Marked by My Omega Rival After Moving In (GL, ABO) - Chapter 62

Ding-dong. The elevator arrived with a soft chime.

The elevator doors slowly slid open in front of them. Xiang Shuhui followed the alpha girl’s steps as they entered the private elevator.

During the ascent, Yu Xiaoxiao leaned against the railing, clearly letting out a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness, thank goodness,” she muttered, “Luckily, there aren’t many people at this hour…”

—They had snuck in through the back door.

They had sneakily made their way into the elevator, and fortunately, during the next half of the ride, the chances of encountering anyone were slim.

Xiang Shuhui nodded slightly.

Even though she had felt a bit possessive when they first arrived… or perhaps it was something else, she knew she didn’t have the right or status to act on those feelings. She and Yu Xiaoxiao weren’t officially dating yet, and they certainly weren’t in any stable long-term relationship.

Moreover, this wasn’t the right time either. She had just gained a veto vote at Xiang’s Corporation, and the situation was at a breaking point. Exposing her relationship with Yu Xiaoxiao now would only cause trouble, making them both targets for those who wanted to undermine her.

Though she understood all of this clearly, sneaking in through the back and staying in the shadows with Yu Xiaoxiao still made her feel a little down. She pursed her lips and lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

This is for the best, she thought a little sulkily.

When this is all over, Yu Xiaoxiao will quickly and easily find someone new, and no one will know about her past relationship. No one will know that she had once been involved with that cold-faced little president of Xiang’s Corporation.

She wouldn’t damage Yu Xiaoxiao’s reputation, wouldn’t become a burden to her, and wouldn’t leave any blemish on her bright, shining image.

It’s for the best.

As these thoughts ran through her head, Xiang Shuhui lowered her head, staring at her blurry reflection in the elevator, a dull ache rising in her chest.

But the warmth and sweetness from last night still seemed to linger on her lips.

She couldn’t help but think back to yesterday evening.

They had embraced and kissed, over and over again. It felt like the sun had descended onto her body, bringing warmth and light so intense it could almost melt her. Her head spun, all rational thought lost, and her tears had replaced all words, even though it was only half a night.

…She had received so much from Yu Xiaoxiao, and yet it made her even more greedy. It seemed like no matter what, she couldn’t fill the endless emptiness inside her—cold, thirsting to the bone.

When that day comes, what will she do?

If she were to lose everything she had gained—this warmth, the love, and the innocent amber eyes of the alpha girl—what would she… what would she—

“—Big Ice Block?”

Suddenly, that voice, like the sun, softly called her out of her reverie.

“Big Ice Block, are you upset?”

Yu Xiaoxiao asked, her hand reaching out to her. Her eyes were curved in a smile, as bright as ever, waiting for her to hold her hand.

“—Don’t be upset,” she said, “Let’s hold hands, okay?”

…So childish, Xiang Shuhui muttered to herself.

It was like a kindergarten kid inviting their friend to hold hands and line up.

—But even with that thought, she still reached out her hand to hold Yu Xiaoxiao’s.

Then, they held hands, and Xiang Shuhui leaned against her, not moving. With the slight advantage of her height, she could rest her head on Yu Xiaoxiao’s shoulder, holding her hand, like a cat comfortably lying next to a warm sun in the winter, squinting its eyes and curling up.

Because Yu Xiaoxiao was exactly like that warmth.

Even when the elevator stopped and they had to walk from the elevator to Yu Xiaoxiao’s office, Xiang Shuhui didn’t want to leave the warmth. She held her hand all the way through the hallway, and even when they entered the office, before they could sit down, Xiang Shuhui immediately rested back against her.

So warm. The warmth seeped into her body, soothing the cold, greedy desires.

“Yu Xiaoxiao…”

She clung to Yu Xiaoxiao’s shoulder and buried her face there for a while, then whined like a spoiled child.

“…I don’t want to work.”

In response, Yu Xiaoxiao gently raised her hand and stroked Xiang Shuhui’s long hair a few times.

“Alright,” the alpha girl comforted her, “Let’s hold hands again later, okay?”

