Has The Live-in Alpha Stepped Up - Chapter 26
26: Taking the Initiative to Kiss
The guilt toward Yu Guqiu didn’t linger too long on this guest.
The moment she noticed An Yizhu’s gaze, she smoothly asked, “Guqiu, aren’t you going to introduce us properly? Your little Alpha has inexplicably developed hostility toward me. What, are you jealous even if an Omega chats a bit more with your Omega?”
Yu Guqiu could naturally sense the faint licorice-like pheromones quietly permeating the entire lounge.
For a moment, she even wondered if this beautiful Omega’s charm had also affected the little Alpha.
But when the guest spoke up, Yu Guqiu realized—this was hostility?
Yu Guqiu looked at An Yizhu in surprise.
An Yizhu awkwardly turned her head, afraid Yu Guqiu would blame her for being unfriendly to her friend.
If she explained that she was still young and inexperienced, would she get scolded?
But the truth was, she hadn’t been an Alpha for long, and she really couldn’t control her pheromones well.
From An Yizhu’s guilty expression, Yu Guqiu immediately got her answer and found it somewhat amusing.
An Alpha being jealous of an Omega—how niche.
Well, this was An Yizhu after all. She was the type to do niche things.
Yu Guqiu smiled at the guest, though her words were critical: “I actually think Xiao Zhu being wary of you isn’t a problem. You’ve always had terrible boundaries.”
“Hey, I don’t like how you’re phrasing that. You’re the one who’s truly ungrateful. The Luan family’s business was connected through my help, and now you’re burning bridges after crossing the river? If we weren’t friends—” The guest stopped before saying something hurtful and changed her tone, addressing An Yizhu instead. “Fine, if your wife won’t introduce me, I’ll do it myself. My name is Si Ruxin.”
An Yizhu thought for a moment. The name felt familiar, as if she’d seen it somewhere, but it didn’t seem to be from the novel she transmigrated into.
Puzzled, she glanced at Yu Guqiu, unsure if she should politely return the introduction.
Si Ruxin huffed at An Yizhu’s deferential attitude toward Yu Guqiu. “Seriously, where do you all find such obedient Alphas? Why can’t I ever meet one? Every single one I come across either asks me out to eat in a cafeteria or hesitates even to introduce themselves. What did I do to deserve this?”
Yu Guqiu shook her head with a smile.
Si Ruxin was as temperamental as ever.
Best not to provoke her further. Given her spoiled upbringing, she’d throw a tantrum even at a friend’s wedding if she felt like it.
“Her name is An Yizhu. I picked her up off the street.”
“Tch. CEO Yu, your perfunctory skills need work. If you don’t want to say, just say so. No need to feed me such nonsense.” Si Ruxin was clearly dissatisfied.
Yu Guqiu turned to look at An Yizhu.
An Yizhu finally spoke up: “I come from a small orphanage. When I met Guqiu, I was just undergoing differentiation. I differentiated late, with the side effect of memory loss, so Guqiu really did pick me up when I had no one to rely on.”
This was the script they’d prepared yesterday for the wedding ceremony.
Yu Guqiu had anticipated questions and prepared a standard answer to avoid mishaps. She hadn’t expected to use it first on Si Ruxin.
“What the—if this is true, I’m officially intrigued.” Despite her shock, Si Ruxin didn’t hesitate to grab a handful of peanuts from the nearby coffee table.
As part of the “early birth of a noble son” platter, they weren’t very tasty—An Yizhu had already tried them.
But Si Ruxin still elegantly peeled two and popped them into her mouth, savoring the peanuts’ flavor while also savoring the story’s implications.
“So, you’re in a contract marriage?” Si Ruxin saw through the truth in a second, then added her own spin in the next. “Marriage first, love later?”
Yu Guqiu looked at Si Ruxin with an expression that screamed speechless.
Si Ruxin laughed, crossing her legs without a care for her previously refined image. “Does your grandma know? Doesn’t she want to hit you? The only thing she’s ever accepted in life is true love. If she finds out you married a controllable Alpha just to shut people up, she’d be furious.”
Yu Guqiu didn’t even need to answer. She simply pointed outside the one-way mirror.
Although Yu Shanmei had been unwell and sent to a private hospital for rest a couple of days ago, today she was full of energy at the venue.
She had even objected to the overly simple wedding decorations, personally arranging for last-minute deliveries of flowers to fill the backyard.
