Category: Captivating Beauty

Chapter 14

Xu Jinnan had already checked.

Zhou Pei had shown her the security footage last night. There was nothing unusual. However, she was certain someone had helped Yin Xue. After getting out of the car, Yin Xue had received a phone call and then headed towards the staff entrance.

The only way to find out the truth was to ask Yin Xue.

She decided to let it go.

In Xu Jinnan’s opinion, Yin Xue and the original Xu Jinnan shared a certain trait: a tendency towards obsession. Recalling the few descriptions in the book of their relationship, and Yin Xue’s words last night…

There was likely something deeper between them.

It wasn’t that Xu Jinnan was afraid; she simply didn’t want to get entangled in their drama.

Shen Shu didn’t reply, closing her eyes and turning towards the window.

Xu Jinnan received a text message from an unknown number.

‘You didn’t reply to my WeChat message. I’ve arrived in Qucheng. There’s been some progress on the matter you asked me to investigate. I should be back next month.’

Qucheng.

The name sounded familiar. She remembered that among the people in the original Xu Jinnan’s circle, only her father, Xu Tao, was from Qucheng. He’d come to North City at twenty to start his business, met Lu Yun, and then divorced his estranged wife.

He’d brought his son and daughter from his previous marriage to North City.

What was the original Xu Jinnan investigating about Xu Tao?

Xu Jinnan didn’t know who this person was, so she simply replied, “OK.”

There were no other messages from this number. She opened WeChat. She’d logged out because of the overwhelming number of messages and hadn’t thought about it since.

The moment she logged in, her notifications exploded.

She finally found the contact that matched the text message, but there was no chat history.

The name was “Wang Zheng.” She had no recollection of him, and his Moments were empty.

With no further clues, Xu Jinnan leaned back against the seat, her long, bare legs crossed, and idly scrolled through her contacts.

Song Ronghui: [I picked her up. You’re insane to drive her to this point.]

Several group chats had tagged her, but she ignored them.

She continued scrolling.

She’d never paid attention to these messages before, not even bothering to look at who they were from. Now, the more she looked, the more disturbed she became.

Besides a few contacts with actual names and countless group chats with nonsensical names, the rest were a jumble of numbers and letters.

She clicked on a few randomly. There were live streamers, actors, and even celebrities.

16C, 37D, 44C, 90F…

She stared at the numbers, a realization dawning on her.

The numbers represented their sizes.

“…”

Seriously?

A quick glance revealed over three hundred contacts, not a huge number, but the majority were labeled with these codes.

She could meet a different person every day for half a year without repeating.

The original Xu Jinnan was truly despicable.

The sheer volume deterred Xu Jinnan from deleting them all. She decided to change her number instead.

The car was silent for a while.

Xu Jinnan glanced at Shen Shu, who was facing the window, probably just avoiding conversation. Her eyes were closed, her face bathed in the warm sunlight, her long lashes casting delicate shadows.

Her aloofness seemed to cool the intense heat of the day.

…

After a half-hour drive, they arrived at the Zijingyuan Villas.

Wei Wuqing was waiting at the entrance with two other people. Xu Jinnan tilted her head slightly. “Who are they?”

A flicker of something crossed Shen Shu’s face.

“What?” Xu Jinnan asked.

“My aunt and cousin, Chen Xiaxia,” Shen Shu replied.

Xu Jinnan noticed a subtle scrutiny in Shen Shu’s eyes when she said the name, as if she should know who this was.

Before they could approach, a young woman in a dress rushed towards them, linking arms with Xu Jinnan, and chirped sweetly, “Jinnan-jie, it’s been so long!”

So they did know each other, and seemed quite close.

Xu Jinnan disengaged. “I’m here with your cousin.” She put her arm around Shen Shu’s shoulders.

Shen Shu stiffened, then relaxed as Wei Wuqing greeted them warmly and ushered them inside.

“There was a last-minute project, so your father and Shen Jun are out of town. They won’t be back until next week. I invited my sister and Xiaxia over so the house wouldn’t be so empty.” Wei Wuqing fussed over Xu Jinnan, placing the best dishes in front of her.

“It’s fine. We’ll have plenty of time to see each other,” Xu Jinnan replied.

“Of course, of course. Here…” Wei Wuqing ladled a bowl of soup for her. “This is fresh scent gland nourishing soup. It’s very invigorating, specially made for you. Try it.”

Xu Jinnan took the soup and tasted it. It was delicious, exactly to her liking.

Wei Wuqing smiled. “Have some more. This soup is excellent for Alphas.”

As Xu Jinnan swallowed, her brow furrowed slightly. Something about that comment felt off.

Invigorating soup?

She looked at the empty bowl. It was just soup; it couldn’t be that bad, right?

Wei Wuqing continued, “Nannan, we’ve set a date for the post-wedding banquet. We can discuss the details when you’re feeling better.”

“Just let Shu Shu decide,” Xu Jinnan said.

Shen Shu paused, then a delicate, pale hand appeared in her field of vision, placing a shrimp in her bowl.

“Eat more,” Xu Jinnan murmured.

After a while, Xu Jinnan picked up another shrimp and offered it to Shen Shu, who gave her a look, silently telling her to stop.

Xu Jinnan was partly putting on a show, but she also genuinely wanted to be kind to Shen Shu. She knew how poorly she was treated in this family. Although Chen Xiaxia was her niece, Wei Wuqing clearly favored her over Shen Shu.

Chen Xiaxia looked back and forth between them. “Cousin, you seem to be ignoring Jinnan-jie.”

Shen Shu glanced at her.

Xu Jinnan swallowed her food and said, “I like her just the way she is.”

Shen Shu: “…”

Chen Xiaxia pursed her lips. “Jinnan-jie is so good to you, Cousin. I’m so envious you have such a wonderful wife…” She trailed off, noticing Xu Jinnan was whispering something to Shen Shu, seemingly oblivious to her comment.

Chen Xiaxia’s face fell.

Wei Wuqing coughed, trying to cover the awkward silence. After being ignored twice, Chen Xiaxia gave up, and the only sound at the table was the clinking of cutlery.

Xu Jinnan continued eating, her phone buzzing several times. On the fifth buzz, she checked the screen.

The top message:

85D: [Jinnan-jie, why are you so mean to me?]

Xu Jinnan stared at the message, then looked at Chen Xiaxia, who was staring at her with a hurt expression.

“…”

You scumbag.

---

After dinner, Xu Jinnan excused herself, pulling Shen Shu into her room and closing the door. The curtains were half-drawn, letting in the orange glow of the setting sun.

Turning around, they were suddenly close.

Xu Jinnan smelled Shen Shu’s sweet vanilla scent.

“Your cousin just messaged me.”

Shen Shu stepped back, staring at her for a few seconds. “Why are you telling me this?”

“I thought you should know.”

“I already know.”

“…”

Shen Shu and Chen Xiaxia had never gotten along. Whatever Shen Shu liked, Chen Xiaxia would try to take. Their family favored Chen Xiaxia’s cheerful and affectionate personality. Since entering the entertainment industry a couple of years ago, Chen Xiaxia had become even more spoiled, and Shen Shu always ended up giving in.

Soon after meeting Xu Jinnan, Chen Xiaxia had started contacting her, even flaunting their relationship in front of Shen Shu.

Shen Shu watched Xu Jinnan’s reaction. “Didn’t you like her before?”

Xu Jinnan paused. “That was before.”

“I told you I wouldn’t touch anyone close to you. Besides, you know I’m an Omega.”

“Aren’t you bisexual?” Shen Shu paused. “She’s just like you. She’s interested in both Alphas and Omegas.”

“…”

Should she remind Shen Shu that she supposedly had multiple personalities? What did the past matter?

“I’m not interested in every Omega,” Xu Jinnan said.

No, that wasn’t right. She corrected herself.

“I’m not interested in Omegas.”

Chapter 13

“…”

Carry on with what? Clearly, she was the one being imposed upon.

Xu Jinnan looked down. Yin Xue was clutching her shirt, her eyes filled with tears, resentment, and confusion, clearly intoxicated.

This was a relief.

If someone did this while sober, it would be far more disturbing.

Xu Jinnan pulled Yin Xue’s hands away and swung her legs off the bed, placing herself between Shen Shu and the door.

Her height gave her a natural advantage, creating a sense of pressure as she looked down at Shen Shu.

Shen Shu met her gaze without flinching.

Xu Jinnan, seeing no surprise in her eyes, paused. “No matter how messed up I am, I wouldn’t do something like this.” Invite Yin Xue for a tryst while Shen Shu was still in the room?

Then again, such behavior wouldn’t be out of character for the original Xu Jinnan. Shen Shu’s suspicion was understandable; their trust was still fragile.

Shen Shu was silent for a moment, then said calmly, “She made quite a bit of noise coming in. I didn’t see you react.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Damn.

The past few incidents, likely due to the differentiation, had all involved Shen Shu, even leading to some rather vivid dreams. She’d been half-asleep just now and hadn’t registered Yin Xue’s entrance.

Thinking about it, she felt a twinge of guilt.

The sound of the emergency buzzer relieved the tension.

The nurse who arrived was stunned by the scene.

Xu Jinnan didn’t make things difficult for her, asking her to call the manager.

She put on her slippers and sat on the sofa. “Clearly, the Xu family’s money hasn’t been spent on security.”

The manager was sweating profusely. “Miss Xu, please don’t be angry. We’ll get to the bottom of this.” Someone sneaking into her room in the middle of the night, and in front of her wife, no less, was a serious matter.

Xu Jinnan ignored him.

“How would you like us to handle this? Should we call the police?”

The manager nervously looked at the woman on the bed. They usually wouldn’t involve the police, especially considering the Xu family’s stake in the hospital.

Seeing Xu Jinnan looking at her wife, he assumed she was seeking her opinion.

Xu Jinnan wasn’t seeking Shen Shu’s opinion. She was simply curious about her silence.

“Call the police? Does Xu Jinnan dare call the police? Hahaha… she wouldn’t dare!” Yin Xue suddenly spoke, her heavy makeup smudged, her curly hair disheveled. She looked up at Xu Jinnan, her eyes still unfocused.

Her laughter was unsettling.

She buried her face in the pillow again. “How could you… how could you betray me…” Her voice trembled strangely.

Her words seemed more like reflexive thoughts than coherent sentences.

Then she fell silent, as if lost in a nightmare.

Xu Jinnan narrowed her eyes. Yin Xue and the original Xu Jinnan had been close. They’d done many questionable things together. It was possible Yin Xue had something on her.

This was tricky.

As she was thinking, Shen Shu said calmly, “Something’s not right with her.”

A doctor stepped forward to examine Yin Xue.

