I Transmigrated as a Scumbag Alpha and Became a Good Wife - Chapter 9

Ming Manxiang’s meticulously maintained face stiffened for a moment. She hadn’t expected Su Wenxun to defend Xu Xi so fiercely. “Of course not. I was just reminding Momo to be careful.”

“Sister, have you been marked?” Xu Mo suddenly asked, breaking the tension. Her gaze locked onto Xu Xi, as if desperate for an answer.

The word “marked” carried such intimate connotations, practically dragging their bedroom intimacy into the open.

Xu Xi’s brow furrowed slightly as she surveyed her surroundings—familiar yet alien. The original furnishings and servants had been completely replaced; this place could no longer be called her home. Ming Manxiang, as the elder, should have reprimanded Xu Mo for such an impertinent question, but she remained silent.

Since they all wanted an answer, a dark glint flashed in Xu Xi’s eyes.

Then she would deliberately deny them satisfaction.

In the next moment, a blush crept up her earlobes, and her alluring eyes brimmed with spring-like tenderness.

Her bashful, captivating demeanor served as a wordless answer to Xu Mo’s question.

Xu Mo’s gaze remained fixed on Xu Xi. “Sister and Wenxun-jie are truly… so in love.”

Her expression was innocent, her tone filled with envy. But the initial unease that had flickered through Su Wenxun’s heart resurfaced, spreading anew. She quickly changed the subject to divert Xu Mo’s attention. “Xu Mo, you must be hungry after talking for so long.”

Distracted by the interruption, Xu Mo refocused her gaze and smiled. “Chatting with my sisters has been so enjoyable, I’m indeed quite hungry.”

Hearing this, Ming Manxiang, concerned for her daughter, immediately raised her hand and shook the dining bell. The clapper struck the bell, producing a melodious chime.

Servants entered in an orderly fashion, carrying the dishes.

The butler stood beside Su Wenxun. “Ms. Su, please enjoy your meal.”

Beside the porcelain plates lay an array of knives, forks, and spoons, each piece as exquisite as a work of art.

In truth, these were indeed works of art, each worthy of display in a museum.

Yet here they were, merely ordinary tableware on the Xu family’s dining table.

Every piece was engraved with a delicate iris crest.

Clearly, Ming Manxiang, given her status, was not entitled to use this set.

Xu Chuyue had orchestrated this behind the scenes, using the occasion to stage a “Hongmen Banquet” for Su Wenxun.

Seeing Su Wenxun remain motionless, Ming Manxiang assumed she had intimidated her. “Wenxun, does the food not suit your taste?”

How ironic, she thought mockingly. So what if Su Wenxun has money? She’s still just a nouveau riche with no refinement.

Xu Xi, seated nearby, remained silent, having naturally understood Ming Manxiang’s intentions. For the first time, she disregarded dining etiquette and picked up her knife and fork first. If Su Wenxun simply followed her lead, she could at least save face.

Su Wenxun noticed Xu Xi’s movements, a warmth spreading through her heart.

But… she wasn’t the original owner of this body. In her previous life, as a candidate for succession, she had been forced to practice etiquette relentlessly. Her hands had been beaten until they were swollen, until every gesture was flawless and impeccable, only then would her instructors relent.

Lowering her lashes, Su Wenxun glanced at the silverware beside her, a silent laugh bubbling up inside.

This is practically children playing house.

“No, Mother,” she replied.

The Alpha picked up the silver knife and fork, eating with unhurried grace. Her impeccable table manners left no room for criticism.

Every movement exuded an innate nobility, as if she were a French aristocrat from the previous century, utterly composed and natural.

“Wife, just looking at me won’t fill your stomach,” Su Wenxun said, swapping the perfectly cut steak to Xu Xi’s plate, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Xu Xi’s lashes fluttered as she snapped back to attention. Her grip tightened on the knife and fork, carefully concealing the fleeting panic that flashed across her face.

The steak was of exceptional quality, its surface seared to a perfect brown while the interior remained tender and juicy, a vibrant pink. It practically melted in her mouth, the rosemary and savory meat aromas mingling in a harmonious symphony.

Xu Xi ate with focused satisfaction, unaware that the Alpha beside her was watching her with a fond smile.

