Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 34

Chapter 34

What did she think?

The question caught Yu Jing off guard.

For nineteen years, Yu Jing believed she was an Alpha. Her mother, Zhou Yuying, thought so too. No one ever taught her how an Omega should handle going into heat.

Later, she researched online and learned that in such cases, you either use a suppressant or find an Alpha to mark you.

Marking was such an intimate act that Yu Jing, who had never been in a relationship, didn’t consider it. During the last recording in City A, she took a suppressant from the hospital, planning to use it when her heat came next month. But she never expected her heat to arrive early, and she hadn’t brought the suppressant.

She also never imagined she’d reveal herself to Ming Zhu.

Rationally, Yu Jing didn’t want to be marked in that moment. But, by some twist of fate, Ming Zhu’s genes were too compatible with hers. She keenly sensed the pheromones from Ming Zhu’s wound—so enticing—that she lost all reason, lunged forward, and inadvertently got herself marked…

Could she blame Ming Zhu?

Of course not.

Knowing she was an Omega made Yu Jing anxious, fearing her gender would be exposed. But going into heat in front of Ming Zhu, clinging to her, and actively getting marked—she felt suffocated just thinking about it.

The large ward held only the two of them, the door shut tight with no one entering, yet Yu Jing felt utterly humiliated.

If an Alpha forcibly marked an unwilling Omega, it was a serious crime. Though Ming Zhu hadn’t “forced” her, it was undeniable that her genes and pheromones had fused into Yu Jing’s body. Ming Zhu had to clarify Yu Jing’s stance.

Yu Jing knew marking wasn’t trivial and could grasp Ming Zhu’s concerns.

Her hand gripped the mask strap tighter, her pale face flushing again, lashes trembling, eyes timidly meeting Ming Zhu’s. She whispered, “Don’t worry, I won’t cause you trouble.”

Ming Zhu was satisfied with this, her tense nerves relaxing, her calm returning. She said lightly, “Good.”

It was an awkward situation. Yu Jing had no grounds to blame Ming Zhu. In such a dire state, Ming Zhu had stayed composed, hadn’t taken advantage, and even got her to the hospital. Her character was impeccable.

Ming Zhu was truly remarkable.

Why had Yu Jing been so prejudiced before?

Feeling ashamed of her past pettiness, Yu Jing sat up straighter, looked into Ming Zhu’s eyes, and said earnestly, “Sister Ming Zhu, thank you so much.”

She thanked her for not prying, for agreeing to keep her secret, and for her generosity and care.

Morning sunlight streamed through the window, gently falling behind the girl, turning her hair a beautiful gold.

Still recovering and just awake, Yu Jing’s voice was softer than usual. No longer hiding, her slightly messy hair framed her face, making her look docile and sweet. Her peach-blossom eyes were bright and sincere, like clear mirrors, stirring a pang of guilt in the viewer.

Ming Zhu’s throat tightened, and she quickly looked away at the warm sunlight behind, murmuring a low “mm.”

Yu Jing didn’t specify what she was thankful for, but Ming Zhu understood, feeling unworthy of the gratitude.

Ming Zhu wasn’t a saint. Last night, stumbling upon Yu Jing in heat, she initially just wanted to help, with no ulterior motives. But when Yu Jing’s hot, soft lips sucked at her wound, Ming Zhu faltered, her body shamefully reacting.

Normally, Alphas far outmatch Omegas in strength and stamina, especially a heat-stricken Omega. Ming Zhu could’ve easily restrained her. But that suck threw her off.

The sensation was foreign, thrilling her body, making it tremble. Stunned, she let Yu Jing succeed in marking.

Ming Zhu didn’t plan to tell Yu Jing this.

Though she was entirely passive, Ming Zhu felt ashamed of the fleeting impure thoughts.

She was only nineteen, so young, and yet…

Ming Zhu exhaled silently.

Through the window, she saw someone selling buns outside the hospital. Composing herself, she looked at the girl on the bed. “I’ll get you some food.”

