After Marrying the Cold Omega in Secret - Chapter 29
As sunlight began to break through the clouds and spill across the ground, Chu Jin was already awake. After washing up, she began applying her makeup.
Chi Ye had also gotten up early.
Today was the day of their group date.
Ever since Chu Jin received the message from the production team, she had found it hard to believe. It was not until they finally told her the meeting location for the date that she reluctantly accepted this ridiculous situation.
Just the thought of a three-person date made her scalp tingle.
That morning, viewers in the livestream room were even more eager than Chu Jin. Many of them had been waiting since early morning for the nine o’clock start. Almost everyone was here for this particular date. They were all waiting to witness the drama unfold.
Ever since the news was released two days ago, the show had reached an unprecedented peak in traffic. A setup like this had never happened in the history of dating reality shows. Viewers online were shouting, “What other surprises are you hiding from us?”
Since both Chi Ye and Qiao Man had invited Chu Jin, the day’s schedule had to be divided between them. Each would get to plan half of the date.
Chi Ye initially suggested flying straight to Italy, but the director quickly stopped her.
“President Chi, we only have one day for the date. That’s way too rushed,” said Director Qin Shiyun, looking uneasy. “You can take your partner on a trip like that after the show ends. You’ll have plenty of time, and it’ll be more enjoyable.”
“It could also expose your identity.”
That made sense. After all, her on-show role was just a low-level office employee. Flying abroad for a first date would seem far too extravagant.
Chi Ye agreed that Qin Shiyun had a point.
The problem was, she had little experience planning dates. Feeling a bit lost, she turned to Yan Sisi for advice.
“Have you heard of the suspension bridge effect?” Yan Sisi asked confidently.
Chi Ye had heard of the Matthew effect and the herd effect, but this was new to her.
“It’s normal if you haven’t,” Yan Sisi said, seeing her confusion.
Chi Ye could easily name countless theories in finance and management, but when it came to romance, she clearly lacked experience.
“The suspension bridge effect describes how, when someone crosses a suspension bridge, they feel nervous or scared, which causes their heart to race. If there is another person beside them, they might mistake that feeling of fear for romantic attraction.”
So in dangerous or stressful situations, people could confuse fear for love?
Chi Ye frowned.
It didn’t matter. As long as it could create a sense of attraction, it worked.
“Okay. What kind of activity would trigger that?” Chi Ye asked. “Mountain climbing?”
She even considered finding a mountain with an actual suspension bridge.
Yan Sisi was speechless.
She could not understand how someone who dominated the business world and ran multiple successful companies could be so clueless about dating.
“Nobody takes someone mountain climbing on a first date,” Yan Sisi said with a sigh. As a delicate and easily tired omega, that was the last thing she would want to do.
“You could try something like an escape room or an amusement park. Go for something thrilling or exciting.” Yan Sisi gave her a clear suggestion, then quickly added, “Oh, and I’m already planning to go to the escape room with Bai Bai. So pick something else.”
She had already imagined it. She would act scared and cling tightly to Bai Bai’s arm in the dark. Maybe even fall into her arms once or twice.
In that kind of atmosphere, while working together to solve puzzles, not only would there be physical closeness, but their emotional bond would also grow stronger.
Chi Ye lowered her gaze and thought for a moment.
Not being able to do the escape room was probably for the best. She was honestly a little scared of that kind of thing. If she got scared in front of Chu Jin, it would be too embarrassing.
Especially with Qiao Man tagging along like a third wheel.
She had to win this.
That left the amusement park as the only option.
Chi Ye immediately sent a message to her assistant, He Zhu, asking her to reserve the entire Linhe amusement park for the day.
At exactly nine o’clock, the livestream began. Chu Jin had already finished getting ready and was heading out.
The date-day livestream was different from the usual setup. Today, each couple had a dedicated cameraman following them. The livestream was divided into multiple smaller streams, and viewers could choose which group to watch.
As expected, the moment Chu Jin’s stream started, it was flooded with viewers.
Since she knew they would be going to an amusement park, Chu Jin dressed more casually today.
With summer heat already settling in, she tied her hair up and wore a black strapless top that showed off her elegant shoulders and neckline. She paired it with matching black puffed shorts and carried a silver shoulder bag. Her long legs were framed by black flat shoes.
With carefully chosen accessories, she looked graceful and mature, but still had a hint of playful charm.
The livestream comment section was filled with admiration.
【She’s so beautiful, elegant and classy. I’m in love】
【Marry me, Chu Jin】
【I can’t stop staring at my screen】
【I want to switch places with Chi Ye or Qiao Man so badly】
【Honestly, I’d take any of the three. Just let me be there】
They had agreed to meet outside a flower shop on the east side of the villa.
From a distance, Chu Jin could already see both Chi Ye and Qiao Man waiting for her, each holding a small bouquet of flowers in their hands.
Seeing that made her steps feel as heavy as stone, but she could only grit her teeth and keep walking forward.
The camera also captured the two standing figures from afar.
Chi Ye was wearing black as well. She had on a sleeveless fitted dress that reached her ankles. Her straight black hair flowed over her shoulders and chest, paired with a silver necklace. She held a black handbag and wore black high heels that made her tall figure appear even more striking.
From a distance, she looked powerful and composed, radiating strong Alpha energy.
Her outfit and Chu Jin’s matched so well, they looked like a couple. While the style was not the most suitable for an amusement park, the visual effect alone was enough to capture everyone’s attention.
