She Pretends to be A, She Pretends to be O - Chapter 3

After finishing her last class on Friday, Ning Xuechu boarded the bus home.

Her uncle’s family lived in a small town, and the two-hour journey was always bumpy and uncomfortable.

The passengers carried all sorts of luggage, filling the air with strange, pungent odors.

Ning Xuechu frowned in discomfort, closing her eyes to sleep, but the noisy chatter around her made it impossible.

With a furrowed brow, she opened her eyes and caught a glimpse of a sleek car flashing past the window.

She couldn’t help but think of An Jianqing’s luxurious private car sophisticated in appearance, incredibly comfortable to ride in, never causing the slightest bit of motion sickness.

The interior was spacious, always filled with a faint, lingering fragrance.

Just like the scent that clung to that woman, utterly intoxicating.

“If you ever need anything, you can call me anytime.” The words echoed in her ears.

Ning Xuechu’s eyes flickered as she pulled the now-warm business card from her pocket.

The gilded letters glared at her, the word “CEO” striking her heart like a hammer.

She had looked up the company name and found some information along with the accompanying gossip.

An Jianqing was an orphan, adopted by the Ning family at the age of six, thereafter living the lavish life of a wealthy heiress.

At eighteen, she presented as an S-rank Alpha.

Rumors claimed that the Ning family’s fortune would eventually fall into the hands of this adopted daughter.

But surprisingly, An Jianqing had never married not even a single romantic partner in sight.

Plenty of tabloids speculated that she was putting on an act, secretly hiding illegitimate children somewhere.

Whether it was influential media or obscure gossip rags, they all insinuated that An Jianqing had ulterior motives that she intended to seize the Ning family’s wealth for herself.

If I were the Nings’ real daughter, I would never let their fortune fall into her hands.

Ning Xuechu clenched the card tightly, crumpling it into a wrinkled mess before finally letting go.

She lowered her head, staring at it for a few seconds before expressionlessly tearing it to pieces.

She had already memorized every detail, including the phone number that could change her fate.

By the time she arrived in town, it was past midnight.

Ning Xuechu hadn’t eaten anything all morning, and now her stomach growled with hunger.

Gazing at the exquisitely decorated house before her, a trace of resentment flickered in her cold eyes.

Her adoptive parents had shared the surname Ning. When she was ten, they died in a car accident.

The substantial compensation and savings they left behind were all seized by her uncle’s family. Back then, she had been too young to resist.

Over the years, her uncle’s family had abused her, treating her like a servant, often beating and kicking her.

She hated everything about this place.

One day, she would take revenge make them taste the suffering she had endured.

Ning Xuechu stepped through the front door and placed the fruit she had bought on the table.

If she returned empty-handed, her aunt would inevitably lecture her.

“Ning Xuechu, clean the table. We’re having guests soon,” her aunt said lazily from the couch, cracking sunflower seeds while watching TV.

“Of course, Aunt,” Ning Xuechu replied softly, lowering her eyes in obedient submission.

“You’re an Omega who’ll eventually get married, what’s the point of studying so much? It’s just a waste of money. I’ve arranged a marriage for you with Old Li’s son from the next street. He’s a Beta, but he’s filial, and their family is offering a generous dowry. Marry him properly and focus on bearing a healthy child,” her aunt scolded, her face full of disdain as if bestowing some great favor.

Ning Xuechu gritted her teeth, suppressing the hatred welling up from deep within. “Aunt, I want to study. When I earn money in the future, I’ll take care of you,” she pleaded softly, her voice humble and desperate.

“Study what? This money is meant for your Alpha sister’s marriage!” her aunt snapped, rolling her eyes.

Ning Xuechu fell silent, lowering her head as she continued wiping the table.

Here, she had no say. Any resistance only earned her brutal beatings.

She had once thought of running away when she grew up.

But now, she didn’t want to leave quietly, carrying all this pain.

One day, she would crush everyone who had ever wronged her beneath her feet.

“What are you staring at? Go change into something decent, don’t embarrass us outside,” her aunt said impatiently.

“Yes, Aunt,” Ning Xuechu clenched her fists, her eyes burning with hatred yet hardening with resolve.

Rather than staying here, treated like a commodity to be married off, she might as well gamble on that absurd dream of joining a wealthy family.

Whether An Jianqing had ulterior motives or this was a carefully laid trap, she was willing to take the risk.

Ning Xuechu took out her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed the number engraved in her heart.

Staring at the digits on the screen, a storm of emotions flickered in her eyes before settling into steely determination.

Her finger tapped the call button.

At that moment, a surge of vengeful excitement rose within her.

The call was answered instantly. A familiar yet unfamiliar woman’s gentle voice came through. “Xuechu, have you made up your mind?”

“I have. I’ll go back with you,” Ning Xuechu said through gritted teeth, her gaze resolute.

“Good. Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.” The voice on the other end carried a warm, delighted laugh, as comforting as the coat she had once given her.

Ning Xuechu’s heart trembled, the last trace of hesitation vanishing.

Even if this was just a game concocted by the rich, she would play it and win.

Hanging up, she held the phone calmly, expecting to feel exhilarated. Instead, her mind was eerily still, as if she hadn’t just made a life-altering call.

