After A Secret Marriage Agreement With A Rival Omega - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: “I Have No Plans to Get Married.”

“Passengers, please do not be alarmed. The aircraft is entering an area of turbulence, expected to last for ten minutes. Please remain seated and keep your seatbelts fastened.”

The vibration wasn’t severe. Jian Jixing refastened her seatbelt and looked down at her phone.

The signal showed one bar, but the phone was quiet. She was likely in a dead zone with no internet, unable to receive any messages. There was a bit of noise in her ears—the voices of her team members mixed with the drone of the engines.

Even with the shaking fuselage, the team wasn’t afraid. Having traveled with Jian Jixing several times, they knew safety was guaranteed and were busy cracking jokes.

“Hurry up and send a message to my girlfriend, tell her to comfort me.”

“Stop kidding. Are you acting like you’re leaving a final testament? There’s no signal anyway…”

“Hahaha, it’s fine. Director Jian’s plane is incredibly safe. What’s there to worry about?”

“I know, but every time the plane shakes, my heart can’t help but skip a beat.”

“Look at how calm Director Jian is—she’s long used to private travel. Learn from her…”

Jian Jixing waved a hand at her chatting colleagues. “Stop teasing me and sit tight.”

Her phone screen was still stuck on the chat interface with Sheng Ruxi—something that almost never happened before. Sheng Ruxi’s pheromones were still lingering in her mind.

In the past, she had never thought about whether things were “regrettable” or not. But today, during that jolt of turbulence, what flashed through her mind was Sheng Ruxi’s waist, her collarbone, and—

Those lips that looked so soft, yet always spoke words that refused to give an inch.

However, the phone remained silent. She carelessly closed her eyes and tossed the phone aside. By the time the plane cleared the turbulence, Jian Jixing was fast asleep.

It wasn’t until nearly two hours later that she woke up. Outside the cabin, it was still gloomy and grey.

“Director Jian, you’re awake.”

Zhou Yue had been waiting for fifteen minutes, patiently watching for Jian Jixing to stir.

“The destination, Shanmi, is experiencing a heavy rainstorm that’s expected to last until 11:00 PM tonight. So, we are prepared to divert and land at Xicheng Airport,” Zhou Yue said calmly. “If you are in a great hurry, we can arrange a helicopter from Xicheng to the Shanmi grasslands. Xicheng just opened a new chartered flower-viewing route to Shanmi last week.”

After listening to this long explanation, Jian Jixing stared thoughtfully into space before turning to ask: “Is there internet yet?”

“Ah?” Zhou Yue blinked. “Yes, but it’s intermittent. Your phone screen lit up ten minutes ago.”

Jian Jixing took the phone. It was a missed video call from Sheng Ruxi on WeChat. She quickly dialed back. It rang twice before the other side hung up.

“…” Jian Jixing’s face went blank. “Never mind. Proceed with the diversion.”

…

After landing in Xicheng with her team, Jian Jixing checked into a hotel near the airport. By the time everything was settled, it was nearly 8:00 PM. She had just showered and sat on the bed when she saw a message from Gu Shengci.

[Image] Gu Shengci: [Oh my, oh my… this isn’t real, is it?]

Jian Jixing frowned: [What are you going crazy about now?]

Is everyone abnormal today? The image Gu Shengci sent was that same afternoon tea photo.

Gu Shengci: [Big Director, please check the internet once in a while, okay? You’re out gathering material, not in total seclusion. Are you really not afraid of that little ancestor of yours making a scene?]

Jian Jixing didn’t understand. She sent back a question mark.

Gu Shengci: [Meng Zhao posted this. Now the two of you even have a ‘CP’ name (couple name). Fans are planning an online wedding for you. Online bigamy is still bigamy—get ready for jail.]

A few more screenshots followed, and Jian Jixing finally understood the situation. Combining the timing of Sheng Ruxi calling her and then hanging up… Jian Jixing didn’t know whether to be angry or laugh.

Sheng Ruxi hadn’t joined the industry yesterday; could she really not see through such obvious one-sided hype?

