The CEO Omega’s 'Soft Rice' Alpha - Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Matters concerning her little niece could not be taken lightly.

After all, Lan Yan didn’t know much about Chen Zhi’s character, and she worried her niece might be tricked by an Alpha. Even though her impression of Chen Zhi during that meeting at Mt. Miao was decent, who knew if it was just an act? If Chen Zhi truly was like the person described in the recent online rumors, she would have to seriously reconsider this collaboration. If necessary, she would make Chen Zhi pay for her actions.

After ordering someone to investigate, Lan Yan’s expression softened slightly. She continued clicking through the messages Jiang Mu had sent last night sent while she was busy with the little Alpha, so she hadn’t noticed.

Jiang Mu’s first sentence was asking if she and the little Alpha had “made it happen.” Lan Yan’s face flushed as she covertly supported her waist, reflexively replying with a smiling emoji.

Jiang Mu: “Does this mean it’s a success? How was it, Lan Lan? Did that massage technique I taught your little Alpha serve you well? Of course, I’m not trying to pry into your privacy, I’m just worried that pure little Alpha of yours might hurt you… if you are injured, I can send you some medicine.”

His excitement was hard to hide: “You’re up so early. Did you stay up all night? Ugh, it’s all because that damn ex-boyfriend of mine came to pester me again, otherwise, I would have asked you first thing in the morning. Lan Lan, tell me, do you need me to bring medicine over tonight?”

The long string of messages made Lan Yan’s face burn. After a long pause, she slowly typed back three words: “No need, thanks.”

Jiang Mu was a doctor and a close friend who understood her well; her relationship with the little Alpha couldn’t be hidden from him, so knowing sooner or later didn’t make much difference. Speaking of which, she really should thank Jiang Mu. He had helped her understand the little Alpha’s preferences and allowed her relationship to progress so significantly.

Her “Rabbit” wasn’t pure at all. Aside from being a bit inexperienced on the first night, she had become increasingly bold for instance, last night she even took the initiative to apply medicine to her… But there was no need to let Jiang Mu know those details. Just the fact that he knew they had been intimate was embarrassing enough.

Lan Yan rubbed her slightly aching lower back as she walked out of the bedroom, changing the subject: “A-Mu, do you need help with your ex?”

Jiang Mu’s family was wealthy, but his relationship with them was poor. The Jiang family didn’t think much of this son who refused to follow their arranged marriage plans. Given the scummy nature of Jiang Mu’s ex, A-Mu might actually need her help.

Mentioning this made Jiang Mu angry, and he forgot about the previous topic. After venting to Lan Yan, he said with some pride: “It’s fine, Lan Lan. I’ll beat that jerk every time he shows up. Recently, a new neighbor moved in next door. He’s a great guy; he’s teaching me self-defense for free and even stepped in to protect me when the ex showed up. Let me tell you, he’s very famous in the US and just came to Beijing. What luck, right?”

Lan Yan frowned slightly: “Is this neighbor an Alpha?”

It wasn’t that she was prone to conspiracy theories, but she didn’t believe in free lunches. She hoped she was just being paranoid.

Jiang Mu caught her drift and laughed: “Don’t worry, Lan Lan. He’s just an ordinary male Beta, he won’t do anything to me. Besides, with my small frame, if he wanted to do something, he would have done it the first time we met. Plus, you can find him if you search for him online.”

“Fine, use your own judgment.” Lan Yan dropped her suspicions and stopped messaging.

As she stepped out of the room, her hand on her waist was spotted by Su Yi’an. Su Yi’an immediately set down the milk she was pouring and rushed over to support her: “Is Sister still feeling uncomfortable?”

She thought she had been quite restrained last night and had applied medicine beforehand. Logically, Sister shouldn’t be feeling bad. The medicine provided by the System was high-quality, after all.

“I’m fine.” Lan Yan calmly lowered her hand.

Nowhere else was uncomfortable, but her waist—she was getting older and sat in an office for long periods. Suddenly engaging in such “high-intensity exercise” made soreness inevitable, but it was within a bearable range. Overall, it was much better than the first time, and it wasn’t as if she hadn’t experienced pleasure.

An occasional night life could release stress; for instance, last night she hadn’t thought about work at all and slept exceptionally well. No wonder Jiang Mu always advised her to find an Alpha whenever her pheromones were disordered.

Su Yi’an continued to help her to the dining table, looking as though she wanted to hand-feed Sister her breakfast: “Does Sister have to go to the office early today? If you’re not in a rush, I can give you a massage in a bit.”

She meant a legitimate waist massage.

