The Five Heartless Scumbag Alphas Turned Against Each Other Because Of Me - Chapter 21.1

Chapter 21

Zheng Jinyu’s heart raced. She couldn’t deny that, in this moment, she was indeed deeply moved.

But in the end, it was her reason that prevailed.

That didn’t mean she felt good about it. Zheng Jinyu struggled to suppress the surging desires and emotions within her. It took quite some time before she could calm herself down—though her violently beating heart continued to betray her.

Swallowing with difficulty, Zheng Jinyu pushed away the girl who had been relentlessly tempting her. “No need.”

Tan Hua was not the least bit annoyed. She continued her pitch, “I won’t tell anyone what happened between us. Not even Lu Huaixu. In this entire world, there won’t be a third person who knows what happened between us…”

“Aren’t you even going to consider it?”

Zheng Jinyu closed her eyes. “I won’t.” Summoning the last of her rationality, she pushed Tan Hua away and, slightly out of breath, said, “You should go.”

Tan Hua raised an eyebrow in surprise. “She’s even tougher than I expected.”

The system, however, let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness Zheng Jinyu held her ground, it thought. Otherwise, she’d have been the first Alpha to be devoured—bones and all—by this host.

Just as it was about to offer some feigned comfort, it heard Tan Hua casually remark, “There’s still time. I don’t believe she’ll always look at me with empty eyes.”

The system shivered immediately. Zheng Jinyu, you really need to hang in there!

When Zheng Jinyu told Tan Hua to leave, she did—swiftly. Within less than a minute, the Omega had vanished completely from sight, leaving no trace behind.

If not for the faint scent of camellia still lingering on her skin, Zheng Jinyu might have thought it had all been a hallucination.

She reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and realized her forehead was lightly coated in sweat—she hadn’t even noticed it before.

Stunned, Zheng Jinyu stood there, her eyes reflecting a hint of confusion. At the same time, a strange emptiness settled in her chest—a subtle yet undeniable sense of loss.

It wasn’t overwhelming, but it was enough to make her feel deeply unsettled.

—

Tan Hua walked down the street, mulling over the idea that maybe it was time to buy a car. Relying on her legs to get everywhere just wasn’t practical anymore. She pulled up her contacts list, wondering who she could ask for a little financial support.

After some thought, she decided Lu Huaixu was the most suitable candidate.

He was a proper Alpha—generous and principled. A bit temperamental at times, sure, but compared to his other qualities, that was barely a flaw worth mentioning.

The only thing she wasn’t sure of was whether Lu Huaixu would still be generous today, especially after she’d swindled a large sum out of him just last night.

With a bit of trepidation, Tan Hua sent him a message asking for help. His reply came quickly and straightforwardly:
[Come over.]

Tan Hua’s eyes lit up with excitement. “No wonder he’s my first Alpha—he really is the perfect financial backer!”

The system stayed silent. It didn’t know whether to describe Lu Huaixu as gullible and rich, or to say that its host was particularly skilled at seduction. Then again, both Tan Hua and Lu Huaixu were forces to be reckoned with—nothing it, a lowly AI, needed to get involved in.

With Lu Huaixu’s approval, Tan Hua immediately hailed a ride to his place.

She went there so often that the housekeeper had practically memorized her sweet, ingratiating face. When Tan Hua saw the housekeeper, she greeted her cheerfully, “Good morning!”

The housekeeper glanced at her with a blank expression and said nothing before walking away.

Tan Hua didn’t mind at all. Bouncing with excitement, she made her way to Lu Huaixu. No matter how she looked at him, he seemed more pleasing to the eye than ever.

Lu Huaixu hadn’t gone out yet, so he was still dressed in loungewear—simple grey linen, deep and understated. The color stood in striking contrast to his pale skin, making him look even more elegant and alluring.

Tan Hua’s eyes sparkled like a hungry wolf’s. Lu Huaixu lifted his gaze, eyes cool and indifferent. The moment he looked at her, she shifted her expression, feigning demure sweetness.

“President Lu, are you not busy today?”

“Not today,” he replied calmly. “I’m resting at home this morning.”

That explains it, Tan Hua thought, then got straight to the point. “So… how many hours are you planning to book today?”

Lu Huaixu didn’t answer directly. Instead, he asked out of the blue, “Are you short on money?”

