Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Yu Jing didn’t look good.

Ming Zhu held her, feeling her small body trembling like a leaf battered by the wind, fragile and weak. Her forehead was covered in cold sweat, damp hair clinging to her face, her delicate brows furrowed, and her lower lip bore deep marks from her teeth.

So pitiful.

A delicate Omega, bullied by two strong Alphas, suffering unimaginable pain.

Seeing her so weak, Ming Zhu’s calm heart surged with waves of anger at the arrogant female Alphas and pity for this girl pretending to be strong.

Just a moment later, Ming Zhu might have missed her.

She had only come to wash her hands. At the door, she caught the scent of two strong pheromones, assuming some Alphas were fighting inside. Not wanting to deal with the mess, she turned to leave.

Strangely, as she turned, something seemed to call her back, guiding her to push open the door. By sheer chance, she saw Yu Jing being humiliated by those two.

If she’d been a step later, Ming Zhu couldn’t imagine what would’ve happened.

Getting no response the first time, Ming Zhu frowned deeply and called again: “Yu Jing?”

Yu Jing was in too much pain to answer, all her strength focused in her hands, gripping Ming Zhu’s clothes desperately, like clinging to a lifeline. She tilted her head up, her small mouth opening and closing, as if silently begging her not to leave.

It tugged at Ming Zhu’s heart.

A faint fragrance lingered on Yu Jing, but it wasn’t pheromones. The two female Alphas, average in gene rank, had been ruthless, their pheromones enough to crush a fragile Omega in minutes. It was a miracle Yu Jing held on this long.

Ming Zhu couldn’t fathom the pain Yu Jing endured in those brief minutes. The air still carried traces of the Alphas’ pheromones, and Ming Zhu wasn’t sure if Yu Jing could keep going.

She had to get her out of there now.

Ming Zhu scooped her up horizontally.

The girl had no strength to resist, lying quietly in her arms like a wilted flower as Ming Zhu carried her out of the restroom.

Ming Zhu stopped a passing waiter.

Seeing her emerge from the female Alpha restroom with a girl in her arms, the waiter looked alarmed and wary: “Ma’am, you… you…”

“Don’t worry, I’m not a bad person.” Ming Zhu subtly tucked Yu Jing’s head into her chest, her eyes sincere, her voice pleading: “She’s my friend, drunk and unwell. Can you help us find a rest room?”

The waiter didn’t smell any alcohol, but then she recognized Ming Zhu’s face, shocked: “You’re Ming Zhu!”

“Yes, it’s me.” Ming Zhu, unmasked, felt Yu Jing tremble again and tightened her hold. With no time to worry about gossip, she spoke faster: “My friend’s really unwell. Can you help find a rest room?”

The waiter had doubts, but Ming Zhu’s identity and face were convincing enough. Doubts gone, she led them to a small rest room.

“Thank you.”

Once the waiter left, Ming Zhu locked the door and gently placed the girl on the sofa.

As she set her down and tried to stand, two soft arms suddenly wrapped around her neck like vines.

Ming Zhu froze.

The girl, using the sofa’s backrest for support, leaned up, her hot breath brushing Ming Zhu’s neck. Her red lips parted slightly, and she murmured weakly: “Don’t go. Let me smell you.”

Ming Zhu stiffened at the sudden closeness, bracing her hands on the sofa arms to avoid crushing her, momentarily dazed as she stared: “…Smell what?”

“Your pheromones. They smell so good.” The girl’s lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, her eyes shimmering with tears, her voice a soft plea: “Let me smell them again, please?”

Ming Zhu was speechless.

Alpha pheromones were dominant and aggressive, hard for a fragile Omega to handle, which was why those two Alphas had hurt Yu Jing so badly.

Ming Zhu, worried about Yu Jing’s comfort, had suppressed her own pheromones after dealing with the Alphas. Yet Yu Jing found her pheromones pleasant?

No wonder, in past moments when Ming Zhu’s pheromones slipped out, Yu Jing didn’t pull away but clung closer.

Did her pheromones have some strange pull for Yu Jing?

It was Ming Zhu’s first time encountering this, unable to make sense of it. As she hesitated, the impatient girl climbed closer, her soft, warm lips nearly brushing Ming Zhu’s sensitive neck.

