Seduced Me into a Deep Fall - Chapter 36.2

But the beads, symbolizing renunciation of worldly life, hanging around her neck in wedding photos—it felt almost blasphemous.

“Why not?” Song Yi took Ling Xi’s hand and placed it on the beads.

“This is… proof of breaking vows.” These beads had witnessed her years of restraint and waiting, finally bearing fruit.

Ling Xi thought of certain things.

Her mental state hadn’t been great these past two days.

Looking back now, when she’d clung to Song Yi last night, begging for hugs and affection—had Song Yi been thinking about that too?

After all, Song Yi had seemed somewhat uncomfortable, resisting her advances yet not rejecting them.

Tonight was their wedding night, surely they’d have to do it at least once?

And then there was her aborted attempt from two days ago.

“Let’s go, sweetheart. We’ll eat in the car. Get there early to avoid the crowds. It’s an auspicious day—lots of couples will be registering today.”

Seeing Ling Xi’s expression, Song Yi could vaguely guess what she was thinking and found it amusing.

It seemed her slow, oblivious beloved had finally realized how excessive her behavior had been last night.

Tonight was their wedding night—time to collect what was owed.

“Any news about Mu Jie?” With hot food in her belly, Ling Xi finally seemed to come back to life, even mustering the energy to ask Song Yi about it.

Song Yi shook her head. Later, when Yun Fengzhi called, she didn’t dare let Ling Xi listen in.

And there really wasn’t any good news.

“They analyzed the drugs Mu Jie used. The pheromones matched perfectly with an S-rank omega who disappeared years ago. The lab concluded the drug was a replica. That’s why it caused slight rank degradation and unstable ratings—at its lowest, barely A-rank mid-tier.”

“How Mu Jie escaped, Yun Fengzhi was vague about. Probably used some drug too. They’re now searching thoroughly for moles within the team.”

“So she really has people inside the police too.” That’s why in her past life, even with Tan Nijun’s help, she couldn’t escape Mu Jie’s notice.

“Hmm? Do you know something?” Song Yi even lowered the partition between the front and back seats.

“If it’s not something you can tell Yun Fengzhi, you can tell me privately.”

Ling Xi stuffed a steamed dumpling into her mouth. “Just speculation. No evidence.”

“Even guesses would do.” Song Yi reluctantly finished the dumplings.

“After all, none of us are really close to her.”

“I didn’t want to be this close either,” Ling Xi said with a hint of helplessness.

“If Mu Xie didn’t have pheromones,  could she have injected herself with them? That Gamma serum—she never used it on me, but she did use it on herself.”

“Also, they probably have people planted not just in Tan Nijing’s team. There must be moles in other provinces and transportation departments too.”

“The police force is thoroughly corrupted,” Song Yi mused over Ling Xi’s information without a trace of doubt.

“It shouldn’t make sense. Even though the selection criteria focus on physical and mental fitness, those born without pheromones—’natural defects’—are inherently inferior to normal people in every physical aspect. How could Mu Xie have so many insiders?”

These so-called “natural defects” were pitiable. Apart from their inability to secrete pheromones, they weren’t actually disabled in any way.

Yet their weaker physical constitution justified the label “defect”—though it wasn’t chronic frailty, just slightly reduced strength and agility.

In everyday life, they were no different from ordinary people unless engaged in competitive sports.

Regardless, they shouldn’t have targeted innocent civilians.

“Maybe some of this has nothing to do with the ‘natural defects,'” Ling Xi pondered the same question.

She had no idea what Mu Xie had done after her death in the previous life.

If she had known, she would have realized Mu Xie’s network was preparation for seizing the Song family.

Song Yi understood. “You mean the Song family.”

“I’m just speculating,” Ling Xi quickly backtracked.

Song Yi shook her head. “Remember when you asked why I targeted Mu Xie? I could strike so precisely because I’d long suspected her of plotting to seize power. I worked hard for my position as family head—I wasn’t about to let her take it.”

