The Crematorium of the Top Omega Chasing After Alpha - Chapter 24.1

After returning to her room, Ming Yu’s emotions remained unsettled for a long time.

Lying on her bed, she kept replaying Song Qingpei’s suspicious and wary gaze in her mind, along with that piercing question, “Are you in your heat cycle?” The words felt like a sharp thorn, deeply embedded in her heart, leaving her both furious and helpless.

She had never imagined that her act of lowering her pride and taking the initiative to show goodwill would be misinterpreted by Song Qingpei as having ulterior motives. She felt as though her sincerity had been trampled upon, and her self-esteem had been severely wounded. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and she silently vowed to herself: she would never bow her head to Song Qingpei again.

That night, she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

However, the next morning.

Ming Yu discovered that Song Qingpei had risen early as usual to prepare breakfast for Song Song. Standing at the top of the stairs, she watched Song Qingpei’s busy figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

She walked over to the dining table and sat down, her eyes scanning the food on the table before she awkwardly muttered, “Morning.”

Upon hearing her voice, Song Qingpei didn’t even look up, casually replying, “Morning, let’s eat. I’ll drop Song Song off at school on my way to work later.”

And that was it not a single mention of last night’s events, as if the argument had never happened.

Ming Yu felt stifled and frustrated but couldn’t bring herself to make a scene. She could only lower her head and continue eating.

The atmosphere at the table was somewhat awkward, but compared to the tension of the previous night, it had improved significantly.

After eating a few bites, Ming Yu stood up, grabbed her coat, and prepared to leave. “I’m heading to the military department. I might be back late today.”

Song Qingpei nodded, though she felt a sense of unease.

She knew that Ming Yu’s visit to the military department today was undoubtedly to deal with yesterday’s trending news. Although Ming Yu hadn’t explicitly said so, she could sense that the situation was more complicated than it seemed.

Unable to hold back any longer, she finally asked, “Ming Yu, about the trending news, it won’t affect Song Song, will it?”

Ming Yu nodded, her tone softening almost instinctively. “I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.”

After saying this, she suddenly felt as though she was being too eager, as if she were the one extending an olive branch. The thought made her expression instantly turn cold, and she stiffly turned and left the house.

Watching Ming Yu’s retreating figure, Song Song tugged at Song Qingpei’s sleeve, looking confused. “Mom, did you and Mommy argue again?”

Song Qingpei crouched down, gently stroking Song Song’s head as she reassured her softly, “We didn’t argue. Mommy is just a little busy. Don’t worry, okay? I’ll take you to school.”

Song Song nodded. Though she still felt a little puzzled, the sight of Song Qingpei’s gentle smile quickly put her at ease, and she happily followed Song Qingpei out the door.

After dropping Song Song off, Song Qingpei went straight to the office.

As soon as she stepped into the office, she sensed an unusual atmosphere.

Although her colleagues appeared busy on the surface, the occasional glances and hushed whispers made her uncomfortable. She knew that yesterday’s trending news had spread throughout the company.

She tried to remain composed, taking her seat and turning on her light screen to start working.

However, it wasn’t long before Murong Ruixue suddenly approached, tapping on her desk. “Qingpei, come to the conference room. There’s something we need to discuss.”

Song Qingpei’s heart tightened. “Sister Ruixue, is this about the hot search?”

“Mm.” Murong Ruixue nodded, reassuring her, “Don’t worry too much. It’s just a routine inquiry. Nothing will happen.”

Song Qingpei nodded and stood up, following Murong Ruixue into the conference room.

Inside the conference room, aside from Murong Ruixue, several company executives were present, all seemingly deeply concerned about the matter.

As Song Qingpei entered, their gazes carried a hint of scrutiny and curiosity.

The head of the public relations department gestured for her to sit and got straight to the point. “Song Qingpei, we’ve all seen yesterday’s hot search. The company has also received inquiries from some media outlets. Regarding your relationship with General Ming Yu this has caused quite a stir. We need a clear answer.”

Song Qingpei took a deep breath, trying hard to remain calm. “General Ming Yu and I do have a daughter, but we’ve long since parted ways. This hot search is the result of deliberate hype. I believe it will be resolved soon.”

The executive nodded. “Director Murong has always valued your abilities, but this incident has caused significant repercussions. We hope you can resolve it as soon as possible and prevent it from affecting the company’s reputation.”

Song Qingpei nodded firmly. “I understand. I will handle it promptly.”

The public relations director glanced at her as if he wanted to say more, but Murong Ruixue cut him off. With a smile, she lightened the tense atmosphere. “Alright, alright, it’s just a personal matter. Why make it sound like an inquisition? Qingpei said she’ll handle it. Even if you don’t trust her, you should trust General Ming Yu’s capabilities, right? I’m sure this will be resolved soon.”

Her words carried subtle implications, skillfully framing Song Qingpei and Ming Yu as a united front.

The previously stern executives exchanged glances. Out of respect for Ming Yu’s status, they refrained from pressing Song Qingpei further, only politely hinting that she should urge General Ming Yu to resolve the issue quickly.

