Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 69

Chapter 69

What did it mean to keep her company in the past?

Did it mean chatting with her to relieve boredom, or eating together, living together, or… sleeping together?

A cool, low voice seemed to travel through the electric current. Yu Jing’s ears tingled, and her heart raced so much that she didn’t know how to respond. “Uh, this, you… I…” Her tongue refused to cooperate, and after stuttering for a while, she finally managed a complete sentence. “That doesn’t seem very appropriate.”

In the past, for a temporary marking, they nearly lost control and went too far. Yu Jing thought that pace was already too fast. Although she wasn’t conservative, even if their relationship progressed further, she needed some time to adjust, didn’t she?

Her tone revealed her unease and panic.

Would the young girl think she was a shameless old rogue? After hearing Yu Jing’s stammering response, Ming Zhu suppressed the romantic thoughts in her heart and said softly, “Don’t be nervous. I was joking.”

Yu Jing, who was anxiously pacing in circles, stopped abruptly. Her heart calmed, but it still beat quickly. She puffed out her cheeks and said with slight annoyance, “Why are you like this? I was very serious!”

“…I’m sorry.” Ming Zhu’s expression softened. She recalled Yu Jing’s earlier question, looked around, and answered all her questions, spoken and unspoken, in one go. “Living here was quite convenient. Food and necessities could be delivered by room service. It wasn’t actually boring. I had few public appearances in a year. Besides filming, when I had nothing to do, I read books or stood by the window to enjoy the view.”

Yu Jing remembered a month ago when they recorded a show in Bishui Town and shared a room. When Ming Zhu had nothing to do, she loved holding a book. Yu Jing couldn’t help but ask, “Besides reading, didn’t you have other leisure activities?”

Ming Zhu liked that Yu Jing asked about her, as it showed she wanted to know her better.

Pacing to the window, Ming Zhu looked at the bustling night view below, her casual tone tinged with pleasure. “I read books, exercised, and occasionally played with the cat. But the hotel didn’t allow pets, so now it’s staying at Zhou Qi’s place.”

Yu Jing recalled, “Is that the one in your profile picture?”

“Yes.” Ming Zhu paused and asked her, “Do you like cats?”

“I do!” Yu Jing’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she said with a grin, “The first time I saw your profile picture, I was curious. I thought it was a random internet image, but it turned out to be your cat. It’s so cute!”

“Cute?” Ming Zhu thought of that chubby, greedy, and haughty lazy cat, chuckled lightly, and said, “Not as cute as you.”

Yu Jing’s cheeks warmed, and her heart bloomed with joy from the compliment, but she feigned disdain and said, “Why are you using such cheesy lines?”

Ming Zhu paused briefly and said, “I meant it sincerely.”

Talking about a cat and still flirting—really…

Luckily, it was just a phone call, not a video call.

Yu Jing actually enjoyed hearing these words, and the curve of her lips was uncontrollable. But her face was thin, and she feared she’d get carried away if she heard more. She cleared her throat and changed the subject. “I want to join ‘Youth Training Camp’.”

“What kind of show is that?” Ming Zhu, who rarely went online or watched TV, knew nothing about it.

So, they talked about this topic for a long time.

As the night cooled, the air conditioner dispersed the heat and subtle scents in the air. Yu Jing relaxed, sat on the bed, swung her legs, and chatted idly with her.

The standard hotel room still felt cold and empty. Ming Zhu stood by the window, instinctively gazing toward Yu Jing’s direction, listening to the girl’s clear, cheerful voice on the phone. Her empty heart filled little by little.

She never feared loneliness and was used to being alone, but at that moment, Ming Zhu realized how wonderful it felt to have someone’s company.

It was so wonderful that she didn’t want it to end, yet she had to pause it temporarily.

Holding the warm phone, Ming Zhu reluctantly said, “I need to take a shower.”

Yu Jing froze, checked the time on her phone, and realized they had talked for nearly two hours.

After her incident, Ming Zhu rushed to M City to find her without much rest. Yet, Yu Jing had taken up so much of her time chatting!

