The Black Lotus Wife Forces Me to Pretend to Be an Omega. - Chapter 38

Li Fanshuang initially thought that as long as the rain didn’t stop today, Chen Yu—that ruthless taskmaster—would never let her return to the hotel to rest.

But to her utter surprise, Luo Xiaoxiao single-handedly made the entire crew’s boxed lunches disappear. Not only that, but she also kept complaining about how awful the food was, giving Chen Yu such a headache that his migraine flared up.

In a film crew, if an actor falls ill or has some issue, the worst-case scenario is simply not shooting their scenes for the day. But now that the director was down, Li Fanshuang found herself with unexpected free time.

Luo Xiaoxiao, however, was different. The moment they returned to the hotel, she drove straight into an intense training session.

Feeling bored alone in her room, Li Fanshuang decided to follow Luo Xiaoxiao to the gym.

At first, Li Fanshuang assumed Luo Xiaoxiao’s workout would be similar to her own routine for maintaining her figure. But once she saw it in person, she realized just how terrifying Luo Xiaoxiao’s training intensity was.

The running segment lasted only fifteen minutes, but Luo Xiaoxiao sprinted on the treadmill as if her life depended on it—like a cheetah chasing after some elusive prey.

Then came a series of grueling compound exercises, likely invented by some sadist: burpees combined with weighted squats, followed by pull-ups with a barbell strapped to her ankles?

Ten minutes later…

Li Fanshuang waved her hand weakly at Luo Xiaoxiao. “I can’t do this anymore. You go ahead.”

Without a word, Luo Xiaoxiao put on her headphones and continued her training.

A fighter’s regimen was exhaustive, and just watching it made Li Fanshuang feel tired.

While training, Luo Xiaoxiao seemed completely oblivious to anyone else around her—until she stepped into the boxing ring and began sparring with a male coach.

Li Fanshuang yawned and checked the time. Three hours had already passed.

“Aren’t you afraid of rhabdomyolysis?” Bored, Li Fanshuang started scrolling through videos. Five minutes later, she received another notification about the hot spring services at their hotel.

The hotel was famous for its hot springs, and the suite she was staying in even offered private access.

“Might as well give it a try.” Squinting at Luo Xiaoxiao, who was drenched in sweat in the ring, Li Fanshuang hatched a bold plan. This would be the perfect opportunity to test her theory—surely Luo Xiaoxiao wouldn’t wear a suppressant patch in the hot spring, right?

Countless schemes flashed through Li Fanshuang’s mind. A soak in the hot spring would reveal Luo Xiaoxiao’s true nature once and for all. She just had to confirm: Are you really an Alpha?

But when her gaze lingered on Luo Xiaoxiao in the ring, an inexplicable sense of self-mockery welled up inside her.

Why was she so fixated on this?

Luo Xiaoxiao had already told her, back when they were just online friends, that she was an Alpha. More importantly, there wasn’t a single female Omega in the world who competed in combat sports—so Luo Xiaoxiao had to be an Alpha.

For a fleeting moment, the Luo Xiaoxiao in the ring overlapped with the pair of eyes in her memories. Li Fanshuang averted her gaze, no longer watching her.

The past had grown hazy in her mind. As long as the Luo Xiaoxiao before her was the same person, that was enough.

Li Fanshuang now wanted to clarify her own feelings and was eager to understand Luo Xiaoxiao’s as well. Unfortunately, their circumstances were far from equal.

Li Fanshuang was Luo Xiaoxiao’s financial backer, and their marriage was nothing more than a facade.

Her thoughts grew increasingly tangled, and a suffocating weight settled in Li Fanshuang’s chest.

Beep beep—

Her phone rang—it was Lu Chenfeng calling.

“Hello,” Li Fanshuang answered, instantly reverting to her usual aloof movie star persona.

Lu Chenfeng was accustomed to her tone, though her own wasn’t much better.

“Your pheromone issue is getting serious. Either publicly reveal your identity and retire, or find your destined Alpha.”

Li Fanshuang disliked the term, but after some reflection, she’d realized that if she truly had a destined Alpha, it could only be Luo Xiaoxiao.

“Fine, I get it. But how do I make my destined Alpha fall for me?”

Silence stretched on the other end, as if Lu Chenfeng had just heard the world’s biggest joke.

“You… you’re Li Fanshuang.”

Li Fanshuang hummed in confusion.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Lu Chenfeng scoffed. “You’re a top-tier Omega. Whether she’s your destined Alpha or not, she’d come running with just a crook of your finger. What? Don’t tell me you’re unwilling to engage in some… adult activities with her—”

“Alright, enough,” Li Fanshuang pinched the bridge of her nose wearily. Truthfully, she’d never considered that angle. After realizing her feelings for Luo Xiaoxiao, her thoughts had mostly revolved around how to spend more time together, to prolong their shared life.

