I Really Didn't Intend to Pick Up the Black Lotus Omega - Chapter 46

The night was like a finely woven net, its impenetrable darkness enveloping the city’s sky, as if no one could escape its grasp.

 

Not even this small house.

 

“Good night, A-Qing.”

 

“Good night, Niannian.”

 

The two goodnights echoed softly in the room, overlapping and merging like lovers embracing.

 

The lights had been off for a while now, and Yu Qing gradually became aware of Jiang Nianyu’s slow, even breathing beside her.

 

A sliver of moonlight seeped through the gap between the curtains, illuminating the silent night.

 

As if she had been waiting for this moment, Yu Qing carefully turned to face Jiang Nianyu, stealing a glance at her sleeping face in the faint light.

 

The moonlight bathed Jiang Nianyu’s cheeks in a soft, gentle glow.

 

She slept deeply, completely unguarded. Her thick eyelashes cast shadows across her face, resembling the folded wings of a sleeping bird.

 

In contrast, Jiang Nianyu’s slightly parted collar and loose straps did little to conceal her, instead drawing a pale, cool line between her jaw and neck, like a path leading home.

 

Her breath, following the downward gaze of Yu Qing’s eyes, escaped Jiang Nianyu’s lips in a slow, lingering caress, settling gently on Yu Qing’s nose and lips.

 

Yu Qing pursed her lips silently, as if trying to savor some lingering flavor.

 

But she was just a Beta. What could she possibly taste?

 

She was merely an ordinary Beta, as ordinary as they come. What could she possibly gain in this strange world?

 

Perhaps, to this world, she—the outsider from another realm—was the true stranger.

 

Fortunately, there was someone else by her side.

 

Yu Qing watched Jiang Nianyu sleeping beside her, the sudden sense of bewilderment that had risen within her gradually receding, replaced by a faint sense of peace.

 

She thought she might finally be able to sleep soundly tonight.

 

 

After experiencing a few four-day workweeks with three days off, Yu Qing felt that Wednesdays should be designated as rest days for all workers!

 

Having a day off on Wednesday, Yu Qing found it surprisingly easy to wake up early on Thursday and Friday. She felt refreshed and energized at work, free from any pressure.

 

Gong Ning and Jiang Siqing, two bitter gourds drained by the week’s work, watched Yu Qing’s boundless enthusiasm with a mixture of envy and resentment.

 

Knock, knock.

 

As if sensing their resentment, someone knocked on Yu Qing’s desk.

 

It was Liaoliao.

 

Yu Qing looked up, confused, wondering if she had made a mistake in her work.

 

To her surprise, Liaoliao said, “Get ready. We’re attending an algorithm exchange meeting at noon.”

 

“Me?” Yu Qing asked, astonished.

 

What could be more unexpected than being suddenly told to attend a meeting halfway through the workday?

 

Yu Qing glanced down, double-checking that she was wearing her favorite summer outfit: a loose-fitting linen set with thin straps that draped loosely over her figure. To be honest, its appeal relied entirely on Yu Qing’s natural beauty.

 

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Yu Qing wondered if they could send someone else instead.

 

Liaoliao looked at her and asked bluntly, “Who else could do it besides you?”

 

Her words were spoken without reservation, just as Wang happened to be walking by.

 

Yu Qing didn’t care whether she should thank Sister Zhou for putting her in this crucial position. She was simply delighted to see Wang, who had always bossed her around, slinking away in disgrace.

 

Yu Qing tried to hide her schadenfreude, but Jiang Siqing burst out laughing first.

 

Jiang Siqing genuinely believed Liaoliao had no ulterior motives. Before Wang could react, Yu Qing quickly spoke to cover up Jiang Siqing’s laughter: “I understand. Please wait a moment while I call for a flash delivery to bring me a change of clothes.”

 

As Yu Qing spoke, she texted Jiang Nianyu, asking her to find something presentable for the occasion.

 

But before she could finish typing, Liaoliao had already picked up Yu Qing’s bag and said, “Don’t bother. It’s just a casual exchange. No need to dress up so formally. It’s nothing.”

 

Liaoliao’s casual tone convinced Yu Qing, who followed her, equally casually dressed, without a second thought.

 

However, the moment Yu Qing swiped her badge and entered the exchange venue, she realized Liaoliao had tricked her.

 

The hall was filled with Big Shots in either impeccably tailored suits or floor-sweeping gowns.

