Divorced from the Cold CEO Who Lived by the Rules - Chapter 40

“Damn it!” Xue Ling reacted even more strongly than Xu Zhen. Her emotions flared, and her voice unconsciously rose. “Who is that woman? How dare she get so close to Sister Jiang Ruan!”

“Why didn’t Sister Jiang Ruan refuse? She’s never treated me like that!”

Xue Ling was furious. “Is it because I’m not pretty enough, or did my parents and grandparents not work hard enough to earn her attention?”

Zhao Jue couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Is this really the time to be thinking about that? Besides, Xu Zhen, the actual wife, isn’t even angry. Why are you so worked up?”

With that, Zhao Jue grabbed Xu Zhen’s hand. “Come on, let’s go confront Jiang Ruan.”

“Always tangled up with this woman or that, I’ve had enough! Today, I’m going to demand an explanation!”

“Yeah!” Xue Ling chimed in. “Today, I’m going to demand an explanation too!”

Xu Zhen: “…”

The two of them were more fired up than she was, the actual party involved. Xu Zhen tried to stop them. “Don’t be impulsive.”

“No, I have to ask her face-to-face today,” Xue Ling insisted, refusing to back down. “Why is it okay for everyone else but not me? Does Sister Jiang Ruan hate me?”

Xue Ling quickly caught up with Zhao Jue and Xu Zhen, then sped past them, her high heels clicking loudly as she charged ahead with determination. “If she hates me, then I won’t like her anymore either!”

A young girl’s feelings were pure and straightforward. Zhao Jue’s lips twitched, but Xu Zhen simply said, “Let her go.”

Zhao Jue glanced back. “You’re really something, staying so calm.”

Xu Zhen raised an eyebrow and retorted, “Aren’t you the same?”

“…”

Having successfully rendered Zhao Jue speechless, Xu Zhen turned her attention to Jiang Ruan. The Alpha’s demeanor was actually quite clear, she wasn’t particularly warm toward the woman beside her.

Upon closer observation, it seemed more like the other party was the one actively getting close to Jiang Ruan.

Still, Xu Zhen didn’t jump to conclusions. As she, Zhao Jue, and Xue Ling approached, Xue Ling called out first, “Sister Jiang Ruan, look who’s here!”

Hearing the voice, the Alpha turned and immediately spotted Xu Zhen.

After a brief pause, she strode over. “You’re dining here too?”

“Yeah, what a coincidence!” Xue Ling chirped excitedly. “I never thought I’d run into you here. I was so happy when I saw you earlier, but, who is she?”

Xue Ling was blunt. One second, she was exchanging pleasantries, and the next, she cut straight to the point, demanding to know the young woman’s identity.

The young woman stepped forward, about to introduce herself, but Xue Ling interrupted. “What are you doing alone with a married Alpha at night?”

“Afraid people won’t know you’re trying to be the other woman and break up a marriage?”

Xue Ling was a hypocrite, and Zhao Jue stared at her in shock, unable to believe an Omega could so brazenly accuse and criticize someone else.

“Open your eyes and look closely, this is Jiang Ruan’s legally recognized wife!”

Xue Ling and Zhao Jue pushed Xu Zhen forward together, forcing her into the spotlight. Xu Zhen had no choice but to offer a polite smile. “Hello.”

The young woman looked awkward. “Hello, I’m Ms. Du.”

“Whether her surname is Du or something else doesn’t matter.” Compared to this Miss Du, Xue Ling found Xu Zhen’s presence more acceptable, after all, Xu Zhen was Jiang Ruan’s lawfully wedded wife.

But others were different.

“If there’s nothing else, you can leave now.” Spoiled and accustomed to getting her way, Xue Ling always spoke with an air of superiority.

Even if this Miss Du came from a respectable family, Xue Ling couldn’t care less.

Jiang Ruan seized the moment to turn to the woman and say, “I’ll have the driver take you home.”

“No need.” The young woman forced a faint smile, her gaze repeatedly flickering toward Xu Zhen. “I drove here myself.”

Xu Zhen’s identity was no secret, a celebrity living under the spotlight had no privacy to speak of.

Du Yunhan had seen Xu Zhen’s videos and event photos online, but none compared to the breathtaking impact of seeing her in person.

There was an unbridgeable gap between a star and an ordinary person, let alone someone like Xu Zhen, whose beauty ranked among the very best in the entertainment industry.

Her porcelain-like skin, cool and luminous, seemed to glow faintly, like a priceless white pearl. Her tall frame, perfect proportions, delicate facial structure, and exquisitely sculpted features made it seem as though she existed in her own beauty filter.

Faced with such a mesmerizingly beautiful beta, Du Yunhan couldn’t help but feel a faint twinge of inferiority.

“I’m sorry for the misunderstanding,” she blurted out. “Nothing happened between me and President Jiang. Today was just a meeting arranged by our families for dinner.”

