After the Divorce, My Ex-Wife Suddenly Became an Alpha - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Abide by A-virtue

For the first time in her life, Gu Jinxiao felt like a “scumbag Alpha” towards herself. She looked at the calm person in front of her, a blush unconsciously creeping onto her face, and she softly asked, “…Have you been waiting long?”

Just now in the ward, she had been so absorbed in inhaling her pheromones that she completely forgot herself, and then she unceremoniously abandoned the person there. Now that she thought about it, this behavior was, in any case, a bit… excessive.

The warmth spread to the back of her ears. Gu Jinxiao, feeling guilty, quickly took the initiative to show goodwill: “Thank you so much for today.”

She spoke sincerely, a smile appearing on her face. Chi Yuejing watched her silently, as if trying to discern some answer from her face, but ultimately, she just slightly curved her lips.

“No need to be polite,” she said calmly, “As your partner, this is what I should do.”

Gu Jinxiao’s eyes suddenly widened.

Chi Yuejing didn’t say anything more. At this moment, the driver had already parked the car in front. To avoid causing congestion, she stepped forward and moved aside, motioning for Gu Jinxiao to get in first.

Because they were attending a banquet, Chi Yuejing didn’t drive their family’s planetary car, but instead had a new model of limousine brought from the Chi family. After they got in, the driver raised the partition in the back seat, thoughtfully leaving a small private space.

And this quietness made Gu Jinxiao’s recently calmed emotions stir again. She could feel that although Chi Yuejing’s posture was very proper, her attention was still fixed on her, so tangible that it made her uneasy.

“Jinxiao…” After a few seconds, she indeed called out to her. Chi Yuejing’s body slightly turned, and her arm gently reached over.

They weren’t sitting far apart. With her movement, Gu Jinxiao immediately sensitively noticed the scent in the air wafting out slightly. The smell of white iris assaulted her, and her spine stiffened sensitively. Chi Yuejing didn’t stop her movement; instead, she slowly leaned forward, unfolding the small blanket in her hand and placing it on Gu Jinxiao’s lap.

So that’s it…

Gu Jinxiao didn’t know why she suddenly felt relieved. After covering her with the blanket, Chi Yuejing very straightforwardly withdrew her hand, resuming her proper, large-dog-like sitting posture.

Seeing her remain silent, Gu Jinxiao felt a little embarrassed. She secretly glanced over. The person sat upright, with her hands clasped and resting on her lap. She had never carefully observed before, but Chi Yuejing’s hands were actually very beautiful, with slender, flexible fingers and clear knuckles protruding on the back of her hand.

After watching for a few seconds, the skin on her lower back vaguely started to feel a bit hot. Suddenly, a scene from not long ago flashed through her mind: it was these hands that had clasped her waist, pressing her into an embrace with a gentle yet undeniable force…

This beautiful image made Gu Jinxiao’s face flush crimson. She restlessly shifted her body, her skirt brushing against the car carpet, making a faint “rustling” sound.

“I’m sorry,” she subconsciously looked at the fabric stained with shallow wine marks, feeling very much to blame, “Such a beautiful dress, and I got it dirty the first time I wore it.”

Chi Yuejing turned her head. Her gaze wasn’t on the stain on the dress, but rather on Gu Jinxiao’s face. She said, “Don’t apologize. It’s fine if the dress is dirty. You being safe and sound… that’s the most important thing to me.”

As an Alpha herself, Gu Jinxiao had to admit that the other person was truly an attractive individual, especially when speaking softly like this, shedding that sharp edge and revealing a gentle tenderness. Looking into those eyes, her heart unconsciously skipped a beat, feeling as if… all her panic had nowhere to hide.

Perhaps it was due to the influence of this person’s pheromones that her thoughts were inexplicably in disarray. She discreetly cleared her throat, smiling as she changed the subject: “Now that it’s just the two of us, you can probably relax on that ‘model Alpha partner’ image.”

If this continued, she really couldn’t handle the intensity of the other person’s gaze.

