The Black Lotus Wife Forces Me to Pretend to Be an Omega. - Chapter 36

The weather and cuisine in Fancheng weren’t much different from Jincheng, but the unfamiliar accents around her occasionally left Li Fanshuang feeling disoriented.

Like now—she had only dozed off briefly on set, yet in her dream, she had become a five-year-old child wandering deep into the mountains.

A grubby little girl had taken her hand and pulled her out of that living hell.

Li Fanshuang did have a white moonlight in her past, but she couldn’t remember the girl’s name, nor did she know if she was still alive.

She didn’t even remember her face—they had been so young back then. The only thing that lingered in her memory was a pair of strikingly bright eyes.

But aside from those eyes, she recalled nothing else.

“Shuangshuang-jie?”

Fu Xinting gently nudged Li Fanshuang.

Her lashes fluttered like delicate curtains before she squinted, raising a hand to shield her eyes from the sunlight. She waited a moment for her vision to adjust before fully opening them.

She turned to the person beside her. “What is it? Did the director call for me?”

Li Fanshuang remembered her scene wasn’t scheduled to start for a while yet.

“No, I noticed you hadn’t gone to eat, so I brought you some food.” Fu Xinting handed her a lunchbox.

Li Fanshuang murmured, “Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”

Her mind was still filled with Luo Xiaoxiao and that girl’s eyes. At the thought, she lifted her gaze to study Fu Xinting.

Hadn’t she initially helped her precisely because of those eyes?

But when she thought back carefully, the way Xiaoxiao had looked at her that day…

“Li Fanshuang!”

The director’s sharp shout snapped her out of her thoughts.

She looked up to see the woman storming toward her.

“What’s wrong, Director Chen?”

Li Fanshuang was genuinely surprised.

Chen Yu was famously even-tempered in the industry—who could have angered her this much?

Chen Yu waved a hand dismissively and scoffed. “That guy—Fang Jin, the one playing your second brother. We’ve shot so many takes, and he still can’t get it right. Tell me, why does a singer insist on wreaking havoc in our film industry?”

Li Fanshuang blinked. She hadn’t expected it to be someone she knew.

Come to think of it, she hadn’t actually seen Fang Jin’s acting before. Rumor had it he was sent by the investors.

“From the Lu family?” Li Fanshuang frowned. Fang Jin was an artist under Lu Yu’s father’s company. During that variety show, she had assumed Old Man Yu was just trying to set his daughter up with Fang Jin—she never imagined he’d secure him such a major role.

Chen Yu let out a heavy sigh. “Exactly. If it weren’t for the fact that I can’t afford to offend Old Yu, there’s no way I’d let him anywhere near my set!”

“Try not to get too worked up.” Li Fanshuang handed her a bottle of water.

Chen Yu shot her an exasperated look before snatching it. “You too—the screenwriter came by earlier and said your expression was off. When you look at Zhiyu, it feels like you’re acting.”

Li Fanshuang froze. Her gaze flickered briefly toward Fu Xinting before she turned back to Chen Yu, feigning surprise. “Well… isn’t that the point?”

“Damn it.” Chen Yu was on the verge of a breakdown. “I thought with all the buzz around your scandal with Fu Xinting, you two would have no problem working together. Who knew you’d be the biggest issue? Fine, let’s split your scenes for now—we’ll shoot other parts first and put your interactions on hold. I’ll find some stand-ins to rehearse with you instead.”

With that, Chen Yu walked away.

Li Fanshuang felt exhausted. This wasn’t like her at all.

She was puzzled. Given her professionalism, she should never struggle to immerse herself in a role. Yet this time, for some reason, every time she looked into Fu Xinting’s eyes, she’d think of Luo Xiaoxiao.

It was like that day when she’d invited Luo Xiaoxiao to play Zhiyu…

Perhaps, without realizing it, Li Fanshuang had already handed the script for Zhiyu to Luo Xiaoxiao—only for her to refuse.

“Shuangshuang-jie?” Fu Xinting wanted to say more, but the woman before her was completely distracted.

Fu Xinting knew Li Fanshuang well. That Luo Xiaoxiao couldn’t possibly be her real wife.

