Top-Tier Omega: Chasing Alpha to the Crematorium – Chapter 62
by Little PandaWhose Child Is It?
Song Qingpei sensed something was wrong the moment she woke up the next day.
She rolled over and sat up. The quilt covering her still carried the faint lingering scent of Ming Yu. Resting her chin on one hand, she couldn’t help but fall deep into thought. For the past two days, Ming Yu had been busy with the military academy’s affairs, leaving before dawn every day. This wasn’t unusual in itself, but given the current circumstances, it felt wrong at every turn.
Last night, she had been immersed in the joy of Ming Yu understanding and agreeing to let her leave, not thinking deeply about the oddities. Now that she had calmed down, numerous suspicions flooded her mind.
Ming Yu had agreed far too readily, and she had left so briskly this morning, as if Song Qingpei’s departure was merely an ordinary occurrence to her.
It wasn’t narcissism; given Ming Yu’s current feelings for her and that intense possessiveness, this was absolutely not her style. Such consideration was completely at odds with the Admiral’s usual demeanor.
Locking her up⦠seemed much more in line with her temper.
The more Song Qingpei thought about it, the more uneasy she became. What exactly was Ming Yu plotting?
Had she discovered Li Man’s identity?
Thinking back carefully, when she mentioned that someone from the Black Kite organization had come looking for her last night, Ming Yu’s focus seemed entirely on the fact that she was leaving. She hadn’t shown the slightest curiosity about who exactly had sought her out. Sorting it out like this, the situation looked increasingly dire. Clearly, the moment her identity was exposed, Ming Yu had already begun to lay out her plans.
Anxiety filled her. Her mind was a tangled mess; she truly couldn’t guess Ming Yu’s intentions.
Just then, she suddenly remembered Ming Yu saying that the reason Wu Lan had arrested Murong Ruixue but let her go was because the two of them had made a deal. As if finally grasping a thread of clarity, Song Qingpei hurriedly got up, quickly freshened up, and headed downstairs, intending to find Wu Lan and ask for the truth.
She didn’t want to continue living in a daze, kept in the dark like a fool.
As soon as Song Qingpei went downstairs, she saw Ming Rui sitting in the Great Hall, just like always.
Seeing her come down, Ming Rui immediately greeted her with enthusiasm, “Morning, Qingpei-jie! Have you eaten?”
How could she not see the underlying intent of surveillance behind this attentiveness? But she also understood. Ming Yu was worried she might do something out of line. At the moment, her mind was entirely consumed with anxiety over Ming Yu’s plans. Compared to that, Ming Rui’s little schemes were nothing.
Song Qingpei was in no mood to deal with Ming Rui and walked straight toward the door.
She had only taken two steps before Ming Rui hurried over, asking with a grin, “Qingpei-jie, where are you going so early in the morning?”
She couldn’t be bothered to pretend anymore. Staring intently at Ming Rui, she asked, “Ming Rui, tell me the truth. Did your cousin ask you to monitor me?”
Hearing this, Ming Rui nearly choked. She quickly waved her hands, maintaining a smiling face. “Qingpei-jie, what are you saying? I’m just worried about you! My cousin said you’ve been in a bad mood lately and asked me to keep you company, so you don’t overthink things by yourself.”
Song Qingpei raised an eyebrow, deliberately drawing out her words. “Ohβis that so? Well, I’m in a great mood right now, and I want to go for a stroll. Do you have to follow me then too?”
Ming Rui bounced up from the sofa the moment she heard this, saying with a grin, “That’s perfect! I’ll go with you! I have nothing to do anyway. How about we go shopping together and grab some hotpot while we’re at it?”
Seeing her thick-skinned display, Song Qingpei was speechless. “Youβ¦ save it! There is no way I believe your cousin didn’t give you instructions.”
“Aiya, Qingpei-jie, how could you think that of me?” Ming Rui blinked, the picture of innocence. “I’m genuinely here to keep you company! Besides, my cousin is so busy, how would she have time to care about such trivial things?”
Too lazy to continue bickering with her, Song Qingpei pulled out her communicator and dialed Ming Yu’s number.
It connected. Ming Yu’s voice carried a hint of exhaustion, yet remained gentle. “Qingpei, what’s wrong?”
She cut straight to the chase, “Ming Yu, did you send Ming Rui to monitor me? Can I not even leave the house now?”