Alert, Ming Zhu realized what she was about to do and instinctively covered the still-healing wound on her neck with her hand.

Those lips grazed her hand instead.

Ming Zhu flinched as if burned, pulling back slightly, staring at the girl in shock.

Yu Jing’s condition seemed to worsen. She looked barely conscious, her pain unrelieved, her face paler, her pretty features twisted like a crumpled bun, cold sweat pouring, her body spasming.

Ming Zhu, alarmed by her state, stopped overthinking. She gripped Yu Jing’s frail shoulders and cautiously released a small amount of pheromones.

The cool scent filled Yu Jing’s lungs, her tense body trembling before slowly relaxing, instinctively burrowing into Ming Zhu’s arms, drawn to the enticing fragrance.

Ming Zhu, releasing pheromones, watched her face closely, noticing her discomfort ease. Amazed that her pheromones worked, she felt a strange mix of emotions.

Did Yu Jing even know who was holding her?

If she exposed her vulnerability to just any stranger like this, wasn’t that dangerous?

Ming Zhu’s focus wavered, her pheromones faltering. Yu Jing, missing the scent, let out a dissatisfied hum, tugging at her clothes, looking up with a mix of complaint and pleading: “Sister, give me a bit more, please.”

Sister…

It wasn’t the first time Yu Jing called her that, but this time, the soft, whiny tone felt like a lover’s murmur.

She probably didn’t mean it that way.

But Ming Zhu’s ears tingled, her heart tickled as if brushed by a feather, stirring an unfamiliar itch.

A strange feeling spread from her core. Ming Zhu sensed it was wrong and wanted to push her away.

But without her embrace and soothing pheromones, Yu Jing’s pained expression returned.

The harm from those Alphas lingered, tormenting her.

The lively wildcat had become a frail kitten, too pitiful to ignore.

The room was silent except for the air conditioner’s hum. Ming Zhu’s throat tightened, gazing at the girl, a soft sigh echoing in her heart.

Fine, help her fully.

Adjusting her mindset, Ming Zhu released just enough pheromones to ease Yu Jing’s pain, avoiding too much contact.

The girl still tried to burrow closer: “Sister, you smell so good.”

“…”

Ming Zhu wasn’t a saint. Facing such a sweet, delicate Omega, staying composed was tough.

The room was chilly, but Ming Zhu’s forehead beaded with sweat. She grabbed Yu Jing’s wandering hands, gritting her teeth, restraining herself: “Behave.” Or I really won’t care anymore.

She didn’t say the last part. Yu Jing, trembling, lifted her hazy eyes, meeting Ming Zhu’s seemingly cold gaze, reading her unspoken warning, and settled down.

“Okay.”

Ming Zhu exhaled softly.

But moments later, the girl shifted again, seeking a comfier position.

Ming Zhu clenched her jaw, straightening Yu Jing’s head as it aimed for her chest, firmly placing it on her shoulder.

The girl muttered: “This isn’t soft.”

“…”

If her eyes weren’t so unfocused, Ming Zhu would’ve suspected she was trying to flirt.

Not indulging her antics, Ming Zhu held her head still, avoiding her gaze to stay calm, staring at a wall plant, silently counting time.

One second, two seconds, three seconds…

They didn’t speak again.

Locked in a half-embrace, they stayed still, almost one.

The girl’s breathing steadied, as if she’d fallen asleep.

Ming Zhu steadied herself, looking down.

Yu Jing’s head rested on her shoulder, eyes closed, lips pursed, docile like a sleeping kitten.

Ming Zhu’s shoulder, pinned by her, was stiff. She thought to wake her but ultimately stayed silent.

The clock in her mind ticked on. Ming Zhu fought to control her heart rate, counting again.

The numbers jumbled.

She didn’t know how long it lasted—maybe five minutes, maybe ten. The girl in her arms finally stirred with life.

The cool tea scent seeped into her bl00d. Yu Jing’s limp body regained strength, the sweat on her forehead dried, and her paper-pale face slowly regained color.

She fluttered her eyes open, meeting Ming Zhu’s enigmatic gaze. Her heart skipped, and she quickly left the comforting embrace, eyes down, unsure how to face her.

Not actually drunk, Yu Jing had been in pain but clear-headed, vividly recalling her actions and words.