“No need, Sister Ming Zhu.” Yu Jing stopped her, scanning her tired face, apologetic. “Thank you for bringing me here. I’m fine now. I’ll call Xiao Ye soon. You should rest.”

Ming Zhu hadn’t slept much, disturbed by Yu Jing. Without her assistant’s number, she didn’t want to bother others at midnight or cause a scene, so she brought her alone, staying up at the hospital.

Their relationship wasn’t close enough for mutual care, so Ming Zhu didn’t insist. “Alright, I’ll go.”

Yu Jing raised her unbandaged hand, smiling and waving.

Ming Zhu put on her mask and left the ward.

A cleaning lady diligently mopped the floor, her large mop nearly covering the corridor. She mopped skillfully, but it hit a pair of pristine nude heels. Realizing, she moved the mop aside, muttering in local dialect.

Ming Zhu didn’t understand but sensed an apology from her expression, saying, “It’s fine.” Ignoring the smudge on her shoe, she walked unhurriedly to the elevator.

She’d borrowed the guesthouse owner’s car. Retrieving it from the garage, she drove back.

It was early, and with no recording today, Xiao Yihuan and the others were still asleep. Entering the guesthouse, Ming Zhu saw the owner and his wife cleaning.

The young Beta couple, in their thirties, was kind. Last night, when Ming Zhu called to borrow their car, they didn’t ask why, trusting her completely. Returning it, they only asked if she wanted breakfast.

So Ming Zhu got a bowl of porridge from the kitchen.

“Whoa, someone’s up earlier than me.” Xie Haichao, usually the first awake, saw Ming Zhu eating at the table and teased, “You into wellness now?”

Ming Zhu gave a faint smile. “Morning, Brother Chao.”

After two episodes of ‘Treasure Hunt’, Ming Zhu, who kept her distance, remained reserved with the others. She didn’t explain her early rise, and Xie Haichao didn’t ask.

They ate across from each other in silence.

After a few minutes, Xie Haichao set down his spoon, looking at the elegantly dining Ming Zhu, lowering his voice. “Did you smell anything odd last night?”

Ming Zhu’s eyes, shadowed by long lashes, flickered. She looked up, face calm. “No.”

“You didn’t?” Xie Haichao didn’t doubt her, looking thoughtful. “Was it just me?”

Ming Zhu stirred her porridge, asking casually, “What did you smell, Brother Chao?”

“Omega pheromones.” Xie Haichao paused, his expression serious. “More like an Omega in heat. I caught it faintly at midnight, lasting a while, close by—probably in this building. Not Yihuan, though. I’ve smelled her pheromones by accident; it’s different.”

Ming Zhu’s stirring slowed, meeting his earnest gaze with a slight smile. “Maybe the couple in the middle room. One of them’s an Omega.”

Besides the ‘Treasure Hunt’ crew, the guesthouse had another guest room with visitors. Reminded, Xie Haichao recalled the female Omega. Since it wasn’t Xiao Yihuan, it must’ve been her.

“Right, yeah.”

Xie Haichao would never guess the building housed three Omegas. As a celebrity, he wouldn’t confront the guest, nor suspect Yu Jing.

Likewise, Chen Chen probably wouldn’t either.

The porridge had a sticky rice film. Ming Zhu spooned it aside, lowered her eyes, and exhaled long at the spoon.

She felt strange.

These were Yu Jing’s secrets. She’d only promised not to tell, not to clear her name.

Yet seeing Xie Haichao drop his suspicions, Ming Zhu felt oddly relieved.

Finishing her porridge, she returned to her room to pack.

With the recording done, there was no need to stay. The others weren’t up, and Ming Zhu, impatient to wait, informed the crew. Yang Ming promptly arranged a car to take her back.

The car rolled smoothly over cobblestones, passing a willow-lined river, slowly leaving the tranquil town.

Ming Zhu meant to rest her eyes, but passing the central square, she felt a pang of reluctance, glancing at it.

The place wasn’t stunning, but its peaceful life was easy to miss. Seeing the half-dismantled props, she inexplicably recalled the recording: Yu Jing’s shyness when she held her waist, her unease when lifted, her fear when hoisted.

