Accidentally Marked My Ex’s Crush, the Ice-Cold Goddess O - Chapter 59: Threat

Chapter 59: Threat

Gu Feiran: “I’ll go to the hospital tomorrow and see how things are. If they really need me, I’ll think about it.”

“Okay,” Gu Mushi said, still worried.

Although she didn’t drink much last night, Gu Feiran’s head felt a bit heavy this morning. After finishing the conversation, she didn’t stay in the living room. She went upstairs to her room, washed her face, changed into pajamas, closed the curtains, and lay in bed to catch up on sleep.

Gu Feiran slept until noon. When she got up and went downstairs to eat, she looked much better than in the morning.

“Grandma, where are Mom and Sister?”

Gu Feiran came down and saw only Grandma sitting in the living room drinking tea, with no sign of them.

Fu Xianqing waved her over to sit. “They went to check on the S-level alpha transferred to your hospital. They think her identity is not simple, or else they wouldn’t take confidentiality measures.”

An aunt brought her a glass of warm water. “Miss.”

“Thank you,” Gu Feiran said to the aunt.

Gu Feiran took the water, placed it on the table, and analyzed with Grandma: “Besides, her surgery is likely related to her gland. Otherwise, even for an S-level alpha, a normal surgery wouldn’t need an omega’s pheromone to suppress it. Also, her condition shouldn’t be serious. If it was serious, they wouldn’t transfer her to our hospital. I’d go to her hospital instead.”

“Xiao Ran makes sense,” Fu Xianqing said, suddenly understanding.

Fu Xianqing looked at her and asked, “Xiao Ran, if they really need you, will you agree to join the surgery?”

Gu Feiran: “Probably.”

She said this and smiled at Grandma.

Fu Xianqing, warmed by Xiao Ran’s smile, felt her heart ease but shook her head. “You doctors, once you hear about a patient, your sense of duty kicks in. It’s like you’d climb mountains of knives or seas of fire to save them.”

Gu Feiran picked up the glass, took a sip, and smiled. “No choice. You do what you’re trained for.”

Fu Xianqing: “You.”

At noon, Mom and Sister didn’t come back. Gu Feiran and Grandma had lunch at home. After lunch, Grandma went to her room for a nap, and Gu Feiran stayed downstairs chatting with Jiang Ci.

Jiang Ci cared about her: Does your head still feel dizzy?

Gu Feiran: Not dizzy anymore.

Jiang Ci: Your alcohol tolerance isn’t great. Next time you want to drink, one glass is enough. Two is too much.

Gu Feiran: Hmm, got it.

Gu Feiran: Something came up here. I won’t go back tonight.

Jiang Ci: Okay.

After replying to Dr. Gu’s message, Jiang Ci felt a bit worried.

She had planned to meet Teacher Gu at the research lab today, but Gu Feiran suddenly said she had something to do and couldn’t come. Jiang Ci mentioned it to her.

Teacher Gu is Dr. Gu’s mother. Both having something come up at the same time likely meant it was about the same thing.

She hoped it wasn’t too serious.

—

On Monday, as Gu Feiran turned the corner to her office, she saw Director Yang standing at the door waiting for her. She walked over. “Director, why are you here? Is something up?”

Director Yang walked over with clasped hands, speaking kindly. “Dr. Gu, it’s not a big deal. The dean asked me to bring you over to talk. He didn’t say what it’s about, maybe work-related?”

“Okay, I’ll change my clothes,” Gu Feiran said.

Director Yang stopped her. “No need. The dean said to bring you directly when you arrive.”

Gu Feiran: “Alright, let’s go.”

Director Yang nodded. “Good, Dr. Gu, this way.”

Director Yang led Gu Feiran to the dean’s office. At the door, only Gu Feiran went in. Director Yang stopped and said, “Dr. Gu, the dean only asked for you. I’ll wait here. Go in.”

Gu Feiran: “Okay.”

Director Yang closed the office door. Gu Feiran stepped to the desk and said, “Dean, you called for me?”

Deng Dunling made a sound, stood up from behind the desk, walked over, and said, “Dr. Gu, sit here.”

“Hmm,” Gu Feiran followed.

Gu Feiran sat on the sofa. Deng Dunling personally poured her water. Normally, Gu Feiran would have declined.

Today, she wanted to see Dean Deng’s attitude.

Deng Dunling handed her warm water, sat on a black leather single sofa, and said, “Dr. Gu, I called you today to talk about work.”

Gu Feiran: “Dean, go ahead.”

Deng Dunling didn’t waste words and told Gu Feiran directly, “Yesterday, our hospital received a patient, an S-level alpha with a very special pheromone—Higanbana.”

Gu Feiran listened carefully. “Hmm.”

