Marked by My Omega Rival After Moving In (GL, ABO) - Chapter 59

Morning on a weekday.

Xiang Shuhuai sat at her desk, listening to her assistant report on the progress of the acquisition plan.

Yi Anning said, “… Now, the market sentiment has basically been controlled. The stock price of the Xiang Group started recovering last night. The selling behavior from small shareholders is gradually decreasing. We are still acquiring the stocks held by retail investors.”

Xin Xing, the internet company they founded back in college, was one of the companies that had been allowed to acquire a large number of Xiang Group’s shares during this incident.

“As of now, our holding in Xiang Group has reached 26.6%, including 5% from Ms. Xiang Shuyue and her mother, Mrs. Hong, and 4.5% from several directors of Xiang Group.” She continued, “It is estimated that once this turmoil ends, Xin Xing’s liquid shares will increase by about 0.2%, bringing our total to 6%…”

Xiang Shuhuai listened and suddenly spoke softly, “Anning, what about the remaining 5%?”

— Yi Anning’s current calculation included Xiang Shuhuai’s 9.3% personal shares, the 2% she held as the assistant to the general manager, and allies among the shareholders and companies under Xiang Shuhuai’s name.

However, the “remaining 5%” Xiang Shuhuai was referring to…

Yi Anning’s chest tightened.

She suddenly broke out in cold sweat, her face turning pale. “… Boss.”

“Anning.”

Xiang Shuhuai calmly crossed her hands on the desk, leaned back slightly, and smiled at her, her expression serene.

“Anning, if Xiang Hongshan wants to give you shares, just take them. If you want to go to the pharmaceutical department, then go. You deserve those shares and that position.”

… This was something they had discussed before. It was just that, after such a long time, her senior still hadn’t made a decision.

Yi Anning’s face went completely white as she stared at Xiang Shuhuai, unable to say a word.

Back then, Xiang Shuhuai hadn’t been explicit; she had only made a vague promise. Naturally, Yi Anning had held onto some hope, choosing the possibility she preferred — that her boss and junior might not know, that it was just a casual promise.

But now, Xiang Shuhuai was looking at her, almost wanting to sigh.

After all, it was the Xiang Group, such a massive giant. Five percent of the shares was more than double what Yi Anning currently held. And the position of general manager of the pharmaceutical department?

That was a perfect position—backed by the chairman’s promise and support, with past experience adding to her credibility. It was enough for Yi Anning to soar to new heights. It was no wonder she was tempted.

Xiang Hongshan was aging, relying more and more on his daughter’s loyalty and talent, but also fearful of her remarkable abilities.

This alpha man was growing weaker, becoming more irritable, sensitive, and volatile. His business acumen had dulled, and he had been outmaneuvered by Xiang Shuhuai. However, his grip on power and manipulation had not loosened.

Yi Anning was the closest person to him. The shares acquired by Xin Xing made Xiang Hongshan feel threatened, and naturally, he would strike at this point.

For Yi Anning, the Xiang Group was always the right choice—moderate and stable. She had always been loyal to Xiang Shuhuai’s father, but the things she owned would never disappear.

Choosing Xiang Shuhuai, on the other hand, was like a gamble—high risk, high reward. If she won, she would have it all: the entire Xiang Group and Xin Xing. But if she lost, she would have nothing.

… But, no matter how talented Xiang Shuhuai was, could she really challenge the vast, ancient Xiang Group? It seemed like an impossible feat.

“… I…” Yi Anning’s voice was dry, “Shuhuai, I… I don’t…”

“I know, senior.”

In the end, Xiang Shuhuai simply looked into her eyes and said softly.

“—Just remember to come back. Xin Xing is still waiting for you.”

After sending the dazed and confused Yi Anning out, the office was finally quiet.

Even though she appeared so confident and certain in front of her senior, once she was alone, Xiang Shuhuai still leaned back in her chair, exhausted, closed her eyes, and let out a quiet sigh.

In the bustling world, everyone’s goal was profit.

