Pretending to Be a Submissive O: My Fiancee Is a Little Pup - Chapter 22

6:00 PM, Geek Cafe, right across from the hotel.

Usually a high-traffic spot, the cafe now displayed a “Closed” sign. Only two beautiful women sat near the entrance, the atmosphere quiet and leisurely, forming a sharp contrast to the noisy world outside the window.

A faint aroma of roasted beans lingered in the air. On the table sat two cups of coffee, one still steaming, the other already growing cold.

Song Qingxue wore a black strapless maxi dress. Seated on a white chair, she gently nibbled on her straw while sipping the remainder of her coffee. The slightly childish gesture actually added a touch of unique charm to her.

Joquina, sitting opposite her, was a complete contrast.

Joquina wore black sunglasses, her blonde hair tucked entirely under a hat. Even so, it didn’t detract from her extraordinary, ethereal beauty.

“Come to think of it… we haven’t seen each other in a while,” Song Qingxue toyed with her straw, her voice devoid of emotion. “How have you been lately?”

“Do you actually care, or do you just feel like you should ask?” Joquina’s tone was complex, carrying a hint of bitter self-mockery rather than joy.

Song Qingxue’s movements gradually slowed.

She lifted her sultry, fox-like eyes to look at Joquina and asked unhurriedly, “What do you think?”

Those three casual words landed on Joquina’s heart like a heavy stone sinking into a lake. She felt an inexplicable sense of oppression, and the light in her eyes dimmed further.

“After all, we’re in the same boat. Shouldn’t I be concerned?”

The word “concerned,” which should have been full of warmth, sounded exceptionally cold coming from Song Qingxue’s mouth, as if the speaker were a soulless machine.

Joquina replayed those words in her mind, feeling that the chilly autumn wind was nothing compared to Song Qingxue’s heartless indifference.

It was true.

From the very beginning, they were purely partners in a business arrangement.

Song Qingxue helped her become famous, and she helped Song Qingxue establish a company. On the surface, they maintained a clear distance, but in reality, it was so the Song family wouldn’t suspect her company if things ever went south for them.

To the world, it was a transaction. To outsiders, Song Qingxue was her rumored lover. To Song Qingxue, she was a business partner.

And to herself…

She had miscalculated her own heart.

Song Qingxue was still Song Qingxue, as composed and calculated as the day they met, never letting anyone sway her from her goals.

It was Joquina who had crossed the line, which was why she felt dissatisfied and resentful.

A faint sense of self-mockery rose in Joquina’s chest.

Anyone who uses emotions as a bargaining chip eventually pays the price. In this gamble against herself, she had ultimately lost.

But even so, there was no turning back.

She reigned in her emotions and looked at Song Qingxue. “Tell me, how do you want me to help?”

Song Qingxue’s fingers rubbed the straw, her cynical gaze making it seem as though this were just an entertaining game. “Song Weishuang handed the technical hurdles of ‘Dream Quest’ to Ji Yahan’s team. When that technology falls into Song Weishuang’s hands, she will definitely use it for other projects. However, Ji Yahan isn’t going to hand over her team’s core technology for free just to benefit Song Weishuang. If we can tamper with the technology Ji Yahan delivers, I believe the trust between the Ji Group and the Song Group will collapse instantly.”

Joquina frowned slightly. “Tampering with core technology… that won’t be easy.”

Two years ago, she and Song Qingxue leaked rumors of their falling out. Simultaneously, Joquina established a company called Norfee Tech abroad and began helping Song Qingxue connect with major domestic corporations, including the Song and Ji families.

Back then, most of the Song Group’s industries were mature, with stable partnerships among established manufacturers. It wasn’t easy for outsiders to intervene. After Song Weishuang took over, she wanted to develop emerging industries but struggled with technical bottlenecks. She was desperate to recruit talent and find suitable partners.

Song Qingxue exploited Song Weishuang’s impatience. She helped a foreign company deliver a project to Song Weishuang that looked mature but was riddled with hidden flaws. It took Song Weishuang three months to realize the project was a mess and couldn’t be used directly. Unfortunately, the initial investment was too high and other partners were applying pressure, so she had no choice but to push forward.

The Ji Group had been supporting the new energy industry for years. Song Weishuang wanted to collaborate to get her hands on Ji’s core technology, but she lacked an opening. So, using another project as bait, she pushed Song Qingxue into an arranged marriage with the Ji family.

If the marriage succeeded, the Song family could legitimately ask for the Ji Group’s help as relatives. If it failed, Song Weishuang could take the moral high ground and pressure Ji Yahan’s team to solve the technical problems for the Song Group.

Unfortunately, Song Qingxue was not a toy to be manipulated.

Song Weishuang used Song Qingxue to achieve her goals, unaware that Song Qingxue had already set her sights on both her and the Ji family.

Song Qingxue’s proximity to Ji Yaran wasn’t because of some “fiancée” title. The Song family had always been on guard against her, so her only option was to get close to Ji Yahan’s sister to extract more information regarding the Song Group.

