Marked by My Scummy Ex-Wife’s Boss (GL) - Chapter 19

Zhu Sui’s kiss landed gently on Song Zhen’s gland, soft and delicate. A quiet whimper escaped from Song Zhen’s throat, beyond her control.

Zhu Sui’s body tensed at the sound, and she withdrew slightly.

A moment later, she leaned in and whispered by Song Zhen’s ear, “Jiejie, I’m only trying to ease your pain. You’d better… not make any sound.”

Song Zhen, still dazed, flushed scarlet the moment she realized what Zhu Sui meant.

Knowing how easily flustered Song Zhen was, Zhu Sui didn’t push for a response. Instead, she simply covered Song Zhen’s mouth with her hand and leaned in again.

Her mouth muffled, her gland gently cared for, Song Zhen felt an even deeper sense of embarrassment. A faint blush slowly bloomed across her cheekbones.

She was fully aware of how intimate Zhu Sui’s touch felt, and her shame was real—but her body’s response was embarrassingly honest and receptive.

Enough… it doesn’t hurt so much anymore…

She tried to speak, but as she opened her mouth, her lips brushed against Zhu Sui’s palm. Feeling Zhu Sui’s hand suddenly stiffen, Song Zhen froze, not daring to move again.

Zhu Sui’s voice was hoarse. “Are… are you okay now?”

Song Zhen nodded frantically, looking pitiful beyond words.

Finally, Zhu Sui slowly removed her hand from Song Zhen’s lips.

Still, she didn’t let go of Song Zhen. Partly to avoid the awkwardness of meeting her eyes, but mostly for other, more complicated reasons.

Held tightly in Zhu Sui’s arms, Song Zhen buried her face deeper, too embarrassed to lift her head.

So, when she later caught the faint scent of mint in the air—Zhu Sui releasing her pheromones to soothe her—she couldn’t help but feel a wave of quiet gratitude.

Her gland had just undergone a painful puncture. Without the comfort of compatible pheromones, the ache would only worsen. Being enveloped like this, gently pacified, truly made a difference.

She tried to lift her head, but Zhu Sui pushed her back down.

“Just stay like this a while longer,” she murmured hoarsely. “I didn’t release much pheromone.”

To make full use of it, Song Zhen needed to stay close.

Realizing this, Song Zhen obediently murmured, “Okay.”

Once her gland had calmed a little more, Song Zhen tidied herself up and returned with Zhu Sui to the treatment room.

They arrived just in time—Zuo Tian had finished preparing the medication.

But Song Zhen looked pale, and the moment she appeared, everyone turned to her with concern.

She casually made up an excuse, brushing off their worries. While Zuo Tian looked on anxiously, Zhu Sui noticed that Song Zhen was shivering and quietly fetched one of Zhu Yi’s shawls to wrap around her.

Song Zhen instinctively tried to refuse, but Zhu Yi—grateful beyond words—gently insisted, “If Miss Song doesn’t mind, please just accept it.”

She’d already said “if you don’t mind,” so Song Zhen could only murmur a quiet thank-you and wrap the shawl around herself. To be fair, the wool was warm, and the chills subsided as her body temperature rose.

The intern from the affiliated lab coordinated seamlessly with the rest. As the medication was administered gradually, Zhu Yi steadily improved.

Another half hour passed. Song Zhen and Zuo Tian finally felt the knot in their chests loosen. The disorder had stabilized at level 2. Though still in the calming phase, the critical danger had passed.

Song Zhen looked toward Zhu Sui, who understood and left the room.

Outside, the family members were waiting anxiously. Even Cheng Lang hadn’t left—she stood leaning against the wall.

As the door opened, everyone surged forward.

Zhu Yi’s aunt was distraught. “W-what’s the result?”

She murmured, “As long as Xiao Yi’s okay, that’s all that matters…”

She was clearly prepared for the worst.

Which was understandable—once a disorder reached Phase Two, most hospitals would have given up.

Seeing the grim expression on Rong Mo’s face as well, Zhu Sui sighed inwardly—but kept a calm smile on her face.

“Did I make things seem too serious?” she asked lightly. “Everything inside is under control now. Ms. Song stabilized it.”

Her words hit like a thunderclap. The family, who had braced themselves for a tragic outcome, stood frozen.

Overjoyed, they were momentarily speechless.

“Really?” Rong Mo finally managed to ask in disbelief.

