Has The Live-in Alpha Stepped Up - Chapter 46
46: It’s the Rut Period
Jiangcheng had an account called “Jiangcheng Fengyun.”
Back in the day, it gained traction by writing about the Yu family. Later, it repeatedly tracked the Yu family’s affairs. By the time Yu Guqiu took over the family business, the account turned its focus squarely on her.
The title “Jiangcheng’s Number One Ice Queen” for Yu Guqiu originated from this very account.
From then on, Yu Guqiu lost her real name in the public eye—only the moniker “Jiangcheng Fengyun” remained.
This time, whether it was the news of Yu Guqiu’s marriage or the revelation that her spouse was an orphan, “Jiangcheng Fengyun” was a step behind. She was deeply dissatisfied.
How could she, the self-proclaimed expert on the Yu family, lag behind?
So today, she rushed to the front gates of the Ciai Yuhe Compound as soon as possible.
She was betting that Yu Guqiu would show up.
This place was connected to Yu Guqiu’s wife, An Yizhu, and was also close to the old factory site of Yuhe Pharmaceuticals.
If the media caused a scene here, it was something Yu Guqiu would absolutely not tolerate.
Sure enough, after waiting for half a day, she finally arrived!
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” was the first to spot Yu Guqiu’s car parked nearby.
Without hesitation, she rushed to the right-side car door.
Based on her understanding of Yu Guqiu, the woman always sat behind the driver’s seat.
This time would be no exception.
Now that the crowd had surrounded the car, the young Alpha would undoubtedly step out first to protect Yu Guqiu.
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” aimed to snap the first photo of Yu Guqiu and ask the first question.
Click.
The car unlocked.
Amid the noisy clamor, everyone heard that faint sound, like wild beasts waiting to pounce on their prey, restless and agitated.
The car door opened.
“President Yu, regarding the rumors online, did you marry Miss An because your white moonlight, Miss Ji, is the senior of Miss An’s screenwriting class?”
“President Yu, now that Ji Lu has returned, will you and Miss An divorce?”
“President Yu—”
“…?!!!””Jiangcheng Fengyun” was dumbfounded.
What?
Why?
Why did Yu Guqiu emerge from the seat behind the driver?
While others were still firing questions based on online gossip, “Jiangcheng Fengyun” noticed something else—Yu Guqiu was shielding the young Alpha from the first wave of media onslaught!
And not just that.
Yu Guqiu glanced at the microphones thrust toward her and said coolly, “An Yizhu was never anyone’s substitute. She is my wife. Show some respect.”
An Yizhu followed behind Yu Guqiu.
Hearing these words, she didn’t doubt them for a second.
Because on that rainy night, Yu Guqiu had no idea who she was. The idea of a “substitute” was impossible.
But hearing Yu Guqiu’s answer still made her heart race.
Yet, her response only excited the reporters further.
Yu Guqiu rarely answered questions directly. This time, she had actually responded!
An Yizhu quickly realized something else.
Though Yu Guqiu had answered, the “zombie-like” media showed no signs of backing off. Instead, they eyed their prey hungrily, each wanting a bite.
At this point, “Jiangcheng Fengyun,” with her years of experience studying Yu Guqiu, had already sniffed out the right angle for this story.
A bold idea struck her.
If she was going all out, she might as well go all the way.
No editing, no spin—just let the audience see everything unfold in real time and spread it themselves!
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” didn’t hesitate. She pulled out her phone, started a live stream, and titled it: President Yu and Her Beloved.
Netizens following the drama stumbled upon the live stream. The moment the couple at the center of the storm flashed across the screen, word spread like wildfire.
A flood of viewers poured into the only live broadcast from the scene.
Meanwhile, Yu Guqiu, who had just stepped out of the car, faced another surge of people pushing toward her.
An Yizhu, who had been hiding behind Yu Guqiu, saw the aggressive advances—microphones and cameras shoved rudely into Yu Guqiu’s face, devoid of any respect.
Bl00d boiling, An Yizhu reacted instantly. She lunged forward, slapped away the recording device aimed at Yu Guqiu, and even elbowed the person who had rushed over.
The reporter crumpled to the ground in pain.
