The Black Lotus Wife Forces Me to Pretend to Be an Omega. - Chapter 24

The group followed the staff to the poolside.

Yuan Zhiqing had indeed fallen into the water.

“What should we do?” Lu Yu frowned, arms crossed, looking like she was enjoying the drama.

Luo Xiaoxiao didn’t even glance at the scene and turned to leave.

A staff member noticed her movement and sneered, “Who would’ve thought someone who looks so kind could be so cold-hearted? She knows how to swim but won’t even help.”

Before Luo Xiaoxiao could respond, Li Fanshuang spoke first, “The water in this pool isn’t even ankle-deep. There’s no need to waste time. And since you’re so kind, why don’t you jump in instead of asking my wife to?”

The staff member froze—since when had Li Fanshuang become so sharp-tongued?

Hearing Li Fanshuang mention the shallow pool, everyone turned to look.

Luo Xiaoxiao pressed her lips together and rolled her eyes helplessly. Some people were bad, but they were also stupid—why choose the one pool that couldn’t possibly drown anyone?

Truly, shallow waters breed petty drama.

“Hey!” Luo Xiaoxiao shouted at the flailing figure in the water.

Sure enough, Yuan Zhiqing stopped thrashing. Huh? She slowly stood up.

The water wasn’t deep enough to drown her?

Luo Xiaoxiao shot her a cold glare. “The pool is behind you. This is the villa’s fountain. Hurry up and get out—it’ll be dangerous once the electricity turns on.”

After this kind reminder, Luo Xiaoxiao’s gaze subtly flickered toward Li Fanshuang.

Li Fanshuang stiffened. Had she just rolled her eyes at me?

Luo Xiaoxiao wanted to say yes.

Without another word, Luo Xiaoxiao walked away first.

–

Li Fanshuang returned to the room a step behind Luo Xiaoxiao and found her leaning on her hand, staring at her.

Her scrutinizing gaze carried faint traces of disdain.

“Professor Li…”

“What did you call me?” Li Fanshuang immediately frowned.

This time, Luo Xiaoxiao didn’t indulge her. “Professor Li, care to explain how many more unwanted admirers I’ll have to deal with because of your face?”

Li Fanshuang froze before finally responding, “I don’t want to be pestered either.”

A hint of grievance flashed in her eyes.

Luo Xiaoxiao sighed. I’m not your protagonist—what right do I have to be angry?

In her past life, she’d always found romance tedious, preferring to focus on making money.

But this life was different—fate had handed her a wife right from the start.

“Professor Li, I hope you’ll protect yourself in the entertainment industry.”

Li Fanshuang’s heartstrings tugged. She looked up, eyes burning. “Xiaoxiao?”

After years of struggling, this was the first time anyone had said such words to her.

Luo Xiaoxiao shook her head. “Professor Li, remember—we’re just in a contractual relationship. Once it expires, we’ll divorce.”

Tick-tock, tick-tock—

The room was silent enough to hear a pin drop.

Li Fanshuang’s gaze fell on the nearby camera.

Luo Xiaoxiao pulled out a severed cable from behind her. “Don’t worry. I’ve cut all the power. I also told Sun Lei that if they install these things in our room again, I’ll handle it the same way.”

Li Fanshuang was puzzled. She saw resolve in Luo Xiaoxiao’s eyes—was she drawing a line between them?

For some reason, she felt uncomfortable inside.

“What do you mean?” Li Fanshuang frowned.

Luo Xiaoxiao stood up and met her gaze directly. “Teacher Li, I get tired too after helping you handle all these things repeatedly.”

Li Fanshuang’s  heart sank. She recognized that look in Luo Xiaoxiao’s eyes—it was the same expression she’d worn days ago when saying she had no money.

“I’ll pay you back soon.”

Li Fanshuang wasn’t exactly flush with cash herself either.

She turned and entered her room.

Li Fanshuang called Xiao Chen to confirm tomorrow’s commercial shoot and incidentally requested leave for Sun Lei.

Luo Xiaoxiao remained standing in the living room for a long time, clutching her chest with indescribable sorrow.

The first person she’d ever fallen for in life, and she had to push them away like this.

Give up, she told herself. Li Fanshuang had a dazzling future ahead and deserved a bright, worthy partner.

Once the dating show ended, she could maintain proper distance from Li Fanshuang, focus peacefully on boxing, and return to her former self.

