Forced to Live Together After Picking Up the Child of My Rival Alpha - Chapter 34

Inside the house.

Song Yuan hurried up to the second-floor bedroom, where a small lump was wriggling under the covers. She pulled the blanket aside to find Luoluo lying face down on the bed, her bottom in the air and her hands clutching her head.

“Luoluo.”

Song Yuan’s heart ached as she picked Luoluo up and held her close. Luoluo trembled slightly, lifting her tear-filled eyes. “Will Mommy send me away to that bad woman?”

“No,” Song Yuan said, stroking Luoluo’s head. “You heard me earlier, I clearly refused her. She’s just being stubborn and insisting on her own wishes. Mommy can’t control what she says, but I can control my own heart. My heart will always be with Luoluo and Mama!”

Hearing this, Luoluo puffed out her cheeks before breaking into a smile. “Okay! Then I’ll play with my toys for a bit, and then help Mommy make lunch and wait for Mama to come home, alright?”

“Alright!”

Song Yuan carried Luoluo downstairs to the special play area set up for her, filled with educational toys.

Luoluo happily played by herself, building structures with blocks, her back turned to Song Yuan.

Song Yuan pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling troubled. The fact that Song Zhishuang had shown up unannounced just because she hadn’t replied to her messages meant she might truly pose a threat to Yu Jin.

Over the years, Song Yuan had endured her own share of hardships, but Yu Jin and Luoluo were innocent. The thought that they were now being targeted and dragged into this mess because of her filled her with unease.

Yu Jin returned home quickly, arriving even before lunchtime.

Hearing the doorbell, Song Yuan took a deep breath, put on a smile, and opened the door to help with the luggage.

Meanwhile, Luoluo was already clinging to Yu Jin’s pants, trying to climb up. “Mama, Mama! I built a tall building with my blocks! Come see what I built all by myself! I’m so good!”

Seeing how much more cheerful Luoluo had become, Yu Jin couldn’t help but laugh as she picked her up. The mother and daughter played together for a while.

When Yu Jin turned around, she noticed Song Yuan standing in front of the stove, spatula in hand, while the oil in the pan was already smoking hot, yet she hadn’t moved.

“Song Yuan, the oil is hot,” Yu Jin reminded her gently.

Song Yuan snapped out of it, turning off the heat to let the oil cool slightly before starting to stir-fry.

She sautéed star anise and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant, then added the blanched pork ribs. In no time, a dish of garlic-infused ribs was ready.

She also quickly prepared a simple stir-fry of bitter melon with eggs and a light vegetable soup, while making a separate vegetable salad for Yu Jin.

Even the staple food was switched from plain white rice to multigrain rice and kabocha squash.

Not only did she ensure Luoluo received the nutrition she needed for growth, but she also catered to Yu Jin, the actress, with a diet that helped maintain her figure.

Yet, she hadn’t considered herself at all.

This warmed Yu Jin’s heart. She looked up and saw Song Yuan picking up a piece of garlic rib with her chopsticks, poking at it absentmindedly while staring at Luoluo.

Worried about Song Yuan and concerned that her low spirits might affect Luoluo, Yu Jin asked, “What’s going on with you today? Why do you seem so distracted?”

“Ah, oh, it’s nothing.”

Song Yuan snapped back to reality, mixing truth with evasion as she casually replied, “My terrible mom came by this morning. She insisted I divorce you and take Luoluo back to inherit the family fortune.”

She avoided mentioning the threats and added with a light laugh, “I’m not telling you this to upset you. I just thought since we’re together now, it’s better to be honest about everything. Sorry for dragging you into this.”

Um…

Yu Jin had asked casually, never expecting Song Yuan would actually tell her everything.

Though their marriage was impulsive, Song Yuan’s sincerity still warmed her heart.

She was still the same Song Yuan from before – warm like a little sun, the Song Yuan she had always kept hidden in her heart!

The ice in Yu Jin’s expression melted as she smiled slightly, bringing warmth to the entire spring season.

“It’s fine. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Don’t worry too much about it. After all you’re not facing this alone.”

“You’re willing to face it with me?” Song Yuan’s voice lifted with surprise, hardly believing her ears. “Is this, you caring about me?”

No wonder Song Yuan was shocked – this feeling hadn’t appeared for at least five years.

Roughly calculating, it was probably from that night when she lost her memory and the other withdrew from the program, after which they completely cut ties, that Yu Jin had never spoken so gently again.

Song Yuan immediately regretted asking. The other might have just been unconsciously concerned because of Luoluo. By pointing it out like this, if Yu Jin was the slightest bit embarrassed, wouldn’t she ignore her?

She didn’t want Yu Jin to ignore her.

So she quickly lowered her head to eat, failing to notice the blush rising to Yu Jin’s ears.

So what if she was concerned about her?

They were married now, wasn’t that appropriate?

“Mhm.”

She responded softly.

It was unclear whether she was responding to “facing it together” or “caring about me.”

