Has The Live-in Alpha Stepped Up - Chapter 48
48: A Fool
The door opened.
Yu Guqiu stood outside.
She wore her gold-rimmed glasses, her hair simply tied up, her neck slender and fair.
An Yizhu’s heart raced uncontrollably, her gaze drifting downward.
Yu Guqiu wasn’t wearing her usual pajamas but a shirt, and the wedding ring necklace around her neck was clearly visible through the V-neck.
She was in a state somewhere between complete relaxation and her usual serious work demeanor.
Yu Guqiu noticed An Yizhu staring at her intently.
She raised her eyes and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Her chin tilted slightly, a haughty yet playful smile hidden at the corners of her lips.
An Yizhu sensed the deliberate teasing again.
She refused to believe this was just her imagination.
Swallowing hard, An Yizhu took two steps back and said, “The way you’re dressed… it’s too tempting!”
She turned her head away, barely managing to get the words out.
If they were just client and contractor, the client dressing like this was indeed causing her mental turmoil.
She had every right to complain.
No matter what Yu Guqiu thought, An Yizhu convinced herself of this justification.
Hearing An Yizhu’s honest admission, Yu Guqiu couldn’t help but laugh.
An Yizhu turned back to look at her.
Yu Guqiu met her gaze. “My pajamas are in the wash, still in the dryer. But…”
“Pajamas aren’t tempting?”
The sudden follow-up caught An Yizhu off guard.
Yu Guqiu was definitely doing this on purpose. Even the pauses were perfectly timed to pluck at her heartstrings.
Her heart trembled like a vibrating string, her chest and mind filled with the melody of infatuation.
An Yizhu instinctively held her breath, suppressing the urge to pant heavily, and took another step back.
Right!
Pajamas are even more tempting!
Then why aren’t you wearing them?
But An Yizhu couldn’t bring herself to say it aloud.
She thought that no matter what Yu Guqiu wore when she entered, she probably wouldn’t be able to stay calm.
An Yizhu closed her eyes and retreated another step.
By now, she had taken three steps back.
The distance allowed her to see Yu Guqiu fully framed in her vision.
She took in Yu Guqiu’s entire outfit.
It was actually quite ordinary—a light-colored shirt paired with loose, light-colored trousers.
This outfit wouldn’t be out of place at work.
But Yu Guqiu had just showered. Her skin glowed, her eyelashes seemed misted, and her light-colored eyes shimmered with moisture.
She radiated a rare warmth, faintly carrying the scent of roses.
To An Yizhu, Yu Guqiu now resembled a petite cream cake adorned with rose petals.
She wanted to take a bite.
Even just a lick would do…
An Yizhu shut her eyes and held her breath.
She knew it wasn’t Yu Guqiu’s outfit that was tempting.
It was Yu Guqiu herself.
Yu Guqiu sensed the unrestrained licorice fragrance and An Yizhu’s flustered, closed eyes. A smile played on her lips.
She enjoyed the sight of the little Alpha’s unease.
Physical attraction was always so blatantly obvious.
She hadn’t even said, “Would you prefer to see me in pajamas? I can go change.”
A line like that would probably render An Yizhu’s suppressants useless.
But Yu Guqiu hadn’t come to An Yizhu’s room just to tease her.
So she didn’t continue.
An Yizhu, naturally, took the hint and dropped the topic.
Yu Guqiu seized the moment to glance around the room.
No wonder Grandma had immediately noticed that An Yizhu often stayed in the guest room.
The once sparse room, furnished only with the basics—a bed, a desk, and a chair—was now filled with An Yizhu’s personal touch.
She had brought color into the space.
The bedsheets replaced the monotonous black-and-white with vibrant hues.
Two low-maintenance potted plants on the desk added life to the surface.
Anyone could tell this was the room of someone who loved life.
Before, Yu Guqiu would have found such colorful clutter irritating, disrupting her focus.
But An Yizhu had arranged everything just right—not overwhelming, but warm.
