After Entering A Marriage of Convenience With My Omega Rival - Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Sheng Ruxi’s Bedtime Activity: A Little Kiss

The pheromones erupted almost instantly, invading Sheng Ruxi’s surroundings and then enveloping her.

With pheromones this thick, has Jian Jixing gone mad?

Recognizing it was Jian Jixing, Sheng Ruxi was about to speak, but Jian Jixing, holding her, covered her lips with her hand.

Those hands were slender with distinct knuckles; when spread out, they could easily control Sheng Ruxi’s entire face.

Jian Jixing’s teasing tone even carried a hint of jealousy, as if she really were an unsatisfied lover who had been waiting here for a long time.

There are many good directors in the industry, but few who can act as well as Jian Jixing. If Sheng Ruxi weren’t an actress herself, she might have actually believed it.

The moment Sheng Ruxi opened her mouth to bite, Jian Jixing noticed and let go.

But when Sheng Ruxi tried to get up, Jian Jixing wouldn’t allow it. She gripped Sheng Ruxi’s waist, the heat of her breath behind Sheng Ruxi’s ear provoking a sharp rebuke: “Let go already! All you know how to do is use your pheromones to suppress me.”

Jian Jixing laughed nonchalantly. “Who acts like you, biting people the moment they open their mouth? I don’t want to go back to see my wife with a hand full of tooth marks.”

Fine, fine, putting on an act again. Sheng Ruxi directly stepped on Jian Jixing’s foot and snorted, “You certainly have quite the appetite, finding a new lover every time you change locations.”

She was clearly referencing the “female demon” Jian Jixing mentioned encountering on the grasslands.

Where is this female demon? If Sheng Ruxi had seen for herself, she would know that anyone staying there long enough would just end up looking like Wang Renqing.

But for now, teasing her felt just right.

Having not seen Sheng Ruxi for a while, she noticed the woman was carrying the faint scents of other Alphas—likely picked up from work. Since Sheng Ruxi had rushed back without showering, the scents lingered.

“What kind of talk is that? It’s just a surprise for you. For the great Best Actress to be so punctual, tearing herself away from that world of debauchery…” Jian Jixing rested her chin casually on Sheng Ruxi’s shoulder. “It truly exceeded my expectations.”

Simply sitting on a sofa felt like a secret tryst because of her words and actions.

She never speaks plainly, always using these sarcastic remarks to needle me. So annoying.

“What kind of surprise is this? It’s a shock!” As soon as she saw Jian Jixing, Sheng Ruxi remembered her excessive behavior from last time.

Feeling awkward, Sheng Ruxi tried to slap Jian Jixing’s face. Only then did Jian Jixing finally let go and stand up.

The lights flickered on.

Jian Jixing turned and shook the empty water glass in her hand. “Since I didn’t come back late, do I get to have that ‘beautiful night’ with you?”

The nerve!

She had sat there on the sofa in silence, listening to Sheng Ruxi’s complaints; she must have been laughing secretly.

“Hypocrite,” Sheng Ruxi looked at her coldly. “You want a beautiful night with me? Why don’t you go spend it with your wife?”

What does that even mean? Her wife, lover, and even the “female demon” were all Sheng Ruxi—was that so hard to understand?

Jian Jixing rolled up her sleeves, but finding them too tight, she undid two buttons and said nonchalantly, “You’re mad at me, even getting upset at the slippers, water glass, and sofa for ‘chasing the wind.’ If I don’t spend it with you, aren’t you going to become a ‘widow’ again tomorrow?”

Sheng Ruxi: “…”

How is Jian Jixing so sharp-tongued! The “widow” comment was from ages ago, yet she kept bringing it up.

So petty.

In a fit of pique, with her ears still flushed from the earlier teasing, Sheng Ruxi ran upstairs and slammed her bedroom door shut.

Jian Jixing massaged her forehead helplessly and sighed after a long moment.

Fine.

With Sheng Ruxi back, the house was certainly much livelier, filled with the sounds of things being slammed and stomped.

She put Sheng Ruxi’s high heels back on the rack at the entrance, picked up the poor discarded slippers, and placed them at Sheng Ruxi’s door. She knocked twice to signal the items were there before entering her own room.

