After the System Called Me Mom, My Arch-Nemesis Omega Fell for Me - Chapter 47

Jiang Mingyue clearly hadn’t expected this scene in the reception room. Her gaze quickly swept over the ill-looking Fang Yuan and a dignified middle-aged woman, likely Fang Yuan’s mother. Realizing she had arrived at an awkward time, she paused, offering Xie Fuyun an inquiring look, prepared to quietly withdraw and return later.

However, Xie Fuyun stopped her before she could move. “Mingyue, come in.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Jiang Mingyue complied. She stood quietly and composedly slightly behind Xie Fuyun, not spared a single glance toward the Fang mother and daughter.

Immediately, Xie Fuyun redirected her cold gaze toward the ashen-faced Fang Yuan. “Miss Fang Yuan, apologize to Miss Jiang.”

These words were like a clap of thunder, leaving Fang Yuan’s ears ringing. She snapped her head up, her eyes filled with disbelief and humiliation. Apologize to Jiang Mingyue? Why? And to do it in front of both Xie Fuyun and her own mother?

A surge of shame and rage rushed to her head. Fang Yuan’s face turned crimson, and she was on the verge of losing control.

Seeing her daughter about to snap, Madam Fang quickly grabbed her arm, warning her with a stern glare. She then forced a smile toward Jiang Mingyue, attempting to de-escalate: “Miss Jiang, is it? What exactly happened? If my daughter has offended you in some way…”

She tried to pivot the conversation toward Jiang Mingyue, who seemed more approachable.

Xie Fuyun, however, gave her no chance to shift the focus. She cut her off coldly: “What happened? Your daughter started rumors at school and slandered Miss Jiang’s reputation. Does it need to be clearer? Surely you are aware of your daughter’s character.”

Madam Fang paled but continued to struggle. “President Xie, I am asking the party involved, Miss Jiang. Could you please let me hear what she has to say?”

The corners of Xie Fuyun’s lips curled into a deeply mocking arc. “Ask the party involved? Then by what right did you just speak up for your daughter? Does Fang Yuan not have a mouth, or is she incapable of speech? Is it your place to speak for her? Your daughter is twenty years old, she’s an adult, yet she only knows how to cower behind you.”

This sharp retort left Madam Fang speechless, her face turning various shades of blue and white. She took a deep breath. “President Xie, I don’t understand. Why are you protecting Miss Jiang to such an extent?”

Meeting her probing gaze, Xie Fuyun replied decisively, “Because she is Chang Xi’s favorite and most prized student. Chang Xi is my fiancée, ‘a teacher for a day is a parent for life.’ My protection of her is natural and right. Is that reason enough?”

“…I… I’m sorry, Jiang Mingyue.” Under the immense pressure, Fang Yuan finally lowered her head. Her voice was thin as a mosquito’s buzz, heavy with humiliation and reluctance. “I… I shouldn’t have spread rumors online. Please… forgive me.”

All eyes fell on Jiang Mingyue.

Jiang Mingyue raised her eyes, looking calmly at the bowing Fang Yuan. “I do not forgive you. Can a single sentence of apology cancel out the cyberbullying I received?”

“You…!” Fang Yuan snapped her head up, eyes wide with shock. She had humbled herself so much to apologize, yet Jiang Mingyue dared to refuse?

Xie Fuyun spoke: “The Fang Group has been a catering supplier for Taiyu Group. That ends now, and for the next three years. You may leave.”

The Gift of Power

After they left, Xie Fuyun handed over a stock transfer agreement. The name “Jingyun Winery” was written on it. “A gift for you.”

“This is too valuable. I can’t accept this.”

“It’s for you, so take it. I have informed your parents about your brother’s massive gambling debts, they are currently overwhelmed. This is your chance to move in and take over the family’s business in the capital. The high-quality orders from Jingyun Winery can be used to revive the struggling Jiang family hotels. If necessary, I will back you up.”

Xie Fuyun’s tone shifted. “Regarding your plan to hire Pei Ying as a spokesperson, it’s high risk. If Jiang Mingzhao stirs up trouble, Pei Ying’s massive fanbase and the capital behind her will turn against you. But with Jingyun Winery, Pei Ying knows it’s mine, and she will certainly do me the favor.”

