After My Fiancée Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha - Chapter 37

Looking back now, Tang Cheng realized she preferred staying at the company with these people rather than returning to A University for further study.

After Yuan Jie returned from outside, he went straight into the lab with Yu Fan to dissect machinery, working with remarkable efficiency. On the other side, Xie Chensong had already begun constructing the framework for a mechanical arm.

Traditional mechanics did not rely on external components such as mechanical arms. They believed firmly in the value of life created by their own hands. This approach, however, led to inefficiency and slow progress in talent cultivation.

Yet the mechanics trained this way were often more specialized. Though the workforce was rigid and stagnant, quality was preserved to the highest degree. The Lu Corporation had been the very reflection of this industry model for the past decade.

Tang Cheng herself was trained under the traditional system. But society’s demand for mechanical components was ever increasing, year after year, while mechanics remained scarce. The market could never be saturated.

Industry veteran Gu Corporation had keenly sensed this problem and began sweeping reforms, shifting from traditional mechanics to a new model. Machines would take the lead, humans assisting. Mechanics no longer needed deep expertise; with a few taps on an electronic analysis panel, they could repair or create, dramatically improving efficiency.

Tang Cheng’s use of a mechanical arm did not fully align with the new model, nor was it purely traditional. She stood at a balanced midpoint. For her, both old and new methods served the same purpose: efficiency. Given the chance, she wanted to see this new mechanical system for herself—machines replacing human thought and creativity, yet claiming human-level efficiency.

“You want to study their system?” A voice suddenly came from behind. Tang Cheng turned to meet Yu Xia’an’s knowing gaze. Her eyes flicked toward Tang Cheng’s mechanical arm. “It’s a fine piece of work, but one arm alone isn’t enough.”

Tang Cheng muttered, “Why do you walk without a sound?”

Yu Xia’an smirked. “You weren’t paying attention. Actually, Yuan Jie used to work at Gu Corporation. If you don’t understand something, ask him.”

Just then, Yuan Jie and Yu Fan emerged from the lab. Hearing his name, Yuan Jie turned toward Tang Cheng. “Ask me anything.”

Tang Cheng nodded. Truthfully, she wasn’t close to anyone in the office except Yu Xia’an. Yet suddenly, Yu Fan and Xie Chensong’s eyes were on her, waiting. If she said nothing, the silence would only grow more awkward.

“You have worked with that system?”

“Of course. I was part of the core team,” Yu Xia’an cut in, patting Tang Cheng’s shoulder to ease the tension. “Alright, back to work.”

Tang Cheng sat down again, cheeks faintly flushed at her own question.

“It’s not as mystical as the internet makes it sound,” Yuan Jie said as he passed by, adjusting his black-rimmed glasses while scanning the news on his screen. “It’s just a compilation of mechanics’ experience. But when facing new problems, you still need professional mechanics to operate.”

He continued: “Machines leading, humans assisting—it’s mainly for the lower market. But machines can’t match the human brain. They’re rigid, complicated, and limited.”

Tang Cheng inclined her head in thanks. “So, Gu Corporation’s so-called innovation chain is just a consolidation of scattered experience, not true development?”

“You could put it that way. That’s why I came to Lu Corporation.”

That explained why modern mechanical research could never return to the explosive era of scientific breakthroughs. More than half of mechanics relied on traditional experience and electronic systems. True innovation was impossible.

Old wine in new bottles, technology stagnated.

“Thank you,” Tang Cheng said again. Yuan Jie only chuckled softly. “When will you compete with me in mechanical repair? I want to see your level.”

She thought of the chip she hadn’t yet repaired, then smiled faintly. “Probably worse than yours.”

“You won’t know until you try.”

Tang Cheng nodded in agreement.

The office wasn’t large. Xie Chensong seemed to overhear, glanced at Tang Cheng, then quickly looked away.

Back at her desk, Tang Cheng opened her phone and found an unexpected message from Tang Qinggu.

What did she want? Wasn’t she supposed to leave tomorrow?

Tang Cheng: ?

The phone rang immediately.

“Xiao Cheng, President Lu has a banquet tonight. You should be free?”

She had tracked her movements so precisely, it couldn’t be for anything good. Tang Cheng was about to refuse when Tang Qinggu added, “Don’t reject me. I think we have something to discuss.”

“What are you planning?”

“Xiao Cheng, we’re family. Don’t doubt your sister like this.”

