Mistaken ‘O’ is a Crazy Gorgeous Boss - Chapter 64

At 8:40 PM, the doorbell rang.

Qu Zhen, who had just changed into her pajamas after washing up, quickly ran over in her fluffy slippers. The sound of the soles tapping against the floor, once ordinary, now felt delightful because it meant Shen Zhikou was home.

She never asked why Shen Zhikou didn’t just use her fingerprint to unlock the door, because she could guess the reason and she felt the same way.

They both wanted to see each other the moment the door opened.

As the smart security door slowly swung open, Shen Zhikou stood outside, holding a brown paper bag in her right hand and a small bouquet of sunflowers in her left. With the flu rampant lately, Shen Zhikou, dressed in a brown handmade coat, wore a white protective mask. Her eyes, visible behind thin lenses, curved into a gentle smile.

“Sister.”

Qu Zhen happily took the flowers, led her inside, and knelt down to help her change into slippers.

“All done.” Qu Zhen beamed. “What’s in the bag?”

Shen Zhikou removed her mask and, before even taking off her glasses, leaned in to kiss the alpha’s lips. She handed her the paper bag and walked further inside after taking off her coat.

“Take a look for yourself, Zhenzhen.”

The aroma of sugar-fried chestnuts wafted from the bag, making Qu Zhen’s eyes light up. She sat at the dining chair and laid out all the snacks inside. On the wooden round table, she arranged the most famous time-honored sugar-fried chestnuts from Haicheng, salted walnuts, tea-scented Longjing pastries, lotus flower pastries, Qingtuan, and more.

Every single item was her favorite, with not a single flavor out of place.

“Sister.”

Shen Zhikou, who had just picked up a glass of water, turned to look at her. “Don’t you like them?”

“I love them!”

After taking a few sips of warm water, Shen Zhikou walked over and patted her head. “I’m glad you like them. I got off work a little earlier than expected, so I stopped by that area on the way. Did I get any flavors wrong?”

Qu Zhen knew very well that the route from Streeep to Huining District, where these snacks were sold, was anything but “on the way.” She buried her face in Shen Zhikou’s shoulder, her voice soft.

“I know it wasn’t on the way.”

“If it’s something you like, then it becomes on the way.”

Qu Zhen’s ears flushed. She held Shen Zhikou tighter and kissed her jade-like earlobe. “Sister, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Mm.”

Shen Zhikou pressed her back into the chair and sat on her lap, looking at her calmly. “You can tell me now.”

The sunflower bouquet rested at the edge of the table, its bright yellow petals shimmering with soft, fragmented light. As their eyes met, Qu Zhen suddenly felt a little nervous.

“The research center has made a significant new discovery in Lingshan, Nanyang City. The archaeological team is heading there to investigate next Monday. I’m very interested and have submitted an application to join.”

“Zhenzhen,” Shen Zhikou said calmly, “I’ve told you before, I don’t want our marriage to become a shackle for you, and I won’t keep you tied to my side. So, hearing that you’ve signed up to join the team, I’m only happy for you. I’m not angry, nor do I feel you’re neglecting your responsibilities.”

Qu Zhen understood that perfectly.

“Sister, what I wanted to say is…” She paused. “This trip is tentatively scheduled for two weeks, and we’ll only have weekends off to manage our own time.”

“Although we can request leave for special circumstances, I’m worried that if you have an episode, I might not be able to get back to you quickly. So, after leaving work early today, I went to People’s Hospital… to have my glandular fluid extracted.”

Glandular fluid holds great significance for alphas and Omegas.

It resides within the glands of alphas and Omegas, sustaining all physiological functions of the gland. Even if the gland is damaged, as long as the glandular fluid remains, it can gradually heal depending on the individual’s differentiation level.

However, once the glandular fluid is compromised, even the most exceptional S-class alphas and Omegas struggle to escape the fate of death. This is why almost no alpha is willing to extract their glandular fluid to accompany an Omega in heat when they themselves are absent.

