Forced to Romance the Omega Psychiatrist - Chapter 36.2

Xia You glanced at Bai Shuixi in surprise before quickly regaining her composure.

Of course, the CEO’s office was just steps away from the secretary’s office. Any commotion would naturally reach Bai Shuixi’s ears.

While the others didn’t dare continue off-topic chatter, Bai Shuixi seemed unfazed. She strolled leisurely, almost lazily, into the secretary’s office and stopped at Xia You’s desk. Picking up a flower, she examined it, gently rubbing a petal between her fingers before remarking with that same teasing smile:

“So lovey-dovey… Is this from your girlfriend?”

The question caught many off guard, and soon ears perked up in anticipation of drama.

Ever since Xia You joined the company, rumors about her relationship with Bai Shuixi had been circulating. Many speculated Xia You was actually Bai Shuixi’s lover, though no one dared say it outright.

Now the CEO herself was bringing it up? This had to mean there was more to the story!

Scandalous!

Hearing “girlfriend,” Xia You immediately shook her head, eyes wide with shock. “Wh-what are you talking about?”

Girlfriend? How could this little alpha feign ignorance? Bai Shuixi knew perfectly well whether she had a girlfriend or not!

“Oh,” Bai Shuixi nodded casually, tucking the rose back into the bouquet. “Then it’s a new admirer. Which lucky girl is it this time? The young lady from the Bai family, or… hmm.”

Before Bai Shuixi could finish, Xia You urgently cut her off, covering her lips with her hand.

Bai Shuixi chuckled but didn’t resist, simply turning her playful gaze onto Xia You.

Xia You knew everyone in the office was watching, but she couldn’t let Bai Shuixi continue this ridiculous line of questioning!

She turned and shoved the bouquet under her desk. “I don’t even know who sent it! It’s just… completely random. I don’t remember anything about it!”

Bai Shuixi glanced at the violently discarded flowers and tilted her head slightly. “So… you don’t like it?”

Xia You paused, looking back at her.

Bai Shuixi blinked innocently.

Xia You then turned to He Jiu.

He Jiu averted her eyes.

Xia You frowned slightly, sensing something was amiss, and cautiously spoke up: “This isn’t very important, just a personal matter. I still have some work to do, perhaps I should report to President Bai privately.”

Bai Shuixi glanced at her and smiled faintly: “Sure.”

Bai Shuixi turned and entered the office with Xia You. The moment they stepped inside, Xia You grabbed Bai Shuixi’s arm, her voice tinged with embarrassment and annoyance: “Did you arrange these flowers?”

“Sister, I don’t understand why you’d say that. Why would I arrange things this way?” Bai Shuixi feigned ignorance with a flawless smile, looking at Xia You. “If I wanted to send you flowers, couldn’t I just do it directly?”

Xia You was taken aback, privately agreeing with the logic.

Bai Shuixi had sent her flowers before, but last time, He Jiu had brought them in suddenly during lunch hour when hardly anyone was around discreet and thoughtful.

But still…

“Not just anyone can enter Tianyin’s doors, right?” Xia You frowned in confusion. “How could a delivery person just walk in with flowers?”

“I wouldn’t know,” Bai Shuixi shrugged innocently. “If someone like Xu Chuan wanted to, they could probably get flowers delivered too. Speaking of which, I actually wanted to ask you something.”

Her tone shifted as she stepped closer to Xia You with a teasing smirk, backing her up against the desk.

The distance between them shrank until Bai Shuixi was looking down at Xia You, her long lashes casting a deceptive warmth over her cool gaze. “Who have you been seeing behind my back? Why is someone confessing to you every day?”

Xia You flustered at the proximity, instinctively raising a hand to rest on Bai Shuixi’s shoulder, a gesture that could’ve been a push but instead lingered uncertainly, her slender fingers resting there softly.

But thinking of Xu Chuan, that person was clearly closer to Bai Shuixi! Xia You sulked inwardly, annoyed that Bai Shuixi had the nerve to turn this around on her.

“Anyway… I really don’t know who sent them,” Xia You pushed Bai Shuixi away and took a few steps back, speaking without turning around. “But I don’t like them, so I’ll get rid of the bouquet later.”

Bai Shuixi, still leaning against the desk, arched a brow. “How can you be so sure you don’t like them?”

Xia You turned slightly, as if glancing at her, and Bai Shuixi caught her muttering under her breath, “This isn’t a confession, it’s just teasing.”

Bai Shuixi nearly laughed out loud.

“What?” Xia You turned to look at her. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” Bai Shuixi waved a hand, schooling her expression. “Well, if you’re not interested, let’s drop it. Didn’t you say you had work to discuss?”

“What work?” Xia You mumbled. “I just didn’t want you spouting nonsense again.”

“Alright then,” Bai Shuixi grinned. “I’ve got nothing else.”