It was a good thing the house was carpeted; otherwise, with the “Little Ancestor’s” habit of walking barefoot, she’d probably complain about the wooden floors being too hard for her feet.

At that thought, Jian Jixing couldn’t help but chuckle. She suppressed her smile, finalized the gift for her younger sister on her phone, and went to the bathroom.

When she came out, her phone was being bombarded by emojis from Sheng Ruxi.

One was a meme with a white background and two lines of text: [Delete your wife, I want to be your wife.jpg]

Jian Jixing glanced at the clock: 9:40 PM. What, is Sheng Ruxi’s pre-sleep entertainment starting again?

Jian Jixing sent back a concise: [?]

To show her stance.

Little Mung Bean (Sheng Ruxi): [Accidental tap.]

[Then withdraw it; I’ll pretend I didn’t see it.] Jian Jixing replied magnanimously, adding thoughtfully, [Don’t be sad if your fingers aren’t flexible; you hardly ever use them anyway.]

The other side went silent.

Jian Jixing’s mood wasn’t just better; it was wonderful. Unexpectedly, another message arrived.

Another emoji.

A giant yellow face with red lips puckered toward the camera in a kiss.

…

This is too much.

Jian Jixing replied: [No need for ghost stories before bed.]

This time, Sheng Ruxi changed it to a blushing cat being covered in “kiss” effects.

[…? What does this mean?]

Little Mung Bean: [Sorry, fingers aren’t flexible, accidental tap.]

Jian Jixing finally caught a glimpse of Sheng Ruxi’s vengeful streak.

She wanted to put the phone down, but it rang again—another emoji, the same “kissing cat,” sent three times in a row.

Jian Jixing replied expressionlessly: [If you send one more, I’ll screenshot this and post it online for your fans to see!]

Little Mung Bean was undeterred: [Give me a kiss.jpg]

Jian Jixing: [One more and I’m sending the screenshot to Chu Wu!]

Another “kiss” emoji.

Fine, fine, so this is your end goal.

Her patience exhausted, Jian Jixing flipped out of bed and went to knock on Sheng Ruxi’s door.

The moment Sheng Ruxi appeared with a smug face, Jian Jixing didn’t say a word—she just reached out and vigorously ruffled the top of Sheng Ruxi’s soft hair.

“Ah!!” Sheng Ruxi’s smugness vanished. She had just finished a hair treatment; not a single strand was supposed to be treated so roughly.

“If you’re that insistent on me giving you a kiss, I suppose I can,” Jian Jixing said after the ruffling. She cupped Sheng Ruxi’s face, her expression calm as water, her eyes searching for where to “land.”

The cat in the emoji seemed to be kissed on the top of the head…

Sheng Ruxi’s hand was on the doorknob, ready to close the door: “Are you crazy? It was an accidental tap.”

“You’ve asked for six kisses already. Can’t I give them to you now?”

Sheng Ruxi, with her messy hair, looked at her in disbelief: “What kind of old person are you? It’s an emoji! An emoji!”

Jian Jixing snorted. “Such a hypocritical woman. You think you can act like a hooligan online and then not take responsibility? I’ve never been flirted with like this before.”

Simply incredible.

Sheng Ruxi nearly lost control of her expression. Hadn’t she just sent those because Jian Jixing was being silent, trying to give her a “way out” of their tension?

How did it turn into her pushing for this?

Jian Jixing glanced down and saw that Sheng Ruxi had put her slippers on. The corners of her mouth curled up. As Sheng Ruxi slammed the door again, Jian Jixing said, “Goodnight.”

What an eventful night.

…

Though Sheng Ruxi told her a “ghost story” before bed, Jian Jixing slept quite well.

She naturally woke up earlier than Sheng Ruxi. When Xia Lan arrived with a gift, she also brought a large bouquet of fresh flowers with dew still on the petals.

“What, is it trendy to send flowers with jewelry orders now? This is for Huaixi; we haven’t reached the ‘flower-sending’ stage yet.”

Xia Lan said earnestly, “The flowers are for Miss Sheng. Director Jian, perhaps your ‘romance cells’ could use a boost.”

“Just flashy tricks.” Jian Jixing looked toward the rooms upstairs but didn’t stop Xia Lan from placing the flowers on the dining table.

