I Confessed to the Wrong Enigma, Then Got Pregnant as a Top Alpha [Transmigration] - Chapter 33

Chapter 33

The internal selection for the autumn new products requires passing an internal audit before being sent to the senior executives for the final selection.

On the last day of the deadline, Qi Ran packed the adjusted finished products into a cold storage box, labeled them, and sent them to Chen Rongsheng’s office.

When he arrived, Zhang Zihao was standing by the table filling out a form. Seeing him come in, Zhang Zihao smiled and said, “You’re also turning yours in today?”

Qi Ran walked over, set his things down, and pulled out a form. “Yes, it took some time. Am I the last one?”

Zhang Zihao nodded. “I thought I was the last to submit, but it looks like it’s you.”

Qi Ran smiled without speaking and lowered his head to fill out the form.

After finishing his own, Zhang Zihao leaned over to peek at Qi Ran’s form. “‘Autumn Intent’?”

Qi Ran looked up. “I’m not very good at naming things.”

“It sounds quite nice. I’ll head out first.” Zhang Zihao placed his registration form on Chen Rongsheng’s desk and turned to leave.

Qi Ran put the pen back on the table and glanced at Zhang Zihao’s form. His work was titled “Cool.”

Raising an eyebrow, Qi Ran put down the form and stepped out of Chen Rongsheng’s office, just as he received a call from Lu Ling.

A bit surprised, he answered immediately.

Lu Ling’s voice came through: “Qi Ran, are you free tonight? I want to ask you to help me look at some design drafts.”

He hadn’t expected Lu Ling to move so fast; the design drafts were already out.

He absolutely had to agree the affection and favorability values were still a long way off from the mission target.

“Of course I am. Let’s meet at the usual place and chat over dinner.”

“Great, see you tonight.”

Having made the date with Lu Ling, Qi Ran sent a message to Jiang Siheng: [No need to wait for me for dinner tonight. I have an appointment with Lu Ling. I’ll be back late.]

Jiang Siheng didn’t reply immediately; he was probably busy so Qi Ran didn’t wait. Tucking his phone into his pocket, he hummed a tune as he returned to his office.

…

When Jiang Siheng received Qi Ran’s message, he was sitting in Jiang Ren’s office. Jiang Sen was sitting beside him.

The father and two sons were currently silent, and the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive. Jiang Ren looked down at the reports on hand. “Why has this quarter’s sales volume dropped so drastically? Is our promotion insufficient, or is there a problem with the products?”

The Jiang family started in the jewelry business. Even though they had expanded their scope over the years, their main business remained centered on jewelry. They were an established brand on the market with a very good reputation.

However, with development in recent years, different brands have emerged one after another. Not only was competition increasing, but every company was competing fiercely in terms of innovation.

Jiang Sen explained, “There is no problem with our business model, and it’s not about the promotion. It’s because Brand H released three new products in a row this quarter, targeting low, medium, and high-end demographics respectively. Their reach is very wide. They used to only do high-end products, so the impact on us wasn’t significant. But starting this quarter, they suddenly moved into the medium and low-end markets. Customers who previously lacked purchasing power due to high prices chose them this time.”

At this point, Jiang Sen paused. “I have to admit, their designs are very novel. They not only meet the aesthetic of today’s youth but also cater to middle-aged and elderly client groups. They are extremely competitive.”

Jiang Ren put down the reports. “I heard H is a studio formed by several designers and doesn’t have its own processing factory. Their contracted factories are all overseas?”

“That’s correct. However, they only manage the processing. They have their own raw stone base. In fact, among them, only ‘H’ is the most famous. I’ve heard he is very low-profile and hasn’t been seen in person yet.”

Hearing Jiang Sen finish, Jiang Ren nodded. “If our current design team isn’t up to par, recruit some more talent. It doesn’t matter if they are younger.”

He then looked at Jiang Siheng, who hadn’t spoken. “Siheng, do you have any suggestions?”

Jiang Siheng, who had been silent, seemed to just snap back to reality and shook his head. “No.”

