After Disabled A was Reborn, She Got Scummed Again - Chapter 25

“Ah…? No… it’s not like that…” Chu Qiyan glanced at her from the corner of her eye, her gaze dodging, and then her long lashes lowered to hide the dreamy glimmer in her eyes—like a girl nursing a crush.

“Hm?” Qin Xiao looked at her, puzzled. She caught the flicker of movement from those ink-black lashes and noticed how red the tips of Chu Qiyan’s ears were. Her skittishness looked an awful lot like… shyness.

“…Yeah… maybe a little…” After a while, Chu Qiyan finally raised her eyes and stammered a reply, her gaze still shifting as she avoided Qin Xiao’s.

“Mm, why?” Perhaps realizing how cold that sounded, Qin Xiao softened her tone and added, “I didn’t know you got shy so easily.”

“…” Chu Qiyan’s lowered lashes fluttered lightly. She bit her bottom lip, and her pale cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. After a pause, she murmured, “It’s just… when you smile, you look really nice…”

“…Thank you.” Qin Xiao froze for a second, then gave a reserved reply. The tips of her ears began to flush red too. She hadn’t expected that answer—but for some reason, it made her feel strangely pleased.

In the quiet, spacious living room, the two of them sat side by side. The scene looked soft and beautiful, like a page from a romance film. An unspoken intimacy, tinged with slight awkwardness, slowly filled the air. Neither of them said anything, unwilling to disturb this peaceful moment—they simply basked in it, hearts fluttering in nervous anticipation.

Chu Qiyan peeked sideways at Qin Xiao. Her expression was cool and poised, with elegantly fluttering lashes like butterflies in flight. Her high nose bridge cast a sharp silhouette under the light, and the corners of her thin lips were slightly curved in a smile—not quite a smile, but gentle and captivating all the same…

Chu Qiyan unconsciously licked her lips. The living room suddenly felt too warm. Her throat was dry, and her gaze quickly darted away.

Qin Xiao definitely noticed the weight of that gaze. She sat upright, pretending to look straight ahead, unaffected. But for some reason, the attention made her feel almost restless, like her heart was beating faster by the second.

In the small bubble they shared, stolen glances floated back and forth, and the air between them thickened with a growing sense of intimacy…

Then, an image of Chu Qiyan’s tearful expression from the night before flashed through Qin Xiao’s mind. She finally spoke. “Did they bully you last night?”

Her voice was calm, her gaze direct, that same usual coolness in her features.

“…Why are you asking me that?” Chu Qiyan paused, her hands twisted together on her knees, then looked up in surprise.

“You seemed upset,” Qin Xiao replied lightly.

Such simple words—gentle, honest—hit Chu Qiyan right in the heart. A warmth bloomed inside her, bubbling over. Qin Xiao had noticed even the subtlest change in her mood. She paid attention. She cared.

For some reason, that made Chu Qiyan feel sweetly cherished.

“Yeah… maybe a little…” she murmured. The blush on her face had faded slightly, and she lowered her head again, voice soft.

To Qin Xiao, she looked like a fragile kitten, curling up in sadness. Of course she’d been bullied—by those people in the Chu family.

“There’s no need to be afraid. If anyone bullies you again, fight back on the spot. I’ll be there for you,” Qin Xiao said with a frown. In her eyes, Chu Qiyan had always been timid and soft-spoken. Who knew how many people had taken advantage of her?

“Okay.” Chu Qiyan nodded and gave a gentle smile.

“Bullied? Who bullied our little sweetheart?” Xu Chanmian came striding out from the kitchen with her usual flair.

The previously delicate and ambiguous atmosphere in the living room shattered instantly.

Qin Xiao shot her a cold glare.

“No, no, it’s nothing,” Chu Qiyan said with a faint smile.

“Where are those two? Where’s your ‘Shang’ sister?” Xu Chanmian asked curiously.

“No idea,” Chu Qiyan replied. Qin Xiao, seated beside her, didn’t even lift her eyes—clearly not interested in responding.

“Who? Who’s looking for me?” Shang Niannian’s voice came from upstairs as she stood with arms crossed.

“Oh, so that’s where you two are hiding,” Xu Chanmian looked up toward the second floor, then mumbled under her breath, “Eavesdropping and didn’t even invite me.”

“We were just walking around upstairs,” Liu Xinmin said with a soft smile. But everyone knew the second floor only had Qin Xiao’s bedroom—and the door had been tightly shut. There wasn’t really much to explore.

“So timid. Who else are they supposed to pick on?” Shang Niannian said quietly as she came down the stairs, but her words floated clearly enough for the others to hear.

Liu Xinmin followed her down.

