After Cat A Saved the Wrong Female Lead - Chapter 22

Chapter 22: The Little Darling in President Qin’s Arms

At that time, Qin Shiyang didn’t know that the day before their marriage registration, she had already been labeled as a “lucky wife.”

Tang Li never hid anything from her, so she had already mentioned the interview at Fantasy Era to her. That morning, she arrived at the office a bit early—about ten minutes before official hours.

“Good morning, President Qin.”

The head of the HR department hadn’t arrived yet, but the deputy, Zhang Wei, was already there watering the plants in the office. When she saw Qin Shiyang, she greeted her promptly. Qin Shiyang nodded and got straight to the point:

“Do you have today’s interview list?”

Zhang Wei handed it over. Qin Shiyang glanced at it briefly and quickly spotted Tang Li’s name. Her expression didn’t change as she said calmly:

“Once the interviews are done, send the report to Secretary Pei.”

“Got it.”

Their conversation was short. Zhang Wei didn’t ask further, but once Qin Shiyang left, she couldn’t help curiously glancing at the list. Normally, President Qin was too busy to bother with recruitment matters. And this wasn’t a position important enough to warrant her personal attention. Was it a surprise inspection?

Fantasy Era had been established for a while. Zhang Wei had joined early on and climbed to her current position, so she naturally understood how her boss operated.

Qin Shiyang was known for her ruthless efficiency. When she took over, she initiated sweeping reforms and left no room for backtracking. In the past, when some old-timers developed disloyalty and tried to betray the company, she had them completely driven out, leaving them with no place in the Flower City business scene. The Qin family was vast and powerful, with internal power struggles being common. It was rumored that one executive who jumped off a building did so because of her. The rumor alone sent chills through the entire company.

Typically, the HR department had full discretion over hires. But since President Qin had taken an interest today, Zhang Wei informed the department head once they arrived, and the whole HR team immediately got their act together, aiming for perfection.

By 11:30 a.m., Qin Shiyang received the interview results from Pei Xuan, with detailed scores attached. A quick glance showed Tang Li had received a 7.8—neither good nor bad. Some other candidates scored higher in terms of practical skills.

Fantasy Era’s design concept centered around “pursuing realism and immersive experiences,” striving for the best in all five senses.

In Country A, full-dive VR games used special devices connected to brainwaves, allowing consciousness to enter the game world, creating sensations indistinguishable from real life. Testers needed sharp sensory perception and general game knowledge. Tang Li had crammed the latter but was still a bit lacking due to the limited prep time.

The 7.8 score was largely thanks to her exceptional performance in the sensory test, far surpassing other candidates. As a result, HR had mixed opinions about her.

The list was short. Pei Xuan had already noticed Tang Li’s name and could tell that Qin Shiyang intended to hire her. She couldn’t help teasing:

“President Qin, you’re really invested in this Alpha.”

In all their years of knowing each other, this was the first time she’d seen Qin Shiyang pull strings for someone. Previously, even people from the Qin family who asked for favors were turned down cold. Tang Li didn’t have a great reputation and was barely noticed among the younger generation of elites. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have ended up applying for a regular position.

Pei Xuan dared to tease her only because they were close. Qin Shiyang, holding a red pen, circled four candidates’ names, replying calmly:

“You’re overthinking. This position only needs two hires. These four all meet the requirements. We’ll keep them on for a two-month probation period and choose the best ones to stay.”

She didn’t care about a few thousand yuan in salary, but she disliked slackers. If Tang Li wanted the opportunity, she could have it. Whether she could hold onto it would be up to her.

When focused on work, Qin Shiyang’s demeanor turned naturally cold and distant, her features exuding an untouchable aura. Pei Xuan stopped joking, knowing better than to challenge her decision, especially over something this minor. She quietly exited.

That afternoon, Qin Shiyang changed into casual clothes and took a two-hour leave for a premarital health check. Driving her own car, she planned to pick up Tang Li on the way. When she saw Tang Li’s location in a shopping mall, she was puzzled.

You’re not supposed to eat before the check-up—what was the little one doing at the mall? Changing outfits to look good for it?

The marriage registration was scheduled for the next day, and ID photos had strict clothing guidelines—no flashy attire. When Qin Shiyang arrived at the mall parking lot, ready to message Tang Li, she saw her approaching gracefully like a butterfly, bringing a vibrant splash of summer color to the dim underground lot.

“Wifey, look!”

From “Little Fish” to “Sister,” and now smoothly transitioning to “Wife,” Tang Li’s address was charming but natural. It was the first time someone had called Qin Shiyang that. Her fingers subtly tightened on the steering wheel.

Then Tang Li got into the car, sat in the passenger seat, and held out her hands.

Her hands were very beautiful.

Small palms, long and flexible fingers like freshly budding willow branches, with well-balanced proportions. Her nails were slightly long, shaped and filed smooth, adorned with delicate gold foil. They gleamed with a pearlescent luster and arced gracefully. The nail art was stunning and made her pale hands even more eye-catching—but Qin Shiyang nearly lost composure.

“This is…?”

“These are our wedding nails!” Tang Li offered them proudly, displaying the newly applied press-ons. “Aren’t they pretty? I spent ages picking the right design!”

