After Differentiating into an Alpha, I Marked My Love Rival - Chapter 23

The birthday banquet for Old Madam Xie was held at one of the Xie family’s suburban villas.

 

Ji Yongshu followed behind her parents, carrying a small leather handbag as she walked inside.

 

Standing at the entrance to greet guests were Old Madam Xie’s two sons and their wives—Zhou Yi’s uncles and aunts.

 

Xie Xi was Old Madam Xie’s youngest daughter, born late in life and much younger than her two elder brothers.

 

Zhou Yi’s eldest uncle had a stern yet upright face, the kind of appearance that naturally inspired goodwill and conveyed righteousness.

 

Ji Yongshu hadn’t interacted with him much, but she knew he was indeed quite serious and usually didn’t speak much.

 

The second Xie uncle had a much shrewder appearance, perfectly matching the stereotypical image of a businessman, with a personality that was smooth and adaptable—someone who could buddy up with anyone.

 

On the day Ji Yongshu and Zhou Yi got engaged, when both families gathered for a meal, this second Xie uncle had been especially enthusiastic, chatting with Ji Fengchu for a long while with an arm slung over his shoulder.

 

Even though Ji Yongshu and Zhou Yi had already called off their engagement, the second Xie uncle still greeted her warmly when he saw her, like a kindly elder concerned for the younger generation:

 

“Yongshu, you’re here too.”

 

“Go on inside and rest. It’s windy out here. I’ve had them prepare a room upstairs—if you feel tired, you can go and rest.”

 

If not for the propriety between men and women, he might have even patted Ji Yongshu’s shoulder in concern.

 

Bai Yingying and Ji Fengchu stood a few steps away, talking with the eldest Xie uncle.

 

Ji Yongshu smiled politely and nodded, while also making the boundaries clear: “Thank you, Mr. Xie.”

 

The second Xie uncle referred to himself as “uncle,” but she only responded with a distant “Mr. Xie,” not giving him any face in front of others.

 

Yet the second Xie uncle’s expression didn’t change at all. He remained all smiles, even agreeing with Ji Yongshu’s words: “You’re right, I was being presumptuous.”

 

But then he added, “Yongshu, I really do like you. How could that child Zhou Yi be so foolish?”

 

He sighed as if unintentionally: “Xie Xi too—how could she not even manage her own child properly?”

 

Ji Yongshu didn’t respond. In truth, the moment the second Xie uncle greeted her earlier, she had already guessed what he wanted to say.

 

Or perhaps even earlier—on the day of her engagement banquet with Zhou Yi, Ji Yongshu had known this second Xie uncle had ulterior motives.

 

Sure enough, even though she didn’t engage at all, the second Xie uncle still got to the key point: “It’s just that child Zhou Yi who lacks fortune and doesn’t know how to cherish it.”

 

“Even if you had married her, your married life probably wouldn’t have been happy.”

 

As he spoke, he pretended to regret his words and patted his own mouth: “Look at me, I’ve said too much. Zhou Yi is my niece—I shouldn’t speak of her like this.”

 

“But I’ve always sided with reason over kinship, and in this matter, Zhou Yi really didn’t act properly.”

 

He seemed genuinely indignant on Ji Yongshu’s behalf, his words dripping with sympathy for her.

 

Ji Yongshu pressed her lips together in a faint smile but didn’t reply.

 

The second Xie uncle wasn’t bothered. He waved to someone behind him, “Xie Yuan, come here.”

 

A tall woman stepped forward and stopped in front of Ji Yongshu.

 

Her features bore a slight resemblance to Zhou Yi’s, yet she carried a gentler demeanor, her gaze lacking the chilling intensity that Zhou Yi’s possessed.

 

Second Uncle Xie beamed as he instructed, “Xie Yuan, why don’t you take Sister Yongshu inside to rest for a while?”

 

He was already calling her “sister” after just a few words.

 

Xie Yuan stared unblinkingly at Ji Yongshu, her face alight with excitement. Though nervous, she managed to flash a smile at Ji Yongshu. “Sister, shall we go?”

 

Ji Yongshu’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. She suddenly realized she didn’t particularly like being called “sister.”

 

When Jiang Zhiluo addressed her that way, she accepted it without any resistance. So why did the same term feel irritating coming from Xie Yuan?

 

Ji Yongshu glanced at Xie Yuan’s face and drew two conclusions.

 

Perhaps it was because Xie Yuan’s appearance simply didn’t appeal to her. After all, no one would like someone who resembled an ex who had betrayed them.

