Her Alpha - Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Upon hearing this, Xiaoxi said dismissively, “What’s so adorable about her? It’s only our first meeting, and we were discussing business. For an alpha to so bluntly ask an omega for their contact information, it’s practically flirtatious!”
Flirtatious?
Chi Qingwei thought back to the scene she had witnessed upon entering the company: a tall, beautiful female alpha quickly rushing to the side of the omega in heat, unhesitatingly pulling an inhibitor from her backpack and handing it to the staff. In such a situation, could an alpha who remained rational enough to help others truly be considered flirtatious?
Moreover, when faced with her silence earlier, the woman hadn’t shown any embarrassment from being rejected. Instead, she remained composed, which left a rather favorable impression on Chi Qingwei.
Even if such a person couldn’t become a friend or lover, at the very least, she wouldn’t become an enemy.
“Did you catch the scent of her pheromones?” Chi Qingwei suddenly asked.
Xiaoxi frowned, hesitating before replying, “It seemed like the scent of green lemon, but with a hint of alcohol. It was very light and faint, if you didn’t pay close attention, you wouldn’t even notice her pheromones.”
Chi Qingwei nodded. So, that faint, elusive fragrance had indeed come from her. Though subtle, it was refreshing, much like the woman herself.
Thinking of this, Chi Qingwei’s smile deepened.
“Other alphas can’t wait to release their pheromones to flaunt their unique alpha status, but she seems determined to hide hers.”
She had noticed it, the woman’s gland on the back of her neck was covered with a transparent inhibitor patch.
Xiaoxi pouted. That didn’t change the fact that she was someone who casually asked omegas for their contact information.
Catching Xiaoxi’s expression, Chi Qingwei didn’t press further. Before leaving, she only said one thing:
“Make sure the company is fully stocked with inhibitors from now on. We can’t let a situation like today happen again.”
This time, Shen Zuofeng had stepped in to save the day, but what about next time? After today’s incident, Chi Qingwei had also identified some shortcomings within her own company.
“Understood,” Xiaoxi nodded in agreement.
After Shen Zuofeng and the others returned to the company Future Technology, which Shen Zuofeng had founded during her university years by rallying a group of students for research and development these students had now become the technical backbone of the company.
“President Shen, regarding the game ‘Sword Quest,’ after discussing with the planning department, we still believe developing a side storyline would help make the character Kantianque more three-dimensional and well-rounded.”
No sooner had Shen Zuofeng settled into her office than her friend Yang Huai knocked and entered.
Looking at the tall, handsome man before her, Shen Zuofeng couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless.
“You didn’t go home again last night, did you?” she asked, noting his tired, dark-circled eyes, his once crisp suit now wrinkled, and his bloodshot eyes, clear signs of prolonged lack of proper rest.
“No, it’s not like there’s anything interesting at home anyway,” Yang Huai replied, sitting directly on the sofa and rubbing his throbbing temples. “What do you think about the side storyline we just mentioned?”
“Sure. Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss the direction of this side plot,” Shen Zuofeng agreed, standing up to pour him a glass of milk. This guy needed proper rest tea and coffee were out of the question.
“Mmm.” Yang Huai nodded in agreement, taking the cup from her hand and letting out a weary sigh.
Seeing him like this, Shen Zuofeng grew concerned. “Don’t go to work today. Go home and rest for a few days. No matter how strong your body is, you can’t keep pushing yourself like this.”
Yang Huai was one of the company’s founding members, having worked alongside her since its inception. His relentless work ethic made it seem as though he had no personal life.
“No need. I’ll just rest in the office for a while,” Yang Huai shook his head. He didn’t want to go back that home was too cold.
Seeing his stubbornness, Shen Zuofeng’s expression darkened. Her friend was excellent in every way, except for his obstinate nature.
“Are things with Meng Binsen still the same as before?” Shen Zuofeng sighed, guessing the reason behind his mood.
Yang Huai and Meng Binsen had been college roommates. Both were alphas, yet they had fallen in love. However, alpha pheromones were inherently incompatible. They loved each other, but their bodies rejected one another. Over the years, they had broken up and gotten back together repeatedly, trapped in a cycle where neither could let go, yet both were exhausted by their dynamic.
“What else can we do? There’s no better solution, is there?” Yang Huai leaned back, sinking into the sofa. Thinking of the man who had broken up with him just days ago, his eyes red with anger, Yang Huai’s heart, which he thought had grown numb, began to ache with a dull, persistent pain.
Shen Zuofeng fell silent as she watched Yang Huai’s despondent expression. There was nothing she could do to help with their situation.
“Don’t overthink it. I’ll just sleep here for a bit. You go ahead with your work.” Yang Huai waved his hand dismissively, closed his eyes, and found a comfortable position to sleep. Once he lay down, he had no intention of getting up again.
Shen Zuofeng sighed softly, stood up, and fetched a blanket to cover him. Her mind began to wander.