Feeling both warmed and guilty, Yu Jing considerately ended the call without clinging.

Her phone was almost out of battery. Yu Jing found a brand-new box, looking for the charger. Something fell out, and when she picked it up, she saw it was a tempered glass screen protector from the seller.

Yu Jing quickly opened the protector and carefully applied it to the phone, as if conducting a precise scientific experiment, then plugged in the charger.

This phone was identical to her old one, nothing special, but because Ming Zhu bought it for her, she liked it more and more.

While charging, she downloaded the Taobao app, logged in, browsed repeatedly, and finally ordered a phone case.

After Ming Zhu showered, she contacted Yu Jing via WeChat, an hour later.

It was already late, and after their long chat earlier, they talked aimlessly for a bit, said goodnight, and put down their phones.

Yu Jing’s sleep quality was poor; any light or sound disturbed her. But that night, she didn’t close the curtains—because during their chat, Ming Zhu casually mentioned, “The moon is beautiful tonight. Can you see it from there?”

A huge disc hung by the window, surrounded by green clouds, poetic and graceful.

She often saw such moonlight, but that night’s seemed especially different.

Yu Jing propped up her pillow, lay on her side, gazed at the bright moon, and wondered if Ming Zhu was admiring it too.

Sleepiness overtook her, and she fell asleep under the moonlight.

The morning sun creeping into the room woke Yu Jing. She opened her sleepy eyes, reached for the phone on the nightstand to check the time, and was delighted to see a message from Ming Zhu sent ten minutes earlier.

Sister: “Are you awake?”

No need to shake off sleepiness—Yu Jing instantly perked up, hugged her phone, and replied, “I’m awake.”

Ming Zhu replied instantly. Sister: “So early? Did you sleep well?”

Yu Jing: “Super well!!!”

The three exclamation marks reflected Yu Jing’s bright mood. She hadn’t slept so soundly in a long time—no insomnia, no waking up startled, no dreams, just sleeping until dawn, deeply satisfied.

Yu Jing: “You?”

Sister: “Same here.”

Yu Jing: “[Giggle]”

Sister: “Heading to the company later?”

Yu Jing: “[Nod nod]”

Last night on the phone, Yu Jing told her about joining ‘Youth Training Camp’ and mentioned it to Shen Jiayu on WeChat. Today, she needed to submit her application at the company.

Breakfast was yogurt with bread and some fruit afterward.

Xiao Ye looked at the fridge stuffed with food, roughly counted it, closed the door, and said while walking out, “So much stuff. Did you and Sister Ming Zhu buy it together last night?”

The question went unanswered.

Xiao Ye reached the dining table, saw Yu Jing, who had been grinning at her phone since leaving her room, and sighed, “People in love are scary.”

“What did you say?” Yu Jing put down her phone and grabbed a grape to pop in her mouth.

Xiao Ye saw the unhidden smile on her lips, gave a dry laugh, and said, “This yogurt is from Sister Ming Zhu, right? It’s really good.”

Yu Jing took a sip, her eyes curved, and she nodded in agreement. “It’s really good.”

Xiao Ye: “…”

After eating, they headed to the company.

Yu Jing handed her application form to Shen Jiayu.

Shen Jiayu touched the thin paper and sighed deeply. “If it weren’t for the incident, you’d never have agreed to join.”

Yu Jing’s expression turned awkward, and she looked down at her toes.

It wasn’t just the incident or her gender exposure leaving her no choice that made her sign up. What truly changed her mind was Ming Zhu’s affirmation and encouragement in M City.

“You’re the strongest, best girl I’ve ever met,” Ming Zhu’s words still echoed in her ears.

Was she really strong enough?

Since her teenage years, Yu Jing faced hardships unlike others. Before adulthood, she ventured out to make a living, experiencing family’s coldness and society’s cruelty. Despite many setbacks, she always pushed forward, never defeated, never giving up.

She thought that was strength.

But when it came to her differentiation, she chose to hide it.

Fearing others would see her as weak, she tried hard to pretend she was a formidable Alpha. Yet, this self-deception stemmed from her own insecurity and cowardice.

