Accidentally Marked My Ex’s Crush, the Ice-Cold Goddess O - Chapter 48: Holding Onto the Past

Chapter 48: Holding Onto the Past

Jiang Lan continued working, leaving her alone there until Dr. Gu sent a message saying she was about to leave work. Only then did Jiang Ci leave.

Jiang Ci went down to the hospital lobby to wait for Dr. Gu. She saw her come out of the elevator and started walking to meet her. Halfway there, urgent footsteps and anxious shouts came from behind.

Worried she was blocking the way, Jiang Ci quickly turned to look and stepped aside. Unexpectedly, a middle-aged woman rushed over, grabbed her arm, and shouted, “You have a gland, you’re an alpha. Please mark my daughter, I beg you. Mark my daughter, and I’ll kneel and kowtow to you.”

Jiang Ci said, “What?”

The lobby was quiet at night, and her actions drew everyone’s attention, including Dr. Gu Feiran, who was walking over. She paused for a moment, then hurried over.

The hospital security noticed the situation and quickly pulled out a baton, rushing over. “What are you doing!”

“Mark my daughter, mark her, I beg you.”

“Please mark her.”

The middle-aged woman kept pulling at Jiang Ci while shouting.

Seeing the woman was older, Jiang Ci didn’t push her away immediately. She held the woman’s arm gently and said, “Auntie, please calm down. What’s wrong? This is a hospital. If there’s a problem, you can talk to a doctor.”

The woman kept tugging and even reached to touch Jiang Ci’s neck gland, standing on tiptoes to smell her pheromone scent. She smelled nothing and said, “Aren’t you an alpha? Why is there no pheromone scent? Why? Why don’t you have it?”

Jiang Ci had to firmly grab her hand and pull it away, saying, “I don’t have pheromones, Auntie. Let go.”

The woman looked at her in disbelief, frozen in place, and said, “You’re an alpha. You’re clearly an alpha. How can you have no pheromones? Are you disabled too? You’re actually a useless disabled person, haha.”

The woman gave a bitter laugh twice.

Dr. Gu Feiran rushed over, grabbed Jiang Ci’s wrist, and pulled her behind her. At the same time, security arrived, holding the woman’s arms and saying, “This is a hospital for treatment, not a place for you to cause trouble.”

Dr. Gu said, “She’s a family member of a patient in the gland department. Just take her upstairs. Don’t hurt her.”

The two guards nodded lightly, “Alright, Dr. Gu.”

The guards loosened their grip and led her toward the elevator. The woman came to her senses and suddenly muttered to herself, cursing, “Why are you disabled? Why? Why!”

Jiang Ci looked at Dr. Gu and asked, “This auntie…”

Dr. Gu gripped her wrist tightly and walked outside. “Let’s go out first.”

Outside, Dr. Gu let go of her wrist and explained, “That auntie’s daughter is an omega. She’s been in her heat period these past few days. Suppressant patches and inhibitors didn’t work, so she came to the hospital. The doctor’s conservative treatment requires daily alpha pheromone control. The non-conservative option is surgery to remove the gland.”

Jiang Ci said, “They probably wouldn’t choose the latter.”

Dr. Gu nodded. “Right. Although medical conditions now allow successful gland removal, it causes complications with a very high mortality rate. Her family, including the patient, chose conservative treatment. Her case is very special. When she differentiated at eighteen, she was strongly influenced by an alpha, making her heat periods extremely unstable—sometimes lasting minutes, sometimes days or longer. The doctor suggested finding an alpha to mark her, which might help.”

Jiang Ci said, “That sounds a bit like my situation.”

Dr. Gu said, “Hmm, but it’s not quite the same. Yours is acquired; hers is congenital. Her other mother was born from two betas and unexpectedly differentiated into an alpha at eighteen. She married this omega auntie, and their child had a one-third chance of being an alpha, omega, or beta. This girl differentiated into an omega at eighteen, with inherent genetic uncertainty. Now, the only solution is for an alpha to fully mark her. Her pheromones and gland are normal, so she can be marked. You’re the type that can’t be marked.”

This case was rare in the hospital, so a special meeting was held to report on it, and many doctors knew about it.

Jiang Ci said, “No wonder that auntie asked me to mark her daughter. That’s what she meant. But alphas aren’t that common, yet they shouldn’t be hard to find. Why did she lose control like that, grabbing random people in the hospital?”

