Marked by My Omega Rival After Moving In (GL, ABO) - Chapter 41

The place they ended up at was a private hot spring resort owned by Cong You.

The hot spring and villa were tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery. Even in early September, with the sun high in the sky, the area had a unique coolness to it. The wind rustled through the trees, creating a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.

Cong You didn’t like noise and had a strong sense of territory. She was like a big-tailed fox—independent and private—so she rarely invited large groups of friends or family to her retreat. The villa itself wasn’t very large, just two floors, but both the front and backyards were covered with sprawling, vibrant gardens.

—The four of them had come together.

Cong You had warmly invited Yi Anning. Xiang Shuhuai, for her own private reasons, didn’t want to stay with her sister and Yu Xiaoxiao. She figured that if Anning was around, at least they could talk about work, and she wouldn’t end up feeling totally awkward.

Since her boss had already agreed, Yi Anning didn’t mind. She wasn’t particularly close to Cong You, but she did know Xiang Shuhuai fairly well and got along fine with Yu Xiaoxiao. Feeling only slightly guilty about getting paid time off, she accepted the invitation and treated it as a working vacation.

“This garden used to be full of roses.”

Standing by the large window, looking out at the sea of golden flowers, Cong You sighed lightly and explained to Yi Anning, who was here for the first time.

“—But Xiaoxiao kept saying roses made the place look like a horror movie, and she was too scared to stay overnight. No matter how I argued, she wouldn’t budge.”

“Because it does look like that!”

Yu Xiaoxiao came over, hauling two people’s luggage and confidently leaned on Cong You’s shoulder.

“In those movies, it’s always a huge, remote mountain villa surrounded by red roses. Then a snowstorm hits, blocks off the mountain road, and inside the villa people start killing each other—or there’s a haunting.”

She was excitedly painting the scene, completely unaware that Xiang Shuhuai had given her a sidelong glance—but said nothing.

“Especially with the kind of roses Youyou Jie likes—those dark red ones! You know there’d be a scene where someone dies in the garden, bl00d splattered on the snow, and then a dramatic close-up on the rotting, bl00d-red roses—”

Cong You suddenly realized something.

“No wonder back in high school, for that short film festival, you brought actors and camera gear all the way out here. What did you film?” she asked.

“Alright, alright, stop scaring people. I’ve switched them out for sunflowers now—are you finally happy?”

“Yep!” Yu Xiaoxiao grinned. “Sunflowers are great! It’s harvest season too—we can even roast the seeds and eat them. I looked up how to do it—”

Cong You gave her a light knock on the head.

Then she turned to Yi Anning with a helpless smile. “Sorry about that.”

Yi Anning quickly shook her head. “It’s fine.”

She had a backpack on and, since it was a vacation, she wasn’t in her usual business-casual suit. Instead, she wore loose pants and had swapped her frameless glasses for a pair with thick black frames. The look actually made her seem more like a student than when she was at work—still quiet and serious.

Yu Xiaoxiao glanced at her, then poked the silent Big Ice Block beside her. “Big Ice Block?”

Meeting Xiang Shuhuai’s curious gaze, she asked, “Big Ice Block, where’d you kidnap Assistant Yi from? Snatched her straight out of a university or what?”

Xiang Shuhuai answered softly, “Anning is my senior from school.”

…Oh, right. That jogged Yu Xiaoxiao’s memory. She had heard Big Ice Block call Assistant Yi “senior” a couple of times when they visited the Xiang Group, though not very often.

Thinking about it made her remember something else—

Big Ice Block called Youyou Jie “sister” and Assistant Yi “senior,” but had never once called her “sister.”

And she was clearly older too!

With that thought swirling in her mind, Yu Xiaoxiao made a new goal for this trip to the hot springs: get Big Ice Block to call her “sister.”

After that comment, Xiang Shuhuai went quiet again. She and Yi Anning were both naturally not very talkative. From the car ride to now, the total number of words they’d exchanged probably hadn’t even reached ten.

Yu Xiaoxiao couldn’t help asking, “…And then?”

Xiang Shuhuai gave her a look—her calm black eyes clearly saying, ‘And then what?’ She had no intention of continuing.

What the heck…!

Yu Xiaoxiao widened her eyes. How could Big Ice Block avoid her right after they’d just had that emergency marking? Then finally show up just because Youyou Jie invited her, only to barely say a word?

Seeing her expression, Xiang Shuhuai merely lowered her eyes, then turned to Cong You and said softly, “Jie, the rooms…?”

Cong You seemed totally unaware of Yu Xiaoxiao’s frustration. She just smiled and said, “Right, you must all be tired after the trip. The rooms are upstairs. You can take a quick shower and rest a bit. I’ll ask the housekeeper to get things ready. Xiaoxiao and I will wait down here. Shushu, why don’t you and Anning head up first?”