“I… I am not family to you,” Jiang Mingyue said, stunned that President Xie was not only defending her but handing her an industry.

“Miss Jiang, if the Jiang hotels never recover, do you think the Lu family will let you marry Lu Bao?” Xie Fuyun handed her a pen. “As for your feelings for Lu Bao, I prefer a steady stream over a flood. Life is long, take it one step at a time.”

She turned and took an exquisite card from a drawer. “This is a special pass for Beijing University. You can audit any course freely. It’s for your own self-improvement, and to give you more chances to be with Lu Bao and deepen your bond.”

Looking at the agreement and the pass, Jiang Mingyue’s heart surged. She looked directly at Xie Fuyun and asked the question deepest in her heart: “President Xie, why are you doing so much for me? Paving my way, considering everything so thoroughly?”

For me, and for Lu Bao.

Xie Fuyun met her gaze, her eyes deep. “Because we are family.”

Chang Xi and I are destined never to marry. Therefore, you and Lu Lingzhi are the continuation of us.

“I don’t care for any of the so-called ‘noble daughters’ of the capital. Go home and study this. Now, go find Lu Bao and enjoy the afternoon. Do not mention the change in Lu Bao’s eye color to anyone.”

This reminded Jiang Mingyue: It was Lu Er who had locked Fang Yuan in the bathroom, and it was she who had sent the apology from Fang Yuan’s phone.

The Last Painting of Spring

After Jiang Mingyue left, an assistant entered with two staff members carrying a painting. “President Xie, Miss Lu Ningzhi purchased a painting from a Sotheby’s auction for you.”

Without looking up, Xie Fuyun said, “Send it back.”

The assistant seemed to have expected this. “President Xie, this is Spring, the final piece of the ‘Four Seasons’ collection you have been gathering. If the set is complete, the market value is estimated to be over a hundred million. Miss Lu clearly put a lot of effort into this.”

Xie Fuyun looked up slightly, a flash of joy crossing her eyes. If anyone was meticulously thoughtful, it was Lu Ningzhi.

Suddenly, her phone lit up with an overseas call from Europe.

[Lu Ningzhi]

“President Xie, did you receive my painting?”

“I did. Did you buy a gift for your sister?” Xie Fuyun looked away from the painting. If Lu Ningzhi had only bought a gift for her, she would return the painting.

“I did,” Lu Ningzhi’s reply came quickly, laced with a smile. “I picked out a jewelry set worth a million, it’ll give her something to show off for a while. I also chose a gift for Dr. Chang. After all, this was my first independent international deal. It’s a celebration. The client praised my French. You taught me French, after all.”

Xie Fuyun had taught Lu Er, Lu Ningzhi, and Xie Zhixia French. The latter two were gifted linguists. As for Lu Er, she had no real talent for languages, but she had mastered the unique romantic flair of the French accent perfectly.

“Congratulations, Lu Ningzhi,” Xie Fuyun offered sincere praise.

The other end went silent for a few seconds as if weighing words. Then, Lu Ningzhi’s voice rose again. “…President Xie, when do you and Dr. Chang plan to get engaged? Or married?”

The topic had turned personal. Xie Fuyun’s grip on the phone tightened imperceptibly. “You don’t even have time to date, yet you’re worrying about my marriage?”

But Lu Ningzhi was prepared. “I recently acquired a high-quality diamond. The designer said it’s perfect for a pair of rings. I want to give it to you and Dr. Chang.” She cut off any refusal: “When my sister gets engaged or married, I will prepare something even better for her. This diamond is specifically for you and the doctor.”

Xie Fuyun spoke the truth: “Thank you for the sentiment. Chang Xi and I have no intention of marrying.”

“President Xie, are you refusing marriage because… you are ill?”

The silence confirmed Lu Ningzhi’s suspicions.

“Last time at the private hospital in the US, a doctor asked if I was willing to donate bone marrow. Is it you who needs the transplant?”

