She pretends to be an Alpha, she pretends to be an Omega
Chapter – 18
She had always believed that she was special to An Jianqing.
But now, someone more important had appeared, taking over the place she held in An Jianqing’s heart.
She truly felt uncomfortable—unsatisfied—like something precious had been taken from her.
Ning Xuechu clenched her teeth, took a deep breath, trying to dispel the frustration in her chest.
Yet, her mind seemed to have a will of its own, replaying the scene of An Jianqing holding the photo album over and over again.
Thinking back now, she could clearly recall how An Jianqing’s ten fingers had tightly gripped the edge of the album, and how, when she set it down, a smile unknowingly curved her lips.
That smile stripped away the usual gentle facade—it was genuine, blossoming from the depths of her heart.
Beautiful. Happy. A smile she had never once shown when facing her.
The more Ning Xuechu thought about it, the angrier she became. She opened the window, trying to let the cold air calm her down.
From the adjacent, connected window came a soft female voice tinged with laughter:
“No need to go to such trouble, it’s just a birthday. I’m already very happy that you can come.”
Whatever the person on the phone said, An Jianqing’s laughter grew clearer, brighter—overflowing with joy.
Ning Xuechu listened quietly, recalling the information she had once investigated about An Jianqing.
Three days later would be Saturday—and also An Jianqing’s birthday.
She absolutely had the time to attend this birthday celebration.
A faint smile curved Ning Xuechu’s lips. After the call next door ended, she turned and went out.
“Jiejie, I remember your birthday is coming up. I’ll definitely prepare a special gift for you. I hope you won’t dislike it.” Ning Xuechu said with a smile, her expression carrying a timid fear of being rejected.
Hearing this, An Jianqing paused, hesitated for a moment, then said, “Thank you, Xuechu. I’ll look forward to it.”
“Then it’s settled! I’ll also sing you a birthday song.” Ning Xuechu beamed, her eyes shimmering with anticipation.
“Alright.” An Jianqing chuckled indulgently. “When the time comes, I’ll introduce a friend to you.”
“Who?” Ning Xuechu’s heart tightened. The first person that flashed through her mind was the woman from the photographs.
“Qiu Mengxi,” An Jianqing said softly, a happy smile blooming on her face, her fair cheeks faintly flushed.
Ning Xuechu saw the expression clearly.
She didn’t personally know Qiu Mengxi, but she had heard the name.
It often appeared in entertainment tabloids.
The Qiu family’s eldest young miss was never short of beauties around her, nor did she ever lack for new ones.
Completely opposite from An Jianqing—they were people from two entirely different worlds.
How could the two of them possibly be friends?
Chapter 10 — The Birthday Gift
Ning Xuechu held her phone, searching for information about Qiu Mengxi.
Countless articles and videos popped up almost instantly.
Every headline detailed the romantic escapades of the Qiu family’s young miss—changing girlfriends every three months.
From top-tier actresses to fashion models—some pure and elegant, others sexy and fiery—as long as she set her sights on someone, she never failed to win them over.
Qiu Mengxi didn’t just have a powerful family background—her own qualities were exceptional.
Simply being an S-grade Alpha was enough to make her irresistible, not to mention that she was extremely generous with money.
The Qiu and Ning families were both major local aristocratic families—competitors and collaborators alike.
The media loved comparing Qiu Mengxi and An Jianqing, painting them as polar opposites.
Alphas at the same level naturally held strong hostility toward each other, especially when they represented rival families.
No one expected that the two people rumored to be sworn enemies… were actually friends.
Ning Xuechu rubbed her sore eyes, turned off the phone, and tossed it aside.
The most important thing right now was preparing a birthday gift for An Jianqing.
After a full day of thought and research, and reading many suggestions, Ning Xuechu finally decided on a plan.
She bought art supplies—brushes and paper—and a pound of sweet-tart cherries.
After two nights of work, she finally finished the gift.
Satisfied, she wrapped it carefully, planning to give it to An Jianqing in front of everyone at the party tomorrow.
“Xuechu, what have you been secretly working on these days?”
An Jianqing stood at the doorway, poking her head in.
Ning Xuechu was startled by the sudden voice. The box in her hands slipped and fell, hitting the floor with a clatter.
Following the sound, An Jianqing looked over and saw a beautifully wrapped gift box with a neat bow on top.
“Xuechu, what is that?” she asked as she walked closer.
Ning Xuechu quickly picked it up, turned slightly to hide the box in the cabinet, and said quietly, “Nothing.”
“Can I see it?” An Jianqing asked with a gentle smile, eyes holding a knowing glint.
“Jie… I—”
Realizing she couldn’t hide it anymore, Ning Xuechu’s cheeks flushed pink. With shy nervousness, she lowered her head.
“This birthday gift… I want to give it to you tomorrow.”
“What if I want to see it now?” An Jianqing teased, taking a few steps closer.
She could have waited—but seeing the child so nervous and secretive stirred a bit of anticipation in her.
Or rather… she wanted to tease the person in front of her.
“I…”
Ning Xuechu’s face turned even redder, her dark eyes almost glistening—looking as if she might cry.
Realizing she might have gone too far, An Jianqing was about to withdraw the teasing remark, when the shy girl suddenly lifted her head, expression showing a brave resolve.
“Jiejie… if you close your eyes, I’ll show you.” Ning Xuechu said, face burning, lowering her head again as her fingers anxiously rubbed the edge of the box.
An Jianqing couldn’t help but laugh softly. Half amused, half doting, she said, “Alright, I’ll close my eyes.”
She shut her eyes, completely unguarded, sinking into darkness.
“Jiejie…” Ning Xuechu called softly as she opened the box, whispering a reminder.
“Jiejie, you’re not allowed to peek.”
