After Marrying the Cold Omega in Secret - Chapter 46

Of course Chi Ye remembered.

Back then, she had even taken photos of the brand logo for He Xian, and the very next day, He Xian bought every plush toy from that brand, including all the limited editions, no matter the price.

He even cleared out a room in the villa to display them. Chi Ye had hired a renowned international designer to create a custom set of display shelves just for those toys.

A few days ago, He Xian had sent her the final renderings. All the plush toys had already been placed neatly in the room.

It was supposed to be a surprise gift from Chi Ye to Chu Jin.

So when Chu Jin suddenly brought it up, Chi Ye didn’t react right away.

What did that little bear have to do with everything that happened today?

“What is it?” Chi Ye asked.

Chu Jin got straight to the point.

“That bear was tampered with.”

When Qiao Man first gave it to her, Chu Jin hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

Until Wan Qing arrived.

From the moment Wan Qing appeared, Qiao Man’s behavior changed dramatically. Her attitude toward Wan Qing was enthusiastic, like they were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years, with hints of affection that went beyond friendship. She paid close attention to her, was overly caring, and completely different from how she treated Chu Jin.

In fact, her attitude toward Chu Jin had taken a complete 180. Before, she’d constantly called her “sister,” but after Wan Qing showed up, she never used that term again. Chu Jin noticed every little detail.

Her first instinct told her that something was off between Qiao Man and Wan Qing.

That night, Chu Jin asked Song Xunyu to help investigate Wan Qing’s background. It didn’t take long to discover that the Wan family held shares in Siyu Media.

She remembered a phone call from her manager.

Qiao Man was an artist under Siyu.

Everything started to connect.

Judging by Wan Qing’s behavior when she first arrived, she must have had some kind of history with Chi Ye. Now she was openly challenging her, making provocative moves. It was obvious she came with a plan.

And Qiao Man, being on Wan Qing’s side, had most likely joined the show under her instruction.

From the very beginning, Qiao Man confessed to Chu Jin, clearly trying to make Chi Ye uncomfortable and drive a wedge between them. The goal was to disrupt their relationship.

Even if it didn’t break them up, it would still irritate Chi Ye.

And right before Wan Qing arrived, Qiao Man gave her that stuffed bear.

There was no way it was just a coincidence.

The next morning, Chu Jin was still drowsy when she lay in bed thinking about everything. Suddenly, it hit her that something was wrong with the bear.

The day before, she had found it cute and placed it on her desk by the window. It sat upright in front of a stack of books, facing the bed. Every time she looked up, she could see it.

Chu Jin’s heart skipped a beat. She sat up quickly and walked to the window.

She saw the bear had moved. It looked like someone had casually tossed it onto the desk, now lying flat on its stomach, facing away with its bottom up.

She figured Chi Ye must have done that.

Chu Jin glanced back at the still-sleeping Chi Ye and felt a wave of relief wash over her.

It was all thanks to her.

She picked up the bear and studied it carefully, keeping her expression calm and warm. While her eyes scanned the toy, her fingers began feeling all over its body with precise movements.

Thanks to the morning sunlight, Chu Jin spotted something strange in the bear’s eye.

The eyes were made of shiny black glass. At first glance, they looked completely normal. But if you looked closely, there was a tiny black dot in the left eye, as small as a needle tip. The right eye had nothing unusual.

Even though she had made a shocking discovery, Chu Jin showed no sign of panic. She kept playing with the toy naturally, her expression soft, while observing the left eye without raising suspicion.

Then she saw it. A faint red light flashed inside.

It was a camera.

Her suspicions were confirmed. Chu Jin took a quiet breath, and although her expression didn’t change, a shadow passed through her eyes.

They were truly bold.

If the bear hadn’t been turned over, then everything that happened between her and Chi Ye the night before could have been recorded.

Even though nothing inappropriate had happened, the kiss Chi Ye left on her forehead was enough to cause a major scandal.