The soft, fluffy cat nodded. “Okay…”

—But despite saying that, as soon as Xiang Shuhui started working, she completely forgot about her earlier words. She buried her head in her work, quickly scanning through contracts and documents.

She didn’t even have time to hold hands, let alone look at Yu Xiaoxiao. She was so immersed in her work that she barely noticed her presence.

…How could she be like this?

As a result, it was Yu Xiaoxiao sitting on the side of the desk, resting her chin, looking at her serious, hardworking lover. Her expression was full of dissatisfaction, and the pen in her hand was absentmindedly doodling circles on the paper.

It was Xiang Shuhui who had said she would come.

Now that she was here, nothing had changed. It was just like when they were both in their offices—no difference at all.

They had hugged for a brief moment.

Now, they hadn’t even held hands. If Yu Xiaoxiao tried to ask Xiang Shuhui to hold hands, the latter would probably lift her eyes from her work with a cold glance and wordlessly tell her to go away and not disturb her.

…That Big Ice Block was fully capable of doing something like that.

Yu Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth, feeling very frustrated. She poked the paper with her pen a few more times, not daring to press too hard, afraid she might disturb her hardworking little Xiang.

But Yu Xiaoxiao couldn’t sit still. Her lover, who had kissed her so many times the night before, was right beside her, and yet she couldn’t interrupt. So, she went out to get coffee for both of them. When she returned, she still couldn’t focus on her work, so she absentmindedly stared at Xiang Shuhui’s pale face as it tilted down, sketching a small portrait of her on the paper.

Soon, portraits began to appear on the paper, each one full of vivid expression.

First, there’s the current Xiang Shuhui, her gaze lowered, her expression serious, exuding a coldness and focus as she deals with the overwhelming amount of paperwork before her; then there’s the young CEO at the banquet, effortless and flawless, cold and calm, looking down from a high perch at everyone.

Next, there’s the Xiang Shuhui who first came to her house, barefoot, wearing only a simple white nightdress, her expression lost and vacant, like a fragile glass; and the one who leaned against her shoulder after a nightmare, peacefully spending the night with her, a childlike calmness on her face, with the faintest blush at her ears.

Then, there’s the Xiang Shuhui during their kisses. The first time, she looked at Yu Xiaoxiao in disbelief, her eyes red with pain and restraint; the second time, she was resolute, a single tear in her eyes; the third time, in the dim movie theater, with a small pearl hairpin in her hair, they intertwined their fingers, and Xiang Shuhui’s lowered brows carried a look of self-destruction and gloom.

And then there’s last night.

Her cheeks, ears, eyes, and lips were all flushed with vibrant red, tears welling up in her eyes.

She clutched at Yu Xiaoxiao’s clothes tightly, as if trying to push her away, but also as if wanting to keep her forever, her sobs choked off as though they were swallowed, unable to cry out anymore.

Her long, soft black hair, like seaweed, spilled over her pale, yet blushing shoulder, also flowing through Yu Xiaoxiao’s fingers, full of longing and tenderness.

The sight of her black hair tangled with her pale skin was so beautifully alluring that, even though it was uncolored, it seemed to have already been painted with warm, intertwined hues.

Suddenly, Yu Xiaoxiao snapped back to reality, realizing what she was drawing.

She stared at the sketches on the paper, feeling as if the heat and scent from that moment still lingered on her lips. She remembered how the originally cold and delicate softness had gradually become warm, so fragile as if it could be devoured, covered in the wet, sweet taste of tears.

Her face instantly flushed bright red. She hurriedly put down the pen, wanting to hide the drawing, unwilling to look at it again.

But her sudden movements caused Xiang Shuhui to lift her gaze, looking at her with confusion. “Hmm?”

Just a quick glance, and Xiang Shuhui saw many of her own sketches scattered on the paper by Yu Xiaoxiao. Her usually calm and composed face froze for a moment, and then, her face flushed as well.

“Yu—”

Xiang Shuhui looked at the drawing of herself, her eyes blurred with tears, and her ears turned as red as if they were about to be transparent. She was both anxious and shy, almost unable to speak.