Now, she stood amidst a sea of blossoms, chatting and laughing with guests, radiating vitality with no trace of illness.
Si Ruxin didn’t need to look.
Despite Yu Shanmei’s poor health, her status remained unchallenged. When Si Ruxin arrived earlier, she’d already seen how lively the old lady was, surrounded by a crowd.
“Fair enough. I heard this little Alpha has a 100% pheromone match with you, so it’s not like you’re losing out.”
She stood up, her high heels clicking sharply as she skirted Yu Guqiu’s gown and leaned in to whisper, “Can you pick up an Alpha for me too? Pretty please?”
An Yizhu was exasperated. In such a small space, even whispers were audible.
But it seemed Si Ruxin was solely focused on finding an Alpha. Since this was a conversation between her and Yu Guqiu, An Yizhu could only pretend not to hear and turned to look out the window.
“You can drink more of the red wine on the table today.” Yu Guqiu said calmly.
“Why? Is it this year’s auctioned wine king, Romanée-Conti? If you’re recommending it, I’ll definitely drink my money’s worth. I gave you a huge wedding red envelope today.” Si Ruxin beamed.
“No, it’s just ordinary red wine. But if you drink enough, you’ll realize dreams can come true—in your sleep.” Yu Guqiu didn’t hold back.
Si Ruxin laughed even harder. “Hahaha, wow, you’re so stingy. Whatever, I’m going out to socialize. See you later, Guqiu. And, uh… whatever your name is. Never mind, little Alpha.”
An Yizhu continued to eye Si Ruxin, but the look was no longer hostile—more like understanding.
Because An Yizhu had figured it out: Yu Guqiu seemed helpless against this type of shameless personality.
The wedding ceremony officially began.
The villa’s large bronze doors stood closed, exuding a heavy sense of oppression.
An Yizhu and Yu Guqiu stood behind them.
An Yizhu, wearing a strapless wedding gown, felt her palms sweating slightly despite the spring chill.
The wedding had been scaled down to the smallest possible size, with only Yu Guqiu’s essential relatives, friends, and business partners invited.
But to An Yizhu, even in such an intimate setting, none of the guests had any connection to her. She felt like an intruder.
The relatives she’d met at the hospital hadn’t left a good impression.
And Yu Guqiu’s best friend was that lady from earlier…
An Yizhu reassured herself that this was just acting for Yu Guqiu’s sake. Yu Guqiu had said yesterday that they just needed to get through it.
But as the wedding march played, An Yizhu couldn’t help but immerse herself in the solemn atmosphere.
Today, she would enter into marriage with someone, pledging to spend their lives together.
Even if almost no one here sincerely blessed them.
An Yizhu glanced sideways at Yu Guqiu.
“What’s wrong? Nervous?” Yu Guqiu noticed her gaze and turned to meet it.
The little Alpha’s thoughts were easy to read.
Right now, she was practically radiating licorice-scented pheromones like a medicine jar. Fortunately, most guests were Betas and couldn’t sense it.
An Yizhu licked her dry lips sheepishly. “A little, but it’s fine. I’ll make sure to match perfectly later!”
Yu Guqiu’s eyes lowered briefly before lifting again, masking a flicker of apology. “There’s no room for mistakes. Do you remember the process?”
“Yes, I was reviewing it in my sleep last night.”
Before An Yizhu could decipher the apology in Yu Guqiu’s eyes, the latter’s firm tone cut her off.
Yu Guqiu nodded.
At least An Yizhu had never let her down when it came to helping her. She was reassured.
The wedding emcee began the ceremony’s opening remarks.
Yu Guqiu lifted her skirt slightly, signaling two professional bridesmaids in gowns to help with the train.
She naturally looped her arm through An Yizhu’s.
The sunlight was beautiful today, and the temperature warm, but her fingertips were still cool against An Yizhu’s skin.
The doors slowly opened, letting in both the outside light and the guests’ gazes as they fell upon the two brides.
An Yizhu placed her other hand over Yu Guqiu’s, intertwining their fingers.
The sudden gesture took Yu Guqiu by surprise, but her cold fingers tightened slightly, clinging to the warmth.
As the crowd’s eyes settled on them, An Yizhu felt the pressure through their linked hands and instinctively smiled, stepping forward with Yu Guqiu.
To the guests, the hastily sent wedding invitations had been abrupt.
