Alpha, Straight To The Crematorium - Chapter 1
1: Work
City A, KN Group Headquarters
In the grand lobby of the 39-story KN Group building, three figures hurriedly dashed through, drawing attention.
“Are those three from the gaming department’s top brass? Why are they in such a rush? Did something happen?”
“No clue. I stopped by the gaming department a few days ago, and everyone there looked half-dead. But today, they seem unusually sharp.”
“They’ve been working hard. Enchantment has been getting great feedback since its launch. I’ve noticed their department’s Alpha hitting the pharmacy more often lately.”
“Pfft, probably buying suppressants for unstable pheromones.”
The onlookers’ chatter was purely for gossip, but only the three rushing figures knew the anxiety gripping their hearts.
Why did President Si return so suddenly? And two days early, no less!
“Secretary Chen, maybe we shouldn’t tell President Si about that artist just yet,” the man on the left suggested, wiping sweat from his forehead.
The woman on the right chimed in, “Secretary Chen, Manager Gao’s right. President Si just got back from a business trip—let her rest.” She forced an awkward smile, playing the considerate subordinate.
“If you wanted President Si to rest, you should’ve handled this properly beforehand.” Secretary Chen replied, though he hesitated before continuing. “President Si takes this matter seriously, and that artist’s stance is firm. Let’s see how she decides.”
At the mention of the artist, the two managers felt a headache coming on. They knew how much President Si valued Enchantment. With a helpless sigh, they fell silent.
The trio didn’t wait long at the entrance before a flashy red sports car pulled up smoothly in front of the KN building.
Moments later, a sharp-dressed woman stepped out of the bold vehicle.
She stood around 1.75 meters tall, her waist-length wavy hair swaying with her movements. Her fair, delicate face and striking amber eyes, framed by long, thick lashes, exuded a mysterious and commanding presence.
The three waiting at the entrance immediately approached her.
Si Rong preferred efficiency, so as soon as Secretary Chen stood before her, he began delivering a clear, logical report of recent work.
Si Rong, striding confidently in her black high heels, led the trio into the building. Only when they paused at the elevator did Secretary Chen conclude his update.
Si Rong never doubted their competence, and their work over this period had indeed been impressive.
Seeing her neutral expression, Secretary Chen continued, “President Si, Enchantment’s public beta results are excellent, with great player feedback. We can start planning the second half of the year’s side storylines. The planning department is also pushing for the new NPC’s character design.”
Si Rong raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Character design issues typically wouldn’t reach her desk. But she trusted her team—if it wasn’t a real problem, they wouldn’t bring it to her.
“What’s the issue? Wasn’t the artist we chose before perfect for this?”
She vividly recalled that artist’s portfolio, which was ideal for the new NPC’s design.
“That’s the problem, President Si,” Manager Gao said, handing her a file. “This artist, Linyue, real name Li Yuan, is an Omega and a top graduate from the Imperial Capital Academy of Fine Arts. She’s primarily an illustrator for novels, doing covers or inserts, and has never worked on game character designs. She rejected our offer for that reason.”
“What was the offer?”
“After her initial refusal, the planning department raised the offer to three times the market rate.”
Si Rong tapped the folder lightly, murmuring, “And she still refused.” Her tone was certain as she scanned the artist’s profile.
Linyue, real name Li Yuan, Omega, graduated with honors from the Imperial Capital Academy of Fine Arts, from a well-off family.
Someone like that didn’t lack money—cash alone wouldn’t sway her.
Si Rong mentally assessed the artist’s background. Moments later, she handed the file back to Secretary Chen. “Arrange a meeting with her within a week.”
“Yes, President Si.”
Just as they finished, Si Rong’s phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she felt a headache brewing.
The elevator arrived at that moment. Si Rong gestured to the trio with her chin. “Go up first. I’ll take this call. Meeting in half an hour.”
The three nodded and hurried into the elevator to prepare.
Once they were gone, Si Rong stepped to a quiet corner and answered, “Hello, Mom?”
“Si Rong! You still remember to pick up my calls!” The woman’s voice on the other end was sharp, clearly upset.
Si Rong rubbed her temple helplessly. “Mom, the company’s been really busy, and I just got back from a trip. I’ll call you next time, I promise.”
“Forget it. I’d sooner expect a pig to climb a tree than rely on you Alphas.”
Si Rong awkwardly brushed back a strand of hair, used to her mother’s verbal barrages.
“Fine, let’s get to the point,” her mother said, venting her frustration before moving on. “I met an auntie while traveling. Her daughter’s your age, a lovely, beautiful, and well-mannered Omega who works in City A. I’ve set up a meeting for you the day after tomorrow. I’ll send you the address later.”
“Mom, seriously? You go on one trip and already find me a blind date?” Si Rong was exasperated, almost laughing. Her mother was perpetually worried about her love life. “I’m only 26, and you’re pushing me to date? Why not bug my brother instead?”
“Your brother?” Her mother snorted. “I’d sooner expect a pig to climb a tree than rely on him!”
“It’s settled. If you dare stand her up, I’ll fly back and deal with you myself!” Without giving Si Rong a chance to protest, her mother hung up.
“Mom—” Si Rong frowned at her phone, visibly annoyed.
With the Alpha-Omega ratio so imbalanced these days, her mother’s urgency was understandable, but it didn’t make Si Rong any less frustrated.
This mood carried into the meeting half an hour later, where everyone in the room sensed the “female tyrant’s” tension.
The atmosphere was like walking on thin ice, with everyone on edge.
Fortunately, Si Rong didn’t let personal frustrations affect her work. An hour later, the meeting concluded smoothly.