Failed to Run Away After Transmigrating as the Scummy Alpha's Wife of the Villain - Chapter 6

“Pfft—hahahaha.”

Just as Chi Yuan’s embarrassment was about to spill through the screen, a sudden burst of laughter erupted clearly in the living room.

Who?! Who was laughing?

Flushed with irritation, Chi Yuan turned her head, her face burning red as she tried to locate the source of the laughter. But everyone else was desperately holding back their amusement, too polite to make a sound.

The others: We know you’re a fake fan, but we won’t expose you.

No reason—it was just that Chi Yuan’s flustered, red-faced expression was too adorable.

Could she hear the laughter but not see the person?

Puzzled, Chi Yuan circled around the long table in the living room. The next second, she suddenly stepped forward and yanked up the hanging tablecloth.

—revealing two identical faces.

Chi Yuan stumbled back in shock: …

“Surprise!”

The two people hiding under the table greeted everyone while slowly crawling out. One of them, the taller guy, moved too abruptly and smacked his head against the table with a dull thud.

“Ouch—that hurt.”

Chi Yuan: …Are these two idiots who crawled out of nowhere?

The pair stood in front of Chi Yuan, striking what they thought was a cool pose, and introduced themselves: “We’re the duo Lemon. I’m the older brother, Gu Ning, and I’m the younger brother, Gu Meng. We’re thrilled to be part of ‘Peach and Plum Village.’ Please take care of us in the days to come.”

With that, they launched into an impromptu street dance routine, their movements sharp and precise. Given their youthful appearance, the performance radiated a vibrant energy.

Chi Yuan clapped politely, recalling how she had previously mocked Momo’s flashy self-introduction.

This time, it was taken up a notch—a full-on dance performance.

Who knew the entertainment industry had escalated self-introductions to this level? She began regretting not bringing a brick to perform a “one-punch shatter” stunt.

The twins seemed quite proud of their unique entrance, their expressions smug.

The older brother, with his center-parted hair, rubbed his nose. “We were crouching under there for over half an hour, listening to Teacher Wang and Teacher Jiang exchanging flattery. Hahaha, they had no idea.”

Wang Wen & Jiang Wan: …Oh, how hard that must have been for you.

Chi Yuan leaned toward Jiang Ci and whispered, “Hiding under the table for half an hour just to scare us. Are these two missing a few screws?”

Jiang Ci gave her a sidelong glance, as if to say: Pot calling the kettle black.

…

The nine of them sat around the long table and began introducing themselves.

Chi Yuan also learned about the two “guardian deities” seated beside Jiang Wan—comedian Wang Wen and professional boxer Gao Yaohui.

Momo stared at Gao Yaohui in surprise. “You’re a boxer? That’s so cool! Have you won any awards?”

Gao Yaohui shyly rubbed his buzz cut, though his eyes kept darting toward Jiang Wan. “I’ve competed in some domestic tournaments and won a few awards. I’m not a celebrity—I joined this show to help more people learn about boxing.”

The passion and sincerity in his eyes resonated with Chi Yuan.

Who would’ve thought she’d meet a kindred spirit on a variety show? Since arriving in this world, she hadn’t had a proper sparring session.

Back at the Chi family home, she usually trained alone in the third-floor gym, punching sandbags. Her fists had been itching for action.

I wonder if I’ll have the chance to spar with them.

When it was Chi Yuan’s turn, she opted for a perfunctory introduction.

Though the original host was a spoiled rich kid, they were also a wealthy second-generation heir who had invested in numerous industries alongside Xiao Qianqian and other upper-class young masters and misses. With many companies under their name, they were essentially a watered-down version of a domineering CEO.

Upon learning there was a rich second-gen CEO among the guests, everyone looked at Chi Yuan with a hint of skepticism.

Why would a proper company CEO descend to participate in a rural life variety show? Was it for poverty alleviation or just to experience life?

Are we sure they didn’t accidentally wander into the wrong show instead of a “metamorphosis” program?

Wang Wen, ever blunt, voiced the question on everyone’s minds: “So, President Chi, why are you joining Peach and Plum Village…?”

