An Idea
Cheng Jiqing retreated to the door. In less than half a minute, her body temperature rose to an alarming degree. It was the first time she had experienced an alpha’s rut while fully conscious.
The private room wasn’t very large, even seeming a bit cramped under the dim lighting.
Molecules of lily scent enveloped her from all directions.
Cheng Jiqing’s hand rested on the door: “Bai Xin, hurry up and take an inhibitor.”
Even without Cheng Jiqing saying it, Bai Xin was already fumbling on the sofa for the inhibitor she had just now.
But with an alpha in rut and an omega in heat in the same room, even if one took an inhibitor, what use would it be?
Like that day at the villa, was it useful then?
The thought flashed by.
Bai Xin discovered she didn’t feel the same urgency and panic as Cheng Jiqing.
She even felt a trace of confusion and doubt seeing Cheng Jiqing’s swift avoidance—was she really that unattractive to Cheng Jiqing?
Bai Xin was surprised by this thought, and even more incredulously, she detected a hint of displeasure in herself.
The noise outside hadn’t subsided; she couldn’t go out now, and Bai Xin certainly couldn’t either. She took out her phone to call Yu Lan, asking someone to bring an alpha-specific inhibitor.
Bai Xin retrieved the inhibitor from the sofa and removed the needle cap. The previous alpha pheromone medication hadn’t worn off yet, leaving her resistance already low.
Not to mention, her heat had now been triggered by Cheng Jiqing.
She was in pain and distress.
For a moment, she couldn’t find the right spot to inject.
After finishing the call, Cheng Jiqing, who had been leaning on the door with one hand, now braced herself with both. As the air temperature rose, the lily fragrance intensified.
She had forcefully suppressed the remaining pheromones after the initial release, and now her neck throbbed, a volcano constantly threatening to erupt again.
“Are you done injecting?” she asked.
Bai Xin was just about to inject when urged. Annoyed, she retorted, “You do it?”
Cheng Jiqing: “…Take your time.”
Bai Xin’s heart was pounding fast. Her compatibility rate with Cheng Jiqing was extremely high; Cheng Jiqing could not only soothe her but also influence her.
She truly had no strength left; even her hand was trembling.
Cheng Jiqing was drenched in cold sweat, her tone softening: “Bai-jiejie, please, be kind, hurry up and inject.”
She was afraid she wouldn’t last until Yu Lan arrived.
Bai Xin had found the spot. Hearing Cheng Jiqing’s words, she tossed aside the used empty inhibitor and leaned back against the sofa without speaking further.
When Cheng Jiqing heard no reply after ten seconds or so, she turned her head to look. Bai Xin was slightly curled up on the sofa, whether from pain or something else, it was unclear.
“Bai Xin?”
She realized the intoxicating floral scent hadn’t diminished; instead, it had grown stronger. Cheng Jiqing’s clothes were already soaked with sweat.
Bai Xin didn’t respond. Cheng Jiqing desperately wanted to go over and check, but she couldn’t take a single step closer.
Even just looking at Bai Xin triggered the alpha’s instinctive thoughts in her mind.
“I have to get out…” Cheng Jiqing leaned her head sideways against the door, also struggling: “Just endure a little longer, I’ll have Tang Jia come over.”
She had to get out, absolutely had to get out.
If she didn’t leave soon, they would both be in danger.
As her words fell, a flurry of footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door. Cheng Jiqing’s back tensed, and she abruptly blocked the doorway.
On the sofa, Bai Xin stirred, a conditioned reflex of alertness in the face of danger.
Her omega identity couldn’t be exposed before she accomplished what she needed to do.
Once exposed, everyone would know her weakness.
She would be targeted with morbid curiosity, like other special omegas, constantly in danger.
If that happened, she wouldn’t be able to achieve anything.
“Don’t open the door…”
At this moment, Cheng Jiqing naturally wouldn’t open it.