Even in Jiangcheng—no, in the entire country—no other prominent family had ever announced a wedding like this.
Many had come to mock.
One version of the rumors circulating claimed:
Yu Guqiu, plagued by countless pests and her rare illness reaching its limit, had leveraged her Alpha grandmother’s favor and medical resources to conduct a large-scale Alpha pheromone screening.
Finally, she found a matching Alpha—one born into poverty, willing to marry into the Yu family for a hefty reward, compromising her Alpha dignity.
But now, the icy beauty wore her Omega mother’s wedding gown, more stunning than ever.
Her iceberg smile, rarely seen by anyone present, had thawed.
And the Alpha beside her? Her smile was even more genuine. She looked so happy—nothing like someone who’d sold her Alpha pride for money.
So, they recalled the second version of the rumors:
Yu Guqiu, though a top-tier Omega, had refused to marry due to her rare condition, rejecting countless suitors over the years.
But then, an Alpha appeared—love at first sight.
A 100% pheromone match, even curing Yu Guqiu’s illness. This was a heaven-sent match no outsider could question.
This version sounded like something straight out of a cheap romance novel—too ridiculous to take seriously.
Even if Yu Guqiu’s Omega mother had been a hopeless romantic, she’d at least married Meng Jiagao, a promising young executive at a tech company before joining the Yu family.
But this Alpha—what was her name again?
Something like An, but unrelated to the renowned An art family.
Just an ordinary college senior from an orphanage.
Her only “valuable” trait was her Alpha status and willingness to marry.
Hard to judge.
The guests watched the couple with mixed feelings.
Only Si Ruxin was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
She wasn’t lying about being Yu Guqiu’s best friend, but she knew their closeness wasn’t due to some deep bond—Yu Guqiu was just too unapproachable.
As another top-tier Omega from a wealthy family with strong business ties to the Yus, Si Ruxin could at least hold a conversation with her.
Still, she’d always sympathized with Yu Guqiu’s plight.
With only Old Yu supporting her at home and surrounded by wolves, it was no wonder she’d grown so cold.
Why did society always want to devour Omegas? The more powerful the Omega, the more they were seen as prey. Disgusting.
Now, seeing those wolves and tigers thwarted—delightful!
Little Alpha, you must persevere!
An Yizhu and Yu Guqiu walked slowly across the lawn.
Amidst the many unfriendly gazes, An Yizhu sensed a few supportive ones.
But those few were enough to strengthen her resolve.
In tough times, the rare care and support were the true path forward!
An Yizhu had always believed this.
She would stand by Yu Guqiu!
Firmly!
Her smile widened, determined to show everyone.
Yu Guqiu noticed An Yizhu’s growing enthusiasm, her steps gaining momentum.
Even the emcee paused. Were the brides in a hurry? They were practically speeding up.
Must be the little Alpha’s eagerness—her smile was practically splitting her face.
The emcee quickly adjusted, speeding up her script to match.
An Yizhu and Yu Guqiu stood on the wedding platform, surrounded by flowers, overlooking the guests.
Originally, the process was simple: only Yu Guqiu needed to speak first.
Yu Guqiu took the microphone. “Aunts, uncles, you’ve watched me grow up and always cared about my marriage. Now that Xiao Zhu and I are married, you needn’t worry anymore—about my marriage or my health. But in the future, I’ll still need your support in work matters.”
These words were mostly for the relatives and a few business partners who’d once considered matchmaking. Less gratitude, more deterrence.
At this wedding, everyone had their own agenda.
Instead of sweet vows, Yu Guqiu’s speech turned the ceremony into a business announcement.
Some guests looked displeased—they were the ones being warned.
Others reconsidered: if Yu Guqiu had found a suitable Alpha, stabilizing her marriage and reducing variables, it might actually benefit collaborations.
They just needed to assess whether this Alpha was truly obedient or would flee after taking a share.
Their eyes turned to the little Alpha.
She didn’t look like she’d run.
If Yu Guqiu’s speech was overbearing, An Yizhu was indifferent.
While Yu Guqiu dampened the mood with unromantic words, the little Alpha’s eyes were glued to her Omega, ignoring everyone else!
An Yizhu’s focus was entirely on Yu Guqiu.
She couldn’t get enough of Yu Guqiu’s demeanor just now.