“It seems to be a drug reaction. We’ll need to run a blood test.”

If she’d taken drugs, the police might have to be involved after all.

After the nurse took Yin Xue away, the security footage revealed a temporary nurse had admitted to accepting a bribe and letting Yin Xue in through the staff entrance. There had been a commotion in another ward at the time, and the nurses and security guards on this floor had been called away, creating an opportunity.

Xu Jinnan sensed something more to this. Yin Xue, in her current state, wouldn’t have been able to pull this off so smoothly.

She looked at the nervous manager. “If you think you can get away with blaming a nurse, you might as well fire yourself now.” Her demeanor was casual, but her voice held an unmistakable authority.

The manager, not daring to prevaricate, promised to investigate personally.

---

Outside, the sky was still dark; it was past 3 a.m.

“Miss Shen,” Xu Jinnan said, leaning back against the sofa, exhausted after the ordeal. She addressed Shen Shu formally, not using her given name.

Shen Shu looked at her expectantly.

“I might have these episodes again. As my… partner, I hope you can help me.”

Shen Shu looked puzzled. “Help you with what?”

“Pretend in front of others. Like… we’re a loving couple?” Xu Jinnan rested her chin on her hand, gauging Shen Shu’s reaction.

The original Xu Jinnan likely had many other lovers. If Shen Shu remained uninvolved every time, dealing with them would be a nuisance.

Shen Shu raised an eyebrow. “Is that necessary?”

“As you’ve seen, I need to minimize these… distractions.” Xu Jinnan’s voice softened. “A good public image will benefit the Shen family as well.”

This resonated with Shen Shu. The Shen family had secured several lucrative deals recently, all thanks to their connection to the Xu family.

Xu Jinnan continued, “Of course, if you find true love someday, we can discuss ending this arrangement.” She yawned and got up, then wrinkled her nose. The sheets reeked of alcohol and a faint, unfamiliar jasmine scent.

It was the first time she’d realized she preferred sweeter scents.

“Alright,” Shen Shu replied.

She watched Xu Jinnan return to the sofa, her face displeased. “But I have a condition. No matter what, you are not to involve anyone close to me.”

Xu Jinnan agreed without hesitation.

This was easy.

After having the bedding changed, Xu Jinnan finally lay down to rest.

The clean sheets still carried a faint antiseptic smell, but it was better than before.

Just before dawn, the manager entered, nervously reporting that Yin Xue’s blood test was normal, and that Song Ronghui had just picked her up.

Xu Jinnan, still half-asleep, mumbled, “Fine.”

The manager suspected Song Ronghui’s involvement. After all, the Song family was also a shareholder in the hospital. It was possible she’d orchestrated this.

Xu Jinnan didn’t think so. First, Song Ronghui had no motive. Second, she and Yin Xue were childhood friends and quite close.

Xu Jinnan couldn’t think of anyone else who would benefit from this.

What was the point of planting Yin Xue in her bed? To ruin her reputation? Her reputation was already tarnished; it couldn’t get much worse.

…

Before leaving the hospital, Xu Jinnan contacted the board of directors and had the manager transferred.

She could let this incident slide, but the Xu family’s reputation couldn’t be tarnished. If this was swept under the rug, the hospital’s credibility would be compromised.

Wei Wuqing’s driver and Zhou Pei arrived almost simultaneously. Xu Jinnan waited for Shen Shu to choose.

Shen Shu walked towards Wei Wuqing’s car. Xu Jinnan smiled and dismissed Zhou Pei, then got into the car with Shen Shu.

After a few minutes of driving, Shen Shu said, “We can check the parking lot security footage.”

Xu Jinnan opened her eyes. “She was intoxicated. She couldn’t have come here on her own.”

Xu Jinnan leaned closer to Shen Shu, her voice low. “Are you helping me?”

Shen Shu, aware of the driver’s eyes in the rearview mirror, didn’t reply, but her demeanor softened slightly.

Xu Jinnan, exhausted from the sleepless night, suddenly felt a surge of energy.

Shen Shu’s occasional displays of tsundere behavior were rather endearing.

Chapter 12

Xu Jinnan had been acting on impulse since arriving in this world. The Xu family’s power and influence allowed her to disregard others’ opinions. Even Lu Yun, who knew the original Xu Jinnan well, couldn’t control her.

Shen Shu was different.

Xu Jinnan genuinely wanted what was best for her.

The inheritance story was a fabrication to allay Shen Shu’s suspicions.

But in Shen Shu’s eyes, she was still the same abusive person. Deep down, she couldn’t change so quickly. Xu Jinnan hadn’t considered this deeply enough.

Shen Shu had given her a new approach.

A rather audacious one…

“You really believe I have multiple personalities?”

Shen Shu’s look seemed to say, Coming from you, any mental illness is plausible.

Xu Jinnan wouldn’t press the issue. If Shen Shu was willing to believe it, and she was willing to play along, it was a win-win situation.

This charade was starting to feel like Russian nesting dolls, one persona after another. Especially with the differentiation. Shen Shu was sharp; if they were going to keep it a secret, they needed to be careful.

A light breeze rustled the curtains, and a hospital gown landed beside her. Xu Jinnan glanced at it. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”

Shen Shu’s reply was succinct: “My mother bribed the nurses.”

If she left, Wei Wuqing would know immediately.

It wasn’t surprising that Wei Wuqing would resort to such tactics, just repulsive. And yet, Shen Shu still clung to some hope for her family.

“You can go. I’ll handle it,” Xu Jinnan said.

Shen Shu paused, then walked over to the accompanying bed as if she hadn’t heard, placing her toiletries on the side table.

Seeing this, Xu Jinnan remained silent. Shen Shu carried a heavy burden. Even having read part of the novel, Xu Jinnan couldn’t fully comprehend her thoughts and feelings.

Her life seemed to be perpetually shrouded in darkness.

A wave of empathy and protectiveness washed over Xu Jinnan.

After confirming with Professor Qin multiple times that Shen Shu’s presence wouldn’t trigger another episode, Xu Jinnan finally relaxed. She hated that feeling of losing control.

…

A sea-green curtain separated the two beds. To reach the bathroom, one had to pass by the accompanying bed.

Xu Jinnan heard the rustling of sheets as she got out of bed with her change of clothes, walking unconsciously towards the curtain. Before she could see Shen Shu clearly, a figure bumped into her.

The air was filled with a sweet scent.

A warmth spread through her chest.

Shen Shu stiffened. She reacted quickly, raising her arms defensively to avoid contact with Xu Jinnan. The moment her hands brushed against Xu Jinnan’s skin, she pulled back instantly.

Xu Jinnan coughed. “I’m going to take a shower.” She walked past Shen Shu as if nothing had happened.

“You…”

“Hmm?” Xu Jinnan looked back.

Shen Shu glanced at her bandaged hand. “Should you be getting it wet?”

“I just need to rinse off the sweat,” Xu Jinnan said. “I’ll be careful.”

Shen Shu didn’t reply.

She wasn’t concerned about Xu Jinnan; she just didn’t want to deal with the hassle if she got a fever from getting her wound wet.

The hot shower quickly filled the bathroom with steam. With her left arm injured, Xu Jinnan carefully washed herself one-handed.

She tilted her head back, letting the water run down her smooth skin, her heartbeat gradually slowing down.

She recalled the way Shen Shu’s earlobes had flushed as she pulled away.

On a whim, Xu Jinnan touched the spot where Shen Shu’s hands had brushed against her.

The sensation was gone.

Was it because she was now an Alpha, making her more susceptible to these urges?

Xu Jinnan turned down the water temperature.

---

The only sound in the spacious ward was the rustling of paper.

Xu Jinnan, feeling drowsy, heard her phone buzzing. She knew who it was without looking.

Ever since she’d deleted Yin Xue’s contact information, Yin Xue had been using different numbers to reach her, borrowing phones from Song Ronghui and Chen Bo.

After Xu Jinnan blocked them all, she started using unknown numbers.

A few seconds after Xu Jinnan hung up, a text message arrived.

[Xu Jinnan, you can’t do this to me.]

[What do you see in her? You said you hated Omegas. How can you like her?]

[Nannan, are you really leaving me?]

[Nannan… I was wrong. I won’t bother you anymore. Where are you? Can I come find you?]

After reading the messages, Xu Jinnan replied curtly, telling her not to contact her again. She needed to make a clean break, not give Yin Xue any false hope.

After blocking the number, Xu Jinnan glanced towards the curtain. The main lights were off, but she could see the silhouette of Shen Shu sitting by the dim lamp, occasionally turning a page.

It had been almost half an hour.

“What are you reading?” Xu Jinnan asked.

After a long pause, Shen Shu’s cool voice replied, “A contract.”

“Get some rest. Good night,” Xu Jinnan said.

There was no response. Xu Jinnan lay down, closing her eyes. The rhythmic sound of Shen Shu’s fingers against the paper filled the silence.

A few minutes later, Xu Jinnan opened her eyes.

The rustling had stopped. Had she finished reading?

“Will that person come back?” Shen Shu asked suddenly, her voice like water, a ripple of emotion barely discernible beneath the surface.

Xu Jinnan’s heart clenched.

“No,” she replied firmly, the word echoing in the spacious room.

“She won’t come back. I promise,” Xu Jinnan repeated.

She saw the shadow on the curtain shift, then the room plunged into darkness as Shen Shu turned off the lamp.

…

In the middle of the night, Xu Jinnan woke up in pain when she moved her injured hand. Unable to fall back asleep, she got out of bed. The curtains weren’t fully drawn, and moonlight spilled into the room, casting long shadows. After using the bathroom, Xu Jinnan paused by Shen Shu’s bed.

Shen Shu was a light sleeper and rarely slept well in unfamiliar surroundings, especially with another person in the room.

Especially Xu Jinnan.

She was practically awake.

The scent of Xu Jinnan’s pheromones, clean and bright like a cloudless sky, filled her senses. Then, a cool hand reached out and touched hers.

Shen Shu resisted the urge to pull away with all her might. Despite the seemingly innocent gesture, she still didn’t trust Xu Jinnan. But she decided to take a chance.

The hand, presumably freshly washed, was soft and cool.

The next second, the coolness vanished, replaced by a gentle warmth as Xu Jinnan wrapped her fingers around Shen Shu’s wrist. The fabric of their sleeves separated their skin.

A blanket covered their hands, shielding them from the cool air.

Then Shen Shu felt the blanket being lifted from her chest, settling gently on her collarbone.

The moment Xu Jinnan left, Shen Shu opened her eyes.

She had checked Xu Jinnan’s medical records and confirmed she was an Omega. If she had truly changed, cooperation wasn’t out of the question.