 

Moreover, Xie Yuan’s intentions were far too transparent.

 

Maybe due to her youth, she hadn’t yet learned to conceal her ambitions—every motive was blatantly written across her face.

 

Ji Yongshu knew many people dreamed of inheriting the Ji family fortune by marrying her.

 

But at least those before Xie Yuan had bothered to mask their intentions with excuses. None had been as brazen as Xie Yuan, wearing their schemes so openly.

 

From the entrance to the banquet hall, Xie Yuan did most of the talking.

 

Ji Yongshu remained icily indifferent, though this was her usual demeanor around outsiders. Xie Yuan failed to notice Ji Yongshu simply had no interest in engaging with her.

 

Struggling to find topics, Xie Yuan often ended up laughing awkwardly while Ji Yongshu walked ahead at her own pace, barely responding.

 

Xie Yuan wondered how her cousin had managed to interact with Ji Yongshu. No wonder Zhou Yi couldn’t stand Ji Yongshu’s personality and had an affair with another Omega.

 

She used to think Zhou Yi was foolish, but now she suddenly understood.

 

Ji Yongshu was simply too dull.

 

Despite possessing strikingly beautiful, sharp features—like an exquisite piece of art displayed in a cabinet—she was cold and devoid of any Omega warmth.

 

Xie Yuan scoffed inwardly. An Omega like Ji Yongshu held no appeal for Alphas.

 

If not for the Ji family’s wealth, who would bother groveling to such a tedious Omega?

 

Lost in thought, Xie Yuan forgot to mask her expression, allowing faint disdain to flicker in her eyes—a detail Ji Yongshu didn’t miss.

 

Rather than anger, Ji Yongshu felt amusement, treating Xie Yuan’s flattery as mere theater.

 

She’d encountered countless such Alphas before.

 

The reason Ji Yongshu had agreed to become engaged to Zhou Yi in the first place was partly because Zhou Yi had never shown her disrespect.

 

Even if her future partner might not truly love her, she at least wanted someone who genuinely respected her.

 

A pity, in the end, she’d still misjudged.

 

Ji Yongshu was lost in thought and didn’t pay attention to whatever nonsense Xie Yuan was saying beside her—it wasn’t worth listening to anyway.

 

Just as they were about to enter the banquet hall, Ji Yongshu suddenly heard a familiar voice laced with obvious sarcasm: “In such a hurry to please her already?”

 

Ji Yongshu snapped out of her thoughts and turned to look. At the end of the corridor stood a familiar Alpha—Zhou Yi.

 

It had been a while since they last met, and Zhou Yi seemed thinner than before. Her usually confident face bore traces of exhaustion, and her gaze toward Xie Yuan was cold enough to freeze ice.

 

Xie Yuan froze for a moment, instinctively glancing at Ji Yongshu beside her. Seeing that Ji Yongshu merely swept a glance at Zhou Yi before looking away, seemingly indifferent to Zhou Yi’s presence, she relaxed slightly.

 

“Cousin, what are you talking about? Dad asked me to bring Sister Yongshu inside,” Xie Yuan retorted with a saccharine tone, her intentions obvious to anyone. Yet this very remark infuriated Zhou Yi to no end.

 

Zhou Yi clenched her teeth tightly. She had always known her second uncle’s family had designs on Ji Yongshu too!

 

Back when the engagement was being arranged, her second uncle had even secretly interfered, behaving oddly during the engagement banquet itself.

 

Now that she thought about it, they had probably been scheming to steal Ji Yongshu from her even then.

 

The infuriating part was that she had now, as her second uncle’s family wished, broken off the engagement with Ji Yongshu.

 

Zhou Yi seethed with resentment, but at the same time, she watched the spectacle unfold with cold amusement.

 

What was the point of Xie Yuan fawning over Ji Yongshu so eagerly?

 

Ji Yongshu had impossibly high standards—how could she possibly take a liking to an Alpha like Xie Yuan?

 

Ji Yongshu had no interest in listening to their bickering. She brushed aside the hair near her cheek and said, “Miss Xie, I’m sure you’re needed outside. I know the way—no need to trouble yourself to escort me in.”

 

Xie Yuan was about to say it was no trouble, but Ji Yongshu didn’t wait for her reply. Gathering her skirt, she ascended the stairs and soon disappeared through the doorway.

 

Humiliated in front of Zhou Yi, Xie Yuan grew furious and cursed Ji Yongshu inwardly.

 

Just an Omega—what was there to be so arrogant about?

 

Even the proudest Omega would eventually beg for an Alpha’s mercy like a dog without dignity during their heat. Ji Yongshu would have her day too!

