The Alpha Who Played Me Has Re-Differentiated Into a Delicate Omega - Chapter 12

“Hello, are you looking for a wedding ring for your partner?”

“Yes.”

Partner?

It felt as if a feather had lightly brushed against her heart. Jiao Jin struggled to suppress a smile and began browsing the rings recommended by the attendant. Ultimately, she chose a diamond ring with a small wing pattern, pairing it with a cat themed necklace.

The wings symbolized her wish for Cui Yu to be free. The cat was because she felt Cui Yu resembled one, specifically, a cold and haughty Ragdoll cat.

By the time she arrived at their meeting spot, panting for breath, Jiao Jin hid the box behind her back, her face flushed deep red.

She saw the tall woman, usually clad in a crisp military uniform, now wearing a cream colored dress. Cui Yu sat on a bench by the lake, the cold glow of a screen reflecting off her fair skin, making her look like a goddess descended to earth, chillingly untouchable.

“Xiao Yu, I… I’m here.”

“Mm. Sit down.”

There was no change in her expression, she didn’t even spare Jiao Jin a glance. Cui Yu remained focused on her work, completely unaware of the gift her girlfriend had prepared.

Feeling nervous, Jiao Jin felt as though she were trapped in a steamer, turning into a cooked bun. Pressing her lips together, the Alpha summoned her courage and blurted out, “Cui Yu, I… I like you very much. Will you marry me?”

Pausing, she pulled out the necklace. The ring slid along the chain, making a crisp clinking sound. “Considering you might not want to accept a proposal yet, you can wear the necklace first. When you’re ready to accept, you can wear the ring. Cui Yu, will you be my wife?”

Only then did the “Ice Beauty” lift her emotionless eyes. Cui Yu was stunning, yet she lacked human warmth; even with the girlfriend she had been with for two years, she remained clinical and rational.

“I don’t believe our relationship has reached the stage for a proposal yet.”

Having anticipated this answer, Jiao Jin wasn’t discouraged. She nodded and smiled brightly. “I know, that’s why I bought this necklace. Can you at least accept the necklace?”

Glancing at the cute cat charm, which somehow managed to hit a soft spot, Cui Yu didn’t take the necklace but instead brushed her dark hair to one side. “Put it on for me.”

Jiao Jin opened her eyes, realizing it was just a dream, one of the few beautiful memories she shared with Cui Yu. She sat up, her expression complicated.

If she hadn’t later discovered that their “chance” encounters and her uncontrollable heartbeat had all been orchestrated by that woman, Jiao Jin might not hate her so much. She had dedicated her entire youth and all her emotions to Cui Yu at age twenty, only to learn she was merely a plaything to be manipulated.

However, she felt she had struck back a bit yesterday. The image of Cui Yu’s dark, misty eyes, looking as if the world were ending after learning Jiao Jin now preferred Alphas, still flickered in her mind.

As she pushed open the door to wash up, she happened to run into the woman from the opposite room. Jiao Jin immediately noticed the evidence that Cui Yu hadn’t slept at all; the dark circles under her eyes were so heavy they looked ready to fall off, and she appeared utterly exhausted.

Perhaps their meeting wasn’t a coincidence, but another “accidental” encounter manufactured by the woman watching her.

“Cui Yu, you’re a patient. You need sleep.”

Her cold voice betrayed no concern, yet it made Cui Yu smile. “A-Jin, you’re worried about me, aren’t you?”

“Understand it however you like. I’m not the one hurting my body by staying up.”

“Then I’ll understand it as you caring for me.”

Why does this woman only hear half of what I say? And why is she so bad at catching the point?

“Is this a matter of ‘caring’? I’m saying you shouldn’t stay up all night.”

“But to me, your concern is far more important than sleep.”

The woman’s gaze was so earnest it was impossible to doubt her sincerity. Jiao Jin sighed. “Fine, consider it concern. Now go get some sleep, okay?”

“It’s not ‘consider it.’ It just is.”

“Fine, fine, whatever.”

Unwilling to argue further, Jiao Jin headed to the bathroom to brush her teeth. She checked the time; as per her usual internal clock, it was 8:00 AM.

After she finished washing, Cui Yu followed. Seeing the woman looking so frail, Jiao Jin asked, “What do you want for breakfast? I’m going downstairs to buy some.”

Just as Cui Yu’s eyes lit up to speak, Jiao Jin cut her off. “Don’t misunderstand. I’m buying breakfast for Cui Peining too.”

Her mood plunging again, Cui Yu splashed water on her face. “I want a sandwich.”

The same sandwich she hadn’t gotten to eat yesterday morning due to her heat.

Realizing the implication, Jiao Jin felt awkward and coughed. “Fine, I got it.”

After buying breakfast for the two Misses of the Cui family and waiting for them to finish, Jiao Jin dropped Cui Peining off at the hospital where she worked. Only then did she check Jiao Ran’s class schedule: 9:55 AM to 11:30 AM. It was currently 9:00 AM.

She decided she might as well sit in on a class with her sister. She stepped on the gas and drove toward Jiao Ran’s school.

However, she didn’t notice Cui Peining’s frantic figure running out of the hospital entrance, but she did notice a passenger car following her.

What’s going on?

She intentionally sped up and took several detours, but the car stayed on her tail. Jiao Jin slowed down, caught the license plate in her side mirror, and contacted her subordinates at the Detention Bureau to get a photo of the driver.