Xiang Shuhuai nodded. “Okay.”

She ignored Yu Xiaoxiao but was clearly obedient when it came to Cong You. She turned and led Yi Anning upstairs.

Just as they reached the stairs, Xiang Shuhuai suddenly remembered something. She stopped and looked back at Yu Xiaoxiao. “Give me the luggage.”

Yi Anning had noticed earlier—Yu Xiaoxiao was carrying two suitcases. The black one belonged to Xiang Shuhuai, and the smaller beige one was Cong You’s. There was none for Yu Xiaoxiao.

Puzzled, she asked without thinking, “Xiaoyu, where’s your luggage?”

“Oh, I didn’t need to bring any.” Yu Xiaoxiao blinked and answered honestly, “All my stuff is already here at Youyou Jie’s place.”

Behind her, Cong You raised her hand and rubbed her temples in mild frustration.

—As expected, the moment those words left her mouth, Xiang Shuhuai froze.

She stared at Yu Xiaoxiao and Cong You for a long moment. The light in her eyes faded completely.

She pressed her lips together, lowered her lashes to hide her feelings, and when she spoke again, her voice was cool and crisp—completely back to her usual professional tone.

“Yu Xiaoxiao,” she said quietly, “give me the luggage. Thank you.”

Staring into those calm black eyes, Yu Xiaoxiao froze for a moment, a strange feeling brushing through her heart. She had the sudden urge to grab Xiang Shuhuai’s wrist and stop her from walking away—but couldn’t quite grasp why.

“Okay…” she finally muttered, handing over the suitcase, “Here…”

Xiang Shuhuai’s suitcase was heavy and large—maybe it had medication and inhibitors inside. It hadn’t been hard for Yu Xiaoxiao to carry, but it did seem like a lot for Shuhuai herself.

Standing at the bottom of the stairs, she gripped the handle with both hands, leaning her body to pull it up. Red marks quickly formed on her pale hands from the strain, like the weight of the suitcase might drag her down.

Even though they were still fighting, Yu Xiaoxiao couldn’t stand to watch anymore.

She took a few steps forward, wanting to help. “Big Ice Block, let me—”

Xiang Shuhuai shook her head without looking back.

“Thanks,” she said quickly.

The few steps up the stairs seemed almost too much. Xiang Shuhuai dragged the suitcase with quick, tense movements, almost like she might fall any second. Only after the sound of her hurried footsteps faded and the suitcase wheels rolled smoothly again did Yu Xiaoxiao finally relax a little.

She stood in the now-empty living room, a wave of confusion washing over her.

“…Youyou Jie,” she turned to her sister, “is Big Ice Block mad at me…? Did I do something wrong?”

She hadn’t done anything, really.

It was just—

Yu Xiaoxiao couldn’t make sense of it. She looked up at her sister, eyes wide and confused, like polished amber. Even though she’d been through a lot and grown up in many ways, right now she still felt like a child—lost in a storm of unfamiliar feelings, unsure how to face or resolve any of it.

Cong You sighed, reached out, and gently ruffled her sister’s soft, fluffy hair, not giving a direct answer.

“Let’s wait a bit. Let Shushu settle in first. I’ll have the housekeeper prepare something to eat,” she said. “Xiaoxiao, you can take it up to her later.”

Xiang Shuhuai wasn’t angry. Of course she wasn’t.

…After all, it’s not like she was anyone important. She didn’t even have the right to be mad.

That’s what Xiang Shuhuai told herself, sulking.

The second floor was laid out much like the first. There were three or four rooms. Naturally, Yi Anning got her own.

Xiang Shuhuai stood in the hallway for a moment, hesitated, and finally chose a room on the left without a nameplate.

She realized she’d acted too obviously earlier. Her sister hadn’t said anything, but even Anning had noticed something was off—and asked her about it before they split up.

But making everyone uncomfortable, letting things get that obvious—that was the last thing she wanted.

She opened the bedroom door.

The room felt more like a guesthouse than a home: a small bathroom, wooden floors, pale wallpaper, and the soft yellow lighting typical of hotels. There were two large beds side by side, each with its own bedding. One of them even had a big plush teddy bear lying on top.

…Who puts double beds in their own house?

She almost closed the door again but decided to check the other rooms first.

—In the end, two rooms were still empty, just bare bed frames. The last one? Also a double room. Typical Cong You and her odd tastes.

So, Xiang Shuhuai had no choice but to return to the first room.

At least the other bed had a giant teddy bear on it—surely no one else would be sleeping there. That thought gave her some comfort.