Were Omegas inherently weaker than others?

No, she refused to accept that.

If she didn’t accept it, she would acknowledge and embrace it, openly admit it, and prove herself with her strength.

She wanted to become better to live up to Ming Zhu’s trust and affection.

Joining ‘Youth Training Camp’ was her new starting point, a new challenge. The path ahead was unknown, but with light in her heart and enough strength, she became fearless and spirited.

“Sister Jiayu,” Yu Jing looked up, her peach-blossom eyes shining like stars, her smile vibrant and determined. “I will definitely work hard!”

Shen Jiayu knew her personality—resilient and positive. She hadn’t expected Yu Jing to recover so quickly after being framed and criticized by thousands just days ago.

Seeing her radiant, sweet expression, Shen Jiayu wondered if it was the power of love.

Though Shen Jiayu didn’t interfere with her dating, she felt compelled to nag. “You and Ming Zhu should be careful in your relationship.”

Yu Jing nodded repeatedly. “We’re very careful.”

Shen Jiayu tsked, swiped a spot on her neck, and said, “You came to the company with a hickey. Is that careful?”

Yu Jing quickly covered the spot, eyes wide. “I put on so much concealer, and you still noticed?”

Shen Jiayu rolled her eyes. “It’s so hot; your makeup probably wore off.”

“…” Yu Jing removed her hand and saw concealer on her fingertips. She felt mortified, too embarrassed to explain that Ming Zhu left the mark during a temporary marking gone awry. Awkwardly, she pulled out her concealer tube from her bag, handed it to Shen Jiayu with a flattering smile, and said, “Can you help me touch it up?”

Shen Jiayu took the concealer, squeezed out a large dollop, motioned her closer, examined the deepening hickey, tsked twice, and said, “I didn’t realize Ming Zhu was so two-faced.”

Yu Jing frowned, eager to defend her girlfriend. “How is she two-faced?”

As Shen Jiayu applied the concealer, she said, “She looks aloof and pure, like a high peak flower, but she’s so wild. That hickey’s deep. It won’t fade for three to five days.”

Yu Jing covered her burning face, too embarrassed to respond.

Shen Jiayu suddenly turned serious. “Now that you’ve submitted the application, start preparing. Get ready for your debut stage in the next half month.”

Yu Jing’s expression turned solemn, and she nodded seriously. “I know.”

The rules for this season’s ‘Youth Training Camp’ weren’t out yet, but based on past seasons, each trainee got one and a half minutes of solo time in the first episode. With so many contestants, not everyone got camera time. To catch the attention of the camera and lighting crew, she had to give her all to show her best side.

Guangying wasn’t a company specializing in idol training, lacking a professional team or teachers, so Yu Jing had been training blindly for three years.

For three years, she never slacked, training to the rigorous standards of H Country’s famous idol training system, even harder than most. Her dance and vocal teachers praised her progress, but without comparison, she had no idea where her skills stood.

The official contestant list wasn’t out, but every season of ‘Youth Training Camp’ gathered top trainees from various companies. Competing for a debut spot against so many was a massive challenge.

She couldn’t waste a single minute. After Shen Jiayu finished touching up her concealer, Yu Jing turned to head to the practice room.

Shen Jiayu stopped her. “Don’t practice these few days. Go home and rest.”

“Why?” Yu Jing was puzzled, wondering if Shen Jiayu was too confident in her abilities.

Shen Jiayu pointed at her neck. “With those hickeys, are you afraid the teachers and colleagues won’t know you’re dating?”

“…”

Shen Jiayu’s concern wasn’t baseless. Besides her neck, other hidden spots—like her collarbone and chest—had a few more marks. She’d wear a tank top for dance practice, and if teachers or others saw, she couldn’t explain.

Yu Jing couldn’t argue and left the company dejectedly.

Going back didn’t mean doing nothing. She could watch past seasons of ‘Youth Training Camp’ videos to prepare.

On the way back, Yu Jing messaged Ming Zhu on WeChat. “I submitted the form, but Sister Jiayu told me to go home and rest [aggrieved].”

