Chapter 5

Lying to Her Face

Right in front of Ning Xuechu stood three girls dressed in mature, fashionable clothes.

The one in the middle was an Omega named Duan Ran — a petite girl with a pretty face and an air of arrogant superiority.

Her gaze toward Ning Xuechu was full of disdain and mockery.

The two standing beside her were Betas, fawning over Duan Ran with flattery in their eyes.

These three often made trouble for Ning Xuechu, bullying and humiliating her for no reason at all.

At first, she hadn’t understood why Duan Ran always targeted her.

Later she realized — it was because she was the poorest student in class, the easiest to pick on.

And because no one would ever stand up for her, Duan Ran could torment her as much as she liked.

In truth, Duan Ran wasn’t popular either; she often flirted with Alphas from outside school and was secretly ridiculed by other students.

But bullying a poor girl like Ning Xuechu gave her the greatest sense of superiority.

“Ning Xuechu, that outfit you’re wearing looks like a designer brand. Did that rich Alpha just now buy it for you?” Duan Ran sneered, jealousy flickering in her eyes. “Everyone says you’re such a good girl, but I didn’t expect you to be so vain.”

At the word also, Ning Xuechu’s lips curled into a faint sneer. Her gaze sharpened, cold and cutting.
“So you do know what everyone thinks of you,” she said coolly. “I’m impressed you still have that much self-awareness.”

She deliberately emphasized the last words.

Normally, when faced with Duan Ran’s bullying, she always chose to endure — to stay silent, to avoid conflict.

This sharp, biting reply caught Duan Ran completely off guard.

A moment later, her heavily made-up face twisted in fury.

She stepped forward, chin raised high, glaring at Ning Xuechu.
“I don’t know what tricks you used to hook up with that rich Alpha, but if the teachers find out you’re having some improper relationship, you can say goodbye to your scholarship.”

With that, Duan Ran gave a proud little laugh, her tone dripping with arrogance.
“Apologize to me right now. Say ‘I’m sorry,’ and I’ll forgive your rudeness.”

Ning Xuechu gave a low, amused snort, her gaze cool and disdainful — like someone looking at a fool. Mimicking Duan Ran’s tone, she said mockingly,
“Not everyone’s as pathetic as you — wagging your tail, selling yourself to please others. That Alpha just now? She’s my girlfriend.”

“What? Impossible!” Duan Ran screamed, her voice echoing across the schoolyard. “You? A broke nobody like you could never get a girlfriend that rich and beautiful! I don’t believe it—”

She had always mocked Ning Xuechu for being poor; the idea that someone beneath her could have found such an outstanding Alpha was intolerable.

Jealousy surged violently through her, twisting her expression. Then her gaze shifted suddenly, a sly smile curling her lips.
“Since you say she’s your girlfriend, why don’t you tell us—when did you two start dating?”

“Why should I tell you?” Ning Xuechu snapped coldly.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, her body froze.

She felt it — someone was standing right behind her. A familiar, faint fragrance drifted through the air.

Her heart lurched violently. She turned stiffly and saw a beautiful, cool face framed by calm, elegant features.

The woman stood there quietly, her expression distant yet proud, untouched by the vulgarity of the world.

Ning Xuechu’s heartbeat went wild. Her lips, once rosy, turned pale with shock. She opened her mouth several times, but no words came out.

She didn’t know how much An Jianqing had heard.

Would she expose the lie on the spot?

Would she… despise her?

Her heart thudded in panic, and her fingers clenched tightly together, trembling uncontrollably.

“So you really are Ning Xuechu’s girlfriend?” Duan Ran asked loudly, eyes glinting with triumph. She lifted a hand to brush back her hair and added, “People say I’m much prettier than her, you know.”

An Jianqing smiled faintly but didn’t respond to the provocation.

At her age — just over twenty — she was at her most radiant, and she knew young Omegas often had a vain streak, always eager to compare themselves to others.