“Norfee Tech is now Ji Yahan’s most trusted partner. At least, we can decide what happens to the portion of core technology we provide.”

“I… will do my best to find a way.”

“Then, I look forward to it.”

Since the news of Xue Yan harassing Tang Rui broke online, the production crew had quickly replaced him. With the shooting schedule tight, Ji Yaran had been spending all her time on set to catch up.

As Xue Yan’s rumored lover, Xiao Rongrong had been pushed into the spotlight of the scandal several times. She was forced to cut ties with him and became much more subdued on set, even softening her attitude toward Ji Yaran.

Fortunately, filming went smoothly. The entire crew accelerated their pace, and they didn’t miss the scheduled premiere of the first episode.

In the drama Embrace When the Snow Falls, the biggest star was naturally Tang Rui. However, the one who truly refreshed everyone’s expectations was undoubtedly Ji Yaran.

Since her debut, Ji Yaran had been plagued by scandals. She had played the lead in many dramas, but none received a good response, and she was often labeled a “screen siren” due to her poor acting. Unexpectedly, her performance as the second female lead and antagonist received widespread praise. Her scenes with Tang Rui were hailed by viewers as a “clash of the titans,” even sparking a “shipping” craze that overshadowed the other actors.

“Ji Yaran and Tang Rui are such a good match! Two beauties, such eye candy.”

“Choosing the right role really is important.”

“Ever since Ji Yaran left Yu Shi, her acting has skyrocketed. Does Yu Shi just not know how to cast? Why did they always give her roles that didn’t fit?”

“Our Yaran is beautiful and talented, deal with it.”

“Anyone with eyes can see Ji Yaran acts better than Xiao Rongrong, right? Only Tang Rui can keep up with her.”

Discussions about Ji Yaran trended overnight. Most viewers were stunned by her nuanced performance. Although some marketing accounts tried to claim she acted well only because she was playing her “true, villainous self,” they were quickly shut down by angry fans.

With the positive premiere, Ji Yaran managed to reclaim her reputation through her layered acting. Within three days of the broadcast, her follower count doubled. Her fan community, which had been nearly deserted, was suddenly flooded with new fans, shocking the few old-timers.

After just one episode, other production teams were already contacting Star Media to invite Ji Yaran to join their projects.

“I just wanted to let you know, the background check for Song Qingxue to be your manager is complete. There are no issues.”

“CEO Su, you mean the company agreed?”

“Yes. Some producers will be contacting her in the next couple of days, so you can reach out to her directly. I imagine she’s already received the news.”

“Thank you, CEO Su.”

“You’re welcome.”

After hanging up, Ji Yaran pulled over to the side of the road and called Song Qingxue, who was supposed to be resting at the hotel.

Song Qingxue had taken the day off because she wasn’t feeling well. Since Ji Yaran finished early today, she thought about buying her a hot drink.

The phone rang a few times before Song Qingxue’s voice came through.

“Sister, what’s wrong?”

Perhaps the signal was poor, as Song Qingxue’s voice sounded a bit muffled, and there seemed to be some background noise.

“We’re done for the day. I’m heading back to the hotel soon. How are you feeling? Do you want me to bring you a hot drink?”

“No need, Sister, I’m feeling much better.”

“Okay then, I’ll buy dinner and then…”

Before Ji Yaran could finish, she spotted a familiar figure in the cafe across the street.

She froze.

Right now, Song Qingxue was sitting by the entrance of the cafe, chatting intimately with another woman.

The woman sitting opposite her had a devilish body and an angelic face. She wore a tight, waist-baring dress and gold stilettos that most celebrities couldn’t pull off. Her skin was snow-white, her legs long, and her beauty was breathtaking.

Anyone in the industry would recognize that face.

International supermodel, Joquina.

The muse Song Qingxue had built from the ground up, and her former rumored lover.

At that moment, only one thought filled Ji Yaran’s mind.

Song Qingxue isn’t at the hotel… why did she lie?

When Ji Yaran didn’t speak for a long time, Song Qingxue asked in confusion, “Sister? Are you still there?”

Ji Yaran snapped back to reality, her grip on the phone tightening instinctively.

“I’m… here. I’ll be back soon. Wait for me at the hotel.”

“Okay, be careful on the road, Sister,” Song Qingxue agreed with a smile.

After hanging up, Ji Yaran slowly lowered her phone. She didn’t leave. She stared at the cafe across the street and began walking toward it until she stopped at the door.

The glass door reflected a figure she knew well, but the expression on that face was utterly foreign.

Gone was the daintiness and timidity she usually saw. The woman inside was mature, sexy, alluring, and completely in control.

Three minutes later, Song Qingxue stood up, tossed her coffee cup into the trash, and left the cafe.

The moment she pushed the door open, her eyes unexpectedly met Ji Yaran’s.

She froze, her voice turning slightly low and raspy. “Sister…”