She Pretends to be A, She Pretends to be O - Chapter 8

Time flew by, and before she knew it, Ning Xuechu had already lived with the Ning family for over half a month.

She had almost completely adapted to her current life and gradually figured out An Jianqing’s “bottom line.”

As long as she didn’t say anything similar to what she had said last time, An Jianqing would be utterly accommodating a perfect, considerate elder sister.

But the moment she crossed that line, An Jianqing would reveal the ruthlessness hidden beneath her gentleness.

Back at her uncle’s house, she had already witnessed An Jianqing’s cold, domineering side.

These past days, having grown accustomed to this person’s warmth and care, she had subconsciously assumed she was the exception that An Jianqing would never be cold toward her.

But in the end, she was wrong.

Within wealthy families, how could there ever be genuine affection?

Ning Xuechu twirled a pen in her hand, gazing at the darkening sky outside the window, her mind far from the lecture.

When the last class ended, excited exclamations suddenly erupted from outside. “It’s snowing, the first snow of the year!”

With that announcement, footsteps echoed through the hallway.

Soon, more and more voices joined in, cheering, “It’s snowing…”

Those three words spread like sparks of joy, stirring something in people’s hearts.

Before long, the hallway was packed with students chatting in small groups, their faces lit with happiness.

Some reached out to catch the falling snowflakes, watching them melt in their palms, while others exhaled lightly, letting the snow dance in the air.

Ning Xuechu slung her backpack over her shoulder and watched silently for a few seconds before descending the stairs with an indifferent expression.

She didn’t like snow.

Every time it snowed, she had to endure the bitter cold, shoveling and sweeping away the snow little by little.

Even if her fingers turned red from the cold, she had to clear it all otherwise, she’d face beatings and hunger.

Some said snowflakes landing on one’s head were romantic, but all she saw was endless chill.

As she walked, the sound of cheerful laughter surrounded her.

She glanced up and saw that the snow had already dusted many people’s hair, even their brows.

Yet they didn’t seem to mind at all, their flushed cheeks glowing with excitement.

Ning Xuechu paused, staring at the falling snow.

After a long moment, she reached out and caught a snowflake, then clenched her fist tightly.

A faint dampness spread across her palm, cold and biting. Frowning, she opened her hand and watched the transparent droplet fall with detached indifference.

Wiping her hand, she continued forward expressionlessly until her gaze landed beneath a tree, and she stopped in her tracks.

The thick plane tree stood bare, its twisting branches clearly outlined against the sky, unable to shield against the falling snow.

Beneath it stood a tall figure, a red coat cinched at the waist, exuding a touch of solitary pride amidst the swirling snow.

She tilted her head slightly, one hand outstretched to catch the drifting snowflakes.

The icy wind tousled her hair, but she seemed oblivious, her lips curving into a gentle smile.

The romance of snowflakes landing on one’s head seemed perfectly embodied in this figure clad in red.

Ning Xuechu’s heart skipped a beat, a flicker of awe flashing through her cold eyes.

She quickened her pace, her cheeks flushed as she put on an obedient smile and adjusted her backpack.

“Elder sister, you didn’t have to come pick me up in such cold weather,” she said brightly.

“It’s fine. I happened to be free today,” An Jianqing replied, turning her head with a soft smile before flipping her wrist to let the snowflake fall.

Ning Xuechu’s gaze involuntarily followed the snowflake, watching as that wisp of white disappeared into the dust, stirring a silent sorrow in her heart.

Perhaps one day, she too would be mercilessly discarded, just like this snowflake.

“Xuechu, what’s wrong? Something on your mind?” An Jianqing chuckled softly, her voice low.

Ning Xuechu quickly shook her head, her face adopting an innocent expression as she asked curiously, “Sister, do you like snow?”

“I do. If I could walk in the snow with someone I love, even if it’s just for a fleeting moment, it would be a kind of happiness.” An Jianqing tilted her head back, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips, her eyes filled with longing as she gazed at the sky.

Ning Xuechu froze, a dull ache rising in her chest.

From those cool, composed eyes, she could clearly see the yearning and attachment for love.

The words “someone I love” felt like a thorn, pricking her heart with pain.

“Sister, do you have an Omega you like?” Ning Xuechu suppressed the bitterness welling up inside her, her voice cautious as she asked.

An Jianqing shook her head, the melancholy in her eyes vanishing as she smiled and said, “Let’s go. Dinner should be ready soon.”

With that, she turned and walked toward the car.

Her slender, upright figure, framed by the swirling snowflakes, seemed like an unattainable dream just out of reach.

Ning Xuechu’s eyes flickered. Brushing away the snowflakes clinging to her lashes, she strode forward to catch up.

When they walked side by side, she slowed her pace, a cheerful smile on her face. “Sister, if you ever meet an Omega you like, you have to tell me, okay? I’ll sincerely wish you both happiness.”

An Jianqing’s bright eyes dimmed for a moment at her words. After a brief silence, she shook her head. “I won’t ever like any Omega.”

Her voice, low yet resolute, carried an endless weight of resignation amidst the flurry of snow.

Ning Xuechu frowned, the discomfort in her heart growing stronger.

She got into the car, stealing a glance at the woman beside her before murmuring, “Sister.”

Hearing the earnest call, An Jianqing turned her head, her clear eyes reflecting the figure drawing closer.

The atmosphere in the car inexplicably grew charged.

An Jianqing’s heartbeat quickened, her body stiffening. Just as she was about to stop the other from getting any nearer, Ning Xuechu spoke first.