Lan Yan, however, immediately thought in a different direction. She took the milk from the little Alpha and took a sip to hide her fluster: “No need.” Then, feeling her tone was too blunt, she added: “Rabbit, let’s… take a break.”

There was plenty of time in the future; there was no need to rush. If it happened too often, she would feel pressured. It wasn’t that she didn’t like it, she just felt her “older” body couldn’t keep up with a young person’s stamina. Plus, it wouldn’t be good if people at the company started gossiping. Yesterday, before she went to find the Rabbit, she had already heard some rumors about the way she was walking.

Su Yi’an: “…Okay.”

Perhaps she really had been too wild lately, making Sister a bit afraid. She admitted that after hearing Sister say they would marry if there was a child, she had indeed been impatient. With the secret of her identity still weighing on her, she was constantly uneasy and wanted to be closer to Sister. Mostly, since they were in the “honeymoon phase” and her own body was uncooperative, she just couldn’t help wanting to be close to Sister whenever they were together.

She had to find an opportunity to tell Sister about her identity. She just didn’t know how to start; she was terrified that once she spoke, there would be no future for them. Since Sister asked to slow down, they would slow down. As for the child, she would let nature take its course.

But right now, she truly just saw that Sister’s waist was uncomfortable and wanted to help. Sister couldn’t possibly think I want to do ‘that’ again, could she? If Sister is uncomfortable, no matter how much I want it, I wouldn’t do that to her.

While Su Yi’an was silent, her mood was visibly low. Lan Yan couldn’t bear to see her disappointed, so after finishing breakfast, she endured her embarrassment to explain: “I just feel that… these things should be done in moderation. Rabbit, I’m not blaming you.”

If the Rabbit truly couldn’t hold back, she wouldn’t refuse her.

Su Yi’an’s face instantly broke into a smile, and she nodded quickly. She understood what Sister meant, but she was so happy that Sister went out of her way to explain. For someone as reserved as Sister, being able to say this proved that Su Yi’an held a very deep place in her heart.

Lan Yan wasn’t in a hurry to get to the office today. After breakfast, she sat down to rest and instinctively pulled up the photo of Chen Zhi kissing someone, looking at it closely. Her people were still investigating, but she desperately wanted to know if the person pinned against the tree was her niece.

Su Yi’an stood beside her and saw the screen. Her brow twitched violently. Is Sister getting suspicious about Chen Zhi and the niece? If she investigates Chen Zhi, will it implicate me? Even though she was prepared, she couldn’t guarantee Chen Zhi wouldn’t leak something. Confessing herself versus being found out by Sister were two different things. If she got kicked out because of Chen Zhi, it would be a tragedy.

Su Yi’an cursed Chen Zhi internally and asked, pretending not to know: “Is Sister looking at Chen Zhi’s scandals too?” As she spoke, she carefully began massaging Lan Yan’s shoulders.

Lan Yan felt very comfortable and relaxed her body, fully enjoying the service. She didn’t hide the matter and even wanted the Rabbit’s opinion.

“Look at this person’s T-shirt. Doesn’t it look like the one Lan Yin was wearing that day? And this location looks like where Lan Yin goes to paint,” Lan Yan said, pointing to the person behind the tree showing only a bit of a T-shirt.

Su Yi’an didn’t expect Sister to ask her so directly. Facing Sister’s trusting gaze, Su Yi’an didn’t want to add to her history of lying, so she replied vaguely: “I don’t know, but many people wear white T-shirts, and many people visit those woods. The niece and Chen Zhi don’t seem to have any overlap, could it be someone else?”

Damn Chen Zhi, she’s a romantic amateur and nearly dragged me down. If she really implicates me, I’ll show her no mercy, regardless of our friendship.

Lan Yan saw the little Alpha naturally call Lan Yin “niece,” and her eyes crinkled with amusement. She teased: “That makes sense. Our Rabbit is so smart young in age, but high in seniority.”

Being teased by her favorite person first thing in the morning made Su Yi’an want to move forward and seal those lips. With her own lips. To kiss her until she couldn’t speak. She was only small in age; nothing else about her was small.

Su Yi’an restrained herself. To prevent Sister from having a terrible impression of Chen Zhi, she explained: “Actually, Chen Zhi doesn’t seem like a bad person, otherwise she wouldn’t have had such a good reputation in the industry before.”

Chen Zhi had worked with hundreds of Omegas, and not one had a bad word to say about her. As a friend, Su Yi’an felt she was fine, except for her tendency to show off in romantic matters and act like a “relationship guru.” But currently, Chen Zhi was a total rookie clumsier than herself. Seeing Chen Zhi’s way of pursuing someone made her want to laugh.