Still, she hadn’t expected Omegas these days to be so bold — daring to flirt so openly with an unfamiliar Alpha.

“Ning Xuechu,” Duan Ran sneered again, “she didn’t even answer you, which means she doesn’t acknowledge it. Don’t flatter yourself. Even an ordinary person wouldn’t want you — what makes you think a powerful Alpha like her would?”

Her voice dripped with mockery and satisfaction.

Ning Xuechu lowered her head in humiliation, biting her lip hard.

She wanted desperately to escape — but her legs felt heavy, frozen in place like blocks of ice.

Even wrapped in warm clothes, her entire body trembled.

The chill that rose from deep inside her spread through every inch of her skin, making her shrink in on herself.

Then suddenly — a warm embrace enveloped her from behind.

The Alpha’s scent surrounded her completely, sealing her within its comforting heat.

A wave of warmth spread from that point of contact, flowing straight into her heart.

Ning Xuechu’s eyes widened in shock, her long lashes fluttering rapidly.

Her heart was pounding even faster than before.

Hearing the faint laughter in An Jianqing’s voice, Ning Xuechu’s heart tightened slightly.

It seemed that many things about her had already been investigated thoroughly.

Then… did this Alpha also know that she was pretending to be an Omega?

Ning Xuechu felt a trace of panic, but still showed a sweet, lovely smile.
“I understand, Sister. I’ll eat properly.”

An Jianqing was generous with her — she gave Ning Xuechu fifty thousand yuan a month as pocket money.

The very next day after Ning Xuechu arrived at the Ning family, An Jianqing had taken her out to buy all sorts of luxurious items, spending freely and smoothly, as though all that money was just a string of meaningless numbers.

She had to admit, an Alpha who was willing to spend money was naturally likable.

But she wasn’t one of those naïve Omegas.

What she wanted went far beyond mere pocket money.

The Ning family’s fortune — she was determined to have it.

A smile slowly curved at the corner of her lips, but as her gaze fell on a certain spot, a chill flashed through her eyes.

Directly in front of Ning Xuechu stood three female students dressed with deliberate sophistication.

The one in the middle was an Omega named Duan Ran — her small face was filled with a haughty arrogance that came from habit.

She looked at Ning Xuechu with a mocking smirk.

The two girls flanking her were Betas, fawning over the Omega at the center.

Ning Xuechu had often been targeted by these three — constantly bullied and insulted for no reason.

She hadn’t understood why Duan Ran had picked on her at first.

Later, she realized it was because she was the poorest student in the class — the easiest to bully.

No one would ever stand up for her, which gave Duan Ran free rein to torment her again and again.

Ironically, Duan Ran wasn’t well-liked either — she often flirted with Alphas from outside the school, becoming a quiet joke among her peers.

Picking on a poor student like Ning Xuechu gave her the greatest sense of superiority.

“Hey, Ning Xuechu,” Duan Ran sneered, “that outfit looks expensive — did that rich Alpha buy it for you? Everyone says you’re the perfect little good girl, but looks like you’re just as vain as anyone else.”

The word “as” made Ning Xuechu’s lips curl into a cold smile.
“So you’re aware of what people think of you, huh? I’m surprised you have that much self-awareness.”

She deliberately put extra weight on her final words.

Normally, she avoided confrontation with Duan Ran, preferring peace over conflict.

But this time, she bit back — her unexpected retort made Duan Ran freeze.

Then, anger twisted Duan Ran’s heavily made-up face.

She stepped closer, chin high, glaring viciously.
“I don’t know what trick you used to hook up with that rich Alpha, but if the teachers find out you’re in some shady relationship, your scholarship will be gone.”

With that, Duan Ran smirked triumphantly.
“Apologize to me. Say ‘I’m sorry,’ and I’ll forgive your rudeness.”

