I Marked My Arch-Nemesis Omega - Chapter 46

Although it was said that she was accompanying Song Qing to eat, in reality, it was Sheng Yu who ended up doing most of the eating. Still, Song Qing felt her mood improve considerably—watching Sheng Yu eat was a kind of enjoyment in itself.

This time, Song Qing didn’t stay, nor did Sheng Yu ask her to. She had her own matters to attend to.

When Sheng Yu returned home again, 827 had already tidied up the entire place, leaving no trace of the previous chaos. Sheng Yu went back to her study, propped her chin on her hand, closed her eyes, and after about ten minutes, she silently wrote down a string of characters on paper.

She had initially thought that the three pages of text her father had forced her to memorize were all codes. But after reading that book the other day, she revisited the content and realized that one of the strings might just be an ordinary sentence—though this was merely her speculation.

Later, after returning from the Song family, she used her neural interface to hack into multiple Imperial libraries but found no books recorded in similar characters, nor any records about such a script.

Suddenly, Sheng Yu had a bold idea. After all, the assumption that it was an ancient book or script was just her hypothesis. What if she stepped outside that framework—what if it wasn’t an ancient book or script at all?

Staring at the blank wall, she pondered: What were the odds that the Empire had collected all similar books? High, but it was impossible that there was no record of what this script was called or no scholars who had studied it.

So far, she had only deciphered three strings of code. The content could be read directly in the Imperial language but held no discernible meaning. The first string had been decoded three years ago. The Empire could have spent those three years confiscating all related books, but there was no need to erase all traces of the script’s existence.

Sheng Yu felt trapped in a paradox—no matter which angle she approached it from, the logic seemed to hold.

She stared at the characters on the paper, lost in thought.

What on earth was this?

“Song family,” Sheng Yu tapped the desk.

She decided she needed to visit the Song family again. If she could figure out what this thing was, she could create codes for the Empire herself, eliminating the need to rely on her father’s legacy.

She checked the time—10 p.m.

Sheng Yu: I want to see you.
Song Li: ?
Sheng Yu: It’s important.

Song Li immediately sent her location—she was at home.

Sheng Yu hailed a flyer and headed straight over.

“What’s so urgent that you had to come this late? I thought you didn’t like going out at night,” Song Li said as she opened the door, letting Sheng Yu in. She was holding a glass of red wine. “Now that you’ve undergone differentiation, you’re technically an adult. Want a drink?”

“No,” Sheng Yu waved her hand dismissively and sat down on the sofa, cutting straight to the point. “Was there any connection between my father and your family?”

Song Li paused. “Not that I know of… The Song family is huge. I can’t possibly keep track of everyone’s social circles. Did you make progress with your father’s codes?”

“Not progress—just a hunch. Hypothetically, if I wanted to take a book out of the Song family’s archives…” Sheng Yu looked at Song Li.

“Through unofficial channels?”

“Mm.”

Song Li tapped the table. “Extremely difficult. If it’s a Song family member or someone approved by the family, security bots might just follow them. Anyone else…”

“What if the book was accidentally destroyed inside the archives?”

“How are you planning to destroy it? Unless it’s obliterated instantly, security bots will show up within three seconds of you making a move and subdue you. Even if you manage to destroy it in an instant, your fate won’t be much better,” Song Li said irritably. “Little sister, don’t be so naive.”

“What about going through proper channels?”

“There are no proper channels. The book simply isn’t allowed to leave.”

“Why?” Sheng Yu couldn’t understand.

“No one knows.”

Sheng Yu tapped the table. “What if I replace it with another book?”

“Every book has a chip embedded in its cover… In a way, if there’s an identical chip, replacement might be possible. But I wouldn’t recommend hacking into the Song family’s system—you’re not ready for that.”

Sheng Yu took a deep breath. “Is there any way to disable the security bots?”

“No. Unless the Song family’s central system explodes,” Song Li said. “But even if it did, the bots would probably keep working autonomously—just without real-time data transmission. And the backup systems would be fully operational within five minutes.”

Sheng Yu considered many other possibilities but dismissed them herself before even voicing them.

Headache.

“Is it really that important?”

“Yes.” Sheng Yu leaned back on the sofa, rubbing her temples.

That familiar sense of helplessness washed over her again.

Song Li also reclined on the sofa. “And the operation can’t make too much noise—can’t let the Empire find out, right?”

“Mm.”

“What a pain.” Song Li tapped the table. “Do you absolutely have to take it out? Last time you went, Song Qing took you, didn’t she? Why not go a few more times and memorize the book?”

Sheng Yu: “…”

“I’m also worried someone else might get their hands on it. If it were just about knowing the contents, I wouldn’t be so anxious. Are all the Song family’s books physical copies? After all this time, hasn’t anyone digitized them?”

