After Marrying the Cold Omega in Secret - Chapter 77

Ever since Song Xunyu learned that Jiang Xu had returned to Linhe, she had been pestering Chu Jin every few days about when they would attend Fashion Week.

Chu Jin had always avoided the topic, not wanting the two of them to meet. Sensing her reluctance, Song Xunyu launched a relentless campaign of persuasion.

Finally worn down, Chu Jin had no choice but to give Jiang Xu a heads-up before reluctantly agreeing to bring Song Xunyu along.

On the day of Fashion Week, Song Xunyu took leave early and woke up at dawn, driving straight to Chu Jin’s hotel to pick her up.

Before leaving, Song Xunyu, sitting in the driver’s seat, craned her neck to reassure Chi Ye, who stood outside the car:

“Chi Ye, don’t worry! I’m firmly on your side now. I’ll keep a tight leash on Chu Jin and won’t give Jiang Xu even half a chance.”

“If that Jiang Xu dares to get close to her, I’ll shove her away in a heartbeat!”

Chu Jin sat in the passenger seat, expressionless and caught between them, feeling slightly exasperated.

But she couldn’t interruptafter all, Chi Ye, the jealous type, was listening intently.

“Alright, call me if anything comes up.”

Chi Ye nodded and closed the car door for them.

Then, leaning down with one hand resting on the roof, he reached through the window with the other to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Chu Jin’s ear. “I’ll join you later.”

The fashion show was set to begin at 11:50 AM, with Jiang Xu’s brand scheduled for around 2:30 PM. Chu Jin needed to arrive early to prepare backstage, but Chi Ye had urgent business at his company and couldn’t accompany her from the start.

So he could only rush over after finishing his workperhaps in time to see Chu Jin’s grand finale.

The drive from the film set to the venue took an hour. Having been filming nonstop for days, Chu Jin was drowsy and yawned repeatedly.

Seeing how exhausted she was, Song Xunyu guessed it was due to the demanding shoot. “Your drama’s almost wrapped up, right?”

Chu Jin tilted her head slightly and replied wearily, “Yeah, we’ll finish by the end of this month.”

“Judging by the promotional schedule, it’ll probably release early next year.” Song Xunyu sounded excited and even threw in a playful wink. “When you blow up, don’t forget to save me an autographed photo.”

Chu Jin chuckled. “If I really get that famous, I’ll give you a hundred.”

“Better not,” Song Xunyu teased with a mischievous grin. “I’d hate for your hand to cramp up, your Chi Ye might come after me for that.”

The remark made Chu Jin blush slightly.

But it was true her hands were something Chi Ye treasured deeply.

After exchanging a few more casual remarks, Song Xunyu suddenly grew melancholic.

With a sigh, she mused aloud:

“Time really flies. In the blink of an eye, everything’s changed you’re a star now, I’m just a corporate drone, and Jiang Xu actually has her own fashion brand. Who would’ve thought.”

Chu Jin smiled, her eyes curving. “I get the feeling you still care about Jiang Xu.”

The words made Song Xunyu stiffen as if pricked by a needle. She immediately retorted with a serious expression, “What do you mean ‘care’? What’s there to care about?”

“I’m just reflecting on how surprising it is that she managed to achieve something like this.”

Chu Jin laughed but didn’t respond.

After all, Song Xunyu was the driver right now, so it wasn’t appropriate to provoke her further.

“You should watch your words,” Song Xunyu emphasized again before leaning back against the seat.

“But judging from the pictures you sent me, the clothes she designed are quite nice,” Song Xunyu said quietly. “Putting aside her personality, she does have some talent in fashion design.”

“Right, without real skills, she wouldn’t have achieved her current success,” Chu Jin agreed.

“By the way,” Song Xunyu suddenly remembered something, “what’s the name of her clothing brand again?”

“Present.”

Chu Jin answered quickly. She had remembered the name the first time she saw it, simple, clear, and sophisticated, leaving a deep impression.

However, Song Xunyu frowned upon hearing it. She repeated the word softly a few times before realizing something. “Ah!”

She abruptly sat up straight again, this time slapping her thigh with one hand. The car swayed slightly as a result.

Chu Jin frowned. “Keep your emotions in check!”

“Relax, my driving skills are excellent!” Song Xunyu dismissed the concern casually before switching back to the topic excitedly.

“‘Present”, isn’t that just taking half of ‘Xu’ and half of ‘Jin’ to form the name?!”

Chu Jin was slightly taken aback.

She had never once considered that possibility.

“So it was premeditated all along,” Song Xunyu murmured, shaking her head with a sigh. “She’s liked you for a long time, hasn’t she?”

“No wonder she couldn’t stand me back then,” Song Xunyu grumbled, sounding genuinely puzzled. “But I’m an alpha was she really worried I’d steal you away?”

