After Marking a Paranoid CEO [Transmigration] - Chapter 21

The tablet screen showed a figure: black baseball cap, sweatshirt, and sunglasses—even though it was already dark. Xia Youxi had to admire Mu Huayue’s sharp eyes; she could recognize Ying Feifei even with such a disguise.

 

Wait, something seemed off.

 

Why was Ying Feifei constantly touching her hat and glancing around anxiously? She looked both agitated and frightened.

 

“Lost in thought?”

 

Just as Xia Youxi was about to examine the screen more closely, it flipped over. She met the eyes of the woman behind the tablet: a cold, indifferent gaze, slightly raised eyelids, and a tone laced with displeasure. Sister Mu was angry.

 

Xia Youxi hurriedly shook her head. “No…”

 

Before she could finish, Mu Huayue cut her off. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll allow you to go see her. Now, go downstairs, open the door, and meet her.”

 

Sending a lamb to the slaughter?

 

Xia Youxi bit her lower lip, giving Mu Huayue a pitiful look.

 

The ruthless CEO sister remained unmoved, uttering a single word: “Go.”

 

Xia Youxi turned away, pursing her lips, and strode downstairs. Fine, I’ll go. I even trained in martial arts for a role, so I doubt Ying Feifei can take advantage of me.

 

Reaching the door, she glanced at the lobby camera. Like the one upstairs, it was switched off. Only the video doorbell remained active. After a final glance upstairs, Xia Youxi took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

 

“Wife!”

 

Almost the instant the door cracked open, a hand shot through the gap like a claw. Fortunately, Xia Youxi had anticipated this. She had only opened the door a sliver, and when the hand reached in, she feigned a start and slammed the door shut, trapping the bony fingers.

 

“Ah!”

 

A sharp cry erupted from outside. Xia Youxi pretended to panic, yanking the door open and staring at Ying Feifei with feigned fluster. “Ah, Mentor Ying, I’m so sorry! I was just startled. Is your hand… is it okay?”

 

She fussed over the injured hand, her unkempt nails digging into the reddened fingers. Ying Feifei let out another shriek, jerking her head up in pain. Xia Youxi caught a whiff of alcohol and seized the opportunity to glance at Ying Feifei’s neck. There, she spotted a distinct red mark, like a ligature.

 

Xia Youxi froze for a moment before Ying Feifei forcefully pushed her way inside. “You have a first-aid kit upstairs, right? Help me apply some medicine.”

 

Seeing Ying Feifei heading for the stairs, Xia Youxi panicked and grabbed her arm, fearing she might run into Mu Huayue. To Ying Feifei, however, it seemed like Xia Youxi was being impatient.

 

“What, you’ve finally come to your senses?” Ying Feifei reached out with her free hand, but Xia Youxi ducked her head to avoid it, hinting, “I’m always happy to have Mentor Ying tutor me late at night. But the living room is full of furniture. Why don’t we practice outside?”

 

Ying Feifei smiled, her breath reeking of alcohol. “You’re quite bold, aren’t you? Want to get wild in the open?”

 

A faint electric current stirred in Xia Youxi’s chest. She quickly rebuked, “You’ve had too much to drink!”

 

“Is that so?” Ying Feifei chuckled, leaning closer and burping in her face. “Socializing requires drinking a lot. I know you can’t handle alcohol, but don’t worry, I can teach you. Just remember to pay your tuition.”

 

As she spoke, Ying Feifei leaned in to kiss Xia Youxi. A wave of nausea washed over Xia Youxi, and she raised her hand to strike her. But Ying Feifei suddenly pushed her away. “Honey, you’re too eager! You haven’t even finished removing your makeup before rushing to open the door for me. I knew you cared about me! Let’s go upstairs and do all those things we’ve been wanting to do but haven’t yet.”

 

Ying Feifei’s lips curved into a smile, and she lightly licked her lips. Xia Youxi noticed her lips had become even redder, as if stained with bl00d. Frowning, she pushed away the approaching hand. Ying Feifei took this as playful resistance and pressed closer, trying to embrace her. Annoyed, Xia Youxi grabbed the hand and twisted it sharply upward. “Mentor Ying, this is the student dormitory. You’re drunk and need to sober up.”

 

“Ouch! Ah, that hurts!” Ying Feifei grimaced in pain as her fingers bent backward. But when she saw Xia Youxi gripping her hand, she began to giggle foolishly. “A kiss is a kiss, a scold is love. You want to kiss me. Mwah~”

 

Xia Youxi: ……

 

I shouldn’t have shown her any kindness.

 

A kiss is a kiss, huh?

 

Xia Youxi smiled at Ying Feifei, who stood opposite her with her eyes closed and lips pursed. Though Ying Feifei’s actions had injured Xia Youxi’s eyes, they had also given her an opening. Xia Youxi took two steps closer, raised her hand, and delivered a merciless chop to Ying Feifei’s neck.

 

Before Ying Feifei could even utter the word “old—,” she collapsed with a thud, her face hitting the ground, with no one to catch her.

 

Xia Youxi sighed and bent down, preparing to deal with the others in the room, when a sharp electric jolt pierced her chest. The pain forced her to drop to her knees, curling up beside Ying Feifei’s body.

