A Flirtatious Beauty Alpha Provokes a Crazy Omega - Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Lover

 

Jiang Mi honestly didn’t know what kind of expression she should be wearing right now. The color of her lips hadn’t completely faded, and there were still faint bite marks left by Yan Wei. She blinked and finally found her voice: “A relationship without feelings—do you mean… a lover’s arrangement?”

 

She hoped Yan Wei would shake her head and say no.

 

Lover?

 

That didn’t sound very nice. Yan Wei frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the term. Her lips parted, but she didn’t say anything. Deny it? But then what should she call it instead?

 

Jiang Mi could see the change in her expression. After two seconds of stillness, she took Yan Wei’s silence as confirmation. She did her best to calm the mess in her heart and keep a steady tone: “If that’s what it is, I’m sorry—I don’t accept it.”

 

Her heart felt like a lemon being squeezed, slowly and painfully. The sourness filled her chest, making it hard to breathe.

 

Not exactly heartbreak, but far from comfortable.

 

She stared directly at Yan Wei. Just moments ago, they had been so close.

 

Yan Wei’s intimate breath at her ear, her gasps during passion, her quiet sobs when overwhelmed—those things had just happened. But the person in front of her now felt distant and unfamiliar.

 

Jiang Mi lightly bit her lip and tasted a trace of salt.

 

She took a breath and said again, clearly, “I refuse.”

 

Yan Wei’s brows furrowed even more deeply. She sat up straight. She hadn’t wanted emotional entanglements. Her perception of Jiang Mi had been very favorable—precisely why she didn’t want things to get complicated.

 

Before saying this, she had assumed Jiang Mi would agree to her proposition.

 

Based on their chemistry just now, based on the lingering Alpha pheromones in the air, based on the way Jiang Mi had looked at her with sweat on her brow and infatuation in her eyes… Yan Wei had thought Jiang Mi would agree.

 

At the very least, she hadn’t expected such a quick rejection.

 

“Jiang Mi.”

 

Before Yan Wei could say more, Jiang Mi stood up from the couch. She smiled faintly—an emotionless smile—and felt confused again. Because when she had taken that step forward, she truly thought Yan Wei liked her.

 

She had felt it—in Yan Wei’s gaze, her emotions, her concern.

 

She thought that was love.

 

“Maybe there’s been some misunderstanding between us,” Jiang Mi said with a deep breath, walking a few steps to stand across from Yan Wei.

 

They were separated by a coffee table. The post-rain temperature had dropped. Jiang Mi, wrapped in a hotel bathrobe, suddenly felt a chill on her calves. She spoke softly: “Even though we think differently, I was actually quite happy today. Unfortunately, what you just said isn’t something I can accept, so I’ll treat this whole thing as if it never happened. I think that’s best for both of us.”

 

“Pretend it never happened?” Yan Wei narrowed her eyes. As she tilted her head, a faint pink mark on her neck came into Jiang Mi’s view.

 

Jiang Mi looked away, calm: “Yes. That way we can avoid awkwardness in the future. It’s late now… your foot—when the sun comes up, you should still see a doctor.”

 

After a pause on Yan Wei’s face, she turned and walked into the bathroom.

 

Inside, the steam had long dissipated, leaving behind only water droplets. She took off the bathrobe, picked up her underwear, and caught her reflection in the mirror—her hair was messy, her chest marked with faint bruises. Lower down, she saw nail marks on her waist and thighs.

 

Pale pink, thin as fishing line.

 

Those marks were from when Yan Wei had held her tightly. Back then, all she felt was a slight pain—and overwhelming pleasure.

 

But now?

 

Now Jiang Mi thought: cruelly speaking, wasn’t she just a fish in Yan Wei’s pond?

 

That so-called “relationship without feelings.”

 

Just physical. No emotions.

 

She laughed silently at her reflection, and waited until the redness in her eyes faded before dressing and stepping out.

 

This time, she didn’t look at Yan Wei. She simply said politely, “I’m leaving.”

 

Nothing more.

 

“You’re angry?”

 

Jiang Mi paused. “Not really.”

 

It was the same answer Yan Wei had given her once. Funny how the tables turned.

 

“Adults, right? One-night stands are common. We just made a mistake all women make. And we’re both single. So it wasn’t really wrong… just a moment of impulse. No big deal.”

 

Yan Wei sat on the couch. A wine bottle and empty glass had appeared on the table. She looked down and didn’t meet Jiang Mi’s gaze: “You think that’s normal?”

 

Jiang Mi nodded. “It is. So let’s not think too much of it. See you tomorrow, Ms. Yan.”

 

She tried hard to sound normal, but even she could feel the emotional shift. And she was sure Yan Wei noticed she wasn’t being sincere.

 

That’s why she was desperate to leave.

