After Differentiating into an Alpha, I Marked My Love Rival - Chapter 16

Jiang Zhiluo’s body trembled uncontrollably, as if unbearably cold, yet a faint flush spread across her cheeks, and her skin burned to the touch.

This was the suppressant taking effect, forcibly cooling her feverish body.

Ji Yongshu knew full well that the best course of action now was to leave the room as quickly as possible. After all, she was an alpha, and Jiang Zhiluo was an omega—a pairing with an innate, fatal attraction.

But as she looked down at the omega’s misty eyes, at the slender fingers still clutching the hem of her clothes, at the slight tremble in those delicate shoulders—as if Ji Yongshu was her sole anchor—she couldn’t shake the inexplicable feeling that leaving now would shatter Jiang Zhiluo completely.

She didn’t understand why she thought so, yet this irrational conviction kept her rooted in place.

At any rate, they had both taken suppressants, and Ji Yongshu was certain she wouldn’t mark Jiang Zhiluo under the influence of pheromones.

Even earlier, when the suppressants hadn’t yet kicked in, she had held back. Now, with her mind clear, marking Jiang Zhiluo was out of the question.

Unless she’d lost her mind.

Since she was sure she wouldn’t do anything reckless, staying to comfort the vulnerable omega could be considered a good deed.

Ji Yongshu knew exactly what an omega in heat was thinking.

Though she hated to admit it, omegas in heat desperately needed an alpha.

Even if that alpha was a stranger—or even someone they despised—pheromones would forge an irresistible pull between them.

This was precisely why Ji Yongshu believed the world was unjust to omegas.

Omegas developed a psychological dependence, a submission to alphas.

During heat, having an alpha nearby brought them immense comfort.

Ji Yongshu scoffed inwardly.

Once marked by an alpha, an omega could hardly erase that bond, yet an alpha could mark multiple omegas.

The imbalance between alphas and omegas had existed from the very beginning.

Though equality between alphas and omegas was enshrined in law, true parity remained elusive.

But these were systemic issues beyond the reach of an ordinary person like her—let the government handle them.

Her thoughts drifted, oblivious to the longing, clinging gaze the omega fixed on her.

She didn’t leave.

Jiang Zhiluo inhaled deeply. The air carried only a faint trace of tea—none of that intoxicating peach sweetness.

Of course. Ji Yongshu knew exactly how potent her pheromones were to Jiang Zhiluo. She would never release them under these circumstances.

She would never act recklessly.

A mix of relief and frustration settled in Jiang Zhiluo’s chest. Ji Yongshu was too composed, as if her pheromones held no sway over her at all.

Even at the height of passion earlier, Ji Yongshu had kept her wits about her—even administering the suppressant herself.

Jiang Zhiluo curled her fingers tighter around the fabric in her grasp, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

As long as her sister hadn’t left, it meant she didn’t completely detest her.

At least at this moment, her sister felt a fleeting tenderness—or perhaps pity—for her, right?

Ji Yongshu snapped out of her thoughts and lowered her gaze to carefully observe the omega’s expression. Seeing the flush on her cheeks gradually fade and her eyes regain clarity, she asked softly, “Feeling better?”

Jiang Zhiluo knew she couldn’t pretend to be dazed any longer. She released the hem of Ji Yongshu’s clothes, noticing how crumpled it had become from her grip, and the blush crept back onto her cheeks.

“I’m sorry, sister.”

Jiang Zhiluo’s delicate face burned crimson, her earlobes turning a soft pink. Her lashes still carried tiny teardrops, and the glance she cast at Ji Yongshu was filled with indescribable affection.

Her voice, always gentle, now carried a hint of a sob, making it sound even more coquettish, the tone lilting and fluctuating.

Ji Yongshu felt slightly unsettled hearing it.

Seeing Jiang Zhiluo’s expression return to normal, as if she genuinely regretted troubling her, Ji Yongshu could only inwardly scold herself.

She’s apologizing to you—what are you even thinking about?

Ji Yongshu attributed it all to the influence of pheromones.

Otherwise, why did her mind always wander to inappropriate thoughts whenever she saw Jiang Zhiluo?

“It’s fine.” Ji Yongshu stood up and extended a hand toward Jiang Zhiluo. “It’s my fault.”

Jiang Zhiluo had likely been lured into heat by her pheromones, especially since it had only been a little over half a month since her last cycle.

Fortunately, she was still young and hadn’t experienced many heats, so suppressants alone were enough to get her through.

This was one of the major challenges omegas faced. Though they could rely on suppressants to endure their heats, as they aged, the medication’s effectiveness would weaken.

Suppressants worked more like compressing the surging desires within the body, turning it into a vessel that continuously stored unfulfilled cravings.

When that vessel overflowed, the pent-up desires would erupt violently, rebounding with full force.

The resulting heat would be far more intense than any previous cycle.

The same principle applied to alphas, with one key difference: alphas could release their excess pheromones by marking an omega.

After all, they weren’t shackled by that damned mating bond.

The thought made Ji Yongshu frown again.

Even though she had now presented as an alpha, she still empathized more with omegas.

That was why she often found herself softening toward Jiang Zhiluo—not just because of the omega’s pheromones, but because she understood how difficult life was for omegas.

As long as Jiang Zhiluo didn’t truly harm her or jeopardize her interests, Ji Yongshu could maintain a gentle attitude toward her.

Jiang Zhiluo placed her hand in Ji Yongshu’s palm, her damp eyes fixed on the alpha as she used the other’s strength to stand.

