Forced to Romance the Omega Psychiatrist - Chapter 24

Bai Shuixi couldn’t fathom why Xu Chuan would betray a future ally like this.

She couldn’t be bothered to dig into Xu Chuan’s motives either sooner or later, he’d regret it and turn back to ally with Xia You. Until then, Xia You was her assistant, and as long as she didn’t relent, no one could easily make things difficult for Xia You, not even Xu Chuan.

Seeing that this topic was going nowhere, Xu Chuan didn’t press further. He lowered his eyes and fell silent for a moment before shifting the conversation to the CP rumors about Bai Shuixi and Xia You.

“What about that?” Bai Shuixi didn’t see why such a trivial matter was worth mentioning.

“I think we should start suppressing the hype around it,” Xu Chuan said calmly, his tone flat. “As the buzz around your and Assistant Xia’s CP grows, some people have already begun digging into your background.

Based on the information that’s surfaced so far, some have already uncovered your connection to Tianyin. If the rumors continue to spread, it could have repercussions for you, the company, and Ms. Xia.”

At this, Bai Shuixi finally looked up, pausing the fountain pen in her hand.

Personally, Bai Shuixi would have preferred to leave the topic untouched, letting it linger as a way to tease Xia You and keep her on edge. But all things had to come to an end, and if it clashed with the main storyline, even the most important subplot had to give way.

Her influence at Tianyin couldn’t afford any complications right now.

“Then have the PR department reach out to the relevant parties,” Bai Shuixi said dismissively, picking up her pen again to resume reviewing the documents.

“Understood.” Xu Chuan responded quietly, giving Xia You a deep look before stepping back and leaving the office.

Bai Shuixi never paid much attention to Xu Chuan her focus was reserved for the afternoon meeting.

With the year-end approaching, the original host’s prolonged absence from the company made this the perfect time to hold a meeting and rein in any restless employees.

At 2 p.m., as departments gradually resumed work, the long-delayed management meeting finally commenced.

Bai Shuixi, who had ‘accidentally’ arrived late again, showed no signs of remorse as she faced the mid-to-high-level employees. She strode into the conference room with an air of indifference, pulling out a chair as she said, “Apologies for the wait health reasons.”

No matter how displeased they were, these people were still just Tianyin employees, Bai Shuixi’s subordinates. None dared to show their dissatisfaction openly, offering only polite platitudes.

Only Liu Heng from the distribution department couldn’t resist a veiled jab: “We’re all aware of President Bai’s health condition and can certainly understand. Being late once or twice isn’t a big deal. But if President Bai truly finds it difficult to carry on, we’d all be more than willing to accept a temporary resignation.”

The words were practically dripping with sarcasm, and He Jiu worried Bai Shuixi might lose her temper. With so many employees present, it wouldn’t be wise to make a scene.

To everyone’s surprise, Bai Shuixi merely glanced at Liu Heng with a detached expression, flipping open her file with a faint, indifferent smile. “How heartwarming that Manager Liu cares so much about his superior’s well-being.”

Clearly, she hadn’t taken Liu Heng seriously at all.

Liu Heng: “…”

Liu Heng glanced at Xu Chuan sitting across the conference table and only settled down after seeing the other shake his head at him.

Bai Shui Xi pretended not to notice their interaction, quietly listening to the reports.

Dealing with these two wouldn’t be difficult, but she was just here for appearances there was no need to clean up the mess left by the original owner. Besides, she still had to wait for the plot to unfold, so tolerating some minor antics for now wasn’t a big deal.

If these people found it amusing, she could let them stir up a little trouble.

The presenter in the conference room outlined several potential development projects, while the planning department discussed the creative direction for scripts over the next one to two years. The themes were decent, but the content was somewhat vague.

Before her transmigration, the only remotely interesting thing Bai Shui Xi had done was manage corporate operations and development. She could tell which of the ideas presented were useful and which were nonsense just from the opening remarks. The entire meeting was mind-numbingly dull.