 

“Xia Weixi.”

 

A cold voice echoed from above. Xia Youxi looked up to see Mu Huayue standing by the wooden railing on the second floor, draped in a cardigan. Her eyes narrowed, her gaze imperious, like a queen looking down from her throne.

 

Sensing that Sister Mu was about to strike, Xia Youxi endured the pain and feigned an innocent, pitiful demeanor. Clutching her chest, she gazed upward, her eyes already reddening as she spoke the first word: “Sister… I’m so scared.”

 

Mu Huayue’s brow furrowed slightly. Her hand, which had been resting at her side, lifted and then dropped again. She remained rooted to the spot, her voice icy. “Scared?

 

Xia Youxi sobbed, “It hurts, Sister.”

 

She reached into her pocket and pulled out the stun gun.

 

As the pain gradually subsided, Xia Youxi remained kneeling on the floor, head bowed, wiping away the tears that continued to fall.

 

Mu Huayue took a step toward the stairs, glaring down at her. “What are you crying about?” she demanded.

 

Xia Youxi didn’t respond.

 

Mu Huayue seemed at a loss for how to handle her. She stood frozen at the top of the stairs for a long moment before finally sighing softly and calling down, “Stop crying. Why are you still clinging to her like that? Wasn’t that hug and kiss enough? Come up here.”

 

Hug and kiss?

 

Xia Youxi realized it was a misunderstanding—Mu Huayue had seen something wrong.

 

Her heart ached, and she no longer needed to pretend.

 

“Sister,” Xia Youxi said, wiping her eyes. She stumbled as she stood, her gaze fixed on Mu Huayue’s outstretched hand from above. But in the next instant, Mu Huayue’s head was tilted back, her cold eyes fixed on Xia Youxi.

 

There’s nothing I can do, Xia Youxi thought. What else would you expect from a tsundere villainess?

 

She slowly rose to her feet, gripping the stair railing. Between sobs, she began to climb the stairs, one step at a time.

 

The higher she climbed, the clearer Xia Youxi could see Mu Huayue’s expression. The anxiousness hidden in her phoenix eyes confirmed that Sister Mu truly cared for her.

 

Xia Youxi’s expression grew even more aggrieved. Just two steps from the top, she suddenly stopped, glaring reproachfully at Mu Huayue. “Sister is bullying me.”

 

Mu Huayue scoffed. “Do you even know what you’re saying? You think I—”

 

Before she could finish, a tear slipped down Xia Youxi’s cheek. “Drunk people are so scary! You didn’t save me and even accused me of being intimate with her. And this pendant—it’s broken, but you won’t help me fix it! Waaah!”

 

By the end, Xia Youxi had even convinced herself of her own victimhood, tears flowing like water.

 

Mu Huayue finally moved, taking two steps forward. Without a handkerchief, she simply reached out and gently wiped Xia Youxi’s tears with her fingertips. Though her eyes were filled with helplessness and pity, her words cut like a knife: “Flies don’t land on flawless eggs. Are you really blameless? You’re blaming me? I should be the one blaming you!”

 

CPU, huh?

 

That’s definitely not a good thing.

 

Xia Youxi retorted through tears, “Sister is bullying me! Waaah!”

 

Mu Huayue’s hand, which had been resting on Xia Youxi’s cheek, stiffened. Her gaze shifted away, as if she didn’t know what to say. She simply took Xia Youxi’s hand and led her upstairs. “Don’t stand here. Don’t you know you haven’t removed your makeup? All those colors are scaring me. Go wash it off quickly.”

 

Xia Youxi sobbed as she squeezed Mu Huayue’s hand, secretly curving her lips into a smile where Mu Huayue couldn’t see.

 

After entering the bathroom, Mu Huayue stood by the door, watching intently as Xia Youxi pitifully removed her makeup. Even after washing her face clean, the redness lingered around her eyes. The sidelong glance she cast at Mu Huayue, with its lingering redness, evoked a hint of Lin Daiyu’s delicate vulnerability, causing Mu Huayue to avert her gaze and huff softly, “Why was Ying Feifei looking for you in the middle of the night?”

 

Xia Youxi immediately replied, “How would I know? She was drunk.”

 

“What exactly is your relationship with her?” Mu Huayue turned back, staring directly at Xia Youxi, scrutinizing her response.

 

Xia Youxi hesitated. Initially, she had told Mu Huayue that she didn’t know Ying Feifei. But now, through some mysterious force, she knew that Ying Feifei was essentially the original owner’s ex-girlfriend. No matter how she answered, Mu Huayue wouldn’t be satisfied. How could she tell her the truth while minimizing the risk?

 

Before she could come up with an answer, a voice called out from downstairs, “Tsk, wifey.”

 

“Wifey, where did you go?”

 

The clatter of boots on the wooden stairs startled Xia Youxi. She quickly pulled Mu Huayue into the bathroom and stepped out herself, reminding her as she left, “Lock the door. I’ll coax her out.”

 

Through the crack in the door, Mu Huayue saw a gentle, smiling face, but behind that smile, she detected a probing gaze. Her expression darkened as she slipped her hand into her pocket.

