Has The Live-in Alpha Stepped Up - Chapter 50

50: Amplified Obsession

An Yizhu didn’t accomplish much in the morning. Just registering an account and rushing to prepare before heading out had already taken up a lot of her time.

By the time she got into the car with Yu Guqiu, her account registration had already sparked quite a bit of discussion online.

The water armies mixed in hadn’t caused much of a stir.

An Yizhu was a little worried—was there still some conspiracy lurking?

Yu Guqiu analyzed the situation for her.

Today’s circumstances weren’t as severe as yesterday’s. On one hand, it was because the topic had been quickly overtaken by CP fans.

On the other hand, the hacker Si Ruxin hired might have played a role. The other side had likely noticed they were being monitored and, unsure which faction was behind it, had become more cautious in their actions.

But Yu Guqiu had a gut feeling there was another reason.

The wave of attention yesterday had indeed brought free traffic to Guangying.

This had also contributed to Ji Lu successfully securing the director’s cooperation.

An Yizhu absorbed Yu Guqiu’s thoughts earnestly.

Perhaps this was why Yu Guqiu had remained calm and composed despite saying the hot search would impact Guangying.

These developments put An Yizhu’s mind at ease.

At least her own issues hadn’t negatively affected Guangying.

Yu Guqiu watched An Yizhu’s cautious yet earnest expression and smiled.

She was certain—An Yizhu also cherished Guangying deeply.

“So good.”

“Huh?” An Yizhu didn’t dare glance at Yu Guqiu too much in the cramped backseat of the car, but she couldn’t help reacting to the fragmented words that slipped from Yu Guqiu’s lips.

“Nothing. I just said we’re here. But today, we can drive right up to Guangying’s entrance.” As she spoke the latter half, Yu Guqiu lightly patted the back of the driver’s seat, signaling Xie Fang.

Xie Fang had already driven into the underground parking lot of the group company. Hearing Yu Guqiu’s words, she suddenly realized: “Oh, right! Sorry, President Yu.”

The group company had long known about An Yizhu’s existence, and the secretariat was well aware of her status as President Yu’s wife.

In contrast, the colleagues at Guangying Xinghui Media needed to be reintroduced to An Yizhu today.

But arriving at Guangying in the CEO’s private car?

This made An Yizhu a little self-conscious: “Do we have to be this high-profile?”

Yu Guqiu countered: “Is there still time to be low-key now?”

Indeed, it was too late.

But An Yizhu didn’t dare imagine the scene.

What if everyone lined up to welcome them? So awkward.

What if there was dead silence? So awkward.

What if people were upset about her hiding her identity? Still awkward!

No matter how she thought about it, it was all awkward!

“I heard there are quite a few CP fans in the company. You two better put on a good show.” Xie Fang suddenly remembered this and couldn’t help laughing.

She hadn’t engaged with youthful trends in a long time, but for Yu Guqiu and An Yizhu, she had earnestly ventured into CP fan spaces to observe. That morning, she had even specifically gone to Guangying’s reception desk to learn all sorts of fan lingo.

The receptionist had been generous, not only introducing her to the latest memes but also filling her in on the past two days at Guangying.

Everyone was swamped with work, but the moment they thought about Yu Guqiu and An Yizhu’s relationship, they couldn’t contain their excitement.

They couldn’t wait to see the two of them.

The drive from the Yu Group’s building to Guangying Xinghui Media’s office took only five minutes on foot, but today, the car ride felt endlessly long to An Yizhu.

Nervous.

An Yizhu was surprised to realize she was even more nervous now than on her wedding day!

Xie Fang reminded her: “Madam, we’re here. Don’t space out.”

An Yizhu glared at Xie Fang in mock annoyance: “Auntie Fang, why do you seem so eager to watch the drama unfold?”

“Hahaha, of course not! I’m very professional. I don’t watch dramas during work hours.” Xie Fang’s laughter betrayed her, especially since she was about to clock out soon.

An Yizhu grumbled but had no choice. She pushed the car door open and stepped out.

Fortunately, there was no grand welcoming committee.

Guangying’s employees were indeed too busy to spare time to come downstairs.

Yu Guqiu followed her out of the car and naturally linked arms with her: “Let’s go.”

