Transmigrated as the Imperial Princess's Scumbag Alpha Ex-Wife - Chapter 44

Want… me?

These words exploded in Zhu Yu’s ears like fireworks detonating in her heart. The sensation wasn’t hot, but a tingling numbness shot from her tailbone to the crown of her head, making her fingertips tremble uncontrollably.

Yet Bai Shuzhou, who had spoken these words, remained composed, her expression as placid as a lake frozen with a thin layer of ice. Only the faint curve of her lips hinted at amusement, betraying a hint of warmth beneath her icy facade.

Her fingers still gripped Zhu Yu’s wrist, the knuckles pale and cold. Her lashes drooped in a perfect arc, almost indifferent, save for the slight upward lift at the end of her sentence, which revealed a subtle vulnerability.

Like a lighthouse standing firm against a raging storm, Bai Shuzhou radiated an aura of untouchable coldness. Yet she had hooked this panicked little fish with a mere twitch of her lips, drawing her deeper into the treacherous currents.

Even after losing her memories, Bai Shuzhou remained aloof and detached. Yet occasionally, a sharp edge would surface—in the corner of her eye, the curve of her lips—a delicate vulnerability that hardened into the sharpest of thorns. Swaying with pride and ambition, she exuded a primal danger that both lured others closer and made them willingly drown in her depths.

The slight upward inflection at the end of her question, though phrased as an inquiry, carried a tone of gentle amusement that betrayed her certainty of the answer.

Yet she deliberately waited, wanting Zhu Yu to say it herself. She watched the girl’s carefully composed face, like a small dog voluntarily exposing its belly, whimpering and circling in her palm.

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine,” Bai Shuzhou said, deliberately loosening her grip when Zhu Yu remained silent.

Zhu Yu, who had been hanging loosely against her, immediately dropped half an inch. The tip of her nose flushed crimson, as if about to bleed, and even the tips of her ears turned pink.

Finally panicked, Zhu Yu’s fingers tightened fiercely around Bai Shuzhou’s wrist, refusing to let go. The pads of her fingers paled slightly from the force.

Zhu Yu bit down hard on her lower lip, desperately suppressing the pheromones threatening to spill forth.

She felt like a piece of driftwood, soaked through by spring rain and on the verge of death. Though she had grown accustomed to her barren existence, Bai Shuzhou’s presence made even this withered wood yearn to bloom into a vibrant summer.

To bloom brilliantly, to bloom wildly, to offer all her fervor to this person.

It wasn’t just that I want you.

I want you… to love me.

The words had rolled around on her tongue countless times, but “love” felt even harder to utter than the gasps of breath during their passionate moments.

She recalled the half of the jade pendant Bai Shuzhou had taken earlier, remembered the unspoken, probing questions, and ultimately swallowed the words back down.

Bai Shuzhou’s brow furrowed slightly. The girl’s hesitant movements, her tongue pressing against her teeth, instantly transformed her playful mood into an inexplicable frustration.

I’ve been so blatantly hinting at it—how could Zhu Yu still not understand? What’s she thinking?

Zhu Yu keenly sensed her displeasure, her heart leaping into her throat. What panicked her even more was that Bai Shuzhou’s fingers were already beginning to retract. One more slow move, and this hard-won, intimate atmosphere would dissolve like melting candy on a summer day, leaving only a sticky, cloying residue.

Don’t let go! Don’t give up on me!

In her desperation, a faint golden light suddenly shimmered across Zhu Yu’s palm. A flower bud, barely larger than a fingernail, trembled into existence within the glow.

Its petals still tinged with green, even the thorns on its stem were soft, gently pricking Bai Shuzhou’s wrist like a kitten’s paw scratching.

The two, locked in a stalemate, paused and stared at the newly bloomed flower.

It carried the familiar scent of Bai Shuzhou, yet this rose was too tender, utterly unlike the passionately blooming bouquets.

Zhu Yu… had finally bloomed.

A confession should come with flowers.

Zhu Yu had planned and failed countless times, until this moment, when a tiny bud finally unfurled.

The bud was so delicate and small, it seemed a gentle touch would snap it off.

The sensation of Mental Power solidifying into a physical form was miraculous. This flower felt like a part of Zhu Yu herself—timid, anxious, her soft heart still hidden deep within layers of protective petals.

Too small. Though it bloomed in her palm, she couldn’t bring herself to show it.

Bai Shuzhou’s roses were breathtakingly beautiful, their intricate details requiring the finest brushstrokes of an oil painting to capture. In contrast, Zhu Yu’s flower resembled a roadside weed, its species barely discernible without close inspection.

This was the physical manifestation of her Mental Power, the heart she had painstakingly squeezed out after absorbing Bai Shuzhou’s pheromones.

It had become this small, pitiful flower.

“……”

Zhu Yu nervously released her grip, cradling the flower in her hands, unsure of what to do.

The flower seemed equally bewildered, its outermost petal curling protectively around its head.

But in the next moment, Bai Shuzhou’s fingertip gently brushed against that anxious little petal.