Although alpha glandular fluid is several times more effective than suppressants, most alphas are unwilling to take the risk or endure the pain.

As soon as the words fell, the air seemed to freeze for a moment, and the rose chandelier above the table appeared to dim. The warm, soft sensation between her legs faded, and Qu Zhen’s nape was pressed down by Shen Zhikou until the barrier patch was torn off, leaving her unable to move.

She whispered softly, “Sister.”

Shen Zhikou did not respond.

Her gaze fixed intently on the slightly swollen gland, and when she noticed the red needle marks left at the edges, her heart felt as if pierced by a needle, causing her expression to change.

Sensing the Omega’s emotional turmoil, Qu Zhen quickly reassured her, “Sister, don’t worry. Extracting glandular fluid is very safe now. I consulted a doctor beforehand, and extracting a controlled amount only causes slight weakness for the first two days, with no other side effects.”

Shen Zhikou’s mood did not brighten.

“With just this extraction, as long as it’s stored properly, it can last for two years. In the future, I’ll be going out with the team or on other business trips. I can’t just do nothing and let Sister stay home alone.”

As fingertips brushed the edge of the gland, Qu Zhen shivered sensitively. During the hospital examination and fluid extraction, the medical staff had worn gloves while touching the edges of her gland. That detached sensation was vastly different from Shen Zhikou’s direct touch.

Her eyelashes fluttered like a rabbit whose throat had been gripped and nape lifted.

“It was wrong of me to act first and apologize later. I’m sorry, Sister.” Qu Zhen was always brave enough to admit her mistakes. “I promise Sister, I won’t do this again.”

She spoke softly, but she had no idea that in Shen Zhikou’s heart,

She was her addiction, the remedy she had longed for countless days and nights.

“I’m sorry.” Qu Zhen reached out to touch the Omega’s hand. “Can Sister forgive me one more time?”

The hand that had been troubling the gland shifted to press down on Qu Zhen’s shoulder. Shen Zhikou leaned close to her ear, the darkness in her eyes like ink that refused to dissolve. After several struggles, she finally let rationality prevail and bit the alpha’s ear.

It was less of a bite and more of a punishment, for she knew it was her most sensitive spot.

But whenever she faced the person in her arms, she would lose completely. She soon ended the pecking kisses and sat back between the alpha’s legs, lifting her chin with her fingertips, her gaze distant as she asked,

“Will there be a next time?”

Qu Zhen shook her head vigorously. “No!” She even raised her fist to her ear, her expression sincere. “I swear.”

Shen Zhikou released her hand and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Good girl.”

“Then, does Sister forgive me?”

“Mhm.” Shen Zhikou’s tone softened a bit. “Extracting gland fluid is much more painful than you getting contraceptive shots. Even though the pain is on your body, it hurts my heart too. I want Zhenzhen to be happy, forever free from any pain.”

Qu Zhen coaxed her gently, “Sister, I feel the same way.”

The two embraced quietly for a while. After Qu Zhen fetched the bottle of gland fluid from the bedroom and taught Shen Zhikou how to open the cap and use it, they sat on the sofa together, enjoying pastries from a time-honored shop.

It wasn’t until 10:30 that Qu Zhen carried the drowsy Shen Zhikou into the bathroom, helped her wash up and change into pajamas, and finally wrapped her snugly in her arms, falling asleep together in the dimly lit night.

…

At noon over the weekend, Yang Shumeng and the other two invited Qu Zhen and Shen Zhikou for a meal.

This time, the location was set near Xinyu Garden, and the atmosphere among the five was relaxed and lively. As the meal was about to end, while Shen Zhikou stepped away to take a work call, Yang Shumeng cupped her face, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

“Xiao Zhen, I feel like you’ve changed a little.”

Qu Zhen asked, “In what way?”

