Divorced from the Cold CEO Who Lived by the Rules - Chapter 33

After getting her way, the Alpha became docile, obeying Xu Zhen’s every word.

Xu Zhen felt an unreal sensation.

She glanced at Jiang Ruan from the corner of her eye, as if meeting her for the first time. Lately, Jiang Ruan had changed quite a bit, her rare gentleness had become frequent, filling Xu Zhen with joy yet also stirring suspicion.

Was whatever Jiang Ruan was hiding from her really that serious?

Other than that, Xu Zhen couldn’t think of any other reason that would make such a cold-hearted Alpha undergo such a drastic transformation.

Could she be drowning in debt, secretly on the verge of collapse?

Xu Zhen’s mind wandered through these random thoughts, only to be pulled back when Jiang Ruan took the opportunity to introduce her to several influential figures. As a well-known Alpha both domestically and internationally, Jiang Ruan’s newfound closeness to Xu Zhen made others regard her with greater importance.

This wasn’t a bad thing for Xu Zhen. With her impending departure from Jiahua, she urgently needed to build her own network to pave the way for her future career.

If she could seize the chance tonight to connect with one or two industry leaders and secure resources from them, the next ten days would be much easier.

Jiang Ruan was proving incredibly useful, Xu Zhen had never felt such a meteoric rise before.

In less than an hour, Xu Zhen had lost count of how many people she had exchanged contact details with, casually agreeing to future dinners and golf outings.

Though it was all superficial pleasantries, the brief interactions tonight would significantly increase the likelihood of future collaborations.

Xu Zhen clutched her phone, her emotions complicated.

Noticing her mood, Jiang Ruan paused before explaining, “Before, I thought you didn’t like attending these kinds of events. Plus, most of my arrangements overlapped with your schedule, so I never brought you along.”

“Back then, your contract with Jiahua was still long-term, and terminating it wouldn’t have been easy.”

This world wasn’t very tolerant of betas. If Xu Zhen had forcibly broken her contract midway, her personal reputation would have inevitably suffered. And knowing Jiahua’s nature, they would have subtly sabotaged her, blocking all her paths forward.

Even if Jiang Ruan had stepped in, the industry might not have given her face because Xu Zhen was just an insignificant, ordinary beta.

To them, offending the entertainment industry’s top player for a beta simply wasn’t worth it.

Jiang Ruan’s domain wasn’t in entertainment, and as the saying goes, “a strong dragon cannot crush a local serpent.” Her ability to help her wife was limited, so those plans had been shelved.

Xu Zhen understood the reasoning and didn’t make unreasonable demands. “Thank you for tonight.”

“You’re welcome,” Jiang Ruan replied, shaking her head. “I promised Mom I’d take good care of you.”

Jiang Ruan had spoken with Bai Zhen that day, though Xu Zhen didn’t know the specifics of their conversation. She suspected Bai Zhen’s stance had been firm likely saying something like, “If you can’t treat her sincerely, just divorce her outright.”

Bai Zhen had never approved of this marriage in the first place, and seeing her daughter wronged had only fueled her anger.

With only a few years left to live, she was determined to secure the best possible future for her beloved daughter, fighting for every advantage.

Come to think of it, it seemed that after that conversation, the Alpha had gradually begun to change.

Xu Zhen pieced together the cause and effect, and the ripples in her heart settled back into stillness.

The time was almost up, and the ceremony was about to begin. Xu Zhen and Sister Zhenzhen, reunited. She glanced behind Sister Zhenzhen, and asked, “Where are Miss Xing Yan and Xue Ling?”

“Over there.” Sister Zhenzhen, turned and pointed not far away. Xu Zhen followed the direction and looked.

Xue Ling, small in stature, wore an expression of defiance, her entire body radiating rebellion. Meanwhile, Xing Yan stood calmly, almost indifferent, as she faced off against Xue Ling.

Xu Zhen instinctively wanted to intervene but was stopped by Sister Zhenzhen,. “Don’t worry, Ayan is an expert at dealing with brats like this.”

“Just stay here and enjoy the show.” Sister Zhenzhen, knew Xing Yan’s capabilities well and had complete confidence in her. Xu Zhen had no choice but to relent.

She waited patiently for a while.

Sure enough, whatever Xing Yan said to Xue Ling shattered her defenses on the spot. Xue Ling’s eyes reddened, looking as if she had suffered the greatest injustice.

Sister Zhenzhen, stifled a laugh. “No brat leaves Ayan’s hands with a smile.”

Then, glancing at Jiang Ruan, she whispered to Xu Zhen, “Jiang Ruan is the same. She always wears that cold expression, and none of the kids dare approach her…”

“But times have changed.” Sister Zhenzhen, sighed, shifting the topic. “Nowadays, everyone loves that icy, untouchable beauty wanting to win her over and see her descend from her pedestal for love.”