She didn’t know Bai Xin’s real reason for hiding her identity, but since Bai Xin didn’t want anyone to know, her first reaction was to block the door. Yet, after a moment’s thought, she realized the risk was even greater if they didn’t get out.
“If people find out, I’ll… wish I were dead.”1
Sweat dripped from Cheng Jiqing’s forehead. She gritted her teeth, shifting from leaning sideways against the door to pressing her back against it. Right now, I’m the one wishing I were dead, she thought.
Another few brief seconds passed.
Cheng Jiqing suddenly heard Bai Xin’s weak, trembling voice.
“Cheng Jiqing, come here.”
She had heard this phrase before, and thus, the memory of that night rushed into her mind without warning, resurrecting the base human instincts she had painstakingly suppressed.
Bai Xin covered her face with her palm, hidden in the darkness.
“Come here, it hurts too much.”
To Cheng Jiqing’s ears, it sounded like crying, fragile yet suppressed.
Cheng Jiqing felt like she was going crazy; her heart had never been this soft: “I can’t hold you right now…”
“I don’t want a hug.”
Bai Xin mustered her strength, lifting her face from her palm, her features beaded with fine sweat.
“You know how to do a temporary mark, right?”
Cheng Jiqing froze, thinking her consciousness was failing, that she’d misheard. Then, the leather sofa creaked slightly, followed by Bai Xin’s voice: “Cheng Jiqing, I don’t need you to take responsibility…”
Cheng Jiqing had never faced such a trial. Is there anyone in this world who could withstand this kind of test? she wondered.
The answer was no.
The voices outside suddenly grew louder, sounding as if they were right by the door.
Cheng Jiqing instantly tensed, her back completely blocking the door seam.
Truthfully, with her current strength, if someone outside pushed hard enough, she wouldn’t be able to hold them back.
“Do you smell something? It smells so good… Alpha or omega, f%ck, I’m feeling it.”
“It’s probably from that private room earlier, the one taken away by the Special Management Office.”
“No way, that’s several rooms away, and it didn’t smell this strong over there.”
“Let’s go, quickly, I’m not feeling right either, the level must be high! Go report it to the supervisor.”
The voices moved slightly away, but the low murmur of noise outside didn’t disappear.
However, someone else could come by at any moment; perhaps someone would soon start checking rooms one by one.
“Cheng Jiqing.”
Bai Xin called her name again.
Hearing this, Cheng Jiqing turned her head and saw Bai Xin lower her head again, seemingly in great pain. Bai Xin’s voice was heart-wrenchingly weak. She was truly a contradiction—strong-willed and cold, yet fragile and delicate.
When she was cold, she could be lethal.
When she was soft, it was the same.
Especially since Bai Xin’s voice genuinely sounded like she was in agony.
Cheng Jiqing fell silent for a few seconds, then, as if having made some decision, said, “Bai Xin, can you stand up?”
This was not a simple or easy decision.
“I can’t leave the door… Can you make it over here?”
As Cheng Jiqing said this, she felt her heart was about to leap out of her chest.
She was afraid that if she moved, someone might come and open the door directly.
She could tell Bai Xin was terrified of her identity being discovered; this door felt like Bai Xin’s last line of security.
A temporary mark is just a bite, she thought, nothing else.
There’s no other way right now. I’m helping Bai Xin, and helping myself.
There were still sounds outside, while inside the room, Bai Xin was gripping the edge of the sofa, laboriously making her way towards her.
With every step Bai Xin took, Cheng Jiqing felt it land heavily on her heart.
When Bai Xin reached out and wrapped her arms around her, Cheng Jiqing suddenly understood the phrase—A beauty’s blade kills to the bone.2
“Do you know what to do?” Bai Xin asked her.
Cheng Jiqing remembered the consequences of her inexperience that day, and her already hot ears burned a little more. I’ll try my best, she thought.
Bai Xin used her remaining strength to push aside her hair, then leaned completely against Cheng Jiqing’s shoulder…
Cheng Jiqing’s eyes darkened profoundly as she slowly lowered her head.