Staring at someone while they eat is extremely impolite, especially when there are others at the table. Reluctantly, Su Wenxun withdrew her gaze and turned to Ming Manxiang. “Mother, the steak is delicious. Won’t you join us?”

Caught off guard, Ming Manxiang forced a strained smile. “As long as you two enjoy it.”

“Mother, you’re using the wrong utensils. They’re on your right,” Su Wenxun politely pointed out, setting down her knife and fork.

Watching Su Wenxun’s impeccable display of etiquette, Ming Manxiang’s expression darkened completely. She hadn’t expected her attempt to mock Su Wenxun to backfire, with the younger woman instead delivering a subtle rebuke.

Realizing she couldn’t gain the upper hand with Su Wenxun, Ming Manxiang turned to Xu Xi. “Xu Xi, Wanwan was eager to see you, but you know how difficult it is to obtain the medicine she needs, even for the Xu Family. With recent funding shortages and her catching a cold, we had to transfer her to a special hospital for temporary care.”

Ming Manxiang gestured subtly, and the butler, understanding her signal, stepped forward.

Lowering his gaze, he said, “Eldest Miss, it would be best to wait until the Third Young Miss recovers before meeting. We wouldn’t want to risk infecting you.”

Xu Xi hadn’t anticipated that even after returning home as Ming Manxiang had instructed, the woman would find excuses to prevent her from seeing Wanwan, even sending the girl elsewhere to make her impossible to find.

Beneath the tablecloth, Xu Xi’s hands clenched involuntarily, though her expression remained composed. “Mother, thank you for taking care of Wanwan. You must be tired.”

“What kind of thing is that to say, child? A mother caring for her daughter is only natural,” Ming Manxiang replied with feigned sincerity. “Xu Xi, rest assured. Until Wanwan recovers, I will take good ‘care’ of her.”

From a mother’s perspective, these words sounded perfectly reasonable. But Xu Xi understood this was Ming Manxiang’s warning to her. Her eyes turned icy, and anger blazed within her.

Suddenly, a warm hand covered hers, and she felt her clenched fist gradually relax. Xu Xi had been meticulously groomed today, even her nails carefully manicured by Sissie to accentuate her slender, pale fingers. Yet moments ago, in her fury, she hadn’t even noticed her sharp nails digging into her palm.

A faint tickle on the back of her hand—the Alpha beside her tracing her skin with a fingertip: Trust me.

“I will handle the funding,” Su Wenxun said calmly, her gaze fixed on Ming Manxiang. Though her tone was measured, her eyes carried the weight of a thousand pounds, radiating the unyielding authority of a superior. “Mother, while Wanwan is ill, it’s improper that I, as Xu Xi’s partner, have never met her.”

“I want to see Xu Wan.”

“She’s been coughing badly. I’m afraid…”

Knock, knock—

Ming Manxiang’s refusal was cut short by the sound of knuckles rapping against the table.

Beneath the veneer of politeness, the Alpha’s eyes burned with undisguised impatience. Ming Manxiang jolted, realizing that if she continued to refuse Su Wenxun, even this brief financial support might be withdrawn.

Forced to regain her composure, Ming Manxiang plastered on a smile. “Wenxun is right. I’ll arrange it in a few days. Wanwan has been eager to meet you too.”

She can see Wanwan?!

Xu Xi’s eyes flickered wildly as she turned to the Alpha beside her, seeking confirmation.

Su Wenxun’s lips curved into a gentle smile, her gaze reassuring.

Beneath the tablecloth, Xu Xi’s pinky finger was suddenly tugged. The abrupt movement startled her, causing her heart to race involuntarily.

Yet she still didn’t understand Su Wenxun’s intentions.

Seemingly dissatisfied with Xu Xi’s lack of reaction, Su Wenxun lightly poked the back of her hand again.

To prevent further gestures, Xu Xi instinctively covered Su Wenxun’s hand, trying to restrain her. But with this simple touch, Su Wenxun immediately stilled, obediently letting Xu Xi hold her hand.

Observing this behavior, Xu Xi was struck by an absurd thought she dared not believe: Is Su Wenxun… seeking praise?