After changing, she went downstairs.

She neatly arranged the sliced fruit on a plate and sat quietly at the table.

“Ning Xuechu, I’ve raised you with so much effort. Don’t you dare turn into an ungrateful wretch. When you earn money, you better take care of me, understand?” Her aunt’s face was sharp with arrogance, brimming with confidence that Xuechu would never refuse.

“I understand, Aunt,” Ning Xuechu replied meekly, her head bowed.

Her aunt smirked in satisfaction, leisurely eating the fruit.

Two hours later, the sound of a car pulled up outside.

Ning Xuechu rushed out.

Her heart lurched violently at the sight of the tall figure stepping out of the car, her blood boiling in that instant.

“Xuechu, I’ve come to take you home.” A gentle voice sounded in her ear, carrying a soothing power.

Ning Xuechu’s eyes stung, tears nearly spilling over.

Countless nights before, she had sat alone by the door, staring into the dark night, fantasizing about someone who could rescue her from this living hell of a home.

Now, that wish had come true.

“And who might you be? Do you know our Xuechu?” Her aunt rushed out, her previously arrogant expression instantly transforming into an ingratiating smile when she saw An Jianqing.

There was even a hint of fawning flattery in her manner.

“I’m Xuechu’s sister. I’m here to take her home,” An Jianqing replied with polite courtesy.

Understanding the implication, the aunt’s attitude immediately turned hostile. “Xuechu is our family’s child! I’ve raised her all these years, you can’t just take her away!” she shouted loudly.

She kept saying “our Xuechu” as if they shared some deep bond, but the underlying meaning chilled the heart.

Everyone present understood this woman wouldn’t hand her over without money.

Ning Xuechu lowered her head, casting an uncertain glance at An Jianqing, her thin face full of helplessness.

“Don’t worry. Go wait in the car first. I’ll handle everything,” An Jianqing said with a soft smile, her composed demeanor inspiring trust.

Ning Xuechu bit her lip, tears welling as she looked at her aunt. “Auntie! I want to study, not get married.”

“Ning Xuechu! If you dare leave with this woman today, I’ll break your legs!” The aunt’s eyes flashed with malice as she spat out the threat.

“Auntie!” Fear gripped Ning Xuechu, and she instinctively shrank back, trying to make herself smaller.

“Xuechu, I’m here. Don’t be afraid.” That gentle voice brushed her ear again, and a pair of soft hands settled on her trembling shoulders.

Ning Xuechu looked up, her frightened gaze meeting a beautiful, cool face.

Startled, she immediately lowered her head again, not daring to make a sound.

Seeing Ning Xuechu’s fear, An Jianqing’s eyes turned cold. She gave a subtle signal to the bodyguards.

They immediately shielded Ning Xuechu and escorted her to the car.

The aunt screamed curses behind them, trying to chase after Ning Xuechu with a broom as she’d done before, but was blocked.

Once in the car, the fear in Ning Xuechu’s eyes gradually gave way to something colder.

She tilted her head slightly, watching the woman who had always beaten and berated her now shrieking like a harridan, reduced to sitting on the ground wailing when faced with the strong bodyguards. A thrill of satisfaction rose in her heart.

Ning Xuechu’s lips curled in quiet delight, all traces of timidity and helplessness vanishing from her face. Only a dark, hateful glint remained in her pitch-black pupils.

After enduring for so many years, someone had finally helped her get revenge.

She wanted to laugh wildly, unrestrained but she knew she couldn’t.

In front of someone as outstanding as An Jianqing, an elite Alpha, she had to be on her best behavior, careful not to reveal even the slightest hint of anything amiss.

Otherwise, if An Jianqing decided to deal with her, it would take just one word.

And she would have no power to resist at all.

In less than ten minutes, An Jianqing had settled matters with the aunt.

Hearing the commotion outside fade, Ning Xuechu immediately straightened her posture, placing her hands properly on her knees, head bowed as she stared at her toes.

“Xuechu, it’s all settled. From today onward, I’ll protect you. No one will ever hurt you again.” An Jianqing opened the car door, making this solemn promise.

Her eyes were earnest, shining like stars.

Ning Xuechu’s expression trembled as if she couldn’t believe it, crystalline tears welling up uncontrollably. Her lips parted, but words choked in her throat.

“Xuechu, I know you’ve suffered all these years. From now on, you’ll be the young lady of the Ning family, no one will ever wrong you again.” An Jianqing’s heart softened as she reached out and embraced the weeping girl.

Suddenly enveloped in a warm embrace, surrounded by the comforting scent of an Alpha,

a faint, soothing fragrance drifted into her senses. Ning Xuechu’s pupils constricted, her body stiffening for a fleeting moment.

But soon, she relaxed, allowing herself to be held as she whispered tearfully, “Will you, really protect me forever?”

Her timid voice carried a heartbreaking helplessness and vulnerability.

An Jianqing’s expression softened further, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she nodded with quiet solemnity. “Xuechu, you’re my sister. I will always protect you.”

A trusting smile bloomed across Ning Xuechu’s tear-streaked face.

She had fooled this woman.

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