Scenes flashed like a movie in her mind.

Closing her eyes, she saw Yu Jing pleading on the floor, greedily sucking at her neck—innocent yet seductive, pure yet alluring.

Her steady heart skipped a beat.

“Ming Zhu?” Zhou Qi, talking for a while without a response, nudged her.

Ming Zhu’s eyelids fluttered, opening to look at her. “What?”

Zhou Qi sighed, repeating, “Your lease is almost up. Renew, or should I find you a new place?”

Ming Zhu rubbed her brow, sighing faintly. “Renew.”

“I’ll contact the landlord.”

“Mm.”

“Didn’t sleep well?” Zhou Qi eyed her tired expression.

Ming Zhu shook her head, admitting, “I took Yu Jing to the hospital last night. Didn’t rest much.”

Zhou Qi was shocked. “She’s sick?”

Ming Zhu vaguely hummed.

“What’s wrong?”

Ming Zhu glanced at her, silent.

Sensing meaning in the look, Zhou Qi assumed it was private and dropped it.

Ming Zhu turned back to the window.

Her thoughts weren’t on Yu Jing but someone like her.

The Bishui River wound around the town like a clear ribbon, curving gently. Sunlight blanketed the water, a breeze rippling its surface.

Staring at the ripples, Ming Zhu’s heart stirred.

“Do you remember Xia An?”

Her voice was soft, half-drowned by the driver’s music. Zhou Qi didn’t hear. “You talking to me?”

Ming Zhu didn’t turn or reply, staring at a spot, her expression briefly distant.

She recalled her hospital talk with Yu Jing.

Yu Jing kept stressing secrecy.

An Omega pretending to be an Alpha—why?

Learning Yu Jing’s secondary gender shocked Ming Zhu, but not entirely. She’d seen this before, six years ago.

A girl named Xia An, about Yu Jing’s age.

During Ming Zhu’s first stage play, she met Xia An, both students at Beijing Film Academy, same year.

Xia An was cheerful, warm, and lively, approaching Ming Zhu first. At first sight, Ming Zhu’s intuition asked, “Are you an Omega?”

She remembered Xia An’s firm reply: “No, I’m an Alpha, like you.”

Ming Zhu believed her.

Until she saw Xia An, in heat, hiding in a small dressing room, injecting a suppressant into her gland.

She was stunned.

Xia An begged her to keep it secret.

Ming Zhu asked why she hid it.

Tearfully, Xia An shared her reasons.

What were Yu Jing’s?

This time, Ming Zhu didn’t ask.

Keeping secrets was hard, so she stifled her curiosity, acting indifferent.

With the recording done, they’d part ways, likely with little future contact.

<Bishui Town People’s Hospital>

Yu Jing called Xiao Ye.

Hearing she was sick, Xiao Ye rushed over, guilt-ridden. “Why didn’t you tell me you went to the hospital?”

Sipping the hot porridge Xiao Ye brought, Yu Jing said slowly, “Ming Zhu took me last night. I fainted, and she probably didn’t have your contact.”

“Fainted?!” Xiao Ye leaned in, eyes scanning her like lasers. “How? Is it serious?”

With the town’s small population and healthy residents, the triple ward was empty. Yu Jing glanced at the closed door, beckoning Xiao Ye closer, whispering, “I went into heat last night.”

Xiao Ye’s eyes widened in shock. “It’s not been a month. How?!”

“No idea.” Yu Jing, scalded by the porridge, pursed her lips, glancing at the IV bag. “I’ll ask the doctor.”

“Half a month early? That’s bizarre. I thought it was next month, so I didn’t pack your suppressant. Good thing Ming Zhu got you here, or…” Xiao Ye rambled, then froze, eyes terrified. “So, Ming Zhu knows you’re an Omega?!”

“Yeah.” Yu Jing replied lightly, calmly sipping porridge, as if unbothered by her exposed gender.

Xiao Ye grabbed her arm. “Didn’t you want to keep it secret? It’s Ming Zhu. What if she…”

“She won’t.” Cutting her off, Yu Jing swallowed her porridge, saying firmly, “She promised to keep it secret. I trust her.”