“Yu Xiaoxiao…”

“I—I didn’t mean to…” Yu Xiaoxiao hurriedly explained, but her words sounded empty. She scrambled to fold the paper and hide it. “Really, Xiang Shuhui, I’ll put it away… It’s for my eyes only, I swear, I won’t let anyone else see—”

The girl in the drawing lowered her gaze, her face flushed, and she softly replied:

“…Hmm.”

After this brief exchange, despite how much Xiang Shuhui wanted to dive back into her work, maintaining her usual calm and distant expression, she lowered her gaze at the computer screen. However, her ears remained bright red. The contrast to her pale skin made it even more noticeable, like a vibrant, juicy strawberry, making one want to take a bite.

Yu Xiaoxiao, aware of what she’d done wrong, didn’t dare disturb her. Instead, she propped her face up, staring at the pretty, red ears.

Before long, Xiang Shuhui grew uncomfortable under the gaze, her ear twitching slightly. She finally lifted her eyes and looked at Yu Xiaoxiao with a questioning gaze.

“Big Ice Block,” Yu Xiaoxiao said, resting her face on her hand. “Don’t be like this, it’s so boring.”

Xiang Shuhui motioned to the documents in front of her. “Work.”

Yu Xiaoxiao’s voice softened. “Work can be done anytime, but you’re right here beside me…”

She dragged her words, almost like she was whining. She glanced at the indifferent Xiang Shuhui—and her still-red ear—before blinking and smiling brightly, standing up to approach her playfully.

“Big Ice Block, Xiang Shuhui, my little snowflake—talk to me. We agreed to hold hands earlier—”

Xiang Shuhui, unable to get away from her teasing, turned her face to the side, refusing to look at her. But Yu Xiaoxiao, with a smile, leaned in closer, still staring at her.

“Mm? Big Ice Block, can we hold hands, please?”

“…Fine.”

One hand reached out in front of her, almost pushing Yu Xiaoxiao’s gaze away. Xiang Shuhui turned her face, still not looking at her, pretending to get back to work. But her other hand was already resting on the keyboard. “You hold it.”

Yu Xiaoxiao gently took the pale, slender hand.

Then, she brought it to her lips, giving a gentle bite on the knuckles.

Xiang Shuhui froze, surprised, and then, after a while, she finally reacted, glaring at her, her face red.

She didn’t pull her hand back, so Yu Xiaoxiao chuckled and gave a playful “nom” on the back of her hand. This time, she left a faint red bite mark.

After biting her, Yu Xiaoxiao looked up with a proud smile, almost like a little puppy, showing off to Xiang Shuhui.

It felt like Xiang Shuhui was now hers.

Xiang Shuhui snatched her hand back and swatted at her. “Yu Xiaoxiao!”

After a bit of playful teasing, with a few shallow bite marks on her fingers and wrist, Xiang Shuhui couldn’t continue working. She puffed her cheeks and leaned back into Yu Xiaoxiao’s office chair, allowing her to help wipe her hands with a wet tissue.

Afterward, Yu Xiaoxiao stared at the skin on the back of her hand, where there were no bite marks, for a while. Slowly, she lowered her head…

At the moment Xiang Shuhui turned her head, she caught Yu Xiaoxiao opening her mouth, seemingly about to bite her again.

She tried to stop her. “Yu Xiaoxiao—”

Yu Xiaoxiao, with quick reflexes, bit her hand before she could stop her.

—Nom.

Then, Yu Xiaoxiao looked up, quickly apologizing before Xiang Shuhui could hit her. “I’m sorry, Big Ice Block.”

The bite didn’t hurt. Yu Xiaoxiao hadn’t applied much pressure, but Xiang Shuhui’s skin was so delicate that there were still several red marks, scattered over her pale hand.

Xiang Shuhui felt a little wronged. “Why are you biting me…”

“Because you smell so good, Big Ice Block,” Yu Xiaoxiao said, a little unsure at first but becoming more confident as she went on, her fluffy hair swaying. “And your hand is so thin, so cool, so soft. I just really, really wanted to bite it…”

…She was definitely a little puppy!