An Yizhu nodded but walked stiffly, her movements awkwardly out of sync.

Finally, after climbing the steps to the entrance, Yu Guqiu nudged her: “Relax a little.”

“How can I relax? I—” Before An Yizhu could finish, the receptionists spotted them and loudly greeted them through the glass door: “Good morning, President Yu! Good morning, Mrs. Yu!”

Yu Guqiu smiled and pushed the door open: “Good morning.”

The two receptionists excitedly nudged each other.

It was real. It was really real.

When Mrs. Yu was by her side, President Yu would smile when greeted. It was strange but true.

And so, another rumor began spreading wildly online.

An Yizhu pulled Yu Guqiu into the Guangying corridor and, once sure the receptionists couldn’t hear, pressed a hand to her forehead and whispered: “They shouted so loudly just now. Everyone inside definitely knows we’re here now. What do we do?”

Just like when Yu Guqiu had returned from her business trip, a single greeting from the receptionist had alerted the entire company.

Yu Guqiu understood why An Yizhu was asking.

They weren’t here to launch a surprise inspection. There was no harm in letting their colleagues know in advance.

Yu Guqiu looked at An Yizhu, noting how her clothes were as crumpled as her emotions.

She reached out to straighten An Yizhu’s outfit, smoothing out the wrinkles.

“Then, let’s put on our best spirits.”

The moment An Yizhu met Yu Guqiu’s gaze, her thoughts were completely hijacked by her considerate gesture.

Only after Yu Guqiu finished adjusting her clothes did she finally say: “So pretty.”

An Yizhu’s lips parted.

She had wanted to say the same thing but was a step slower: “You look really beautiful today too.”

Yu Guqiu paused, not expecting this response.

Her compliment hadn’t been a hint for An Yizhu to return the favor.

With a light chuckle, she said: “No need to take turns complimenting each other like this.”

“No, no! It’s not about taking turns! You really do look beautiful!”

An Yizhu studied Yu Guqiu’s makeup earnestly.

Now she regretted being so nervous earlier that she had missed all of this when leaving the house.

She had wasted precious time that could have been spent admiring Yu Guqiu.

Today’s outfit still adhered to Yu Guqiu’s usual black-and-white palette, maintaining her composed demeanor.

But the white blazer as the centerpiece, paired with a black inner layer and a wide black belt, was undeniably stylish.

The design at the waist was particularly eye-catching—a semi-cutout that accentuated her figure while showcasing the embroidered details on the waistband of her trousers.

Even more striking was the small floral brooch pinned to her chest.

It was the one the children from the compound had given her!

An Yizhu was pleasantly surprised and adjusted the brooch for Yu Guqiu: “You’re wearing this?”

Yu Guqiu smiled, a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone: “You’re only noticing now?”

Her complaining tone made it seem like she was genuinely upset that her wife hadn’t paid enough attention to her.

An Yizhu’s heart instantly fluttered.

She absolutely hadn’t meant to overlook Yu Guqiu—she had just been too distracted: “I didn’t do it on purpose. I was just in a rush when we left—”

But explanations and excuses felt meaningless. She pushed them aside and said sincerely: “You really do look beautiful.”

“Mmm… I figured you two would be flirting at the entrance. But actually seeing it in person still feels like being force-fed dog food. It’s kind of unbearable.” Ji Lu’s voice sounded from the end of the hallway as she slowly approached the couple.

An Yizhu’s brows furrowed, her gaze instantly locking onto Ji Lu, her pheromones threatening to spill from the back of her neck.

Her dislike for Ji Lu was the instinctive aversion of one Alpha for another.

Ji Lu, however, didn’t seem to care.

An Alpha in rut would naturally be sensitive to another Alpha appearing near their Omega.

As a fellow Alpha, she understood.

But as an employee of Guangying eager to prove herself, she couldn’t afford to cater to the whims of the CEO’s wife.

Ji Lu handed a contract to Yu Guqiu: “Sister Guqiu, this is the project contract we discussed yesterday. Take a look first. If everything’s fine, I’ll finalize it with the director.”

Yu Guqiu sensed An Yizhu’s pheromones swirling around them, hostile toward Ji Lu.

