I Really Didn't Intend to Pick Up the Black Lotus Omega - Chapter 40

Moonlight streamed through the window, cascading down like liquid silver.

 

It bathed Jiang Nianyu’s hair, softening it into a veil draped across her back.

 

Jiang Nianyu wasn’t wearing anything particularly revealing. The soft fabric draped gracefully, covering her shoulders, waist, and legs.

 

Only her slender, pale ankles were exposed, her bare toes pressing against the living room’s shaggy carpet, twitching subtly as Yu Qing’s gaze lingered.

 

In the flickering candlelight, Yu Qing felt as if Jiang Nianyu had packaged herself into a beautiful gift.

 

The delicate bow at her neck was the switch to open it. With a gentle tug, the silky ribbon would unravel.

 

And perhaps something else would come undone with it.

 

Yu Qing’s mind raced, as if countless glass marbles were rolling through her thoughts.

 

Amidst the clinking of these mental marbles, a voice whispered in secret admiration: This intricate Japanese-style dress truly suits Jiang Nianyu.

 

But another voice stopped Yu Qing in her tracks. Hesitantly, yet with restrained curiosity, she asked, “Where did you…?”

 

“From a book,” Jiang Nianyu replied candidly, her gaze meeting Yu Qing’s without hesitation.

 

This is already our shared secret, she thought.

 

Yu Qing’s ears flushed at the words.

 

Today marked the end of Yu Qing’s vacation, and she was returning to work.

 

The road was clearly divided into lanes for motorized vehicles, and the intersections were regulated by orderly traffic lights. The sense of order imposed by society pulled her back into the real world.

 

“You should… you should still read less of those kinds of books,” Yu Qing stammered, lacking confidence. “Our daily lives are different from those manga.”

 

As she spoke to Jiang Nianyu, she was also speaking to herself.

 

In the flickering candlelight, Jiang Nianyu sensed Yu Qing’s retreat.

 

She had questioned Yu Qing countless times, understanding her deep concern for societal judgment.

 

She knew Yu Qing’s brightness, her sense of justice, and her strong sense of responsibility.

 

She also knew her tendency to conform, her occasional timidity, and the desires she deliberately suppressed and ignored.

 

Jiang Nianyu simply lowered her eyes, then lifted her hand to untie the ribbon at her neck. “A-Qing, would you like to open your gift?”

 

Her voice was cool and light, and the long tails of the ribbon swayed gently beneath the bow.

 

The ribbon twined lightly around Jiang Nianyu’s slender fingers, yet it seemed to be wrapped around something else entirely.

 

Yu Qing knew exactly what it was wrapped around.

 

Her throat tightened, the swallows rough and strained, filled with the gaze she couldn’t tear away.

 

Now that they had crossed that boundary, how could she possibly retreat?

 

Before long, Yu Qing stepped aside. “I… I’ll go wash my hands first!”

 

Afraid her travel-worn hands might soil the silk’s pristine surface, she carefully scrubbed them in the water.

 

Moonlight mingled with candlelight, illuminating her damp hands as they touched the soft, pink silk.

 

Even in summer, the silk felt cool to the touch.

 

Yet the small section Jiang Nianyu had held still retained the lingering warmth of her body.

 

With a gentle tug, Yu Qing untied the ribbon.

 

Like gurgling water or invisible smoke, layer upon layer of silk cascaded from Yu Qing’s hand, revealing Jiang Nianyu’s neck.

 

In this world, the neck seemed more intimate than any other part of the body.

 

Especially for Alphas and Omegas, exposing one’s neck to another carried an unspoken intimacy.

 

As an outsider, Yu Qing felt herself being assimilated into this culture.

 

Her gaze lingered on Jiang Nianyu’s exposed neck, tracing the curve of her jawline.

 

That pale, slender neck looked so delicate, as if it could be encircled by a single hand.

 

Jiang Nianyu’s breath brushed her throat as it passed through her slightly parted lips, the movement of her throat clearly visible.

 

Beautiful, fragile.

 

The desire to possess and the urge to destroy always ran parallel, rapidly crowding Yu Qing’s mind.

 

Suppressing the urge to swallow, she clung to a sliver of reason, repeating the four words in her mind:

 

Restraint and propriety.