This time, Ming Zhu didn’t reply instantly but after a while.

Sister: “Is she worried you’re too tired and wants you to rest a few days?”

…Not really.

Yu Jing wouldn’t tell her the real reason, so she brushed it off vaguely. Noticing Ming Zhu’s slow replies, she asked, “Are you busy?”

Sister: “Looking at houses with Zhou Qi.”

Yu Jing remembered Ming Zhu mentioning house hunting last night and asked, “Are you satisfied?”

Sister: “[Picture][Picture][Picture][Picture]”

Ming Zhu sent her photos of a rental property. Yu Jing opened them, admired them, and commented, “It’s nice! The decor is elegant, and the space is large. I like it.”

Sister: “I like the house too, and the landlord allows pets.”

Yu Jing: “Then go for it.”

Sister: “I don’t want it.”

Yu Jing: “Why?”

Sister: “It’s too far from you.”

Yu Jing’s heart jolted, and her fingertips trembled slightly.

It wasn’t sweet talk, but upon reflection, Yu Jing found it sweeter than blatant romantic words.

Ming Zhu wanted to live closer to her, and Yu Jing felt the same.

As the car hit a speed bump, jostling her, she thought: It’d be even better if Ming Zhu lived across from her. They could see each other right outside.

The thought wouldn’t stop. Yu Jing switched apps, opened the app store, and downloaded a house-hunting app.

Many units in Xinhu Community were small apartments, mostly rented out by agencies. Three years ago, Yu Jing and Xiao Ye found their current place on an app. Once the app installed, she eagerly opened it, typed “Xinhu Community” into the search bar, and dozens of listings popped up.

Too lazy to browse each one, she added “Building 9”—where she and Xiao Ye lived. The results made her eyes light up.

There was a listing!

And it was on the same floor!!!

She was more excited than when she signed up for ‘Youth Training Camp’. Yu Jing opened the listing, carefully read every word, until she saw “No pets allowed.” Her enthusiasm cooled.

Ming Zhu had a cat, so it didn’t meet the requirements.

Her finger lingered on those words as her eyes scanned the indoor photos. Her heated mind gradually calmed.

Even without the cat, would Ming Zhu want such a “basic” place?

She looked again at the photos Ming Zhu sent.

One was plain, ordinary decor; the other was high-end, refined. The difference was stark.

“Sigh—” She let out a breath.

Yu Jing didn’t know Ming Zhu’s family situation or her savings, but after over a month together, she sensed something special about her.

Though Ming Zhu dressed and ate like an ordinary person, showing no pickiness, her clothing taste, demeanor, and aura suggested she wasn’t from an ordinary family. She had an indescribable cool elegance, not feigned but naturally cultivated, likely from a wealthy upbringing.

The apartment in Xinhu Community was so small—Ming Zhu wouldn’t be comfortable.

And it was a two-bedroom. Ming Zhu, living alone, didn’t need two rooms.

Yu Jing didn’t tell Ming Zhu about the rental on their floor, closed the app, and felt a bit down.

It wasn’t just about not living close to Ming Zhu. She suddenly realized that beyond fame, there might be a huge gap in their family backgrounds.

Due to the distance, Ming Zhu ultimately didn’t choose that house. She was going to look at other places with Zhou Qi, so Yu Jing didn’t disturb her.

Back at the apartment, Yu Jing ate something for lunch, adjusted her mood, and lay on the bed with her tablet, watching past ‘Youth Training Camp’ videos.

With a learning mindset, she took notes while watching, summarizing what made contestants stand out and noting mistakes that drew criticism, as diligently as a student preparing for an exam.

When her phone pinged, she was still scribbling.

Seeing the message notification, her face lit up. Yu Jing dropped her pen and opened the message.

Sister: “Found a place.”

Yu Jing typed quickly. “Where is it?”

Ming Zhu teased her. Sister: “I’ll tell you later.”

Yu Jing was puzzled but didn’t press. “Oh.”

She placed the phone neatly beside the tablet, resumed the video, picked up her pen, and continued.

“Ding—” The phone pinged again.