After leaving the conference room with Murong Ruixue, Song Qingpei felt even more burdened.

She knew that if the matter wasn’t resolved swiftly, not only would her job be affected, but her daughter Song Song’s life could also be disrupted.

Song Qingpei took out her communicator, hesitating over whether to contact Ming Yu.

But judging by yesterday’s events, Zhan Nansheng was no easy opponent. Ming Yu was likely overwhelmed with work at the military headquarters. It was better not to add to her stress. In the end, she decided not to make the call.

Meanwhile, Ming Yu sat in her office, a mountain of documents piled on her desk.

She picked up her communicator and dialed Lieutenant Lin’s number. “Any progress on the hot search investigation?”

Lieutenant Lin’s voice came from the other end. “General, we’ve traced the source of the article to a small media outlet. There are indeed traces of Zhan Nansheng behind it. We’ve compiled the evidence and sent it to you.”

Ming Yu frowned, her tone cold. “Go find Ming Rui and have her assist you in digging deeper. I want Zhan Nansheng’s dirty laundry exposed. Since she dares to play dirty, we’ll return the favor in kind.”

Lieutenant Lin responded promptly, “Understood. I’ll get on it right away.”

After hanging up, Ming Yu finished organizing all the evidence.

Then, she strode purposefully toward Marshal Lin Haiping’s office.

Lin Haiping was in his office handling documents when Ming Yu entered. He glanced up at her and asked calmly, “Ming Yu, what brings you here so early?”

Ming Yu placed the documents in her hand on his desk, her tone resolute. “Marshal, these are the evidences that Zhan Nansheng manipulated the media and spread rumors. Not only did she attempt to tarnish my reputation, but she also threatened my family. I hope the military will handle this matter fairly.”

Lin Haiping frowned, picked up the documents, and carefully reviewed them. As his eyes scanned the pages, his brow furrowed tighter and tighter.

After a moment, he set the documents down and sighed. “Ming Yu, are you certain Zhan Nansheng is behind this?”

“The evidence is conclusive, Marshal Lin.”

Ming Yu nodded, her tone cold and stern. “Zhan Nansheng not only sent people to stalk my family but also tried to force them to slander me in front of the media. Such actions are a serious violation of military discipline. I expect the military to deal with this severely.”

Lin Haiping remained silent for a moment before finally nodding. “Very well, I will summon Zhan Nansheng to clarify this matter face-to-face.”

Before long, Zhan Nansheng was called into the marshal’s office.

As soon as she entered and saw Ming Yu present, her expression shifted slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.

She approached Lin Haiping and spoke respectfully, “Marshal Lin, you asked for me?”

Lin Haiping pushed the documents toward her, his tone serious. “Zhan Nansheng, Ming Yu has accused you of manipulating the media, spreading rumors, and attempting to threaten her family. Do you have anything to explain?”

Zhan Nansheng glanced down at the documents, and her face instantly turned pale.

Clenching her teeth, she looked up at Lin Haiping, a hint of defiance in her voice. “Marshal, this matter might have been carried out by subordinates, but they had no intention of slandering anyone. Everything stated is the truth. I hope General Ming Yu will face her own issues and not let personal matters affect the reputation of our military.”

Ming Yu let out a cold laugh, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Zhan Nansheng, is your idea of ‘facing issues’ threatening my family to tarnish my reputation? Do you realize such actions are a severe breach of military discipline?”

Zhan Nansheng remained silent.

She had set up the plan meticulously. Based on the information she had gathered, Song Qingpei and Ming Yu were at odds, and she had assumed it would be easy to buy Song Qingpei’s cooperation. She never expected Song Qingpei to refuse. It was a miscalculation on her part.

The tension between the two women grew palpable.

Lin Haiping looked at Ming Yu, then at Zhan Nansheng, and finally sighed. “You are both elite members of the military. I do not wish to see your personal conflicts undermine the unity of our forces. Let this matter end here. Zhan Nansheng, you will apologize to Ming Yu and guarantee that such actions will not happen again.”

Zhan Nansheng gritted her teeth, then turned to Ming Yu and said stiffly, “I apologize.”

Ming Yu gave her a cold glance and did not respond.

Seeing this, Lin Haiping, mindful of the Zhan family’s influence behind Zhan Nansheng, sought to appease her and added, “Zhan Nansheng, I have decided to appoint you as the vice-principal of Lanxing Advanced Military Academy. You will work alongside Ming Yu to oversee the newly established advanced military school. I expect the two of you to cooperate fully and not let me down again.”

Upon hearing the appointment, a flicker of surprise crossed Zhan Nansheng’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

She nodded and replied respectfully, “Yes, Marshal Lin.”

Ming Yu didn’t say much more, simply nodding to indicate her acceptance of the arrangement.

That afternoon, the military held a press conference, officially announcing the appointments of Ming Yu and Zhan Nansheng, as well as the plan for the newly established advanced military academy.

