, I have things to do. I’m leaving. Also, I’m married, so there’s no need for us to meet again. Goodbye.”
As she brushed past Yin Xue, Xiao Yun’s lips curled slightly. “And rein in your pheromones. This is a hospital full of patients; don’t disturb the rest of the Alphas and Omegas.”
The implication was clear: Xiao Yun was completely unmoved by her scent. Yin Xue was baffled. Someone had actually rejected her pheromones? It must be because she hadn’t released enough.
Jiang Cha didn’t know how long she had been standing there. The sight of that “tender hug” under the sunset made a chill run down her spine. After leaving the hospital, she got into her car and sat in silence for five minutes, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead.
She panted slightly, wiping her forehead, and quickly opened her phone to look at the trainee profiles. Yin Xue. Went abroad three years ago. Nineteen. Xiao Yu’s former classmate. Xiao Yun’s junior.
There were many posts about Xiao Yun and Yin Xue on Weibo, and suddenly, this news seemed to be everywhere. Yin Xue was the “White Moonlight” Xiao Yun had pursued relentlessly—even allegedly cornering her at school to forcibly mark her. The “forcible marking” was likely a lie since Xiao Yun was a Beta, probably just a malicious rumor.
But scrolling down, she saw an old photo. Against a crumbling wall, a woman was pinning another woman against it to kiss her. Though the details were blurry, the vibrant hair color was enough to prove it was Xiao Yun and Yin Xue.
Furthermore, the trainee named Yin Xue looked remarkably like her.
[“Wow, Miss Yin and Queen Jiang look so much alike!”]
[“Xiao Yun chased Yin Xue to no avail, then married Jiang Cha.”]
[“Holy crap, is this ‘Stand-in Literature’? So exciting!”]
She didn’t dare scroll further. She didn’t even want to think. But one thing was certain: she suddenly understood why, out of all the Omegas available, Xiao Yun had chosen her—a woman who had been married before—to marry.
It was because she looked like her “White Moonlight.”
The orange clouds in the sky floated in large masses, out of reach. They were rapidly dissipating with every slight shift. She stared at the unattainable clouds and laughed bitterly. They were in a fake marriage, a partnership. Xiao Yun had never lied and said she loved her, nor had she claimed her body. There was no emotional entanglement between them.
She didn’t even have the right to be jealous or demand an explanation. Now that the “White Moonlight” was back, she could easily pluck that cloud away, while Jiang Cha could only watch.
The leather seat back had grown hot from the sun, but she felt no warmth. The image of the hug made her feel as if ice was piercing her back.
Her drifting thoughts were pulled back by a ringtone. It was Xiao Yun. The phone rang seven times. Jiang Cha adjusted her posture and steadied her mind.
Should I answer, or not?
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