“Suisui, is that true? Don’t lie to me!” Zhu Yi’s aunt was trembling with excitement.

“That’s impossible!” Cheng Lang blurted out, eyes wide.

Zhu Sui didn’t even spare Cheng Lang a glance. She turned to Rong Mo and nodded firmly. “It’s true, brother-in-law.”

“If you don’t believe me, go see for yourself.”

“Uncle, Aunt, Uncle Rong—my cousin is out of danger. It’ll take some time for a full recovery, but the worst is over.”

As soon as she finished, Rong Mo rushed inside without another word.

Moments later, he returned, eyes red, choking back sobs. “Dad, Mom—it’s true! The disorder’s under control. Yi’s doing great!”

Zhu Yi’s aunt covered her mouth, tears falling freely. “Thank goodness… thank goodness…”

Though her uncle and Director Rong said little, their breathing grew heavier, and there was unmistakable shimmer in their eyes. They nodded deeply.

Only Cheng Lang stood there, frowning deeply. “How’s that possible? How did she…”

Zhu Sui cut in coldly, “We’re both involved in the Z-serum project, Dr. Cheng. If you don’t understand, how could I possibly know more?”

Cheng Lang stiffened.

“I suggest you ask Ms. Song directly,” she added with a sneer. “For someone who claims to be a researcher, it’s strange, isn’t it? That she can do what others can’t?”

Her sarcasm was obvious, even to the dimmest ear.

But facts were facts—and Zhu Yi was the daughter-in-law of the hospital director. No matter how unwilling Cheng Lang was, she had the sense to keep quiet. She swallowed her questions and walked away without another word.

At least she knows when to back down, Zhu Sui thought.

An hour later, once the gland had fully stabilized, Zuo Tian removed the monitoring equipment.

Song Zhen instructed, “Miss Zhu, here’s our contact information. I know you’ve used medication in District Three before. If anything unusual comes up, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll do everything we can.”

“Your gland’s just been through a major disorder. Other than that, you’re fine—but it’s best if you can stay in bed for two days. And avoid any contact with other AO pheromones—except for your partner’s.”

Rong Mo supported Zhu Yi as Song Zhen guided them to the elevator, still pale.

“Ms. Song, we’re truly grateful for everything today. We’ll follow your instructions closely. Please, this is far enough,” Rong Mo said sincerely.

Zhu Sui looked down the hallway and added, “If you’re not feeling well, go rest. Director Rong is waiting—he has something to discuss with you.”

She didn’t say more, but everyone understood. Song Zhen had made a major contribution today. Naturally, Director Rong wanted to speak with her about recognition or reward.

And given that he was also Zhu Yi’s father-in-law, there was no way he’d treat her casually.

Song Zhen really wasn’t feeling well, so she nodded.

Just as the others were stepping into the elevator, she suddenly remembered, “Wait—Miss Zhu, your shawl.”

“Oh—give it to me.” Zhu Yi, closest to her, took it. She must have felt a bit cold herself, because she draped it over her shoulders.

The moment it settled around her, Zhu Yi paused slightly, as if surprised by something.

The next moment, Zhu Yi turned to Zhu Sui and said warmly, “Suisui, thank you again for today. Walk me out, will you?”

Zhu Sui followed the rest of the Zhu family out. Once the elevator doors closed, Zuo Tian finally stepped forward, concerned, and asked Song Zhen how she was feeling.

Song Zhen smiled. “It’s nothing.”

She lowered her gaze for a second, then said, “Tiantian, go on ahead and speak with Director Rong. I’m going to find Cheng Lang.”

She paused, her expression resolute. “It’s time we had a conversation about the affiliated lab.”

Song Zhen found Cheng Lang in her private office.

Her face was as cold as frost. “What? Here to gloat about stabilizing a Phase II disorder?”

Song Zhen had no interest in arguing. She shook her head and got straight to the point. “Cheng Lang, I want back in on the project.”

She froze for a beat, her expression darkening. “You really came here to talk about this now?”

“I just saved a Phase II pregnant patient. That makes now the perfect time for this conversation.”

Negotiation…

Cheng Lang quietly repeated the word in her mind, fingers tightening into fists before forcing herself to release them.

She reined in her emotions. “So, what exactly are you proposing? That we reinstate the affiliated lab?”

