After the Scummy Alpha Marked the Crazy Beautiful Heroine (GL) - Chapter 13

Chi Yang stared at Pei Jiuyao, dazed. Her pale glazed eyes looked unfocused, as if deep in thought.

Worried that the word “stay with you” might be too forward, Pei Jiuyao added,

“I can cook for you too.”

After all, getting close to the female lead meant her favorability rating would increase faster.

The only sound left in the room was the soft clicking of the remote control.

After a while, Chi Yang said, “I already bought toiletries. You can bring over some of your regular clothes too, since you’ll occasionally stay the night.”

“It’s fine if you don’t. You can just wear the clothes sent by sponsors—if you don’t mind.”

Pei Jiuyao lowered her head slightly, a bit disappointed.

So… that was a rejection.

Still, it was a gentle one—kind, even.

Chi Yang glanced at her and suddenly asked, “Why did you dye your hair?”

“You said before that burgundy suited me,” Pei Jiuyao replied, ruffling her hair. “Does it look good?”

Before.

Oh, that night.

Chi Yang remembered the torn red dress falling on Pei Jiuyao like water under the nightlight, shimmering in waves.

She had sleepily leaned in to kiss Pei Jiuyao, mumbling that burgundy looked beautiful on her. She even tried to tie the dress around Pei Jiuyao’s neck like a bow.

If Pei Jiuyao hadn’t brought it up, she would’ve completely forgotten.

Chi Yang rubbed her burning ears. “Black looks good too.”

“‘Also looks good’?” Pei Jiuyao caught the nuance. Clearly Chi Yang was trying to dodge the topic, so she stressed the word also.

“So that means you think I look good no matter what?”

Chi Yang replied, “I’ve only ever lost to you in the world’s most beautiful faces ranking.”

Pei Jiuyao pouted.

So formal. She couldn’t give a real compliment if her life depended on it.

“Well, they obviously don’t have good taste.”

Chi Yang looked slightly pleased, her face showing a touch of pride. “It only happened once.”

Only now did Pei Jiuyao realize why the original character always saw Chi Yang as a rival—Chi Yang outshone her in every possible way.

Yet somehow, the two of them still seemed evenly matched.

The whistling of steam from the pot snapped her out of her thoughts.

Pei Jiuyao hurried to turn off the heat. With oven mitts on, she lifted the lid, and the aroma instantly filled the room.

Smelling the delicious scent, Chi Yang ran over barefoot, not even bothering to put on slippers.

Pei Jiuyao filled two bowls. When Chi Yang reached out to take one, Pei Jiuyao smacked her hand away. “Don’t touch! It’s hot!”

“Oh.” Chi Yang withdrew her hand and rested it against her ear.

“Picked a movie yet?” Pei Jiuyao asked, covering the pot to keep it warm.

“Yeah.” Chi Yang’s toes curled slightly on the cold tile, turning pale pink at the joints from the chill.

Pei Jiuyao couldn’t help but glance down, then smiled. “Little foodie. You didn’t even wear shoes.”

Chi Yang gave a light snort and didn’t walk away.

Pei Jiuyao made two trips with the bowls while Chi Yang followed closely behind her like a little tail, circling the kitchen twice.

Maybe Chi Yang’s upbringing didn’t allow her to just sit idle while someone else worked.

But the way she followed was just too cute. Pei Jiuyao couldn’t resist circling two more times herself before finally grabbing two spoons and settling down.

Maybe watching a romance movie together felt too awkward, so Chi Yang picked a sci-fi film instead—one directed by Lin Leyi.

Her emotions swung wildly—frowning one moment, laughing the next—so bright and captivating.

Pei Jiuyao barely paid attention to the movie itself. She spent the entire time watching Chi Yang.

As night deepened, they each took a bathroom to wash up. After returning, they curled up on the sofa in pajamas, watching the film in a sleepy haze.

Pei Jiuyao draped a blanket over Chi Yang, keeping a corner for herself. Her gaze drifted to Chi Yang’s side profile, illuminated in pale light from the screen.

Chi Yang looked dazed too, lost in the heavy night. The only sound left was the soft rhythm of their breaths.

She’d never imagined sitting like this with someone else—eating, watching movies, chatting.

Almost like living together.

And that someone wasn’t just any Alpha. It was Pei Jiuyao.

Since she’d entered this world, it felt like everyone else was just a faint glow on the horizon. Only Pei Jiuyao was the moon hanging above.

Was this… love? Chi Yang would deny it.

Anyone could be in that spot—an Omega, a Beta—it wouldn’t make much difference.

It was just the pheromones.

Or maybe…

Maybe it was because Chi Yang was simply lonely.

If only Pei Jiuyao didn’t have such a messy romantic history, she might’ve made a decent partner—gentle, decisive, and fairly good to her.

Unfortunately, that was all.

After all, how could Chi Yang ever fall for an Alpha with a chaotic past?

The movie kept playing. Her thoughts drifted. Finally, Chi Yang couldn’t resist reaching over to stroke Pei Jiuyao’s long hair.

The screen’s glow cast a vintage hue across Pei Jiuyao’s face—like aged brass, moss-green flecked with crimson, like a retro beauty in a magazine spread.

Chi Yang offered a flimsy excuse: “You dyed it this color… Sometimes I forget who’s sitting next to me.”

But it really did look good. Burgundy suited her so well.

Pei Jiuyao chuckled, “I’ll dye it back after the variety show wraps.”

Chi Yang tucked her arms back under the blanket and turned to face the screen. “Is it the same show I’m guesting on?”