If Anning really chose Xiang Hongshan, it would be difficult.

Her own strength was too limited, and the plan to take over the Xiang Group would be delayed even further. She would need help from others.

For example… marriage.

At first, this option had seemed like a mediocre, uninspiring strategy. She didn’t care much for her body or how it was treated. After all, it was just a shell. If it could be useful, she would simply use it.

… But now, she had met Yu Xiaoxiao.

That innocent, pure, and radiant alpha girl.

Suddenly, the idea of marriage became a last resort.

They hadn’t confirmed their relationship yet, and there were no guarantees about the future. Xiang Shuhuai hadn’t dared to imagine how far things could go, even to the point of… marriage.

But she instinctively resisted, unwilling to show Xiaoxiao her vulnerable side.

Xiang Shuhuai raised her hand and pressed her aching temples.

… But thinking about all of this was pointless for now.

Anning still hadn’t made up her mind, and everything she could say had already been said. The rest wasn’t up to her to change.

It was better to focus on what she could control. For example, achieving a 34% stake with veto power—where would the remaining 2% come from?

—Yumai Pharmaceutical. Yao Yumai.

That person loved to take risks, and Xiang Shuhuai was confident that Yao wouldn’t refuse.

Their relationship was simple—Yao Yumai was one of Xin Xing’s major shareholders, her investor during the startup phase.

They were business partners, but their personal relationship was poor.

After all, Yao Yumai had been her classmate in high school, and she was also in Gu Jiaxiao’s circle. She had always known about the joke from the beginning but never reacted. She just watched as Xiang Shuhuai was deceived and then bullied for two and a half years.

Perhaps it was during that time that she realized Xiang Shuhuai’s resilience and proposed cooperation in college.

Two people who believed in eternal profit came together, but Xiang Shuhuai didn’t like her at all.

Moreover, she didn’t want Yao Yumai to return to the country.

Now that Yao had seen Xiaoxiao, and with her usual mischief, Xiang Shuhuai couldn’t help but wonder if Yao might tell Xiaoxiao about those unpleasant stories from high school.

… Also, when Xiang Shuhuai had self-removed her glands in school, her classmates had all gone abroad, perhaps to avoid trouble. Now, Yao Yumai had returned.

And what about Gu Jiaxiao?

— Xiang Shuhuai’s heart tightened.

Just thinking about that face made her breath catch. The chilling feeling from the day the joke was revealed seemed to return to her, causing her stomach to churn.

Don’t think about it. Xiang Shuhuai bit her lip, using the small pain to remind herself.

… Don’t think about it.

She tried to clear her mind of those thoughts and focus on something else—something unrelated. Like… like Yu Xiaoxiao.

Yes, Yu Xiaoxiao.

It was almost instinctive. She clung to the bright thought of her and wouldn’t let go.

They had made plans yesterday, agreeing to go out for a date after work today.

Her first date. Yu Xiaoxiao hadn’t said where they would go, just that she would drive to pick her up. She had even eagerly asked if she could bring flowers for her, but when Xiang Shuhuai refused, she had looked a bit dejected, her eyebrows drooping like a child.

… So cute, Xiang Shuhuai thought.

She couldn’t help but glance at the time on the bottom of her computer.

10:47, there’s still a long way to go before work ends. The chat box with the simple line drawing of a dog remains quiet, probably because it knows she’s busy. Yu Xiaoxiao usually doesn’t bother her during work hours.

For the first time, a slight feeling of regret stirred in Xiang Shuhuai’s heart. It was like a delicate ripple, a feather drifting across her mind.

She didn’t know when, but the fear that had once seeped deep inside her had completely vanished, and now, the memory of those round amber eyes made her look forward to tonight’s date.

So, Xiang Shuhuai straightened up and prepared to get back to work.

— When would Yu Xiaoxiao arrive?

Meanwhile, the alpha girl she was thinking of was sitting at her desk, holding her phone and pressing it repeatedly, her brows furrowed in deep thought.