The cool touch of her fingertip transmitted through the petal, causing Zhu Yu’s heart to skip a beat.

Materializing Mental Power was incredibly difficult, a feat only a rare few could achieve.

Even Bai Shuzhou had to practice countless times before succeeding.

Yet Zhu Yu had done it instinctively, a subconscious reaction driven by her desire to present her “affection” to Bai Shuzhou in the most direct way possible.

Zhu Yu’s rapid growth was both exhilarating and subtly concerning to Bai Shuzhou.

Though most of her memories had been erased, Bai Shuzhou vaguely recalled never having seen Zhu Yu accomplish this before.

How could she have reached this level?

Bai Shuzhou fell into deep thought, a faint mist seeming to settle over her cool, refined features.

Her silence made Zhu Yu tremble slightly, and the flower bud drooped listlessly, unable to bear the weight of her overflowing anticipation and joy.

Just as Zhu Yu was about to withdraw her hand, Bai Shuzhou suddenly reached out and gently grasped the flower bud.

It was as if she were holding Zhu Yu herself.

The pale white light, like morning dew, slowly permeated the drooping petals.

The flower bud seemed to sense the warmth, swaying slightly. The tightly closed petals parted just a fraction.

Zhu Yu accepted the flower, her movements as delicate as if she were receiving the world’s most precious treasure.

Even though the little flower wasn’t particularly beautiful, and it didn’t sparkle like a jewel.

Zhu Yu: …!

“Is this for me?” Bai Shuzhou asked.

“Ah, yes!” Zhu Yu managed to stammer, her voice barely audible.

Through the flower, she could clearly feel the warmth of Bai Shuzhou’s fingertips—a light yet inexplicably reassuring touch.

This was her Mental Power, a part of herself, now cradled so tenderly in Bai Shuzhou’s palm.

In Bai Shuzhou’s hand, the flower bud seemed to come alive. The petals opened further, and even the stem straightened, as if proudly declaring its existence.

It possessed a certain small-flower ambition.

“I really like it,” Bai Shuzhou murmured.

Zhu Yu gazed at the rose, suddenly recalling her accidental touch earlier. The roses had been vibrant and passionate, their petals still glistening with sweet dew. At the time, she hadn’t given it much thought, but now, feeling Bai Shuzhou’s gentle caress, she realized that objects formed from Mental Power seemed capable of sharing sensations with the body.

So, those roses earlier…

Zhu Yu’s face flushed crimson again, and she dared not dwell on the thought. Yet the more she tried to suppress the memory, the clearer the images became.

Bai Shuzhou had never spoken of these things to her.

Omegas were inherently more sensitive. Zhu Yu belatedly realized that while Bai Shuzhou appeared stronger and always in control, she had been quietly suppressing her own vulnerabilities, shielding them from Zhu Yu’s view.

The woman’s magnetic voice often grew hoarse and feverish, her soft moans escaping between parted lips, her haughty gaze softening into a hazy tenderness as it swept over Zhu Yu. Even at her most overwhelmed, she would only whisper Zhu Yu’s name or leave gentle bite marks on her favorite spots.

So, so adorable…!

The girl’s emotions were written plainly on her face.

Bai Shuzhou gently poked the rosebud with her fingertip, and Zhu Yu’s cheeks flushed a shade deeper. When her fingertip brushed against a petal, Zhu Yu’s eyes curved into crescents, like those of a large dog being petted, its tail practically wagging.

Silly girl.

Zhu Yu had completely separated her Mental Power without reservation.

Once the connection was severed, control was lost. Zhu Yu had never been adept at this.

She devoured Bai Shuzhou’s pheromone, then exhaled it back without restraint, returning a portion of her own along with it.

If Bai Shuzhou were to crush this flower now, Zhu Yu’s Divine Consciousness Sea would be directly attacked.

Bai Shuzhou fell into a brief silence, suddenly curious about the kind of family and environment that could have nurtured such a character as Zhu Yu.

Like a hothouse flower, Zhu Yu was utterly defenseless against the malice of the outside world, her empathy so strong she was easily deceived.

Even if Bai Shuzhou were to completely exploit her, the fool might still thank her.

Bai Shuzhou gently stroked the flower, casually suggesting Zhu Yu increase her “services.” The girl’s face flushed crimson as she waved her hands frantically, insisting there was no need for such formality.

Ah, formality. The word felt so wrong, awkward and distant.

Yet Bai Shuzhou had shown her affection—she liked her pheromone, her Ability, liked…

Zhu Yu felt herself floating.

Not wanting to appear too eager, she stared blankly at some distant point, pretending to observe with feigned seriousness.

The floating screen broadcast military news, and Zhu Yu’s face had recently appeared on it as well.

Bai Shuzhou gazed at Zhu Yu’s profile, her fingertips lightly brushing against a petal. Suddenly, she asked, “Do you still want to go back?”

“Go back where?” Zhu Yu’s heart tightened. In this world, she had no place to return to.

“To the Military.”

“I’ve reviewed your combat records. They’re exceptional. Keeping you confined by my side seems unfair to you.”

