The Crematorium of the Top Omega Chasing After Alpha - Chapter 23.2

Her grandmother’s tone brooked no argument. “Ming Yu, you are the heir of the Ming family, the hope of our entire clan. You cannot destroy yourself over some insignificant person! I have already contacted the media and will find a way to suppress this matter. But you must send Song Qingpei away immediately, as far as possible!”

Ming Yu’s heart tightened abruptly, her fingers clenching until her knuckles turned white.

After a long pause, her voice emerged low but resolute. “Grandmother, I cannot send her away. Song Song is my daughter, and Song Qingpei is also someone very important to me.”

“Ming Yu!” Her grandmother’s voice rose sharply, filled with clear anger. “This is sheer recklessness! Do you even realize what you’re saying? For the sake of a woman from a garbage planet, are you going to disregard the bigger picture?”

“Grandmother, this is not recklessness.” Ming Yu’s voice remained calm, yet carried an undeniable force. “Song Qingpei has done nothing wrong. She has only just adapted to life on Lanxing. I cannot sacrifice her again for the so-called ‘bigger picture.’ I will handle this matter properly. Please trust in my ability.”

Silence fell for a moment, followed by her grandmother’s disappointed sigh. “Ming Yu, you have let me down greatly. Your father back then was also blinded by lust, which led to. Never mind, I don’t wish to speak of it again. But remember this: you are the heir of the Ming family. Every decision you make affects the fate of our entire clan. If you insist on defying me, then do not blame me for disregarding our familial bonds.”

Ming Yu’s heart shuddered violently, her fingers trembling faintly.

She knew exactly what her grandmother’s words meant, if she insisted on keeping Song Qingpei, the Ming family would likely cut ties with her, even strip her of her inheritance rights.

But she didn’t back down. Instead, she took a deep breath and spoke with unwavering resolve, “Grandmother, I understand your concerns, but my decision is made. As for the Ming family inheritance, if you believe I’m unworthy, then please choose someone else.”

“You!” Her grandmother was clearly infuriated by Ming Yu’s words. “Ming Yu, are you threatening me?”

“No, Grandmother, I’m merely stating the facts.” Ming Yu’s voice remained calm, yet carried a tone of finality. “I’m no longer that little girl who only followed your arrangements. I have my own judgment. Song Qingpei is not like my mother, she isn’t the kind of person who covets power and status as you claim. Please try to understand me.”

Her grandmother fell silent for a long moment before finally letting out a heavy sigh. “Fine, fine. You’ve grown wings now, and I can’t control you anymore. You’re on your own!”

Fuming, she turned and left, leaving Ming Yu standing alone in the vast hall.

Silence descended once again.

Ming Yu slowly unclenched her fists. She knew she had just made a decision that would alter the course of her life. But she wouldn’t regret it, because she had finally realized what Song Qingpei and Song Song truly meant to her.

Meanwhile.

The moment Song Qingpei stepped through the company doors, she sensed an unusual tension in the air.

Her usually familiar colleagues were unusually quiet today, their gazes evasive, occasionally darting toward her with curiosity and hushed whispers.

Frowning, she felt a faint unease but maintained a composed demeanor as she walked straight to her workstation.

“Look, it’s her, right? The one from the news.”

“Yeah, who would’ve thought she’s connected to General Ming Yu and even has a child with her!”

“Shh, keep it down. Don’t let her hear.”

Though the whispers were subdued, Song Qingpei caught fragments of the conversation.

Her steps faltered slightly, her fingers unconsciously tightening into fists, a knot forming in her chest.

As expected, today’s trending topics had already spread.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm, and continued forward.

Settling at her desk, she opened her light-screen, trying to focus on work, but the surrounding murmurs felt like tiny needles pricking at her nerves.

She struggled to block out the noise, but her mind refused to settle.

She had known that exposing her relationship with Ming Yu would invite endless speculation and criticism, but she hadn’t expected it to affect her work so quickly.

