After Marrying the Cold Omega in Secret - Chapter 81

This New Year, Chu Jin didn’t return home. Instead, she had the reunion dinner with Chi Ye, welcoming the new year amidst the sound of firecrackers.

Shortly after the festivities, work resumed at a hectic pace until late March, when Drowning premiered.

On its first day, the drama dominated all online charts, its popularity soaring continuously.

During their free time, Chu Jin and Chi Ye would curl up on the sofa to watch the show. Though familiar with the plot, they couldn’t help but marvel at Director Su’s unparalleled filming skills when they saw the scenes on screen.

The exquisite composition and seamless transitions gave the series a cinematic quality, elevating the protagonists’ characterizations to their fullest.

With the actors’ vivid performances and well-paced storytelling, every detail of the drama was executed flawlessly, making it an undeniable success.

As a result, Chu Jin’s fame skyrocketed overnight.

This time, it wasn’t just because of the “JinChi CP” hype, her acting in the drama left critics in awe.

Many praised her, declaring that Chu Jin’s emergence had sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, marking the arrival of a formidable new talent in the new year.

It also silenced those who had doubted her, claiming she only rose to fame by clinging to Chi Ye’s coattails.

Soon, numerous new scripts came her way. After careful vetting by her agent Liu Lu, a handful were selected for Chu Jin’s review including two standout film roles with compelling character arcs.

Chu Jin’s debut had struck gold, and her career began flourishing, everything falling perfectly into place.

During Drowning’s run, she and Chi Ye frequently appeared together in livestreams as requested by the production team, drawing strong viewership and positive feedback.

The final livestream was scheduled a week before the series finale.

Exhausted from their packed schedules, they opted to broadcast from home, following a pre-prepared script.

The moment the stream went live, viewers flooded in at an astonishing rate.

Comments scrolled by too quickly for Chu Jin to catch, so she answered only those she could read clearly.

“The recent episodes have been so heartbreaking. Will the ending be happy?” Chu Jin read aloud from the screen.

Straightening up, she smiled at the camera. “Right now, it can be summed up in four words.”

She paused, then enunciated deliberately, “Angst with purpose.”

Beside her, Chi Ye smoothly took over. “The current plot developments are meant to deepen Wen Qin and Shen Huai’s relationship. Their emotions are complex, requiring certain events and realizations to acknowledge their love for each other.”

After Chi Ye finished, Chu Jin wrapped it up. “As for the final outcome, be sure to tune in this Sunday at 7 PM for Drowning’s grand finale. We promise it won’t disappoint.”

Having attended numerous events together, their tacit coordination was impeccable especially in settings like this, where they effortlessly fielded questions in tandem.”

Yet the livestream wasn’t solely about the drama.

“How long have you two been together? When’s the wedding?” Chu Jin read aloud before swiftly responding, “We’ll make an official announcement when the time comes, so don’t worry.”

Truthfully, she didn’t know if that day would ever come.

After all, they had already gotten their marriage certificate by now, it had been nearly a year since they tied the knot.

Chi Ye glanced at Chu Jin and, in a spot hidden from the camera, gave her dangling hand a gentle squeeze.

Chu Jin also turned her gaze toward her, then clasped Chi Ye’s hand in return, gripping it tightly. Her palm was warm.

Chu Jin continued reading the next question: “After finishing your busy schedules, do the two of you plan to go on a trip?”

“Work has been really hectic lately, we barely even have time to rest. If we do travel, it’ll probably just be wherever work takes us,” Chu Jin replied, her tone tinged with resignation.

But then, just as quickly, the shadow in her expression lifted as she glanced at Chi Ye and said cheerfully, “But once we have time, I’d love to go to the beach with Chi Ye.”

“Just to feel the sea breeze and bask in the sun. It sounds simple, but it’d be so relaxing.”

After saying this, she turned to Chi Ye and asked softly, “What about you? Any places you’d like to visit?”

Chi Ye seemed thoughtful for a moment, but when Chu Jin posed the question, she answered without hesitation, “Wherever you want to go, we’ll go.”

The moment those words left her mouth, the livestream exploded comments flooded in even faster than before.

[I’ve brought the marriage registration office to you get married right here, right now!]

[Only real couples hit this hard!]

[Ten thousand signatures demanding you two kiss on stream!!]

[CP fans are feasting today!!]

This was just like Chi Ye when she spoke, she never held back. But to Chu Jin, this was just another ordinary, everyday remark from her.

