Divorced from the Cold CEO Who Lived by the Rules - Chapter 36

Today’s kids have such vivid imaginations. Xu Zhen remained silent for three seconds before helplessly saying, “You’ve misunderstood.”

“Ah.” Tang Yehe’s mouth fell open in surprise and confusion. Staring at Xu Zhen’s complicated expression, she suddenly realized her mistake. Her face instantly flushed crimson with embarrassment, her toes curling in her shoes. “Sorry, sorry!”

Heavens! Please don’t let my cousin find out about this!

Otherwise, she’d tear me in half for sure!

It seemed many people were misunderstanding the relationships between Xing Yan and Jiang Ruan, as well as between herself and Xing Yan. Xu Zhen felt it necessary to clarify: “I think your sister Yan is a good person, so I want to get to know her better.”

“And if we could become friends… that would be even better,” Xu Zhen added after a brief pause.

Xing Yan had many shining qualities that drew sympathy, making it impossible for Xu Zhen not to pay attention to her. The Omega possessed an inexplicable, almost mesmerizing power over her but it wasn’t love.

If she had to describe it in one word, Xu Zhen would say it was more like… “admiration.”

Aside from being stripped of power and weakened after presenting as an Omega, Xing Yan was exceptional in every way. Xu Zhen had reviewed her daily records and was well aware of her capabilities and past.

But that wasn’t enough. Xu Zhen wanted to know even more.

Realizing her mistake, Tang Yehe nodded eagerly. “Okay, I’ll tell you everything, Sister Xu!”

Seizing the chance to stay and spend time with Xu Tingyuan, Tang Yehe was overjoyed. Afraid Xu Zhen might change her mind or that Xu Tingyuan would kick her out, she quickly grabbed a chair and launched into her explanation.

Xu Tingyuan watched her movements and intentions with an exasperated eye roll, she had never seen someone so shameless.

Annoyed as she was, since Xu Zhen had spoken, Xu Tingyuan didn’t protest and let Tang Yehe stay.

Determined to impress her crush, Tang Yehe racked her brain, practically recounting Xing Yan’s entire family history.

Xu Tingyuan had initially been too irritated to sit still, but as she listened, her feelings toward Xing Yan grew complicated.

No wonder Xu Zhen’s attitude toward Xing Yan had done a complete one-eighty. It turned out the Omega, who had been embroiled in rumors with her sister-in-law, was not only outstanding but also pitiable.

Resting her chin in her hand, Xu Tingyuan wondered was the only path left for an Omega after presenting to bear children for an Alpha?

If so, then Omegas were essentially worse off than betas.

Omegas might enjoy superficial glamour and pampering, but weren’t those just tools Alphas used to lull them into willingly bearing their children and sacrificing everything for them?

Xu Tingyuan’s brows furrowed deeply. If possible, she wished she could be an ordinary beta like the rest of her family, free from being coveted or having her worth measured.

Tang Yehe behaved well this time, obedient and polite, unlike her previous rude self. Xu Tingyuan’s attitude toward her softened slightly.

She even fetched her a drink and some snacks. “If it weren’t for my sister, you’d have been thrown out long ago…”

“Thank you, Yuanyuan.” Tang Yehe smiled like a radiant sunflower. “I’m so happy.”

“Don’t celebrate too soon.” Xu Tingyuan’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she guarded against Tang Yehe like an impenetrable iron fortress. “And who said you could call me Yuanyuan? Are we that close?”

Tang Yehe’s smile froze, her eyes revealing a hint of hurt.

Xu Zhen pressed her temples. “Alright, Tingyuan,” she said helplessly. “She’s our guest now and will be your classmate later. Try to get along with her.”

Xu Tingyuan understood, but she couldn’t change her attitude immediately.

Pouting to herself, she was still grumbling internally when Xu Zhen added, “Though you don’t have to force yourself if it really doesn’t work out.”

Before Xu Zhen could even finish her sentence, Tang Yehe quickly interjected, “Don’t worry, sis! I’ll be on my best behavior!”

Xu Tingyuan: “…”

Xu Zhen smiled. “Good.”

It was time for Xu Zhen’s workout session. She turned to Xu Tingyuan with a questioning look: “Can you handle being with her?”

Xu Tingyuan nodded, allowing Xu Zhen to leave with peace of mind.

Once Xu Zhen was out of sight, Xu Tingyuan slowly curled her lips into a wicked, unfriendly smile. “You wanted to play with me, didn’t you? Today, I’ll give you my full attention.”