In just a few words, she’d exuded unshakable confidence, intimidating everyone. If she wanted something, she made it happen.
An Yizhu longed to see her in full glory!
“Miss An Yizhu? Miss An Yizhu??” The emcee called twice.
“Huh? Sorry, I was mesmerized.” An Yizhu snapped out of it.
Si Ruxin burst out laughing.
Yu Shanmei also smiled, unfazed.
Only the relatives remained grim-faced.
This wasn’t the script they wanted.
The emcee chuckled at An Yizhu’s reaction.
“With your wife shining so brightly, it’s only natural to be captivated. Let me ask you again: Do you take Yu Guqiu as your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do!” An Yizhu declared loudly, even finding the emcee’s wording too dry and adding, “For better or worse, in sickness and health, I will stay by your side until death parts us.”
She took the wedding ring from the emcee and slid it onto Yu Guqiu’s slender, cool finger.
The emcee pressed her lips together, astonished.
In such a simple, rushed wedding, the little sunbeam’s love could still burn this fiercely?
Yu Guqiu, however, gave An Yizhu a strange look. She’d omitted those vows precisely because she disliked them—why was An Yizhu adding them now?
Yu Guqiu touched the ring, still warm from An Yizhu’s touch.
An Yizhu always effortlessly swept others up in her passion.
But she played her role well—exactly as Yu Guqiu wanted.
The emcee continued: “Miss Yu Guqiu, do you take An Yizhu as your lawfully wedded wife?”
Yu Guqiu smiled. “Even without this ceremony, we’re already legally married. No one’s objections matter.”
She slid the ring onto An Yizhu’s finger.
Such a strong statement!
The emcee blinked in surprise.
She’d misjudged—this was no one-sided crush!
The iceberg beauty’s hidden passion was reserved for her alone!
Even if the relatives disapproved, they would walk happily into the future.
The emcee’s imagination ran wild. At this simple wealthy wedding, she’d witnessed true love!
“You may now kiss your bride!”
An Yizhu started to turn.
Yesterday’s process hadn’t included this. Yu Guqiu had said she’d skip it.
But then—
Yu Guqiu gripped An Yizhu’s wrist, stopping her.
An Yizhu met Yu Guqiu’s light-colored eyes, catching a fleeting glimpse of apology before it vanished.
What was this?
Sometimes she thought she understood Yu Guqiu, other times not at all.
Had she cooperated incorrectly?
Yu Guqiu stepped closer.
An Yizhu froze.
Yu Guqiu rose onto her toes.
The distance between them shrank to a breath.
As Yu Guqiu’s flawless face neared, An Yizhu held her breath, but the rose scent enveloped her senses.
[I wanted to see Sister dominate the scene, but instead, she dominated me first?]
An Yizhu felt like she’d fallen back into a dream, unsure if this was real or another uncontrollable fantasy from recent nights.
Wait—
The softness against her lips and the alternating warmth and coolness of their breaths tangled, making it harder to breathe.
Thud—thud—
An Yizhu’s mind blanked.
Only her heart could think.
This was a decision Yu Guqiu had pondered for two days.
The wedding could be flawed, but this kiss had to seal their marriage in the eyes of all.
Party A hadn’t informed Party B in advance.
But Party A reserved the right to make temporary demands and compensate Party B afterward.
Yet Yu Guqiu wasn’t as composed as she seemed.
Her mind could only mechanically frame this as a Party A and Party B transaction, distancing herself.
But this soft sensation was her first experience too. Her ears turned red instantly, along with her neck and arms.
What she hadn’t expected was her thoughts scattering even more than during the mark.
All this without pheromones.
An Yizhu’s hands instinctively slid around Yu Guqiu’s back.
The smooth skin hidden by hair and veil quickly mapped itself in her mind.
Then—
As if enlightened, An Yizhu finally remembered to breathe.
Taking advantage of her shorter gown, she leaned Yu Guqiu back.
Everything happened in seconds.
Only Si Ruxin, who’d been waiting for this, shrieked first: “Ah—! Congrats! Wishing you eternal happiness!”
The silence shattered.
The guests snapped out of their daze, erupting into thunderous applause.
This wedding was real.
The icy beauty had taken the initiative to kiss her wife in front of everyone.
Amidst such a striking contrast, faced with the two circulating rumors about the couple—a contractual marriage versus love at first sight—the crowd instantly and firmly believed the latter.