 

Outside, Xia Youxi was slightly troubled. She couldn’t tell if it was because her current body was malnourished or if Alphas in this world were just too resilient. Despite taking a full eleven-chop strike from her, Ying Feifei had woken up so quickly.

 

“Honey, you’re here,” Ying Feifei said, rubbing her neck as she stepped past Xia Youxi and glanced at the closed door. “I thought I heard you talking to someone just now. Is there anyone else inside?”

 

Xia Youxi laughed awkwardly. “You must have misheard. It’s getting late. Why don’t you go home and we can talk tomorrow?”

 

Ying Feifei rubbed her temples, her gaze blurry with intoxication. “Something’s different… Honey, you’ve taken off your makeup.” She took two steps forward, her hand reaching out involuntarily to touch Xia Youxi’s cheek. “Still as pure and pitiful as ever, just like back then.”

 

Xia Youxi dodged her hand. Ying Feifei frowned, a bitter smile twisting her lips. “You haven’t let me touch you since we reunited. Do you despise me now? Didn’t you just hire CEO Mu’s assistant? Why would you still despise me?”

 

“I don’t,” Xia Youxi insisted.

 

Ying Feifei scoffed. “Sure, I know the assistant is just a stepping stone. You want to use her to get closer to CEO Mu. But Xia Youxi, I know you too well. With your brains, you’ll never board that ship. Why can’t you be smarter? Come back to me. I’ll help you in every way I can, all I ask is that you do the things you wanted to do with me back then.”

 

What did you want to do back then?

 

Xia Youxi recalled her past dreams. It seemed Xia Weixi had mentioned it before, but Ying Feifei, citing her own underage status, had refused. The two had maintained a strictly platonic relationship, never even kissing, only holding hands.

 

How could someone so virtuous back then now have a mind filled with such vulgar thoughts?

 

Xia Youxi couldn’t understand. “You’ve had plastic surgery, become a kept woman—you’ve done all these things. Why do you think Xia Weixi would still be waiting for you?”

 

Ying Feifei raised an eyebrow, replying dismissively, “Money brings status, and status brings adoration. Remember that delinquent girl who used to bully you in school? Because she had money, she injured me and bullied you without facing any consequences. Recently, she snagged an even richer old man who helped her win the Best Newcomer Award and get nominated for the Water Award for Best Actress. Now she’s a top-tier starlet. Aren’t you jealous?”

 

Xia Youxi shook her head. She found the whole situation absurd, even…

 

Her gaze fell on Ying Feifei’s neck, marked with bruises. She sighed softly, “You should go to the medical room and get some ointment.”

 

Ying Feifei noticed her gaze and instinctively covered her neck, letting out a dismissive laugh. “Don’t you have one right here? Is it in the back room? I’ll go get it.”

 

She quickly grabbed the doorknob, but Xia Youxi reached out and gripped her arm. “It’s not in there.”

 

Ying Feifei narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “You won’t let me in, and the door’s locked. Is someone in there?”

 

She suddenly burst into laughter. “Wife, Xia Youxi, Xia Weixi, when did you learn to act so innocent? Who’s inside? CEO Mu’s assistant? Or that husky who’s always chasing after you?”

 

“How are you so lucky? Even after cheating, Alphas are still lining up to pursue you.” She slapped her forehead and tilted her head back to stare at the ceiling. “I envy you Omegas so much. Just a whiff of your scent, and you can reel in any fish.”

 

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Xia Youxi frowned, thinking of Mu Huayue’s current state. The words struck her as absurd. “You’d be better off reflecting on yourself. You’re an Alpha, yet all you want is to freeload.”

 

Ying Feifei seemed enraged by Xia Youxi’s words. She lunged forward with such force that she pinned Xia Youxi against the wall. “Do you think being a kept woman is easy?!”

 

Her hands gripped Xia Youxi’s shoulders, shaking her violently. Her gaze burned with ferocity. “You saw it yourself—that old woman treated me like a toy. She made me kneel and serve her, leashed me by the neck, and rode me like a dog.”

 

“I’m an Alpha! I just wanted to make a name for myself in this industry. Why did they treat me like this?”

 

Tears welled in her bloodshot eyes. Still drunk, Ying Feifei’s gaze turned predatory as she stared at Xia Youxi. “Whenever they humiliated me, I thought of you. Only with you do I feel like a true Alpha. I regret not accepting you back then, not taking you.”

 

“I want to see you cry beneath me. Wife, don’t move. I saved you once—you owe me. Let me live like an Alpha.”

 

Ying Feifei lowered her head. Xia Youxi watched the thick lips draw closer, clenching her fists. Just as she was about to throw an uppercut, she suddenly caught a sandalwood-like scent, similar to Sister Mu’s pheromones. Ying Feifei, standing before her, grimaced in disgust, muttering disdainfully, “What’s this smell? It’s so nauseating.”

 

Xia Youxi was so furious she wanted to punch someone. She swung her fist, but the person in front of her stumbled toward the restroom door.

 

Xia Youxi suddenly remembered the novel’s setting: during an Omega’s heat cycle, without suppressants, they become fatally attractive to Alphas.

 

Could that bastard Ying Feifei be planning to do something to my Sister Mu?