Strangely, ever since that photo came out and she was labeled “greasy” by netizens, that woman seemed even more famous than before the “famous for being hated” kind. Various video edits of her were becoming hilarious. She had to admit her little niece was quite capable; she exposed Chen Zhi’s inner “old pervert” nature to the whole world.

Lan Yan gave her a sidelong glance: “I recall a certain Rabbit saying that some people look more serious on the surface but are actually more of a player?”

Su Yi’an: “…”

A sudden chill ran through her heart. Why is Sister’s memory so good? Such a gentle Sister shouldn’t be one to hold a grudge, right? I feel like if she does, I’m doomed. It had to be an illusion; Sister was the most magnanimous.

Fearing she would say more and make it worse, Su Yi’an shut her mouth and focused on the massage. Truly, the technique Jiang Mu taught her was excellent; no matter where it was used, it made Sister happy. Even if Lan Yan’s expression didn’t change much, her body’s reaction didn’t lie.

The two enjoyed the sweet silence. Lan Yan stopped obsessing over Chen Zhi’s matter, and after resting, she prepared for work.

Su Yi’an escorted her again, but this time they walked, holding hands the entire way. Su Yi’an was loath to let go even as they neared the company entrance. Luckily, they were both wearing masks, otherwise, they would have been recognized long ago.

“Alright, go back to school for class. We can see each other tonight,” Lan Yan said with a smile, looking at the reluctant little Alpha with a hint of helplessness. A clingy little Rabbit—both lovable and a headache. If they kept this up, she would be late today. General Manager Lan, who was never late or early, might provide the gossiping employees with more tea-time talk.

“Sister… Can I bring you lunch from now on?”

Su Yi’an’s logic told her to let go, but her body wouldn’t allow it. She felt that letting go of Sister was like letting go of her happiness for the day. So annoying, I want to be with Sister 24 hours a day. Too bad Sister would never date her own secretary, otherwise, I’d want to be her personal assistant.

Why study? I don’t want to study. I already know everything they teach in class.

Su Yi’an accidentally let the “I don’t want to study” slip out loud.

To her surprise, the smiling Lan Yan’s face darkened. She squeezed Su Yi’an’s hand and let go: “Go to class.”

What was the point of being in the prime of youth if she didn’t study and instead spent all her time at her side? She didn’t expect the Rabbit to be incredibly successful she didn’t even mind supporting the Rabbit but a living person should have some pursuits. When the passion of a new relationship fades, one must return to life. The Rabbit’s life shouldn’t just be her.

Su Yi’an knew her accidental comment had angered Sister. She didn’t dare push further, only giving one last lingering look before forcing herself to turn away: “Sister, I’ll go to class. Don’t be angry.”

Someone as serious as Sister naturally couldn’t stand such a lack of ambition. In Sister’s eyes, she was currently just a poor student whose priority should be studying. When will I be able to stand before her with my real identity? Then I wouldn’t be so insecure.

“You can come when you don’t have class.”

Lan Yan wasn’t truly angry. Seeing the little Alpha being obedient, her expression softened. She watched the retreating back and specifically reminded: “Remember to rest well.” The Rabbit had been so wild lately, she hadn’t seen her rest properly once. She could even see bloodshot streaks in her eyes.

“Okay, Sister!” With that bit of concern, Su Yi’an’s footsteps became much lighter.

Inside the company building, several employees were whispering.

“Oh my god, did you see? General Manager Lan’s little Alpha brought her to work again!” “Ugh, I want an Alpha like that. Too bad I’m not as rich or beautiful as General Manager Lan.” “Based on my observations, that little Alpha has probably moved in with her. Why else would she bring her here first thing in the morning?” “I bet a pack of spicy strips that we’ll hear good news from the Manager soon.” “Makes sense! Quick, move, she’s coming in!”

As Lan Yan approached, the gossiping employees scattered, each returning to their desks and pretending to work diligently. However, there were still ten minutes before work officially started. Usually, the employees were quite relaxed before the bell; this sudden seriousness was actually quite strange.

Before entering the elevator, Lan Yan couldn’t help but glance at them. Ever since she got together with the little Alpha, the people in the company had become increasingly gossipy. But as long as they didn’t make mistakes during work hours, she let it go.

Lan Yan smiled. She didn’t even realize how much more tolerant she had become lately because of her good mood. Normally, she would have told her secretary to give these employees a stern warning.

Back at school, Su Yi’an took a wonderful afternoon nap. Since she promised Sister she would rest and attend class, she would do exactly that.

Su Yi’an thought she would see Sister in the afternoon, but after waiting at the company for a long time after class, no one came out. There was no response to her messages or calls. At that moment, she imagined many scenarios and felt panicked. She feared Sister had simply left her.

