Divorced from the Cold CEO Who Lived by the Rules - Chapter 27.1

The message came from an unknown number. Xu Zhen’s breath hitched, and she remained frozen for a long moment.

Housekeeper Zhao noticed her troubled expression and cautiously asked, “Madam, are you alright? Is there anything I can help with?”

The call snapped Xu Zhen back to reality. She lifted her gaze, forcing a strained smile as she tried to steady her expression. “It’s nothing. You can go back.”

But Housekeeper Zhao, sensing something was clearly wrong, didn’t dare leave. She quickly insisted, “I’ll stay here with you.”

“Madam, just let me know if you need anything.”

With that, she discreetly stepped aside, giving Xu Zhen space while keeping a watchful eye. Turning her back, she swiftly typed out a message on her phone and sent it. Afterward, she glanced back at Xu Zhen with concern.

Xu Zhen, however, was entirely absorbed in the text message. Her lips, pale for a beta, pressed together tightly as dizziness washed over her.

Had everything Jiang Ruan said before been a lie? Had she been deceiving her all along?

Once this thought took root, it spiraled uncontrollably, sprouting like bamboo shoots after rain. Her fingers trembled slightly, and after a stiff pause, she couldn’t hold back any longer, she called Assistant Lu. “Where is Jiang Ruan right now?”

Assistant Lu was surprised by the call but answered honestly, “She’s currently meeting with Miss Xing Yan.”

“Earlier today, Director Jiang misunderstood Miss Xing Yan, so she asked me to prepare a gift as an apology,” Assistant Lu explained without hiding anything. “Both I and Miss Zhen zhen are present.”

Relief, inexplicable yet palpable, washed over Xu Zhen, it wasn’t a private meeting.

If that was the case, then the sender’s motives were worth scrutinizing. “Could you help me look into someone?”

After Assistant Lu agreed, Xu Zhen forwarded the unknown number to her.

“Received. Please wait a moment.”

Once the call ended, Xu Zhen frowned slightly. Had Jiang Ruan offended someone recently? A gut feeling told her that all the rumors linking Jiang Ruan and Xing Yan had been orchestrated by the person behind this message.

Xu Zhen had never involved herself in Jiang Ruan’s work affairs, so she could only speculate whether this was the doing of a business rival.

Jiang Ruan had an impeccable reputation and formidable professional skills, earning widespread admiration across all demographics. With such overwhelming advantages, her rise in the business world was unstoppable, she was the brightest rising star.

But towering trees attract the wind. The more renowned one became, the more enemies they made. Using Xing Yan and even Xu Zhen herself to target Jiang Ruan made perfect sense.

Once she pieced this together, Xu Zhen’s emotions settled.

Her expression shifted subtly, a change Housekeeper Zhao, familiar with her moods, discreetly observed. Only when she caught Xu Zhen’s composed demeanor from the corner of her eye did she finally send another update to Jiang Ruan.

Jiang Ruan replied with a few more instructions, and Housekeeper Zhao acknowledged each one. “Understood.”

Assistant Lu worked quickly. In less than half an hour, she reported back to Xu Zhen. “The owner of this number is a close friend of your former assistant.”

Xiao Yang? Xu Zhen was even more puzzled. Why would Xiao Yang send her such a message?

After switching jobs to work under Xue Long, she should’ve been swamped with work, barely able to catch her breath.

Xu Zhen pondered for a moment before directly dialing the other party’s number, cutting straight to the chase: “What did that text message mean?”

At first, Xiao Yang’s voice sounded somewhat guilty, but soon she adopted an indignant tone. “Sister Qin, I just think it’s unfair to you. Here you are lying in the hospital needing care, and yet she turns around to go on a date with her childhood sweetheart, spending time with another Omega.”

“If paparazzi catch this, you’ll be the one facing criticism again.”

“Sister Qin, Jiang Ruan doesn’t love you at all. She has no conscience and never considers your feelings. Someone like her doesn’t deserve to be with you.”