Fortunately, her real objective, Tianyin’s next major project, the Lunar New Year film Retrospect, slated for release during the Spring Festival holiday—finally came up.

The film was tentatively set to be directed by renowned filmmaker Lin Zhengfeng, with an original script by Wei Heng, a screenwriter who had collaborated with Tianyin many times before.

The two were a powerhouse duo, consistently delivering critically acclaimed works with guaranteed box office success. The moment news broke of their latest collaboration, many had already set their sights on this new project.

Flipping through the materials, Xu Chuan said, “The general investment ratios have been finalized, but the investors haven’t fully reached a consensus yet. Aside from President Song of the Song Group, President Zou of Yuanda Tech is also very interested. Zihe Entertainment hopes to co-produce with us they’re willing to provide their best special effects team.”

Bai Shui Xi glanced at the PPT projected on the screen. “All of them will be attending the banquet in a few days. I’ll handle it then.”

Xu Chuan paused. “You?”

Bai Shui Xi looked at her. “Is there a problem?”

Xu Chuan hesitated but ultimately held her tongue. “No, nothing. If you’re handling it, I’m sure it’ll be resolved smoothly.”

Bai Shui Xi: “Mm.”

Xu Chuan said nothing more, but Liu Heng couldn’t stay quiet. “President Bai, you’ve never been one to involve yourself in these matters before.”

Bai Shui Xi couldn’t be bothered with him and replied without looking up, “Are you eager to take this on, President Liu?”

Liu Heng: “…”

Liu Heng: “I… well  this isn’t even under my purview. I was just thinking that this project was originally handled by Vice President Xu.”

Xu Chuan shot him a look. “I’m only responsible for tracking the progress of all projects. Director Lin and Mr. Wei chose Tianyin not just for me, but for the reputation the company has built over the years.”

Listening to their back-and-forth, Bai Shui Xi kept her eyes down and said, “You’re welcome to continue overseeing this project. But since it’s already greenlit, investments and the team need to be secured as soon as possible. Are you confident you can finalize deals with these investors in such a short time?”

Xu Chuan: “…”

She truly wasn’t as certain as Bai Shui Xi. After all, the people mentioned either had deep ties with Bai Shui Xi or had to consider Chairman Bai’s influence to some degree.

If Bai Shui Xi decided to play dirty. Xu Chuan really didn’t stand much of a chance.

“Of course, I have more faith in your capabilities,” Xu Chuan said.

Bai Shuixi gave an acknowledging hum and nodded: “Alright, then it’s settled.”

Everything was naturally decided with Bai Shuixi’s casual demeanor. Throughout the entire process, she remained composed and unruffled either silent or, once she spoke, decisively steering the course of events.

After witnessing this pattern repeatedly, even Liu Heng began to notice something amiss.

Once the meeting concluded, Liu Heng deliberately stopped Xu Chuan. Frowning in the direction Bai Shuixi had left, he asked warily, “Director Xu, don’t you think Young Miss Bai seems,  different now?”

Since the meeting was held in the office, Bai Shuixi hadn’t worn her coat. The fitted blouse accentuated her slender waist and the elegant lines of her shoulders and back.

Surrounded by a group of employees, Bai Shuixi still stood out effortlessly in the crowd. Xu Chuan watched as she turned slightly to nod at a team leader from the marketing department, her flawlessly beautiful face briefly visible before she turned away again.

“She’s become sharper than before,” Xu Chuan sighed softly.

Liu Heng: “No kidding. She actually seemed quite competent during today’s meeting.”

“But also more reckless,” Xu Chuan turned away, his expression cooling. “Bringing the Omega she’s pursuing into the company. Who knows if she’s lost her mind over them? Today’s meeting was unusually aggressive. Director Lin’s project has so many eyes on it, it’s not an easy one to handle. Since she wants it, let her take it. If something goes wrong, at least it won’t be our responsibility.”

“That’s true. If she messes up, it’ll be easier for us to get leverage over her. If such a surefire project falls through, even the chairman won’t be able to shield her anymore,” Liu Heng mused, rubbing his chin.