 

Xie Yuan glared darkly at Ji Yongshu’s retreating figure. Seeing her expression, Zhou Yi mentally scoffed.

 

As if someone like her could ever win Ji Yongshu over.

 

Not even in her dreams.

 

Ji Yongshu quickly put Xie Yuan out of her mind, for she soon encountered a familiar face in the banquet hall.

 

“Yongshu!”

 

A woman in a strapless cocktail dress threw herself into Ji Yongshu’s arms, her soft arms wrapping tightly around Ji Yongshu’s waist as she subtly nuzzled against Ji Yongshu’s neck.

 

“It’s been so long—did you miss me?”

 

Ji Yongshu’s nose was immediately enveloped in a cloyingly sweet perfume, so strong it was almost suffocating.

 

The Omega held on too tightly, making Ji Yongshu uncomfortable.

 

She pushed against the other’s shoulders, creating some distance between them.

 

“When did you get back?”

 

Ji Yongshu looked at the person’s face, her eyes finally relaxing into a genuine smile. It wasn’t the forced smile she’d worn earlier to deal with Second Uncle Xie, but a natural expression that surfaced when she was with someone familiar.

 

Gu Yiyi froze for a moment before reaching out to loop her arm through Ji Yongshu’s, pulling her toward the nearby sofa.

 

“I came back a few days ago. I wanted to ask you out, but Meng Chuyu said you’ve been busy lately.” Gu Yiyi shot Ji Yongshu a somewhat resentful look at this point. “What have you been up to? Why does Meng Chuyu know when I don’t?”

 

“Some family matters.” Ji Yongshu rubbed her temple. “You never asked.”

 

Gu Yiyi secretly brushed her fingers against Ji Yongshu’s fingertips before quickly withdrawing her hand, as if it had been accidental.

 

She’d often taken advantage of her Omega status to do this before, and Ji Yongshu had always treated it as sisterly affection, never pushing her away.

 

But this time was different.

 

After they sat down on the sofa, Ji Yongshu naturally disentangled herself from Gu Yiyi’s arm, explaining, “Your perfume is a bit too strong.”

 

Gu Yiyi stared at her empty palm, momentarily stunned, instinctively replying, “But you said you liked this scent last time.”

 

This was the first time Ji Yongshu had pushed her away.

 

Ji Yongshu frowned slightly, not noticing the hidden disappointment in Gu Yiyi’s eyes, and asked quietly, “Did I say that?”

 

She searched through her memories and recalled that she had indeed made such a remark.

 

After a brief moment of confusion, Ji Yongshu immediately understood.

 

Omega perfumes often contain elements similar to Alpha pheromones, which can help Omegas feel at ease.

 

But for Alphas, the effect is quite the opposite.

 

Before her secondary differentiation, she might have genuinely liked the scent, but now it just felt overpowering. Prolonged exposure even made her slightly uncomfortable, leaving her nose feeling itchy.

 

Ji Yongshu hadn’t told anyone about her secondary differentiation—not even Meng Chuyu knew.

 

Gu Yiyi only felt wronged, sensing that Ji Yongshu’s attitude toward her had changed since their last meeting.

 

Previously, even if she clung to Ji Yongshu’s waist and nuzzled against her, Ji Yongshu would simply take it as her being affectionate and never pushed her away.

 

She had also taken advantage of Ji Yongshu’s indulgence countless times.

 

Though she never dared touch any sensitive areas, Ji Yongshu’s waist, back, and arms had been embraced by her more times than she could count.

 

Gu Yiyi was full of confusion but didn’t dare to lean against Ji Yongshu as boldly as before, especially since Ji Yongshu had said her perfume was unpleasant.

 

All she could do was pout and protest, “You really did say that!”

 

Ji Yongshu gave her an apologetic smile. “Alright, alright, I did say it.”

 

Gu Yiyi lifted her arm to sniff her perfume, feeling even more aggrieved.

 

She had even sprayed extra today, only for Ji Yongshu to dislike the scent now.

 

Gu Yiyi felt utterly uncomfortable. She stole a few glances at Ji Yongshu, wanting to get closer but not daring to.

 

Finally, she murmured, “Should I go take a shower?”

 

The Xie family had prepared rooms upstairs for guests to rest in.

 

Ji Yongshu gave her a surprised look and immediately pressed down on her restless leg. “I apologize for what I said earlier. I really was just speaking offhand—there’s no need to go to such trouble.”

 

If only she hadn’t said that earlier.