Seeing this, Tang Yehe immediately shrank back, retreating in refusal. “N-no, that’s not necessary. ”

But the next second, Xu Tingyuan’s arm was already draped over her shoulders, pulling her in forcefully. “Oh come on, you rarely visit my home. Shouldn’t I make sure you have a good time?”

By the time Xu Zhen finished her workout, the two girls were nowhere to be found. Unconcerned, she continued studying her script.

The preparations for her personal studio were already underway. Assistant Lu had found suitable staff for Xu Zhen, waiting only for her contract to expire. Everything was ready, all that was left was the final push. Xu Zhen’s bright future was just around the corner.

With only a few days left before her contract officially ended, and with Assistant Lu overseeing her work, Jiahua Entertainment found no opportunity to trip her up.

Moreover, after Jiang Ruan’s legal notice, the online gossip and speculative articles had quieted down considerably. Xu Zhen was finally enjoying a rare period of peace.

Jiahua no longer had any leverage to exploit Xu Zhen. Perhaps they had come to terms with this reality, as even Liu Lei stopped trying to provoke her.

Xu Zhen took the new script very seriously. She studied it over and over, meticulously analyzing its structure and summarizing the female lead’s psychological changes.

The paper script was already filled with her dense annotations.

She had always been diligent in her work. If she could perform well in this hyper-realistic role, the boost to her career would be unprecedented.

Xu Zhen had big ambitions, she wanted to carve out her own rightful place in the entertainment industry.

That evening, after dinner, as Xu Zhen was about to continue writing the character analysis for the female lead, Lan Boyue called. Startled, she answered, “Mom.”

“Are you free tomorrow, Qin?” After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lan Boyue got to the point.

Xu Zhen answered honestly, “I’m free in the morning, but I have to catch a flight in the afternoon for a shoot.”

“Then come back to the old house tomorrow noon for a meal together,” Lan Boyue explained. “No need to prepare anything just a simple family gathering.”

Xu Zhen agreed, “Alright.”

Though she said yes, Xu Zhen sensed tomorrow’s meal wouldn’t be that straightforward.

After some thought, she nearly turned to ask Jiang Ruan, but reconsidered, if Lan Boyue hadn’t informed Jiang Ruan. She ultimately let it go.

The next day, Xu Zhen rose early. After her usual workout, she changed clothes and told Xu Susu, “I’m going out and won’t be back this afternoon.”

Xu Susu nodded casually, “Where to? Stay safe.”

“The old house,” Xu Zhen replied. “Having lunch with Mother-in-law and the others.”

Having met Qin Liaoxing and Lan Boyue before, Xu Susu had a favorable impression of the latter. “Have fun today.” Then she added, “Don’t bottle up any grievances if you encounter them.”

Through frequent conversations with Bai Zhen and Xu Tingyuan’s loose tongue, Xu Susu understood Xu Zhen’s marital situation well.

Xu Zhen smiled, “Naturally.”

She used to desperately cling to Jiang Ruan, agonizing over every conflict between them. But now things were better.

Xu Zhen had learned to detach herself from Jiang Ruan, successfully taking control of her emotions with newfound strength.

Grabbing her belongings, Xu Zhen drove to the old house.

Lan Boyue greeted her immediately, explaining Qin Liaoxing was busy cooking in the kitchen. Xu Zhen understood, “Let me help.”

“No need,” Lan Boyue smiled, holding her back. “Just four people today, she can handle it.”

Besides Qin Liaoxing, Lan Boyue, and Xu Zhen, the fourth was Pu Shuangquan.

Xu Zhen’s suspicions grew, but before she could wonder further, Lan Boyue clarified: “Actually, Mother wanted to see you today.”

“She said she has matters to discuss with you, details beyond that I don’t know.”

Xu Zhen felt this confirmed her suspicions. Given Pu Shuangquan’s personality, she wouldn’t give up easily.

Yet Xu Zhen couldn’t fathom why the matriarch had suddenly set her sights on her.

As she pondered, Pu Shuangquan appeared, her tone cold and expression stern. “Xu Zhen, come with me to the study.”

Lan Boyue patted Xu Zhen reassuringly, “Don’t worry, Liaoxing’s here.”

Qin Liaoxing, the most rebellious, often opposed Pu Shuangquan. If Xu Zhen faced trouble today, Qin Liaoxing would be the first to stand up for her.