Yet here was Lu Chenfeng, diving straight into such brazen suggestions.

“Li Fanshuang, what exactly are you hesitating about?”

Li Fanshuang sighed, uncertain how Luo Xiaoxiao would react upon learning the truth.

Would she resent her for keeping secrets? For knowing her identity all along yet continuing to test her under the guise of Nan Jiu?

“I might need an outfit right now.”

“Clothes shortage?” Lu Chenfeng snorted, amused by what she assumed was another dry joke.

Just then, Yuan Zhiqing’s voice exploded through the phone.

“Movie Queen Li, are you looking for a ‘battle robe’ for hot spring seduction?”

Li Fanshuang narrowed her eyes—were Yuan Zhiqing and Lu Chenfeng together?

Had Lu Chenfeng actually succeeded?

Before she could ponder further, Yuan Zhiqing continued:

“You’re at the Fancheng Plus Hotel, right? Wait there—I’ll have a friend in Fancheng deliver your ‘battle robe’ immediately.”

The line went dead before Li Fanshuang could protest.

She sighed in exasperation. She had prepared outfits, but her hot spring attire was either too revealing or overly conservative.

She’d only wanted Lu Chenfeng’s opinion—after all, the woman’s aunt was a renowned fashion designer, and Lu Chenfeng herself had impeccable taste.

But with Yuan Zhiqing’s interference, she’d gotten no advice at all.

“That Yuan Zhiqing…”

Li Fanshuang rubbed her forehead, wondering if her identity had already been exposed.

But then again, it shouldn’t matter. That guy Lu Chenfeng wouldn’t dare spill her secret.

Yuan Zhiqing was even less likely—she and Li Fanshuang weren’t at the point of tearing each other apart over something as trivial as a role.

“What’s wrong?” Luo Xiaoxiao’s voice came slightly breathless as she walked up to Li Fanshu, sweat glistening on her skin. She waved a hand in front of Li Fanshuang’s eyes.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Li Fanshuang finally noticed Luo Xiaoxiao standing right in front of her. Had she really been spacing out just now?

Clearing her throat, Li Fanshuang suppressed the flutter in her chest. She had been mentally debating what to wear, though admittedly, her mind had also wandered to some… less broadcast-friendly images.

“You finished training?”

“Yeah, what were you thinking about so intently?” Luo Xiaoxiao wiped her damp hair. “Let’s head back to shower. I can’t stand this anymore.”

“Since we got caught in the rain today, how about I treat you to a hot spring?”

The moment the words left her mouth, Li Fanshuang’s heart began pounding. Hot springs were an intimate affair—if Luo Xiaoxiao refused, she wasn’t sure what other excuse she could come up with.

Pathetic, really. A reigning actress like her, fretting over how to sell herself.

Disgusting.

Her gaze lingered on Luo Xiaoxiao’s youthful face, noticing an unmistakable excitement in her expression. Wait—excitement? Was she seeing things?

What was Luo Xiaoxiao so thrilled about?

Could it be that she also…?

Li Fanshuang clicked her tongue inwardly. Luo Xiaoxiao wasn’t what she’d expected.

Damn brat, not even giving her a clear answer.

When Luo Xiaoxiao remained silent for too long, Li Fanshuang spoke again, “What? You don’t want to go with me—”

“I do!” Luo Xiaoxiao blurted out. Of course she wanted to! In both lifetimes combined, she’d never been to a hot spring before. And besides…

Her eyes flickered over Li Fanshuang before she quickly looked away, her pulse racing.

This was Li Fanshuang. If she was inviting her to a hot spring, did that mean…?

Ugh! Mentally slapping herself, Luo Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth. No way. Absolutely no way. Li Fanshuang was meant for the other female lead—there was no way she had any interest in her. Luo Xiaoxiao, get your filthy mind out of the gutter!

And they were both Alphas. If anything did happen, given Luo Xiaoxiao’s weak pheromone level, she’d probably get knocked out by Li Fanshuang in seconds.

At that thought, Luo Xiaoxiao immediately reined in all her wild imaginings.

She’d already made up her mind, hadn’t she? Once the real protagonist appeared, she’d play matchmaker for them, and maybe then she could finally go home.

Li Fanshuang watched as Luo Xiaoxiao’s expression shifted. What was this? Suddenly so dejected?

“You… don’t want to go? Don’t worry, I won’t do anything to you.”

Yeah, right.