She rose and retreated to her own bedroom.

The next day, returning from her workout, Luo Xiaoxiao found the room empty—Li Fanshuang was gone.

Without a single word of explanation.

Luo Xiaoxiao’s eyes darkened. Of course—Li Fanshuang owed her no account of her whereabouts.

She turned on her phone to the morning news.

Out of habit, she switched to the sports channel just as they were covering Sun Weiliang’s upcoming match.

His bout with the Japanese boxer was scheduled for early next month—barely a month away.

Having observed Sun Weiliang’s physique, Luo Xiaoxiao knew even his fat-cutting schedule would be tight.

“Good luck to him,” she murmured, downing a black coffee.

A message arrived from Nan Jiu:

Nan Jiu: I think I just got dumped.

Reading this, Luo Xiaoxiao’s lips twisted into a bitter smile.

Big Laugh: Me too.

 

Nan Jiu: What happened with you?

 

Big Laugh: She has someone better. We were never really suited anyway. Better to extricate myself now than sink deeper.

This time, Nan Jiu remained silent for an unusually long time. Luo Xiaoxiao set down her phone and turned to her healthy breakfast.

Ding-dong—

The notification sounded.

Nan Jiu: Why don’t you ask her? Maybe she has her own thoughts? Maybe she wants a future with you too?

On set, Li Fanshuang put down her phone. The lack of response probably meant the other person was busy with work.

“Sis, we’re starting soon!” Xiao Chen urged.

“Coming!” Li Fanshuang hastily abandoned her phone for the commercial shoot.

Ding-dong—

Another message arrived.

Big Laugh: Ours was just a fake marriage arrangement. I hid my true gender. I don’t see how such a relationship could have any future.

Thirty seconds later.

Original message has been recalled.

 

Big Laugh: Sorry. I should find my own pursuits instead of fixating entirely on her.

In her room, Luo Xiaoxiao waited nervously for a reply. Fortunately, there was neither response nor read receipt—meaning her previous messages hadn’t been seen.

She quite liked Nan Jiu as an online friend.

Different from Pingdiguo in some ways.

She could discuss any topic freely with Flat Pan, but around Nan Jiu, she always found herself instinctively holding back.

“It’s like she’s my senior,” Luo Xiaoxiao concluded to herself.

But it didn’t matter—after all, they were just online acquaintances.

After breakfast, she initially thought that since Li Fanshuang wasn’t around today, she wouldn’t have much screen time.

Her popularity on this show was entirely dependent on Li Fanshuang, after all.

However, Sun Lei seemed to have other plans. He called Luo Xiaoxiao over and unexpectedly paired her with Yuan Zhiqing for a task.

Luo Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but admire Sun Lei’s ability to stir up drama—she and Yuan Zhiqing were publicly known as rivals.

Putting them together was like mixing firecrackers and a lighter.

She was the firecracker, and Yuan Zhiqing was the lighter.

When the audience heard Sun Lei announces that Luo Xiaoxiao and Yuan Zhiqing would be teamed up today, they erupted with excitement.

Oh my god, paired with Luo Xiaoxiao? Our Qingqing is going to get bullied!

 

Seriously, can your idol just stay away? Xiaoxiao has never even acknowledged her existence.

 

Isn’t Luo Xiaoxiao just a homewrecker?

 

Are you guys blind? Luo Xiaoxiao and Li Fanshuang are legally married wives. Yuan Zhiqing is the one inserting herself—who’s the real homewrecker here?

Wow, don’t spread lies! Shuangshuang has never admitted to anything with Yuan Zhiqing, okay?

Hmph, the one who isn’t loved is the third wheel. Our Qingqing and the award-winning actress have years of history—PS: photo.jpg

 

Are we really digging up five-year-old drama stills now? My god, Shuangshuang and Xiaoxiao’s gazes on the show are practically dripping with tension. Plus, Shuangshuang even let Xiaoxiao wear… Well, I won’t elaborate.

Neither of them had any idea that their fans were already tearing each other apart on Weibo.

When Luo Xiaoxiao heard that she and Yuan Zhiqing would be running a street stall together, she remained relatively calm.

There were six task options in total.

One was a fixed-items group—selling clothes, earrings, or balloons.

The other was a food group—cotton candy, barbecue, or candied hawthorns.

“Today’s theme is romance,” Sun Lei said with a smirk.