---

Back in her bed, Xu Jinnan quickly drifted off to sleep. She dreamed of someone lying on top of her, their warm breath on her neck. She assumed it was just another one of her fantasies, until – she smelled alcohol…

Shen Shu didn’t drink.

Xu Jinnan jolted awake, pushing the person off her!

But they reacted quickly, falling onto her, their voice slurred with alcohol. “Nannan, don’t push me away.”

Yin Xue?!

The bedside lamp flickered on.

The curtain separating the beds parted, revealing Shen Shu’s alert face. “It’s a bit noisy. Carry on. I’ll be outside.”

Chapter 11

“Say that again?”

“Miss Xu, you’ve differentiated into an Alpha.”

Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow slowly. What was going on?

If she remembered correctly, she’d just sworn to Shen Shu last night that she was an Omega.

Professor Qin continued, “Secondary differentiation occurs in one in ten billion people, and only forty percent of those differentiate into Alphas.”

Xu Jinnan remained silent.

“You’re an S-class, and your rank might even increase after it stabilizes.”

Xu Jinnan still didn’t speak.

“…”

Xu Jinnan had only read half of the novel and knew the rest through her friend’s spoilers. This was completely unexpected and threw a wrench in her plans.

She’d been honest with Shen Shu because being an Omega would put her more at ease than being an Alpha.

Ignoring last night’s incident was one thing, but now… there was no going back.

It was like a reformed con artist committing another crime before their probation even started.

Who would believe a con artist’s words? Who would dare believe them?

“Miss Xu, you’re really different now.”

Professor Qin hadn’t expected this reaction. “This isn’t a bad thing for you…” He spoke carefully.

Xu Jinnan had pretended to be an Alpha while she was an Omega. Now, she had actually differentiated into an Alpha, a one-in-ten-billion occurrence.

This wasn’t a bad thing; it was a miracle.

This heiress was truly hard to please.

As he was thinking this, he heard Xu Jinnan sigh softly.

“You’re responsible for maintaining domestic harmony, Professor Qin.”

“…?”

Xu Jinnan explained her predicament.

“So, you don’t want your wife to know you’ve differentiated into an Alpha because you just told her you were an Omega?”

“Yes.”

Whether Shen Shu had believed her yesterday or read the Omega report didn’t matter. What mattered was that changing her story now would likely backfire.

Besides, Shen Shu was deeply wary of Alphas. This would only push her further away.

Xu Jinnan instructed him to pretend this hadn’t happened. It would be their secret.

She preferred negotiation, resorting to other methods only when necessary.

Professor Qin might have to consider Lu Yun’s reaction, so she even prepared a script for him.

Professor Qin: “Ideally, this information shouldn’t be shared with anyone outside your immediate family. Secondary differentiation is extremely rare, and your safety could be compromised if the news gets out.”

Xu Jinnan listened, understanding his reasoning.

While there was a genuine concern for her safety, Professor Qin also wanted to keep this rare case of secondary differentiation under wraps for research purposes.

It explained his earlier expression – the mixture of gravity and excitement.

They both had something to gain from this arrangement.

Xu Jinnan recalled her unusual reactions to Shen Shu. “So, because I’ve become an Alpha, I…” She searched for a less crude way to phrase it. “…lose control around Shen Shu.”

Including their wedding night.

“The doctor mentioned smelling Alpha pheromones that night. I suspect you were already experiencing symptoms of differentiation. But because the process wasn’t complete, and you’d never experienced it before, you weren’t aware of your pheromones… Coupled with Miss Shen being in heat, it was a volatile combination.” Like dry tinder, ready to ignite.

Even though Shen Shu had used a suppressant, contact with Alpha pheromones during her heat would have been overwhelming.

“However, your reaction isn’t solely due to you being an Alpha and her being an Omega.” Professor Qin continued, “Last time, I wasn’t sure about the secondary differentiation, so I advised you to avoid contact with Miss Shen for your health.” He handed Xu Jinnan the reports. “But now it’s different. We conducted a pheromone compatibility test. Your pheromone match with Miss Shen is nearly ninety-nine percent. That’s the real reason.”

Shen Shu was like a drug. One Xu Jinnan couldn’t afford to touch.

“Don’t worry, the previous incidents occurred because we didn’t understand the situation. Now that we know, with the right medication, it won’t happen again. And…” Professor Qin added, after medication, not only would she not have to avoid her Omega wife, but being close to her would stimulate her Alpha pheromones, which would benefit the stabilization of her differentiation.

Xu Jinnan stared at the ceiling, wondering if Shen Shu had seen that report, and how she’d reacted.

It didn’t matter how she reacted.

Xu Jinnan closed her eyes. She wished she’d finished reading the book.

---

At noon, the rain intensified. Xu Jinnan was about to eat her lunch when a knock came at the door.

Wei Wuqing entered, her face etched with concern. “Oh dear, back in the hospital again? I rushed over with Shu Shu as soon as I heard.” After Xu Jinnan’s change in demeanor, Wei Wuqing’s act was even more convincing.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze shifted past Wei Wuqing to the figure behind her. Shen Shu’s expression was calm, unreadable.

She was wearing a button-down shirt, the top button fastened, her dark hair tucked behind one ear. An alluring touch of sensuality softened her aloof appearance.

Shen Shu approached with a food container, opened it, and placed it on the small table.

“Shu Shu, how can you let Nannan stay in the hospital alone? Her hand is injured. As her wife, you should be here taking care of her,” Wei Wuqing chided.

Xu Jinnan glanced at the chicken soup, then looked up at Shen Shu, wiggling her bandaged hand.

“…”

Shen Shu poured the soup into a small bowl. “The nurses here are excellent. They’ll take better care of her than I can.”

Wei Wuqing shot her a look. “That’s not the same! You’re staying tonight. I’ll have someone bring you whatever you need. Stay here with Nannan for a few days.”

Seeing Shen Shu’s slight frown, Xu Jinnan, not wanting to push it, said, “No need, I’ll be discharged tomorrow.”

“Perfect! Shu Shu can stay with you tonight, and then take you home tomorrow. Your hand needs time to heal, and Shu Shu has always been pampered; she’s not good at cooking. So… since we haven’t had the post-wedding banquet yet, why don’t you both come stay with us for a few days? I’ll make sure you get plenty of nutritious meals.”

…

After Wei Wuqing left, beaming, Shen Shu turned to Xu Jinnan, silently questioning her agreement.

Xu Jinnan took a sip of soup, then looked up. “People were gossiping about the wedding. If news of me staying at your house gets out, they’ll be less likely to talk.”

Shen Shu finally voiced her long-held suspicion: “What’s your goal?”

Xu Jinnan didn’t answer immediately.

She studied Shen Shu for a moment, then said slowly, “HP didn’t win the bid. I got the land. If you’re still interested, you can contact Zhou Pei. She’ll agree to whatever terms HP offered you.”

Shen Shu’s face paled. How did Xu Jinnan know about her deal with HP?

This reaction was expected.

Shen Shu and the head of the city planning committee had grown up in the same orphanage. Before the bidding, Shen Shu had inadvertently learned about the urban development plans from him.

The Shen family, like Xu Tao, hadn’t been interested in the project. But after the incident with the original Xu Jinnan, Shen Shu had chosen to partner with HP, the Xu family’s rival.

She’d sold the information to the Han family in exchange for equity.

It was the beginning of HP and Shen Shu’s alliance against the Xu family.

“Shen Shu.” Xu Jinnan moved the table aside and sat on the edge of the bed, the distance between them shrinking. “I don’t love you.”

The color had returned to Shen Shu’s face. She smiled coldly. “Of course you don’t. You just want to torment me.”

“That was before. I don’t think that way anymore,” Xu Jinnan replied.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Then will you divorce me?”

“Yes.”

The answer was immediate, without hesitation.

Shen Shu was taken aback, but only for a second.

“But that wouldn’t benefit you,” Xu Jinnan continued. “Your mother, Mrs. Wei, has been using our families’ connection to her advantage in the business world… If we divorce now, who will pick up the pieces?” Not only would no one help, but they would likely take advantage of their downfall.

Shen Shu had married her for the sake of her family.

She was a rational person, and her question about divorce had been a test.

Xu Jinnan knew this. She was simply laying things out in the open.

Sometimes, honesty made things easier.

She was sincere in her desire to help Shen Shu, but she also wanted her to understand: forcing her into this marriage had been wrong, but the Shen family’s reliance on her was a reality. More importantly, they needed to be on the same side, not enemies.

“Perhaps we can cooperate,” Xu Jinnan suggested.

“Cooperate?” Shen Shu traced her fingertip, her long lashes casting shadows on her cheeks, obscuring her expression.

“I want to inherit the Xu family business, but as you know, I have two older half-siblings.” Before, she hadn’t cared about what others thought, maintaining her true self except in front of Lu Yun. But Professor Qin’s words had given her pause – You’re really different now.

Shen Shu wasn’t foolish. Unconditional help would only arouse suspicion.

She needed leverage.

As expected, this statement had a greater impact on Shen Shu than anything she’d said before.

“My reputation isn’t great. To improve my image, I need a stable marriage. And your reputation is impeccable. I need your help. Of course, I’ll help you in return.” She added, “Don’t worry, I won’t touch you again.”

After a long silence, Shen Shu asked, “How can I be sure you’re telling the truth?”

“We can draft a legally binding postnuptial agreement. You set the terms, and I’ll sign it.”

Shen Shu finally seemed to waver.

This girl is tough, Xu Jinnan thought. Cautious, intelligent, and unforgiving.

Watching Shen Shu contemplate, Xu Jinnan tapped her fingers against her hand and asked casually, “Did you see the contents of my bag yesterday?”

“Yes.”

“…”

That was it?

“Xu Jinnan.”

Xu Jinnan looked up.

“Even if you are an Omega, you wouldn’t change overnight.” Forget the divorce; offering a postnuptial agreement was completely out of character. Shen Shu continued, “Unless you…” Her eyes held a knowing look.

Xu Jinnan felt like she was about to hit the bullseye, even though it was impossible. She waited.

Shen Shu said, “Have multiple personalities.”

“I… you’re very perceptive.”

Chapter 10

Xu Jinnan’s mind was clouded, like a werewolf consumed by instinct. The moment she smelled the alluring scent, she was overcome with a primal urge.

She pressed the person in her arms against the door, wanting to meld them into her very being. She buried her face in their neck, the familiar sweet scent driving her wild.

Xu Jinnan felt parched, consumed by a desperate thirst…

The pounding on the door was lost on her.

The person in her arms screamed, their voice filled with fear, terror, and pain.

A sliver of awareness pierced through the haze, and in the dim light of the entryway, she saw Shen Shu’s face.