She said directly to An Yizhu: “What are you standing around for? Take it. Did you think being the CEO’s wife would be easy? You’ll have to work hard as my assistant.”

“Huh?” An Yizhu was momentarily stunned, even forgetting her wariness of Ji Lu. Her expression instantly softened, her eyes clear and guileless.

Was this how a CEO’s wife was supposed to act?

Ji Lu laughed.

So Sister Guqiu really was as much of a love-struck fool as the internet claimed.

Without hesitation, she shoved the contract into An Yizhu’s hands: “I can’t with you two. Do you have to be this lovey-dovey? Bullying us singles like this? I’m going to find myself a wife too!”

With that, she strode off.

“Where are you going?” Yu Guqiu called after her.

The bit about finding a wife was obviously a joke.

“My mentor connected me with a few agents. We can start considering potential actors for the project now, so I’m going to meet them.”

“Thanks for your hard work.” Yu Guqiu nodded.

This wasn’t originally Ji Lu’s responsibility.

But with Guangying’s current staffing shortages, they had no choice but to make do.

Once Ji Lu was out of sight, An Yizhu’s hostility faded.

Holding the contract, she felt a pang of guilt.

Ji Lu was such a diligent employee, yet her instincts had still kicked in to view her as a rival.

This wasn’t a good instinct to have.

But Yu Guqiu didn’t give her much time to dwell on it, already linking arms with her to continue forward.

Whoosh—

Whoosh—

Whoosh—

For the first time, An Yizhu felt like gazes could actually make a sound.

Not just that—they had physical force too.

The eyes of everyone in the office shot toward them, the collective weight of their stares nearly pushing her back a step.

Thankfully, Yu Guqiu held her hand firmly, preventing an embarrassing “fleeing in panic” scenario.

“President Yu~ Mrs. Yu~” Fang Yun from the PR department was the first to speak up.

As part of the team that had resolved the smear campaign, she felt she had contributed to the CP fan community’s growth.

She approached them eagerly.

Fang Yun had also been the first to overhear the couple’s phone conversation.

So when she learned An Yizhu was the CEO’s wife, she had been stunned—how had her ears failed her so badly?

She had then enthusiastically embellished the story for her colleagues, emphasizing how Yu Guqiu, the workaholic, would drop everything for An Yizhu.

Who would’ve thought the notoriously disciplined President Yu could be so unprincipled when it came to her wife?

Now, as everyone stared openly at the couple, they realized Fang Yun hadn’t exaggerated at all.

They watched as An Yizhu held the contract Yu Guqiu had urgently requested—yet instead of reviewing it, Yu Guqiu was strolling arm-in-arm with her, leisurely passing by their workstations.

Were you two putting on a show for the CP fans?

This was too indulgent!

Every employee’s eyes sparkled.

“You two really are a perfect match! President Yu, can I take a photo? I’m really good at photography.” Someone raised their hand and asked. “I promise not to post it online.”

Yu Guqiu, however, said: “Go ahead and post it in the CP fan space. Especially the good ones—post more.”

Fang Yun chimed in excitedly: “Yes, yes! It’s not mandatory, but while everyone’s still hyped about the CP, post as much as you can in the fan space! We can save a ton on PR costs.”

An Yizhu listened in a daze before finally blurting out: “This is where the PR budget is being saved?”

“Hahaha, Mrs. Yu, this is what we call ‘spending money where it counts’! Surprised? If you’re interested, why not consider joining our PR department?” Fang Yun’s determination to recruit An Yizhu into PR only grew stronger.

“Really? Can I, Sister Yun?” An Yizhu was genuinely intrigued—she wanted to explore every department.

“Sister Yun?” Yu Guqiu glanced sideways at An Yizhu.

An Yizhu nodded: “Fang Yun, Sister Yun.”

She just wanted to clarify that she knew Team Leader Fang’s name and was addressing her respectfully.

Fang Yun, however, stiffened: “Mrs. Yu, maybe just call me Team Leader Fang.”

An Yizhu, reminded by Fang Yun’s reaction, immediately turned to Yu Guqiu: “Wait, Yu Guqiu, are you jealous?”

“!!!” Fang Yun pressed her lips together, her expression screaming “I’m fed.”

Ahhh, this couple was just too adorable!

