Marked by My Omega Rival After Moving In (GL, ABO) - Chapter 34

Xiang Shuhuai apologized instinctively:

“Sorry…”

But all she saw was Yu Xiaoxiao walking over and gently crouching down in front of her, looking up with wide, worried eyes.

“Xiang Shuhuai,” the girl asked, frowning in concern, not annoyance, “what’s wrong… is your stomach hurting?”

Xiang Shuhuai blinked, and a thought crossed her mind. “Did you drink?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked. “Did you go to some dinner thing and they made you drink too much?”

The guess was kind of cute, and Xiang Shuhuai shook her head, almost laughing.

No one could force her to drink anymore.

Even if she poured a full glass of wine over their heads, no one would dare say a word. In fact, the most eager ones would probably fetch more bottles, hoping she’d enjoy it more.

“So, it’s your stomach then…?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked. “Do you need some medicine? Oh! Should you eat something first? Aunt Zhao just taught me how to make steamed egg custard—it’s quick, I can make you a bit. Oh right! You should rinse your mouth first. Wait right here—”

Before Xiang Shuhuai could stop her, Yu Xiaoxiao had already zipped out of the bathroom like a little whirlwind. In the blink of an eye, she came back, arms full and barely managing to carry two full glasses and a large bottle.

She squatted down again and carefully set the glasses and plastic bottle between them.

“This one’s for rinsing your mouth, this is warm water, and this is honey water—”

She listed everything seriously, then shoved the warm water glass into Xiang Shuhuai’s hand. “Drink a little?”

“Your hands are so cold.” Yu Xiaoxiao touched her fingers. “And you’re sweating… does your stomach still hurt?”

She looked just like the version of her in Xiang Shuhuai’s dream.

Clear and bright, eyes like amber, glowing with light—like they held two tiny suns. Her expression was innocent and pure, as if she belonged to another world entirely—

Xiang Shuhuai stared into those eyes, momentarily dazed.

Until she felt a light touch on her forehead—a gentle pressure checking her temperature.

“No fever,” Yu Xiaoxiao said, confused. She pulled her hand back and sniffed the air, trying to pick up any scent. “And I don’t smell anything weird…”

“I’m fine. It’s not my stomach.” Xiang Shuhuai replied. For some reason, she kept staring into Yu Xiaoxiao’s eyes as she softly said, “I just… had a nightmare.”

“Ohhh—” Yu Xiaoxiao nodded solemnly and reached out to gently pat her hair. “There, there. It’s okay now. Dreams aren’t real! Don’t be scared—”

Her tone, like someone coaxing a child, made Xiang Shuhuai look away, a bit sulky.

She let Yu Xiaoxiao ruffle her hair, but quietly reached out and held onto the corner of Yu Xiaoxiao’s shirt.

The slight tug surprised Yu Xiaoxiao, making her pause.

Then she smiled and reached down to hold Xiang Shuhuai’s fingers.

Her hands were warm and steady, wrapping around hers.

“You’re so cold, like a Big Ice Block,” Yu Xiaoxiao said. “Don’t sit on the bathroom floor anymore. Let’s go back out, okay?”

Still holding her hand, Xiang Shuhuai nodded without thinking.

Yu Xiaoxiao waited outside while she rinsed her mouth and washed her face. Then they went to the living room and sat side by side on the sofa.

The air conditioning was blasting, and they were both still in thin pajamas. Yu Xiaoxiao sat cross-legged, stretched out her arm to grab a fluffy blanket from another chair, and spread it over both their laps.

She turned to see Xiang Shuhuai’s bare feet still on the floor and patted the seat beside her. “Come up.”

Xiang Shuhuai hesitated. “Ah, I…”

With a mischievous wink, Yu Xiaoxiao suddenly bent down and reached for her ankle like lightning.

“Ah…!” Xiang Shuhuai yelped and quickly pulled her legs up, tucking both feet under the blanket just in time.

“Hehe,” Yu Xiaoxiao grinned proudly. “You’re like a little cat, Big Ice Block.”

