Transmigrated as the Imperial Princess's Scumbag Alpha Ex-Wife - Chapter 35

The safe contained surprisingly little—just a few dusty boxes. Zhu Yu surmised that the original owner must have been someone deeply insecure, layering her most precious possessions behind layer upon layer of locks, buried deep within.

She placed the gemstone beside the boxes and pushed them all the way to the back. Patting the safe, she murmured, “Don’t worry, I won’t pry into your secrets. You can rest in peace!”

The earlier burst of eerie scrambled code had been genuinely frightening. A secret chamber bathed in crimson light—it felt like a scene from a horror film, as if the original owner might reanimate at any moment.

Having taken possession of someone else’s body, Zhu Yu felt a strong sense of boundaries. She had no desire to become entangled with the original owner’s “legacy”—the last thing she needed was some ancient jade artifact resurrecting her.

Clasping her hands together, she offered a reverent bow and swiftly retreated.

With the payment password now set, Zhu Yu was no longer the impoverished commoner she once was.

She was now a wealthy citizen.

What should one do after suddenly becoming rich?

Zhu Yu had fantasized about this moment countless times, but now that she suddenly had so much money, she felt strangely disoriented.

The numbers on the bank card seemed both surreal and yet more real than gemstones.

In truth, a million wasn’t much. Bai Shuzhou, worried she might squander it, had deliberately kept the amount limited.

Little did he know that even if Zhu Yu sold all the junk in her car, including the new electronic gadgets she’d only gazed at longingly, it would barely fetch a few tens of thousands.

The Bank Manager, waiting at the entrance, greeted her with a grave expression, maintaining an air of inscrutable formality. He didn’t dare ask any questions, merely led his staff to escort her politely to the door.

The driver silently approached her side, subtly shielding her from the harsh glare of the sun.

In the shadows, countless eyes remained fixed on them.

Zhu Yu turned and slipped into Imperial Star’s largest flower market.

The crowded, bustling market forced the spies to remain vigilant, their senses heightened as they cautiously trailed her.

After following her for several blocks, the girl suddenly glanced back, startling them into scrambling for cover.

When they resumed the chase, her nimble figure had vanished without a trace.

What remarkable counter-surveillance skills! The spy gritted his teeth in frustration, urgently reporting the situation.

It wasn’t until dusk had settled that Zhu Yu reappeared.

She carried a large bouquet of vibrant roses in one arm and a red bucket overflowing with various flowers in the other.

Giving flowers, holding hands, kissing… Although their relationship had progressed faster than usual, Zhu Yu still wanted to experience these milestones one by one.

In the Interstellar Era, roses had been meticulously classified into over sixteen hundred varieties.

Disguised in a hat and mask, Zhu Yu convincingly played the role of a nouveau riche, flaunting her wealth with a casual “money is no object” attitude. The shop owner’s eyes lit up, and he mysteriously led her to the back of the shop.

She had initially planned to buy the most expensive roses, but the most extravagant variety turned out to be far beyond the realm of botany.

These “talking parrot roses,” valued at four million Star Coins, startled Zhu Yu with their parrot-like speech. When one squawked “Master!” she fled in terror, stumbling so badly she nearly fell—more humiliated than when she’d faced the Insectoids.

Fortunately, she eventually managed to select a variety among the sixteen hundred that resonated most closely with Bai Shuzhou’s Mental Power.

The plant was exquisite and delicate, its vines covered in tiny, dense thorns that pricked painfully.

The shop owner explained that this variety was exceptionally resilient, originally thriving in barren wastelands. It could tenaciously draw energy from any environment and flourish.

The owner’s effusive praise eventually turned to Bai Shuzhou, her words overflowing with admiration. She even whispered to Zhu Yu that they had originally wanted to name the plant after Bai Shuzhou, but their attempt had failed.

Zhu Yu was delighted, playing along with the owner like a comedic straight man. In the end, the enthusiastic owner insisted on giving her a 30% discount.