Yu Guqiu averted her gaze and changed the subject with Fang Yun: “She already has tasks in the scriptwriting and animation departments. That’s enough for now. Don’t add to her workload. We’ll talk when things settle down.”

“Understood, President Yu. I’ll follow your arrangements. Whenever you think it’s appropriate, I’ll coordinate with Mrs. Yu.” Fang Yun quickly assured her.

Yu Guqiu turned to An Yizhu: “Hear that? Finish your tasks in the scriptwriting and animation departments first.”

“The animation department’s task was already handed over yesterday… to Sister Shitong.” An Yizhu deliberately said.

“…” Yu Guqiu stared at her.

She didn’t speak, but her eyes said: Fine. Yes. I’m jealous. So what?

These silent words crashed into An Yizhu’s face.

An Yizhu couldn’t help but grin victoriously—it was true.

The strange tension she’d felt between herself and Yu Guqiu today hadn’t been her imagination.

But the teasing had gone far enough. She relented: “I mean Team Leader Ma.”

Ma Shitong, who had been keeping her distance in the corner, didn’t react to “Sister Shitong.” But at “Team Leader Ma,” she immediately stood up: “Here, here! Team Leader Ma is here! Mrs. Yu’s drawings yesterday were absolutely perfect!”

Her flattery was effortless.

Seeing the couple’s dynamic today, she felt incredibly relieved she hadn’t given An Yizhu a hard time when assigning tasks—she had valued her talent too much.

An Yizhu hesitated before asking Yu Guqiu: “Do you think I’ll still be able to work properly at the company from now on?”

Yu Liu, however, walked over with a smile: “Don’t worry. Everyone’s just curious right now. Once the novelty wears off, things will go back to normal.”

Ma Shitong added: “Exactly! Don’t worry, Mrs. Yu. Aside from the change in how we address you, nothing else will change. I still want to ask for your help when we kick off the project.”

Once she had an extra pair of hands, she wasn’t about to let go.

“That’s right. No matter what, Yizhu, even as the CEO’s wife, you’ll still have to pull your weight.” Liao Miaosi walked over personally.

As the head of the scriptwriting department and An Yizhu’s direct supervisor, she had to make this clear.

With the current staffing shortages, An Yizhu’s promise to help with storyboarding couldn’t fall through.

Yu Guqiu was amused by the team leaders’ reactions and said to An Yizhu: “Looks like you’re in high demand at Guangying—more than I am.”

An Yizhu laughed: “Of course. You’re the CEO. Snatching you away would just mean putting you on a pedestal. I’m different—”

“You’re the CEO’s wife.” Yu Guqiu reminded her.

An Yizhu’s face flushed. Right, she was the CEO’s wife: “So snatching me means gaining someone who can whisper in your ear.”

“?!” Yu Guqiu’s ears tingled at An Yizhu’s words.

Now she knew how to talk about “whispering in ears”? The same person who had refused to mark her yesterday?

Whose pillow? Whose ear?

Yu Guqiu had a lot to say, but none of it could be voiced. She could only blush and let An Yizhu have the upper hand.

She really wanted to tell Si Ruxin that her advice hadn’t worked.

Without outsiders around, she could still seduce An Yizhu.

But the moment others were present, An Yizhu’s silver tongue left her defenseless.

But then again, given Si Ruxin’s equally flirtatious personality, she’d probably say: Then take her somewhere private. Mouths aren’t just for talking.

Yu Guqiu’s lips curved at the thought.

No one could guess what the usually icy President Yu was thinking.

But the shy smile and blush spreading across her face were unmistakable.

The employees around them covered their mouths, unable to suppress their grins.

How could this couple be so addictive?

They had assumed the pair’s visit was just a formality to boost morale.

But now, without even trying, they were being spoon-fed sugar.

Who were they trying to sweeten to death?

Fang Yun stood to the side, itching to secretly film the scene. Wasn’t this more effective than the PR team’s lengthy explanations?

Her eyes shone brightly—she would commit every detail to memory.

Even if filming was impolite, she could recount it online.

Fang Yun, in charge of PR, wasn’t the only one thinking this.

Five minutes later, they all naturally converged in the CP fan space.

An Yizhu and Yu Guqiu’s “public display of affection” in the office had come to an end.