“Let’s not talk about this anymore,” Chu Jin said calmly but firmly. “We’ve already cleared things up between us.”

Even if Jiang Xu had harbored such thoughts before, everything had been settled last time. There was no need to dwell on it further.

She hoped Jiang Xu could move on soon.

Song Xunyu knew when to stop and chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything reckless today.”

By the time they arrived backstage at the dressing room, Jiang Xu had already been there for a while.

After the confession that day, Chu Jin had explained everything to Chi Ye, including the fashion week commitment. Both agreed it was something they had promised Jiang Xu earlier, so they would still attend.

Since measurements had been taken previously, all subsequent communication had been online.

This was the first time they had seen Jiang Xu in a while.

She looked much thinner than before, her expression weary.

The two exchanged glances briefly before Song Xunyu suddenly stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

“It’s been so many years, you’ve lost weight!” Song Xunyu tilted her head, scrutinizing Jiang Xu before lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Did you get your heart broken?”

Chu Jin: “…”

She should never have trusted Song Xunyu’s nonsense.

Jiang Xu’s dagger-like glare made a grand reappearance, slicing through Song Xunyu with lethal precision.

“See? That’s the look!” Song Xunyu immediately turned back to Chu Jin to tattle. “This is exactly how she glared at me behind your back before.”

Chu Jin rolled her eyes.

You brought this on yourself.

This fashion week wasn’t just attended by Chu Jin; many other female celebrities had been invited by various brands, including the renowned actress Qu Miaoyan.

At that time, Chu Jin was still unaware.

It wasn’t until she went to the restroom that someone suddenly stopped her, saying the models for today’s show needed to gather at a certain location.

Being her first time participating in a runway show, Chu Jin didn’t know much about the process. Thinking that with so many people around, nothing could go wrong and seeing the staff badge hanging from the person’s chest, she let her guard down.

Then, she was led into a lounge.

The moment she stepped inside, she saw Qu Miaoyan sitting on the sofa.

A bottle of opened champagne sat on the table, already poured into two glasses.

Beside her stood several tall, burly assistants.

This was no model gathering, it was clearly an ambush.

“What a coincidence, Miss Chu.” Qu Miaoyan wore a light green dress today, her makeup fresh and elegant, accentuating her delicate features with an ethereal charm.

She gestured to the chair opposite her. “Have a seat.”

The last time Chu Jin had seen her was at Guanhe Villa. Back then, she had a good impression of Qu Miaoyan, despite her high status, she seemed approachable. But after hearing the bombshell Chi Ye had revealed, Chu Jin now felt like she was facing a formidable enemy.

“Hello, Teacher Qu.”

Chu Jin greeted her with a faint smile, doing her best to stay composed and not reveal the panic in her heart.

“Are you here for Fashion Week too? To watch the show or…?” Qu Miaoyan pushed the already poured glass toward Chu Jin.

The person who had brought her here clearly knew she was a model for today, yet Qu Miaoyan was feigning ignorance.

“I’m here to walk the runway.” Chu Jin glanced at the wine on the table and declined politely. “I’m a lightweight, so I’d better not drink. I wouldn’t want it to affect my performance later.”

Qu Miaoyan’s eyes darkened slightly, but her expression remained unchanged, still wearing a gentle smile. “I don’t have many hobbies, but I do enjoy a drink now and then. People even call me a bit of a wine enthusiast.”

She took a sip from her own glass. “Hope you don’t mind.”

Chu Jin could sense the tension in the air. Qu Miaoyan appeared warm and friendly, but her words carried a hidden edge.

Coupled with the stories Chi Ye had shared earlier, Chu Jin couldn’t help but feel a cold sweat trickling down her back.

Though they were backstage at the show, this lounge was secluded and quiet, with few people passing by.

And she had been lured here under false pretenses.

“Teacher Qu, if there’s nothing else, I should get going. I need to prepare for makeup soon,” Chu Jin said, standing up while keeping her tone steady. “Besides, the show’s about to start. You should probably head to the front row as well.”

With that, she turned to leave.

But two burly assistants blocked her path.

Alone and outnumbered, even as a top-tier alpha in terms of physical strength, she stood little chance of forcing her way out.

Chu Jin halted, taking a deep breath as cold sweat crept down her spine.

She turned back, forcing a smile. “Teacher Qu, what’s the meaning of this?”

By now, Qu Miaoyan had shed her earlier amiability. The veneer of kindness was gone, revealing the danger beneath.

Her gaze was icy and unsettling as she tapped the table with her fingers. “Your slot isn’t until 2:30 PM. There’s still plenty of time.”

Her eyes locked onto Chu Jin’s, lips parting slightly. “Have a drink before you go.”

Her tone brooked no argument, carrying an overwhelming pressure.

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