 

The opening speaker was a prominent Omega Big Shot who shared her recent insights with the audience. Yu Qing had even seen her in books from the original owner’s bookshelf.

 

After the Big Shot finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the banquet hall. Yu Qing joined in, clapping along.

 

One moment she was still basking in the satisfaction of gaining new knowledge, and the next she realized the Big Shot’s presentation had ended, and it was time for the audience interaction session.

 

As waiters methodically arranged the tables, the aroma of the buffet spread through the air.

 

Yu Qing didn’t have time to consider what she would eat for lunch. She glanced down at her and Liaoliao’s casual attire, feeling a pang of self-consciousness.

 

Fortunately, Yu Qing wasn’t easily intimidated by such situations.

 

While proper attire was undoubtedly an important aspect of networking, what truly mattered was connecting with the Big Shots—engaging in meaningful conversations, exchanging insights, and expanding her professional network.

 

Yu Qing tightened her grip on her wine glass, straightened her posture, and lifted her chin, radiating confidence. She resolved to approach the Big Shots and make a strong impression.

 

But before she could make her move, a voice called out, “Liaoliao, it’s rare to see you here.”

 

Still disoriented, Yu Qing watched as Liaoliao clinked her small cake against someone’s wine glass, her eyes sparkling with interest. “I came because I was curious.”

 

“Only my mother could get you to come,” the Big Shot said, her eyes softening. She then noticed Yu Qing, one of the only two casually dressed people in the room, standing beside Liaoliao. “And who is this?”

 

“This is Yu Qing,” Liaoliao introduced. “She’s the one who inspired me to help you solve that problem you were stuck on.”

 

The woman looked at the young Yu Qing with surprise, her casual gaze immediately shifting to one of genuine interest. “Hello, hello! I’m Zhou Zheng, the chief R&D engineer at Qingyuan Molecular Technology.”

 

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Yu Qing replied, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the realization that she had unintentionally helped the Big Shot.

 

Seeing Yu Qing’s flustered demeanor, Liaoliao took the initiative to explain, “Have you heard about the explosion at the Dongcheng Shangyue Pheromone Chemical Plant last month?”

 

Yu Qing hadn’t expected to hear about the explosion outside of the hospital. How could she not have heard about it? She had even rescued Jiang Nianyu, who had been caught in the blast.

 

“Yes, I know about it,” Yu Qing nodded.

 

Liaoliao continued, “Professor Zhou’s team was conducting tests nearby at the time. Several students were injured, and the program malfunctioned.”

 

Zhou Zheng interjected, “I was hit by a fireball and couldn’t think straight for days. Fortunately, I’m a Beta, so I wasn’t affected by the pheromone leak.”

 

As she spoke, she gripped Yu Qing’s hand with even greater gratitude, her earlier composed elegance completely gone. “Thank goodness you and Xiao Liao were there. You truly saved us from a desperate situation.”

 

Perhaps because Jiang Nianyu was involved, Yu Qing couldn’t help but want to learn more. She turned to Zhou Zheng and asked, “You were very close to the scene, weren’t you? Did you see anything the news reports didn’t cover?”

 

“Extremely close,” Zhou Zheng nodded emphatically, his tone a stark contrast to the serious exchange earlier. “I was right by the river outside the factory when the fire broke out. While fleeing, I even saw a Porsche engulfed in flames, and someone rolled out of it—probably trying to escape too.”

 

But as he spoke, Zhou Zheng suddenly paused, sucking in a sharp breath. “Hiss…”

 

Yu Qing’s expression tightened, a strange sense of foreboding rising in her chest.

 

She felt as if she were about to uncover some truth, pressing Zhou Zheng for more details. “Did you realize something was off?”

 

“Yes,” Zhou Zheng nodded, gesturing to Yu Qing. “If someone was abandoning the car to escape, why would only one person jump out of the passenger seat? The car was driving straight, clearly the driver deliberately steered it into the flames.”

 

“Based on your description, it sounds like you witnessed a premeditated murder,” Liaoliao said dismissively.

 

She argued, “During moments of extreme danger, people’s memories often become distorted. Many details are later filled in based on the logic of everyday life.”

 

“Is that so?” Zhou Zheng began to doubt his own memories.

 

“The accident investigation results were released the very next day. They made no mention of the car you described, nor was there any death report. Where did the driver go?” Liaoliao pressed.