When they first met, Fu Xinting had asked Li Fanshuang about it, but the other woman clearly didn’t want to answer.

Yet the more evasive she was, the more Fu Xinting believed their relationship was purely contractual.

She couldn’t accept it. Was it because she was a Beta that Li Fanshuang would never choose her?

Li Fanshuang snapped back to reality at her words, meeting Fu Xinting’s gaze. Her chest tightened briefly before she said, “Sorry for wasting your time.”

She wondered if her difficulty getting into character had upset Fu Xinting.

“Not at all.” Fu Xinting would never blame her. “You just seem off. Did something happen, Shuangshuang-jie?”

“No.” A bitter smile tugged at Li Fanshuang’s lips.

In all her years, Li Fanshuang had never been in love. She was an actress—she only knew the idea of love, the feeling of it.

Now, separated from Luo Xiaoxiao, she often found herself thinking of her during idle moments. But did Luo Xiaoxiao ever think of her?

Beep Beep beep—

Laughing: So, do you think my wife misses me?

Li Fanshuang opened her phone to the message, her lips quirking slightly.

Of course, her wife would miss her.

Nan Jiu: How would I know? Why don’t you ask her? Asking me won’t get you an answer.

 

Laughing: Come on, as a friend, can’t you just lie to me?

 

Nan Jiu: I’m in no mood to comfort you. I’ve been on a business trip, away from my own partner.

 

Laughing: Hehe, how far have you two gotten?

Li Fanshuang chuckled softly, shaking her head as she put her phone away.

Beside her, Fu Xinting felt an inexplicable discomfort. She had a feeling that smile was because of Luo Xiaoxiao—the woman she’d never met.

“Shuangshuang-jie, what’s got you so happy? A message from your wife? I’m really curious what kind of person she is. If you have time, could you introduce us?”

Beep Beep beep—

Before Li Fanshuang could respond, another notification chimed.

Xiao Chen: Luo Xiaoxiao is set to compete in the pro league. The preliminary rounds for next season will be held in Fancheng.

Li Fanshuang’s heart skipped a beat as her gaze lingered on the words “Fancheng.” She had never mentioned to Xiaoxiao that she worked in Fancheng.

Would they meet this time?

Li Fanshuang: Understood. Can you arrange her accommodation location?
Xiao Chen: No problem. I’ll talk to Zhu Yuxin about it.

Zhu Yuxin?

Li Fanshuang was puzzled—what did Zhu Yuxin have to do with this?

Buzz buzz—

Her phone vibrated. It was Luo Xiaoxiao calling.

Her breath hitched, and an inexplicable tightness gripped her chest as she stared at the name on the caller ID.

She steadied her emotions and answered, “What’s up?”

Li Fanshuang’s voice remained calm, the faintest trace of joy buried beneath her words—only Fu Xinting beside her noticed the subtle shift.

“Zhu Yuxin says she wants to buy a place in our neighborhood…”

Luo Xiaoxiao sounded exasperated as she glanced at Lu Yu’s excited expression.

She couldn’t fathom what was so thrilling about it.

But Li Fanshuang on the other end of the line remained unfazed.

“I heard about her bet with her father.”

This wasn’t news in their circles. Li Fanshuang’s Alpha mother was a top-tier figure in the investment world, and Zhu Yuxin’s family business had flourished with her mother’s early support.

Xu Zhiqian had told Li Fanshuang about its last night.

When she first heard about the one billion, Li Fanshuang had felt a pang of envy.

But then she remembered how she’d defied her Alpha mother to enter the entertainment industry, so she had no right to complain.

This was the path she had chosen.

Back then, her mother had made it clear—she wouldn’t provide any resources.

Even the cutthroat schemes of the entertainment world were hers to navigate alone.

To avoid being exploited, young Li Fanshuang had lied, claiming to be an Alpha.

She never expected that lie to last ten years.

“You knew?”

“I did.” Li Fanshuang’s voice was soft. “There’s another apartment next to ours—it’s also mine.”

Luo Xiaoxiao’s heart fluttered. My wife really is loaded.

But Li Fanshuang’s thoughts were elsewhere.