Deng Dunling was a bit surprised by her lack of shock, but then thought it wasn’t strange. Dr. Gu herself was an S-level omega with an extremely rare Mandala pheromone, unique in the world. With such a status, how could she envy another’s level or pheromone?

Deng Dunling: “The patient has a pheromone recognition disorder.”

“Pheromone recognition disorder? You mean this patient can’t distinguish between alpha and omega?” Gu Feiran asked.

Deng Dunling nodded. “Yes, the patient had an abnormal differentiation at eighteen, causing an inability to distinguish alpha and omega through pheromones. Experts reviewed her scans and found an extra olfactory body at the back of her neck. Removing it would restore normal function, but experts didn’t recommend surgery at the time. First, the olfactory body wasn’t fully developed, so removal was risky. Second, during surgery, the patient would need to fully release their pheromones, which is very dangerous for alpha and omega doctors. Many beta doctors lack the skill. So, national experts came up with a solution: an S-level omega suppresses the patient’s pheromones during surgery, allowing full release while keeping it under control.”

Gu Feiran: “So, that person is me?”

Deng Dunling: “Hmm.”

What Dean Deng said was similar to what Sister and Mom said last night. The surgery wasn’t difficult, taking only half an hour. The key issue was that both parties were S-level, and fully releasing pheromones risked temporary marking.

Gu Feiran wasn’t worried about being temporarily marked by the patient’s pheromones, as she was already fully marked. Her only concerns were: first, if the surgery ended without any issues, people might suspect her; second, the patient’s gland might be temporarily marked by her.

Neither outcome was what she wanted.

Seeing her hesitate, Deng Dunling said, “Dr. Gu, you have three days to think about it. I’m just passing on the message. Others may talk to you in the next few days.”

Gu Feiran: “Okay, I understand.”

They talked in the office for half an hour.

Before leaving, Dean Deng added, “This is patient privacy. It needs to stay confidential.”

Gu Feiran understood. “I know.”

When Gu Feiran left the dean’s office, Director Yang was still at the door. Seeing her, he walked over with a smile. “Dr. Gu, finished talking with the dean?”

Gu Feiran: “Hmm, done.”

Director Yang smiled. “Good. The dean said to go in and talk after you’re done.”

“Go ahead, Director,” Gu Feiran stepped aside.

Director Yang chuckled, but as he passed her, his smile faded, and he became tense and serious.

Being called in alone by the dean—how could he not be nervous?

Gu Feiran didn’t wait for Director Yang to go in. She left the dean’s office and, on her way back to the General Surgery Department, sent Jiang Ci a message: If I can come over the next few nights, come by. I have something to tell you.

Jiang Ci was working with Teacher Gu in the lab, phone on silent, and didn’t see the message. At lunchtime, she checked her phone, saw the message, and replied to Dr. Gu immediately.

Jiang Ci: Okay, I got it. I’ll come pick you up tonight.

Gu Feiran: Hmm.

Last weekend, Dr. Gu asked her out to have fun, her tone light and playful, clearly wanting Jiang Ci to hang out with her. But this message was so serious. What did Dr. Gu want to talk about? Also, Teacher Gu’s mood was off all day—gloomy and low. Did they have a fight?

Jiang Ci put away her phone and walked to Gu Mushi. “Teacher Gu, I have something urgent this afternoon and can’t stay. Why don’t you rest too? We can continue tomorrow or the day after.”

Gu Mushi saw through her intentions and refused. “No need. Thanks for your kindness, Jiang. I’m not in a good mood today, but it won’t affect work. Cooperation means sticking to the contract. During work hours, I don’t think about personal matters.”

Since that was the case, Jiang Ci didn’t push. “Alright.”

That evening, Jiang Ci arranged dinner as usual, but Teacher Gu refused bluntly and left right after.

She still seemed very upset, and Jiang Ci didn’t know why.

After Teacher Gu left, Jiang Ci drove from the lab to pick up Dr. Gu from the hospital. Getting out of the elevator, she unexpectedly ran into Little Aunt wearing a mask.

Jiang Lan froze when she saw her, then walked over and waved. “Xiao Ci, I need to talk to you.”

Another thing?

Everyone seemed to have something to say tonight.

Jiang Ci stepped forward, following Little Aunt, and asked, “Little Aunt, what’s up?”

Jiang Lan said, “Remember the gland specialist I arranged for you to see about your gland?”

“Yes,” Jiang Ci replied.

It hadn’t been long, so of course she remembered. “Little Aunt, why bring it up?”

Jiang Lan: “Dr. Han came to our hospital today.”

Jiang Ci asked, “What’s she doing here?”

Dr. Han was a nationally renowned gland specialist. If anything, people went to her. Why would she come here?