“Probably not.” Song Li leaned back in her chair. “It’s not like no one’s tried before, but electronic versions are too vulnerable to theft. Better to just leave them as they are.”

Song Li glanced at Sheng Yu and smirked. “Really, young miss? This is all it takes to wear you out? Seems like you’ve had it too easy these past few years… Your father’s password—though I’ve never seen it—I doubt he’d leave something completely unfamiliar to you.”

“Take another careful look. Be thorough. Don’t jump to conclusions. How old were you when your father left you that password?” Song Li fetched a bottle of juice and set it in front of Sheng Yu. “Going back tonight?”

“Got a guest room?”

“Yep.”

“Then I’ll stay.”

“Want something to eat?”

“No. I overate with Song Qing earlier.” Sheng Yu sighed. “Not really in the mood anyway.”

“Rare to see you go out for meals with friends.”

“Hardly anyone invites me.” Sheng Yu yawned. “I’m off to bed. Goodnight.”

“Mm.” Song Li nodded, watching Sheng Yu head upstairs. “Kids these days need more challenges.”

Sheng Yu glanced back. “For someone who just wants to laze around, challenges aren’t necessary.”

“Then there’s no need to crack the password.”

“Everyone’s got curiosity.”

“Oh.” Song Li chuckled.

Sheng Yu went to the guest room and found some of her belongings still in the closet. After freshening up, she got into bed and opened her light screen, immediately spotting a message from Liao Keke.

Liao Keke: Saturday at 2 PM. I’ll send you the address. I rented a villa specifically for parties.

Sheng Yu: Got it.

Liao Keke: Got a 40% discount for Alphas—otherwise, I couldn’t have afforded it.

Sheng Yu: So how many people are coming?

Liao Keke: Around a dozen.

Sheng Yu: Alright.

Sheng Yu barely slept that night and woke up early the next morning. When she went downstairs, Song Li hadn’t gotten up yet, but breakfast prepared by the household robot was already on the table. She picked out what she liked and ate.

By the time Song Li came downstairs, she was already dressed to the nines, looking every bit the polished socialite.

“What’s with that look?”

“No look.”

Song Li flipped her hair and gave Sheng Yu a once-over. “When are you leaving? Need a ride?”

“Just drop me off on the main street. I need to buy something—it’s Liao Keke’s birthday.”

“Fine.” Song Li took a sip of coffee. “Thought you two weren’t in touch anymore.”

“We go to the same school—hard not to. And… well, it’s been years.”

Song Li dropped her off at the mall entrance. Sheng Yu wasn’t sure what to buy, so she browsed aimlessly before settling on a decorative piece. The store staff packaged it for her.

She grabbed a greeting card and wrote four words: Happy Birthday. She felt this year’s gift looked thoughtful—at least it had proper packaging. In the past, she’d just tossed it in a bag.

On Friday, Sheng Yu spent the whole day in the study. At 10 PM, she picked up her light screen and noticed Song Qing had messaged her at 7.

Song Qing: Liao Keke invited me to the party too.

Sheng Yu: Sorry, I wasn’t checking my messages.

Sheng Yu: So, are you going? If you are, we can go together. I don’t really know most of her friends, but if you’re there, at least we can talk.

Song Qing: Then I’ll come to your place first tomorrow afternoon.

Sheng Yu: Sounds good.

Song Qing hadn’t planned on going—she wasn’t close to Liao Keke—but Sheng Yu’s suggestion changed her mind.

Since it was a party, Sheng Yu put in a little effort after waking up at noon, applying some lipstick. But when she saw Song Qing, she realized her own efforts paled in comparison.

Song Qing had her hair braided, wore a lovely makeup look, and her accessories and outfit were meticulously coordinated. Even her glasses were a different style.

“You look stunning today, President,” Sheng Yu remarked. “Want to take a photo?”

“Is it too formal?” Song Qing wasn’t used to such direct compliments, and Sheng Yu’s openly admiring gaze made her slightly self-conscious.

“It’s party attire—not overly formal.” Sheng Yu held up her light screen and moved beside Song Qing, setting it to auto-capture. They leaned in for a photo together.

Song Qing’s expression was a bit stiff in the first shot, but she managed a small smile in the second.

“Let’s go.” Sheng Yu picked up her gift and headed downstairs with Song Qing, glancing repeatedly at the bag in her hands. “What did you get?”

“I’ve never bought gifts for anyone before…” Song Qing hesitated. “I noticed she had a photo of Marshal Yun in her book… so I bought a Marshal Yun figurine.”

Sheng Yu: …

“I also bought a Marshal Yun figurine… please don’t tell me it’s the one holding a gun,” Sheng Yu ventured cautiously.