Xiao Yang grew increasingly agitated. “Sister Qin, after all this, why won’t you leave her? Are you really determined to cling to this one tree?”

“What’s so great about her? Over the past six months, she’s broken your heart repeatedly, yet you keep forgiving her. Honestly, as an outsider, it pains me to see this.”

There was genuine sincerity in Xiao Yang’s voice. “Although I can’t work with you anymore, I truly hope you’ll have a happy marriage and joyful days ahead.”

“I hesitated before sending that text, but I just couldn’t swallow my anger.”

“I want you to see her true colors and stop being deceived by her.”

Young and somewhat hot-tempered, Xiao Yang’s accusations against Jiang Ruan left Xu Zhen feeling equally unsettled. “Alright, I appreciate your concern.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

Xu Zhen continued, “Don’t do this again in the future.”

“Sister Qin, you’re deceiving yourself. Do you think ignoring these issues will make your marriage last? That’s impossible!”

“Today that scumbag Alpha is getting cozy with Xing Yan, tomorrow she might be entangled with Xiao Yan or Zhao Yan. ”

“Xiao Yang,” Xu Zhen interrupted, “that’s enough.”

Silence fell on the other end of the line before Xiao Yang’s voice returned moments later: “Understood, Sister Qin. I won’t meddle anymore.”

“Wishing you happiness.”

As the call ended, Xu Zhen furrowed her brows, gripping her phone tightly as an inexplicable wave of irritation washed over her.

Having witnessed how Xing Yan was wronged by Jiang Ruan earlier, it made sense that Jiang Ruan would go to apologize tonight there was nothing unusual about that.

But after Xiao Yang’s interference, Xu Zhen found herself growing suspicious and unable to stop doubting her partner.

Knowing this wasn’t right, she turned to her phone to distract herself.

Housekeeper Zhao, who had listened to the entire call without a word, quietly slipped away while Xu Zhen was engrossed in her phone. Shortly after, Assistant Lu returned to the hospital room.

“Madam, you can rest for about three days,” she said efficiently. “The work assignments from Jiahua have been postponed, and they’ll handle anything that can’t be rescheduled.”

Three days of rest were rare, bringing a faint smile to Xu Zhen’s lips. “Thank you.”

Assistant Lu gazed at the pale, weak beta on the hospital bed before lowering her eyelashes slowly. “I’m sorry for my negligence yesterday.”

“It’s none of your business.” Xu Zhen could have been rescued immediately, but she chose to swim away and pretend to disappear. The one who should apologize is actually her. “It’s my own fault.”

Assistant Lu naturally interpreted these words as Xu Zhen trying to comfort her. She lowered her head further. “If Madam has any other thoughts or plans regarding work, you can tell me. I’ll do my best to assist you.”

Xu Zhen thought for a moment. “After the contract expires, I plan to establish my own personal studio.”

Xu Zhen’s connections weren’t as extensive as Assistant Lu’s, nor were her abilities in this area as strong, so she decided to take the opportunity to ask for help. “I’d like to ask for your assistance.”

“No problem,” Assistant Lu readily agreed. “Give me a few days.”

There wasn’t much else to say. Assistant Lu came and went quickly, leaving Xu Zhen alone again soon after.

With nothing to do, Xu Zhen had originally planned to wait for Jiang Ruan to return and ask about the situation with Xing Yan. But by 1 a.m., there was still no sign of the Alpha coming back.

Yawning, Xu Zhen’s eyes welled up with reflexive tears.

She glanced at the clock on the wall and decisively gave up, lying down to sleep.

Her sleep was restless, filled with memories that swirled around her like dreams, pulling her into a whirlpool of emotions joy and sorrow intertwined.

The heart-fluttering excitement of their first meeting, the sweet happiness of their wedding, the disbelief when Jiang Ruan’s scandal with Xing Yan first surfaced, the despair of failed attempts to reconcile…

When she opened her eyes again, it felt like a lifetime had passed.

Her gaze was unfocused as she stared at the ceiling, taking a long time to pull her consciousness back to reality.

