Ye Zhixun kept rereading the messages Yu Li had sent her.
Aside from being surprised that Yu Li had sent her pocket money in the middle of the night, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
What did this mean?
Why suddenly send money?!
Ye Zhixun stared at her phone, wanting to ask Yu Li, but it was too late sending a message now wouldn’t be appropriate.
The marriage agreement Yu Li had given her earlier stated that she would receive a monthly salary.
The wording and format of that agreement had resembled an employment contract so much that Ye Zhixun hadn’t thought much of it. But now, seeing such a large sum of money actually deposited into her account, the strangeness of it all became more pronounced.
Since when did an omega give an alpha a salary and such a generous allowance at that?
After hesitating, Ye Zhixun decided not to message Yu Li.
She would wait until daytime and talk to her in person.
Yu Li had a flight scheduled for six or seven in the morning, so unfortunately, she wouldn’t be able to enjoy the breakfast Ye Zhixun usually prepared.
Still, since her physical condition was stable now, she wanted to get things done as soon as possible and stuck to her travel plans.
As Yu Li finished packing, she caught a faint, elusive fragrance in the air, one that reminded her of Ye Zhixun’s pheromones, though it lacked the distinctive scent of an alpha’s essence.
She glanced around but didn’t find anything Ye Zhixun might have left behind. Instead, her gaze landed on the orchid on the balcony, its tiny bud having unfurled slightly.
Yu Li walked over and leaned in to take a whiff.
It did smell somewhat like Ye Zhixun’s pheromones.
She recalled what her aunt had said when delivering the flowers, if they hadn’t broken up, this orchid would likely have been given to Yu Qi.
Her expression faltered for a moment before she peeled off a sticky note attached to the side of the pot and read it.
The note detailed the orchid’s variety, the time it had been cultivated, and its daily care instructions.
This small pot of flowers had taken six or seven years of nurturing before finally producing a bud.
[Ah Xun, loving someone is like tending to flowers patience and unwavering devotion are needed for them to bloom beautifully.]
At the very end, there was a small line written specifically for Ye Zhixun.
These flowers were originally meant to be given to Ye Zhixun first, who would then pass them on to someone else.
But since the recipient had turned out to be Yu Li, she had kept both pots.
Ye Zhixun probably hadn’t even seen this note yet.
After reading it, Yu Li lifted her eyes to the orchid.
Its slender stem stood tall and vibrant, crowned by a tiny bud that looked both adorable and a little silly.
She tucked the note into her bag.
Meanwhile, Ye Zhixun woke up early, went for a workout, and was about to head to Weigang Residence when she received a message from Yu Li.
[I’ll be away for a couple of days. Please take care of the flowers at Weigang Residence. Also, a package will arrive around 10 a.m., it’s for you, so sign for it.]
Reading Yu Li’s message, Ye Zhixun should have felt relieved, but instead, a faint sense of disappointment settled in her chest.
Aware of her own thoughts, she went for a few more laps around the track.
She had no idea where Yu Li had gone, leaving so early in the morning.
When she arrived at Weigang Residence, Yu Li’s place was empty.
Ye Zhixun tidied up the room and watered the orchids.
Orchids didn’t need frequent watering.
But the temperature and humidity had to be just right, and the watering method had to be precise.
Her grandmother had mentioned that there was a note on the pot with instructions, but Ye Zhixun couldn’t find it. Not that it mattered, she had helped her grandmother with this before and knew exactly what to do.
After finishing up, she waited a while until the courier arrived with the package.
Yu Li said it was for her. When Ye Zhixun opened it, she found a set of sportswear inside.
The fabric felt comfortable to the touch, and the tailoring was refined, though otherwise, it didn’t seem particularly special.
What surprised Ye Zhixun was that Yu Li had actually gifted her clothes.
During her three-year relationship with Yu Qi, Ye Zhixun had always been the one giving gifts, Yu Qi had never really given her anything in return.
Now, with Yu Li, before Ye Zhixun could even think of presenting a gift, Yu Li had already taken the initiative to give her one.
That awkward feeling crept up on Ye Zhixun again.