 

She didn’t want to embarrass herself again in front of Yan Wei.

 

She walked a few steps, then added clearly: “By the way, Ms. Yan—let’s not do anything that might cause misunderstandings in the future.”

 

In the end, she didn’t even know what she’d done to make Yan Wei think she was the kind of person who’d be okay with a purely physical relationship.

 

Fine. She admitted it—she was angry.

 

Yan Wei couldn’t explain why that last sentence made her so uncomfortable. She turned her head and saw Jiang Mi’s back disappearing out the door. She didn’t try to stop her.

 

She sat there for a long time. When she finally got up, her legs were still weak—but this time, there was no strong hand to support her.

 

The taste of wine still lingered in her mouth, but with filming the next day, she couldn’t drink anymore.

 

She walked out to the balcony, lit a cigarette, and took a slow drag. Looking down, she saw the white patch on her injured ankle.

 

She remembered Jiang Mi carefully dabbing iodine on the wound, her warm breath brushing the skin.

 

That breath had felt more real to her than the pain of the glass shard.

 

That’s when she began to feel.

 

Yan Wei suddenly regretted speaking so soon.

 

She realized she didn’t want Jiang Mi to see her true self just yet—the part that was ugly, venomous, broken.

 

She didn’t want to scare Jiang Mi off.

 

But she had misjudged. Jiang Mi clearly didn’t like her way of handling things.

 

Staring out at the misty city, Yan Wei fell into thought. She didn’t move until the cigarette burned her fingers. Then she put it out.

 

She washed up again, wiped the mirror clean, and looked into it. Her eyes were red, her lips bitten. On her neck, the hickey still resembled a cherry.

 

She could still hear Jiang Mi’s voice.

 

That soft, restrained panting. Such a gentle and obedient Alpha… but in bed, she had such explosive passion.

 

Yan Wei touched the gland Jiang Mi had bitten. It had calmed down—but now was stirring again.

 

She tried to replicate Jiang Mi’s touch, but it didn’t feel the same.

 

Just a little pain.

 

Not enough.

 

In the mirror, her expression shifted—but never to the look she’d had when Jiang Mi was here. She bit her lip and stared at the mark. If it had been another Alpha, this area would probably be torn apart by now.

 

But Jiang Mi hadn’t even bitten hard.

 

Yan Wei curled her fingers, unsure whether she wanted to concentrate her strength—or grab something.

 

Only when the pain returned did she let go.

 

And in her mind, only one name remained.

 

Jiang Mi.

 

Jiang Mi.

 

So, she couldn’t let Jiang Mi go just yet.

 

She needed Jiang Mi’s eyes, her heartbeat, her tongue, her fingers, her body—to stay with her.

 

…

 

Jiang Mi tossed and turned in bed, finally giving up and sitting up. Her eyes were red as she swore to herself: If I fall for Yan Wei again, I’m a dog.

 

It was just a one-night stand.

 

Perfectly normal!

 

Even if it was Yan Wei—she’s an adult. What’s wrong with having that kind of idea?

 

Why should she feel disappointed? What was there to be upset about?

 

She took several deep breaths, lay back down, and curled her fingers, which were sore.

 

With her eyes closed, she muttered to herself, “Jiang Mi, don’t be pathetic.”

 

It should be Yan Wei thinking about this. You were amazing—she should be the one savoring it!

 

That night, Jiang Mi kept having nightmares. When she finally woke, she couldn’t remember them—only that she felt utterly drained. Her puffy eyes made makeup difficult, and it took half an hour of ice packs just to salvage her look.

 

Zhao Jia walked in, saw her, and gleefully said, “Tsk! Youth isn’t a free pass, you know.”

 

Jiang Mi lay on a foldable chair, eyes closed. “That’s why I got up early to de-puff.”

 

The smell of coffee wafted over. Zhao Jia said, “What did you do last night?”

 

Jiang Mi: “…”

 

She pretended to be dead.

 

Thankfully, some shred of sanity had remained last night—she’d remembered she had to film today. So even when Yan Wei had bitten her lip, she’d avoided her a few times.

 

Yan Wei scratched her on the leg.

 

Jiang Mi hadn’t expected Yan Wei to have this side to her.

 

At that moment, instead of feeling disappointed, she actually thought this version of Yan Wei felt more real and human.

 

In that instant, she could see and feel every emotion Yan Wei was experiencing.

 

No longer the cold, aloof Yan Wei with no feelings.

 

It hurt a bit.

 

Jiang Mi hadn’t expected Yan Wei to be like this when kissing—so different from her usual self in private.

 

So even though Yan Wei scratched her, Jiang Mi didn’t get angry. Instead, she found this version of Yan Wei even more charming.

 

This moment, this side of Yan Wei, belonged only to her—and only she could see it.

