I Really Didn't Intend to Pick Up the Black Lotus Omega - Chapter 28

Yu Qing’s sudden movement startled Siqing and Gong Ning.

 

Fortunately, Siqing reacted quickly, rushing over to catch the cup just before it rolled off the edge.

 

Gong Ning, still shaken, asked from the side, “What… what happened?”

 

“I…” Yu Qing forced a calm demeanor, meeting their concerned gazes. “I ran too hard and suddenly felt weak.”

 

Gong Ning patted her chest and said to Yu Qing, “You’re too obedient, kid. If you can’t clock in, you can’t clock in. Running yourself ragged isn’t worth it.”

 

Siqing was even more solicitous, reaching out to Yu Qing. “Let me give you a massage, Sister. My mom says I’m good at it.”

 

Unlike the submissive figure from last night’s memory, Yu Qing deftly avoided Siqing’s outstretched hand, politely declining her offer. “No need. Just let me have some quiet time.”

 

Gong Ning, understanding Yu Qing’s wishes, intervened. “Let’s finish our work first. Otherwise, Sister Zhou will be on our backs later.”

 

“Alright,” Siqing said, lowering her gaze. She knew her place and moved aside, watching Yu Qing through the frosted glass partition.

 

She didn’t believe Yu Qing’s earlier expression was simply from exhaustion. It was clearly a reaction to some sudden shock.

 

But what could have possibly shocked Yu Qing?

 

Yu Qing remained silent, propping her head up with one hand as she stared at the code on her screen, questioning her entire existence.

 

Only now did she belatedly realize that the casual nickname she had blurted out to Jiang Nianyu that morning was “Niannian.”

 

It was the name Jiang Nianyu had whispered into her ear the night before, when Yu Qing, drunk and incoherent, had clung to her, demanding to know her name.

 

Suddenly, the ordinary foyer light in Yu Qing’s memory transformed into the most perfect mood lighting.

 

The light streamed down from above, bathing Jiang Nianyu in a golden glow, turning each of her long lashes a shimmering gold.

 

Yu Qing couldn’t tell if it was the tickle of those thick lashes against her lips or the damp, burning breath that had sent her heart racing and her vision blurring.

 

When Jiang Nianyu’s hand tightened around her neck, Yu Qing’s own hand clenched reflexively.

 

Jiang Nianyu’s fingers traced the contours of her skin, stroking her neck with delicate kisses that made Yu Qing’s breath tremble uncontrollably.

 

Yu Qing couldn’t recall what flashed through her mind at that moment, only that Jiang Nianyu’s practiced movements made it seem like this wasn’t her first time.

 

Jealousy? Resentment?

 

Yu Qing felt Jiang Nianyu’s teeth gently bite her lip.

 

In a final, reckless act, she gripped Jiang Nianyu’s hand, their fingers intertwined, and leaned in for another kiss.

 

“Mmm…”

 

Jiang Nianyu’s soft moan echoed against Yu Qing’s ear. The face that had been pale from running flushed crimson in an instant.

 

Yu Qing’s head slowly lowered, burying itself like an ostrich in the sand.

 

Help me, how much did I drink yesterday?

 

Did I even realize I was kissing Jiang Nianyu yesterday?!

 

“Jiang Nianyu, what scent is on you? Was it in the wine we drank earlier?”

 

“Does A-Qing want to know?”

 

 

“A-Qing, have you ever heard the saying, ‘Once is enough, twice is too much, thrice is never’?”

 

No, I haven’t.

 

She hadn’t.

 

Yu Qing’s mind was tangled with three voices, besides the occasional snarky commentator that popped up.

 

One voice was savoring the memory, reliving how wonderful and unforgettable last night had been.

 

Another voice was questioning whether what she had done was wrong.

 

Ethics and pleasure were locked in a fierce battle.

 

Yu Qing couldn’t deny her true feelings. Kissing Jiang Nianyu had indeed felt incredibly good.

 

And what made it even more tempting was the thought of experiencing that pleasure two more times.

 

But is this just about pleasure?

 

Jiang Nianyu was an Omega with amnesia.

 

Right now, she was merely experiencing a kind of imprinting, like a baby bird following its first sight. Once her memories returned, she would leave Yu Qing.

 

Legally, Yu Qing was her guardian.

 

Next month, they would have to visit the hospital for a follow-up appointment. Yu Qing would be questioned about whether anything unusual had occurred in her interactions with the Omega.

 

If kissing didn’t count as a “special event” in a guardian-ward relationship, Yu Qing thought, then nothing could possibly be considered special anymore.

 

If the hospital found out what happened between Jiang Nianyu and me yesterday, would they call the police and have me arrested?

 

Would I go to jail?

 

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Yu Qing rubbed her face with her hands.

 

Yet despite the cowardly reasoning that filled her with anxiety, her face didn’t turn pale.

 

It remained flushed, even redder than before.

 

Every detail of her kiss with Jiang Nianyu was now secretly replaying in Yu Qing’s mind.