Jiang Lan said, “The gland department held a big meeting today. They said gland experts were coming to guide us, and everyone had to attend to learn. After the meeting, Dr. Zhao said these experts would stay at the hospital for about a week. The dean told us to ask them questions when we have time. Dr. Han is one of them. With her status, it’s a bit strange for her to come guide us.”

Jiang Ci only met Dr. Han once and wasn’t familiar with her, but she felt resistant to seeing her.

Jiang Ci looked around and asked quietly, “At this hour, Dr. Han’s not at the hospital, right?”

“No,” Jiang Lan said. “She went back to her hotel to rest. Why would she stay here to work overtime?”

Jiang Ci sighed in relief. “Good.”

Jiang Lan lightly patted her arm. “Don’t you want her to check your gland again? It took so long to get that appointment last time. It should be easier now.”

Jiang Ci shook her head firmly. “No need. I don’t have a good impression of Dr. Han. I’d rather not treat it.”

“Alright,” Jiang Lan didn’t push. “Have you been seeing Dr. Gu about your gland recently? Any results?”

This topic…

Jiang Ci suddenly stopped, turned to Little Aunt, and said, “Little Aunt, I just remembered I forgot something in the car. I’ll go get it. You get back to work and finish early. Bye.”

She turned and ran.

Jiang Lan: “…”

What a lame excuse.

Jiang Ci escaped from Little Aunt and headed to Dr. Gu’s office. Turning a corner, she didn’t notice someone coming and nearly collided. She was about to apologize when two bodyguards behind the person pushed her away.

Jiang Ci’s back hit the wall hard.

The two bodyguards silently stepped back to the person’s side, like two human walls.

Jiang Ci leaned on the wall and looked at the person in the middle.

The person had long black hair over their shoulders, wore a black mask, and showed only a pair of sharp, beautiful eyes.

They gave off a chilling aura.

Though Dr. Gu could be cold as an iceberg when angry, this person felt different.

Dr. Gu’s coldness was like an iceberg on the sea’s surface. This person’s was like one buried deep in the ocean.

One visible, one hidden.

The visible one could be felt. The hidden one could only be seen by diving into icy waters.

The person looked at Jiang Ci and spoke slowly. “After all these years with me, did I teach you to push people?”

“Sorry, Miss,” the bodyguards said.

The two bodyguards stepped toward Jiang Ci, staying within three steps of the person. “Sorry, do you need compensation?”

Jiang Ci: “No need. An apology is enough.”

Jiang Ci stood straight, walked past them, and the person said nothing, continuing to stroll forward.

Jiang Ci reached Dr. Gu’s office. The door was locked. She waited a bit until Dr. Gu came with medical records. When she got close, she said, “Wait one minute. I’ll change and then we can leave.”

Jiang Ci: “Hmm.”

Gu Feiran went in, took off her white coat, hung it on the rack, grabbed her things, and came out. “Let’s go.”

They took the elevator to the parking lot.

Jiang Ci started the car. Only after leaving the hospital did she ask Dr. Gu, “What do you want to talk about?”

Gu Feiran: “Let’s talk at home. It’s not convenient in the car.”

Jiang Ci: “Alright.”

Dr. Gu didn’t say a word on the way, looking gloomy. Jiang Ci glanced at her a few times but held back from asking. When they finally parked at Dr. Gu’s complex, Dr. Gu stopped her as she was about to get out. “What I want to talk about is about my work and personal matters. You can share your opinion or not.”

“Okay,” Jiang Ci paused from turning off the AC.

Gu Feiran said, “The hospital recently got a patient. For privacy, I can’t tell you details, only that they need my pheromones to control theirs during surgery. During that, we might temporarily mark each other. Since I’m already fully marked by you, I won’t be temporarily marked by them, but they might be temporarily marked by me. What do you think?”

Temporary marking…

After an omega is temporarily marked by an alpha, their gland retains the alpha’s pheromone, which lingers for a long time.

If an omega in heat is temporarily marked by a second alpha, if there’s no rejection, it’s fine. But if it’s severe, it can cause pheromone disorder, leading to uncontrollable harm.

This is why the law states that if an alpha temporarily marks an omega and doesn’t take responsibility, they face a one-million fine and a year in prison. For a full marking without responsibility, they pay one million annually.

That’s for regular alphas and omegas. For S-level omegas and alphas, temporary marking is more exclusive and binding. Simply put, their temporary marking is like a full marking for regular alphas and omegas.

Dr. Gu was fully marked by Jiang Ci, so she couldn’t be temporarily marked by the patient. But an S-level omega can counter-mark. Even if the patient is an S-level alpha, they could be temporarily marked by Dr. Gu. Then, wouldn’t they develop a pheromone dependency on Dr. Gu, and wouldn’t they be Dr. Gu’s first temporary counter-marked person?