Xiao Ye was stunned.

Though Yu Jing had said her misunderstanding with Ming Zhu was cleared, Xiao Ye, as her assistant, no longer held a grudge. But she couldn’t fathom why, after just a few days, Yu Jing trusted Ming Zhu so deeply.

Doubtful but seeing Yu Jing’s resolute eyes and tone, Xiao Ye said, “Alright.”

After finishing her porridge and IV, Xiao Ye called a nurse to remove the needle. Yu Jing asked where the doctor’s office was.

As the nurse left, Yu Jing grabbed her medical chart to see the doctor. Lifting the blanket, she noticed she was wearing two layers: a knee-length loose nightdress, a loose T-shirt, and sweatpants.

The mismatched outfit stunned Xiao Ye. “Jingjing, you’re a celebrity. How’d you go out like this?”

Yu Jing chuckled.

The nurse hadn’t reacted to her name—she was hardly a star.

The T-shirt and sweatpants were likely Ming Zhu’s doing.

After last night, Yu Jing trusted Ming Zhu’s character, certain she wouldn’t take advantage. But imagining Ming Zhu frantically dressing her while she was unconscious, Yu Jing found it funny yet shy.

She wore nothing under her nightdress!

…Ming Zhu probably didn’t see anything, right?

Peeking at her “cute little bunnies” under the collar, Yu Jing wanted to cry.

Good thing Ming Zhu was gone, or she’d die of embarrassment.

She hadn’t expected Ming Zhu’s thoughtfulness, not only dressing her but bringing her bag and phone.

Covering her flushed face with the mask, Yu Jing slipped on shoes, slung on her bag, and left to find the doctor.

The daytime doctor wasn’t the night one. Reviewing her chart, he said, “You’re fine now. The heat’s gone, and the fever’s mostly down. You can be discharged.”

“I know.” Unafraid of recognition with her mask, Yu Jing got to the point. “Doctor, I have a question. This was my first heat, but I only differentiated half a month ago. Why did it come so early?”

Staring at her eyes above the mask, the doctor asked, “Have you recently taken in Alpha pheromones?”

“…What counts as taking in pheromones?” Yu Jing had smelled Ming Zhu’s and Zhang Xu’s pheromones but wasn’t sure if smelling was the same.

The doctor explained, “Kissing an Alpha or unmasked intercourse with bodily fluid exchange can lead to pheromone intake.”

Yu Jing waved her hands. “None of that.”

“That’s odd.” The doctor reviewed her chart again. “Your tests show you recently took in Alpha pheromones, from a female Alpha with high genetic compatibility.”

Female Alpha, high compatibility… Ming Zhu?

But she and Ming Zhu were completely innocent! She’d kissed her cheek by accident, barely a touch, not a real kiss.

Intercourse? Impossible!

Yu Jing touched her mask awkwardly, wanting to ask if the results were wrong. Then, recalling “bodily fluid exchange,” her heart tightened, hesitantly saying, “I bit an Alpha before, drawing bl00d. Does that count?”

The doctor nodded knowingly. “Bl00d contains pheromones. That counts. Normally, heat cycles follow a full moon, but your case is unique. You were meant to be an Alpha but mutated into an Omega, making your pheromones unstable. Taking in highly compatible Alpha pheromones disrupted yours, causing the early heat.”

Yu Jing gasped. She never imagined her early heat was because of Ming Zhu!

Had she known, she’d have refused sharing a room…

Recalling drinking Ming Zhu’s bl00d last night, Yu Jing worried, asking the doctor about future effects.

“No adverse effects, given your high compatibility,” the doctor mused. “It’s not exactly disruption. Her pheromones, due to high compatibility, induced your heat.”

“Induced?” The term wasn’t complex, but Yu Jing didn’t follow in this context.

The doctor simplified, “Think of it this way: her genes, thrilled by your compatibility, carried an inducing effect when you took in her pheromones, triggering your heat to invite intimacy.”

“…”

Yu Jing felt like she’d shattered.