She sat by the bed for a while, gently pressing her sore fingers from earlier. When she felt rested enough, she crouched down and began unpacking.

Since they were going on a long hot spring trip, Xiang Shuhuai had packed a lot of clothes. She carefully unpacked and hung everything up—her clothes, pants, and even her swimsuits.

Besides clothes and basic necessities, half of her suitcase was filled with her suppressant meds: pills, sprays, and injectables. She’d need to head downstairs later to find a fridge to store them. After all, both her sister and Yu Xiaoxiao were alphas. They were on vacation, and probably wouldn’t keep up the same strict safety routines as they did at work, so bringing the meds was just a precaution.

And then… there was that fluffy stuffed puppy.

Xiang Shuhuai cradled the plush dog by its soft belly and lifted it to eye level, staring into its tiny black bead eyes for a long time.

Usually, it stayed quietly in a corner of her office desk while she worked, keeping her company during her afternoon naps, helping her fall into peaceful sleep.

She’d brought it this time because she wanted to sleep well.

Sure, she could take her meds, but every time she did, she’d wake up the next day feeling dazed, like she was trapped inside a giant clear bubble, cut off from the world. Her emotions and senses would feel wiped out—nothing left but emptiness.

She didn’t want that. At least… not for the next few days.

But after everything that had just happened on the way here, looking at the plush dog only made her feel a wave of deep embarrassment.

Yu Xiaoxiao was just her friend. The first—and only—friend she’d ever had who wasn’t connected to her through any kind of benefit or obligation. That’s why Xiang Shuhuai had given her too much meaning.

She’d already received too much from Yu Xiaoxiao. Living together, visiting her friend’s home, a temporary mark—none of those were things the old Xiang Shuhuai ever imagined she could have. She’d gotten greedy. But she couldn’t ask for more.

Because Yu Xiaoxiao liked her sister.

Her sister, not anyone else.

Xiang Shuhuai had always known that.

But every time she was reminded of it, a wave of shameful pain stabbed through her chest.

Like just now, in the living room.

They’d talked about roses or sunflowers, high school film festivals, and how everything Yu Xiaoxiao needed was already in Youyou’s house—clothes, toiletries, everything. As if it was her own home.

They were childhood friends, close as could be.

Those were things Xiang Shuhuai had never heard of, never known. They were secret memories shared between Yu Xiaoxiao and her “Sister Youyou,” things that had nothing to do with her.

She’d been scared standing there.

So close to something that would never belong to her, close enough to almost touch it, holding onto a hidden hope that maybe one day she could walk beside Yu Xiaoxiao. And then, piece by piece, like a slow and deliberate execution, all her hopes would be shattered.

It wasn’t Yu Xiaoxiao’s fault. She was just kind and innocent, treating everyone with open, genuine kindness. That’s what gave Xiang Shuhuai the chance to get greedy.

…Don’t think about it anymore. Xiang Shuhuai told herself: stop wanting more.

It was her own fault for hoping too much—that’s why it hurt. They were just friends.

From the first day she returned to the Xiang family, she knew it wasn’t a place where good things happened. So no matter how harsh the scolding or how terrible the treatment, she’d never really been hurt—because she hadn’t expected anything. But once she had expectations, it was like handing over all her softest parts, completely defenseless.

Like with her birth mother, Liu Xiu. When she was little, Xiang Shuhuai hoped her mom would protect her, keep her safe like she sometimes tearfully promised. But Liu Xiu only cowered before her violent husband, taking out all her pain on her daughter instead.

Or like with Gu Jiaxiao. In high school, Xiang Shuhuai hoped she’d be saved—Gu Jiaxiao had come into her life like the sun, bright and sudden. But Gu Jiaxiao got bored quickly. She tore apart the last shred of hope Xiang Shuhuai had left. Their classmates started bullying her, and it was during that time she tried to end her life—more than once.

Yu Xiaoxiao was no different.

Even though she was a kind kid, nothing like those people, Xiang Shuhuai still had to pay the price for her unrealistic dreams.

She dug her nails into the back of her hand and thought bitterly—at least it wasn’t too late.

She hadn’t let her jealousy show completely yet. Hadn’t made Yu Xiaoxiao hate her. Hadn’t made a fool of herself.

Even though she still clung to the warmth of Yu Xiaoxiao, still wanted to be her friend… if she couldn’t control herself, then she’d just have to end it.

So Xiang Shuhuai made a decision.

Just… a few more days. She’d give herself these last few days to indulge. But once the hot spring trip ended, she would cut off all contact with Yu Xiaoxiao. That way, she wouldn’t keep chasing after something impossible.

With that painful decision made, Xiang Shuhuai let out a long sigh.