The other side’s intentions were clear. They wanted to secretly record something that the public didn’t know. They were trying to invade their privacy, even using illegal methods to dig up dirt on them.

Wan Qing was completely insane.

Chu Jin calmed her anger and chose to stay quiet for now.

She had researched this type of pinhole camera. It was a newly developed model with a long battery life. It could be customized into any shape or design. The bear’s eye was clearly a custom piece, identical to the other eye in appearance, completely undetectable.

Chu Jin couldn’t help but feel amazed by how fast technology was advancing. If she hadn’t thought of it, she might never have noticed it at all.

If something truly compromising had been recorded, the consequences would have been disastrous.

This type of camera was too small to include audio recording. It could only capture video.

So over the next few days, in order not to raise suspicion from whoever was watching on the other end, Chu Jin made a point to interact with the bear. Whenever the room was empty, she kept it upright. At night, when she and Chi Ye might get close, she would find a reason to knock it over.

“They actually dared to go that far,” Chi Ye said coldly after hearing Chu Jin’s explanation. Her voice was icy, and her gaze was sharp. She looked furious.

It took a long moment before she calmed down.

“I’ll take care of this,” she said firmly, meeting Chu Jin’s eyes. “I will make sure they pay the price.”

Hearing those words, Chu Jin felt a rush of warmth. The worry in her heart finally settled.

She blinked, her eyes softening with emotion, a gentle smile forming at the corner of her lips.

“Thank you, President Chi.”

If Chu Jin had reported this herself, with no power, no connections, and no status, the matter would likely have gone nowhere. After all, her opponent was the influential Wan family of Linhe City, who could control anything with a wave of their hand.

If Chu Jin hadn’t had someone like Chi Ye backing her, even with all the evidence in hand, she still might not have gotten a fair judgment. Worse, she could have been falsely accused of slander and defamation.

That was why her gratitude was sincere.

This was one of the rare times in Chu Jin’s life when she felt someone was truly on her side, standing with her, supporting her.

Whenever she was with Chi Ye, she felt safe, like nothing could go wrong. It seemed like Chi Ye could handle anything that came their way, as if all the problems in the world could be solved with her by her side.

While her heart warmed with that thought, there was also a slight ache in her chest.

It was a pity she wasn’t strong enough yet. She wasn’t accomplished enough to stand entirely on her own. But then she reminded herself, everything was just beginning. Her journey had only just started.

One day, she would achieve something in her own field and become someone who could truly make an impact.

Chi Ye, always sensitive and perceptive, noticed the subtle change in Chu Jin’s expression.

She knew that, while Chu Jin seemed like a money-obsessed little miser on the surface, deep down she was a determined woman with clear goals. She was never the type to rely on others. She was more like a resilient plum blossom, thriving even in the harshest winter.

For now, she was just in her early stage of growth.

Afraid that Chu Jin was overthinking, Chi Ye gently changed the topic.

“Let me help you wash your hair.”

Chu Jin instinctively refused, but Chi Ye was persistent.

Not only did she help wash it, she even dried it for her.

Now that her hair was clean and the bath was finished, Chu Jin found herself in a bit of a dilemma.

How was she supposed to get up?

It had been easy enough to lie down with one foot, but getting up was a different story. The other foot had already been bandaged and couldn’t get wet again.

She had no choice but to rely on Chi Ye to help her out.

But the problem was… she wasn’t wearing anything.

Even though they had gotten physically close several times, they had never been quite this bare with each other. There had always been some kind of clothing between them.

She still felt embarrassed.

Chi Ye noticed her hesitation and casually began organizing the first-aid supplies in the kit, glancing up at Chu Jin with a deliberately puzzled look.

Finally, she couldn’t help letting a teasing smile play at the corners of her lips.

“What’s wrong?” Chi Ye asked.

Chu Jin was now certain she was doing this on purpose.

All that talk about keeping her foot out of water, insisting on a bath, drawing the hot water as soon as they entered, and then deciding to bandage her wound right while she was soaking. Not before. Not after. Only during the bath.

