Forced to Romance the Omega Psychiatrist (GL, ABO) - Chapter 9
Xia You had assumed the onboarding training would involve senior employees from Tianyin briefing her on the job or perhaps attending some meeting. She never expected it to be like this.
“What exactly are you trying to do?”
Standing in Bai Shuixi’s bathroom, Xia You held a set of clothes and accessories in her hands, her face burning with embarrassment as she struggled to maintain her composure. “Why do I have to be the one to bring you clothes just for a shower?” she asked, forcing her voice to stay steady.
A semi-transparent partition separated the bathtub from the rest of the space, creating a small dressing area where Xia You now stood.
Through the slightly ajar door, Bai Shuixi’s voice drifted out. Drenched, she stood by the partition, calmly drying her hair with a small towel. Her tall figure cast a faint shadow on the frosted glass, the well-defined contours of her toned body unmistakable as she moved.
“Unfortunately, the housekeeper forgot to leave a towel in here today. Though, it might also be my fault for not making it clear. Managing the finer details of my daily life is precisely what a personal assistant is supposed to do.”
Xia You took a deep breath, suppressing her frustration. “Why don’t you just replace the term ‘personal assistant’ with ‘live-in housekeeper’?”
A soft, amused chuckle came from behind the partition, light and indifferent, like the reaction to a mischievous kitten clawing at a sock in its new home.
Before Xia You could react, Bai Shuixi suddenly leaned out from behind the door and plucked the clothes from her hands.
Xia You felt the weight leave her grasp, catching only a fleeting glimpse of Bai Shuixi’s deep, cool eyes beneath her damp hair, the elegant curve of her arm and shoulder brushing past before disappearing back behind the partition.
A calm voice followed:
“Your authority far exceeds that of a live-in housekeeper.”
“…”
Xia You didn’t find that particularly comforting.
By the time Bai Shuixi finally emerged, dressed and with her hair dried, Xia You was ready to get down to business. “I don’t mind handling the details of your daily life, but when do I get to meet Li Wei?”
Bai Shuixi glanced up at her. “Not to meet Li Wei to join my company’s project.”
Xia You hesitated, realizing her slip-up.
“Do you miss her that much?” Bai Shuixi stood and slowly approached, her thick lashes lowering as her gaze lingered on Xia You’s flushed lips.
This omega really left herself wide open at every turn.
Given the atmosphere, she could probably try forcing the issue now, couldn’t she?
A kiss?
Or an ‘I love you’?
“…I don’t recall bringing you this coat earlier when I fetched your clothes.”
Xia You took two steps back. Though visibly flustered, she held her ground, grasping at Bai Shuixi’s oversight with a sweet yet firm tone. Her delicate, pretty face was tense like a harmless kitten puffing itself up in defense.
The attempt to deflect Bai Shuixi’s question and dispel the charged air between them was painfully obvious.
Unfazed, Bai Shuixi chuckled softly. “Ah, that. Unfortunately, I only remembered afterward that there’s a walk-in closet next to the bathroom.”
Xia You’s eyes widened. “You!”
How shameless could she be?!
Bai Shuixi’s gaze swept over Xia You’s face, observing every microexpression as she spoke unhurriedly, “So you’re afraid I’ll notice Li Wei?”
It was true she didn’t like bullying Omegas, but Xia You’s reactions amused her like teasing a cat with a feather toy.
Locking eyes with Xia You, refusing to let her look away, Bai Shuixi continued, “Do you like her that much?”
Xia You’s slender fingers tightened around the document folder in her hand. “Who I like is my own business.”
She’d always disliked people commenting on her feelings for Li Wei, because the next words were invariably ‘not worth it.’
As if she couldn’t see that herself? It was precisely because she liked her that she couldn’t help clinging to that sliver of hope.
Bai Shuixi tilted her head slightly, her gaze tracing Xia You’s features, each lingering look like an unspoken kiss. “But she doesn’t care about you as much as I do, does she? At least I’ll give you what you want, won’t I?”
“I…” Xia You faltered, her expression shifting when she saw Bai Shuixi’s look. “You said I was just coming here to be an assistant, nothing more.”