So embarrassing…

How could she act like that…

She couldn’t even look at Ming Zhu, hiding behind her hair, murmuring: “Thank you.”

Ming Zhu didn’t return a polite “you’re welcome,” staring at her now-glowing profile, her voice neutral: “Anywhere still uncomfortable?”

“N-No.” Ming Zhu’s pheromones worked better than a sedative. Aside from a racing heart, Yu Jing felt fine.

Earlier, she’d felt worse than death.

Ming Zhu observed her for a few seconds, seeing no issues, and gave a faint “hm.” After a pause, she asked: “Why were those two bullying you?”

Not having heard their argument or knowing the Alphas, Ming Zhu felt Yu Jing wasn’t the type to start trouble. The issue likely lay with them.

Yu Jing turned, her shyness gone, lips tightening in annoyance: “It’s Dan Ni’s birthday. Those two came to celebrate but don’t see her as a friend. They said awful things about her. I couldn’t stand it and argued with them.”

Ming Zhu didn’t know Wu Dan Ni, nor did she connect her to the woman she’d seen with Zhang Xu. Assuming she was Yu Jing’s friend, she didn’t pry. After a moment, she said seriously: “Whatever the reason, an Omega confronting Alphas directly is dangerous.”

Yu Jing’s eyes dimmed, lashes trembling, as she mumbled: “I know.”

She knew it was risky, but she couldn’t help herself.

For nineteen years, she’d thought she was a proto-Alpha, instinctively acting like one in conflicts. By the time she remembered she was a vulnerable Omega, it was too late.

She knew she’d been reckless. If Ming Zhu hadn’t shown up, Yu Jing couldn’t imagine the consequences.

“Why are you here?” Yu Jing had wanted to ask this earlier.

Last time, when Zhang Xu harassed her, Ming Zhu’s appearance felt unreal. Now, her timely rescue made Yu Jing wonder if some pairing system bound them, always putting Ming Zhu there to protect her when she was hurt.

Ming Zhu looked at her, saying lightly: “I’m here for a birthday too.”

Seeing Yu Jing’s silhouette at the hotel entrance, Ming Zhu thought she’d been mistaken. Who’d have thought it was such a coincidence?

Yu Jing was stunned. Was Ming Zhu her fated savior?

Time after time, without Ming Zhu, Yu Jing didn’t know how many times she’d have “died.”

She didn’t know how to repay such kindness. Words felt too light.

Something practical, maybe?

She thought to offer dinner but recalled Ming Zhu’s cold WeChat rejection yesterday morning, her expression turning troubled.

Ming Zhu, unaware of her thoughts, saw her frown and pout, hesitating: “You…”

“If your heart faces the sun, don’t fear sorrow. After storms, a rainbow paradise~~~” A piercing female voice sang a captivating tune.

The abrupt ringtone cut Ming Zhu off. The sound felt familiar, but she couldn’t place it. Her gaze dropped to Yu Jing’s noisy bag.

Yu Jing pulled out her phone, seeing Wu Dan Ni’s name, and quickly answered: “Dan Ni?”

Wu Dan Ni, amid a noisy crowd, searched for Yu Jing but couldn’t find her: “I’m about to cut the cake. Where’d you run off to?”

Yu Jing glanced at Ming Zhu, who’d tactfully turned away, cleared her throat, and said: “I’m in the restroom. I’ll be back soon.”

Wu Dan Ni: “Hurry up, I’m waiting.”

Yu Jing: “Got it.”

As she hung up, Ming Zhu glanced over calmly and said: “Let’s go.”

Yang Fan’s event wasn’t over, and Ming Zhu couldn’t linger outside too long.

Yu Jing saw her head for the door, recalling her earlier hesitation: “What were you going to say?”

Ming Zhu’s hand reached the doorknob, fingers curling slightly before letting go. She turned, meeting Yu Jing’s clear, bright eyes.

Her eyes were truly beautiful, captivating whether she was lucid or dazed.

Ming Zhu paused, choosing her words: “In the future… don’t just tell any Alpha you want to smell their pheromones. That’s dangerous.”

Yu Jing let out a soft “ah,” recalling those intimate moments. Her face heated, and she stammered, head down: “I-I wasn’t that casual. I knew it was you, so I…” wasn’t so guarded.