On the trending list, her name and Meng Zhao’s were side-by-side at number two. Number one was: #Sheng Ruxi Sends Her Blessings#

Jian Jixing’s gaze paused on the photo. In it, Sheng Ruxi was wearing that million-dollar couture gown. The hem trailed behind her like a galaxy—fitting her usual love for grand luxury. Her makeup was exquisite, and she was smiling broadly at the camera.

During the time Jian Jixing was flying and resting, the rumors of her “set visit” for Meng Zhao had become a hot topic. When Sheng Ruxi left an event, she was hounded by reporters for her thoughts.

She had said: “Respect, and blessings.”

Fans said she smiled with genuine happiness—the most sincere she had ever looked when mentioning Jian Jixing’s name.

Jian Jixing: “…”

Gu Shengci: [Your wife wished you and your rumored girlfriend a long and happy life while wearing the couture you bought her. HAHAHAHAHA.]

Jian Jixing blocked her.

The next second, Gu Shengci called her. “You’re a married woman now, can’t you fix that foul temper? Go clarify things, coax Sheng Ruxi. Otherwise, the elders of your two families won’t let you off.”

“Coax?” Jian Jixing felt like she was hearing a fairy tale. “I don’t go out after I’ve showered at night.”

Gu Shengci said: “Foul temper and foul habits. You don’t know half as much about Sheng Ruxi’s schedule as I do. She has a gig at the Xicheng Radio Station tonight; she flew there ages ago. You didn’t know?”

Jian Jixing: “I’m sleeping.”

She hung up and lay back on the pillow. After staring at the ceiling for a few minutes, she picked up her phone again and made a call.

Xia Lan answered quickly: “Director Jian, the car is in the parking lot and ready to go. We’ll reach the radio station’s backstage in about half an hour, just in time to pick up Miss Sheng.”

Jian Jixing let out a cold laugh. “I didn’t say I was going.”

“…Understood.” Xia Lan followed along smoothly. “The Madam told me to wait. It’s raining too hard today; she was worried Miss Sheng didn’t bring an umbrella.”

No umbrella. If Sheng Ruxi so much as crooked her finger, plenty of people would wait in line to give her one. What did a heavy rain matter? Jian Jixing knew this was a “death order” from Madame Yan; it seemed everyone knew.

…

On the road, Jian Jixing watched the raindrops drifting against the car window, feeling as though the weather was mocking her. Feeling restless, she said, “Aunt Lan, turn on the radio.”

“Of course.”

After some soothing music, the host’s warm voice sounded: “Our program is coming to an end…”

What luck? She tuned in just as the program was finishing.

But the next moment, the host’s tone shifted, saying with a laugh: “So, let’s end by asking Xixi a few questions. Today, everyone is discussing your ‘blessings’ for Director Jian Jixing.”

Xia Lan’s throat tightened. She was about to change the station when a low-pressure voice came from the backseat: “Don’t change it.”

Sheng Ruxi’s voice sounded charming: “Yes, it’s such a good thing. If the news is true, I’m happy for Director Jian.”

“But Director Jian hasn’t responded yet. I wonder if the leading lady for her next film has already been chosen?” the host said regretfully. “When you won the award the other day, I thought you and Director Jian might finally collaborate.”

Sheng Ruxi laughed like a silver bell: “Oh, don’t say that. I don’t want to be involved in a scandal with Director Jian either.”

In a conversation lasting less than half a minute, Jian Jixing had to take two deep breaths, yet she still felt stifled. Because they had just completed a temporary marking, her emotions were affected by every aspect of the Omega; her body reacted, and her pheromones were active in her scent gland.

But when Sheng Ruxi wasn’t there, she couldn’t release them. The result of the emotional turbulence was a slight ache in her gland and increasing irritability.

“Does Xixi know something? Could the thing between Meng Zhao and Director Jian just be a misunderstanding?” The host dug a hole for Sheng Ruxi to jump into.

Sheng Ruxi didn’t take the bait: “I wouldn’t know. Director Jian and I aren’t close.”

“Alright. Xixi must be focusing all her energy on her career. Do you plan on getting married and starting a family in the future?”

“No.”

“Or have you thought about trying a role with that kind of style?”