Jiang Ren sighed, clearly unsatisfied with the response. “You are, after all, the second young master of the Jiang family. You can’t rely on me and your older brother for everything. Can’t you put a little heart into the company?”

“You know I’m not interested in running a company.”

“Then what are you interested in? I see you doing nothing every day. I don’t expect you to be like your brother, but at least you should learn, right?”

Hearing this, Jiang Sen quickly intervened. “Dad, Siheng has been helping out a lot lately. Let’s take it slow!”

“I’m just dissatisfied with his attitude!”

Jiang Siheng sat there as if he hadn’t heard, standing up and saying, “Is the meeting over? If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out first.”

Without waiting for Jiang Ren’s consent, he walked straight out of the office.

Seeing this, Jiang Ren immediately fumed: “Look at him! One can’t even say a few words to him anymore.”

“Dad, Siheng is already very obedient. Don’t always demand too much of him.” Jiang Sen pushed a water glass toward Jiang Ren, signaling him to calm down.

Jiang Ren picked up the glass and sighed with a deep frown. Ultimately, he didn’t say anything more.

…

Jiang Siheng returned directly to his own office. He pulled open a drawer, his face pale, took out a medicine bottle, and popped two pills into his mouth.

When the headache and tinnitus occurred, his vision would blur.

The medication needed time to take effect. Jiang Siheng sat on the sofa with his eyes half-closed.

Jiang Sen pushed the door open and saw him sitting there with a pale face and light, bloodless lips. His heart tightened. “What’s wrong? Feeling unwell again?”

Jiang Siheng shook his head. “I’m fine. I’ll be okay after resting for a bit.”

Jiang Sen poured him a glass of warm water. “Dad was just anxious; he wasn’t targeting you.”

Jiang Siheng propped his head up with his hand, leaning to one side with an exhausted expression. “I know.”

Seeing how much pain he was in, Jiang Sen asked, “Should we go to the hospital?”

“No need. I just need to rest. Brother, go back to your work.”

“Call me if you need anything. Don’t just endure it.”

Only after Jiang Sen left did Jiang Siheng relax and close his eyes to rest.

…

When Qi Ran arrived at the restaurant, Lu Ling was already there.

“Brother Lu, why are you so early today?”

Seeing him arrive, Lu Ling smiled. “I left a little early today. You must be hungry; let’s eat first.” As he spoke, he gathered the blueprints spread across the table and called for the waiter.

“Brother Lu, did you try that body wash after going home yesterday? How did it feel?” Qi Ran asked with a suggestive smile.

Lu Ling’s cheeks heated up. “It was very good. Very fragrant.”

He looked unwilling to elaborate, but the Little White Bird issued a notification in Qi Ran’s mind: [Affection +100, Favorability +30.]

It seemed the effect was not only good but exceptionally so.

After dinner, Lu Ling took out the design drafts. It was a brooch he specifically designed for Jiang Ren. The shape was a simple circle with a gray-blue gradient forming around a blue gemstone low-profile yet carrying a touch of luxurious stability.

“What do you think? Is it too simple?”

Qi Ran didn’t have much specialized knowledge regarding accessories, so he could only give a visceral reaction based on aesthetics. “I think it’s quite good. Given Uncle Jiang’s age, the color and shape should ideally be simpler to match his status and temperament.”

“That’s what I thought too, so I didn’t dare add too many elements. I didn’t want it to look too cluttered.”

Seeing that Qi Ran understood his intent, Lu Ling felt that the longer he spent with him, the more he felt they should have met sooner.

Qi Ran listened to the Little White Bird’s broadcast: [Protagonist Shou favorability increased by 500. The current total is 730/1000. Keep up the good work!]

What’s the situation?

He had just shared his thoughts; how did that cause Lu Ling’s favorability toward him to skyrocket? Though puzzled, Qi Ran didn’t show it. “If you give this gift to Uncle Jiang, he will definitely like it.”

Lu Ling’s eyes curved into a smile. “I hope so. What about you? Have you decided on a gift?”

