Divorced from the Cold CEO Who Lived by the Rules - Chapter 38

With just that simple sentence, Xu Zhen’s brows immediately furrowed.

She didn’t reply to the message. Instead, she first opened her social media to check the current trending topics: #XuQinXueLongHotel#, #XuQinXueLongMeeting#, #XueQin#…

The hashtags were deliberately steering netizens to misinterpret the nature of their relationship, and Xu Zhen’s heart sank slightly.

It was hard not to suspect that Xue Long was doing this on purpose. In the past, they had met before, but nothing like this had ever happened. Back then, people simply saw them as ordinary colleagues, never speculating beyond that.

But now, rumors about Xu Zhen and Xue Long were constantly flooding the trending lists. At this moment, Xue Long’s fans, the “Snowflakes,” were already fiercely clashing with Xu Zhen’s fans, the “Little Mushrooms.”

The Snowflakes accused Xu Zhen of deliberately riding on Xue Long’s fame for clout, while the Little Mushrooms fired back, insisting that Xue Long was the one scheming to tie herself to Xu Zhen for publicity, dragging Xu Zhen down and tarnishing her image.

Neither side would back down, and the argument raged across every major app without pause.

Xu Zhen pressed her fingers to her temples. The company wouldn’t intervene, let alone step in to handle PR for her. She had no choice but to swallow her frustration.

But why should she?

Even if “bad publicity is still publicity,” Xu Zhen hated the feeling of being manipulated.

Her expression blank, she stared at the floor. She couldn’t recall ever provoking Xue Long. So why was the other woman so persistent? Did she see Xu Zhen as an easy target? Or was she trying to use Xu Zhen to achieve some hidden agenda?

Xu Zhen gradually sank into deep thought.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when the doorbell to her room suddenly rang. Walking over, she found Assistant Lu outside and opened the door. “Aunt Lu.”

“Madam, there’s no need to pay attention to Xue Long’s little games. If she’s trying to use you, you can turn the tables and use her right back.”

“I know her actions must be upsetting, but with this surge in attention, the resources coming our way will increase accordingly. It’s not entirely a bad thing.”

Assistant Lu’s analysis was pragmatic, and Xu Zhen understood the logic. She nodded. “I see.”

“In a couple of days, we can issue a clarification under the studio’s name to draw even more attention and traffic, keeping you in the public eye as much as possible.”

Assistant Lu had thought everything through, and Xu Zhen had no objections to the plan.

After closing the door, Xu Zhen sat alone on the spacious sofa, unable to stop herself from wondering back when Jiang Ruan had allowed and even encouraged the rumors between her and Xing Yan, had it also been for personal gain?

Otherwise, given Jiang Ruan’s personality, she would never have cooperated so willingly.

Xu Zhen’s gaze remained fixed on the floor, unable to put words to the emotions swirling inside her.

In the end, Xu Zhen didn’t reply to Xue Long’s message. She simply washed up and went to bed. Early the next morning, she set off for work with Assistant Lu and two bodyguards in tow.

Lately, her work had been going smoothly, with no one secretly causing trouble.

Jiang Ruan’s name carried weight especially after her public stance and those who had previously tried to undermine Xu Zhen had backed off. Now, Xu Zhen just had to endure three more days. Once she successfully terminated her contract with Jiahua, she could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Her future was about to brighten, yet Xu Zhen’s mood remained overcast, weighed down by an inexplicable heaviness.

The scandal on the trending list remained unaddressed, and the indulgence from all sides allowed it to escalate further. Under the persuasion of her assistant Lu, Xu Zhen had to suppress her temper and restrain the impulse to personally step forward and clarify the situation.

Logically, Xu Zhen knew the scandal was a win-win for both her and Xue Long, but emotionally, she found it hard to accept.

Just then, Zhao Jue called to inquire about the situation: “What’s going on? Are you copying your Alpha partner’s infidelity for some excitement? Or are you deliberately trying to provoke jealousy as revenge?”

“No,” XXu Zhen replied helplessly. “It’s a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding? Really? I don’t buy it.” Zhao Jue raised her voice. “You’ve been in the industry for so long without any dating rumors, so why now?”

Xu Zhen sighed. “It’s a long story.”

“Then make it short,” Zhao Jue said, frowning. “Qin, let me tell you, this approach is too amateurish. If Jiang Ruan doesn’t love you enough, she won’t get jealous. Instead, she’ll just find it annoying.”

“Then again, if Jiang Ruan can get cozy with other Omegas, you’re entitled to flirt with other Alphas too.”

“Qin, well done!”

