Omega, Always Wants to Mark Me - Chapter 33

After the final round of the lottery, the Production Team tallied the results and dismissed the contestants, as the solo competition was scheduled for the next day.

The limited preparation time for the dance routines was deliberately imposed to assess each member’s foundational skills.

One contestant, having drawn Song Wanwen as her opponent, burst into tears, prompting the other members to comfort her.

Sensing the growing tension in the room, Ming Xiaoyue quickly stood up and whispered to her three companions, “Let’s leave now.”

“Okay,” Song Wanwen replied, rising to her feet as well.

Just as the four reached the door, a disgruntled voice rang out from within: “Why can’t the four of them draw lots and compete against each other? Twenty thousand votes! How is that fair?”

“Exactly! Production Team! This is unfair! We demand a redraw!”

“…”

A chorus of agreement erupted. Ming Xiaoyue’s hand hovered over the door, but she hesitated to push it open, a strange fire burning fiercely within her.

Noticing Ming Xiaoyue’s hesitation, Song Wanwen whispered, “What’s wrong, A-Yue?”

Ming Xiaoyue gritted her teeth, finally losing her restraint. She released the door latch, turned back, and called out as she walked away, “You guys go ahead. I have something to take care of.”

She spoke quickly and walked even faster. But just as she was about to brush past Lu Jinxi, Lu Jinxi, as if sensing her intentions, suddenly grabbed her arm.

“Let’s go,” Lu Jinxi said to Song Wanwen.

Ming Xiaoyue visibly struggled against Lu Jinxi’s grip, but Lu Jinxi held firm, refusing to let her break free.

Song Wanwen watched their tense standoff, momentarily stunned. Ultimately, she sided with Lu Jinxi. If Ming Xiaoyue went back and said something rash, their entire team would become targets of public criticism.

Half-leading, half-forcing the furious Ming Xiaoyue away, the four didn’t return to the practice room but instead walked to the stairwell.

Lu Jinxi pulled Ming Xiaoyue inside, while Song Wanwen and Wen Yifan tactfully remained at the door.

“Let go!” Ming Xiaoyue snapped, jerking her hand away the moment they were inside.

“What were you planning to do back there?” Lu Jinxi whispered, her voice unusually forceful.

“None of your business! When our team was in trouble and we were forced to perform last, they refused to cooperate. Now that we’ve earned so many votes through our own efforts, they think it’s unfair? If the four of us competed directly, two of us would be eliminated! Why should we?!”

Lu Jinxi, observing Ming Xiaoyue’s stubbornness, knew she was still furious. She decided to soothe her, saying, “The Production Team hasn’t changed the rules yet. There’s no need to rush in. You’ll just become a target, and your position will become awkward.”

As she spoke, Lu Jinxi also analyzed the situation for her.

“No, I’m just so angry! Why should they get to change the rules? What if the Production Team actually agrees with them in the end? Do you want to become my opponent?!”

Ming Xiaoyue’s voice trembled with indignation. After being reborn, she had worked so hard, so incredibly hard…

As she recalled the events of the past few weeks, she suddenly regretted the words she had spoken the previous night.

“I, I…” Ming Xiaoyue didn’t understand what was happening to her. Perhaps seeing He Tingfeng alive again made her feel like everything could start over.

“I don’t want to be against any of you,” Ming Xiaoyue said, finally letting the weight that had been hanging over her heart fall away.

Fine, she thought. After weeks of reflection, she realized she couldn’t return to her old self. The long-lost feeling of caring about others had stirred something deep within her.

Lu Jinxi rarely embraced the slender woman before her, patting her back reassuringly as she murmured, “I know. You’ve always been reluctant to let go.”

Ming Xiaoyue’s body trembled slightly.

“It’s okay,” Lu Jinxi said, unusually verbose. “The Production Team won’t let them run wild. Don’t overthink it.”

Ming Xiaoyue whispered, “Mm.”

Lu Jinxi pursed her lips. She knew that in their previous life, Ming Xiaoyue had walked too far alone, becoming accustomed to solitude. But girl groups were inherently team-based.