“Yesterday Jiang Siheng promised to handmade some peach crisps. He said Uncle Jiang loves them, so when the time comes, I’ll present them as if we made them together. Otherwise, I really can’t think of what else to give.” Qi Ran’s “I’ve done my best” expression made Lu Ling laugh.

“It’s nice for you two to give something together. It’s the sentiment that counts.”

“Right, that’s what I think too. Hehe… Brother Lu, how are you getting back later? Is Brother Jiang coming to pick you up?”

Lu Ling was surprised. “How did you know? I don’t think I mentioned he was coming.”

Qi Ran blinked and laughed. “Even though you didn’t say it, you’ve checked your phone three times in a row. What else could it be other than waiting for his call? Besides, based on my analysis, since you’ve been meeting me for two days straight, Brother Jiang is definitely coming to check up on you. He wouldn’t want you hanging out with me all day and getting corrupted.”

Lu Ling blushed. “I didn’t expect you to be a fortune teller.”

The Little White Bird chimed in: [Protagonist Shou favorability +30, Affection value +30.] Qi Ran smiled without saying a word.

After chatting a bit longer, Lu Ling’s phone suddenly rang. Seeing the other’s eyes light up, Qi Ran didn’t need to guess to know it was Jiang Sen. Moreover, after Lu Ling answered the phone, the affection value surged by 600 points, suddenly breaking 3,000. With 2,000 to go until 5,000, he was one step closer to completing the mission.

Actually, for current Qi Ran, it was relatively easy to farm the couple’s affection and the Shou’s favorability. The only difficult one was the Protagonist Gong’s favorability. Because there was no contact, he could only farm it indirectly through the Shou, so it grew very slowly. To complete both the main and side missions, he would have to focus on finding a way with the Protagonist Gong.

After putting down the phone, Lu Ling smiled at Qi Ran. “Jiang Sen is here. How are you getting back, Qi Ran?”

Qi Ran stood up with him. “Don’t worry about me, Brother Lu. I drove here.”

Despite saying that, the two took the escalator down together. Once outside, Qi Ran followed Lu Ling over to greet Jiang Sen: “Brother Jiang.”

Jiang Sen rolled down the car window and nodded to him. “How are you getting back?”

“I drove myself.”

“Alright then, be careful on the way back. Oh, by the way, Siheng wasn’t feeling very well today. Look after him.”

Hearing this, Qi Ran was stunned for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. Let’s keep in touch, Brother Lu.”

Qi Ran waved and took a step back, watching them drive away. Once the car was out of sight, he turned to get his own car, but couldn’t help pulling out his phone to check his messages. Jiang Siheng hadn’t replied to his message all day was he really unwell?

Was he sick? He felt the man was quite healthy; at least when he left this morning, Jiang Siheng seemed normal. Strange.

Because of this, Qi Ran drove home a bit faster than usual.

Upon arriving home and opening the door, Qi Ran immediately looked toward the dining room. Seeing the lights were off and Jiang Siheng wasn’t there, his heart tightened further. After changing his shoes, he ran straight upstairs. Instead of going to his own room, he pushed open the door to Jiang Siheng’s room.

Inside, it was quiet with only the nightlight on. Jiang Siheng was lying on the bed with his eyes closed.

Qi Ran softened his movements, not wanting to wake him. He leaned in to check but couldn’t see anything obvious. However, Jiang Siheng was resting much earlier than usual; he really must be unwell. He wanted to reach out and touch Jiang Siheng’s forehead to see if he had a fever.

Before his hand could fully touch him, Jiang Siheng opened his eyes.

Qi Ran was momentarily embarrassed. “Did I wake you?”

Jiang Siheng didn’t answer, but his eyes said it was hard not to be woken up like that.

“Um, I had that appointment with Brother Lu today. Afterward, Brother Jiang came to pick him up and told me you weren’t feeling well today. Are you sick?” As Qi Ran spoke, he reached out and felt his forehead. He didn’t feel any heat, which made him sigh in relief. It seemed it wasn’t a fever. If there’s no fever, it should be fine, right?