And now that the bandage was in place, it absolutely couldn’t get wet.

She had been backed into a corner with no way out.

“I’m done bathing,” Chu Jin muttered.

Chi Ye responded naturally. “Then let me help you up.”

She stepped forward, ready to lend a hand. Chu Jin quickly waved her off. “No need.”

Chi Ye withdrew her hand without protest. She raised an eyebrow with exaggerated calm and said lazily, “Alright then. Get up on your own.”

She folded her arms, watching with idle interest, like she was about to enjoy a performance.

Chu Jin’s fingers gripped the edge of the tub tightly.

“Make sure that bandaged toe stays dry,” Chi Ye reminded her with a light, relaxed tone that somehow still carried a warning. “Otherwise, I’ll deduct next month’s living expenses.”

Chu Jin gritted her teeth.

“Of course, if you really can’t manage, I’m more than happy to help you,” she added with fake innocence, completely ignoring Chu Jin’s glare. “But you’ll have to ask nicely.”

Unreasonable. Completely unreasonable.

Chu Jin fumed silently. She was bursting with frustration, but there was nothing she could argue.

Chi Ye was the sponsor. There was no bargaining with your investor.

In the end, Chu Jin had to admit defeat and bow to the power of money.

She gave a sheepish smile, her voice soft and sweet. “Then I’ll trouble President Chi to help me up.”

Chi Ye gave her a look.

Chu Jin understood immediately. She clenched her jaw, forcing out a playful plea. “Please, honey. You’re the best.”

That finally satisfied Chi Ye, who let out a pleased smile.

“But…” Chu Jin looked a bit troubled as she raised her eyes and spoke gently. “Can you close your eyes?”

“Why?” Chi Ye asked, clearly pretending not to know.

She was obviously teasing her on purpose.

Chu Jin took a breath. Sometimes you just had to give in under pressure.

She batted her lashes and added a flirtatious tone. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to control yourself, President Chi.”

This time, it was Chi Ye’s turn to look slightly flustered.

But she was very good at hiding her feelings. Even when her heart skipped a beat, she kept her composure. On the surface, she remained calm.

Though in truth, her composure didn’t last long.

Chu Jin forgot that, when they were alone, Chi Ye didn’t always maintain the same cool and distant persona she showed the outside world. In private, she could be even more seductive than Chu Jin.

Her gaze shimmered, the glint in her eyes growing softer and more heated. “That would be just what I want.”

Chu Jin had seen this side of her before. Outwardly, Chi Ye always appeared calm and cold, but in private, she could be incredibly seductive and cunning. Though her sensitivity period had sometimes affected her behavior, this didn’t seem like one of those times.

Chu Jin began to wonder.

Maybe Chi Ye really did see her as nothing more than a convenient partner, someone to satisfy physical needs.

That thought cast a shadow over Chu Jin’s heart. But the gloom faded quickly.

She desired Chi Ye just as much. Even if their emotional bond hadn’t fully deepened, their physical connection was still intense and wonderful.

Falling in love after intimacy wasn’t impossible either.

Still, they had already been together once that afternoon. To do it again tonight might be a bit too indulgent.

She couldn’t let Chi Ye see her completely exposed.

The atmosphere was already thick with tension. If she stood up now, it would be the breaking point.

The visual impact alone would be enough to push Chi Ye over the edge.

And if Chi Ye lost control, she certainly wouldn’t be able to stay rational either.

So Chu Jin made a pleading face, her tone soft and obedient. “I was wrong, President Chi. Please close your eyes.”

A good woman knows when to bend. And showing softness in front of her girlfriend wasn’t shameful.

Chi Ye narrowed her eyes slightly, giving Chu Jin a long look before deciding to let her off the hook.

“Alright,” she said simply.

She walked over to Chu Jin, bent slightly, and offered an arm for support.

Chu Jin reached up and rested her hand on it, then looked at Chi Ye with a silent signal.