Ning Xuechu gave a short, derisive laugh, looking at her like one would a fool.
“Not everyone is as pathetic as you — wagging your tail and selling yourself. That rich Alpha just now? She’s my girlfriend.”

“What?” Duan Ran shouted, voice sharp enough to draw attention. “You? A poor nobody? Having a girlfriend that rich and beautiful? I don’t believe it!”

She had mocked Ning Xuechu’s poverty endlessly — and could not stand the thought that someone beneath her might have something better.

Jealousy surged within her. Her expression twisted. Suddenly, her eyes gleamed with calculation.
“Oh? Since you say she’s your girlfriend, then tell us — when did you start dating?” she asked loudly.

“Why should I tell you?” Ning Xuechu huffed coldly.

But as soon as the words left her mouth, her body stiffened.

She felt it — someone standing behind her. A familiar scent drifted through the air.

Her heart skipped. She turned, rigidly — and met a pair of cold, beautiful eyes.

An Jianqing stood there, elegant and aloof, her faint brows carrying an air of noble indifference.

Ning Xuechu’s heartbeat quickened; her lips trembled pale. She opened her mouth, but no words came.

How much had An Jianqing heard?

Would she expose her lie — here and now?

Would she… despise her?

Her heart pounded wildly in fear. Her fingers clenched together, trembling uncontrollably.

“Are you really Ning Xuechu’s girlfriend?” Duan Ran asked smugly, brushing her hair back. “Everyone says I’m way prettier than her.”

An Jianqing smiled faintly, unbothered by the provocation.

At twenty-something, she was at the height of youth and beauty. A little vanity and competition were natural in young girls — but this Omega’s boldness was still surprising.

Who would’ve thought Omegas nowadays were so daring — openly flirting with strangers?

“Ning Xuechu, she didn’t answer,” Duan Ran taunted with a sneer. “That means she’s not admitting it. Don’t delude yourself. Even an ordinary person wouldn’t like you — how could such an outstanding Alpha ever fall for you?”

At that, Ning Xuechu’s head dropped. Her teeth dug into her lip.

She wanted to run — but her legs felt heavy as lead.

Though she was warmly dressed, her entire body trembled.

Cold seeped up from her heart, wrapping her whole body in a chill.

Then suddenly — a warm embrace came from behind.

Alpha pheromones enveloped her, gentle and steady.

Heat rushed through her body, spreading from skin to soul.

Her eyes widened in shock, lashes trembling. Her heart raced faster than ever.

An Jianqing had wrapped her in her arms.

An Jianqing noticed the small movement of the girl’s eyelashes and chuckled softly.
“This classmate,” she said in a low, velvety voice, “my Xuechu is one-of-a-kind — a uniquely adorable Omega. Not just anyone can compare.”

Her tone wasn’t loud, but beneath the melodious voice was a faint, teasing ambiguity.

Ning Xuechu felt warm breath brush past her ear, making her shiver. Her icy body seemed to ignite from within.

Her pale lips flushed red again; heat rose to her cheeks until they burned.

It was like stepping out of a frozen lake into a sea of blooming spring flowers — warmth seeping through every inch of her.

“You—” Duan Ran’s hand trembled with fury.

Even though An Jianqing only smiled softly, the power radiating from her presence was suffocating.

Grinding her teeth in frustration, Duan Ran stormed off, face twisted with anger and humiliation.

The next moment, the warmth behind Ning Xuechu vanished, leaving only the lingering scent in the air.

Her heart trembled. She lowered her head nervously, fingers twisting together.
“Sister, I’m sorry, I…”

When she lifted her eyes again, tears shimmered on her lashes.

Seeing that, An Jianqing felt a faint pang in her chest.

No matter how bravely she tried to act, this child hadn’t even graduated yet.

An Jianqing’s lips curved slightly, a trace of helpless fondness in her bright eyes.
“You… don’t do that again next time, okay?”

Her gentle tone was like a breeze, carrying both tolerance and affection.