The earnings from her endorsements and scripts had gone into her studio’s accounts, leaving her with limited personal cash. If Zhu Yuxin needed it, selling the property wasn’t out of the question.

“That’s perfect! Are you renting it out?”

“Huh?” Li Fanshuang thought she’d misheard. Did Luo Xiaoxiao just say rent?

Seeing Luo Xiaoxiao hadn’t explained clearly, Zhu Yuxin urged her to put the call on speaker.

“Ms. Li, here’s the thing—my dad gave me funds to invest, but I only have a year. Buying property wouldn’t make sense financially.”

Li Fanshuang scoffed. She hadn’t expected to be outmaneuvered.

But given the time constraint and investment angle, renting was far more practical.

“How much are you offering?” Li Fanshuang didn’t mince words.

Zhu Yuxin knew she had a shot. She’d done her homework—Li Fanshuang’s studio had low liquidity lately. Even if she rented instead of bought, she could still negotiate a good deal.

“At market price, this apartment would rent for about 90,000 a month. But I’m sure Professor Li has maintained it impeccably inside and out, so I won’t take advantage—100,000 per month, 1.2 million for the year. If Professor Li agrees, I can transfer the money to your account immediately.”

Li Fanshuang’s lips twitched. You call this not taking advantage?

Still, he did need the money now. His studio had recently recruited several newcomers, each representing a significant investment.

“Deal.”

The contract was settled in just a few words. When Zhu Yuxin learned Li Fanshuang couldn’t sign in person from Fan City, she suggested having Luo Xiaoxiao sign instead.

But Luo Xiaoxiao refused, insisting she had no right to handle Li Fanshuang’s property.

After much back-and-forth, Li Fanshuang finally told Zhu Yuxin to come see him in Fan City.

The moment they hung up, Zhu Yuxin transferred the payment.

“You work fast,” Luo Xiaoxiao grumbled, sidling up to her. “Weren’t you supposed to invest in me? Where’s my money?”

“Ah!” Zhu Yuxin smacked her forehead. “Between the rent, opening costs, and that hospital investment, my account hit its transfer limit. You’ll have to wait half a month.”

“What?!” Luo Xiaoxiao couldn’t believe her ears. With competitions coming up, her sponsor had no funds?

Zhu Yuxin threw an arm around her shoulders in a show of camaraderie. “Relax! Once my account’s unfrozen, I’ll transfer funds to Black Panther’s account. I’ll cover all your Fan City competition expenses.”

Luo Xiaoxiao smiled bitterly. Ms. Luo Jing’s recent surgery and recovery had nearly drained her savings.

She was practically broke.

The Fan City tournament would last over a month. Without Zhu Yuxin’s support for the next fortnight, Luo Xiaoxiao might literally be eating dirt.

Noticing her expression, Zhu Yuxin thumped her chest reassuringly. “Just keep all your receipts—I’ll reimburse everything when you return. No worries!”

“Fine.” Luo Xiaoxiao sighed heavily. This was still better than her original Plan A.

Initially, realizing she couldn’t afford the competition fees, she’d considered taking out loans.

But with two weeks between upcoming matches…

Maybe she could pick up side jobs during the gap.

As this thought surfaced, Zhu Yuxin’s voice cut in: “Focus on competing and training. The money’s coming in two weeks—don’t let me down~”

Danger glinted in Zhu Yuxin’s eyes.

Luo Xiaoxiao gulped nervously. If she lost, this woman might actually strangle her.

“I won’t.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

Zhu Yuxin smiled ominously, patting Luo Xiaoxiao’s shoulder. She wasn’t about to let her investment go to waste.

What’s frustrating is that Luo Xiaoxiao currently doesn’t have much public attention. Even if they wanted to set up betting odds, there wouldn’t be good rates, let alone create a substantial betting pool. Otherwise, people would immediately recognize something fishy.

However, spending a few million to test the waters didn’t make Zhu Yuxin feel too heartbroken.

“After you go this time, you must pay attention to…”

“Acting!” Luo Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows. “Creating buzz for myself, getting more people to notice me. I can’t be like that idiot Sun Weiliang!”

“Smart!” Zhu Yuxin’s bl00d was boiling with excitement. She hadn’t expected Luo Xiaoxiao to be so sharp. At this point, it seemed she hadn’t invested in the wrong person.