Tan Hua was caught off guard and instinctively replied, “No.” Under his doubtful gaze, she hesitated and admitted, “Well… I’ve just been thinking about getting a car. For commuting.”

“It’ll be more convenient for work,” she added, chattering away. “I just found a new job, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The company is pretty far from where I live, and commuting is kind of a hassle.”

A car? That surprised Lu Huaixu. She gave Tan Hua another long look before suddenly asking, “Didn’t you just start that job? Why aren’t you at work today?”

At the mention of this, Tan Hua immediately shot him a resentful look. “After leaving your place last night, I twisted my ankle in your garden—still wearing high heels. So I took the opportunity to ask for a day off.”

“So now you expect me to take responsibility?” Lu Huaixu raised his eyebrows. His tone was perfectly neutral, not a hint of anger, but Tan Hua could still feel the pressure radiating from the Alpha.

She quickly shook her head, panicked. “How could I dare think that?” She stepped closer with a pitiful expression. “I just hoped you might show me a little concern…”

“Even just a little would be enough.” Her big, innocent eyes sparkled with sincerity. “After all this time together, President Lu, don’t you understand how I feel?”

“I’ve always been proper and restrained. My only extravagant wish… is that you’d spoil me a little more.” She paused, then emphasized again: “Just that.”

Lu Huaixu looked at her—delicate, pitiful, so fragile she seemed ready to faint at any moment. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “So, do you like me? Or do you like my money?”

Tan Hua immediately sensed the danger in that question—it was a trap.

But… only children choose. She smiled and answered honestly, “Both.”

At least she was truthful. Lu Huaixu played with the ring on his thumb, his gaze fixed on her faint smile.

If she had dared to lie and claim she only liked him, Lu Huaixu would’ve kicked her out without a second thought.

He stood up and gently lifted her delicate chin with his fingers. Her honesty pleased him.

“You really are more likable than you used to be.”

Tan Hua grinned, taking the opportunity to push her luck. “So… do I get a reward?”

“A reward?” Lu Huaixu leaned her chin on her hand, her knowing gaze resting on Tan Hua for a moment. “Once we’re done, go to my garage and pick a car.”

Omega’s cleverness made things easy and pleasant for Lu Huaixu, so she didn’t mind offering small favors—it made the other person care more about her. More importantly, what happened between Tan Hua and Zheng Jinyu last night had piqued her interest.

Zheng Jinyu, that paragon of virtue who always acted like a chaste and aloof Alpha—when did she ever show this much concern for any Omega?

Tan Hua was stunned for a second, then overjoyed, though she still maintained a modest expression. “That doesn’t seem right,” she said coyly. “How could I just accept something so valuable from you, President Lu?”

Watching her pretend to be modest when she was clearly thrilled amused Lu Huaixu. She couldn’t resist teasing her. “Then never mind.”

“Maybe you’d be happier picking out your own new car. It’d suit your taste more.”

Tan Hua’s shy smile froze instantly, her eyes widening. What? She’s going back on her word? So much for ‘a promise is worth a thousand gold coins’—clearly that doesn’t apply to Lu Huaixu!

Her shifting expressions were highly entertaining. Lu Huaixu looked at her like she’d discovered a new and fascinating species. She watched Tan Hua with growing interest, eyes fixed on her for a long time.

Tan Hua felt increasingly uneasy under her gaze. Something about Lu Huaixu’s presence today felt overwhelming. Just being close to her—just a few extra glances—made her scalp tingle.

Could it be… her heat cycle is approaching? Tan Hua silently speculated.

—

Since that awkward lunch the day before, Wen Chuan had been in a terrible mood.

Nothing she did felt enjoyable or worthwhile. She didn’t even have an appetite. She had assumed that Tan Hua would give in and come to coax her, if only for the sake of money. But she waited from morning to night, and even into the next day—not a word from Tan Hua.

Wen Chuan was furious and bewildered. Where did Tan Hua get the nerve to treat me like this?

Didn’t she need her money anymore? Didn’t she come from a difficult family background? Without Wen Chuan’s support, what kind of easy, well-paying job could she possibly find to sustain herself?

The more Wen Chuan thought about it, the angrier she became. Rage simmered until it finally boiled over.

Taking a deep breath, Wen Chuan tried to calm herself. She repeated in her mind: I’m an Alpha. It’s normal to comfort an upset Omega. It’s not humiliating.