“Bastard!!” Tears streamed down Shen Shu’s face, her eyes filled with fear and hatred.

Xu Jinnan’s heart lurched, her fleeting rationality swallowed by desire. She gripped Shen Shu’s shoulders, then, in a desperate attempt to regain control, bit down hard on her tongue.

The sharp pain momentarily cleared her mind.

“Shen Shu…” Xu Jinnan gasped, her hot breath against Shen Shu’s ear. “The knife. Give it to me.”

Shen Shu, struggling in her grasp, froze, a wave of icy terror washing over her.

Xu Jinnan had noticed the knife. Even her last resort had been discovered.

“The knife.”

If she didn’t stop now, she would lose control completely.

Clinging to the last vestiges of her sanity, Xu Jinnan reached for Shen Shu’s hand.

Shen Shu was wearing a cropped top. Her struggles had exposed her midriff. As she reached behind her to hide the knife, Xu Jinnan’s hand, moving erratically, brushed against her creamy skin.

The urge to break that delicate waist overwhelmed her.

Xu Jinnan imagined how exhilarating it would be to wrap her hands around it…

No! Stop!

She bit down on her tongue again, harder this time, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth.

She’d heard about the Alpha experiencing a rut. Was her increased sensitivity to pheromones causing her to react to the Alpha’s scent?

Even so, as an Omega, why was she reacting this way to Shen Shu?

She could smell Shen Shu’s sweet scent even through the door, driving her to madness.

Even though she was attracted to women, this intense sexual urge was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.

Unable to understand, she finally managed to pry the small knife from Shen Shu’s grasp.

The moment she had it, she pushed Shen Shu away, stumbling back and collapsing onto the floor.

Freed from Xu Jinnan’s grip, Shen Shu fumbled for the door handle, her legs weak with terror. Just as she reached it, she heard a pained groan.

She looked back instinctively—

In the cool light of the entryway, the Alpha was still wearing her revealing swimsuit, her skin flushed an unnatural red, her body slumped against the wall.

Her head was bowed, seemingly oblivious as crimson blood dripped from a deep gash on her right forearm, pooling on the floor.

The scene was horrifying.

“You…”

“I’m sorry.” Xu Jinnan looked up, her eyes bloodshot. “Don’t worry, if I lose control again, I’ll stab myself in the heart.”

Shen Shu shuddered.

Then Cai Ying’s frantic calls from outside snapped her out of her trance. She deactivated the automatic lock and opened the door.

Xu Jinnan watched her flee, then lowered her gaze, sitting in silence for a few moments before struggling to her feet and wrapping a towel around the wound.

The mental anguish and the throbbing in her scent gland were more agonizing than the four-inch gash.

Xu Jinnan called Professor Qin, explaining the situation. He was silent for a moment.

“Miss Xu, I’ll send someone to pick you up immediately.” He paused. “Don’t let anyone else see you like this.”

“Why?”

“I can’t explain over the phone. You might experience some discomfort. The medication I gave you should help. If it becomes unbearable, you can take two more pills, but no more than three.”

Professor Qin instructed her to avoid contact with other people, especially doctors, until he arrived.

Xu Jinnan sank back into the sofa, too weak to move.

Soon, voices echoed from outside the door.

“Miss Shen said the person inside is injured and possibly experiencing a rut. If we don’t do something, their pheromones will affect all the Omega guests in the building!”

“Let’s force our way in.”

“If we were going to do that, we would have already. Do you know whose room this is? It’s Xu… Do you dare?”

“But can you take responsibility if we leave a rutting Alpha unattended?”

Despite the supposedly excellent soundproofing, Xu Jinnan heard every word.

Fortunately, they didn’t dare enter.

Remembering Professor Qin’s words, she grabbed a glass from the table and threw it at the door.

“Don’t come in!”

The glass shattered against the metal door with a loud crash.

The voices outside fell silent.

After a moment’s rest, Xu Jinnan struggled to her feet and stumbled to the bedroom, swallowing a few pills before collapsing onto the bed.

---

“Xu Jinnan.”

Xu Jinnan heard someone calling her name. The voice was cool and distant, like a light autumn rain.

She opened her eyes a sliver. Shen Shu was standing a few feet away, her brow furrowed, her eyes cautious.

I must be hallucinating.

Xu Jinnan closed her eyes. Her longing for Shen Shu couldn’t be this intense, could it?

Just as she was drifting back to sleep, she felt a cool touch on her forehead, the scent of vanilla filling her senses, pure and intense.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes again.

Shen Shu was about to withdraw her hand, but she froze when their eyes met, her body straightening instinctively.

“Why are you back?” Xu Jinnan rolled onto her back, her slender body sprawled on the bed. The bandaged hand showed no signs of bleeding.

She propped herself up on her left elbow, trying to sit up.

“Don’t move!” Shen Shu said sharply.

Xu Jinnan obeyed, letting her arm fall back onto the bed.

She looked at Shen Shu, her body weak but her mind surprisingly clear. Shen Shu’s nervousness amused her. “You’re so scared, yet you came back?”

As Xu Jinnan lay back, the neckline of her thin, V-neck swimsuit dipped, revealing the curve of her breasts. Her flat stomach and the gap between her thighs, her slender calves dangling off the bed, the bloodstains trailing down her legs… the sight was both alluring and disturbing. The sheets were stained crimson, like blooming roses.

Seeing her smile, Shen Shu looked away, picking up an Alpha suppressant. “Don’t move. I’m going to give you a suppressant.”

“Shen Shu,” Xu Jinnan said, “just leave.”

She had good self-control, but this body’s reactions were overwhelming.

Shen Shu studied her, her gaze searching. After a moment, she picked up another pill. “You can’t have another incident here.”

Xu Jinnan understood. If something happened, it would reflect badly on Cai Ying’s family, and both she and the Shen family would be implicated.

It doesn’t matter if I live or die, as long as it doesn’t happen here, she thought wryly.

“Fine, I don’t want you to be dragged into this. Professor Qin will be here soon. Just tell him where I am… I’m tired. Can you leave now?” She phrased it as a request, her voice unusually gentle.

Shen Shu held the pill, unsure how to respond.

After a moment, she said, “Then take this.”

“It’s useless.” Xu Jinnan turned her face into the pillow, her voice hoarse. “I told you I’m not an Alpha. Suppressants don’t work on me.” She’d already tried.

She’d also seen the original Xu Jinnan’s medical records. She’d experienced these episodes once or twice a year, and suppressants had been effective then.

Now, they were useless. Professor Qin’s pills worked better.

She’s still lying at a time like this? Shen Shu didn’t look at her.

Xu Jinnan sensed her disbelief.

This wasn’t the right time or place for explanations, but she couldn’t wait any longer.

She carefully placed her right arm by her side, curling her left arm and resting her cheek on her palm, trying to find a comfortable position. Closing her eyes, she said, “I’m an Omega, a failed Omega. There’s proof in my bag… I can authorize your access to my medical records. The hospital has my complete history.”

She paused to catch her breath. “What happened that night, and tonight… it’s related to my condition. Shen Shu, I’m sorry for hurting you. But I want you to know…” Please believe me, I never meant to hurt you.

Finishing the sentence felt like a monumental effort.

Shen Shu stood silently for a long moment. The only sound from the bed was Xu Jinnan’s heavy breathing. The terror of being dragged into the room lingered. After a long hesitation, she approached the bed again.

Unconscious, Xu Jinnan was no longer a threat. Without her sharp edges, she seemed almost… vulnerable, lying quietly on the soft bedding.

Even her features seemed softer now.

Shen Shu looked away, tossing the pill back into the box. Why should she believe Xu Jinnan? Even if she was an Omega, it didn’t mean she was harmless.

She closed the box and glanced at the bed.

Xu Jinnan’s bandaged arm, wrapped in a towel, looked like a large, swollen egg. The white fabric was stained with blood…

Shen Shu clenched her fists. If Xu Jinnan had truly wanted to hurt her, she wouldn’t have needed to cut herself.

She had pushed Shen Shu away.

She couldn’t let her die here, not for the sake of the Shen family, and not for Cai Ying.

Putting aside her doubts, Shen Shu grabbed the first-aid kit and walked to the bed. A faint, sunny scent brushed against her senses.

It must be Xu Jinnan’s pheromones.

A pure, almost regal scent, completely at odds with the image of Xu Jinnan she had in her mind.

Shen Shu carefully unwrapped the towel from Xu Jinnan’s arm… The wound looked gruesome, but it wasn’t too deep.

As she finished bandaging it, Cai Ying burst through the door, followed by Professor Qin and several doctors.

After Professor Qin took Xu Jinnan away, Shen Shu packed up the first-aid kit. Then, remembering something, she looked at the black handbag on the shelf.

She found a blood test report inside.

Name: Xu Jinnan; Age: 26

Sex: Female

Secondary Gender: Omega.

Cai Ying, returning after seeing Professor Qin and his team off, saw the report in Shen Shu’s hand. “Xu Jinnan is an Omega?!”

---

When Xu Jinnan woke up, the sky was bright, and the sound of rain filled the air.

Professor Qin arrived soon after, carrying a stack of reports. He dismissed everyone from the room. The atmosphere was more serious than before.

“Miss Xu, there’s something you need to know.”

Xu Jinnan looked at him. Professor Qin’s expression was a mixture of concern, gravity, and… was that a hint of excitement? She leaned back against the pillows and offered a reasonable guess: “I have cancer?”

“…” Professor Qin paused. “No, but you should prepare yourself.”

“Is this the reason for my recent episodes?”

“Yes.”

A moment of silence hung in the air, then they both spoke at the same time:

Xu Jinnan: “Am I allergic to Shen Shu?”

Professor Qin: “You’ve undergone a secondary differentiation into an Alpha.”

Xu Jinnan: “?”

Chapter 9

Zhou Pei had chosen a newly built, exclusive resort. It was a four-story building with four suites on each floor.

Since it wasn’t officially open yet, the only guests were VIPs trying out the facilities. The environment was elegant and exceptionally quiet, meeting all of Xu Jinnan’s requirements.

After a glass of wine, Xu Jinnan settled in for a pleasant afternoon nap.

She turned over in her sleep and found a woman lying beside her. The woman’s figure was alluring, her sweet scent intoxicating. Dreamily, Xu Jinnan reached out to embrace her from behind…

Before she could make contact, she was jolted awake by her ringing phone, as if an earthquake had shattered the dream.

Annoyed, Xu Jinnan didn’t bother checking the caller ID and swiped to answer.

“Xu Jinnan!”

Xu Jinnan pulled the phone away from her ear, frowning, her voice still raspy with sleep. “Who is this?”

“Who is this?! It’s your father!”