— She was contemplating the plans for her first date.

The first date, with Xiang Shuhuai.

What should they do?

Among her friends, there weren’t many reliable ones, and if she asked, most would probably flood her with gossip. As for Yao Yao, her serious cousin, she was almost like a parent when it came to her love life, always worried she’d be tricked. If she told Yao Yao, it would probably end up in her parents’ ears the next day.

And Youyou knew too much about them. Yu Xiaoxiao really didn’t dare to ask her, afraid that if she said a little too much, she’d give away who she was talking about—after all, Big Ice Block had once told her to keep their relationship a secret. She wasn’t sure if Youyou was part of that “keep it a secret” list.

So, as the only person who knew about her confession, Gu Wei was naturally the first person she reached out to, taking on the role of her love advisor.

At that moment, they were sending messages back and forth, with Gu Wei remotely guiding her through the details of her first date. She had just given her advice on what to wear.

After all, Gu Wei was experienced. Despite being shy, Yu Xiaoxiao still typed out her thoughts.

Yu Xiaoxiao: Hey

Yu Xiaoxiao: Wei

Yu Xiaoxiao: I was thinking, for the date tonight, I want to hold her hand

Yu Xiaoxiao: For the first time

Yu Xiaoxiao: …Is that too fast?

After sending those messages, there was no reply for a while, and even the “typing…” indicator disappeared. Yu Xiaoxiao waited confusedly for a while before finally getting a very brief response:

Gu Teacher: ?

Gu Teacher: What do you want to do?

【Hold hands.】

Yu Xiaoxiao replied seriously. Seeing how surprised Gu Wei seemed, she grew a bit worried and quickly typed:

【…Is it really too soon?】

Gu Wei sent a meme: 【Confused cat.jpg】

Yu Xiaoxiao was even more puzzled.

Yu Xiaoxiao: What’s wrong?

Yu Xiaoxiao: Is it too fast… after all, it’s just the first date

Yu Xiaoxiao: Okay, I’ll wait for a few more dates

Gu Wei: 【Cat’s bl00d pressure rising.jpg】

Gu Wei: Yu Xiaoxiao, haven’t you two already kissed?

Gu Wei: Why are you asking me this?

Gu Wei: …You two are really something.

Listening to that tone, Yu Xiaoxiao felt like if Gu Wei were there in person, she’d probably be rolling up her sleeves, ready to punch someone. Yu Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but shudder a little, quickly typing a response.

Yu Xiaoxiao: But last time, she wasn’t very happy. I think I scared her.

Yu Xiaoxiao: I think we should take it step by step.

Yu Xiaoxiao: …So, is it okay to hold hands?

There was a long silence on the other side, and Yu Xiaoxiao stared at the screen, waiting for the answer with rapt attention.

Gu Wei: …Yu Xiaoxiao.

Yu Xiaoxiao quickly typed: 【Here!】

【Before any progress】

Gu Wei’s message popped up.

【—You’re not allowed to message me again.】

Yu Xiaoxiao was a bit confused, saying “Ah?” and not understanding what was going on. Then, when she tried to send another message, she realized Gu Wei had blocked her. A bright red exclamation mark appeared.

She blinked and stared at the chat box for a while, then gave up on that path.

…Since she couldn’t ask anyone else, she decided to try searching online.

After browsing through dozens of pages, Yu Xiaoxiao finally decided to take her to a movie.

They all said that in a dark cinema, sitting side by side, when the movie hits a scary or emotional scene, that’s when you can hold hands.

However, Xiang Shuhuai didn’t like crowded places, so they could either book a private screening or go to a private cinema.

Afterwards, they could go play claw machines. Yu Xiaoxiao was really good at those, so she might grab a few toys to give to Big Ice Block.

Of course, she also needed to order a bouquet of flowers. Since they were now officially dating, she thought of roses. Should she go with yellow roses, or the traditional pink ones? Other flowers were nice too, and…

Yu Xiaoxiao rested her head on her arm and typed the plan into her memo, imagining the scene with a sweet smile on her face.

