After Mistakenly Marking Her Stunning Omega Stepsister - Chapter 38

It was noon when they returned to the Jiang family residence. After the dinner gathering the previous night, the elders had returned to their busy schedules, leaving the three of them mostly alone at home, free from the usual constraints.

Jiang Wanwan had already called Lin Sui earlier, and now she was aimlessly watching TV in the living room, bored.

Hearing the door open, she quickly stood up and went over. “You’re back! How is Wenwen?”

“She’s fine, just a little cold. Some medicine should take care of it,” Wen Xiangzhu said with a smile.

“That’s good. It’s all my fault for not taking better care of you,” Jiang Wanwan said, sounding very guilty.

Lin Sui glanced at her. “It has nothing to do with you.”

She paused before adding, “It’s my fault.”

“Hmm?” Jiang Wanwan was surprised and was about to ask more when Lin Sui spoke again.

“You two go ahead and play. I have something to do.”

“Ah, okay.”

Jiang Wanwan watched Lin Sui go upstairs, then turned to Wen Xiangzhu. “Is she upset?”

Wen Xiangzhu blinked, hesitating a moment.

“I think so.”

******

Once in her room, Lin Sui closed the door and turned on her phone. Seeing the missed call, she dialed back.

The call connected in just two seconds.

“Miss Lin.”

“Any progress?”

“Nothing concrete yet. But Wen Wenfu seems to have a lot of influence in the Executive Office. It feels like a large part of the company is under his control.”

Lin Sui’s expression darkened. After a moment, she said, “Keep watching him. Try to find some dirt on him.”

“Understood.”

Meanwhile, Jiang Wanwan had already led Wen Xiangzhu into her room.

“Ah, right! I forgot to bring the fruit up. Make yourself at home. I’ll go get it.”

“Okay.”

Wen Xiangzhu nodded and watched Wanwan leave the room.

Blinking, she felt her body still hadn’t fully recovered. Weakly, she pulled up a chair and sat down at the desk.

The computer screen was lit, frozen on a particularly beautiful character interface.

Wen Xiangzhu had no intention of prying into others’ secrets, but…

She was indeed beautiful, and looked like an unfinished project.

Soon, Jiang Wanwan returned with fruit.

Wen Xiangzhu couldn’t resist asking, “Wanwan, did you draw this? It’s so beautiful.”

Jiang Wanwan froze, then blushed and guiltily shielded the screen. “Yeah, just practicing.”

“Quick, eat the fruit.”

Wen Xiangzhu smiled and didn’t press further, picking up a piece of fruit and popping it into her mouth.

After a moment, as if suddenly remembering something, she asked, “Oh, Wanwan, your birthday is coming up soon. Is there anything you’d like for a gift?”

“A gift…”

Jiang Wanwan was stumped. “I really can’t think of anything right now.”

“Don’t worry, take your time. If you can’t think of anything, Sister and I will help you choose,” Wen Xiangzhu said with a smile.

“No problem,” Jiang Wanwan replied after a moment’s thought. “By the way, will you two be going back before my birthday party?”

“Hmm?” Wen Xiangzhu paused, then pondered for a few seconds. “Is there a specific reason you’re asking?”

“No, it’s just that the party will be attended by prominent figures from various fields. I thought you might need to prepare something.” Jiang Wanwan picked a fruit from the plate and took a small bite.

Wen Xiangzhu’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Is it very formal?”

“Mm-hmm, very formal,” Jiang Wanwan nodded.

Wen Xiangzhu nodded thoughtfully. “I’m not entirely sure either. I should ask Sister first.”

“Okay.”

Lin Sui was listless all day, and even Jiang Wanwan noticed something was off.

“Sister Sui, what’s wrong? Did you not rest well last night?”

“I… think so,” Lin Sui replied hesitantly. “I must be a little homesick, so I didn’t sleep well. That’s why I’m so tired today.”

Jiang Wanwan nodded thoughtfully. “Don’t worry. I’ll find some sleep-inducing fragrance and send it over later.”

Lin Sui nodded. “Thank you.”

“Don’t be so formal with me,” Jiang Wanwan said with a helpless smile. “It makes us seem too distant. Oh, by the way, do you need to go back to prepare for my birthday?”

Lin Sui froze. “Prepare what?”

Her mind went blank for a moment before she remembered. “Oh, I brought a dress…”

She trailed off, her gaze unconsciously shifting toward Wen Xiangzhu.