“I just returned to the country and don’t know much about the situation here, so…”

Xu Zhen smiled politely. “It was nice meeting you.”

Du Yunhan paused, then returned the smile warmly. “Likewise. You’re even more stunning than on screen. I hope we get to work together someday.”

With the pleasantries exchanged, it would be awkward for Du Yunhan to linger any longer.

After saying her goodbyes, she turned away without hesitation, walking briskly toward the parking lot until she disappeared from view.

“Jiang Ruan, you’re really something.” Xue Ling, now snapping out of her daze, began picking a fight. “You avoid me every day but have time to dine and chat with other women? Do you really look down on me that much?”

“What exactly is wrong with me? What makes me so unworthy in your eyes?”

As she interrogated Jiang Ruan, she also subtly stirred the pot, gleefully adding fuel to the fire. “Wouldn’t it be better if you spent this time and effort on your wife instead?”

Truthfully, Xu Zhen no longer wanted to dwell on these matters. Disappointment had piled up, one after another, until she simply couldn’t be bothered to nitpick anymore.

The issues between her and Jiang Ruan were irreconcilable, whether it was their status or Pu Shuangquan, they loomed like a sharp sword over their heads, ready to split them apart at any moment.

“Are you taking a cab?” Xu Zhen ignored Jiang Ruan and turned to Zhao Jue instead.

Zhao Jue had wanted to say a few sharp words to Jiang Ruan on Xu Zhen’s behalf, but Xu Zhen shook her head slightly. “It’s getting late. Don’t you still have to tend to your family? No point in dragging this out.”

Zhao Jue knew Xu Zhen well, she understood that Xu Zhen didn’t want to discuss matters of the heart anymore, nor did she want her to worry. “Alright, we’ll catch up next time we meet.”

After personally seeing Zhao Jue off into a taxi, Xu Zhen aimlessly walked forward without any destination in mind.

Jiang Ruan, who had been entangled by Xue Ling, noticed Xu Zhen’s unusual behavior and quickly caught up. “Where are you going? Take my car.”

After a pause, the Alpha added, “Have you been drinking?”

“Just a little.” Xu Zhen tried to continue walking but was pulled back by Jiang Ruan, unable to leave. She had no choice but to turn around and carefully study the woman she had once deeply loved.

To be honest, even now, Xu Zhen’s heart still raced when she looked at her.

Jiang Ruan seemed to be her natural nemesis, Xu Zhen was always uncontrollably drawn to her, her soul captured by just a glance, all reason and restraint thrown to the wind.

She had never felt so out of control with anyone else.

The love was real, but the pain was just as real. Sometimes, Xu Zhen didn’t even know what she was holding onto or what she was hoping for.

Was Jiang Ruan the destined calamity in her life?

Otherwise, why would she be so clearly, yet helplessly, falling?

Xu Zhen quietly traced the contours of the Alpha’s brows and eyes with her gaze, then suddenly laughed involuntarily. Maybe so, but none of that mattered anymore.

The alcohol began to take effect, numbing her mind and letting her chaotic thoughts surge like a tide.

She allowed the emotions and thoughts she usually suppressed to surface unchecked, making no effort to stop them.

“You’re a bit drunk. Let me take you home,” Jiang Ruan said, pulling Xu Zhen toward the car, but Xu Zhen refused. “No need. It’s too far to your place. I’ll just go back to the hotel.”

With that, she tried to step past Jiang Ruan and head toward her own car.

A sudden grip on her wrist stopped her Jiang Ruan held her firmly, making it clear she wouldn’t let her leave. Xu Zhen turned back in confusion. “Is there something else?”

“I’ll take you to the hotel,” Jiang Ruan insisted.

The Alpha’s expression was serious, her brows slightly furrowed. After a moment of silence, Xu Zhen nodded. “Fine.”

It wasn’t a big deal. If Jiang Ruan wanted to take her, so be it.

Xue Ling tried to follow, but a single glance from Jiang Ruan stopped her. Jiang Ruan didn’t want Xue Ling playing third wheel and ruining this rare moment alone with Xu Zhen, so she arranged for another car and escort instead.

Xue Ling pouted in dissatisfaction. “Two despicable adults who abandon their kid for love!”

Complaints aside, since she hadn’t driven herself, Xue Ling had no choice but to accept Jiang Ruan’s arrangements.

Once in the car, Xu Zhen closed her eyes to rest. At times, her head felt too heavy to lift; at others, her body seemed weightless, like a drifting cloud.

“Not feeling well?” A soft, concerned voice sounded beside her.

Xu Zhen didn’t open her eyes, merely shaking her head in response.

“You don’t handle alcohol well. You shouldn’t have drunk so much,” Jiang Ruan said, her tone not reproachful but tinged with faint helplessness. She twisted open a bottle of water and handed it to Xu Zhen. “Here.”