Chi Ye wasn’t aiming for some dramatic effect; she genuinely meant every word.

After that, the two continued with the livestream as planned, and by the time it ended, it was already 11 p.m.

They quickly washed up and collapsed into bed. These days, they were so exhausted that they fell asleep almost as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

Tonight was no exception.

The moment the lights went out, Chu Jin felt her eyelids grow heavy, as if weighed down by iron, nearly dragging her into sleep.

“Wife.”

It was Chi Ye’s voice in the dark that pulled her back to wakefulness.

Chu Jin tightened her arms around Chi Ye, lightly brushing her chin against her forehead. “What’s wrong?”

Chi Ye didn’t answer immediately. She hesitated for a moment before finally murmuring,

“Tomorrow, I want to take you to meet my family.”

She had actually brought this up during the New Year, but Chu Jin had felt it wasn’t the right time back then.

After all, the way their relationship had started was unconventional, to say the least. And compared to Chi Ye’s background, her own family circumstances were worlds apart. Even though Chi Ye had reassured her countless times, Chu Jin had never been able to shake off her unease.

But she couldn’t avoid it forever.

Now, at least, she had made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, she had some standing now, which gave her a bit more confidence than before.

Besides, Chi Ye had been raised by her grandmother, so it was important to her that Chu Jin meet her.

Chu Jin understood how much this meant.

She stroked the back of Chi Ye’s head and answered gently, “Okay. We’ll go first thing in the morning.”

The next day.

Both of them had the day off, so they got up early to head to the Chi family home.

But in truth, ever since agreeing to go, Chu Jin had barely slept a wink all night.

Even when she did doze off, it was a shallow, restless slumber hardly any better than staying awake.

As a result, she looked utterly drained. Only after putting on makeup did she manage to restore some color to her face, though the exhaustion in her eyes remained impossible to hide.

Her mind still felt hazy, and in her daze that morning, she had even accidentally shattered a glass while drinking water.

Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the aunt quickly cleaned up the mess.

After everything was finally prepared, the two set off with gifts in hand.

They went down to the garage today, Chi Ye would be driving.

Once the car started, Chi Ye couldn’t help but grasp Chu Jin’s hand, saying gently, “Don’t be nervous, sweetheart.”

Chi Ye had noticed Chu Jin’s state the moment they woke up together that morning her face was practically screaming anxiety.

Hearing Chi Ye’s reassurance, Chu Jin frowned. “I’m extremely nervous!”

Because of her family background, Chu Jin had never believed she was the kind of child elders would naturally take a liking to. And today, she was about to meet Chi Ye’s family. She could brush off anyone else’s opinion, but the people who mattered to Chi Ye mattered just as much to her.

So she was terrified things wouldn’t go smoothly.

“Don’t worry. Grandma already likes you, she’s mentioned wanting to meet you so many times.”

With those words from Chi Ye, the tension in Chu Jin’s chest eased slightly.

After about forty minutes, they arrived at their destination.

The car drove straight into the underground level from the residential complex’s entrance. Chi Ye navigated the place with ease, quickly finding their family’s parking spot before leading Chu Jin upstairs via the elevator.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, they were greeted by an elderly woman with graying hair and a poised middle-aged woman, flanked by three maids.

Chi Ye had already briefed Chu Jin beforehand.

Their household consisted of six people.

Chi Ye had an older sister and brother from her father’s previous marriage, half-siblings.

Her father was currently abroad for business, and her siblings were handling company affairs, so today, only Grandma and Mother were there to welcome them.

“Grandma, Auntie, hello!” Chu Jin smiled warmly, her eyes curving into crescents.

Grandma Chi Mingqiu, though advanced in years, exuded vitality.

She adjusted her reading glasses, studying Chu Jin carefully before her eyes softened with affection. “Jinjin, right?”

It had been so long since anyone called her that. Chu Jin froze for a second before replying, “Yes, I’m Chu Jin.”

Chi Ye’s mother, however, remained expressionless, her gaze so still it seemed to cast a shadow cold and unsettling.

She offered Chu Jin only a polite smile, one that vanished almost instantly, saying nothing.

By then, Chi Mingqiu had already taken Chu Jin’s hand, leading her toward the living room.

Once seated on the sofa, Grandma’s eyes sparkled with delight as she looked Chu Jin over again and again. “Our Xiao Chi really has an eye for talent, she’s lucky to have found someone like Jinjin as her wife.”

Chi Ye’s lips curled slightly as she sat beside Chu Jin, amusement dancing in her eyes. “Grandma, I told you, your granddaughter’s judgment is never wrong.”