Knowing Zhu Yu’s fondness for Bai Shuzhou, the owner also gifted her several Snow Roses, explaining that their white color was Bai Shuzhou’s official support color. “They look beautiful displayed with his photos,” she added. “Everyone sent these for Your Highness the Princess’s ballet performance.”

Zhu Yu gently touched the petals, inhaling their rich fragrance. In that moment, she felt like she had discovered another fragment of Bai Shuzhou’s legend.

“Next time you buy flowers, just mention you’re a fan of the Princess right away! All the shops selling Snow Roses will give you a discount!” the owner declared proudly, speaking of Bai Shuzhou as if she were her own child.

This feeling of being silently adored by a stranger was entirely novel, causing Zhu Yu’s perpetually tense heart to soften involuntarily. She felt as if she were witnessing an ocean of love, vast and enduring, far surpassing even a garden overflowing with roses.

When she saw Bai Shuzhou, she would be sure to convey the shop owner’s enthusiasm. She knew it would make her incredibly happy.

The shop owner had given her so many flowers that the vibrant blooms were densely packed together. Zhu Yu casually plucked a few Snow Roses and offered them to the waiting driver and attendants.

Please support our Shuzhou!

Perhaps infected by the shop owner’s fervor, the sentiment felt remarkably like fan support. Zhu Yu’s eyes curved into a smile as she inwardly regretted forgetting to casually ask, “So, what do you all think of Zhu Yu?”

Good or bad? Hahaha.

Zhu Yu carried the bouquet and the red bucket brimming with Snow Roses all the way to the Academy of Sciences, the nutrient solution at the bottom sloshing gently.

A crimson S670 aircraft roared to a halt, spewing a plume of arrogant exhaust. Only then did the attendant open the door.

A woman stepped out, her heels clicking lightly against the ground.

She stood tall, her gaze sweeping dismissively over the surroundings. “How utterly dilapidated,” she scoffed. “Having been away from frontline medical work for so long, it’s no wonder…”

Yu Yan hurried forward to greet her, wiping sweat from her brow as she bowed. “Madam Gloriel, welcome. Everyone is waiting for you.”

Gloriel came from an old noble family that had monopolized the medical industry for decades before the Feng Family’s rise.

Cross-sector collaborations were inevitable, but Gloriel never missed an opportunity to sneer at the common-born researchers. This time, she was half an hour late.

She glanced at Yu Yan, then subtly pinched her nose as if detecting a foul odor, making no attempt to conceal her disdain.

“Lead the way, commoner.”

Noble genes were considered superior, their pheromones naturally purer. These arrogant old nobles had long classified people into social strata based on their scent.

Yu Yan’s back unconsciously bent lower. She was long accustomed to such treatment.

The woman strolled leisurely, her S-Class pheromones spreading with each crisp click of her high heels, echoing through the silent corridor. She tilted her chin, relishing the gazes—and fear—directed her way.

Yet the hurried researchers paid her little attention. Few even bothered to greet her.

How utterly uncouth!

If this were a decade ago, what right would these commoners have to stand on equal footing with her?

This was a world where the strong devoured the weak. They were born to rule, and only cowards willingly relinquished their power.

The Princess, the most powerful member of the Dragon Clan, was inexplicably frail, clearly corrupted by the herbivorous habits of lesser creatures.

If Gloriel could seize control of the Princess’s treatment and manipulate her into the palm of her hand… A satisfied smile curled her lips as she strolled, seemingly without intention, toward Bai Shuzhou’s sickroom.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted behind her.

Gloriel turned to see a distant figure carrying a red bucket.

A country bumpkin? How did the guards let someone like that in?

Before she could even frown, the researchers who had previously ignored her were now eagerly greeting the newcomer.

The girl smiled brightly, raised the red bucket, and began handing out Snow Roses.

Such cheap trinkets… and they’re actually buying off these researchers? The researchers accepted the flowers with delight, as if they were priceless gifts.

Gloriel narrowed her eyes menacingly, finally recognizing Zhu Yu.

