Top-Tier Omega: Chasing Alpha to the Crematorium – Chapter 19

Are You Jealous?

The Star Sea Restaurant.

It was one of Planet Lan’s most renowned restaurants. Its dome was a replica of the Milky Way, designed by the famous artist Yan Ke. One look up and you could see the entire galaxy spread across the heavens. As for the prices, they were just as astronomical.

            

Song Qingpei followed Murong Ruixue through the door, inwardly speechless. A place like this… if she were on her own, she probably wouldn’t have the right to set foot in here in her entire life.

They chose a table by the window. A waiter attentively pulled out their chairs, and the two sat down opposite each other.

Murong Ruixue was dressed in a tasteful skirt suit, her makeup exquisite and her hair pinned up, giving her an exceptionally intellectual air.

            

She passed the menu to Song Qingpei with a smile. “See what you’d like to eat.”

Song Qingpei waved her hands in refusal. “I don’t know anything about this kind of food. You can just order. There’s no need to spend so much.”

“How could I not?” Murong Ruixue’s gaze fell upon her, her voice filled with gratitude. “If it weren’t for you today, my pheromones would have likely spun completely out of control. You’re my saviour. So please, don’t be polite. Go ahead and order.”

            

Hearing her bring the topic up again, Song Qingpei couldn’t help but feel a little awkward.

As a low-grade Alpha, she truly couldn’t understand. Was an Omega’s heat period really that difficult to control? First, there was Ming Yu, who had been tormented into a wretched state by her pheromone disorder, dragging Song Qingpei down with her. Now, just after starting a new job, she’d run into a superior with an irregular heat period.

All she had done was go find Murong Ruixue about a work matter and happen upon her just as she’d shattered a vial of inhibitor. Song Qingpei had simply helped her get a new one and inject it. It hardly qualified her as a life-saving benefactor. But Murong Ruixue was insistent, claiming that Song Qingpei had allowed her to maintain an Omega’s dignity in front of so many people, and she absolutely had to treat her to a meal.

            

It was hard to refuse such kindness, and besides, they had to work together in the future. Song Qingpei didn’t feel right saying no, so she could only reply helplessly, “I really don’t know what to order. Could you order for me?”

Murong Ruixue gave a charming smile. “Alright, I’ll order then.”

She picked up the menu and, after selecting two or three house specials, she pointed to the items and gave Song Qingpei a brief description of each. In the end, she insisted that Song Qingpei choose two dishes herself before finally closing the menu.

            

She gestured to the waiter. “That’s all for now.”

“Of course. Please wait a moment, you two.”

After the waiter left, an awkward silence fell over them, as they didn’t know each other well.

            

Murong Ruixue was the first to break it. “Qingpei, I saw on your resume that you used to work on Planet N69. Did you just arrive on Planet Lan?”

The topic made Song Qingpei feel a little insecure, but she answered truthfully. “Yes. I was a galactic wanderer before. I only joined Planet N69 five years ago and haven’t been on Planet Lan for long. I’m truly grateful that you gave me this job opportunity.”

“It’s nothing. You earned this job with your own skills.” Murong Ruixue smiled faintly, her eyes on Song Qingpei’s face. “Trust me, you are very talented. Your future accomplishments will be limitless.”

            

Song Qingpei was a little embarrassed by the praise. “You think too highly of me.”

Murong Ruixue teased, “What? Are you doubting yourself, or do you not trust my judgment?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

            

Song Qingpei hurried to explain, but when she looked up and saw Murong Ruixue’s relaxed expression, she realized she was joking and couldn’t help but laugh along.

For a moment, a light, easy atmosphere filled the private room.

Soon, the waiter began bringing the dishes, and the table was quickly covered with all sorts of delicacies.

            

Murong Ruixue warmly encouraged Song Qingpei to eat, and they ended their conversation, tacitly enjoying the delicious food.

It was during a lull in the meal.

Song Qingpei glanced up and happened to see Ming Yu walking in. She froze, her expression changing slightly.

            

“Qingpei, what’s wrong?” Murong Ruixue asked, noticing her strange reaction.

Figuring Ming Yu wouldn’t want anyone to know about their relationship, Song Qingpei calmly averted her gaze and pretended nothing was wrong. “It’s nothing.”

Murong Ruixue nodded. She casually followed Song Qingpei’s line of sight and her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she didn’t press the matter. Instead, she picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks and placed it in Song Qingpei’s bowl.

