Marked by My Scummy Ex-Wife’s Boss (GL) - Chapter 24.2
Song Zhen was nervous, but Zhu Sui remained relaxed and at ease. She reassured Song Zhen not to feel pressured—if she didn’t know how to act, just stick close to her and she’d make the introductions.
Then, as if remembering something, Zhu Sui added that there were quite a few people in Beijing curious to meet Song Zhen—especially the Omegas who hadn’t had children yet. Song Zhen was highly respected in those circles, and there was no need to be nervous.
Time passed quickly, and the day of the event arrived.
Song Zhen had even gone to Zuo Tian for advice and bought an especially expensive dress for the occasion.
When she finally stepped into the venue, she couldn’t help but feel she had made the right choice.
Zhu Sui could make anything look like a high-fashion runway outfit. She exuded a natural aura that made even the simplest clothes look like luxury couture.
Song Zhen, by contrast, was just a research worker. She had to rely on her clothes to make an impression.
…Though to be fair, nothing in Zhu Sui’s entire wardrobe was cheap anyway.
“Uncle Li, hello! This is Professor Song Zhen—yes, that Professor Song.”
“Professor Song, this is Minister Li from Division Two of the National Security Bureau…”
Each time they encountered an Alpha, Zhu Sui would effortlessly make the introductions, navigating the room like a fish in water.
Song Zhen nodded politely again and again, throwing herself into the socializing and trying not to overthink things.
After making the rounds, Song Zhen realized that almost everyone present was either an Alpha or an Omega. Betas made up only a tiny minority—completely unlike her usual social circles.
And every Alpha and Omega here had intimidating titles: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security, the Supreme People’s Court…
No wonder the Zhu family was known as an AO aristocratic lineage—everyone they associated with was of that same elite tier.
Compared to them, she—just a small-time researcher—felt utterly out of place.
The men and women here, all so glamorous, had an innate presence: an elegant, almost intimidating blend of approachability and authority.
The younger ones were easier to talk to, but the older they were, the stronger that aura of command became.
At least now she understood where Zhu Sui’s noble bearing came from—cultivated from a young age through her family, her education, and her social circle.
Zhu Sui stayed by her side throughout. When they’d finally greeted all the familiar faces and could finally take a break, Zhu Sui stepped away to get her some juice.
At that moment, Zhu Yi’s housekeeper approached Song Zhen.
She paused—then understood.
It was time. Zhu Yi wanted to see her.
Song Zhen smiled politely, didn’t try to avoid it, and followed the housekeeper to a bedroom. Zhu Yi was sitting on the enclosed balcony.
She was wrapped in a shawl, looking much better than last time. Though she wore thick clothes that hid any visible bump, she radiated the gentle air unique to expectant mothers.
When she saw Song Zhen, she stood up with a sincere smile, warmly welcoming her, offering drinks and pastries she had baked herself.
At first, Song Zhen was tense inside—but once they started talking, she realized Zhu Yi was just as warm as she appeared.
So warm, in fact, that it made Song Zhen feel a bit awkward.
Zhu Yi never brought up her relationship with Zhu Sui. She simply chatted kindly, asking about all kinds of things, discussing pregnancy, children…
In the end, it was Song Zhen who couldn’t hold back any longer and brought it up herself.
Zhu Yi blinked, but her gentle smile never faltered. “I know. But why bring it up so suddenly, Professor Song? Did I say something that upset you?”
Song Zhen waved her hands quickly. “No, no—you’re very kind. It’s just…”
She hesitated—then decided it was better to rip the bandage off. She took a deep breath and said,
“If I’m a Beta… wouldn’t you think I’m not a good match for Zhu Sui?”
As far as Zhu Yi knew, Song Zhen was a Beta—and for now, she had no intention of revealing her real secondary gender. She didn’t want to attract unnecessary trouble because of it.
Zhu Yi smiled.
But she didn’t answer that question directly. Instead, she glanced out the window, her gaze momentarily distant.
Then she said softly, “Professor Song, do you know that Suisui had an older brother?”
She turned back and caught Song Zhen’s expression—one that told her, yes, Song Zhen did know.
“How much has Suisui told you about Zhunian?”
Song Zhen hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest and repeated nearly everything Zhu Sui had shared with her.
Zhu Yi nodded. She pulled her shawl tighter around her, and then said something shocking.
“Did she ever tell you that she was there when the accident happened?”
Song Zhen froze.
Seeing her reaction, Zhu Yi continued with another bombshell:
“If she didn’t tell you that, then you probably also don’t know that before the crash, it was Zhunian who swerved the steering wheel to protect her. That’s what caused his injury—a puncture wound. When the ambulance arrived, he had lost too much bl00d. They couldn’t save him.”
Song Zhen was stunned into silence.
Zhu Yi lowered her eyes, her tone tinged with sorrow.
“Back then, Zhunian’s death was the biggest topic in District One. But people weren’t mourning him. They were… questioning Zhu Sui’s gender.”
“She presented as an Alpha at eighteen, but the crash happened when she was just seventeen.”
“People said, ‘The Zhu family lost an outstanding heir—an A-grade Alpha—just to save a Beta? What a waste.’”
Her expression remained mild, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
“They said that if Zhunian hadn’t turned the wheel to save Suisui, maybe he would still be alive.”
She paused for a moment, then asked gently, “Professor Song, would you like to hear the rest?”
Their eyes met—and after a long silence, Song Zhen gave a heavy nod.