Transmigrated as the Imperial Princess's Scumbag Alpha Ex-Wife - Chapter 37

Bai Shuzhou had kept her true abilities hidden for so long that many had forgotten just how astonishing her natural talent was.

Their last encounter had been at the opera house.

Crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant golden light across the vaulted ceiling and ornate walls, their silent splendor radiating an unspoken aura of power. The Empire’s most illustrious nobles and high-ranking officials, adorned in lavish attire, took their seats in order of precedence.

At the time, Gloriel’s family had just developed a groundbreaking new vaccine, riding a wave of unprecedented acclaim. They occupied the prime viewing box, mere inches from the Emperor herself, relegating the Feng Family to a secondary position.

From their elevated vantage point, they watched as a pure white figure gradually unfurled below.

The moment those pale blue eyes opened, countless precious jewels paled into mere accessories. A radiant halo enveloped Bai Shuzhou, as if she were shrouded in an ethereal stardust mist.

Her graceful, delicate neck tilted slightly upward, the curve of her jawline radiating innate pride.

Everyone involuntarily held their breath, their gazes irresistibly drawn to her. As the dance concluded, the Emperor initiated the applause with three soft claps, her lips curving into a smile brimming with admiration and fondness. Only then did the audience awaken from their reverie, erupting into thunderous applause that surged like a tidal wave.

The figure on stage seemed utterly indifferent to the applause, her expression detached and her gaze refusing to linger on the audience. It was as if all her passion had been poured into the dance, leaving behind only an empty shell after the curtain fell.

Frail yet resilient, elegant yet vulnerable, Bai Shuzhou embodied every Alpha’s fantasy of the perfect Omega.

She was the flawless Imperial Rose, whose delicate thorns only made countless ambitious predators yearn to pluck her and cradle her in their palms, savoring her beauty.

But at this moment, her pale blue eyes blazed with pure, unadulterated killing intent—unpolished, unmasked, and razor-sharp.

Gloriel stared back, her head bowing involuntarily as her knees buckled. Her body trembled uncontrollably.

Pressing her hands against the icy floor, she felt an overwhelming terror, as if the air itself had grown thin. The rose fragrance surged into her abdomen, tearing through her like a physical assault.

“Forgive me, Your Highness the Princess! I—I shouldn’t have intruded! I’ve disturbed you!”

Gloriel shifted into her beast form, her teeth clenched so tightly they drew bl00d as she groveled on the floor. She clung desperately to her wavering will, barely managing to stay conscious.

How could an Omega possess such a fiercely aggressive pheromone?

As her pupils began to dilate, Gloriel’s thoughts drifted back to Bai Shuzhou on stage—delicate and beautiful, the faint trace of his icy pheromone driving countless Alphas to madness.

“Anything else?” Bai Shuzhou asked coldly.

“And… I shouldn’t have dared to look directly at you without permission!” Gloriel’s pride and self-esteem crumbled further.

Bai Shuzhou frowned in disgust, his eyes darkening. Vines tightened around her jaw, forcing her head up. “Apologize to Princess Zhu Yu.”

“Princess Zhu Yu?” Gloriel murmured, her heart clenching as if gripped by an invisible hand.

Kneeling before the Imperial Family was proper protocol, but Zhu Yu was merely a commoner—how dare she…?!

The utter humiliation caused Gloriel to cough up another mouthful of bl00d.

Bai Shuzhou’s voice was icy. “As long as the divorce papers remain unsigned, she is still mine. How dare you defy my authority?”

“Gloriel, do you despise Zhu Yu, or do you despise me?”

“One,” Bai Shuzhou said softly, her voice barely audible except for the slight emphasis on the final syllable, like an invisible blade pressing down on Gloriel’s stiff spine.

With her memories reverted to her eighteen-year-old self, Bai Shuzhou struggled to comprehend many things.

Seven years had vanished as if in the blink of an eye, yet the way people looked at her now felt worlds apart from before.

The special treatment, the subtle glances—Bai Shuzhou’s keenly sensitive mind understood their implications all too well.

She had been ill for so long that her memories had blurred, leaving her utterly disoriented.

Her sister had held her gently in her arms, saying, “Little Zhou, even if you manifest as an Omega, it won’t change anything. I’ll protect you and love you even more, and I’ll never let anyone hurt you again.”

Gloriel nearly collapsed to the floor, yet her chin was forced upward, exposing her humiliation and terror. Her voice trembled as she stammered, “Forgive me, Your Highness! This humble servant would never dare!”

Beside her, Feng Jiang stood with one hand behind his back, his eyes flickering slightly.

Bai Shuzhou’s composure was usually unwavering, even during experiments. Suppressing emotions was a mandatory skill for those in positions of power.

Zhu Yu alone couldn’t have triggered such a loss of control.

