Mistaken ‘O’ is a Crazy Gorgeous Boss - Chapter 79

The next day, when Shen Zhikou asked if they would spend the New Year together, Lan Yu was visibly delighted. Without a moment’s hesitation, she immediately settled the matter.

The two of them stayed at the Dai Mountain Estate to keep her company for the day and only returned to Green Desert Manor in the evening. Before leaving, Lan Yu hugged each of them in turn and, like a mother doting on her cherished daughter, carefully helped Shen Zhikou put on her gloves.

The expensive custom-made black gloves were soft, and the delicate fingers they protected gradually grew warm.

Shen Zhikou stood still, gazing at Lan Yu as if wanting to speak but hesitating. She truly wasn’t adept at responding to the affection of elders. Yet, after a brief pause, she still asked Lan Yu if she would like to stay at Green Desert Manor for a while.

Lan Yu was somewhat surprised but immediately nodded with a smile, promising to come for a visit after she had sorted out her affairs.

The three of them parted ways, and the car drove away from the famously scenic Dai Mountain. By the time they reached Green Desert Manor, heavy snowflakes had bent the pine trees in the front yard.

As soon as the two stepped inside, the Chinchilla cat, whom they hadn’t seen for two days, rushed over at lightning speed and, with its face planted firmly on the floor, performed a genuine face-slam.

“Meow, meow~”

Undeterred, it hopped a couple of times and then clung to Shen Zhikou’s pant leg, meowing incessantly as if expressing its longing in a language only cats could understand.

Shen Zhikou bent down to pick it up, cradling it in her arms and stroking its little head, allowing it to nuzzle her palm.

As they walked toward the living room, they chatted.

“Zhenzhen,” Shen Zhikou said, “have you decided on a name for it?”

This was something they had discussed before going to Dai Mountain, Qu Zhen would be the one to name the Chinchilla cat. Qu Zhen had happily agreed and had spent the past two days thinking of many possibilities.

“I’ve decided, but I’ll let it choose for itself.”

“Hmm?”

“You’ll see in a moment, Sister.”

Entering the main hall on the first floor, Qu Zhen helped Shen Zhikou take off her coat and put it away, then dashed off to the study. After some mysterious tinkering, she returned to the sofa in the main hall.

She placed six folded light pink pieces of paper on the table, each marked with a small cat paw print.

The Chinchilla cat, completely unaware, remained curled up in Shen Zhikou’s arms, lifting a paw to knead, its white fur fluffy and soft, looking just like a ball of cotton candy.

“I’ll only say this once,” Qu Zhen said seriously, looking at the cat. “You need to remember it carefully.”

Whenever she spoke to the two cats in the household: one big, one small, Qu Zhen’s tone always grew especially gentle and tender. “This slip says ‘Ding Dang,’ this one says ‘Tuan Tuan’… and this one says ‘Little Blueberry.'”

After introducing all six names one by one, Shen Zhikou placed the kitten on the table, calmly watching as it made its choice.

Suddenly set down on the cold table, the Chinchilla cat stared blankly at the pink slips of paper, meowing three times at the two humans as if puzzled and confused.

When it realized the humans had no intention of picking it up, it waved a paw in dissatisfaction, swiping the other five slips off the table, leaving only the one in the farthest corner.

Finally, it looked at them triumphantly, as if it had performed a great service by ridding the humans of a nuisance.

Qu Zhen broke into a smile, stroking the kitten’s fur as she unfolded the pink slip and showed the written name to Shen Zhikou and the cat.

“Little Snowflake.”

The day Shen Zhikou found it happened to be a heavy snowfall in December, and its fur was as pure white as the drifting snowflakes. After careful consideration, Qu Zhen gave it this name.

“Little Snowflake.” Qu Zhen gently squeezed its paw. “Does sister like the name?”

Shen Zhikou played along enthusiastically: “It’s lovely.”

Little Snowflake wagged its tail, clearly fond of the name too. It nestled in Qu Zhen’s arms for a while, almost dozing off comfortably, then obediently hopped down and trotted back to its cat bed, hugging its favorite fish-shaped pillow as it fell asleep.

After it left, Qu Zhen picked up all the slips of paper, tidied up, and led Shen Zhikou back to the master bedroom.

The master bedroom was larger than their entire apartment in Xinyu Garden, decorated simply yet exuding an air of luxury and grandeur. While removing Shen Zhikou’s gloves, Qu Zhen noticed her staring intently at the pink paper. After a moment of confusion, she figured out the reason.

Her little kitten was most likely feeling jealous.

Wanting to give her partner a sense of security, Qu Zhen set the gloves aside, pulled Shen Zhikou into her arms, kissed her cheek, and asked with a smile.

“Sister, why have you been staring at Little Snowflake’s name tag?”

Shen Zhikou remained silent.

Qu Zhen’s kiss landed on her lips: “Sister, I want to know.”

“The paper you used to write Little Snowflake’s name is the same as the one you used for my love letter,” Shen Zhikou kissed her back, then pursed her lips. “And you even drew a picture for her.”

Qu Zhen chuckled softly.

Her sister, her little kitten… how could she be so adorable? Qu Zhen wanted to boast about her to the whole world.

