To Sink Into You - Chapter 18

Ming Qian arranged to meet her high school classmate, Xiang Jianing, at the Mingwei International Hotel.

Xiang Jianing, a female Beta, came from an ordinary family but possessed exceptional talent, high moral character, outstanding academic achievements, and a smooth career path. After graduating, she worked at a renowned pharmaceutical company, earning the industry’s acclaim as a genius researcher and successfully climbing into high society.

“Old classmate, it’s rare to see you take the initiative to contact me,” Xiang Jianing said with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling with friendliness. “Is there something you need?”

“Indeed, there is,” Ming Qian replied without hesitation, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “I’d like to ask for your help.”

During their high school years, Xiang Jianing had been bullied by classmates, and Ming Qian had rescued her from that ordeal. Therefore, when Ming Qian made her request, Xiang Jianing readily agreed. “Just tell me what you need. If I can help, I will.”

Ming Qian: “Since you work in the pharmaceutical industry, have you ever come across any forced high fever agents?”

Xiang Jianing frowned. “Those are banned substances, prohibited from production by higher authorities. We specialized personnel don’t have access to them.”

After a pause, she added, “However, as far as I know, such agents continue to circulate on the Black Market and the dark web, despite repeated bans. It’s a complete black market supply chain.”

“I’m aware of the supply chain and am investigating it,” Ming Qian said thoughtfully. “I want to know, if I provide you with glandular hormones or bl00d samples from users of the drug, could you develop an antidote?”

“An antidote?” Xiang Jianing asked, puzzled. “Isn’t the drug supposed to be a one-time thing?”

“There are lingering side effects,” Ming Qian explained. “Persistent high fevers, febrile shock… We don’t know if it will recur during the next High Fever Period. If this continues, it will undoubtedly cause irreversible damage to her body.”

Xiang Jianing took a deep breath. “How do you know all this? Is there an Omega close to you who’s been affected?”

Ming Qian’s expression turned grave as she nodded. “The young one at home.”

Xiang Jianing paused, her gaze lowering, her voice softening. “Your arranged marriage partner?”

“Yes,” Ming Qian said, rubbing her temples. “Someone drugged her. She barely endured the last High Fever Period with suppressants, but I don’t want her to suffer like that again.”

“I can’t guarantee success in developing an antidote, but…” Xiang Jianing smiled, a sudden thought striking her. “It’s quite a coincidence. My recent research has been focused on data related to this. During her next High Fever Period, you can collect glandular hormone and bl00d samples from… your partner and give them to me. I’ll coordinate with my team.”

Ming Qian asked with concern, “Is this within your job description? Will it delay your team’s research progress?”

“Not at all,” Xiang Jianing replied with a smile. “If we can develop an antidote for the aftereffects of the forced High Fever Period treatment, our team will have made a significant contribution to the Empire. It would be a major achievement, and promotions would come faster than a rocket launch. No one would object to that.”

Ming Qian felt relieved. “That’s good. I’m counting on you for this.”

With the business settled and their meal nearly finished, the two women left the private room and took the elevator downstairs. As they reached the lobby, Ming Qian noticed two groups of people gathered near the entrance, locked in a heated argument.

“Looks like a fight’s about to break out,” Xiang Jianing remarked, stopping in her tracks. “Drunk and causing trouble, perhaps? Strange, why are the security guards just standing there? Shouldn’t they intervene?”

Ming Qian didn’t respond. Her gaze quickly locked onto Wen Yuxi in the crowd. The habitual smile on her lips slowly faded, her expression darkening.

Chu Jiang and the Male Omega were desperately trying to restrain Qian Lang, who was shouting obscenities. Wen Yuxi leaned against a wall, arms crossed, a lazy smile playing on her lips. Liu Yeyin, her face twisted with disdain, scanned the scene and snapped, “Are the security guards just here for show? Get them out of here!”

The hotel security guards took a few steps forward, but Qian Lang pointed at them and roared:

“Get lost! Try touching me, you bastards! I’m Qian Yue’s son and Qian Randong’s younger brother! Anyone who dares lay a hand on me will regret it!”

Hearing this, the security guards hesitated, their faces showing unease. They were just ordinary working-class people, and they couldn’t afford to provoke the scions of wealthy families.

