Chapter 44

She had assumed Yun Mo was just an innocent young girl, blinded by a momentary infatuation. But she never expected Yun Mo to be so vicious, throwing herself at Lu Xi recklessly and even dragging Chi Xingcen into it!

Lu Xi couldn’t stand it any longer. She directed Butler Xu to drag Yun Mo away. “Send her to Sea City,” she ordered. “Don’t let her set foot in this house again!”

Sea City was where the Yun Family resided, a good two-hour flight from the Capital City. Once Yun Mo was back there, her family would keep an eye on her. Lu Xi was certain she wouldn’t see the girl again.

The living room fell silent. The bright lights felt a bit dazzling. Lu Xi stood up and headed upstairs, her footsteps light and measured. Fortunately, the house was well-insulated. The earlier commotion hadn’t disturbed anyone else.

Especially not Chi Xingcen. Lu Xi didn’t want her to know about such distressing matters.

…

As preparations for the wedding accelerated, Lu Corporation’s discreet investigation into Chi Xianrang had begun to yield results.

In the thick of night, faint starlight struggled against the darkness, while a slender crescent moon hung high in the sky. Its clear glow bathed the earth, illuminating even the shadowed corners.

Amid the ruins, hurried footsteps echoed closer, accompanied by heavy panting. Someone fled desperately outward, as if pursued by something terrifying. His peripheral vision was fixed on what trailed behind him, terrified of being caught.

Reaching the edge of the ruins, the crisp moonlight spilled onto the road. He paused at the fork, hesitating briefly before choosing the path into the mountains.

“You still dare to run?!” The pursuers were right on his heels. Seeing Chi Xianrang bolt toward the hills, they gripped their knives tighter and gave chase.

He ran for what felt like ages, plunging into a dense forest. But the footsteps behind him showed no sign of stopping. He didn’t dare pause to catch his breath. Exhausted to the point of seeing stars, Chi Xianrang realized he couldn’t keep this up.

He tightened his grip on his backpack. A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. He pulled out several bundles of cash and stuffed them into his pockets, then hurled the bag—still heavy with more bundles—in the opposite direction.

Regret and malice mingled in his gaze, but there was no time to think. He turned and ran the other way, careful not to leave tracks, hoping they’d spot the backpack and pursue it instead.

But his pursuers weren’t fools. Moments after picking up the discarded bag, they conferred briefly and decided to split up.

In the dead of night, weary, hungry, and exhausted, Chi Xianrang collapsed in a thicket of dense underbrush. The tall weeds concealed him for the moment. He closed his eyes and rested, intending to get up and flee again soon.

But then, rustling sounds reached his ears, followed by shaking branches.

The footsteps drew nearer. Chi Xianrang froze, holding his breath, every nerve taut as he tracked their movements.

He dared to hope the spot was too remote for them to find him.

Unfortunately, they came closer still. His heart pounded in his throat. His mind went blank. Then, ahead of them, he scrambled up and bolted sideways on all fours.

His movement gave him away.

Though equally fatigued, the pursuers surged with excitement at the sight of their target. The leader recalled their master’s orders—a killing intent flared in his eyes. In the next instant, he hurled his knife straight at Chi Xianrang’s neck.

A chill wind whistled behind him, danger closing in. Every hair on Chi Xianrang’s body stood on end. His mind emptied. Instinctively, he threw himself forward.

Clang! The sharp blade landed just in front of him. He stared at it with wide eyes, terror-stricken. No time to think—he veered off sideways again.

The night was pitch black, enveloping everything in shadow.

Chi Xianrang ran on, his focus entirely on the pursuit behind him. He failed to notice the cliff ahead. In one final, desperate leap, he tumbled down alongside scattering pebbles.

“Ah—” His agonized scream echoed into the void.

His pursuers halted at the cliff’s edge, prepared for such an outcome. Peering down, the darkness obscured their view.

After a long moment, someone ventured, “It’s a cliff. He must be dead down there, right?”

The leader eyed the drop, sheathing his knife. “He should be. Mission accomplished. Let’s go.”

…

Lu Xi and Chi Xingcen were trying on the jewelry for their wedding when the news arrived.

A knock at the door made Lu Xi pause. The omega in her arms gently pushed her away.

Interrupted mid-intimacy, the alpha’s face darkened. She stalked to the door and cracked it open. “What is it?”