But she couldn’t stop her bitterness: Tan Hua is just a stand-in. Who does she think she is to throw a tantrum at me?

Doesn’t she fear losing me?

This internal tug-of-war wore Wen Chuan down completely. In the end, she relented and opened her chat with Tan Hua, typing a rare message of humility: “Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

She forced herself to remain composed, mustering all her courage before hitting send in a “to hell with it” moment.

But when she opened her eyes and saw the glaring red exclamation mark next to the message, she froze.

It took her a long while to recover. Her eyes widened in disbelief—she had been blocked.

Tan Hua had blocked her—after making her this angry?

Wen Chuan’s fury erupted like a volcano. Eyes red, she stormed toward Tan Hua’s apartment. No one was there. She rushed to the bar next—but again, no sign of her. The front desk even informed her that Tan Hua hadn’t returned all night.

Her chest ached with anger, her face dark with rage, as her mind raced to figure out where Tan Hua might be.

Nothing.

Only then did Wen Chuan realize that she actually knew very little about her.

She didn’t know who was in Tan Hua’s family. She didn’t know where she worked. Despite all their time together, she was practically a stranger to her.

A wave of defeat washed over Wen Chuan.

With no clear destination, she wandered aimlessly through the streets until she found herself staring at a luxurious villa—and suddenly snapped out of her daze.

This was the place where she had picked up Tan Hua from work two nights ago.

If Tan Hua wasn’t at Shengyuan, then… could she still be here? Wen Chuan frowned. Was she… working as a maid in a wealthy household?

But what exactly does a maid do in a rich person’s home?

A sinking feeling crept into Wen Chuan’s heart.

Lu Huaixu must’ve come up with some new trick today.

Tan Hua took the cat-girl outfit from the housekeeper—apparently prepared in advance by Lu Huaixu—and her eyelid twitched. “Why does she even have something like this?”

Confused, Tan Hua asked the system, “I thought someone like Lu Huaixu, who seems cold, distant, and completely unapproachable, would be the kind of person who lives by strict self-discipline and has zero desire.”

Uh… yeah, the system had no idea either why Lu Huaixu would have such a strange collection of things.

It was just as puzzled. Logically, someone with Lu Huaixu’s personality shouldn’t be into these kinds of… lowbrow fantasies.

Tan Hua stared at the outfit for a long time, then couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at Lu Huaixu’s face. The Alpha looked completely calm—no trace of guilt whatsoever.

When Lu Huaixu noticed her hesitation, she even asked, “Don’t like it?”

“Then go pick another one.”

“No, no need.” Tan Hua smiled stiffly. “I like it.”

God knows what might come out next if I say no again…

She grabbed the outfit and slipped away quickly, while Lu Huaixu, holding her laptop, let the brief smile on her lips fade.

Soon after, Tan Hua was called back over. She knelt on the soft mat beside Lu Huaixu, lifting her head slightly as the Alpha looked down at her.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside.

Wen Chuan had barged into the Lu residence.

Using the overpowering suppression of an Alpha’s pheromones, even the well-trained security guards couldn’t stop her.

She charged in like a headless chicken, bumping into everything. Finally, she found the entrance—only to be met with a scene that made her bl00d boil.

A strange Alpha was getting handsy with Tan Hua, touching her as if trying to take advantage of her.

Wen Chuan froze, stunned. Then fury hit her like a wave.

So this is what Tan Hua meant by “working as a maid in a rich person’s house”?! Being treated like this without dignity?

Lu Huaixu looked older, while Tan Hua was still young, beautiful, and glowing with charm. How could she tolerate something like this? Did she not even think to resist?

As Lu Huaixu’s hand reached toward Tan Hua’s face, Wen Chuan panicked. She blurted out the first thing that came to mind:

“Stop! What do you think you’re doing to my mom?!”

Tan Hua turned around, stunned. “…Huh?”

“You?! Why are you here?” And what the hell did you just call me?!

Lu Huaixu’s hand froze midair. Her expression unreadable, she looked at Tan Hua and said meaningfully, “So you already have a child this grown?”

Tan Hua: “!” I’m not—I didn’t—she’s talking nonsense, please don’t believe her!

She whipped around and glared at Wen Chuan. “What did you just call me?”