Right. Even though she had a dress, Wen Xiangzhu didn’t. It had only been a few months since Wen Xiangzhu moved into the Lin family, and she’d never attended a formal banquet before. No one had even thought to prepare a dress for her.

Lin Sui felt a pang of frustration. “Wen Xiangzhu doesn’t have one… How about this? I’ll take some time to take her shopping for a dress and other things first. We don’t need to go back to the Lin family. It’s too much trouble running back and forth, and she gets carsick anyway.”

“Ah, okay.”

Jiang Wanwan nodded with a smile. “Do you need help picking out your formal dress, Wenwen?”

“Wanwan, you’re the birthday girl,” Lin Sui said with a laugh. “You shouldn’t worry about these things. I’ll take care of everything. Just relax and enjoy your birthday.”

Hearing this, Jiang Wanwan finally relented.

“Alright.”

A few days later, when Lin Sui had some free time, she took Wen Xiangzhu shopping at the mall.

They didn’t actually need to buy much—just formal dresses and jewelry for the birthday banquet, and a gift for Jiang Wanwan.

What to get her, though, was the real question.

The Jiang family had sent a driver to take them to the mall, where he waited in the parking garage.

While they waited for the elevator, Wen Xiangzhu asked curiously, “Sister, what should we get Wanwan for her birthday?”

“A gift…”

To be honest, Lin Sui hadn’t decided either.

She stared at the numbers counting down on the elevator screen, pondering for a moment. “Actually, jewelry, accessories, or a handbag would be the safest choice. They never go wrong.”

“But we’re friends. We can’t just give her something like those superficial gifts from social climbers.”

“Right.”

Wen Xiangzhu blinked, her brow furrowing in thought. “What should we get as a gift? Something that’s not too common, but also shows we care?”

Lin Sui gave her a mild glance. Us? The word seemed out of place.

“We…” Lin Sui paused, then corrected herself. “You and I should get separate gifts.”

“Why?” Wen Xiangzhu asked, startled.

“No particular reason.”

The elevator chimed as it reached the twelfth floor.

As the doors slid open, Lin Sui tossed out a curt “Keep up” before striding out first.

The entire floor was dedicated to designer evening gowns, their styles too numerous to count. The dazzling array of shimmering silks and satins immediately drew Wen Xiangzhu’s attention.

She stared blankly at the mannequins and racks lined with gowns, a sigh escaping her lips.

Though the Wen family was comfortably middle-class, with no financial worries and Wen Xiangzhu receiving more allowance than most kids her age, she had never set foot in a place like this before.

Even a quick glance told her these gowns were outrageously expensive.

Wen Xiangzhu hesitated, fear gripping her.

“What’s wrong?”

Noticing that Wen Xiangzhu hadn’t followed, Lin Sui paused and turned to look at her, puzzled.

“Sister…”

Wen Xiangzhu pursed her lips, looking hesitant. “Are these dresses really that expensive?”

“Not at all,” Lin Sui replied, glancing at her. “Hurry up. We still need to pick out a gift for Wanwan.”

“Oh…”

Wen Xiangzhu mumbled, jogging to catch up and falling into step beside Lin Sui.

Lin Sui casually entered a store and said, “Show us your best dresses.”

The salesperson, eyeing Lin Sui and then Wen Xiangzhu with disdain, pretended not to hear, lowering their head to fiddle with their nails.

Seeing no one move after a long pause, Lin Sui’s expression darkened. She glared at the salesperson. “Can you hear me?”

“Huh?” The salesperson feigned surprise, then sneered, “Little girl, still in high school, aren’t you? Go find somewhere else to hang out.”

“How dare you talk to us like that?” Wen Xiangzhu glared at the shop assistant, her voice sharp with anger before Lin Sui could even open her mouth.

The assistant scoffed. “Listen up, girls. This isn’t a place for your little tea parties. If you break even a single thing, you couldn’t possibly afford to pay for it, even if you sold everything you own!”

Lin Sui suddenly laughed. “Call your manager out here. Let her see who I am.”

“Who are you?” The assistant sized her up, her gaze dripping with contempt. “Just a little brat…” she muttered.

“Did I tell you to go? Are you deaf?” Lin Sui’s expression darkened completely, her pheromones radiating with such intensity that they instantly caused the previously arrogant shop assistant’s demeanor to shift.