Even though it was a family gathering, Yan Yaojin knew Sheng Ruxi had her own lifestyle. She didn’t call to rush them, instead telling Jian Jixing to let Sheng Ruxi take her time, as long as they arrived before dinner.

Past noon, “Princess Sheng” finally deigned to get out of bed. After grooming herself, she came down in perfect condition, exquisite down to every strand of hair.

She was puzzled to see the brunch Jian Jixing had left on the table.

Quite exquisite, definitely not made at home.

A large bunch of vivid Juliet roses sat on the table, their faint fragrance accompanying the meal. Sheng Ruxi looked at the flowers a few times and paused.

She muttered, “Quite atmospheric.”

With just one bouquet of flowers, this massive villa—where neither of them particularly wanted to stay—suddenly burst with a different kind of vitality.

The food tasted good too. Sheng Ruxi looked over at Jian Jixing, who was nearby.

“Where did you buy this? You didn’t poison me, did you?”

“Gauging the heart of a gentleman with the mind of a petty person,” Jian Jixing said, not bothering to argue.

Sheng Ruxi eventually ate the breakfast obediently. The taste was actually quite good; the porridge was soft and delicious. Despite being a picky eater, she was likely hungry enough to finish the entire portion.

The portions were exactly right, as if the person who bought them knew her appetite perfectly.

For the trip home, Jian Jixing drove herself.

Seeing Jian Jixing get into the driver’s seat, Sheng Ruxi snorted in her mind and went for the back door.

Does she have no gallantry? Sheng Ruxi’s door is always opened by others.

Thinking this, she had no intention of sitting in the passenger seat. Just as she walked to the back to get in, there was a click—the door was locked.

“…”

Heh.

Spoke too soon. It’s not just a lack of gallantry; it’s extreme pettiness!

Seeing Sheng Ruxi walk indignantly to the passenger seat, Jian Jixing smiled happily. “Sheng Ruxi, I’m not your driver. You still want to sit in the back?”

Sheng Ruxi bit her tongue: “Jian Jixing. Don’t push people too far.”

“Seatbelt, put it on,” Jian Jixing reminded her. “In this world, there are very few people who can bully you.”

Even for her, isn’t she just at the receiving end of Sheng Ruxi’s temper every day?

Who was it that ruffled her hair last night? And who was it sitting on the sofa in the dark to scare her? Sheng Ruxi retorted, “Spending so much time on prep work for driving—if you won’t drive, let me.”

Wasn’t that because I was waiting for this elegant princess to fasten her seatbelt and adjust her seat? The car was brand new, and this was the first time Sheng Ruxi had sat in the passenger seat. This “Little Ancestor” was born fragile; if anything was slightly off from her usual habits, she’d likely start complaining before they even got down the road.

This was a classic case of “taking kindness for a dog’s liver.”

Jian Jixing rested her wrist casually on the steering wheel. “No thanks. I have no plans for a double suicide yet.”

Sheng Ruxi: “…”

Not a single word in common!

It was a forty-minute drive to the Yan residence.

It was a bit far from the city center. It was originally a small garden of the Yan family, which Yan Yaojin had slightly renovated seven years ago before moving in with her daughters.

“Small garden” was only in comparison to the Yan family’s largest estate; in reality, Jian Jixing had to drive quite a distance from the gate to the parking area.

The garden had a strong Chinese style—grand and elegant. The Jian family’s wealth had accumulated over several generations with a deep foundation; their ancestors included top scholars and imperial tutors, a true family of scholars.

Sheng Ruxi’s family assets were indeed comparable to Jian Jixing’s, but in terms of foundation and heritage, few in the capital could rival them.

Sheng Ruxi had only visited a few times, but each time she could feel the gap between this place and the outside world.

It was subtle, but that subtlety was the chasm that ordinary people could never cross.

Not to mention both of Jian Jixing’s mothers came from prominent families. Even among the children and siblings on her Alpha mother’s side, none were like Jian Jixing.

In such a refined family, it was a mystery how Jian Jixing became the “rebel” with a sharp tongue whose words felt like they were dipped in poison.

…

The car drove straight to the parking lot by the back hill. Just as they were about to enter the house, Jian Jixing received another call. She glanced at it, gestured for Sheng Ruxi to wait, and got out to answer.

