Divorced from the Cold CEO Who Lived by the Rules - Chapter 20

The Alpha’s voice was excessively humble, a tone Xu Zhen had never heard before.

Xu Zhen’s chest gave a heavy thump, as if something were about to burst out. Her expression stiffened slightly, feigning composure as she replied, “I refuse.”

Jiang Ruan’s gaze darkened, but Xu Zhen pretended not to notice. “It’s late. You should get some rest.”

She shifted to the side, leaving ample space on the bed for Jiang Ruan. The screen of Xu Zhen’s phone, still clutched in her hand, hadn’t dimmed yet, allowing Jiang Ruan to clearly see the ongoing conversation in a work group chat.

“Are you busy?” Jiang Ruan asked knowingly, unsurprised when she received a curt affirmation. “Mhm.”

Lately, her career had hit a rough patch, and pretending not to be anxious was impossible. Though Xu Zhen had consoled herself that a short break might be good, who could truly accept it?

Years of unwavering popularity, undeniable talent, and a string of highly successful works—had these belonged to someone like Xue Long, an Alpha, she would have already reached the pinnacle of the entertainment industry.

Xu Zhen let out a self-deprecating laugh. Just as she had anticipated, after realizing that Xu Zhen was unyielding and resolute, the company had decided to squeeze every last drop of value from her.

In the brief time Jiang Ruan had taken to shower, Xu Zhen had already been assigned five new tasks for the next day.

Jiahua had begun packing her schedule to the brim. Over the next week, Xu Zhen would have to fly to over a dozen cities and countries, spanning nearly half the globe.

Still, it was better than sitting idle at home, watching her resources being snatched away.

After confirming her assignments one by one on her phone, Xu Zhen lay down and closed her eyes.

She had to wake up at four the next morning to meet her team at the company before catching a 7:20 AM flight to a neighboring province. There wasn’t much time left for sleep.

Wrapped tightly in the blanket, Xu Zhen’s breathing gradually steadied.

Jiang Ruan lay beside her, watching silently before turning off all the lights in the room with her phone.

The Alpha beside her soon grew still, no longer as openly demanding as before, leaving Xu Zhen inexplicably filled with guilt.

She felt like an inadequate middle-aged partner, ashamed and unable to hold her head high for failing to meet her wife’s needs.

Amidst these wandering thoughts, Xu Zhen’s consciousness slowly blurred.

The early alarm woke both Xu Zhen and Jiang Ruan. “Sorry,” Xu Zhen muttered.

Jiang Ruan shook her head. “Will you be back tonight?”

“Not sure,” Xu Zhen lied. “I’ll let you know if I am.”

Jiang Ruan nodded. “Alright.”

She got up with Xu Zhen, preparing to drive her to Jiahua, but Xu Zhen refused. “I’ll go myself. You should get some more sleep.”

Then, noticing Jiang Ruan’s slightly dejected expression from being repeatedly rejected, she hesitated before standing on her toes to press a fleeting kiss to Jiang Ruan’s lips.

“See you.”

The kiss was as light as a dragonfly skimming water, gone almost as soon as it came, like an illusion.

Jiang Ruan stared fixedly at the Beta’s retreating figure until she got into the car and drove away.

Jiang Ruan’s gaze was intense, causing Xu Zhen to move with a hint of flustered panic. Gripping the steering wheel in frustration, she couldn’t understand why she felt so guilty and afraid.

Letting out a long sigh, Xu Zhen tried to calm her emotions, preparing herself for the troubles ahead.

Jiahua wasn’t that generous, even if they arranged work for Xu Zhen, it wouldn’t go smoothly. Assistant Xiao Yang had already switched sides to Xue Long, and her manager Liu Lei was just as unreliable. This meant that until her contract with Jiahua ended, Xu Zhen would have to handle everything herself.

Going solo was exhausting, but Xu Zhen had always managed this way and was used to it.

Her morning schedule included a photoshoot for a magazine spread, followed by two interviews at noon, and then guest appearances on a variety show and a TV drama in the afternoon.

Once these tasks were done, she could finally go home.

After arriving at the company and meeting up with the crew, they headed to the airport and boarded their flight without issue. Xu Zhen hadn’t brought much with her, so she left the non-essential items in the car.

Her first stop was the makeup room. When she pushed the door open, she was met with an unexpected face.

Xue Long noticed her reflection in the mirror and turned to greet her. “Morning.”

Xu Zhen tensed. “You’re here too?”

“Didn’t the company tell you?” Realizing how that sounded, Xue Long awkwardly changed the subject. “Lucky us, we’re shooting together again today.”

Just then, Assistant Xiao Yang entered with Xue Long’s coffee. “Teacher Xue, your order.”

Without waiting for Xue Long to reach for it, Xiao Yang dutifully took out the coffee, carefully inserted the straw, and eagerly held it up to her lips.

Xue Long drank a few sips, completely accustomed to the service.

Only then did Xiao Yang notice Xu Zhen standing there, her expression turning slightly awkward. “Sister Qin, you’re here.”

“Mm.” Xu Zhen responded calmly, finding a seat without much reaction. Amidst the bustle of stylists getting her ready, the conversation with the neighboring group faded.

Xue Long was popular, and as an Alpha, she was idolized by society. Most of the staff flocked around her, eager to please.

In contrast, Xu Zhen’s side was much quieter.

She kept her eyes fixed on her reflection in the mirror. When she was younger, this kind of treatment would have upset her, but now, aside from matters involving Jiang Ruan, few things could affect her.

Xue Long wanted to talk to Xu Zhen, but with so many people around, she had no choice but to give up for the moment.

Just as Xu Zhen’s makeup was nearly finished, Liu Lei suddenly appeared—deliberately ignoring her and instead showering Xue Long with sweet compliments.

He was trying to humiliate Xu Zhen, hoping to force her to yield. But she remained indifferent.

The staff’s curious gazes lingered on her, some laced with hostility.

“All done,” the makeup artist said, standing up. Her attitude toward Xu Zhen was at least professional. “Teacher Xu Qin, you can rest here for now. Someone will come to notify you when it’s time to shoot.”

Xu Zhen politely thanked him and took out her phone to pass the time, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Liu Lei slowly approaching. “The three days are up. Have you made your decision?”

“I thought I’d made myself perfectly clear before,” Xu Zhen replied with a smile.

Liu Lei’s expression darkened instantly, not even bothering to hide his anger. Right in front of so many staff members in the dressing room, he lashed out at her. “You really don’t know what’s good for you!”

“Without the company, who’s going to provide you with resources to keep you relevant?!”

“The company has treated you well all these years, and this is how you repay us? Xu Zhen, don’t aim too high, watch your step, or you’ll regret it later.”

Liu Lei didn’t spare her any dignity, and even Xu Zhen, usually patient, felt her temper flare.

Her expression darkened as she stared at Liu Lei’s reflection in the mirror, about to retort, when someone suddenly exclaimed, “Oh! JX, a subsidiary of Jiang Corporation, just announced their new ‘Zhen Series’ product!”

“Did CEO Jiang get inspiration from our Xu Zhen’s name?”

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