Jiang Siheng apparently hadn’t expected Qi Ran’s hand to drop down. The moment the warm hand touched his forehead, his body stiffened involuntarily. His dark eyes fell on Qi Ran’s face, unreadable.

When the youth checked his temperature and looked relieved to find no fever, Jiang Siheng unexpectedly felt himself relax as well. “I’m fine. I just need to rest.”

This was a side effect of the inhibitor injection; he just had to endure it. There was no need to tell Qi Ran that part.

Having confirmed there was no fever, Qi Ran didn’t leave immediately. “Where are you hurting? Should I call Brother Lin to come take a look?” He felt Jiang Siheng’s face was unnaturally pale.

“No need. Go about your business.”

Seeing his “don’t want to say more, don’t want you to interfere” look, Qi Ran realized he wasn’t very good at caretaking anyway. “Alright then, I’ll go shower first. Have you eaten?”

“Not hungry.”

“Oh. Then I’ll shower first. Stay here for a bit.” Qi Ran spoke as he walked out, but in his mind, he was wondering whether he should order takeout for Jiang Siheng or cook him a bowl of noodles. With his cooking skills, he could only manage noodles.

Ordering takeout this late seemed inappropriate. He’d better cook some noodles and hope it wasn’t a total disaster.

…

After showering and drying his hair, Qi Ran headed down to the kitchen. He had to admit Jiang Siheng kept the kitchen too clean, to the point where Qi Ran felt lost for a moment upon entering. It felt like a sacred domain, and his presence felt like a desecration.

Finding the dried noodles in the cupboard, Qi Ran boiled the water and tossed them in. Thinking that plain noodles would be tasteless, he went to the fridge and grabbed a few green leaves, washed them, and threw them into the pot. Since he couldn’t have just veggies without meat, he sliced some ham and finally added a poached egg for him.

When it was ready, Qi Ran was moved by his own effort; he had never made such a lavish bowl of boiled noodles for himself. Jiang Siheng, you’d better be touched.

He carefully carried it upstairs and pushed open the door. “Come eat some noodles. You’ll definitely feel bad with an empty stomach. I cooked a bowl; eat something warm before sleeping.”

The youth, whom he thought had been gone for a long time, had actually gone to cook noodles for him. To say he wasn’t surprised would be a lie.

Watching the youth quickly pull his hand away to rub his ears after placing the bowl on the table, a warmth appeared in Jiang Siheng’s dark eyes. “There are trays in the upper cabinet. You could use one so you don’t burn your hands.”

“Hey, I didn’t think of it. Try it and I’m telling you, you’re not allowed to be picky! This was a top-tier performance. Do you want some vinegar?”

Looking at the green vegetables, poached egg, and ham on top, Jiang Siheng’s lips curved slightly. “No need. This looks quite good.”

“Right? I didn’t expect to do so well myself. Hurry and eat. Eat as much as you can; you need strength to recover.” Qi Ran then remembered something. “I cleaned up the kitchen a bit, but it might not be as clean as when you do it. Don’t mind it.”

Jiang Siheng shook his head. “It’s fine. Just leave it there.” He spoke as he picked up the noodles with chopsticks and blew on them.

Qi Ran watched his movements, feeling a bit nervous, fearing Jiang Siheng would spit it out after one bite. Fortunately, Jiang Siheng’s expression didn’t change, and it seemed to taste quite good. Qi Ran asked suspiciously, “How is it? Is it okay?”

Jiang Siheng nodded. “Very good.” In fact, because it was nice and hot, just as Qi Ran said, he felt much better after it hit his stomach.

Hearing those words, Qi Ran was delighted. “Then it seems it wasn’t a disaster. Keep eating, I’ll get you a glass of water.” With that, he happily trotted downstairs.

Jiang Siheng originally had no appetite, but he still finished the bowl of noodles completely.

Seeing the man whose complexion seemed to have improved after eating, Qi Ran also felt relieved. “Drink some water and get a good night’s sleep. You’ll definitely be fine tomorrow.”