Yu Guqiu led An Yizhu back to her office.

Yu Liu and another executive, Manager Chen, who usually oversaw Guangying Xinghui Media, had offices on the main floor.

But Yu Guqiu’s office was on the same level as the conference rooms.

Passing through all the meeting rooms, they reached the one where An Yizhu had been interviewed. Beyond it was another door—one that blended seamlessly into the wall, nearly invisible unless you were right in front of it.

“Why does this feel a little eerie?” An Yizhu couldn’t help but ask.

The “hidden door” was located in the dimmest part of the floor. Without Yu Guqiu leading the way, she would’ve missed it entirely.

Yu Guqiu chuckled: “Weren’t you the one who understood Grandma Ai Qi’s aesthetics best? Can’t handle this?”

An Yizhu was surprised: “This was Grandma Ai Qi’s office?”

“Her company, her office. Makes sense, right?” Yu Guqiu’s tone was light, but there was a trace of nostalgia in it.

She pushed the door open.

Unlike the darkness outside, the office was bright and airy.

The decor continued Ai Qi’s preference for medieval European style but was more understated than the old house, blending modern elements seamlessly.

Even the windows had a technological edge.

Yu Guqiu pressed a button on the wall.

The semi-transparent frosted glass instantly turned completely clear, sunlight spilling onto the floor and warming the entire room.

“Grandma Ai Qi chose this too?” An Yizhu set the contract on the desk and approached the window.

“Before Grandma Ai Qi passed, technology had already advanced this far. She was always at the forefront of trends, so she personally supervised the installation of this glass.” Yu Guqiu joined her.

An Yizhu looked out.

Several skyscrapers in the central business district were visible, including the Yu Group’s building not far away.

“With the shades open, the view and sunlight are great. But it’s a double-edged sword—privacy seems compromised.” An Yizhu glanced around. From any angle, the office was fully exposed.

It felt like any paparazzi lurking nearby could snap a few photos and spin wild stories.

At the thought, An Yizhu instinctively took a step back.

But she bumped into Yu Guqiu’s embrace.

Somehow, Yu Guqiu had moved closer, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her.

Or rather, An Yizhu had collided with Yu Guqiu’s shoulder.

Yu Guqiu swayed slightly, startling An Yizhu, who instinctively wrapped an arm around Yu Guqiu’s waist.

Yu Guqiu, in turn, fell into An Yizhu’s arms, leaning back toward the glass.

An Yizhu braced a hand against the glass wall, her burning palm leaving a faint mist on the surface.

Meanwhile, the hand steadying Yu Guqiu slid under the fabric through the cutout at her waist.

The embroidered pattern on the belt brushed against her fingertips.

Finally, her fingers settled on the soft curve of Yu Guqiu’s waist.

The sensation of Yu Guqiu’s soft waist under her fingertips made An Yizhu’s fingers tighten slightly.

Yu Guqiu let out a soft whimper as the scorching fingertips pinched her tender flesh.

Her eyes carried a hint of reproach.

But she couldn’t bring herself to be angry.

An Yizhu was staring at her again, unable to look away.

Pheromones surged from all directions.

Sincere and intense.

Is this what you call “not an Alpha’s liking for an Omega”?

An Yizhu.

Yu Guqiu couldn’t help but laugh.

Only upon hearing the laughter did An Yizhu snap back to reality, trying to restrain the pheromones that kept flooding out uncontrollably.

She had no time to consider how inappropriate her current posture with Yu Guqiu might be.

Yu Guqiu didn’t remind her either, merely answering her earlier question: “This glass is one-way—people outside can’t see inside. No matter what you do in this office, outsiders won’t have a clue.”

The words made An Yizhu’s head buzz.

What could one possibly do in an office?

She lifted her gaze and could see the Yu Corporation building.

In Yu Guqiu’s office, there had already been an incident where Yu Guqiu needed a temporary mark during her heat.

And now—

It was her rut.

“Did you bring suppressants?” Yu Guqiu’s lips curled in a faint, teasing smile. “Your pheromones seem… restless.”

In Yu Guqiu’s light-colored eyes, the reflection of An Yizhu—

The infatuation An Yizhu harbored for Yu Guqiu was magnified infinitely in her gaze.