“A married one? No. I’m a method actress; I probably couldn’t pull it off.” Sheng Ruxi thought for a moment and gave a light chuckle. “I’d rather act in a scene where I’m widowed. I think I could do that.”

The host didn’t know how to respond for a second, only managing a laugh: “Xixi is still as witty as ever.”

At this point, Jian Jixing’s freezing voice came from the backseat: “Turn off the radio.”

Xia Lan did so immediately. She was terrified just listening; she wished she had changed the channel from the start.

…

The rain grew heavier. No one expected it to pour so suddenly.

When Sheng Ruxi came out, staff members chased after her to offer a ride, but she refused them all. Sheng Ruxi was supposed to rush back to the capital tonight, but Zhou Mei told her the schedule for the Xicheng Peach Blossom Line had been moved up. Since the weather had canceled flights at the airport, the schedule was swapped.

This year, Xicheng opened a helicopter line for viewing peach blossoms and spent a fortune on travel ambassadors. Zhou Mei had negotiated the deal for her—a half-month shoot. It wasn’t a tiring schedule; she could treat it like a paid vacation.

She had come here in a hurry tonight, and due to the worsening rain, her private car hadn’t arrived on time. Sheng Ruxi refused to let other staff follow her, only letting Tuanzi accompany her through the VIP passage at the back. There were police lines set up by security, so there were very few people.

The cars allowed to pass and park here belonged to the rich and powerful; no one would cause trouble. Not far away, a low-key black car with closed doors and windows sat quietly. Only when it saw that figure emerge did it silently glide closer.

A few drops of rain splashed onto Sheng Ruxi’s feet. Tuanzi was very uneasy. Although Sheng Ruxi had acted normally during the radio show, it was only because she was a professional. In reality, Tuanzi could tell Sheng Ruxi was in a terrible mood. She had even downed two large cups of “suppressant coffee” during the recording.

Now, her face was colder than the weather outside. The host was a Beta and couldn’t sense Sheng Ruxi’s displeased pheromones, but Tuanzi could. This “little ancestor” was angry, and it was serious. And Director Jian wasn’t here. Sigh, what a mess.

Tuanzi wanted to comfort her but didn’t know how. She hesitated: “Sister Xi, you know it’s a misunderstanding. Director Jian definitely didn’t miss your call on purpose.”

“Who cares if she did it on purpose or not?” Sheng Ruxi kicked a small puddle with her toe and snorted. “Such a big thing happened and she doesn’t know to speak up herself, making everyone ask me over and over.”

Tuanzi: “Director Jian probably called you earlier to explain, but you hung up…”

“Then why didn’t she call a second time? She’s just not in a hurry.” Sheng Ruxi gripped her phone with both hands, bringing it to her face for a haughty glance.

Tuanzi: “But you also said you’d rather be a widow. If Director Jian heard that…”

“What’s the difference between the current situation and being widowed?” Another drop of rain fell on her foot. Sheng Ruxi’s eyelashes flickered, and she wrapped her arms around herself.

The chill had seeped into her bones. But Sheng Ruxi was proud and loved beauty; the temperature had dropped to five degrees, yet she wouldn’t even wear a coat, looking like a lonely swan. Her face carried a look of grievance.

Only she could blend grievance and pride so perfectly on such a stunning face.

“Heavy rain, a late car, a pathetic actress, and a wife’s scandal,” Sheng Ruxi muttered to herself, stomping her foot in anger. The heel of her shoe sent up a small splash. “Jian Jixing should be lucky she’s not in front of me right now, otherwise I’d bite her to death.”

Just as she spoke, the car that had been waiting in the rear slowly drove over. It stopped a meter away, and the back window rolled down.

Jian Jixing’s calm profile appeared before Sheng Ruxi. Noticing Sheng Ruxi’s stunned gaze, Jian Jixing turned her head and actually let her lips curl into a smile.

But her smile made the temperature feel several degrees colder than when she wasn’t smiling.

“Bite me to death? It seems Movie Queen Sheng truly desires to be a widow.” Jian Jixing toyed with a small, exquisite wooden umbrella handle in her hand, but she made no move to get out and hold it for the “princess.”

She let go of the umbrella with a look of displeasure and said flatly: “Sheng Ruxi, walk over here and get in the car.”