Jiang Siheng gave an “mm.” “Why did you meet Lu Ling again today?”

“Didn’t I suggest yesterday that Lu Ling use his specialty skills to prepare a gift for Uncle Jiang? He drew a brooch design and came to show me. But I really don’t understand that field; at most, I can give a ‘good or bad’ opinion from a layperson’s perspective.” Qi Ran thought for a moment. “I think his design was okay, fitting for Uncle Jiang’s temperament.”

Jiang Siheng listened intently to the youth’s words. He felt incredibly relaxed at this moment his stomach was warm, the light was soft, and even the youth’s voice sounded exceptionally pleasant. The pain in his body seemed to have faded as well.

Seeing that he didn’t respond, Qi Ran looked up and noticed Jiang Siheng had fallen asleep. Surprised he fell asleep so quickly, Qi Ran adjusted the air conditioning to a suitable sleeping temperature with a smile, then turned and carefully returned to his own side of the bed.

…

The next morning, Jiang Siheng had recovered. When Qi Ran went downstairs, Jiang Siheng had already prepared breakfast in the dining room. Looking at the man whose complexion had returned to normal, Qi Ran still asked, “Are you all better now?”

“Mm, I’m fine. Thank you for yesterday.”

“Hey, didn’t you look after me when I was feeling bad? Mutual help why be so polite?” Qi Ran looked at the breakfast on the table with a smile. “When it comes to cooking, you’re still the master.”

Jiang Siheng’s expression softened. “What do you want to eat tonight?”

Qi Ran looked up. “Can I actually order food now?”

“I have to cook anyway.”

“Then I won’t be polite. I want Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork (Yuxiang Rousi) with white rice.”

Meeting the youth’s expectant eyes, Jiang Siheng nodded. “Alright. Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork with rice tonight, plus a cold dish?”

“Works for me! Anything else is fine as long as there’s Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork.” As he spoke, he wished he could skip ahead to the end of the workday. Tonight, he definitely wouldn’t make any other appointments.

…

After Qi Ran arrived at the company, Qi Su called him. “It’s Uncle Jiang’s birthday soon. Will you be going there with Jiang Siheng or with me?”

There were four days left until Jiang Ren’s birthday; he hadn’t expected his brother to contact him so early. “With Jiang Siheng. Won’t you be going with Brother Gu then?”

“He might not have time. I might go with Dad.”

“Oh. What’s Brother Gu doing?”

“On a business trip.”

No wonder his brother had time to pay attention to him now. “I see.”

Hearing the meaning in his words, Qi Su laughed. “Then do you want to come home for dinner tonight?”

“Probably not tonight.”

“What, a date with Jiang Siheng?”

“It’s not exactly a date. It’s just… Brother, did you know Jiang Siheng can cook? His skills are amazing. He’s making Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork tonight; I have to go back for that.”

Qi Su, amused by Qi Ran’s simple and honest words, nodded. “Alright then. I can see that Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork is more important than your brother.”

“Brother, why don’t you come and try some too?”

“I’ll pass.” Although Qi Su was surprised that Jiang Siheng could cook, he could tell from Qi Ran’s words that the two were getting along well, so he was somewhat relieved.

After putting down the phone, Qi Ran pursed his lips and couldn’t help but message Jiang Siheng: [Please make sure the Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork is sweet and sour style.] Without the sweet and sour flavor, it would have no soul.

Jiang Siheng replied very quickly this time: [Okay.]

Staring at that “Okay” for a long time, Qi Ran felt hungry before it was even noon.

…

Chen Rongsheng came over and saw Qi Ran with his head down, tinkering with something. “Qi Ran, come out with me for a bit.”

Suddenly poked, Qi Ran stood up. “Where to?”

“Shang Xin.”

“Shang Xin again?” Qi Ran was stunned, not understanding why they were heading there again so suddenly.