Ding dong—

Zhu Yuxin’s phone chimed. Why was Li Fanshuang messaging her?

Huh?

Li Fanshuang actually wanted her to arrange a hotel for Luo Xiaoxiao?

An utterly unbelievable thought flashed through Zhu Yuxin’s mind—could Li Fanshuang and Luo Xiaoxiao be…?

Who would’ve thought Li Fanshuang was serious this time?

Zhu Yuxin’s father had business dealings with Li Fanshuang’s Alpha mother.

Zhu Yuxin knew Li Fanshuang’s background, and now, standing before her was Luo Xiaoxiao.

Could this accidental setup actually turn real?

Zhu Yuxin pondered for a moment, wondering if she should say something to Luo Xiaoxiao.

But before she could speak, another message from Li Fanshuang arrived.

Li Fanshuang: I advise you not to say too much.

Zhu Yuxin chose to keep her mouth shut. What did their relationship have to do with her?

With that thought, she shrugged. “Listen, we’re heading to Fancheng tomorrow.”

With that, she grabbed Lu Yu, ready to leave.

Luo Xiaoxiao paused, momentarily confused about why they were coming along.

Her mind conjured an image of herself fighting in the octagon while Lu Yu watched from the stands.

Lu Yu would probably livestream it.

Professional matches didn’t draw much attention, but if Lu Yu broadcasted it, her identity would likely be exposed.

The thought made her hesitate.

Zhu Yuxin understood her concern. “Don’t worry. Just change your look. On variety shows, you’re a delicate little thing. As long as you shed that image, it won’t be a problem.”

Luo Xiaoxiao still glanced uneasily at Lu Yu.

Zhu Yuxin raised her hand in assurance. “She absolutely won’t record anything.”

Hearing the promise, Luo Xiaoxiao nodded.

Though the competition only divided participants by gender, not secondary s3x, the physical differences between Alphas, Betas, and Omegas were vast.

If she stepped into the ring with her brutal fighting style, who would believe she was an Omega?

Luo Xiaoxiao had already researched the current tournament rules—the women’s division had no Omegas at all.

Inside the octagon, there were only Alphas and Betas.

But for now, the sports and entertainment industries were separate. If she wanted to reach a bigger stage, it would probably take at least three to five years.

By then, she and Li Fanshuang would have long divorced—so what was there to fear?

During Li Fanshuang’s absence these past few days, Luo Xiaoxiao had come to a realization: she shouldn’t fall into Li Fanshuang’s tender trap.

If the ending in that story was to be her own ending, then what had all her efforts in the first half of her life amounted to?

Luo Xiaoxiao, after much soul-searching, decided to take up boxing seriously, save up some money, and leave Li Fanshuang behind.

The first step in life, then, was to make money.

“I’ll book the flight tickets—send me your ID,” Zhu Yuxin said as her final words before leaving with Lu Yu.

The house fell silent once more. Luo Xiaoxiao gazed at the empty space, a pang of melancholy settling in her heart.

She sat idly on the sofa, doing nothing.

Ding-dong—

A notification from Weibo popped up.

It was a post from someone she knew.

Luo Xiaoxiao saw it was from “Frying Pan” and clicked on it, only to realize—wasn’t this person incredibly close to her?

This “Frying Pan” had moved to a new place, and judging by the neighborhood in the photo, wasn’t it the same complex she lived in?

“Huh?” At that moment, Luo Xiaoxiao realized something—this “Frying Pan” was very likely someone she knew.

Laughing: Frying Pan, are you Lu Yu?

She sent the message, and within moments, a reply came.

Frying Pan: AHHHH! Who are you?! How do you know my name?!

Luo Xiaoxiao snorted. This person was still as clueless as ever.

Laughing: Guess who I am?

The two went back and forth for a while, and it wasn’t until Zhu Yuxin arrived that Luo Xiaoxiao’s identity was revealed.

Tossing her phone aside, Luo Xiaoxiao was about to get up and pack when another Weibo notification chimed.

It was a message from Nan Jiu.

Nan Jiu: If I were to prepare a surprise, what kind would you like? I need some reference.