            

“This fish looks very fresh and tender. Have a taste.”

“Thank you, but please don’t trouble yourself. I can get it myself.” Song Qingpei was unaccustomed to such intimate gestures and spoke with considerable restraint.

But Murong Ruixue gave her no chance to refuse, placing the fish in her bowl. “Hurry and eat. It won’t be as good when it’s cold.”

            

Song Qingpei glanced at the overly enthusiastic woman across from her, hesitated for a moment, then lowered her head and began to eat. She couldn’t help but mutter to herself, feeling that something was a little strange.

This seemingly intimate interaction was witnessed in its entirety by Ming Yu, who had just entered.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, obscuring the emotion in their depths, but her exquisite, beautiful face was suffused with an inscrutable coldness.

            

Seeing this, Song Xihan, who was beside her, followed her gaze and asked deliberately, “Isn’t that Miss Song over there? Why don’t we go join their table?”

Ming Yu’s eyes grew colder. “There’s no need.”

At this, the interest in Song Xihan’s eyes became even more pronounced.

            

The two of them went up the opposite staircase to the second floor, to the table Song Xihan had booked in advance. As it happened, it was situated directly across from Song Qingpei’s table, separated only by a carved wooden screen. Several potted plants were arranged between them, creating a small, private world.

Ming Yu sat down, her face cold. Song Xihan said with great interest, “How about it? This spot isn’t bad, is it?”

Ming Yu shot her a cold glance but said nothing.

            

Song Xihan paid it no mind, sitting down next to Ming Yu, looking for all the world like she was settling in to watch a good show.

Just then, a waitress brought their food and a bottle of red wine.

“Please enjoy your meal!”

            

After the waitress left, Song Xihan raised her glass to Ming Yu. “Come on, let’s see how this tastes.”

Ming Yu remained silent, simply lifting her glass and clinking it lightly against Song Xihan’s. She took a sip and said, “Song Xihan, what exactly are you trying to pull with this whole charade?”

“Since you’re asking, I’ll be direct.” Song Xihan smiled. “You know my family has been pushing me to get married. They were trying to set us up before, and now that you’re rising so rapidly, my family is basically preparing for me to happily become a mom.​¹ So I came to ask your opinion. Any interest in a fake marriage? It’s no loss for you, and I won’t have to be constantly pressured anymore.”

            

“…”

Ming Yu’s brow furrowed, her expression turning grim.

Seeing her silence, Song Xihan continued, “I just wanted to see what you really think of this ex of yours. You don’t still have lingering feelings, do you?”

            

Ming Yu’s face was stony. “My affairs are none of your concern. And I will not be entering into a fake marriage with you.”

Her tone was rather harsh, but Song Xihan didn’t seem to get angry. “Alright, then. In that case, you can go deal with our parents. Tell them you’re the one who isn’t interested in me, so my parents will stop forcing me to pursue you.”

Ming Yu pondered for a long moment before finally nodding.

            

“Fine. I understand.”

Song Xihan smiled and raised her glass. “Cheers!”

Their glasses met with a crisp chime.

            

Ming Yu was distracted, her gaze drifting involuntarily through the blurry potted plants toward Song Qingpei. Her eyes met that pair of dark, bright irises. As their gazes locked, she immediately, awkwardly, pulled her eyes away, her heart beginning to beat a little faster.

Song Xihan noticed her strange behaviour and couldn’t help but tease, “What, feeling guilty?”

Ming Yu’s face was grim, and she didn’t answer.

            

Song Xihan added, “I’m really curious, what’s the deal with you and this ex? When you brought your daughter back to the Ming family, you never mentioned this person. Otherwise, my mother wouldn’t be so eager for me to chase after you.”

Ming Yu’s brow twitched, a complex look flashing in her eyes. She simply lowered her gaze, hiding the emotions flickering within.

Seeing her reticence, Song Xihan found it boring and didn’t press further, instead observing the two of them with great interest.

            

Meanwhile, after a moment of silence, Ming Yu saw the other two talking and laughing, and her expression grew colder and colder.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she took out her smart A.I. and sent a message.

A moment later, Song Qingpei’s phone chimed. It was a message from Ming Yu.

            

【Come to the restroom.】

The same old commanding tone.