By the time Yu Lan arrived, the temporary mark was complete.
Cheng Jiqing was still holding Bai Xin, merely telling Yu Lan through the closed door to stand guard outside.
A moment ago, Bai Xin couldn’t stand steady, and she had held her as they both sank onto the tiled floor, yet neither felt the cold.
After a while, they both calmed down.
Cheng Jiqing lowered her gaze, moving her sweat-soaked palm from Bai Xin’s back, and asked hoarsely, “Are you okay?”
Bai Xin didn’t move but responded weakly, “Mn.”
They waited a few more minutes.
Cheng Jiqing felt the person in her arms flinch momentarily. As body temperatures dropped, the air conditioning felt normal again, and the tiled floor became chillingly cold. She slid her arm under Bai Xin’s knees and lifted her onto the sofa.
Only then did she turn on the lights. The sudden brightness made both of them blink.
When they opened their eyes again, Cheng Jiqing met Bai Xin’s gaze.
The mist in Bai Xin’s dark pupils hadn’t fully dispersed, leaving them looking watery. Weakened, she propped herself up on the sofa with her elbow, her chin slightly raised as she looked at Cheng Jiqing.
There was an intangible allure about her.
Cheng Jiqing coughed lightly and bent down slightly, “Let me see your neck.”
Having learned from last time, she had restrained herself earlier, but she still felt it was better to check.
Bai Xin stared at Cheng Jiqing. The difference in their physical strength was truly vast; she could barely stand, while Cheng Jiqing could easily lift her and now seemed perfectly fine.
Watching Cheng Jiqing’s expression, she said coolly, “Don’t worry, I said I wouldn’t make you take responsibility, so I won’t try to frame you3.”
Cheng Jiqing: “…I’m not that cowardly either.”
Where did she get the idea I didn’t want to take responsibility?
“Is that so?”
Cheng Jiqing clicked her tongue softly. Honestly, saying something like that at a time like this really ruined the mood, eh?
Although, just now, they had both acted out of necessity.
A temporary mark only takes a few minutes to alleviate symptoms. Once or twice is acceptable, but multiple temporary marks can affect both the Alpha and Omega. The most noticeable effects are possessiveness and dependency.
Cheng Jiqing’s fingers hovered as she lifted the dark hair near her neck to take a look.
There was a slight abrasion mark; Bai Xin’s skin was delicate, so even faint redness looked quite obvious.
Then Cheng Jiqing noticed another needle mark near Bai Xin’s shoulder.
“Why do you have another needle mark here?”
Bai Xin said flatly, “It makes people weak.”
It was the shot she’d been given right after being dragged into the room.
The vibration of a phone suddenly broke the brief conversation in the private room. Cheng Jiqing glanced at it; it was now ten PM.
The nightlife was just beginning, and their business for the night was far from over.
Cheng Jiqing and Bai Xin changed into the clean clothes Yu Lan had prepared and headed together to the Special Management Office.
In the car, Bai Xin leaned against the window, very quiet. It was hard to connect her with the person in the private room earlier.
For a moment, Cheng Jiqing felt that the person who seemed to be crying, speaking in a low voice earlier, wasn’t this person at all.
Instead, she was the one feeling a bit flustered.
She even began to doubt: was what happened in the private room just a dream? Had they not had any intimate contact?
Forget it.
It really was just mutual help; clarifying the relationship was probably for the best. Besides, once this matter was over, she would soon be free too.
Cheng Jiqing retracted her gaze.
Bai Xin gazed out the window, her heartbeat having slowed down, but her thoughts hadn’t.
Today’s events had suddenly given her a new idea.
An absurd, daring idea, yet one she couldn’t resist wanting to try.
It was about Cheng Jiqing.
An idea.
The car stopped in the Special Management Office parking lot. Cheng Jiqing followed Bai Xin inside; one was the reporter of the crime, the other the involved party. Both had to be present.
Just as they entered, Cheng Jiqing heard a sharp curse.