 

She quickly grabbed Ying Feifei’s arm. The other woman, intoxicated by pheromones and alcohol, jerked her arm away irritably. When she couldn’t shake free, she even tried to suppress Xia Youxi with her Alpha pheromones.

 

An ordinary Omega might have been subdued by the pheromones, but Xia Youxi was an Alpha. Sensing Ying Feifei’s pheromone attack, her first reaction was anger, fearing Mu Huayue might be harmed. She instinctively released her own pheromones to suppress the other woman.

 

A sweet floral and fruity scent wafted through the air. Ying Feifei inhaled deeply, savoring the moment. “Wife, don’t rush. We can enjoy ourselves.”

 

Xia Youxi felt like vomiting.

 

As Xia Youxi continued to release her pheromones, Ying Feifei gradually sensed something was wrong. She lowered her head slightly, her face twisting in surprise. “Wait… you’re an Alpha?”

 

Xia Youxi stared at her expressionlessly. Ying Feifei stumbled back two steps, her body pressing against the bathroom door. Panicked, she began to babble incoherently. “An Alpha? How could you be an Alpha? No, you’re just like me—someone who’s been bullied like a dog! Ha, ha ha ha—”

 

Ying Feifei’s laughter shook her violently. Xia Youxi, utterly speechless, couldn’t resist swinging her fist. “Shut up already! You’re so annoying!”

 

With a thud, Ying Feifei slammed against the door. Xia Youxi was about to deliver another chop when the door suddenly swung open, and Ying Feifei collapsed at her feet before she could react.

 

Glancing down, Xia Youxi noticed a small syringe embedded in Ying Feifei’s neck. She paused, then lowered her head to check for breath. Thankfully, she was still alive—just unconscious.

 

Xia Youxi looked up at the doorway. Mu Huayue leaned against the frame, frail as a willow in the breeze, yet refusing Xia Youxi’s offered support.

 

“Sister,” Xia Youxi called out.

 

Mu Huayue didn’t respond, only moved with slow, unsteady steps back to her bedroom. Xia Youxi followed closely behind. Once inside, Mu Huayue finally spoke, pointing to a bundle. “Go,” she said to Xia Youxi. “Tie up your little lover and throw her in the basement. Then kneel…” She paused, as if reconsidering, and changed her words. “…come back and find me.”

 

Xia Youxi glanced at the bundle. Inside were various… ahem… bondage tools she’d seen in Mu Huayue’s penthouse before. The situation was indeed troublesome. Without wasting time, she pulled out hemp rope and duct tape from the bundle, turned, and hurried out.

 

In no time, she had Ying Feifei, who had been causing trouble, bound and gagged. Xia Youxi glanced at the woman sprawled on the floor like a lump of mud, sighed silently, turned on the light, and quickly ran back upstairs.

 

At the door, Xia Youxi hesitated. Mu Huayue’s earlier behavior clearly showed her displeasure. What could be the reason?

 

Was it Ying Feifei’s accusations, or the relationship Xia Youxi hadn’t had a chance to explain, that made Sister Mu think she was a liar?

 

Ah, the Mysterious Force is such a pain in the ass.

 

Xia Youxi paced restlessly, when she heard a soft moan from inside the room. She immediately pushed the door open and rushed in.

 

“Sister.”

 

“Don’t come closer.” Mu Huayue clutched the corner of the blanket, her once rosy cheeks now pale. She bit her lower lip intermittently, clearly in pain, yet still wary and resistant to the medicine Xia Youxi offered.

 

Xia Youxi lowered her gaze, rummaging through the bags piled on the sofa. Ying Feifei had used the rope, leaving only small toys. Realizing she couldn’t rely on Mu Huayue in her current state, she picked out a pair of rose gold handcuffs and a length of silk. Turning back to the bed, she met Mu Huayue’s guarded gaze with a bitter smile.

 

Xia Youxi smiled faintly, pursing her lips, and began performing the familiar yet unfamiliar motions. First, she tied her legs with the silk, then looped the handcuffs around the bedpost, pleading with the wary Sister Mu, “Sister, it’s a bit awkward doing this alone. Could you help me?”

 

Mu Huayue’s gaze had been fixed on Xia Youxi since she entered the room. She watched the slender girl hop over to the bed, loop the handcuffs around the post, and then stand awkwardly on the floor, twisting and turning, unsure how to bind herself.

 

The floral and fruity scent intensified as Xia Youxi drew closer, filling the air around Mu Huayue. She thought that even if she merely tethered this silly girl to the bed, she might be able to sleep. But—

 

Those wide, fluttering eyes gazed up at her, and the slightly pursed corners of Xia Youxi’s mouth seemed to conceal untold grievances, all underscored by that bewitching, sweet-scented pheromone.

 

Mu Huayue couldn’t resist taking a deep breath. She patted the space beside her and commanded, “Get up here.”

 

“Thank you, Sister!” Xia Youxi’s face lit up with a radiant smile. She sat down, flipped over in one fluid motion, and in the blink of an eye, lay flat beside Mu Huayue.