[Have you seen the clothes? Try them on and send me a photo so I can check the fit.]
Just as Ye Zhixun was about to pack the clothes away, she received Yu Li’s message.
“……” Ye Zhixun scratched her cheek after reading it.
Well, as strange as it was, since Yu Li had asked, and it wasn’t a big deal, she changed into the sportswear, took a selfie in the mirror, and sent it to Yu Li.
[Thank you, sister. It fits perfectly.]
Ye Zhixun sent the message.
And indeed, it did fit perfectly.
On the other end, Yu Li had just gotten off the plane. When she saw the photo Ye Zhixun sent, a satisfied gleam flashed in her eyes.
After reading the note from Ye Zhixun’s grandmother, Yu Li had felt a bit like she’d recklessly plucked a carefully nurtured flower from someone else’s garden.
The pocket money she’d given Ye Zhixun in the middle of the night was a form of compensation, but it still felt like something was missing.
Remembering the sportswear Ye Zhixun had worn the day before, she searched through a brand she collaborated with and picked out a set she thought would suit her, then had it delivered to Ye Zhixun.
Compared to the plain, functional sportswear Ye Zhixun usually wore designed purely for ease of movement, the set Yu Li sent was made of the finest material, with a stylish cut. The cuffs featured delicate embroidery, and the top was slightly cropped, accentuating her figure.
On Ye Zhixun, who already had excellent proportions, the outfit made her look even taller and leggier.
[You can tell people you have a marriage partner, but nothing else for now.]
After sending the message, Ye Zhixun changed out of the clothes and tidied up. As she was heading downstairs, she received another message from Yu Li.
“…” Ye Zhixun was momentarily speechless. She had expected Yu Li to comment on the clothes, but instead, she brought up this topic.
Unsure what Yu Li meant by it, Ye Zhixun didn’t dwell on it and left Weigang Residence.
For the next two days, Yu Li didn’t return, but several more sets of clothes, along with accessories like hats and scarves, were delivered to Weigang Residence. Each time, Ye Zhixun had to try them on and send Yu Li a photo for approval.
Ye Zhixun wasn’t particular about clothes as long as they were comfortable, she was fine. The outfits Yu Li sent fit her perfectly and were all very comfortable to wear.
She started thinking about what to give Yu Li in return but had no idea what she might like.
Since she couldn’t decide on a gift yet, Ye Zhixun spent more time battling Yu Li’s anti-fans online.
Even though she hadn’t seen Yu Li in person, the new intimate memories they’d shared kept resurfacing in her mind whenever she had a moment to spare.
Ye Zhixun found herself missing the days when her mind had been blissfully empty, free from desire.
Just two days apart, and she kept thinking about Yu Li, about the scent of her during the marking.
At night, whenever she dreamed of Yu Li, she’d wake up with her pheromones flaring.
Normally, though, no matter how much she wanted to release them, she couldn’t.
During this time, Ye Zhixun even made a special trip to the hospital, suspecting that the aftereffects of that “Alpha Energy Boost” drink might have left some hidden issues.
“Young alphas like you naturally have abundant hormones and strong vitality. The inability to release pheromones is just due to long-term disuse use it or lose it. After a few days of adaptation and more frequent activation, it should improve.”
“Don’t drink that medicineit’s for men in their fifties and sixties who lack ability. With your physique that’s better than average, taking it would have the same effect as an ordinary person taking stimulants.”
Ye Zhixun was too embarrassed to admit she’d already taken it, only mentioning her inability to release pheromones and asking if “Alpha Energy Boost” might help.
The doctor’s words filled Ye Zhixun with regret. She should have consulted a doctor first.
But it was too late now.
The doctor concluded that her glands and pheromone secretion were perfectly normal, requiring no treatment.
Yet were the constant mental images of being with Yu Li really normal?
Ye Zhixun wasn’t thick-skinned enough to ask outright. She could only try to adapt gradually and see if things improved.
With pheromone secretion, more practice would likely make it controllable.
When at home, Gu Qiaqia tried inviting Ye Zhixun out again. Even with Yu Li absent, Ye Zhixun didn’t dare go.