“Bai Xin! You little beast4! How dare you report your sister to the police!”
Cheng Jiqing immediately frowned and looked over.
A well-maintained middle-aged woman, likely Bai Xingxing’s omega mother—she didn’t know her surname. The other person was Bai Zhaoliang.
Bai Xin’s expression remained cold. The woman rushed over while cursing, furious: “You hit her too! Didn’t you!”
Just as Cheng Jiqing was about to speak, Bai Xin said, “I did.”
As her words fell, the woman raised her hand high, about to strike.
Cheng Jiqing grabbed the arm and pushed it back, saying coldly, “I was the one who hit Bai Xingxing’s face, and I was the one who reported it to the police. Mrs. Bai, you still have time to take back what you just cursed.”
Only then did Bai Zhaoliang finally ‘hurry over’: “What are you doing? In public! Aren’t you afraid of losing face!”
This was directed at the woman.
Bai Zhaoliang looked at Bai Xin, then turned to Cheng Jiqing, lowering his voice: “Little CEO Cheng, surely our two families don’t need to escalate things this far? My younger daughter is usually a bit willful, spoiled rotten, perhaps she did something to offend you… Can we see if we can smooth things over?”5
Cheng Jiqing asked, “It seems CEO Bai doesn’t know the full story yet, nor why Bai Xingxing was arrested?”
Bai Zhaoliang paused: “I heard a little from the Special Management Office people just now, but ultimately, you were the one who reported it…”
Cheng Jiqing cut him off: “Did you know your precious younger daughter drugged Bai Xin? Twice. One time it was even an inducer. This is a crime. Do you really think it can be smoothed over?”
Bai Xin stood beside her, for the first time feeling like she was in a filthy world, yet had a companion.
That person stood slightly in front of her, in a sense, shielding her.
Just like in the private room, when Cheng Jiqing had blocked the door.
Shielding her from danger.
For a fleeting moment, Bai Xin wanted to laugh, especially seeing that the person Cheng Jiqing was confronting was her own father. It was utterly laughable.
Actually, it wasn’t necessary anymore.
“Xiao Xin, is it true?” Bai Zhaoliang and the woman looked at her simultaneously, especially her stepmother, Zhou Ping6.
Bai Xin nodded: “Yes.”
She waited for Bai Zhaoliang’s reaction.
Bai Zhaoliang’s expression changed slightly. After a moment of silence, Zhou Ping said, “Who knows if it’s true? Maybe you two fabricated it, or deliberately framed her.”
Cheng Jiqing narrowed her eyes in displeasure, her usual politeness wearing thin: “Shut up. Who cares if you believe it or not?”
Bai Zhaoliang pulled Zhou Ping back, still relatively polite to Cheng Jiqing: “Little CEO Cheng, since this is our Bai family’s affair, could you let our family talk for a moment?”
Cheng Jiqing: “…”
It was the truth, but why did it feel uncomfortable somehow?
“Little CEO Cheng.”
Cheng Jiqing heard Bai Xin call her: “Thank you for the trouble of bringing me here. Why don’t you go sit down for a while first?”
Bai Zhaoliang clearly didn’t have all the information, unaware that the matter involved more than just Bai Xin.
Cheng Jiqing met Bai Xin’s eyes, understood she had her own plans, nodded, and as she prepared to turn away, whispered softly beside Bai Xin.
“No trouble.”
She was reminding Bai Xin that if anything happened, she could call her anytime.
Bai Xin understood.
Her slightly lowered lashes fluttered, concealing the fleeting emotion beneath.
Cheng Jiqing had only taken two steps when she was politely stopped by another middle-aged man in a suit, who apparently had been sent by Cheng Jing. “CEO Cheng is away on business, currently on her way back. She asked me to come assist you first.”
The man said, “I have some reputation in the legal profession. Rest assured, within the bounds of the law, I will do my utmost to achieve your requirements.”
Cheng Jiqing nodded; she had just received a message from Cheng Jing.