The expensive equipment clattered to the pavement.
The sound of high-end metal and composite materials hitting the ground was the sound of money being wasted.
An Yizhu didn’t hesitate. She stepped forward and stomped on the device right in front of the reporter.
The high-quality equipment didn’t shatter under one stomp.
But being smacked to the ground and then crushed underfoot was both highly aggressive and deeply humiliating.
“Are you insane?!” The reporter scrambled to pick up his device, staring at An Yizhu in disbelief.
How could someone with no backing dare to offend the media like this?
Did she not care about her online reputation?
Was she not afraid of being cyberbullied?
Even though the online backlash was nearing cyberbullying levels, it wasn’t quite there yet.
But An Yizhu just glared coldly at the crowd.
Though tall, she wasn’t particularly burly.
Yet, at this moment, the fury in her eyes was palpable—the kind that could tear someone apart.
No one dared to take another step forward.
“Stay away from my wife! If any of you hurt her, I’ll make you pay!” An Yizhu shoved aside those blocking Yu Guqiu.
The security guards outside the crowd hadn’t even managed to squeeze in yet.
An Yizhu had already single-handedly cleared a path for Yu Guqiu.
But a couple of stubborn reporters still tried to sneak closer while others hesitated.
An Yizhu showed no mercy, swatting away their phones and equipment without a second thought.
She didn’t care how they’d edit this later.
“My wife has manners. I don’t. I suggest you keep a safe distance. Otherwise, thanks to my wife’s wealth, I can smash all your gear! If you want compensation, take it up with Yu Corporation’s legal team. We’ll settle it in court!” An Yizhu’s expression was dark, her threats cutting through the air.
A few Alphas and Omegas in the crowd could already sense the oppressive pheromones in the air.
Who the hell had spread the rumor that An Yizhu was only a C-rank Alpha?
This was C-rank?
Since when could a C-rank exude such an intimidating presence?!
Yu Guqiu, meanwhile, watched An Yizhu with a faint smile, neither interfering nor allowing others to do so.
She simply admired the way An Yizhu stood up for her.
This wasn’t the sunny, puppy-like An Yizhu she usually saw.
But it was incredibly reassuring.
Keeping the sunshine for herself and directing all the aggression outward—this was perfect.
The reporters shuddered at the sight.
The relationship between Yu Guqiu and An Yizhu was nothing like the rumors online!
An Yizhu wasn’t some emotionally fragile patient either. If she had a disorder, it was called “I’ll fight anyone who disrespects Yu Guqiu” syndrome.
An Yizhu was openly defying the media, and Yu Guqiu was just… smiling?
That smile could only be described as doting.
One had the courage to stand her ground, the other had the power to back her up.
The combined aura of the couple was downright terrifying.
Even the reporters whose equipment had been wrecked stayed silent, afraid that demanding compensation might backfire spectacularly.
Yu Corporation’s legal team was no joke.
“Jiangcheng Fengyun,” however, was sharp. While everyone was stunned, she seized the moment, darting around the car to intercept the couple on their path.
With her live stream already gaining traction, she first focused the camera on their tightly clasped hands before slowly panning up.
Netizen A: This is really a live broadcast from the scene!
Netizen B: This couple is surrounded by vultures. I almost feel bad for them.
Netizen C: One is a low-born Alpha who, despite all the slander, stands firmly by her Omega’s side—something rare for someone of her status. The other is Jiangcheng’s infamous Ice Queen, melting only for her Alpha, content to be her rock.
Netizen B: Exactly! They’re being attacked by online trolls, but they’re still holding hands so tightly! Kind of shipping them now!
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” skimmed the comments and smirked.
Just as she’d predicted.
Years of experience hadn’t failed her.
She pressed her advantage, asking Yu Guqiu as she passed: “President Yu, I think a lot of the online rumors are false. Actually, the CP fan community that popped up before Miss An’s identity was revealed was pretty fun. Did you know about that?”
Yu Guqiu was taken aback. Amid all the hostile questions, this one was surprisingly gentle.
She paused, still holding An Yizhu’s hand. “I did. I even checked in.”
“Huh?” An Yizhu was stunned. She hadn’t known about this. “What did you check in for?”