Her reaction seemed more like… a deliberate display of authority, using Gloriel as an example.

Bai Qianze’s decision to restore Bai Shuzhou’s memories to her eighteenth year might not have been the wisest.

Everyone harbored their own hidden agendas, except for Zhu Yu, who swallowed nervously and stared at Bai Shuzhou without blinking.

Oh my god, she’s so cool!

So cool!

Like an icicle in winter, crystal-clear and sharp, utterly adorable.

She’s still the second person I’ve ever liked, after Sister.

Zhu Yu didn’t take the scolding to heart; she had only been slightly annoyed because the flowers were meant as a gift for Bai Shuzhou.

Though the flowers hadn’t been delivered, her goal had been achieved. Next time, she would send even more beautiful blooms. If Bai Shuzhou liked, she could even invite her to the garden to personally select them, picking whichever ones she wanted.

Before leaving, Zhu Yu obtained the florist’s business card, promising to return for future purchases. The shop wasn’t particularly large for a flower market, but it boasted the Interstellar’s finest Rose varieties and confidently claimed that even the Imperial family couldn’t match its collection.

Amidst the scheming and plotting, Zhu Yu stole a glance at Gloriel, who had yet to regain her human form, gently squeezed Bai Shuzhou’s hand, and said softly, “Don’t be angry. Getting upset will only harm yourself.”

In such a tense atmosphere, Zhu Yu was openly flirting with Bai Shuzhou.

Gloriel’s bloodshot eyes snapped to Zhu Yu’s face, all her resentment finding a target.

It’s all Zhu Yu’s fault! If it weren’t for her, how could I be in such a humiliating state?

She must have manipulated the Princess, controlled her… That vile woman schemed her way up from the slums, all to seize power through the Princess!

Even with her innate talent, the Princess is still an Omega. She must be under hormonal influence. Yes, the Life Tree said Zhu Yu was well-suited for the Princess—she must have secretly used some method to bewitch her…

Pheromones! There’s something wrong with her pheromones!

Gloriel’s hateful gaze was too obvious. Bai Shuzhou glanced at her, and the next moment, Gloriel let out a piercing scream, clutching her eyes in agony as she staggered sideways.

Zhu Yu, Zhu Yu—that cunning, malicious Alpha! How could an Omega be so aggressive? Zhu Yu must be pulling strings behind the scenes.

Otherwise, how could a D-Rank commoner like her have gained such a foothold in the Military, even surpassing the Nobles? What a fraudulent “Commoner’s Star”!

Gloriel’s twisted expression froze. Could it be… could it be that Zhu Yu had suppressed and altered her own rank and identity? Was her pheromone actually Rose…?

Feng Jiang subtly dodged, avoiding Gloriel’s bloodstains.

But after Gloriel’s rampage at the Academy of Sciences, he couldn’t simply ignore the situation.

His tail flicked slightly as he adjusted his glasses and stepped forward. Zhu Yu tensed, sliding off the bed and straightening her back to stand protectively in front of Bai Shuzhou.

She’s Feng Jiyan’s mother, the little fox thought. The older fox must be even more dangerous than the younger one.

But the woman raised her hand, radiating an unexpectedly gentle aura that gradually calmed Zhu Yu’s racing heart.

Though both wore white lab coats, Feng Jiang lacked the rigid formality and oppressive air of the Academy’s researchers. His approachable demeanor instantly closed the distance, reminding Zhu Yu of her own mother, and her wariness faded.

Feng Jiang spoke softly, “Your Highness the Princess, your current condition is unstable. Please refrain from using your mental powers.”

“Doing so will only worsen your illness. Relax, I’m here to help you—”

Zhu Yu glanced at Bai Shuzhou and, receiving permission, stepped back slightly but remained close. She watched Feng Jiang’s gloved hand gently touch Bai Shuzhou’s wrist, his movements as light as if taking a pulse.

In the next instant, the eyes behind Feng Jiang’s glasses abruptly transformed into vertical, oval pupils. He shifted his body to block Zhu Yu’s view, his icy presence causing her dress and hair to flutter.

Zhu Yu could only see that slender hand trembling uncontrollably, the fingertips taut with strain. The chill in the air instantly solidified, then gradually dissipated along with the lingering fragrance of roses.

Those beautiful eyes cast one last glance at Zhu Yu before the heavy lids slowly drooped shut.

“What have you done?!” Zhu Yu demanded, her voice trembling with fury as she lunged forward to catch Bai Shuzhou’s slowly sliding arm.

“Relax, I’m just helping her rest for a while,” Feng Jiang said, spreading his hands in a gesture of reassurance. “If we continue to let the Princess’s uncontrolled powers run rampant, she’ll eventually enter a Dissociation State. We all want to avoid that, don’t we?”

“Princess Zhu Yu,” Feng Jiang called out, patting her shoulder soothingly. His demeanor was remarkably calm and approachable, devoid of the haughty air one might expect from a powerful noble.