Stumbling backward as she spoke, her calf hit the sofa edge, sending her tumbling into the armchair.
Watching Xia You’s flustered state, Bai Shuixi’s curiosity about her thoughts faded, replaced by amusement. Maybe it wasn’t so bad if an Omega was a bit naive.
At least it was adorable.
As for playing the villain since Xia You and Li Wei would end up together eventually anyway, she might as well take that role.
She sauntered to the sofa, bracing one hand on its back as she leaned down, a lock of hair slipping forward to hover just centimeters from Xia You’s face:
“Let’s make a bet. If you can maintain your composure around me no fear, no wavering, staying loyal to Li Wei, I’ll stop bothering you. I’ll leave both you and Li Wei alone. Deal?”
“…” Xia You stared blankly before her expression turned solemn, eyes focused. “You mean it?”
“Of course.” Bai Shuixi’s lips curved.
“How long is ‘always’?” Still sprawled in the sofa, Xia You’s logic kicked in, pinpointing the vagueness.
Considering the original story’s timeline about a year until her character got taken down by Xia You and Li Wei, Bai Shuixi answered, “One year.”
Xia You hesitated, lowered her gaze, then gritted her teeth. “Fine.”
Bai Shuixi found her reluctant agreement entertaining. Smiling, she straightened and turned toward the bar to pour herself water. “Then let’s discuss work.”
Pushing herself up, Xia You cast a complicated glance at Bai Shuixi, steadying her breathing. “I need to use the restroom.”
Her clothes and hair were probably disheveled from the fall. Without turning, Bai Shuixi waved a hand in permission.
As Xia You’s figure disappeared into the living room, Bai Shuixi unsurprisingly heard the system’s voice in her mind: [“Host! Aaah! Why didn’t you make your move during such a perfect opportunity! You should’ve kissed her, marked her!!”]
Bai Shuixi took a small sip of water. “I was afraid she’d slap me.”
[…] The system fell silent for a moment before responding with sincere encouragement, [“That’s no way to think, host! You’re someone who might get eliminated later you can’t be afraid of minor injuries like this.”]
Bai Shuixi remained completely unmoved, her expression calm as she said, “But I am afraid.”
The system: […]
The system: [“Fine then, what exactly are you planning? Not making a move is one thing, but why did you have to make that bet with the female lead?? You just want to play love games with her!! Admit it!! Don’t think I haven’t noticed!”]
Before Bai Shuixi could respond, the system began lamenting dramatically, wailing loudly: [“I knew it!! I just knew it! It’s my fate for task-takers to fall for the female lead are you abandoning me, host? Are you going to fall for her instead??”]
Bai Shuixi found the system rather noisy.
“I haven’t considered falling for the female lead yet, but if you keep reminding me like this, maybe I really will end up loving her.”
The system’s voice abruptly cut off with a ‘clunk,’ and when it spoke again, it was much quieter: [“…Then tell me what you’re actually planning.”]
Bai Shuixi replied flatly, “Of course, it’s to give Xia You a reason she can’t refuse to stay by my side. Otherwise, if she keeps trying to run off every few days or makes a fuss over trivial matters, it’ll be troublesome for me.”
The system sounded doubtful: [“Oh… Is that really it?”]
“That’s all there is to it,” Bai Shuixi answered.
“Who… were you talking to just now?” The sound of the bathroom door opening and closing reached them as Xia You returned to the living room. Having overheard Bai Shuixi’s words, her tone carried a hint of confusion.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Bai Shuixi turned around, removing the Bluetooth earbud she had been wearing earlier. “Just a call from the company.”
Xia You blinked. “I see.”
“Since we’re on the topic, let’s discuss something you might be interested in.” Bai Shuixi picked up a document folder from the counter and walked over to the wooden table in the living room. “Here are the materials.”
“Is it about Li Wei?” Xia You’s eyes brightened noticeably.
Bai Shuixi: […]
The original plot truly was something else. Even after witnessing Li Wei and Zhou Wanwan embracing and returning home together late at night, Xia You could still care so much about Li Wei.