She felt like she was already at the date spot, face-to-face with Xiang Shuhuai, lost in those beautiful black eyes…

At 5:00 PM, Yu Xiaoxiao arrived right on time at the office door.

“Big Ice Block!”

She looked at Xiang Shuhuai, who was opening the door, her eyes sparkling. “You’re done? Shall we go?”

When she saw that Xiang Shuhuai had changed clothes, Yu Xiaoxiao was a little surprised and blinked. “…Huh, you’re not wearing a suit today, Big Ice Block. I remember you wore that gray suit this morning.”

“…I wore it at work,” Xiang Shuhuai explained softly.

The unfamiliar outfit still made her a bit uncomfortable. She gently tugged at the corner of her jacket, trying her best to face Yu Xiaoxiao’s gaze, but somehow, her ears felt a little hot.

…It was because of the date.

This was Xiang Shuhuai’s first real date. She’d searched online and found out that before a date, you should dress carefully and not just wear something casual like usual. She wanted to look better for Yu Xiaoxiao, so she tried to dress up with the help of her personal assistant.

Yu Xiaoxiao was still looking at her.

It was still Xiang Shuhuai’s usual style, no makeup, a little blazer with a matching high-neck top, only her long pants revealing a bit of her pale, delicate ankle skin.

However, she had changed into a Morandi-colored pair of high-waisted long pants, which showed off her slim waist. Her long hair was also styled, with a slight wave, making it fluffy and soft. She wore a small pearl hairpin.

And she had rolled up one sleeve, exposing her delicate wrist with a bracelet hanging from it—the one that Yu Xiaoxiao had given her. Compared to usual, Xiang Shuhuai looked much more relaxed and softer.

Her expression, however, held a touch of expectation and nervousness, flickering quietly in her black eyes, waiting for the answer.

…It was like the moon was trying to slowly come down.

“…Ah.”

Yu Xiaoxiao froze for a moment, unable to say anything.

Her silence made Xiang Shuhuai feel even more uneasy.

Xiang Shuhuai didn’t know whether she looked good or like a clown in these clothes. She nervously tugged at her jacket corner, lightly calling out to Yu Xiaoxiao: “Yu Xiaoxiao…”

“Ah, ah…!” Yu Xiaoxiao jolted, finally snapping out of her daze, and smiled as she grabbed her wrist.

She said, “Xiang Shuhuai, you look really good today. Even better than usual.”

She said it sincerely, and Xiang Shuhuai’s ears immediately turned red.

So, quietly, she followed Yu Xiaoxiao down the stairs. Once they were in the car, Yu Xiaoxiao suddenly pulled out a big bouquet of flowers from the back seat and stuffed it into Xiang Shuhuai’s arms.

— Today, it’s a tulip. A rare light pink and orange one, a big bouquet with droplets of dew still on it. According to Yu Xiaoxiao, it can be taken home and grown well.

“We’re leaving now, Big Ice Block.” Yu Xiaoxiao said as she started the car, “Let’s go watch a movie, how about it? Do you want to go to a public theater and rent out the whole place, or a private theater? If you prefer, we can watch at home instead—”

“Just the regular theater,” Xiang Shuhuai answered softly. “No need to rent out the whole place.”

…That kind of place seems like a typical spot for couples to go on a date. She thought, it should be more suitable for a first date, right?

Probably because it’s Monday, the nearby cinema wasn’t particularly crowded. There was some chatter in the air, but the louder sounds were from the trailers, and the air was filled with the hot, sweet scent of popcorn.

Seeing Xiang Shuhuai following her, curiously looking around at the cinema, her dark eyes sparkling under the bright yellow lights, Yu Xiaoxiao felt a sudden surge of responsibility in her chest.

This Big Ice Block… Has she never been to a cinema before?

They watched a few trailers, quickly picked a movie — an animated film. Yu Xiaoxiao went to buy the tickets while Xiang Shuhuai went to get popcorn and drinks.