Ming Zhu’s brow twitched, reminding her: “I’m an Alpha too.”

“I know.” Yu Jing’s nails dug into her phone case, biting her lip. Forcing herself to meet Ming Zhu’s gaze, she said earnestly: “But I know you’re different from other Alphas.”

“…How so?”

Yu Jing’s lips curved, her eyes sparkling, her voice tinged with a smile: “At least you don’t bully me or take advantage when I’m vulnerable.”

“…”

Even after regaining clarity, Yu Jing felt uneasy. She remembered the doctor in Bishui Town saying Ming Zhu’s pheromones triggered her heat, marking her as dangerous. Yet just now, Ming Zhu had been nothing but respectful.

Last time, during her heat, Ming Zhu stayed ethical, not marking her. This time, she remained composed, not crossing any lines. Yu Jing thought Ming Zhu was truly an exceptional Alpha.

Besides, last time, Yu Jing was triggered because she “ingested” Ming Zhu’s pheromones. This time, she only “smelled” them, no ingestion, no heat—perfectly safe.

Ming Zhu looked into her clear eyes, her emotions mixed.

How could she be so naive?

That “sister” earlier nearly made Ming Zhu lose control, yet this innocent girl thought she was a good person?

Ming Zhu scoffed inwardly.

She probably didn’t realize how captivating her pleading was.

Feeling she’d betrayed Yu Jing’s trust, Ming Zhu didn’t respond, mumbling an “hm,” twisting the door open, and stepping out.

Yu Jing saw her stride quickly toward the restroom, assuming she was desperate, and suddenly found her slender back noble.

Her thoughts wandered: Should she make a banner for Ming Zhu? Something like “Best Character Alpha.”

Ming Zhu absolutely deserved it.

But she probably wouldn’t accept it.

Still unsure how to repay her, Yu Jing remembered Wu Dan Ni waiting to cut the cake and left.

She’d worried about those two Alphas still being around, but scanning the hall, she didn’t see them, feeling relieved.

She wasn’t afraid of them bullying her again; she just didn’t want them near Wu Dan Ni, disgusting her.

“Jingjing, come quick!” Wu Dan Ni waved, smiling.

Yu Jing gathered herself, walked over, watched Wu Dan Ni make a wish, and took the cake she cut.

The creamy cake was high in calories. Other actresses secretly tossed theirs, afraid to eat. Wu Dan Ni, seeing Yu Jing devour hers, was shocked: “Jingjing, aren’t you scared of gaining weight?”

Of course she was, but the fight with those Alphas drained her, and hunger overrode caution. She grinned: “You cut it for me yourself. I have to finish it.”

Wu Dan Ni found her adorably silly, pinched her cheek, hugged her, and sighed in her ear: “Jingjing, you’re always my best sister.”

Yu Jing’s heart warmed. She freed a hand to hug back, smiling: “And you’re always my best captain.”

The long-unheard “captain” choked Wu Dan Ni up. She let go, whispering: “I still have a girl group dream in my heart.”

“Then keep singing!”

“Singing?”

“Yeah!” Yu Jing gripped her arm, eyes shining with hope: “You’re doing so well now. Your company would definitely back a song for you. Though KISS disbanded, I haven’t stopped practicing for a single day these three years. I share your girl group dream. I’ll work harder to catch up to you. When I get famous, we can pitch rebuilding the group to the company, okay?”

An “okay” nearly slipped out, but Wu Dan Ni’s eyes flickered with panic. Avoiding Yu Jing’s fervent gaze, she said apologetically: “Jingjing, I… my acting career’s just taking off. If I switch paths now, all my years of effort would be wasted. Let’s talk about the group later.”

Yu Jing froze.

Fearing misunderstanding, Wu Dan Ni added: “Jingjing, I’m not looking down on you. I know you never stopped practicing. I heard your new song—your vocals are solid. I know you’re an amazing dancer, so talented and strong. But I haven’t touched singing or dancing in ages. I’d hold you back… I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Dan Ni. I didn’t think it through.” Yu Jing realized her excitement overlooked practical issues. Wu Dan Ni’s acting career was soaring; she had no reason to abandon a smooth path for a risky one. Ashamed of her selfishness, Yu Jing said: “I should be the one apologizing. You’re not wrong.”