Song Qing: …

“Yeah…”

“Please don’t tell me it also has a tiny diamond embedded in it,” Sheng Yu pressed, unwilling to accept the truth.

“Yeah.”

“I shouldn’t have asked.” Sheng Yu rubbed her temples.

“What do we do now?”

“Just give them to her. It’s not like we knew beforehand.”

Song Qing frowned slightly. “Should I go back to the mall and buy something else?”

“No need. It’s too late now. At least you changed the gift bag.” Sheng Yu glanced at the bag in Song Qing’s hand.

Song Qing massaged her temples. This was the first time she’d encountered such a situation.

“By the way, when’s your birthday?”

“September. It’s already passed.” Song Qing replied, “September 7th. What about you?”

“Mine’s passed too—July. I’m older than you.” Sheng Yu grinned, looking smug.

“Mm.” Song Qing glanced at Sheng Yu, unsure why this was something to be happy about. Probably just immaturity.

“Shouldn’t you call me ‘big sister’?”

“Dream on.”

“Tch.”

Once aboard the shuttle, Song Qing placed the bag on her lap and gazed out the window. “What do people usually do at these kinds of parties?”

“Play games?”

Song Qing shot Sheng Yu a look. That answer was about as useful as saying nothing at all.

“Mostly depends on what’s in the villa. We’ll play whatever’s available.” Sheng Yu shrugged.

“Mm…” Song Qing took a deep breath.

“Don’t be so nervous.” Sheng Yu glanced at her. “Haven’t you been to this kind of gathering before?”

“No. Usually, no one invites me. And if they do, I don’t go.”

“Then why are you going this time?” Sheng Yu studied her.

Song Qing didn’t answer. After a pause, she asked, “How much longer until we get there?”

“Who knows? I’ve never been either.”

“Mm…”

Less than two minutes after Song Qing’s question, they arrived. Many guests were already there. The moment Sheng Yu stepped out, Liao Keke waved excitedly from the villa entrance, bouncing on her toes.

“You came together?” Liao Keke looked between Sheng Yu and Song Qing, her eyes flickering with curiosity. “I was wondering why the president would agree to come to my birthday party…”

“Happy birthday.” Sheng Yu cut her off, ignoring the odd look. “Where should we put the gifts?”

“Just leave them anywhere. Go on inside—I’ll join once everyone’s here.”

“Got it.” Sheng Yu nodded. Song Qing greeted Liao Keke as well and followed Sheng Yu inside.

The place was already lively, filled with people chatting animatedly. Sheng Yu didn’t recognize most of them, though she could easily distinguish the Alphas from the Omegas. She wondered which one was Liao Keke’s crush.

After placing their gifts with the others, Sheng Yu and Song Qing found a spot to sit.

Song Qing was visibly tense, while Sheng Yu lounged on the sofa, crossing her legs casually.

“President, Sheng Yu, what would you like to drink?”

“Anything’s fine.”

“Alcohol?”

“Let’s skip the alcohol, soda is fine.” Sheng Yu glanced at Song Qing, “What about you?”

“Then soda for me too.”

“Alright.” Sheng Yu stood up to grab the drinks, but someone had already handed them over.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” The person smiled. “Can I add you as a friend on LightBrain? I’ve always wanted to be friends with you, but never got the chance.”

It was a male Alpha. Sheng Yu instinctively looked at Song Qing, who was staring back at her expressionlessly.

Sheng Yu: “…”

She didn’t even know why she had looked at Song Qing. Just as she was about to pull out her LightBrain to agree—

The Alpha suddenly wore a look of realization. “My apologies.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Sheng Yu: “…”

She glanced at Song Qing again, who remained impassive.

“If you regret it, you can always chase after him and say he misunderstood,” Song Qing remarked.

“Why would I do something like that?” Sheng Yu leaned back on the sofa.

“Because you seemed to be staring longingly at his retreating figure,” Song Qing said, propping her chin on her hand.

Sheng Yu: “…”

“From where you’re sitting, you could actually see my expression?”

“Just a bold guess.”

Sheng Yu couldn’t help but click her tongue and laugh.

There were twenty-two people at the party in total. Once everyone had arrived, they all took a tour of the villa together.

The garden was already set up with barbecue equipment. They could either let the domestic robots handle the grilling or do it themselves—very convenient. Next to the small garden was a swimming pool, filled to the brim.

The basement floor was like a mini arcade, while the first floor had a large empty room and not much else. The second floor boasted a full-immersion gaming system. Sheng Yu skimmed through the game menu provided—there was everything, though most were horror games.

“This one looks really fun,” someone else noticed the menu on the wall and exclaimed. “Look at that! The Terrifying Birthday Party—how fitting!”

“Come on, playing that on a birthday isn’t exactly auspicious.”

