Chapter 31

"Sister Lu is too domineering!" Qiao Yu said to the system in her heart, "However..."

She thought about it calmly for a moment, "I love her just the way she is!"

She eagerly reached for the first button of her blouse, while Lu Shangyi's dark eyes stared at her movements in silence. Seeing that Qiao Yu had already deftly unbuttoned one button, Lu Shangyi's composed expression subtly changed, and he asked in a low voice, tinged with doubt, "What are you doing?"

Qiao Yu stopped moving, her clear black and white eyes staring blankly at Lu Shangyi. "Didn't my sister tell me to take off my clothes?"

Lu Shangyi's expression instantly became indescribable. Putting the newspaper back on the coffee table, Lu Shangyi stared intently at her, her tone tinged with helplessness, "I told you to take off your stockings."

Realizing she had inadvertently misunderstood the other person, Qiao Yu smiled sheepishly, her face flushing slightly. "Oh."

She gave a soft reply, sounding rather disappointed.

"Isn't it pretty?" She glanced down at him. Even Aunt Ye had almost lost control just now, so why was it so ineffective with Lu Shangyi? Could it be because she's an EGA? Qiao Yu thought for a moment and then suddenly realized, then shook her head regretfully, "You EGAs seem to have a rather weak desire in this area."

"In what way?" Her features were calm and composed, but Qiao Yu sensed the dangerous undertone in Lu Shangyi's words. Reflexively shaking her head, Qiao Yu subtly took two steps to the side, refusing to admit, "Nothing."

As she took them off, she muttered to herself, "These socks cost several thousand dollars. It'll be so satisfying to tear them apart tonight."

Suddenly realizing that her statement wasn't quite accurate, Qiao Yu paused for a moment and then corrected herself, saying, "Actually, it's quite enjoyable to tear each other apart during the day too."

She stole a glance at Lu Shangyi, who was staring at her intently. His slightly amusement made him seem even more terrifying than his usual calm demeanor. Lu Shangyi chuckled softly, his tone suddenly becoming seductive, "You like it?"

Qiao Yu initially wanted to nod, but the atmosphere didn't seem too good, so she immediately denied it guiltily, "How could that be?!"

She avoided it like the plague. "How could I possibly like this kind of thing! Who would like these things prepared for old scoundrels?" Qiao Yu said righteously, "Impossible, I absolutely could not like it."

He then tossed the stockings aside, completely discarding them.

Just after throwing things away, Qiao Yu's phone, which she had tossed aside, rang. She craned her neck to look at it, but there was no contact name. Picking it up and hanging up, Qiao Yu explained to Lu Shangyi, "It's probably an insurance salesman."

Before she could finish speaking, the other party called again relentlessly. Just as Qiao Yu was about to refuse them for the second time, she suddenly had a flash of inspiration and immediately hid her phone behind her back. Qiao Yu smiled faintly at Lu Shangyi and said, "Sister, I'm going out to take this call."

Seeing Lu Shangyi nod, Qiao Yu immediately ran out of the house, "Brother, it's only nine o'clock in the morning and you're calling me? What if I'm still sleeping?"

His face darkened instantly, and Lu Shenghui sneered, "What did I tell you to do?"

I knew it would be like this. Even through a phone, Qiao Yu had no reason to be afraid of him. "Why are you in such a hurry? I've been very busy these past few days, rushing to finish my homework and doing practice tests every day. I don't have that much time to spend with Sister Lu." Qiao Yu said earnestly, "Brother, as an adult, you should be more understanding of a high school graduate like me, right?"

If Lu Shenghui were considerate, the sun would rise in the west today. He gave a cold laugh, his sinister voice sending chills down one's spine even through a cell phone, "Enough nonsense."

Qiao Yu felt a sudden heart attack and had no choice but to confess honestly, "She hasn't done anything these past few days."

"Didn't do anything?" Lu Shenghui was clearly skeptical. Lately, some people in the company had become increasingly restless. If they hadn't found a new backer, why would they have repeatedly opposed him? Apart from his dear sister, he really didn't know who else could make these people follow him so devotedly.