This time, Luo Xiaoxiao chose to keep quiet. Instead, she pulled out her phone and posted in her Weibo fan community:

 

Laughing: Never thought I’d see the day when street vending gets labeled as “romantic.”

And why on earth was she supposed to create “romance” with Yuan Zhiqing, her sworn rival?

The moment Yuan Zhiqing saw the candied hawthorns, her eyes lit up.

“I want this one!”

“No,” Luo Xiaoxiao refused flatly.

Why pick something edible? It was troublesome and required actual effort.

Was she trying to copy Lu Yu and Zhu Yuxin’s success from yesterday?

“Why not?” Yuan Zhiqing pouted.

Luo Xiaoxiao wasn’t swayed by the old green-tea act and averted her gaze. “Do you even know how to make candied hawthorns?”

“Huh?” Yuan Zhiqing froze—she didn’t, in fact.

She turned to Zhu Yuxin and Lu Yu. “Do you guys know how?”

Both shook their heads. “Nope.”

“Then how did you have candied hawthorns yesterday?!” Yuan Zhiqing gasped, covering her mouth as if she’d uncovered a scandal. “Did you cheat?”

Zhu Yuxin shot her a cold, mocking glance. “Ever heard of buying them ready-made?”

“That’s right!” Yuan Zhiqing’s eyes lit up as she immediately tugged at Luo Xiaoxiao’s sleeve. “We could…”

“No, we can’t,” Luo Xiaoxiao pointed to the back of the task card. “All merchandise must be personally organized and prepared by yourselves.”

Lu Yu let out a disappointed sigh—it seemed the method she and Zhu Yuxin used yesterday wouldn’t work here.

Luo Xiaoxiao selected balloons from the pile of items. These were relatively the simplest, requiring only inflation.

Other items like clothes and jewelry needed proper sorting. Who knew what methods Sun Lei would use to test everyone?

At first, Yuan Zhiqing kept pestering Luo Xiaoxiao, but gradually fell silent.

Lu Yu and Zhu Yuxin chose to sell clothes, and Sun Lei gave them a truckload to organize.

Ye Zhao and Qin Heya picked earrings and jewelry, with Sun Lei instructing them to select the latest styles from a room full of accessories.

Yuan Zhiqing clasped her hands together—teaming up with Luo Xiaoxiao had been a brilliant decision.

Luo Xiaoxiao glanced at the woman beside her with folded hands. Sure enough, she was the type who wouldn’t lift a finger.

Lowering her head, Luo Xiaoxiao continued working, using the task to quiet her scattered thoughts.

She didn’t care whether Yuan Zhiqing was actually helping, but netizens weren’t so forgiving.

Yuan Zhiqing is so annoying! Xiaoxiao’s doing everything—isn’t this bullying? What’s she even here for?

 

Our Qingqing is a princess—why should she have to work?

 

Come on, a thirty-something princess?

The online debate raged on, though Luo Xiaoxiao couldn’t see any of it.

Meanwhile, Yuan Zhiqing noticed the criticism in a camera blind spot and curled her lip in displeasure.

After a moment, she put on a friendly face and approached Luo Xiaoxiao. “Teacher Luo, is there anything I can help with?”

Luo Xiaoxiao paused mid-inflation and looked up. “Are you talking to me?”

“Huh?” Yuan Zhiqing caught the surprise in her eyes and sensed trouble, instinctively bracing for a cutting remark.

Sure enough, Luo Xiaoxiao snorted the next second and resumed working. “Aren’t we partners? If I’m doing everything, what are you here for?”

Well said! Our Xiaoxiao’s no pushover!

 

Remember Sun Weiliang? So brave back then, only for Fang Jin to go eat hotpot after a day’s work.

 

Why so cruel? Can’t you be a little kinder to Omegas?

 

Seriously, are you blind? That’s Luo Xiaoxiao, not Li Fanshuang—she’s an Omega too! So thin she hardly dares eat an extra bowl of rice.

Yuan Zhiqing rolled her eyes at this comment. True, Luo Xiaoxiao didn’t dare eat one extra bowl—she usually had five.

“Where should we sell these later?” Yuan Zhiqing asked.

Luo Xiaoxiao didn’t answer—she’d only handed out flyers before, never done this.

“How about the commercial plaza?”

“Children’s amusement park,” Luo Xiaoxiao cut in. Young people nowadays were too smart to waste money on these things.