Sheng Ruxi sat in the car, secretly gossiping about Jian Jixing.

Who is it? Does she have to hide it to take it? Is it that “female demon” from the grasslands?

As if she doesn’t have anyone—if she just gave the signal, plenty of Alphas would be fighting to call her, okay?

If people say she’s strange, she’s strange.

Anyway, no matter who it is, Jian Jixing had better open the car door for her once she’s done. If she does, Sheng Ruxi is willing to play the part of the “happily developing newlyweds” at the family dinner today.

With her Best Actress skills carrying the performance, even with a “dog” like Jian Jixing, there would be no problem.

…

Outside the car, Jian Jixing held the phone. “Mother.”

“Mm,” on the other end, Jian Yanchuan seemed to realize her response was a bit cold and cleared her throat, softening her voice. “Are you at your mom’s house?”

Jian Jixing looked at the decorations filling the house in the distance. “Just got here. You’re not coming? Huaixi probably wants to see you.”

“No, I have a few meetings to finish here.” Jian Yanchuan thought for a moment before saying, “Did you prepare your sister’s birthday gift? I heard from her mother that Xixi has been into jewelry lately; the little girl is reaching the age where she loves beauty.”

“I prepared two sets.”

Jian Yanchuan knew Jian Jixing was usually proper in her actions, aside from causing some worry during her rebellious phase.

After discussing Yan Huaixi’s birthday, Jian Jixing and her mother both fell silent for a few seconds, unsure what else to say. Jian Yanchuan was naturally a cold, quiet person; asking her for more concern was a struggle, and Jian Jixing didn’t force it.

Before hanging up, Jian Yanchuan seemed to remember something: “You’re a married woman now; focus more on your family and be extra attentive to Xiao Sheng. Come stay here for a few days sometime; those two little ones miss you every day. …Also, give my regards to your mother.”

Jian Jixing gave a faint “Mm” and hung up. She stood outside for a few more seconds until she heard the sound of Sheng Ruxi rolling down the car window.

“How can a phone call take so long? Still savoring it?” Sheng Ruxi clearly expressed her dissatisfaction. “A call from the ‘Free Pasture’ has made your heart fly toward freedom, hasn’t it?”

The slight melancholy Jian Jixing felt was immediately replaced by gritted teeth toward Sheng Ruxi.

She was Jian Yanchuan’s daughter after all; how could she be so easily angered by her wife? Jian Jixing calmed her heart and smiled: “Get out of the car.”

“?” Sheng Ruxi stared at her, and after failing to see the reaction she wanted, she said directly: “Jian Jixing, open the door for me.”

“Am I your driver?”

“No.” Sheng Ruxi also smiled. “You’re my servant. Open it, or I’ll tell Mom later.”

Jian Jixing couldn’t stand how the twenty-something Sheng Ruxi acted like a child, but she still opened the door with a wooden face. Even then, Sheng Ruxi wasn’t satisfied; she sat in the spacious passenger seat with her slender legs crossed, her arm raised slightly, waiting for Jian Jixing to help her up.

Endure it.

As Jian Jixing extended her arm, she asked: “You’ve turned me into a slave, haven’t you?”

“Don’t say that about yourself.” Sheng Ruxi raised her chin, resting her hand on Jian Jixing’s arm to stand up. “I have plenty of people around me, but I don’t let other Alphas help me, and I didn’t let Wuwu help either. I’m only letting you, so I’m really valuing you.”

The ability to twist facts is truly astounding. Jian Jixing squeezed out: “So you’re only treating me as a slave.”

She grabbed the gifts prepared in the trunk. As they walked toward the house, Sheng Ruxi couldn’t help but ask again.

“You had to get out of the car for the call?”

Jian Jixing said: “It was my mother. She asked if I prepared Huaixi’s gift.”

Sheng Ruxi choked for a second, then complained: “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I could have sent my regards.”

“You didn’t ask.” Jian Jixing glanced at her. “No one requires you to send regards to a ‘slave’s’ mother.”

“Can you stop talking nonsense?” Sheng Ruxi was startled and reached out to cover Jian Jixing’s mouth, tapping it twice. She didn’t realize the gesture was too intimate. The sweet, faint scent of perfume from her wrist wafted into Jian Jixing’s nose.

