To Sink Into You - Chapter 1

July 22, 2339 Xin Xin Calendar.

Early morning. The sky outside the window was a brilliant azure, a gentle breeze stirred, and birds chirped crisply.

Suddenly, a piercing phone ring shattered the tranquility, jolting Wen Yuxi awake from her slumber.

Groggy, she opened her eyes, grabbed her phone, and answered with a grumble, “Hello, Mom? Why are you calling so early…?”

Su Xi’s voice was frantic. “Still asleep? Get up now! Your cousin has eloped!”

Wen Yuxi snapped fully awake, sitting bolt upright. “Eloped?” she repeated in disbelief.

“Exactly! Your grandfather nearly fainted from anger. Come over right away—both families are already here, waiting for you. The Ming family matriarch is furious and nitpicking at our family’s manners. Be polite and don’t make things worse.”

The Wen and Ming families had been allies for over a century. A feud between their great-grandmothers had strained relations until recent years, when the tension began to ease.

To further mend their strained relationship, the heads of the Wen and Ming families decided to forge a marital alliance nine years ago, arranging a marriage between their younger generation. Wen Yuxi’s cousin, Wen Qingcheng, and the eldest daughter of the Ming Family, Ming Qian, were chosen to fulfill this engagement.

One was an S-class Omega, the other an S-class Alpha—to outsiders, they seemed like a match made in heaven.

But only the parties involved knew the true state of affairs.

“…Got it. I’ll go now.” Wen Yuxi climbed out of bed, smoothed her tangled long hair, and headed for the bathroom. “Did Grandpa send someone to find Sister Qingcheng?”

“They’re looking right now,” Su Xi clicked her tongue. “The wedding starts at five this afternoon. How could they possibly find her in just half a day?”

She sighed. “No offense, but your cousin has some nerve. Why run now, on the wedding day of all times? Isn’t that a slap in the face to the Ming Family? If she gets caught, Grandpa will break her legs for sure.”

Wen Yuxi turned on the speakerphone, placed her phone on the bathroom counter, and squeezed toothpaste onto her brush. “She probably won’t get caught, Sister Qingcheng is so clever.”

“Good riddance if she doesn’t get caught. It’s all karma,” Su Xi scoffed, lowering her voice. “Alright, I’m hanging up now. It’s getting noisy here again. Hurry over, and don’t worry about anything. Just think of it as watching a good show with Mom.”

“Mm-hmm,” Wen Yuxi mumbled through her electric toothbrush. “Bye.”

After hanging up, she calmly finished washing up, wiped the water droplets from her face, and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Then, her lips curved upward, slowly blossoming into a radiant smile.

The detached indifference she had shown earlier vanished completely, replaced by pure exhilaration. Wen Yuxi bounded to the balcony, her face glowing with excitement, scooped up the tabby cat sleeping in its bed, and burst into laughter.

“Coffee, I’m so happy!!!”

The tabby cat named Coffee was roused from its slumber. It stretched its legs, pawed Wen Yuxi’s face in protest, and let out a couple of disgruntled meows before wriggling free from her embrace. With a flick of its tail, it retreated back to its bed to resume its nap.

Wen Yuxi didn’t mind at all. She happily went to her bedroom to change and put on makeup, then went downstairs to hail a taxi, heading straight for the wedding venue—the Mingwei International Hotel, owned by the Ming Corporation.

The hotel’s front plaza was lavishly decorated for the occasion. Red carpets seemed to be laid out without end, colorful flower baskets lined the walkways, and balloons, streamers, and banners were everywhere, creating a grand and dreamlike atmosphere.

After getting out of the taxi, Wen Yuxi walked straight into the hotel without glancing around. The banquet halls on the first three floors had been reserved entirely and were decorated with opulent splendor. Though it was just past eight o’clock, the venue was already bustling with guests, their elegant attire and the clinking of glasses creating a lively atmosphere.