“For the end-of-month Lily Film Awards ceremony, Tong Xinrui has been nominated for Best Actress. They want us to bring some perfumes for her to choose from. If she’s lucky enough to win, she’ll directly become the spokesperson for this season’s new product.”

After Chen Rongsheng explained, Qi Ran understood immediately. The two first went to get the perfume samples and then drove to Shang Xin together.

Others watched them leave from the window. “Chen Rongsheng is always good at flattering.”

“The man has connections with the top brass. If he doesn’t flatter him, should he flatter you?”

” I just feel it’s unfair for Brother Zhang. Clearly, Brother Zhang is the most experienced here.”

Zhang Zihao looked over and smiled. “Discuss if you must, but don’t bring me into everything.”

“Brother Zhang, don’t be so modest.”

…

After Qi Ran and Chen Rongsheng arrived at Shang Xin, the receptionist smiled immediately upon seeing him. “Do you have another appointment with Miss Tang today?”

Hearing this, Qi Ran was stunned, then said, “No, I have an appointment with Tong Xinrui today.”

The receptionist was a bit surprised, glanced at Chen Rongsheng, and then smiled. “Miss Tong is waiting for you in the second-floor lounge.”

Chen Rongsheng and Qi Ran turned toward the elevator. The receptionist watched them leave and couldn’t help but say, “That person looks a bit familiar.”

Her colleague beside her said, “Isn’t that Chen Rongsheng, the manager of the Qi family’s perfume department? He’s been here many times.”

“So that’s Chen Rongsheng. Then the one following him is also a perfumer? Such a handsome perfumer?”

“Even if not, he’s probably an assistant or something. But I feel he should be. I just don’t know which Qi perfume he created; for those looks alone, I’d buy it.”

…

Qi Ran and Chen Rongsheng found the lounge. After knocking and entering, they saw a girl sitting on the sofa. At first glance, she looked very young, wearing a white dress that made her look pure and quiet. However, upon closer inspection, one could see fine lines on her face.

Sensing Qi Ran’s gaze, Tong Xinrui smiled and nodded to him. “Manager Chen, the one you brought today is a bit of a stranger. Is he your newly recruited assistant?”

It was easy to see from these words that the two were very familiar.

Chen Rongsheng laughed. “Not an assistant. Qi Ran is also a perfumer. Here are the samples we brought, please take a look.”

Hearing the surname “Qi,” Tong Xinrui couldn’t help but look at him again, but didn’t say much. She smiled and pulled the samples toward her. “Since he’s also a perfumer, why don’t you help me pick a suitable perfume?”

Qi Ran hadn’t expected such a request. In his view, since she was familiar with Chen Rongsheng, there was no reason for him to help. He had come along prepared to be a background character. He hadn’t expected to be picked. He glanced at Chen Rongsheng to see his intent.

Chen Rongsheng nodded. “Qi Ran, help Sister Tong pick one.”

Since it was put that way, Qi Ran naturally wouldn’t refuse. “Then I will take the liberty to try.”

Tong Xinrui smiled and gestured. “Please.”

After Qi Ran sat down, he reached out to take out the samples, each of which had a name. Some ingredients could be identified by name, while others required a spray and careful appraisal.

After a short while, Qi Ran selected a perfume with transparent liquid. When sprayed into the air, it was a light jasmine tea scent. However, after evaporating, it carried a slight scent of grass after rain. This immediately elevated the fragrance to an open field, becoming much more natural and transcendent.

Matching Tong Xinrui’s temperament and current attire, it made her seem like a small white flower blooming in the wild. Fresh, sweet, natural, and free-spirited. No words were needed; a gentle spray was enough to evoke an artistic sense of beauty.

Tong Xinrui clearly liked it, smiling as she took the perfume. “It’s the feeling I like. You are very good.”

Qi Ran smiled and didn’t say much.

Just then, the door was pushed open, and a tall man appeared at the doorway. It was the manager named Zhong Cheng, whom Qi Ran had met yesterday.

Seeing him, Qi Ran was stunned. Clearly, the other was also surprised. “What a coincidence, meeting again.”