In the whole capital, aside from Jian Jixing who dared to speak about Jian Yanchuan this way, no one else would.

Sheng Ruxi was very respectful toward elders. Although Jian Jixing’s two mothers had separated years ago, both were very dignified in public and never lacked support for Jian Jixing. Even after having their own children later, the relationship remained good.

While she was undoubtedly Jian Jixing’s rival, that didn’t stop Sheng Ruxi from having a good impression of Jian Jixing’s mothers.

Jian Jixing’s younger sister, Yan Huaixi, was not biologically related to Jian Yanchuan, yet the elder could still call to show concern for her birthday out of respect for her ex-wife.

The Chinese garden home was decorated from the inside out for the little princess’s birthday. Dolls, streamers, and balloons were everywhere; every corner matched Yan Huaixi’s tastes with Western-style decorations.

At a glance, it felt like entering a Disney fairytale park.

Though it didn’t quite match the house’s style, it was full of innocent charm.

Upon entering, Yan Huaixi, dressed in a princess gown, excitedly kicked off her shoes and ran over, plunging into Jian Jixing’s arms.

“Sister! Sister!”

The first call was for Jian Jixing, the second for Sheng Ruxi.

Before entering, Jian Jixing had given the gift to Sheng Ruxi to present.

Jian Jixing carried the other gifts for the family, which Yan Yaojin received with a smile.

Yan Huaixi opened her gift on the spot, her eyes lighting up: “Ah! Sister, how did you know I liked this necklace? I want to wear it! My friend was saying last night that Liang Xiangyi’s new work was bought… so it was you, Sister…”

Yan Huaixi’s joy was plain to see as she took off her old necklace and put on the new one.

Yan Yaojin said with a smile, “Look how happy she is.”

Yue Ai, who was standing beside her in a qipao, also came to welcome them, nodding and smiling at Jian Jixing: “Thank you for the trouble.”

“It’s nothing. The gift is from Xixi’s heart; she chose it.” Jian Jixing greeted Yue Ai politely. After Yan Huaixi finished her photos, they all went to the dining room.

In reality, the gifts had been handled entirely by Jian Jixing. Hearing her mention it this way and attribute the thoughtfulness to her made Sheng Ruxi’s face flush slightly.

Seeing Yan Yaojin approach, Sheng Ruxi leaned closer to Jian Jixing, pretending to be intimate. She curiously observed Yue Ai and then quietly withdrew her gaze.

Yue Ai was Yan Huaixi’s Alpha mother and Yan Yaojin’s partner. The two had never married over the years; rumors claimed it was because Jian Jixing didn’t want Yue Ai to become her stepmother.

Seeing them now, the relationship didn’t seem as bad as the rumors suggested.

At the table, Jian Jixing even proactively pulled out a chair for Sheng Ruxi to sit.

When things are abnormal, there must be a catch.

Sheng Ruxi watched Jian Jixing from the side. After a while, she saw it wasn’t a trap—Jian Jixing took the plate in front of Sheng Ruxi and wiped it carefully with a towel provided by the maid.

Is it necessary to be this meticulous?

Jian Jixing’s occasional germophobia was so obvious even in her own home; she was so high-maintenance.

Yan Huaixi ran around excitedly, looking for a place to hang the artwork. Jian Jixing acted the part of the steady eldest sister, setting the cutlery for every family member.

Though she found Jian Jixing a bit troublesome, when the woman wiped the cutlery clean and handed it over, Sheng Ruxi still said, “Thank you.”

I don’t understand, but I’ll respect it for now.

Jian Jixing let out a low snort, joking: “Why is the princess so down-to-earth, being polite to her slave?”

Is this never-ending? Does Jian Jixing have any humor cells?

Sheng Ruxi didn’t give her another look and focused on eating. This was her first time having dinner with Yue Ai and Yan Yaojin. She thought Jian Jixing would be as talkative as she was in front of her, but the woman had a different persona here. Unless Yan Yaojin specifically asked her something, Jian Jixing didn’t say much.

Most of the time, Jian Jixing just listened to Yue Ai and Yan Yaojin chat about household matters.

The most active person at the table was Yan Huaixi, a ten-year-old girl full of energy. She wasn’t very interested in the food; after a few quick bites, she flew upstairs like a whirlwind and ran back down with a few pages in her hand.