The assistant steadied herself, forcing herself to stand tall as if she hadn’t noticed the pheromones. “I-I’ll go right away. Just wait here.”

With that, the assistant hurried back into the store.

“Inferior Alpha,” Lin Sui sneered, narrowing her eyes in the direction the assistant had fled. Her pheromones were simply too potent for ordinary people to withstand for long.

Yet Wen Xiangzhu, sitting beside her, seemed completely unaffected, even looking quite relaxed.

Perhaps it was as the doctor had said—their pheromones were highly compatible. Or maybe it was because of Wen Xiangzhu’s… condition, which required Lin Sui’s pheromones.

Whatever the reason, Wen Xiangzhu appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself.

Lin Sui stared at her curiously for a few seconds before subtly shifting her gaze away.

Moments later, the salesperson hurried back with the manager.

The manager froze when he saw Lin Sui, his face immediately breaking into a beaming smile. “Miss Lin, why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I should have prepared something special to welcome you!”

As the manager finished speaking, the salesperson stared dumbfounded at Lin Sui.

“M-Miss Lin?”

“You insensitive fool! Did you just offend Miss Lin?!”

The manager’s expression darkened as he rounded on the salesperson, jabbing a finger at him. “Enough! Go settle your wages with Finance. You’re fired—don’t come back tomorrow.”

“Manager?”

The saleswoman’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at the manager, on the verge of tears. “Manager, I was wrong! Please don’t fire me!”

“Get lost! Don’t sully Miss Lin’s eyes!”

Lin Sui stood with her hands on her hips, calmly watching them handle the store’s personnel matters without a word.

After it was settled, the manager beelined over with a ingratiating smile. “Miss Lin, please come this way. What do you need today? I’ll get it ready right away!”

“A dress. Bring out the best you have,” Lin Sui said succinctly.

“Right away! Xiao Wu, fetch some sweets and fruit quickly!”

The manager called to another staff member and led Lin Sui to a small sofa in the store. “Miss Lin, please have a seat. I’ll fetch the dresses immediately.”

Wen Xiangzhu trailed behind Lin Sui the entire time, remaining silent, her expression somewhat bewildered.

She had never witnessed such a scene before.

Because of her wealth, power, or perhaps her superior genes and potent pheromones, Lin Sui could walk through Ningcheng with her nose in the air.

Everyone, regardless of who they were, had to give her some deference. This feeling…

“Not bad,” Lin Sui said.

Wen Xiangzhu’s mind was a mess, her thoughts wandering aimlessly. She wasn’t even sure what she was thinking.

Lin Sui glanced at Wen Xiangzhu, who stood motionless like a stone statue, and frowned. “Sit down.”

“Huh? Oh.” Wen Xiangzhu snapped out of her daze and obediently sat down.

*******

A moment later, the employee named Xiao Wu arrived with fruit and sweets, placing them on the small table in front of the sofa.

“Enjoy your time, Miss Lin.”

“Mm, thanks,” Lin Sui replied absently.

The manager soon approached, followed by two staff members each carrying two evening gowns. They stood facing Lin Sui.

“Miss Lin, these are our latest designs by a renowned Australian designer…”

“Enough. Let’s see them,” Lin Sui interrupted.

“Right away.” The manager smiled, holding up one of the gowns. “I specially selected this one in your size, Miss Lin.”

Lin Sui raised an eyebrow. “It’s not for me. It’s for her.”

The manager paused, then smiled warmly at Wen Xiangzhu.

He hadn’t noticed her earlier, assuming she was just a friend accompanying Lin Sui. Now he realized she was someone special.

“Miss, what should I call you?”

Wen Xiangzhu pursed her lips. “My surname is Wen, as in ‘warm’.”

“Very well, Miss Wen. I’ll show you these designs first. If you see something you like, I’ll take your measurements and fetch the appropriate size.”

With that, the manager signaled to his staff, and they began displaying the gowns.

Wen Xiangzhu studied them intently, her expression conflicted. They were all beautiful, and she couldn’t choose.

Lin Sui glanced at her. “These colors don’t suit her. Let’s look for lighter shades.”

“Ah, yes, Miss Lin.” The manager nodded and quickly led his team away.

Lin Sui picked up a piece of candy from the small table, tore open the wrapper, and popped it into her mouth.

“They just brought out colors I usually wear. You probably won’t like them.”

Wen Xiangzhu blinked, nodding thoughtfully.

