Forced to Romance the Omega Psychiatrist - Chapter 51.2
The light brush against her inner thigh made Xia You stiffen, a jolt of tension and something far less describable, running through her. Her grip on the club tightened instantly.
“Wrong again.” Bai Shuixi chuckled, her fingers sliding between Xia You’s. “Your focus is off.”
Xia You’s hands trembled, her breathing quickening as her fingers loosened. If not for Bai Shuixi’s steady hold, the club might have clattered to the floor.
“Hmm? What’s the matter?”
Bai Shuixi caught the club, tilting her head with feigned innocence as she glanced at Xia You. Her tone was casual, but her gaze lingered on Xia You’s flushed ears with amusement.
Pressed close, Xia You fumbled to regain her hold on the club. “Is this how golf lessons usually go?”
“…”
Bai Shuixi lowered her lashes, studying Xia You for a moment before suddenly smiling. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
With that, she abruptly pulled Xia You closer, guiding her hands to send the ball flying.
A white arc streaked across the simulator screen, the virtual scenery shifting rapidly as the ball soared before descending sharply—landing perfectly in the flagged hole.
Xia You blinked in surprise, her eyes widening.
“Here,” Bai Shuixi chuckled softly by Xia You’s ear, “Isn’t this effective? One-on-one personal coaching from someone of my caliber, others couldn’t even hire me if they tried.”
“…” Xia You had nothing to say as she looked at Bai Shuixi’s results, biting her lip instead. “Um, can we continue later?”
“Why?” Bai Shuixi asked deliberately.
“I, I’m not feeling well. I need to adjust a bit,” Xia You stammered.
“Adjust what? Let me help you, okay?”
Xia You’s face flushed crimson. “N-no, that won’t work.”
Amused, Bai Shuixi finally relented, releasing her mischievous intent and letting Xia You go. “Fine.”
Relieved by the answer, Xia You immediately scurried toward the restroom the moment she was free from Bai Shuixi’s embrace.
Bai Shuixi blinked in surprise, watching Xia You leave. She hadn’t expected her teasing to unsettle Xia You so much.
Returning to the lounge, Bai Shuixi recalled their shared bath a few days ago and Xia You’s earlier boldness. She had assumed Xia You’s comfort level had risen because of their growing affection.
…Was it because those moments had been more private?
Before she could reach a conclusion, her phone vibrated with an incoming call. Glancing at the unfamiliar number, Bai Shuixi recognized it anyway. Her casual demeanor turned serious as she pushed back her chair and walked to the other side of the court to answer. “Hello?”
“Good afternoon, Young Miss,” came an elderly, respectful voice. “We’ve made progress on the matter you asked us to monitor. It’s confirmed, the paparazzi from Hong Kong’s prime-time show did capture footage of Zhou Wanwan appearing at Director Cheng’s private villa. However, it was suppressed by Cheng Tian’s wife, the daughter of shipping magnate Xu Heshan.”
“So, Cheng Tian’s silence about Zhou Wanwan’s whereabouts is because of his wife?” Bai Shuixi gazed calmly at the sprawling cityscape beyond the window.
“Precisely,” the Bai family’s old butler replied courteously. “Everything concerning Miss Zhou is currently under Madam Cheng’s control. But based on the paparazzi’s intel, Miss Zhou is likely still at Director Cheng’s villa.”
“Seems I’ll need to arrange a dinner with Madam Cheng soon,” Bai Shuixi remarked lightly.
“Shall I make the arrangements for you?” the butler inquired again.
“No need. I’ll handle it. That’s all for now, I’ll contact you if anything else comes up.” With that, Bai Shuixi hung up.
As the final thread of the original plot began unraveling, a flicker of tension stirred within her.
If she were judged to have failed the mission when everything concluded, what would happen to her? What would become of Xia You? Would this body die? Or would some other unfamiliar soul take over and approach Xia You?
Bai Shuixi refused to dwell on it.
Her fingers gripping the phone slowly tightened. The darkened screen reflected a pair of tense, icy eyes. Bai Shuixi accidentally caught sight of her own expression and was startled to realize her fear of the story’s impending conclusion.
“What’s wrong?” Xia You’s gentle voice suddenly came from behind, pulling Bai Shuixi out of her thoughts.
Bai Shuixi paused, exhaled softly, and turned around, her tone unconsciously softening. “It’s nothing. I just have a lead on Zhou Wanwan’s matter. I might need to meet someone soon.”
“Is it that director, Cheng Tian?” Xia You asked.
“No,” Bai Shuixi took Xia You’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s his wife, the heiress of an old-money family in Hong Kong. I believe her name is Xu Yaqing.”
The Xu family had a deep-rooted foundation in shipping trade. Even before Hong Kong’s handover, they were already known as one of the “Four Shipping Kings” alongside other industry giants, dominating the city for years.
Though the Xu family had declined slightly in recent years, they remained one of Hong Kong’s top-tier elite families. If Bai Shuixi were to bluntly state that she wanted to meet Xu Yaqing to help Zhou Wanwan, there was a good chance Xu Yaqing would refuse.