 

When this thought surfaced in her mind, Jiang Mi startled herself.

 

What a hopeless romantic, she teased herself while tapping her own forehead.

 

The consequence of last night’s recklessness was this morning’s disaster—Jiang Mi didn’t even dare to meet Zhao Jia’s eyes, afraid she’d see through her.

 

Luckily, Zhao Jia didn’t ask anything. Even with her eyes closed, Jiang Mi could still feel her “so disappointed in you” look.

 

She just pretended not to notice.

 

By the time makeup was done and they arrived on set, it was already past 8 a.m. Most of the morning’s scenes were between Jiang Mi and Shen Ruoxi.

 

The moment they met, they exchanged smiles. Shen Ruoxi walked up to her. “Want to run lines first?”

 

Jiang Mi nodded. “Sure.”

 

“Nervous?” Shen Ruoxi teased, “We’ve got an intimate scene today.”

 

Jiang Mi replied, word by word, “Very. Nervous. Especially since I’m acting with Teacher Shen.”

 

Shen Ruoxi enjoyed the flattery.

 

She waved her hand. “Say no more. Come, my dear fiancée. From this moment on, I’m your bride-to-be. Please call me darling.”

 

Jiang Mi: “……”

 

The crew nearby, already used to Shen Ruoxi’s antics, all laughed.

 

Jiang Mi didn’t act shy. “Darling, shall we begin?”

 

Shen Ruoxi nodded eagerly. “Yes! From now on, please address me like that. Thank you.”

 

Shen Ruoxi had more lines, and as they stood across from each other, the two occasionally discussed blocking, line delivery, and transitions. For uncertain parts, they asked Director Jiang Qu.

 

Once they began filming, things went smoothly.

 

Today’s scene: After the incident in the clothing store, the fiancée Bai Xiao starts sensing something strange about Liang Yongping. After several rejections from her, she once again refuses Bai Xiao today, which leads Bai Xiao to become violent again.

 

Props brought out a bottle of water disguised as liquor.

 

Director Jiang instructed the camera crew, “Use the real one for close-ups.”

 

Then she reminded Jiang Mi and Shen Ruoxi, “Be careful during the take—there’ll be water on the floor.”

 

They both nodded.

 

Just then, the crowd stirred slightly. Jiang Mi heard someone call, “Teacher Yan.”

 

She didn’t look up, continuing to listen to Jiang Qu’s instructions.

 

Filming begins.

 

“This month I’m off night shifts. With the new position, my pay will increase. I’ll be able to send more money to your family,” said Bai Xiao, while watching Liang Yongping’s expression.

 

Liang Yongping forced a smile.

 

Bai Xiao continued, “I heard your mom had to go to the hospital again and it cost a lot. And your sister’s tuition for the second half of the year is due, right? She told me all this on the phone a few days ago.”

 

Liang Yongping looked up, surprised. “I didn’t know she called you… Thanks.”

 

Bai Xiao finally smiled in satisfaction. “Why thank me? Yongping, we’ll be family sooner or later. Actually, we already are—just missing a piece of paper. Don’t you think?”

 

Liang Yongping hesitated. “Actually, I can get a job too… you won’t have to work so hard…”

 

“Yongping,” Bai Xiao’s face changed slightly, but she quickly smiled again, “What did you promise Auntie back then? That you’d listen to everything I say. You don’t want her worrying about you while she’s sick, do you?”

 

Liang Yongping had tried to fight for herself. She could work too, take on multiple jobs. But every time she brought it up, Bai Xiao rejected it. At first, she even called her mother—who, upon answering, would weakly remind her:

 

“Yongping, without Bai Xiao, our family wouldn’t be where it is now. Her mother drowned trying to save me. We owe her a life. Even if she wanted your life, we should repay it—especially since she treats us so well…”

 

But her mother didn’t know—this favor pressing on her was too heavy. So heavy that just seeing Bai Xiao made her feel like she couldn’t breathe.

 

Bai Xiao poured her a drink. “Let’s celebrate. I’m happy today.”

 

“You know I don’t drink.”

 

“A couple of sips won’t hurt. Besides, we’re at home. If you get drunk, I’ll take care of you.”

 

Seeing Bai Xiao’s face darken, Liang Yongping picked up the glass and took a sip.

 

After repeating this a few times, Yongping downed the first glass and started to flush—she was a lightweight. Bai Xiao sat beside her, holding the second glass up to her lips.

 

“If you don’t drink now, what will you do at our wedding banquet?”

 

She pinched Liang Yongping’s lips, forcing the glass between them. The clear liquor slid from the corners of her mouth.

 

Liang Yongping choked, pushing Bai Xiao away.

 

Bai Xiao got angry and grabbed her chin, pouring the drink into her mouth. Liang Yongping struggled but was thrown to the floor.

