Has The Live-in Alpha Stepped Up - Chapter 42

42: The Darkening Process

After Yu Guqiu finished speaking, the most shocked person present was Jing Zuo.

She was almost on the verge of cursing An Yizhu out loud.

What the hell? Your wife is Yu Guqiu? Why didn’t you say so earlier?

When you went to the school, you even said you had an internal referral slot!

You’re the wife of President Yu! You could get anyone in if you wanted to! Why the act?!

No wonder you looked so blissful just making a phone call yesterday!

No wonder your smile hasn’t faded since you saw President Yu earlier!

No wonder you’ve been standing so close to President Yu without her getting angry!

And how long are you planning to keep hugging her?!

Wasn’t it enough to feed us dog food over the phone? Now you’re luring us in just to slaughter us?!

An Yizhu could see the endless stream of complaints bursting from Jing Zuo’s eyes. If those words had been tangible, they probably would’ve knocked her out.

She smiled sheepishly and let go, standing beside Yu Guqiu.

Having her identity acknowledged so openly was something she hadn’t expected at all.

She had assumed that, no matter what, Yu Guqiu would keep it a secret in front of Ji Lu.

Now, her mood was soaring!

What should she do?

She couldn’t focus on serious matters at all!

She even glanced around to gauge the reactions of the others.

Yu Liu wore a smile, unsurprised that Yu Guqiu had openly declared their relationship in front of everyone. In fact, she seemed to admire the couple’s openness.

Ji Lu, on the other hand, only looked stunned for a few seconds before nodding at An Yizhu in sudden understanding, as if she’d finally figured out the reason for An Yizhu’s odd behavior these past few days.

Only Lin Meng, behind her thick glasses, couldn’t hide the frown between her brows.

She seemed unable to comprehend why Yu Guqiu had openly acknowledged An Yizhu’s identity in front of everyone.

She whispered a reminder, “President Yu, does Madam’s identity no longer need to be kept secret?”

Yu Guqiu shook her head. “We’ll still keep it confidential from the media, but if we keep it secret even in such a small circle, it’ll affect work efficiency too much.”

Ji Lu chuckled. “Sister Guqiu, you’re still the same as ever—everything you do is about efficiency.”

Yu Guqiu finally turned to Ji Lu and nodded, immediately changing the subject. “Finally, I’ve managed to invite a big shot like you out of seclusion, Great Screenwriter Ji.”

Ji Lu smiled effortlessly. “Sister Guqiu, you flatter me. I’m just a nobody who didn’t even know where to send my resume. I’m truly honored to be at Guangying.”

“You’re too modest. Your talent as a screenwriter has been recognized by several industry veterans. When I was on a business trip in Xiamen, Teacher Wan recommended you to me.” Yu Guqiu explained.

Ji Lu sighed helplessly. “So Teacher Wan still remembers me. I really should thank her properly.”

At this point, An Yizhu understood.

The plot was indeed driving the trajectory of this world’s development.

In Ji Lu’s storyline, Teacher Wan was her benefactor, the one who helped her rise from the lowest point in her life.

Yu Guqiu and Ji Lu continued discussing many topics, all so professional that the others could hardly interject.

It was clear that Yu Guqiu had several plans ready before arriving, all waiting for Ji Lu’s input to confirm Guangying’s future direction.

“An Yizhu.” Yu Guqiu suddenly called out to her.

“Hmm?” An Yizhu looked up.

Seeing that An Yizhu had been distracted, Yu Guqiu wasn’t annoyed but asked, “I heard you recruited three aspiring screenwriters at the school. What are your plans for them?”

Just moments ago, Yu Guqiu and Ji Lu had been engaged in high-level discussions about the company’s future.

Why was the topic suddenly shifting to the president inquiring about HR’s recruitment status?

An Yizhu pouted but still answered, “This is one of them—the president of the Writing Club, a soon-to-graduate senior. The other two are undergrads from Jiangcheng University, both junior members of the Writing Club.”

When Yu Guqiu heard “Writing Club,” she turned to Ji Lu. “That sounds like the club you founded back then.”

Tch!

She was in the middle of reporting on new recruits, and now the conversation was circling back to Ji Lu again!

An Yizhu glared at Yu Guqiu, throwing a tiny tantrum as the “president’s wife.”