Jiang Cheng, who had just stood up to hurry back to the school library to study, chimed in, “Yes, yes, I noticed it too.”

Zhou Yun, as sharp as ever, got straight to the point: “It’s the nourishment of love.”

Facing her friends’ scrutinizing gazes, Qu Zhen remained calm and asked, “Have I really changed?”

Jiang Cheng chuckled, slung her book-filled canvas bag over her shoulder, and pulled Zhou Yun along to head back to campus.

“You two chat, we’ll get going now. Bye!”

Yang Shumeng waved, “See you.”

Qu Zhen instinctively glanced at her wristwatch to check the time. Yang Shumeng noticed the gesture, her smile growing even brighter.

“Xiao Zhen, did Sister Shen give that to you?”

“Mhm.”

“You two are so sweet,” Yang Shumeng said candidly. “When I said you’ve changed, I meant it’s a kind of indescribable feeling.”

She raised her glass of coconut juice, pondering, “It’s like when I first got here, I was really thirsty, and after drinking this, I felt much better, even happy and satisfied. The change I see in you is similar. Xiao Zhen, I think you really like Sister Shen, and she really likes you too. Plus, you both take such good care of each other.”

“Haven’t you noticed? You smile whenever you see her. Well, not just when you see her, even when your eyes meet, you break into a grin. You didn’t used to smile this much before,” Yang Shumeng teased. “And this smile is way prettier than the standard eight-teeth smile you practiced in the etiquette team. During the meal, you were always looking out for Sister Shen, preparing everything and putting it in her bowl. Sister Shen was always watching you too, the affection in her eyes is really obvious.”

“Mutual liking is such a beautiful thing.”

Qu Zhen pursed her lips, a small dimple appearing at the corner of her mouth. “I think so too.”

“Ah, being married really changes you,” Yang Shumeng said, gazing at her with a smile. “Stay happy forever, okay?”

They didn’t chat much longer because Shen Zhikou returned soon after. The three of them left the restaurant together, and as they descended in the elevator, Yang Shumeng waved goodbye. The car drove away from the parking lot, and a light rain began to fall along the way.

After returning home and packing their luggage for the next day, perhaps because they were about to be apart for five days, in the depths of their passion that night, Qu Zhen left three rose-colored marks on Shen Zhikou’s neck.

It was an alpha’s possessiveness toward an Omega.

It was also a puppy’s deep affection for a kitten.

Even more, it was the reluctance between two partners who shared a deep understanding.

So much so that the next day, when the kitten woke up, she was unusually cranky, making the silly puppy hold and coax her for a while. In the end, she wrapped her arms around the puppy and said she would miss her, feel reluctant, and even from thousands of miles away, her heart would still flutter for her.

As they shared one last kiss at the doorway, Qu Zhen distractedly thought that she would fly back to see her kitten on Friday evening.

Not a moment could be delayed.

…

Nanyang City was a third-tier city, located 900 kilometers away from Haicheng.

After arriving at the city airport with the team by plane, they took a bus to Lingshan, the northernmost and most desolate area of Nanyang City.

Along the way, the cold wind howled, and fallen leaves danced in the air. Pedestrians on the streets were dressed in down jackets or cotton coats. The temperature in Nanyang City was much lower than in Haicheng. As they approached their destination, frost formed on the roads, and from a distance, it looked as if they were about to enter a snow-capped mountain covered in frost flowers.

The bus stopped at the foot of the mountain, and the group disembarked to continue on foot. Qu Zhen, walking at the back of the line with Gu Wen, wore a black windbreaker with an inner lining and matching hiking boots. Her fair face was tightly wrapped in the brown scarf Shen Zhikou had prepared for her.

Blessed with good physical stamina, she even helped an Omega carry her luggage bag. The Omega, a senior member of the archaeology team, was fifteen years their senior. Though weakened from having recently given birth, she had rushed to the front lines upon hearing that this expedition might yield significant discoveries.