Having sat for too long and risen too abruptly, her vision darkened, and she staggered unsteadily, swaying dangerously to the side.

Ji Yongshu felt her hands steadying the other woman’s shoulders as they stood shoulder to shoulder, their hair intertwining as if merging into one.

Jiang Zhiluo leaned weakly against Ji Yongshu, her legs unsteady, eyes tightly shut as two teardrops squeezed out, her trembling lashes fluttering faintly.

A warm, sweet fragrance wafted from Jiang Zhiluo, slightly different from her usual light pheromones—this scent, warmed by her body heat, was softer and more mellow.

She suited this kind of elegant, lingering perfume perfectly.

Ji Yongshu pressed her lips together, her fingers tightening slightly around Jiang Zhiluo’s arm before she caught herself and quickly released the omega.

“Thank you, sister.”

Jiang Zhiluo tilted her head slightly to look at her, her gaze drifting from Ji Yongshu’s deep, calm eyes down to her faintly flushed lips.

Would they feel soft to kiss?

Her sister smelled so sweet—kissing her would surely taste like ripe peaches.

But within a second, Jiang Zhiluo averted her gaze, afraid that lingering too long would arouse suspicion.

Ji Yongshu took a step back, maintaining a polite distance before speaking softly, “So, what should we do next…?”

Jiang Zhiluo reeled in her increasingly inappropriate thoughts, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she smiled gently at Ji Yongshu. “Didn’t you say you wanted something with my scent on it?”

“I didn’t bring anything with me today. Would you mind coming to my place to get it?”

Ji Yongshu lowered her eyes, avoiding the omega’s tender gaze. “I’d appreciate it.”

Jiang Zhiluo picked up her bag. “Let’s go, then.”

Ji Yongshu got into Jiang Zhiluo’s car, sitting in the backseat with her while Jiang Zhiluo’s bodyguard drove and Xie Yangqing took the passenger seat.

With others present, Jiang Zhiluo remained quiet, and Ji Yongshu didn’t initiate conversation either.

The atmosphere in the car was peaceful, but not awkward.

Ji Yongshu gazed out the window, her thoughts already drifting far away.

Jiang Zhiluo glanced at her thoughtfully, her eyes flickering toward Ji Yongshu’s ears—but unfortunately, her hair covered them, revealing nothing.

A message notification pulled her attention away.

President Jiang, we found an earring in your private room earlier and have kept it safe for you.

Attached was a photo of a delicate pearl earring.

Just ten minutes ago, that same earring had been dangling from Ji Yongshu’s earlobe.

Ji Yongshu probably hadn’t even noticed one of them was missing.

After a brief pause, Jiang Zhiluo replied: Got it. I’ll pick it up later.

Scrolling up, their chat history was filled with a long list of dish names.

——

Jiang Zhiluo’s residence wasn’t far from the private dining club—just a short drive of about ten minutes.

Ji Yongshu barely had time to gather her thoughts before the car pulled into the underground garage.

“Sister, it’s boring waiting here. Why don’t you come up with me to get it?”

Jiang Zhiluo paused, then added with a smile, “You could also check on the puppy. I’m not sure if I’ve been taking good care of him.”

Ji Yongshu had been about to refuse, but at the mention of the puppy, she gave a slight nod. “Alright.”

She didn’t actually want to visit Jiang Zhiluo’s home—she just wanted to see the puppy.

Jiang Zhiluo had her bodyguard wait outside to take Ji Yongshu home later, while Xie Yangqing also stayed downstairs.

Ji Yongshu followed Jiang Zhiluo into the elevator. In the confined space, their breathing became even more audible, and the warm, sweet fragrance from Jiang Zhiluo grew more distinct.

Ji Yongshu kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, staring at the elevator doors.

Yet within seconds, she caught sight of the omega beside her stealing glances at her through the reflection in the metal.

Ji Yongshu turned her head, but Jiang Zhiluo quickly averted her eyes, as if she hadn’t been the one peeking.

For some reason, Ji Yongshu was reminded of a cat cautiously extending its paw to test a human’s reaction.

She couldn’t help but chuckle. The sound made Jiang Zhiluo’s ears burn, and she immediately stopped any further fidgeting.

Ji Yongshu’s smiles lingered.

When the elevator doors opened, Jiang Zhiluo stepped out first. She changed into slippers at the entryway, and Ji Yongshu followed suit, slipping off her high heels.

Jiang Zhiluo pulled out two pairs of slippers from the shoe cabinet, then turned back with an apologetic look. “Sorry, sis.”

“I don’t usually have guests over, so I don’t have spare slippers. These are all mine.”

As if worried Ji Yongshu might be put off, she quickly added, “But the pair I’m giving you has barely been worn, and they’re freshly washed—they’re clean.”

Ji Yongshu arched a brow. “Do I seem that reluctant?”

Blushing, Jiang Zhiluo set the slippers down, and without hesitation, Ji Yongshu slipped them on.

Jiang Zhiluo exhaled quietly in relief.

Only after putting them on did Ji Yongshu realize—the slippers she was wearing seemed to match Jiang Zhiluo’s, as if they were a couple’s set.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Ji Yongshu concluded: Jiang Zhiluo must be quite frugal.

Buying a matching pair was surely cheaper than purchasing two separate slippers.

Once Jiang Zhiluo had changed into her own slippers, she turned to Ji Yongshu, her voice soft and gentle.

“Sis.”