“…”

The already irritated man on the other end erupted.

“Are you out gallivanting again?! Not only are you wasting your time, but you dare interfere with the bidding process?! Get back here this instant!” It was Xu Tao, the original Xu Jinnan’s father.

Xu Jinnan rubbed her temples and sat up. The bidding results would be announced today. If her calculations were correct, the Xu family would win the project.

“You’re becoming more and more reckless! I’m not dead yet, and you dare do this behind my back, Xu Jinnan…”

“Calm down and listen to me.”

“Listen to what? You don’t know anything!”

Xu Jinnan suppressed her annoyance, taking a sip of water as her father continued to rant. When he paused for breath, she said calmly, “You dismissed that small plot of land, but your competitors are desperate to acquire it. They’ve even made a deal with the bidding committee.”

“If you don’t believe me, investigate. Someone at the HP Group will be panicking soon. Then you can investigate what’s so special about that land.” Xu Jinnan’s tone was always serious when discussing business. Perhaps realizing this, she softened her voice.

“Dad, I wouldn’t mess with the company, no matter how irresponsible I am.”

“Haven’t you done enough reckless things already?”

“…”

Xu Tao grumbled, “If I find out you’re messing around, I’ll skin you alive.”

Xu Jinnan understood his anger. Based on the original Xu Jinnan’s behavior, this kind of move would usually be an act of revenge or a whim.

The call ended, and the world was quiet again.

That seemingly worthless piece of land would soon become the most prosperous amusement park in North City, thanks to the upcoming urban development plan. Its value would skyrocket.

In the book, the Han family rose to prominence through this land, partnering with the authorities and gradually overtaking the Xu family.

However, the Han family hadn’t obtained the information through their own abilities. Someone had tipped them off.

Thinking of that person, Xu Jinnan smiled faintly.

…

Xu Jinnan opened the curtains, letting in the warm afternoon sun.

From the third floor, she could see the large, sparkling blue pool below.

After a moment, she kicked off her slippers and pulled off her silk dress, her pale skin bathed in the golden light.

The glass was mirrored from the outside, so she walked to the closet and chose a relatively modest swimsuit from a collection of skimpy bikinis.

It was a black one-piece with open sides and back, perfectly accentuating her figure.

She decided she needed to discuss her new preferences with Zhou Pei.

Perhaps because the resort wasn’t officially open, the poolside loungers were empty. Only one other person was in the pool.

Xu Jinnan dove into the water.

After two laps, she realized the other person seemed to enjoy underwater swimming as much as she did. They kept crossing paths, swimming in opposite directions.

Xu Jinnan surfaced, her body, unused to exercise, already feeling tired after just three laps.

Wiping the water from her face, she was about to take a break when a figure emerged from the water on the opposite side of the pool.

Xu Jinnan froze, her first reaction not surprise, but…

Captivation.

Utter captivation.

Droplets of water clung to the Omega’s long lashes, sliding down her exquisite face, shimmering in the sunlight… Xu Jinnan’s gaze didn’t travel any lower.

The expression on the other woman’s face was the opposite.

Seeing her, Shen Shu’s surprise quickly turned to wariness and hostility.

Shen Shu quickly backed away to the edge of the pool, her voice laced with anger. “You’re following me! Cough, cough…” She choked on the water, her fair skin turning crimson.

“…Take it easy, don’t choke. I’ll get out,” Xu Jinnan said, climbing out of the pool and wrapping a towel around herself. Water dripped onto her face, and she casually brushed it back.

“Zhou Pei arranged this. I didn’t know you were here.” Xu Jinnan wiped her face with the towel, her eyes softening in the sunlight, her voice gentle. “If you think about it, you’ll understand. If I wanted to hurt you, would I have waited until now?”

Shen Shu knew this was true, but the fear lingered.

She looked up at Xu Jinnan. “Then why did you force me into this marriage, do those things to me?”

“I’d like to explain.” Xu Jinnan’s legs felt weak, so she sat down on a lounger. “Are you willing to listen now?”

Shen Shu remained silent.

Xu Jinnan looked at her, about to speak, when her vision blurred, images overlapping, a ringing in her ears.

This time, she was certain it was related to Shen Shu, but it felt different…

More like that first night.

The excitement. The urge.

Images of Shen Shu flashed through her mind. Xu Jinnan’s fingers twitched. She could almost feel the smoothness of the Omega’s skin…

Her heart pounding, Xu Jinnan mumbled something about going upstairs and talking later.

She wasn’t even sure if that’s what she’d said; she could barely hear herself.

Stumbling, she barely managed to avoid falling as she made her way upstairs.

---

“Who is that? How much did she drink to be that drunk?”

Cai Ying, in a bright yellow bikini, walked over with a glass of juice, watching the tall, unsteady figure. “She has a great body, though.”

“Xu Jinnan,” Shen Shu replied.

Cai Ying choked on her juice. “What’s she doing here? Following you?!”

Shen Shu shook her head.

She didn’t know. She wasn’t sure anymore.

Before, she wouldn’t have hesitated to accuse Xu Jinnan, but something in Xu Jinnan’s demeanor just now had seemed… genuine.

Genuine. That word, applied to Xu Jinnan, seemed absurd.

After dinner, the sky had darkened, and the resort was shrouded in a heavy mist.

They were sitting in the resort’s cafe when Shen Shu received a message from the company, her face darkening. Then a waiter approached them.

An Alpha in a VIP room on the third floor was experiencing a severe rut.

The emergency doctor had administered medication, but the other guests on the floor had been disturbed, especially the Omegas, who had been moved to other floors and needed to be appeased.

Cai Ying’s father wanted her to take over the family business, and this resort was a test run. So, it fell to Cai Ying to deal with the upset guests.

“Be careful,” Shen Shu cautioned.

Cai Ying grinned. “Don’t worry, I’ll just check on things and reassure the other guests.”

Shen Shu didn’t say anything more, but after over an hour, Cai Ying still hadn’t returned. Her calls went straight to voicemail.

She asked a waiter and learned there had only been two Omega guests on the third floor. They had been taken care of long ago. Cai Ying should have returned over half an hour ago.

After searching everywhere, they still couldn’t find her.

A waiter mentioned seeing Cai Ying going back upstairs alone. A bad premonition washed over Shen Shu.

“Do you know which floor she went to?” she asked.

“Probably the third floor,” the waiter replied. “There’s still one Alpha guest on that floor. The fourth floor is empty.”

Shen Shu, accompanied by two waiters, went up to the third floor. Before leaving, she’d grabbed a knife from the front desk.

After checking the empty rooms, she stopped at the only occupied suite.

---

After returning to her room, Xu Jinnan took the emergency medication Professor Qin had given her, her breathing and heartbeat finally slowing down.

She lay on the bed, too weak even to change her clothes. She wanted to call Professor Qin, but her phone was on the table…

Then she passed out.

She didn’t know how long she slept before being jolted awake by persistent knocking. Her scent gland was still throbbing, her body feeling worse than before.

She had a premonition – she was about to lose control again, just like that night.

…

Shen Shu stood at the door, knocking repeatedly without a response. “Have you checked the security footage?” she asked the waiter.

The waiter spoke into his earpiece, relaying the question to the front desk.

He understood Shen Shu’s concern. An Alpha on this floor had just experienced a severe rut. Alpha pheromones could sometimes trigger a reaction in other Alphas.

And Cai Ying was an Omega…

But the chances were slim.

And wouldn’t it be better to check the footage before knocking? If they offended a guest, they would have to apologize.

Shen Shu’s palms were damp with sweat. She knew from experience that nothing was guaranteed.

“Found her!”

The waiter listened to the response in his earpiece, then said to Shen Shu, “Miss Shen, she’s already gone back to her room.”

Shen Shu sighed in relief. But before she could fully exhale…

The door suddenly swung open from the inside, and she was pulled inside before she could react…

Chapter 8

“Xu Jinnan, it hasn’t even been a week, and you’re already comfortable playing the role of a doting wife,” Yin Xue said, moving closer to the Alpha and linking arms with her.

Xu Jinnan ignored her, taking the paper bag from Shen Shu’s hand and murmuring, “Why didn’t you wait for me? You shouldn’t carry heavy things.” Shen Shu’s grip loosened, and Xu Jinnan easily took the bag. The brush of cool fingers against her hand made her recoil slightly.

She observed Xu Jinnan, trying to discern her motive. Why this performance in front of Yin Xue?

Yin Xue’s face hardened. “Xu Jinnan, what do you mean by this?!”

Shen Shu looked at Xu Jinnan, also waiting for an answer.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze was still fixed on her. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Shen Shu found herself drawn into Xu Jinnan’s languid phoenix eyes.

Xu Jinnan smiled at Shen Shu, then stepped back, positioning herself slightly behind her, creating the illusion that Shen Shu was leaning against her.

Only then did Xu Jinnan look at Yin Xue and her companion, a smile playing on her lips. “I should be asking you that question. Do you think anyone can bully the people I care about now?” She used the plural “you,” not the singular.

The Alpha beside Yin Xue caught the subtle message and said politely, “Miss Xu, you misunderstand. You and Xiao Xue are old friends. She heard you and your wife were hospitalized and wanted to visit. There was no other intention, certainly not to bully anyone.” This was Han Wenfang, the second daughter of the HP Group and the most likely successor to the family business.

Agreeing to come to the hospital with Yin Xue had been an impulsive decision.

Han Wenfang’s reasoning was simple: she had agreed, and that was that.

Xu Jinnan was difficult, but she was married now. Han Wenfang wasn’t trying to steal anyone. If Xu Jinnan wanted to make a fuss, the Han family wouldn’t back down.

But she wouldn’t let things escalate to that point.

She liked Yin Xue, but not enough to risk a confrontation with Xu Jinnan.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze flickered over Han Wenfang. This woman was decisive and ruthless.

Her seemingly conciliatory words had a clear message – if anyone had bullied Shen Shu, it was Yin Xue alone.

“Wife, is that what happened?” Xu Jinnan looked down at Shen Shu, seeking her confirmation.

It was as if, if Shen Shu denied it, there would be consequences.

Shen Shu bristled at the word “wife.” It felt like a venomous snake hissing in her ear, reinforcing her suspicion that Xu Jinnan was plotting something.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze was too intense. Shen Shu subtly shifted away. “Cai Ying is waiting for me.”

Xu Jinnan didn’t seem to mind her non-answer. “Alright, I’ll walk you to the car.”

Shen Shu remained silent. Whether Xu Jinnan was putting on a show for Yin Xue or genuinely had changed, she wanted to get away from them.

Xu Jinnan followed her.

“Xu Jinnan! Stop it!” Yin Xue cried out, her voice choked with emotion.