The snack line was a bit long, and when Xiang Shuhuai returned with popcorn and two cups of cola, she didn’t see Yu Xiaoxiao at the agreed spot. She put the items on the table and sat on a bar stool, waiting for a while, but still no sign of her.

…Where did Yu Xiaoxiao go?

Soon, new movies started, and people who had been resting stood up and flowed toward an entrance. Among the moving crowd of strangers, Xiang Shuhuai began to feel a sense of panic.

She couldn’t see Yu Xiaoxiao anywhere, so she stood up and looked around. Then, she suddenly spotted a figure hidden among the crowd.

— There was another girl standing next to her. They were standing close, talking about something.

…Ah.

Xiang Shuhuai recognized the girl immediately, it was Xiang Qing, a colleague from Yu Xiaoxiao’s department, a young omega. She was the “little Xiang” Yu Xiaoxiao occasionally mentioned. Xiang Shuhuai had checked it up.

Xiang Qing was smaller, shorter than Yu Xiaoxiao, wearing a cute baseball shirt and a skirt. The alpha girl bent slightly to match her height as they chatted, making her laugh. The ponytail tied behind her swayed with her movements, looking delicate and lovely.

…Xiang Shuhuai now noticed that the other girl also had a small hairpin near her bangs.

A pure white pearl hairpin, exactly like the one Xiang Shuhuai was wearing.

Xiang Shuhuai froze where she stood, and a sudden impulse surged within her. She wanted to rip the hairpin from her hair and crush it so that they would never look alike again.

But she didn’t move.

Xiang Shuhuai stood still, waiting for Yu Xiaoxiao to glance at her, to notice her, introduce her to her colleague, or just acknowledge her presence, even if just a glance.

But nothing happened. Not even once.

She only saw the alpha girl smiling brightly, chatting animatedly with her friend — or perhaps something more than a friend, someone Xiang Shuhuai couldn’t identify — and the shorter omega girl nodding vigorously, responding cheerfully. Then, they both laughed together, looking so happy.

They continued chatting and walked toward the claw machine nearby.

…And what about her?

Did Yu Xiaoxiao still need her?

Xiang Shuhuai didn’t know. She stood there, unable to make a sound, and naturally, got no answer.

…How nice.

Looking at the two of them, she thought blankly.

They really, really seemed to be the perfect match. They seemed so well-suited for the simple, pure campus love that Yu Xiaoxiao cherished.

Xiang Shuhui, like Yu Xiaoxiao, is someone who is carefree and joyful, capable of making Yu Xiaoxiao laugh so happily. But for herself, she could never be like that. She constantly makes various mistakes, and it’s always the innocent alpha girl who ends up suppressing her feelings and taking on the responsibility of taking care of her, never truly getting to relax.

…She feels like she’s always a little worse in every way.

Standing there now, she felt incredibly embarrassed. Xiang Shuhui quietly grabbed their snacks and, without a sound, slipped through the crowd into a corner, avoiding looking in that direction any longer.

Time passed, and the trailers on the screen looped several times.

Xiang Shuhui glanced at the time and realized it was almost time to go into the theater, in case Yu Xiaoxiao still wanted to watch the movie with her.

…But those two were still standing in front of the claw machine, chatting and struggling with the joystick, not even lifting their heads.

So, Yu Xiaoxiao didn’t want to watch the movie anymore?

Xiang Shuhui wasn’t particularly interested in the theater. If Yu Xiaoxiao didn’t plan to watch the movie, she’d just leave. However, she didn’t have a way to contact her right now. If she sent a message, Yu Xiaoxiao was probably too busy with the claw machine to check it. But going over there to ask face-to-face seemed too intrusive, almost like questioning her intentions.

They weren’t even officially dating, so this wasn’t truly a date.

It was something she had said herself. Xiang Shuhui crouched there, amused, and tugged at the unfamiliar cuffs of her pants. She remembered her original thoughts.

She wanted to dress nicely, to look more suitable, to make Yu Xiaoxiao happy.

