After the Scumbag Alpha Accidentally Marked the Blackened Villain - Chapter 13

Just like Lin Bie, Leng Jinxi also returned to the Leng family’s old estate that evening. The place had once been built by her maternal grandparents for her mother—what a shame…

The thought of this home now occupied by Leng Xiuming and Leng Xi made her frown.

As she stepped into the courtyard, a bouquet of vivid red roses in her hand, her crimson dress was nearly indistinguishable from the flowers she carried. The wind cut a striking silhouette of her—slender, pale, elegant.

She opened the door and immediately saw Leng Xiuming sitting in the living room, still stewing over being dismissed by Lin Qingsi at lunch. He and Leng Xi were drinking tea, but when they saw Leng Jinxi walk past them wordlessly, heading for the stairs, he finally set down his cup.

“Those flowers—did Lin Bie give them to you?”

That question soured her expression further. She’d been trying not to think about lunch, but this dragged her right back.

“Yes. They’re from Lin Bie.”

Leng Xiuming curled his lips into what he thought was a kindly smile. “Not bad. Since she remembered to send you flowers, I’m sure she won’t make a scene at the wedding tomorrow. Lin Bie’s a good kid. After you two are married, you should follow her lead in everything.”

Leng Jinxi’s brow furrowed deeply. Lin Bie might have her faults, but that didn’t give him the right to evaluate her.

But instead of responding, she just took a deep breath. The disgust she buried in the pit of her heart was already so overwhelming that she didn’t even want to waste her breath arguing with them. She turned, ready to head upstairs—when his voice stopped her again.

“By the way, Jinxi,” Leng Xiuming said casually, “After you’re engaged to Lin Bie, you probably won’t come back here much. Xiao Xi’s just started at the company and could use some support. Why don’t you let him borrow your shares for now?”

Leng Jinxi froze mid-step.

Give her shares… to Leng Xi?

Those shares were the last things her mother had left her—forty percent of the Leng Corporation, split between her and Leng Wenxia. And now, not even a month after her mother’s passing, this man wanted to take them?

Couldn’t wait even a moment, could he?

Leng Jinxi let out a low, incredulous laugh, her voice suddenly sharp with frost. “Those shares were my mother’s final bequest. Are you really that desperate, Father?”

She’d long since run out of patience for this so-called father. And yet he still found ways to disgust her anew.

With her bluntness ripping the mask off his face, Leng Xiuming’s expression darkened. He bristled, preparing to scold her—until Leng Xi stepped in.

“Sis, what are you even saying? What Dad said makes sense. Once you’re married, you won’t be involved in the company anyway. Why not just give them to me? We’re family—what difference does it make who holds them?”

Of course he didn’t think there was anything wrong. He’d always assumed everything was his by default. And lately, Leng Jinxi had started saying no—a lot. She used to be so obedient. Why had she changed?

He glanced at the roses in her hands, and a trace of disdain flashed in his eyes.

A tool meant for political marriage, and after all this time she only managed to get a single bouquet?

Pathetic. Doesn’t even know how to be a proper pawn.

He snorted. “You’d better treat Miss Lin well. The Leng family’s barely holding on—we’re counting on you.”

Leng Jinxi spared him a flat look. Her face betrayed no emotion, but the chill in her gaze made Leng Xi’s fingers tremble as he held his cup. Something about her was unnerving. Honestly, it was probably a blessing she’d married into the Lin family.

“Hah. Don’t even dream about it,” she scoffed coldly. Looking at the pair of them—this father-son duo—she felt like her very eyes were being sullied.

She turned and walked upstairs, completely ignoring their angry shouts behind her.

She’d only returned to grab a few things. Once she had them, she’d leave.

Standing on the balcony of her childhood bedroom, she looked out at the lifeless garden below. When her mother had been alive, the yard had been full of flowers that matched her pheromone scent. But since her death, Leng Xiuming had torn it all out. He’d even brought his illegitimate son home.

Her gaze dimmed.

She gripped the bouquet tighter and didn’t notice when a leaf sliced her fingertip. Only then did she snap out of it, placing the roses gently on the table and silently watching them.

She’d promised herself she wouldn’t care anymore. And yet… she had still given Lin Qingsi those roses.

She didn’t know how Qingsi truly felt about her.

Leng Jinxi closed her eyes and pressed down on the emotions swirling behind her pupils. She thought of Lin Bie’s reaction earlier. Her fingertips tapped against the table—tap, tap, tap.

She was starting to disobey again.

Just like before.

________________________________________

The next day was clear and bright. Before noon, Lin Bie arrived at the café they’d agreed on, glancing at the time and regretting not choosing a proper restaurant instead.

To her surprise, even though she’d arrived early, someone was already sitting at their reserved spot.

A girl in a slightly bulky coat was seated by the window, lost in thought. Their eyes met through the glass—and the girl’s expression twisted with unmistakable hatred.

Lin Bie: “…”

Original host, what the hell did you do to this poor girl? You scumbag!

Under that burning gaze, Lin Bie forced herself to walk in, stiff with guilt.