Lu Shenghui narrowed his eyes. "You better not be lying to me."

"I have no reason to lie to you," Qiao Yu said, feeling utterly wronged. "If you don't believe me, come and see for yourself."

"Sister Lu spends all her time reading newspapers and watching black stockings..." Qiao Yu paused, then quickly changed her words, "watching black bears walk on tightropes. She's as well-behaved as can be, and in the past few days, I haven't even seen her go out to take out the trash."

Knowing what Lu Shenghui was worried about, she added, "Of course, no one visits her. She's practically a caged canary, all alone, without a single friend."

Lu Shenghui didn't refute and ended the call directly. Qiao Yu guessed that although he had instructed her to monitor Lu Shangyi, he must have also sent others to do the same thing, since a suspicious person like Lu Shenghui would definitely not trust her completely.

Qiao Yu walked back to her room, looking at Lu Shangyi, wanting to remind her, but struggling to think of a suitable reason. After sitting for a while, Qiao Yu's eyes brightened slightly, and she said, "Sister Lu, could you please not let me know when you meet with other people in the future?"

She said it with utmost seriousness, "Especially at night."

Lu Shangyi didn't even lift her eyelids when she heard this, "Okay."

Qiao Yu had prepared a whole speech, but hearing her agree so readily, she was at a loss for words. The person opposite remained silent for a long time. Lu Shangyi finally looked up after turning a page of the newspaper, "Anything else?"

Qiao Yu exclaimed "Ah!" and hesitated for a long time before asking, "Why?"

Doesn't she ask why? Isn't she worried at all that she might have ulterior motives and want to harm her?

The woman's expression remained unchanged. "Didn't you say you didn't like it?"

The few simple words stirred ripples in Qiao Yu's heart. Her face flushed, and she clutched her chest, her bright eyes shining as she gazed at Lu Shangyi. Her gaze fell upon his deep features, and the corners of Qiao Yu's lips visibly curved upwards.

It would be such a waste not to marry a woman like that.

Although Lu Shenghui instructed Qiao Yu to keep a close eye on Lu Shangyi, Qiao Yu's ranking in the last exam dropped by one place. Besides Madam Qiao's silent interrogation, the occasional emotional counseling from her homeroom teacher also made her feel extremely tormented. Fortunately, Meng E's father was discharged from the hospital on Friday, so she didn't need to stay home to care for him. Qiao Yu then asked the family driver to pick up Meng E and Jiang Mei separately to come to her house to study together.

After spending the afternoon doing practice problems, someone brought up the topic of college applications during a break. Qiao Yu turned to Jiang Mei with interest, "Which school do you want to apply to?"

"Either is fine." Jiang Mei glanced at her, pursed her red lips for a moment, and then said, "But I want to apply for a medical major."

Meng E's eyes widened in surprise, her voice tinged with excitement, "What a coincidence, it's me too!" She said softly, "My father has been ill for many years, and my mother is also in poor health. I think if I become a doctor in the future, they won't have to suffer from pain day after day like this."

She spoke casually, and after explaining her reasons, she asked Jiang Mei, "And what about you? Why do you want to study medicine?"

Jiang Mei remained strangely silent for a long while before finally offering a seemingly reasonable reason: "Making money."

Qiao Yu was slightly surprised. She remembered that the female protagonist in the original story majored in Chinese literature and became a highly respected and refined Chinese language teacher at a private school in Beijing after graduation.

The current plot seems to be getting more and more different from what she's seen before.

She remained silent for a long time, so Meng'e asked her, "Where is Yuyu?"

"Me?" Qiao Yu pointed to herself. She really hadn't thought about this question. After all, she always thought that she could leave as long as she completed the mission, so she never thought that she would live a new life in this world. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Most likely, it's finance."

After all, she still needs to go home to inherit the company and earn money to support her future wife.

Speaking of money for a wife, Qiao Yu remembered that Tang Shu was also there when she called Meng E last time. "E'e, what's going on between you and Tang Shu?" Qiao Yu knew that the two of them were elementary school classmates, but she had never seen them have much contact before. How did they suddenly become so close?