Unfortunately, the tantrum was too subtle for anyone to notice.

Ji Lu smiled self-deprecatingly. “Yes, but back then, it was such a dull club that hardly anyone joined. Now, there are only three members left.”

Jing Zuo, sitting nearby, only dared to nod. She still didn’t have the courage to speak directly to Yu Guqiu.

An Yizhu spoke up for her. “But including Jing Zuo, all three members have better character and skills than those in the Drama Club or Film Club.”

Jing Zuo hadn’t expected An Yizhu to sing her praises in front of her wife. A whisper in the ear from the bedmate couldn’t be underestimated.

She added sheepishly, “I can vouch for our character, but as for skills… we’ll work hard. Oh, right—the two juniors are also downtown today. If President Yu wants to meet them, I can call them over.”

Jing Zuo wanted to give her juniors a chance to shine, but as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it.

President Yu’s time was so precious—how could she possibly want to meet two undergrads?

She quickly backtracked, “Of course, I was just saying. President Yu, you must be so busy—”

Yu Guqiu, however, asked Jing Zuo, “You’re Yizhu’s roommate, right? When Yizhu stays at the school, I’ll have to trouble you to look after her.”

Jing Zuo hadn’t expected the work-obsessed Yu Guqiu to say something like this.

She couldn’t help but marvel—does President Yu even realize how obvious her love is?

But in response to the concern, Jing Zuo could only reply modestly, “Oh, no, no—if anything, it’s Yizhu who’s been looking after me.”

Aside from the two classes An Yizhu had attended with her after the academic office canceled her courses on a whim, there hadn’t been any need for “looking after.”

“Then call the two juniors over. I’d like to meet the future talent.” Yu Guqiu said, even offering a faint smile.

Jing Zuo finally relaxed a little, her nerves easing.

Ji Lu also smiled. “It seems our Writing Club is about to become famous. I’ll make sure they develop well and cultivate more talent.”

Yu Guqiu didn’t respond, only turning to Yu Liu. “I’ll meet with the other team leaders and Aunt Chen now. Take them to the cafeteria to wait. We’ll have a casual lunch here.”

Aunt Chen was the person who had been primarily responsible for Guangying recently. Yu Guqiu would indeed need to coordinate with her to take over.

“Understood, President Yu.” Yu Liu replied. Though they shared the same title, Yu Liu was happy to play the role of a mere facilitator.

With that, Yu Guqiu left.

Ji Lu followed Yu Liu out, and Jing Zuo naturally trailed after her cousin.

An Yizhu lingered at the back, listless.

Lin Meng, however, approached her. “Madam, there’s no need to feel so down.”

An Yizhu hadn’t expected Lin Meng to comfort her. She smiled. “I’m not really down, just sleep-deprived and a little out of it.”

She was adept at making flimsy excuses.

Lin Meng smiled knowingly. “You don’t have to pretend. Your current state is completely different from usual. But let me speak on behalf of President Yu—I’ve practically grown up with her, and her feelings toward Ji Lu are mostly gratitude.”

An Yizhu’s emotions flared at Lin Meng’s words.

Just hearing the word “feelings” stirred a restless irritation in her chest, making her want to cut Lin Meng off.

What feelings?

“Gratitude for what? For her coming to help the Yu Group in its time of crisis?”

Her tone turned sharp.

She didn’t understand why she was reacting this way. Just moments ago, her mood had been fine.

Lin Meng didn’t seem bothered and even smiled as she explained, “It’s a much greater debt than that. Over a decade ago, President Yu was kidnapped.”

An Yizhu’s brows furrowed.

There had been mentions of this in the original story.

In the novel, Ji Lu had once asked the antagonist Yu Guqiu why she had done those terrible things to the Omega female lead.

The antagonist had only responded sorrowfully, asking Ji Lu if she didn’t remember what had happened over a decade ago.

But since the original story was told from Ji Lu’s perspective, the incident from “over a decade ago” had indeed been forgotten by her and never appeared in the main text.

She hadn’t expected it to be a kidnapping.

“Did Ji Lu save her?” An Yizhu guessed.

Lin Meng nodded and added details. “Yes. At the time, President Yu was tied up and taken to a remote location in a car. Ji Lu happened to be fishing in the countryside with her two mothers. When the kidnappers secretly gave President Yu water, Ji Lu saw it. Though she was young, she was very quick-witted—she immediately called the police and, with her mothers’ help, rescued President Yu from the car trunk.”