Yu Guqiu answered matter-of-factly, “Our CP fan page.”
An Yizhu’s face turned visibly red.
What the—?
Since when did Yu Guqiu do things like that?
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” was thrilled. A quick glance at her live stream confirmed her instincts.
Netizen A: Wait, the Ice Queen of Jiangcheng actually visited a CP fan page?!
Netizen B: It’s true! I just saw the screenshot!
Netizen C: The real kicker is An Yizhu’s blush! She had no idea!
Netizen D: Oh no, my brain’s spinning. The stoic Yu Guqiu likes her little Alpha more than anyone realized! Aaaah!
Secretary A: Told you guys our CEO and her wife were the real deal. Y’all didn’t believe me.
Netizen B: Joining the fan page now! Feed me more!
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” was grinning so wide her face might split.
She could see the tidal wave of fame and fortune coming her way.
She struck while the iron was hot. “Today at Jiangcheng University, it seems your wife was overseeing the Guangying Xinghui screenwriting program. Could you tell us more about that?”
She needed An Yizhu to say something too—it’d make for better content.
An Yizhu didn’t want to take credit but wasn’t sure how to respond.
Yu Guqiu stepped in. “My wife did help out. She’s currently studying at Jiangcheng University and also heads the screenwriting and animation departments at Guangying Xinghui.”
With years of interview experience, Yu Guqiu even added, “But her colleagues don’t know about our relationship. I hope they won’t be too shocked when they find out.”
An Yizhu still couldn’t help blushing at the term “my wife.”
Her face burned as she averted her gaze.
She had no experience with interviews and was too shy to look at the camera.
The only reason she didn’t slap this phone away was that the question seemed harmless.
Netizen A: So An Yizhu is actually pretty impressive?
Netizen B: Of course! She’s a top student at Jiangcheng U. How could she be anything less? I don’t even see her orphanage background as a flaw. Making it to Jiangcheng U from that environment proves she’s the real deal.
Netizen C: Am I the only one fixated on Yu Guqiu’s reaction? The usually reticent Ice Queen is being playful on camera! Is this her wife’s influence?
Netizen D: Aww, the little Alpha’s embarrassed face is so cute! No wonder Yu Guqiu likes her!
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” was ecstatic.
The comments were shaping the narrative, and she was riding the wave.
Even as a fame-chaser, a little goodwill went a long way.
She tried to coax more out of An Yizhu. “From what I know, Ciai Yuhe Compound used to be called Mercy Orphanage. You grew up here, right?”
This was something only An Yizhu could answer—and exactly what she’d come to address.
Steeling herself, An Yizhu met the camera’s gaze. “Yes. I grew up here. Old Mom An—the director—worked tirelessly to care for us unwanted kids. Thanks to Yu Guqiu’s help, the children now live much better lives. I beg everyone not to ruin this.”
An Yizhu knew that while many netizens were just here for the drama, not all were malicious.
On the way here, An Lan had texted her that some people, moved by the story, had anonymously donated to the orphanage’s old public account.
The bank had flagged the sudden influx and called to confirm.
So An Yizhu added on An Lan’s behalf: “Old Mom An asked me to thank everyone who donated today. We’ve received your kindness. But Mercy Yuhe Compound is now fully funded by Yu Corporation’s charity division. Just look at these buildings—they’re old but well-maintained.”
“Jiangcheng Fengyun” cleverly panned the camera to show the two buildings.
A few curious kids peeked out from behind the railings.
Teachers hurried to shield their faces from the camera.
But some, blinded by the lure of clicks, had no conscience.
The crowd stirred again.
They weren’t giving up.
“President Yu, some online say you sponsored the orphanage to control your Alpha, even housing them in Yuhe Pharmaceuticals’ abandoned buildings for easier management. Care to comment?”
“Yeah, President Yu, can you address this? People say you don’t actually like An Yizhu—you’re just appeasing your family. You still haven’t answered.”
“President Yu, are you still waiting for your white moonlight, Ji Lu?”
This time, security intercepted most of them.
But the reporters had learned. Instead of pushing forward, they stood behind “Jiangcheng Fengyun,” all launching their own live streams.
They wouldn’t miss out on this traffic goldmine.