Dr. Gu answered, “There are many reasons. First, the girl has beta genes, so any child she has is likely to be a beta, which many alphas don’t want. Second, legally, if an alpha marks an omega and they don’t marry, the alpha must pay the omega one million a year, like the contract we signed. Do you think alphas would agree to that? Third, the girl actually has an alpha girlfriend willing to mark her for treatment, but the auntie just now doesn’t agree.”

Jiang Ci asked, “Why? This is about the girl’s life.”

Dr. Gu said, “Because that alpha has a congenital stutter. The auntie thinks she’s disabled. Her daughter is already considered disabled, and if she pairs with another disabled person, their child might have a stutter and congenital genetic defects, ruining the child’s life.”

“Hmm… this.” Jiang Ci looked down at the road.

Her earlier words, “I don’t have pheromones,” must have hit the auntie hard.

After all, she was considered disabled too.

They walked from the lobby to the parking lot. After a while, Jiang Ci noticed the necklace hanging at Dr. Gu’s collarbone—it was the one she had given her that day.

The gloom in Jiang Ci’s eyes cleared a bit. “I thought you wouldn’t like it.”

“What?” Her question was sudden.

Jiang Ci pointed with her chin. “The necklace.”

Dr. Gu said, “I told you the day you gave it to me—gifts are about the thought. I once received a cute gift, a string of origami cranes made from colored paper. Though it wasn’t made specifically for me, I was happy when it was given to me.”

Jiang Ci’s lips curved up. “Origami cranes? Must’ve been from a kid. Kids’ intentions are the most sincere.”

Dr. Gu looked at her and nodded lightly. “Yes, from a kid. A very cute, lively kid.”

“It’s probably because Dr. Gu is so likable to kids that they gave it to you,” Jiang Ci said. The lights on both sides spilled down, casting soft shadows on them.

Dr. Gu said, “Maybe.”

Jiang Ci said, “Dr. Gu, can I ask you something?”

Dr. Gu said, “Sure.”

Jiang Ci said, “Why have you never looked down on me?”

Dr. Gu answered, “A useless alpha, in the eyes of alphas and omegas, is even less than a beta. Survival of the fittest is the rule of this world’s hierarchy, and it’s the same for us doctors.”

Jiang Ci said, “Don’t hospitals treat everyone equally?”

Dr. Gu nodded. “Doctors are supposed to treat all patients equally, but for betas, alphas and omegas have physical strength, intelligence, and more that they can’t match. For example, if an alpha, omega, and beta all cut their finger, a beta needs a day to recover, while an alpha or omega only needs a few hours. So, some hospitals used to manage patients in layers—alpha, omega, and beta—to reduce psychological pressure on betas. It started with good intentions, but over time, almost 99% of doctors and nurses, whether alpha, omega, or beta, leaned toward prioritizing alpha and omega patients.”

Dr. Gu said, “Know why?”

Jiang Ci said, “Because alphas and omegas recover faster, reducing work pressure?”

Dr. Gu said, “That’s one part, but it’s not quite right. It’s about quantity turning into quality. No matter how fast alphas and omegas recover, long-term contact becomes a fixed amount, and doctors and nurses still feel pressure.”

Jiang Ci asked sincerely, “Then why?”

Dr. Gu said, “In obstetrics and other departments, betas with less than a primary school education are listed as high-risk for pregnancy or other conditions, but alphas and omegas aren’t. Alphas and omegas not only recover faster but also understand better. In our General Surgery Department, before surgery, we tell patients not to eat or drink anything, not even water. Alphas and omegas follow this rule, but betas might say they drank a little water or ate some bread, thinking it’s no big deal. That’s the mental gap.”

Dr. Gu stopped walking and turned to Jiang Ci. “Of course, this can happen with alphas and omegas too, but the bias between the three isn’t formed overnight. It’s about time and, more so, genetics. Especially now, when most alphas and omegas are at the top of society, this discrimination and psychological gap won’t change for years.”

Dr. Gu said, “The reason I don’t look down on you is that, in current medicine, no alpha with no pheromones or gland function has ever fully marked an S-class omega in one go. Even an S-class alpha can’t do that.”

Jiang Ci felt a bit elated by these words and smiled. “I hear Dr. Gu’s comfort.”

Dr. Gu said seriously, “Jiang Ci, before differentiating at eighteen, everyone’s life is full of curiosity, sunshine, youth, freedom, dreams, doubts, sadness, and confusion. Children of alpha-omega pairs worry their kids might differentiate into betas at eighteen. Children of betas dream their kids might suddenly become alphas or omegas after eighteen. The former coming true isn’t necessarily bad, and the latter coming true isn’t necessarily good. Like you—before you differentiated at eighteen, were you ever looked down on or belittled by everyone?”