“Yep. Will you welcome me?”

“I heard I’m on those same episodes.” Chi Yang glanced at her with a teasing smile. “They say you only agreed to go because I was invited?”

Pei Jiuyao blinked. “I wanted to sing for you.”

“Oh, I thought you were trying to steal my spotlight.” Chi Yang said.

“How could I? Our top sponsor always shines the brightest.” Pei Jiuyao replied.

Chi Yang scoffed. “You’re good at sweet talk.”

Pei Jiuyao turned toward her, resting her face on her hand. “But seriously, you call me Little Pei—shouldn’t I have a nickname for you too?”

Calling her “Boss” all the time was a bit much.

“You’re older than me, so maybe I should call you—”

The word jiejie (“big sister”) caught in Chi Yang’s throat. She was far too sensitive to it.

“You can just call me… Yangyang, like the others.”

“No way!” Pei Jiuyao protested with a touch of a whine. “I want something unique.”

She thought for a moment, then mumbled to herself, “Little Chi? Nope, you’re older. Baby?”

Chi Yang immediately turned to glare at her.

Pei Jiuyao shook her head frantically, “No, too cringey!”

Chi Yang gave a satisfied “hmph.”

“What about… Little Raccoon?” Pei Jiuyao tested cautiously.

Chi Yang glared again. “Why that?”

“Because you look like one. Those fox-like eyes, and the way your claws like to scratch things.”

Just as she said that, Chi Yang’s pale fingers scratched the blanket.

Her ears flushed red. She raised her “claw” and smacked Pei Jiuyao’s arm. “How dare you nickname me!”

“It’s not a nickname—it’s a term of endearment!” Pei Jiuyao protested.

“Then I’m giving you one too.” Chi Yang scanned her, then grinned. “You’re a puppy. Always wagging your tail and biting people.”

Pei Jiuyao leaned in, voice low. “Who do I bite?”

Chi Yang pressed her palm to Pei Jiuyao’s cheek, pushing her away with a cold snort. “Watch the movie.”

“Fine. Puppy it is. I like it.” Pei Jiuyao gathered her hair, leaned back, and smiled at Chi Yang’s side profile.

Later, Chi Yang got sleepier, her head tilting further and further on the sofa.

Just before she could slump over, Pei Jiuyao shifted quickly so her head landed perfectly on Pei Jiuyao’s shoulder.

Chi Yang murmured something softly and clutched at her shoulder before her hand slowly relaxed.

Pei Jiuyao lowered the movie volume. Just as she was about to ask if Chi Yang wanted to move to the bedroom, a phone buzzed on the table.

It was Chi Yang’s.

Still half-asleep, Chi Yang didn’t look at the screen. She mumbled, “Answer it for me, maybe it’s my manager.”

Pei Jiuyao picked up. There was no name, so she answered.

Silence on the other end. She said, “Hello?”

“Yangyang?” came a soft, cottony voice.

“Chi Yang’s asleep. Who is this?”

There was a long pause.

Then, the caller hung up.

“Who was it?” Chi Yang asked groggily, raising her head.

“No idea. No name, and it just hung up,” Pei Jiuyao replied, confused.

Chi Yang checked the call log. “That’s the landline at Xiao Mo’s house. Did she say what it was about?”

“I said you were asleep, then she hung up.”

Chi Yang called back—no answer. She then called Song Mo’s personal number. After a while, it connected.

“Xiao Mo, is something wrong?”

There was a long pause, then a faint voice: “Are you with Pei Jiuyao?”

“She’s… leaving soon.” Chi Yang glanced at Pei Jiuyao, who looked pitiful. She quickly looked away.

“What’s the matter, Xiao Mo?”

Pei Jiuyao mumbled, “It’s already dark.”

Chi Yang glared at her. “You, zip it.”

“Xiao Mo? Still there?”

Suddenly, Song Mo gasped.

“Xiao Mo! What happened?” Chi Yang shot up.

“It’s nothing,” she sniffled. “Are you… living with Pei Jiuyao now? Sorry, I was just startled when you suddenly spoke. Mom and my sister went out, and I was home alone. Just thought I would call…”

“I’ll come over and keep you company.” Chi Yang said worriedly.

“No need, no need. They’re back—listen…” Song Mo replied.

Chi Yang heard the door open and someone ask, “Xiao Mo, are you asleep?”

Song Mo replied, “Yeah, going to bed now, Mom.”

Chi Yang softened her tone. “Then rest early. Call me if you’re bored. I’ll come over.”

“Okay,” Song Mo said, then added, “Yangyang… are you really going to be with Pei Jiuyao?”

“She and I… there’s a lot I can’t explain.” Chi Yang answered.

With Pei Jiuyao right beside her, it felt rude to mention the relationship was just an agreement. It was something between the two of them.

“We’re just… highly pheromone-compatible. For now, we’re taking it as it goes.”

“Alright. That’s all.” Song Mo quickly ended the call.

After hanging up, Chi Yang rubbed her temples and sat down to recover a bit.

Pei Jiuyao looked up at her with a hint of grievance. “It’s dark already. Do I really have to go?”

She flopped down on the sofa. “I’m exhausted. Made so much food today. I need a long nap to recover.”

Chi Yang sighed helplessly. “Alright, you can stay tonight.”

Pei Jiuyao’s eyes lit up instantly. “Movie?”

“Rest.” Chi Yang answered bluntly.

“Then tomorrow.” Pei Jiuyao turned off the screen, grabbed the blanket, and followed Chi Yang like a loyal pup.