Xu Jinnan suddenly grabbed Shen Shu’s wrist, releasing it as soon as she stopped. She tilted her head. “Wait a moment.”

Shen Shu’s expression remained neutral, but she sneered inwardly.

They said Xu Jinnan was cruel and ruthless, but this Omega, Yin Xue, was her weakness. After that performance, all it took was a show of vulnerability from Yin Xue to make Xu Jinnan falter.

Shen Shu wanted to tell her she had no interest in their drama.

But Xu Jinnan didn’t turn back. She pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, and said clearly, “Almost forgot. Alright, let’s go.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Shen Shu’s face, but she said nothing and continued walking.

Xu Jinnan, in her oversized hospital gown, walked beside Shen Shu. As they passed through the main entrance, a warm breeze ruffled Shen Shu’s dress.

Their two figures were like a carefully composed painting.

Even after they left, Yin Xue couldn’t believe that had been the real Xu Jinnan.

Han Wenfang said, “I think she deleted you.”

“…?”

Yin Xue immediately called Xu Jinnan, only to hear… the automated message.

This was completely unexpected. So, Xu Jinnan was serious?! She really wanted to cut ties?!

“Impossible.”

“You seem to have underestimated Xu Jinnan’s feelings for her wife.” Not just her, perhaps everyone had.

---

Cai Ying’s expression was a mixture of confusion and anger when she saw Xu Jinnan walking Shen Shu to the car. If Shen Shu hadn’t warned her not to antagonize Xu Jinnan, she would have already started yelling.

Ignoring Cai Ying’s hostility, Xu Jinnan asked, “Where are you going?” She meant, where would Shen Shu be staying.

After a moment, Shen Shu replied, “Back to the company.”

Xu Jinnan didn’t press further. She handed Shen Shu the bag. “I have to stay here for a few more days. Get some rest. Can we talk when I’m discharged?”

Shen Shu looked at her for a long moment, then nodded.

A minute later, watching the Porsche disappear, Xu Jinnan smiled wryly.

Then she heard Zhou Pei’s nervous voice: “Miss… your…”

She didn’t finish her sentence. Xu Jinnan glanced at her, and Zhou Pei quickly averted her gaze, her eyelids fluttering.

She shouldn’t stare directly at Xu Jinnan’s scent gland.

Scent glands, located below the ears of Alphas and Omegas, were usually flush with the skin. They only became visible up close, or when aroused, like a budding flower.

It was the most sensitive part of an Alpha or Omega.

Xu Jinnan wasn’t bothered by Zhou Pei’s gaze; she understood what she meant.

“I know. Let’s go back.”

She’d felt the change in her scent gland while standing next to Shen Shu in the lobby. The same reaction as before.

Was Professor Qin right? Did being near Shen Shu trigger this reaction?

She needed to discuss this with Professor Qin and his specialists.

Meanwhile, leaning against the car window, Shen Shu’s suspicions about Xu Jinnan grew. Multiple personalities would explain her erratic behavior.

But it was just speculation. All she could do was wait and see.

“Why are you going to the company?” Cai Ying interrupted her thoughts.

“There’s an issue with the bidding proposal Assistant Liu sent over. I’m afraid those CEOs won’t listen to him, so I need to go myself.”

“It doesn’t matter how well you do; your parents won’t appreciate it.” They only saw Shen Shu as a tool.

“I know,” Shen Shu replied softly, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Cai Ying knew this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. She changed the subject. “After you’re done at the company, why don’t you come stay at my family’s mountain resort for a few days?” The Cai family had made their fortune in the hotel business, but with the recent downturn, they had shifted their focus to resort tourism. They owned most of the resorts in North City.

“My dad built a new one in my favorite style. It’s not officially open yet.” Cai Ying nudged Shen Shu’s arm as they waited at a red light. “Come on, Shu Shu! Before my dad hires a tutor for me, come have fun with me.”

Shen Shu swatted her hand away playfully. “Alright, if there’s nothing urgent with the project, I’ll take you up on that offer.”

“Yay!”

---

Xu Jinnan spent a week in the hospital without any further incidents. After numerous consultations, the specialists concluded they needed to continue observing her.

Xu Jinnan’s patience wore thin. If they needed to observe her, couldn’t she be observed elsewhere?

No matter how nice the hospital was, it still smelled of antiseptic.

Seeing her restlessness, Professor Qin, perhaps worried she would revert to her old ways, didn’t try to stop her. He only advised her to avoid close contact with Shen Shu for the time being and to call him immediately if anything happened.

Xu Jinnan understood. Besides, Zhou Pei had told her Shen Shu had been busy at the company, staying at her own rented apartment, and then spending time with Cai Ying.

She didn’t pry further.

That night had been a traumatic experience for Shen Shu. Giving her space was the right thing to do.

Xu Jinnan discharged herself secretly.

Once in the car, Zhou Pei asked where she wanted to go. Silence followed.

After a moment, Xu Jinnan opened her eyes, squinting against the bright sunlight.

“Are there any resorts nearby? Somewhere quiet and secluded, with a large outdoor pool, preferably.”

“Yes,” Zhou Pei replied. “Shall I make the arrangements now?”

“Yes, now.”

Chapter 7

Leaving Shen Shu’s ward, Xu Jinnan’s troubled thoughts distracted her. It wasn’t until she reached her own ward that she absently touched the back of her neck.

That familiar throbbing pain again.

Her scent gland felt like a mosquito bite, a small, raised bump, radiating heat.

Xu Jinnan walked silently towards her room, oblivious to the nurses and patients pausing at a distance, as if she carried something frightening.

They only relaxed after her door closed.

A doctor emerged from her room – the same one who’d rushed to her apartment.

A nurse approached him. “Dr. Lin, you’re Miss Xu’s attending physician. What rank is she? An S-class Alpha?”

Dr. Lin, one of the few who knew Xu Jinnan was an Omega, replied, “Why do you ask?” Hearing the nurse explain the Alpha pressure they’d felt from Xu Jinnan, he smiled. “You’re probably just intimidated by her.”

Unaware of the conversation outside, Xu Jinnan lay uncomfortably on her bed, closing her eyes. Soon, she felt like the bed was on fire, roasting her alive.

She drifted into a feverish sleep.

When she opened her eyes again, Professor Qin’s familiar voice filled her ears. He stopped talking to the nurse when he realized she was awake.

“Miss Xu?”

“I’m feeling unwell again, like the other day,” Xu Jinnan said.

Professor Qin dismissed everyone else and approached her with the test results. “Are you feeling numb again?”

“Yes.”

“The nurse said you just visited Miss Shen’s ward?”

“Yes.”

Xu Jinnan’s voice was low.

“Have you experienced this before after interacting with Miss Shen?”

“Just that one time…” Xu Jinnan paused, her mind suddenly clearing. She looked up. “You’re not saying this is related to her, are you?”

“It requires further investigation.” Professor Qin didn’t confirm, then continued, “Also, due to your failed differentiation, your scent glands are inactive, and you can’t perceive pheromones. That’s why your Omega reports have always shown a zero pheromone level.”

Normally, both Alphas and Omegas had a pheromone level, indicating both their sensitivity to and their ability to perceive pheromones.

The scale ranged from 0 to 10, with 0 being no sensitivity and 10 being extremely sensitive.

A 10 for an Alpha meant they were highly susceptible to pheromones, while a 10 for an Omega meant they were prone to heat cycles. 10 was rare and usually required medication.

“Your levels fluctuated last time, reaching 1. But in just a few days, it’s risen to 5.”

“So, pheromones are affecting me now?” Xu Jinnan mused. “Even if that’s true, what does it have to do with Shen Shu?” She’d never heard of an Omega being affected by another Omega’s pheromones.

Professor Qin said, “It’s certainly unusual. That’s why I’d like to discuss bringing in some specialists for a consultation. You’ll need further testing.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Professor Qin watched her expression. After spending the past few days with her, he wasn’t as intimidated as before.

It was as if she’d become a different person overnight – polite and considerate. He’d heard she’d almost cried when a nurse missed her vein while giving her an IV, but Xu Jinnan had comforted the nurse instead of lashing out.

The old Xu Jinnan would have stabbed the nurse with the needle.

As expected, Xu Jinnan agreed.

She had always valued her health. Whatever she planned to do, her body was her most important asset in this world.

Besides, she needed time to think about her next move.

---

Over the next few days, Lu Yun replaced everything in Xu Jinnan’s room during each visit. Even a slightly browned banana had to be replaced with one freshly picked.

As a villainous supporting character, Lu Yun was certainly detestable.

But as a mother, she was surprisingly touching.

Xu Jinnan realized something important: she needed to prepare for the possibility of never returning home. Shen Shu, Lu Yun… these people were her only connections in this world.

Xu Jinnan formed a new plan.

To survive in this world, relying on the Xu family wasn’t enough. She needed to become powerful herself. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to help Shen Shu, let alone herself.

She remembered that in the book, the Xu family soon faced a crisis.

And the catalyst for that crisis was the bidding proposal on Shen Shu’s bedside table.

---

“You don’t need to apply the ointment tomorrow. The bruises don’t hurt anymore.”

As Xu Jinnan finished speaking, a soft knock came from the door. She called out, still hidden behind the privacy curtain.

The nurse chuckled. “Are you worried your wife will be jealous, Miss Xu? Not even letting me apply your ointment? I’m forty, not a young nurse.”

“It’s just a bruise. It’ll heal on its own.” Xu Jinnan pulled up her hospital gown, buttoning it slowly, covering her cleavage.

Jealousy was just an excuse.

Regardless, she was married. Even if the nurses were Betas, they were still women. If she could avoid unnecessary physical contact, she would.

It was a matter of respect for Shen Shu, and a personal principle.

The door opened.

It was Zhou Pei, the original Xu Jinnan’s assistant, a female Beta with short, neat black hair, dressed in a business suit. From the novel’s description, she was a fiercely loyal and rather violent subordinate.

Her violent tendencies were likely influenced by the original Xu Jinnan.

“Miss, I’ve brought the documents.”

Xu Jinnan glanced at her. “Aren’t you going to ask why I need these?”

Zhou Pei didn’t hesitate. “You told me to just do my job, not ask questions.”

Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow, then looked through the documents, making a few changes to the figures with a pen.

Zhou Pei’s eyes flickered as she watched.

Twenty minutes later, Xu Jinnan looked up and handed the documents back to Zhou Pei. “Return these to whoever requested them and tell her to go ahead with the project. As long as it’s legal, we have to win this bid.”

Zhou Pei, her surprise masked, nodded in agreement.

Xu Jinnan stretched. After days of inactivity, she decided to join Zhou Pei for a walk downstairs.