 

Ji Yongshu considered Gu Yiyi a close friend, so she spoke without reservation, saying whatever came to mind. How was she to know Gu Yiyi would take her words so seriously?

 

“But you don’t like this scent. You even pushed me away just now.” Gu Yiyi looked at Ji Yongshu with pleading eyes. “If I don’t wash it off, will you refuse to let me touch you today?”

 

Ji Yongshu smiled awkwardly. How could she explain that the reason she had pushed Gu Yiyi away wasn’t because she disliked the perfume, but because she suddenly remembered the distinction between Alphas and Omegas?

 

She couldn’t let Gu Yiyi cling to her the way she used to.

 

Gu Yiyi didn’t know she had differentiated into an Alpha, but Ji Yongshu couldn’t pretend to be unaware and risk damaging Gu Yiyi’s reputation.

 

Ji Yongshu didn’t offer an explanation, which only convinced Gu Yiyi further that the perfume was to blame.

 

“I’ll go take a shower right now. Wait here for me.”

 

She acted swiftly, and before Ji Yongshu could stop her, Gu Yiyi had already run off.

 

Ji Yongshu suddenly felt a headache coming on.

 

Then, someone tapped her shoulder from behind.

 

Ji Yongshu looked up to see the Omega who had appeared in her dreams standing before her, gazing at her with a bright smile.

 

“Sister.”

 

Her voice was soft and melodious, like honey-infused cake, exuding a rich sweetness.

 

Without realizing it, Ji Yongshu’s eyes softened with warmth as she looked at Jiang Zhiluo. “You came too?”

 

She acted as if she had no idea Jiang Zhiluo would be here, gently patting the sofa beside her. “Care to sit?”

 

Jiang Zhiluo stepped forward, but the moment she sat down, she caught a whiff of an unfamiliar perfume.

 

Her expression darkened, her breath hitching for a moment.

 

Yet in the end, she sat down as if nothing were wrong.

 

Truthfully, Jiang Zhiluo had already noticed the Omega sitting beside Ji Yongshu earlier—the one who had wrapped her arms around Ji Yongshu’s arm, acting coquettish.

 

At that moment, Jiang Zhiluo’s gaze could only be described as icy, like a venomous serpent lurking in the shadows, flicking its crimson tongue, ready to sink its fangs into its prey’s throat.

 

She knew who that Omega was—Ji Yongshu’s friend, Gu Yiyi.

 

Jiang Zhiluo had thoroughly investigated everyone around Ji Yongshu. In fact, she might have known Gu Yiyi better than Ji Yongshu herself.

 

Perhaps because she harbored similar intentions, Jiang Zhiluo saw right through Gu Yiyi’s motives.

 

A coward who thought she could take advantage of her Omega status to get close to her sister.

 

Too bad Jiang Zhiluo wouldn’t give her that chance.

 

It would be best if Ji Yongshu never found out about Gu Yiyi’s feelings.

 

With that thought, Jiang Zhiluo picked up a glass of sake from the side, bringing it to her nose for a light sniff. The faint aroma of alcohol lingered in the air, masking the scent of that detestable perfume.

 

“Sister, did you run into President Zhou at the entrance earlier?” she asked casually.

 

Ji Yongshu glanced at her, surprised that she would voluntarily bring up Zhou Yi in front of her.

 

“Hmm.”

 

Jiang Zhiluo smiled naturally at her, speaking about the matter without any hesitation: “Actually, after I gave you the audio last time, President Zhou has been trying to arrange a meeting with me.”

 

Her tone was too calm, as if Zhou Yi was just an insignificant figure rather than Ji Yongshu’s ex-fiancée and her current pursuer.

 

Ji Yongshu thought to herself, since even Jiang Zhiluo didn’t seem awkward, why should she deliberately avoid the topic?

 

After all, she wasn’t the one who should feel guilty.

 

“Did you meet her?” Ji Yongshu followed up on Jiang Zhiluo’s words.

 

But in truth, she knew full well that Jiang Zhiluo had been avoiding Zhou Yi all this time, and the two hadn’t met at all.

 

Sure enough, Jiang Zhiluo shook her head lightly, her usually gentle eyes revealing a hint of coldness as she replied nonchalantly, “Why would I meet her?”

 

Zhou Yi was just a used pawn now, having lost her greatest utility—at most, she could still serve as a shield for some of Jiang Zhiluo’s actions.

 

There was no need for Jiang Zhiluo to endure the disgust of meeting someone she loathed, as she had in the past.