“It’s not the same paper, it just looks similar, but it’s really not the same kind,” Qu Zhen held her hand. “And I only drew a tiny, tiny pattern for Little Snowflake, but in the love letter I wrote for you, sister, I filled the whole page with words and drawings.”

“Next time, I’ll listen to you and only draw in the love letters I write for you, okay?”

Qu Zhen had expected her little kitten to shake her head, but instead, she nodded seriously and said, “Okay,” making Qu Zhen’s heart melt like a pool of autumn water.

“Zhenzhen.”

Shen Zhikou intertwined their fingers and confessed softly: “My possessiveness is very strong, even pathological. When we first met, you didn’t like me yet. That time you got drunk and kissed me on your own, I even thought about locking you away, keeping you intoxicated so you’d stay by my side forever, with eyes only for me.”

“Thoughts like that didn’t just occur once.”

“…But I didn’t want to see you unhappy, and I especially didn’t want to see you cry, so I tried hard to restrain and suppress myself, hiding all those thoughts away.” Shen Zhikou paused. “You played Truth or Dare with Zhou Yun and the others, and she told me what type of partner you liked. When I first started getting close to you, I molded myself into the person you’d like.”

“Because… I thought you might like Shen Zhikou, but you wouldn’t like the real Shen Yunxi. But actually-”

All her words were sealed by Qu Zhen’s lips. She kissed her, broke through her defenses, delved into her softness, and unhesitatingly tangled with her tongue, claiming everything. Shen Zhikou’s eyelashes fluttered like night-blooming cereus petals stirred by the summer night breeze. She let herself fall into the woven net with her young lover, allowing the web of desire to bind her tightly.

As the kiss showed signs of pausing, Qu Zhen continued to peck the corners of her lips, holding her in an embrace that was hard to break free from.

The two gazed at each other face to face. Shen Zhikou raised her hand to caress Qu Zhen’s cheek, while a slightly hoarse voice whispered in her ear.

“It seems like you haven’t remembered my words, sister.”

Qu Zhen continued, “I love everything about you, no matter which side it is, whether you’re Shen Zhikou or Shen Yunxi, I adore it all. It’s my fault for not doing enough, making you feel so insecure.”

Over the past few days, she had noticed this clearly. Her partner still seemed to worry that she hadn’t fully accepted her, still felt anxious that she might leave. She would often wake up startled during the night, and upon waking up without seeing her, the first thing she’d do was get out of bed to look for her.

This pained her deeply.

She stretched out both hands, voluntarily exposing her vulnerability. “How do you want to lock me up, sister? Like during my sensitive period, with handcuffs? If locking me up makes you feel more secure, then go ahead and lock me up.”

Shen Zhikou stared at her in astonishment, her shimmering eyes glinting with starlight.

Yet her obedient puppy continued, “After locking me up, you can do whatever you want to me, make me do whatever you wish. I will always stay by your side, and my eyes will only ever be on you. So… sister, will you lock me up?”

Her breath hitched for a moment. Shen Zhikou had never expected such a response. She could hardly conceal her uncontrollable desire as she asked, word by word:

“Really… is that okay?”

The obedient puppy willingly handed over the leash. “I won’t lie to you, sister.”

A faint, elusive fragrance drifted through the room, the delicate scent of lily of the valley lingering in the air. Outside the window, the heavy snow showed no signs of letting up. Shen Zhikou pressed her lips into a tight line, her thoughts swirling in turmoil as countless restrained impulses surfaced one after another.

Her gaze darkened as she stared intently at her little moon, but in the end, she still shook her head.

“…No.”

“Why?”

“I like you, I love you, and you are free.” Shen Zhikou’s voice was soft. “I love seeing you smile. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy. That’s why I used so many identities to get close to you, to play games with you, to help you fulfill the long-awaited wishes you’ve held onto, and to walk step by step on the path of your dreams.”

“Sister.”

Qu Zhen held her tightly, as if wanting to imprint her warmth deep into her soul. “Silly sister, silly little kitten.”

“The one who should feel insecure… should be me.” She kissed her jade-like ear. “You’re so outstanding, so wealthy and influential. Compared to you, I’m just too ordinary. Even if I give my all, I could never reach your heights.”

“Don’t think like that.” Shen Zhikou comforted her. “The circumstances we’re born into aren’t something we can decide for ourselves. Besides, these things have also been my shackles, they’ve bound me for twenty-eight years.”

“Everyone has their own season to bloom and their own light. Zhenzhen, you are so, so wonderful. The light you unintentionally radiate has illuminated my entire life. If one’s life must involve carefully nurturing a single flower, then I would only ever choose you, Zhenzhen.”

Even though she had studied relationship books and materials, Qu Zhen still found it hard to outdo Shen Zhikou, who had aced every test. She was utterly defenseless against a Shen Zhikou who spoke such sweet words, her heart felt as sweet as if she had tasted the richest honey.

“I would only ever choose you, sister.”

“I will work hard, strive to get into the top university, do my best to keep up with you in different fields, give you everything you want, and make sure you’re happy every day.”

She repeated, “Sister, I will definitely work hard.”