Xia You shot her an embarrassed look before leaving. Once alone, Bai Shuixi finally let her laughter slip, picking up her phone to leave the florist a glowing review and sending the courier a generous tip.

In the following days, Bai Shuixi kept things low-key. The investment ratios for Retrace were nearly finalized, contracts were signed, and the production team was being assembled, keeping her too busy to tease Xia You much.

Though according to He Jiu… Xia You had been spending a lot of time with the promotions team lately.

Bai Shuixi just smiled at the news, letting Xia You do as she pleased. Sooner or later, she’d figure out that Li Wei had orchestrated the whole shipping drama there was no escaping that blame.

The only other minor incident involved Bai Ye.

Since that chance encounter downstairs where Bai Ye witnessed Bai Shuixi  and Xia You kissing, Bai Ye’s actions seemed to become more covert. Occasionally, Bai Shuixi  and Xia You would still run into Bai Ye during their commutes, but they managed to handle it by either holding hands or wrapping an arm around each other’s waist.

Bai Shuixi  was somewhat surprised that Bai Ye hadn’t made any new moves.

Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, another weekend arrived.

On Friday, Bai Shuixi  signed the investment contracts with Song Zhe, Zihe Entertainment, and several other companies. The casting plan for Retrospect was officially underway, and over a video call, Bai Shuixi  and Song Zhe were arguing about the casting choices.

In truth, the director already had candidates in mind for the major roles, and the rest could be filled through open auditions or recommendations. The only point of contention was the role of the Omega female lead.

On the video call, Song Zhe looked utterly baffled. “What’s wrong with letting Zhou Wanwan play the Omega female lead? Is her acting not good enough? Or her experience? If you look around the industry right now, whether it’s popularity, buzz, or looks, she’s at the top of the list, isn’t she?”

Bai Shuixi  sat in her study chair, leisurely sipping her tea, not directly responding to Song Zhe. “I just think we should give this role a bit more consideration.”

“What’s there to consider?” Song Zhe frowned. “She fits the character, doesn’t she? Even the director doesn’t have any objections.”

“The casting isn’t finalized yet,” Bai Shuixi  glanced at him. “What if there’s someone more suitable? Why are you in such a hurry?”

“…” Song Zhe was silent for a moment before lightly tapping the table and leaning closer to the camera, lowering his voice. “Are you really not getting it, or are you deliberately opposing me? I just want to give a little Omega a boost, and you’re dead set against it. What, have I offended you again?”

Bai Shuixi ’s gaze drifted toward the study door, as if she could see Xia You in the living room through it.

“Not really,” Bai Shuixi  said.

The reason she was temporarily blocking Zhou Wanwan from joining Retrospect was simply out of consideration for Xia You. In the original story, ‘Bai Shuixi ‘ had actively provided opportunities for Zhou Wanwan to torment Xia You. But now… she needed to think it over a bit more.

“Let’s hold off on finalizing the Omega female lead,” Bai Shuixi  set down her cup. “But I’ll reconsider your suggestion. How about this next week, I’ll meet with the director.”

Song Zhe: “Wait, can’t we just decide today.”

Bai Shuixi  ended the call.

There was no way she could settle it today, at least not without discussing it with Xia You first. Bai Shuixi  wasn’t about to repeat the foolish mistakes Li Wei had made. Xia You clearly despised betrayal, and no matter how much Bai Shuixi  wanted to torment her, she wouldn’t go about it that way.

As she opened the study door, the housekeeper, who came at scheduled times to clean, had just finished tidying up and was about to leave. Seeing Bai Shuixi  emerge, she smiled warmly and greeted her, “Finished with work, Ms. Bai?”

Bai Shuixi  was always polite to older people and nodded calmly. “Yes, all done. Thank you for your hard work today.”

“Not at all, it’s my job,” the housekeeper replied cheerfully before leaving.

Since Bai Shuixi’s household never kept trash around, taking out the garbage bag whenever they went downstairs, the housekeeper hadn’t gathered much to dispose of. She managed to carry everything in one trip, pushing her small utility cart out of the building.

As she passed by the trash bin half-hidden among the greenery, the housekeeper casually tossed the garbage toward it. However, distracted by the cart she was pushing, her aim faltered, and the bag teetered on the edge of falling out until a pale, slender hand steadied her wrist.

The hand was delicate but firm, lending just enough support to guide the trash safely into the bin.

Surprised, the housekeeper turned and smiled warmly. “Oh, Xiao Ye! It’s you!”

Standing on the path, Bai Ye returned the smile, her demeanor relaxed and confident, a stark contrast to how she appeared in front of Xia You. “Auntie Zhang, here for work again?”

“Yes,” the housekeeper replied good-naturedly. “Thank you just now. If the trash had spilled, I’d have had to clean it up again. What a hassle.”