“Yes, it’s about Li Wei.” Bai Shuixi pulled out a chair and placed the folder on the table, sounding somewhat weary. “This contains everything Li Wei has done since joining Xinghe Entertainment, as well as all the projects she secured for Zhou Wanwan during their time together.”
Xia You sat down but didn’t immediately open the folder. Instead, she asked with solemn seriousness, “Are you really allowed to show me these things?”
“Hm?” Bai Shuixi frowned slightly, momentarily puzzled. Then, seeing Xia You’s earnest, almost naive expression, she suddenly understood. “What, are you worried that after showing you these, I might make some unreasonable demand?”
Xia You didn’t respond, only widening her eyes slightly.
Bai Shuixi let out a light scoff. “You’re already living in the apartment above mine. Isn’t it a bit late to be worrying about these things now?”
“I…” Xia You was momentarily at a loss for words. After collecting herself, she continued, “I was just concerned these might be trade secrets. Aren’t there certain projects that artists sign onto that shouldn’t be disclosed to outsiders?”
Bai Shuixi paused, trying to follow Xia You’s logic.
Xia You continued in her gentle tone, “It’s true that I really want to know about Li Wei’s situation, but I don’t want anyone to compromise their principles for my sake.”
Bai Shuixi tilted her head slightly in thought.
Their previous encounters had been similar, she’d used various details about Li Wei to provoke Xia You, hoping to make her break down or doubt herself, but Xia You had never faltered.
So this kindness wasn’t reserved solely for Li Wei after all?
Bai Shuixi said, “Some projects might require confidentiality before they’re officially launched, but once production begins, promotional work starts, making continued secrecy impossible. These are just things that anyone in the industry could easily find out if they looked.”
Xia You was taken aback by Bai Shuixi’s response.
So these things were actually shareable? But Li Wei had always said.
Li Wei had never been willing to discuss work matters with her, especially regarding artists. Even when Xia You occasionally asked, Li Wei would brush it off as work-related and not suitable for discussion.
She remembered how they used to talk about everything when Li Wei first joined Galaxy Entertainment. But gradually, without her noticing, their conversations became increasingly superficial.
Li Wei was still as warm and outgoing as ever aside from their last unpleasant parting, she always made sure to consider Xia You’s feelings. Yet Xia You found herself understanding less and less about Li Wei’s life.
Xia You took the folder and slowly opened it, pulling out a stack of documents. The first thing that caught her eye was a photo of Li Wei judging by the hairstyle and clothes, it must have been taken about four years ago, when Li Wei had just joined Galaxy Entertainment.
“When Li Wei first joined Galaxy, she wasn’t a manager but the deputy director of the brand operations department,” Bai Shuixi said, resting her chin on one hand as she observed Xia You’s fragile expression. “Due to internal company politics, she was transferred to artist management after just two months in operations. Though the person who made that decision has since left Galaxy Entertainment.”
It was simply a case of workplace maneuvering. As a newcomer, Li Wei had inadvertently aligned herself with the wrong faction and was assigned to manage artists with little potential.
For a while, Li Wei did fade into obscurity as those people had hoped until she met Zhou Wanwan.
Zhou Wanwan had an ambitious, go-getter personality.
Combined with Li Wei’s meticulousness, the two managed to turn their fortunes around completely.
But Xia You didn’t seem to grasp the full picture. Hearing that the decision-maker had left the company, she only frowned slightly in confusion.
Seeing that Xia You didn’t understand, Bai Shuixi didn’t elaborate further. Propping her chin on her hand, she continued, “Initially, Li Wei was assigned several artists with limited talent poor acting skills, weak variety show presence, though their personal lives were quite, eventful.
That period was probably one of the most constrained times in Li Wei’s career.”
Xia You’s hand trembled slightly as she held the documents. She remembered that time well.
At that time, Xia You had noticed something was off with Li Wei and wanted to talk to her. Even Li Wei’s mother had asked Xia You to reach out, but Li Wei refused.
Li Wei had always been emotionally stable. Shortly after the incident, she concealed any negative emotions so well that no one could tell how upset she was, even though the issue remained unresolved.