 

The sweet fragrance intensified, and Mu Huayue couldn’t resist inching closer to Xia Youxi. When she realized her hand was about to brush against the other woman’s arm, she quickly clenched it into a fist, worried Xia Youxi might notice. She glanced at Xia Youxi, never expecting the silly girl to actually display such A-like virtue. Xia Youxi had closed her eyes and was apologizing, “I’m sorry, Sister. I couldn’t find anything to cover my eyes properly, but don’t worry, I’ll keep them tightly shut, like I’m blindfolded.”

 

A sudden flutter stirred in Mu Huayue’s heart, and a soft hum escaped her lips. Leaning slightly forward, she secured the handcuffs and placed the key in a spot out of Xia Youxi’s reach but easily accessible to herself.

 

Mu Huayue switched off the lights, plunging the room into silence. Xia Youxi lay on the bed, obediently playing the part of a docile “salted fish.” After a day of training with her team, followed by an evening of acting and tying people up, she drifted off to sleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

 

In her drowsy state, she felt a hand brush lightly across her shoulder, like a dragonfly skimming the water’s surface. After a moment, perhaps sensing her lack of reaction and assuming she was asleep, the hand returned, sliding down her arm like a snake from shoulder to wrist, then settling over her hand, slowly caressing it.

 

Xia Youxi wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she felt Sister Mu was intensely interested in her fingers.

 

One by one, her fingers were placed in Sister Mu’s palm and played with. The gland on her neck suddenly pulsed, followed by a warm breath brushing against her face. Something cold and slightly uncomfortable grazed her shoulder—it felt like a slender chin.

 

The back of her neck and her heart pounded in unison. Xia Youxi bit down hard on her lower lip to suppress any sound, her eyes squeezed shut as she turned her head away in a desperate attempt to escape. But a hand reached up, cupping her face and gently turning her back. Soft lips pressed against hers. Startled, she jerked her head to the left, but the lips followed, shifting slightly to kiss the corner of her mouth.

 

A light kiss, then the hand slid down her arm, gripping her hand and moving lower. As it descended, it brushed against places it shouldn’t have, sending a shiver through her body. She couldn’t help but open her eyes. The darkness was overwhelming, but after a moment, she could make out a figure nestled against her shoulder. Mu Huayue was curled up in her arms, like a small, insecure animal seeking comfort.

 

Xia Youxi moved her wrist, causing the handcuffs to rattle. She pursed her lips, suddenly regretting her decision. Why didn’t I just cuff myself? Why go to the trouble of looping the chain around the bed rail?

 

Now, she couldn’t even pull the blanket over Mu Huayue to keep her warm.

 

Sigh.

 

The next morning, Xia Youxi’s eyes snapped open, instantly dispelling her drowsiness. Though her vision was pitch-black, she knew it must be daylight. Surely I haven’t gone blind overnight?

 

“Sister,” Xia Youxi called out tremulously, her limbs twitching and rattling the chains. She guessed she was still bound to the bed, just as she had been the night before.

 

“Quiet,” a familiar, cold voice snapped in her ear. Xia Youxi stilled, even feeling a strange sense of reassurance. She moved her lips in a pout, complaining softly, “Sister, is it morning? I can’t see.”

 

The person beside her seemed to choke back a response. After a moment, they said, “Yes, you’ve gone blind. If you want your sight back, answer my questions obediently.”

 

Xia Youxi detected a hint of mockery in those words.

 

Though her heart remained calm, Xia Youxi maintained her vulnerable, pitiful act, responding softly, “Waaah, Sister, please save me. I still have a competition tonight.”

 

“Silly girl,” Mu Huayue chuckled lightly, gently poking Xia Youxi’s cheek. “How many lies did the old man tell you to tell me?”

 

The question was artfully phrased. Xia Youxi didn’t know how much Mu Huayue had investigated, but honesty was her greatest weapon. “I… I’m sorry, Sister,” she replied. “I do know someone named Ying Feifei, but the Ying Feifei I know doesn’t look like that and isn’t so flirty. I didn’t recognize her at first, which is why I said I didn’t know her.”

 

This was mostly true. Xia Youxi genuinely hadn’t recognized Ying Feifei during their first encounter. But Mu Huayue seemed skeptical. “Really? You’d let someone you don’t know call you ‘wife’?”

 

It’s not my fault she has a mouth, Xia Youxi thought.

 

She answered meekly, “Sister knows she’s a judge on the Production Team.”

 

“Hmph. She won’t be for long,” Mu Huayue scoffed. “You’d let her call you ‘wife’ for the competition, but if she’d tried to do something with you last night, would you have agreed?”

 

Why does she sound so jealous?

 

Xia Youxi quickly shook her head. “No, she’s not like my sister.”

 

A soft chuckle came from beside her ear, and she felt someone teasing her earlobe with her hair. “If I wanted to do something to you, would you agree?”

 

Distracted by the tickling hair, Xia Youxi turned her head, only to be scolded by Mu Huayue. “Did I tell you to move?”

 

Resigned, she straightened her posture and endured. “Sister…”

 

Mu Huayue withdrew her hand and pressed something cold and sharp against Xia Youxi’s neck. The metallic touch felt like iron, perhaps a syringe. Xia Youxi’s body stiffened, and she held her breath.