Besides its excellent service, the specialized hospital boasted a park-like environment, with flowerbeds changing with the seasons.

As they reached the lobby and were about to enter the back garden through a glass corridor, Zhou Pei spoke, her voice cool.

“It’s Miss Yin. And…” she paused, “your wife.”

Xu Jinnan stopped, following Zhou Pei’s gaze.

Shen Shu was walking out of the inpatient building. Two women, one tall and one shorter, stood waiting for her.

---

Shen Shu had met Yin Xue before.

Countless times, while Xu Jinnan hurled insults at her, Yin Xue would cling to her arm, batting her eyelashes.

And after that horrific wedding, in the dimly lit corridor, Yin Xue had embraced Xu Jinnan from behind.

She had witnessed it all.

They were lovers. Everyone knew it.

Why they were here, everyone knew that too.

Shen Shu, her expression neutral, walked past them, but Yin Xue stepped forward, blocking her path.

“Miss Shen, leaving the hospital alone? Carrying your own things?” Yin Xue scanned her from head to toe. “Xu Jinnan didn’t bother to see you off? Oh, I forgot, the wedding night is over…”

The implication was clear: Xu Jinnan had grown tired of her after just one night.

The words were vulgar, the meaning vile.

Shen Shu smiled faintly. “Are you jealous?”

Yin Xue’s smile vanished, replaced by a sneer. “Jealous of what? Shen Shu, you’re nothing. Why would I be jealous of you?”

“If you’re not, then fine. No need to get so worked up.”

Shen Shu’s voice was soft, her tone even softer, as if she truly didn’t care.

The more indifferent she appeared, the angrier Yin Xue became. The Alpha beside her, behaving like a proper lady, tugged at Yin Xue’s arm, attempting to calm her down.

Yin Xue shook her off. “She only married you for fun. You’re so fragile… Who knows, maybe by tonight, you’ll be discarded…”

Before she could finish, a cool, lazy voice interrupted her.

“Wife.”

Shen Shu’s body stiffened at the sound.

Everyone turned their heads in surprise.

Xu Jinnan, still in her hospital gown, strode towards them, stopping in front of Shen Shu, all eyes on her.

Chapter 6

Xu Jinnan felt a twinge of awkwardness.

It was clear Shen Shu didn’t want to see her, resorting to feigning sleep.

She was quite convincing, though. Xu Jinnan figured she’d startled her with her earlier comment, making her think she was up to something.

She had a real talent for acting.

Then it struck Xu Jinnan – Shen Shu was an actress.

She’d played lead roles in her university’s drama club and even landed a role in a TV series. Xu Jinnan couldn’t remember why it hadn’t aired. It seemed Shen Shu had given up acting after her grandmother passed away.

“Ha—” Xu Jinnan covered her mouth with a fake yawn and turned away, pretending she hadn’t seen anything. As she was about to leave, her gaze fell on a document on the table, and she paused.

It was a bidding proposal for a city construction project.

Xu Jinnan made a mental note, then glanced at the “sleeping” figure on the bed, her breathing even and steady, determined to maintain the charade.

A smile played on Xu Jinnan’s lips. This side of Shen Shu was rather endearing.

A basket of grapes sat on the corner of the table. A thought struck Xu Jinnan, and she suddenly didn’t want to leave.

---

In reality, Shen Shu had woken up the moment Xu Jinnan entered.

It was an instinctive reaction, the tension of facing an abuser. She knew Xu Jinnan’s assurances were nothing but a deceptive tactic.

She’d heard Xu Jinnan get up.

She must have realized I was pretending and decided not to bother, Shen Shu thought.

She heard the Alpha yawn, place something on the table, and then silence. But soon after, there was another sound, followed by footsteps moving away from the bed…

She tightened her grip on the sheets. After a couple of seconds, she cautiously opened her eyes a sliver, just in time to see Xu Jinnan disappear into the bathroom.

Xu Jinnan was also wearing a light blue hospital gown, her light brown curls tied up in a bun. She held something in her raised hand, the thin fabric of the gown outlining her slender waist.

As she stepped into the bathroom, Shen Shu caught a glimpse of her pale ankle.

Then came the sound of running water.

What was she doing?

Her phone ringing startled Shen Shu.

The call was ill-timed, but seeing the caller ID, she answered.

The voice on the other end was curt. “Why are you in the hospital?”

Shen Shu glanced at the bathroom. “Mom, I’ll call you back later.”

“I told the nurse to let me in, but she said she can’t without your permission.”

Shen Shu paused, guessing it was Cai Ying’s doing. Since her mother was already at the door, there was nothing she could do.

After hanging up, Shen Shu looked towards the bathroom and took a deep breath. “Xu Jinnan.” Despite being legally married, she didn’t want Xu Jinnan to see her parents again. It was Xu Jinnan’s threat to cut off their funding that had forced her into this marriage.

“Awake?” Xu Jinnan’s voice, clear and crisp, seemed to float through the sound of running water.

Shen Shu wondered if she was imagining things, but there seemed to be a hint of amusement in her tone.

Shen Shu: “…”

Then she saw Xu Jinnan emerge from the bathroom, leaning against the doorframe, holding a dark purple grape between her fingers. She wiggled her hand.

“Just washing some grapes.”

If Shen Shu hadn’t seen Xu Jinnan’s true colors, she might have believed this harmless facade.

Xu Jinnan didn’t wait for a response, turning back to the bathroom.

She placed the washed grapes in a bowl, her smile fading slightly. If it were anyone else, she wouldn’t bother.

But it was Shen Shu’s adoptive mother, Wei Wuqing.

This woman had caused Shen Shu almost as much pain as the original Xu Jinnan.

Wei Wuqing’s voice soon echoed from outside, her tone displeased. The door slammed shut.

Xu Jinnan turned off the faucet and popped a grape into her mouth.

---

Wei Wuqing sat on a chair, arms crossed, scrutinizing Shen Shu. “What happened? You end up in the hospital right after your wedding?”

“I just wasn’t feeling well.” Shen Shu wanted to warn her that Xu Jinnan was in the room.

But Wei Wuqing continued, “Why is Xu Jinnan hospitalized too? Did you do something to her because you didn’t want to go through with it?”

Shen Shu was speechless, a hot air balloon of frustration expanding in her chest, weighed down by a heavy block of ice.

She looked away, her voice flat. “I couldn’t hurt her.” She was the one who almost died.

“Then why are you like this? Did you upset Xu Jinnan? How are you going to keep an Alpha interested looking like this? If you can’t keep her, our family’s funding will be cut off, do you understand?”

Shen Shu’s lips thinned. She’d naively thought Wei Wuqing had come out of concern for her.

Wei Wuqing asked about Xu Jinnan’s hospitalization, and when Shen Shu revealed she hadn’t bothered to check, her face darkened. “If you cared even a little about the Shen family, your father and I wouldn’t have to endure all this humiliation. The post-wedding banquet was all set, and now it’s canceled. Everyone’s saying the Xu family looks down on us…”

Shen Shu listened silently to Wei Wuqing’s tirade. Hadn’t she cared enough? She’d jumped into the lion’s den with Xu Jinnan for the Shen family. Had Wei Wuqing even bothered to ask how she was feeling, what was wrong?

Not even a perfunctory expression of concern.

Shen Shu felt utterly exhausted, unwilling to say another word.

Suddenly, a soft thud echoed from the bathroom, like something dropping on the floor.

“Mrs. Wei is here.”

A calm voice followed.

Xu Jinnan emerged from the bathroom, carrying a plate of washed grapes, a superficial smile on her face.

Wei Wuqing looked up, startled, then forced a smile. “Miss Xu, you’re here.” She paused, realizing the address wasn’t appropriate anymore.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze shifted from her as she walked over to Shen Shu and sat down, placing the plate on the table and offering a grape to Shen Shu. “Here.”

Wei Wuqing’s expression shifted. This was another unexpected development – Xu Jinnan personally washing grapes for Shen Shu.

She regretted her earlier complaints and silently scolded Shen Shu for not warning her. Fortunately, she hadn’t said anything too outrageous.

But if Shen Shu could really manage to secure Xu Jinnan, this powerful devil, then none of it really mattered.

Shen Shu looked down at the plump, glistening grape in Xu Jinnan’s outstretched hand, like a purple jewel. She didn’t want to take it, but Xu Jinnan persisted, holding it out to her.

With both their gazes on her, Shen Shu finally reached out and took the grape.

Her fingers brushed against Xu Jinnan’s cool, slender hand, still damp from washing the grapes.

After Shen Shu took the grape, Xu Jinnan looked up at Wei Wuqing. “I misspoke. Shu Shu and I are married now, so I should call you Mom.”

The grape slipped in Shen Shu’s grasp.

Wei Wuqing beamed. “Good girl. My Shu Shu has been pampered since she was young. Please bear with her if she’s a bit willful or immature.”

Xu Jinnan looked at Shen Shu, gently squeezing her shoulder, her eyes soft. “She deserves to be pampered. She’s not well, and I want her to rest properly. We can discuss the post-wedding banquet later. What do you think, Mom?”

A chill ran down Shen Shu’s spine.

Wei Wuqing readily agreed, then asked a few perfunctory questions about Shen Shu’s condition and recovery. Sensing Xu Jinnan’s impatience, she made a few more polite remarks and left.

As soon as she left, Xu Jinnan stood up, positioning herself half a meter away from Shen Shu.

“Sorry about that. I had my reasons.”

Shen Shu looked up, meeting Xu Jinnan’s gaze. She sensed a protectiveness in Xu Jinnan’s actions, but the thought only made her more uneasy.

I had my reasons – those words could apply to any of Xu Jinnan’s actions.

Whatever her motive, it couldn’t be good.

“What are you doing here?!”

Cai Ying stormed in, carrying several shopping bags, placing herself between Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu. She glared at Xu Jinnan. “Leave! You’re not welcome here. Shu Shu doesn’t want to see you!”

Xu Jinnan’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

She considered herself even-tempered, but being repeatedly dismissed like this was… irritating.

Especially by this 19-year-old girl. Her arrogance and impoliteness might be considered cute, but Xu Jinnan had never liked that type.

Almost the instant she sensed the shift in Xu Jinnan’s mood, Shen Shu stood up.

“Cai Ying.” She pulled Cai Ying back a step. “Go outside for a moment. I need to talk to her.”

Cai Ying refused to leave Shen Shu alone with this dangerous woman, but Shen Shu insisted.

---

“Xu Jinnan.”

“Hmm?”

Xu Jinnan waited, curious about what Shen Shu wanted to say.

Divorce?

It wasn’t impossible.