“Why—”

“Because you don’t like being touched,” Yu Xiaoxiao said. “Stray cats I met before were like that too. If I tried to touch their paw pads, they’d glare at me. See?”

Xiang Shuhuai huffed and looked away, refusing to respond.

“Big Ice Block?” Yu Xiaoxiao leaned over. “Are you mad?”

Xiang Shuhuai kept her eyes down and shook her head. “No.”

But since she wouldn’t look at her, Yu Xiaoxiao got even more playful. She leaned in closer, determined to catch her gaze. “You are mad. You’re ignoring me. Come on, Big Ice Block—”

A light buttery scent filled the air. Xiang Shuhuai, curled up on the sofa with nowhere to escape, could only watch as Yu Xiaoxiao’s warm hands and sparkling, curious eyes came closer and closer—

Yu Xiaoxiao suddenly stopped, just staring at her, holding her breath.

Xiang Shuhuai felt extremely uncomfortable under her gaze. Her face flushed red, and she reached out hesitantly, gently pushing her arm. “…Yu, Yu Xiaoxiao.”

But Yu Xiaoxiao didn’t move away. Her ears were bright red as she said, dazed, “Big Ice Block…”

Xiang Shuhuai softly answered, “Mm.”

At this distance, even the quietest voice sounded as if it echoed right in her chest.

It felt like a thin, translucent cicada wing trembling under a single drop of honey—so fragile that it made her heart tremble too, like a tiny leaf quivering in the wind.

Xiang Shuhuai wasn’t clueless.

She’d read plenty of books and watched plenty of movies. Romantic scenes were everywhere.

In those moments, everything would go quiet except for soft violin or organ music. Somewhere far away, a song would start. The two leads would look into each other’s eyes as the world slowed down, until they were the only ones left.

And then, as the music swelled, the strong alpha and the beautiful omega would kiss.

It was always like that—between lovers, partners, or even two strangers meeting for the first time.

Would that happen to them too?

—Did she even want that?

Xiang Shuhuai wasn’t sure.

It had been so long since she wanted anything, aside from the power she forced herself to chase.

All she knew was that she and Yu Xiaoxiao were friends. Friends weren’t supposed to do this—yet if Yu Xiaoxiao really wanted it, she could take it from her.

A kiss. And after that?

Did this alpha girl want more?

Still shaken by her nightmare, Xiang Shuhuai was too tired to resist anything.

At the very least, being with Yu Xiaoxiao quieted her mind. She didn’t hear those terrifying voices.

So… it would be okay. Xiang Shuhuai thought. She couldn’t even feel her own heartbeat. Her body felt like a lifeless abyss, capable of taking in anything. If Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to do something, anything at all—she could.

After all, her gland was damaged. She couldn’t get pregnant. No matter what happened, she didn’t even need extra medication—

So she just lay there quietly, eyes open, watching the twin sons in Yu Xiaoxiao’s eyes, waiting for something to happen.

Yu Xiaoxiao reached out.

But her fingers only brushed the skin beneath Xiang Shuhuai’s eyes, softly and gently. Her touch was warm.

“…Big Ice Block,” she said. “Your dark circles are really bad.”

Xiang Shuhuai froze. “…Huh?”

“Seriously.” Yu Xiaoxiao pulled back to her original spot. “Big Ice Block, have you not been sleeping well these past few days? Oh—I remember now! You’ve been going to bed later than me, waking up earlier, and you never nap. I’m dying from sleepiness and you’re somehow fine…”

“—Oh.” Her tone suddenly changed, becoming more careful. “Is it… is it because of the nightmares? Do you always have those kinds of dreams?”

Xiang Shuhuai hesitated, then tugged lightly on Yu Xiaoxiao’s sleeve and repeated the words she’d heard earlier, trying to comfort her: “Dreams aren’t real.”

Yu Xiaoxiao blinked, then smiled. “Right.”

“Then, Big Ice Block,” she turned her head to ask, “if you’re not sleepy, want to chat?”

Xiang Shuhuai nodded. “Okay.”