After mentally organizing her thoughts, Lu Jinxi cautiously ventured, “You… sometimes, you could try trusting us a little more.”

“Mm,” Ming Xiaoyue replied without resistance. Perhaps because this was the first time she had been so close to Lu Jinxi, she detected the Alpha’s pheromone and tentatively asked, “Are you feeling better? Tomorrow’s the solo competition. You should be fine, right?”

Lu Jinxi touched the suppressant patch on her nape and said, “I should be okay. But after this, I’ll ask the Production Team for leave to get checked out.”

“Mm, okay. Let’s go,” Ming Xiaoyue said, straightening up.

As the two girls opened the door, Song Wanwen and Wen Yifan turned to look at them.

Finally, Lu Jinxi gently nudged Ming Xiaoyue forward. With a slightly awkward movement, Ming Xiaoyue stepped forward and said, “I’m sorry about last night’s interview and everything I said.”

“It’s okay. We all know you didn’t mean it,” Song Wanwen replied, her gaze shifting to Lu Jinxi beside her.

“Alright, shall we head to the practice room?” Lu Jinxi suggested, timing her words perfectly.

“Yes!” the other three girls chorused in unison.

That night, the production team pulled several contestants aside for individual interviews, and Ming Xiaoyue’s group of four was inevitably among them.

Ming Xiaoyue opened the door and walked in with a smile.

“Please have a seat,” the host said, adopting an unusually warm and friendly tone.

“Thank you,” Ming Xiaoyue replied politely, settling into the chair.

“Are you nervous about tomorrow’s solo competition?” the host asked.

Ming Xiaoyue smiled. “It’s a big stage, so it would be a lie to say I’m not nervous. But after our team’s strong performance in the group competition, I feel much less pressure.”

“By the way, I heard you adapted the team’s new dance. But I seem to recall that during yesterday’s interview, when we discussed Wu Yingyun…”

“The team you’re talking about is just a process. No one will stay with you until the end. So why not save this breathtaking dance for the final stage, even if you have to perform it alone? Why are you so willing to sacrifice it?”

“Actually,” Ming Xiaoyue said, a hint of shyness in her voice, “I really love our current team. I only said those harsh things because we had a minor disagreement earlier.”

The host, sensing an opportunity, chimed in, “Lu Jinxi, right? You were so adamant about not being paired up with her back then. But your solo performances on stage together were explosive—they’ve gone viral beyond the show!”

“Oh? Really?” Ming Xiaoyue, having been in full lockdown during filming, was genuinely surprised.

“Yes. So, what would you like to say to Lu Jinxi now? We’ll pass on your message after tomorrow’s solo performances, assuming you both make it through,” the host said with a smile.

Ming Xiaoyue paused, considering her words carefully before looking directly into the camera. She spoke simply, “Thank you.”

“That’s all?” the host asked.

“For now, yes.”

“Alright, one last question. Many members have expressed dissatisfaction today, protesting the production team’s decision to have the four of you compete internally. If it truly comes to that, who would you choose as your opponent?”

The host’s question caught Ming Xiaoyue off guard. Her expression gradually turned serious, her face etched with conflict.

Noticing her tension, the host softened his tone. “It’s just a hypothetical scenario, don’t overthink it.”

“I…” Ming Xiaoyue’s mind raced with possibilities, yet she still couldn’t bring herself to choose.

The host, sensing her discomfort, graciously intervened. “Alright, it’s clear you cherish your team. It’s getting late, so let’s wrap up the interview for today.”

“Thank you,” Ming Xiaoyue said, grateful for the host’s tactful rescue.

“You’re welcome. Goodbye, and I hope to see you here again soon,” the host said with a smile.

“Mm, goodbye,” Ming Xiaoyue replied, turning to leave. As she opened the door, Lu Jinxi emerged from the opposite room.

Noticing the tightly closed doors of the other rooms, the two decided not to linger and walked out side by side.

As they headed toward the elevator, Ming Xiaoyue seemed distracted, her mind still swirling with thoughts. She couldn’t help but glance at Lu Jinxi beside her, convinced the production team would ask the entire group that same question.

