The Salted-Fish Alpha and the Actress Got Their Marriage Certificate - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

The moment Xi Ling turned her head away, Ye Cike knew she couldn’t leave.

Xi Ling was clearly struggling, yet she was still sniffling, awkwardly telling her to go.

But whether it was her conscious wish or the instinctive reliance caused by her heat, staying was likely her true desire.

She couldn’t leave—she should do something.

So the seed once planted in her heart broke through the soil. For the first time, Ye Cike took the initiative, pulling the stubborn omega into her arms.

She even released a small amount of pheromones, hoping to give her a sense of security.

Ye Cike focused as much as possible on controlling the pheromone concentration to distract herself from the warmth in her arms.

But she didn’t expect Xi Ling to suddenly hug her back, clinging tightly and refusing to let go.

Those slender arms, deceptively strong, pressed close, blatantly burying her head in Ye Cike’s shoulder.

A glance down revealed the omega’s pale, delicate nape, and through the fabric, she could feel her softness.

Ye Cike froze, not daring to move.

This made it easy for Xi Ling to act recklessly. She rubbed against her mischievously, smearing tears all over Ye Cike’s clothes. When one side was soaked, she thoughtfully switched to the other.

When she couldn’t cry anymore, she nestled her fluffy head against Ye Cike’s neck, tentatively sniffing the faint jasmine tea scent.

Her warm, damp breath was so close that Ye Cike turned to stone.

She even mocked herself—if Xi Ling scratched her a few more times, she’d truly become a cat scratching post.

After what felt like forever, the soft breathing by her ear finally faded. As Xi Ling let go, Ye Cike stepped back first, creating distance.

She asked cautiously, “Feeling better?”

“Hmm.”

Xi Ling gave a small nod, ignoring whatever Ye Cike was thinking and curling up into the soft sofa.

Following her usual habit, she reached out to grab something but found nothing.

The little blanket, folded by Ye Cike like it was brand new. The pillows, lined up by Ye Cike from smallest to largest like a train. Her favorite one was out of reach unless she walked over!

“”

Her heart, just soothed by pheromones, teetered on the edge again.

Ye Cike watched Xi Ling sit down, expressionless, cool, and composed. If not for the faint red at her eyes and nose, no one would guess she’d just been crying.

But her calm facade didn’t last long before it crumpled into a pouty grievance.

“Feeling bad again?” Ye Cike, unsure what happened, asked patiently.

Xi Ling shook her head, sniffling. “I want my old sofa back.”

Her soft, whiny tone sounded like she was sulking.

The random request left Ye Cike stunned for a moment. “Old sofa?”

Xi Ling’s wistful gaze drifted to her beloved pillows, and Ye Cike instantly understood.

“It wasn’t messy—this is your decorating style?”

Embarrassed by her mistake, Ye Cike said, “Sorry, I’ll put it back.”

Xi Ling didn’t hold back, sitting confidently and directing her with an air of entitlement.

“Shake out the blue blanket, bunch it up for the base. This pillow goes upright for a backrest.”

Under Xi Ling’s personal guidance, a cozy nest took shape in the sofa’s corner, looking irresistibly soft.

Ye Cike, still puzzled, pressed a dent into it with her hand. “What’s this even for?”

“My happy little nest. It’s super comfy for watching movies.”

“What?”

Xi Ling, pleased with Ye Cike’s efforts, lightened her tone. “A nest. Don’t alphas build nests during their susceptible periods too? You’ve never seen one like this?”

Ye Cike really hadn’t.

Nesting was an alpha instinct, sure, but only around omegas.

During susceptible periods, alphas would collect omega clothing and try to bury themselves in it.

Naturally, it was even better if the omega was in the nest too.

But Ye Cike, single since forever, had a pristine closet with no omega clothes to nest with.

She’d never had the chance, so her ignorance was understandable.

Thinking this, Ye Cike felt much better.

Though the process had hiccups, the outcome was what she wanted. Checking the time, she gathered her things to say goodbye to Xi Ling.

Ye Cike thanked her sincerely. “I’ll bring you something to eat next time.”

“Hmm, see you next time.”

Xi Ling waved, the warm yellow light at the entryway softening her features, making her look almost unreal.

Ye Cike walked far, still thinking about that wave.

And that sweet, warm hug. Someone could really be that soft—slim but so pleasant to hold.

Hiss—she couldn’t think about it anymore. She had to deliver the stuff to Qin Cunxue.

Cutting off her wandering thoughts, she drove out of the neighborhood.

While awaiting test results, Ye Cike sent Xi Ling cookies twice, chocolates once, and even a mousse cake via cold-chain delivery.

Even without seeing Xi Ling eat, she enjoyed it.

Feeding the kitty was addictive.

Soon, the variety show premiered, with Meng Gujin’s parts completely cut.

The evidence was overwhelming, and with so many eyes watching, the Meng family didn’t dare tamper.

