Marked by My Scummy Ex-Wife’s Boss (GL) - Chapter 50

Song Zhen drove back to the military compound and saw Zhu Sui waiting at the gate.

Once Zhu Sui got into the car, she anxiously recounted what had just happened at home, visibly rattled and looking particularly helpless.

With a pitiful expression, Zhu Sui said, “Jie, come with me, please. I don’t want to be sold off to some random Omega by the old man!”

Song Zhen froze for a second and hesitated. “It can’t be that bad… right?”

After a pause, she calmly analyzed the situation. “Most of the Tong family members are Omegas. They usually marry in Alpha husbands, and the children all take the Tong surname. Tong Xianglu is so young yet already the creator of three patents. Unless something goes wrong, she’s clearly the heir of the Tong family. If that’s the case…”

The Zhu family’s Zhu Yi has already married out, leaving Zhu Sui as the only Alpha left. No matter how you look at it, she’s expected to marry an Omega and have children who carry the Zhu surname. The Zhu and

Tong families are on similar footing socially, but within the national power structure, the Zhu family arguably holds a slight edge. Even if the old man wanted to arrange a match with an Omega, it would be unreasonable—emotionally and politically—for him to pick someone from the Tong family.

Song Zhen hesitated. “Wouldn’t that go against your family’s usual principles for choosing partners?”

Zhu Sui had been understandably flustered and confused when she saw the Tong sisters at home, but as Song Zhen had correctly guessed, by the time Zhu Sui called her, she had already figured out what was going on.

Song Zhen had a point.

Besides, Zhu Sui’s grandfather was known for being domineering. If he actually intended to pair Zhu Sui with someone, he wouldn’t even bother with explanations—he’d just issue orders and expect compliance, regardless of how Zhu Sui felt. That had always been his way.

But still… Song Zhen had never actually been to the Zhu household.

Since moving in together, they’d been back two or three times, and each time Zhu Sui had tried to invite Song Zhen to dinner with her family. But Song Zhen reacted as if she were being told ghost stories—every single time she refused. She’d roll up the car window and floor the gas the moment Zhu Sui got out, practically fleeing the compound.

Coincidentally, with the Tong sisters visiting this time, and given Song Zhen’s past connection to Tong Xianglu, Zhu Sui found herself caught in a dilemma. If she stayed for the meal, she’d need to explain things to

Song Zhen. But if she didn’t? The Tong sisters had simply come to pay a visit, and given their status, it would’ve been incredibly rude not to host them properly.

So if a meal was inevitable, and awkwardness had to be avoided, Zhu Sui figured she might as well use the opportunity to bring Song Zhen home to meet the Zhu family.

When Song Zhen questioned her, Zhu Sui—despite being fully aware of the real situation—put on a clueless expression and mockingly complained, “How can it not be that bad? You don’t know how autocratic my grandpa is. What if he really takes a liking to someone from the Tong family? Would you be okay with me making that kind of sacrifice?”

Then, twisting the facts with a straight face, she added, “And aren’t they all Omegas? What if they actually agree to marry one off? We have to eliminate the possibility at the root!”

Song Zhen wasn’t from an elite family. Hearing how earnestly Zhu Sui put it, she wavered. “So how do you eliminate it at the root?”

Zhu Sui’s tone suddenly changed. She cleared her throat and said, “Easy. Just crash the dinner—add another person.”

Noting the lively light in Song Zhen’s eyes, she added meaningfully, “Someone like you, Jie. You’d be perfect.”

“I—me?”

Zhu Sui nodded emphatically. “Of course!”

There was something in her bright eyes that Song Zhen couldn’t quite place, but it made her feel that something was off.

…

The Tong sisters arrived at the Zhu residence, and Zhu Sui, right in front of her grandfather, made the call. No matter how reluctant Song Zhen was, she followed her into the house.

The Zhu household had a simple structure—aside from the old master, it was just Zhu Sui’s uncle and both of their immediate families.

When introductions were made, Song Zhen quickly noticed Zhu Yi wasn’t among them. Doing the math, she figured Zhu Yi must be around six months along in her pregnancy. She likely preferred staying home and avoiding unnecessary encounters. Considering the mess that had occurred in District Three, it was perfectly reasonable for her to want to avoid the Tong family.

Everyone in the Zhu family, including the old man himself, welcomed Song Zhen warmly.