Neither Assistant Lu nor Butler Zhao was present; the hospital room was empty. Opening her phone, messages from Xu Tingyuan appeared. The other person had sent over a dozen chattering voice messages, which Xu Zhen patiently listened to before replying, “I won’t be coming home for now. Focus on your classes.”

“I have work in a couple of days.”

There was no immediate reply. Xu Zhen set her phone aside and got up. Just as she finished tidying up, Xue Long, dressed to the nines, appeared without warning. “What brings you here?”

“Just came to see you,” Xue Long said, placing a basket of fruits and flowers on the table. “Sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday, I had work.”

Xu Zhen shook her head. “Have a seat.”

Xue Long didn’t stand on ceremony, sitting directly on the sofa.

Her legs were long, appearing slender and straight even in flat shoes. Xue Long’s style was different from Xu Zhen’s. Compared to betas and Omegas, Alphas were generally taller, more striking, and carried a powerful presence.

Xu Zhen had met Xue Long’s parents before both were stunningly attractive, a perfect match, like immortals.

Xue Long, having inherited the best genes from both, surpassed even them. With a single glance, she could captivate for eternity, far ahead of any competitors in the entertainment industry among stars of her type.

Xu Zhen and Xue Long were merely acquaintances, rarely even exchanging holiday greetings, so Xue Long’s visit today came as a surprise.

Handing her a bottle of water, Xu Zhen scrambled for conversation. “Not busy today?”

“Busy. I have to leave soon,” the Alpha said, her deep eyes lifting to fix on Xu Zhen. “But seeing you first was more important.”

Her words carried a hint of ambiguity, putting Xu Zhen on guard. She didn’t take the bait and casually deflected, “Thank you for thinking of me.”

“You’re welcome.” Xue Long smiled. Only two years older than Xu Zhen, she exuded youthful charm. With striking eyebrows, a tall nose bridge, thin and pale lips, and a sharp, flawless jawline, she was breathtaking from every angle utterly flawless.

The Alpha was too perfect, too impeccable. Even Xu Zhen had to admit that her looks were heaven-sent.

Xue Long was the dream lover of countless Omegas, though Xiao Yang had once mentioned she had a flirtatious side in private. Because of that, Xu Zhen had always kept her distance, avoiding her whenever possible.

“Are you settling in well here? My father owns a hospital. ”

“I’m fine,” Xu Zhen politely declined. “I’ll be discharged soon and return to work.”

Xue Long paused before replying slowly, “Not resting a few more days? If Jiang Ruan steps in, terminating the contract with Jiahua should be a breeze.”

Jiang Ruan could indeed handle it easily, but Xu Zhen didn’t want to trouble her.

She smiled politely. “It’s just ten more days. It’ll pass quickly.”

Xue Long wasn’t here for that, so she didn’t press further. Instead, she circled around to her real question: “Found your next move yet? I’ve officially terminated my contract with Jiahua and am setting up my own studio.”

Her gaze lingered on Xu Zhen eyes so deep they could make even a dog feel adored.

Xu Zhen avoided the Alpha’s stare. “I’m also planning to establish my own studio.”

“Congratulations.” Xue Long grinned. “Wishing you great success in your future endeavors.”

Xu Zhen thanked her politely, but the conversation ran dry. They had never been close, and Xue Long’s aloofness made her far less comfortable to be around than Zhen zhen.

As silence stretched, Xu Zhen couldn’t help but glance at the clock on the wall.

The gesture carried an unspoken hint of urging her to leave, but Xue Long pretended not to notice. She leisurely sipped the warm water Xu Zhen had poured for her until Jiang Ruan walked in.

The presence of a stranger, especially one carrying the repulsive scent of an Alpha, instantly darkened Jiang Ruan’s mood.

A wave of oppressive danger filled the air, and both Xu Zhen and Xue Long turned toward the door.

“You’re back.” Xu Zhen spoke first as their eyes met.

Jiang Ruan nodded, her gaze slowly shifting to Xue Long. “And this is?”