She shoved the plush puppy deep into her suitcase, then collapsed onto the bed, closing her eyes.

She hadn’t even changed out of her travel clothes. Still smelled like the air-conditioned van. She hadn’t showered. Normally, she’d never sleep like this—but now, sinking into the soft bed, she felt exhaustion and sleepiness quickly weighing her down.

Clinging to that decision, Xiang Shuhuai kicked off her slippers and curled up tightly on the bed. In the darkness filled with unease and uncertainty, she slowly slipped into a restless sleep.

“…Jiaxiao—”

In her dreams, she whimpered the name over and over, eyes shut tight.

Until a voice called out near her ear, gentle and worried:
“—Xiang Shuhuai?”

“Hey… Xiang Shuhuai? Big Ice Block… are you okay? Wake up…”

Xiang Shuhuai broke free from the dream and finally opened her eyes.

She saw Yu Xiaoxiao crouching by her bed, wide eyes full of concern, just watching her.

“…Big Ice Block,” she asked softly, “are you okay? Was it a nightmare?”

Seeing a face from her nightmare the moment she woke left Xiang Shuhuai dazed. It took her a while to come back to herself. She shook her head slightly and pressed a hand to her throbbing temple as she sat up.

“…Yeah,” she said. “I’m fine.”

Yu Xiaoxiao just looked at her, as if she were about to say more—like “but you…”—then decided against it. She only asked softly, “Did you… call my name just now?”

Xiang Shuhuai shook her head, not admitting to it. She sat there for a bit longer, then suddenly noticed something strange.

There were more clothes and toiletries in the room. The big plush bear from the other bed had been moved and now lay on the desk, belly-up and pitiful. A set of pajamas had been placed on the bed.

…Was Yu Xiaoxiao staying here?

She blinked, then asked, “You… when did you…”

“Oh, that.” Yu Xiaoxiao checked her watch. “About half an hour ago? You were already asleep when I came up. I heard you having a nightmare, that’s why I woke you up. Want something to eat? The housekeeper made cold sandwiches—I brought egg and beef ones, plus chocolate milk, just a snack before we go to the hot springs.”

She rambled on, but none of it answered the question weighing on Xiang Shuhuai’s mind.

After a pause, Xiang Shuhuai asked, “…Are you sleeping here?”

“Yup!” Yu Xiaoxiao nodded like it was obvious. “Sister Youyou kicked me out—said I was too noisy and she wanted to sleep alone. So I’m staying with you. There are two beds here, right? Don’t worry, I don’t sleepwalk.”

Then she stood up, full of energy. “Come on, Big Ice Block. I’m taking the sandwich tray! Let’s go to the hot springs!”

She really was still a kid. Her emotions came and went quickly. Just earlier in the living room, she’d been upset about something Xiang Shuhuai did, but now it was like she’d completely forgotten.

“…I need to change into my swimsuit,” Xiang Shuhuai said.

“Let’s change together,” Yu Xiaoxiao replied, grabbing her wrist without hesitation. “If we change now, it’ll ruin the mood. Youyou’s hot spring is Japanese-style—let’s shower over there first, then change before we get in.”

Xiang Shuhuai hesitated, then nodded.

…In any case, they’d be wearing swimsuits together soon anyway.

And besides, they were just friends. Even if her body was skin-and-bones and covered in ugly scars—so what?

Even if Yu Xiaoxiao saw it and thought it was disgusting, once their relationship ended, those thoughts would just be something she shared with her other friends. Just gossip.

People already talked about her enough. Xiang Shuhuai didn’t care if there was more.

“Okay,” she said.

She let Yu Xiaoxiao pull her up, watched as the sandwich tray was pushed into her hands, picked one up, and was then tugged downstairs, through the living room, toward the hot spring courtyard.

Yu Xiaoxiao’s hand was so warm. Her fingers wrapped around Xiang Shuhuai’s wrist, leading her forward—like a little sun. It felt like Xiang Shuhuai’s pale, skinny, almost skeletal wrist might melt in her hand, dissolve like wax.

But Xiang Shuhuai wasn’t Icarus.

She didn’t have that kind of courage. She was terrified that if she flew too high, even just for a moment thinking she could really touch the sun, all her cheap and ugly feathers would melt in the heat—and she’d fall.

So she chose not to fly.

If only… if only she’d never met Yu Xiaoxiao.

That thought crossed her mind.

If she’d never seen the sun, maybe she wouldn’t be so afraid now.

Lost in these thoughts, Xiang Shuhuai walked with her head down, not noticing that the person in front of her was slowing down.

Until she suddenly walked straight into a patch of warmth.

Then she heard Yu Xiaoxiao’s voice:

“—Big Ice Block, what’s wrong?”