“Sister, there’s a snowflake in your hair.” Ning Xuechu reached up, her pale fingertips catching a perfectly shaped snowflake.

She pinched it lightly, and the snow melted into water.

“Thank you. I didn’t even notice.” An Jianqing smiled gently, starting the car as her tense posture relaxed.

Ning Xuechu lowered her head, watching the droplet slowly trickle down her finger. A faint smile curved her lips before she suddenly said, “Sister, you smell so nice. I bet a lot of Omegas would love your pheromones.”

At that, An Jianqing’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. She let out an awkward laugh but didn’t respond.

Confusion flickered in Ning Xuechu’s eyes. She tilted her head, her fair face showing a hint of nervousness as she whispered, “Sister, I’m sorry. I said something I shouldn’t have.”

“It’s fine,” An Jianqing replied softly, her gaze fixed ahead.

Ning Xuechu’s bewilderment deepened.

An Alpha’s pheromones naturally attracted Omegas especially someone like An Jianqing, an S-rank Alpha whose scent alone was a mark of pride.

Other Alphas would intentionally or unintentionally release pheromones in front of Omegas to attract them.

But An Jianqing had never released even a trace of pheromones in front of her.

Perhaps an S-rank Alpha like her simply disdained an ordinary Omega like Ning Xuechu.

Ning Xuechu’s mood instantly soured.

If she wanted An Jianqing to take an interest in her, she would have to create more opportunities.

Dinner was already prepared, sumptuous and delicious.

Yet Ning Xuechu had no appetite. She ate a little before returning to her room to wash up.

Noticing her low spirits, An Jianqing hesitated, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately refrained from offering comfort.

Outside the window, the snow fell heavier, blanketing the ground in white.

After her bath, Ning Xuechu stood on the balcony in her pajamas.

A cold gust of wind swept past, making her shiver uncontrollably, goosebumps rising all over her skin.

“Xuechu, don’t stand on the balcony. You’ll catch a cold,” came a concerned voice from the adjacent window.

“Okay, sis.” Ning Xuechu rubbed her hands together, flashing an adorable smile before obediently retreating to her room.

Sitting on the bed in thought for a while, her gaze drifted back to the window.

With this much snow, she could probably make a mini snowman.

She pulled on a sweater, slipped into her cotton slippers, and stepped outside.

The snow continued to fall in flurries, as if it would never tire.

Kneeling on the ground, Ning Xuechu blew warm air into her palms.

She scooped up a handful of snow, shaping it into a ball before gradually adding more layers.

She repeated the process until the snowball in her hands was larger than her fist.

Within five minutes, her palms were numb with cold. She shook her hands, blowing warm breath onto them to chase away the biting chill.

But it didn’t help much.

Gritting her teeth, Ning Xuechu lowered her eyes with determination and began shaping another ball.

The upper part of the snowman was smaller, so she worked faster.

Soon, both snowballs were ready. She stacked them together, forming the snowman’s rough shape.

“Xuechu, it’s freezing out here. What are you doing?” A gentle voice carried over the icy wind from behind her.

Startled, Ning Xuechu quickly hid the snowman against her chest and stood up, nervously lowering her head, avoiding eye contact.

An Jianqing glanced at the ground, noticing the once-smooth snow now pockmarked with indentations.

Understanding dawned on her, and she chuckled softly. “Xuechu, if you like snowmen, I can ask Aunt Lian to make one for you. It’s late, and you’re only wearing a thin sweater. You’ll get sick.”

As she spoke, she draped her coat over Ning Xuechu’s shoulders, adjusting the sleeves before adding, “Don’t be so playful next time.”

Warmth and a pleasant fragrance enveloped Ning Xuechu. She blinked, then boldly lifted her head, carefully presenting the snowman in her arms.

“Sis, this is for you. I haven’t made the nose or eyes yet, but I hope you like it.”

Her words came out haltingly, each syllable exhaled into the cold air, yet they carried an inexplicable warmth.

An Jianqing froze in surprise, her gaze softening as she studied the girl’s flushed face.

After a moment’s pause, she smiled softly and reached out to accept it, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Thank you, Xuechu. I really like it. But next time, don’t push yourself like this. If you get sick, your sister will worry.”

“My health is fine, I won’t get sick. Achoo!” Ning Xuechu stood up happily, as if receiving immense affirmation, but before she could finish her sentence, she sneezed.

“Come inside quickly,” An Jianqing urged, holding the snowman in one hand and grasping Ning Xuechu’s hand with the other.

Ning Xuechu immediately felt a warm, soft sensation in her palm. Her eyes flickered with surprise, and she had the sudden urge to grip it tightly.

But in the end, she restrained herself and let the other lead her.

The snow continued to fall without pause, settling on the eaves, the branches, and upon them both.

Ning Xuechu gazed at the person in front of her, whose dark hair had been dusted white by the snow. A delighted smile curved her lips as she said with childlike innocence, “Sister, it looks like we’ve grown old together.”

Hearing this, An Jianqing turned to meet a pair of dazzling eyes. Instinctively, she averted her gaze and replied in a light tone, “With such heavy snowfall, you mustn’t sneak out alone again, especially dressed so lightly.”

“Understood, sister,” Ning Xuechu replied obediently, her lowered eyes veiling a cold glint.

Her probing had been deftly sidestepped by An Jianqing.

But it didn’t matter, she had plenty of time and patience.

Support She Pretends to be A, She Pretends to be O