But it was from then on that an unspoken distance began to form between Xia You and Li Wei.
“Did it hurt you?” Bai Shuixi propped her chin on one hand, her gaze openly scrutinizing. Noticing a flicker of unease in Xia You’s expression, she smiled and said reassuringly, “Don’t worry. Her struggles only lasted half a year. After that, she met Zhou Wanwan, who was drowning in scandals at the time.”
“Scandals?” Xia You was taken aback.
“Mm,” Bai Shuixi replied casually, as if it were nothing. “Starlight Entertainment’s PR team is excellent, and Li Wei is sharp-minded. Zhou Wanwan had nearly hit rock bottom with no acting offers left, but Li Wei pulled her back up. Though, if not for Zhou Wanwan, Li Wei would’ve probably left Starlight Entertainment by now.”
“Are you saying they’re important to each other?” Xia You hesitated before finally asking after a long silence.
Bai Shuixi sighed inwardly, then curved her lips into a smile, looking straight at Xia You. “I can’t speak for them, but my feelings for you are genuine.”
Xia You lowered her head without responding.
Assuming she would brush it off like before, Bai Shuixi smoothly shifted the topic back. “There’ll be plenty of time to figure out Li Wei and Zhou Wanwan’s relationship later. Now that you’ve signed the contract, you’re my assistant. Understanding me and managing my schedule should be your top priority.”
“I understand…” Xia You took a deep breath and neatly organized the documents in her hands. “Can I take these with me?”
“Up to you.” Bai Shuixi shrugged. Xia You slipped the papers back into the folder and placed it beside her.
“Your job isn’t too complicated. Sky Tone doesn’t have many artists, most are busy filming. The company’s real focus is on TV and film production, so we deal with a lot of directors, actors, and investors. Your role is to help balance my work and personal life.”
“Don’t I need to manage your schedule?” Xia You blinked in surprise.
“That’s another assistant’s job.” Bai Shuixi chuckled lightly, interlacing her fingers as she studied Xia You.
It was strange. Logically, no matter how attractive an Omega was, constant exposure should dull the appeal. Yet Xia You never gave Bai Shuixi the feeling of being ‘just okay.’
After a quiet moment, Xia You said, “Your company has plenty of hires. It doesn’t seem like you need me.”
“Not true,” Bai Shuixi countered with a smile. “I do need you. I’ll take you to all my events, I want a steady companion, and this way, you’ll get to see Li Wei and Zhou Wanwan. Isn’t that ideal?”
“I see!” Xia You finally seemed to regain her composure, speaking with clarity. “I get information through you, and in return, you provide me with an identity, accommodation, and salary. It’s a fair exchange for me to stay by your side and assist you.”
Bai Shuixi raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. This seemingly delicate and fragile Omega actually had moments of rationality and clear-headedness?
Her level-headedness genuinely improved Bai Shuixi’s mood.
Was this what happiness felt like?
“What’s wrong?” Xia You glanced at Bai Shuixi when she didn’t get a response.
Bai Shuixi didn’t explain, simply smiling instead. “I’m really starting to like you now.”
Xia You froze in shock.
“Alright, let’s talk about something else,” Bai Shuixi changed the subject before her system could start screaming. She pulled out a wallet from her bag and handed Xia You a business card. “I’m not the only one handling Tianyin’s affairs. If you can’t reach me, look for him.”
“Xu Chuan?” Xia You read the name printed on the card softly.
Bai Shuixi nodded. “Yes, Tianyin’s vice president.”
He was also the person who had helped Xia You when she was about to take down the original host in the novel.
Now, by proactively connecting the two, Bai Shuixi hoped they would prove capable and not drag things out too long.
“And don’t forget about our bet,” Bai Shuixi added, applying pressure once more as she looked at Xia You. “If you get cold feet midway.”
Bai Shuixi’s words trailed off. Xia You lifted her head to meet her gaze, her crimson lips pressed together unconsciously from seriousness, her gentle eyes fixed firmly on Bai Shuixi.
The two locked eyes in silent confrontation.
After a moment, Bai Shuixi let out a soft laugh. “If you back out, I can’t guarantee what I might do.”