 

Restraint and propriety.

 

“A-Qing, what are you thinking about?”

 

Just as Yu Qing was struggling to control her desires, Jiang Nianyu’s voice cut through the air.

 

Slightly shorter than Yu Qing, Jiang Nianyu easily noticed the movement of Yu Qing’s throat.

 

Jiang Nianyu’s gaze slowly traced up Yu Qing’s neck, like a shadowy green serpent emerging from the darkness, its eyes suddenly meeting Yu Qing’s.

 

Yu Qing froze under Jiang Nianyu’s intense stare, then stammered, “I… I just think we should both read fewer comics.”

 

Despite her direct and confrontational demeanor at work earlier that day, Yu Qing’s tone had suddenly become evasive.

 

Was she afraid of hurting Jiang Nianyu’s feelings? Or was she simply hesitant, her own feelings wavering, unwilling to burn bridges or close off possibilities? Only Yu Qing herself could truly know.

 

No.

 

There was one other person who knew.

 

Jiang Nianyu listened quietly, then tilted her head and smiled. “Let’s celebrate my birthday first.”

 

Yu Qing didn’t understand, but before she could react, Jiang Nianyu had already taken the silk scarf from her hand.

 

She just arrived, and she’s already celebrating my birthday?

 

But Yu Qing never expected that what was supposed to be a gift would instead blind her.

 

The dimly lit room, combined with the thin layers of silk, completely obscured Yu Qing’s vision.

 

Suddenly disoriented, she gripped Jiang Nianyu’s hand tightly in the living room, feeling utterly helpless.

 

“Twenty minutes until midnight,” Jiang Nianyu’s voice drifted over. “A-Qing wants to celebrate the New Year with me.”

 

Losing her balance, Yu Qing felt Jiang Nianyu’s laughter grow more pronounced.

 

Yu Qing didn’t know how to endure this. She was familiar with the layout of this house, yet it felt foreign.

 

This wasn’t her home.

 

Jiang Nianyu placed her on the sofa, and Yu Qing’s hand suddenly felt empty.

 

More than the room itself, Yu Qing was more familiar with the hand she had just held.

 

The warmth of Jiang Nianyu’s fingers still lingered in her palm. Yu Qing hesitated, unsure whether to speak. Since childhood, she had grown accustomed to being picked up and set aside, waiting.

 

Moonlight streamed leisurely onto the sofa, enveloping the solitary figure seated there in its lonely glow.

 

Yu Qing’s hand hung limply at her knee, mirroring the posture the orphanage director had insisted upon.

 

She looked utterly docile, masking the anxiety churning within her.

 

“A-Qing.”

 

Jiang Nianyu’s voice sounded right in front of her.

 

The tension that had instinctively gripped Yu Qing’s heart suddenly eased.

 

Though it was just a single voice, Yu Qing suddenly became acutely aware of her surroundings.

 

She felt the fabric before her being adjusted by someone. Her skin brushed against Jiang Nianyu’s fingers, and the warmth of her breath landed on them.

 

A fierce, dark greed was born in the shadows. Yu Qing inhaled the familiar scent of Jiang Nianyu’s bath gel, greedily clinging to her breath as it lingered on Jiang Nianyu’s fingertips.

 

This clumsy poacher, hidden in the darkness, believed her actions were undetectable and even dared to consider taking things further.

 

Fingers alone weren’t enough.

 

If only she could kiss her…

 

“!”

 

A light yet controlled movement came from behind Yu Qing’s head.

 

The silk blindfold was gently tugged from behind, a silent warning not to lean forward any further.

 

Jiang Nianyu’s silhouette emerged from the moonlight, looming over Yu Qing.

 

A faint smile played on her lips as she gazed down at the woman who thought her actions were seamless. Her lips curled upward. “Didn’t A-Qing say she didn’t want to act out scenes from those manga?”

 

Was that mockery?

 

Yu Qing couldn’t discern any emotion in Jiang Nianyu’s voice.

 

Jiang Nianyu tugged on the silk ribbon in front of her, forcing Yu Qing to tilt her head back.

 

A blurry shadow filled her vision, yet she watched it with rapt attention, completely forgetting the slight pain in her scalp from being pulled like this.

 

In that instant, Yu Qing felt like a slave captured by Jiang Nianyu.