It was the old master’s first time meeting her. Seeing her polite and well-mannered demeanor, he asked a few more questions than usual. Given most didn’t know her well, the only common topic they could discuss was stabilizers. He asked; she answered—things went smoothly.

The old man stared at Song Zhen for a long moment, then suddenly said, “You’re a Beta, aren’t you, Ms. Song?”

Song Zhen didn’t like lying. She simply smiled and said nothing. Fortunately, the old man didn’t seem to expect an answer—he had asked a question everyone in the room already knew the answer to. His eyes lingered thoughtfully on her as he murmured, “Exceptional. Better than most of the younger ones we have in this compound.”

In a place like this, filled with AOs, such praise carried weight. Song Zhen quickly waved her hands, modest and polite.

But the old master wasn’t done. With a chuckle, he asked, “I hear this project of yours wasn’t easy. You can’t skip grades—so how’d you manage to get through university?”

The question was casual, everyday in tone, but Song Zhen felt like he wasn’t just asking her. It was as if he were observing someone through her. She glanced at Zhu Sui, who came over and draped an arm over her shoulder, helping her answer.

The three of them chatted like old friends, drawing frequent glances from Tong Xianglu.

Tong Yun, having just finished chatting with Zhu’s uncle, turned around just in time to catch Tong Xianglu rolling her eyes. She frowned and whispered sharply, “We’re in someone else’s home. What are you doing?”

Tong Xianglu pouted but gestured with her chin. Tong Yun followed her gaze and saw the three of them talking happily.

After a moment, Tong Yun said, “Looks like Commander Zhu is quite fond of Song Zhen.”

“No kidding.” Tong Xianglu replied with ambiguous meaning, then added with a faint smile, “Too bad she’s a Beta. No real possibilities there.”

If Song Zhen were an Omega, a marriage alliance with the Zhu family could pose serious issues for the Z-serum project. But as a Beta, she wasn’t a threat. There was no need to worry.

At lunchtime, everyone gathered around the table.

Tong Xianglu, with her sweet mouth and sharp social skills, toned down her usual madness and played the role of a proper young lady. The elders liked her.

Tong Yun was the same inside and out—serious in demeanor, rational and grounded. Even if not particularly likable, she was at least respected.

Song Zhen, for her part, was easy to get along with. Gentle by nature, she spoke calmly and clearly. She didn’t try to stand out but never seemed out of place when addressed. She spoke just enough to leave a favorable impression on the old man.

After lunch, the sisters stayed a bit longer. The old master brought out a Go board. Zhu Sui didn’t want to play. She always lost to the old man anyway. Song Zhen wasn’t any better. Tong Xianglu volunteered to play a game.

As she played, her moves quickly showed she was no ordinary opponent.

After the first round of Go, the old man narrowly won. Amused, he invited Tong Xianglu to play two more rounds—both of which he also won. Tong Xianglu, clearly disgruntled, pushed the pieces aside with a pout and said, “Commander, I really can’t beat you. Isn’t this just bullying?”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she smiled sweetly. “I’ve already played three games with you. How about letting your granddaughter take a turn? Maybe I can regain a bit of confidence playing someone my own age?”

Her words were sugary sweet, laced with flattery—mocking herself while praising the old man.

Feeling slightly embarrassed for having repeatedly beaten a junior, the old man reluctantly nodded and motioned for Zhu Sui to step in.

Zhu Sui didn’t mind. She sat down with composed ease, picked up the black stones left by her grandfather, and smiled calmly. “Miss Tong, have you considered that you might lose even more miserably playing against me?”

The arrogance in her tone was palpable.

Tong Xianglu raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Then let’s find out.”

In the first game, unlike her conservative approach with the old man, Tong Xianglu immediately adopted an aggressive style. She even made some reckless plays that sacrificed her own territory just to unsettle her opponent. Zhu Sui gradually caught on midway through the game. Back and forth they went—though Zhu Sui eventually won, it was by no means an easy victory.

After tallying the pieces, Tong Xianglu looked over at Zhu Sui with a sly smile and remarked, “Interesting.”

There was something in her gaze—an almost flirtatious glint—that made Zhu Sui very uncomfortable.

Now that Tong Xianglu had dropped the pretense, Zhu Sui saw no reason to keep up appearances either. The second round turned into a cutthroat battle. Zhu Sui won again, this time using some sly tactics to end the game quickly.

