MORIC - Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Who's the Lamb in the Tiger's Den?

Once Chi Yueshan had confirmed her outfit, Xi Zhoumeng led her away.

Beneath the night sky, the capital planet was a city of skyscrapers. The royal palace, suspended high above, was like a bright moon, and Chi Yueshan couldn't help but steal a few more glances at it.

But it was getting late. She glanced hesitantly at Xi Zhoumeng, who was sitting on the other side.

As if she had grown an extra pair of eyes, Xi Zhoumeng asked without turning her head, "What do you want to say?"

In her hands was a luminous book that probably cost as much as Chi Yueshan's food expenses for a month, yet its title was rather unimpressive.

Chi Yueshan thought to herself: A book like 《One Hundred Ways to Maintain Restraint》 can actually get published. Only a rich young lady with more money than sense would buy it.

"I'm afraid the dormitory gate will be closed by the time I get back."

The first-year building usually closed its gates at midnight. It was already past nine, not to mention Chi Yueshan had promised Ling Xun she would go to the mecha room with her.

What a great opportunity that was, far better than any flower arrangement class.

Xi Zhoumeng seemed to sense her anxiety, yet she also seemed to derive pleasure from it.

"What does it matter? I know the first-year building manager. It's just a matter of opening a door."

Chi Yueshan let out an "oh," then said, "Don't lie to me."

Her head was down, and Xi Zhoumeng could only see the floating blue frame of Chi Yueshan's light-brain, which she hadn't fully hidden. The girl was probably chatting with someone.

"Do you have something else to do?" Xi Zhoumeng asked.

For some reason, Chi Yueshan felt a pang of guilt. "N-No."

It wasn't as if she was a particularly honest person, yet she felt completely exposed in front of Xi Zhoumeng.

Xi Zhoumeng turned a page, her tone light. "If you have something to do, just say so. We can have the lesson tomorrow night instead."

Chi Yueshan seriously considered it.

Xi Zhoumeng nonchalantly reminded her, "The exam is the day after tomorrow. It doesn't matter to me."

Chi Yueshan panicked.

The hovercar didn't head for the sky-rail. The avenues of the capital were wide, and Xi Zhoumeng glanced out casually before deactivating the AI's auto-pilot.

While her car was parked on the side of the road and Chi Yueshan was messaging Ling Xun, Xi Zhoumeng bought roses from a street vendor.

The little flower girl was shivering in the cold, rainy weather, her blonde hair damp.

The child probably didn't even have a light-brain. Xi Zhoumeng paid in cash.

The little girl hadn't expected the entire box of roses to be bought. She was both surprised and startled, her voice trembling. "M-Ma'am, where should I put them?"

The car looked incredibly expensive, and the woman's face inside was cast in a hazy glow by the streetlight, appearing like the girl's savior in the rainy night.

The trunk opened. Xi Zhoumeng said, "Over there."

Chi Yueshan glanced over, seeing the little girl's rain-soaked boots, then looked at Xi Zhoumeng, who had gone back to her book. "Why did you buy so many roses?"

Xi Zhoumeng ignored her. The car's weather forecast system was announcing the hourly update.

"Precipitation will increase sharply in half an hour. We advise all citizens..."

Chi Yueshan asked, "Are you really that kind-hearted?"

She had a look of sudden realization. In the rearview mirror, the little girl had moved to the side, taking two other small girls, about four or five years old, with her as she left.

Xi Zhoumeng said, "You talk too much."

Her tone grew impatient. "If you're not going to practice flower arrangement, I'll send you back to the academy."

Chi Yueshan quickly stopped. "I'll learn, I'll learn."

At this point, she couldn't be bothered with other things. Her grades were more important than mecha.

Without good grades, nothing else mattered!!! Might as well use Xi Zhoumeng while she could!!!

Taking advantage was taking advantage, big or small. Besides, how did this even count as taking advantage?

Perhaps Chi Yueshan's tone was now overly fawning, as Xi Zhoumeng tilted her head. "Weren't you annoyed with me?"

Chi Yueshan chuckled. "How would I dare?"

She told Ling Xun she had something else to do and suggested another time.

The other girl sent back a sticker that said "Okay okay."

Xi Zhoumeng asked, "Who are you thinking about?"

Her question was quick, and she leaned in close. For a moment, Chi Yueshan subconsciously blurted out Ling Xun's name.

Xi Zhoumeng let out an "oh." "So, is it true you've shifted your affections?"

She closed the book, opened her light-brain, and said, "Then I'll have to inform a certain someone."

Chi Yueshan grew anxious. "What are you doing?!!!"

She lunged over to look, completely unaware that she was grabbing onto Xi Zhoumeng. When she saw the other girl open a chat window with Wen Xinghuo, she completely broke down—

"Don't send it!!"

"Who said I don't like Senior Wen!"

"Ling Xun and I are..."

Xi Zhoumeng didn't bother to remind her that she was pulling at her dress.

Chi Yueshan struggled for a moment before forcing out a single word: "Friends."