Regarding the previous day’s trending topic, Ming Yu also issued an official response, stating that she had indeed ended up on a garbage planet during her amnesia, but the one who saved her was not some inferior Alpha but a mech maintenance technician who did not wish to disclose their identity and disrupt their normal life.

Once this statement was released, public opinion quickly subsided.

Although netizens remained intensely curious about Ming Yu’s private life, under the strong intervention of the military and media, they soon found it impossible to continue discussing the matter online.

At home, Song Qingpei saw the news and smiled bitterly as she turned off her light brain, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

“So, having once loved an inferior Alpha is still a shameful past you must deny,” she murmured to herself, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

She knew Ming Yu had various reasonable justifications for doing this, but the feeling of being negated still saddened her. However, she quickly adjusted her emotions.

It didn’t matter anymore. As long as Ming Yu allowed her to stay by Song Song’s side, nothing else concerned her.

As dusk fell, Ming Yu returned home, standing in the entryway to unbutton her military uniform collar.

Under the warm yellow light of the hall, Song Qingpei’s silhouette was cast on the wall. In the shimmering glow, Ming Yu saw Song Qingpei laughing heartily, genuinely happy as she played with their daughter.

“Mommy!” Song Song rushed over from her pile of toys, her small hands stained with paint clutching Ming Yu’s clothes. “Teacher taught us to draw mechs today, I drew you in your military uniform!”

Ming Yu crouched down, letting her daughter press the drawing against her face.

Amid the watercolor smudges, three clumsily drawn figures held hands. The smallest one in the middle had a pink flower atop its head. Ming Yu heard the rustle of paper behind her as Song Qingpei studied the drawing seriously, her eyelashes casting delicate shadows under her eyes.

Suddenly, Ming Yu found the scene incredibly warm, reminding her irresistibly of the time on the garbage planet when she was pregnant and couldn’t sleep at night. Song Qingpei would clumsily hold a storybook and read to her, while she lay in her arms with her eyes closed, quietly listening.

At that moment, Ming Yu instinctively held her breath, afraid of disturbing Song Qingpei. A fierce surge of emotion welled up in her chest, urging her to confess her feelings.

“Qing…” But just as she started to speak, she was interrupted.

Song Qingpei had already closed the sketchbook and stood up. “Alright, Song Song, it’s getting late. Time for your bath and bedtime.”

Song Song obediently got up and followed Song Qingpei to the bathroom. Ming Yu hesitated for a moment, then followed them.

Song Qingpei was busy giving Song Song a bath.

Ming Yu stood to the side, watching the mother and daughter intently. Her gaze frequently lingered on Song Qingpei, unable to look away, as if her overwhelming emotions were about to spill out at any moment.

But to Song Qingpei, the scene appeared entirely different, she found it irritating.

That tall, arrogant woman just stood there like a statue, not even offering to help, staring at her like some kind of supervisor, as if she were a stepmother who would mistreat her own daughter. It was truly infuriating.

Song Qingpei grumbled inwardly, secretly rolling her eyes at Ming Yu before carrying Song Song back to the children’s room.

Song Song started her usual tactic of coaxing, “Mom, I want to sleep with you and Mama tonight~”

Hearing Song Song’s assist, Ming Yu, who had been silent all along, finally seized the opportunity and blurted out, “Okay!”

Before she could finish, Song Qingpei interrupted, “No, Song Song, you’re already in school now. You’re a brave little grown-up, so you have to sleep by yourself.”

Children have zero resistance to being praised for bravery. Song Song immediately lifted her little head and nodded, “Mm. Song Song is a brave little grown-up. I can sleep by myself.”

Then she obediently went back to her room, even declaring that she didn’t need anyone to tuck her in she could tuck herself in.

Song Qingpei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She planted a goodnight kiss on Song Song’s forehead, tucked her in, and only then stood up to leave. As she turned, she happened to catch Ming Yu’s lingering gaze, which seemed to flicker with a hint of regret.

Was it just her imagination?

The two of them left the room one after the other. Song Qingpei turned to leave but was stopped in her tracks as Ming Yu stepped forward, blocking her way.

Song Qingpei looked up at her in surprise.

Ming Yu stood in the shadows of the second-floor corridor, her voice hoarse as she said, “The hot search issue has been resolved. No one will bother you anymore.”

Song Qingpei’s recently eased emotions stirred once again. Ming Yu never hid her disdain for her as a low-tier Alpha, so there was no way Song Qingpei would humiliate herself by showing any reaction. She simply lowered her head slightly, the moonlight tracing the curve of her downturned eyelashes.

Softly, she replied, “Mm, I saw the news.”

That response felt like a fine needle piercing Ming Yu’s temples.

Suddenly feeling utterly powerless, she tapped her military boots impatiently against the floor and said with frustration, “Don’t you have anything else to say?”

“You’ve put a lot of effort into this matter.” Song Qingpei’s voice was crisp, like a slap. “It’s getting late. You should rest early.”

With that, she started to walk forward again. Ming Yu, irritated, followed and cornered her once more at the turn of the corridor.

A flicker of suppressed anger surfaced in Song Qingpei’s eyes as she asked, “What are you doing?”

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