“Qingpei, are you okay?” a gentle voice came from beside her.

Song Qingpei looked up to see Murong Ruixue standing by her desk, holding a file, concern evident in her eyes.

Seeing her, Song Qingpei’s tense nerves relaxed slightly.

“I’m fine,” she replied with a strained smile, attempting to mask her emotions.

Murong Ruixue clearly didn’t believe her but didn’t press further. Instead, she handed over the file. “Here’s the data for the mecha repairs today. Take a look. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask me anytime.”

Song Qingpei accepted the file and nodded. “Thank you.”

Murong Ruixue didn’t leave immediately. Hesitating for a moment, she lowered her voice and asked, “Qingpei, have you seen today’s trending news?”

Song Qingpei’s fingers paused briefly before she calmly opened the file. “Yes, I saw it.”

“You and General Ming Yu, is it really as the news says?” Murong Ruixue’s tone carried a hint of probing.

Song Qingpei fell silent for a moment before finally sighing. “Ruixue, it’s complicated. We do have a daughter, but Ming Yu and I have long been over.”

Hearing her response, Murong Ruixue visibly relaxed. “Qingpei, don’t pay too much attention to the gossip. It’s not your fault.”

Song Qingpei gave her a grateful look, feeling slightly better. “Thank you. I’m fine.”

Murong Ruixue patted her shoulder, her tone lightening. “Don’t overthink it. Let’s focus on work for now. Later, I’ll teach you how to repair that new mecha. You’re one of the most talented people I’ve seen, don’t let this affect your performance.”

Song Qingpei nodded, forcing herself to concentrate on her work.

Yet, despite her efforts to block out the outside world, the subtle glances and murmurs around her still weighed heavily on her mind.

Time flew by, and before she knew it, it was time to leave work.

After packing her things and bidding Murong Ruixue goodbye, Song Qingpei walked out of the company building alone.

The night breeze was chilly, and she tightened her coat. But before she had gone far, a tall figure suddenly blocked her path.

Instinctively, Song Qingpei took a step back and looked up at the person.

It was a stranger dressed in a black suit, his expression stern, his eyes carrying an unyielding authority.

“Miss Song, someone wishes to see you,” the man said calmly, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

Song Qingpei’s heart tightened as she regarded him warily. “Who are you? Who wants to see me?”

The man didn’t answer her question. Instead, he stepped aside slightly and gestured. “Miss Song, please come with me. You’ll find out who it is when we arrive.”

Clutching her bag tightly, Song Qingpei quickly considered her options.

She didn’t recognize this man, but his tone and demeanor made it clear he meant business. Glancing around, she noticed the street was busy with pedestrians, but no one seemed to pay attention to their exchange.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know you, and I won’t go anywhere with a stranger,” she said calmly, attempting to step around him.

However, the man moved swiftly to block her path again. “Miss Song, I suggest you cooperate. Otherwise, things might become unpleasant.”

Song Qingpei’s heart sank. She knew he wouldn’t let her leave easily.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to remain composed. “Fine, I’ll go with you. But I need to make a call first.”

The man’s tone remained steady. “I advise against involving too many people, especially General Ming Yu. It wouldn’t be good for either of you.”

At the mention of Ming Yu, Song Qingpei’s heart skipped a beat.

She took out her communicator, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately decided not to dial Ming Yu’s number.

Returning the communicator to her bag, she looked up at the man. “Let’s go.”

The man nodded in satisfaction and led her to a black hovercar parked by the roadside.

The door slid open automatically. Song Qingpei got in, her heart uneasy but her expression remaining calm.

After the car started, the man sitting in the passenger seat glanced back at her and said in a relaxed tone, “Miss Song, there’s no need to be nervous. We’re just taking you to meet someone and have a brief conversation.”

Song Qingpei didn’t respond, silently watching the scenery speeding past outside the window while her mind raced with thoughts.

She had no idea who the other party was or what their intentions might be, but she suspected it must have something to do with Ming Yu.