“This trip to the mountains for snow views includes an overnight stay, a perfect opportunity. Didn’t you promise to help me? Single for over twenty years, finally meeting someone I like, will you really stand by as a friend?” Gu Qiaqia pleaded.
If Ye Zhixun isolated herself, she’d never recover from heartbreak, so Gu Qiaqia urged her earnestly.
“Sorry… I can’t meet other omegas. This kind of activity isn’t suitable for me,” Ye Zhixun said, choosing to obey Yu Li over helping Gu Qiaqia.
“…Zhixuan! Is Yu Qi forbidding you? Even after breaking up, she’s still this controlling? Yes, I wanted you to meet new omegas and start fresh. Stop dwelling in the past! Yu Qi has no say now don’t listen to her,” Gu Qiaqia said angrily.
“No, it’s not Yu Qi. I… I’m actually not single now. My new partner requested this,” Ye Zhixun revealed part of the truth to avoid misunderstanding.
“What?! When did this happen?!” Gu Qiaqia was shocked.
“Just these past few days. I can’t go out with you, she’d get angry,” Ye Zhixun said.
“……” Seeing Ye Zhixun’s seriousness, Gu Qiaqia was speechless.
So she was the clown all along.
Do good looks really make finding partners this easy?!
“Please keep this confidential for now. She dislikes gossip. Don’t worry about me anymore,” Ye Zhixun said.
We fear our sisters suffering, yet envy their success.
Gu Qiaqia’s feelings were complicated.
She hadn’t even caught up, yet Ye Zhixun had already moved on.
After all her concern.
Gu Qiaqia left alone.
Between daily video tasks at home, Ye Zhixun battled Yu Li’s anti-fans.
She only went out for afternoon classes.
The trending topic had lasted days without Yu Li clarifying. Ye Zhixun wondered if some major plan was coming.
Attempting to message Yu Li brought no reply.
This made Ye Zhixun feel somewhat worried.
“According to trending searches, Yu Li has taken leave to rest, and Yu’s Jewelry has appointed Yu Qi as acting chairman. There seem to be some issues at Yu’s recently that Yu Li couldn’t resolve, forcing her to take leave.”
On her way, Ye Zhixun overheard someone mention Yu Li and immediately checked trending searches on her phone.
Sure enough, news about Yu Li stepping down was trending.
[“A pretty face remains just a pretty face can’t handle being chairman but makes a decent model”]
[“Congratulations, the crown prince has finally ascended the throne!”]
[“Yu’s Jewelry carries Yu Li’s signature style. Without her, the brand is finished!”]
[“Heard Yu Li was so heartbroken she got hospitalized. So pitiful”]
After skimming through, Ye Zhixun found a blurry photo allegedly of Yu Li. Though pixelated, she could recognize it was indeed her.
Ye Zhixun clenched her fists slightly.
After all Yu Li’s hard work, had she still lost in the internal power struggle?
With her poor health and the recent temperature drop, had she fallen ill again? Why was she hospitalized?
Ye Zhixun had no answers to these questions.
She didn’t even know where Yu Li was now.
Their only connection was through the phone Yu Li had given her. If that became unreachable, they’d lose contact completely.
During afternoon classes, Ye Zhixun was distracted. The moment class ended, she rushed to Weigang Residence, hoping to find Yu Li there or discover alternative contact methods.
[“I heard Yu Li remains unmarried at 29 to maintain her image, but secretly keeps several young lovers”]
[“Yu Li’s extremely generous to her lovers, notice how none have come forward to expose her?”]
[“Tsk tsk, I’d love to be Yu Li’s lover too. With such a beauty, group arrangements would be fine…”]
[“Now that Yu Li’s broke, she probably can’t afford lovers anymore might need to be kept herself. You got enough money?”]
On her way to Weigang Residence, Ye Zhixun overheard these discussions. Yu Li had been trending for days, becoming dinner table gossip for many.
Hearing such remarks, Ye Zhixun felt veins pulse at her temples as anger rose.
“What you’re saying constitutes defamation. Please refrain from spreading rumors,” Ye Zhixun said sternly, quickly approaching the group.
[“Oh look, a busybody! How rare!”]
