My Virtual Wife Stepped Out of My Phone to Find Me - Chapter 19

Initially, Qi Ying gave Xing Xiaochu the impression of being a gentle and reliable alpha. Although she seemed a bit confused about ABO physiology, Xing Xiaochu thought it was understandable—perhaps she had differentiated too late and missed the learning phase.

Later, Xing Xiaochu assumed Qi Ying had an Omega partner, either dating or already mated, someone so close they’d leave their scent on each other.

But now, Xing Xiaochu caught the scent of another Omega on Qi Ying.

Did this mean Qi Ying was cheating?

Xing Xiaochu’s pupils trembled slightly, though Qi Ying didn’t notice. She simply ruffled Xing Xiaochu’s hair before turning to the kitten, using a wet wipe to clean the leftover canned food from its mouth.

“Did you prepare the litter box and cat bed?” Qi Ying cradled the well-fed kitten and glanced back at Xing Xiaochu, only to find her frozen in place. “What’s wrong?” she asked, puzzled.

Xing Xiaochu snapped out of it, shaking her head hurriedly. “N-Nothing, it’s nothing…”

Qi Ying didn’t dwell on it, her attention fully on the soft little kitten in her arms. She scratched under its chin and asked, “Have you named it yet?”

Xing Xiaochu blinked nervously, fingers twisting the hem of her shirt. “N-No, not yet.”

Qi Ying eyed the girl, then stepped closer and tapped her forehead lightly with a chuckle. “Really? No name at all?”

The faint scent of roses mixed with Qi Ying’s mellow plum wine pheromones filled Xing Xiaochu’s nose, turning her cheeks scarlet and blanking her mind. After a long pause, she finally mumbled, “I… I thought of one. ‘Guazi’… But I was afraid you wouldn’t like it…”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Qi Ying smiled. “It’s a lovely name.” She looked down at the kneading kitten and said, “From now on, your name is Guazi. Do you like it?”

The kitten, oblivious to human speech, continued its slow, contented kneading, purring softly.

Qi Ying adored animals—she’d even considered getting a cat after starting her business. But her hectic schedule made it hard enough to take care of herself, let alone a pet. Plus, running a clothing store meant a cat’s claws could ruin customers’ garments, so she’d never owned one.

Luckily, this was just a game. She could indulge in cat ownership without worries.

After playing with the kitten until its drowsy eyes could barely stay open, Qi Ying gently placed it in the cat bed. The little creature wriggled its way in and promptly fell asleep.

Qi Ying sighed. “Eat and sleep—this one’s going to get chubby.”

“Oh,” she suddenly remembered, turning to Xing Xiaochu. “When’s your exam?”

“Monday,” Xing Xiaochu replied.

“That’s the day after tomorrow.” Like any concerned guardian, Qi Ying asked, “How’s your revision going? Confident about getting into Third High?”

Xing Xiaochu stayed silent, only daring to peek at Qi Ying briefly before lowering her head.

“Don’t stay silent.” Qi Ying chuckled as she sat beside Xing Xiaochu, tilting her head to look at her. “If you get in, great. If not, we’ll try another school. It’s really not a big deal.”

Xing Xiaochu finally looked up after hesitating for a long moment, asking softly, “If I fail… will you think I’m stupid?”

Qi Ying laughed and ruffled the girl’s hair gently. “Even if you were, you’d still be my little dummy.”

A faint blush spread across Xing Xiaochu’s cheeks as she understood Qi Ying’s meaning.

On Monday, after much deliberation, Qi Ying decided to ask Xia Ruoxin for leave.

Since time passed at the same rate in both worlds, going to work would mean missing Xing Xiaochu’s exam. Though the girl was just data in a game, Qi Ying wanted to fully commit to this experience—she couldn’t miss such an important moment. Xia Ruoxin readily agreed, allowing Qi Ying to quickly change clothes and enter the game through the alley behind the shop.

It was a clear, sunny day.

The exam was scheduled for 9:30 AM. As an entrance test, Xing Xiaochu would be the only examinee, completing a comprehensive paper within two hours. Results would be phoned to Qi Ying in two days, leaving the girl visibly nervous.

Xing Xiaochu wore the same white dress and shoes from her school visit, her hair tied in a ponytail with wispy bangs fluttering in the breeze. Yet her brows remained furrowed, fingers anxiously crumpling her skirt’s hem until the fabric wrinkled.

Qi Ying smiled, smoothing the dress before bending down. “I know telling you not to be nervous won’t help, but don’t be afraid. The results don’t matter—I’ve already scouted another school for you. You’ll get your education either way.”

Xing Xiaochu nodded obediently, even tugging Qi Ying’s sleeve as she whispered, “Big sis… can we have dumplings for lunch? The ones from that shop below our apartment?”

Qi Ying’s eyes curved with amusement. “Of course. I’ll wait right here at the school gates, and we’ll go for dumplings when you’re done.”

Only then did Xing Xiaochu finally smile.