Close your eyes.

Chi Ye got the message. She obediently shut them. Her lashes were long and dark, casting delicate shadows across her cheeks.

“No peeking,” Chu Jin warned. She tilted her head to double-check that Chi Ye’s eyes were truly closed.

Chi Ye replied, “If you don’t get up soon, I’m opening them.”

So annoying.

Since when did Chi Ye learn how to use threats?

“I’m getting up right now!”

Chu Jin quickly grabbed Chi Ye’s arm and tried to stand, but the tub was far too slippery. She had to keep one foot lifted on the edge of the tub, and it took all her effort just to get upright.

Thank goodness Chi Ye was an alpha, strong enough to hold her steady.

That thought flashed through Chu Jin’s mind.

Being with another alpha wasn’t so bad. At least they were evenly matched when it came to physical strength.

Chi Ye looked calm and composed on the surface, but her arm was already sore from the strain. Still, she was too proud to show weakness. Even though she was reaching her limit, she didn’t let her breathing falter.

Even with her eyes closed, Chi Ye worked in sync with Chu Jin perfectly.

Once she stood up, Chu Jin used both hands to support herself against Chi Ye. Her injured foot touched the ground first. Since she was barefoot, she lifted her toes slightly before raising her other leg out of the water.

Water splashed as her leg came out. A few warm drops hit Chi Ye’s ankle, wet and smooth against her skin.

Chu Jin thought she was about to land safely, but her wet foot was too slippery. As it touched the tile, she lost her balance and began to fall backward into the tub.

Startled, she let out a small cry.

“Ah!”

Chi Ye sensed her stumbling and immediately opened her eyes, reaching out to grab Chu Jin by the waist and pull her back into her arms.

In that instant, she saw everything.

The movement was fast and smooth, and by the time Chu Jin realized what had happened, she was already safe in Chi Ye’s arms.

Chu Jin was still shaken, thankful she hadn’t fallen. But when she looked up and met Chi Ye’s eyes, her heart dropped.

She opened her eyes.

Chi Ye actually opened her eyes.

That meant she saw everything.

Chu Jin looked more horrified than when she almost slipped. She froze in place, completely overwhelmed. Her thoughts spun wildly, and before she could think twice, she hooked her arms around Chi Ye’s neck and buried herself in her embrace, pressing her body close.

That way, she wouldn’t be seen.

She rested her chin on Chi Ye’s shoulder. The tips of her ears turned bright red.

“President Chi, why did you…”

Open your eyes?

Chi Ye was still caught in the image from that single moment.

It looked just as stunning as she had imagined when she had touched her before. Seeing it with her own eyes made it even more enticing.

Chu Jin’s figure was flawless. Beautiful and captivating.

Even though she was now curled up in Chi Ye’s arms, her warmth and softness were impossible to ignore.

Using this kind of closeness to hide wasn’t the smartest choice.

Physical contact like this only made things more intense.

Chi Ye was completely distracted, drawn in and wanting more. She swallowed and raised her hand, slowly brushing it along Chu Jin’s back.

“If I hadn’t opened my eyes, you would have fallen,” she explained softly. Her voice turned slightly husky as she added, “You’re so soft.”

Something wasn’t right.

The tone in Chi Ye’s voice was off, and her words were even worse.

Chu Jin realized immediately and kept her arms around Chi Ye’s neck, but she pulled her body away just enough to create space between them.

She needed to interrupt this before it went any further.

“President Chi, if you take a few steps back, I can grab my robe,” she said quietly.

She looked past Chi Ye toward the robe rack just a short distance behind her, like it was the only thing that could save her now.

She wanted that robe more than anything.

Chi Ye’s mind was racing. She wanted to scoop Chu Jin up and carry her straight to the bed. But her rational side made her glance at her watch. It was only eight thirty at night.

The livestream was still running. The cameras could be recording everything.

How frustrating.