Next to her, Qiao Man wore a light blue dress. Her soft curls flowed over her shoulders, and her whole appearance was bright and cheerful.
The contrast between her and Chi Ye was striking.
In truth, Chu Jin’s personal taste leaned more toward Chi Ye’s style.
Not only were their outfits the same color, the designs were similar enough to look like matching couple clothes. It was quite a coincidence.
When Qiao Man noticed how the two were dressed, her smile froze for a brief moment before she quickly recovered.
Chi Ye relaxed her brows. She was thankful she had trusted her instincts yesterday. After seeing Chu Jin hang up the outfit she planned to wear today, Chi Ye had immediately instructed He Xian to visit one of her favorite boutiques. From a newly arrived collection, they picked out several dresses that would match well with Chu Jin’s look.
After sorting through many options, she finally chose the one she was wearing now.
Chu Jin, however, didn’t think too much of it.
Even though she deliberately slowed her steps, she eventually reached the two waiting for her.
Qiao Man spoke first, her voice bright and cheerful.
“Good morning, Jin-jie!”
She handed over a small bouquet of flowers.
Wrapped in soft pink paper, the bouquet held a variety of delicate blooms. The mixed arrangement looked fresh and lively, like something straight out of spring.
Seeing Qiao Man extend the bouquet, Chi Ye followed suit and held out her own flowers to Chu Jin, simply saying,
“Morning.”
The style of her bouquet was completely different from Qiao Man’s.
It had only a few carefully chosen flowers. A single butterfly orchid and three roses, all wrapped in sharp-edged black paper. The design was simple but elegant, clean and refined.
Though the bouquet was small, it carried a quiet kind of romance, like love expressed in just a few words.
It also matched perfectly with Chu Jin’s outfit today.
Both bouquets were handed to her at the same time. Chu Jin’s smile froze at the corners of her mouth.
This kind of attention still felt unfamiliar to her.
With the cameras filming, she knew that accepting one before the other would not look good. So she took both at once and said politely,
“Thank you.”
Viewers watching the livestream smiled warmly at the scene.
【Seeing the three of you getting along so well makes me happy】
【As long as the four of us are thriving, nothing else matters】
【I live for this kind of romantic chaos】
Qiao Man continued speaking with enthusiasm.
“Jin-jie, have you had breakfast yet?”
Before Chu Jin could reply, Chi Ye answered calmly,
“If you haven’t, there’s a restaurant nearby. I’ll take you there for something light.”
Qiao Man’s smile faded slightly, but she didn’t back down.
“I know a breakfast spot too. Their sandwiches are really good. You should try them.”
Chu Jin didn’t expect the tension to rise so quickly.
She glanced to the side and saw that Chi Ye, who already had a cool expression, now looked even more distant after hearing Qiao Man’s words.
To avoid things spiraling out of control, Chu Jin quickly stepped in.
“I already ate. I had the breakfast the production team prepared downstairs,” she said. Then she glanced at both of them and added, “Let’s head to the first location.”
Both of them fell quiet and followed her lead.
Today, they were using the show’s arranged transportation. Since there were three of them and a cameraman had to ride along, two cars had been prepared.
Even though Chi Ye was wearing high heels, her steps were steady. She walked to their car and opened the back door for Chu Jin.
“You go in first.”
She not only opened the door, but also gently held her hand up to shield Chu Jin from the edge of the car roof.
For a moment, Chu Jin felt dazed. Chi Ye seemed unfamiliar to her in this moment. She was used to others opening doors for her, but rarely experienced someone doing it so attentively.
But after that blindfold game the other night, Chu Jin had spent hours turning everything over in her mind. Eventually, she reached a conclusion.
She would no longer overthink the nature of her interactions with Chi Ye. Whether or not any real feelings were involved didn’t matter.
Because it was impossible.
As contract partners, their only responsibility was to follow the agreement.
There was no need to guess beyond that.
So if Chi Ye wanted her to do something, she would do it.
She would act according to the contract and collect her paycheck every month.
Simple and straightforward.
Without hesitation, Chu Jin got into the car.
“Thank you.”
By the time Qiao Man reacted and walked over, it was too late. Just as she was about to climb in, Chi Ye had already gotten in beside Chu Jin.
She lifted her gaze through the car window and looked at Qiao Man with a calm expression.
“You take the other car. It’s safer.”
Qiao Man clearly didn’t want to, but she had no choice. Frustrated, she got into the second vehicle.
Once all three were settled, the cars started moving toward the first location.
Chu Jin immediately noticed that Chi Ye, since getting into the car, had been inching closer to her bit by bit.
When the car made a sharp turn, Chi Ye leaned into her completely.
Their bodies pressed together fully.
Even when the car straightened out, Chi Ye made no effort to move away.
Her skin still carried a faint coolness.
At that moment, the cameraman was focused on capturing scenery outside the car. Chu Jin lowered her head and asked quietly,
“Are you cold?”
She expected Chi Ye to act like she usually did, either remaining silent or replying with a simple “No.”
But to her surprise, Chi Ye’s expression softened. She even looked slightly vulnerable.
Like a soft little cat, she nodded.
“I’m cold.”
Chu Jin’s chest tightened.
There was something hidden in that moment, an unspoken feeling that tugged at her nerves.
“Should I turn on the air conditioning?” Chu Jin asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.
Chi Ye leaned in even closer, her voice soft and low, almost whispering directly into her ear.
“Jin-jie, I’m really cold. Can you hold me for a bit?”