 

She had almost forgotten that day when she had promised Jiang Nianyu to give herself to her.

 

The upward tilt of her head made her breathing more pronounced.

 

Yu Qing parted her lips slightly, unconsciously exhaling a cool, lingering fragrance that deepened the crimson of her lips.

 

Jiang Nianyu swallowed hard, suppressing her reaction.

 

Her hand, which had been holding the end of the ribbon, now smoothed the bow, tying a large, elaborate bow behind Yu Qing’s head.

 

“A-Qing, do you know how adorable you look right now?”

 

Jiang Nianyu’s fingers traced lightly along Yu Qing’s jawline, like a queen admiring her masterpiece.

 

Yu Qing’s mind went blank. An electric current crackled along the path of Jiang Nianyu’s fingers, burning its way toward her heart.

 

A dense, tingling itch spread through her body, her heart pounding wildly.

 

Yu Qing’s breath washed over her throat, exhaling heavily.

 

She loved this feeling—being completely possessed, cherished by the one who owned her.

 

“A-Qing, let’s take a photo together.”

 

Just as Yu Qing was about to succumb, Jiang Nianyu’s voice echoed in her ear again.

 

Yu Qing was utterly bewildered. How could she take a photo with Jiang Nianyu in her current state?

 

“Nian…”

 

Click!

 

A flash of light erupted, leaving Yu Qing no chance to resist or stop it.

 

But instead of the cold glare of a camera lens, she saw the flickering glow of candlelight.

 

Warmth drew closer. A silk ribbon tied in a bow draped over Yu Qing’s shoulder, replaced by Jiang Nianyu’s gentle breath against her ear.

 

“It’s midnight. Happy birthday, A-Qing.”

 

The soft rustle of silk filled the air, locking Jiang Nianyu’s voice in Yu Qing’s ear.

 

Free from the blindfold, Yu Qing opened her eyes to see a beautifully decorated vintage-style cake before her.

 

Perched on the creamy frosting were two miniature dogs.

 

One, with pink fur, wagged its tail at her. The other, golden-furred, sat regally, smiling at her.

 

They were Lianlian and Lianlian.

 

The candlelight bathed the scene in a warm, hazy glow. For a moment, Yu Qing felt as if she could truly see her beloved dogs.

 

Seeing Lianlian bound across the boundary between two worlds, running toward her with unrestrained joy and wagging her tail vigorously, Yu Qing realized someone still remembered her little dog.

 

Yu Qing looked past Lianlian to the person holding the cake.

 

For the first time in her life, someone was truly celebrating her birthday with her.

 

Jiang Nianyu had meticulously planned this 25th birthday party, ensuring every detail reflected Yu Qing’s interests and preferences.

 

Finally, I’m someone worth remembering, Yu Qing thought.

 

Her eyes instantly welled up with tears.

 

How can I ever let go of Jiang Nianyu? How can I not hope for more?

 

“Make a wish,” Jiang Nianyu said gently, looking at Yu Qing. “After you blow out the candles, we’ll eat cake together. I even made you a late-night snack—your favorite sweet and sour ribs.”

 

“Okay,” Yu Qing nodded, forcing back her tears.

 

She helped Jiang Nianyu place the cake on the table, then clasped her hands together and began to wish: “I hope I can…”

 

Just as she was about to voice her birthday wish, Jiang Nianyu stopped her. “A-Qing.”

 

Yu Qing looked up at Jiang Nianyu, confused.

 

Jiang Nianyu reminded her, “If you say your birthday wish out loud, it won’t come true.”

 

Yu Qing suddenly froze, her mind blank.

 

She had always spoken her birthday wishes aloud, ever since she was a child. Being alone on her birthdays, she would say them out loud to ward off the loneliness.

 

But whenever someone reminded her not to, her little dog would only gaze at her with pleading eyes.

 

Now, someone was reminding her.

 

She didn’t need to say anything to dispel the loneliness.

 

She could close her eyes in peace and make a wish that only she could hear.

 

The moment she closed her eyes, Yu Qing felt her heart beating with startling clarity, as if she truly belonged in this world.

 

Clasping her hands together, she closed her eyes to make her wish, but suddenly hesitated.

 

What should she wish for?