 

She couldn’t control herself, like an unrepentant outlaw beyond redemption.

 

“Everyone, I’m not sure how to say this…”

 

The Deputy Team Leader clapped her hands, calling out, “It’s the end of the month! The Team Leader and I think tonight’s perfect—the temperature’s just right. Let’s leave an hour early and go for barbecue!”

 

“Yay!”

 

“I love barbecue!”

 

“Long live Sister Zhou!”

 

 

A single stone thrown into the water creates a thousand ripples. Who doesn’t love free barbecue?

 

Yu Qing didn’t.

 

Seeing everyone’s excitement, Yu Qing immediately thought of Jiang Nianyu.

 

I won’t be able to have dinner at home again tonight, she realized.

 

Compared to barbecue, she much preferred Jiang Nianyu’s home-cooked meals.

 

Yu Qing turned to Gong Ning and whispered, “Sister Gong Ning, are you going?”

 

Gong Ning saw Yu Qing’s reluctance and shrugged helplessly. “We all have to go. You know how Sister Zhou is.”

 

Indeed.

 

Yesterday at the meeting, Sister Zhou had unceremoniously pushed Yu Qing into going.

 

Yu Qing sighed, her plans to take time off to have dinner at home completely dashed.

 

Just then, another small head popped up over the partition.

 

Siqing leaned over the divider, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “Sister, my barbecue is super delicious! I’ll grill for you tonight!”

 

Yu Qing smiled at Siqing’s naivety and replied politely, “Okay, thank you for your hard work.”

 

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Siqing didn’t seem like a typical office worker at all, but rather like someone’s pampered young mistress.

 

Could someone like that truly adapt to a company environment filled with interpersonal maneuvering and calculated ambition?

 

I don’t know.

 

Yu Qing had no obligation to overthink Siqing’s life choices.

 

Her real concern was Jiang Nianyu, who would see her message.

 

I told her I won’t be joining dinner tonight. Will she think I’m deliberately avoiding something?

 

Even though the team-building event could serve as a temporary escape, Yu Qing, staring at her sent message, still longed to go home and see Jiang Nianyu.

 

Especially after that kiss.

 

Buzz.

 

Yu Qing’s message quickly reached Jiang Nianyu’s phone.

 

The small figure curled up on the single sofa brightened at the long vibration.

 

But just as quickly, her eyes dimmed, mirroring her reaction from the previous day.

 

The phone, adorned with a pink puppy charm, lay abandoned on the sofa, gazing up at Jiang Nianyu with a pitiful expression.

 

In the sunlight, Jiang Nianyu’s bare feet stepped onto the sofa.

 

She hugged herself tightly, her cheeks flushed with emotion. “Is she there too?”

 

Woof!

 

Whether in response or coincidence, a puppy’s bark echoed from the computer.

 

The virtual dog wagged its tail frantically, as if trying to cheer her up.

 

Cheer her up?

 

Jiang Nianyu gazed at the little dog, then moved her mouse, playfully tossing the virtual pup—a gift from someone special—into the air.

 

Once, twice…

 

The dog’s fur flew wildly with each toss, as if teasing that someone.

 

Pfft.

 

At this thought, Jiang Nianyu couldn’t suppress the smile that crept across her face.

 

She picked up the book she had just placed face-down on the table and resumed reading.

 

Sunlight streamed across her focused face, every detail radiating earnest concentration.

 

The pages turned gently beneath her fingertips, as if layering the room with a tranquil atmosphere.

 

That is, if one didn’t notice the lively title emblazoned across the book’s cover:

 

The Dormant Flower of Hope! How My Obsessive Self Captured the Heart of My Beta Senior~

 

The sun, hovering behind Jiang Nianyu, seemed eager to peek at the story within.

 

But even as it peered at the dialogue bubbles vibrating with intense emotion, it couldn’t have imagined that a black-and-white canvas could depict such a “vibrant” tale.

 

Screech—!!!

 

Suddenly, the cicadas’ cries intensified.

 

Thin clouds drifted leisurely away from the sun, and the world grew even hotter.

 

 

As dusk settled, a cool breeze swept through the subway entrance.

 

Amidst the bustling crowd, a group stood out, their voices carrying above the din.

 

“I heard this place has the best grilled beef ribs.”

 

“Then we’re going to feast tonight!”

 

“It’s all on the company card anyway. Director Chen won’t be stingy, right?”

 

“Definitely not! I’m going to savor every bite tonight.”

 

 

Listening to the enthusiastic discussion ahead, Yu Qing walked at the back of the group, her hands in her pockets, completely uninterested in the conversation.

 

As she watched her colleagues laughing and chatting animatedly, she suddenly recalled scenes from her early days in college.

 

Newly formed classes, newly joined clubs, student council group dinners, large-scale banquets involving all departments of the student council… a relentless stream of social gatherings.

 

Yu Qing found herself caught in the middle, just as she had when she joined the clubs and student council—swept along by the tide of conformity, participating in activities that held no appeal for her.