This was nothing short of a life-saving favor.

An Yizhu’s frown deepened.

She seemed to understand why the blackened antagonist had become so “love-struck.”

It was a youthful infatuation—a white moonlight who had stepped forward to save her in a life-or-death moment. How could anyone not lose their rationality over that?

An Yizhu clenched her fists, unable to find any words to comfort herself.

Lin Meng continued, “When Ji Lu moved away, President Yu went to see her off, but they hadn’t been in contact since.”

Was this meant to explain Yu Guqiu’s behavior?

None of this was any comfort to An Yizhu.

This was the textbook definition of a white moonlight’s return.

The impression a white moonlight leaves on someone’s heart is nearly impossible to erase.

An Yizhu couldn’t help but suspect that Yu Guqiu had openly introduced her as her wife earlier just to make the white moonlight jealous.

Ah!!!

An Yizhu was so frustrated she wanted to scream.

Now, she was the one burning with jealousy.

Why couldn’t I have transmigrated here earlier?

Why couldn’t I have been the one to save Yu Guqiu?

Even though she had long anticipated the white moonlight’s appearance and had mentally prepared herself countless times, determined not to let Yu Guqiu walk the path of darkness—

Now that it was actually happening, she felt utterly powerless.

What can I even do?

Meanwhile, her jealousy continued to churn inside her, as if she, too, were on the verge of blackening.

Her Alpha pheromones surged uncontrollably, as if trying to expel the outsider who had invaded her territory.

Lin Meng studied An Yizhu for a moment.

Though she was a Beta and couldn’t sense pheromones, she could see the state of the inhibitor patch on the back of An Yizhu’s neck, peeking out from her tied-up hair.

“You might want to freshen up in the restroom.”

The hint was subtle.

An Yizhu realized the problem herself.

Without another word, she hurried out of the meeting room.

Lin Meng watched her leave, shook her head, and picked up her phone to handle her own matters.

An Yizhu dashed to the Alpha-designated restroom.

Inside, there were commonly used inhibitor patches and, thanks to Guangying’s generous employee benefits, even generic suppressants.

An Yizhu deftly injected herself with a suppressant.

When she peeled off the inhibitor patch, she caught a glimpse of her ferocious and ugly gland in the mirror—just like her heart at this moment.

Only when the suppressant took effect did An Yizhu finally calm down.

But deep down, she still couldn’t suppress her hostility toward Ji Lu.

An Yizhu smiled bitterly.

If this continued, she might turn into a female antagonist herself, constantly clashing with the Alpha female lead.

She could ignore Ji Lu’s obvious excellence.

She could easily avoid competing with Ji Lu by shining in her own field of illustration.

But when it came to Yu Guqiu, comparisons were unavoidable.

An Yizhu washed her face dejectedly.

At least with her pheromones stabilized, her mood improved slightly.

She reapplied the inhibitor patch to the back of her neck and headed to the cafeteria to regroup with the others.

Everyone was already seated in the dining area.

Yu Liu had ordered dishes based on their preferences.

“Perfect timing, Yizhu. What would you like to eat?”

“Anything’s fine—something with meat and soup.” An Yizhu didn’t want to make things difficult, offering a clear direction.

“How about spare rib rice? Extra ribs and a side of chicken soup.” Yu Liu made the decision after glancing at the menu.

“Sure.” An Yizhu took a seat next to Jing Zuo, facing Ji Lu.

Just then, a voice called out from the doorway.

“Seniors~~ Seniors~~~”

It was Xu Qingyi, dragging Lin Da along.

Lin Da was even carrying two bags of fruit.

They looked less like they were here to meet company executives and more like they were on a spring outing. The carefree vibe of college students was unmistakable.

Xu Qingyi, noticing the others, quickly composed herself and placed one of the fruit bags on the table with a smile.

“We heard you wanted to see us, so we brought some fruit—though we weren’t sure what else to bring.”

“These two are quite adorable.” Yu Liu couldn’t help but smile warmly at the bright-eyed girls. “They’re energetic, just like Yizhu.”

At that moment, Yu Guqiu returned from her brief meeting and entered the cafeteria—just in time to hear the remark.