She grabbed it. Sister: “Open the door.”

Open what door???

Yu Jing rested her chin on the pen, stared at the odd message, and then it clicked. She tossed the pen and phone, forgot to pause the video, slid off the bed, slipped on her slippers, and raced out.

Opening the door, she saw Ming Zhu standing outside with a suitcase. Yu Jing blinked rapidly, looking at her in confusion and doubt. “Where are you going?”

Ming Zhu removed her black mask, smiled at her, and said, “I’m coming to join my girlfriend.”

Join? Yu Jing didn’t understand at first and pointed at the suitcase. “What’s this about?”

Her hair was messily tied in a small bun, her loose loungewear draped over her slim frame, her delicate collarbone adorned with a dark hickey—the mark Ming Zhu left last night during a loss of control.

After a few seconds, Ming Zhu’s gaze shifted from the mark to Yu Jing’s slightly dazed, adorable face. She reached out, touched it, and said softly, “I told you, I want to be closer to you.”

Yu Jing half-understood. “You found a place nearby?”

“No.” Ming Zhu’s finger grazed her collagen-rich cheek, then pointed at the door behind her. “Right here.”

“!” Yu Jing instantly thought of the rental listing she saw today and blurted out, “You really rented it?!”

Ming Zhu didn’t confirm or deny, raised the key in her other hand, and invited her. “Want to check it out with me?”

Yu Jing felt like she was still dreaming, mouth agape, mind full of question marks.

How could this be? Did Ming Zhu read her mind?

In her daze, Ming Zhu led her across the hall.

Using the key, Ming Zhu opened the door and pulled her into the entryway.

Stale air hit them, the smell of long-stagnant air. The room was pitch dark. Ming Zhu held her hand, groping the wall for the switch.

“Click—” The light turned on, revealing everything.

Ming Zhu tossed the key onto the entryway shoe cabinet, glanced at the interior, and turned to her. “It’s okay. It looks better than the photos.”

Yu Jing was still stunned. “You didn’t see it before?”

Ming Zhu shook her head. “I saw the listing and came straight to sign the contract with the landlord. I just got the key.”

Yu Jing was shocked. “You signed without even looking? Aren’t you afraid of being scammed?”

Ming Zhu didn’t seem to care about being scammed. She only cared about one thing. “I was afraid someone else would take it if I was too slow.”

It wasn’t some fancy place—why worry about it being taken?

Yu Jing understood Ming Zhu’s reasoning, and complex emotions welled up. She looked at her and said firmly, “You signed the contract without seeing the place just to be closer to me.”

Ming Zhu showed no embarrassment at being called out and softly said, “Yes.”

“But…” Yu Jing’s throat tightened, pointing at the small, ordinary apartment. “This isn’t the type you wanted. Why compromise yourself?”

“It’s not what I initially wanted,” Ming Zhu admitted, “but I don’t think living here is a compromise.”

Yu Jing fell silent.

Ming Zhu stepped forward, hugged her, and looked down at her. “I had a dream last night.”

The sudden topic shift threw Yu Jing off. “What dream?”

Ming Zhu tilted her head, thought seriously, then smiled and looked at her. “If I say it, it’ll get censored.”

“…Then don’t say it.” Yu Jing’s face warmed.

Ming Zhu said regretfully, “The dream was interrupted by the alarm.”

“Who told you to set an alarm?” Yu Jing pouted.

Ming Zhu smiled again, a bit ambiguously, tightened her hold around Yu Jing’s waist until no gap remained, lowered her head, her breath intertwining with hers. “I thought then, if I opened my eyes and saw you, it’d be perfect.”

Wouldn’t that mean sleeping in the same bed? Yu Jing grumbled inwardly, her face burning, and tried to turn away.

A cool hand lifted her chin, and Ming Zhu suddenly leaned down to kiss her.

Yu Jing didn’t even have time to close her eyes, gasping cutely.

Ming Zhu only pecked her lightly a few times, pulled back, looked into her eyes, and said softly, “Even if I can’t see you the moment I wake up, I want to hold you and kiss you when I miss you, like now—not just in a dream.”