Though she lost again, Tong Xianglu’s eyes sparkled with interest, about to suggest another game when Tong Yun announced it was time to leave.

Tong Xianglu clearly wasn’t happy but couldn’t go against Tong Yun, so in the end, the sisters bid farewell to the Zhu family.

The Zhu family wasn’t the only household they were visiting in Military District One. They had more stops to make, and etiquette demanded they move on. Since they had already paid their respects, they needed to get going. The old commander asked Zhu Sui to see them out.

Knowing full well that Song Zhen disliked the Tong sisters, Zhu Sui didn’t bring her along.

Just before leaving, Tong Xianglu suddenly asked boldly, “Why do I get the feeling you’re avoiding me? Am I really that scary?”

Her words were sharp, but her smile was playful, her expression teasing.

Zhu Sui returned the smile. “Maybe you misunderstood, Miss Tong. It’s possible I just… genuinely don’t like you?”

Her response was even sharper.

Tong Xianglu raised her brows and touched her own face. “Am I really that unlikeable?”

Unfazed, Zhu Sui replied coolly, “Some things aren’t about appearances. As head of the Pheromone Division, I’ve hosted Mrs. Brown herself. As for my impression of you… well, perhaps you should reflect on that from a professional standpoint.”

Now that was harsh.

Yet Tong Xianglu simply laughed and waved her hand. “Goodbye.”

Zhu Sui swallowed the “Good riddance” that had reached her lips. Saying it out loud would’ve been too impolite.

Tong Xianglu followed Tong Yun to the car.

Tong Yun glanced in the rearview mirror at Zhu Sui’s rapidly shrinking figure and frowned. “Are you interested in her?”

Tong Xianglu was candid. “I wasn’t, initially. I just thought she looked pretty.”

She paused, then looked at the mirror and smiled. “But after two encounters, yeah—I’m interested now.”

Tong Yun: “…”

Tong Yun said firmly, “Don’t mess with the Zhu family.”

“How is pursuing love considered messing around?” Tong Xianglu rested her face in her hands, her innocent expression completely at odds with her words. “Besides, the one I dumped recently was boring anyway.

Winning over someone who hates me? That’s a real achievement.”

Tong Yun narrowed her eyes. “What kind of ‘winning over’?”

To her surprise, her usually stoic elder sister was suddenly making bold, suggestive remarks. Tong Xianglu shot her a startled look but quickly recovered, grinning shamelessly. “Come on, we’re adults—obviously, both kinds.”

Tong Yun: “…”

Tong Yun could only sigh and caution, “Don’t let it distract you from our real mission.”

“It won’t. You know me—I’m just having a little fun.”

________________________________________

Monday.

The delegation from Military District Five still hadn’t arrived. The First Research Institute decided to move ahead and hold a preliminary meeting out of respect for the Third District’s representatives and to facilitate some early discussion.

Group 2 of the Pheromone Department, Vice President Rong, the institute president, and several vice presidents were in attendance.

The beginning of the meeting went smoothly—until the Tong family’s turn to speak. Then came a bombshell.

Vice President Rong repeated in disbelief, “You’re saying you want to supervise the entire clinical trial process of the Z-serum?”

Normally, when research personnel from another district visit, their role is to help determine whether a serum is ready for clinical trials, agree on evaluation standards, and ensure protocols are followed. After that, the visiting scientists usually return to their own posts.

But now, the Tong family was saying they wanted to supervise everything—from setting the rules, to overseeing trial procedures, to evaluating final results?

Tong Yun confirmed calmly, “Yes, that’s exactly what we mean.”

The institute president frowned. “All three major research institutes are autonomous. Never in history has one institute allowed the others to monitor an entire clinical trial of their project.”

Tong Xianglu added, “Well, the universal stabilizer was still in development before the Z-serum came along.”

“The tragedies caused by rogue Alphas shocked the entire nation. I believe our proposal is entirely reasonable. Having the Z-serum under full supervision is something the public would support.”

The room fell silent.

The implications of the Z-serum’s release were indeed massive—but allowing outside institutes to interfere in their internal clinical trials was a whole different matter.

The two issues could not be conflated.

Song Zhen and Zhu Sui exchanged a glance.

Tong Yun then slowly played her trump card. “This suggestion was first made by our institute director. He even visited the Fifth Research Institute specifically for this. Although they aren’t here yet…”

She smiled. “They fully support the proposal.”

Well, then—clearly, they’d already secured their allies.