Two hours later, Qi Ying spotted the girl emerging from school. Noticing Qi Ying, Xing Xiaochu darted across the street and launched herself into her arms with enough force to stagger them both.

Hugging her close, Qi Ying asked, “I take it the exam went well?”

Though shy, Xing Xiaochu nodded, looking up from the embrace with bright eyes. “The questions were easy this time. I think I’ll get in.”

“Good.” Qi Ying gave an encouraging squeeze. “Now let’s get those dumplings.”

Releasing her hold, Qi Ying led the way home with Xing Xiaochu following—her steps now light and carefree, a stark contrast to their earlier journey. Dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, painting patterns across their figures as they walked. Catching the faint scent of plum wine, Xing Xiaochu edged subtly closer.

Nearer to her.

Now began the two-day wait.

For the past two days, Qi Ying hadn’t let the kid go outside. It was scorching hot out there, much cooler to stay in the air-conditioned room. Every afternoon, she’d order the kid a milk tea or ice jelly, then after work in the evening, she’d go home to have dinner and chat with Xing Xiaochu. Time passed surprisingly quickly.

Qi Ying was working on garment samples when the call came.

“Hello, are you Xing Xiaochu’s guardian?” The woman on the phone said, “Xing Xiaochu has passed the entrance examination with excellent results. Please bring the required documents to complete enrollment procedures before the semester starts. I’ve sent the details to you via text message.”

Qi Ying’s eyes immediately lit up. She repeatedly thanked the caller before hanging up.

Xia Ruoxin was lounging on the sofa playing with her phone. Hearing this, she asked, “Who was that? You look so happy.”

Qi Ying was already dialing Xing Xiaochu’s number while replying, “The school.”

Xia Ruoxin: “?”

Before Xia Ruoxin could process this, Qi Ying’s call connected. Excitedly, she told Xing Xiaochu, “You passed the entrance exam! The teacher asked me to bring the documents to school in the next few days. You’ll be attending No.3 High when the semester starts!”

Xing Xiaochu was overjoyed too. After two anxious days, she finally had the results. Hugging her phone, she responded with a happy “Mhm,” then added with a laugh, “Thank you, sis.”

Qi Ying lowered her eyes with a smile. “Why thank me? You’re the one who got accepted.”

But Xing Xiaochu shook her head. “I still want to thank you. If it weren’t for you, I’d never have gotten to go back to school in this lifetime.”

Qi Ying was delighted, her lips curving into a gentle smile that made Xia Ruoxin’s eyes nearly pop out of her head. Qi Ying said to Xing Xiaochu, “Then I’ll order a cake. Let’s celebrate when we get home.”

Xing Xiaochu agreed.

After hanging up, Qi Ying planned to go buy a cake at the mall, but Xia Ruoxin quietly sneaked up behind her. Peering at the call log, Xia Ruoxin murmured, “Xing Xiaochu… who’s that?”

Startled, Qi Ying turned around. “How come you walk without making any sound?”

Xia Ruoxin straightened up, arms crossed, and snorted. “I make plenty of noise when I walk. You just weren’t paying attention. So, who’s this Xing Xiaochu? Sounds like a girl’s name. Could it be—”

Qi Ying quickly waved her hands. “What are you thinking? She’s… she’s a friend’s daughter, a high school senior. I was just helping her find a school.”

Xia Ruoxin drew out her words. “Is she pretty?”

Qi Ying paused, then seriously considered the question before saying, “None of your business.”

Xia Ruoxin burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “She must be gorgeous then! Our A-Ying has seen all kinds of beauties. If you think she’s pretty, she must be exceptionally beautiful, right?”

Qi Ying couldn’t be bothered with Xia Ruoxin’s nonsense. Standing up, she said, “Stop talking nonsense. The kid still has college entrance exams to worry about. Don’t joke around like that.”

But Xia Ruoxin disagreed. “Kids these days know way more than you think. Besides, high school seniors are adults already. Who says they can’t date?”

Qi Ying insisted, “There’s really nothing like that going on. Don’t spout nonsense.”

While bickering with Xia Ruoxin, Qi Ying finished ordering the cake. She then told Xia Ruoxin, “I want to leave early today. Just make sure to lock up before you go.”

“Alright, alright, go keep your little one company then. Just leave poor lonely me here in the shop to fend for myself!”

Qi Ying shot a glance at Xia Ruoxin, who was starting to wail dramatically, and rolled her eyes in disdain.

By around three o’clock, Qi Ying had finished her tasks and slipped away.

Not long after she left, the shop’s door chimed open, and in walked Shi Yu, dressed to the nines and looking as radiant as a little peacock. She folded her parasol upon entering, only to pause in surprise when she saw Xia Ruoxin alone behind the counter.

Xia Ruoxin, propping her chin on her hand, grinned and greeted her with a playful lilt: “Hii~”

Shi Yu blinked in confusion and asked, “Where’s A-Ying?”