Chi Yuan put on the airs of a busy CEO and began fabricating lies without batting an eye: “To promote a new product from my company. I believe the boss personally endorsing it is an excellent modern marketing strategy.”

The others clapped and praised, though not entirely convinced.

Only Jiang Ci remained expressionless: Little liar.

The system muttered internally: Dear host, what kind of CEO personally goes on a variety show to promote products? At least put some effort into your excuses.

Chi Yuan rolled her eyes: If I say it exists, it exists.

The system: …Fine. You’re the CEO. Whatever makes you happy.

With introductions over, the topic shifted to selecting the village chief.

But the atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Everyone fell silent, glancing at each other but saying nothing.

Silence—that was Peach and Plum Village at this moment.

…

Post-interview.

Off-screen voice: Why does everyone want to be village chief?

Gu Ning: Because the chief has authority and can set the rules.

Gu Meng: Everyone has to listen to the chief. That’s just cool.

Momo: Being chief means responsibility. Since I’m on this show, I want to do my best, and I believe I can handle that responsibility.

Jiang Ci: I think the most important quality for a chief is fairness. Everyone here is nice, but we’re still strangers. Over the next three weeks, conflicts and disagreements are bound to happen. That’s when the chief must step in. If you show favoritism or bias, you lose all authority. You have to be fair, impartial, and unwavering.

Jiang Ci: I believe I can do it because I’m not someone who acts on emotions.

Zhao Zhenzhen: Among this group, I’m the oldest. So, relatively speaking, I have more life experience. Even though there are only nine of us, it’s still a small society. Having an elder guide them is the right approach.

Off-screen voice: You’re the only one who doesn’t want to be chief. Why is that?

Chi Yuan looked at the camera with a cocky expression: I’m used to making decisions. Sometimes, it’s good to listen to others.

…

The debate over the village chief dragged on, leaving several people slumped over the table in exhaustion.

Gu Ning: “I’m hungry. Maybe we should table this discussion for now and figure out dinner first.”

Jiang Ci: “Does anyone here know how to cook?”

A competent cook was essential for Peach and Plum Village—their meals for the next three weeks depended on it.

The production team had informed everyone before the show started that the private island wouldn’t provide delivery services—all food, clothing, and accommodation would depend on the guests’ own efforts.

After asking around, it turned out Jiang Ci, who seemed the least likely to know how to cook, was the only one in the entire group who could actually prepare a meal.

Jiang Ci: “…No one else?”

The system’s voice echoed in Chi Yuan’s mind: Unbelievable. These people are so dishonest. They’re dumping the hardest and most troublesome task on Jiang Ci.

Chi Yuan: How so?

The system: That comedian once showed off his cooking skills in a food show—he’s actually pretty good. And Zhao Zhenzhen? She built her public image as a devoted homemaker, claiming she cooks at home all the time. Even Momo mentioned taking cooking classes in her livestream.

Yet now, not a single one of them is speaking up.

Chi Yuan bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then slowly raised her hand. “Um, I’m not great at cooking, but I can assist Teacher Jiang.”

Jiang Ci immediately shot her a skeptical look, her eyes practically screaming distrust.

Chi Yuan fumed, glaring back. I’m trying to help you here—how dare you look at me like that?!

Jiang Ci: Just don’t make things worse.

As the two began exchanging glances right in front of everyone, Jiang Wan, standing nearby, gritted her teeth in frustration and raised her hand as well. “I know a little too. I can also help Sister Jiang.”

She blinked her innocent doe eyes at Jiang Ci, looking pitiful. “As long as Sister Jiang doesn’t mind me being a bit clumsy. I promise not to cause any trouble.”

Chi Yuan: …Yeah, right.

Jiang Ci flatly refused. “No need. Chi Yuan and I will handle dinner tonight. Any more people, and the kitchen will be too crowded—way too crowded.”

Crowded?! Was Jiang Ci indirectly calling her fat?!

Jiang Ci led her “little tail” Chi Yuan into the kitchen. She first tidied up the messy space and mopped the floor.

Meanwhile, Chi Yuan immediately opened the fridge—only to find it completely empty, cleaner than her own face. Her mood instantly plummeted.

“Jiang Ci, there’s no ingredients.”

Jiang Ci leaned over to look and, for once, muttered a complaint: “The production team really went all out.”