It reminded her of the giant rice ball in the living room.
Even that out-of-place rice ball was charming.
Perhaps it wasn’t that she disliked these styles when decorating, but that she hadn’t wanted to waste time.
If she had more free time in the future, and if An Yizhu was willing, she’d let her redecorate the entire room to her liking.
Yu Guqiu’s mind brimmed with thoughts she’d never entertained before.
This house had once been her escape from her father’s control—a simple refuge where she spent most of her time working.
But now, it no longer felt so cold.
An Yizhu had no idea what Yu Guqiu was thinking. She only grew anxious from the prolonged silence.
Was she angry after staying quiet for so long?
But the sweet, faint rose scent suggested otherwise.
“Let’s get to work, then.” Yu Guqiu finally said, offering no comment on the room’s decor.
She simply walked over and sat on An Yizhu’s bed, propping a pillow behind her back.
Only after settling in did she ask, feigning politeness, “You don’t mind me sitting on your bed, do you? There aren’t any other chairs here.”
“You came to my room just to work together?” An Yizhu blurted out.
Yu Guqiu tilted her head. “Hmm? Or did you have something else in mind? I can accommodate you.”
An Yizhu pressed her lips together.
What did that mean?!
Accommodate what?!
What was Yu Guqiu doing?!
And what was she thinking?!
An Yizhu couldn’t respond. Yu Guqiu’s question had thrown her into disarray.
Her suppressants were barely containing her pheromones.
The wild licorice scent surged like a runaway horse through the room.
Though faint, it was still detectable by Yu Guqiu before the ventilation system whisked it away.
Understanding An Yizhu’s turmoil, Yu Guqiu smiled again and picked up her tablet. “I really do have work. But since it’s your first rut, I thought keeping you company might help. If you don’t need me, I can leave.”
“I need you!” An Yizhu answered instantly.
No matter why Yu Guqiu had come, what she planned to do, or how long she’d stay, An Yizhu didn’t want her to go.
“Good.” Yu Guqiu nodded, satisfied. She hadn’t planned to leave anyway and settled comfortably onto the bed—right where An Yizhu usually lounged.
An Yizhu didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t even sure if she could sleep in that spot tonight.
Or if she could sleep at all.
“Aren’t you going to work?” Yu Guqiu asked without looking up, sensing An Yizhu’s lingering gaze.
An Yizhu scrambled for an excuse. “The light’s too bright. I’m not used to it.”
Yu Guqiu nodded. “It’s fine. Do what you’re comfortable with. Don’t mind me.”
An Yizhu dimmed the room’s lights to a soft glow.
She preferred this ambiance, especially when sharing the space with Yu Guqiu. Only then could she calm down enough to draw.
After steadying her breathing, An Yizhu finally returned to her desk and assumed her usual comfortable posture.
Swish, swish, swish—
Click, click, click.
Yu Guqiu looked up.
An Yizhu’s hands moved with divine speed, sketching rapidly.
A three-dimensional figure took shape on the screen, followed by swift detailing.
Yu Guqiu’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
She’d only heard the team leaders praise An Yizhu endlessly, and she’d assumed it was partly out of deference to her as “talent sent by headquarters.”
Now, she saw the real skill.
Incredible technique.
Exquisite rendering.
Blistering speed.
Nimble fingers.
Yu Guqiu absentmindedly tapped her tablet twice.
Buzz—
Her phone vibrated on the nightstand, snapping her out of her daze.
A message from Lin Meng.
Yu Guqiu finally refocused.
While showering earlier, she’d asked Lin Meng to contact Zhang Yuan about organizing the art exhibition.
She hadn’t expected Lin Meng to act so quickly.
It also showed how eager Zhang Yuan was.
They shared the same goal: to include the works of the newly acclaimed painter, “Qiu Zhu,” winner of the “Jonson Mo” Silver Award, in the exhibition.
Zhang Yuan, upon learning the winner was from Jiangcheng, didn’t want to miss the chance to meet this future star.