Xi Zhoumeng hummed in agreement. "Wen Xinghuo and I are friends too."

Chi Yueshan retorted, "Get lost!"

She wasn't very good at cursing, usually just repeating the same few phrases and relying mainly on scratching with her hands and feet.

Just like now.

Xi Zhoumeng lowered her gaze. "Does it feel good?"

Chi Yueshan's hand was pressed against her chest. Not only had she pulled the collar of Xi Zhoumeng's dress into a deep V, but she had also nearly ripped off her underwear.

Chi Yueshan instantly scrambled back to her side.

She was startled. "How much is it? Can you give me a discount?"

She was purely afraid that this young lady's spending habits meant even her bra was absurdly expensive.

Xi Zhoumeng casually pulled her collar up, a habit likely picked up from some old drama. "How much for what? This lady is very expensive."

The light inside the car was dim, making the lights from the street seem brighter. As the neon lights flashed by, Xi Zhoumeng's gaze held a subtle, teasing quality. For a moment, Chi Yueshan almost felt like a john.

Unfortunately, this was a level of service she absolutely couldn't afford.

Xi Zhoumeng closed her light-brain and said leisurely, "How much are you offering? This dress is from VQ's February..."

There she went again.

Chi Yueshan rolled her eyes. "Is insulting people with money all you know how to do?!!"

Xi Zhoumeng shrugged. "After all, all I have is money."

The fragrance in the car was the one Xi Zhoumeng always used; Chi Yueshan had smelled it in her dorm room as well.

It was as if this person was the very essence of extracted tea. But after smelling her pheromones, Chi Yueshan could never forget them.

Chi Yueshan snorted. "I don't have money. At worst, I'll let you touch me back."

She even mocked Xi Zhoumeng, "I felt it, you know. Your chest pad."

Xi Zhoumeng calmly lowered her gaze. "Is my chest shape not nice?"

She even looked down to examine herself. The black lace bandeau had barely any fabric, and besides Chi Yueshan, no one knew that beneath this somewhat elaborate dress lay such a sexy sight.

But so what, Chi Yueshan thought. It's useless for me to see it.

It was nice to look at, but they were both Omegas. Seeing it was the same as not seeing it.

Chi Yueshan exhaled through her nose and said reluctantly, "It's nice."

Xi Zhoumeng nodded, pleased. "As expected of me."

She then took a bookmark from the book and, to Chi Yueshan's astonishment, reached over.

Chi Yueshan watched, wide-eyed, as the bookmark was inserted into her chest.

Right at the second button of her shirt, which Xi Zhoumeng had unfastened.

There was hardly any light source in the car. Coincidentally, the neon lights on this street were pink, their glow softened by the window, casting a hazy light upon them.

Xi Zhoumeng looked with satisfaction at the clipped-in bookmark, admiring it for a few seconds while Chi Yueshan was still dazed, before slowly pulling it back out.

"We're even."

Chi Yueshan only felt the sensation of the bookmark being slipped in, and then the feeling of it being withdrawn.

Was a luminous bookmark warm?

No, that was Xi Zhoumeng's warmth lingering on it. This warmth was similar to Chi Yueshan's own body temperature, giving her an absurd feeling in that instant.

As if Xi Zhoumeng's fingers had slipped inside.

This Omega smiled like a triumphant fox. She placed the bookmark back in the book and generously pushed it over. "It's yours, junior."

Thirty seconds later, the hovercar arrived at the Xi family's residence.

Xi Zhoumeng's lair was on a mountainside. The city seemed to be divided, rising and falling, separating the Upper and Lower Worlds.

The Upper World could be further subdivided, as if people were sorted into classes, as if birth determined one's future, as if one's residence determined one's status.

This area was beyond being measured in gold; it was immeasurable by money.

As soon as the car door opened, the butler, Li Rong, whom she had met once before, was already waiting. She bowed as Xi Zhoumeng stepped out. "Miss."

She showed no surprise at seeing Chi Yueshan and respectfully invited her inside.

Xi Zhoumeng was in a good mood. She paid no mind to the dazed Chi Yueshan behind her and asked Li Rong, "Is everything ready?"

The Xi estate was vast. Even in the dark of night, one could glimpse the poetic and picturesque gardens.

Li Rong nodded. "The materials you requested have all been prepared."

A servant followed behind, carrying the roses Xi Zhoumeng had bought. Li Rong glanced at them. "The quality of these roses is not very good."

Xi Zhoumeng said, "I'm in a good mood."

Her collar looked wrinkled, completely unlike her usual perfect attire, and was even somewhat improper.

Li Rong discreetly glanced at Chi Yueshan, who was following behind.

As an excellent Beta butler, her observational skills were sharp, and she could tell that Chi Yueshan's button had only recently been fastened.

She thought of the compatibility test from that day.

Since many matters passed through her hands, Li Rong was well aware that this Fourth Miss could very well be an Alpha. If that day ever came, this Omega miss with a 100% compatibility rate, regardless of her background or circumstances, would have to be treated as a future family partner.