Is this what love is like? Even when tormenting each other, they still love deeply?
Unable to make sense of it, Shen Zuofeng shook her head gently. For someone who had never been in a relationship, this question was far too profound.
The only time she had ever felt her heart stir was not long ago.
But it was merely a flicker of emotion far from what could be called love.
In the days that followed, life remained calm and uneventful. Shen Zuofeng had tried negotiating with other film and television companies, but the results were far from satisfactory.
Watching the endless stream of cars below, Shen Zuofeng felt she still had a long way to go. To gain more influence, she would have to work twice as hard and keep moving in the right direction.
The company wasn’t solely focused on gaming. Back in their college days, they had already begun researching a technology to compress space. This idea had originated from Shen Zuofeng’s memories of modern society. After arriving in the ABO world, she realized that concepts like immortality and cultivation were nonexistent here. Yet, she was curious about whether something like the storage rings described in cultivation novels could actually exist. Given that the ABO world’s technology was far more advanced than in her previous life, she wanted to see if it was possible to create such a thing with current technology.
After years of perseverance, the results were encouraging. With today’s technology and some special methods, it was indeed possible to compress a certain amount of space into a small object. This object could then store or retrieve items based on its owner’s commands.
But for now, it can only be considered a semi-finished product. The compressed space is still not stable enough. Once the technology breaks through this limitation, the returns from this innovation will be thousands of times greater than the investment.
Shen Zuofeng stood atop a high-rise building, gazing at this world brimming with technological marvels, and smiled faintly.
Although she still couldn’t deny her dislike for this world, she had to admit that the experiences it offered were far more novel than those of her previous life.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Come in.”
“Boss, Chiliang Media called. They’ve agreed to collaborate on adapting The Sword Quest into a film or TV series. They asked us to find time to discuss the details.” The person who entered was Cai Meilin, who had just returned from a business trip and was jokingly referred to in the company as “Chief Steward Cai.”
Shen Zuofeng finally smiled. For this adaptation, Chiliang Media was the best possible choice. If Chiliang Media had delayed their response or outright refused to collaborate, she would have had to settle for the less capable Leyu Entertainment, which would have meant her company would need to invest more manpower and resources.
But now, being able to partner with Chiliang Media was the best outcome.
Moreover, Shen Zuofeng thought of that elegant and refined woman. Did this mean she would have more opportunities to interact with her?
At this thought, Shen Zuofeng’s heart raced uncontrollably, and she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anticipation.
Cai Meilin glanced at her boss, who seemed lost in thought. Adjusting her glasses seriously, a glimmer of light flashed behind her usually calm eyes. Recalling what Ning Wenjing had told her, she could guess what her boss was thinking about.
“Boss, I checked your schedule, and you’re free the afternoon of the day after tomorrow. I’ll confirm with Chiliang Media and arrange the meeting for then. Does that work for you?”
“Sure, remind me when the time comes,” Shen Zuofeng nodded, having no objections to the suggestion.
Cai Meilin was highly capable, managing everything methodically and never making mistakes.
“Boss, would you like me to reserve a restaurant for you?” Cai Meilin asked, adjusting her glasses with a serious expression.
Shen Zuofeng: “???”
“Why?”
Shen Zuofeng was puzzled, unsure why she would ask such a question.
“Aren’t you planning to invite Assistant General Manager Chi to dinner?” Cai Meilin’s eyes held a hint of confusion.
Shen Zuofeng: “…”
That really wasn’t necessary…
Shen Zuofeng rubbed her forehead and glanced at Chief Steward Cai, who was still looking at her with a serious expression, feeling a headache coming on.
Did the Chief Steward’s responsibilities now include meddling in her boss’s love life?
“No need. She’s not interested in me.”
She wouldn’t even give me her contact information.
“Oh,” Cai Meilin replied flatly.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to work.”
“Mm,” Shen Zuofeng nodded. As she watched Cai Meilin about to leave, she suddenly called out, “Wait!”
Cai Meilin stopped and turned back, looking at Shen Zuofeng with a questioning expression.
“Ahem,” Shen Zuofeng’s face flushed slightly with embarrassment. She raised a hand to her forehead, avoiding Cai Meilin’s gaze, and mumbled, “Maybe reserve one after all. It’s only polite to extend an invitation. Whether she accepts or not is up to her.”
“Alright, I will send you the specific details later.” Cai Meilin’s expression remained unchanged. After responding, she noticed her boss didn’t seem to have anything else to say, so she tactfully left Shen Zuofeng’s office and returned to her own. Pulling out her phone, she began earnestly searching for restaurants with quiet environments suitable for private meetings.
After Chief Steward Cai left, Shen Zuofeng finally removed her hand somewhat awkwardly, her thoughts drifting to the day after tomorrow.
Since they had already started collaborating, would she be able to get her contact information this time?
Shen Zuofeng felt a bit disgusted with herself.
It always seemed like there was a hint of using public affairs for private gain.