After the Divorce, My Ex-Wife Suddenly Became an Alpha - Chapter 19
Chapter 19: Blocked
In the 30th-floor office of the Gu Corporation’s Twin Towers, several sharp-suited elites either sat or stood, their gazes fixed on the figure at the head of the table.
Today, Gu Jin Xiao was dressed in a black women’s suit. The crisp lines of the formalwear made her aura even more formidable than usual. Her long hair was pinned up, revealing a slender, fair neck, and a pair of jade-bead earrings adorned her ears—an image of decisiveness and elegance.
It had long been rumored that the Gu Corporation was undergoing a generational power transition. The previous frontrunner as heir was Gu Cheng Ye, her older cousin, a 34-year-old Alpha who had always helmed the company’s most profitable division, Xiyuan Mining. But over the past two years, Gu Jin Xiao had increasingly entered the decision-making sphere.
Though a female Alpha, her capabilities far exceeded those of her peers—intelligence and boldness on par with any male. A year ago, she had been punished for a marriage scandal and sent to the remote Liuyuan Mining System. But not long after, she returned with a new project. Now, her name and company “Cross Star” had made it onto the military department’s radar, and she looked to soon surpass her cousin altogether.
At the moment, a large projection screen displayed an interstellar route map. As several team members rapidly entered calculated data into terminals, corresponding trajectories appeared on the map. The only sounds in the vast office were keystrokes tapping away.
Gu Jin Xiao stood before the projection, frowning as she examined the routes, occasionally swiping away pre-set waypoints.
Delta-73, Gamma-66… One by one, the suggested locations were vetoed. A nearby assistant softly reminded her, “Boss, Madam Gu specifically instructed you to act with moderation. These are all our own people… maybe consider leaving them a bit of leeway.”
Gu Jin Xiao’s digital tablet blinked in her hand as she smirked, “Leave them leeway to screw me over?”
Gu Xing Chen knew her personality well and wanted to continue persuading her, but Gu Jin Xiao had already waved her off. With furrowed brows, she looked at the massive star map. “Even if we included them all, it still wouldn’t be enough.”
This time, the transaction with the military involved hundreds of thousands of tons of Usis ore. Based on the current fleet capacity under Gu Corporation, the sheer logistics were staggering, and the security level still far from her ideal.
Not to mention, there were always those looking to exploit the situation for personal gain.
On the mining planet, extraction was in full swing. Once the raw ore reached the target quantity, it had to be quickly shipped to the capital’s refinery for processing. Any delay in delivery wouldn’t just harm their credibility—it would derail her subsequent plans. As she pondered, her fingertip unconsciously stroked the edge of the smooth table.
She was still deep in thought when the office doors opened again. A uniformed beauty stepped in, carrying a paper box. Her gaze swept over the group. “…Weren’t you supposed to finish by noon?”
“Colonel Chi,” the assistant greeted her with a keen eye. Ever since accompanying Gu Jin Xiao to work once, this Colonel Chi seemed to quite enjoy the routine. For the past few days, she’d come by on time every day to pick her up.
Though the boss always wore a calm expression, as a detail-oriented assistant, Gu Xing Chen had noticed that just one minute before Colonel Chi knocked each time, her boss would pause her work and straighten her jacket.
With no immediate solution to the current issue, Gu Jin Xiao dismissed the team. As she stood and fastened the button on her blazer, she said, “…I forgot to mention earlier, the meeting ran long.”
Chi Yue Jing didn’t seem to mind. Since she had already reported the bug attack on Gu Jin Xiao to the Central Surveillance Bureau, it made sense for her to stick around as a bodyguard. She nodded, “It’s fine. I noticed it’s already lunch break and came to remind you to eat.”
It wasn’t just a reminder—she had also researched several top-rated private kitchens nearby. Seeing Gu Jin Xiao turn off her screen, she casually said, “I noticed Xinggang opened a new branch nearby—rumor has it they brought over the head chef from Yunfu Star…”
It was a famous fusion restaurant across the federation, known for its fresh, air-shipped ingredients and delicate flavors—perfect for Gu Jin Xiao’s taste.
But Gu Jin Xiao paused, her expression apologetic. “I have something I need to take care of over lunch. I won’t have time to eat. How about I ask Xing Chen to book you a table?”