Li Fanshuang added silently. Of course, she wanted something to happen—why else would she go to such lengths?

Li Fanshuang was decisive by nature. If she liked someone, she liked them. If not for how things had started between her and Luo Xiaoxiao, she might’ve already made her move.

And Luo Xiaoxiao was so young.

At this thought, Li Fanshuang couldn’t help but indulge in fantasies again. After a long while, she realized her behavior was indeed inappropriate—her heat period must be approaching, otherwise why would her thoughts be so complicated?

Luo Xiaoxiao let out a soft whine and spoke hesitantly, “I don’t think I have any clothes suitable for hot springs…”

“I do,” Li Fanshuang replied with a smile.

Luo Xiaoxiao frowned slightly. Why did Li Fanshuang’s smile seem somewhat… ill-intentioned?

The image of the first skirt Li Fanshuang had given her flashed through Luo Xiaoxiao’s mind—that skirt length was simply indecent no matter how you looked at it.

“Maybe we should forget about it,” Luo Xiaoxiao said in a small voice.

But seeing the hurt expression that immediately appeared on Li Fanshuang’s face, Luo Xiaoxiao swallowed the rest of her words.

She quickly shook her head, “No no, I didn’t say I wouldn’t go.”

Li Fanshuang’s expression relaxed, “I didn’t mean to blame you either.”

With that, she happily walked away.

Luo Xiaoxiao’s mouth twitched. Why do I feel like I’ve fallen into Li Fanshuang’s trap?

No!

Thinking back to their first meeting when Li Fanshuang told her not to think about anything else—just her money.

What’s happening now? The hot springs weren’t mentioned in their contract at all.

Luo Xiaoxiao’s mind was in turmoil.

Li Fanshuang was in excellent spirits. She understood the principle of striking while the iron was hot—judging by Luo Xiaoxiao’s reaction earlier, her heart couldn’t possibly be calm.

Though her own heartbeat wasn’t innocent either. After booking the hot spring service at the hotel, Li Fanshuang’s pulse quickened with each step back to their room.

Just as she reached their door, she encountered an unexpected guest.

Frowning slightly, Li Fanshuang looked suspiciously at Fu Xinting. “What are you doing here?”

“Sister Shuangshuang, I came to go over the script with you.”

Li Fanshuang initially wanted to refuse, but then she noticed the security camera directly opposite their room. She’d chosen this room for safety reasons, but now—if she rejected Fu Xinting’s request, what kind of rumors might spread?

Being difficult? Heartless? Lacking character?

In the entertainment industry where every step had to be calculated, who could guarantee she and Fu Xinting would always be friends?

What if this visit was intentional?

In just a few minutes, Li Fanshuang considered countless possibilities.

Seeing her hesitation, Fu Xinting remained unbothered. “Sister Shuangshuang, this hotel’s hot springs are famous. We could discuss while soaking.”

Her suggestive smile made Li Fanshuang uncomfortable, instinctively taking two steps back.

“I’m sorry—”

Just as Li Fanshuang began speaking,

“Professor Li must be so busy,” Luo Xiaoxiao’s sarcastic voice came from behind her.

Li Fanshuang’s spine stiffened—she knew that tone all too well. Whenever Luo Xiaoxiao spoke like this, she became extremely difficult to coax.

“I’m not busy,” Li Fanshuang grabbed her hand, offering Fu Xinting an apologetic smile. “Sorry, but my wife and I already have plans for the hot springs. As for the script, we can discuss it during Director Chen’s table read when all actors are present—much more convenient that way.”

Fu Xinting looked wounded. “Sister Shuangshuang, you…”

“Don’t you understand?” The frost in Luo Xiaoxiao’s eyes was like a sharp blade stabbing straight at Fu Xinting. “Sorry, lady, but my wife and I aren’t interested in threesomes. If that’s your thing, I can call the police for you.”

Fu Xinting was completely silenced. She never expected Li Fanshuang’s wife to show her absolutely no respect.

Meanwhile, Li Fanshuang, standing nearby, unconsciously curled her lips upon hearing Luo Xiaoxiao’s words. It was quite refreshing when Xiaoxiao’s sharp tongue wasn’t directed at her.

Li Fanshuang unconsciously tightened her grip on Luo Xiaoxiao’s hand.

Feeling the pressure of Li Fanshuang’s grip, Luo Xiaoxiao’s resentment grew. She abruptly shook off the hand.

“Professor Li, I’m going inside first. As for you…”

Luo Xiaoxiao left her sentence unfinished, giving Fu Xinting a disdainful once-over before snorting and entering the apartment.

BANG!

The force with which the door closed made it clear to anyone that Luo Xiaoxiao was seething with anger.