Chu Jin waited nervously, unsure of what Chi Ye was thinking. The silence made her more anxious.

Finally, Chi Ye spoke.

“Alright.”

Though clearly reluctant, she stepped back. The moment Chu Jin grabbed her robe, she turned around and wrapped herself tightly in it.

After tying the belt and making sure she was fully covered, she slowly turned back around.

Their eyes met briefly. Chu Jin quickly looked away.

“President Chi, you should shower too. I’ll go out after I finish drying my hair.”

Before Chi Ye could respond, Chu Jin rushed over to the mirror and started blow-drying her hair. She didn’t even bother applying oil. She brushed it quickly and left the bathroom as soon as she was done.

Even after she lay down on the bed, her heart was still pounding from everything that had just happened.

Her feelings were complicated. She was relieved to have escaped, but at the same time, she couldn’t ignore the faint disappointment that nothing had actually happened.

In the bathroom, the sound of running water began.

Chi Ye had started her shower.

The night was long, and no one could predict what might happen later. So before lying down, Chu Jin made sure to knock over the little bear on her desk.

To be honest, after letting Chu Jin go just now, Chi Ye felt a little regret.

The bathroom was spacious. Getting intimate there wouldn’t have been impossible.

Too bad Chu Jin had already left. No matter how much she thought about it now, it was too late.

But there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.

Once they returned home, there wouldn’t be cameras everywhere getting in the way.

Any time. Any place.

They could do whatever they wanted.

After finishing her shower and drying her hair, Chi Ye made a call to He Xian from the bathroom. She gave him detailed instructions and ensured everything was arranged properly before stepping out.

When she came out, she saw that Chu Jin had already fallen asleep.

Chi Ye glanced at the time. It was only nine thirty. Normally, they wouldn’t be asleep this early.

Maybe it was the exhausting afternoon of games or the scare at the pool that wore her out. Chu Jin had only watched a few short videos on her phone before her eyes began to sting with tiredness, and she dozed off with the video still playing.

After hearing what Chu Jin had said earlier about the little bear, the first thing Chi Ye did upon entering the bedroom was to walk over to the desk by the window.

The bear was lying face down.

If she remembered correctly, it had still been sitting upright during the day.

So, Chu Jin must have placed it that way intentionally.

Why would she do that for no reason?

Was she anticipating something might happen and didn’t want to be secretly recorded?

Chi Ye couldn’t help but smile.

She quietly walked over to Chu Jin’s bedside and paused the video on her phone. The screen showed a cute cat video still playing.

She used cat stickers in chat, and even now she was watching cat videos.

She must really love them.

Chi Ye lowered her eyes, letting her gaze gently trace the contours of Chu Jin’s face. Then she slowly leaned in closer.

She had originally planned to kiss her forehead, but when her eyes fell on Chu Jin’s slightly flushed lips, she couldn’t help moving further down.

She placed a soft kiss on her lips, barely touching.

So soft.

A tingling warmth stirred in Chi Ye’s chest.

Chu Jin usually slept lightly at the beginning of the night, just like the last time Chi Ye had stolen a kiss. The moment the kiss landed, she woke up.

Chu Jin blinked slowly, her eyes still heavy with sleep. She looked at Chi Ye and mumbled, “Why did it take you so long…”

She had waited until she fell asleep.

Chi Ye looked at her and felt her heart soften. She held herself back and didn’t lean in for another kiss. Instead, she sat quietly at the edge of the bed, forcing herself to stay calm.

“I was giving He Xian some instructions.”

Chu Jin understood. It must have been about the little bear.

She nodded.

Then her thoughts drifted back to Wan Qing. After hesitating for a while and carefully weighing the situation, she finally asked in a cautious tone.

“What exactly happened between you and Wan Qing?”

She spoke gently, but deep down she hoped Chi Ye would open up.

Chi Ye’s expression darkened ever so slightly, almost unnoticeably, before quickly returning to normal.

“Just something from the past.”

“There’s nothing worth mentioning.”