“I see.”

“I should inform Yun Fengzhi about this. The family succession struggle is my concern. Their priority should be investigating the ‘natural defect’ organization.”

As she spoke, Song Yi took out her phone and sent a message.

At the civil affairs bureau, the day proved auspicious—several couples were already waiting in line for the doors to open.

Song Yi had the driver hold their spot while she held Ling Xi close, chatting softly.

“Come meet an elder with me in a couple of days.”

Ling Xi tensed. “Are we meeting the parents already?”

Song Yi chuckled. “Not exactly. She’s progressive—more like a friend. That’s why I’m introducing you. As for those other tedious relatives, I avoid them myself and won’t let them bother you.”

“Then…”

“We’ll just show them the marriage certificate as notification.” Song Yi’s tone brimmed with pride.

Truly the family’s center of power. Ling Xi gazed at her, starry-eyed.

“For the wedding, they can attend if they want—or not.” Song Yi especially meant her senile grandmother, who, guilt-ridden over mistreating Mu Xie’s mother, had doted on Mu Xie regardless of questionable blood ties.

After expelling Mu Xie, Song Yi had ignored the old woman for a month. Now with the marriage certificate, she’d have to notify her.

It suddenly struck Ling Xi—she hadn’t told her sister about the marriage.

Or her hospitalized mother. Last visit, she’d forgotten to mention it.

Even for a contractual marriage, she should have informed her family first.

Ling Xi bit her lip, feeling somewhat conflicted. She could only act first and explain later—she’d tell her sister tomorrow when they visited their mother at the hospital together.

After the civil affairs bureau opened, the two waited half an hour before it was finally their turn.

“Look at the camera. Alpha girl, tilt slightly to the side—yes, perfect. One, two, three—”

The staff member taking their marriage photos couldn’t stop praising their looks and demeanor.

With the official stamps pressed, their marriage certificates were handed to them.

Ling Xi stepped outside holding her copy, still feeling dazed.

In this life, she’d gotten married again on the very day she turned twenty-two.

But this time, she wasn’t forced by Mu Xie. There was no impatient staff member yelling five times for her to smile, leaving her trembling in fear while Mu Xie angrily left red marks around her wrist from gripping too hard.

This time, she’d willingly obtained this certificate with someone she liked—someone who had helped her.

Sitting back in the car, Ling Xi couldn’t resist taking a photo of the marriage certificate.

“Posting it on social media?” Song Yi propped her chin on her hand, watching Ling Xi’s actions with amusement.

Ling Xi shook her head vehemently.

Then she frowned. “Wait, there’s no way I could hide this from Yuyang Qingmo and the others anyway. Might as well post it.”

Song Yi handed over her own certificate. “This is how you should take the photo.”

“Send it to me after. I’m posting it too.”

“Why don’t you take your own?” Ling Xi said, even as her hands moved obediently.

“I’m lazy.” Song Yi’s fingertips brushed against the marriage certificate. “Besides, isn’t that what you’re here for?”

She took back the certificate and tapped it against Ling Xi’s cheek. “My sweetheart.”

Ling Xi was completely flustered by her actions.

Tonight, she would definitely have to test Song Yi.

After deliberating over the photo for a long time, Ling Xi finally decided to cover Song Yi’s face with a sticker.

Coincidentally, Song Yi was also editing the photo to obscure Ling Xi’s face.

When they saw each other’s posts on social media, both secretly delighted.

—She really does care about me. I must test her properly tonight.

“I’ll be back by noon. How about I celebrate your birthday with you this afternoon?” Song Yi suggested as she drove Ling Xi home.

“You still want to celebrate?” She’d already received Song Yi’s gift.

She hadn’t opened it yet, but Ling Xi thought that was enough.

“At the very least, we should have cake and noodles, right? Your family isn’t here, and your friends already celebrated with you days ago. That leaves only me, doesn’t it?” Song Yi winked at Ling Xi.