Wen Chuan had originally intended to apologize and correct herself. But seeing how close Tan Hua was standing to this Alpha—with no intention of pushing her away—her temper flared. With a hint of spite, she replied, “You’re my mom. That’s right.”

She even wore a confused expression, as if she genuinely didn’t understand why Tan Hua was trying to deny their ‘mother-daughter relationship’ in front of Lu Huaixu.

Tan Hua: “???” Grandpa on the subway looking at his phone.jpg

Mom, my ass. Your conscience must’ve been eaten by dogs.

Clearly, there was no chance of Wen Chuan helping her explain. Tan Hua quickly turned her head back and leaned in close, rubbing Lu Huaixu’s palm like a cat, “President Lu, don’t listen to her nonsense.”

“I’m a single…” She paused, suddenly remembering her status was technically divorced. “I’m a simple, innocent 22-year-old young lady. I’ve never even been in a relationship, let alone had the chance to give birth to such a rebellious—uh, disrespectful—child.”

Wen Chuan’s temple twitched. Rebellious child? So that’s what I am in her heart now?

She let out a cold laugh, watching Tan Hua trying desperately to sever their connection just to gain the favor of this strange Alpha. It was honestly pathetic.

If it were Sister Cheng Yuan, she would never degrade herself like this—never wear something like that in public, never act without backbone or dignity.

Wen Chuan crossed her arms and stared coldly.

Tan Hua, however, couldn’t care less about Wen Chuan at this point. All she could think about was making sure Lu Huaixu didn’t get the wrong idea.

But when she looked up at Lu Huaixu—at that unfathomable expression in her eyes—Tan Hua paused.

Wait a second… is she… excited?

Her eyes darted, and she asked the system quietly, “No way. Could Lu Huaixu actually be into this… kind of dynamic?”

Tan Hua started to hesitate—maybe she should lean into it a little. She had to admit: this whole situation was kind of thrilling. Lu Huaixu really did play harder than she’d expected.

Calming herself, Tan Hua changed course mid-sentence. Instead of denying, she met Lu Huaixu’s gaze with a straight face and said solemnly,

“President Lu, I know that words won’t change anything. If you insist on believing that, then… so be it.”

“I am Wen Chuan’s mother.” Her tone was firm, not the slightest hint of guilt. “I just hope you won’t mind or look down on me for it.”

Wen Chuan’s eyes flew open—jaw practically dropping to the floor. “???”

What the hell is she saying? How could she say that? How does she even have the nerve?!

Wasn’t she afraid this job opportunity would go up in smoke?

Dazed, Wen Chuan glanced over at Lu Huaixu—only to find that not only did she look not displeased, she actually seemed… even more intrigued.

Wen Chuan: “…”

Honestly, she was starting to question whether she understood adult Alphas at all.
And even less their taste.

At this moment, Wen Chuan felt her entire worldview was being violently shaken and shattered.

Lu Huaixu cast a faint glance at the dumbfounded Wen Chuan and said mildly, “Why would I mind?” She leaned forward slightly, her cool fingers gently caressing Tan Hua’s delicate face. “Get up.”

Perhaps out of consideration for the so-called “child,” she didn’t take things further with Tan Hua. “Does the outfit fit?”

“It fits well,” Tan Hua replied, glancing down at herself. If not for this outfit, she wouldn’t have realized how curvaceous and alluring her body truly was. Even she was blushing and heart-pounding just looking at herself—never mind an Alpha.

With this figure, why did the original host ever bother pretending to be some delicate little flower?

A rose with thorns was surely more captivating—and irresistible—than a bland, innocent white blossom.

“As long as it fits,” Lu Huaixu nodded. Her gaze then fell on the security guards hesitating behind Wen Chuan. The guards straightened up immediately, all thinking the same thing: This is a nightmare. They couldn’t overpower her or reason with her. What else could they do with an Alpha like Wen Chuan?

Wen Chuan noticed Lu Huaixu’s gaze, snapping her thoughts back to reality.

She turned toward the guards. After a brief but awkward stare-down, she turned back with a stiff, mocking smile. “Mom, can I wait here until you finish work so we can go home together?”

“I want to stay with you.”

I’d love your company if it didn’t risk driving away my client, Tan Hua cursed inwardly, then turned toward Lu Huaixu and, quite naturally, passed the decision to her.