Chapter 3

What’s a normal person’s reaction when a beautiful woman suddenly draws close?

Pleasure or excitement aside, Lu Zhixia’s body went rigid—just like it had on the platform earlier.

She suspected Shen Wanqing of some bizarre demonic art. The moment the woman got near and breathed on her, Lu Zhixia felt as if she’d been struck at an acupoint.

Damn it, she couldn’t move again! The thought flashed through Lu Zhixia’s mind.

Bzzz—

A cell phone was always the perfect third wheel. Shen Wanqing’s rang.

The spell broke in an instant. Lu Zhixia snapped out of her tension and hurried off without a backward glance.

Shen Wanqing picked up the call, her eyes turning to watch the retreating figure.

“You sound pretty happy today,” came the casual voice from the other end.

Shen Wanqing said nothing, her gaze locked unwaveringly as Lu Zhixia slipped past the bodyguards and rounded the corner.

The voice reminded her coolly, “Don’t forget why you’re here.”

Shen Wanqing turned away in silence and stood where Lu Zhixia had leaned moments before. A faint trace of Ambergris Pheromone lingered in the air.

She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath.

An earthy fragrance, laced with a subtle woody note. A closer whiff revealed hints of algal sweetness, all wrapped in a mossy undertone.

It was a delicate, lingering scent—one the night breeze couldn’t scatter.

The caller finished speaking and hung up.

Surrounded by the clamor of nightlife, Shen Wanqing kept her eyes shut. With every breath of that Ambergris Pheromone, a different scene unfolded in her mind.

Towering ancient trees, lush and verdant, releasing their deep, time-worn woodiness.

Vibrant green moss cloaking trunks and roots, carrying a faint, fresh mossy aroma.

Crashing waves hurling algal fragrance onto the surface, then swept inland by the sea wind.

Her breathing steadied her mood.

She fished her phone from her pocket and dialed. “If you could smell Ambergris Pheromone up close, how good are the odds of replicating it?”

Something was said on the other end. Shen Wanqing murmured, “All right. Got it.”

It was getting late. Lu Zhixia returned to the private room, now far quieter.

Some lay passed out drunk; others slept soundly.

Ye Lanxi glanced up as she entered and tossed aside her cards. “Back?”

Up close, Ye Lanxi noticed Lu Zhixia’s ears were flushed again—redder than before.

She reached out suddenly and touched Lu Zhixia’s forehead. “You’re not coming down with something, are you?”

“No.”

“Want to crash?” Ye Lanxi nodded toward the inner door. “There’s a bedroom suite. I saved one for you.”

Jet lag still gnawed at Lu Zhixia, and the close encounter with Shen Wanqing had left her wired.

“I’m good. You go ahead and sleep.”

“Then I’ll hang out with you for a bit.” Ye Lanxi couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with Lu Zhixia tonight. Work stress, maybe? Or the absent friends?

Ever the good friend, she explained: some were away on business, others tied up with training, and a few had strict families who locked them down after dark.

Lu Zhixia just hummed. “I’m fine. Don’t you have stuff tomorrow? Get some rest.”

Ye Lanxi didn’t retreat to the bedroom. Instead, she sprawled on the sofa.

The room filled with the soft chorus of snores and breaths, like a gentle nocturne.

Pity Lu Zhixia felt no hint of drowsiness. She swigged from a bottle of liquor instead.

By the time she drained it, she’d summed things up in her head: Keep her distance from Shen Wanqing. That woman reeked of otherworldly allure.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. This late, everyone ought to be asleep.

She pulled it out—an unknown number.

Lu Zhixia never answered strangers. She ignored it.

She’d just set it on the table when it buzzed again. A text this time.

From the same number: Your stuff’s with me. Meet me at the first-floor lobby entrance.

Someone had her number and found her things? Lu Zhixia patted her pockets. Nothing missing.

She hesitated, then called back. No answer.

Frowning in irritation, she typed: Who is this?

The reply came fast: Shen Wanqing.

Lu Zhixia froze. How the hell did she get her number?

Before she could type, another message: Save my number. Easier to stay in touch.

Lu Zhixia pursed her lips and ignored it. She grabbed another bottle, but the phone buzzed again: Don’t want it back?

Lu Zhixia: Didn’t lose anything.

Shen Wanqing: Guess I’ll make a lost-and-found announcement then.

Lu Zhixia brushed it off. Moments later, a knocking sound echoed from the room’s speaker, followed by a clear female voice: “Ahem, testing, testing. Now, a missing person alert.”