Meng E's expression changed slightly, and Qiao Yu tentatively asked, "Is it her who's been bothering you?"

Qiao Yu slammed her hand on the table indignation, "Fine, that scumbag! She has a boyfriend but still flirts around outside, chasing after other women. I'll pay someone to teach her a lesson for you!"

Meng E quickly stopped her, "No need, Yu Yu."

As soon as she spoke, she noticed Qiao Yu's "I knew it" expression. Flustered, she pursed her lips and said calmly, "She wasn't bothering me; she just kept trying to find out things about you from me."

“You know, she’s very proud and arrogant, and she’ll never bow down to you.” Meng’e’s eyes shifted away unnaturally. “But she was really curious, so she could only come to me.”

Qiao Yu felt increasingly uneasy. She glanced at Jiang Mei, who returned her a resolute look. Qiao Yu instantly felt a headache coming on. Not to mention that Tang Shu still had a boyfriend, the fact that both of them were EGAs was enough to put an end to this relationship.

Meng E didn't want Qiao Yu to worry about her, so she asked about Qiao Yu instead: "By the way, Yu Yu, didn't you say that Aunt Ye and the others have moved in? Has anything happened these past two days?"

If your eye twitches uncontrollably twice, that's a serious problem.

Unwilling to recall what happened that day, Qiao Yu replied perfunctorily, "It's alright, nothing serious."

Her raven-feather-like eyelashes drooped down in unison. Jiang Mei stared silently at the test questions in front of her. Qiao Yu's suitors were all so impressive, while she herself was utterly useless, unable to offer her anything. She pursed her red lips again and again, remembering the more than five million yuan in her bank account.

With a do-or-die determination, Jiang Mei invested most of her money.

Qiao Yu has reached the age of differentiation. Once she comes of age, suitors will flock to the Qiao family's door. If she doesn't seize the time to work hard and earn money, she might not even be worthy of holding up someone's skirt, let alone standing openly by their side.

Jiang Mei put away the test papers and stood up. "Yu Yu, I have to go back to school now."

Qiao Yu was surprised, "So soon? Why don't you finish dinner before you leave?"

Jiang Mei shook her head and refused, her attitude very firm. "No need." She smiled, pursing her lips. "I have some things to take care of."

She appeared calm, but her eyes subtly revealed a hint of anxiety. She even refused Qiao Yu's offer to accompany her. Left with no other option, Qiao Yu had the driver take her home, telling her to "be careful on the road."

Meng E took a couple of bites of potato chips and started talking about Jiang Mei's recent whereabouts: "Ever since she received the package that day, she's been acting all mysterious, I don't know what she's been up to all day." Meng E recalled as she spoke, "She used to be someone who couldn't wait to stick to you, but now she's leaving early and even refused your company."

She speculated, "She must be hiding some little secrets."

Qiao Yu could indeed sense Jiang Mei's neglect and coldness towards her these past few days, but she could understand it, "She's probably investigating her aunt's affairs."

Meng E asked in surprise, "She has an aunt?"

Realizing she had inadvertently let something slip, Qiao Yu chuckled and explained in a seemingly reasonable manner, "Isn't her father's sister her aunt? If her grandparents had discovered her identity, they probably would have taken her back to be recognized by her family long ago."

After all, top-tier alpha genes like Jiang Mei's are one in a million, and the older generation has no reason to let such a good descendant wander outside.

Even strictly speaking, she can only be considered an illegitimate child.

The female protagonist grew up without anyone to love or care for her, so it's understandable that she would crave family affection after suddenly learning that she has relatives in this world. If it were her, whether it was due to the closeness of blood ties or the more than five million yuan given by the other party out of goodwill, Qiao Yu would not be able to remain calm.

She must have searched the entire city to find out who he was, and then shamelessly clung to this powerful figure.

Meng E nodded, convinced, and felt happy for Jiang Mei: "If she can find other relatives in the world, she will finally no longer be bullied by her aunt and cousin."