“Zhu Yu?!”

“Heavens! What’s she still doing here? After corrupting the Princess like that, she has the nerve to show her face?”

“Just a D-Rank waste. Didn’t Your Majesty order a re-evaluation? Has the result come back yet?”

Yu Yan shook her head. “Not yet. Please proceed to the conference room; everyone is waiting for you.”

Gloriel frowned. “The Academy of Sciences’ efficiency is truly abysmal. How does Dean Feng even manage them?”

She slowly straightened, placing one hand on her hip. Though her words were scolding, her sharp gaze never left Zhu Yu for a moment.

Yu Yan’s brow twitched, a sense of foreboding washing over her. She bowed again, gesturing with a “please” motion. “Please proceed to the conference first. Today’s meeting is crucial, addressing the upcoming negotiations with the Federation regarding—”

The woman turned her head coldly, her contemptuous gaze landing on Yu Yan’s face. She interrupted with a cold laugh, “Are you teaching me how to do my job?”

“Absolutely not, Your Highness. Dean Feng is also waiting for you. Please—”

When Yu Yan invoked Feng Jiyan’s name, the woman’s expression darkened further. If she couldn’t discipline those annoying fellows, surely she could punish this presumptuous commoner who didn’t know her place!

A flash of malice flickered in her eyes as she raised her hand high, aiming a vicious slap at Yu Yan’s bowed head.

Yu Yan squeezed her eyes shut, feeling the approaching gust of wind from the slap. She dared not flinch, fearing it would only provoke the woman further.

But the expected pain never came.

“Why are you hitting people?” a clear, youthful voice rang out.

The arrogant hand was caught mid-air, its bones creaking under the crushing grip.

Gloriel’s face paled with pain, utterly shocked that Zhu Yu would dare to defy her. “Let go!” she snarled.

Zhu Yu set down the red bucket, her tone apologetic. “Oh, I’m sorry, did I squeeze too hard? I didn’t even use much force. I’ll be more careful next time.”

Though framed as an apology, the girl’s airy tone dripped with mockery and defiance. Gloriel’s wrist was already red and swollen. “Next time?!” she roared, shaking with fury.

Under Yu Yan’s frantic gestures, Zhu Yu opened her hand and gently said, “Alright, there won’t be a next time.”

“You—!”

Yu Yan quickly intervened, “It was just a misunderstanding, Your Highness Princess Zhu Yu. Please go ahead, we were just heading to the conference room on the second floor.”

Gloriel suddenly jabbed a finger, nearly poking Zhu Yu’s nose. “What ‘Your Highness’? You’re practically divorced already! His Majesty only spared your life out of kindness. What do you have to be so smug about?”

Originally, someone had set up a betting pool on who could win the Princess’s heart. Gloriel, sensing her chances were slim, bet five million on Izalia. To her dismay, Zhu Yu, a girl from the slums, had trampled over her.

Being outdone by a commoner was humiliating enough, but to be surpassed by a D-Rank commoner? Unforgivable!

Zhu Yu met her gaze calmly for a few seconds before breaking into a smile.

What a pity.

Her wish won’t come true.

We’re not getting divorced!

The girl’s smugness was too obvious. Enraged, Gloriel snatched the Snow Rose from Zhu Yu’s arms and prepared to smash it on the ground.

“Are you really going to give such cheap trash to the Princess? It even smells like garbage… just like you!”

“All this daily pretense and acting—aren’t you tired? It’s utterly laughable!”

The woman unleashed her pheromones, brimming with malice, attempting to suppress Zhu Yu with her superior scent.

But the girl merely frowned, completely unaffected. Her slender frame tensed slightly as she demanded, “Give it back!”

Gloriel clutched the bouquet tightly to her chest. Zhu Yu hesitated to snatch it forcefully, fearing she might damage the flowers, and instead tried to pry the woman’s fingers loose.

The commotion drew the attention of a Snow Leopard Knight stationed near Bai Shuzhou’s hospital room. He stepped forward to intervene, saying, “Your Highness the Princess has just finished treatment. Please maintain silence.”