The car soon entered an upscale residential area and eventually stopped in front of a luxurious villa.

After getting out of the car, the man opened the door for Song Qingpei and gestured politely, “Miss Song, we’ve arrived.”

Song Qingpei stepped out of the car, glanced up at the villa before her, and grew even more wary.

She followed the man into the villa, passing through a spacious hall before being led to a study.

Inside the study, a tall woman with narrow, peach-blossom eyes stood with her back to her, gazing out the window. Hearing the footsteps, she slowly turned around, her sharp eyes fixed on Song Qingpei.

“Miss Song, I’ve long heard of your name,” the woman said with a faint, mocking smile. “I am Zhan Nansheng.”

Song Qingpei’s heart tightened as she immediately recognized the woman’s identity Zhan Nansheng, Ming Yu’s rival. She had heard about the conflict between the two not long after arriving in Lanxing, and it was likely that Zhan Nansheng was the mastermind behind today’s trending topics.

Clenching her fists, she forced herself to stay calm. “Miss Zhan, what brings you to me?”

Zhan Nansheng walked up to her, looking her up and down with a meaningful tone. “Miss Song, I’ve come to discuss a deal with you about Ming Yu.”

As soon as Zhan Nansheng finished speaking, the atmosphere in the study instantly grew tense.

Her gaze was as sharp as a blade, fixed intently on Song Qingpei as if trying to see through her. Yet, Song Qingpei did not back down. Instead, she met her gaze calmly and firmly.

“Miss Zhan, I think you’ve come to the wrong person,” Song Qingpei said evenly. “The matters between Ming Yu and me are none of your concern. As for this so-called deal of yours, I have no interest in it.”

Zhan Nansheng raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by her response.

She let out a light chuckle, her tone tinged with disdain. “Miss Song, don’t be so quick to refuse. You should know very well that Ming Yu is currently in the spotlight. Just a few unfavorable words from you in front of the media would severely damage her reputation. And I can promise you anything money, power, even the safety of you and your daughter. I can guarantee it all.”

At the mention of Song Song, Song Qingpei’s eyes turned cold. “Miss Zhan, are you threatening me?”

Zhan Nansheng spread her hands, her tone casual. “No, I’m merely stating the facts. Miss Song, you’re a smart woman. You should know which path is most beneficial for you.”

Song Qingpei sneered. “Miss Zhan, I’ve heard about your rivalry with Ming Yu, but I never expected you to resort to such underhanded tactics when you can’t compete with her fairly. It’s truly eye-opening.”

Zhan Nansheng’s expression darkened instantly, the smile vanishing from her eyes.

She took a step forward, closing in on Song Qingpei, her voice icy. “Song Qingpei, don’t be ungrateful! Do you really think Ming Yu cares about you? She’s just using you as a disposable pawn! How pathetic that you’re willing to be controlled by her but too afraid to fight for your own interests!”

Song Qingpei stood her ground, meeting her gaze directly, her voice resolute. “Miss Zhan, you’re mistaken. The matters between Ming Yu and me are not for you to judge. I won’t tarnish someone else’s reputation for my own gain, and I certainly won’t stoop to such despicable acts. Your deal holds no interest for me.”

Zhan Nansheng was infuriated by her words, her expression gradually twisting with rage.

She abruptly raised her hand as if intending to do something to Song Qingpei but ultimately restrained herself.

She let out a cold laugh, her tone laced with threat: “Song Qingpei, don’t be so naive! Do you think Ming Yu can protect you? She can’t even protect herself! One day, you’ll regret the decision you made today. When that time comes, even if you beg me on your knees, I won’t give you another chance!”

Song Qingpei remained unmoved, merely casting a calm glance her way. “Let’s talk about it when that day comes. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

With that, she turned and walked out of the study, her steps resolute.

Zhan Nansheng stood by the study window, watching Song Qingpei’s retreating figure, a flicker of coldness in her eyes.

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