The “Jonson Mo” competition, though an international event, prided itself on integrity. To maintain its reputation, it tended to favor seasoned participants.
For a newcomer like “Qiu Zhu” to break through and win silver was astonishing.
With her years of experience in collecting and running galleries, Zhang Yuan was certain “Qiu Zhu” would be a rising star in the art world.
Meanwhile, Yu Guqiu had instructed Lin Meng to meet Zhang Yuan’s demands and secure the exhibition rights.
The competition organizers had confirmed they held the artist’s agency rights and would only notify the painter before the exhibition.
That would be the only chance to meet the mysterious artist—and the perfect opportunity to connect with the Ai family.
For Yu Guqiu, this was also the best chance to secure a significant sum soon.
With this matter settled, Yu Guqiu set her phone down, relieved.
She looked up and exhaled.
In the dim light, she spotted a small treasure—a tiny ornament on the bedside pendant lamp.
It was unclear whether it was a hanging decoration or a figurine, resembling a little person climbing the lampshade.
Just then, An Yizhu stretched at her desk, having finished a segment of her work.
Perfect timing.
Yu Guqiu seized the moment to ask, “What’s this?”
An Yizhu turned and saw what she meant. Thinking Yu Guqiu disliked the flashy decor, she hurried over. “This can be removed. It won’t leave marks or damage the lamp.”
When decorating, she’d considered all possible objections, ensuring everything could be easily taken down.
She reached up to demonstrate.
But Yu Guqiu caught her wrist.
That wasn’t what she’d meant at all. Why did An Yizhu misunderstand her?
An Yizhu’s hand had already touched the lamp.
But with Yu Guqiu’s grip, she stumbled forward.
One hand, still holding Yu Guqiu’s, landed on her shoulder.
The other braced against the wall.
The lamp swayed, and the climbing figurine’s tiny flashlight lit up.
Though small, the light shone through the figurine’s hollow design, casting colorful patterns across the room.
Yu Guqiu, who’d been watching An Yizhu, looked up, delighted by the surprise.
So creative.
The pendant lamp’s proximity to the bed had been a minor design flaw, kept for nighttime convenience.
But An Yizhu’s touch transformed it into something ingenious.
Replacing a switch-controlled lamp with a vibration-activated one was brilliant.
Yu Guqiu smiled at An Yizhu.
But her little genius was too distracted to bask in the admiration.
Leaning over Yu Guqiu, An Yizhu’s breathing grew ragged.
Her skin prickled with heat, her suppressants failing entirely.
During the early, unstable phase of her rut, an Omega’s presence could soothe her.
But now, in the throes of her rut, an Omega nearby was like dangling a plump lamb before a starving wolf.
An Yizhu’s eyes burned crimson when they met Yu Guqiu’s gaze.
The red came from restraint—holding back the urge of desire.
But Yu Guqiu’s unafraid, amused expression only made it worse.
Yu Guqiu even teased, “What’s wrong?”
“…” An Yizhu couldn’t answer.
She covered Yu Guqiu’s eyes with her hand.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Her voice trembled.
She couldn’t take it.
But Yu Guqiu asked softly, “Does it hurt?”
Her lips parted slightly.
Even without the interference of sight, An Yizhu was still subjected to other temptations.
Yu Guqiu’s vision was plunged into darkness, with only An Yizhu’s scorching breath brushing against her lips.
The licorice scent was more aggressive than ever before.
Even on that rainy night, it hadn’t enveloped her so completely, as if searching for every possible way to seep inside.
It wanted to saturate her entirely with its medicinal aroma.
To declare to the world the Omega’s submission.
Yu Guqiu longed to see An Yizhu’s expression when her pheromones were this out of control.
Thinking this, she slowly lowered An Yizhu’s hand.
“What if I insist on looking at you like this?”
An Yizhu and Yu Guqiu locked eyes again.
An Yizhu leaned in closer.
She could no longer hold back. She wanted to absorb more of Yu Guqiu’s scent, to press closer to her.