Upon reaching their destination, the Omega took back her luggage bag and expressed her gratitude repeatedly.

“Thank you, Xiao Qu. I’m truly grateful. If you need anything, just ask Aunt Xiong. When we return, Aunt Xiong will teach you how to draw archaeological diagrams faster and more accurately,” Xiong Yue said with a smile.

Qu Zhen replied, “It’s no trouble at all, Aunt Xiong. It was just a small favor.”

“Good kid.” Xiong Yue patted her shoulder. “Let’s head inside. Lingshan is too cold.”

“Alright.”

The temperature at Lingshan was too low for camping, so the team stayed in a small village at the foot of the mountain. The village had fewer than 100 permanent residents. The advance team had already negotiated with the village chief to arrange accommodations.

The entire team sent by the research center consisted of 22 people. Some stayed with villagers, while others occupied houses that had been vacant for a year. These empty houses were either left behind by villagers who had moved away or by elderly residents who had passed away without heirs.

As both Qu Zhen and Gu Wen were alphas, the team leader assigned them to an empty house, where they had to share space with two other alphas from the team.

The house leaned against a rocky mountain and faced north, far from the center of the village, giving it an isolated, reclusive feel. After receiving their instructions, the four of them headed to the location together. They tidied up the two sparsely furnished rooms, which contained only beds, and prepared to lay out the sleeping bags that the advance team had prepared.

The other two alphas were friendly and took good care of the newcomers in the team. They insisted on taking the left room, leaving the noticeably more spacious right room for Qu Zhen and Gu Wen. Both Qu Zhen and Gu Wen felt a bit embarrassed, but the two were adamant, quickly laying out their sleeping bags on the beds.

At this point, dwelling on it would only waste time.

Qu Zhen swiftly made her bed, then took out her phone to snap a picture and send it to Shen Zhikou as an update. After finishing, she followed Gu Wen to the central base camp where meals were prepared.

As dusk fell, the tiny ice pellets that had arrived like grains of rice gradually turned into a heavier, colder snowfall.

Qu Zhen ate her steaming bowl of noodles, her cheeks flushed from the warmth of the charcoal fire. As they dined, the team leader briefed them on the latest developments.

“Based on our survey, we believe there is an ancient tomb site at Point A on Mount Ling. However, the exact scope and size still require further exploration…”

Compared to residential sites, Qu Zhen was far more interested in ancient tombs, though she had no prior experience excavating them. She listened intently, only snapping out of her focus when she realized her noodles had cooled, and the golden fried egg had lost its initial luster.

The temperature was exceptionally low. She walked over to the pot, ladled some hot broth into her bowl, quickly finished her meal, and returned to her seat.

After dinner concluded, the head leader, Chen Mo, began outlining the next steps.

“The application documents and other paperwork have been approved. Starting tomorrow, we’ll use Luoyang spades for exploration. We’ll form teams of five, with Point A as our reference, to drill holes and determine the site’s boundaries. Xiong Yue, Li Pei, Wen Yi Cha, and Huang Xueran, you four will lead the teams. Qu Zhen and Gu Wen have less experience, so I’ll take them with me this time.”

“Let’s gather at 8:30 tomorrow morning and set off at 9:10. Everyone, rest early, get a good night’s sleep, and recharge for the work ahead!”

“Got it!”

“No problem, boss.”

“Team leader, I hope we make a big discovery this time!”

Engaged in work they loved, everyone was enthusiastic and eager to get started. Qu Zhen adored this kind of atmosphere. A smile curved her lips, and a faint glimmer of joy shone in her eyes. When she returned to their lodging, her phone rang with a WeChat call from Shen Zhikou. Not wanting to disturb her roommate, she stepped outside to a sheltered spot to take the call.

“Sister, have you had dinner yet?”

“Yes,” Shen Zhikou’s voice was melodious and pleasant. “What about you? Are you wearing the scarf I bought you?”