Talk about what? Xiang Shuhuai didn’t know. But Yu Xiaoxiao was full of energy, chattering away happily, not minding that Xiang Shuhuai only answered now and then or sat quietly next to her. Even when they got to movies and books she liked, she didn’t say too much.

Yu Xiaoxiao was warm, her body temperature high. As she talked excitedly, the blanket on their laps shifted with her movement.

Under the blanket, their bodies were maybe a few dozen centimeters apart, and Xiang Shuhuai could feel the warmth radiating from her, like a small heater in winter.

Curled up between the sofa and the soft blanket, Xiang Shuhuai’s stiff body gradually warmed from the nightmare. It finally felt like she’d returned to the world of the living.

They talked about movies. Of course Yu Xiaoxiao liked Disney and Pixar, especially Brave. She’d even dyed and permed her hair like Merida’s in high school and got chased around by the discipline officer for months. She also liked La La Land, which led to stories about Los Angeles.

And when she started talking about the food at the cafeteria during her study trip to LA, Yu Xiaoxiao blinked and swallowed hard.

Looking innocent, she stared at Xiang Shuhuai and whispered, “I’m hungry…”

Xiang Shuhuai hadn’t felt it at first, but after hearing that, her stomach suddenly felt empty too.

Yu Xiaoxiao scooted closer and lowered her voice like she was sharing a top-secret plan. “—Big Ice Block, want to order some food?”

Xiang Shuhuai nodded and then asked, “Why are you whispering?”

“Because we’re supposed to!” Yu Xiaoxiao said as she pulled out her phone. “This is how it works. Late-night takeout is always a secret mission.”

Xiang Shuhuai blinked and tried copying her tone, also lowering her voice. “…Really?”

“Of course!” Yu Xiaoxiao said seriously, handing her the phone with the food delivery app open. “Big Ice Block, what do you want to eat?”

…This was something completely new to her.

Xiang Shuhuai looked at the colorful, cluttered screen and couldn’t decide at all. She just looked up at the girl in front of her again. “I don’t know…”

She explained, “I don’t have that kind of experience.”

Yu Xiaoxiao looked at her and drew out an “Ohhh—” as she nodded. As usual, she reached out, trying to touch her hair again, but this time, Xiang Shuhuai quickly leaned back to avoid her.

Why did she keep trying to touch her hair?

…Had she just said something weird?

Xiang Shuhuai didn’t understand. She stayed in that evasive posture, staring at the hand that was still itching to move, and studying the suddenly “big sister-like” Yu Xiaoxiao.

Yu Xiaoxiao only looked a little regretful as she pulled her hand back. From her expression, it was clear she hadn’t given up—more like she was just waiting for a chance to sneak another try.

Under Xiang Shuhuai’s stare, she tilted her chin up proudly, eyes curved with a smug smile. “Then leave it to me, okay?”

Later that night, when Yu’s father got up, he noticed the other side of the bed was empty. He reached out and felt the sheets—still warm.

He was used to this. With a sigh, he got up and walked to the living room balcony. Sure enough, his partner was standing there, staring into the night, brows drawn tight in thought.

“Chun,” he draped a jacket over Yu Danchun’s shoulders, “it’s late. You just finished a check-up—you should be resting.”

He studied her face, trying to guess, and asked, “What are you thinking about, Chun? Is it the contract with that girl from the Xiang family?”

“Sort of. But not exactly.” Yu Danchun sighed. “There’s nothing wrong with the contract. Dawn isn’t losing anything. In fact, she was the one who offered to take Xiaoxiao with her. If you look at it that way, we’re the ones getting a good deal. Miss Xiang wants to build a good relationship with me.”

Her husband was a little surprised. “Then—?”

“It’s just that… the contract clearly states that the partnership isn’t with Xiang Corp, but with a private company under her own name. Xiang Corp is too old-school. The old man can’t keep it together—cheating scandals, fights between brothers, even fathers and sons going at it. It’s happened too many times.”

“I thought… Xiang Shuhuai had already come out on top. Just waiting to take over the whole Xiang Corp from her father.”