 

The wet floor made everything seem even more bleak.

 

She wore a gray shirt, and the sound of buttons hitting the floor was like shattered rain.

 

…

 

Scene cleared. Only a few people remained on set. Yan Wei and Jiang Qu stood by the monitor. Besides the two actors in front of the camera, the set was silent. Yan Wei’s eyes followed Shen Ruoxi’s hand as it landed on Jiang Mi’s waist.

 

Her bare legs were clearly visible on screen.

 

There should’ve been a scratch there—but it was covered up.

 

Her gaze tightened, fixed on that hand. Jiang Qu didn’t notice the tense air around her and excitedly said, “What do you think? I’ve really shaped Jiang Mi well—give her two more years, she’ll be as good as you.”

 

Yan Wei’s gaze never moved. She coldly curled her lips, “She won’t need that long.”

 

In the beginning, even scenes with Shen Ruoxi had felt awkward—but now Jiang Mi was fluid and confident. The intensity of their argument reminded Yan Wei of the previous night.

 

Her legs started to feel weak again—but now the person with Jiang Mi wasn’t her.

 

Yan Wei irritably walked off and asked Surui for a cigarette. The set had cleared except for the director and camera crew. Surui, seeing the situation, silently handed it over and looked down to check her messages. Since Yan Wei fired her last assistant, new ones hadn’t worked out—so now Surui had to handle everything herself.

 

She sighed inwardly. Is she in a bad mood because she didn’t sleep well or what? The whole morning she’d been freezing cold. Now, only when watching the monitor did she seem slightly interested.

 

Yan Wei smoked silently until Jiang Qu called “Cut.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Shen Ruoxi help Jiang Mi up from the floor. Her face was flushed.

 

The two laughed and shook hands like good friends.

 

She suddenly remembered—Jiang Mi always avoided her after filming. At first she thought it was fear, but later realized it wasn’t. Because if Jiang Mi truly feared her, this scene just now wouldn’t exist.

 

Jiang Mi turned to walk with Shen Ruoxi, and when she saw Yan Wei standing nearby, her gaze faltered for a second—then she turned away and continued chatting with Shen Ruoxi.

 

To avoid misunderstandings, she decided that unless necessary, she wouldn’t look at Yan Wei again.

 

Yan Wei bit her tongue. The cigarette burned down. Surui handed her a wet wipe. The heat in her palm didn’t ease the fire in her heart. She stubbed out the cigarette in the wet tissue.

 

As Jiang Mi and Shen Ruoxi approached, Shen Ruoxi greeted Yan Wei first. Jiang Mi followed, “Good morning, Teacher Yan.”

 

Yan Wei replied indifferently, “Mm.”

 

Director Jiang smiled at them. “No issues. Just one close-up shot needed. Jiang Mi’s really improved—a great performance.”

 

Jiang Mi’s eyes lit up. “Thanks to your guidance, Director.”

 

She turned to Shen Ruoxi. “And thanks to Teacher Shen’s great leading too.”

 

“Oh please. I was nervous. My hand was sweating when I touched your waist earlier!” Shen Ruoxi opened her palm. “Seriously, Jiang—are you sure you’ve never dated before? You’re really good at this.”

 

Jiang Mi: “……”

 

Shen Ruoxi wasn’t one to make dirty jokes on set, so she quickly added, “Honestly, you led me through several moves.”

 

Some people just had natural screen presence.

 

Jiang Mi was one of them.

 

She kept facing one direction, deliberately ignoring that cold yet burning gaze. “Alright, alright—then you figure out how to thank me.”

 

Though last night ended badly, Jiang Mi had thought it over—her instincts weren’t completely wrong.

 

At least one thing was certain:

 

Right now, Yan Wei was very upset.

 

She couldn’t quite describe how she felt herself—a bit hurt, a bit angry, but also a little smug.

 

Jiang Qu reviewed the footage and laughed, “You two are like bickering lovers. Alright, go change and touch up makeup. Next scene coming up.”

 

They nodded and headed toward the dressing room. After last night’s rain, the air smelled fresh.

 

Shen Ruoxi continued chatting, “Dinner tonight? My treat.”

 

Jiang Mi shivered slightly, hesitated, then smiled. “Sure.”

 

She asked naturally, “What should we eat? I still owe you one.”

 

Shen Ruoxi said, “Whatever you want to eat, we’ll eat. So now you’re treating me, hehe.”

 

“Deal. Let’s think of something,” Jiang Mi replied.

 

Director Jiang kept watching the monitor. “Look at that expression—it’s perfect. You—”

 

She turned to continue, only to find Yan Wei had already left. Her gaze followed her into the distance—and saw Yan Wei heading in the direction of the dressing room, following behind Jiang Mi and Shen Ruoxi.