Bai Shuixi or rather, the original owner of this body had a few old friends in Hong Kong who could act as intermediaries to arrange a meeting between her and Xu Yaqing.
However, Bai Shuixi doubted that Xu Yaqing wouldn’t see through her intentions if she suddenly requested a meeting.
After all, Xu Yaqing had completely withdrawn from the Xu family’s business affairs after marrying Cheng Tian and had no prior business ties with the Bai Group. Similarly, Tianyin Entertainment had never collaborated with Cheng Tian before, leaving Bai Shuixi with no legitimate reason to seek Xu Yaqing out.
No matter how you looked at it, reaching out to Xu Yaqing at this moment seemed deliberate.
Still, she had to try.
If it didn’t work, she could always explore other options.
When Bai Shuixi contacted her old acquaintances, she was fully prepared for rejection. To her surprise, Xu Yaqing agreed but instead of accepting the proposed high-society afternoon tea gathering as an excuse, she explicitly requested a private, one-on-one meeting with Bai Shuixi.
“What does this mean?”
Xia You, who had been nearby when Bai Shuixi ended the call, asked in confusion, “Why would she turn down the group gathering just to meet you alone? Weren’t you two strangers before?”
“True, we’ve never met,” Bai Shuixi replied, glancing at her phone before setting it aside. She caught Xia You’s hand and smiled lightly. “Which means things are probably about to get complicated.”
Xia You: “…?”
If things were getting complicated, why was Bai Shuixi smiling?
The meeting place Xu Yaqing chose wasn’t far from the hotel where Bai Shuixi and Xia You were staying. After all, Yau Tsim Mong District wasn’t particularly large, and its true core was concentrated in just a small area.
The venue was an upscale Western restaurant at the intersection of the old city and the commercial district. The establishment occupied an entire small building, its decor reminiscent of classic British elegance, exuding understated luxury. It was clearly the kind of high-end restaurant that offered bespoke service, limiting the number of guests it served each day.
Bai Shuixi arrived in a Rolls-Royce driven by her family’s chauffeur. Stepping out, she cast a brief glance at the restaurant before following the attendant upstairs.
Just as she had guessed, the restaurant catered to an extremely niche clientele. The building wasn’t large, and aside from the lavish decorations, the entire second floor held only three tables.
Even so, the other two tables were unoccupied. The only guest was seated at the best spot by the window, her figure partially obscured by the tall, gilded chair back as she gazed outside.
Bai Shuixi nodded to the attendant, handed over her coat, and walked toward the table. As she approached, she spoke in a measured tone, “I’ve long heard of Ms. Xu’s impeccable taste. Now that I finally have the chance to meet you, it seems the rumors were true any restaurant you favor is bound to be extraordinary.”
“Is that Young Miss Bai?”
The woman sitting at the dining table finally turned her head, revealing a strikingly beautiful face with bold, vibrant features that were almost dazzling. Yet upon prolonged observation, there was an air of melancholy about her, as if she was enveloped in an aura of detached indifference toward everything hardly the type suited for romance.
“It’s me,” Bai Shuixi replied coolly.
Xu Yaqing stood up and gave Bai Shuixi a polite once-over before chuckling softly and shaking her hand. “As expected, you do look like someone accomplished at a young age.”
Bai Shuixi glanced at her. “You flatter me. Have we met before, Ms. Xu?”
“Not exactly. I only inquired about your recent situation from friends after hearing you wanted to see me,” Xu Yaqing said, gesturing for Bai Shuixi to take a seat.
“After all, the Xu family has always collaborated with the Bai Group, and our ties were quite strong in the past. Maybe you don’t remember, but we actually met when you were little, you even called me ‘sister.’ Please, sit. This restaurant is just a personal hobby of mine, so there won’t be any other guests today.”
Bai Shuixi pretended not to hear and simply took her seat.
After all, it was the original owner of this body who had called her “sister,” not her.
“Here’s the menu. Any preferences?” Xu Yaqing asked as a server handed it to Bai Shuixi.
Bai Shuixi flipped through it casually, recognizing the regional cuisine but feeling little interest. She continued browsing as she spoke leisurely:
“I really don’t remember many things from the past. I’ve spent most of these years developing my career on the mainland. Since you own this restaurant, Ms. Xu, why don’t you recommend some dishes?”
At the end of her sentence, Bai Shuixi set the menu down and looked up at Xu Yaqing.
Xu Yaqing paused briefly but quickly recovered, smiling. “Very well. How do you feel about Italian? Do you like it?”
“Fine,” Bai Shuixi replied softly, lowering her gaze and nudging the menu aside slightly.
“Then we’ll have my usual selections, plus an osso buco for Shuixi to try,” Xu Yaqing instructed with a smile.
The server soon left with the menu, leaving only Bai Shuixi and Xu Yaqing at the table. Xu Yaqing studied Bai Shuixi for a moment before chuckling lightly. “It’s fine if you don’t remember your childhood. Even the title ‘Ms. Xu’ is rarely used these days most in our circles call me ‘Mrs. Cheng.’”