Xiang Shuhui bit her lip, glaring at her, and pulled her hand away, turning to ignore her.

Yu Xiaoxiao sat on the armrest of the office chair, taking off the black hair tie that was holding her hair up, and then she slowly started to brush Xiang Shuhui’s long hair.

She started from the roots, using a light touch so as not to pull on Xiang Shuhui’s hair, the gentle strokes warm and comforting, like she was soothing her. Once she finished brushing the soft black hair, Yu Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and decided to braid a small, fluffy braid for her.

Xiang Shuhui leaned against her hand, half-closing her eyes, lost in thought.

The office had a soft, sweet scent, warm like a freshly baked cake, the creaminess delicate and dense, making one want to relax, let down their guard. It almost felt like the fierce and strong alpha she knew was nowhere to be found.

She had seen that side of Yu Xiaoxiao before—her uncle, that tall alpha man, could easily grab her wrist as if it might snap if no one was around. Under Yu Xiaoxiao’s fists, he seemed almost helpless, like a wild animal struggling to survive.

…But even with that, Xiang Shuhui wasn’t afraid of Yu Xiaoxiao or her pheromones.

Deep down, from that period of heat, she had already confirmed that Yu Xiaoxiao was a kind and flawless girl, as warm and protective as the sun. The sun would protect her, not harm her.

Leaning softly against Yu Xiaoxiao, feeling the warmth from where their bodies touched, Xiang Shuhui closed her eyes in satisfaction. She rubbed her face against the warm spot and stayed still, enjoying the moment.

Yu Xiaoxiao was focused on braiding her hair but was suddenly pressed by Xiang Shuhui’s head leaning on her arm. She couldn’t move, but after a moment, she quietly called, “Xiang Shuhui…”

Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside, growing louder.

Yu Xiaoxiao jumped in surprise, and Xiang Shuhui immediately opened her eyes.

The footsteps stopped at the door.

Then there was a knock.

“Deputy General Manager Yu,” the assistant’s voice came from outside. “I have some documents for you.”

After another knock, there was still no response. The assistant waited for a moment, then simply turned the doorknob and gently pushed the door open. “Sorry to disturb you.”

When she saw that no one was in the office and that only some open files were scattered on the desk, she figured the person must have stepped out and placed the documents on the table. She then turned to leave.

The office door was quietly closed, followed by the faint sound of the lock clicking shut.

Yu Xiaoxiao breathed a sigh of relief.

“Ah…” She looked at Xiang Shuhui, who was close to her and looking a little dazed, and whispered, “That scared me.”

When the assistant had pushed open the door, Yu Xiaoxiao had instinctively grabbed Xiang Shuhui’s hand and hidden with her under the large desk.

It wasn’t a small space, but it was a bit cramped for two adults, almost like being in a big wardrobe. Although Xiang Shuhui was very slim, she was tall, so she barely fit inside. Under the dim desk, they sat close together, almost like an embrace, and they could hear each other’s heartbeat.

Their heads were leaning together, shoulders touching. Xiang Shuhui sat slightly lower, with her face near Yu Xiaoxiao’s shoulder and neck, just close enough to see the pinkish lips of the alpha girl moving as she spoke.

…So red.

Xiang Shuhui couldn’t help but think this, swallowing gently.

It was strange, even though the assistant had clearly left, they didn’t move, still holding this cramped position in the small space.

“…Ah,” Yu Xiaoxiao suddenly realized, her eyes widening in confusion. “Hey? Why did I come in here again?”

…Exactly.

She was in her own office, so why did she hide in this place with Xiang Shuhui?

But in that moment, she had instinctively grabbed Xiang Shuhui’s hand and hidden with her in the dark, narrow space.

…But with Yu Xiaoxiao here, it didn’t feel that dark anymore.

Looking at the bright, amber eyes in front of her, Xiang Shuhui realized this.

“…Yu Xiaoxiao,” she said softly, “Thank you… for being here.”

Yu Xiaoxiao was stunned, not understanding why Xiang Shuhui was thanking her. “Huh?”