“No trouble at all. I was just passing by,” Bai Ye said amiably. “Heading out of the complex, Auntie Zhang? I’m going shopping shall we walk together?”

“What, after living here for half a month, are you still getting lost?” Auntie Zhang teased with a chuckle.

“Not anymore,” Bai Ye answered with a light laugh.

Auntie Zhang didn’t know who Bai Ye really was. She only occasionally cleaned at Bai Shuixi’s place and had stumbled upon this seemingly lost newcomer about a week ago. The girl had been sweet-talking, despite clearly belonging to the wealthy elite who resided in the complex. She had politely asked for directions, walked out with her, and even offered to buy her water as thanks.

Zhang Yunying, of course, had declined, but they’d become familiar enough to exchange greetings and small talk whenever they crossed paths.

Like now, as Bai Ye, hands tucked in her pockets, casually inquired, “Auntie Zhang, you don’t seem to have much to carry today. Is your new client not home often?”

“Oh, no, it’s just that the owner keeps things very tidy,” Zhang Yunying replied cheerfully. “She’s particular, but it’s easy to clean since the place is already spotless.”

“Sounds like a single occupant. I should take notes,” Bai Ye mused with a faint smirk. “Living with someone else would be a hassle just cooking alone would be enough trouble.”

“Ah, not necessarily!” Zhang Yunying instinctively countered. “Two people can be just as neat. The place I’m cleaning now has two young ladies living together, and they manage just fine.”

“Two?” Bai Ye’s steps faltered, her tone turning odd.

She had always known Xia You’s apartment was right above Bai Shuixi’s, she just hadn’t been sure if Xia You was actually staying with her.

She had seen Xia You kiss Bai Shuixi, but she refused to believe it.

Xia You had always been gentle and accommodating, the kind of person who might be tricked into a kiss…

But she was also principled. She would never move in with an alpha so easily.

Bai Ye wouldn’t accept it.

That day at the community gate, she had a very unpleasant encounter with Bai Shuixi, who shamelessly tricked Xia You away right in front of her. After that, Bai Shuixi must have said terrible things about her perhaps Xia You only acted that way because of some misunderstanding.

But now even Bai Shuixi’s housekeeper was saying this… Could they really be living together?

Bai Ye felt the fragile hope she had been clinging to crumble, her breath becoming unsteady for a moment.

“Yes, two of them,” Zhang Yunying glanced at Bai Ye, sensing something was off. “Xiao Ye, are you alright?”

Bai Ye still refused to believe it and grabbed Zhang Yunying’s arm. “Are they sharing a room? Or just living in the same house?”

Zhang Yunying froze, now truly realizing something was wrong.

This girl named Xiao Ye had been casually chatting with her, pretending to be just another new resident, but now she was speaking as if she knew Bai Shuixi and Miss Xia personally.

Zhang Yunying thought for a moment and suddenly recalled how some wealthy people attracted obsessive stalkers, those who would dig through trash or scheme against them.

Could this young girl be one of Bai Shuixi’s enemies?

A chill ran down Zhang Yunying’s spine. Too afraid to tell the truth, she stammered, “I-I don’t know. Bai never lets me into the private areas, but they seem very close. Their relationship must be good.”

Very close… Their relationship must be good.

Bai Ye’s expression darkened uncontrollably, her grip tightening unconsciously.

Zhang Yunying discreetly pulled her arm free from Bai Ye’s stiff fingers and nervously said, “Xiao Ye, I have some errands to run, so I’ll be going now. Take your time.”

With that, Zhang Yunying hurried away, leaving Bai Ye standing alone.

Lost in the shocking revelation, Bai Ye didn’t even try to stop her, only clenching her fists silently.

Meanwhile, Bai Shuixi was sitting by the water bar in the living room, speaking to Xia You.

The underfloor heating was set just right, and the flowers on the coffee table and shelves bloomed vibrantly, their faint fragrance filling the air. Wearing a figure-hugging tank top, Bai Shuixi sat across from Xia You and said calmly, “That’s the situation. Zhou Wanwan is very likely to play the Omega lead in the new film.”

Xia You stood on the other side of the counter, a glass of soda water beside her. She merely pursed her lips and replied softly, “If she’s truly suitable and capable, I have no objections.”

“Is that so?” Bai Shuixi countered, her gaze sweeping over Xia You with mild confusion. “But collaborating with Rixin’s artists means unavoidable contact with Li Wei. I might even visit the set later. Do you really want to see her?”

Xia You froze.

“Moreover, this isn’t just any ordinary film,” Bai Shuixi continued. “Do you know why Zhou Wanwan fought so hard for this opportunity? With the current production team and capabilities behind ‘Retrospect,’ its release alone could propel Zhou Wanwan to new heights, possibly even earning her an award or two. Can you really accept that?”