To Song Yuan’s ears, it felt like a soft feather brushing against her heart – ticklish, yet comfortable.

“Probably because of Luoluo that the usually aloof Yu Jin is symbolically comforting me,” Song Yuan thought.

But after waiting a while without Song Yuan continuing to speak, Yu Jin secretly glanced at her before lowering her gaze in silence.

This fool, she’d already shown concern – why wasn’t she taking the initiative to say more?

Was she waiting for her to speak again?

Could it be that she married her purely out of guilt and responsibility, without any affection at all?

Song Yuan, oh Song Yuan, I, Yu Jin, don’t need your pity like this!

Though both fell silent.

Strangely, in the silence, their occasional accidental eye contact wasn’t as cold as before, instead easing the tension between them somewhat.

Plus, Luoluo never played favorites, always sharing anything interesting with both her mothers.

The two sat on the tatami in the play area accompanying Luoluo, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Suddenly, Song Yuan’s phone rang.

The moment she saw the caller’s name, her scalp went numb, and she instinctively looked at Yu Jin.

Seeing her wilted expression before even answering the call, Yu Jin found it amusing and stood up to carry Luoluo further away.

Though Sister Luo was capable and treated Song Yuan well, she had quite the temper.

Having told Song Yuan to lay low at home these past couple days, she normally wouldn’t call repeatedly.

A call at this time likely meant Song Yuan was in for trouble, if not outright doomed!

What could have happened?

Yu Jin opened her phone to browse various apps but found nothing unusual.

On the other end, Song Yuan gritted her teeth and answered the call, immediately stretching her arm to keep the phone away from her ear.

“What took you so long to answer? Have you been lying in your lover’s embrace so long you forgot you’re still a public figure? Don’t even want to take my calls now?”

Even without speakerphone, Sister Luo’s voice was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly.

Song Yuan gave an awkward laugh, “No, Sister Luo, I just went to the bathroom. I might ignore anyone else’s call, but I’d never miss my dear Sister Luo’s. So, what’s the good news?”

“Hah, with your talent for attracting trouble, you still expect good news?” Luo Wei retorted irritably.

Song Yuan let out a long sigh, bracing herself for the pressure.

“You’ve caused trouble with Yu Jin, and now both your fanbases are at each other’s throats. I’ve lost count of how many virtual coffins with your name on them Yu Jin’s fans have already reserved!”

Hey, at least that saves a lot on funeral expenses!

Luo Wei’s tone shifted, “But I discussed it with Yu Jin’s agent. Since there’s still some time before the second recording of ‘Rookie Mom,’ and Yu Jin happens to have a break right now, the two of you should take some casual home photos and post them online. Show off some affection and sweetness to let everyone know you’re together willingly.”

Willingly.

If it weren’t for Luo Luo, Yu Jin and I would have gone our separate ways after what happened five years ago.

This marriage was just an arrangement to provide Luo Luo with a stable family environment. It hardly counts as Yu Jin doing it willingly.

But as for me, I’m more than happy.

At that thought, Song Yuan’s lips unconsciously curved into a slight smile as she glanced over at Yu Jin.

Yu Jin was holding Luo Luo, standing by the window with a cool expression as she answered a call. Her agent’s tone seemed much gentler now at least, there was no trace of impatience in Yu Jin’s eyes.

“Are you even listening to me?” Luo Wei’s voice roared again, “What, are you putting on airs now? Unwilling? You didn’t say no when you tricked her into marrying you! She’s already agreed on her end. What, are you expecting her to send you gifts too.”

“I’m fine with it,” Song Yuan said, “As long as she’s willing, I am too.”

“You! You’re an Alpha, for goodness’ sake! Listen to how spineless you sound, acting all timid like an Omega.”

Luo Wei couldn’t bear to look at her own artist!

Just then, the doorbell rang again.

Coincidentally, Luo Wei hung up.

Song Yuan hurried to the door, having learned her lesson this time. She checked the video doorbell and saw a woman wearing a mask and carrying cleaning supplies before opening the door.

It was Aunt Liu, the housekeeper who came regularly to clean.

“Aunt Liu,” Song Yuan welcomed her in.

Aunt Liu was highly professional. Even when she saw Yu Jin, she simply greeted her with a smile and went about her work.

Some of the cleaning agents had strong odors, and usually, Song Yuan would go out during this time either shopping, watching a movie, or lounging in the garden for the afternoon.

Yes, with her talent for attracting trouble, she basically had no friends.

It was easier to hide when she was alone, but if she went out with Yu Jin and Luo Luo, it would probably.

As she pondered, Luo Luo, who had already experienced one major cleaning session, tugged Yu Jin toward the kitchen, “Mommy, every time Granny Liu comes, Mama goes to sit in the yard. Let’s bring some toys outside.”

Song Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, prepared a fruit platter, squeezed some juice, and brought it out to the garden.

Yu Jin sat on the swing in the pavilion, reading a book, while Luo Luo played with toys on the lawn in front of the pavilion.