The light sleepers stirred—including Ye Lanxi, who blinked awake in confusion. “Who lost something?”

“Dear patrons, good evening. Tonight at Demon Bar, a customer’s celebrating her birthday. A greeting card, lovingly handwritten by her friend, has gone missing…”

Lu Zhixia’s heart lurched. She yanked out her phone and hit dial.

“Luckily, a kind soul found it. We’re now reading the contents of the card. Dear owner, if you’re listening, please come claim it at the entrance to the first-floor lobby…”

The line picked up at a leisurely pace. Lu Zhixia jumped in quickly. “Is that my greeting card?”

“Most likely.”

“…”

The broadcast had already begun reading it aloud, and by now, everyone knew that Haijing City boasted a “universe-conquering, super-invincible, thunderbolt-spinning, explosively heroic, dashingly dashing peerless great Fierce A” who had sent her friend the ultimate birthday blessing.

People in the rooms were waking up left and right, all chiming in that those little words hit hard.

Lu Zhixia’s face burned red with embarrassment. She lowered her voice. “Stop reading! I’m on my way!”

No response from the other end. Then the damn broadcast sped up. “Wishing Haijing’s top-tier 4A Ye Lao’er a happy birthday. Get filthy rich soon and take me to heaven to snag the moon, dive into the depths…”

Ye Lanxi suddenly burst out laughing. “Hahaha, Big Boss, that’s you!”

Lu Zhixia bolted for the door. “I’m out! Stop it!”

“…dive into the sea to catch softshell turtles, with heroic flair sweeping the seven continents and handsomeness exploding across the four oceans…” The broadcast droned on. Lu Zhixia was so furious she nearly howled. “I said I’m here! Stop reading!”

“Getting feisty, are we?” Shen Wanqing asked coolly.

“I’m not feisty! Okay?!” Lu Zhixia raced toward the exit.

“Call me Big Sister.”

“…four oceans! Hahaha! Peerless great Fierce A Lu…”

“Big Sister!” Lu Zhixia gritted her teeth.

“Good girl.” Shen Wanqing’s soft laugh filtered through, followed by a gentle voice over the speakers. “The card’s owner has arrived. Wishing all our patrons a wonderful night!”

Lu Zhixia hurried out of the bar. A man in a suit stood at the door. “Good evening. Please, follow me.”

“Where’s Shen Wanqing?” Lu Zhixia had spotted him earlier that night from the balcony.

The man pointed to a car parked not far off. Lu Zhixia had been storming over in a huff, but her eyes lit up at the sight. A Bugatti La Voiture Noire!

Her first thought: What a gorgeous car.

Her second: Shen Wanqing is loaded.

Up close, the Bugatti was a masterpiece of money, technology, luxury, and elegance. A string of words raced through Lu Zhixia’s mind, all trying to capture just how insanely expensive and badass it was.

Shen Wanqing stood beside the car, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Lu Zhixia. The streetlights cast a warm yellow glow, wrapping the night in a hazy, intimate veil.

Lu Zhixia tore her eyes away and marched up to Shen Wanqing, her little face set in a stern pout.

Whether it was the night breeze or the alcohol kicking in, Lu Zhixia felt hot all over, her cheeks flushed bright.

She schooled her features into a picture of lingering outrage.

But her eyes drifted to the Bugatti’s tires, and inwardly, she marveled: Even the tires are enchanting.

“Want to go for a drive?”

“Yes.” The word slipped out before Lu Zhixia could stop it. A beat later, her alcohol-fogged brain caught up. She turned her head with forced indifference. “Actually, no. Just give me the card.”

“I found your card and returned it. You should thank me.”

“Thanks a bunch,” Lu Zhixia said through clenched teeth.

“That all?” Shen Wanqing prompted mildly.

Lu Zhixia knew exactly what she meant. She looked up, her face still rosy.

“I’ve already called you Big Sister. What more do you want?”

“You’re older than me. I could call you Big Sister.”

Lu Zhixia didn’t want to keep bickering. “Fine, just tell me. As long as I can do it.”

“Get in the car.” Shen Wanqing circled to the driver’s side. The man stepped forward. “President Shen.”

“It’s fine. I’ll drive.” Shen Wanqing glanced at Lu Zhixia, who was frozen in place. “Backing out already?”

With her little face still stern and unsmiling, Lu Zhixia climbed in.

Behind them, four men stood by a Mercedes-Benz, all watching her. Rich folks, every one.