[“Hey isn’t this Yu Qi’s ex? Haha, meddling much? What we say has nothing to do with you, we talking about you?”]
The group laughed mockingly at Ye Zhixun.
“Shut up! I’m calling the police for defamation,” Ye Zhixun declared, but as she raised her phone, one of them slapped it away.
The group included some spoiled rich kids who knew Yu Qi, with notoriously bad tempers. Annoyed by Ye Zhixun’s interference, when one started the attack, others quickly joined.
Meanwhile, Yu Li had just landed from her afternoon flight when her phone rang.
“Sis, you’ve landed, right? Need to ask a favor,” came Yu Qi’s voice.
“What is it?” Yu Li asked calmly. Despite the company’s troubles, she hadn’t taken it out on Yu Qi and maintained her usual demeanor.
“Sorry to bother you, I couldn’t ask our brothers, and I’m overseas. It’s about my ex-girlfriend, she got arrested after a fight. Could you send someone to post bail? Apparently she fought over me, and I feel bad about it.”
Yu Li’s expression darkened gradually as she listened to Yu Qi’s voice on the phone.
Wasn’t Ye Zhixun Yu Qi’s ex-girlfriend?
She had only been gone for a few days, and now Ye Zhixun had gotten into a fight and been arrested, all because of Yu Qi?
“Fine, I’ll have someone handle it,” Yu Li replied, her voice restrained.
“Thank you, sis. I’ll bring you a gift when I get back,” Yu Qi’s sweet voice chimed.
After hanging up, Yu Li pinched the bridge of her nose.
She had known about Ye Zhixun and Yu Qi’s relationship for a long time.
The two had been together for three years those feelings couldn’t have disappeared so quickly.
When she had commissioned the rings, she already understood the depth of the client’s feelings for their lover.
But Ye Zhixun was just being used as a human suppressant, what did her thoughts even matter?
Yu Li’s expression shifted briefly before settling back into calm. She instructed her assistant to bail Ye Zhixun out of the detention center and gather more details about the incident while she returned to Weigang Residence.
Meanwhile, Ye Zhixun and the troublemakers she had fought with were being lectured in the detention center.
The group knew Yu Qi and were aware that Ye Zhixun was her ex-girlfriend, so they automatically assumed the fight had been over her.
In their minds, there was no way Ye Zhixun could have any connection to Yu Li.
So when they called for help, they all claimed Ye Zhixun had attacked them because of Yu Qi.
Even when Ye Zhixun denied it, no one believed her.
Somehow, the story reached Yu Qi something Ye Zhixun hadn’t anticipated.
The thugs, furious about being beaten, demanded compensation and threatened to make sure Ye Zhixun rotted in jail. Just as she was starting to worry, a young, unfamiliar beta arrived. After speaking to the group, they slunk away without another word.
The stranger paid Ye Zhixun’s bail and escorted her out.
“President Yu found out this afternoon and sent me,” the assistant explained.
Ye Zhixun had never been so humiliated in her life.
She had only fought back in self-defense when they attacked her first.
But then they started spewing filth, and her temper flared, she might have hit them a little harder than necessary.
If they pressed charges and word got back to her school or family, it would be a disaster.
Yet in the end, it was Yu Li who had to clean up her mess.
Yu Li already had enough problems of her own, now she had to spare attention for Ye Zhixun too.
Embarrassed and guilt-ridden, Ye Zhixun rushed straight to Yu Li’s residence at Weigang Residence after being released.
When she arrived, she heard Yu Li’s voice, along with some strange cracking sounds.
Following the noise, she found Yu Li in the kitchen, wearing an apron and gloves.
But she wasn’t cooking.
She was prying open clams.
Clams larger than Yu Li’s palms were being expertly sliced along the edges with a knife before being forcefully cracked open by hand. She then plucked out the pearls inside, squeezing them onto a plate, tossing the empty shells aside, and moving on to the next one.
Yu Li worked methodically, her face expressionless, not even glancing at Ye Zhixun.
Watching the scene, Ye Zhixun felt an inexplicable chill run down the back of her neck.
She suddenly remembered Yu Li had once said she was like a pearl clam.