Xu Chuan said nothing more. After one last glance at Bai Shuixi, he turned and left.

Bai Shuixi had no idea about Xu Chuan’s schemes nor any interest in them.

Her consideration of taking over this project wasn’t driven by any desire for control within the company. It was entirely because of the film itself, it marked a major plot point in the original story.

In the original work, Zhou Wanwan had also starred in this movie. As her manager, Li Wei naturally appeared on set as well. Meanwhile, the original ‘Bai Shuixi’, hellbent on tormenting the nearly broken Xia You would frequently drag Xia You to the set, ensuring everyone knew Xia You was nothing more than her kept lover.

Recalling the descriptions of those scenes, Bai Shuixi could only find them absurd and outrageous. The intensity of the ahem content was something she didn’t dare dwell on.

If things really went that far,  someone would end up in the hospital, wouldn’t they?

Regardless, nearly a fifth of the original story had been devoted to this arc, underscoring the film’s significance in the plot.

In the original, Zhou Wanwan had secured her role partly due to the original Bai Shuixi’s deliberate meddling after all, the original had cared about nothing except tormenting the female lead, acting on whims without restraint.

But now that Bai Shuixi was here.. Well, things wouldn’t be so convenient anymore.

She already disliked Li Wei, and now this project had fallen into her lap. This world’s messy plot had better brace itself for some turbulence.

Before Bai Shuixi could reach her office door, Xia You lightly knocked on the frame of the secretary’s office first.

“What’s up?” Bai Shuixi looked up at her.

“Did you pick up your medical report?” Xia You frowned, asking with evident concern.

Bai Shuixi smiled. “That kind of thing can be left to He Jiu. I thought you were going to ask me how the meeting went.”

“Alright then, how did your meeting go?” Xia You asked softly.

Bai Shuixi’s expression unconsciously softened, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes as she beckoned Xia You. “Speaking of which, come to my office for a moment. There’s something I want to discuss.”

“Okay.”

Xia You obediently followed, but just as Bai Shuixi opened the door seemingly fine her expression suddenly twisted in pain the moment she stepped inside. She hunched over, clutching her chest as if in agony.

Xia You: “!!”

She immediately rushed forward. “What’s wrong?!”

Bai Shuixi didn’t answer. The familiar pain in her chest damn shared-sense punishment again.

Fortunately, most employees were still in the meeting room and hadn’t returned yet, so few would have seen her like this.

“Let’s talk inside,” Bai Shuixi gritted out.

Xia You glanced at Bai Shuixi’s hand gripping the doorknob, the veins on her slender wrist standing out starkly. A pang of distress shot through Xia You’s heart, and she quickly helped her into the office.

Bai Shuixi’s posture made it hard for her to support herself, so she leaned heavily against Xia You. Strangely, the scent of Xia You’s pheromones seemed to ease the pain in her chest slightly.

Unconsciously, Bai Shuixi tightened her embrace.

Soft, warm, and pain-relieving, it was impossible to let go.

Feeling Bai Shuixi’s movement, Xia You grew both angry and anxious. “What’s really going on with you? Weren’t you fine this morning?”

Bai Shuixi couldn’t answer because she didn’t know either.

This shared-sense punishment had no discernible pattern, she couldn’t predict it at all. She hadn’t even done anything . Surely the main system wouldn’t penalize her for nothing.

It was too strange. She had no clue. She’d have to ask the system later.

Xia You pressed, “Bai Shuixi?”

“Mmm…” Bai Shuixi buried her face in the crook of Xia You’s neck, nuzzling weakly before murmuring, “If I were going to die, Dr. Xia, what would you do?”

Xia You stiffened for a moment, then pushed Bai Shuixi away and grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward the door.

“Huh?” Bai Shuixi blinked, instinctively holding Xia You back. “Where are we going?”

“We’re getting your medical report,” Xia You said, her chest rising and falling with restrained anger. “I want to see what’s really wrong with you!”