Wu Dan Ni felt at a loss: “Jingjing…”

“Hey, let’s drop it.” It was a birthday; Yu Jing didn’t want heavy topics ruining the mood. She shifted gears: “Xiao Ye left.”

Wu Dan Ni blinked, following her lead: “Where’d she go?”

Yu Jing explained Xiao Ye’s sister’s differentiation.

Wu Dan Ni asked: “How old’s her sister now?”

Yu Jing thought: “Just started high school, maybe fifteen or sixteen.”

Wu Dan Ni’s expression turned odd, her eyes darting around before she whispered: “She differentiated at fifteen or sixteen, but you’re turning 20 soon. Why haven’t you differentiated?”

Yu Jing choked, realizing she’d never told Wu Dan Ni about her differentiation.

Last time Wu Dan Ni came over for dinner, Yu Jing meant to tell her, but their fight made her forget.

Might as well tell her now.

Best friends shouldn’t keep secrets.

With too many prying eyes around, Yu Jing was about to pull her somewhere quieter.

Wu Dan Ni’s phone rang suddenly: “Hold on, I need to take this.”

“Go ahead.”

Yu Jing wasn’t in a rush. As Wu Dan Ni opened her bag, Yu Jing glimpsed the caller ID, and her smile faded.

Wu Dan Ni saw “Zhang Xu” flashing on the screen and quickly glanced at Yu Jing.

Yu Jing’s expression was grim.

Wu Dan Ni wanted to hang up but hesitated, looking conflicted.

Not wanting to see her struggle, Yu Jing silently stepped aside.

Wu Dan Ni answered: “Darling…”

Yu Jing caught the first three words, hearing Wu Dan Ni’s syrupy voice. Her chest tightened, and she walked faster until she couldn’t hear anything.

Wu Dan Ni’s call didn’t last long.

Hearing footsteps, Yu Jing turned, forcing a natural smile.

“Jingjing.” Wu Dan Ni looked nervous, clutching her phone: “Zhang Xu… said he’s coming later.”

Yu Jing’s smile froze.

…

It was just past eight, not too late. The city’s nightlife was just starting.

The air was still, without a breeze. Yu Jing lingered by the flowerbed at the hotel entrance, glumly putting down her phone.

She’d made two calls: one to Xiao Ye, who said her sister was emotionally unstable and needed her at the hospital. The other to Shen Jiayu, who was out of town on business.

Neither could pick her up, so Yu Jing decided to take a cab.

But for some reason, she waited ages at the entrance and didn’t see a single taxi pull in.

Finally, the doorman took pity and told her the Champs-Élysées Hotel didn’t allow outside cars in to keep the way clear for VIPs.

Yu Jing was speechless for a moment, thanked him, and started walking out.

The hotel was massive, the entrance far from the main road. In five-centimeter heels, she moved slowly and painfully.

A white Bentley crept up behind her, its headlights catching a familiar silhouette. Ming Zhu, gripping the wheel, paused.

The girl in the white dress wandered ahead slowly, her back looking lonely and forlorn.

Certain she wasn’t mistaken this time, Ming Zhu’s heart stirred. She pressed the gas, driving up.

Hearing the engine, Yu Jing instinctively moved aside.

There was a tree nearby. Holding it for support, she lifted one foot, slipped off her heel, and balanced on one leg.

“What… are you doing?”

A cool, familiar voice reached her ears. Yu Jing looked up, seeing Ming Zhu’s surprised face through the half-open window. Her face flushed.

Why did she have to catch her in such an ungraceful moment?

Pretending to stay calm, Yu Jing shook a pebble from her shoe, put it back on, stood straight, and waved with a forced smile: “What a coincidence, running into you again.”

Ming Zhu thought it was quite the coincidence too, having left early only to meet her again.

Her gaze swept over Yu Jing’s slender ankle, her nearly translucent foot, and lingered on those tiring heels before returning to her smiling face. Ming Zhu asked: “Why are you walking alone? Where’s your assistant?”

Yu Jing tilted her head, a hint of dejection in her eyes: “She had something come up and drove off.”

So, she had no ride.

Ming Zhu’s fingers tapped the wheel lightly, glancing at her delicate foot and those exhausting heels. She parted her lips softly: “Get in. I’ll drive you back.”