Yuan Zhiqing had a disagreement with Luo Xiaoxiao over this matter. “I don’t care!”

“Fine. Go inflate the remaining balloons, and I’ll agree to it.”

“Fine!” Yuan Zhiqing stepped forward and snatched the tools from Luo Xiaoxiao’s hands.

For the next two hours, Luo Xiaoxiao lay on a lounge chair sunbathing while someone nearby toiled away with their head bowed.

It was eerily reminiscent of a certain legendary figure digging for wild vegetables.

“Teacher Luo~” Yuan Zhiqing’s fingers trembled from inflating the balloons as she looked pitifully at Luo Xiaoxiao.

Luo Xiaoxiao pretended not to hear.

Playing such tricks in front of her was simply pointless.

Yuan Zhiqing pursed her lips, realizing her schemes were useless against Luo Xiaoxiao, and continued working with her head down.

At that moment, the production team announced that everyone could have lunch and then set up their street stalls.

During this break, the cameras were turned off.

Yuan Zhiqing dropped her act, throwing down the tools and glaring angrily at Luo Xiaoxiao. “How could you treat me like this?”

Luo Xiaoxiao lazily lifted her eyes and said nonchalantly, “How did I treat you? Don’t go making baseless accusations.”

“Why won’t you give in to me a little?”

“Huh?” Luo Xiaoxiao thought she must have misheard. “Excuse me?”

After a long silence, Luo Xiaoxiao suddenly sprang up. “You wait here. I’ll go buy you two oranges.”

With that, she walked away, leaving Yuan Zhiqing standing there. It took her a while to realize Luo Xiaoxiao had just made a joke at her expense.

The villa was empty. Just past two o’clock, Li Fanshuang returned.

“No one here?”

Li Fanshuang narrowed her eyes at the scene before her. Weren’t they supposed to have tasks in the villa today?

She checked her phone, scrolling through her messages with Sun Lei, which clearly stated there were no outdoor activities scheduled for today.

Ding dong—

The Jin City Meteorological Bureau forecasted an extreme rainstorm around 4 PM, advising citizens to stay indoors.

Bad weather?

Li Fanshuang frowned and called Xiao Chen.

“Have you been watching today’s livestream?”

On the other end, Xiao Chen hesitated. Why did Fanshuang sound so upset?

“They went to set up street stalls.”

Li Fanshuang gritted her teeth and hung up, then checked the show’s official blog. Turns out, Sun Lei had paired Xiaoxiao and Yuan Zhiqing together for views.

“That damn Sun Lei!”

Li Fanshuang was speechless. That guy would stop at nothing for attention.

The quickest way to find out their whereabouts was to tune into the livestream.

–

At the mall entrance.

Luo Xiaoxiao looked up at the darkening sky.

“What’s wrong?” Yuan Zhiqing asked after noticing her prolonged silence.

Luo Xiaoxiao pressed her lips together. “Looks like there’s going to be a heavy storm soon.”

Did Li Fanshuang bring an umbrella?

The thought barely surfaced before Luo Xiaoxiao dismissed it. Hadn’t they already agreed?

No more thinking about Li Fanshuang.

Right now, Ms. Luo Jing’s surgery was the priority. Once she had the money, she’d repay Li Fanshuang and then introduce her to her true love—that would be the end of it.

“Miss, I want to buy a balloon.”

A little child walked up to Luo Xiaoxiao.

Luo Xiaoxiao looked down and saw a pair of sparkling eyes. If the child hadn’t been so dirty, Luo might have immediately handed her the balloon in her hand.

“Little one, where’s your mom?”

Something felt off to Luo Xiaoxiao instinctively.

“Kid, step aside. Have your guardian come over if you want to buy one.” Yuan Zhiqing smiled on the surface, but inwardly, she was utterly repulsed by the child.

“It’s fine.” Luo Xiaoxiao pulled out a balloon and handed it to the girl.

The child shrank back, hesitant to take it.

Seeing this, Luo crouched down. “Where’s your home?”

The girl paused, then shook her head. “I don’t remember, big sister.”

Luo’s eyes sharpened. In the corner, she spotted a suspicious figure. The girl had a small pouch tied around her waist, filled with loose change—had she been begging?

“Do you at least know your name?”

“Zhuzhu. Like the pearl.” The girl grinned when she said her name.