“Mrs. Cheng,” Bai Shuixi repeated softly, taking a sip of the lemon water on the table before responding indifferently, “Though perhaps that title isn’t necessary either. You don’t strike me as someone who needs to rely on Cheng Tian.”
“…” Xu Yaqing’s gaze deepened as she looked at Bai Shuixi.
“You’ve already guessed why I wanted to meet you, haven’t you?” Bai Shuixi wasn’t surprised, meeting Xu Yaqing’s eyes calmly. “Since we both know what this is about, there’s no need to beat around the bush. You turned down a gathering to see me privately, do you have something else to say?”
Xu Yaqing stared at her for a long moment before suddenly laughing, her expression a mix of amusement and bewilderment. “Sometimes I really don’t understand. She’s just a minor actress, why do you all go to such lengths to come to me for her? Is she really that captivating?”
So there are others?
Bai Shuixi was slightly surprised, unable to think of anyone else who would care about Zhou Wanwan’s situation. After much consideration, she could only come up with Cheng Tian and Li Wei as possible candidates.
The aperitif arrived just then. The waiter, observing the atmosphere, refrained from any introductions and simply opened the bottle, pouring two glasses before placing them in front of Bai Shuixi and Xu Yaqing.
“I can’t speak for others, but I’m only here as a favor,” Bai Shuixi said, her tone calm and indifferent.
“Honestly, I don’t care about Zhou Wanwan’s circumstances, I just want her back. You’ve had her locked up long enough, Ms. Xu. Whatever punishment or leverage you wanted, you must have gotten it by now. After all, we live in a society governed by law. You should know when to stop.”
Xu Yaqing didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she swirled her champagne glass absentmindedly, gazing out the window as if lost in thought. After a long pause, she finally spoke:
“You’re right about one thing, I don’t actually need to rely on Cheng Tian. Given the Xu family’s status and my own capabilities, it’s always been Cheng Tian borrowing my influence.”
“Do you know how it feels when someone like that still dares to betray me?”
“Maybe you can’t imagine it right away. You didn’t come alone today, did you? If a rift like this opened between you and your companion, Shuixi, you and I are of the same class. What would you do?”
“Me? I don’t know,” Bai Shuixi replied, lowering her eyes and idly adjusting the cutlery on the table. “I don’t have any particular thoughts on the matter. As long as my girlfriend stays by my side, I’d never do something like that.”
Xu Yaqing blinked in surprise. “What I meant was.”
What if your companion took your money, enjoyed your resources, and still refused to behave, running off to mess around with others?
Bai Shuixi, who had been zoning out to avoid absorbing Xu Yaqing’s negativity, suddenly caught the implication in her words. Her eyes lifted, and beneath her usual languid expression, a sharpness flashed for just a second as she stared at Xu Yaqing.
The warning and anger in her gaze were unmistakable. Xu Yaqing was taken aback, she hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from Bai Shuixi over a single remark. Startled, she instinctively tried to backtrack.
But before she could speak, Bai Shuixi reined in her expression first. “So, Ms. Xu feels what you’ve done so far isn’t enough?”
Xu Yaqing didn’t deny it, nor did she press Bai Shuixi further about her stance. Instead, she answered the question: “One thing you can be sure of, I’m well aware we live in a society governed by law. I know my limits. The Bai and Xu families have a long-standing relationship, and I’ll certainly respect Director Xin’s wishes. But this matter can’t end here just yet.”
Bai Shuixi glanced at her, detecting the shift in Xu Yaqing’s attitude, and finally understood the purpose of this dinner.
Xu Yaqing knew exactly who she was here to retrieve and recognized that outright refusal wouldn’t be beneficial, given the partnership between their families. But Xu Yaqing had her own plans, ones she wasn’t willing to change. So, she had invited Bai Shuixi to this meal to clarify her stance on compromise.
Zhou Wanwan would be returned to Bai Shuixi unharmed. In exchange, Xu Yaqing wanted Bai Shuixi to stay out of her way while she disciplined her disobedient dog.
Bai Shuixi lowered her gaze, considering the offer. It seemed like a fair deal.
As long as Zhou Wanwan came back alive, her objective would be fulfilled.
As for the rest.Well, she had no obligation to interfere.
In that case, there’s no need for this meal. Bai Shuixi’s gaze swept over the untouched appetizers that had just been served, feeling a wave of weariness. She’d rather go back and cuddle with Xia You, maybe visit those shabby-looking street food stalls to experience ordinary city life.
Despite her burning desire to leave immediately, Bai Shuixi maintained perfect composure on the surface. She rose gracefully and offered Xu Yaqing a polite but empty smile:
“Miss Xu, your words have given me sufficient understanding. You needn’t worry about my interference regarding Director Cheng. Thank you for your hospitality today, but I must return to my girlfriend. Our conversation has been pleasant. I hope our next meeting will be equally so.”