 

Mu Huayue leaned close to her ear, her voice soft and melodious, yet sending shivers down Xia Youxi’s spine. “This syringe is filled with a deadly poison. If I press the plunger, you’ll be forever confined to this bed. I prefer obedient little kittens. Now, what should you say to me?”

 

Sister Mu has activated her villain mode.

 

Xia Youxi sighed inwardly, feigning terror. She squeezed her eyes shut, her body trembling slightly, and replied, “I… Sister… I’ll tell you everything.”

 

“Mm, go on,” Mu Huayue said, withdrawing the syringe from Xia Youxi’s neck. Though blindfolded, Xia Youxi could feel Sister Mu’s gaze on her as she sat on the edge of the bed.

 

Seizing the moment, Xia Youxi sniffled, her voice trembling with feigned tears. “Waaah… I misjudged her. How could Ying Feifei do such a thing…?”

 

In a few tearful sentences, Xia Youxi recounted the conflict between Xia Weixi and Ying Feifei, explaining why Ying Feifei had sought her out. She ended with a sob, “Thank goodness you came today, Sister. Otherwise, I would have… waaaah…”

 

As she whimpered softly, the woman beside her ignored her theatrics and asked, “Before, she called you ‘wife’?”

 

Xia Youxi paused, then replied, drawing on the information provided by the Mysterious Force, “She usually called me ‘Xiaoxi’.”

 

Mu Huayue chuckled softly. “Xiaoxi… that’s quite intimate.”

 

Xia Youxi didn’t know what to say. Then Mu Huayue asked, “What do you think Ying Feifei will call you from now on?”

 

A chill ran down Xia Youxi’s spine. Her teeth chattering, she stammered, “Sister, you wouldn’t… you wouldn’t kill her, would you?”

 

A hand brushed her cheek, wiping away a tear. Mu Huayue’s voice softened. “What’s this? You care about her? Do you want to save her?”

 

Xia Youxi hesitated. She wanted Ying Feifei to suffer, but she didn’t want Mu Huayue to stain her hands with bl00d. While the novel’s society had lax laws, modern society was governed by the rule of law. Generally, villains who shed bl00d in contemporary settings met a fatal end.

 

She didn’t want Mu Huayue to suffer such a fate, but her prolonged silence made Mu Huayue believe she hadn’t given up on Ying Feifei. The hand wiping her tears moved upward, abruptly pulling away the black cloth covering her eyes.

 

Squinting, Xia Youxi gradually adjusted to the light. She saw the person sitting beside the bed—cold, arrogant, looking down at her with disdain. Even as a devoted fan, she couldn’t help but tremble.

 

Mu Huayue’s lips curved slightly, her palm pressing against Xia Youxi’s cheek in a half-smile. “Don’t worry. From now on, I’ll let you hear it with your own ears.”

 

If I can hear it, I probably won’t die, Xia Youxi thought, relieved. She blinked her large eyes at Mu Huayue. “Sister, I have a competition tonight. Could you…?” She moved her wrist, using the rattling of her restraints as a hint.

 

Mu Huayue responded with a soft laugh. “You’re the one who insisted on being tied up. Just lie there.”

 

Xia Youxi’s lips trembled as she whimpered, “Sister, I’ve been rehearsing so hard. I just wanted to show you my best side if you happened to watch the show. I’ll come straight home after my performance tonight. Could you please untie me?”

 

Mu Huayue stared at her, and Xia Youxi returned the gaze with wide, teary eyes. After a moment, she noticed Mu Huayue’s gaze waver slightly. The next instant, a shadow fell over her, and her hands were freed.

 

“Thank you, Sister. I promise to be home early tonight,” Xia Youxi said, rubbing her wrists as she sat up.

 

Mu Huayue stood beside her, looking down. “There’s no need,” she said softly. “Just wait for my orders.”

 

Xia Youxi untied the rope around her ankles and stumbled slightly as she stood, her legs stiff. Seeing Mu Huayue reach out, she swiftly leaned in the opposite direction, grabbing Mu Huayue’s hand and giving it a gentle shake. “Thank you, Sister. Since you’re here, would you like to come see the show tonight? The Production Team has arranged audience seating this time. I’ll ask them to reserve a convenient spot for you.”

 

Her large eyes fluttered before Mu Huayue, her voice soft and endearing like a small animal. Mu Huayue glanced at her briefly before quickly turning away, shaking off Xia Youxi’s hand. With a slight lift of her chin, she commanded, “That won’t be necessary. You may leave now.”

 

Xia Youxi left the room and returned to her own quarters to quickly tidy up. Before leaving, she wanted to say goodbye to Mu Huayue. But as she opened the door, she ran into two familiar faces: Wen An, CEO Mu’s assistant, and Meng Chang, the private physician.

 

Wen An nodded to her and led Meng Chang toward Mu Huayue’s room. Meng Chang, however, stood her ground, arms crossed, and smiled at Xia Youxi. “Miss Xia, could you wait a moment? Would you mind doing me a favor?”

 

Xia Youxi remembered Meng Chang’s veiled hostility at the hospital and instinctively sensed this was no ordinary request. But Meng Chang quickly added, “If you help me, it could greatly benefit CEO Mu’s health.”