—No.

Dr. Gu said, “After eighteen, your gland mutated. You had no pheromones, no gland function. It was widely known, and you were taken for experiments. Everyone thought you were a defective alpha. Everyone mocked you, and you didn’t think it was a problem. But there are always people who won’t look down on you—like Dr. Jiang, Aunt Liu, and Miss Qiao. She knew you had no pheromones or gland function, yet she still dated you. Didn’t you have the ability to love then? Just because love gave up on you, will you give up on love?”

Jiang Ci’s heart shook. Her mind and body temperature rose uncontrollably. For a moment, she wanted to step forward and hug her, but her hands stayed at her sides, never lifting.

Jiang Ci said, “If you weren’t in General Surgery, you’d definitely be a great therapist.”

Dr. Gu’s shoulders sank. She smiled, shook her head, and said, “I wouldn’t be. At least, I wouldn’t be a good therapist for you.”

Dr. Gu turned around. “Let’s go. It’s Wednesday. I’ll help you with the test when we get back.”

Dr. Gu came out after a shower at home. As she reached the foot of the bed, she looked up and saw Jiang Ci standing straight by the bed, waiting. The blanket was pulled back slightly. The detector, wet wipes, tissues, finger cots, and water were all prepared.

Before, she always prepared these things herself. Now it was Jiang Ci’s turn. Though Dr. Gu didn’t feel uncomfortable, she suddenly wanted to turn and leave. People really need to switch perspectives to understand each other.

Jiang Ci saw her standing at the steps, not coming over. She turned back, checked everything, and found nothing missing. The detector and finger cots were there. Oh, right—tonight, they forgot to light the aromatherapy.

Jiang Ci went to the shelf to get it. “I’ll light the aromatherapy.”

“No need,” Dr. Gu called to stop her.

Jiang Ci turned to look. Her freshly dried black hair framed her face, making her skin look like snow. Her features were soft and beautiful, her eyes clear and bright, her aura clean and fresh, like a white gardenia blooming slowly in southern misty rain.

They looked at each other for a while. Dr. Gu looked away first, feeling, for the first time, that this test was a bit awkward and hard to describe.

Her cheeks felt hot as she recalled how the previous tests started.

“Dr. Gu.” Jiang Ci walked over this time.

Dr. Gu looked at her again. Jiang Ci stood on the step, a head taller. “What are you spacing out for?”

Dr. Gu frowned. “Nothing.”

Jiang Ci said, “If nothing, let’s start. I’ve laid out the mat on the bed, and there’s a spare one beside it.”

Dr. Gu said, “…”

Jiang Ci finished speaking, bent down, wrapped one arm around her waist, and lifted her gently with the other under her hips. As she was lifted, the arm around her waist slid down. Dr. Gu had to part her legs, hooking them around Jiang Ci’s waist, her hands resting on her shoulders.

Since graduating elementary school, she hadn’t been held like this in years, especially in this situation. Her cheeks burned uncontrollably, and her arms held back, not daring to press too hard. Her body stayed stiff, not getting too close.

Jiang Ci held her tightly and said, “You’re so light.”

Dr. Gu looked down, not wanting to answer.

Jiang Ci carried her to the bed. Before setting her down, she tilted her head and kissed Dr. Gu’s lips. The sweet, soft warmth was like eating cotton candy. The kiss was instinctively gentle and careful, as if afraid of biting too hard.

Dr. Gu half-responded, half-didn’t. Her right thumb accidentally brushed Jiang Ci’s ear, like an electric shock. She quickly pulled back, resting her hands on her shoulders without moving again.

Jiang Ci moved from her lips, kissing down to where the necklace hung, lingering as if to mark her there.

Dr. Gu’s restless heart calmed gradually with this kiss.

After kissing for a while, Jiang Ci bent down, placed Dr. Gu on the bed, and turned off all the bedroom lights before getting in.

In the dark, not seeing each other’s expressions, Dr. Gu’s tension eased a lot. But soon, as Jiang Ci kissed her neck and moved downward, her body trembled nervously. She pressed her lips tight, soft whimpers escaping her throat.

Her smooth pajamas were half-unbuttoned, half-tied, and stayed on for a long time until she was lifted to sit up.

Midway, Jiang Ci held Dr. Gu’s slim waist, wanting to turn her, but Dr. Gu stopped her with a voice. “Don’t you dare.”

Jiang Ci timidly didn’t move again.

…

Two in the morning.