So she did see me at the hospital that day.

Xie Fuyun’s silence was the answer.

Lu Ningzhi’s voice came again: “You’re rushing to pave the way for my sister because you’re afraid Dr. Chang will have no one to rely on later. But I asked the doctor, your illness is highly curable with a bone marrow transplant. You saved me twice. If you need my marrow, I will give it to you.”

“I really want to see your wedding with Dr. Chang.”

A single tear escaped Xie Fuyun’s eye. Lu Ningzhi was like a little angel. She wanted to ask: Have you been worried sick about my condition these past two months?

Xie Fuyun chuckled softly. “Lu… Ning… Zhi.”

Being called by her full name made the person on the other side of the ocean tense up.

“As the heir to the Lu family, focus on your family and your studies at Harvard. As for why I pave the way for your sister or why I don’t marry, don’t assume it’s because of an illness or some hidden bitterness. Don’t meddle in my private affairs. In my heart, your sister and Chang Xi are my only loved ones. You don’t need to hold onto those ‘life-saving’ favors.”

“The first time was a coincidence, anyone would help a child against a trafficker. The second time, I thought the kidnappers had taken your sister, and I was terrified of losing her. I stayed by your hospital bed all night only because I didn’t want your sister to be sad. Any kindness I show you is merely because of her.”

Xie Fuyun looked up at the painting Spring. The vibrant life and warm sun in the frame contrasted with the death creeping toward her outside of it. She heard a sniffle over the phone, she had likely made Lu Ningzhi cry.

Lu Ningzhi sobbed, feeling her sincerity trampled upon. She said petulantly, “Xie Fuyun, where do you think you rank in my sister’s heart? We are blood sisters. Do you think you have the right?”

“Right?” Xie Fuyun mused. “Lu Ningzhi, since you just closed an international deal, let me give you a challenge. If you win, I will grant you one wish. If you lose, you lose the right to meddle in my affairs or your sister’s marriage.”

One wish from Xie Fuyun. An incredible temptation.

“Any wish?”

Xie Fuyun said frankly, “Yes. No matter how absurd, terrible, perverted, or malicious. Even if it’s as absurd as making me marry you, as terrible as making me leave my Chang Xi forever, as perverted as imprisoning me as a toy, or as malicious as torturing me to death.”

Lu Ningzhi was stunned by the vocabulary. In Xie Fuyun’s eyes, am I some kind of amoral monster?

“Am I that scary?” Lu Ningzhi asked.

Xie Fuyun smiled, regaining control. “I didn’t mean it that way. If you win, I will accept any request, regardless of the ‘scale’.”

“Tell me the challenge.”

If I win, I’ll make her accept the transplant.

Xie Fuyun shifted her posture. “The Jiang hotels are mired in scandal and their stock is falling. Shisheng Group and Pei Group are both giants in the robotics industry and bitter rivals. They have both placed orders with Taiyu. How do I achieve a win-win situation? Within one week after National Day, the stock of all four companies. Jiang Hotels, Shisheng, Pei, and Taiyu, must ideally hit the daily limit, or at least rise by 5%. You can use Lu Group resources and a budget of 1,000 units.”

“Shisheng won the national robotics runner-up and has worked with Taiyu for years. Pei Group is the champion and a rising tech star. Shisheng supports Xie Zhixia. Pei supports your sister. Make them both support your sister, and make them genuinely convinced.”

“I’ll send you a PPT with the details. I don’t expect 100% from you, if you reach 80, I’ll count it as a win.”

The proud Lu Ningzhi felt belittled. “And your requirements for my sister?”

“First, she cannot use any Lu Group resources, zero budget. Second, she cannot use my name to get bank loans. Third, she must make the Jiang hotels profitable by 500-1000 units in a week and restore their brand. Fourth, Shisheng and Pei must both be convinced by her, and the four stocks must hit the limit. Fifth, her actions must stun the entire capital social circle and trend online. Sixth, she must increase her personal commercial value to become the youngest, most valuable Alpha.”

Lu Ningzhi was speechless at the “perverted” difficulty. “…You’re giving her nothing. Can she really do it? You must really want to grant me a wish.”