Xiang Shuhui had been locked in a wardrobe before, in the old Xiang family house. Although it hadn’t been long, that day-long imprisonment had left a scar on the thirteen-year-old Xiang Shuhui and made her uneasy about small spaces.

But now, with her heart beating in sync with Yu Xiaoxiao’s, and her body surrounded by the warm heat of the alpha girl, it seemed like she wasn’t scared anymore.

It was as though this bad memory was being overwritten.

“…Big Ice Block,” Yu Xiaoxiao said, confused, “What’s going on? Why thank me?”

She was speaking, but Xiang Shuhui wasn’t really listening, staring at the smooth skin of Yu Xiaoxiao’s delicate collarbone, her mind elsewhere.

Then, mimicking what Yu Xiaoxiao had done before, she bit her hand.

Yu Xiaoxiao jumped in surprise, her head hitting the desk. “Ah!”

She realized what happened and blushed. She quickly put her hand over her shoulder and neck. “Wow! Big Ice Block—”

“Here’s your turn,” Xiang Shuhui said confidently, looking at her. “You’re easy to bite, Yu Xiaoxiao.”

The two of them continued to playfully mess around under the desk for a while, ending up covered in dust. When they finally came out, they spent a while cleaning up.

Xiang Shuhui was exhausted, slumping into the sofa, not caring about her messy hair, and stayed still.

“Big Ice Block, Big Ice Block,” Yu Xiaoxiao, still full of energy, circled her. “Are you tired?”

Xiang Shuhui glanced at her and softly said, “I’m so tired.”

Yu Xiaoxiao grinned.

“Then I’ll go to the break room and get some fruit tea for you, okay?” she said. “I remember the mango one is especially good. You can even have a little bit of mine with ice, but not too much. I’ll get you the regular one!”

She leaned over to the sofa and gently cupped Xiang Shuhui’s face, speaking in a soft voice. “…Can I kiss you, Big Ice Block?”

It seemed like she had enjoyed last night’s kiss and was eager for more. Her eyes sparkled as she waited for Xiang Shuhui’s response.

…How could Xiang Shuhui say no?

So, she nodded.

Yu Xiaoxiao quickly planted a kiss on her lips and excitedly jumped up. “I’m going now, Big Ice Block!”

She opened the door and hurried out of the office, her footsteps quickly fading in the hallway, leaving Xiang Shuhui alone on the sofa. She raised her hand and lightly touched her heated lips.

…Ah.

Xiang Shuhui was a bit dazed.

It was really hot.

Not long after, the sound of footsteps returned, stopping at the office door.

“So soon…”

Xiang Shuhui said with a smile, still carrying the light tone from earlier. She looked up, but then froze.

“…Ah.”

Standing in the doorway wasn’t Yu Xiaoxiao returning with the tea.

It was the manager from early this morning, Yu Yao. Yu Xiaoxiao’s cousin.

Yu Yao was also frozen in place. “…Little Xiang?”

She didn’t have time to process why the other person was in her cousin’s office, looking so casual and relaxed. The next second, she heard light footsteps behind her.

Yu Yao turned around and saw Yu Xiaoxiao standing there, looking shocked as if something had been discovered. She looked a little flustered.

“Yao Yao, why are you here—”

Yu Yao stood frozen.

In front of her, on the sofa in her cousin’s office, was the little Xiang, her usually neat suit collar messy, her long hair in disarray, and her lips bright red and wet. Even her exposed wrist still had fresh red bite marks.

Her cousin, also disheveled, had a carefree expression on her face, as if she were about to hum a song, and on her collarbone was a fresh red, ambiguous bite mark.

…This, this.

The overwhelming amount of information made Yu Yao’s mind go blank.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at the little Xiang on the sofa, then back at her cousin, unable to process the situation for a long time.

They were… they were—

…No matter how unbelievable, the only conclusion was right in front of her.

Yu Yao had no choice but to believe it.

Under her incredulous gaze, her cousin smiled awkwardly, trying to call out, “…Yao Yao?”

“—Yu Xiaoxiao!!”