Xu Zhen had seen such tropes before. She didn’t understand it but respected it.

Influenced by Bai Zhen’s marriage with her biological father, she believed mutual care, understanding, and consideration were the most important things between partners.

Love wasn’t a one-sided affair. If only one person gave without receiving anything in return, that wasn’t devotion it was self-degradation.

What she yearned for had always been unwavering love from a partner.

“Jiang Ruan-jie…” Xue Ling, now sniffling, approached the three of them. She opened her mouth, ready to complain to Jiang Ruan. But with one light glance from Xing Yan, her body stiffened, and her voice died in her throat.

All her grievances and tears were effortlessly stifled by Xing Yan, unable to be voiced, yet impossible to swallow.

Xue Ling was furious, but Xing Yan was utterly ruthless.

This Omega was practically inhuman! She dared say anything, and every word sent chills down Xue Ling’s spine, leaving her with an inescapable psychological scar.

Xue Ling couldn’t understand how someone who looked so delicate on the outside could be so dark and cruel underneath.

She was like a deranged Alpha on the verge of losing control!

Jiang Ruan showed little reaction to being called, only politely reminding, “Stop crying. Wipe your tears.”

Xue Ling thought she was being cared for and was about to force a grateful smile until Jiang Ruan coldly added, “Or else people might think we bullied you.”

Xue Ling: “??”

Alphas were all the same  heartless creatures with no empathy. Xue Ling cursed them inwardly.

Now, she couldn’t decide whether to smile or not, her expression twisting awkwardly.

Xu Zhen kindly handed her a tissue, which Xue Ling took without hesitation. A few seconds later, Xing Yan spoke, staring at her. “Speak.”

Confused, Xue Ling hesitated. Xing Yan’s tone was indifferent. “What do you say when you take something from someone?”

“Thank you?” she answered reflexively.

Xing Yan: “Mm. Remember that next time.”

This Omega treated her like an ignorant child to discipline, making Xue Ling grit her teeth in anger yet helpless against her. She lost her composure time and again, until finally, with a burst of temper, she turned on her heel and left without hesitation.

Forget about calling her “Sister Jiang Ruan” if she stayed any longer, Xing Yan would be the death of her.

This was the second time Xing Yan had helped her today. Xu Zhen’s eyes sparkled as she gazed over, her stare fixed unblinkingly on the other woman.

Xing Yan gave the beta a cool glance, pausing briefly when she noticed the mix of admiration and gratitude in Xu Zhen’s expression. “…”

After a moment, Xing Yan decisively averted her gaze, ignoring Xu Zhen’s intense stare.

As she turned away, Xing Yan lowered her lashes and curved her lips slightly, a faint smile so subtle it would go unnoticed by most.

The time had come, and the child’s coming-of-age ceremony officially began. Wealthy families emphasized rituals, hiring a host and singers to liven up the stage.

Xu Zhen had been in the entertainment industry long enough to recognize the singer as an acquaintance.

However, since they were seated far apart, they simply exchanged nods in greeting.

After adulthood, the child’s differentiation would soon begin. At the earliest, it could start the same day, or within a week at the latest.

If they differentiated into an Alpha, the situation would remain unaffected. But if they became an Omega, things might change. Freshly differentiated Omegas struggled to control themselves, often leading to pheromone leaks.

To be safe, most chose to inject differentiation-suppressing drugs beforehand, ensuring their ceremony proceeded flawlessly.

This family had not only administered preventive suppressants but also hired a skilled team of beta bodyguards to maintain order, just in case.

At such sensitive times, betas once again became the most sought-after and valued group.

Xu Zhen listened quietly as the host carried on, while Sister Zhenzhen, whispered beside her, “I always get nervous at these events, afraid an Omega might suddenly lose control.”

Omega pheromones had a fatal allure for Alphas, and some even deliberately purchased Omega pheromones for entertainment.

Xu Zhen glanced at Jiang Ruan, who would likely struggle against her instincts and react to the pheromones of an Omega in heat.

With that thought, Xu Zhen also grew alert.

The larger the crowd, the higher the risk of chaos. Fortunately, the evening went smoothly, with no incidents until the banquet ended.

Jiang Ruan had become far more protective of Xu Zhen lately, shielding her from unkind remarks. Many in Jiang Ruan’s family held strong grudges against Xu Zhen, and given the chance, they sneered and mocked her.

Xu Zhen was used to it, her emotions barely fluctuating. But surprisingly, Jiang Ruan spoke up, retorting on Xu Zhen’s behalf one sharp remark after another.

Xu Zhen and those around her stared at Jiang Ruan as if seeing a ghost, baffled by her sudden change in behavior learning to defend her partner.

Instinctively, Xu Zhen looked at Xing Yan, who remained as cold and unapproachable as ever. “Why are you looking at me?”