 

Zhou Zheng completely abandoned his wild speculations. “You’re right.”

 

She then began gossiping with the two of them. “I heard Jiang Dong had to pay a hefty compensation this time.”

 

Key events and surnames kept surfacing in Yu Qing’s mind, leaving her surprised. “Jiang Dong?”

 

“She’s the owner of the Pheromone Chemical Plant. You’re from South City, so you might not know, but Jiang Dong is the wealthiest person in East City, with numerous companies and factories.”

 

“Her recent misfortunes have been quite dramatic. I heard both her daughters went missing recently. Rumor has it they’re two Omegas who eloped together. The family is in a complete panic.”

 

Zhou Zheng seemed completely different from Liaoliao, relishing gossip with an enthusiasm she hadn’t shown earlier. Her passion for these rumors far surpassed her interest in academic papers.

 

The more Liaoliao listened, the more absurd it sounded. She frowned and reminded Zhou Zheng, “Even if they’re both Omegas, they’re bl00d relatives.”

 

“That’s why gossip is just for fun—don’t take it too seriously,” Zhou Zheng said, shaking her head. She twisted the logic this way and that, making her points sound perfectly reasonable.

 

Yu Qing listened from the side, her thoughts growing heavier.

 

Later, Zhou Zheng centered her stories around Jiang Nianyu, sharing countless rumors about East City’s elite families. Yu Qing barely registered any of it.

 

Jiang Nianyu…

 

Jiang Nianyu’s surname was also Jiang.

 

But Yu Qing had never seen another Omega in the alley where she found Jiang Nianyu, let alone a younger sister.

 

Jiang Nianyu carried no luggage and didn’t seem to be running away.

 

As Yu Qing pondered this, she slowly curled a piece of cream with her tongue and slipped it into her mouth.

 

Oblivious to how her thoughts had drifted off-topic, she secretly rejoiced that Jiang Nianyu didn’t have a runaway sister.

 

Buzz.

 

Suddenly, Yu Qing’s phone buzzed.

 

Jiang Nianyu had sent a message.

 

Yu Qing hastily devoured the small cake, freeing her hands to check the message.

 

It wasn’t just a simple text. The message included a poorly framed photo.

 

Jiang Nianyu seemed to be out. A golden retriever sat in the frame, its tail wagging at her—or perhaps at Jiang Nianyu—through the window of a roadside pet store.

 

Sunlight streamed down, bathing the dog’s pale golden fur in a radiant glow, making it look as smooth as satin.

 

Its wagging tail cascaded like a golden waterfall, flowing down Jiang Nianyu’s fingers.

 

Jiang Nianyu’s voice message said, “So well-behaved.”

 

Her cool, detached tone carried a hint of familiarity, a unique intimacy reserved only for Yu Qing.

 

The lingering anxiety that had been weighing on Yu Qing’s heart instantly melted away. Her mood softened, and she typed back, “Did you pet it?”

 

“It’s very soft, but with a certain firmness. The texture is completely different from touching A-Qing’s hair,” Jiang Nianyu replied, describing it like a professional dog evaluator, complete with a comparison.

 

The comparison, however, made Yu Qing’s cheeks flush crimson.

 

Their caresses rarely occurred in broad daylight.

 

A humid heat clung to their fingers and tangled in their hair, their breaths burning as they swallowed each other’s air, mouthful by mouthful.

 

Yu Qing felt a pang of embarrassment, but even more, a small surge of indignation. How could Jiang Nianyu compare her to a puppy?

 

She was ten thousand times better than a puppy!

 

Yu Qing protested inwardly with a touch of prideful defiance.

 

Yet she didn’t impose any real punishment.

 

In fact, when she saw the mini cupcakes on her plate, she couldn’t resist sharing them with Jiang Nianyu. “I went to an exchange conference outside. The cupcakes here are delicious, so I snuck a few to bring back for you tonight.”

 

“Do you want mango, durian, blueberry, or strawberry?”

 

The desserts at these conferences weren’t usually anything special.

 

Jiang Nianyu had attended countless such events and remained unmoved.

 

But after typing “No need,” her fingers hovered over the send button, hesitating.

 

She paused.

 

After a long moment, Jiang Nianyu silently deleted the message and chose one of the four flavors Yu Qing had offered: Strawberry.

 

Yu Qing froze at the answer.

 

Just moments earlier, she had returned from raiding the dessert buffet, her plate piled high with strawberry shortcakes she had claimed for herself.