“I won’t lie again,” Ning Xuechu promised quickly, wiping away her tears.

As she lowered her hand, her trembling fingers brushed the hair by her ear, hidden beneath long black locks.

“That’s good. I have to get to work.” An Jianqing glanced at her watch, then left with calm, elegant steps.

Watching her figure disappear, Ning Xuechu finally let out a long breath — like a fish gasping after escaping dry land.

Her palms were slick with sweat.

She had been too reckless today — blurting out that ridiculous lie, only for the very person involved to overhear it.

She had been ready to be scolded — but instead, An Jianqing had defended her.

It was something she had never expected — nor dared hope for.

Back at her uncle’s house, no matter what happened, everyone always sided with her Alpha cousin. She was always the one blamed and punished.

No one had ever stood up for her before.

Being protected like that — for the first time — left her heart trembling with unfamiliar warmth.

Her expression darkened slightly as she headed quickly to class.

In the classroom, she put down her bag and scanned the room until she found Duan Ran laughing loudly in the corner with a male student.

Feeling Ning Xuechu’s gaze, Duan Ran looked up.

Ning Xuechu smiled faintly, a curl of disdain on her lips.

Seeing that, Duan Ran’s face flushed with anger — but she bit back her words, forced to swallow her frustration.

Satisfied, Ning Xuechu lowered her head and opened her book, happily reviewing the previous lesson.

She wasn’t worried Duan Ran would spread her “girlfriend” lie — having a beautiful, wealthy Alpha lover was something to boast about.

And Duan Ran’s jealousy would never allow her to make Ning Xuechu look good in public.

Still, she wouldn’t be foolish enough to repeat the lie herself — otherwise, she’d only dig her own grave.

If An Jianqing ever discovered her true ambition, the loss would outweigh everything.

“Ning Xuechu, don’t get cocky,” Duan Ran hissed suddenly, passing by her desk. “Those rich Alphas are just playing with you. They’ve eaten enough delicacies — you’re just a bite of plain greens. Don’t think you can turn from a crow into a phoenix.”

Ning Xuechu froze, her mind flashing with the image of being used and discarded by An Jianqing.

Her heart gave a violent tremor. Her gaze darkened.

Though An Jianqing acted like a good sister now, who knew when she might change her mind?

Instead of waiting anxiously for the day she was thrown away… she might as well carve a place for herself in that woman’s heart.

If she could make An Jianqing fall for her — this game would become much easier to win.

“You’ve hooked up with plenty of rich people,” Ning Xuechu said lightly, tilting her head, a faint smile on her face. “You must have some experience, right?”

Duan Ran froze, then flushed with fury.
“What do you mean hooked up? They just couldn’t resist my charm!”

“Is that so?” Ning Xuechu sneered, eyes full of contempt.

She had wanted to learn from Duan Ran how to attract wealthy partners — but looking at her brainless expression, it was clear her only weapon was her looks and brazenness.

One offers money; the other, beauty.

But someone like An Jianqing — so perfect and exceptional — what kind of Omega would she truly like?

Ning Xuechu quickly pulled out her phone and searched for gossip about An Jianqing.

She scrolled for a long time but found nothing useful — just random photos stitched together with wild rumors.

None of it could be trusted.

With a sigh, she set down her phone.

Her mind drifted for a moment — then suddenly, a thought sparked.

There was someone who might know An Jianqing’s preferences.

The Ning family’s housekeeper — Aunt Lian, who had served the family for twenty years.

“Lian Auntie,” she asked sweetly a few days later, “Sister Jianqing’s birthday is coming up soon. I want to give her a present, but I don’t know what she likes. Could you give me some advice?”

“Miss Jianqing loves cherries,” Aunt Lian replied with a smile. “Especially the ones that are a little sweet and sour.”

Sweet and sour cherries…

Ning Xuechu’s eyes brightened slightly.