She wanted to become one with her…
Yu Guqiu froze for a moment, watching as An Yizhu rapidly closed the distance, her warmth right before her.
Only then did she hear An Yizhu’s slow, restrained voice:
“Don’t do this… I won’t be able to take it.”
The Alpha’s aggressive pheromones surged toward her, yet the words spoken were still those of the familiar, gentle girl.
Dominant in approach, yet pleading in tone.
The last trace of resistance Yu Guqiu had toward Alphas melted away, replaced by an urge to tease this little girl.
She wanted to see just how much An Yizhu couldn’t handle her.
Indeed, no matter how aggressive An Yizhu became, it was impossible to dislike her.
Outwardly, Yu Guqiu remained composed, suppressing her own pheromones as she calmly said to An Yizhu:
“The best way to get through a rut is the same as during a heat…”
Marking.
An Yizhu immediately thought of the answer.
She gazed into Yu Guqiu’s light-colored eyes, shimmering like a sky full of stars, drowning her in their depths.
Yu Guqiu’s red lips parted slightly.
The sweet, delectable rose scent made her want to savor it deeply.
Not as an Alpha marking an Omega.
But as a woman who had fallen for another woman.
An Yizhu wanted to kiss the woman she loved.
Yu Guqiu watched as An Yizhu lowered her head, struggling to control her nearly out-of-control pheromones.
Why was she refusing to mark her?
Puzzled, Yu Guqiu reached out and lifted An Yizhu’s chin.
An Yizhu raised her head, lips slightly parted.
But what was revealed weren’t fangs—just her adorable little canines.
Had she not reached the point of losing control yet?
Yu Guqiu stared at An Yizhu, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, yet she still hadn’t acted despite the clear hint.
What exactly was An Yizhu thinking?
Yu Guqiu steadied her breathing, but no explanation came.
Buzz—
Yu Guqiu’s phone on the nightstand vibrated again.
She turned her head, wondering if it was another message from Lin Meng.
An Yizhu also glanced at the caller ID.
Ji Lu.
Yu Guqiu released An Yizhu’s wrist, reaching for the phone.
But An Yizhu grabbed Yu Guqiu’s wrist instead.
Were you waiting for a message from Ji Lu?
No!
Not Ji Lu, and definitely not now!
An Yizhu stared at Yu Guqiu, refusing to let go.
Yu Guqiu’s wrist ached slightly, and she let out a soft gasp.
Startled, An Yizhu loosened her grip but continued staring at Yu Guqiu with pleading eyes.
“Yu Guqiu,” An Yizhu whispered.
Yu Guqiu’s ears tingled slightly. Before the sensation could spread, she responded softly, “Hmm?”
Her heartbeat quickened.
She could sense the unspoken emotions hidden in An Yizhu’s pheromones, but she wanted to hear the words from her lips.
“Don’t look at your phone.” An Yizhu’s jealousy flared—she didn’t want Yu Guqiu seeing anything related to Ji Lu.
Yu Guqiu hadn’t expected that after waiting so long. She was both amused and exasperated.
“What’s wrong with me checking my phone?”
“Don’t look at Ji Lu’s messages.” An Yizhu even felt a little wronged as she spoke.
Yu Guqiu understood now.
But she still pressed, “Why not?”
An Yizhu pressed her lips together, unable to answer.
Yu Guqiu prompted, “She might have work to discuss.”
“Not now! Right now, you… look at me.” An Yizhu struggled to articulate.
Even if her words were clumsy.
Even if her plea sounded like a command.
She forced the words out.
Her pheromones conveyed the rest.
An Yizhu no longer wanted to hide her feelings under the guise of being a contractor.
No matter how Yu Guqiu responded, she wanted to lay her heart bare.
At least then, she’d have no regrets.
Whether she had to remain a quiet client or could openly act as a jealous suitor, she would accept it.
But if possible, she’d have chosen a better moment.
Yet no other moment could compare to the intensity of her emotions right now.