 

I thought I knew Jiang Nianyu, Yu Qing thought, her heart sinking.

 

“Miss Liao,” someone called out, approaching Liaoliao for a conversation.

 

As Liaoliao’s assistant, Yu Qing quickly bid Jiang Nianyu farewell and hurried to her feet.

 

She even forgot to ask Jiang Nianyu why she had come out today.

 

Jiang Nianyu had come out to meet her assistant, Lin Sui.

 

In the silent private room, bodyguards stood watch on all sides.

 

Lin Sui sat in the assistant’s seat, her calm, expressionless face revealing nothing.

 

She seemed to have been waiting for a long time; the water on the table had gone cold.

 

The tasteless plain water tepidly absorbed the silence of the room.

 

Just as Lin Sui was about to pour herself more water, the door was pushed open from the outside.

 

The hallway light swallowed the details of the entering figure, leaving only a hazy silhouette.

 

Yet this silhouette alone made Lin Sui involuntarily stand up.

 

Her usually expressionless face suddenly lit up with emotion, almost excitement.

 

“President Yu…”

 

Lin Sui rushed over to Jiang Nianyu, who had finally appeared before her eyes. “It’s really you! Are you alright? Were you seriously injured? How’s your health? Where have you been all this time?”

 

Perhaps it was because they hadn’t seen each other in so long, but Jiang Nianyu found Lin Sui’s chatter more grating than usual.

 

Faced with this barrage of questions, she calmly replied, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

 

“Then why didn’t you contact me sooner? Don’t you trust me? Or the company? I’ve been so worried about you,” Lin Sui said, her expression on the verge of tears.

 

Jiang Nianyu glanced helplessly at Lin Sui, who was struggling to control her emotions, and said quietly, “I had amnesia for a while.”

 

The words struck Lin Sui like a thunderbolt. “You said you were fine!” she exclaimed in shock.

 

Not again.

 

Lin Sui’s loud voice was starting to hurt Jiang Nianyu’s ears.

 

Frowning, Jiang Nianyu shot Lin Sui a silent, piercing look.

 

Few Omegas possessed such an imposing presence. As an Alpha, Lin Sui immediately realized she had lost her composure.

 

She carefully pulled out a chair beside Jiang Nianyu and sat down properly. “I apologize, President Yu. I couldn’t control my emotions.”

 

“Forgive my impertinence, but have you fully recovered now? Are there any lingering effects?” Lin Sui asked, forcing herself to remain calm, her tone returning to its usual composed demeanor.

 

Jiang Nianyu replied, “If I hadn’t fully recovered, I wouldn’t have contacted you.”

 

Lin Sui had been with Jiang Nianyu since the initial planning stages of her team when she first went abroad.

 

Jiang Nianyu considered her a trusted confidante and understood her well.

 

Lin Sui, in turn, understood Jiang Nianyu equally well. Hearing her words, she felt reassured. “That’s good.”

 

“A lot has happened at the company recently. Besides the brief updates I’ve given you on your phone, there are many things I need to report to you in detail,” Lin Sui said, quickly shifting into work mode. She also remembered to arrange Jiang Nianyu’s meals. “For lunch and dinner, why don’t you have something simple here? We recently hired a chef who specializes in authentic Huaiyang cuisine. I think you’ll like it.”

 

“I won’t need dinner,” Jiang Nianyu said calmly.

 

Lin Sui assumed Jiang Nianyu was concerned about her safety. “President Yu, please rest assured. I’ve taken strict precautions to ensure our meeting today won’t be discovered.”

 

“That’s not it,” Jiang Nianyu refuted Lin Sui’s explanation.

 

“Someone is waiting for me.”

 

Jiang Nianyu spoke slowly and deliberately, glancing up at Lin Sui.

 

The light haloed her baby-blue eyes, softening their usually icy, detached gaze into something almost gentle.

 

Lin Sui froze under Jiang Nianyu’s gaze, as if struck by lightning.

 

 

The setting sun slowly swallowed the pale sky, and weary birds returned to their nests.

 

As evening approached, the sun cast a fiery red glow through the clouds pierced by soaring birds.

 

Academic Big Shots communicated on a different level. Even though Yu Qing hadn’t brought her laptop, someone else had.

 

The entire process was a clash of intellects, and before they knew it, evening had arrived.