Xu Zhen was momentarily speechless. “…”

Zhao Jue launched into a lengthy, exaggerated praise session, giving Xu Zhen a headache. She had to interrupt and change the subject. “Enough about me. How have you been lately?”

“Same old,” Zhao Jue sighed deeply. “What else? I’ve been taking care of my baby and her baby every day, it’s exhausting.”

“Do you know I’ve lost ten pounds in just this short time?”

Xu Zhen nodded. “That’s great. You’ve invested time, energy, money, and emotional labor, only to gain nothing but exhaustion. Quite the bargain.”

“Don’t think I can’t tell you’re mocking me,” Zhao Jue glared. “My baby has no choice her family is pressuring her too much.”

“She just gave birth, and now her in-laws are already pushing for a second child…”

With every word Zhao Jue spoke, Xu Zhen felt a throbbing pain in her temples. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore and cut in, “What exactly are you getting out of this?”

“Even though my relationship with Jiang Ruan isn’t perfect, at least she provides me with financial security and occasional conveniences,” Xu Zhen said with a complicated expression. “But in your situation, what are you gaining?”

“You could work as a nanny elsewhere and earn tens of thousands a month, not to mention being treated with respect by your employers.”

Zhao Jue hesitated. “I love her.”

“Does she love you?”

“Of course! She says I’m her true love!” Zhao Jue retorted urgently. “That man is just for show only I matter to her.”

“Right, she loves you so much that she stripped naked and wrestled in bed with another man, then had a child with him and now they’re working on a second one.”

“Zhao Jue, could you sleep with someone you don’t love?”

Zhao Jue fell silent. “I get it. I just… Never mind. As long as you’re okay, I’m relieved. Just don’t bottle everything up, you fool.”

“If you’re unhappy, you must tell me. I promise I’ll be there whenever you call.”

Xu Zhen smiled. “Don’t worry, if I’m unhappy, I’ll definitely drag you out for drinks to distract myself.”

“That’s good.” Zhao Jue proudly lifted her chin. “After all, I’m your best friend.”

“Yeah, my best friend.”

After hanging up, Xu Zhen suppressed the irritation Zhao Jue had stirred in her. Every family has its own troubles, and it seemed both their romantic paths were rather rocky.

But happiness is relative. Compared to Zhao Jue’s situation, Xu Zhen suddenly felt her issues with Jiang Ruan weren’t so bad after all.

Rubbing her temples, Xu Zhen tried to put it all out of her mind.

Zhao Jue was as stubborn as a mule. Xu Zhen had advised her countless times, but it was like she was bewitched, still hopelessly hung up on that straight girl she’d turned gay.

Xu Zhen sighed softly. In this world, everyone gets what’s coming to them.

It was getting late. Closing her eyes, Xu Zhen forced herself to sleep.

The next day, she got up early and headed out for work. The last three days of her schedule weren’t busy. Assistant Lu was quite capable, maintaining the upper hand in negotiations with Jiahua, forcing them to back down.

The rumors about Xu Zhen and Xue Long were still spreading, but Xu Zhen tried to ignore the online chatter and focus on the present.

As the world believed, even negative publicity is still publicity. In this era dominated by attention, the worst fate is to be utterly ordinary, without any sparkle or controversy worth discussing.

Xu Zhen was a celebrity; her survival depended on these very things.

Busy hours always passed quickly. As she was wrapping up in the afternoon, an unexpected visitor appeared. Xu Zhen looked at Xue Ling, who stood before her dressed like a peacock, head held high. “What are you doing here?”

“Catching a cheater.” Xue Ling lifted her chin even higher. “You’re already married to Sister Jiang Ruan, yet you’re spreading rumors with another Alpha. You’re such a terrible woman.”

The Omega’s words were like a heavy accusation. Xu Zhen remained expressionless. “Proof?”

“Photos of you secretly meeting at a hotel are all over the internet, and you’re asking me for proof?” Xue Ling widened her eyes in disbelief. “Fine, you want evidence? I’ll pull it up right now!”

Impatient as ever, she immediately opened the trending topics and shoved the so-called scandalous photos in Xu Zhen’s face.

The paparazzi had been clever with their angles, making it seem like Xu Zhen and Xue Long were exchanging meaningful glances, as if hiding some unspeakable secret.

Xu Zhen glanced at them. “They took a good photo of me.”

Xue Ling: “?”

“You’re shameless! Don’t you have any sense of shame?” Xue Ling was stunned. “Does Sister Jiang Ruan know what kind of person you are? I have to tell her everything you’ve done!”

“She knows.” Xu Zhen had some rare free time now. “And?”

And? What?