Her possessiveness was burning.
Yu Guqiu also felt the pheromones surging around her, more aggressive than before.
The once-sweet licorice scent now carried a complex sourness, tinged with bitterness.
And Yu Guqiu loved it even more.
So this was how obvious An Yizhu was when jealous.
She pinched An Yizhu’s chin and said slowly, “I am looking at you. Only at you.”
Encouraged, An Yizhu stared at Yu Guqiu’s lips.
“I can’t… strictly follow the prenuptial agreement anymore,” she murmured.
“Hmm?” Yu Guqiu hadn’t expected An Yizhu to bring up the agreement at a time like this.
This girl really knows how to ruin the mood.
Yu Guqiu was about to sit up properly to hear what clause she wanted to amend.
But then An Yizhu continued:
“Because I like you.”
Though Yu Guqiu had sensed it coming, the sudden confession still caught her off guard.
She was still holding An Yizhu’s chin when the girl asked earnestly:
“Will you accept these feelings?”
Why would she even ask that?
Yu Guqiu’s heart ached slightly. Had their client-contractor dynamic made her hesitant?
She began to wonder—did they still need the restrictions of the prenuptial agreement now?
Yu Guqiu reached out and caressed An Yizhu’s cheek.
In An Yizhu’s eyes, Yu Guqiu’s gaze was softer than ever before.
Tender and lingering, as if the rose scent had fermented into wine—she, too, was moved.
An Yizhu cupped Yu Guqiu’s face in return.
And leaned in swiftly.
Yu Guqiu’s skin was warm but still cool compared to An Yizhu’s feverish heat.
The contrast made Yu Guqiu shiver.
Their breaths intertwined.
The licorice and rose scents entwined like two halves of a whole.
Yu Guqiu watched An Yizhu, waiting for her next move.
An Yizhu’s body was eager, but her mind forced her to stay calm.
Having finally gotten her hands on this delicate cream cake, she wanted to savor it slowly.
She drew closer.
And gently pressed her lips to the corner of Yu Guqiu’s mouth.
The sweet little cream cake made her want to taste it properly.
The rose flavor slipped smoothly onto her tongue.
The delicious sweetness made An Yizhu’s soul tremble.
The licorice scent ran rampant, merging completely with the rose.
But An Yizhu’s gentle movements left Yu Guqiu breathless.
How could a simple kiss feel even more overwhelming than a mark?
It was intoxicating, draining her strength.
She lightly pushed against An Yizhu’s shoulders.
Only then did An Yizhu pull back slightly.
Still craving the cream cake, An Yizhu licked her lips.
She stared at Yu Guqiu with a pitiful expression.
Yu Guqiu swallowed lightly, slowly removing her glasses.
She set them haphazardly on the nightstand—not caring if they were stable—and pulled An Yizhu back in.
This kiss was even more fervent, their body heat merging.
Pheromones collided soundlessly.
The motion-activated lamp swayed gently in the swirling air, creaking softly.
Their ragged breaths gradually steadied.
Only when the sensor light finally turned off, plunging the room into darkness, did An Yizhu finally withdraw, satisfied.
Yu Guqiu looked at her contented expression and smiled.
What kind of Alpha gets satisfied without marking?
Just from a kiss?
What a fool.
And so am I.
“Yu Guqiu.” An Yizhu swallowed lightly, savoring the lingering sweetness in her mouth, and couldn’t help but whisper her beloved’s name again.
Yu Guqiu wiped her lips delicately, covering her mouth as she replied softly, “Hmm?”
“I really, really like you.” An Yizhu felt embarrassed, but she had to say it.
Even if her words were clumsy, she had to express what was in her heart.
Yu Guqiu’s smile deepened. “I know.”
Such a fool.
An Yizhu grinned, her little canines on full display.
Her desire to express herself was still running wild—she wanted to say more.
She wanted Yu Guqiu to understand exactly how she liked her.
“Not the way an Alpha likes an Omega.”