Yu Danchun’s eyes were heavy, her tone serious. “Even that old fox Xiang Hongshan didn’t expect it—his dear daughter’s been coldly watching his every move, aiming straight for his throat.”

“As for us—this isn’t even a big business deal. What she really wants is Dawn’s stance.”

“She wants us as allies—not siding with that old man Xiang Hongshan.” Yu Danchun shook her head, sighing. “She knows I could tell Xiang Hongshan everything. And I know she’s capable of getting what she wants from Dawn. But neither of us will do that—this is her open play, and honestly, it’s the best move for Dawn right now.”

Yu’s father didn’t understand business too well, but he could hear the seriousness in his partner’s voice. He asked, “Then what about Xiaoxiao…?”

“Yes.” Yu Danchun nodded. “That’s exactly who I’m worried about.”

“She wouldn’t hurt Xiaoxiao, but… sigh.” She sighed again. “Our girl always sees the best in people. She’s loyal to her friends, no matter what. You heard her—she insisted on going back tonight, said she had to find her…”

“Xiang Shuhuai is smart—way too smart. Her ambition is something even I have to be cautious of. I know she’d be a powerful ally and a dangerous enemy. But as Xiaoxiao’s friend?”

Yu Danchun looked out into the endless, dark night, her expression clouded.

“How can I be at ease letting Xiaoxiao stay by her side?”

At that moment, the “dangerous” person they were so wary of was currently wrapped in a blanket on the couch, sulking after being teased by Yu Xiaoxiao over the food she ordered.

“…Anyway, your stomach’s always been sensitive. Greasy and grilled food isn’t good for your heart either.”

Yu Xiaoxiao teased her on purpose, sounding very serious. “So you’re having congee, Big Ice Block. There’s a really good congee shop around here. And for drinks, just tea. If it’s too bland, you can smell my skewers for flavor—”

She looked up from her phone and, seeing Xiang Shuhuai’s sulky face, burst into laughter. “Big Ice Block, are you mad?”

Xiang Shuhuai turned her face away, refusing to look at her.

Yu Xiaoxiao leaned in closer, staring at her for a while before suddenly laughing again.

“Wow, Big Ice Block,” she said, “this is the first time I’ve seen you puff up your cheeks when you’re mad.”

Xiang Shuhuai turned back. “I don’t—”

Yu Xiaoxiao exaggerated her expression: “—Like this!”

She puffed up her cheeks like a balloon, pointing at her face. “Puffy puffy like this, Big Ice Block.”

“I did not.” Xiang Shuhuai didn’t believe her.

“Touch and see for yourself,” Yu Xiaoxiao nodded confidently. “That’s exactly how you look.”

She sounded so convincing that Xiang Shuhuai hesitated, then actually reached up to press her own cheek—

Soft. No puffiness at all.

“…Huh?” Xiang Shuhuai tilted her head, confused.

It wasn’t until she saw the mischievous sparkle in Yu Xiaoxiao’s eyes that she realized—she’d been tricked.

Her face turned beet red in an instant.

Blushing deeply, she bit her lip, at a loss for what to do.

Finally, all she could do was glare at Yu Xiaoxiao, then quickly turn her face away.

Her attempt to be angry was totally powerless—especially with how red her cheeks were. Yu Xiaoxiao had never seen her this animated before and was momentarily stunned.

“I’m sorry, okay, Big Ice Block—”

When Xiang Shuhuai turned her body away and stopped responding, Yu Xiaoxiao realized she had gone too far with her teasing and quickly apologized.

“Sorry, Xiang Shuhuai. I didn’t mean to tease you that much. It’s just—your face is so fun. It’s all soft and white, like a coconut mochi. No—right now it’s more like a strawberry mochi, light pink and cool and soft. I just got curious…”

She said all this so sincerely, so innocently, totally unaware of what her words actually meant.

But Xiang Shuhuai was burning up by now, her face so hot it felt like it might catch fire. She couldn’t run away, so she just lifted a hand to cover her cheek, though even her ears had turned a bright red. She looked like she was about to cry.

Xiang Shuhuai tried to stop her, her voice so soft it was barely a whisper: “D-Don’t—say anymore—”

“…Oh.”

