Shadowed Love: A Lover Who Refuses to Let Go (GL, ABO) - Chapter 1

The weather in Quancheng had turned colder after autumn arrived, with plane tree leaves scattered along the asphalt roads. As dusk fell, the glow of the sunset enveloped the city.

The fading light through the window crept along the edge of the desk as the woman typed rapidly on her keyboard, pausing occasionally when stuck, frowning as she rearranged the words she had written.

Her phone screen lit up, and she glanced at it, a voice message from a friend.

Lee: “Hey, famous writer, you’ve been cooped up for so long. Wanna come out and hang?”

The background noise was filled with honking cars. Knowing Bei Jiali, she would never waste a weekend staying idle, she was definitely out having fun.

As childhood friends, Yin Yunzhu knew her too well. Bei Jiali had never been one to focus on serious matters, always the first to jump at any opportunity for food, drinks, or entertainment.

In contrast, Yin Yunzhu had always followed her parents’ expectations obediently. The most rebellious thing she had ever done was quit her nine-to-five corporate job to become a freelancer.

When she didn’t reply immediately, Bei Jiali called directly.

Yin Yunzhu answered, listening to Bei Jiali’s rapid chatter: “Haven’t seen you in ages! Still working on that crappy draft? Hurry up and join us, I’ve got a group together, and you’re the only one missing.”

The urgency in her tone matched her impulsive personality. After hearing this, Yin Yunzhu refocused on her computer, correcting typos in the latest chapter while responding.

“It’s not a crappy draft. The publisher’s been pushing for this one.”

She was a meticulous person, even weighing her words carefully in casual conversations, which made many around her think she lacked spontaneity. Perhaps because their personalities balanced each other out, Bei Jiali never minded.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just hurry up, latecomers have to drink penalties!” The reply was vague, as if Bei Jiali had already entered the venue, the background noise fading slightly.

After hanging up, Yin Yunzhu stared blankly at the call duration, saved her latest update to the drafts folder, and checked the location Bei Jiali had sent.

It was a newly opened bar nearby.

Having never touched alcohol in her life, she wasn’t sure about her tolerance and couldn’t help worrying. But upon reflection, she realized she hadn’t left the house in a long time. If she didn’t go out soon, she might completely lose touch with society.

After some hesitation, she sighed and shut down her computer.

Would she make a fool of herself if she got drunk? If it came to that, Bei Jiali would surely stop her.

With this worry in mind, Yin Yunzhu adjusted the loose strands of hair at her forehead, tucking them under a beige beret. It had been so long since she’d gone out that she barely registered the outside temperature anymore.

Afraid of catching a chill, she layered on a matching cashmere coat, bundling herself up until she resembled a docile alpaca from a distance.

As night approached, streams of cars flowed into the fading sunset. Even on a weekend, some areas were still congested with rush-hour traffic.

Quancity wasn’t a top-tier metropolis, but its coastal advantage and proximity to developed regions had fostered the growth of several nationally renowned companies.

Stepping off the subway, Yin Yunzhu stood on the platform, pulling up her phone’s navigation. Nearby, two young girls passed by, seemingly fresh from a movie at the mall, chattering excitedly with ticket stubs in hand.

“The special effects were so realistic, and the acting was amazing!”

“Of course it was that’s Jiang Menghe, the critically acclaimed actress!”

“The styling really suited her. Can’t wait for the sequel…”

As they walked away, Yin Yunzhu’s gaze drifted toward Exit F, where a life-sized poster stood prominently. A woman occupied the center of the frame, her profile turned toward the camera.

Even among a crowd of beautiful women and handsome men, Jiang Menghe’s looks still stood out. Her slightly narrow and elongated face was a classic example of the “salt-style” aesthetic, with almond-shaped eyes that exuded calm gentleness. Her long, straight black hair cascaded down to her waist, giving her an intellectual, scholarly air.

The only pity was that she was a Beta. Limited by her secondary gender characteristics, her acting range was narrower compared to her peers. After four consecutive years of nominations for the most prestigious domestic awards, she finally won Best Actress at the end of last year.

“Homeward Journey…” Yin Yunzhu approached and carefully read the artistically rendered film title on the poster.

As a writer, she had certainly fantasized about her works being adapted into films or TV shows that would reach nationwide audiences. If she could choose the lead actress, Jiang Menghe would be her top pick.

She lingered before the display stand for a long time until the mechanical voice of her navigation app snapped her out of her thoughts.

Yin Yunzhu tapped her head twice and muttered to herself, “What am I thinking…”

Such scenarios only happened in dreams. Someone like her and a top-tier celebrity like Jiang Menghe were worlds apart.

During the time she’d spent dawdling at the subway station, Bei Jiali had already started texting to hurry her along. Yin Yunzhu quickly followed the navigation and jogged toward her destination.

“Encounters” was a newly opened bar, its neon-lit sign standing out prominently against the dim evening sky.

Stepping onto the red carpet strewn with ribbons, Yin Yunzhu hesitantly presented her ID. Her round eyes and plump cheeks made her look younger than her age.

“Over here!” Bei Jiali had been waiting at the entrance and waved enthusiastically when she spotted the familiar figure.

After nervously smoothing her clothes, Yin Yunzhu quietly thanked the hostess and shuffled behind her friend.

“Who else is coming besides us?” Yin Yunzhu asked as Bei Jiali grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside. Perhaps the latter had been holding an iced beer, as a slight chill transferred from her palm.

As they turned the corner, melodious tunes filled the air. In the dim lighting, the spotlight focused on couples dancing in the center, accompanied by a young band playing below the stage.

“A few colleagues from work and their friends,” Bei Jiali said with a raised eyebrow, suddenly lowering her voice as she leaned in, “And some handsome guys I want to introduce you to.”