“Chu Qiyan, can you grow a backbone? You keep getting pushed around, and then it’s always my Qin-jie who has to console you. Don’t you think that’s annoying?” Shang Niannian dropped onto the couch across from her and looked at her with clear frustration.

“…Okay.” Chu Qiyan’s smile faltered slightly, but she nodded nonetheless.

What she said wasn’t wrong. Lately, every time someone picked on her, she’d just endured it and let it go. And it was always Qin Xiao who stood up for her.

Qin Xiao didn’t say anything. She glanced at Shang Niannian, her expression cold.

“You’re already her fiancée, aren’t you? Can’t you at least use that identity to protect yourself? You’re always caught up in some nonsense…” Shang Niannian muttered, clearly irritated—for Qin Xiao’s sake.

“Wow… Shang-jie, you really don’t pull your punches,” Xu Chanmian sighed.

“Mhm… sorry for the trouble. And… thank you all for caring about me,” Chu Qiyan said sincerely after a moment’s pause.

“No need for all that,” Qin Xiao said with a faint frown.

“No need to be so formal, Miss Chu,” Liu Xinmin added as she sat down nearby.

“What? I’m just telling the truth,” Shang Niannian said, frowning. “She’s not even really part of the Chu family. Of course they bully her. Honestly, you should just cut ties with them. You’ve got the backing of Qin-jie now—what’s there to be afraid of?”

“Yeah, it’d be so much easier if you just distanced yourself from them,” Xu Chanmian chimed in.

Qin Xiao glanced at Chu Qiyan. The girl had her head lowered, looking conflicted. After a moment, Qin Xiao said quietly, “Let’s talk about it later.”

Liu Xinmin said nothing, just sat nearby with a thoughtful look in her eyes.

“Hmph.” Shang Niannian turned away, dissatisfied.

“Dinner’s ready!” Aunt Liu appeared in the living room, calling them over with a bright smile. It had been a while since so many guests had filled the house.

“Coming, Aunt Liu.” Xu Chanmian jumped to her feet and headed for the dining room.

Liu Xinmin gave Qin Xiao a gentle push.

Chu Qiyan walked beside Shang Niannian, though she could clearly feel the girl’s irritation. Still, she couldn’t blame her—she really had troubled Qin Xiao too much lately. And given how much Shang Niannian liked her, her reaction was understandable.

Chu Qiyan let go of her bitten lip and gave it a soft lick. Then she said gently, “…Niannian, thank you. I know you’re looking out for me. Next time… I’ll stand up for myself.”

“Hmph. Who cares? You little pushover…” Shang Niannian pouted and turned away. But then, after a pause, she muttered, “Make sure to let me know. I wanna watch the show… You? Fight back?”

“I will. I can totally do that, okay?” Chu Qiyan smiled.

“Yeah, yeah,” Shang Niannian waved her off, but her expression had clearly softened.

At the dining table, Qin Xiao took her usual seat at the head, with Chu Qiyan and Shang Niannian sitting on either side of her.

“Sigh… President Qin really is living the dream…” Xu Chanmian said with a mix of admiration and envy as she glanced at the scene.

“Eat,” Qin Xiao said coldly, shooting her a warning look.

“Exactly. Maybe try chewing instead of talking,” Liu Xinmin chimed in lazily as she picked up a cumin-spiced rib.

“Whoa—wait—nobody move!” Shang Niannian suddenly pulled out her phone and started snapping pictures. This was her first time having dinner at Qin Xiao’s home, and with a feast like this on the table, of course she had to capture it for the memories.

“Send them to me first so I can edit them before you post,” Liu Xinmin reminded her.

“Yeah, yeah, I got it.”

“Special Assistant Liu, how about pouring the drinks?” Xu Chanmian teased with a mischievous grin.

“Xu Chanmian.” Qin Xiao didn’t wait for Liu Xinmin to respond—her tone alone was enough of a warning.

That shut Xu Chanmian up—for a while. But she still kept making faces at Liu Xinmin behind everyone’s backs.

“Pour the wine,” Qin Xiao instructed. The maid who’d been waiting quietly with a bottle stepped up immediately.

“Come on, Qin Xiao, drinking doesn’t have to be so gloomy,” Xu Chanmian muttered, helping herself to a piece of lamb chop.

Qin Xiao took a small sip of the red wine—rich and smooth, the flavors bloomed across her tongue, waking up every taste bud.

Chu Qiyan glanced sideways at her. What she saw was the elegant line of her neck, the way her Adam’s apple moved as she swallowed—so effortlessly sensual. Her lips, naturally full and perfectly shaped, were now tinged with red wine, glossy and lush. The contrast against her porcelain skin made her look even more ethereal—like a goddess atop a sacred altar, distant and untouchable. Every detail of her was exquisitely beautiful, right down to the few loose strands of dark hair framing her face. It made Chu Qiyan’s heart race.