…But what was the point of all that?

No matter how much she wanted to be appropriate, she would never be like Xiang Qing.

These thoughts swirled in her mind, unanswered.

She didn’t know how much time had passed, but finally, Yu Xiaoxiao’s voice rang above her, pulling Xiang Shuhui out of her troubled thoughts.

“Big Ice Block,” she said, sounding a little rushed. “Why didn’t you check your messages? I’ve been looking for you forever. The movie’s about to start—”

…So, she had decided to watch the movie after all. With her.

Xiang Shuhui stared up at her, stunned, and said, “…Sorry.”

And for the entire movie, Xiang Shuhui couldn’t concentrate. She probably only listened to the first five minutes before sinking back into her own thoughts, desperately trying to figure out what was making her chest ache.

Yu Xiaoxiao seemed distracted too, occasionally twisting in her seat, frequently glancing in her direction, her face serious, as though she wanted to say something.

…But despite the tension, she said nothing until the movie ended.

“Yu Xiaoxiao.”

Xiang Shuhui asked directly, as people slowly left the theater and they stood up to leave.

“…Did you want to say something?”

She saw Yu Xiaoxiao freeze, looking at her, unsure whether to speak.

Countless thoughts raced through her mind.

…And Xiang Shuhui felt her heart sinking.

“Uh…well…”

Yu Xiaoxiao hesitated for a long time before finally speaking.

“We…Xiang Shuhui, can we hold hands?”

…Ah.

Hold hands.

Xiang Shuhui almost wanted to laugh when she heard that.

After all the tension, the hesitation, the seriousness, she thought it was something far more serious, like… maybe Yu Xiaoxiao wanted to ask her something, or perhaps had realized she didn’t feel anything special for Xiang Shuhui and wanted to end things.

But it was just holding hands.

She quietly replied, “Sure.”

And so, Xiang Shuhui raised her hand and gently took hold of Yu Xiaoxiao’s hand, their fingers interlocking, followed by the other hand, also interlocking.

…Holding hands felt so warm.

Yu Xiaoxiao’s hand was so hot. It felt like she might melt from the warmth.

When their palms met, Yu Xiaoxiao’s face turned red.

As they stood facing each other, hands intertwined, she was so embarrassed that her ears were bright red, and her round eyes stared at Xiang Shuhui, like a dazed red apple.

…Silly.

Suddenly, Xiang Shuhui felt a wave of sadness.

She didn’t understand anything…

She didn’t know what kind of love they were even involved in, or that Xiang Shuhui shouldn’t be and wasn’t worthy of being the person Yu Xiaoxiao gave her affection to.

And these innocent, simple touches… now this hand-holding.

Why hold hands?

Hadn’t she kissed her before they even confessed? And now they were “dating,” didn’t Yu Xiaoxiao want more?

Or did she believe in a naive, unbelievable timeline where they had to confess, go on dates, hold hands, hug… and only then kiss and have relations?

Did someone like her really deserve to be waited for so long?

Yu Xiaoxiao would be disappointed. She would definitely be very disappointed.

…And could they even wait that long?

Xiang Shuhui didn’t know.

She looked at those bright, distant, innocent amber eyes, feeling ashamed of her own reflection in them, and seeing that pale, awkward decoration.

—It didn’t suit her.

That little pearl looked like an eye torn from the decayed body of a long-dead fish, emitting a foul odor, out of place, dull, lifeless.

It was nothing like the small, smooth pearl on Yu Xiaoxiao’s head.

On her hair, the little pearl looked so cute, shiny, full, and playful, as lively as a tiny star.

Yu Xiaoxiao had said she was beautiful back then.

Now, with the real thing as comparison, would this thing still be beautiful?

…Thinking this, Xiang Shuhui gently raised the corner of her lips.

She didn’t want to wait anymore. They couldn’t wait for those things.

So, after smiling, she quietly lowered her face.

—And then kissed Yu Xiaoxiao’s soft lips.