After Entering A Marriage of Convenience With My Omega Rival - Chapter 8

Chapter 8: “Sheng Ruxi, Soften Your Tongue.”

In the middle of the night, Jian Jixing was suddenly awakened by a weight pressing against her. Her sleep quality had always been mediocre, but Sheng Ruxi had somehow migrated to her side of the bed. Her head was tilted, and her arm was draped over Jian Jixing as if she were trying to pull her into a hug.

Likely exhausted from the day’s “activities,” the girl had let her guard down and was sleeping right up against her.

With her eyes closed, Sheng Ruxi looked incredibly obedient, like an exquisite yet childish porcelain doll. Because she had cried before sleeping, her eyelids were still slightly red. Her arms were soft and porcelain-white, the thin duvet covering her like ripples on a warm lake.

Jian Jixing watched her for a moment and felt a pang of regret. Why can’t she be like this when she’s awake?

Sheng Ruxi’s soothing effect on her was miraculous. This one night was enough to let her pass through her Susceptible Period smoothly. To be honest, Jian Jixing wanted more, but Sheng Ruxi couldn’t take any more toward the end. The sheets didn’t need changing this time, but that desk definitely needed a deep clean.

She suddenly remembered Sheng Ruxi’s “Poke” suffix: [Gave you a peck on the face and said “Please, please, please.”]

A peck? What kind of movement was that? What goes on in that head of hers?

Jian Jixing lowered her head, suppressing the urge to actually carry out that “peck.” She simply pulled the covers up, tucking Sheng Ruxi in tightly.

…

When Sheng Ruxi woke up again, the spot beside her was cold. She had no idea when Jian Jixing had left. She checked her phone—not a single message.

Infuriating. Use me and lose me.

Sheng Ruxi’s waist was sore, and her legs felt like lead. It was all Jian Jixing’s fault. During the latter half, the woman hadn’t let her down once, keeping her right there at the desk—

The “dew” had been heavy, winding through the wood grain of the tabletop. Sheng Ruxi remembered vividly: Chu Wu’s livestream playing right in front of her, the host’s voice droning on about obscure scientific facts.

She never wanted to see that desk again. Or that dress.

At the time, the collar of her dress had slipped down loosely, and the hem was a mess, while Jian Jixing’s clothes had remained perfectly in place, as if nothing had happened. The Alpha’s aura had blended seamlessly with the disciplined, ascetic vibe of the study.

Sheng Ruxi hated that “composed” look. Why was she the only one left in a mess, looking like she was drowning in desire?

She didn’t know when the livestream had ended. Her skirt had been crumpled, spread out on the desk by a total jerk. Burning body heat and kisses had landed only around her gland. Sheng Ruxi had trembled non-stop, and for a moment, a stray thought had crossed her mind: Why doesn’t Jian Jixing kiss me?

Her memories were fragmented. Jian Jixing had bitten hard and used a lot of force. Sheng Ruxi had cried intermittently, sometimes complaining when Jian Jixing slowed down. She was a cloud being kneaded in Jian Jixing’s hands… falling heavily, then being thrust to the highest peak.

Later, she had no strength left to resist. She ordered Jian Jixing to carry her to the bathroom to clean up. Jian Jixing held her on the edge of the sink, facing the mirror, and finally revealed the reason for her intensity.

“Don’t mention another Alpha’s name when your Alpha is in their Susceptible Period,” Jian Jixing said. “Even if that person is Chu Wu.”

Sheng Ruxi: “…Madman! You’re a lunatic! You aren’t my Alpha—”

She was pressed against the mirror, her snow-white skin meeting the cold glass. Her unfinished retort turned into a whimper.

“Sheng Ruxi, soften your tongue,” Jian Jixing whispered, leaning down as her breath grazed the girl’s skin inch by inch. “I’m not dead yet. Don’t try to provoke me at a time like this.”

The spreading pheromones were about to set her on fire. Remembering the price she paid for her stubbornness two months ago, Sheng Ruxi didn’t dare say another word.

Finding no sign of Jian Jixing upon waking, Sheng Ruxi sulked in bed for a while before getting up. In the kitchen, she found a sticky note.

[Chu Wu said she has no plans to marry for now. I asked for you yesterday. You’re welcome. :)]

What a sarcastic tone. What a “shrew-like” smiley face. It made her blood boil.

Turning around, she saw a small mountain of gift boxes on the sofa. Jian Jixing had prepared them already—with a note saying that since her brother was back and they hadn’t visited, these “gifts of intent” needed to be sent over.

Inside the largest box was a high-fashion gown Sheng Ruxi had once casually mentioned was nice. There was another card: [Repayment.]

This woman… yesterday she had complained about Jian Jixing ruining her dress. Setting aside their bickering, Jian Jixing was impeccable with social etiquette. She was old-fashioned and steady, had beautiful handwriting, and was known for having an “interesting soul.”

Being married to such a person should have been a dream. Too bad they didn’t like each other.