She quickly averted her gaze, staring down at her bowl. Her heart thudded loudly in her ears as she tried to regulate her breathing. But the image of Qin Xiao—beautiful, alluring, and sensual—kept replaying in her mind, frame by frame, every detail etched in crystal clarity.

In a fluster, she stuffed a couple mouthfuls of rice into her mouth and took a sip of wine.

Qin Xiao noticed. Her sharp eyes caught the flushed cheeks, the awkward fidgeting. Her own fox-like eyes curved faintly, the trace of a smile flickering at the corners.

On the other side of the table, Shang Niannian was too distracted by the banter between Liu Xinmin and Xu Chanmian to notice the quiet, delicate moment that just passed.

Seeing that Qin Xiao wasn’t going to stop her, Xu Chanmian happily took charge of the drinking game.

“Qin Xiao’s wine really is the best.” She beamed, topping off Liu Xinmin’s glass.

“Little Shang, we’re all friends here now—come on, have a drink…” She raised her glass and downed it in one go.

“Qin Xiao, Chu Qiyan… wishing you a lifetime of happiness—no, wait—may you get married soon!” A few glasses in, Xu Chanmian’s cheeks were already rosy.

“Take it easy. No one’s fighting you for the wine,” Liu Xinmin muttered, frowning slightly.

Chu Qiyan lifted her glass, face turning pink at the mention of marriage. She sneaked a glance at Qin Xiao, who had also raised her glass.

The clink of their three glasses rang like a soft chime, melodic and slightly dizzying—like a lullaby that gently pulled them deeper into the haze of alcohol.

Shang Niannian, caught up in the festive atmosphere, toasted Qin Xiao several times, though the latter only took small sips each time.

By the second half of dinner, most faces around the table were flushed, especially Xu Chanmian—completely drunk.

“Why? Someone tell me—why did that bastard Lu Ming stand me up!?” she suddenly shouted, slamming her chopsticks on the table.

The table fell silent. Liu Xinmin, Qin Xiao, and Chu Qiyan exchanged awkward glances.

Shang Niannian was also swaying from the wine, eating unsteadily and softly mumbling, “Qin-jiejie…”

“So it was Lu Ming after all…” Liu Xinmin rubbed her forehead. “Honestly, she’s an alpha—can’t she act like one? Why fall apart over a breakup every damn time?” She looked helplessly at Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao let out a soft sigh, clearly not surprised.

Chu Qiyan blinked, full of curiosity. “Lu Ming?”

“Qin Xiao, is Dr. Xu talking about Lu Ming, the management professor from Jingyan University?” she asked, stunned. The world couldn’t be that small, could it?

“Yes. That’s her.” Qin Xiao nodded.

“So Dr. Xu is Professor Lu Ming’s girlfriend…” Chu Qiyan murmured thoughtfully. Lu Ming was well-liked at the university. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and gentle. Many bold alpha students had confessed to her, only to be told she already had a girlfriend. But that was last year…

“Girlfriend? Don’t be ridiculous—we broke up! Ages ago…” Xu Chanmian’s voice trembled, and tears welled up as she started to cry.

“Well, then good riddance. Clean breaks are best,” Liu Xinmin said bluntly, chewing on a cumin rib.

“Who broke up?! I haven’t even gotten together with Qin-jiejie yet…” Shang Niannian suddenly shot up like a dying phoenix revived, yelling at the top of her lungs.

Qin Xiao sighed again. Definitely not inviting them over for dinner again anytime soon.

Chu Qiyan couldn’t help but smile. As messy as it all was, the scene was oddly heartwarming. Everyone was so lively, so endearing in their own ways.

“Give it up. You’re never going to be with her,” Liu Xinmin finally snapped, having lost all patience. Her usual gentle smile faded into full-on sarcasm.

“What? Boo-hoo… I will be with Qin-jiejie!” Shang Niannian wailed dramatically.

“Sure, sure, keep dreaming.” Liu Xinmin clicked her tongue and shot Qin Xiao a look full of exasperation. One disaster after another.

Unsurprisingly, Shang Niannian only cried louder.

Qin Xiao looked at the mess of a dinner table, then turned to Chu Qiyan. Her gaze softened—at least her fiancée was low-maintenance.

Chu Qiyan could only laugh helplessly. “Okay, okay, you’ll be with Qin-jiejie… just stop crying…” she said gently, trying to calm her.

“Right? I will be with her! Chu Qiyan, I won’t give her to you!” Shang Niannian yelled before collapsing face-down onto the table.

Hearing her fiancée’s generous words, Qin Xiao raised an eyebrow and lazily took another sip of wine.