“Then how about another horror game? Feels like a waste not to try everything here since we’re already here.”

“I agree,” Liao Keke chimed in, glancing at a certain Omega. “Though I wonder if anyone might get scared…”

“There are so many of us, what’s there to be afraid of?”

“How about this one?” Sheng Yu picked up a small booklet and waved it. “Also horror-themed, and it has team divisions. Sounds fun.”

“What is it?”

“Pretty cliché premise—adventurers versus ghosts,” Sheng Yu said with a grin. “And it seems like each person has different mission objectives.”

From the look on Sheng Yu’s face, Song Qing could tell she was definitely plotting something mischievous.

“That does sound pretty good…”

“Won’t it be too scary?” a few people asked nervously.

“Probably not. Once you know the ghosts are just people acting, what’s there to fear?”

“Should we take a vote?” Liao Keke suggested.

In the end, out of the twenty-two people, twenty voted in favor.

“Let’s go grab some food first,” Liao Keke said. “We can play after we finish the barbecue.”

Though the domestic robots were on standby, everyone chose to grill their own food.

Sheng Yu, of course, had no intention of lifting a finger and simply sat down. Not that she needed to—plenty of people came over to ask what she wanted to eat. Even though she’d presented as a Beta, it hadn’t dented her popularity in the slightest.

Song Qing grabbed two skewers of chicken wings and headed over to the grill. Though it was her first time barbecuing, she did a decent job. After sprinkling on the seasoning, they looked quite presentable. Carrying the skewers back, she noticed Sheng Yu already had a plate full of meat in front of her.

“President,” Sheng Yu stared at the chicken wings in Song Qing’s hands.

“You already have so much,” Song Qing said, but she still handed one skewer to Sheng Yu.

“The ones in your hand just look more appetizing,” Sheng Yu replied cheerfully, glancing at Liao Keke. She had been observing for a while and could finally tell who Liao Keke liked—and it was a bit too obvious.

“Does Liao Keke like that Omega?” Song Qing sat beside Sheng Yu and watched for a moment before lowering her voice.

“Yeah.”

Song Qing rubbed her temples. “Is this how people pursue others these days?”

“No idea… I’ve never pursued anyone before.”

Liao Keke had approached that girl seven times in five minutes, bringing her all sorts of food.

“That Omega looks really uncomfortable,” Song Qing remarked.

“True. She was actually smiling happily at first.”

Song Qing fell silent again.

Finally, the Omega couldn’t take it anymore and moved to another spot, distributing the food to those around her. Liao Keke seemed to realize something and turned to look at Sheng Yu.

“What a spectacle…” Sheng Yu sighed.

“Ugh, she seems to dislike me… I just wanted to give her some good food.”

Sheng Yu: “…”

“If you went over there a couple fewer times, she might not be making that face,” Sheng Yu couldn’t help but comment.

“I just wanted to talk to her—I couldn’t help it. Normally, I can only catch a glimpse of her from afar, and only at certain times,” Liao Keke sighed. “Now that she’s right there… the only way I could start a conversation was by bringing her food.”

“Good luck. I have no experience in this area, so I can’t give you any constructive advice,” Sheng Yu said.

Liao Keke then turned to look at Song Qing, sighing before even speaking.

Song Qing: “???”

“Never mind. The president doesn’t seem like someone who’s pursued anyone either. I’ll go ask someone else,” Liao Keke quickly walked away.

Sheng Yu tilted her head at Song Qing. “Do you have any advice for her? Why do you look so indignant? President, have you ever pursued someone?”

“No,” Song Qing said. “But I’ve been pursued before.”

“By who?”

“I don’t remember what they looked like or their name. It was probably in middle school… I never expected someone to write a love letter in this day and age. I thought it was a self-criticism essay, so I took it and left. Only later did I realize it was actually a love letter.” Song Qing paused before adding, “The handwriting was terrible. That person also brought me food later, probably thinking I’d present as an Omega.”

She trailed off.

“After my Alpha results came out, no one pursued me anymore.”

“Were you the student council president in middle school too?”

“Yeah,” Song Qing replied. “But back then, not many people were afraid of me. Most just gave me face because of my surname, Song. I started wearing glasses then to make myself look a little more intimidating.”

Sheng Yu chuckled. “How childish.”

“You’re one to talk,” Song Qing shot back, eyeing the towering pile of food in front of Sheng Yu. “Can you even finish all that?”

“I can’t finish it all, so President, care to help me out?” Sheng Yu raised an eyebrow.

Song Qing glanced at Sheng Yu, and the next second, someone brought more food. Sheng Yu then heard the person beside her say in a very serious tone, “Sheng Yu said she can’t finish any more, so no need to bring more. It’s not good to waste.”