 

Ji Yongshu keenly detected the indifference in her tone and frowned almost imperceptibly. She bent down to pick up a glass of wine from the side, using it to mask the emotions in her eyes.

 

“Though just now, when I came in through the entrance, I ran into President Zhou.” Jiang Zhiluo swirled her glass, watching the light scatter through the liquid, her gaze growing somewhat unfocused.

 

“She said she had something to tell me.”

 

Ji Yongshu scoffed inwardly. What could Zhou Yi possibly say?

 

Nothing more than that she was finally free and could pursue the Omega she had been pining for.

 

Ji Yongshu could almost predict Zhou Yi’s words.

 

But she didn’t let her disdain show, merely nodding politely:

 

“That’s nice.”

 

Jiang Zhiluo tilted her head to look at her, her voice suddenly softening, as if speaking to herself—yet Ji Yongshu heard every word clearly.

 

“Does sister want me to meet her?”

 

Ji Yongshu stiffened slightly. Though the banquet hall was noisy, she still heard the Omega’s words distinctly.

 

She even felt she could hear Jiang Zhiluo’s breathing, so close it was as if warm breath brushed against her ear.

 

This must be another change brought on by her Differentiation into an Alpha.

 

Ji Yongshu straightened her posture. Her long lashes cast shadows under her eyes under the overhead lights.

 

When her gaze lowered slightly, Jiang Zhiluo couldn’t discern the emotions in Ji Yongshu’s eyes.

 

She only heard the Alpha reply calmly, “That’s your business.”

 

The implication was clear—it had nothing to do with her.

 

Whether Jiang Zhiluo met Zhou Yi or not, Ji Yongshu wouldn’t be affected emotionally.

 

Layers of disappointment unfurled in Jiang Zhiluo’s heart, wrapping around her tightly.

 

The jealousy she had felt earlier upon seeing an unfamiliar Omega by Ji Yongshu’s side surged again.

 

Images of Ji Yongshu smiling at someone else flashed through Jiang Zhiluo’s mind.

 

Why is it that sister is always gentle and indulgent with others, yet so cold towards me?

 

Ji Yongshu didn’t hear the Omega beside her speak for a while and couldn’t help but glance at her slightly.

 

She saw Jiang Zhiluo looking at her with a dazed expression, those bright eyes obscured by drunkenness, like dazzling crystals veiled in gauze—translucent yet misty in texture.

 

Ji Yongshu absentmindedly recalled the first time she saw Jiang Zhiluo’s photo. The Omega in the picture had been just like this—sitting among a crowd with a drunken expression.

 

Her gaze had drifted vaguely across the people around her, as if she were looking at someone, yet it seemed no one could truly catch her eye.

 

Even back then, Ji Yongshu had sensed that despite the faint smile on Jiang Zhiluo’s lips, the Omega radiated an overwhelming loneliness.

 

She had been like a cat quietly licking its wounds amidst the clamor of the crowd.

 

But at the time, Ji Yongshu had harbored ill will toward Jiang Zhiluo and had never truly considered what kind of person she was.

 

Now, the Omega sat right in front of her, her drunken eyes reflecting Ji Yongshu’s figure, her gaze unexpectedly tender and lingering.

 

Ji Yongshu calmly averted her eyes, as if she hadn’t noticed anything, but her fingers lightly traced the rim of her glass.

 

“Jiang Zhiluo.”

 

Ji Yongshu spoke softly, “You’re drunk.”

 

Jiang Zhiluo gazed at her with liquid warmth, murmuring, “Perhaps.”

 

Ji Yongshu closed her eyes briefly. “If you’re tired, have someone take you upstairs to rest.”

 

She was putting distance between them.

 

Her tone had grown noticeably colder and more distant than before.

 

Jiang Zhiluo suddenly realized this, her heart tightening unconsciously as she leaned in closer.

 

“Sister,” she said, staring intently at Ji Yongshu’s face, unwilling to miss even the slightest shift in the woman’s expression.

 

“Do you remember what happened that night?”

 

Jiang Zhiluo had originally assumed Ji Yongshu had long forgotten the events of that evening. But now, sensing Ji Yongshu’s aloofness, a bold thought struck her.

 

Perhaps Ji Yongshu remembered everything?

 

Because she remembered, she had guessed Jiang Zhiluo’s feelings—and because she didn’t want to accept them, she had quietly distanced herself.

 

The moment Jiang Zhiluo considered that Ji Yongshu might recall everything, a wave of shame washed over her, as if she had been completely exposed, leaving her flustered and uncertain.