As it was getting dark, Su Yi’an rushed back to Lan Yan’s place, only to find a cold, empty apartment. The large bouquet of red roses, still vibrant, seemed to mock her, making her wonder if the sweetness of the past two days was just a dream.

Even if she found out my identity, Sister wouldn’t just leave silently like this, would she? I have her car and house keys. Besides, I’ve settled everything in Beijing; if there was a problem, it would be from the US, but I haven’t shown any connection to that side. Sister wouldn’t suddenly investigate it.

Sitting on the cold sofa, Su Yi’an kept making excuses to comfort herself. But she couldn’t stop the sudden heart-wrenching pain. She was experiencing ahead of time what it would feel like for Sister to leave her. Her body felt alien, she was too miserable to cry, and she felt abandoned by the entire world. Yes, Sister was her entire world.

Su Yi’an stared blankly at the darkening night outside, her face growing paler. So much time had passed; was Sister really not going to contact her?

Could something have happened to Sister? Her logic suddenly returned. She pulled out her phone, ready to call Lan Yin to find out what was going on.

An unknown number called first.

Su Yi’an hung up immediately, but the number called again persistently. She had to answer. Just as she was about to snap at the caller, a very impatient, even angry voice spoke first.

“Where are you?” It was Lan Yu’s voice (Lan Yan’s brother).

Su Yi’an: “…At Sister’s home.”

Lan Yu took a deep breath: “Wait there, I’m coming to get you.”

According to the records, this little Alpha had no sisters, so the “Sister” she referred to could only be his family’s Yan Yan. Yan Yan had actually given this Alpha her keys? Yesterday she suddenly asked her secretary to get another car from home; he feared the previous one had been given to this person as well. On the night of the Zhang family banquet, they were kissing so intensely he knew something would happen eventually. And now she had directly moved in? He was fuming. If it weren’t for…

Lan Yu hung up, slammed his foot on the gas with a cold face, and drove rapidly toward Lan Yan’s home.

Su Yi’an, who wanted to ask what was happening: “…”

Ultimately, she asked nothing. Lan Yu was Sister’s brother; she would have to face him eventually. No matter what he wanted to do to her, she wasn’t afraid. Besides, she currently couldn’t reach Sister.

When she applied at the bar, she had put her contact info on her resume, but she had taken the resume back. Lan Yu wouldn’t know her number naturally. There was only one possibility: someone told him, and that person was likely the Sister she was looking for. Since that was the case, why bother asking Lan Yu and inviting trouble? Lan Yu didn’t like her anyway. It was safe to say Lan Yu wouldn’t like any Alpha who tried to touch his sister.

Su Yi’an didn’t care for Lan Yu’s approval; she only needed Sister to like her.

Thus, after Su Yi’an got into Lan Yu’s car, both were expressionless, without a single word of basic communication.

Until the car stopped at the Lan family’s old residence. When she saw the elderly man lying on the bed with his life fading, and her Sister crying her eyes out, she finally understood what was happening.

“Little Crybaby, what’s wrong with Grandpa Lan?” Su Yi’an looked worriedly at her Sister and asked the System.

System: “His time is near. It seems to be a sudden, severe illness that even doctors can’t diagnose. There are only three days between diagnosis and death. Lan Yan was raised by her grandfather; her feelings for her parents aren’t as deep as for him. Grandpa Lan desperately hopes to see Lan Yan settled before he dies.

This is likely a major reason why she was willing to find an Alpha. In the original plot, this was also why Zhan Ming was able to marry Lan Yan. The plot is a bit cliché, but without a profound reason, someone like Lan Yan wouldn’t easily marry. Of course, I’m not saying the Host has no chance; if the Host works harder, Lan Yan might fall in love with you.”

The System didn’t empathize much with human emotions, so its voice was steady and its analysis objective. It was telling the truth: in the original book, Lan Yan had never been this gentle with any other Alpha. The Host was a unique exception.

Su Yi’an had no feelings for the emaciated old man, but seeing her grieving Sister made her heart ache. She also understood why she was standing here. She didn’t even know how to comfort her, but she wanted to hug Sister and tell her she would stay with her from now on.

Amidst her grief, Lan Yin looked up and was stunned by the newcomer: “Senior Su… Auntie Rabbit?”

Lan Yan also saw Su Yi’an being brought in by Lan Yu. She pushed through the crowd, pulled Su Yi’an to her grandfather’s bedside, and said with a choked voice: “Grandpa, this is the girlfriend I told you about. Don’t worry, she loves me very much, and I love her very much too.”

Grandpa Lan smiled with relief. His mouth opened and closed several times, but he only managed two words: “Get… married…”

Support