“I just finished eating and came back to the room. I am wearing it, it’s really warm. I don’t feel cold at all with it on.”

“Stay warm, and make sure to zip up your sleeping bag properly at night.”

Qu Zhen gazed at the snowflakes gathering on the windowsill. “Mm, the sleeping bag the team leader provided is high-quality and very warm. Don’t worry, sister, I’ll take good care of myself.”

“Be careful outside, avoid getting hurt, and protect yourself.”

The snowflakes suddenly melted, as if hinting at an unforeseen omen. Warmth flowed through Qu Zhen’s heart, and a smile touched the corners of her eyes at Shen Zhikou’s words, which felt like advice given to a child.

“Okay. I understand. You do the same, sister.”

Perhaps sensing that Qu Zhen was outside, Shen Zhikou didn’t prolong the conversation and bid her goodnight. After hanging up and returning to the room, only a single yellow lightbulb illuminated the space, casting a hazy glow reminiscent of an old film’s palette.

A wooden table in the middle of the sleeping area divided the space on either side. Qu Zhen washed up in the bathroom, then crawled into her sleeping bag and drifted into a deep sleep.

The next day, the entire team gathered for breakfast. Chen Mo led four experienced team members and the two newcomers to the southern side of Point A. She was an excellent teacher, patiently instructing them in practical exploration techniques and methods, encouraging them to apply what they learned.

Qu Zhen gripped the Luoyang spade, following Chen Mo’s lead as they drilled holes in a cross pattern to survey the area. The seven of them worked diligently all morning. After returning for lunch and a rest, they resumed their efforts. It wasn’t until 4:30 in the afternoon that they made a discovery. Without slacking off, they relayed the news and continued using the edge-defining method to determine the site’s boundaries.

If it weren’t for the fading daylight on Mount Ling and the increasingly heavy snowfall that nearly froze their noses, they might have stayed later to finish marking the site before heading down.

The first day had been quite fruitful. If they continued at this pace, they could roughly determine the boundaries of the ancient tomb within three days. But fate had other plans. On the third day, the snow, carrying an endless chill, fell even heavier, and the roads became dangerously icy. Even the villagers advised the team leader, Chen Mo, to rest for the day and reassess the situation later.

Gazing at Mount Ling, now blanketed in white overnight, Chen Mo deliberated repeatedly before finally sending a group notification.

[Exploration plans are temporarily on hold. Everyone can rest a bit more today. Breakfast will be available until 9:30.]

The moment the notification buzzed, Qu Zhen was jolted awake from her sleep.

She had had a nightmare. In the dream, she was only sixteen, yet she encountered a six-years-younger Shen Zhikou. She watched helplessly as Shen Zhikou walked away from her, unable to break free from whatever held her back, no matter how hard she struggled to reach out and hold her hand.

She couldn’t even make a sound, forced to watch in powerlessness.

It was so unsettling that when she abruptly woke, her breathing was uneven, her cheeks flushed, and her hair slightly disheveled. After calming herself for a moment, she looked beside her and realized Gu Wen was already gone.

Outside the window, the north wind howled fiercely, and the world was bitterly cold. Qu Zhen put on her down jacket, climbed out of her sleeping bag, tied her long hair up simply with a hairband, and began walking out while sending a message to Shen Zhikou.

This was her daily morning routine.

[Good morning, Sister.]

[We have the day off today, but we need to stay on standby.]

[I miss you so much, Sister.] As she reached the door, she lowered her head to pick out a cute dog sticker to send to Shen Zhikou.

But accidents in the wilderness can happen in an instant. The small, old house trembled precariously in the blizzard, and even the phone in Qu Zhen’s grip seemed to shake. Suddenly, the ground rumbled violently, and rocks from the stone mountain came crashing down with overwhelming force.

With a sharp crack.

Darkness engulfed her vision. The last message remained unsent as her phone shattered into pieces.