 

Should she repeat the same wish she had made for the past twenty years—for good health and career success?

 

Jiang Nianyu and the two Lianlians filled Yu Qing’s thoughts. Feeling surrounded by their warmth, she pursed her lips and silently spoke to the heavens:

 

“I wish that Jiang Nianyu will never forget me, even after she regains her memories.”

 

Realizing this wasn’t precise enough, Yu Qing added their names to her wish: “May Jiang Nianyu never forget Yu Qing.”

 

With her wish made, Yu Qing blew out the two candles in a single breath.

 

The flickering flames extinguished smoothly, a wisp of blue smoke rising like a divine decree granted by the heavens.

 

After Yu Qing blew out the candles, the room lit up.

 

Having been in the dark for so long, Yu Qing couldn’t immediately adjust to the sudden brightness.

 

But then, through the dazzling light, she saw Jiang Nianyu sitting beside her, watching her.

 

Jiang Nianyu’s baby-blue eyes were gentler than the light, meeting Yu Qing’s gaze with a quiet, steady warmth, like a crescent moon cradled in her gaze.

 

In that instant, whether it was from the flood of light or something else, Yu Qing’s nose stung, and she could no longer hold back her tears. They streamed down her cheeks.

 

So this was it—people really do cry when they’re happy.

 

Yu Qing desperately wanted to freeze this moment, to stop time from moving forward.

 

Soft, warm lips pressed against her cheek, blotting away the tear tracks.

 

Jiang Nianyu gently kissed Yu Qing’s cheek, kissing away her tears.

 

Her slender fingers cupped Yu Qing’s tear-streaked face, a hint of nervousness and unease in her voice. “Don’t cry. Today’s supposed to be happy, right? Did I do something wrong?”

 

Yu Qing immediately shook her head, tears still streaming uncontrollably, each drop falling into their mouths. Her words came out muffled through her sobs. “No, it’s different. I’m happy. These are tears of happiness.”

 

Jiang Nianyu watched Yu Qing’s tearful, yet smiling expression and couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

 

What is happiness? she wondered. She wasn’t sure herself.

 

She suddenly remembered the sensation of her fingers brushing against the candle flame earlier.

 

The flickering fire looked intimidating, but it didn’t sting. Instead, it licked warmly across her fingertips, like a playful puppy.

 

“I want to experience happiness with A-Qing,” Jiang Nianyu said, her gaze fixed on Yu Qing. She lowered her lips, still glistening with tears, inch by inch until they hovered just above Yu Qing’s.

 

Finally, she kissed her.

 

Despite Yu Qing’s earlier earnest lecture about reading fewer comics and distinguishing between fantasy and reality, how could she truly separate the two?

 

The world she inhabited was reality, and the things she had already done couldn’t be undone.

 

Yu Qing leaned back against the sofa, her mouth pried open by Jiang Nianyu, her mind drifting in a daze.

 

She was, perhaps, the most ordinary person imaginable—flawed, driven by desires, and unable to delay gratification. Her attempts at self-control were utterly disastrous.

 

Jiang Nianyu’s teeth grazed Yu Qing’s tongue, sending a sharp, acidic sensation surging through her brain.

 

It was like unwrapping a piece of candy, peeling back the crinkling cellophane to reveal a sweetness far surpassing any fruit in the world.

 

Yu Qing savored each bite of the candy, countless camellias blooming silently between her and Jiang Nianyu.

 

When it was over, Yu Qing felt her throat filled with an indescribable fragrance. She tilted her head back to gaze at Jiang Nianyu, watching the woman sit on her lap, nuzzling her and asking, “When it’s my birthday, will A-Qing prepare a surprise like this for me too?”

 

“Of course,” Yu Qing replied without hesitation, swallowing a heavy breath.

 

But promises are often chains that bind one’s throat, tethering and threatening one’s elusive fate.

 

Yu Qing herself had once declared that nothing lasts forever. Yet at that moment, a line suddenly flashed vaguely through her mind:

 

For the next few years, her birthdays would be celebrated alone, accompanied only by a small electronic dog with pink-trimmed edges, acquired from some unknown source.

 

Equipped with advanced algorithms, the dog would wag its tail whenever its owner looked at it.

 

But it would never say, “I love you.”