Lu Li flinched at the icy tone. Then she noticed her young master’s flushed cheeks radiating pent-up desire. Blinking in surprise, she whispered her report: “Our people tracked him down. Chi Xianrang’s been brought back, but…”

Lu Xi urged her on. “Out with it. Stop dawdling.”

Lu Li proceeded cautiously. “When we found him, he’d fallen off a cliff. It wasn’t too high, but he was badly injured—broken bones everywhere. We got him, but he’s in the operating room now. No idea if he’ll pull through…”

Lu Xi’s brows furrowed.

Lu Li quickly relayed the rest of her findings. “…Chi Xianrang had been hiding under the Ming Family’s protection. But for some reason, the Ming Family head turned on him, gunning for his life. He fled that night. Our team arrived just in time—or too late. We couldn’t bring him back in one piece.”

“The Ming Family?” Lu Xi wasn’t entirely surprised. After a moment’s thought, she instructed Lu Li, “Cen Cen was kidnapped—that might have been the Ming Family working with Chi Xianrang. Dig into it.”

If the Ming Family was involved, they wouldn’t get away with it.

…

After sending Lu Li away, Lu Xi swiftly shut the door and returned to Chi Xingcen’s side. She paused at the sight of the omega’s neatly adjusted dress, then pulled her into an embrace as Chi Xingcen arched a teasing brow. Feigning distress, Lu Xi whined, “Why get dressed already? We weren’t finished…”

Chi Xingcen placed a finger on the alpha’s lips, her own curving into a smile. She huffed lightly. “Focus on trying the jewelry. No more distractions.”

The sunlight was gentle, a soft breeze wafting through. Sheer curtains billowed in the room, filtering the rare warm autumn light outside. Lu Xi drew a deep breath, suppressing her desires, and stayed by Chi Xingcen’s side as she sampled sparkling accessories.

After testing a shimmering tiara, Chi Xingcen asked casually, “I think I heard Lu Li mention Chi Xianrang earlier. Did they find him?”

Lu Xi brushed aside the omega’s long hair draping her cheeks and adjusted the tiara. “Mm. Chi Xianrang…”

After a pause, Lu Xi shared the details, including his shady ties to the Ming Family.

She watched Chi Xingcen’s expression closely. When the omega suddenly zoned out, Lu Xi sensed her unease.

Chi Xianrang was her biological father, after all. Hearing he was in mortal danger would stir anyone up. Lu Xi patted the omega’s slender shoulder soothingly. “He’s in the operating room. Lu Li will let us know when there’s news.”

“Don’t be too upset. He’s your father, but he never treated you like a real daughter. No matter what he does, don’t let it break your heart. It’s not worth it.”

Warm sunlight streamed through the translucent curtains, dusting the table. Tiny motes danced in the air, mirroring the turmoil in Chi Xingcen’s mind.

The room grew still, time seemingly frozen. Lu Xi couldn’t read the girl’s thoughts, but her subtle tremors betrayed deep emotions—perhaps confusion, or embarrassment.

Lu Xi didn’t pry. Seeing Chi Xingcen lost in her feelings, unlikely to dwell on the topic further, she shifted gears smoothly. “How’s this tiara? Do you like it?”

A warm hand stroked her hair, radiating comfort that chased away the chill. Chi Xingcen slowly refocused. She turned to the alpha watching her so intently, tugged at her lips, and smiled. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

Lu Xi grinned back and held up another gem-encrusted tiara to her head. “What about this one?”

A gentle breeze rustled the curtains, casting dappled shadows over the pair pressed close. Time softened; their smiles sparkled.

…

After surgery, Chi Xianrang had stabilized, but his injuries were severe—multiple fractures left him unconscious, with no telling when he’d wake.

Lu Xi accompanied Chi Xingcen to the hospital once, but seeing him unresponsive, they sat briefly and left.

Lu Li’s investigation yielded no concrete proof of the Ming Family’s involvement in the kidnapping. For now, hope rested on the comatose Chi Xianrang.

Then Xue Qing appeared before Lu Xi, claiming she had evidence of the Ming Family’s role in Chi Xingcen’s abduction. That caught her off guard.

“What did you say?” Lu Xi was reviewing documents behind her desk when her assistant announced Xue Qing’s urgent visit involving Chi Xingcen. Facing the girl calmly, Lu Xi cut straight to it.