“Hmm? Is there something you wanted to ask?” Lu Jinxi stepped into the elevator, holding the door open as she looked at Ming Xiaoyue standing outside.

“I… it’s about that question the host asked you,” Ming Xiaoyue whispered as she entered.

“You mean the one about choosing an opponent internally?” Lu Jinxi asked openly.

“Yeah… so who would you pick?” Ming Xiaoyue murmured, her head half-lowered.

“Definitely you,” Lu Jinxi replied without hesitation.

Ming Xiaoyue frowned, looking up in confusion. “Why me? Do you… do you want to compete against me?”

“Not necessarily. I might just forfeit,” Lu Jinxi said gravely.

“Ah? You can’t do that!” Ming Xiaoyue protested immediately. “How can you lose without even trying?”

As their eyes met, Ming Xiaoyue saw only her own reflection in Lu Jinxi’s gaze. Then she heard Lu Jinxi say:

“Because it’s you. I’ve always known that debuting is one of your dreams. If I can help you on this path, it would make me truly happy.”

Ming Xiaoyue hadn’t expected Lu Jinxi’s response. As Lu Jinxi spoke, a heavy weight finally lifted from her heart.

In her previous life, she had never imagined that her career change would bring so many thorns to Ming Xiaoyue’s path. Fortunately, it wasn’t too late to set things right.

“Lu Jinxi, I…”

Ding-dong! The elevator’s arrival interrupted their conversation. With security cameras outside, neither felt comfortable continuing their previous discussion.

“Alright, it’s getting late. Are you heading back to your dorm?” Lu Jinxi asked.

“Mm-hmm.” They stood at the doorway, neither making a move to leave.

A gust of cold wind swept between them. Lu Jinxi tentatively asked, “Should I walk you back?”

Her voice was soft, as if the wind might carry it away the moment she spoke. Yet Ming Xiaoyue caught every word.

“Sure,” Ming Xiaoyue replied with a smile, as if she had been waiting for this invitation.

“Okay, let’s go then.”

Though they walked in silence, the atmosphere between them had grown much warmer. After walking Ming Xiaoyue to her building, Lu Jinxi said, “Good night, Ming Xiaoyue.”

“Alright, good night, sweet dreams, Lu Jinxi. I’ll be going now,” Ming Xiaoyue said, her steps light as she entered the building. Lu Jinxi watched her retreating figure, her expression softening.

Before Lu Jinxi could turn around, Song Wanwen’s voice called out from nearby, “Oh, A Jin, what are you doing here?”

Lu Jinxi felt an inexplicable sense of being caught red-handed. She murmured, “Nothing. Why are you guys just getting back?” She quickly changed the subject.

“Yeah, there were a few more issues this time,” Song Wanwen replied, then fell silent for a moment.

“Then I’ll be going…” Lu Jinxi began, turning to leave, but before she could take a step, Song Wanwen asked, her voice slightly lowered, “So, who did A Jin choose?”

Though her words were vague, everyone present knew what she meant.

“Ming Xiaoyue,” Lu Jinxi murmured, her movements freezing.

“Hmm?” Song Wanwen looked at Lu Jinxi in surprise, then smiled. “I never would have guessed Xiao Yue. She’s not one to go easy on anyone…”

Lu Jinxi cut her off firmly, “I would.”

Song Wanwen’s expression paused, then relaxed into a knowing smile. “I see. Well, aren’t you curious who I chose?”

“Wen Yifan,” Lu Jinxi replied, her answer as concise as ever.

“No, I chose you,” Song Wanwen said, causing Lu Jinxi’s brow to furrow slightly.

“Why?” she asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Because I’m going to be with Wen Yifan until the end,” Song Wanwen replied, her voice unwavering.

Lu Jinxi stared at her, momentarily stunned, her lips parting slightly.

Before she could speak, Song Wanwen smiled. “Alright, just giving A Jin a heads-up. When we really meet, don’t hold back, okay?”

“Mm, I understand,” Lu Jinxi murmured, lowering her gaze slightly.

“Then goodbye for now! See you tomorrow!” Song Wanwen said, pulling Wen Yifan inside.

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”