 

The only reason she had dared confess her feelings to Ji Yongshu’s face was because she believed Ji Yongshu wouldn’t remember after waking up.

 

But if this woman hadn’t forgotten at all, didn’t that mean Ji Yongshu knew every word she had spoken that night?

 

Jiang Zhiluo didn’t know how to face Ji Yongshu now—just as Ji Yongshu, upon waking that morning, hadn’t known how to face her.

 

In this regard, the two of them were unexpectedly alike.

 

With this in mind, Jiang Zhiluo couldn’t resist probing Ji Yongshu, wanting to confirm whether her suspicions were true.

 

Ji Yongshu detected the testing tone in the other’s words. Fortunately, she had anticipated this moment when she first decided to feign amnesia, so she remained perfectly composed.

 

The woman turned to look at Jiang Zhiluo, brows slightly furrowed, her eyes filled with genuine confusion. “That night?”

 

She didn’t even know which night was being referred to.

 

Jiang Zhiluo exhaled in relief, though she still couldn’t fully relax. She pressed further, “The night you took the orange plushie from me.”

 

Ji Yongshu’s eyes flashed with understanding before she replied apologetically, “I’m sorry, my memory of that night is a bit hazy.”

 

“Did I make a video call to you?”

 

The next day, she sent Jiang Zhiluo a question mark, but Jiang Zhiluo offered no explanation.

 

Jiang Zhiluo remained silent, her eyes slightly red as she gazed at Ji Yongshu, looking as though she’d suffered immense grievance.

 

Ji Yongshu appeared even more remorseful, her tone gentler than before. “Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

 

Jiang Zhiluo shook her head slightly. “No.”

 

It wasn’t that Ji Yongshu had said anything inappropriate—rather, Jiang Zhiluo had taken advantage of Ji Yongshu’s muddled state to do what she had always wanted.

 

But after that brief exchange, Jiang Zhiluo was fairly certain Ji Yongshu truly didn’t remember that night.

 

Indeed, the Alpha who had called her “wife” with reddened eyes was only a fleeting version of Ji Yongshu during her Heat Period.

 

While Jiang Zhiluo felt relieved, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment, wondering when she’d see that side of Ji Yongshu again.

 

Ji Yongshu had always had many admirers, and once news spread that she had differentiated into an Alpha, even more people would surely set their sights on her.

 

A strong sense of urgency rose in Jiang Zhiluo’s heart. She didn’t know how many people, like that Omega earlier, would approach Ji Yongshu under the guise of friendship while harboring ulterior motives.

 

Herself included.

 

Jiang Zhiluo pressed her lips together, unsure what to say next, afraid that saying too much might arouse Ji Yongshu’s suspicion.

 

Ji Yongshu also took a sip of her drink, quietly exhaling in relief.

 

Fortunately, the Omega didn’t press further—otherwise, she might have slipped up.

 

Both women harbored their own thoughts, yet on the surface, they maintained the pretense that nothing had happened.

 

Jiang Zhiluo stayed with Ji Yongshu for a while longer, drinking until she spotted Gu Yiyi descending the stairs in the distance. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she stood up. “Sister, your friend seems to be back.”

 

“I won’t intrude any longer.”

 

Ji Yongshu looked up at her, the fragmented glow of overhead lights reflected in her eyes. Jiang Zhiluo thought she glimpsed a swirl of complex emotions there—like ripples across a lake after a stone had been tossed in, gradually settling back into stillness.

 

In the end, Ji Yongshu simply nodded lightly. “I’ll treat you to a meal sometime.”

 

Jiang Zhiluo flashed Ji Yongshu an especially radiant smile. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Gu Yiyi quickening her pace. The corner of her lips curled faintly before she strode away with effortless grace.

 

No sooner had Jiang Zhiluo left than Gu Yiyi came rushing over in her high heels. Panting, she stood before Ji Yongshu, barely catching her breath before demanding, “Who was that Omega just now?”

 

She’d only gone to change her clothes—how dare someone try to steal her chance?!

 

Gu Yiyi was so furious she could barely speak, glaring at Jiang Zhiluo’s retreating figure as if her gaze alone could strike the other woman dead.

 

That Omega was clearly no good—smiling so sweetly at Ji Yongshu like that, obviously trying to seduce her with her looks!

 

Thank goodness Ji Yongshu wasn’t into Omega-Omega relationships!

 

At this thought, Gu Yiyi felt relieved yet somewhat disheartened.

 

Since Ji Yongshu didn’t engage in same-s3x relationships, while other Omegas had no chance, neither did she!