Song Qingpei could guess exactly why she was being summoned. It was surely to threaten her, to make her watch her words and actions, to not speak carelessly about their relationship or their past. Ming Yu had always considered it a source of shame.

            

“Excuse me, I have to take a call.”

She gave Murong Ruixue an apologetic smile, then picked up her phone and left the table, heading for the restroom.

The moment she saw Song Qingpei leave her seat, Ming Yu stood up and walked in the same direction.

            

Song Xihan saw this, and a cryptic curve formed on her lips. She also rose to her feet.

When Song Qingpei reached the restroom, she looked around but saw no one. Frowning, she was about to make a call when she saw Ming Yu standing behind her, a foul expression on her face.

Song Qingpei subconsciously took two steps back, looking at her warily. “What are you doing here?”

            

“Follow me!”

Ming Yu ignored her, her face a cold mask as she turned and walked off in another direction.

Seeing this, Song Qingpei quickly followed.

            

The two entered a private room. Ming Yu sat on the sofa, looking at Song Qingpei expressionlessly.

Song Qingpei sat opposite her, baffled by the intense stare. Before she could speak, Ming Yu questioned her first. “Song Qingpei, what is your relationship with her?”

The tone, to Song Qingpei’s ears, was exactly that of someone interrogating a criminal.

            

“That has nothing to do with you.” After a pause, Song Qingpei added, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about our relationship. It won’t affect you in any way.”

Hearing this, Ming Yu scoffed. “Hmph. You’re afraid it will affect you, aren’t you?”

“What do you mean by that?” Song Qingpei was confused.

            

Remembering the Omega pheromones she had smelled last night, Ming Yu felt a fire lodge in her chest. She snorted, “What do I mean? I mean exactly what I said.”

Song Qingpei found this increasingly bizarre. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. But if you called me over just to play guessing games, then I can only tell you that I don’t have time to play such a boring game with you.”

With that, she stood up to leave.

            

“You, stop right there!”

“Is there anything else?”

Ming Yu’s chest heaved as she forcefully suppressed her anger. “Does she know you have a daughter?”

            

This question baffled Song Qingpei again. She looked utterly confused. “What does me having a daughter have to do with anything?”

“I’m asking you if she knows.”

“Yes, she knows,” Song Qingpei said, exasperated.

            

Ming Yu was taken aback. “And she doesn’t mind?”

“What is there to mind? It’s not like having a daughter will interfere with my work.”

Song Qingpei felt that Ming Yu simply looked down on her and was trying every possible way to humiliate and suppress her. Anger flared up from her heart. “I know you look down on me, but please, be merciful. Stop targeting me and ruining the job I worked so hard to find. I’m begging you!”

            

“That’s not what I meant.”

Ming Yu tried to explain. She was more concerned about the Omega pheromones from last night.

“It’s good that you don’t mean it that way.” Song Qingpei breathed a sigh of relief and immediately tried to draw a clear line. “Don’t worry, I will absolutely be tight-lipped about the past, and I certainly won’t use your status to achieve any personal goals.”

            

Believing they had reached an agreement, she didn’t give Ming Yu a chance to speak and strode quickly toward the door.

After all, it was their first dinner together; it really wasn’t right to keep the other person waiting too long.

By the time Ming Yu realized what was happening and gave chase, Song Qingpei was already gone. She could only grit her teeth and follow.

            

Song Qingpei returned to her seat and was surprised to see someone else sitting next to Murong Ruixue.

“Qingpei, you’re back.” Seeing her, Murong Ruixue quickly stood up. “Let me introduce you. This is my friend, Song Xihan. I can’t believe we ran into each other here.”

“Hello,” Song Qingpei greeted politely. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

            

“What a coincidence. Ruixue told me your surname is also Song. A few hundred years ago, we might have been from the same family,” Song Xihan said, striking up a conversation with ease as she subtly sized up Song Qingpei.

She thought to herself that this person was truly good-looking, especially that pair of clear eyes, like autumn waters that couldn’t help but draw one in. No wonder a cold fish like Ming Yu was so nervous.

Surprised by her warmth, Song Qingpei smiled on the surface but couldn’t help speculating inwardly. This Miss Song Xihan seemed to be the one who had arrived with Ming Yu. When Ming Yu came over, things were probably going to get complicated.

            

Sure enough, speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives.​²

Before long, Ming Yu walked up to the three of them, her gaze landing unabashedly on Song Qingpei.