Even the cleverest housewife can’t cook without rice. The two began scavenging around the kitchen.

At some point, Jiang Wan had slipped in like a ghost and suddenly popped her head between them. “Need any help?”

Chi Yuan: “Seems like the production team forgot to prepare ingredients for tonight.”

“Oh, what a shame. I was really looking forward to tasting Sister Jiang’s cooking.” Jiang Wan’s tone was full of regret, but her expression looked anything but disappointed.

Chi Yuan & Jiang Ci: …

Jiang Wan rolled her eyes, then eagerly sidled up to Chi Yuan. “Chi-jie, are you hungry? I brought some snacks.”

Chi Yuan had zero interest in engaging and subtly shifted closer to Jiang Ci, clearly distancing herself.

Jiang Wan stiffened, inwardly screaming at her system: System! Why isn’t the “Allure” trait working on Chi Yuan? She supposedly hates Jiang Ci, yet she’d rather stick to her than acknowledge me! And that time you tried to use Clairvoyance on Chi Yuan failed too—what’s the point of you?!

The system: Last time I tried to probe her, the data suddenly went haywire. I was even forced into an emergency shutdown and only just rebooted today. If the Allure effect isn’t working on Chi Yuan… maybe she’s developed immunity?

Jiang Wan snapped: You’re the system—why are you asking me*?! Is there another way to fix this?*

System: “There is, but only if the host upgrades the ‘Heartthrob’ attribute.”

Jiang Wan: “Then upgrade it now!”

System: “The upgrade will cost all the host’s current points. Please consider carefully.”

Jiang Wan impatiently replied, “Points can be earned back later. Just do it!”

System: Ding—Heartthrob attribute upgrade in progress. Estimated time: six hours. Please wait patiently.

Jiang Wan: “Damn it—are you messing with me? It takes that long?!”

The system rolled its eyes internally and ignored Jiang Wan.

With no other options, Jiang Wan could only glare at the two before storming out.

Seeing Jiang Wan leave, Chi Yuan breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried Jiang Wan might pull some stunt against Jiang Ci.

Jiang Ci’s gaze lingered on Chi Yuan for a moment before suddenly leaning in close, whispering by her ear, “You seemed pretty tense about Jiang Wan. What, falling for her again?”

The warm breath against Chi Yuan’s unprepared earlobe, combined with the breathtaking beauty so close, made her ears burn crimson. Her eyes darted around, unsure where to look.

Gulping, she stammered, “I-I didn’t fall for her! I just… didn’t want her to… do something bad to you.”

“Pfft—” Hearing this, Jiang Ci chuckled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with effortless charm.

“Rather than worrying about me, President Chi should worry more about yourself.”

“An adorable little bunny like you tends to attract a lot of unwanted attention.”

Chi Yuan’s brain short-circuited from the flirting.

Little bunny? What little bunny?

Why did Jiang Ci have to stand so close while talking?

Sis, please stop smiling—you’re killing me here.

Just then, the kitchen door swung open as Gu Meng walked in carrying a large bag of instant noodles.

Gu Meng: “Heard the show didn’t prepare ingredients. How about we— Whoa, President Chi, why’s your face so red?”

He glanced left at Jiang Ci, who was calmly washing dishes, then right at Chi Yuan, whose neck was flushed as she fidgeted with her hands, wondering if he’d interrupted something.

This looked… suspicious.

Chi Yuan quickly rubbed her face. “Instant noodles sound great. Let’s make do for tonight.”

Gu Meng scratched his head in confusion, spacing out as he handed over the noodles—only to trip on the doorstep. The noodles scattered across the floor.

Chi Yuan bent down to help, only for her lower back to bump sharply against the protruding table edge. Losing her footing, she tumbled straight toward Jiang Ci.

Hearing the commotion, Jiang Ci turned—just in time to feel warm lips press against hers as Chi Yuan crashed into her.

They fell to the floor together, lips still locked.

The sensation made Chi Yuan’s eyes widen. She pulled back awkwardly, their soft lips parting.

When she tried to apologize, she met Jiang Ci’s glistening, tear-filled eyes.

Chi Yuan: Oh no… Did I just kiss her until she cried?