Gu Feiran asked, “What do you think?”

Jiang Ci thought very seriously, turned to Dr. Gu, and asked, “Can we not save them?”

Gu Feiran smiled lightly. “We can.”

Last night, Sister and Mom confirmed the patient’s identity. Though not easy to deal with, with the Fu family and Mom’s status, refusing to help was possible. Even as a doctor, helping is a favor, not a duty.

Jiang Ci said firmly, “Then don’t save them.”

Gu Feiran: “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

They got out of the car and went home to shower. After Gu Feiran came out, she walked downstairs and saw Jiang Ci sitting by the floor-to-ceiling window, facing away, one hand propping her chin, her back slightly curved.

Gu Feiran walked over, sat beside her, and propped her chin similarly. “What are you thinking about?”

Jiang Ci looked at the floor. “Nothing.”

Gu Feiran: “You’re clearly thinking about this. Why not admit it? Are you worried? The dean told me if I agree to the surgery, I’ll sign a non-liability agreement. Even if the patient is temporarily marked by me, I won’t have any responsibility.”

Jiang Ci’s voice was heavy. “Hmm.”

Gu Feiran: “Don’t worry too much. I’m still thinking about it and haven’t decided. You can think more too.”

Jiang Ci: “Don’t save them.”

Her answer stayed the same.

Gu Feiran took it in. “Got it.”

This needed careful thought. She couldn’t agree lightly, not just for her and Jiang Ci, but for both families.

—

Usually, after a busy evening, they rarely got intimate. But this morning, they woke up and did it once, which was rare.

Gu Feiran sat up, one hand behind her for support, the other gripping something tightly, knuckles standing out.

The bedroom was filled with soft, intimate sounds.

If not for that drunken night in the bathroom when they followed their feelings and did it once, Gu Feiran probably wouldn’t allow this.

After breakfast, Jiang Ci drove Dr. Gu to work. When she turned the car to head back to the lab, she saw Teacher Gu’s gloomy face and suddenly understood why she was so upset.

Dean Deng gave Gu Feiran three days to decide. The first two days, Gu Feiran didn’t give an answer. On the third day, as Dean Deng said, someone came.

Knock, knock, knock. The office door sounded.

Gu Feiran, used to it, said, “Come in.”

A slender, pale hand pushed the door open. The person stepped in, closed the door, walked to Gu Feiran’s desk, sat down, and stared at her.

The person stayed silent for a while, not disturbing Gu Feiran as she wrote medical records.

Gu Feiran seemed to know who it was but didn’t look up. When she was nearly done, she said, “I’m a doctor with a duty to save patients, but I’m not the only candidate for this surgery. You can find other options.”

Lu Linyi: “S-level omega, Mandala pheromone, second daughter of the Fu family. I think we can get married.”

Gu Feiran’s pen paused slightly, then she refused. “I’m not interested.”

Lu Linyi: “Then name your conditions.”

Gu Feiran finally looked up. “Second daughter of the Fu family, second daughter of the Gu family. What conditions do you think I need to discuss? Money, AO levels, or power…”

Lu Linyi said coldly, “If you want power, I can give you the dean’s position. How about that?”

Gu Feiran: “Not interested.”

Lu Linyi crossed her legs slowly. “If you agree to the surgery, I’ll offer ten billion in the contract. If that’s too little, I can add another ten billion. Thirty billion works too.”

Gu Feiran: “Still not interested.”

Lu Linyi: “I’m good-looking, in great shape, an S-level alpha with a Higanbana pheromone similar to yours. That’s more than enough to match you.”

Gu Feiran: “Even less interested.”

Lu Linyi: “Money, power, looks—you don’t want any. I’ve stated my conditions. Name yours.”

Gu Feiran said coldly, “Choose someone else. That’s my condition.”

“Impossible,” Lu Linyi rejected outright. “Your pheromone and level are the best choice after years of screening. I won’t choose any other omega but you.”

Gu Feiran: “That’s your choice. I’m not your choice. Whether I join the surgery is my decision, not yours.”

Lu Linyi: “You’re a doctor. Letting a patient die isn’t something a doctor would do.”

Gu Feiran countered, “Using morality to pressure me won’t work. I’ll say it again: there are many S-level omegas in the world. I’m not your only choice. This isn’t me letting a patient die—it’s you not following medical advice.”

Their conversation was sharp and confrontational.

Lu Linyi maintained her lofty attitude. “Since you’ve rejected all my conditions, don’t blame me for using dirty tactics. As the second daughter of the Fu family, you’ve hidden your identity with Teacher Gu for over twenty years. What would people think if they found out? How would your hospital colleagues see you? Do you need me to make it public?”