Xu Zhen lifted her eyelids slightly, glanced at it, then said, “No.”

Right now, she didn’t want to do anything, just think in silence.

After today, Xu Zhen would be completely free. In her work, she would have great autonomy and decision-making power. Assistant Lu was highly capable and kind, but she was Pu Shuangquan’s trusted aide and could be recalled at any time…

So Xu Zhen had to quickly cultivate her own people to avoid being constrained by Pu Shuangquan in the future.

Her studio team currently consisted mostly of connections from Qin Liaoxing and Lan Boyue. Although these two treated Xu Zhen with kindness and goodwill, what if she divorced Jiang Ruan?

Would their attitude toward her remain the same then?

Xu Zhen mentally reviewed her options but couldn’t think of anyone truly suitable or satisfactory.

A Beta’s social circle was inherently limited their status meant they were often overlooked by society, no matter how capable they were. If Xu Zhen wanted to build her own core team, she would have to look within the Beta community.

The more she thought about it, the heavier her mind became. By the time they reached the hotel, she was already feeling unwell.

Jiang Ruan noticed her discomfort and wrapped an arm around her waist from behind. At the same time, she made a call, instructing Assistant Lu to prepare hangover remedies and other comforts for after drinking.

Xu Zhen wanted to stop her but lacked the energy.

Her body had always been strong, yet today it was failing her, leaving her exhausted in every way.

Jiang Ruan helped Xu Zhen into the room. Xue Ling was nowhere to be seen likely deliberately sent away by Jiang Ruan. Xu Zhen didn’t need to worry too much about Xue Ling’s safety; Jiang Ruan was reliable in that regard.

Sitting on the sofa, Xu Zhen propped her cheek on her hand, unable to put her emotions into words.

Everything tangled together, feelings she had once deliberately ignored now resurfaced, swarming over her like locusts, an inescapable net pressing down until she could barely breathe.

Jiang Ruan brought over a cup of hot water. “Drink some.”

Xu Zhen refused, but the next second, Jiang Ruan held the cup to her lips. “Just one sip.”

Her tone was coaxing, like speaking to a child, her usually cold features softening with rare patience, an expression Xu Zhen seldom saw.

Xu Zhen met her gaze for a moment before finally giving in, obediently parting her lips to take a small sip from Jiang Ruan’s hand.

With her goal achieved, Jiang Ruan set the cup aside. “If you want to drink next time, call me.” She slowly took Xu Zhen’s hand, rubbing her thumb over the smooth, delicate skin of her palm. “I’ll keep you company.”

“You’re busy,” Xu Zhen replied without hesitation. “So there’s no need.”

Jiang Ruan was never idle. Approaching her would only lead to disappointment better not to try at all.

“I’ll make time,” Jiang Ruan said seriously. “And I’ll adjust my schedule to free up moments for you.”

It was the most significant promise Jiang Ruan could make. Xu Zhen looked at that captivating, deep-set face so breathtaking it could stir hearts and souls and smiled. “It’s fine. Focus on your work.”

Betas always refused so tactfully. Jiang Ruan’s expression gradually tightened, a hint of sternness seeping through. “You resent me, don’t you?”

According to Xing Yan’s analysis, Xu Zhen had been suppressing a lot of negative emotions lately. If left unaddressed, they would fester like fallen leaves until they became irreparable.

Xu Zhen had a reserved nature her upbringing had taught her not to casually reveal her truest thoughts. Jiang Ruan’s task was to gradually step into her heart and pry it open.

For Jiang Ruan, this was no easy feat.

She was skilled at discerning others’ thoughts and intentions, but Xu Zhen was different.

The closer she got to home, the more timid she felt. The more she cared, the more restrained she became hesitant, cautious, afraid that one wrong move might upset the other.

It wasn’t worth the risk.

Xu Zhen didn’t answer Jiang Ruan’s question. She even mocked herself inwardly, thinking that Jiang Ruan had at least made some progress, she now realized Xu Zhen was displeased.

The old Jiang Ruan would never have noticed.

“I’m tired,” Xu Zhen said, preparing to stand up. Jiang Ruan stopped her and began to explain, “It was my grandmother who arranged the dinner. She owed a debt of gratitude to the other woman’s grandmother, so I couldn’t refuse.”

“Mm, I understand.” Xu Zhen showed little reaction, her tone almost unnervingly calm.

She did understand Jiang Ruan. And truthfully, she had no real reason to be angry. Given Jiang Ruan’s position, there were endless social obligations she couldn’t avoid. Xu Zhen wouldn’t hold that against her.

But the Beta’s overly placid expression inexplicably unsettled the Alpha. Jiang Ruan stared intently at Xu Zhen for a long moment before suddenly pulling her into a tight embrace.

Resting her chin atop Xu Zhenn’s head, Jiang Ruan blurted out, unprompted:

“I love you.”

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