Yu Xiaoxiao suddenly realized just how red her face had gotten, and froze.

“Xiang… Xiang Shuhuai…” she murmured. “Your face is so red.”

She stared at the ear that looked like a glowing, translucent cherry, and suddenly couldn’t speak.

A strange urge welled up in her chest.

…She really wanted to take a bite.

Yu Xiaoxiao could only hear the loud thudding of her own heartbeat.

That ear—so small, so thin, with soft little hairs and almost glowing—what if she bit it lightly, would it leave a warm, wet mark?

And if she did that… what kind of reaction would Xiang Shuhuai have? Would she cry?

Yu Xiaoxiao was startled by her own imagination.

Her face flushed all the way to her ears as she suddenly jumped up from the couch.

But her body moved faster than her brain. She fumbled to get up, standing there awkwardly for a few seconds before blurting out, “I-I’m going to… oh, right! The delivery! It must be here—I’ll go get it—!”

Luckily, the food didn’t take long to arrive. When she came back holding the takeout and some hot drinks from the convenience store, both their faces had finally cooled down.

Yu Xiaoxiao still felt a bit awkward, but once she finished setting up the table with all the late-night snacks, she had already forgotten most of the embarrassment.

She didn’t like cooking, but she knew all the best takeout nearby. Even though she’d said Xiang Shuhuai should have congee, what she actually ordered for her was a small bowl of noodles in rich beef bone broth—not spicy at all. As for the rest, it was all the classics of midnight cravings: spicy crawfish, skewers, and clam vermicelli.

“This one’s for you!” Yu Xiaoxiao said, handing her a hot milk tea. “Drink some first to settle your stomach. There are noodles too. The rest is all unhealthy junk.”

Xiang Shuhuai held the milk tea and looked at the table full of food, nodding seriously.

“Well?” Yu Xiaoxiao asked, eyes sparkling. “Isn’t this a great midnight feast?”

“…Yeah,” Xiang Shuhuai replied.

She glanced at Yu Xiaoxiao, then back at the steaming food on the table, and smiled. “It’s perfect, Yu Xiaoxiao.”

It was already past 1 a.m. Yu Xiaoxiao hadn’t been sleeping well lately, and Xiang Shuhuai had only just escaped a draining nightmare. Though the table was packed, neither had the energy to finish everything.

They tried their best, and after one last skewer of grilled pork belly, Yu Xiaoxiao was totally done.

She held her bloated stomach, let out a satisfied sigh, and flopped back onto the couch—right beside Xiang Shuhuai, who had already lost her fighting spirit. The soft cushions sank gently.

“Uwahhh—” Yu Xiaoxiao let out a big yawn and turned to look at her. “Xiang Shuhuai…?”

Bundled up in the blanket, Xiang Shuhuai replied softly, “Mm?”

“…I’m so sleepy.”

“Me too,” said Xiang Shuhuai.

Though they were tired, neither of them mentioned going to the bedroom. They just stayed curled up under the same fluffy blanket, chatting lazily in low voices.

“Should we turn off the light?” Yu Xiaoxiao mumbled.

So only a single floor lamp stayed on in the living room, casting a warm yellow glow over the couch like a tiny island of light. In the darkness, Xiang Shuhuai looked out the window.

“The stars,” she whispered. “…They’re so bright.”

Yu Xiaoxiao nodded. A song suddenly came to her mind.

“City of stars,”
“Are you shining just for me?”

Her voice was soft, clear like her eyes, as if lit from within by sunlight. The lamp’s glow flickered gently, like golden ripples in a stream.

“City of stars…”

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the night sky was perfectly still. The moon gazed quietly at the neon world below, like a star fallen to earth. All the noise and chaos felt far away, sealed off by the vast night.

“…You never shined so brightly.”

In that little planet in the center of the living room, wrapped in the same blanket, with heads touching and shoulders leaning together, Xiang Shuhuai and Yu Xiaoxiao fell peacefully asleep.

After a long, dark nightmare, Xiang Shuhuai finally passed a night free of fear and pain—for the first time.