The car fell silent. To Gu Jinxiao’s slight relief, Chi Yuejing didn’t speak again for the rest of the journey. The car sped smoothly, quickly passing through the star-studded valley and returning to the familiar main city thoroughfares.

After arriving home, she didn’t bother with anything else, first going to the bedroom to change out of the expensive evening gown. It was a good thing she was cautious and hadn’t handed the dress to that waiter, otherwise, she probably wouldn’t be able to find it now. After carefully placing the dress in a dust bag, she placed an online order with a well-known dry cleaner, arranging for them to pick up the clothes early the next morning.

After resolving the issue with the dress, she felt a little lighter. She casually removed the pins from her hair, letting her long hair fall loosely as she stepped out of the walk-in closet.

She happened to encounter Chi Yuejing, who was coming out with a first-aid kit.

She had also changed out of her going-out clothes, wearing a dark blue loungewear set. The silk shirt collar drooped loosely, revealing a straight line of collarbone. Gu Jinxiao suddenly realized that they seemed to have accidentally… worn matching pajamas?

Chi Yuejing also saw the soft white loungewear on her. The white looked like the texture of ice cream, with a subtle pearlescent shimmer. And she stood there awkwardly under the light, her eyes revealing an innocent, watery sheen that, combined with her vibrant lips, looked moist and very attractive.

Chi Yuejing watched intently, while Gu Jinxiao, opposite her, had already somewhat unnaturally pulled at her collar. She turned her head, trying her best to make her voice sound nonchalant and composed about such a thing: “…Haha, I was just about to get the first-aid kit.”

Chi Yuejing thoughtfully pretended not to notice her flushed face. She put down the first-aid kit and asked, “Oh, right, the doctor said you have to wait until the allergic reaction completely disappears before injecting the inhibitor. Be careful not to misuse any medication.”

Gu Jinxiao actually didn’t really want to discuss this topic with her. She awkwardly took the first-aid kit and said softly, “I know… I just wanted to, wanted to re-bandage the tape on my hand.”

As she spoke, she took out the povidone-iodine, fumbling to forcefully twist open the cap. Her movements were too quick, and the bottle swayed, spilling liquid all over her hand. Chi Yuejing had already given up the sofa seat, but seeing this, she silently sighed and walked back over.

“I’ll help you,” she said without question, taking the small bottle and placing it steadily on the coffee table. She then pulled out a few wet wipes and carefully wiped the excess iodine solution from Gu Jinxiao’s hand.

Povidone-iodine leaves yellow marks on the skin that are difficult to wash off if not dealt with promptly. She held Gu Jinxiao’s hand like that, wiping little by little. Gu Jinxiao awkwardly watched her lowered eyelashes, feeling as though there was nowhere proper to rest her gaze. Her heart pounded erratically, and a wave of heat surged uncontrollably.

It must be because the stress reaction hadn’t subsided yet.

She didn’t want to appear too foolish, so she simply closed her eyes. But then she heard a soft chuckle near her ear.

“In that position, I might misunderstand.”

Chi Yuejing had finished bandaging her fingers. She gently released her hand and said unhurriedly, “However, as a model Alpha partner, if you need my comfort, please tell me anytime.”

Gu Jinxiao immediately grabbed a pillow nearby and covered her face, muffledly speaking from behind the pile of pillows: “No, thank you.”

“….”

It wasn’t until the next morning that the unpleasant stress reaction finally completely disappeared, much to the relief of the anxious Gu Jinxiao.

After all, she really didn’t have the courage to ask Chi Yuejing to let her “suck” her pheromones again like she was petting a cat.

At this moment, feeling refreshed, she sat at the dining table, one fair little foot rubbing unconsciously against the soft long pile of the carpet. On the opposite balcony, Chi Yuejing, with her back to her, was talking to Dr. Lan Nuo on the communicator.

This was another matter Gu Jinxiao was concerned about. After the last check-up, the doctor had said that Chi Yuejing’s injury needed to be treated in the treatment capsule as soon as possible. Counting the days, they indeed needed to put this on their agenda.

