The Salted-Fish Alpha and the Actress Got Their Marriage Certificate - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

After a brief startup jingle, Xi Ling’s beautiful face appeared on the display screen by the door.

She seemed displeased, squinting as she questioned Ye Cike: “Why’d you slam the door?”

Ye Cike, sucking in a sharp breath, turned away, avoiding her gaze. “You, you should put some clothes on first.”

“…?”

Xi Ling tugged up the slipped shoulder strap and adjusted the fabric a bit, protesting with a pout: “I’m clearly wearing clothes.”

“It’s cold. Put on something more.”

The afternoon sun blazed brightly, pouring unfiltered light into the small garden, warming the lawn until it was dry and toasty—hardly “cold” by any measure.

Xi Ling couldn’t help but laugh at this blatant lie. Barefoot, she stomped across the plush carpet, heading back inside to grab a jacket.

Meanwhile, Ye Cike waited outside, her restless hands first shoved into her pockets, then quickly pressing against her cheeks to cool them.

This is bad.

She’d seen plenty of beauties before, but none like Xi Ling—so pure yet so alluring.

Like a vibrant wild rose, blooming wildly in her mind, its fragrance teasing her with every breath.

Under the scorching sun, Ye Cike felt dizzy and disoriented.

When the door opened again, Xi Ling called out, “I’m dressed!”

Ye Cike turned stiffly, catching a glimpse of Xi Ling’s buttoned-up long-sleeve jacket and letting out a quiet sigh of relief.

Then her eyes landed on those slender legs and bare feet stepping onto the snowy white carpet.

Ye Cike pursed her lips, her gaze wandering. “Maybe go put on some pants?”

Xi Ling was stunned by this unreasonable request. Since when was Ye Cike so conservative?

“You’re telling me whether to wear pants or not?” Xi Ling huffed loudly. “Are you coming in or what?”

Ye Cike’s heart skipped a beat. Was her reaction too much? Would it make Xi Ling angry?

She hurried to the entryway, awkwardly handing over a paper bag.

Xi Ling tilted her head as she took it. “Candy?”

“No, it’s freshly baked orange bread.”

Still warm from the oven, it gave off a sweet-tangy aroma.

Xi Ling nodded, her lips curling slightly. Noticing the shift in her expression, Ye Cike’s anxious heart finally settled.

She changed into slippers and followed Xi Ling through the entryway, only to freeze upon entering the living room.

A patchwork plush carpet covered most of the floor, fuzzy no matter where you stepped.

Various throw pillows were scattered about, some even stacked into a little nest with five or six cushions, sprawled carelessly across the sofa with the blanket.

Ye Cike was dumbfounded. What was all this for?

“Ugh, I got home too late yesterday and slept straight through till now. Didn’t have time to tidy up—don’t mind the mess,” Xi Ling said.

She pushed the pillows aside to clear a spot. “Sit. Want some water?”

Ye Cike sat cautiously. Xi Ling’s sofa was unbelievably soft.

She shook her head. “You just woke up?”

Right as she asked, Xi Ling raised a hand to yawn, tears welling in her eyes, looking languid.

“Hmm, just washed up quickly. Didn’t even have time to put on makeup.”

So this was her bare face, Ye Cike thought discreetly. She’s even cuter without makeup.

Without the polished distance of makeup, she seemed so approachable.

Ye Cike softened her tone. “Is it because of Qu Weiyue’s situation?”

“Yeah, it’s a hassle. The other side hired some really professional lawyers.”

Xi Ling sat down too, leaning against her soft pillows, clutching one in her arms.

Though she complained about the difficulties, her face showed no trace of frustration, still radiating cheer.

After a brief silence, Ye Cike pressed on. “Sounds like you and Qu Weiyue have been friends for years, worth all this effort.”

“No way. Who told you that?”

A fleeting glint of amusement passed through Xi Ling’s eyes before she explained earnestly, “I helped her because I saw myself in her. Don’t let my age fool you—I’ve been through a lot. When I see newbies, I can’t help wanting to lend a hand.”

She kneaded the pillow in her arms, squishing it into a chubbier shape, then glanced at Ye Cike.

“No other business, so should we get started?”

The question was so casual, as if what they were about to do was perfectly ordinary.

Maybe it was her imagination, but Ye Cike could’ve sworn Xi Ling’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Ye Cike nodded lightly. Sooner or later, they had to face it—this was why she came, after all.

“Won’t it be too open here, not sealed enough? How about the bathroom or my bedroom?” Xi Ling suggested eagerly.

“It is a bit big. Guest bedroom’s better—less used, easier to clean.”

As she spoke, Ye Cike pulled out another paper bag, sorting out the items they’d need.

She laid out bottles and jars in front of Xi Ling, giving a methodical rundown.

“This is for collecting pheromones. Just keep it nearby. The scale shows the pheromone concentration.”

Xi Ling nodded obediently. “Got it.”

“This is an odor blocker. Spray it on doors and windows to prevent leakage.”

Xi Ling nodded again, her lips curving into a restrained smile. “Sealed environment, I understand.”

“The inducer—its core is my pheromone solution. Since it’s all-natural, it’s harmless.”

“Hmm, indu—” Xi Ling’s nod froze mid-motion.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, like a startled cat ready to leap off the sofa.

Ye Cike blinked, confused. “What’s wrong?”

“Inducer?” Xi Ling exclaimed, her delicate brows knitting together in a pitiful frown. “You mean you’re not staying with me?”

Ye Cike sat up straight, clarifying seriously, “How could I stay with you? It’s too risky. The inducer’s a substitute—I’ll wait out here.”