“Eh?” Luo Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes, pondering for a long time—what kind of surprise did she like?

Frowning, she finally typed out a response.

Big Laugh: I like money.

Nan Jiu read it but didn’t reply—probably rendered speechless by Luo Xiaoxiao’s answer.

Realizing her response might have come off as careless—after all, who didn’t like money?—she quickly added:

 

Big Laugh: Personally, I prefer quiet, intimate settings—like somewhere misty with steam.

 

Nan Jiu: Oh? I didn’t know you had such tastes.

 

Big Laugh: To be honest, I’m actually a very introverted and sensitive girl. Pitiful.jpg

Li Fanshuang rolled her eyes so hard they nearly fell out of her head. She had no idea what kind of “introverted, sensitive girl” would ever ask her, “Who tops and who bottoms?”

Still, Luo Xiaoxiao’s words gave her a new idea.

Rather than hesitating, she might as well take the initiative. Li Fanshuang refused to believe Luo Xiaoxiao felt nothing for her—after all, the way she had looked at her before was anything but innocent.

At that thought, Li Fanshuang smirked. The hotel’s hot springs could definitely come in handy now.

The only tricky part was figuring out how to convince Luo Xiaoxiao.

She was in Fancheng for filming, while Luo Xiaoxiao was there for a competition.

According to Zhu Yuxin’s intel, the competition venue wasn’t far from the filming location.

And Luo Xiaoxiao had some downtime in between—if she got bored, maybe she could keep Li Fanshuang company on set?

Now everyone across the country who’s watched “True or False Lovers” knows that she and Luo Xiaoxiao are genuinely a married couple. It would be quite unreasonable for them not to stay in the same room if they’re at the same hotel.

“Xiaoxiao,” Li Fanshuang pursed her lips, then moments later, a faint smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.

Perhaps she’d soon find out exactly how Luo Xiaoxiao felt about her.

As for that white moonlight from the mountains, Li Fanshuang shook her head—it was just a distant memory that held no importance to her current self.

She now understood her own feelings. After leaving Luo Xiaoxiao, Li Fanshuang found her heart could no longer remain calm.

So, it’s better for Luo Xiaoxiao to stay by her side. Li Fanshuang could sense that Luo Xiaoxiao wanted to run away.

Then Li Fanshuang would give Luo Xiaoxiao a reason not to run.

–

The flight from Jincheng to Fancheng was just over an hour.

Though Zhu Yuxin didn’t have much money on hand, she could still afford to book Luo Xiaoxiao a first-class ticket and a stay at a five-star hotel.

But why? The receptionist said there was no room reserved for her?

Luo Xiaoxiao stood at the front desk of the luxurious five-star hotel, dragging her suitcase, her eyes wide as she glared at Zhu Yuxin beside her.

“Seriously? You didn’t book a room for me?”

Zhu Yuxin spread her hands. “You don’t need one.”

“How do I not need one?” Luo Xiaoxiao scoffed in irritation. “Am I supposed to sleep on the street?”

Before Zhu Yuxin could explain, a tall woman wearing sunglasses approached.

Luo Xiaoxiao’s breath hitched, and she immediately shut her mouth. So, this person had booked the same hotel as Li Fanshuang?

How could it be such a coincidence?

Luo Xiaoxiao suddenly felt nervous, her hands and feet unsure where to place themselves in that moment.

It was someone she had just parted ways with two days ago. Someone she had firmly decided to leave behind.

Her gaze wandered, inevitably and repeatedly drifting toward Li Fanshuang.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Li Fanshuang extended a hand toward Zhu Yuxin. “You didn’t have to come all this way. I could’ve just sent you the contract digitally.”

Zhu Yuxin shook her head. “What kind of attitude is that? We’re serious about renting, and this isn’t a small amount of money.”

Li Fanshuang nodded. “You’re right.”

Back and forth they went, signing the contract in person.

After exchanging a few more words, Zhu Yuxin took Lu Yu to check in.

“Hey, hey, hey—” Luo Xiaoxiao panicked as she watched them leave.

What about me?

Before she could voice the question, Li Fanshuang’s voice sounded beside her ear.

“Aren’t you staying in my room, wifey?”