“I don’t!” Before Yin Yunzhu could finish, she was pushed toward a booth.

The faint buzz of alcohol and the scent of pheromone suppressants hit her face. Frowning, Yin Yunzhu squeezed into the corner seat. Afraid she might escape, Bei Jiali sat beside her, stretching her legs to block the exit completely.

Three men and two women were already there. After enthusiastic self-introductions, upon hearing Yin Yunzhu had never drunk alcohol, they took the liberty of ordering her a glass of low-alcohol champagne.

Introverted by nature and accustomed to staying home with little social interaction, Yin Yunzhu felt completely out of her depth in this sudden gathering.

“Come on, don’t be shy, let loose and have fun,” said the blond-haired man as he pushed a dice cup toward her, patiently explaining the rules.

While Yin Yunzhu was still trying to make sense of the game, their drinks arrived. The blond man picked up her glass, about to hand it to her, then suddenly pulled back and asked with feigned consideration, “By the way, are you… on your special days?” The question, paired with the flickering lights overhead, carried a suggestive tone.

Hearing this, Yin Yunzhu frowned, feeling offended. Just as she was about to refuse answering, Bei Jiali, who was already immersed in the fun, jumped in to reply.

“She’s a Beta, what special period could she have? Stop asking nonsense,” she said, coming to Yin Yunzhu’s defense while shouting to the others, “Let’s get started!”

The sticky atmosphere seemed to dissipate with the cold air. Upon learning Yin Yunzhu was a Beta, the blond man’s enthusiasm noticeably waned. He gave an awkward smile and pushed the glass toward her.

Yin Yunzhu felt uncomfortable but held back for Bei Jiali’s sake. In those brief seconds, she quickly realized what the man meant by “special period.”

It was nothing more than the heat cycle for Omegas or the rut cycle for Alphas. During these phases, AOs not only became more physically sensitive but also emotionally fragile and prone to mood swings.

Betas, occupying the middle ground, made up the largest demographic. If Omegas were likened to sweet, refreshing juice and Alphas to intoxicatingly rich red wine, Betas were merely plain water bland and tasteless, only good for quenching thirst.

Put simply, without scent glands to release pheromones that could intoxicate others, Yin Yunzhu’s very existence lacked any sexual allure.

Yet she was grateful for it. Had it been otherwise, today’s situation might have been far harder to navigate.

Somehow, the news reached the others, and soon, the looks they gave her grew subtly different.

The purpose of gatherings like this was all too obvious, and Yin Yunzhu had already been sidelined. She, however, was perfectly content with that, regretting only that she had agreed to come with Bei Jiali. So she retreated to a corner, downing one drink after another.

The dim lighting softened her features, making it easy to let her guard down. Around her, whispers and laughter mingled, occasionally punctuated by exclamations. This kind of bar, neither too loud nor too quiet, was perfect for flirtation.

Even low-alcohol champagne could go to one’s head after too much. Beside her, Bei Jiali’s cheeks were flushed, her speech no longer as sharp and quick as usual as she clumsily shook the dice cup.

Yin Yunzhu felt a thick fog clouding her mind, disorienting her. Closing her eyes, she tried to steady the dizziness from sitting still but finally couldn’t hold on any longer. She stood and said to the person beside her, “Jiali, I need to use the restroom.”

“Hey, you’re not trying to sneak off, are you?” a girl sitting diagonally across teased as she stood.

“No way, stay and keep drinking!”

“Yeah, yeah, we’re just getting started!”

The chorus of jeers left Yin Yunzhu with no way out. Luckily, Bei Jiali waved a hand and leaned forward. “Knock it off. My friend’s shy.”

Escaping the suffocatingly cramped booth, Yin Yunzhu exhaled in relief. Whether it was from staying cooped up at home for too long or not, socializing tonight had left her feeling awkward and out of place.

Her bones tingled, and warmth surged to her face. Maybe she had never tested her alcohol tolerance before, but something felt off tonight.

She decided to head home after using the restroom, then let the others know and split the bill.

With that plan in mind, she walked into the bathroom.

The gleaming black tiles reflected the halo of overhead lights. In front of the spotless sink, a woman braced herself against the counter, bent over as if trying to clear her head.

Some unknown air freshener hung heavy in the air, dulling her temples. Under the influence of alcohol, Yin Yunzhu felt even worse. Clutching her chest, she moved toward a stall, intending to make herself throw up.

A muffled groan from the woman made her pause. Just then, the woman staggered, nearly collapsing to the floor.

Unable to bear it any longer, Yin Yunzhu stepped forward and quickly supported the woman by her elbow, asking with concern, “Are you alright?”

The full weight pressed against her was unbearable. Her stomach, already churning, now felt even worse.

The woman’s sleek, jet-black hair covered half her face, obscuring her features, but she seemed elegant someone Yin Yunzhu might have seen before. Right now, however, she was in terrible shape, her face ghostly pale under the harsh lighting, her breathing so ragged it seemed she could barely catch her breath.

“Maybe I should call a friend for you…” Yin Yunzhu instinctively pulled back slightly, her sluggish mind scrambling for a solution.

She had never dealt with a situation like this before. Frantically, she fumbled through her pockets, trying to find her phone to call for help.

But the next moment, a sudden force slammed her against the wall. A sharp pain shot through her spine before she could react. The woman’s knees buckled, nearly collapsing to the floor.

The heavy scent of alcohol and smoke was somewhat masked by a fresh citrus-lemon perfume, wafting from the woman’s cascading hair. Then, a sharp pain at the back of her neck forced Yin Yunzhu’s head down.

When warm lips pressed against hers, her mind went completely blank.

This woman had kissed her.