“Nothing.” Xu Zhen shook her head. She had thought Xing Yan might have taught Jiang Ruan.

Bai Zhen would reprimand Jiang Ruan, but she wouldn’t go so far as to teach her how to protect Xu Zhen. And as for the others around Jiang Ruan, they probably didn’t have the patience for it either. After considering all possibilities, Xu Zhen still felt Xing Yan was the most likely culprit.

However, Xing Yan’s attitude was perplexing, leaving Xu Zhen uncertain.

Regardless of the truth, Jiang Ruan had shown improvement, which was a good thing.

After several rounds of drinks, it was getting late. Xu Zhen had to wake up early the next day, so she bid her farewells. Xing Yan and Sister Zhenzhen,, having nothing urgent to attend to, stayed behind to continue enjoying themselves.

Inside the spacious, elongated luxury car, Xu Zhen and Jiang Ruan sat side by side in silence.

Jiang Ruan was buried in overtime work, while Xu Zhen was cramming her script, racing against the clock.

There was a live broadcast the next day, and Xu Zhen couldn’t afford any mistakes otherwise, Jiahua would seize the opportunity to smear her relentlessly.

Halfway through memorizing her lines, Sister Zhenzhen,’s message suddenly popped up:

“Zhen Zhen, check online now! That shameless Xue Long is riding your coattails!”

“Does she have a screw loose? Or does she think your current situation isn’t bad enough, so she’s going all out to mess with you?”

Xu Zhen was baffled by the message. She and Xue Long had always kept their distance, rarely clashing. Though lately, Xu Zhen’s resources had been snatched away by Xue Long more frequently.

But society naturally favored Alphas, so Xu Zhen had already resigned herself to it.

If she had to fight over every little thing, life would be exhausting.

Switching apps, Xu Zhen opened the trending topics. A quick scan revealed hashtags like #XueLongRevealsReasonForLeavingJiahua, #XueLongXuZhen, #TrueFriendshipInShowbiz, and #XueLongRanAwayForXuZhen, all vying for attention.

A sinking feeling settled in Xu Zhen’s chest.

Since her debut, she had never been involved in any romantic rumors, the only time she trended for love was when she married Jiang Ruan.

She had always kept a low profile. Was she really about to tarnish her reputation at the eleventh hour?

Her fingers moved faster as she tapped into one of the trending topics. From the collage of screenshots in the top posts, she finally pieced together the answer.

It all started with an interview Xue Long gave earlier that day. When asked why she suddenly terminated her contract with Jiahua and left, she replied:

“Because of Xu Zhen.”

“If she’s not at Jiahua, there’s no point in me staying.”

Perhaps Xue Long meant nothing by it, but the statement itself was ambiguous and easily misinterpreted.

Now, everyone was speculating about the nature of Xu Zhen and Xue Long’s relationship, whether they had secretly dated or if Xue Long had unrequited feelings for Xu Zhen. Xu Zhen was a married beta with a perfect wife, so the more imaginative netizens were already spinning tragic love stories.

For example, just as Xue Long was about to confess, Jiang Ruan swooped in and married Xu Zhen first. To avoid ruining their relationship, Xue Long could only step back silently, burying her feelings and offering her blessings.

Later, when Jiang Ruan became entangled with Xing Yan, Xue Long’s extinguished feelings reignited, prompting her to fight for true love.

…

After browsing through the theories, Xu Zhen found it all absurd. She had never sensed any affection from Xue Long, how could there be any unrequited love?

Xu Zhen didn’t know what Xue Long was trying to achieve, but her words had rubbed her the wrong way. So she typed out a direct message:

“What do you mean by this?”

Xue Long didn’t respond immediately, and Xu Zhen’s brow remained furrowed, the trouble the other party had brought this time was no small matter.

Whether intentional or not, her actions had caused Xu Zhen considerable distress.

Just as Xu Zhen was silently considering her next move, Xue Long finally replied, her tone polite: “Sorry, I just saw the trending topic online. I’ll have someone take it down right away.”

The response skirted the main issue, and Xu Zhen’s frown didn’t ease.

“Don’t do something like this again,” she said. Unlike Xue Long, a universally adored Alpha, Xu Zhen, as a Beta, knew that even the slightest misstep could drown her in public scorn.

Non-Betas couldn’t truly understand her social predicament.

“Sorry,” Xue Long repeated.

Xu Zhen closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She had no intention of continuing the conversation, but Xue Long’s next message had already been sent:

“But I wasn’t lying.”

“I really did leave Jiahua because of you.”

As Xu Zhen stared at her phone screen, she suddenly sensed something warm drawing near. A moment later, a soft breath brushed against her face. She turned her head slightly only for Jiang Ruan’s enlarged, three-dimensional features to fill her vision.

“Homewrecker.”

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