Xi Ling’s eyes dimmed. She clutched the pillow tightly, deforming it, her voice still soft. “But I trust you. Going through a heat alone is really tough.”

Ye Cike’s grip tightened unconsciously, a sour ache swelling in her chest, spreading through her veins.

Rejecting Xi Ling felt oddly painful.

But she kept her voice firm. “Sorry, I can’t.”

“Hmm, okay.”

Xi Ling didn’t press further, nodding one last time before heading to the guest bedroom alone, clutching the supplies.

So compliant.

But the more obedient she was, the worse Ye Cike felt. It shouldn’t be like this. Watching that slender figure, she hesitated, then called out, “Wait.”

Xi Ling turned, her autumn-water eyes flickering with a questioning look.

Ye Cike’s words caught in her throat. Xi Ling was such a great omega—why increase the risk by following her?

But she’d already stopped her, and saying nothing felt weird. Ye Cike fumbled, “It’s just… the inducer has a time limit.”

Xi Ling raised her eyes. “Too long, and the pheromone concentration gets too high?”

“That’s right, but I measured it carefully. Even if you forget, it won’t go too far over.”

Ye Cike couldn’t help a small swell of pride. Calibrating pheromones was tricky—she’d tried several times to get it right.

Her pheromones were pretty well-behaved when it counted!

Xi Ling’s grip on the supplies tightened, and she took a noticeable deep breath. The warmth in her eyes turned to icy pools.

She tilted her chin up, her gaze utterly cold. “Well said. Don’t say it again.”

With that, she turned sharply, walked into the room, and slammed the door with a “bang.”

Ye Cike:

Ye Cike rubbed her temples helplessly. Her pointless chatter had clearly upset Xi Ling.

The wall clock ticked steadily. The soundproofed room gave no hints of what was happening inside.

Even with all the preparations Ye Cike had made for Xi Ling, she couldn’t sit still.

Growing impatient, she started tidying Xi Ling’s things.

The crumpled blankets on the sofa and chairs were neatly folded. Scattered pillows on the floor were picked up and lined up in a row.

When Xi Ling quietly opened the door, holding the collector, she was greeted by her now-pristine living room.

Her bare feet made no sound on the carpet as she crept behind Ye Cike like a cat.

She didn’t speak—her composure had crumbled.

She hadn’t been too upset when she locked herself in the room. Finding suppressants in the paper bag wasn’t surprising. The faint jasmine tea scent of the inducer was restrictive, sure, but she only gritted her teeth.

But after enduring the mild heat and stepping out to find her cozy little nest dismantled?

The dozen pillows, once a chaotic comfort, were now neatly lined up, unrecognizable. The blankets she’d tug over while watching movies were folded into perfect squares. How was she supposed to lounge now?

Ye Cike was so mean!

The lingering effects of the heat made her emotions volatile. A single blink sent a tear clinging to her lashes.

Hearing movement, Ye Cike paused her tidying. When she turned, her eyes betrayed obvious panic.

“Xi Ling?”

Xi Ling was sobbing uncontrollably, wiping her tears only to have more spill over. Her reddened eyes drooped slightly, her voice trembling as she called out, “Ye Cike, I feel awful.”

Ye Cike reached out, gently touching her forehead to check her temperature, her voice impossibly soft. “Where does it hurt?”

Her fingertips were warm, but Xi Ling’s forehead felt alarmingly hot.

This wasn’t right—how could a mild heat be this severe?

“Ugh, I just feel awful,” Xi Ling mumbled incoherently, taking shallow, oxygen-starved breaths. While Ye Cike’s hand lingered, she gently nuzzled her forehead into her palm.

Ye Cike felt like she’d been launched into the clouds, sinking into cotton—her heart melted into a puddle.

What an adorable little move!

Xi Ling handed over the collector. “Take it. Don’t lose it.”

Ye Cike sighed helplessly, setting the collector aside and buttoning up Xi Ling’s jacket, which had somehow come undone.

“You’re still worrying about others at a time like this?”

But as soon as she fastened it, a warm tear splashed onto the back of her hand.

Ye Cike looked up, stunned to see Xi Ling crying even harder. No sound, just tears falling like broken pearls.

Ye Cike’s mind went blank—she had no idea how to comfort someone! Without time to wipe the tear off her hand, she frantically grabbed tissues and thrust them at Xi Ling.

“Don’t cry.”

“But I feel bad. Hot. No energy.”

Xi Ling bit her lower lip, her cheeks flushed like rouge on snow. Even a light touch felt like it might leave a mark.

Ye Cike held her breath. “Is there anything I can help with?”

Xi Ling’s request came hesitantly, almost negotiable. “Could you give me a temporary mark?”

“No way.”

Ye Cike answered without thinking.

After rejecting her, she felt a twinge of embarrassment. She’d just promised to help, then turned her down—talk about looking like a liar.

She tried to coax her. “Temporary marks can be addictive for omegas. Be good, just hang in there.”

Xi Ling gripped her jacket, her voice trembling. “Then you should go.”

Afraid of being misunderstood, she covered her eyes with her sleeve and turned away. “I don’t blame you. I just need to be alone for a bit.”

Xi Ling shut her eyes, trying not to think, letting tears soak her sleeve. She was waiting—waiting for Ye Cike to leave so she could bury herself in the blankets.

Time seemed to pause, her rapid heartbeat the only sound.

But instead of a closing door, she was suddenly enveloped in a warm embrace.

The familiar jasmine tea scent, more captivating than any inducer, was like fine tea—lingering and unforgettable.

In that moment, all her worries melted away, and Xi Ling hugged back.