Xue Qing drew out a chair, gracefully lifting her flowing skirt as she sat across from her, tilting her head. “Aren’t you going to offer me a drink?”

Lu Xi had no patience for pleasantries. She nodded to her assistant for a glass of warm water and made her stance clear. “Miss Xue, we’re not close enough for chit-chat. Speak quickly. You have five minutes.”

Xue Qing’s smile faltered. Her gaze fixed on the alpha’s cool face. “Want the evidence? What will you trade for it?”

Lu Xi caught the flicker of resentment in her eyes. She set down the papers and leaned back, her stare indifferent, saying nothing.

“Marry me,” Xue Qing blurted.

As Lu Xi seemed poised to refuse again, she pressed on. “Agree to marry me, and I’ll hand over the proof the Ming Family kidnapped Chi Xingcen.”

Lu Xi’s fingers tapped the desk lightly. She replied flatly, “In your dreams.”

She was truly fed up with this self-proclaimed female lead. Why target her? Ming Yanxiu was her obvious match—they’d even been engaged. Yet Xue Qing kept throwing herself at Lu Xi. It was more baffling than Yun Mo’s clumsy advances that night!

“Escort Miss Xue out,” Lu Xi told her assistant. “No one lets her into the company without my say-so.” Watching the baffled girl stomp off in frustration, Lu Xi turned back to her documents.

Evidence? Lu Corporation would uncover it themselves. She didn’t need Xue Qing. And if they hit a wall, 001 would step in—he wouldn’t ignore plot-critical developments.

But now wasn’t the time. Lu Xi trusted their resources; proof would surface soon enough.

Still, Xue Qing was an unpredictable wildcard. Lu Xi picked up the phone and called Lu Li.

“Keep eyes on Xue Qing. Report her every move to me.”

With work wrapped up, she glanced at the clock, grabbed her coat from the chair, and headed home.

Upon arrival, as she parked, she spotted Chi Xingcen stepping out of another car.

Hurrying over, Lu Xi asked curiously, “Did you go out?”

Chi Xingcen had been in her heat period the past couple days, listless and staying home from Chi Corporation. By her count, it should still linger.

“Why not rest more at home?” Lu Xi assumed it was work.

Chi Xingcen stood still, gazing at the solicitous alpha. Fatigue shadowed her expression.

“What’s wrong?” Lu Xi draped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close and wrapping her coat over them both.

Chi Xingcen exhaled softly, eyes downcast, reluctant to speak. Lu Xi didn’t push. She guided her gently out of the garage.

Even at dinner, Chi Xingcen seemed off. Worried, that night Lu Xi snuck into her room.

The room was unlit, curtains drawn tight against any light. Darkness blanketed everything.

By memory, Lu Xi reached the bed, lifted the covers, and slipped in.

Chi Xingcen, apparently awake, startled and scooted away.

“It’s me,” Lu Xi whispered in the gloom. Her long arms scooped the now-rigid girl into an embrace. She planted a restrained kiss on her cheek. “Where were you today? You don’t seem happy.”

The woman’s voice chimed like wind bells in the wind, striking at the girl’s heart and unleashing her pent-up thoughts.

Inhaling the alpha’s fresh scent greedily, Chi Xingcen clutched her firm waist.

“Xi Xi, do you like me?”

The girl sounded deeply insecure, her arms tightening like a forsaken cub in final desperation.

Lu Xi didn’t understand the trigger, but she never held back her affections. “Of course I like you. How could I not?”

She leaned down, caressing the girl’s rounded nape and kissing her forehead. “I only like you.”

“But what if…” Joy bloomed in Chi Xingcen at the unfeigned words, mingled with deeper anxiety. “What if later you find someone better, more perfect for you? Would you be with her?”

“No,” Lu Xi said firmly. “Nobody’s flawless. Sure, someone might outshine us both—but so what? Better people can pair with better people. It has nothing to do with me.”

“I’m certain. I only like you. Being with you relaxes me, makes me happy—like playing Tetris, where the empty slots await just the right pieces to fit perfectly.”

Chi Xingcen blinked, surprised. It was the first time anyone had confessed like that. The clouds in her heart parted. She laughed. “Then I’ll slot right into your puzzle.”

Snuggled against the woman, she closed her eyes contentedly. Xue Qing’s daytime words suddenly seemed trivial.