Luo’s heart sank at the sight of that smile. Her suspicions were probably right.

She glanced at the nearby security camera. “Call the police.”

“Wait!” A shady-looking man approached, forcing a polite smile. “I’m her father.”

He reached for the child, but Luo yanked the girl back, releasing all the balloons in her hand at once.

“Luo Xiaoxiao!” Yuan Zhiqing didn’t understand her actions.

“What are you doing?” Yuan jumped up, trying to grab a balloon or two—this was the result of over two hours of hard work, gone just like that?

The man noticed the cameraman behind Luo and grew wary. “Sorry, is there some misunderstanding?”

“No misunderstanding.” Luo’s gaze turned icy as she faced him. She shouted at Yuan, “Call the police!”

“Are you insane? He’s her dad! Why would I call the police?”

“He’s not!” Luo yelled. “He’s a trafficker! This child was kidnapped!”

No way, what’s Luo Xiaoxiao doing? Making stuff up?

 

I think she’s right. The guy’s dressed well, but the kid’s clothes are ragged.

 

incheng Police: After verification, we confirm this man is a wanted trafficker.

 

Whoa! Did I just see that? Was that really the official account?

Yuan Zhiqing still didn’t believe it, but the cameraman suddenly shouted, “Luo! Jincheng authorities saw the stream—they’re on their way!”

Hearing this, the man immediately shook off the girl’s hand and bolted.

Luo shoved the child into Yuan’s arms. “Take care of her.”

Then, like lightning, she sprinted after the man.

Luo was fast. She snatched a passerby’s milk tea and hurled it at the man’s head.

Thud!

The cup struck him squarely. He turned, eyes blazing with fury.

“You meddlesome Omega! I’ll kill you!”

He swung at her, but Luo gave him no chance. With a flying scissor kick and a graceful spin, she pinned him to the ground, locking his arm in a cross armlock.

“Let me go!” The man struggled incessantly due to the pain.

Luo Xiaoxiao didn’t release her grip, carefully controlling her strength to avoid breaking his hand.

Only when the police arrived did Luo Xiaoxiao finally let go.

Luo Xiaoxiao’s move was witnessed by many online.

Not through “True or False Lovers,” but through a social news channel.

Jincheng Streets! Wonder Woman Takes Down Human Trafficker in One Move!

When Yuan Zhiqing arrived, she saw Luo Xiaoxiao being taken away by the police.

“Luo Xiaoxiao?” You left me alone—what am I supposed to do?

Yuan Zhiqing had a sudden idea and got into the police car with the little girl. That way, she wouldn’t have to continue with that ridiculous task anymore.

Once in the police car, Yuan Zhiqing politely smiled at the officer beside her, then took out her phone and logged into Weibo.

She clicked on the trending topic: #Sun Lei’s Rants#

Sunny Day: A perfectly good dating show turned into this mess. How is the director’s skill level so low?

Meanwhile, Luo Xiaoxiao, for the first time, said something positive in Sun Lei’s rant thread.

Big Laugh: If you’ve got the influence, do more good deeds.

Just as Luo Xiaoxiao put down her phone, a message from Nan Jiu came through.

Nan Jiu: I think you still need to clarify things with her.

Luo Xiaoxiao stared at the message, her emotions in turmoil. How could she explain?

Say she wasn’t from this world? That this was just a fictional timeline?

That the ABO setting was complete nonsense?

Did she dare?

Squinting slightly, Luo Xiaoxiao sent a reply.

Big Laugh: What about you? Do you dare to clarify?

 

Nan Jiu: There’s nothing I don’t dare.

Well, well~ Luo Xiaoxiao was somewhat impressed. This girl had potential.

But there was one thing she was curious about.

Big Laugh: Darling, I know this might be a bit rude to ask, but I’m just too curious.

 

Nan Jiu: ?

Rubbing her hands together, Luo Xiaoxiao hesitated for a second before quickly typing out a message.

Big Laugh: Between you and that Omega girl you like, who’s on top?

 

Nan Jiu: ……

 

Big Laugh: Don’t ignore me!

Big Laugh: Hey, hey, hey…

 

Big Laugh: Just tell me, bestie~

The red exclamation mark arrived faster than any reply.

Notification: You have been blocked by this user for 24 hours. If you have any nonsense to say, please wait until after 24 hours—or until the user removes you from the blocklist early!