Remembering their ‘agreement’ from just now, Song Qingpei kept her head down and pretended not to know her.

            

A fire instantly began to ferment in Ming Yu’s heart. Just as she was about to speak, Song Xihan spoke first. “Ming Yu, I ran into a friend. Come sit with us.”

Ming Yu was silent for a moment, then naturally sat down next to Song Qingpei.

Song Qingpei froze, then subconsciously scooted further in. Ming Yu’s inner dissatisfaction grew by another degree.

            

And so, the seating arrangement for the four became: Song Qingpei and Ming Yu side-by-side, Murong Ruixue and Song Xihan side-by-side, with Song Qingpei and Murong Ruixue facing each other.

“Xihan, aren’t you going to introduce your friend?” Murong Ruixue said.

Song Xihan pointed at Ming Yu with a grin. “Ruixue, let me formally introduce you. This is my blind date for the day—Ming Yu.”

            

Hearing this, Song Qingpei couldn’t help but look up at Song Xihan. She suddenly remembered that Ming Yu was supposed to go on a matchmaking date. Could it be this Miss Song? She clearly came from a wealthy background, a good match for Ming Yu’s family status…

Before Song Qingpei could process it, she heard Murong Ruixue’s astonished voice. “…Admiral Ming Yu?”

Ming Yu hadn’t expected Murong Ruixue to recognize her. She nodded slightly. “Hello, I’m Ming Yu.”

            

“A pleasure!” A flash of surprise crossed Murong Ruixue’s face, but she quickly concealed it and extended her right hand. “I’ve long heard of Admiral Ming. I never expected to meet you in person. I’m Murong Ruixue. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ming Yu shook her hand out of courtesy.

Song Qingpei watched the three of them exchange pleasantries, inwardly speechless. It turned out that all three of them knew each other in one way or another. She was the only unknown nobody.

            

What was even more awkward was that Murong Ruixue then earnestly introduced her to Ming Yu. Their eyes met. Ming Yu looked at her with a half-smile, but Song Qingpei pretended not to see, lowering her head and feigning a sip of tea to hide her discomfort.

Ming Yu felt a surge of irritation but couldn’t show it, so she could only chat with the other two impassively.

The meal was eaten with everyone lost in their own thoughts.

            

Murong Ruixue and Song Xihan were both intelligent people. Sensing the strange atmosphere, they lost their appetite.

They exchanged a look and said in unison, “It’s getting late. Why don’t we meet up again another day?”

“Alright, let’s get together next time,” Song Xihan readily agreed.

            

Murong Ruixue stood up and looked at Song Qingpei. “Qingpei, let me give you a ride back.”

“There’s no need.”

“There’s no need.”

            

Song Qingpei and Ming Yu spoke at almost the exact same time.

In an instant, three pairs of eyes fell squarely on Ming Yu.

Song Qingpei was exasperated, Murong Ruixue was astonished, and Song Xihan wore the expression of someone watching a play.

            

But Ming Yu, the center of attention, remained calm, completely unaffected. She simply cast a suggestive look at Song Qingpei.

Song Qingpei had no choice but to explain, “Please don’t trouble yourself. I can just take a taxi back.”

“Alright then, I’ll be going.” Murong Ruixue smiled, then stood up and left.

            

With three people remaining, Song Xihan continued to enjoy the show.

“Ahem.” She coughed lightly. Receiving a warning glare from Ming Yu, she wisely took her cue. “Well, it’s getting late, so I’ll be leaving too. By the way, don’t forget what I told you earlier. It’s up to you to handle the elders on both sides.”

“I know.” Ming Yu nodded, gesturing for her to hurry up and leave.

            

After Song Xihan left, the two once again fell into silence.

Song Qingpei found the atmosphere a bit awkward and took the initiative. “Let’s go. Songsong is probably getting anxious waiting at home.”

“Mm,” Ming Yu grunted in agreement.

            

They left together and got into Ming Yu’s car.

The atmosphere on the way back was silent once again. Neither of them spoke.

Song Qingpei was still preoccupied with Ming Yu’s matchmaking partner. Her feelings were complicated—she was worried for Songsong’s future, but also inexplicably annoyed.

            

It wasn’t jealousy. It was just that when she thought of the messy physical relationship she’d had with Ming Yu, she felt a sense of disgust. She felt it was necessary to make it clear to Ming Yu that she would absolutely not serve as her vibrator the next time her heat came. That would be far too humiliating.