Chi Yuejing finished her call and returned, meeting her wife’s concerned gaze. She thought for a moment and decided to share the good news first: “The doctor has arranged a treatment plan. I can prepare for the surgery.”

Gu Jinxiao indeed revealed a relieved smile. She pushed the freshly poured coffee towards the other person and asked, “Anything else?”

If it was just this one matter, they shouldn’t have been talking for so long.

This time, Chi Yuejing paused before telling her the other new message: “We might need to go back to the Chi family home.”

She explained, “Before, I didn’t want to have surgery mainly because I was worried about safety. If I enter the treatment capsule, I can’t leave for 24 hours. During that time, if anything happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to respond in time. Dr. Lan just told me that Grandpa has returned to the Capital Star, so the Chi family home would be more convenient for treatment.”

As a high-ranking military official in charge of the Expeditionary Fleet, Elder Chi’s status was exceptional. If they stayed at the Chi family home, Gu Jinxiao’s safety would naturally not be an issue.

However… thinking of how she should face this stern and aloof elder, Gu Jinxiao still felt a bit nervous.

Chi Yuejing noticed her awkwardness and took the initiative to say, “You don’t have to worry too much about the divorce. I didn’t tell Grandpa the real situation before, so he thought… it was all my fault.”

Gu Jinxiao looked up at her.

Then she heard Chi Yuejing continue, “Grandpa hit me once back then, so this time… you can just confidently blame everything on me.”

“….”

The four major districts of the Capital Star have always had the saying “East for wealth, West for nobility.” As a distinguished family spanning several generations, the Chi family owned a vast and luxurious villa in the western suburbs.

Unlike the exquisite and beautiful scenery of Luoxia Mountain Villa, the western suburbs presented a magnificent view. The mountain roads were densely planted with towering green pines and cypresses, shrouded in mist, with faint glimpses of white-walled, black-tiled buildings scattered among the mountains.

The car drove around a bend and stopped. Rustling bamboo groves came into view, and climbing roses flourished along the wall, their branches extending over the barrier, cascading with vibrant flowers. The wind gently blew, carrying a fragrant scent.

Since getting married, Gu Jinxiao had only visited here twice, and each time she stayed only briefly before leaving. This was her first time truly having the leisure to appreciate this courtyard.

The spry butler, a middle-aged male Alpha in his fifties who still walked with a brisk pace, was already waiting at the entrance to welcome them. Seeing the two get out of the car, he smiled: “Miss, Miss Gu, welcome back to the Chi family.”

“Uncle Chi.” Chi Yuejing greeted him first, then turned around, gently supporting Gu Jinxiao who was behind her, and naturally took her wrist.

The butler, addressed as “Uncle Chi,” raised an eyebrow, and his smile seemed to deepen. He led the two forward, chattering, “I heard you were coming back, so the kitchen started preparing early this morning. The Commander hasn’t had a good appetite these days, please persuade him to eat more later.”

They conversed softly along the way. Gu Jinxiao didn’t interject, her eyes taking in the riot of colors. She discovered that the Chi family courtyard actually had so many flowers and plants. Besides the flowerbeds in front, she could also see a glass roof in the distance, which must be a specially designed glass conservatory.

Noticing her gaze, Uncle Chi smiled and introduced, “The Commander’s wife used to love flowers very much. Ever since she passed away, whenever the Commander goes on an expedition and finds flower seeds on other planets, he still habitually brings back a plant. Over time, the scale just kept growing.”

This was the first time Gu Jinxiao had heard this story. She looked at the flower bushes in the courtyard and couldn’t help but sigh softly, “So that’s it. Grandpa Chi is truly a devoted person.”

She wanted to admire it more closely, but when she turned her head, she suddenly noticed a figure standing under the eaves of the corridor. Two sharp gazes were distantly looking in their direction.