Xu Zhen nodded, “I’ll go.”

Pu Shuangquan walked briskly. Xu Zhen followed her into the study where the Alpha sat imposingly in the main seat. “Have you considered what I asked you before?”

The matriarch leisurely sipped tea. Though not overtly threatening, her commanding presence was undeniable.

“I’d like to know the reason first,” Xu Zhen replied carefully instead of answering directly. “Why this sudden idea?”

Pu Shuangquan paused mid-sip, then set down her cup. “A storm is coming.”

When she said this, Xu Zhen couldn’t detect any panic or helplessness in the other’s tone only deeply concealed excitement and anticipation. “And I, Pu Shuangquan, am determined to wield true power in this chaotic world.”

Pu Shuangquan turned her gaze to Xu Zhen. “I quite like Jiang Ruan. She’s smart, obedient, and far more reliable than her useless mother. As her wife, you should stand on the same front as her.”

“Though you’re just a beta, that doesn’t matter anymore. As long as you’re clever enough, sharp enough, I can still elevate you to the top.”

Pu Shuangquan spoke with grandiosity, but she indeed had the capability to back it up.

Xu Zhen lowered her lashes slightly. Why would being a beta suddenly become unimportant? Alphas would never easily accept a beta.

“I need time to consider.” Xu Zhen didn’t want to outright refuse and provoke conflict, so she tactfully replied, “I also need to discuss this with Jiang Ruan…”

“Discuss what? You’re you, she’s her. Does she control your every move?” Pu Shuangquan frowned deeply. “Since when have you become so obedient to her?”

“You’re an independent person with your own thoughts, not Jiang Ruan’s shadow!”

Pu Shuangquan had a fiery temper and immediately rebuked Xu Zhen, lecturing her sternly. “I’ll give you one last chance. Think carefully before answering me.”

“I value Jiang Ruan highly, seeing her as my successor. Naturally, her wife cannot become a burden to her.”

Pu Shuangquan employed ruthless methods, never one for mercy. “Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to personally intervene and… prune the problem.”

Xu Zhen’s heart tightened. This was an outright threat. Pu Shuangquan had never approved of this marriage to begin with, and given the right opportunity, she would gladly tear Xu Zhen and Jiang Ruan apart.

“Get out.” Pu Shuangquan had no patience to wait for Xu Zhen’s slow deliberation and directly dismissed her. “I want your answer by lunch at the latest.”

Xu Zhen remained silent, turning quietly to leave.

Lan Boyue approached with concern. “How did it go?”

Xu Zhen shook her head, not in the mood to speak. In truth, Pu Shuangquan’s reaction was understandable. Jiang Ruan was outstanding, highly valued by her, and personally groomed as her successor. Wanting to propel Jiang Ruan further was only natural.

The gap between Xu Zhen and Jiang Ruan had always been vast, their relationship perpetually unbalanced.

Xu Zhen was merely a somewhat famous grassroots actress, while Jiang Ruan was in a league of her own. Without Xu Zhen, she could easily find someone better wives with stronger family backgrounds or superior qualifications.

A powerful alliance between two prominent families would bring Jiang Ruan immense benefits.

This was something Xu Zhen had long understood. Yet when the truth was laid bare so bluntly, she couldn’t help but feel the sting.

Xu Zhen loved her career and didn’t want to give it up lightly, nor did she want to discard her own advantages to become completely tied to Jiang Ruan.

If she agreed to Pu Shuangquan’s terms, there would truly be no turning back.

Xu Zhen stared blankly at the peonies in the garden. Had Pu Shuangquan planned this all along? Perhaps she had already secretly scouted a new wife candidate for Jiang Ruan.

Was it Xing Yan?

Xu Zhen’s thoughts became crystal clear in an instant. If it were just Jia Hua playing tricks, would the scandal between Jiang Ruan and Xing Yan have blown up so spectacularly? Would Jia Hua have the guts to directly oppose Jiang Ruan?

If no one had given the green light behind the scenes, how could the rumors have spread so smoothly?

A chill ran through Xu Zhen’s body as she speculated, what role had Jiang Ruan played in this matter? And what about Xing Yan?

They had all been playing her like a fool, watching with amusement as Xu Zhen’s emotions rose and fell, her heart aching with pain, even losing herself.

Xu Zhen closed her eyes briefly, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

They had shared a bed for three years, yet she couldn’t even begin to grasp Jiang Ruan’s thoughts.

The people in this household felt so unfamiliar.

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