“No.” Song Zhen’s firm tone caught her off guard again.

She continued, “Now that the project’s been upgraded to S-class, the affiliated lab’s status no longer complies with regulations. I want to bring the team into the formal lab structure.”

She softened her tone slightly. “I’ve found a path forward for the stabilizing agent. I just need a little more time… And since the Z-serum is about to enter clinical trials, both you and this project need me.”

In academic circles, it was widely known that Zone Three’s stabilizer program had taken over a decade to develop, and the final hurdle had always been the “harmonizing agent.”

Likewise, when developing the Z-serum, both Song Zhen and Cheng Lang had known that would be the bottleneck. They’d been sweating over it since day one—the harmonizing agent had been a parallel goal from

the start.

Now Song Zhen claimed she had found the solution…

Cheng Lang’s gaze flickered before she let out a cynical laugh. “We’ve been working from the same research, using the same compounds. You figured it out, and I didn’t?”

“I’m not saying that,” Song Zhen replied evenly. “But without the key insight, it’ll probably take you much longer.”

She paused, gathered her thoughts, and continued with sincerity, “Whatever’s happened between us personally, we’ve always worked well together in the lab. You need my sensitivity to compounds, and I need your precision with formulation. We’re almost there—why let pride ruin this?”

She added quietly, “You want the project to succeed smoothly, don’t you? If I can set the past aside, surely whatever’s weighing on your heart isn’t heavier than mine…”

Unseen by Song Zhen, Cheng Lang’s knuckles went white again.

A moment later, she turned toward her, forcing a light smile. “Alright.”

But before Song Zhen could feel any relief, she added, “We’ll talk—after you remarry me.”

Song Zhen’s breath caught.

She repeated herself. She stared at her, incredulous.

Her smile turned ice-cold. “If this project matters that much to you, then a remarriage shouldn’t be a problem… right?”

“I’m not joking, Cheng Lang.”

“Neither am I. From college onward, you were always chasing projects. Work and research came first. The first year I was overseas, every time I tried to—”

“Enough!” Song Zhen’s voice suddenly rose. “I don’t want to talk about our personal history!”

She couldn’t—wouldn’t—reopen those wounds.

Cheng Lang’s expression hardened. “That’s my only condition.”

Another deadlock. Song Zhen closed her eyes slowly. “Is that your final answer?”

When she nodded, expecting her to give in, Song Zhen simply pressed a hand to her forehead and said quietly, “Then I was wrong to come to you.”

Cheng Lang was stunned as she turned and walked out.

—

After escorting Zhu Yi to the car, Zhu Yi pulled Zhu Sui aside. “Suisui, I want to ask you something.”

They walked a few steps away. Then, unexpectedly, Zhu Yi handed her the shawl.

“Smell this.”

Zhu Sui blinked. “…Huh?” She took a sniff—there was a very faint citrus scent.

Just as she began to wonder if Zhu Yi was suspicious of Song Zhen’s identity, Zhu Yi sighed.

“I’m truly grateful to Ms. Song from the bottom of my heart. That will never change. But Suisui…”

“Be honest with me. Why does something she wore carry your pheromone scent?”

Zhu Sui froze. It hit her belatedly—her pheromones were subtle, but not to someone as familiar with her as family.

Lifting her head stiffly, she met Zhu Yi’s gaze. She vaguely remembered… she had been the one who handed the shawl to Song Zhen.

The silence grew awkward. One thought echoed in Zhu Sui’s mind: Oh no. I got careless.

—

Meanwhile, Song Zhen went to meet with Director Rong.

When Cheng Lang was summoned later, she arrived to find Song Zhen and Zuo Tian already seated across from the director.

In front of everyone, Director Rong confirmed with Song Zhen, “So, you’re applying to establish a second research team for the Z-serum?”

Song Zhen nodded. “Yes.”

Then she straightened her back and added, “And I also want to file a formal grievance through the Research Institute to the Military Tribunal.”

“I’m filing a complaint that Cheng Lang misappropriated another’s scientific achievement—because the Z-serum was originally my proposed project.”

Cheng Lang was stunned.

She clenched her fists, about to argue that back then the idea had only been a rough concept, something they had developed together. Even if Song Zhen filed a complaint, there was no way it would hold up—

Then Song Zhen calmly revealed her true objective:

“I’m petitioning to restore my rightful title as the original founder of the Z-serum project.”