It had to be said, although she didn’t particularly like Cheng Jing’s temperament, she greatly appreciated this kind of protectiveness at critical moments.
“I don’t have any special requirements.” Cheng Jiqing smiled faintly: “Just make sure Zeng Lu and Bai Xingxing are locked up for as long as possible.”
As she was speaking, Cheng Jing called.
Cheng Jiqing glanced at Bai Xin and the others not far away, answered the call, and slowly walked out of the Special Management Office entrance.
“I just arrived, everything’s fine.”
“I’ll be there right away. I’ll handle anything that comes up,” Cheng Jing said on the other end.
Perhaps because they hadn’t seen each other for a few days and their chats had been relatively harmonious, plus Cheng Jing’s efficiency today, her tone was much more polite: “No need to rush over, there’s a lawyer here anyway.”
Cheng Jing said, “The person I sent is the most senior lawyer in this field. Whether it’s Zeng Lu or Bai Xingxing, from the moment they targeted you, they were destined for a bad end.”
Cheng Jiqing raised an eyebrow slightly. As expected of a domineering CEO7.
She’s quite something.
She paused, then said, “Deal with Bai Xingxing as harshly as possible, but regarding the Bai family’s affairs, can we handle it as I suggest?”
Before reporting to the police, she had asked Bai Xin, who said it depended on what Bai Zhaoliang said today.
Bai Xin also worked at the Bai family’s company, and her words hinted at a ‘mutual destruction’8 kind of sentiment. Sometimes Bai Xin gave her the feeling of being on the verge of turning dark, fearless.
She didn’t know if it was just her imagination.
Bai Xin might have her own plans, so she thought she’d give a heads-up anyway. She was afraid Cheng Jing would strike too hard and bankrupt the Bai family directly.
That would negatively affect Bai Xin.
“Is it because of Bai Xin?” Cheng Jing’s tone was very calm.
Cheng Jiqing was very frank, her acting skills kicking in instantly: “Mn, actually, she was the one who reminded me about Zeng Lu’s matter. Otherwise, I really would have been ambushed by Zeng Lu today. Our Cheng family is clear about our debts and grievances9. I’ll discuss the Bai family matter with her; I think she’s quite a good person too.”
Cheng Jing was silent for a moment, then her voice turned cold and sharp: “Zeng Lu… Then let’s deal with what needs to be dealt with first.”
Special Management Office Lobby.
Bai Zhaoliang pulled Bai Xin aside alone, speaking in a placating tone: “You must have been frightened today, right? Your sister actually did such a thing. It seems I’ve spoiled her too much usually.”
Bai Xin looked up, waiting for what came next.
“But Xiao Xin, she is your sister after all. You can’t really get her thrown into the Special Management Office.” Bai Zhaoliang said, “Can’t we just resolve family matters at home? Why must family members bring things to the Special Management Office?”
“An illegal act like using an inducer, how can that be resolved privately?”
The magnanimity on Bai Zhaoliang’s face lessened somewhat. He paused, then said, “Since it’s already come to this, when the Special Management Office people ask you later, just say it didn’t happen. Besides, I believe Xingxing didn’t do it intentionally; perhaps she didn’t even know what that thing was.”
Bai Xin lowered her head, the corners of her lips curving slightly: “Do you know what an inducer is? Do you know what I went through? What I almost faced again today?”
When Bai Xingxing pinned me to the ground, who could have understood my hatred and helplessness?
Bai Zhaoliang blurted out, “But aren’t you fine now?”
The curve on Bai Xin’s lips froze, then bloomed again as she started to laugh softly.
It lasted for a few seconds.
Seeing her laugh, Bai Zhaoliang’s face fell, his tone turning cold and heavy: “Bai Xin.”
Bai Xin didn’t restrain herself. She raised her fingers to tuck away a stray strand of hair by her cheek, her nail unintentionally poking her skin, like a knife stabbing a heart.