 

Something that would help Sister Mu?

 

Xia Youxi nodded.

 

Meng Chang glanced up to confirm the camera in Xia Youxi’s room wasn’t active, then gestured for her to come inside.

 

Xia Youxi sat on the sofa and watched as Meng Chang retrieved bl00d-drawing equipment from her medical kit. The sight of the full tray of bl00d collection tubes made her scalp tingle. “Do you need all of these?”

 

“Of course,” Meng Chang replied, gripping Xia Youxi’s arm and tightening the tourniquet. She pressed on Xia Youxi’s skin, then swabbed it with antiseptic. Xia Youxi instinctively recoiled, thinking about how she still had a performance to give later. If she had to endure all this, she might faint on stage.

 

“Don’t move, Miss Xia,” Meng Chang said, waving the needle in front of her like the Grim Reaper brandishing his scythe. “If I miss the vein, I’ll have to try again.”

 

Xia Youxi began to struggle. “Why don’t I help you tonight instead? I have a competition soon.”

 

“Miss Xia, is the competition more important than CEO Mu?” Meng Chang pinned her arm firmly to the coffee table. Xia Youxi was about to explode when she heard hurried footsteps. A hand shot out before hers, snatched the IV catheter, and tossed it to the floor.

 

“Meng Chang, you’re in the wrong room.”

 

The speaker’s expression was icy calm. It was Mu Huayue from the neighboring room. Xia Youxi stared at her intently, but Mu Huayue didn’t return her gaze, instead glancing at Wen An behind her and instructing, “Take Xia Weixi to the practice room.”

 

Moments later, Wen An escorted Xia Youxi out of the room. As she left, Xia Youxi glanced back. Mu Huayue’s eyes were fixed on Meng Chang, her gaze as cold as a blade dipped in ice.

 

She’s angry…

 

For me?

 

Xia Youxi couldn’t quite describe her feelings, but the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved upward.

 

She quietly asked Wen An, “Sister Wen, is CEO Mu feeling unwell?”

 

Wen An remained expressionless. “Mm.”

 

Her lips were sealed tight.

 

Xia Youxi couldn’t pry any information from her. The two walked side by side in silence, leaving the villa dormitory.

 

As the door closed behind them, Mu Huayue and Meng Chang emerged from the house. Meng Chang, clearly displeased, urged, “Huayue, you’re being too lenient with that Alpha who’s nothing but lies. Allowing her to participate in the audition? Aren’t you afraid she’ll spill everything during the live broadcast?”

 

Mu Huayue’s gaze remained dark and thoughtful. After a moment, she replied, “She doesn’t have the courage. Stop trying to scare her. I know you want an Alpha for your research. Come with me.”

 

She led Meng Chang to the basement. Even before they reached the door, they could hear muffled whimpers and sobs from within. Meng Chang’s interest piqued. “Should I bring the medical kit?”

 

Mu Huayue answered flatly, “No need. What you’re carrying will suffice.”

 

With that, she pushed open the door and entered.

 

The pitch-black basement flooded with light. Ying Feifei, tightly bound to a chair, saw her visitors and began to thrash violently. The wooden chair creaked under the strain, and her mouth, taped shut, buzzed with muffled sounds, her expression a mix of shock, regret, and agitation.

 

Mu Huayue glanced at Ying Feifei, confirming she couldn’t escape, and instructed Meng Chang to remove the tape from her mouth.

 

“CEO Mu, what brings you here?” Ying Feifei asked with a nervous smile, but received no response. Her suspicions were confirmed: no CEO would bother intervening for an assistant unless there was more to it. That little fox Weixi! she thought. She tricked me and never mentioned hooking up with Mu Huayue, that gold digger!

 

How despicable!

 

Her emotions spilled out: “CEO Mu, don’t be fooled by Xia Weixi! She may look innocent, but she’s an Alpha who’s been secretly seducing Omegas behind your back!”

 

A flicker of disdain crossed Mu Huayue’s cold face, and the unfamiliar woman behind her burst into laughter. Ying Feifei was bewildered. “Aren’t you angry?”

 

Mu Huayue replied calmly, “She’s too obedient to dare such a thing.”

 

A flash of jealousy flickered in Ying Feifei’s eyes. We’re both living off others, so why am I stuck being a dog for some fat old woman while Xia Weixi gets to enjoy the trust of a rich, beautiful, and gullible CEO?

 

She refused to accept this. If Mu Huayue didn’t mind Alphas, why couldn’t she have her chance too?

 

A servile expression crept across her face as she tentatively asked, “CEO Mu, perhaps I drank too much last night and misread the situation. I was wrong yesterday, and I’m willing to accept any punishment. You can do whatever you want to me~”

 

She drew out the last word with a suggestive tone, and Meng Chang covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. A faint smile flickered across Mu Huayue’s face. “Those are your words.”

 

“Of course. I sincerely regret my actions and only ask for your magnanimity.”

 

Mu Huayue nodded in satisfaction and casually tapped the Green Chat voice message button on her phone. “You want to follow me?”

 

Ying Feifei’s face lit up. “It would be my honor!”

 

Mu Huayue then asked, “What about Madam Lu?”