The devoted Elder Chi stood tall in front of the main house. He wasn’t wearing a military uniform, but a black traditional Chinese jacket, holding a watering can in his hand. Gu Jinxiao even felt that the ordinary watering can in his hand inexplicably exuded a sharp, sword-drawing aura.

This was the renowned War God of the Federation’s Expeditionary Army. Despite being over seventy, Elder Chi still looked vigorous. He watched as the few people walked up to him, first sternly scrutinizing his granddaughter, then shifting his gaze back to Gu Jinxiao’s face, adjusting into a barely softened expression: “You’re here.”

Perhaps it was his prominent military demeanor, but under that scrutinizing gaze, Gu Jinxiao involuntarily straightened her back a bit.

The elder invited them to sit in the tea room. As soon as the water boiled, he looked at Chi Yuejing again and began to scold her unceremoniously: “I heard about the Autumn Evening Banquet. It was absolute nonsense. You were watching her closely, yet Miss Gu still got into trouble. Is this all you learned from the Far Star Fleet?”

It had only been one day, and he had already received the news.

Being lectured by the family patriarch, Chi Yuejing didn’t retort at all, merely listening with downcast eyes. However, Gu Jinxiao, who had never experienced such a scene, became even more nervous. Hearing the elder’s increasingly booming voice, which reverberated through the entire tea room like thunder, she had no doubt that this decisive old man could start hitting someone in the next second.

She carefully held her teacup and bravely spoke up for Chi Yuejing: “Grandpa Chi… Actually, this can’t be blamed on Yuejing. It was mainly my carelessness…”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she suddenly remembered Chi Yuejing’s earlier instruction to “blame it on me.” Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively glanced at the elder opposite her. Sure enough, the elder’s face seemed to have darkened even more. She panicked a little, holding the teacup, unsure whether to drink or put it down, just愣愣地 frozen in place.

Oh no… should she not have spoken?

Just as she was feeling utterly at a loss, a hand reached out at the opportune moment, moving her teacup onto the coaster. Then, it took her restless hand and pulled it under the tea table. Chi Yuejing gently held her hand, her fingertips reassuringly caressing the delicate back of her hand, signaling her not to worry.

“It can’t be blamed on her, this was my oversight,” she admitted proactively, “It will absolutely not happen again in the future.”

Seeing the two of them rushing to admit fault, Elder Chi was slightly taken aback.

The air fell into a strange silence. The butler, seeing that the situation wasn’t right, cleverly offered the elder an out: “I smell something fragrant drifting over. The kitchen’s soup must be ready.”

This sentence made Elder Chi narrow his eyes and take the hint, “In that case, let’s eat first.”

He stood up decisively. When he reached the doorway, he stopped and glanced at his granddaughter, not lightly, not heavily: “Before you enter the treatment capsule, remember to water all the flowers in the courtyard for me.”

Chi Yuejing’s expression remained unchanged as she gently replied, “Yes, Grandpa.”

She agreed without any difficulty, but Gu Jinxiao subtly pursed her lips. She had witnessed the magnificent scale of that sea of flowers on her way there. Elder Chi wasn’t just telling his granddaughter to water the flowers; he was clearly trying to physically punish her.

After lunch, she ignored Chi Yuejing’s protests and insisted on going to the garden with her.

“There are three different flowerbeds in this courtyard alone, plus the glass house in the back garden… there must be thousands of plants, right?” She walked along, planning the route in her mind, and couldn’t help but complain, “Your grandpa… has he always been this harsh with you?”

Chi Yuejing didn’t answer. The garden path was paved with pebbles, making it slippery and difficult to walk on. She intentionally lagged two steps behind the huffing Gu Jinxiao, and hearing the question, she just looked up at her.

Afraid that the delicate-looking Miss Gu would get dizzy from the sun, the butler had specially found a round-top straw sun hat for her to wear. At this moment, framed by the slightly wide brim, her face appeared even smaller and somewhat cute. She looked gently at the person in front of her, her gaze falling on her slightly pouting lips, and couldn’t help but smile.

“Just now, saying those things in front of Grandpa, were you trying to protect me?”