Xia You pondered for a moment. “But before confirming she actually wronged me, there’s no deep-seated grudge between us. There’s no need to deliberately block her career advancement.”

There was another thought Xia You left unspoken.

She knew someone was pressuring Bai Shuixi to accept Zhou Wanwan into the production.

She didn’t want to add to Bai Shuixi’s burden. If Zhou Wanwan’s inclusion didn’t harm the company’s interests, she had no objections. Even if Zhou Wanwan had indeed wronged her, that was a matter between them, it wasn’t fair to make Bai Shuixi pay the price.

Bai Shuixi glanced at Xia You again.

Xia You’s ‘easygoing nature’ left her at a loss for words. Taking a sip of water, Bai Shuixi could only think how remarkably generous her sister was being:

“So someone coveting your alpha and nearly stealing your childhood friend counts as ‘no grudge’?”

Xia You froze at the words ‘your alpha,’ instinctively looking at Bai Shuixi with nervousness until she heard ‘childhood friend’ and realized Bai Shuixi was referring to Li Wei, then quietly averted her gaze.

She hardly cared about whatever was between Zhou Wanwan and Li Wei anymore. In fact, discovering their ambiguous relationship might have been for the best.

If not Zhou Wanwan, it would have been someone else. Without this incident, who knows how long it would have taken to see Li Wei’s true colors.

In the brief silence between them, Bai Shuixi’s phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number. Hesitating momentarily, Bai Shuixi answered after noticing Xia You’s curious glance, putting it on speakerphone. “Hello, who is this?”

“Director Bai? It’s Zhang Yunying, the one who cleaned your place this afternoon.” The voice on the line sounded tense.

Bai Shuixi paused, instinctively scanning the room. “Oh… Auntie Zhang? Did you forget something?”

“No, no, that’s not it,” Zhang Yunying explained awkwardly. “It’s just… something strange happened today, and after thinking it over, I felt I should tell you.”

“Today after work, I ran into a peculiar young woman who kept asking about your and Miss Xia’s private matters. Of course, I didn’t say anything! But the whole thing felt so unsettling, I worried there might be some threat to your safety, so I thought it best to warn you.”

“A strange young woman?” Bai Shuixi frowned slightly, instinctively assuming it might be someone seeking revenge from her past life. “What did she look like? About how old? Was she carrying anything unusual?”

“Well… no, not exactly…” Zhang Yunying grew more hesitant, feeling she might have stumbled into something she shouldn’t have. Worried she was overreacting, she stammered,

“She was quite young too, seemed to live in the neighborhood as well. She didn’t say anything particularly serious, just kept asking about your relationship with Miss Xia. When she heard you two live together, she looked like the sky had fallen.”

“Asking about my relationship with Xia You…” Bai Shuxi glanced at Xia You, a possibility forming in her mind. “Did she mention her name?”

Zhang Yunying hesitated: “I think she said to call her Xiao Ye… That’s all she told me. I don’t know her real name or if that’s even her real name.”

Xiao Ye?

Bai Shuxi smiled faintly, her expression slightly disdainful as she lowered her eyes. Exchanging a look with Xia You, she was almost certain the young woman Zhang Yunying mentioned was Bai Ye.

“It’s nothing, Aunt Zhang,” Bai Shuxi’s

Xia You’s breath hitched, her heartbeat quickening instead, her mind momentarily starved of oxygen: “You… aren’t you a bad woman too?”

Bai Shuixi  clearly froze for a second before bursting into laughter, turning her face away in apparent good humor and nodding: “Right, you’re absolutely right. I am too.”

Xia You: “…Huh?”

Bai Shuixi  chuckled to herself for a while before noticing Xia You’s bewildered expression. Amused, she poked Xia You’s cheek: “Stop spacing out. Given Bai Ye’s current obsessive behavior, remember to stick close to me from now on. Don’t act alone, just in case.”

“Okay,” Xia You mumbled in response.

That’s what they said, but neither of them took it too seriously. After all, Bai Shuixi  and Xia You now lived together, commuted together, and worked together they couldn’t possibly be any closer. Xia You hardly had any chance to be alone.

But the unexpected still happened.

After the weekend passed, Xia You returned to Tianyin with Bai Shuixi  as usual. The moment she went to buy coffee at the café in the square downstairs, someone grabbed her.

In the cold, deserted corner, the obsessive young alpha tightly wrapped his arms around Xia You’s waist, restraining the soft and warm Omega from behind.

The sharp scent of fruit wine spread through the air, the alpha’s pheromones invading Xia You’s nostrils without restraint. Unprepared, Xia You inhaled the scent, and his breathing instantly faltered.

Yet the instigator, Bai Ye, seemed completely unbothered by his own audacity. He buried his face against Xia You’s shoulder and murmured softly, “Senior, I missed you so much.”

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