Shen Shu was decisive and pragmatic. After Wei Wuqing’s visit, she might be disillusioned with her family and ready to move on.

A divorce request was entirely plausible.

“Don’t mind Cai Ying.” Shen Shu continued, “She’s only 19. She’s young and doesn’t understand.”

I wasn’t holding it against her, Xu Jinnan thought.

Then, processing Shen Shu’s words, she understood.

The original Xu Jinnan’s primary motivation for tormenting Shen Shu wasn’t just her beauty, but also her defiance.

Cai Ying, a young and beautiful mixed-race Omega, was exactly the type to attract Alphas.

Coupled with Cai Ying’s hostility towards her…

Shen Shu was afraid she would – turn Cai Ying into another victim.

Xu Jinnan was exasperated, frustrated by the villainous reputation that continued to haunt her.

With Cai Ying outside, she couldn’t reveal her Omega identity now. The fallout would be troublesome.

The suppressed frustration of the past few days was bubbling up, but she couldn’t take it out on Shen Shu. She nodded. “Understood. Rest well.”

After Xu Jinnan left, Shen Shu opened the window slightly, letting in the warm summer breeze.

Cai Ying sat watching her, wondering what Xu Jinnan had said to make her so thoughtful.

The look on Xu Jinnan’s face as she left lingered in Shen Shu’s mind – anger, frustration, and something else she couldn’t quite decipher. She didn’t understand why her comment about Cai Ying had provoked such a strong reaction.

But it had been genuine, not an act.

It was a raw expression the Xu Jinnan she knew was incapable of.

No matter how well Xu Jinnan pretended, no matter her tactics, when she was truly angry or her emotions reached a boiling point, she couldn’t hide it.

“What’s wrong?” Cai Ying asked.

“Xu Jinnan has a mental illness,” Shen Shu said, looking out at the blazing sun. To be precise, those flashes of emotion were the first signs of Xu Jinnan losing control.

She became incredibly volatile, almost manic.

Shen Shu had witnessed it a few times. Twice, after she’d angered Xu Jinnan, she’d become destructive, lashing out, throwing things. Even after calming down, she was always vindictive.

Just like forcing her into this marriage, using the things she cherished most to torment her.

But thinking back, she’d seen that same look on Xu Jinnan’s face since the night she’d let her go. She hadn’t realized it before, but today, with Xu Jinnan standing right in front of her…

She had seen it clearly. Xu Jinnan had been holding back.

…

“Miss Shen, your medication is on the table.” The nurse entered with a smile.

Shen Shu thanked her. The nurse continued, “You and Miss Xu have such a good relationship. She asks about you constantly, and I heard she refused to let the younger nurses change her bandages, saying she’s a married woman.”

Shen Shu was taken aback. Cai Ying, remembering the marks on Shen Shu’s body, asked curtly, “What injuries does she have?”

The nurse replied, “Bruises, I think. A large area on her back.”

Shen Shu recalled the moment she’d collapsed, Xu Jinnan rushing to catch her, shielding her with her own body… If she didn’t care about hurting herself, why would she be afraid of Shen Shu falling?

The memory clashed with the earlier image of Xu Jinnan dragging her into the room.

Shen Shu shivered.

Putting the pieces together, she arrived at an absurd conclusion.

“Shu Shu, what are you thinking?”

“Xu Jinnan,” Shen Shu said, closing the window, her body slowly regaining its warmth, her voice calm and clear. “I think she has multiple personalities.”

Cai Ying stared at her, stunned.

Chapter 5

Xu Jinnan replied with a single word, confirming Yin Xue’s question: “Yes.”

After a few minutes on the stairs to cool down, she slowly returned to her own ward.

The moment she sat on the bed, her phone buzzed again.

Yin Xue: [Xu Jinnan, do you have to be so infuriating?]

Yin Xue: [If you want to break things off, let’s make it clean.]

Xu Jinnan smiled faintly.

This wasn’t Yin Xue’s first attempt at this tactic, but it always worked on the original Xu Jinnan, who would inevitably go back to coax her within a few days.

Yin Xue, like the original Xu Jinnan, was a supporting character destined for a bad ending.

She had no morals. Many of the people the original Xu Jinnan pursued were delivered to her by Yin Xue. They even colluded in some truly despicable acts, which was why the original Xu Jinnan felt closer to her than to others.

Xu Jinnan was eager to sever this messy relationship.

At the Fanxing Restaurant in North City, Yin Xue, dressed in a dark blue Chanel-style suit, sat with her long, white legs crossed, elegantly cutting her steak.

Across from her sat a glamorous Alpha: “Xiao Xue, have you thought about it? Being with me won’t disappoint you.”

Yin Xue glanced at her lit-up phone.

Xu Jinnan: [I mean what I say.]

Yin Xue: “…” What the—?! Xu Jinnan, you’re ruthless!

Yin Xue choked back a breath, nearly throwing her cutlery. She barely managed to compose herself, a thought flashing through her mind. Looking at the Alpha across from her, she smiled slyly. “Aren’t you afraid of my relationship with Xu Jinnan?”

The Alpha paused. “Isn’t she already married to that beautiful Omega from the Shen family?” Hearing the description, she pictured Shen Shu’s exquisite face. Yin Xue’s expression cooled. “Shen Shu is boring. She’ll get tired of her in a couple of days.”

The Alpha hesitated. Xu Jinnan was a loose cannon; crossing her was asking for trouble.

Yin Xue observed her expression. “What? Scared now?”

The words, dripping with innuendo, were a challenge no Alpha could ignore.

The Alpha lifted her chin. “I’m not afraid of her. If you agree to be with me, I’ll handle Xu Jinnan.”

“How can I let you go alone? I heard she’s hospitalized with her new wife. Let’s go together in a few days.” Yin Xue picked up her wine glass, a seductive smile playing on her lips.

The Alpha’s eyes lit up. Did this mean she agreed?

Yin Xue took a sip. If Xu Jinnan wanted to play it cool, fine. Let her.

But would she remain so composed seeing her with another Alpha?

That woman was intensely possessive.

---

Xu Jinnan spent two days in the hospital, her phone off, using her family’s influence to block all visitors.

Even so, she couldn’t avoid her mother, Lu Yun.

Lu Yun, beautiful and elegant, entered the ward and rushed to embrace Xu Jinnan as if she were still a baby.

Unfamiliar with this kind of maternal affection, Xu Jinnan felt awkward. After a few seconds, she patted Lu Yun’s back. “Mom, I’m fine. It really was just a checkup.”

Lu Yun pulled away, her eyes teary as she stroked Xu Jinnan’s face, saying she looked thinner.

She bustled about, placing seven or eight thermal food containers on the table, opening each one and announcing its contents like a restaurant menu.

Xu Jinnan praised each dish.

Lu Yun paused, looking at her with surprise. “What’s gotten into you today?”

Xu Jinnan’s heart skipped a beat.

As far as she knew, the original Xu Jinnan acted out in public but put on a facade in front of her parents, especially her mother. Her performance should have been flawless.

The next second, Lu Yun continued, “Whenever you’re this sweet, it means you’re in trouble. What did you do this time?”

“…”

Xu Jinnan’s apprehension vanished before she could speak. Lu Yun patted her hand, a knowing look on her face. “It’s about that Shen Shu, isn’t it? I’ve already spoken to the Shen family. I told them to teach their daughter how to be a proper wife.” It was clear Lu Yun didn’t like Shen Shu.

Xu Jinnan tried to appeal to Lu Yun’s sense of fairness: “I’m not even an Alpha. I’m an Omega, a failed one at that…” I’m the one who’s not good enough.

Lu Yun frowned, her eyes turning cold. “Did she say something to you?!” She was actually asking if Shen Shu had discovered Xu Jinnan’s secret.

Xu Jinnan shook her head. “I just realized this whole thing is pointless.” She could tell that if she’d said yes, Lu Yun would be threatening Shen Shu, not her family.

Lu Yun gripped her hand tighter, concern replacing the coldness in her eyes. “Nannan, what’s wrong? Remember, you are the best! Whatever you want, Mom will get it for you, no matter the cost. So don’t ever say you’re a failure…”

It seemed impossible to change her mind for now. Xu Jinnan nodded helplessly. Lu Yun’s doting was genuine, but there was a palpable undercurrent of fear, of trying to appease her.

Lu Yun was clearly afraid of her going off the rails.

Then Lu Yun said something even more shocking: “When you want a divorce, don’t worry about your father. We know you only got married for fun. None of us take it seriously.” It took all of Xu Jinnan’s self-control not to curse.

She couldn’t understand it. Shen Shu was a top-tier Omega – talented, beautiful, and with a perfect figure. She had everything. Why did these people look down on her so much?

Ultimately, it was the original Xu Jinnan’s fault. Even the wedding had been a rushed, perfunctory affair at a cheap hotel, the whole thing lasting less than half an hour.

Lu Yun had only shown up to avoid gossip.

If it weren’t for the original Xu Jinnan’s humiliation and disdain, none of this would be happening.

“I don’t want to divorce her.”

Xu Jinnan spoke earnestly. “Unless she wants a divorce, I won’t divorce her.” For now, Shen Shu wouldn’t bring it up, still holding onto hope for her adoptive family.

Xu Jinnan didn’t want it to happen now either. If they divorced now, Shen Shu’s situation would be even more precarious. It was better to let her use their marriage to her advantage, to build a foundation for herself.

Lu Yun nodded absentmindedly, clearly not believing her.

After finally seeing her mother off, Xu Jinnan sat on the bed, her head buzzing. Now, she felt not only heartache for Shen Shu but also a burning sense of injustice.

Xu Jinnan resolved to help Shen Shu.

But first, she needed to repair their relationship.

Xu Jinnan glanced at the thermal food containers on the table.

She hadn’t seen Shen Shu in two days and had no idea how she was feeling.

After a moment of thought, Xu Jinnan sampled the contents of each container, finally choosing a shrimp porridge and carrying it to Shen Shu’s ward.

She hesitated at the door for a few seconds, then reached out to knock. Just then, the nurse opened the door.

She looked surprised to see Xu Jinnan, then stepped aside. “Miss Shen is asleep.”

Xu Jinnan felt a wave of relief. She entered quietly. The Omega lay curled on her side, serene as a sleeping beauty, her delicate face framed by the white sheets, strands of dark hair scattered across the pillow.

Placing the porridge gently on the table, Xu Jinnan gazed at Shen Shu’s face.

Unconsciously, she drew closer, bending slightly, her eyes fixed on Shen Shu’s. Her long, curled lashes were perfectly defined, as if meticulously drawn with a charcoal pencil.

Xu Jinnan murmured, “Wow, such long lashes…”

Suddenly, she saw Shen Shu’s lashes flutter.