“Where did you get that idea?” Ming Yu paused, then chuckled. “I just had Ming Rui keep you company. I was afraid you’d be alone letting your imagination run wild.”
“And what if I want to go out?” Song Qingpei pressed.
Ming Yu fell silent for a moment before saying helplessly, “Where do you want to go?”
Thinking of her suspicions, Song Qingpei deliberately said, “I’m going to see Wu Lan.”
There was a distinct pause on the other end of the line. When Ming Yu spoke, her voice was hesitant. “Wu Lan? What do you need her for?”
Song Qingpei caught the trace of tension in her tone. Startled inwardly, she kept her voice casual. “Nothing much. Just going to visit her. After all, she was severely injured trying to save me, and I haven’t properly thanked her yet.”
“Don’t worry, I know my limits. I won’t cause trouble,” she added, as if afraid Ming Yu wouldn’t be at ease.
Ming Yu didn’t want to dampen her newly recovered spirits. She sighed helplessly. “Alright, go ahead. Just come back early.”
After hanging up, Song Qingpei pointedly jerked her chin at Ming Rui. “Hear that? Your cousin agreed. You don’t need to follow me anymore.”
Ming Rui curled her lip, grumbling, “Qingpei-jie, you’re abandoning me just like that? So heartless!”
“Save it. I bet you’re itching to leave,” Song Qingpei laughed, exposing her little act.
Seeing this, Ming Rui gave up the pretense. Showing the utter relief of a worker finally clocking out, she waved excitedly.
“Bye, Qingpei-jie! Let’s get hotpot another day!”
Watching her hastily retreating figure, Song Qingpei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
With that, she turned, headed out the door, and dialed Wu Lan’s number.
On the other end, Wu Lan’s voice still carried that same lazy drawl, yet it remained maddeningly unreadable. “Qingpei, what made you think to call me?”
The relatively intimate form of address seemed to close the distance between them in an instant.
Thinking of how Wu Lan had taken a bullet for her, a wave of guilt washed over Song Qingpei. Suddenly, it felt inappropriate to just bluntly demand answers. She couldn’t help but offer a few pleasantries instead.
“Wuβ¦ Wu Lan, how is your wound healing? Is it convenient right now? I’d like to come visit you.”
“It’s a wonder you still remember me.” Wu Lan chuckled, teasing, “I’m at the hospital for a checkup. If you’re free, you can come find me. You can keep me from dying of boredom.”
“Alright, I’ll head over now.”
Song Qingpei didn’t hesitate, driving straight to the hospital.
Upon arriving, she bought some gifts as a courtesy and followed the address Wu Lan had given her to find her hospital room.
The moment she pushed open the door, she was so startled by the scene inside that she nearly backed out.
Wu Lan was half-reclining against the hospital bed. Zhan Nansheng sat beside her, one hand resting brazenly on Wu Lan’s shoulder while the other gently stroked her cheek. The two were so close they could practically feel each other’s breath. The atmosphere was so thick with ambiguity it was enough to make one blush.
She could faintly hear them speaking, mentioning something about a ‘child.’
Song Qingpei’s mind blanked for a moment. Previously, she had vaguely gathered that Wu Lan and Zhan Nansheng had a rather profound relationship. Now, accidentally overhearing something about a child, her mind automatically made the leapβ
Was Wu Lan pregnant?
Forced to eat a massive melon1 on the spot, Song Qingpei stood in the doorway, caught between entering and retreating. She was so awkward she wished the floor would swallow her whole.
She hesitated, wondering if she should make herself scarce and come back later.
Just as she turned to leave, Wu Lan lifted her eyes and spotted her. “Qingpei, you’re here,” she said entirely naturally.
Being called out, Song Qingpei cleared her throat dryly, trying to break the awkward tension.
“Umβ¦ Did I come at a bad time?”
Hearing the voice, Zhan Nansheng whipped her head around. Seeing it was Song Qingpei, her expression instantly darkened. She glared at her unceremoniously, her tone filled with disgust. “What are you doing here?”
Song Qingpei: β¦
Forget it. She would endure it. She truly had arrived at the wrong time and walked right into the line of fire.
Wu Lan, however, looked completely unfazed. She gave Zhan Nansheng a gentle push. “Eldest Miss, please step out for a moment. Qingpei and I have things to discuss.”