Xue Ling was speechless. “I’ve never met someone as brazen as you. I don’t understand why Sister Jiang Ruan would fall for you.”

“Anything else?” Xue Ling was always quick to explode. After teasing her a bit, Xu Zhen found it boring and wanted her gone. “If you’re just here to scold me, you can leave now.”

“No.” Xue Ling crossed her arms, then quickly shifted to hugging herself tightly. “I’m here today to supervise you on behalf of Sister Jiang Ruan.”

“I want to see how you dare to get all touchy-feely with that Alpha named Xue Long right under my nose.”

Xu Zhen remained indifferent. “Suit yourself.”

Having Xue Ling around didn’t bother Xu Zhen in the slightest, she went about her business as usual, perfectly at ease. In contrast, Xue Ling was clearly struggling.

Xue Ling had zero interest in Xu Zhen’s work, but she had to stay to keep an eye on the beta for Jiang Ruan’s sake. She forced herself to keep her eyes wide open, tracking Xu Zhen’s every move without blinking.

At first, she found it somewhat novel, but as time dragged on… she couldn’t stop yawning, sleepiness washing over her like a tidal wave.

Her eyelids began battling fiercely, if given a bed, she would have collapsed into deep sleep instantly.

Xue Ling had to shake her head vigorously to stay awake, pacing around restlessly. When Xu Zhen finally finished work, she hurried over. “How can you stand this boring celebrity job?”

“How much do you even earn in a day?”

“Naturally, not as much as you,” Xu Zhen replied calmly as she packed up.

Xue Ling was pleased with the answer. “Of course. My monthly allowance is more than your yearly income.” She dropped heavy hints, but Xu Zhen remained unfazed.

Frustrated, Xue Ling sulked for a while before finally speaking again when Xu Zhen refused to engage: “So, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll step aside and make way for me.”

“I’m the only one worthy of being Mrs. Jiang.”

Xu Zhen found it hard to respond. “Jiang Ruan is just an Alpha.” Seeing Xue Ling’s confusion, she added, “Not some supreme emperor.”

“So what? I still like her.”

“From the moment I first saw her, I couldn’t control the overwhelming excitement my heart raced for her. I believe she’s my destined Alpha.” Xue Ling cupped her cheeks. “A beta like you wouldn’t understand how irresistible an Alpha’s pheromones are to us Omegas.”

“That unbearable itch, the way my heart aches just thinking about her, it’s so intoxicating…” Lost in her own world, Xue Ling only snapped back to reality when she realized Xu Zhen had already walked away.

She immediately lost her composure. “Hey! Why didn’t you wait for me?”

The Omega quickly caught up. “You’re so rude! I was still talking.”

Xue Ling’s voice cut off abruptly as she and Xu Zhen both stared at Xue Long, who had suddenly appeared before them. “Aha! Finally caught you two!” Xue Ling snatched the bouquet from Xue Long’s hands. “How dare you say there’s nothing between you? She’s openly giving you roses!”

“And who might this be?” Xue Long turned her gaze to Xue Ling.

Xu Zhen had no intention of explaining, she just wanted to reject Xue Long and make things clear. But Xue Ling, ever impatient, immediately lifted her chin arrogantly. “Who I am is none of your business!”

“My real identity would scare you to death!”

The chuunibyou-like declaration made Xue Long glance at Xu Zhen in confusion. Xu Zhen pressed her lips together, offering no help. “I thought I’d made myself perfectly clear before.”

“Your recent actions have caused me a great deal of trouble and inconvenience.”

Upon hearing this, Xue Long’s beautiful face showed a hint of pitiful grievance. “I’m sorry, I just… missed you so much. We’ve both been busy with work lately, and it’s been a long time since we last met.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Xue Ling couldn’t help but interrupt. “What kind of flirting is this in front of a child?”

She glared back and forth between Xu Zhen and Xue Long. “Keep this up, and I swear I’ll start recording.”

Xue Long fell silent.

“I think I need to make myself clear,” Xu Zhen said, unwilling to engage in any ambiguous interactions with Xue Long. “The relationship between us is nothing more than ordinary, former colleagues.”

He emphasized the last three words deliberately. Someone as sharp as Xue Long would surely understand.

Xue Long didn’t respond immediately. Her lovely features darkened with the sting of rejection, and soon, her bright, star-like eyes dimmed as well.

Humble and cautious, she adopted the demeanor of someone in a subordinate position. “Can’t we even… be friends anymore?”

Xue Ling, who had been watching silently, suddenly found herself inexplicably saying, “Xue Long, right?”

Under Xue Long’s puzzled gaze, she continued, “You still have your charms, I see.”

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