“Want some water?” Jiang Ci sat by the bed, asking softly.

Dr. Gu lay on her side, wrapped in the blanket. Her thick lashes looked beautiful in the light. Her right hand rested on the pillow, fingers pale and slender. Her eyes were closed, tired, and she shook her head lightly.

Jiang Ci said, “There’s a straw. You don’t need to sit up.”

This time, Dr. Gu didn’t shake her head but didn’t open her eyes either. Jiang Ci knew she wanted to drink but didn’t want to sit up. So, she leaned down, held the straw to her lips, and touched them gently to signal.

Dr. Gu opened her mouth, her red lips lightly holding the straw. She drank a few sips, moistening her throat.

After feeding her, Jiang Ci reached to put the cup back, stood up, and threw the used items into the trash. Though the bin wasn’t full, she tied it up and placed it by the steps to take out tomorrow for work.

After finishing, Jiang Ci washed her hands in the bathroom. She didn’t sleep on the couch this time and got into bed from the other side.

They slept well that night.

In the morning, Dr. Gu woke up first, grabbed her pajamas, put them on, and went to wash up. When she came out, Jiang Ci was rubbing her messy hair, sitting with her legs bent, staring blankly, looking like she hadn’t woken up.

Last night, they were too tired after finishing and didn’t have the energy to check the detector’s data. It was probably zero, as expected. Jiang Ci checked it, and a big “O” showed on the screen, unchanged for hours.

Tests like this worked better during an episode. Regular tests were probably useless.

Jiang Ci ate breakfast at Dr. Gu’s place as usual.

Today was porridge, fried dough sticks, steamed lobster, a plate of beef, broccoli, and eggs, plus a plate of fruit.

Both lacked energy and ate breakfast quietly without talking. On the way to work, Dr. Gu sat in the car, closed her eyes, and napped until they reached the hospital.

Dr. Gu had overheard her talk with Dr. Jiang about the penalty fee yesterday. Five million wasn’t much for the Jiang family, but Grandma’s personality made it hard for her to bring it up directly.

Dr. Gu thought about covering it personally, but as Dr. Jiang said, what was owed to Little Aunt was ultimately the Jiang family’s debt to the Fu family. So, Dr. Gu decided not to mention it and planned to transfer the money to the administration later.

“I’m going,” Dr. Gu said, unbuckling her seatbelt.

Jiang Ci nodded. “Okay.”

Jiang Ci waited until Dr. Gu entered the hospital, then started the car and left, her mood suddenly sour.

Today, she had to meet Fu Ruanyi from the Fu family to discuss work. After dropping Dr. Gu off, going to see Fu Ruanyi felt like a huge drop.

At Shengding, when Jiang Ci met Fu Ruanyi, Fu Ruanyi visibly frowned the moment she saw her.

Jiang Ci instantly became alert.

Fu Ruanyi stared at Jiang Ci’s black women’s suit, eyeing it. The style was exactly like the one she bought for Xiao Ran. Though it wasn’t unique worldwide, seeing Jiang Ci and Xiao Ran in the same style made Fu Ruanyi very uncomfortable.

Fu Ruanyi picked up her phone and texted Xiao Ran: Xiao Ran, throw out that women’s suit I got you last time.

Dr. Gu, who had just finished rounds and was heading back to her office, holding her waist, saw the message and replied with a question mark.

Fu Ruanyi: Nothing, I just don’t like that suit anymore.

Dr. Gu replied: Okay.

“Dr. Gu, what’s wrong with your waist? Did you twist it?” Head Nurse Zhang Liya met her and asked with concern.

Dr. Gu quickly dropped her hand and smiled. “No, I just didn’t sleep well last night and tweaked it a bit.”

Zhang Liya said, “Dr. Gu, you need to take care of yourself. Your health is important as a doctor.”

Dr. Gu nodded. “Thanks, I will.”

Zhang Liya said, “Alright, go do your work.”

“Okay.”

Dr. Gu returned to her office, closed the door, and walked to her desk. She held her waist with one hand, leaned on the desk with the other, and looked serious.

Jiang Ci!

In the office, Fu Ruanyi walked past Jiang Ci, smelling her perfume—it was the same as Xiao Ran’s. Her mood, already bad that morning, worsened. She shot Jiang Ci a cold glare.

Jiang Ci’s heart skipped a beat. “Fu, President Fu.”

Fu Ruanyi glared, took out her phone, and texted Xiao Ran again: Throw out all your perfume. I’ll buy you new ones.

Dr. Gu replied: “?”

What’s up with Sister today?