Meanwhile, Ming Yu was consumed by a single question from start to finish: why did Song Qingpei smell of a strange Omega’s pheromones?

Were the pheromones she’d smelled that day from Murong Ruixue?

            

What was their relationship?

Were they really just professional partners?

Or…

            

A series of questions swirled in Ming Yu’s mind, refusing to dissipate, making her feel as if she couldn’t breathe. She tried to control her breathing, to calm herself down.

It wasn’t until she had parked the car that Ming Yu took a deep breath and turned to look at Song Qingpei.

“I…”

            

“You…”

They both spoke at the same time, and both fell silent.

Ming Yu frowned. “What did you want to say?”

            

“I…” Song Qingpei hesitated. “You go first.”

Ming Yu pressed her lips together, finally voicing her question. “Song Qingpei, what was the deal with the Omega pheromones on you last night? Please explain.”

Song Qingpei’s brow furrowed slightly. The matter was a bit complicated, and it was Murong Ruixue’s private business. She didn’t really want to talk about it.

            

“Song Qingpei?” Seeing her remain silent, Ming Yu couldn’t help but raise her voice. “What happened?”

“I don’t think that has anything to do with you.”

Ming Yu nearly exploded with anger at her words. She gritted her teeth. “You’re saying this has nothing to do with me?”

            

Song Qingpei looked at her with a puzzled expression, as if she truly didn’t understand. “Ming Yu,” she said coolly, “our relationship ended a long time ago. We have nothing to do with each other now, aside from sharing a daughter. In what capacity are you questioning me about such a private matter?”

The direct question left Ming Yu speechless.

Song Qingpei was right. They had ended things long ago. But a fire still burned in her heart with nowhere to go.

            

She took a deep breath, suppressed her rage, and said with forced calm, “…I just think that Songsong is still young. You shouldn’t be getting involved with other people at a time like this.”

“Is that so?” Song Qingpei couldn’t help but scoff. “Weren’t you just on a matchmaking date? Try not to have such a double standard!”

“I was not!”

            

Song Qingpei sneered. “Then who were you having dinner with just now?”

“We were just…”

Ming Yu tried to say something, but Song Qingpei cut her off. “Forget it. It’s your private business. I have no right to interfere.”

            

With that, Song Qingpei moved to open the car door and get out.

Seeing this, Ming Yu reached out and grabbed her arm. After a moment of silence, she said in a low voice, “Song Qingpei, are you jealous because of Song Xihan?”

As if she’d heard a joke, Song Qingpei laughed mockingly. “What do you think?”

            

Ming Yu’s eyes flickered, her thoughts unreadable.

Seeing her silence, Song Qingpei ignored her and pushed the door open to get out.

She had only taken two steps when Ming Yu got out of the car and blocked her path again, staring at her stubbornly.

            

“Song Qingpei, you said you loved me.”

Completely baffled as to what she was trying to do, Song Qingpei froze for a second before blurting out a retort. “Who loves you?”

“The night of the Seduction Perfume, you said with your own mouth that you loved me,” Ming Yu pressed, her tone accusatory.

            

It would have been better if she hadn’t brought up that night. The memory of the slap she’d received made Song Qingpei’s anger boil over. She laughed coldly. “I said I loved you. Past tense. Do you understand? It means I don’t love you anymore. I’m not a masochist. Why would I debase myself by liking someone who doesn’t love me back?”

Ming Yu stared at her, as if trying to discern the truth in her words.

Seeing this, Song Qingpei grew even angrier, assuming Ming Yu was just testing her to see if she still harboured improper intentions.

            

She said coldly, “Ming Yu, I do what I say. I will never bother you again. I also hope you can have some decency. Since we’re breaking up, let’s make it a clean break. Whether you go on dates or fall in love, don’t use Songsong to threaten me into helping you through your heat period again. It makes me feel disgusted.”

With that, she shook off Ming Yu’s hand and strode away.

Ming Yu was left standing there alone, unable to recover for a long time.

            

She… actually said she was disgusted?

Ming Yu’s face flushed red, then turned pale. No wonder Song Qingpei’s attitude had been so strange lately, completely different from her memory.

So it was because… she didn’t like her anymore.

            

In that instant, Ming Yu felt a sharp, wrenching pain in her chest. But she still didn’t want to admit it.

She couldn’t accept it.

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