Chi Ye’s mother sat across from them, watching silently. Her gaze lingered on Chi Ye before she suddenly spoke:

“Chi Ye, why are you dressed like that today?”

The air froze for a few seconds.

Chu Jin glanced at Chi Ye without changing her expression.

Chi Ye was wearing a light blue dress.

Ever since Chu Jin had gifted her one, Chi Ye had gradually shed her usual androgynous suits and shirts, no longer confining herself to monochrome tones.

The warmth in Chi Ye’s eyes faded, replaced by detached indifference.

Chu Jin was very familiar with this look. In the past, she would have thought Chi Ye was just being aloof and proud, but now that she understood her better, she knew this was Chi Ye’s way of self-protection.

She had grown accustomed to rarely showing her emotions.

So when faced with displeasure, she would only suppress her feelings to guard against danger.

At that moment, Chi Mingqiu suddenly spoke, breaking the tension. “Xiao Chi has grown up, she can wear whatever she likes.”

Hearing this, Chi’s mother finally relaxed and stood up. “I’ll go have some fruit prepared.”

Only after she left the room did the atmosphere return to its earlier warmth.

A smile reappeared on Chi Mingqiu’s face as she gently held Chu Jin’s hand and asked kindly, “Jinjin, what do you usually like to eat? I’ll have the staff prepare it for you later.”

Chu Jin smiled. “I’m not picky, anything is fine.”

No sooner had she spoken than an attendant pushed open the door. After exchanging a glance with Chi Mingqiu, she walked in with an exquisite little box and handed it to her.

At the same time, the other attendants quietly withdrew, closing the parlor doors behind them.

Now, only the three of them remained in the room.

A flicker of surprise passed through Chi Ye’s eyes.

“Grandmother, what is this…?”

Instead of answering, Chi Mingqiu simply lifted the lid of the box.

Resting on a silk lining was a jade bracelet.

Its texture was exceptionally fine, as clear as glass, with a soft, luminous glow.

Before Chu Jin could fully process her astonishment, Chi Mingqiu had already picked up the bracelet and slipped it onto her wrist.

“Jinjin, your fair skin makes it look perfect on you.” Chi Mingqiu smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. Seeing Chu Jin hesitate, she clasped her hand again. “This was part of the dowry my mother prepared for me, it was always meant to be passed down.”

Chi Ye was momentarily stunned before she reached out to stroke Chu Jin’s back, her voice gentle. “If Grandmother is giving it to you, you should accept it.”

“Exactly, take it.”

Chi Mingqiu cast a pleased glance at Chi Ye, her slightly clouded eyes warm. “As long as the two of you are happy, that’s all I care about.”

Seeing this, Chu Jin no longer refused and curved her lips into a soft smile. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

Chi Mingqiu beamed back at her until a trace of solemnity suddenly flickered in her gaze.

Chu Jin immediately noticed the shift and waited quietly for her to speak.

After a long pause, Chi Mingqiu finally said slowly,

“Xiao Chi, you must already know her nature.”

She paused, then lowered her voice as she looked at Chu Jin and continued, “Surviving in this family hasn’t been easy for her. What seems simple is actually fraught with danger. That’s why I’ve always insisted she arm herself with a strong façade, it’s the best way to protect her.”

Chi Ye had already shared parts of this with Chu Jin before.

Chi Ye’s father’s first wife had died in an accident. Later, he married Chi Ye’s mother partly because she bore a slight resemblance to his late wife.

But there had never been any real love between them.

So Chi Ye’s birth was unwelcome in this family, she was seen as a thorn in her siblings’ sides, resented from the start.

Even her own mother had little affection for her.

Only her grandmother ever stood up for her.

Because of this, Chi Ye had been raised mostly by Chi Mingqiu.

The Chi family’s current empire had been built by Chi Mingqiu herself. As an omega, she had once fought against all odds, maneuvering through treacherous waters and carving out a place for herself in the ruthless world of business.

Due to her inherent slight deficiencies in attributes, Chi Mingqiu had to endure hundreds of times more hardship than others to carve out this realm of success. It had been an arduous journey to reach this point.

Thus, she always believed her success stemmed from her ability to disguise her appearance, making it difficult for others to discern her true attributes. This prevented them from exploiting or scheming against her, nor would they look down on her because of her attributes.

Unfortunately, in recent years, her health had declined, forcing her to gradually retreat to the background. Chi Ye’s father had been trying every means possible to wrest power from her hands during this time.