Why is it this brat Cui Peining?

Resigned, Jiao Jin pulled over at a spot where parking was allowed. She got out of the car and looked at the approaching Cui Peining with a look of exasperation. “Second Miss, what now?”

“My work ID was left in your car! Didn’t you notice?”

“Why would I pay attention to your work ID?”

“Then why were you driving so fast? Didn’t you see me chasing you?”

“Second Miss, with that attitude, I’m not really inclined to give it back.”

“What’s wrong with my attitude? I’m late now, and I’ve lost my bonus for the month! My sister’s birthday is early next month, you owe me money!”

“Are you crazy? You’re blaming this on me?”

“I don’t care, pay me!”

“I can’t be bothered with you.”

Without hesitation, Jiao Jin turned and left, keeping the ID in the car. She drove to Jiao Ran’s school; though outside vehicles weren’t usually allowed, hers was already registered.

Class had already started. Her sister was a good student, and she didn’t want to disturb her. Jiao Jin found a bench to sit on, but the familiar setting triggered memories of her dream again.

Perhaps she owed the two Cui daughters in a past life, truly, all her negative emotions stemmed from these two young ladies.

Feeling tired, she set an alarm for 11:25 AM. Knowing Jiao Ran usually kept her phone on Do Not Disturb, Jiao Jin sent her a message saying she’d wait for her after class and to look for her at the bench if she overslept.

Exhausted from days of running around, she fell into a deep sleep.

But why, upon opening her eyes, did she see a red faced, furious Cui Peining?

Jiao Jin rubbed her eyes. Realizing it was real, she was bewildered. “How did you get in here?”

“You thought a school could stop me? I remembered your license plate. The guard even apologized to me, saying he was sorry for stopping a ‘student’s parent’.”

“Parent?”

“That’s right. I told him I was your young stepmother.”

Speechless, Jiao Jin handed the work ID to Cui Peining. “Fine, here.”

“You think you’re giving me charity? You delayed me so long, pay up!”

“Are you, the dignified Second Miss of the Cui family, actually short on money?”

“Even a Cui daughter can’t just live off her parents, okay? I’m still an intern; I barely have anything left at the end of the month.”

“Heh, I recall you used to call me a ‘commoner,’ right? Is the great Second Miss poorer than a ‘commoner’?”

“You!”

Back then, she had been even more elitist, arrogant, and overbearing. Thinking back, Cui Peining also felt she had been excessive, but she snorted, her pride still taking precedence. “Who says I’m not as rich as you? I’m just out of cash right now, okay? Otherwise, I’d bury you in money!”

“Sure. I’ll wait for that day.”

In the distance, Jiao Jin saw her sister running over, though she slowed down upon seeing Cui Peining. Jiao Jin stood up to leave, completely ignoring the Second Miss who was still ranting.

“Xiao Ran, let’s go.”

“Sister, who is that?”

“Cui Peining, Cui Yu’s sister.”

“Oh, why is she here? Did you bring her in, Sister?”

“No way. She sneaked in with some excuse. Let’s go get lunch; you have class this afternoon.”

Cui Peining didn’t hear their words, but she saw Jiao Jin’s eyes light up with a gentle smile, a smile so tender it made her feel sick. But looking closer, she saw a youthful, doll-like girl who appeared to be an Omega.

Cui Peining thought in shock. Could it be that this bastard Jiao Jin is two timing? Is she eating from the bowl while looking at the pot?!

After all, the intimacy between the two didn’t look fake; they seemed closer than an old married couple.

No, I have to tell my sister. I can’t let her be fooled by this fickle, cheating Alpha!

“Sister, what’s wrong?”

Seeing Jiao Jin’s face darken for a moment, Jiao Ran asked with concern.

“It’s nothing, just…”

Jiao Jin looked around but didn’t see Cui Peining. Her sixth sense was sharp, she felt as though she had just been photographed, likely together with Jiao Ran, by that spoiled Second Miss.

“Just what?”

“Just suddenly remembered the fried chicken place I like is by the West Gate.”

“That’s fine! Wherever you want to eat, let’s go. I know the way to the West Gate!”

“No, it’s okay. Let’s eat quickly so you can have a nap. You have a full schedule this afternoon.”

“No way! You rarely visit. I was very good last night and slept a long time. I’m not tired at all.”

After some back and forth, Jiao Jin eventually gave in and went to the fried chicken shop. This was actually a compromise on Jiao Ran’s part, as the younger girl actually preferred vegetables.

After lunch, they took a stroll around the campus. Jiao Ran grabbed Jiao Jin’s hand, her voice soft and slightly anxious. “Sister, so you’re living with the two Cui daughters now? Will you still come back to our place?”

“Of course. When you go back, no matter what happens with them, I’ll be there. You are the most important person, Xiao Ran.”

Finally smiling, Jiao Ran nodded. “Mhm! I like Sister best too!”

“See, Sister? They’re living together! And that vixen said she likes Jiao Jin best! Neither of them is any good!”

Her work ID had a built-in recording card to prevent loss. Cui Peining played the conversation back for Cui Yu. She expected her sister to wake up and see the truth, but instead, she saw Cui Yu bury her head in her knees, her eyes dim, weeping silent, agonizing tears of helplessness.