After a moment’s thought, Tang Cheng decided to meet her. Better to see what schemes this “good sister” had in mind.

She didn’t tell Lu Xinxue. If Lu knew, she would never allow Tang Cheng to meet Tang Qinggu alone. But Tang Cheng wanted to dig deeper into Lu Xinxue’s past six years, into the mysteries she still didn’t understand. For that, she needed a pawn.

That day, Tang Cheng left work on time for once. Yu Xia’an, about to enter the lab, paused in surprise. Her hand loosened on the door handle, eyes narrowing in quiet scrutiny.

Tang Cheng drove to the restaurant. Tang Qinggu had already ordered. A steaming soup sat on the table. Seeing her sister arrive, Tang Qinggu picked up the ladle and served her personally.

“You didn’t call me here just to drink soup.”

Tang Cheng accepted it. The table was filled with light, simple dishes. She had put thought into this.

“Of course not. Soup is bland. I want to talk about how we can get to the real feast.”

Tang Cheng’s eyes flickered with thought. She lifted the bowl anyway. The broth slid down her throat—warm, gentle, perfectly balanced.

“Speak plainly, Sister. No need for circles.”

She brushed aside the chestnut strands falling across her eyes. The sharpness in her gaze made Tang Qinggu’s smile fade.

Since their last meeting, she had sensed something was wrong. This sister of hers was becoming more and more like a normal person, so unlike the foolish wastrel she remembered. It was as if she had been replaced.

“I’ve been wondering, is there room for cooperation between us?”

Tang Qinggu’s teasing tone vanished. She looked every bit the commanding executive.

“In what regard?”

Tang Cheng considered. Tang Qinggu was a venomous snake, yes—but as long as they weren’t enemies, perhaps she could be a useful ally.

“You and I share the Tang name. You’re an Alpha. Have you ever thought.”

“If that’s what you mean, then we have nothing to discuss.”

Tang Cheng already guessed her intent. She wasn’t afraid to confront it. Tang Qinggu’s target was Lu Xinxue.

“Not discussing it because you don’t dare, or because you don’t want to?”

“What does it matter to you?”

Tang Cheng locked eyes with the face so similar to her own. Her sister’s brows arched, carrying innate allure. Yet the short hair sharpened her features, giving her a dangerous, seductive edge.

“Your attitude toward Lu Xinxue determines how far we can cooperate.”

“I told you—if it involves Lu Xinxue, we have nothing to talk about.”

Tang Qinggu raised her brows, chuckled, and returned to her usual self. She flipped over the phone lying face-down on the table and, in front of Tang Cheng, stopped the recording.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Simply this, I can confirm we’re not enemies right now.”

Her light words settled Tang Cheng’s thoughts.

This woman had set a trap for her—testing her loyalty to Lu Xinxue. If she spoke too freely, Tang Qinggu could hand the recording to Lu Xinxue, gaining leverage in her negotiations.

If she refused to cooperate, Tang Qinggu would simply steer the conversation toward her own agenda. Either way, she won.

Judging by her expression, she clearly hoped for the first outcome.

This sister, her heart was truly filthy.

“What exactly do you want?” Tang Cheng knew she could never outmatch Tang Qinggu in cunning. Facing this smiling predator alone, she felt a pang of regret.

“Don’t panic,” Tang Qinggu said, sensing her unease. “The Lu and Gu families are at war. I, Tang Qinggu, only seek self-preservation.”

War she understood. But self-preservation? What did that mean?

Tang Cheng stayed silent, unwilling to take the bait.

Yet even a flicker of confusion in her eyes was enough. Tang Qinggu caught it instantly. Lu Xinxue had shielded this foolish younger sister well, telling her nothing.

But now, Tang Qinggu looked at Tang Cheng with cold clarity. No one could remain outside the game. And with Tang Cheng’s temperament, it was only a matter of time before she was drawn in. The waters were already muddy, why not stir them further?

“If President Lu hasn’t told you, then I will.”

Tang Cheng lowered her gaze, sipping the soup that had long gone cold.

“The Gu family, an old mechanical powerhouse, has been forced to shift toward new systems after Lu Corporation squeezed their market. Do you think Gu Jianhua would willingly surrender such a prize?” Tang Qinggu’s voice was smooth, deliberate. “Conflict is the norm. You’ve been to A City’s United Tower, you should know the accident you uncovered was orchestrated by the Lu family.”