“I’m not too busy today. Don’t you want me to celebrate with you?”

“I do.” Ling Xi grabbed Song Yi’s hand. “I just don’t want to trouble you.”

“I’ve told you before—you could never be trouble.”

Ling Xi’s heart swelled with sweetness.

“See you at noon, sweetheart.” Song Yi waved goodbye.

Ling Xi returned to her room alone.

She opened Song Yi’s birthday gift.

It was a pearl necklace.

Just from its luster, she could tell it was incredibly valuable.

Really… giving such an expensive gift when she couldn’t possibly reciprocate.

And how did Song Yi know she preferred pearls over colored gems or crystals?

Had she noticed the pearls Ling Xi often used in her painting livestreams?

Only after putting on the necklace did Ling Xi notice the small card tucked beneath it.

The card was tiny, bearing just one line:

—Happy 22nd Birthday, Ling Xi!

Seeing this simple wish made her happier than the necklace itself.

Her fingers traced over the characters “Ling Xi,” as if she could hear Song Yi whispering “little darling” in her ear.

When Song Yi’s birthday came around, she would also write her a card. As for the gift, as long as Song Yi’s birthday wasn’t next month, she could probably save up enough to get her something really nice.

Ling Xi carefully placed the card into her newly bought wallet and tucked it away safely.

Then she took a selfie in the mirror and sent it to Song Yi.

Attached was a puppy sticker with the words “Thank you.”

When Song Yi received the photo, she saved it immediately. [It really suits you.]

But in her mind, she was already thinking about how to break that necklace tonight.

She hadn’t given the necklace just because she’d once heard Ling Xi liked pearls.

Inspired by Buddhist prayer beads, she wanted to use it for something a little different.

At noon, Song Yi returned home.

The cook had already prepared the longevity noodles and lunch.

The birthday cake Song Yi had bought was thawed and placed on the dining table.

But Ling Xi wasn’t in the living room.

Puzzled, Song Yi called for the butler, Zhao.

“Congratulations, Miss,” Zhao said, not yet having had the chance to congratulate Song Yi on the successful marriage registration.

Song Yi waved her hand dismissively. “It was all part of the plan. Has she left her room?”

“No. Perhaps Madam is taking a nap?” Now that Ling Xi and Song Yi were married, the title had to be adjusted accordingly.

Hearing the word “Madam,” Song Yi felt an indescribable satisfaction.

“You may all leave. I’ll go upstairs and check.”

Ling Xi’s door wasn’t locked. Song Yi knocked lightly before entering.

She found Ling Xi slumped over the desk, fast asleep.

Song Yi sighed inwardly.

After the incident with Mu Xie came to light, Ling Xi had taken several days off.

Had she been this unsettled all along, even when Song Yi wasn’t paying attention, leading to her exhaustion?

Moving quietly, Song Yi approached Ling Xi, intending to carry her to bed.

The moment she touched her, Ling Xi’s eyes fluttered open.

“Song-jie…” Ling Xi murmured sleepily, her arms immediately looping around Song Yi’s neck.

“You haven’t been resting well these past few days, have you?” Song Yi lifted her, her heart aching.

“A little, but it’s nothing serious.” Ling Xi squirmed, trying to get down and walk on her own.

“I was watching some tutorial videos earlier. I must’ve dozed off out of boredom.”

“And then you came back.”

“Yes, it’s already noon. Let’s go have cake.” Only then did Song Yi notice Ling Xi had changed into a sleep dress.

But she was still wearing the gift Song Yi had given her.

Unable to resist, Song Yi traced a finger along her collarbone.

Ling Xi tilted her neck, showing off the necklace. “Does it look good?”

“Of course. My taste is impeccable.”

Ling Xi giggled.

“Song-jie, when’s your birthday? I want to prepare a gift for you too.”

“It’s still a while away. January 15th.”