“…” Bai Shuixi, who knew the report wouldn’t reveal anything, hesitated and glanced at her watch. “Maybe we should just wait until after work. I’ll definitely go then.”

“How can you still be like this?” Xia You widened her eyes, looking as if she was about to be infuriated to death by Bai Shuixi. “You were exactly the same before acting like it was nothing, and then suddenly it flared up again. How can you still be so indifferent? Aren’t you afraid, aren’t you afraid that.”

Bai Shuixi sighed. Truthfully, she wasn’t afraid at all.

And to her, the medical report might not even be as useful as Xia You.

“How about you let me hug you instead?” Bai Shuixi thought for a moment and said, “If you let me hold you, I might recover faster.”

“…You’re saying such things again!” Xia You looked like she was about to steam with anger. “You always do this saying inappropriate things in perfectly serious situations! I’m talking about your health! You never take it seriously, and  then you go on about life and death. I just don’t understand how someone can be as heartless as you!”

By the end, the anger in Xia You’s voice had mostly faded, replaced by a pitiful, helpless tone tinged with a hint of a sob, making her sound almost aggrieved.

Bai Shuixi froze for a moment, glancing down at Xia You, who now seemed upset. She instinctively raised her hand to reach out but then found the situation absurd.

Was the female lead, worried about her?

Worried about her, a villain?

How was she supposed to react?

While Bai Shuixi was still lost in thought, Xia You turned her head away, lifting a hand as if to wipe something, then turned her back on Bai Shuixi entirely as if she had secretly shed a few tears.

Bai Shuixi, whose tiny sliver of conscience had just been pricked: “…”

“Don’t be angry. I won’t say things like that again,” Bai Shuixi tentatively took Xia You’s hand. “I didn’t think! I assumed you wouldn’t care.”

Xia You: “So you said it on purpose just to annoy me?”

Bai Shuixi was still at a loss for how to handle the situation and could only answer honestly, “I really did want to be close to you. It wasn’t entirely to tease you.”

“…” Xia You stiffened, turning back to stare at Bai Shuixi in shock, momentarily forgetting her anger. “What did you say?”

Bai Shuixi tilted her head, expression perfectly natural. “I said I wanted to be close to you. Want a kiss, jiejie?”

“You!” This time, Xia You processed it, speechless for a moment before shaking off Bai Shuixi’s hand. “You really, you?”

You’re insane!

Always steering things in that direction!

Bai Shuixi just laughed, entirely unbothered, taking a couple of steps back to lean happily against the desk. “Well, since you’re not angry anymore, let’s talk business. I actually wanted to discuss the outfits for the upcoming banquet.”

Xia You wasn’t having it. “What outfits? You should be picking up your medical report. And I’m still angry, don’t think skipping out on the hospital against doctor’s orders is just going to slide.”

“I’ll go after work, alright? How about you come with me?” Bai Shuixi conceded good-naturedly, negotiating gently. “I was already late all morning. If I leave early now, I’ll have no credibility left in this company.”

For once, she wasn’t being domineering or issuing commands her tone was so soft it almost sounded like she was coaxing.

Xia You fell silent for a while, ultimately unable to bring herself to refuse.

Bai Shuixi smiled, eyes curving. “I knew you’d understand.”

Xia You glanced at her, not particularly enthusiastic: “So what do you need me to do?”

“Nothing much,” Bai Shuixi smiled. “Sometime today or tomorrow, someone will come to take your measurements for a custom gown. You just need to cooperate when the time comes.”

“But since we’re on the subject, let me explain the banquet procedures to you.”

“Actually, it’s not complicated. Before the host’s formal speech, there will be time for guests to mingle. You’ll mainly need to stay by my side during the entrance. After the host finishes speaking, it’ll mostly be us businesspeople discreetly bidding behind the scenes. If you find it boring, you can visit the rooftop garden that hotel has excellent ambiance.”

As she spoke, Bai Shuixi secretly curled her fingers like sharing a secret code and playfully scratched Xia You’s palm with a smile.

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