“Young Master Qian,” a soft, melodious female voice suddenly rang out. Everyone turned to see the current CEO of the Mingwei Group approaching at a leisurely pace. Her simple, floor-length dress couldn’t conceal the innate nobility in her bearing. Her graceful figure swayed like a delicate orchid, exuding an air of refined elegance.

At the same moment, the pheromones of an S-Class Alpha swept through the air, overwhelming everything like a tidal wave. The bitter scent of black coffee pressed down, making it hard to breathe.

This was an Alpha’s method of suppressing others of their kind.

Qian Lang’s legs buckled, and he nearly collapsed. The bl00d drained from his face, which had been flushed with rage moments before. Cold sweat soaked his clothes, and his internal organs twisted into knots. With great effort, he lifted his head, fighting back the urge to vomit, and lowered his posture. “Si… Sister Ming Qian…”

Seeing that Qian Lang had regained his composure, Ming Qian withdrew her pheromones and asked gently, “What’s gotten you so worked up? Did our staff fail to treat Young Master Qian with proper respect?”

“N-no, nothing like that,” Qian Lang stammered, wiping his face and forcing a smile. “I was just out with friends, had a bit too much to drink. Sorry for making a scene, Sister Ming Qian. I’m embarrassed you had to see this.”

“As long as everything’s alright. I was worried Yuxi might have been impolite and upset you.” Ming Qian’s voice carried a hint of amusement as she beckoned to Wen Yuxi. “Yuxi, come here.”

Wen Yuxi had been frozen in place for what felt like an eternity.

What’s going on?

No way… Ming Qian’s dinner tonight is at Mingwei Hotel?

She numbly took a step forward, obeying the summons. When she saw Xiang Jianing standing behind Ming Qian, a flicker of wariness entered her eyes. “Sister, who is this?”

“My high school classmate. You met her when you were little, remember?” Ming Qian introduced them with a smile. “Jianing, this is my wife, Wen Yuxi.”

Xiang Jianing and Wen Yuxi exchanged a glance, and in that fleeting moment, both women sized each other up.

“Hello, Xixi,” Xiang Jianing said with a friendly smile. “I used to play at A-Qian’s house and even held you when you were little.”

Wen Yuxi forced a smile. “I’m sorry, Sister Xiang. So many people held me back then, I don’t really remember.”

Xiang Jianing’s expression remained unchanged, her tone considerate. “That’s perfectly normal. There’s no need to apologize.”

Ming Qian wrapped her arm around Wen Yuxi’s waist, pulling her close with a tender smile. “I’m heading home now. Have you had enough fun with your friends?”

The rich aroma of black coffee filled the air, intoxicatingly fragrant. Wen Yuxi’s cheeks flushed, understanding the reason behind Ming Qian’s sudden intimacy. She returned the embrace, wrapping her arms around the woman’s waist. “The party ended a while ago. Let’s go home together.”

Ming Qian replied indulgently, “Alright.”

Xiang Jianing watched the scene unfold before her, her expression complex.

Qian Lang and Chu Jiang stared in stunned silence.

Aren’t they supposed to be in an arranged marriage?

Ming Qian took Wen Yuxi’s hand and turned to Qian Lang. “Young Master Qian, thank you for looking after Yuxi. We’ll be in your care from now on.”

Qian Lang understood the unspoken implication, his legs trembling in fear. “No… no trouble at all, Sister Ming Qian. Have a safe trip home.”

Ming Qian’s lips curved into a smile. “Give my regards to your sister.”

His sister, Qian Randong, was an A-Class Alpha and the Person in Power of the Qian Group.

Qian Lang nodded repeatedly. “I will, I will.”

Xiang Jianing followed Ming Qian and Wen Yuxi out of the hotel. They stopped at the parking lot entrance. “Let’s part here,” she said. “I’ll go get my car. See you another day.”

Ming Qian replied, “See you another day.”

Wen Yuxi raised her hand, still holding Ming Qian’s, and waved it. “Bye-bye, Sister Xiang~”

Xiang Jianing pressed her lips together. “Bye-bye.”

Now that they were alone, Ming Qian released Wen Yuxi’s hand and asked, “Have you eaten?”

“Not much,” Wen Yuxi said, lowering her gaze to hide her disappointment. “What about you?”

“I didn’t eat much either.”

“Then let’s go home and eat together?”

“Okay.”