Zhan Nansheng was clearly reluctant, but catching Wu Lan’s look, she had no choice but to stand up begrudgingly.
On that particular matter, she was indeed in the wrong, and she hadn’t expected things to turn out this way.
Looking thoroughly frustrated, she walked past Song Qingpei, deliberately bumping her shoulder, and warned in a low voice, “Don’t even think about stirring up trouble or kicking someone when they’re down.”
Song Qingpei stumbled slightly from the impact. She rolled her eyes inwardly. It was utterly baffling; she had absolutely no idea what the woman was talking about, but she maintained a polite smile on her face anyway.
Zhan Nansheng left, deliberately leaving the door open.
She exchanged a glance with Wu Lan. Wu Lan used her eyes to gesture toward the door. After a brief second of confusion, Song Qingpei understood and turned back to close it.
Just as she reached the doorway, she heard a heavy huff, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps storming off.
She couldn’t help but pause. Hah, so she hadn’t left after all! From the looks of it, she had been planning to eavesdrop. It had to be saidβWu Lan truly understood Zhan Nansheng. Those petty little tricks couldn’t hide from her.
Song Qingpei closed the door and looked back at Wu Lan, her tone laced with apology and concern. “How was the checkup? Are you recovering well?”
“It’s nothing, just a routine examination.” Wu Lan gave a nonchalant smile. “What about you? Suddenly coming to find meβyou must have a reason.”
Song Qingpei looked away, slightly embarrassed, her expression tense.
Given Wu Lan’s position, the questions she wanted to ask likely bordered on leaking state secrets. The woman had been severely injured saving her life; for a moment, Song Qingpei found herself entirely unable to speak up.
After a long time, she finally squeezed out, “β¦It’s nothing. I just came to see you.”
Wu Lan let out a sudden chuckle. “Qingpei, you really are terrible at lying.”
With her being so blunt, Song Qingpei instantly flushed bright red, overcome with embarrassment.
Seeing this, Wu Lan stopped teasing her and smiled. “I’m just joking with you. Don’t be nervous. Ask whatever you want to ask. I’ll tell you everything I can, and what I can’tβ¦ well, naturally, I won’t tell you.”
Song Qingpei’s expression relaxed slightly. “I wanted to ask you aboutβ¦ Murong Ruixue. What is her current situation?”
Wu Lan’s expression stiffened infinitesimally before smoothing out. “Murong Ruixue’s case is still under investigation. For now, she is safeβyou can rest assured on that point. However, I can’t reveal too many specific details. After all, it involves the Bureau of Investigation’s classified intel.”
Song Qingpei frowned. “Thenβ¦ are there any developments regarding her interrogation?”
“I cannot disclose that information.” Wu Lan shook her head. “Murong Ruixue’s case touches upon some highly sensitive matters. The Bureau has strict protocols. I can’t violate discipline just for a friend, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Thank you. I understand.”
Knowing when to drop it, Song Qingpei didn’t press further. She murmured softly, “I just hope she’ll be alright. She did help me once.”
Hearing this, Wu Lan gave her a look, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. “Qingpei, I understand how you feel, but Murong Ruixue’s case isn’t something anyone can casually interfere with. I suggest that instead of worrying about her, you should pay more attention to your own circumstances.”
“My circumstances?” Song Qingpei was taken aback, a faint sense of dread rising in her chest. “What do you mean by that?”
Wu Lan didn’t answer immediately. She remained silent for a few seconds, as if weighing her options.
After a while, she spoke slowly. “Qingpei, there are things I cannot say too much about. But as a friend, I want to offer you a word of warning. In this world, aside from yourself, you must never fully trust anyone. Even the person closest to you may have a side you know nothing about.”
Song Qingpei’s heart plummeted. Ming Yu’s face flashed across her mind.
Trying desperately to remain calm, she pressed on, “Wu Lan, do you know something? About Ming Yu, or about me?”
“I’m sorry, but that’s all I can say.” Wu Lan smiled. “Just keep your wits about you. Don’t put your faith in others so easily, lest you find yourself helping them count the money after they’ve already sold you.”
Song Qingpei’s heart hammered a beat faster. The unease within her only grew stronger.
She stared at Wu Lan, trying to read something from her expression, but Wu Lan’s face held only calm detachment, as though her previous words had been nothing more than a casual remark.