“Sister, Mom, look at my test paper!” Yan Huaixi rarely saw Jian Jixing and was thrilled. She usually wouldn’t brag about such things, but today she really wanted to: “98 points! Am I great or what?”

Yan Yaojin said in surprise: “Goodness, such big progress! 10 points higher than before! Do you want a reward?”

“Reward her more? Even if she didn’t improve, you’d still give her everything,” Yue Ai laughed.

Sheng Ruxi watched with interest, agreeing with Yue Ai’s words. She had loved family gatherings since she was a child and was used to being the center of attention. Everyone pampered her; even if she brought home a zero, as long as she talked about it, her family thought she was super.

At a family gathering, children being willing to show their grades is a sign of trust in their elders; you just praise them.

Yan Huaixi hugged Yan Yaojin’s arm and said coquettishly: “Mom, just give me a kiss. You only kissed me once when I woke up today.”

Yan Yaojin laughed: “How old are you, still so clingy?”

Sheng Ruxi saw out of the corner of her eye that Jian Jixing was wiping her own fork again—she had only just used it to cut a piece of steak for her! Why so disgusted? She poked Jian Jixing’s leg under the table in annoyance.

She warned her with her eyes: Stop being so extra. If you keep acting up, I won’t give you face when it’s your turn to speak.

In this kind of traditional program where the younger generation reports their achievements, after the small one finishes, it’s the big one’s turn. The big one just won a top directing award, very prestigious; shouldn’t she show off in front of the elders?

Jian Jixing’s lips curved slightly as she put down the hot towel. She had no idea what was going on in Sheng Ruxi’s head to make her look so excited.

Yan Yaojin gave the reward, and Yan Huaixi laughed, hugging Yue Ai and running around the elders. The atmosphere was great. Midway, her fluffy skirt accidentally knocked over a plate; Yan Yaojin quickly pulled her over, fearing she might get hurt.

A maid brought a new set to Yan Huaixi’s place. Yan Huaixi sat down, looked at it, then stood up and walked to Jian Jixing’s side, blinking. “Sister, I want your towel to wipe the plate.”

Yue Ai scolded her: “It was already wiped. You knocked it over yourself; don’t keep bothering your sister.”

Jian Jixing nodded and took the plate from Yan Huaixi. “Go sit down. Auntie Lin, please bring a new towel.”

Yan Huaixi obeyed Jian Jixing immediately and sat down, her eyes bright with expectation.

Once Jian Jixing handed the wiped plate back to Yan Huaixi, Sheng Ruxi resumed her “waiting” expression. But Jian Jixing just placed a piece of tender white cod into Sheng Ruxi’s bowl, diverting her attention.

Soon, Yue Ai finished eating and put down her chopsticks, but she didn’t leave the table, staying to chat with those still eating. They talked about Yan Huaixi’s best friends at school, her ranking progress, and even shared which dishes in the school cafeteria were good or bad.

Jian Jixing would occasionally nod to show she was listening.

Sheng Ruxi was listening too, but she found it a bit dull. She even wondered—Jian Jixing has so much patience for her family; isn’t she half-family for now? Why is she so fierce to her?

Yan Huaixi took out some photos of Jian Jixing and Sheng Ruxi. She held them together and begged Sheng Ruxi: “Sister-in-law, can you and Sister sign these together for me? My classmates love you both so much; I want to give these to them.”

Who could refuse a birthday girl? Just as Sheng Ruxi was about to take them, Jian Jixing’s hand moved first. She only pulled out her own photos and said sternly: “Huaixi, I can sign a few for you, but your sister-in-law cannot.”

Sheng Ruxi paused, then immediately realized.

The Jian family was very private and protected Yan Huaixi’s information well. Since her relationship with Jian Jixing wasn’t public, having a large number of joint signed photos in Yan Huaixi’s hands could cause unnecessary trouble.

Yan Huaixi was stunned. She started to pout but tried to hold it back. However, her emotions shifted quickly; as a child, unhappy pheromones immediately leaked out.

Yan Huaixi was also an Alpha. Her pheromones might make Sheng Ruxi uncomfortable, but if her Alpha could suppress them, it would be fine.