Chi’s father was a firm believer in attribute hierarchy. As an alpha, he resented that Chi Mingqiu was the backbone of the family and even sought to revert the family name to his own lineage.

For now, however, he hadn’t managed to seize full control.

As long as Chi Mingqiu remained, even if Chi Ye wasn’t welcomed, the Chi family would still fear her grandmother enough not to openly break ties with her.

“Four years ago, when I sent Xiao Chi abroad, it was to nurture her properly,” Chi Mingqiu said slowly. “While I still have the energy, at least I can stand guard for her no one would dare lay a finger on her.”

Chi Mingqiu’s gaze was resolute, like a torch burning in the cold night, bright and unwavering, as it settled on Chi Ye.

“When you gain the strength, it will be your turn to protect the Chi family.”

–

After dinner, once Chi Mingqiu had retired to rest, Chi Ye took Chu Jin upstairs to show her the room where she had lived for over a decade.

As they walked up the stairs, Chu Jin couldn’t help but admire the bracelet on her wrist repeatedly. She had never seen such high-quality jade before.

“This is a family heirloom,” Chi Ye said, unable to suppress a smile. “It means Grandma really likes you.”

Chu Jin glanced at Chi Ye, her eyes warm as sunlight, and softly corrected, “It means Grandma really likes you.”

Chi Ye’s eyes flickered for a moment before softening into a gentle smile.

Hand in hand, they had just reached the suite’s entrance when Chi Ye’s phone buzzed. She opened it to check.

It was a text message.

The content was concise and clear:

[I’m back. Did you miss me?]

It was from an unfamiliar number, so the sender had signed off.

[Wan Qing]

Chu Jin noticed the drastic change in Chi Ye’s expression and felt her heart tighten. “What’s wrong?”

Chi Ye immediately closed her phone, gripping it tightly, and forced her voice to remain calm. “It’s nothing, just some company matters.”

After hesitating for a moment, she cleared her throat and suggested, “Go ahead and wait inside for a bit. I need to make a call.”

Though Chi Ye hid it well, Chu Jin could still sense the turmoil in her emotions. Something significant must have happened.

Chu Jin nodded thoughtfully. “Alright.”

Then she added, “Remember to tell me if anything’s wrong.”

Chi Ye nodded before turning to head for the rooftop terrace.

Despite her concern, Chu Jin entered the room first.

Though it hadn’t been lived in for years, it was clear the housekeeper had kept it spotless.

The room’s decor reflected Chi Ye’s style cool tones throughout, austere and detached, evoking a sense of desolation.

No, perhaps it was designed to shape Chi Ye’s personality.

That must be why it had this style.

After walking around, Chu Jin found the atmosphere oppressive and eventually stepped into the sunlit study.

Compared to the rest of the room, the bright sunlight here made it feel much warmer.

She walked slowly to a full wall of bookshelves, lined with a vast array of books spanning literature, social sciences, education, historical biographies, art, and philosophy though the majority were on economics and management.

Every book Chu Jin pulled out bore signs of repeated reading.

Her mind involuntarily conjured an image of Chi Ye as a child, her gaze drifting to the desk by the window as if she could see a younger version of her sitting there, tiny fingers carefully turning the pages of a thick book in silent concentration.

She wondered if that little girl had ever glanced out the window at the free birds beyond.

A strange, indescribable feeling settled in Chu Jin’s chest.

A shadow of melancholy flickered in her eyes, but she didn’t dwell on it for long, returning the book to its place.

As she did, her gaze inadvertently caught on a picture frame tucked in the corner of the shelf.

Time had yellowed its edges slightly.

The frame seemed to exert an inexplicable pull on her. Just one glance, and an overwhelming curiosity rose in her heart, drawing her toward it almost unconsciously.

She bent down, picked it up, and turned it over.

The moment the image was revealed, Chu Jin’s expression froze.

Her pupils constricted sharply, and the world fell so silent that all she could hear was the pounding of her own heartbeat.

Her disbelieving eyes scanned the portrait on the canvas, her lips paling instantly as a chill crept up her spine.

Though a thin layer of dust had settled over it, the face in the painting was one Chu Jin knew all too well.

It was none other than herself but from her student days.

Chi Ye,  how?

How could she have painted her from back then?

Had they met before?

And the painting itself looked years old, clearly not a recent creation.

Questions swirled in her mind until her gaze landed on the bottom right corner of the canvas.

She brushed away the dust with her fingertips.