After identifying herself to the reception manager, Wen Yuxi politely declined the offer of an escort and proceeded alone to the fifteenth floor. If all went as expected, the bride and groom would be preparing on this floor, changing into their wedding attire, applying makeup, and finalizing the ceremony details.

But alas, something unexpected had indeed occurred.

Wen Yuxi smiled to herself.

As she opened the door at the end of the corridor, all eyes in the room instantly turned to her, each expression varying.

Grandpa Wen and Grandma Ming’s heated debate abruptly ceased.

Su Xi, standing in a corner, hurried over, took her daughter’s hand, and scolded gently, “You’re late! Where are your manners?”

Wen Yuxi smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, Grandpa, Grandma Ming. I’m late.”

Grandpa Wen’s expression darkened. He glanced at her sideways, clasped his hands behind his back, and remained silent.

Grandma Ming scrutinized her, a hint of disdain flickering in her eyes, and also said nothing.

The two elders, who had been locked in a fierce argument moments before, now seemed to have reached an unspoken consensus, turning their collective attention against Wen Yuxi.

The atmosphere grew increasingly awkward. Su Xi was about to intervene when a gentle voice called out, “Yuxi.”

Hearing that familiar yet unfamiliar voice, Wen Yuxi’s eyelashes trembled, and her heart began to pound uncontrollably, each beat a painful thud against her ribs.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her overwhelming emotions, and turned to face the speaker, replying softly, “Sister Ming Qian.”

Ming Qian, dressed in a white dress, sat gracefully on the sofa by the window, a cup of cool tea in her hand. Her eyes sparkled with a gentle smile, her expression serene and composed. “Come over here,” she said softly.

“…Okay.”

Thirteen steps seemed an eternity to Wen Yuxi, who moved with agonizing slowness, her mind consumed by Ming Qian’s face.

Six years had passed, and Ming Qian was even more beautiful than she remembered.

Moreover, this seemed to be the first time she had worn full makeup.

Her originally delicate, ink-wash-like features now bloomed with vibrant color. When she smiled, her red lips and pearly white teeth created a dazzling, captivating effect, almost dangerously beautiful.

Wen Yuxi nearly forgot to breathe. Her head swam as she stiffly sat beside Ming Qian, her throat tightening. “Sister Ming Qian…”

“Mm-hmm,” Ming Qian replied, setting down her teacup and patting Wen Yuxi’s hand reassuringly. She looked up at Grandma Ming. “Grandma, you two continue arguing. Yuxi and I will catch up.”

Hearing her granddaughter’s words, Grandma Ming snorted coldly. Though she looked reluctant, she indeed stopped paying attention to Wen Yuxi and resumed her argument with Grandpa Wen.

Ming Qian turned her gaze back to the girl beside her. After a moment, she smiled wistfully. “You’ve grown so much.”

Wen Yuxi couldn’t bring herself to look at Ming Qian, her gaze fixed on the back of her hand where Ming Qian had just touched her. She murmured, “It’s been six years since we last saw each other.”

Ming Qian sighed softly. “Yes, time really flies. You must be graduating soon?”

Wen Yuxi nodded. “I’m starting my senior year. Just one more year left.”

“Why are you so stiff?” Ming Qian noticed her tense posture, her expression both amused and puzzled. “You used to cling to me for hugs all the time. Have we really grown so distant after all these years?”

Wen Yuxi’s cheeks flushed crimson. “We’re not distant… I was just being childish back then. I’m not a kid anymore.”

Ming Qian chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand. “You’re right about that.”

“Besides,” Wen Yuxi bit her lip, emphasizing her point, “I’ve already differentiated. We’re AO now, and there’s a difference.”

Ming Qian paused, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. “You’re an Omega?”

“Yeah.” Wen Yuxi brushed aside the strands of hair falling over her shoulder, revealing the Omega-specific suppression patch on her neck. “Genuine article.”