Li Fanshuang offered Fu Xinting an awkward smile. “Sorry about that. My wife seems upset. Let’s discuss the script another time.”

Without waiting for Fu Xinting’s response, she opened the door and went inside.

Once in, Li Fanshuang immediately headed for the bedroom.

“Xiaoxiao?”

She knocked on the door, but received no response.

Was she really angry?

At this thought, Li Fanshuang raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of hope surfacing in her heart. If Xiaoxiao was truly upset, then perhaps she wasn’t the only one developing feelings.

Click—

Luo Xiaoxiao opened the door and peeked out. “Is that annoying woman gone?”

“She’s gone.”

Luo Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth. “Let me tell you, that woman clearly has ulterior motives toward you.”

Li Fanshuang looked at her seriously. “How do you know?”

“How do I know?” Luo Xiaoxiao snorted. “She said she wanted to discuss the script with you? What a joke! Since when was the script what she really wanted to discuss?”

Growing more agitated, Luo Xiaoxiao continued, “Did you see the way she looked at you? That smirk on her face was full of ill intentions! And suggesting hot springs together?”

It was obvious she wanted to get Li Fanshuang into the hot springs—literally.

“How is it that an Alpha like you attracts so much attention?” Luo Xiaoxiao ended her tirade with a pitiful look. “I have enough on my plate as it is, and now I have to fend off your admirers too! First that Yuan Zhiqing, and now Fu Xinting—your so-called ‘white moonlight.’ If she was your white moonlight, why didn’t you marry her back then? Just because she’s a Beta?”

Luo Xiaoxiao spilled everything she’d learned online. She hated the way Fu Xinting looked at Li Fanshuang—unlike Yuan Zhiqing, there was a determined possessiveness in her gaze.

“I don’t like her,” Li Fanshuang said helplessly.

Luo Xiaoxiao raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “Then do you like me?”

Li Fanshuang was at a loss for words. What kind of situation was this?

Seeing Li Fanshuang’s silence, Luo Xiaoxiao felt even more unsettled. She recalled what Lu Yu had told her—why Lu Yu’s father wanted her to be with Fang Jin.

Because Fang Jin was just a small-time singer with no backing. If any conflict arose, the Lu family could crush him as easily as stepping on an ant.

So, was Li Fanshuang thinking the same thing as Old Yu back then?

Luo Xiaoxiao tactfully avoided discussing the topic with her. Since Li Fanshuang didn’t bring it up, she wasn’t about to make a fool of herself by mentioning it.

Her eyes grew slightly warm—was this what love felt like?

Luo Xiaoxiao didn’t want Li Fanshuang to see her emotions spilling over. She abruptly stood up.

“I’m heading to the hot spring first.”

“Wait.” Li Fanshuang reached out and grabbed her arm. “You didn’t even bring a change of clothes. Planning to go naked? Not that I’d mind.”

Luo Xiaoxiao’s ears turned completely red at Li Fanshuang’s words. “You pervert!”

Typical shameless old Alpha!

“Say what you will. I’ve prepared clothes for you—the third one on the left in the wardrobe.”

A terrible premonition crept into Luo Xiaoxiao’s heart. Opening the wardrobe, she found a garment with barely any fabric.

“Are you serious?” Luo Xiaoxiao held it up to her chest. “This size fits me?”

Li Fanshuang frowned, comparing the outfit against Luo Xiaoxiao. “Don’t worry, it’s very stretchy. It adjusts to the wearer’s measurements, especially in water.”

Luo Xiaoxiao furrowed her brows. Her gaze shifted to the other swimsuits in the wardrobe—the one in her hands was already the most decent.

“Fine, I’m too uncomfortable. I’m going first.”

The sweat from her earlier workout was making her feel sticky.

Li Fanshuang nodded. Her own clothes hadn’t arrived yet. “Go ahead. I’ll have the hotel send some snacks and drinks.”

After Luo Xiaoxiao left, Li Fanshuang took out her phone and messaged Lu Chenfeng.

Li Fanshuang: What’s the deal with Yuan Zhiqing? Didn’t she say she had clothes for me?

Before she received a reply, the hotel doorbell rang.

Li Fanshuang frowned. Had Fu Xinting come back? What excuse would she have this time?

Rolling her eyes, Li Fanshuang considered ignoring it. Pretending not to hear seemed easier.

“Hello, Ms. Li. I’m from the hotel. A package has arrived for you.”

A package?

Li Fanshuang opened the door and accepted it from the staff.

“Thank you.”

Closing the door, she unwrapped the package—a swimsuit.