Rumors were often exaggerated and based on speculation, but Bai Shuzhou coldly dismissed such gossip as irrelevant. Military reports, however, could not be falsified.

Bai Shuzhou had scrutinized Zhu Yu’s detailed combat data from every battle, including her academic transcripts from her time at the Military Academy.

Zhu Yu clearly possessed immense ambition, working harder than anyone else.

She compensated for any natural talent gaps with sheer dedication, transforming herself into a true “Star of Equality.”

Military power was the heart of political authority, and the power vacuum Zhu Yu had relinquished was already being fiercely contested by various factions.

Bai Shuzhou was no exception.

While Zhu Yu’s physical constitution might be formidable, she lacked political acumen. It was better to relinquish what she couldn’t defend sooner rather than later.

When drafting the agreement with Zhu Yu, Bai Shuzhou had already planned who would fill these power gaps. Before losing her memory, Zhu Yu had planted numerous hidden operatives, all of whom needed opportunities to advance.

No one willingly shares power.

If Zhu Yu behaved well enough, Bai Shuzhou wouldn’t mind keeping her close, granting her trivial rewards, all within her control.

Originally, that was Bai Shuzhou’s plan.

Moreover, Zhu Yu’s abilities seemed tailor-made for her, making it even more imperative to keep her firmly in her grasp.

She had made a mistake years ago, triggering a series of disasters. If she could coax Zhu Yu into completely healing her…

Personal sacrifices were utterly insignificant in the face of grand destiny.

But Bai Shuzhou had already wasted too much time in the hospital, acutely aware of the powerlessness and anguish of being sidelined, her ambitions forever out of reach.

She wondered if Zhu Yu might offer a different possibility.

If Zhu Yu proved truly loyal and could stabilize the Military… of course, that would be ideal.

The girl scratched her head, laughing. “Ha, ha, ha! I’m not that amazing!”

Her sincerity radiated a naive charm.

Bai Shuzhou immediately regretted her thoughts.

She couldn’t bear to relinquish power, nor could she bear to let go of this flower.

She was still so young, not yet in full bloom, and knew nothing of the world.

Rushing into the battlefield, even with her abilities, would only make her cannon fodder.

Bai Shuzhou gently shook her head, as if trying to convince herself. “Healing-type ability users aren’t suited for the Military.”

Originally, research into Ability Users had been aimed at creating war machines. If such powers could be harnessed on the battlefield, the results would be devastating.

But healing-type abilities were different.

For a sensitive heart to face endless slaughter would be unbearable.

She would eventually realize she couldn’t save anyone.

Bai Shuzhou’s aura darkened, the icy chill seeming to emanate from her very bones. Even with her expression remaining calm, a trace of sorrow flickered at the corners of her eyes.

Zhu Yu couldn’t bear to see her like this. Her heart clenched, and she leaned forward, tilting her head to get close to Bai Shuzhou. Her nose nearly touched the woman’s chin as she said softly:

“You won’t know if you’re suited for it unless you try. You can heal yourself and you’re more perceptive. If you ask me, healing-type abilities are perfect for the battlefield.”

“You can tell from my battle record,” Zhu Yu boasted, her voice betraying her nervousness. “Though I might be exaggerating a bit.”

In Ai Wei’s presence, she felt carried away and vain, clinging to the reputation of her original body to try and outshine her lover.

Her “humility” was like the fine print on a cup of instant noodles: Promotional images for reference only.

“Besides, life and death are relative,” she added after a moment’s thought. “I’m immortal. Proof? I’ve never died!”

The joke was terrible, but Zhu Yu’s delivery made it even colder.

Yet Bai Shuzhou still chuckled.

His gaze flickered slightly as he pinched Zhu Yu’s cheek. The sensation was even better than touching a flower—soft and squishy, making him want to squeeze it again.

Zhu Yu’s face flushed deeper, but she mustered her courage and nuzzled Bai Shuzhou’s fingertip. “I can help you, no matter what you want. After all, I’m your knight—”

She might not be great at fighting, but she could handle repairs, logistics, or research. Those were important too, right?

The Zhengze Empire was also testing mecha, but these were purely experimental and not intended for combat.

The Military had contacted her several times, but Melno had intercepted all their attempts.

However, since those officers were in her contacts, they still managed to send Zhu Yu messages, and she eventually learned about their efforts.

Zhu Yu didn’t fully understand the political maneuvering. She naturally assumed that Bai Shuzhou was simply worried about her getting hurt and that’s why he didn’t want her to return to the Military.

He’s really… she thought, tears welling up. Even sick in bed, he’s still thinking about protecting me.

“I won’t let you down,” she said, looking up at Bai Shuzhou. Her voice carried the unique confidence and clarity of youth, brimming with vitality. “You can rely on me too… a little more.”

The news continued to broadcast faintly on the floating screen, the flames of war and conflict seeming distant from the warmth of the sickroom.

At that moment, Zhu Yu’s heart and mind were entirely focused on Bai Shuzhou. She naively believed that sincerity could overcome all obstacles, convinced that as long as they were together, any difficulty could be resolved.