She looked up: “When Bai Xingxing harmed me, I was the fish on the chopping block. Even when reporting it, I hoped to hear the words I wanted to hear from you. Unfortunately, you disappointed me again. Do you know what I’m thinking now? I’m thinking—”
“I’ve finally woken up. Now, I am the knife.”
Bai Zhaoliang: “That’s your sister!! How can your heart be so cruel?! Your mother was such a gentle woman back then…”
Then you probably don’t know me well enough. My heart can be even crueler.
Bai Xin’s dimples10 showed faintly, yet held no trace of pleasure: “Regarding Bai Xingxing’s matter, I’m afraid I’m powerless. You can go ask Little CEO Cheng; Bai Xingxing plotted against her too. Ah, I heard she submitted a video from the private room to the Special Management Office.”
She lifted the corners of her eyes, not sparing Bai Zhaoliang another glance, and walked past him towards the Special Management Office registration desk. Someone from the Special Management Office had already come to urge them earlier.
Seeing their conversation end, Zhou Ping immediately rushed forward. After hearing what Bai Zhaoliang said, she nearly fainted.
It was already twelve o’clock when Cheng Jiqing finished giving her statement.
Cheng Jing had also arrived and was waiting for her in the car. Cheng Jiqing stood at the entrance of the Special Management Office and looked back; Bai Xin hadn’t come out yet.
After she took the call earlier and went back inside, Bai Xin had already gone to give her statement first.
She just didn’t know why it was taking so long.
She subconsciously thought about Bai Xin’s physical condition; she had sent a message, but there was no reply.
After waiting for two minutes, Cheng Jing got out of the car and came over.
Cheng Jiqing thought for a moment, then got into the car with her and left.
A little after twelve, Bai Xin emerged from the Special Management Office entrance.
She had waited until Bai Zhaoliang and his wife left before coming out. She was exhausted and couldn’t be bothered to deal with them further tonight.
She stood at the entrance, wearing a long black dress that Cheng Jiqing had asked Yu Lan to prepare.
A hot wind blew, lifting the lifeless hem of her skirt before letting it fall slowly, just like her hair.
Bai Xin answered her phone.
“No need to pick me up.”
“I’m preparing to gradually withdraw the people from the Bai family’s Y2 Project…”
Her speaking speed slowed, her gaze fixed on the parking lot not far from the main entrance. She saw Cheng Jiqing leaning slightly against the front of a black Bentley.
Her hair was tied back, and her features appeared even more defined under the overhead streetlights.
Only then did she notice those fox-like eyes; when they stared fixedly at someone, they could surprisingly give an impression of deep affection.
Bai Xin looked at Cheng Jiqing, her voice extremely soft as she continued speaking into the phone: “I shouldn’t have held onto that sliver of hope, nor should I have been soft-hearted. How can someone who does wrong not be punished?”
Then she saw a faint smile on Cheng Jiqing’s face as she raised her hand and waved, beckoning her over.
A somewhat natural, yet very gentle wave.
Cheng Jiqing had gotten into Cheng Jing’s car but made an excuse to get out shortly after.
She said she didn’t want to go back to the main family residence just yet, wanting to return to her place in Nanjing.
Cheng Jing was initially unhappy, but perhaps because their relationship had eased recently, she wasn’t willing to be too forceful and ultimately agreed.
Yu Lan’s car had been following, so she returned quickly.
It was also quite coincidental because she had only waited three minutes before Bai Xin came out.
Cheng Jiqing watched Bai Xin approach and straightened up: “I’ll give you a ride.”
Simple, direct, with a smile.
Bai Xin looked at her for two seconds, then said, “Thank you for the trouble, Little CEO Cheng.”
Cheng Jiqing observed Bai Xin’s expression, feeling that the coldness emanating from her had intensified since she came out of the Special Management Office.
“Nanyang District?”
“No.”
Bai Zhaoliang and Zhou Ping might go looking for her there again.
“Oh, where to then?”
“Let’s go to your place.”
“Hm?”
The author has something to say:
Cheng 11: Then let’s go home.
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