But Qiao Yu felt that things weren't that simple. What was the concept of a beautiful, strong, and tragic female lead? It meant being as tragic as possible.

Thinking about this, Qiao Yu began to worry.

What if Jiang Mei's powerful aunt in the capital treats her badly later? What if her aunt is deliberately using money to sway her and lure her to find her, with ulterior motives? Qiao Yu frowned. "System."

The system quickly appeared: "Host, the secrets of heaven must not be revealed."

"..."

Qiao Yu had no choice but to discuss with Meng E which important figure in the capital resembled Jiang Mei. However, this place was full of hidden talents and powerful figures, and the two of them discussed until dark without finding any useful clues.

After seeing Meng'e off, Aunt Zhang came over and said, "Yuyu, Madam is busy preparing for your eighteenth birthday ceremony these days."

Eighteen years old? Qiao Yu was in a daze for a moment, then asked with interest, "So how are the preparations going?"

"They've already decided to host the banquet at a hotel near their home, and the menu has been chosen." As they were talking, the conversation somehow drifted to the topic of grades. "I saw your school's schedule, and your school's proficiency test is about a week or two before your birthday."

She had already made her hints quite clear, and Qiao Yu gave an OK sign. "I understand, I'll go review now."

"And another thing," Aunt Zhang called out to her. Qiao Yu turned around, and Aunt Zhang said with a smile, "Madam means that many of her friends will be coming, so if you take a fancy to any of them, just say so, and we can arrange the marriage on the spot."

Qiao Yu was extremely shocked, “???”

Do my parents think I'm already past twenty?!

Perhaps due to psychological factors, Qiao Yu felt extremely unwell that night, as if all the cells in her body were being torn apart and then regenerated into something completely new. She woke up groggily in the middle of the night, touched her forehead, and found she had a slight fever.

She shifted her position uncomfortably, and vaguely thought: Differentiation must be really painful.

If she fails to differentiate into a fearsome A-class beast in the end, she'll cause a scene.

Because she couldn't get up on time the next day, Aunt Zhang discovered that the person, who had been sleeping with a low-grade fever, was soon heard in the room with the sound of high heels. Qiao Yu felt a warm hand touch her forehead. She tried hard to open her eyes, but she didn't have the strength.

After struggling stubbornly for a while, to no avail, she unknowingly fell asleep again under the other person's gentle caresses.

Madam Qiao's gaze fell on her daughter's pale, bloodless face, and she couldn't utter a word, her expression filled with worry. Qiao Jinghuai comforted her from the side, "Wife, don't worry, Yuyu just has a slight fever, it's nothing serious."

Even so, he was a little worried, as he had never seen his wife care about Qiao Yu like this before.

Recalling Madam Qiao's recent actions, Qiao Jinghuai also became nervous. "This..." He hesitated for a long time, "Could it be that Yuyu really has some kind of problem?"

Unfortunately, all he got in return was a displeased look from the woman. "What problem could Yu Yu possibly have?"

After giving instructions to Aunt Zhang, Madam Qiao pulled Qiao Jinghuai away. In the car, she asked someone, "What do you think of Bai Yiyu?"

"Bai Yiyu?" Qiao Jinghuai hesitated slightly. "Isn't she your classmate?"

Madam Qiao narrowed her eyes, her thoughts drifting far away. "But her maternal grandfather, paternal grandfather, and father all held very important positions in the military." If Qiao Yu were to marry into the Bai family, all the socialites and wealthy women in the capital would have to treat her with the utmost respect.

“But,” Qiao Jinghuai couldn’t help but say, “she’s a year older than you.”

Mrs. Qiao turned her head, her expression indifferent. "You're also several years older than me."

Qiao Jinghuai choked up. But is being a few years older the same as being decades older? What if they leave before the two of them? What kind of behavior would that be?!

Perhaps Mrs. Qiao also felt it was unrealistic, so she temporarily suppressed this idea and stopped discussing it.