When Li Fanshuang saw it clearly, she let out a cold laugh. “This? It’s even more conservative than my most modest outfit. Is this what Yuan Zhiqing called ‘battle gear’?”

Just as she was about to discard it and wear her own clothes, a card fell out of the package.

Picking it up, she saw it was a note Yuan Zhiqing had left on behalf of the store.

Yuan Zhiqing: Li Fanshuang, trust me. Wear this today, and you’ll definitely win over your destined Alpha. Don’t you dare put it away.

Hah?

Li Fanshuang sighed softly. Fine. If it didn’t work, she’d just give up on testing the waters.

–

At the hot spring, Luo Xiaoxiao had been soaking for a while. She absolutely loved the feeling.

This was her first time experiencing a hot spring in both lifetimes. She’d heard people say it relieved fatigue, but she hadn’t believed it until now. She was thoroughly convinced.

This was truly amazing—far more convenient than saunas.

Li Fanshuang’s swimsuit fit her like a sports bra and boy shorts.

Her lean muscles were perfectly proportioned. After this period of training, Luo Xiaoxiao’s figure was nearly identical to her previous life’s.

She leaned lazily against the edge of the pool, gazing up at the sky as it darkened. Here, she could actually see a few scattered stars twinkling faintly.

“Beautiful,” Luo Xiaoxiao murmured softly.

The most stunning night sky she’d ever seen was at Dalong Mountain, where there were no city lights to dim the stars and moon—common sights there.

Even though the starry sky back then had stretched like a silver river across the heavens, compared to that, she found herself preferring this moment even more.

The city’s night sky couldn’t compare to the mountains’ beauty, but if you looked closely, you could still spot twinkling stars—a comforting sight.

Swish—

The sliding door opened, but Luo Xiaoxiao didn’t move. It had just been staff delivering snacks, so she assumed this was more hotel personnel.

As Li Fanshuang entered, she saw Luo Xiaoxiao leaning against the pool’s edge, her toned abs faintly disappearing into the hot spring water. Her arms were spread wide, the muscles in her shoulders and arms perfectly defined.

Tsk. This physique was nothing like what you’d expect from an Omega.

Li Fanshuang slowly waded into the water, propping her head up as she quietly admired the pleasing sight before her.

She found herself growing curious about her wife’s past. Li Fanshuang knew little about combat sports, but she imagined they were grueling.

She’d heard Sun Weiliang say he’d taken that path because of childhood poverty. What about Luo Xiaoxiao?

Was it the same for her?

In this world, Luo Xiaoxiao had originally been a masseuse from a poor family.

So then…

Perhaps Li Fanshuang’s thoughts were too loud, or perhaps her gaze had lingered too long on Luo Xiaoxiao.

When Luo Xiaoxiao opened her eyes and met Li Fanshuang’s probing stare, she stiffened. What was this?

“When did you get here?” Luo Xiaoxiao shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, turning her head away and sinking lower until only her head remained above water.

She pulled the snacks floating nearby toward herself. “Come have some. Their snacks are pretty good.”

Li Fanshuang reined in her thoughts—she was hungry anyway.

Not being a strong swimmer, she simply stood and walked over to Luo Xiaoxiao.

“They are good,” Li Fanshuang agreed, popping a small biscuit into her mouth.

With those words, the atmosphere between them eased considerably.

Luo Xiaoxiao turned her head. “See, I told—”

But the moment she saw Li Fanshuang, she froze.

“Professor Li… your swimsuit… it’s… it’s…”

Li Fanshuang frowned. Why was she stuttering? Then she followed Luo Xiaoxiao’s gaze downward and—oh sh1t!

The plain white swimsuit clung tightly to her body.

Leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination!

Li Fanshuang cursed Yuan Zhiqing in her mind repeatedly, but right now, composure was key.

She took a deep breath and submerged herself deeper into the hot spring.

Yet Luo Xiaoxiao’s gaze remained fixed, something throbbing uncomfortably at the back of her neck.

A light green tea scent began slowly permeating the water.

Li Fanshuang felt drawn toward something, but her legs gave way, sending her tumbling forward.

Luo Xiaoxiao caught her instantly, pulling her close until there was barely any space between them.

Something exploded in Luo Xiaoxiao’s mind. With their bodies pressed together, she could vividly picture Li Fanshuang’s silhouette in her mind.

And then Li Fanshuang went limp against her shoulder. “Xiaoxiao, I’m scared. Hold me.”

Every alarm in Luo Xiaoxiao’s mind screamed danger, yet she found herself powerless to push Li Fanshuang away.

“Professor Li, this… this is dangerous.”

Li Fanshuang leaned in close to her ear. “I want to see just how dangerous you can be.”