It seemed reasonable. The previous dresses had all been dark colors—black, dark purple, and deep blue—while Wen Xiangzhu usually wore lighter shades. The mismatch did look… rather unsuitable.

The shop was efficient, quickly delivering the newly selected dresses.

The manager smiled. “These three dresses were also designed by the same designer as the previous ones, all the latest styles. White, beige, and pale pink. Miss Wen, please try them on and see which you like.”

Wen Xiangzhu hesitated. “I prefer the pink one.”

“Excellent. I’ll arrange for you to go to the fitting room.”

As the manager approached to escort her, Wen Xiangzhu blinked, her eyes showing a hint of panic as she glanced at Lin Sui.

Lin Sui gave her a calm glance. “Go ahead.”

“Okay…”

Wen Xiangzhu nodded obediently and followed the salesperson to the fitting room.

The dresses were too elaborate for her to manage alone, requiring the salesperson’s assistance nearby.

But she wasn’t used to this… feeling of being constantly watched.

Even though the gazes weren’t malicious, they still made her blush and feel self-conscious.

Lin Sui scrolled through her phone while eating candy, waiting.

She used to buy all her formal dresses at this shop because of the excellent service. She’d even signed up for a premium membership, so she wasn’t worried about Wen Xiangzhu.

After a while, the fitting room door opened.

Lin Sui looked up, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, her breath pausing for a moment.

She’d imagined Wen Xiangzhu would look good in a formal dress, but she hadn’t imagined she’d look this good.

The dress design was excellent. Soft, sheer fabric draped over her shoulders, the waistline accentuated her figure perfectly, and the skirt flared into a full, layered skirt. Paired with Wen Xiangzhu’s delicate, slightly flushed face, she looked like a fairy princess straight out of a fairy tale.

Perhaps because Lin Sui’s gaze was so intense and lingered so long, Wen Xiangzhu grew visibly uncomfortable standing in front of her.

“Do you like it?”

“Mm.”

Lin Sui snapped out of her daze, her eyes darkening slightly. “It’s beautiful.”

“Of course it’s beautiful! Miss Wen is simply stunning. This dress was practically custom-made for you!” the manager chimed in, his words dripping with flattery.

A barely perceptible smile curved Lin Sui’s lips. “I’ll take these two as well. Let’s get them fitted.”

She directed the last part to Wen Xiangzhu.

Wen Xiangzhu blinked, nodded obediently, and turned to follow the salesperson back into the fitting room.

When she emerged, she had changed back into her original clothes. The salesperson behind her wore an enigmatic smile.

Her cheeks were flushed, whether from the stuffiness of the fitting room or something the salesperson had said.

Lin Sui glanced at her but said nothing. The candy she was sucking had nearly dissolved, so she grabbed a piece of fruit to eat instead.

With something to do, her mind wouldn’t wander.

“Sister,” Wen Xiangzhu whispered when they were finally alone, “how much do these dresses cost?”

“Why do you want to know?” Lin Sui raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. “I’m paying with my card. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Wen Xiangzhu frowned slightly. “But I really want to know how much they cost.”

Lin Sui paused, staring at her suspiciously for a few seconds. “Each one is probably around a hundred thousand.”

“What?!” Wen Xiangzhu’s eyes widened in shock as she stared at Lin Sui. Realizing her reaction was too loud, she guiltily glanced around, relieved no one had noticed. She lowered her voice. “One dress costs over a hundred thousand?!”

“What did you expect?” Lin Sui replied, looking amused.

“That’s way too expensive… I don’t want it anymore!” Wen Xiangzhu frowned, trying to pull Lin Sui toward the exit. “Sister, let’s go to another store.”

“Why would we go elsewhere? Sit down.” Lin Sui looked exasperated, pulling her back. “I said we’re buying it. Trust me on this.”

“But…”

“I won’t take it back,” Lin Sui said, exasperated. “Just consider it… my gift to you as a welcome present.”

Wen Xiangzhu paused. “A welcome present? But you already gave me one.”

Lin Sui glanced at her. “That pen? That doesn’t count. I’ve never given such a pathetic gift before, and besides, you lost it anyway, right?”

“Ah…” Wen Xiangzhu opened her mouth, as if wanting to protest further.

Lin Sui cut her off. “That’s final. Listen to me, or I’ll get angry.”

Wen Xiangzhu: “……”