And they had no qualms about spinning lies.
“President Yu, you prearranged all this security to keep the orphanage under your thumb, didn’t you?”
“President Yu, this person’s been live-streaming, and you haven’t stopped her. Is she part of your plan too?”
An Yizhu was appalled. “How can people be this shameless?”
Yu Guqiu, however, was unfazed. “Some media will do anything for clicks.”
“Do they not care about their families?” An Yizhu muttered without thinking.
Yu Guqiu, amidst the chaos, burst out laughing at An Yizhu’s accidental roast.
The couple didn’t dignify the hostile questions with answers.
But their whispered exchange spoke louder than any response.
Netizens: We can tell real love from acting!
But the live stream’s popularity backfired.
More reporters—even freelancers—flocked to the scene, drawn by the traffic.
An Yizhu grew agitated. “Did we just make things worse?”
Yu Guqiu noticed Xie Fang had parked further away while the crowd was distracted.
It was time.
She leaned in and whispered, “Once we leave, they’ll disperse. Let’s run.”
An Yizhu blinked. “Elope in front of everyone?”
She wasn’t sure why she used that word.
But Yu Guqiu’s mischievous look totally fit the bill.
Yu Guqiu smirked. “Since when do legally married couples ‘elope’?”
An Yizhu was mesmerized.
Good thing no one asked her what she loved about Yu Guqiu.
She’d have answered honestly: That face alone is enough for a lifetime.
Strangely, Yu Guqiu was in high spirits.
Amid the online chaos and the suffocating crowd, everyone sought cracks in her armor.
Yet the biggest “flaw”—An Yizhu—made her feel at ease.
Aside from camera shyness, An Yizhu acted like none of this was a big deal.
Once the orphanage was safe, everything else was manageable.
Maybe this was love.
Not the kind Si Ruxin had mentioned.
But the kind Yu Guqiu acknowledged herself.
She signaled the guards. “Widen the perimeter.”
These were handpicked from Yuhe Pharmaceuticals’ new factory—well-trained and efficient.
They immediately understood: create space for the couple to escape.
With the car parked further away, they began forming a human barricade.
Yu Guqiu grabbed An Yizhu’s hand and made their move.
The reporters, slow to react, found themselves blocked by the guards.
Then, hand in hand, Yu Guqiu and An Yizhu broke into a run.
“Wait—they’re running?!”
This wasn’t part of the script!
If they’d just walked back to the car, the reporters could’ve hurled their prepared questions.
No answer was still an answer.
But running? That was cheating!
An Yizhu quickly outpaced the weaker Yu Guqiu but didn’t dare pull too hard.
As she slowed, the “zombie” reporters broke through the security line.
An Yizhu steeled herself, ready to scoop Yu Guqiu up and bolt.
But the moment she tried—
Yu Guqiu didn’t budge.
It wasn’t that Yu Guqiu was heavy.
Novels had lied!
You couldn’t just princess-carry someone like that!
Even with Alpha strength, An Yizhu wasn’t built for lifting. She hadn’t trained for it, and she was terrified of hurting Yu Guqiu.
The result?
A bizarre, tangled embrace.
Yu Guqiu burst out laughing.
An Yizhu’s face burned.
So embarrassing!
An Alpha reporter charged at them, camera raised.
“Back off!” An Yizhu snarled.
The man froze.
While others surged forward, he stood rooted, pale.
“Dude, you had the perfect shot! Why’d you stop?” his colleague yelled.
“She’s definitely not C-rank,” he gasped. “Her pheromones—like chugging bitter herbal medicine. It’s disgusting.”
His colleague scribbled furiously. “Give me more details!”
“This scent—it’s ruthless! I’m suing—” He staggered back, retching.
Nearby Omegas collapsed to their knees.
An Yizhu, panting heavily, reached the car, trembling.
“Cough—I think my cold’s worse,” she mumbled, covering her mouth, trying to distance herself from Yu Guqiu.
But Yu Guqiu held her hand firmly, sensing something amiss.
An Yizhu was burning up.
Her earlier pheromone outburst was rapidly receding.
Yu Guqiu’s eyes widened. “You’re not sick. You’re in rut!”