Chi Yue Jing quickly said, “No need, I already had cake in the break room. Where are you going? I’ll drive.”
She feared her overly-polite wife would refuse again, so she added, “The inner city isn’t completely safe yet. I’m free anyway—might as well keep you company.”
…
Towering Roman columns and a fountain came into view, neatly trimmed boxwood trees lining the promenade that led to the Capital Star’s military headquarters: Victory Heroes Plaza.
The Military Department was one of the Federation’s four core institutions. In the large plaza, hovercraft and starcars from all regions were parked. Uniform rows of towering boxwood trees flanked the central boulevard leading to the main building. Armed guards marched in formation, their silver epaulets gleaming in the sunlight.
“Only on Capital Star would they still insist on using real soldiers for patrols instead of defense bots,” Chi Yue Jing commented offhandedly as she parked in the visitor area.
The Chi family had served the military for generations. She had often visited this place with her grandfather as a child, and hadn’t expected that even after a decade, the pomp remained unchanged.
Gu Jin Xiao stepped out of the car with her. Hearing her comment, she smiled, “Maybe the point isn’t efficiency—but symbolism.”
The further removed from civilian norms they were, the more the military’s lofty image would be reinforced. As she spoke, she made her way to the small security booth and scanned her ID card.
Her destination was the Equipment Department on the third floor. But just as she reached the hallway, she was blocked by a stern-faced officer who appeared to be a secretary.
“Hello, I’m Gu Jin Xiao from Cross Star Corporation. I submitted a meeting request with General Ge Ling Xing a week ago. The appointment is scheduled for 15 minutes from now,” she said, showing her application.
The officer barely glanced at it and coldly replied, “Apologies. The general has an important emergency meeting this afternoon. All non-urgent appointments are canceled. Please leave.”
The sudden, blunt refusal left Gu Jin Xiao momentarily stunned. She had scheduled this appointment a full week in advance—only to be brushed off at the last minute? She tried again. “This is very urgent. I won’t take much of his time. Could you please check with him directly?”
“Ma’am, this is the Military Department,” the officer raised his voice slightly, “If you’re not at least of school rank, it’s a non-urgent appointment.”
Gu Jin Xiao nearly laughed out of frustration. “Sir, are you saying that’s an official policy? I followed your procedures and scheduled a meeting. Even if it’s canceled, shouldn’t there be a formal notice or attempt to reschedule, rather than a one-line dismissal?”
She wasn’t fond of arguing, but this general was notoriously hard to meet. She had scrambled for days on the network just to secure this slot—being turned away like this felt like an utter waste.
The officer frowned. “Do you think the General is some low-level bureaucrat? If he’s busy, it’s because he’s handling matters that impact the entire Federation. If your appointment is canceled, just reapply later.”
His tone turned sharp, trying to intimidate her. He assumed she was just a civilian entrepreneur—easily brushed aside. He made no effort to go upstairs and verify.
Besides, lunch was soon—who wanted to waste time running errands for a civilian? He shrugged dismissively and turned to leave, only to be stopped by another figure.
What was with people today? All so pushy… He glanced up impatiently—only to freeze as he caught sight of the insignia on her shoulder.
His attitude flipped in an instant. “Ma’am…” Recognizing her superior rank, he instinctively saluted. “How may I assist you?”
Chi Yue Jing didn’t acknowledge him at first. She looked toward Gu Jin Xiao to ensure she hadn’t been jostled. Only then did she say calmly, “I think you owe her an apology.”
All visitors had to register at the entrance. Gu Jin Xiao had told her not to follow up, but in this short window, her wife had almost been bullied.
“I don’t recall any regulation granting officers the right to manhandle civilians,” Chi Yue Jing said evenly. “Lieutenant, you’ve overstepped. Apologize.”
By now, even the dimmest soldier would realize he’d offended someone’s VIP. He awkwardly stepped back and forced a smile. “Ma’am, I apologize for my earlier attitude.”
“But the General truly doesn’t have time today,” he quickly added, afraid Chi Yue Jing might press further, “There’s a three-hour emergency meeting this afternoon. All appointments were canceled.”
“Perhaps… except for the one happening now.”
A new voice interjected with a smile.