AFTER CROSSING OVER, I MARKED THE FEMALE EMPEROR

The Empress's Consort

When Gu Junwan took the elevator to the corridor on the top floor of the hotel, it was already three o'clock in the middle of the night. The moonlight filtered through the large windows, casting a silvery glow on the plush carpet, but the Empress barely noticed. Her mind was preoccupied, a worried frown marring her otherwise serene face.

The nearly two-hour video call had just ended, and its contents weighed heavily on her mind. She had discerned a troubling issue: there was something seriously amiss with the President of Xinli Kingdom. Her instincts told her that this was more than just a minor political hiccup; it could have far-reaching consequences.

With a soft beep, her room card activated the lock, and the door opened with a mechanical hum. Gu Junwan stepped into the suite, the door closing softly behind her. She immediately noticed the faint sound of a TV program playing in the parlor.

To her surprise, the program was in the ancient dialect of Xinli.

‘I didn’t expect the ancient Xinli language to still be passed down this way,’ she thought, momentarily distracted.

But then another, more pressing thought struck her. 'No! Wait a moment! Why is there a TV show in my room?!’

Her eyes widened in alarm, and she turned to leave immediately. However, just as she reached for the door, a familiar voice called out from the living room.

"Classmate Gu, are you back?"

The voice was calm and warm, and for some inexplicable reason, hearing the words "Classmate Gu" made Gu Junwan's tense heartstrings suddenly relax. Normally, she would have felt offended and angry at the casual address, but right now, it felt oddly comforting.

Gu Junwan paused, standing gracefully at the entrance, and turned to see Shen Han emerging from the living room. The tall Alpha exuded an air of calm assurance, her presence filling the room with a comforting sense of security.

Shen Han walked towards her, the heart-warming scent of cedar enveloping Gu Junwan as she approached. Each step was measured, her demeanor relaxed yet attentive.

During Gu Junwan's extended video conference, Shen Han had made herself at home. She had taken a shower, changed into more comfortable clothes, ordered a substantial meal, and even managed to take a nap. Now, standing before Gu Junwan, Shen Han looked refreshed and full of energy, a stark contrast to the Empress who appeared visibly drained from the night's events.

Shen Han was dressed in military camouflage trousers and a plain white cotton T-shirt. Despite the casual attire, she looked gentle and pure, like a college student who had just completed military training. The combination of her military garb and serene expression created a juxtaposition that was both intriguing and reassuring.

Shen Han walked towards her, the heart-warming scent of cedar enveloping Gu Junwan as she approached. Her cheeks flushed slightly from the warmth and the unexpected intimacy of the situation.

Sensing the need to explain, Shen Han quickly said, "The lieutenant colonel wanted me to stay on the second floor earlier. I thought it would be safer to be closer to you, so I came up here."

"But don't worry, I'll stay in the living room at night, so you can sleep soundly."

Gu Junwan nodded, appreciating Shen Han's consideration. She then took out her newly obtained tablet and wrote swiftly on it: "There is a problem with our team tonight. We may have been monitored."

As soon as she finished speaking, she watched as the Alpha hurried back to the living room, returning with a handful of button-sized monitors and cameras. Shen Han held them up with a proud smile. "I've dealt with it. You can speak freely now!"