“Miss Bei Ning,” she said as she stopped in front of the girl, meeting her eyes sincerely.

Bei Ning’s expression faltered at her serious tone, then scrunched into a scowl. “What now? Here to say it wasn’t what you wanted? That you still love me? Lin Bie, you’re disgusting.”

Lin Bie had no excuse. “I know I may have hurt you terribly before, and I don’t blame you for being angry. I honestly don’t even know how to make this right, but I’m sorry. I truly am.”

The truth was, Lin Bie had no idea what the original host had done to this girl. She’d only called her out to clear things up face-to-face. Her morals wouldn’t let her get engaged while leaving behind a trail of unresolved romantic messes—especially with Shan Yi still looming as a threat.

Everything else could be talked out. But emotional debts? She didn’t even know how to start repaying those.

Why is a lifelong singleton like me being punished with this!?

Internally screaming, she still managed to keep her expression respectful and apologetic—none of that careless delinquent attitude the original host used to wear.

Bei Ning blinked in surprise at her changed demeanor, her fury faltering.

Truth be told, everyone in their circle treated dating like a game. Lin Bie had been a jerk, yes, but she’d never crossed the line. They’d only dated for a couple of weeks before Lin Bie suddenly ended it.

But Bei Ning had fallen for her—genuinely. And she had refused to let go, thinking her persistence might win Lin Bie’s heart. Then came the engagement news.

She’d only agreed to meet today out of spite. She’d wanted proof—confirmation that Lin Bie still liked her, even just a little.

She’d expected indifference. But this Lin Bie in front of her? She was like a completely different person. Sincere. Remorseful. Earnest.

It left her flustered. She fidgeted in her seat. “W-What do you mean by this?”

Lin Bie lowered her head. “Expose me? Slap me? Whatever helps you feel better. I hurt you, and I’m sorry. I hope you can forget me and find someone who really loves you.”

This kind of girl fell for that kind of jerk? Lin Bie felt like the original host deserved to be struck by lightning.

When she got no response, she peeked up—only to see Bei Ning’s eyes glistening with unshed tears. Panicked, she fumbled for tissues and handed them over.

I have no idea how to comfort a heartbroken girl!

But Bei Ning just shook her head. “I was angry before… but seeing you now, I’m not anymore.”

Truthfully, she hadn’t liked Lin Bie that much. It was the abrupt breakup that had bruised her pride. But hearing Lin Bie own her mistakes so humbly—maybe that was enough.

Bei Ning bit her lip and laughed softly. “I didn’t love you that deeply. I just wanted to hear you say why. Now I know.”

She’d read once in an interview: If a heartless person suddenly changes… it might be because they’ve met the person they want to love for a lifetime.

So the one Lin Bie was about to marry—could that be her soulmate?

That’s nice, actually.

To witness a scumbag’s transformation.

It’s really… kind of beautiful.

And so, in Lin Bie’s utter bewilderment, the conversation ended. Bei Ning had made peace with the past. The breakup hadn’t been due to another lover or some scheming—just apathy, like everyone else in their circle.

Somehow, it made sense.

As they parted, Bei Ning looked at her deeply. “I wish you and your wife happiness. Finding someone you truly love isn’t easy.”

Lin Bie: “?”

She didn’t fully get what Bei Ning meant, but smiled politely.

“Thank you. I hope you find someone who loves you for a lifetime too.”

It was an unexpectedly warm farewell. Lin Bie watched her drive away, then finally let out a long breath, riding the high of resolving one more of the original host’s disasters.

She was mid-celebratory fist-pump when she spotted a familiar figure tucked into a café corner.

Leng Jinxi?

Why was she here? Shouldn’t she be preparing for the evening’s engagement ceremony?

Then she remembered—she still hadn’t memorized the plan Leng Jinxi sent her last night. She immediately tried to sneak away, only for Leng Jinxi to turn her head.

Their eyes locked midair.

Lin Bie: “……”

Why does this feel like getting caught by the teacher for not doing homework?

She straightened up and waved sheepishly.

Leng Jinxi took off her earphones, packed up her things, and walked over. “What are you doing here?”

“Hungry,” Lin Bie replied. “Thought I’d grab something to eat.”

“A café, for food?” Leng Jinxi frowned.

Lin Bie shrugged. “I do what I want.”

“…Hmph.” She didn’t bother replying. Leng Jinxi turned and walked ahead.

“The ceremony’s at 8 p.m. We need to arrive together in the same car by 7:30. Don’t forget.”

“Of course not. It’s all in the file,” Lin Bie replied.

Leng Jinxi glanced back at her, dark eyes probing like they could see through her soul.

Feeling a little guilty, Lin Bie silently vowed to go home and memorize that schedule immediately, though she kept a poker face. “Relax. I’ve said it a hundred times—I’m not going to screw things up like last time.”

“…Let’s hope so.”

As she watched Leng Jinxi’s retreating figure, handbag swinging by her side, Lin Bie couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Why did she come to the café at all?