…

Meanwhile, Jian Jixing was in the VIP lounge waiting for her private flight. The 9:00 AM departure was delayed until 11:00 AM due to weather. She checked her phone.

Strange. Sheng Ruxi should be up by now. Not a single message—not even an insult. Did she not see the “repayment”? Unlikely.

Someone came to lead her to boarding. Jian Jixing tucked her phone away. Her destination was far; after landing in the Tibetan region, she had a three-hour drive ahead. She had brought a small film crew. If they found material, they’d shoot; if not, it was a team-building trip.

…

After a commercial shoot, Sheng Ruxi was finishing up in her dressing room. She had a brand event in the CBD that evening and needed to prepare early. Zhou Mei rushed in, stopping her. “You can’t go out yet. Don’t leave.”

She anxiously showed Sheng Ruxi her phone. “What’s going on? Didn’t Director Jian go to the set specifically for you? Why is she being linked to Meng Zhao?”

Half an hour ago, Meng Zhao had posted a photo of coffee and desserts. Fans recognized the sleeve of the shirt in the corner as the one she wore on set yesterday.

Fans: “Sister, you’re so pretty! Is this the afternoon tea you bought for the crew?” Meng Zhao (with a shy emoji and a ‘shush’): “No, I can’t take the credit. Director Jian bought this when she came to visit the set yesterday~”

The response was incredibly subtle. Immediately, a staff member from yesterday chimed in: “OMG, can’t stay quiet! Director Jian was so generous! She brought a whole truck for Meng Zhao’s visit and even gave her acting tips in person. So much status!”

Status? If having your face slapped repeatedly counts as “status,” then Meng Zhao was a masochist. But the fans didn’t care. Combined with the motorcycle photo, the “Jian-Meng” dating rumor shot to the top of the trending list.

Sheng Ruxi: “…” Jian Jixing’s life is already being scripted for her.

She toyed with the tassel of her earring, her voice cold. “Her scandals have nothing to do with me.”

Zhou Mei grew more worried the calmer Sheng Ruxi became. “That’s the problem. Our fans joined in too, telling Director Jian to get married so you can finally be with your ‘true love’ (Chu Wu). With three fanbases involved, the heat is on another level.”

Zhou Mei whispered, “Director Jian’s Susceptible Period just ended, right? Alphas are extremely possessive during this time. I suggest you don’t let her see fans calling for you and Professor Chu to have a ‘happily ever after’.”

Sheng Ruxi’s legs, which she had forgotten were sore, began to ache again. Her fingers stiffened. “As long as there’s news about Director Jian, reporters will ask me,” she muttered.

“Director Jian is unreachable,” Zhou Mei said. “But it’s great for Meng Zhao; she gets the traffic for free. If you just say something, Director Jian won’t stay mad. It’s best if you clarify things personally.”

Sheng Ruxi took a deep breath and opened the “Shrew” chat box. “Send me that picture Meng Zhao posted.”

Zhou Mei breathed a sigh of relief. Sheng Ruxi was stepping in. As long as the couple communicated, a simple clarification from Jian Jixing would fix it.

Sheng Ruxi adjusted her skirt. “Get that dress out. I’m wearing it this afternoon.” Zhou Mei understood—the one Jian Jixing sent. “Fine, fine. Talk to the Director first.”

Sheng Ruxi’s thumbs flew across the screen.

[Jian Jixing, your scandal!] [Do you know what absolute loyalty during a marriage means?] [Trading your marriage for some cheap thrills outside?] [Your marriage is in jeopardy.] [This time, you absolutely—] [Cannot coax your way out of this!!!] [Image]

Sheng Ruxi was satisfied with the exclamation marks. It made the situation look dire. She added one final touch: [Think carefully for yourself. /Smile]

Perfect. High-cold yet steady, lively without looking like she was throwing a fit. If she got angry first, Jian Jixing wouldn’t be able to stay mad at her and would have to give in.

…

Jian Jixing was currently on a plane experiencing turbulence. Signals were intermittent, but she saw the messages.

First: [Do you know what absolute loyalty during a marriage means?] Jian Jixing replied, confused: [You can say that to me when you stop calling for ‘Wu-wu’ so much.]

A few minutes later, she got the image and the text: [Your marriage is in jeopardy.] She recognized the afternoon tea. But she also noticed the clothes in the photo weren’t Sheng Ruxi’s.

If she wants more, she just has to say so. Why such a temper? Jian Jixing found it baffling, but knowing Sheng Ruxi’s “ancestor” personality, she patiently replied: [I’ll just order another set for you.]

Little Green Bean: [Think carefully for yourself. /Smile]

When Jian Jixing saw that yellow smiley face, her teeth felt itchy. Does she need a lesson? An Alpha has more patience for their Omega after marking, but only slightly more.

Jian Jixing replied in kind: [Don’t throw a tantrum. /Smile]

Sheng Ruxi received three messages. None of them were what she wanted. Especially that copied smiley face—it was the spark that lit the fuse.

Without waiting another second, Sheng Ruxi dialed the number.