When Qiao Yu woke up, she felt much better, but she still had a slight cough and felt dizzy and listless. Qiao Yu suspected that something went wrong when her consciousness merged with this body, but logically, if there was a problem, it would have manifested long ago, and there would be no need to wait until now.

She carried a bottle of nutritional supplement in her hand. In the past, she would get extremely annoyed by drinking too much of it, but now it seemed that only by carrying it could she feel a moment of peace.

Outside the house, all was quiet. Occasionally, a sycamore leaf would twirl and fall to the ground, only to be gently swept up by the wind and drift aimlessly across the road. Qiao Yu stood at the door, clutching a nutrient solution. "System, do you think I'll differentiate on my birthday?"

She thought about it carefully and decided that it would be fine if she differentiated on her birthday. At that time, all the women in the capital would witness her rise as an unparalleled and fierce Alpha, which would be a perfect opportunity to make a name for herself.

Imagining the wary looks Ye Yunjian and Song Wanzi would give her, Qiao Yu almost grinned from ear to ear.

Once she differentiates into an alpha, Sister Song and Aunt Ye will no longer be able to bully her so easily.

The system wasn't quite sure either, "Probably."

"Should?" Qiao Yu narrowed her eyes dangerously, realizing once again how unreliable this weak system was. The system panicked under her gaze and quickly explained, "However, whether it differentiates early or late won't affect you, host."

"After all, host, you are destined to be the bravest woman in the entire capital."

Qiao Yu liked hearing that. She knelt down on the warm carpet and placed the test paper aside. Before she could even start working on the questions, Aunt Zhang came in carrying a thick stack of documents. "Yu Yu, these are all the matchmaking materials that Madam prepared for you."

She neatly placed the mountain of documents in front of Qiao Yu. Qiao Yu blinked, thinking she must be hallucinating.

She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them and blinked again. She blinked again, but the object in front of her remained firmly in place, unmoved. Qiao Yu began to panic. "System, could I really have some kind of terminal illness?! Oh my god! I'm just a little girl not even eighteen years old!"

She felt a surge of anxiety, and a chill ran down her spine.

After the system reassured her repeatedly, Qiao Yu calmed down a little and stared at the large stack of blind date information, lost in thought.

After Aunt Zhang left, Qiao Yu hesitated for a long time before her hands involuntarily picked up the top book. Opening the first page, she saw large, clear black characters that read: "Alpha Rich Woman Edition."

"..."

Qiao Yu picked up a second book, this time with a title that was even more striking: Alpha Military and Political Chapter.

I quickly flipped through it, and besides the family backgrounds being neatly categorized, each person's introduction was accompanied by a full page of personal photos. Each one exuded an imposing presence, each one appearing cold and aloof.

After looking through the categories, Qiao Yu was filled with questions. Did her mother have some misunderstanding about her criteria for choosing a partner? Apart from Lu Shangyi, there wasn't even a single EGA among all these potential partners!

Although she likes Alphas, shouldn't she at least be allowed to see what other Egas look like?

Qiao Yu was searching through a pile of documents, so engrossed that she didn't notice someone silently appearing at the door. Ye Yunjian's tall figure stopped in front of Qiao Yu. With her good eyesight and Qiao Yu's lack of attempt to conceal anything, she could see everything clearly on the white paper.

Raising an eyebrow slightly, she squatted down in a cold voice, her deep eyes fixed on Qiao Yu, who instantly panicked upon seeing her. "What? You're already getting ready for a blind date?"

"Is it Lu Shangyi who can't satisfy you, or Song Wanzi who can't satisfy you?" She narrowed her eyes dangerously. "Or perhaps it's me who can't satisfy you?"

His gaze darkened slightly with displeasure, and Ye Yunjian casually picked up a document, flipped through a couple of pages, and humphed.

He tossed the documents aside with disdain, saying, "These people aren't even worthy of pouring me tea."

The meaning behind her gaze as she looked at Qiao Yu was quite clear: You actually like this?

Author's Note: Aunt Ye: Very good, woman, you have successfully aroused my competitive spirit.