 

When Yu Qing and Liaoliao emerged, they were greeted by a breathtaking sunset.

 

Holding a takeout box in one hand, Yu Qing pulled out her phone to capture the moment.

 

Zhou Zheng was undeniably a thoughtful Beta.

 

Noticing Yu Qing’s fondness for the strawberry-themed desserts, he had asked a waiter to bring her a pastry box and encouraged her to pack as much as she liked.

 

Yu Qing hefted the heavy box, already imagining Jiang Nianyu’s expression when she saw the mountain of strawberry treats.

 

“You really made the most of today,” Zhou Zheng teased, eyeing the box in Yu Qing’s hand.

 

He then stretched lazily in the doorway, his posture completely unrefined. “Tell Acheng I said hello.”

 

“Will do,” Liaoliao nodded, her familiarity with Zhou Zheng evident.

 

“I’ll go get the car. Wait for me,” Zhou Zheng jingled his keys, offering Yu Qing and Liaoliao a ride back to their company.

 

Liaoliao watched Zhou Zheng head to the car, then turned to Yu Qing. “How are you feeling?”

 

Yu Qing felt like she had learned so much today. After attending the exchange meeting, her mind was buzzing with new knowledge.

 

She proudly shook her head, declaring, “It’s completely full in here! I feel so satisfied.”

 

Liaoliao chuckled, watching Yu Qing bob her head like a dashboard doll. “I’ll bring you here more often.”

 

A gentle breeze brushed across their faces, leaving no trace.

 

Yu Qing thought Liaoliao resembled a strict yet kind teacher—a rare type of person in the working world.

 

Feeling incredibly lucky, she expressed her gratitude: “Thank you, Sister Liaoliao.”

 

“Repay me with your results,” Liaoliao said calmly, adding some good news: “Next week, your promotion to Deputy Team Leader will be approved. Work hard.”

 

The words sounded like a mix of a threat and a reward, but Yu Qing knew Liaoliao well enough to understand she wasn’t being sarcastic. She eagerly accepted the challenge: “Yes, ma’am!”

 

The girl’s voice rang out clear and enthusiastic.

 

As if sensing her determination, a sudden gust of wind swept in from afar.

 

The rustling of the green trees brought a refreshing breeze.

 

Unfortunately, a gust of sand blew into Yu Qing’s eyes, forcing her to turn away and rub them.

 

Tears dampened a small patch on the back of her hand as she rubbed out the tiny speck of dust.

 

Just as she was about to lift her head and turn back, she noticed an inconspicuous side door of the hotel opening.

 

Several burly men in suits emerged, looking like bodyguards from a movie.

 

Yu Qing was curious about the kind of person who could command such an imposing scene when a slender, pale ankle appeared. Suddenly, she recognized a familiar figure.

 

The impeccably tailored white shirt didn’t look stiff at all; instead, it exuded an indescribable air of lazy elegance.

 

The woman maintained perfect posture, never bending or lowering her head. No matter what the others said, they had to lean in to whisper their reports, as if there were no reason for her to stoop or bow.

 

The narrow, floor-length skirt brushed against the setting sun, its silk satin shimmering brilliantly.

 

It created an invisible barrier between its wearer and the surrounding people, radiating a natural nobility that made her seem untouchable, impossibly distant.

 

Yet this very person possessed features Yu Qing knew intimately.

 

Beneath lowered lashes lay eyes the color of baby blue. Countless times, Yu Qing had seen her unease, confusion, and innocence reflected in those eyes—even a warmth that seemed to radiate from within.

 

This was Jiang Nianyu.

 

But a Jiang Nianyu utterly unlike the one in her memories.

 

Yu Qing stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief, staring fixedly at the figure’s unhurried back as she walked away.

 

In the past, their eyes had always met, their gazes locking at any moment. Now, Yu Qing couldn’t catch a single glance.

 

Or perhaps she should have thrown caution to the wind and run to confirm—to confirm that this wasn’t her Jiang Nianyu.

 

The wind whistling past her ears sounded more like the rustling of turning pages.

 

Yu Qing watched as the last sliver of sunlight vanished in the distance, dark clouds surging toward her like an encroaching tide.

 

Miss… there’s bl00d on your clothes… Are you hurt?!

 

No.

 

…Is it the assassin’s bl00d? Is she dead?

 

An insignificant person.

 

Miss…

 

Sister, don’t ask so many questions. Hurry and take Miss back.