For the first time in her life, Chi Yueshan experienced such an exaggerated ordeal. From changing her shoes upon entering to washing her hands and having her clothes cleaned, her entire being felt like it had undergone a sterile procedure.

It was a perfect fusion of high technology and old feudalism. The staircase in this house was even in an old-fashioned style Chi Yueshan had only seen in documentaries.

It was noble and luxurious, yes, but also difficult to walk on, perfectly suited for those aristocratic young ladies.

Chi Yueshan found it troublesome. She took the stairs two at a time, catching up to Xi Zhoumeng in just a few steps.

The servant behind her hurried to catch up. Xi Zhoumeng turned her head. "Are you coming to my room?"

Chi Yueshan let out a sound of confusion.

They were already at the turn of the staircase. Seeing that Xi Zhoumeng was talking to Chi Yueshan, the maid stopped five steps away.

Xi Zhoumeng asked with a half-smile, "I'm going to change. Do you want to help me?"

Chi Yueshan subconsciously covered her chest. Xi Zhoumeng extended a finger and tapped her collarbone. "The flower room isn't upstairs."

Her finger seemed to have a magical quality. Even though she was standing just one step higher, Chi Yueshan still felt an indescribable pressure from Xi Zhoumeng.

It happened when they were close, accompanied by a racing heart.

Another voice urged her to get closer.

Xi Zhoumeng could see she was in a daze. She withdrew her hand and turned to continue up the stairs. "You can play with those roses however you like. I'll be down after I change."

【System: Something's wrong with you.】

Xi Zhoumeng's smile vanished completely, but the corners of her eyes flushed an unnatural red.

Even the beauty mark on her cheekbone appeared more vivid, as if someone had dotted it with cinnabar.

【System: Something's wrong with her, too.】

Xi Zhoumeng could see that as well.

【System: You've never had a heat cycle, hmm, because you might be an Alpha.】

【System: You two are a 100% match, so you can smell each other even when not in heat? Damn, you're basically locked together, no way to cheat.】

【System: Wait a minute, what's the situation now? If you're an Omega, this temperature means you're in heat, right?】

【System: That's not right. You're half an Alpha, and Alphas don't have heat cycles! It's a susceptible period... When was Chi Yueshan's last heat?】

The system was chattering so loudly that by the time Xi Zhoumeng reached the second floor, her head was spinning.

She opened her bedroom door, slammed it shut, and in the next second, violently tore off her pheromone patch.

There was no gland there, as a normal Omega should have.

An Omega without a gland cannot be marked.

An Omega without a heat cycle cannot bond with an Alpha.

In this world, the glands of Betas and Alphas had long since degenerated, leaving only tissue in that area to emit pheromones.

But Alphas had susceptible periods.

They would be lured by the scent emitted by an Omega in heat.

All the rooms in the Xi family home had been specially treated so that pheromones would not leak out. But if someone were to push open the door at this moment, they would surely be forced to their knees by the room filled with the scent of icy morning mist.

It was frigid, the end of a sunless night, the eve of dawn.

It was endless darkness.

After secondary genders began to appear in this world, many scholars had conducted research.

Pheromones were a manifestation of a person's innermost self. The pheromones of fated mates could influence each other; they could be complementary, or they could be polar opposites.

Who the original Xi Zhoumeng was, no one knew anymore.

But the soul of the current Xi Zhoumeng was still that of the next era's greatest scandal, its most insane criminal, and also the God's Arbiter who had saved a planet.

She carried countless glories, and also countless sins.

Those closest to her hated her the most; strangers admired her the most.

Xi Zhoumeng knelt on the floor in agony, gasping for breath as she reached for the suppressant on the table.

【System: You need her.】

Xi Zhoumeng tilted her head back and drank a vial of vanilla-flavored suppressant, refuting the system.

I don't need her.

【System: But you can't fool me.】

Xi Zhoumeng thought: It's over. Even the scent from the wound I bit open smells so much like that little slob, Chi Yueshan.

【System: You could have her come over.】

But the system also knew that this person hated the arrangements of fate more than anything.

Xi Zhoumeng shook her head.

But the next moment, she heard Xi Li's voice.

"Her 'in a moment' could very well be several hours. I'll have someone bring the tools up."

He actually didn't have any social engagements today. His voice sounded particularly relaxed.

"That's not a good idea."

Chi Yueshan's voice was timid, but she was faking it.

Xi Li said, "What's the big deal? I'm the eldest brother, my word is final. Go on."

Xi Li went downstairs.

【System: You didn't lock the door.】

Its voice sounded somewhat gleeful.

Chi Yueshan even knocked on the door. "Xi Zhoumeng, your brother told me to come..."

Xi Zhoumeng said, "Don't come in."

A rebellious impulse suddenly surged in Chi Yueshan, and she pushed the door right open.

In an instant, an overwhelming scent of pheromones enveloped and locked her in place.

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