But Jian Jixing couldn’t release suppressive pheromones except in front of Sheng Ruxi.

Jian Jixing reacted faster. Before Sheng Ruxi could even smell it, she had already moved behind Yan Huaixi, gripping the girl’s gland and taking her away from the table: “Take them back.”

Yan Huaixi struggled and kicked something nearby, but Jian Jixing didn’t even look.

Sheng Ruxi saw Jian Jixing’s face turn pale at that moment and immediately realized Jian Jixing was being triggered to vomit!

Without time to think, her body acted on instinct. As she grabbed a nearby towel, Yan Yaojin also stood up—one to pull Yan Huaixi, one to go to Jian Jixing.

“Rongrong! Calm down!”

When Sheng Ruxi touched Jian Jixing’s arm, Yan Yaojin also took Yan Huaixi from Jian Jixing.

Sheng Ruxi covered Jian Jixing’s nose with the wet towel. She tried to pull her away but couldn’t, so she was forced to squeeze into Jian Jixing’s arms: “Don’t get agitated. I’m not affected.”

Jian Jixing’s hand fell to Sheng Ruxi’s lower back. She seemed to snap out of it, her cold eyes glancing at Yan Huaixi, who was being protected by Yan Yaojin.

Seeing her sister’s anxious expression, she knew she had overreacted. She restrained herself for a moment, said “Sorry,” let go of Sheng Ruxi, and walked to the backyard without a word.

The atmosphere of the meal, which should have ended warmly, turned subtle. Sheng Ruxi wanted to chase after Jian Jixing, but after two steps she stopped and returned to Yan Huaixi.

Because she used suppressants long-term, other Alphas’ pheromones had no effect on her, at most causing physical discomfort. Yan Huaixi was young, so Sheng Ruxi could resist that weak discomfort, but she had felt something was “off” since earlier.

Now, Sheng Ruxi finally knew what was bothering her.

It was the focus.

Sheng Ruxi was used to being the princess at home. Her older brothers and parents pampered her; the moment she came home, all eyes were on her. She naturally thought families were like that.

So coming here, she felt a strange sense of non-belonging. The roles had changed; she was standing with Jian Jixing, experiencing Jian Jixing’s perspective.

Yan Huaixi was the child receiving love and attention. Jian Jixing was a bystander. The family didn’t see the meticulous care she put into wiping the cutlery, nor did they praise her for thoughtfully preparing gifts for everyone, including Auntie Yue Ai, whom rumors said she “didn’t get along with.”

If Sheng Ruxi had done every tiny thing at her own home, her brother and parents would have praised her for three days. So, Sheng Ruxi couldn’t quite understand it.

The contrast was stark. Earlier, a flash of impatience had even crossed Jian Jixing’s face. This was a good opportunity for Sheng Ruxi—she had actually caught Jian Jixing in a moment of vulnerability. She should have seized the chance, like how she used to mock Jian Jixing for being “incapable,” and used this to tease her for a while to see if she dared provoke her again.

But thinking of how Jian Jixing had instinctively protected her, Sheng Ruxi couldn’t do it. Her gaze fell on the scattered gift boxes on the side—the gifts Jian Jixing had brought for the elders, which hadn’t been opened.

They had been knocked over when Yan Huaixi was struggling.

Sheng Ruxi was very proud. Most of the time she wouldn’t even put on her own shoes; she rarely bent her waist. Today, however, she crouched down and straightened the gift boxes one by one. When she stood up again, her eyes fell on Yan Yaojin.

She steadied her heart and said very calmly: “Mom, Jian Jixing just won the Best Director award. The commercial movie she directed was the most popular during this year’s Spring Festival.”

“She is also very excellent. Why don’t you praise her?” In Yan Yaojin’s stunned expression, Sheng Ruxi said faintly, “Is it just because she’s already a ‘big child’?”

What if she’s a big child? Is she not a child anymore? Big children want praise too.

Sheng Ruxi guessed Jian Jixing must be hiding somewhere crying right now.

She had given up the previous leverage over Jian Jixing, but she absolutely had to record Jian Jixing’s weeping state to use as a threat to keep her as her “servant” in the future.

Sheng Ruxi made up her mind. After finishing her piece, she ignored the remaining atmosphere and went to find Jian Jixing in the backyard.