 

Why couldn’t Ji Yongshu like Omegas?

 

Gu Yiyi thought to herself, at least Ji Yongshu had already broken off her engagement with Zhou Yi.

 

That scumbag Alpha Zhou Yi—already having such a wonderful Omega like Ji Yongshu, yet still cheating!

 

Gu Yiyi had just returned to the country when she learned about Ji Yongshu calling off the engagement with Zhou Yi, but she still didn’t know who the Omega that came between them was.

 

If she found out that the girl she had just labeled as stealing her thunder was that very Omega, she’d probably explode with anger.

 

Ji Yongshu lowered her gaze, swirling the red wine in her glass, her voice indifferent: “Business partners.”

 

Could she and Jiang Zhiluo be considered business partners?

 

Without Jiang Zhiluo’s cooperation, breaking off her engagement with Zhou Yi wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.

 

In that regard, Ji Yongshu actually owed Jiang Zhiluo thanks.

 

Hearing the lack of concern in her tone, Gu Yiyi instantly heaved a sigh of relief. Adjusting her skirt, she tried to cling to Ji Yongshu again.

 

But Ji Yongshu suddenly stood up, causing Gu Yiyi to nearly topple onto the sofa.

 

Looking up at Ji Yongshu in confusion, she called out, “Yongshu?”

 

Why had Ji Yongshu suddenly stood up?

 

Ji Yongshu didn’t turn around, as if her abrupt movement had been an unconscious reaction.

 

She seemed oblivious to Gu Yiyi’s embarrassment and disappointment, speaking without looking back, “I spotted some executives from partner companies. I should go greet them.”

 

Gu Yiyi straightened up. “Then I’ll go with—”

 

Before she could finish, Ji Yongshu interrupted.

 

“Yiyi, you don’t know any of them. It’d be boring for you.”

 

Ji Yongshu glanced back slightly, a faint smile on her lips. “Just stay here and rest for a while.”

 

With that, she immediately averted her gaze and walked away with her wine glass, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

 

Gu Yiyi couldn’t shake the feeling that Ji Yongshu was avoiding her.

 

Biting her lip, she stared in the direction Ji Yongshu had gone, shaking her head vigorously to dismiss the thought.

 

Impossible. Their dynamic had always been like this—Ji Yongshu had never noticed anything amiss before. Why would she suddenly start deliberately avoiding her?

 

While Gu Yiyi was still puzzling over Ji Yongshu’s intentions, Ji Yongshu herself exhaled deeply after briskly walking into the crowd.

 

Whether it was her imagination or not, Ji Yongshu sensed something off about Gu Yiyi’s attitude toward her.

 

Before, it could have been described as close friendship, but just now, when Gu Yiyi asked about Jiang Zhiluo’s identity, her tone had been tinged with jealousy and unease.

 

She was wary of Jiang Zhiluo and resented her presence.

 

Ji Yongshu knew many people grew jealous when others entered their friends’ lives. She hoped that was all this was.

 

Perhaps she was overthinking it. After all, she had now Differentiated into an Alpha and couldn’t cling to Gu Yiyi the way she used to.

 

An unmarked Omega holds a fatal attraction for an Alpha. Even though Ji Yongshu trusted her self-control, the pull of pheromones could sometimes make one act against their true intentions.

 

Just like before her differentiation, she had never allowed herself to get too close to Meng Chuyu.

 

It wasn’t that Ji Yongshu was stubborn or old-fashioned—it was simply that the instincts of Alphas and Omegas destined them to never be as intimately close as ordinary friends could be.

 

Ji Yongshu often envied Betas. Unable to detect pheromones and unaffected by them, they could live normal lives without worrying about Heat Periods or ruts.

 

Yet society held stereotypes about Betas, always assuming they couldn’t measure up to Alphas, as if mediocrity was etched into their genes.

 

In truth, exceptional Betas were countless—they just didn’t flaunt themselves as boldly as Alphas did.

 

Take Xie Yangqing, for example.

 

The moment Ji Yongshu thought of him, Xie Yangqing appeared before her.

 

“Miss Ji.”

 

Having just greeted a business partner, traces of a smile still lingered on Xie Yangqing’s face as he raised his glass slightly toward her and asked in a low voice, “Why are you here alone?”

 

It was one thing for Miss Jiang to be absent, but where was Miss Gu?

 

Half an hour ago, Xie Yangqing had seen Ji Yongshu sitting with Gu Yiyi. Knowing Gu Yiyi as he did, how could she bear to let Ji Yongshu out of her sight?