 

Ying Feifei immediately replied, “How could that old fat hag ever compare to you? You’re Snow White, and she’s the wicked witch offering the poisoned apple. Don’t worry, I’ll be obedient and cut ties with her myself. I’ll never cause you any trouble.”

 

Mu Huayue nodded in satisfaction. Ying Feifei gazed up at her, already fantasizing about how she would whisper sweet nothings in Mu Huayue’s ear, monopolize the CEO’s favor, and drive out that fraud Xia Weixi.

 

A moment later, a voice responded from the other end of the line: “Very good.”

 

Did you hear that? CEO Mu said “very good”! She could finally ditch that old fat hag and start anew!

 

“I’ll help you—”

 

CEO Mu was indeed foolishly rich, Ying Feifei thought, smiling as she replied, “Thank you—”

 

“Madam Lu already knows.”

 

“What?” The words of gratitude caught in Ying Feifei’s throat, leaving her momentarily stunned.

 

Mu Huayue glanced at her before continuing, “Yes, I was quite curious about her reaction to you.”

 

With deliberate care, she switched the audio to speaker mode. In the silent underground room, a cold laugh suddenly echoed: “Heh, so that little minx thinks that way. How disappointing. But since she calls me an old witch, I might as well act like one. The Mu family’s Snow White, wouldn’t you agree?”

 

Mu Huayue tapped the play button, her gaze fixed on Ying Feifei’s horrified expression. “You’re right,” she said with a faint smile.

 

The words exploded like firecrackers, sending Ying Feifei writhing like an eel. “No, Madam Lu, CEO Mu, it’s not like that…”

 

She understood the deeper meaning behind those two sentences. Madam Lu—the wealthy patron she had been trying to secure—was an aging Omega socialite living off her late husband’s inheritance. Having endured her Alpha husband’s condescension in her youth, she now sought to reclaim her dignity by indulging in unequal power games with younger Alphas.

 

She didn’t care if her Alphas played around; she had too many “dogs” to keep track of. When she grew tired of them, she’d simply discard them. But whether she discarded them or not, she refused to tolerate any disparaging remarks about her—especially about her age—coming from the mouths of her “puppies.” If she ever found out, the consequences would be severe.

 

Ying Feifei still remembered the singer who had taken Madam Lu’s money to keep an Omega. One drunken night at a bar, they had mocked Madam Lu, calling her an “old sow.” The singer was not only blacklisted but also had his voice permanently silenced.

 

A jolt of panic shot through Ying Feifei. Her stammering turned into desperate shouts as she strained her neck: “CEO Mu, please save me! Xia Weixi and I are old acquaintances. Please, for her sake…”

 

The CEO’s eyes remained cold and indifferent. He even glanced at his phone while she spoke before turning to leave.

 

Desperate to survive, Ying Feifei blurted out: “She… she learned everything about the bedroom from me! I’m much better at pleasing people than she is. Take me, and I’ll make you feel like you’re floating on air! Or… or if you want, I’m willing to serve you together with Xia Weixi!”

 

Mu Huayue stopped and turned her head. “What exactly did you teach Xia Weixi?”

 

Ying Feifei, oblivious to Mu Huayue’s face darkening like the night sky, continued to offer herself: “I didn’t teach her much about bedroom matters. You should use me instead. I’ll do anything you want.”

 

Mu Huayue glanced at Ying Feifei, noting the woman’s forced smile and desperate eagerness. She sneered coldly, “No need. I find you disgusting. Meng Chang, shut her up.”

 

Ying Feifei froze, watching Mu Huayue turn to leave. Still clinging to hope, she shouted after her, “If I’m disgusting, is Xia Weixi any better? You rich people are all the same!”

 

The door slammed shut, but Ying Feifei continued her tirade. As she cursed, she suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she saw another unfamiliar woman standing behind her. Before she could lash out again, the woman smiled—a genuine, warm smile unlike Mu Huayue’s aloof disdain. Silenced, Ying Feifei listened as the woman praised her: “That’s right. Cursing won’t solve anything. You want to avoid Madam Lu’s spies, don’t you? I can help you.”

 

“You?” After being deceived so many times, Ying Feifei hesitated.

 

Meng Chang took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from Ying Feifei’s cheek. She untied Ying Feifei’s restraints and helped her to her feet. “I’ll get you out of here, but you need to help me first.”

 

“What kind of help?”

 

Meng Chang produced a contract and placed it before Ying Feifei, her smile as warm as a gentle breeze. “I need to register you first. Come, sign here at the bottom.”

 

Whether it was from yesterday’s ordeal or not, Ying Feifei’s head swam. She couldn’t quite make out the words on the paper, but seeing Meng Chang’s kind eyes, she took the pen and signed her name.

 

Double images blurred her vision. She swayed and collapsed to the floor, vaguely hearing someone ask her anxiously if she was alright. She waved weakly, still smiling, before collapsing completely.

 

Meng Chang glanced at her with feigned tenderness, stepped on her hand, and strode out. Mu Huayue waited outside the door. “Is it done?”

 

“Yes,” Meng Chang replied with a smile, her tone teasing. “It seems the little pet you left behind is more agreeable after all. But tell me, do you think she’s… tainted?”