It was Lu Zhixia’s first time seeing a real-life Bugatti, let alone riding in a supercar.

The alcohol had her buzzing with excitement, even if she thought she was playing it cool.

In Shen Wanqing’s eyes, Lu Zhixia was thrilled—her hands even trembled a little. More than once, she lifted a hand as if to touch the interior, only to snatch it back like she’d been caught.

Lu Zhixia peered out the window. Buildings blurred into thin streaks, whipping past.

The bright lights of the city gradually thinned out. The urban bustle faded as they slipped onto a quiet, tree-lined avenue.

“Want to feel the convertible?” Shen Wanqing asked suddenly.

“Can we?” Lu Zhixia replied politely, then immediately recomposed her pouty expression. “No need.”

Shen Wanqing glanced over at her puffed-up cheeks. “Still mad?”

“Not allowed?”

“Of course it is.” Shen Wanqing chuckled softly. “It’s cute. You can stay mad a bit longer.”

“…”

Lu Zhixia ignored her and turned her attention back to the Bugatti. At least it was pretty and didn’t get on her nerves.

Cruising through a summer night with the top down, the breeze against her face carried the warmth of the season.

They rode in silence as Lu Zhixia’s mind began to wander free.

She closed her eyes and slowly extended her arm out beside the car.

Her fingers splayed wide, catching the summer night wind. The air was scented with faint grass and foliage, alive with the endless chorus of cicadas.

Streetlights stretched far into the distance, like their loyal guards escorting them all the way to the deep blue night sky, where a few stars twinkled faintly.

Lu Zhixia lost herself in the scene until her phone buzzed. Ye Lanxi was asking where she’d disappeared to. Only then did she snap back to reality.

“How long is this drive going to take?”

“One night.”

“Do we really need to drive all night just for a joyride?” The wind had tousled Lu Zhixia’s hair, and the alcohol was starting to go to her head. “I don’t think so. I’ll die of thirst.”

Shen Wanqing kept one hand on the steering wheel and reached into the side compartment with the other, pulling out a bottle of water.

It was a sleek, expensive-looking bottle, long and rounded. Lu Zhixia leaned in for a closer look. The label mentioned something about pristine mountain snowfields…

She tipped her head back and chugged half the bottle. Shen Wanqing held out her hand. “Give me a sip.”

“Huh?” Lu Zhixia blinked in surprise. “I drank straight from the mouth. Just grab another bottle.”

“There’s only this one.”

“Hold on, then.” Lu Zhixia pulled a tissue from her pocket, wiped the rim clean, and handed it over.

Shen Wanqing didn’t bat an eye. She took a swig one-handed while driving, tilting her head back to reveal the elegant curve of her swan-like neck. As she swallowed, the smooth lines of her throat undulated, drawing Lu Zhixia’s eyes until she swallowed reflexively too.

Shen Wanqing drained the rest of the bottle and set the empty one on her lap.

They drove on in silence, the car looping through the streets until they swung back into the main city district.

Lu Zhixia let out a quiet sigh of relief. Thank goodness it wasn’t an all-night cruise.

The car pulled up in front of a large chain convenience store. Shen Wanqing jerked her chin toward the entrance. “My phone’s dead. Go buy something for me.”

Shen Wanqing had chauffeured her around in this luxury ride for ages—Lu Zhixia felt grateful enough to oblige. “Sure. What do you need?”

“PeauDivine.”

“Is that a product name?” As a translator, Lu Zhixia was fluent in French; it roughly meant “divine skin.”

Shen Wanqing hummed in confirmation. Lu Zhixia repeated it. “PeauDivine?”

“You’ve got the pronunciation down pat.”

“…”

Lu Zhixia had only taken two steps when an empty water bottle sailed past her from behind, landing perfectly in the trash bin.

She glanced back. Shen Wanqing was watching her coolly. Echoing her earlier tone but with a playful whine, Lu Zhixia said, “Nice throw.”

A faint smile flickered across Shen Wanqing’s face. She said nothing, just gazed at the tall figure’s retreating back.

When Lu Zhixia uttered “PeauDivine” to the clerk, the woman sized her up head to toe. Lu’s cheeks were rosy pink—obviously she’d been drinking. “You an adult?” the clerk asked skeptically.

“Yeah, I am.” Lu Zhixia frowned. What product required age verification?

The clerk eyed her a few more times, then fetched a small box from under the counter.