Qin Shiyang: “…”

The younger woman’s obvious excitement made it clear she hadn’t had her nails done before. Her innocent joy softened Qin Shiyang’s irritation. It also brought back her suspicions. After admiring the nails for a bit, she leaned in close. Warm breath brushed Tang Li’s cheek, and in the light, her soft peach-fuzzed skin gleamed like a powdered fruit. Qin Shiyang’s voice was gentle, her eyelashes fluttering:

“They are pretty…” She paused, then added with mock hesitation, “But I’m delicate. If it hurts… you might have to take them off. You won’t be mad, will you?”

Her cautious tone was heartbreakingly tender. Tang Li’s heart skipped a beat, and then she felt embarrassed. After all, this was something they should’ve discussed together—she hadn’t thought it through. But she quickly shook her head:

“I’ll take them off after the check-up.”

“No rush. They’re beautiful—keep them for now.”

They wouldn’t be too busy in the next two days, so it wasn’t urgent. Seeing Tang Li’s concerned face, Qin Shiyang couldn’t resist wanting to pinch her soft cheeks.

The little one was really too sweet.

Their check-up went smoothly. Both were healthy. Thanks to Qin Shiyang’s money and connections, they got expedited results by that evening.

Afterward, Qin Shiyang had errands to run, so they parted ways. Tang Li planned to take the subway, so she dropped her off at the station. While waiting at a red light, they passed a large pet store. Tang Li pressed her face to the car window, peering inside with interest.

Qin Shiyang caught it too and raised a mental eyebrow.

Tang Li liked cats?

Since meeting her, this was the first time she’d seen Tang Li so interested in something. Even when the car started, she kept craning her neck. Qin Shiyang said nothing, but an idea began to form.

At the subway entrance, Tang Li waved goodbye. As she turned to leave, someone nearby saw it all and quickly reported it to Bai Wanle.

Ever since being bluntly rejected by Qin Shiyang, Bai Wanle had been harboring resentment. She assumed Qin Shiyang had already set her sights on another Alpha—and her spy at Fantasy Era had just confirmed it.

When Bai Wanle learned that Qin Shiyang and Tang Li had gone to a private hospital together, her eyes darkened. She crushed the squishy toy in her hand and cursed under her breath:

“Giving up bird’s nest and abalone for street food?”

She muttered some instructions to her subordinates. She wouldn’t feel better until she had made Qin Shiyang suffer.

Unaware of any of this, Qin Shiyang wasn’t surprised that many Alphas had once pursued her. Most took rejection gracefully and remained professional. Business and love were separate matters.

The next day, when they registered their marriage, Tang Li accidentally saw the name “Qin Shiyu” on the household registration and realized her wife had given her a former name. But before she could ask anything, two bright red marriage certificates were handed over—she was now officially a married woman.

Their looks drew attention and admiration. It was still early, so the registry wasn’t crowded. They’d used the appointment lane, and most onlookers offered only kind smiles. Even the staff congratulated them.

Holding her certificate tightly, Tang Li heard murmurs around her and suddenly felt shy. She also noticed some gazes that were less friendly.

She instinctively stepped forward, shielding Qin Shiyang and naturally hooked her arm. As her eyes swept the crowd calmly, she thought to herself—

She still didn’t know who the villain in the original story was—the one who would later try to force himself on the heroine. In this twisted urban romance, even a background character could be a hidden predator.

She had to stay vigilant.

Qin Shiyang had no idea what Tang Li was thinking. She only saw the rare flash of fierceness behind Tang Li’s gentle demeanor as she led her away from the growing crowd.

It was Saturday. After registering, they went to their new home. Tang Li had dressed in a suit for the big day, but once home, she wanted to change into loungewear. Qin Shiyang nodded:

“Go change. When you’re done, come find me—I have a surprise for you.”

“Okay!”

Though it was a contract marriage, being treated with such care still made Tang Li happy. She hummed as she picked out her clothes, thinking about what to eat—cook at home or go out? Neither of them knew how to cook, so maybe…

“Meow~”

A faint cat’s meow sounded nearby. It was muffled, behind a door—but Tang Li’s sharp senses picked it up immediately. Her eyes widened, and she dashed out half-dressed.

“Baby, don’t run around!”

The kitten was too playful. Qin Shiyang, sitting in the study, failed to hold on and the fluffy little body darted away. Its tail brushed her neck, triggering a familiar shiver that made her groan softly. She stood to catch it—

Suddenly, the door flew open.

A half-dressed Tang Li burst in and ran straight into her.

Reflexively, she tried to grab her—but stepped on Qin Shiyang’s slipper.

They both tumbled to the ground.

Lacy fabric-covered softness landed directly on her. Qin Shiyang, reacting instinctively, wrapped her arm around the girl’s waist, her nails leaving light red trails across snow-pale skin.

Tang Li, worried she’d hit her head, had cushioned it with her own hand. In that moment, it looked like an Alpha protectively pinning an Omega in an intimate, possessive embrace.

“Meow~ meow~”

The kitten let out a few indignant cries nearby.

With her pretty blue eyes, the little ragdoll cat tilted its head—watching them.

And it looked suspiciously smug.