 

Though the gatherings were always noisy and chaotic, with everyone clamoring for attention, the delicious food remained untouched as most focused on socializing. This gave Yu Qing the perfect opportunity to indulge.

 

Free food and plenty of it—that was the only part of these gatherings that interested her.

 

As for the talk about fostering team camaraderie and improving group cohesion, Yu Qing dismissed it as utter nonsense.

 

Just a game played by shrewd individuals, each vying to flatter the others. Who couldn’t kiss up when necessary?

 

How many others, like Yu Qing in her early days, had no real understanding of what they were getting into? After hearing a few upperclassmen describe the various clubs and student organizations, they felt compelled to join everything.

 

“This is so boring,” Yu Qing muttered, her eyes drooping with fatigue.

 

“Huh?”

 

Just as she was voicing her quiet complaint, Yu Qing suddenly felt a pair of eyes fixed on her from within the crowd.

 

She glanced around, but all she saw were people hurrying past, eager to get home. No one seemed to be staring at her.

 

“Strange.”

 

“What’s strange?”

 

As Yu Qing’s gaze wandered through the crowd, Siqing’s curious face suddenly popped into view.

 

The young woman had shed her office worker persona and changed into a revealing Y2K-inspired outfit. The exposed midriff sent a chill through Yu Qing’s stomach.

 

“Nothing,” Yu Qing said, shaking her head. She resisted the urge to tug down Siqing’s deliberately hiked-up spaghetti strap. “Aren’t you… cold?”

 

“Not at all!” Siqing replied, practically showing off her outfit as she struck a classic Y2K pose.

 

“Do you like it?” Siqing asked Yu Qing, her eyes fixed on her with anticipation.

 

“I love it,” Yu Qing replied, offering a polite compliment. For some reason, Siqing seemed to have stepped straight out of a video game.

 

Speaking of which, is my wardrobe a bit too monotonous? It’s just plaid shirts and black, white, and gray T-shirts.

 

Don’t Alphas and Omegas usually care a lot about their appearance? Sister Gong Ning always looks so polished at work.

 

Should I buy Jiang Nianyu an outfit like Siqing’s?

 

If Jiang Nianyu wore something like this, with the right hair clips, she’d look like a porcelain doll.

 

For some reason, looking at Siqing’s outfit made Yu Qing think of Jiang Nianyu.

 

A sudden urge stirred within her. Gripping her phone in her pocket, she asked Siqing, “Siqing, I was wondering…”

 

!

 

Before Yu Qing could get closer, that familiar sensation of being watched washed over her again from the side.

 

She immediately scanned her surroundings, trying to catch whoever had been following her.

 

In the end, Yu Qing found nothing.

 

Unfamiliar faces passed through her line of sight, but none of the eyes seemed to match the ones she had sensed earlier.

 

“What’s wrong?” Yu Qing murmured to herself.

 

Siqing tilted her head, her voice filled with concern. “What’s wrong with me? Did I upset you, Sister?”

 

“Ah, no, it’s nothing. I just suddenly felt a bit cold and muttered something without thinking,” Yu Qing said with a smile, waving her hand dismissively.

 

“Oh,” Siqing nodded, a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

 

The barbecue restaurant wasn’t far from the subway exit. Just as everyone was about to lose patience with the sweltering summer night, it appeared.

 

The group eagerly rushed inside.

 

A cool breeze washed over them, making the smoky aroma of charcoal-grilled meat almost unnoticeable.

 

“Ah, what a delicious smell!”

 

“I can’t wait! My stomach’s been growling all day.”

 

“I didn’t feel hungry while we were walking, but now that we’re inside, I’m starving.”

 

“I’ll sit on the side. I’m not good at grilling, but I can help pass the dishes.”

 

“I’ll grill! Director Chen, try my technique!”

 

 

The group chattered excitedly, each vying to offer their opinion, until they collectively pushed the most prestigious seat to Director Chen.

 

Yu Qing and Gong Ning trailed behind, exchanging a glance before settling into the two least desirable spots by the window—the most inconvenient to access, farthest from the food, and hottest.

 

“I’ll take the inner seat,” Yu Qing offered.

 

“Then you’ll have to ask me to move when you need to get up,” Gong Ning replied.

 

“Thank you, Sister Gong Ning,” Yu Qing said with a smile, playing the part of the grateful junior.

 

Once everyone was seated, the sizzling barbecue grills were brought out.

 

Knowing it would be a while before she could eat, Yu Qing turned to gaze out the window, admiring the night view of South City’s scenic dining district.

 

It was during this casual glance that she suddenly spotted a familiar figure amidst the undulating greenery below.

 

Across the bustling street, pedestrians hurried past under the glow of streetlights, creating a stage-like atmosphere.

 

A white dress billowed in the breeze, its hem mingling with long, raven-black hair—a vision of pristine purity.

 

Yu Qing froze, staring through the glass window at Jiang Nianyu’s silhouette.