Empire of Desire: An Alpha’s Financial Reign - Chapter 4

Life at Hwasin University was a whirlwind of activity—full of bright faces, bustling energy, and endless hustle. Among the sea of ambitious students, Han Jae-kyung stood out—not for being a top scholar or a social butterfly exclusively, but for being both. With a motto of “Work hard, play harder,” she embodied the spirit of a student who gave her all in the classroom and never held back when it came to enjoying life outside of it.
After a long day of lectures, intense group projects, and caffeine-fueled discussions, Han Jae-kyung—better known to her friends as Han Zaijing—decided she’d earned a little break. She sought out her usual partners-in-crime: the easygoing Lin Qianyang and the ever-sassy Ai Li.
“Qianyang, handsome guy, take me to the beach! I want to see pretty girls in bikinis!” she whined playfully, tugging at her sleeve with exaggerated pleading eyes that sparkled with mischief.
Ai Li, lounging nearby, burst into laughter. “What are you even going to do? Just stare? You’re such a little creep,” she teased, her eyes flickering downward in mock judgment before giving Han Zaijing a meaningful smirk.
Lin Qianyang, a classic beta with a cheerful demeanor and a smile for everyone, rolled her eyes with a grin. It was impossible not to like her—her warmth drew people in effortlessly. Ai Li, on the other hand, was a showstopper. Even before her secondary gender had presented itself, her androgynous charm made heads turn. As an Omega now, she commanded attention from men and women alike with the kind of confidence that dared you to look away.
“I’m not a creep! I’m a lover of beauty!” Han Zaijing huffed, pretending to be offended before launching herself at Ai Li in mock rage. “At least I don’t flirt with every guy that walks by like some people I know!”
Laughing, bickering, and pushing each other around, the trio eventually made their way to the beach. The golden sun kissed the shoreline, waves whispered over the sand, and the ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and summer freedom. It was the perfect day.
Zaijing sprawled beneath a large parasol, lounging in a beach chair with a cocktail in hand, her sunglasses perched low on her nose. She wore casual beach shorts and a tank top, her toned arms folded behind her head. With a relaxed smile and eyes glinting behind the lenses, she admired the stream of beachgoers—particularly the leggy women passing by in skimpy swimsuits.
“Wow… this is heaven,” she muttered.
A teasing voice cut through her reverie. “Wipe the drool off your chin, classmate.”
Zaijing didn’t even look up. “Yeah, yeah.”
“They’re hot, huh? Big br3asts~” the voice teased further.
Without missing a beat, Zaijing sighed dreamily. “Yeah… so big… and round…”
Before she could complete her daydream, someone grabbed her ear and twisted it. “Oww! Senior!” Zaijing cried out, turning to see the infamous upperclassman everyone admired—Ni Jia.
Dragging her away from the beach by the ear, Ni Jia led her to a secluded private pool behind the beach resort. Only the two of them were there, the sound of waves distant now.
“You little pervert,” Ni Jia said flatly, “teach me how to swim.”
Zaijing blinked. “What? But I was sunbathing…”
“You weren’t sunbathing. You were ogling.” Ni Jia smirked. “Teach me, and I’ll tell you my bust size.”
Zaijing paused, caught between indignation and intrigue. “…You drive a hard bargain.”
And so, the spontaneous lesson began.
The air was thick with summer warmth and the scent of chlorine. The quiet splashes of water filled the air as Zaijing stood poolside, watching Ni Jia wade in. Dressed in a flattering pink swimsuit with her hair tied up, Ni Jia looked radiant and carefree. Her long neck caught the sunlight, and her laughter echoed like music. She was like a fish in her element—graceful and bright.
Zaijing chuckled, then shrugged off her robe, revealing a sporty swimsuit beneath. She dove in with practiced ease, slicing through the water like a dolphin, emerging next to Ni Jia with a splash.
“All right, let’s begin,” she said with a soft but resolute tone.
Ni Jia nodded, eyes wide with excitement and a touch of nervousness. It was rare for them to be this close, and she could feel her heart fluttering as Zaijing approached.
Zaijing placed a steadying hand on Ni Jia’s waist. The girl flinched slightly at the contact, and Zaijing smiled gently. “Relax. You’re okay.”
Her voice was low, almost soothing. “First, learn how to float. I’ve got you.”
Ni Jia obeyed, her body tense at first but gradually loosening under Zaijing’s guidance. “Try breathing with the rhythm of your strokes. Here, I’ll hold your hand.”
Zaijing demonstrated patiently, her focus unwavering. The lewd glint from earlier had vanished, replaced by calm professionalism and sincere encouragement.
Hmph, Ni Jia thought, pouting slightly. She’s kind of cute when she’s serious.
But she had her silly moments too.
“My lungs are too small, I can’t hold my breath!” she exclaimed dramatically.
“I’m sinking—help me!”
“You made me swallow water again! Coach Han, are you even qualified?!”
Poor Zaijing took every accusation with wide-eyed innocence, sputtering and nearly crying from being scolded. “I’m trying my best!”
Their laughter and teasing eventually turned into a smooth routine. Ni Jia began to grasp the rhythm, her strokes becoming more coordinated, her confidence blooming.
“I did it!” she squealed, turning around in the water and leaping into Zaijing’s arms.
Zaijing froze, caught off-guard by the sudden hug. Ni Jia’s body was warm and soft against hers, and the proximity sent her heart into overdrive. Her gaze flickered to Ni Jia’s lips—plump, wet, and trembling slightly.
Ni Jia’s eyes closed.
And before she could think, Zaijing leaned in and kissed her.
It was a soft, cautious kiss—an innocent brush of lips born from impulse and wonder. Ni Jia stiffened, then relaxed slowly, responding with equal gentleness.
Sunlight danced on the pool’s surface, casting golden glimmers around them like blessings. In that stillness, nothing else existed—just the whisper of water, their breath, and the beat of two hearts finally in sync.
Moments later, Ni Jia pulled away, her face bright red. “Han Zaijing, you—you pervert!” she stammered, her voice trembling with embarrassment and something else—something that made her heart skip a beat.
Zaijing simply grinned.