Gloriel shrieked, “Can’t you see she’s insulting me? Get this commoner away from me immediately!”

“I will report this to Your Majesty! Not only have you neglected your duties, but you’ve also allowed a wanted criminal to approach the Princess with dangerous items!”

“If something happens, can you bear the responsibility?!”

The Snow Leopard Knight’s face clouded with concern. For the sake of maintaining order, he could only try to persuade Zhu Yu to withdraw first.

Zhu Yu had always been easy to talk to, but this time, she had barely taken half a step back when she saw the woman deliberately drop the flowers on the ground and grind them under her sharp, stiletto heel.

Each carefully selected petal was mercilessly crushed and torn, weeping pitiful tears.

Zhu Yu’s pupils constricted, and the aura around her gradually shifted.

To gather the freshest flowers, she and the shop owner had been pricked multiple times, insisting on plucking the highest, most beautiful roses—only such blooms were worthy of her.

Her body reacted before her mind could process it. Zhu Yu seized the woman’s wrist, slammed her against the icy wall, and hissed, “Get your foot off them.”

“I—won’t!” Gloriel gritted her teeth, tilted her chin, and pressed down even harder.

A commoner attacking a noble was a crime! Without the Princess’s protection, she’d see how long this lowly cur could maintain her arrogance.

Seeing the situation about to spiral out of control, the Snow Leopard Knight was forced to Beast Transform, pinning the enraged Zhu Yu firmly beneath her claws to restrain her.

The Emperor loathed Zhu Yu, and the Princess was still recuperating. Escalating this conflict now would be an incredibly unwise move.

The Snow Leopard Knight nudged Zhu Yu, her eyes conveying a silent message: It’s just a bouquet of roses. There’s no need to make such a scene.

Gloriel clutched her neck, forcing down her ragged breaths, and sneered, “Make this commoner apologize to me now!”

“She stole my flowers first! Give them back! You’re the one who should apologize!” Zhu Yu struggled and shouted.

The Snow Leopard Knight’s overwhelming strength left Zhu Yu helpless. She could only watch as Gloriel grew increasingly smug, tearing the shattered blossoms to shreds.

The woman gazed down at Zhu Yu’s furious yet powerless expression, a triumphant smile curling her lips.

Humans are born into predetermined social classes. No matter how ruthlessly they claw their way up, it’s all futile, isn’t it?

Just like Zhu Yu, a half-breed incapable of Beast Transformation, destined to remain trapped beneath the Snow Leopard’s claws.

Amid Gloriel’s gloating laughter, a rich, woody fragrance suddenly permeated the air, instantly overpowering her S-Class pheromone.

Whose pheromone is this?

Gloriel’s expression flickered with disbelief as she scanned the surroundings, her gaze finally settling on Zhu Yu’s face.

Impossible. How could it be her?

This was not the aura of a commoner.

Gloriel frowned and leaned down, intending to examine the girl’s glands.

Zhu Yu was currently pinned down by the Snow Leopard Knight’s furry paw, unable to move.

Gloriel’s fingertips paused an inch away, suddenly freezing in place.

An icy chill surged without warning, plummeting the temperature throughout the long corridor. Frost flowers rapidly bloomed across the walls.

The overwhelming, domineering scent of roses suffocated the air, making it impossible for anyone to breathe. Though the fragrance was familiar—distinctively the Princess’s pheromone—Bai Shuzhou’s pheromone had always been gentle and tender, never displaying such a frigid, powerful, and crushing aggression!

How could this possibly be an Omega’s pheromone?!

Something must be wrong…

Gloriel turned her gaze back to Zhu Yu’s face, her expression filled with disbelief.

Everyone present involuntarily knelt, except for Zhu Yu, who stood up in a daze.

In the frozen corridor, that assertive rose fragrance coiled around her fingertips, gently yet irresistibly enveloping her woody scent, entwining it, and devouring it.