Shen Zhikou: “I look forward to the future Zhenzhen.”

“Am I not worth looking forward to now?”

“No.”

“You are!” Qu Zhen deliberately teased her. “Sister likes the 18-year-old me, looks forward to the future me, but doesn’t pay attention to the present me.”

Shen Zhikou, rarely flustered: “I don’t think that way-”

The mischievous puppy wrapped around the little kitten, the tall alpha kissing her omega. The omega opened her eyes to see the deep amusement in her gaze and only then realized her girl was joking.

And she had always been extremely indulgent, so when her girl carried her into the bathroom, pinned her down in the bathtub, and her soft tongue licked over her scent gland, she indulged her without any limits.

…

In the following week, Qu Zhen took time off to accompany Shen Zhikou abroad for her check-up. It was only then that she understood why Shen Zhikou’s business trips used to be so long in the past.

Hormonal Agitation Syndrome was too unique; the preparations and procedures for the examination were tedious and complex. Fortunately, the final results were positive, all the latest data were trending in a good direction.

Before leaving, the attending physician told them that the treatment course consisted of three stages. They had already completed the first stage, and by the end of the second stage, it would be the optimal time for a complete marking.

Qu Zhen kept this in mind and, as a result, a new idea began to take shape.

After a brief two-day trip abroad, the two returned to Haicheng and resumed their routine work. Due to heavy snowfall in Lingshan, the excavation work was temporarily suspended by the higher authorities. After completing comprehensive protective measures, the archaeological team withdrew to the research center.

Thus, from then until before the New Year, Qu Zhen worked consistently at the research center.

Even though everyone knew her secret, their attitudes toward her remained unchanged, still friendly and harmonious. Everyone focused on their own tasks, fulfilling their roles without any ulterior motives.

Qu Zhen had plenty of time, generally clocking in and out on schedule. During work, she learned many new things about archaeology. She would leave work with Shen Zhikou, exchanging kisses filled with affection on the way home.

The apartment at Xinyu Garden didn’t have a study, so they settled in Green Desert Manor. Once home, Qu Zhen would fulfill the little promises she had made, taking charge in the kitchen and preparing different dinners for Shen Zhikou every day.

Qu Zhen’s cooking skills had improved significantly. Previously just passable, after in-depth learning and practice, even the manor’s chefs praised her. This method proved effective, she discovered many dishes that genuinely piqued Shen Zhikou’s interest, not just to make her happy or by coincidence, but ones that truly delighted her palate.

Besides spending time together and trying new things, the two often stayed in that unique library. Qu Zhen diligently absorbed new knowledge, while Shen Zhikou handled work matters, occasionally joining her to read.

However, in early January, during the cold winter, something happened that surprised Qu Zhen greatly.

After the postgraduate entrance exams, Jiang Cheng and Zhou Yun got together.

It was only when Yang Shumeng called her later that Qu Zhen realized there had been signs between them for a long time. The secret Yang Shumeng had mentioned earlier was exactly this. It was Zhou Yun who had fallen for her first, and after two years of silent affection, she finally confessed to Jiang Cheng on the weekend after Jiang Cheng finished her postgraduate entrance exams.

Though surprised, Qu Zhen was genuinely happy for them and sincerely expressed her blessings.

Before returning home in mid-January, Qu Zhen informed her mothers in advance and explained Shen Zhikou’s identity. Qin Huan didn’t seem surprised at all, far calmer than Qu Han, and accepted the truth with ease. She grew even more concerned for Shen Zhikou, murmuring reminders to Qu Zhen for a long time and urging her to take good care of Shen Zhikou.

Qu Zhen sensed something unusual but didn’t press further over the phone.

The Archaeological Research Center started its New Year holiday a week early. After coordinating with Lan Yu, they decided to return to Mingqiu County on the 26th day of the lunar calendar.

On the day of their return, Lan Yu, as the elder, prepared a great many gifts, filling the entire car trunk. After staying at Green Desert Manor for nearly a week, she looked even more radiant.

It was a joyful journey back, with each of the three holding different expectations in their hearts.

On the 26th day of the lunar calendar, Qu Zhen drove the two of them from Haicheng straight toward their destination. Traffic jams were unavoidable along the way, but she always managed to bring up endless topics of conversation, keeping both of them in high spirits.

In the distance, the snowy sky merged with the earth. Amid the vast snowy landscape, there was no sun in sight, only clouds blending into the snowy whiteness.

Inside the car, soothing and melodious music flowed. After the long journey to Mingqiu County, the temperature outside had dropped even further. Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a self-built house with a courtyard. Qu Zhen helped Shen Zhikou put on her gloves and scarf before letting her step out.

Lan Yu watched their interactions with a constant smile, occasionally glancing out the window. Shen Zhikou, whom Qu Zhen had bundled up like a porcelain doll, would turn back to remind Lan Yu that it was cold outside and to wear a scarf when getting out of the car.

Touched, Lan Yu smiled and agreed.

The three of them stepped out of the car together as the silver metal gate swung open.

The five of them came face to face, and Qu Zhen, who hadn’t seen her mothers in a long time, immediately broke into a smile.