The packaging was cute, and the name matched: PeauDivine. No mistake. Lu Zhixia paid up and headed out.

“Here.” She handed it over.

“You hold on to it.” Shen Wanqing fired up the engine.

Lu Zhixia complied without protest, clutching the little box as she stared out the window.

This time, they pulled up to a hotel—the lavish International Convention Center Grand Hotel, opulent as an emperor’s harem.

Lu Zhixia offered the box again. Shen Wanqing tilted her head to look at her. “If you’re crashing out tonight, shouldn’t you let your family know?”

“Huh?” Lu Zhixia blinked, confused. “What’s that got to do with you?”

“Everything,” Shen Wanqing replied coolly, leaning back against the seat. “Tonight, you’re spending the night with me.”

It took Lu Zhixia a solid three minutes to connect the dots. Lighting a cigarette for someone at Demon Bar was code for agreeing to spend the night together. Somehow, she’d done it for Shen Wanqing.

“I didn’t know.”

“You’re reneging now.”

“I really didn’t know.”

“Want me to remind you of our little chat earlier?”

“…”

Ye Lanxi’s call came through: “Where’d you go? Did the booze make you lose your way? Or did you run off to check a bite mark?”

Perfect timing. Lu Zhixia seized the chance to confirm: was there really a “light a smoke, spend the night” rule at Demon Bar?

“Oh yeah, there is,” Ye Lanxi confirmed, then gasped. “Who’d you light up for? Hold up—who took you outta there?”

Ye Lanxi fired off a barrage of questions. Under her breath, Lu Zhixia snarled, “You didn’t warn me. I’ll get you tomorrow.”

Shen Wanqing watched the whole exchange, elbow propped on the door, cheek resting on her fist, her gaze never wavering from Lu Zhixia.

Then Ye Lanxi texted: Big Boss, play it safe—whoever took you, keep an eye out. If they’re sketchy, don’t let ‘em take advantage. Hit me up anytime.

Followed by: My bad, I figured you knew.

Lu Zhixia eyed the box in her lap and held it up to Shen Wanqing. “So this is…?”

“You’re the one who’ll be using it,” Shen Wanqing said flatly.

Realization dawned in an instant—what “divine skin” really meant. Under Shen Wanqing’s unwavering stare, Lu Zhixia’s face flushed a deep crimson.

Shen Wanqing leaned in slowly, chin tilted up as she fixed her gaze on Lu Zhixia’s face. “Your face…”

The next second, Lu Zhixia leaned back, stretched out her arm, and pressed her index finger firmly against Shen Wanqing’s shoulder. She said righteously, “Talk if you want to talk, but don’t get so close.”

Not only did Shen Wanqing not retreat, she even grabbed Lu Zhixia’s hand and slowly pushed it away.

Her strength was astonishingly great, completely shattering Lu Zhixia’s understanding of Omegas tonight.

Shen Wanqing leaned in closer and closer until her entire body was almost pressed against Lu Zhixia’s. She breathed against her ear and said, “I’m going to get close. What are you going to do about it?”

Lu Zhixia’s body stiffened even more, and her voice trembled. “You… you can’t take advantage of me like that.”

Shen Wanqing fully demonstrated what it meant to touch a reverse scale.

She caressed Lu Zhixia’s cheek, straddled her lap, placed both hands on her shoulders, and asked softly, “Was tonight’s wine good?”

Lu Zhixia kept her head lowered, her mind buzzing loudly.

Wait, what had Shen Wanqing just said? Lu Zhixia’s ears were burning up.

Shen Wanqing buried her head to look at her flushed face and asked gently, “Wasn’t it good?”

“I forgot…” She had forgotten everything, only knowing that she felt hot—like water in a pot nearing the boiling point.

Shen Wanqing cupped her chin with her warm, cool palm and lifted it up, only to meet slender, straight eyelashes that were lowered and trembling lightly, trembling in a way that made one’s heart itch unbearably.

Shen Wanqing slowly leaned in and whispered softly, “Let me have a taste.” The final syllable vanished against her lips. [Pleading with the wolf cubs to bookmark and comment—it’s super important for me to climb the ranks, thank you!]

Drinking from Big Sister’s bottle of water—indirect kiss, hehe.

So, what did it taste like?

Comment for red packets? Random drops!

—

Next chapter preview: Shen Wanqing stayed straddled on top of her, neither struggling nor letting go. She leaned down and breathed teasingly into her ear: “When Little Dog bites someone, she needs to be tamed.”