But Zhu Yu evaded her.

Feng Jiang gently raised her hand. Before the Snow Leopard Knight could move, two masked researchers stepped forward and pulled the limp Gloriel out of the room.

She extended her hand to Zhu Yu again, a sincere invitation. Her level gaze conveyed genuine respect.

“Princess Zhu Yu, thank you for caring for the Princess. Those who are ill suffer greatly and are easily agitated.”

“In the past, only His Majesty could soothe the Princess’s emotions when she lost control. You are the second.”

Feng Jiang’s tone was like that of a kind elder, her warm gaze sweeping over the unconscious Bai Shuzhou in Zhu Yu’s arms.

The door had already closed, but Feng Jiang didn’t dismiss the Snow Leopard Knight. She looked Zhu Yu directly in the eye, her expression open and sincere. “Throughout my life, I have dedicated myself to the study of mental energy. I am deeply saddened by the Princess’s illness, yet powerless to help her.”

“Would you consider joining the Genesis Project to help us advance our research? This project concerns the fate of the Princess, the Empire, and even the entire universe.”

Zhu Yu, having been coaxed, had already extended her hand. Feng Jiang lightly grasped it, but when she heard about the research, she immediately withdrew, awkwardly clearing her throat.

“I’d love to help, but you know I’m just an Alpha from the slums—a rough sort who hasn’t had much education. Perhaps it’s best if I decline.”

Feng Jiang narrowed his eyes but didn’t press the matter. Instead, he took a step back and offered an explanation: “Genesis is a study focused on the interplay between genes and mental energy. It was only after your public speech that I realized you were also interested in this field. I’m delighted.”

His gentle tone sent shivers down Zhu Yu’s spine. Had her secret collection of Bai Shuzhou’s medical records been discovered?

Yet Feng Jiang’s magnanimity was overwhelming. He openly addressed the matter, offering Zhu Yu Dean-level access to freely review all research materials.

Zhu Yu’s pupils widened in shock. She rubbed her hands together, feeling a pang of embarrassment, wondering if she had been judging a noble heart with her own petty suspicions.

Feng Jiang watched her quietly, his mature and composed charisma radiating from him. After a pause, he continued, “If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to come to me.”

Zhu Yu pondered for a moment, then the shy lioness spoke softly, “Since the Princess’s condition is unstable, I’d like to stay at the Academy of Sciences to provide constant care and attention.”

The idea seemed somewhat impractical, but after a brief, meaningful silence, Feng Jiang glanced at Zhu Yu’s lip, bruised from a recent bite, and gave a slight nod. “Very well.”

Zhu Yu’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really?!”

“Yes. I’ll speak to Your Majesty about it,” Feng Jiang said with a gentle wink. “Your Majesty has been extremely busy lately, overwhelmed with state affairs, and unable to stay by the Princess’s side at all times.”

The implication was clear:

The big boss is away!

If not for the vast difference in their social standing, Zhu Yu would have given her a tight hug.

No wonder she became the Dean! Look at her magnanimity, her vision!

So gentle—truly a mother’s heart. With a mother like this, Feng Jiyan must be so fortunate.

Next time, Zhu Yu would bring her the most beautiful bouquet of flowers and commission a grand banner:

To Dean Feng, the embodiment of wisdom and compassion!

After turning to leave, Feng Jiang maintained her warm, dignified smile.

Feng Jiyan stood outside the door. Seeing Feng Jiang emerge, he hurried after him. “Mother.”

Feng Jiang strode forward without pausing for his son, heading straight to a laboratory. He removed the glove he had shaken hands with Zhu Yu in and placed it into a sophisticated instrument.

A moment later, a beep sounded.

A detailed analysis report appeared on the blue screen, the most prominent characters glowing red: SSS+.

SSS+! How was that possible?

Feng Jiyan, who had been following closely, noticed the smaller text beneath the SSS+ rating. His pupils constricted sharply, and he nearly lost his composure as he lunged forward.

But as his gaze drifted downward, the subsequent data grew increasingly familiar… It was Bai Shuzhou’s report.

And only Bai Shuzhou’s report.

How could an Alpha show absolutely no reaction to the pheromones of an Omega with whom they were highly compatible?

It was utterly bizarre.

Even by Federation standards, this instrument was the most precise and cutting-edge technology available. It couldn’t possibly make a fundamental error, mistaking one person for two.

Yet it had detected only Bai Shuzhou’s characteristics.

In the silence, the scent of roses had long since enveloped and completely devoured Zhu Yu’s pheromones, leaving not a trace behind.

The small “+” symbol plunged the mother and daughter into a brief silence.

Feng Jiyan said with difficulty, “The Princess… she’s become even stronger.”

The gap in innate talent between individuals was an insurmountable chasm.