“Hmph.” Liu Xinmin, of course, noticed everything. She rolled her eyes and turned to look at Xu Chanmian.

“That bastard Lu Ming… what kind of professor is she? Fvck her… that cheating b1tch… where’s my phone…” Xu Chanmian slurred, fumbling around.

“Let’s call Lu Ming. Tell her to come pick up her mess,” Qin Xiao muttered thoughtfully.

Liu Xinmin stepped aside to call her. After a year of babysitting Xu Chanmian’s drama, she knew Lu Ming’s number by heart.

With only two sober people left at the table, they looked at each other.

But Chu Qiyan didn’t hold the gaze long. Qin Xiao, flushed from the wine, had a soft red bloom across her flawless skin. Her lips, now lightly tinted, looked like she was wearing lipstick and blush. Her usual sharp eyes were hazy, softened by the alcohol, like a still lake under moonlight—utterly mesmerizing.

Just one glance sent Chu Qiyan’s heart into overdrive. Her throat tightened, and she almost couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss her.

But she held back. They weren’t that close yet… were they? But she was her fiancée… Her thoughts spiraled, muddled by the wine.

Qin Xiao, however, kept looking at her. Drunk and blushing, Chu Qiyan was adorably soft. Something inside her stirred.

Still, she said nothing—just took another sip of wine.

Liu Xinmin returned, frowning. “Lu Ming says she’s not in Beijing.”

Qin Xiao lifted her gaze. “Not in town?” She paused. “Alright. Clear the guest room.”

Soon after, Aunt Liu came down from upstairs—she had already prepared one in advance.

“What about her?” Liu Xinmin gestured at Shang Niannian, who was now completely slumped over.

“Where’s her assistant?” Qin Xiao asked with a frown.

“No clue.” Liu Xinmin looked at the two drunks with resignation.

“…Fine. Let her stay too,” Qin Xiao relented.

Liu Xinmin stared at her for a moment, then sighed deeply. It looked like it was going to be a long night. She stumbled a little but caught herself on the table.

“You should go rest too,” Qin Xiao said, propping her chin up with one elbow on the table—her expression slightly dazed.

“Aunt Liu.” She called softly. Liu Xinmin staggered off to her own room, and the maids helped the drunk pair upstairs.

“Miss Chu?” Aunt Liu asked gently.

“Mm… Aunt Liu, I’m not drunk. I can manage,” Chu Qiyan replied with a light smile.

“Alright then. Let’s go.” Aunt Liu helped Qin Xiao upstairs, calling for Chu Qiyan to join them.

They reached the second floor, but Chu Qiyan didn’t stop—she followed them into Qin Xiao’s room like it was the most natural thing.

“Miss Chu?” Aunt Liu looked confused.

Qin Xiao, half-asleep in her wheelchair, slowly opened her eyes. “What’s the matter?”

“Hmm? What?” Chu Qiyan blinked, dazed.

“You’re in the wrong room,” Qin Xiao said coolly, her voice tinged with sleep.

“Am I?” Chu Qiyan looked up and then declared seriously, “Nope, this is my room. You’re the one in the wrong.”

Qin Xiao rubbed her forehead. Another drunk, apparently.

The worst part? She looked perfectly normal but was now clinging stubbornly to the bedroom door.

“…Forget it. Aunt Liu, let her come in,” Qin Xiao sighed. No more drinking for a while.

“Understood. Everything’s ready, ma’am,” Aunt Liu said, glancing at Chu Qiyan, who was now sitting primly on the small sofa. “So, Miss Chu…”

“Send her back to her room,” Qin Xiao said casually.

“Ma’am, she is your fiancée… sharing a room might help build intimacy…” Aunt Liu offered gently.

“…Send her back,” Qin Xiao said, pausing as she unbuttoned her shirt and loosened her collar. There was no bond to build—there wasn’t even any real affection yet.

“No. This is my room. I’m not leaving…” Chu Qiyan muttered, eyes half-lidded as her long lashes trembled.

“Get someone to escort her out,” Qin Xiao said, now baring a swath of pale skin as her shirt fell open.

“Yes, ma’am.” Aunt Liu stepped out to call two Omega maids.

“Qin Xiao… why are you in my room?” Chu Qiyan swayed toward her.

“This is my room,” Qin Xiao replied, helpless but amused.

“Right… all of this is your room. This whole villa’s yours…” Chu Qiyan circled her, pointing around the room.

“Sit down. Don’t move around,” Qin Xiao said, concerned she’d trip without the maids around.

“…Sit?” Chu Qiyan glanced around, then locked eyes with her. “Okay.”

And then, Qin Xiao felt a weight on her lap.

Chu Qiyan had settled right on her lap, straddling her thighs, face-to-face.