Curious, she wondered what kind of person could be described as “just like Yizhu.”

Xu Qingyi, hearing the praise, grinned and handed Yu Liu a strawberry.

Jing Zuo, however, eyed the other bag in Lin Da’s hands—a whole mini watermelon—and asked, “What’s that for?”

Xu Qingyi immediately picked up the watermelon and handed it to An Yizhu.

“Senior~ This watermelon’s for you!” Xu Qingyi’s voice was sweet. “Lin Da and I checked your social media and saw you used to love watermelon, so we picked one out for you. The vendor promised it’s sweet!”

Her tone was saccharine, as if sweetness came at no extra cost.

Jing Zuo shuddered and teased, “Why are you acting so cutesy today?”

Whack! Xu Qingyi slapped Jing Zuo’s arm. “Senior Jing Zuo, don’t spout nonsense! Lin Da and I just wanted to thank Senior Yizhu for giving us this chance at Guangying!”

Ji Lu, who had been listening quietly, chuckled. “Shouldn’t you thank me too? I founded the Writing Club, and I put in a good word for you at Guangying.”

Jing Zuo pouted. “Then you should definitely thank me—I made the suggestion and called Yizhu.”

“We didn’t forget Senior Ji Lu and Senior Jing Zuo! Here’s fruit for everyone—dig in!” Xu Qingyi pushed grapes toward Ji Lu and mangosteens toward Jing Zuo.

Lin Da nodded earnestly. “We’re really grateful for this opportunity.”

Xu Qingyi pulled Lin Da to sit beside Jing Zuo.

Just then, Lin Meng spotted Yu Guqiu at the entrance and stood. “President Yu, you’re back.”

All eyes turned.

Xu Qingyi’s excitement was palpable as she looked at Yu Guqiu.

She’s really a stunning beauty!

But the words died in her throat.

She, too, was instantly cowed by Yu Guqiu’s aura.

Yu Guqiu nodded to the group and took a seat beside Yu Liu—technically also next to An Yizhu, though separated by the corner of the table.

“I see the two aspiring Guangying members are full of youthful energy.” Yu Guqiu remarked, eyeing Xu Qingyi.

“Yes, President Yu! We’re ready to join Guangying anytime!” Xu Qingyi declared enthusiastically.

Lin Da could only nod. If President Yu said she was energetic, then she was energetic.

Yu Guqiu studied Xu Qingyi for a moment before shifting her gaze to the watermelon in An Yizhu’s hands.

Yu Liu was right—in a way, she did resemble An Yizhu: bright, cheerful, and lively.

Unlike herself.

An Yizhu, noticing Yu Guqiu’s stare, wondered if she also liked watermelon and considered saving it for her.

But directly regifting it in front of the juniors seemed inappropriate.

[I’ll just take it home for Yu Guqiu later.]

Thinking this, she set the watermelon on the floor, out of reach.

Yu Guqiu’s eyes chilled at the action, misinterpreting her intentions.

[It’s just a watermelon. No need to guard it so possessively.]

But Yu Guqiu wasn’t done. “Yizhu and I discussed your school’s club situation. I know the current Drama and Film Club presidents have connections but have let their clubs deteriorate.”

“Exactly! President Yu, you’re so perceptive!” Xu Qingyi gushed.

The Writing Club had suffered plenty of bullying in competitions.

Jing Zuo nudged her to tone it down.

Yu Guqiu continued, unfazed. “To ensure smooth collaboration between Guangying and Jiangcheng University, we’ve decided to appoint the Writing Club as our official partner.”

“Oh my god!” Lin Da gasped, even she was stunned.

Happiness had come too suddenly.

The Writing Club had failed to recruit freshmen this year and faced dissolution once Jing Zuo graduated, leaving fewer than three members.

But now, with Guangying’s announcement, new members would surely flood in.

Ji Lu smiled. “That’s wonderful. When I become an outstanding alumna, I can revisit the club as its founder.”

An Yizhu glanced at Yu Guqiu, realization dawning.

The partnership could have been arranged directly with the school, yet the responsibility had been handed to a student-run club?

Yu Guqiu’s favoritism was glaringly obvious.

When will I ever receive such preferential treatment?

The thought twisted An Yizhu’s heart.

If not for the suppressant, her pheromones would have erupted, strangling Ji Lu on the spot.