The harder one tried to catch up, the clearer the despair became.

Feng Jiang sighed, “Perhaps the instruments have been updated to keep pace with her. Your Highness the Princess has always been exceptional.”

The woman’s undisguised admiration and praise pierced Feng Jiyan deeply, her fists clenching imperceptibly.

Throughout the entire exchange, Feng Jiang didn’t even glance at her.

It was as if all her tenderness and focus were reserved for her research and experimental subjects, leaving her with no energy to spare for her own biological daughter.

Feng Jiyan couldn’t hold back any longer. “Mother, why won’t you let me participate in the Phoenix research?”

“Phoenix?” Feng Jiang turned, her expression turning icy. She corrected her daughter slowly and deliberately, “Not Phoenix. AH-003.”

AH-003 was an experimental subject’s designation.

The woman’s gaze was icy, her slightly furrowed brows hinting at faint disappointment. Feng Jiyan gritted his teeth and, for the first time, dared to challenge her. “How can you be so certain she’s AH-003? Making such a definitive judgment now seems rather arbitrary.”

Feng Jiang lowered his eyes to look at Feng Jiyan, as if regarding a petulant child. He said calmly, “Very well. Transfer AH-003 to a room closer to the Princess. Have Zhu Yu occupy her original quarters.”

Feng Jiyan raised his voice in protest. “Why? You’ve granted Zhu Yu the Dean’s authority. Do you truly intend to involve her in the research?”

“Aren’t you worried that Zhu Yu might actually be AH-003?”

Bai Shuzhou possessed extraordinary talent, making her exceptional. Feng Jiyan acknowledged his inferiority to her. But Zhu Yu? Why should she also be treated as a special case?

Zhu Yu was nothing but a troublemaker, clearly only D-Rank. Feng Jiyan had investigated her countless times before and found her to pose no threat.

It was Zhu Yu’s speech that had unexpectedly exposed the human experimentation to the public eye. Feng Jiang had immediately stepped forward to manage the public relations crisis, preventing the Academy of Sciences from sinking into a quagmire.

She had also proactively liaised with the Federation, cleared out the Star Pirates, and secured the Phoenix and other sensitive equipment at the first opportunity.

Yet, as victory was within reach, why was her beloved mother excluding her from the research team?

Feng Jiyan’s tone was sharp, a tone he had never dared to use with her before.

Feng Jiang paused, finding her son’s anger rather endearing due to its lack of threat.

She patiently explained, “No, the ages don’t match. We’ve conducted bone density tests. I only trust verifiable data.”

“She’s younger and resilient enough… We need variables.”

“Variables to control Bai Shuzhou.”

“Zhu Yu and AH-003 are both special to her, aren’t they?”

The plan was flawless.

As night fell, Feng Jiang’s subordinates struggled to locate Zhu Yu through surveillance. By the time they found her, the girl had already changed into her pajamas and was lying peacefully beside Bai Shuzhou.

Bai Shuzhou’s bed was large enough to comfortably accommodate Zhu Yu even when she slept right in the center.

After washing up, Zhu Yu changed into her blue fish-patterned pajamas and gently placed a matching floral eye mask over Bai Shuzhou’s eyes.

Zhu Yu knew that Bai Shuzhou was a light sleeper who often pretended to be asleep. Even her sleeping posture was as elegant as a figure in an oil painting—her hands crossed lightly over her abdomen, radiating a serene and beautiful aura.

Since Bai Shuzhou had fallen into a sudden slumber, Zhu Yu had thoughtfully arranged her into this graceful pose.

Zhu Yu had brought her own pillow and blanket, and out of politeness, she maintained a respectful distance without explicit permission to do otherwise.

Leaning against the soft pillow and gazing at Bai Shuzhou’s silky hair, Zhu Yu’s heart softened. Her tense spirit, strained throughout the day, felt as fluffy and golden as freshly baked bread.

When she sensed someone entering the room, Zhu Yu instinctively closed her eyes and feigned sleep.

Overcome with nervousness, her hand, which had been tracing Bai Shuzhou’s features, dropped too hastily, forcing her warm palm to land abruptly on Bai Shuzhou’s icy arm.

In the silent night, the newcomer, observing the two figures huddled together on the bed, couldn’t help but lower their voice: “Why is she sleeping like that?”

The Snow Leopard Knight replied, “Princess Zhu Yu said Dean Feng has agreed. Dean Feng will inform Your Majesty directly. We are merely here to provide protection.”

“We heard the same thing. It’s true.”

Sleeping in the Academy of Sciences, in the Princess’s own chambers—how could that not be considered part of the Academy?

Zhu Yu desperately wanted to retort, but she restrained herself, not even letting her eyebrows twitch.

With her eyes closed, she could feel the skin where she and Bai Shuzhou touched had already grown warm from being covered.