A brief silence fell over the hospital room. An oppressive weight hung in the air.
Song Qingpei forced herself to cool down. She knew that she probably wasn’t going to get any more information out of Wu Lan.
“Thank you, Director Wu.” She stood up, her tone laced with gratitude. “Regardless, I will remember your warning.”
Wu Lan nodded, a gentle smile returning to her face. “You’re welcome. Miss Song, if you ever need any help, you can come find me anytime.”
“Alright. Get some rest. I’ll be taking my leave.”
Song Qingpei managed a weak smile and left the room, her mind heavy with worry.
Wu Lan’s words were like a thorn buried deep in her heart, making her even more suspicious that Ming Yu was truly doing something behind her back. Agreeing to let her leave might have simply been a tactic to placate her for now.
As she walked down the corridor in a daze, a familiar figure strode briskly past her, bringing with it a gust of cold air.
Song Qingpei looked up. It was Zhan Nansheng.
Her face was stormy, her eyes bearing obvious hostility. As she reached Song Qingpei, she suddenly stopped and said coldly, “Song Qingpei, I’m warning you. Stay away from Wu Lan.”
Song Qingpei was stunned for a moment before frowning. “Miss Zhan, what do you mean by that?”
Zhan Nansheng sneered, her tone dripping with mockery. “Don’t play dumb. Wu Lan is mine. You’d better not harbor any designs on her. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
Song Qingpei was stung into annoyance by her attitude, but remembering Wu Lan’s recent warning, she swallowed her anger and said evenly, “Miss Zhan, you misunderstand. I came to see Director Wu strictly for official business. There is nothing else.”
“Official business?” Zhan Nansheng clearly didn’t believe a word of it, her eyes filled with derision. “You expect me to believe that? Song Qingpei, I don’t care what your relationship with Ming Yu is, but Wu Lan is not someone you can touch. Stay away from her, or face the consequences.”
Zhan Nansheng pushed the door open and barged back in, obvious jealousy written across her face and fire in her eyes.
She closed the distance to Wu Lan’s bed in a few strides. Crossing her arms over her chest and lifting her chin slightly, she said with a touch of haughty pride, “Director Wu, when you were talking to Song Qingpei just now, you were practically dripping with tenderness, weren’t you? What, to me you’re freezing cold, but to her you’re full of warmth?”
Wu Lan flicked her eyes up at her, her expression frosty. “Eldest Miss, do you have so much free time that you rushed all the way over here just to throw a tantrum? Who I speak with, and what attitude I use, do I have to report it to you?”
Zhan Nansheng choked on her words, her expression turning even uglier.
She gritted her teeth, her voice ringing with grievance and fury. “Wu Lan, stop playing dumb! Everything online is fake! On what grounds do you not believe me?”
Wu Lan remained expressionless, her tone apathetic. “Does it have anything to do with me?”
“Nothing to do with you?” Zhan Nansheng’s eyes went wide with rage, her voice rising an octave. “If you hadn’t infuriated me, why would I have gotten drunk? If it wasn’t for you, how would I have gotten entangled with someone trying to pin this on me? If it wasn’t for you, why would my family be forcing me into an arranged marriage with the Qin family?”
Wu Lan let out an exasperated laugh.
“Eldest Miss, you getting drunk is your own business. Getting someone pinned on you is your own business. As for the marriage, that’s between the Zhan family and the Qin family. What does that have to do with me?”
Trembling with fury at her completely detached attitude, Zhan Nansheng lurched forward, grabbing Wu Lan by the collar. Through gritted teeth, she snarled, “Wu Lan, don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking! You know perfectly well how I feel about youβ¦ How can you treat me like this?”
Wu Lan was caught off guard by the sudden movement, but her gaze swiftly turned icy.
Raising a hand, she gripped Zhan Nansheng’s wrist and wrenched it back, effortlessly breaking her hold. With a note of warning, she said, “Eldest Miss, don’t act wildly in here.”
Zhan Nansheng stumbled back as she was thrown off. Upon righting herself, her face was even more ghastly.
Gritting her teeth, she laced her tone with a threat. “Wu Lan, don’t force my hand! If you don’t help me resolve this, I’ll tell my father about us! Then we’ll see how you clean up the mess!”