An Yizhu kept her murderous fantasies to herself, sulking through the entire meal.

She only sneakily slipped Yu Guqiu three spare ribs when no one was looking—devouring the rest herself.

Not a single extra rib for Yu Guqiu!

After lunch, Yu Guqiu assigned Yu Liu to give the newcomers a tour of the company.

An Yizhu listened absentmindedly until Yu Guqiu stood to leave, tapping the table in front of her.

“Aren’t you coming with me?”

“?” An Yizhu was confused—technically, she had planned to return to school today.

Now that Jing Zuo knew they were married, nothing between them would surprise her.

“Yizhu, if President Yu wants you to go, just go. Don’t overthink it. I’m used to having the dorm to myself—I don’t need your company.”

Xu Qingyi and Lin Da, unaware of their relationship, cheered, “Senior Yizhu, go for it! You’re so valued!”

Yu Guqiu’s gaze turned icy. “Yes, I’ll value her very much.”

The emphasis on “value” was biting.

An Yizhu found it odd but was already being dragged away by the wrist.

“Wait, the watermelon!” She hadn’t forgotten it.

Watermelon again.

Yu Guqiu’s eyes frosted over as she watched An Yizhu.

An Yizhu jogged to keep up but met Yu Guqiu’s cold stare, her heart aching.

What’s your problem? Just because your white moonlight is back, you’re treating me differently?

An Yizhu’s resentment flared, her grip on the watermelon tightening.

Forget the watermelon—Yu Guqiu doesn’t deserve it!

Then again, if she really wants it, she can have it all! Let her choke on it!

Yu Guqiu never let go of An Yizhu’s wrist the entire way, and An Yizhu obediently carried the watermelon without protest.

Xie Fang, driving them home, found the silence deafening.

[How strange. These two haven’t seen each other in a week—shouldn’t they be glued together, chatting nonstop?]

[Yizhu must have had plenty of fun at school—why isn’t she sharing?]

[Even I heard the animation department raving about her storyboards—why no bragging?]

[And Guqiu—before coming, she asked Lin Meng all about Yizhu’s week. Why the sudden silence now? Post-separation shyness?]

Xie Fang couldn’t figure it out.

The oppressive quiet lasted until they reached the apartment complex.

An Yizhu stepped out first, pressing the elevator button.

Suddenly, Yu Guqiu let out a cold laugh.

“One week at school, and you’ve already grown disobedient.”

An Yizhu’s spine stiffened.

She could almost imagine the restrained female CEO behind her fully succumbing to her dark side—pinning her into the elevator and imprisoning her at home, never letting her leave again.

An Yizhu swallowed hard.

If this were a display of overwhelming possessiveness, she’d only fall harder.

But right now, she was still sulking and retorted deliberately, “You were the one who said I could return to campus life and have some freedom. Are you going back on your word now?”

Yu Guqiu hadn’t expected this defiance.

After all the treats she’d planned to bring back from her business trip for her—

This woman was truly disappointing.

So easily bought with a watermelon.

“Do you remember the obligations of Party B to Party A?” Yu Guqiu stepped into the elevator, standing in front of An Yizhu, her earlier good mood from work completely frozen over.

An Yizhu felt the weight of Yu Guqiu’s gaze.

For a moment, it seemed like Yu Guqiu’s darkening process was in full swing—she would use every means to control An Yizhu.

In this world, there were no longer rules for Omegas and Alphas—only the rules of Yu Guqiu and An Yizhu.

An Yizhu surrendered, turning away with a pout, the plastic bag in her hand crinkling restlessly.

At the end of the day, Yu Guqiu and I are just Party A and Party B!

So what right do I have to be jealous?

My legal rights were clearly outlined in the contract from the start.

An Yizhu’s thoughts sank like a stone thrown into the sea.

She gritted her teeth, still refusing to look at Yu Guqiu. “I understand. I’ll comply with all of Party A’s demands and be an obedient Party B.”

Yu Guqiu’s breath hitched.

That was indeed what she had meant.

But hearing An Yizhu say it so submissively felt like a vise around her heart.

She stared intently at An Yizhu’s averted face.

Why this reaction?

Wouldn’t it be better to stick to the contract, like before?

I’ve even allowed you to covet my beauty.

An Yizhu, look at me!