 

At the mention of this, Ji Yongshu felt another headache coming on. “Yiyi is resting over there.”

 

Xie Yangqing wisely didn’t press further, instead making small talk for a while before casually remarking, “Speaking of which, I saw Miss Jiang and Miss Zhou Yi heading to the back garden earlier.”

 

Ji Yongshu’s hand, swirling her wine glass, paused briefly. Leaning against the long table behind her with legs crossed, her slender frame was accentuated by the dazzling silver gown adorned with sequins that glittered under the lights.

 

Even though she wasn’t at the center of the crowd, many eyes still lingered on her, drawn in by her presence.

 

The Alpha, accustomed to being the focal point, paid no mind to the gazes around her. She merely set down her glass lightly, fingertips resting idly against the table.

 

“Hmm.” Ji Yongshu’s tone was eerily calm. Xie Yangqing, observing her reaction, hesitated over whether to continue.

 

When he didn’t speak further, Ji Yongshu glanced up at him, prompting him to go on.

 

“Miss Zhou Yi didn’t look too pleased,” Xie Yangqing added. “And Miss Jiang wasn’t smiling either.”

 

Ji Yongshu arched a brow slightly but still withheld comment, until—

 

Xie Yangqing said seemingly casually, “The back garden is probably empty now. With Miss Jiang and Miss Zhou Yi alone there, who knows what might happen.”

 

Ji Yongshu’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly before she replied calmly, “What could possibly happen?”

 

Yet inwardly she thought, Jiang Zhiluo is always so cautious—why didn’t she bring any bodyguards this time?

 

Xie Yangqing remained silent, simply watching her quietly.

 

An inexplicable irritation rose in Ji Yongshu’s heart. At first just a faint flicker, but soon it spread like wildfire, growing increasingly intense and uncomfortable.

 

Ji Yongshu directed this frustration at Xie Yangqing. If he hadn’t brought up Jiang Zhiluo and Zhou Yi in front of her, she wouldn’t feel so restless and agitated.

 

“Why are you so concerned about them?” Ji Yongshu’s tone carried impatience.

 

Xie Yangqing had anticipated this question and was ready with an answer, replying earnestly, “It’s not them I’m concerned about—it’s you.”

 

“Even though your engagement with Miss Zhou Yi has been called off, today is still Elder Madam Xie’s birthday banquet. If Miss Zhou Yi and Miss Jiang cause any scandal, you’ll inevitably face judgmental looks from others.”

 

He stated his intentions with such seriousness, as though his sole focus was Ji Yongshu’s well-being.

 

While that was indeed a large part of his reasoning, he also wanted to gauge Jiang Zhiluo’s importance in Ji Yongshu’s heart.

 

Sure enough, after hearing Xie Yangqing’s excuse, Ji Yongshu’s expression softened slightly.

 

After a brief pause, she lowered her voice and instructed, “Don’t let anyone else know.”

 

Then, lifting the hem of her dress, she strode toward the back garden without another glance back.

 

A slow smile spread across Xie Yangqing’s face.

 

Just as he’d suspected.

 

Before he could ponder further, a bright voice sounded beside him: “Secretary Xie, where did Yongshu go?”

 

It was Gu Yiyi.

 

Xie Yangqing immediately put on his professional smile, prepared to stall this third wheel for his boss.

 

He couldn’t let her ruin things.

 

——

 

Ji Yongshu slipped into the back garden unnoticed.

 

With everyone likely gathered in the front hall, the garden was eerily quiet, the lighting dim.

 

In the faint glow, Ji Yongshu spotted two figures standing among the flowers from afar.

 

Unconsciously, she softened her footsteps, unaware of the tension etched across her own face.

 

Fortunately, neither Zhou Yi nor Jiang Zhiluo noticed her arrival.

 

Ji Yongshu stood behind two large trees, her back against the sturdy trunks, listening quietly to their conversation.

 

She heard Zhou Yi’s voice, thick with suppressed fury, as though forced through gritted teeth: “Jiang Zhiluo, are you playing me?”

 

Jiang Zhiluo didn’t answer. Zhou Yi pressed on:

 

“Did you get close to me on purpose?”

 

“Why?”

 

Ji Yongshu’s hands, hanging at her sides, clenched into fists without her realizing. She held her breath slightly, waiting alongside Zhou Yi for Jiang Zhiluo’s response.

 

Soon, Jiang Zhiluo’s cold laugh cut through the air.

 

The Omega’s voice, usually tender and gentle, now carried a sharp, icy edge of mockery.

 

“Why?”

 

“Because of course—”