บท 48: 48
"I understand, it's okay."
Those soft, gentle words from the Omega were like a key that unlocked the floodgates of Pei Yujang's pent-up emotions, releasing all the pressure and negativity that had been building up for days.
Her nose tingled, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face.
Pei Yujang rarely displayed her negative emotions in front of others, not even in front of Pei Jinhuai, who treated her so well and was, in name, her mother. But now, the emotional turmoil she had been holding back for so long found its release. Pei Yujang crouched down, unable to stop the tears and choked sobs, even though she didn't want to show this side of herself to Yu Zhiwan. The sudden surge of emotions, however, was impossible to suppress.
Yu Zhiwan reached out and gently tugged at Pei Yujang.
Pei Yujang had always seen the Omega as someone delicate who needed to be cared for, especially since Yu Zhiwan was blind and couldn't feel things the way others did. Whenever they were together, Pei Yujang was always careful to avoid touching the Omega's disabled legs, trying to be mindful of Yu Zhiwan's sensitivities.
But she had underestimated Yu Zhiwan's inner strength and stability, qualities that far exceeded what one might expect from a blind and disabled Omega.
Pei Yujang leaned on Yu Zhiwan's legs, which had long since lost their sensation. Her warm tears soaked into the soft fabric of Yu Zhiwan's clothes, but since it was early spring and they were dressed warmly, she didn't bother wiping them away. Instead, she let her emotions flow unchecked.
Yu Zhiwan's slender fingers gently brushed through Pei Yujang's hair, soothingly massaging her scalp near her temples with a tenderness that felt like comforting a beloved pet.
The sweet scent of the Omega's pheromones filled Pei Yujang's nose. Being a Beta who could detect pheromones, the scent made her emotions overflow even more, and she trembled slightly as she lay against Yu Zhiwan's legs.
The delicate touch and warmth of Yu Zhiwan's hand melted away the chill in the air. The emerging green of new growth began to outshine the withered leaves still clinging to the trees. A dried leaf fell onto Pei Yujang's shoulder, only to be gently brushed away by Yu Zhiwan.
Yu Zhiwan remained silent, only speaking after Pei Yujang had finished crying. She patted Pei Yujang's shoulder, signaling her to rise from her embrace.
"Let's go."
Pei Yujang's car had an autopilot mode, so Yu Zhiwan took the keys, set the destination via voice command, and they drove home in silence.
When they reached the elevator, Pei Yujang, for the first time, went to Yu Zhiwan's apartment.
Usually, it was Yu Zhiwan who came to Pei Yujang's place.
Despite her blindness, Yu Zhiwan kept her home impeccably clean, even if it took her several times longer than an average person. To anyone else, her home would appear neat and orderly.
The living room had two small shelves, one filled with Braille books, and the other displaying intricately carved porcelain vases. All the vases were designed to be appreciated by touch, with beautiful and detailed relief patterns.
Since helping Yu Zhiwan move in, Pei Yujang hadn't visited her apartment. Yu Zhiwan, being a gracious host, gave her a tour of the place, and as expected, Pei Yujang noticed a piano on the balcony, though she wasn't sure when it had been purchased.
Pei Yujang wasn't familiar with musical instruments, so after asking Yu Zhiwan about it, she tentatively touched the black and white keys.
The piano, regularly used, was spotless, its keys polished to a shine. The balcony was filled with green plants, all meticulously cared for. There were no flowers, but the abundance of greenery made the space feel vibrant and soothing.
Yu Zhiwan's kitchen was also equipped with tools designed for the visually impaired.
She was an excellent cook, making a different breakfast every morning and bringing it over to Pei Yujang's place. Pei Yujang still remembered the week's menu: on Monday, it was a rich and fragrant century egg and lean pork congee; on Tuesday, roasted sweet potatoes and soy milk; on Wednesday, handmade buns that were as neat as those sold in stores, with generous fillings. The rest of the week's breakfasts were equally varied and delicious.
After the tour, Yu Zhiwan washed her hands and asked,
"Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?"
Although Pei Yujang's stomach was growling, her mood made it impossible to eat, so she shook her head.
Yu Zhiwan seemed to have expected this answer. She smiled gently and didn't press further:
"How about we talk, then? You must have a lot of questions for me, right?"
Pei Yujang did have many questions, especially since she had been curious about Yu Zhiwan from the start. She was curious about Yu Zhiwan's identity and background, knowing there were many mysteries surrounding her.
Yu Zhiwan deftly took control of the conversation, leaving Pei Yujang unsure of where to begin. She found herself distracted, staring at the Omega's rosy lips.
The intense emotions that had overwhelmed her earlier had subsided, and the flood of thoughts in her mind was too jumbled to articulate clearly. The Omega, however, sat calmly and elegantly as she always did, her long lashes lowered in a posture of patience and grace.
Seeing that Pei Yujang remained silent, Yu Zhiwan leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against Pei Yujang's cheek, tickling her skin slightly.
"If you don't know where to start, why don't we do it this way? You ask, and I'll answer. I won't promise to answer every question, but whatever I do say will be the truth."
With her pheromones fully retracted so as not to influence the Beta, Yu Zhiwan could sense Pei Yujang sitting up straight on the sofa. As Pei Yujang's confidence and control began to return, she slowly but surely pulled herself out of the emotional quagmire, preparing to tackle the most critical questions.
"Do you know what's really going on at that water plant?"
Pei Yujang's first question was direct. She wasn't afraid of Yu Zhiwan lying; she could read the truth from microexpressions. Besides, she trusted Yu Zhiwan. If Yu Zhiwan didn't want to talk, she wouldn't have come to initiate this conversation. Since she was here, it meant she was willing to be somewhat open.
Yu Zhiwan answered without hesitation:
"I have a general idea, but I'm not familiar with the specifics."
Pei Yujang frowned slightly, doing her best to keep her voice steady:
"Do you have any connection to the people at the plant?"
This time, Yu Zhiwan answered even more firmly:
"I don't know anyone in Xiangcheng—neither the mayor, the mayor's wife, nor the people she's dealing with. I have no connection to the people at the water plant."
Hearing this, Pei Yujang felt a small sense of relief. Her tightly clenched fists relaxed. This was an answer she could accept, but it didn't mean the rest of the conversation would be easy. Pei Yujang took several deep breaths, focusing intently on Yu Zhiwan's face, not wanting to miss any subtle expressions.
She gripped the armrest of the sofa, her voice steady and serious as she asked:
"Can you tell me who you really are?"
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