Two months from now. Even half-asleep, Ling Xi committed the date to memory.

Ling Xi was surprised to find that the cake Song Yi had prepared was her favorite flavor.

Chestnut, layered with crushed nuts—an unusual mille-feuille.

There was no way Song Yi hadn’t put thought into this.

Most birthday cakes were simple sponge or cream cakes. Who would go for mille-feuille?

But how had Song Yi known?

Asked her friends?

Even her three closest friends wouldn’t have gotten her a mille-feuille cake for her birthday.

They always thought it wasn’t formal enough.

Like this year, when Tan Nijun had bought her an elaborate two-tiered cake just a couple of days ago.

That night, the four of them finished the first layer.

Ling Xi later saw their group chat—the entire remaining layer had ended up in Jiang Yuyang and He Qingmo’s stomachs.

Tan Nijun even complained that they’d wasted money buying such a large one. If Ling Xi hadn’t left in such a hurry, they would have split half for her to take home.

He Qingmo teased that Ling Xi was now a married woman, and her wife was anxious to see her, insisting on taking her away so early in the morning.

Ling Xi neither confirmed nor denied their claims.

She had work at eight anyway, so Song Yi picking her up at that time was perfectly reasonable.

Though she really wished Song Yi had rushed over because she missed her too much.

“How did you know I liked this?” Ling Xi happily stuck the candles in, eager to cut the cake.

“Guess?” Song Yi smirked.

How could she not know?

Someone had brought her chestnut-flavored mille-feuille every day during summer break until she got sick of it, only to turn and see this girl still happily munching away.

“Why the secrecy?” Ling Xi pouted.

“Not telling you.” Song Yi lit the candles.

Come to think of it, she and Ling Xi had once promised to celebrate their birthdays together.

She never imagined they’d actually get the chance.

This was their first birthday together.

There would be a second, a third…

After singing “Happy Birthday,” Ling Xi closed her eyes.

She thought of her sister, her mother, and her other mother.

Finally, she thought of Song Yi.

She wished Song Yi would like her.

Ling Xi made a very long wish.

She blew out the candles, snatched the knife and fork from Song Yi, and started cutting.

Song Yi sighed but let her have her fun.

Until something cold smeared across her cheek.

Song Yi turned to see Ling Xi sneakily pretending to eat, head bowed.

She touched her face cream.

Song Yi’s breath hitched.

The sweet scent tickled Ling Xi’s nose.

Her heart trembled in response.

Unable to resist, she pulled Song Yi closer, deepening the kiss.

Little by little, she poured herself into her.

They were married now. The certificate was signed this morning.

Their agreement was still in effect.

Would it really be so wrong to indulge a little?

So Ling Xi cupped Song Yi’s face, tilting it down slightly.

She nibbled her lips, licking away the traces of cream.

“Jiejie…” Ling Xi murmured between kisses, clinging even as Song Yi gasped for air.

“Want to… do something?” Song Yi’s breath was warm, her body already heating up.

“We have the whole afternoon free.” Song Yi started to say more.

Ling Xi lowered her gaze, pressing a finger to her lips. “If you want to too.”

She pushed Song Yi back into the chair.

Then came fiercer kisses, like a sudden downpour, leaving no inch of Song Yi untouched.

Song Yi’s fingers trembled, clutching Ling Xi’s skirt, crumpling the fabric.

Ling Xi kissed until they both returned to their most natural state.

“I’ll go wash my hands.” Ling Xi’s voice still shook.

“Mm.” Song Yi barely managed to sit up.

How should she ask if Ling Xi liked her?

Slumped in the chair, her thoughts were a mess.

She really wanted to just ask outright, riding this spark between them.

When Ling Xi returned, Song Yi noticed what looked like a liquor bottle in her hand.

She didn’t understand what Ling Xi intended until Ling Xi took a deep swig herself, then sealed their lips together.

Slowly, deliberately, she passed every drop into Song Yi’s mouth.