So, with multiple charges, Meng Gujin would likely spend most of his life in prison.

The director didn’t exactly suffer a huge loss, but it wasn’t minor either—the scandal impacted ratings somewhat.

Ye Cike felt her impulsiveness caused the trouble and planned to make it up to him.

From the show’s airing, Liu Su flooded the work group chat, repeating similar phrases.

Stuff like “The boss is so pretty” or “Teacher Xi is too gentle,” mixed with her usual exclamation marks. Ye Cike, fed up, muted her.

Ning Lan: [Should we check netizens’ reactions?]

[No need. You can start drafting my retirement announcement.]

Ye Cike sighed. Lounging was nice, but when would this illness clear up?

She sat at her computer, pouring herself a glass of homemade cold-brew tea with a touch of honey, and started watching the show’s replay.

The editing was smooth, the filters subtle, emphasizing Xi Ling’s beauty. The comments were full of praise.

[Teacher Xi’s beauty is unreal!]

Hmm, indeed gorgeous, Ye Cike thought, sipping her tea in agreement.

She turned off the comments and watched, noticing the car scene was cut. No big deal—she didn’t care.

When the tasks began, she couldn’t help but smile. Exploiting the show’s loopholes, renting a rice planter, slacking off with Xi Ling—it all felt vivid.

But through the camera, she noticed things she’d missed.

Like Xi Ling’s gaze toward her, sparkling as if hiding little stars.

The sweet cold-brew tea lifted her mood. Ye Cike reopened the comments, curious how others praised Xi Ling.

The first comment she saw:

[I’m done for. Xi Ling and Ye Cike are kinda shippable! “Rice Planter CP” is so sweet!]

“Pfft, cough cough!”

The tea choked her, going down the wrong pipe. Coughing nonstop, Ye Cike grabbed tissues to wipe her computer screen.

She couldn’t believe her eyes. “Rice Planter CP”? What was that?

What kind of CP name was that?!

Worse, the comment had tons of likes, giving Ye Cike a bad feeling.

Following her gut, she checked the comment section for ‘Return to the Countryside’, skimming past generic fan support to find an eye-catching post.

[Thinking of starting a “Rice Planter” CP super topic. Anyone joining?]

The replies were already buzzing with eager hands raised.

Ye Cike was internally screaming. This was their naming level?

Imagining every future appearance with Xi Ling tied to the tacky, absurd “Rice Planter,” she could curl her toes into a fairy castle.

If she couldn’t change this CP name, her kind, gentle personality—even her soul—might be ruined.

Ye Cike logged into her side account, messaging the poster to save herself.

ColdSkyWillRest: [Don’t you think this CP name’s a bit odd?]

The poster was online, replying instantly.

HalfFanFringe: [Odd how? It’s perfect! They were so sweet on the rice planter!]

Ye Cike’s chest tightened, her bl00d surging.

ColdSkyWillRest: [It’s too generic. Search ‘rice planter’ online, and it’s all steel machines. How’s that gonna attract fans?]

HalfFanFringe: [That… makes sense.]

They seemed to waver. Promising. Ye Cike pressed on.

ColdSkyWillRest: [Besides, their future’s long. Why limit them to one show?]

HalfFanFringe: [Totally agree! Got another CP name?]

Ye Cike tapped the table, thinking, then slowly typed.

ColdSkyWillRest: [Cike falls like leaves, so how about “LeafFallKnowsXi”?]

She swore it wasn’t selfish! It just fit.

HalfFanFringe: [That’s great! I’m using it for the super topic!]

Success. Ye Cike relaxed, ready to enjoy the show again.

She picked up her glass, but before resuming, another message from HalfFanFringe popped up.

[It’s up! Join, you’re one of the OGs!]

Ye Cike stared at the invite link, torn. The artist joining her own CP super topic? Too weird!

But after hesitating, she clicked in.

Just a peek, for experience.

Clearly, “LeafFallKnowsXi” hadn’t spread far. The new super topic had only a dozen people.

But it already had fresh content.

HalfFanFringe posted a long piece titled ‘The Village Tyrant and Her Delicate Lady’.

As tacky as it gets. Ye Cike suspected HalfFanFringe came up with “Rice Planter CP” too.

She meant to ignore it, but curiosity got the better of her.

This time, she waited until her tea was gone before opening it.

[Ye Cike, the untouchable village tyrant, owns every rice planter in town.

Xi Ling, a delicate newcomer, humbles herself to borrow one.

One night, Ye Cike corners the delicate lady against a wall, leaning close to whisper wickedly in her ear.

Watching Xi Ling’s earlobes flush pink, Ye Cike chuckles, “Want a rice planter? Beg me.”]

Ye Cike: ?

The air around her vanished, her brain crashed, her vision filled with static. She wished she could rewind time.

Maybe she should just take out this “HalfFanFringe,” Ye Cike thought, expressionless.