“Remember, do not tell your sister about our bet.”

The Kiss in the Wind

At Jingyun Winery, Lu Lingzhi picked a black horse. Her horsemanship was excellent; while she struggled with academics, she excelled at everything else. With a nudge, the horse galloped off.

The winery was vast. The wind whistling in her ears momentarily cleared the gloom from her heart. Reaching a white birch forest, she pulled the reins and plucked a smooth leaf. She loved blowing on leaves to make music. Though raised as a socialite and having scraped through piano exams, she preferred this primal, spontaneous music. It was her comfort when she was sad or lost.

In the distance, she saw a familiar figure standing by the edge of the grass, a still, dark speck. It was Jiang Mingyue. She knew Mingyue had been waiting for her. She decided it was time to speak clearly. Her heartache needed to be resolved. Even if she knew the answer, she wanted to hear it from Jiang Mingyue’s lips.

“Little sister Lu Er, I heard your sister was kidnapped. Actually, they wanted you.”

“They tied your sister up and put her on an operating table. They used thick needles to drain her blood every day. She suffered in your place.”

“Do you think they violated her? Stripped her and… she’s a top-tier Omega, her purity…”

“Look at these photos. Is this your sister? Doesn’t she look like a harlot?”

These were the words Jiang Mingzhao had used to humiliate them on her coming of age day. Years later, those malicious whispers still easily broke her defenses and made it hard to breathe.

The horse slowed to a stop beside Jiang Mingyue. Lu Lingzhi looked down from the saddle at that exquisite, clear face. She dismounted, gathering her courage. “Jiang Mingyue, I have something to ask you.”

Before she could speak, Jiang Mingyue took a step forward and wrapped her arms around her. Then, a warm kiss landed on Lu Lingzhi’s cheek. The world went silent. Lu Lingzhi froze, her mind a total blank. It was a fleeting touch, like a butterfly skimming a lake, leaving a subtle yet lasting ripple. Jiang Mingyue looked at her with eyes as clear as water, no dodging, no guilt.

Jiang Mingyue had learned from Fang Yuan that it was Lu Er who had locked her in the bathroom and sent the apology. She was deeply, truly moved. When she heard the sound of the leaf music, she followed it until she found her.

She had a small bit of selfishness. Before the “storm” of the question arrived, she wanted to hold her. She wanted to kiss her lips, but feared upsetting her, so she settled for the cheek.

She buried her face in Lu Lingzhi’s shoulder, her voice muffled. “Let me hold you a little longer. Just a little. When I’ve held you enough, I’ll answer your question, okay?”

Lu Lingzhi hesitated, but her arms didn’t let go. They stood in the sun, listening to the wind and their own heartbeats. After a while, Jiang Mingyue looked up. “What did you want to ask?”

Lu Lingzhi looked at her. “Why did you suddenly kiss me? And hold me so long?” Could her pheromones be unstable again? Does she need soothing? Is that why she came to me in the middle of the night?

Feeling that standing in the wind wasn’t ideal, Lu Lingzhi reached down, hooked her arm behind Jiang Mingyue’s knees, and easily lifted her into a princess carry.

“Ah!” Jiang Mingyue gasped, instinctively clutching Lu Lingzhi’s neck.

Lu Lingzhi carried her to the horse, lifted her into the saddle first, then vaulted up behind her, wrapping her arms naturally around Mingyue’s waist to take the reins.

Is this another form of a hug? Should this soothe her? Lu Lingzhi nodded mentally at her own “cleverness.” She turned the horse toward the more private indoor arena to avoid the cold.

They ran into Xie Fuyun’s assistant. “Hello, Second Miss. Hello, Miss Jiang.”

The title “Second Miss” applied everywhere, here, it meant the Second Miss of the Xie family.

Lu Lingzhi said unceremoniously, “Don’t let anyone else in.”

“President Xie has instructed that from now on, the Second Miss is in charge of the stables.” The assistant handed her a mask. “President Xie said if the Second Miss meets acquaintances and fears revealing her identity, she can wear this.”