At the mention of that familiar place, Tang Cheng looked up sharply. Tang Qinggu sneered: “You didn’t know? Then surely you also don’t know that the blockade of Star City was Lu’s counterattack against Gu?”

Her mocking tone rang in Tang Cheng’s ears. Beneath the table, her fingers dug into her palm. She hadn’t known.

The smile across from her was blindingly cruel.

From the moment of the United Tower incident, she had already been entangled. No wonder Lu Xinxue never spoke of it. No wonder she refused to answer when asked. No wonder she had been furious in Star City. Lu had entered the game alone, unwilling to drag her in.

Lu Xinxue had been right, she was childish. Believing herself capable of everything, acting rashly, never considering the consequences. Bo Long had been right too, neither Lu Xinxue nor the Gu family were opponents she could withstand. Business was a battlefield of interests. She didn’t even have the capital to sit at the table.

Suddenly, a wave of helplessness rose within her. She was nothing more than an ant.

“Xiao Cheng, the Tang family or rather, I, Tang Qinggu, never intend to be anyone’s pawn.”

Tang Qinggu spoke softly, lifting a teacup instead of the untouched soup.

Not a pawn?

“What do you really want?”

“I told you. I only seek survival. The feud between Lu and Gu has nothing to do with me.” Her smile faded, her words sharp. “At the company, the internet division is being crushed. At home, my stepmother watches like a predator. Alone, I can’t handle it.”

“Just control of Tang Corporation? That can’t be all you want.”

Tang Cheng couldn’t see through her.

“When dragons and tigers clash, scraps will always remain. Picking up a few isn’t too much, is it?”

Tang Cheng repeated, her voice hardening as the tension mounted: “What do you want?”

“What I want, you can’t give. The power lies with President Lu.”

“You want to use me to secure cooperation with Xinxue. In the end, you’re just using me.”

Tang Qinggu set down her cup, her tone formal. “I told you, it’s not using. It’s cooperation.”

“What cooperation have you reached with Xinxue?”

“She asked me, if Lu Corporation falls, to provide you protection.”

The conversation froze.

“You’re lying!”

“If you don’t believe me, ask her yourself.”

Tang Qinggu didn’t care about Tang Cheng’s emotions. Stirring chaos in Lu Xinxue’s backyard was no loss to her.

“Working with me is also saving yourself. Surely you can see that.”

“Lu Xinxue won’t change her decisions because of me.”

“It’s late. I have matters to attend to. If you decide, I’ll be back in a week. I’ll send you the ticket. Then we’ll talk cooperation.”

She drained her tea and left.

Tang Cheng sat alone in the private room, just as Lu Xinxue had left her waiting at noon.

The silence was suffocating.

Invisible hands seemed to push her step by step into the whirlpool. From the United Tower onward, she had felt it, someone guiding her toward the center. And Lu Xinxue, holding the rope tight, would drag her out even if it tore her flesh.

Long before Lu Xinxue told her the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, she had sensed this. Now, she had proof.

Every negotiation required capital. How much had Lu Xinxue spent to reach this point? Facing true crises, she still spared time to shield Tang Cheng’s emotions, unwilling even to push her away for fear of hurting her.

While Lu Xinxue invested immense resources to protect her, she had been fretting over childish questions of love.

Her recent negativity had burdened Lu Xinxue, making her a liability instead of support. Even Jenny had seen it. Yet she needed Tang Qinggu to remind her.

Thinking of this, the soup tasted bitter. Tears welled and fell, plopping into the bowl.

Lu Xinxue was twenty-six. After six years of hardship, their perspectives had diverged. Compared to her, Tang Cheng was still a child, even beside Tang Qinggu.

Lu Xinxue’s love was far more substantial than hers.

One thing Tang Qinggu said rang true: she didn’t want to be a pawn, nor a caged bird. She wanted to be the one holding the pieces, a dragon or a tiger in the fight.

Her phone rang. Tang Cheng blinked, staring at the name flashing on the screen—Lu Xinxue.

Her hand hovered midair, hesitating.

Finally, she answered.

“Not home yet?”

Lu Xinxue’s cool voice carried through the quiet night, tinged with worry.

“I just finished dinner with Tang Qinggu.”

Silence stretched on the other end. At last, Lu Xinxue spoke: “Alright. Wait for me at home.”