Hearing this, Wu Lan cocked an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement passing through her eyes.
She switched on her light-terminal. What projected onto the screen was glaringly the trending search headlineβ
#Qin Shuang and Presidential Daughter Zhan Nansheng Enter Hotel Together Late at Night#
The accompanying photo showed Qin Shuang supporting a heavily intoxicated Zhan Nansheng as they walked into a hotel from behind. The picture was blurry, but it was enough for people to identify them both.
Wu Lan leaned lazily against the hospital bed, a wicked smirk curving her lips. “My, doesn’t Movie Queen Qin look quite beautiful? The famous apple of the Qin family’s eye, and the absolute top star of the entertainment circle. Eldest Miss, you’ve really struck gold.”
“Wu Lan! Stop being so sarcastic!” Zhan Nansheng’s face turned pale with rage as she furiously explained, “I already told you, I was drunk that night! I don’t remember anything! Who knows how she got into my room or how we got photographed like that!”
Wu Lan raised an eyebrow, her tone as airy as before. “Oh? Is that so? Then what about the child in Qin Shuang’s belly? I heard the Qin family has already let slip that they want to arrange a marriage with your family. Buy one, get one freeβbecoming a mother without the pain of labor. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“You!” Zhan Nansheng slammed a hand onto the bedside table, grinding her teeth. “Stop making snide remarks! I have absolutely no idea whose child is in her belly! Hurry up and find out who is pulling the strings behind my back!”
Wu Lan shrugged, utterly unbothered. “Eldest Miss, you were always going to enter an arranged marriage. A union between the Zhan family and the Qin family, isn’t it quite fitting? Equal in status, an alliance of the strong.”
Zhan Nansheng was choked by her words into sudden silence, her face flushing crimson.
She gritted her teeth, her voice thick with wrath. “Let me tell you, I will never swallow this loss in silence! And I certainly won’t agree to any arranged marriage! Hurry up and fix this for me. The military academy is about to be established, and I don’t want people pointing fingers at me when the time comes. Do you hear me?”
Watching her flustered and exasperated display, Wu Lan suddenly leaned in close. A faint smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Then how would the Eldest Miss like me to fix it? How about I marry you?”
Zhan Nansheng was taken aback by the sudden words. Her face instantly burned red, her voice stammering. “Whatβ¦ what nonsense are you saying?”
Wu Lan simply reached out and pulled her closer until she was right in front of her. Brushing her fingers lightly against her cheek, she said with a hint of teasing, “What? Haven’t you always wanted me to take responsibility? Now that I’ve brought it up myself, you’ve suddenly lost your nerve?”
Teased to the point where her entire body went soft, Zhan Nansheng’s heart raced. Her cheeks were so red they looked as if they might drip blood.
She bit her lip, her voice dropping so low it was practically inaudible. “You’reβ¦ you’re crazy⦔
Wu Lan let out a soft laugh, resting a hand on her waist. “Eldest Miss, if you take the initiative and make me happy, perhaps I really will risk death to confess to your father and propose.”
Completely entranced by her, Zhan Nansheng melted, her whole body going limp.
She bit her lip, her voice tinged with bashful indignation. “Don’tβ¦ don’t be so smug. Right now, everyone out there thinks you’re an Omega. If anyone is marrying anyone, I would be marrying you⦔
“That’s fine. I don’t care about such empty titles.” Wu Lan squeezed her waist, tracing her fingertips slowly down her tailbone. Leaning close to her ear, she chuckled lowly, “As long asβ¦ the Eldest Miss is willing to let me press her down in bed.”
“Youβ¦ shut up!”
Zhan Nansheng broke free from Wu Lan’s embrace, raising a hand as if to strike her in anger.
Wu Lan couldn’t help but let out a light laugh, her tone laced with amusement. “Eldest Miss, you really do change faces at a remarkable speed.”
Zhan Nansheng glared at her, snapping out of sheer embarrassment and anger. “Stop looking so smug! Just hurry up and investigate this. I’mβ¦ I’m leaving!”
With that, she turned and quickly left the hospital room, her retreating figure looking somewhat flustered.
Watching her leave, the smile on Wu Lan’s lips gradually faded.
She leaned against the headboard, a complex glint in her eyes, and murmured softly, “Zhan Nansheng, what exactly are you trying to do⦔
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