“Hello, I’m a colleague who worked with Xu Zhen for seven years,” Xue Long stood and introduced herself. “We’ve met before.”

“Have we?” Jiang Ruan replied impassively. “I don’t recall.”

Xue Long chuckled. “You really do have a selective memory, President Jiang. Not only did I attend your wedding with Zhen zhen, but our parents are old acquaintances. Our families have even dined together multiple times.”

“Surely you remember something?”

“No.” Jiang Ruan’s eyes lingered on Xue Long briefly before she strode straight to Xu Zhen, pulling her into a half-embrace a possessive, territorial gesture. “I meet too many people daily. My apologies.”

Xue Long shook her head, smiling wryly. “Understandable.”

A faint tension hung between the two Alphas. Xu Zhen glanced at Xue Long, then at Jiang Ruan, ultimately choosing not to push Jiang Ruan away. Instead, she said to Xue Long, “Why don’t you go attend to your schedule first? We can catch up another day.”

A celebrity’s schedule couldn’t be delayed. Xu Zhen didn’t want Xue Long to be late because of her and risk being labeled as arrogant.

Xue Long didn’t refuse, nor did she show any signs of hurt or disappointment. She complied smoothly, “Keep in touch, and reach out if you need anything.”

Xu Zhen nodded and prepared to see Xue Long out.

But Jiang Ruan stepped forward first. “Stay in the room. I’ll go.” Without giving Xu Zhen time to react, she strode ahead and gestured for Xue Long to leave. Xue Long smiled as if oblivious. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The two Alphas left one after the other, quickly disappearing from Xu Zhen’s sight.

Xu Zhen let out a sigh of relief. Unless absolutely necessary, she had no desire to engage with Xue Long. The status gap between an Alpha and a beta was too pronounced for her to believe Xue Long’s visit was purely social.

As for Xue Long’s true intentions today? Xu Zhen couldn’t figure it out.

Before long, Jiang Ruan returned.

“Ting Yuan will be here soon,” she said abruptly. “She was worried you’d be bored alone, so she secretly booked a flight.”

Xu Zhen was about to respond when Jiang Ruan added, “She’s leaving tonight.”

With that, Xu Zhen swallowed her words. “Alright, you should go attend to your work too.”

“So eager to get rid of me?” Jiang Ruan’s light-colored eyes fixed on the beta. Her expression gave nothing away, yet Xu Zhen could sense the woman’s hidden grievance.

Xu Zhen pressed her lips together. “No.”

“I just don’t want to hold you up.”

The excuse sounded weak and unconvincing. Jiang Ruan fell silent before finally forcing out a stiff, “Once I finish this busy period. ”

“Big sis!”

Xu Ting Yuan’s voice arrived before she did. Xu Zhen immediately looked up, and in the next moment, her sister’s worried face came into view. “You’re here.”

“Are you okay, sis?” Xu Ting Yuan rushed over. “You have no idea how scared Mom, Aunt Bai, and I were when we saw the news at home.”

She pulled Xu Zhen into a tight hug. “If anything happened to you, who’d give me my allowance?”

Xu Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at that. “You little brat.”

She knew Xu Tingyuan was deliberately lightening the mood to cheer her up, so she didn’t take offense. Pinching her sister’s soft cheeks, Xu Zhen feigned sternness. “Shouldn’t you be studying at home? What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you! Mom and Aunt Bai wouldn’t relax unless I did.” Xu Ting Yuan’s emotions were plain in her eyes. “Sis, maybe—” She cut herself off, suddenly remembering Jiang Ruan’s presence. “Sis-in-law, how long are you planning to stay?”

“I need to talk to my sister in private.”

“I just got here,” Jiang Ruan said, gaze steady.

Xu Ting Yuan: “Well, if you don’t have anything urgent, why don’t you go ahead? You’re always busy anyway. It’s rare for me and my sister to meet, can’t you give us this time to catch up?”

Jiang Ruan didn’t immediately agree, instead turning her gaze to Xu Zhen.

Xu Zhen met her eyes. “Having her with me is enough.”

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