A breeze swept through, causing Yu Jin’s long eyelashes to flutter slightly. She reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her elegant demeanor radiant.

With a sudden impulse, Song Yuan raised her hand to take a photo and posted it on Weibo, tagging @Yu Jin v, with the caption: “There is a beauty, unforgettable once seen.”

As soon as it was posted, the comments from fans skyrocketed visibly.

Her eyelids twitched as she clicked to take a look.

Not a single kind word!

【Scumbag Yuan, you don’t deserve to post photos of my goddess. Sob, I want to crop my goddess out of this picture.】

【If you don’t deserve to post it, then why are you looking? My Iris didn’t ask you to look!】

【Did you get my goddess’s permission before posting this photo? Does my goddess even need you to find her unforgettable? We’re all madly in love with her, okay!】

【Madly in love +10086】

【The photography technique is way too casual, not even a filter applied. But my Jin is naturally beautiful, this photo doesn’t do my Jin wife justice.】

Attached image.

Song Yuan raised an eyebrow, noticing a photo below that tagged her.

Clicking on it, she realized it was from Yu Jin’s account.

Two photos were posted: one of herself cooking, bathed in soft lighting that, due to the filter, resembled moonlight. The other was the photo she had just taken frankly, it was indeed, a bit rough!

The caption read: “Hibiscus in the wind, Iris under the moon.”

【Hibiscus is a tree, Iris is a grass, how dare a flickering candlelight compete with the bright moon?】

【How dare a scandal-prone queen try to associate with my Yu, the film empress? Get lost!】

【Sob, twisting and rolling, happily crawling, my Hibiscus is so beautiful.】

【Ahh, honestly, looking at these two photos, I actually believe they took them for each other. How do I put it? It’s a bit uncomfortable, but as long as my Jin wife is happy, I’m happy.】

This neutral comment was immediately bombarded with countless insults, and before long, it was deleted.

The first attempt at showing off their affection ended in failure!

Song Yuan curled her lips failure was expected.

But upon closer inspection, the meal she had cooked in the photo was from yesterday.

She looked up. Yu Jin had put down her phone and was still reading, not even sparing her a glance, as if she hadn’t just casually posted those photos composed and unruffled.

Yu Jin probably didn’t have a habit of taking secret photos, so this must have been arranged in advance by Yu Jin’s manager for her to take.

Hah, Luo Wei probably didn’t realize that while it seemed like she had taken the initiative to contact Yu Jin’s manager, she had actually fallen into a trap set by Yu Jin’s manager.

Song Yuan tucked her phone into her pocket, walked to the side, and took out her drawing board. Before long, she had captured Yu Jin reading and Luoluo bending down to play with bugs, bringing the scenes vividly to life on paper.

Drawing was different from photography.

Photography captured a fleeting moment of beauty, but drawing infused it with her own subjective perspective.

Though Yu Jin was typically a cool, aloof beauty, in Song Yuan’s depiction, she appeared three parts softer.

That was the Yu Jin from the past, distant yet not entirely detached.

Back then, she hadn’t known why Yu Jin suddenly left the program or why she had turned so hostile toward her.

With Song Zhishuang adding pressure, she had quickly become a magnet for criticism. To avoid causing Yu Jin any trouble, she had refrained from reaching out.

And so, they missed their chance, and years slipped by just like that.

A wave of guilt rose in her heart once more. Lost in memories of the past, she didn’t even notice Yu Jin standing beside her, holding Luoluo.

“Mom’s drawing isn’t right, something’s missing.”

“What’s missing?” Song Yuan’s voice softened as she reached out to hold Luoluo, but her eyes sought Yu Jin’s permission.

If Yu Jin didn’t let go, she wouldn’t insist on taking the child.

“You’re the one missing.” Yu Jin handed Luoluo to Song Yuan, then leaned over, reaching past Song Yuan’s ear to point at the screen. “There’s Luoluo, there’s me, but no you!”

Her cool voice whispered close to the ear, carrying her unique scent that was utterly intoxicating.

As Yu Jin’s hair accidentally slipped down, it slid along Song Yuan’s shoulder and into her collar.

“Ah!”

Song Yuan gasped softly, her eyes misting over.

Though Yu Jin wasn’t emitting any pheromones at the moment, Song Yuan suddenly felt her heart flutter uncontrollably.

In the next instant, Yu Jin unaware of her own allure leaned closer, her full curves pressing against Song Yuan’s back, her chin resting on Song Yuan’s shoulder.

She raised a hand to point at the blank space in the image. “I wonder if we can still add you here. Once you’re done editing, we can post it on Weibo.”

Yu Jin paused, her breath as fragrant as orchids. “Sister Gu wants us to interact more naturally, not in a forced way, but casually and down-to-earth. Is that okay?”

Song Yuan took a sharp breath and turned her head, her lips accidentally brushing against Yu Jin’s snow-white cheek. The smooth, delicate touch sent an electric jolt through her, making her jerk back and slide off the stool.

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