My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 1

01

When Gu Qingci woke up, her head throbbed with pain. Her face tingled as if someone were lightly brushing a feather across it, and her body felt as though it were sinking into a warm, fluffy cloud—soft and cozy.

Five years in the apocalypse, in temperatures as low as negative fifty degrees Celsius—she hadn’t felt such warmth in a long time.

The base she had worked so hard to find had been overrun by zombies. There was no chance of survival.

Was this the afterlife?

Gu Qingci opened her eyes and was met with cascading black hair, partially obscuring a glimpse of snow-white skin.

Her brain short-circuited for a few seconds before she widened her eyes and looked around.

At the foot of the antique canopy bed knelt a long-haired woman. Her head was slightly bowed, her hair spilling onto the bed, obscuring her face. All Gu Qingci could see was a layer of gauzy fabric draped over her, beneath which was a red embroidered undergarment adorned with mandarin ducks playing in water. Her waist was cinched tightly, and above it, the soft curves of her bosom rose faintly beneath the fabric. The delicate straps tied around her neck made her skin appear even whiter, like freshly fallen snow.

A rush of heat surged to Gu Qingci’s head.

She had died and gone to heaven!

After struggling to survive in the apocalypse for years, she deserved this—a heavenly reward in the form of a stunningly beautiful woman by her side!

Gu Qingci whimpered inwardly, tears of excitement welling up in her eyes. Before she could ask anything, something cold and hard was pressed into her hand.

Then, with a sudden rush, a flood of information exploded in her mind.

In just a few breaths, Gu Qingci speed-read an entire strange book.

The influx of information made her temples throb, her brain on the verge of overheating.

She quickly grasped the key points.

Good news: She wasn’t dead. She had transmigrated into a fictional world where, in addition to men and women, there were three secondary genders. She was one of the privileged types who could marry and have children, living in a feudal era without the threat of an apocalypse!

Bad news: She was now the cannon-fodder character with the same name—a fallen noble who had married the daughter of a wealthy merchant, the female lead, Ruan Zhi.

After the marriage, the original host had subjected Ruan Zhi to all kinds of abuse and humiliation, leaving her disabled and severely depressed. After squeezing her dry of money, the original host divorced her to marry someone else, driving Ruan Zhi to a dark path. Naturally, the original host’s ending was tragic.

“You want me to kneel to you? Are you worthy? Chop off everything below the knees—I want you to crawl on your stumps for the rest of your life!”

“What use is a tongue that spews such filth? Cut it out!”

“Good. Make sure she doesn’t die. Exile her to the northern border—let her suffer slowly. I want her to live a life worse than death!”

The blackened female lead was ruthless, exacting revenge on the original host without mercy.

But that wasn’t the scariest part. The scariest part was that this was a novel where the female lead had been reborn—and the woman kneeling before her was currently receiving memories from her past life!

In other words, she was about to face a high-level, blackened female lead, not the innocent, delicate flower, but the Niohuru version—a formidable and vengeful woman.

A death flag from the start!

Gu Qingci felt her newly acquired life was about to be snuffed out.

Unable to suppress a shudder, she dropped the object in her hand. It clattered loudly to the ground.

“My Lord, does this whip not suit your taste? What about this one? It’s made from premium purple vine, soaked in saltwater—truly exquisite.” A sharp, grating voice spoke up. Gu Qingci snapped back to reality and saw a dark purple vine whip, intricately woven with evenly spaced sharp protrusions that made her skin crawl.

“My Lord, please have mercy! My lady is inexperienced, but she will learn. Please, for the sake of your marriage, spare her!” Another voice, this one elderly, pleaded from outside the canopy bed. The old woman kowtowed repeatedly, her forehead thudding against the floor.

“My Lord, merchants have no sense of propriety. They must be taught a lesson—only then will they remember. If you let this slide, she’ll only repeat her mistakes. I implore you to punish her severely to uphold the family’s discipline.” The grating voice spoke again.

These exchanges triggered related memories in Gu Qingci’s mind.

In this feudal era, social hierarchy was rigid—scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants. Scholars held the highest status, while merchants were considered the lowest.

The original host had married Ruan Zhi for her wealth but despised her merchant background.

After the wedding, the original host loathed Ruan Zhi’s “stench of copper” refusing to touch her. Not only did she live off Ruan Zhi’s wealth, but she also schemed to take her dowry to fund her own concubine.

Before Gu Qingci transmigrated, the original host had been tormenting Ruan Zhi for “poor service” forcing her to kneel as punishment and even threatening to whip her—all to extort money for a concubine. She wanted to use Ruan Zhi’s dowry as the concubine’s bridal gift. The sheer audacity was staggering.

By now, Ruan Zhi had already been kneeling for two hours, her knees badly injured.

Thinking of how the female lead would later have her legs chopped off, Gu Qingci’s own knees ached in sympathy.

“My Lord, if this whip isn’t to your liking, there’s also—” The grating voice spoke again. Gu Qingci turned to glare at the speaker, grinding her teeth.

“Get out!” Gu Qingci barked, kicking the woman away.

This was the original host’s stewardess, the one who had “advised” her on how to abuse Ruan Zhi—a willing accomplice in all the cruelty.

The kicked woman—Stewardess Zhang—stumbled back, staring at Gu Qingci in shock.

“Everyone out! Only my wife stays!” Gu Qingci growled, her reddened eyes locking onto stewardess Zhang, who was still lingering in the room.

“T-This servant obeys!” Stewardess Zhang didn’t dare question further and hastily retreated.

“My Lord, please show mercy!” Outside, Ruan Zhi’s wet nurse was still begging, but stewardess Zhang dragged her away.

Finally, silence fell.

Gu Qingci looked at Ruan Zhi, who still had her head bowed. Gone was her earlier bravado in scolding the servants—now she was trembling.

She had barely gotten a second chance at life. She wasn’t about to lose it so soon.

“Wife wants to take a concubine? What if I refuse?”

Before Gu Qingci could speak, a cold voice rang out. Ruan Zhi slowly lifted her head, her dark eyes fixed on Gu Qingci, a flicker of murderous intent in their depths.

From the moment she married this woman, Ruan Zhi’s nightmare had begun.

She had compromised again and again, only for her wife to grow bolder, tormenting her relentlessly.

Ruan Zhi narrowed her eyes at Gu Qingci, countless ways to make her suffer flashing through her mind.

She had been ready to retaliate the moment Gu Qingci raised the whip. But instead of a lash, she heard a thud—her once-domineering wife was now kneeling before her.

Gu Qingci hadn’t figured out what to say yet. Faced with Ruan Zhi’s murderous gaze, her legs gave out, and she slid off the bed onto her knees.

Her brain worked furiously, as if trying to grow a second one on the spot.

She absolutely could not take the blame for the original host’s crimes!

Tears welled up in Gu Qingci’s eyes as she looked at Ruan Zhi.

“Sister, what are you talking about? What’s a concubine? I don’t understand.” Gu Qingci said, her voice unconsciously softening into a sweet, sugary tone.

Ruan Zhi had no idea what kind of act Gu Qingci was putting on.

Gu Qingci’s original voice wasn’t like this—it had been low, slightly hoarse, always laced with disdain. This soft, honeyed tone was something Ruan Zhi had never heard before.

The way she called her “Sister” sent an inexplicable shiver down Ruan Zhi’s spine.

Right now, Gu Qingci bore no resemblance to the arrogant, cruel woman she had been. Tears glistened in her eyes, clinging to her lashes. Her face was pale, the corners of her eyes tinged red, a few strands of hair framing her cheeks. She looked fragile, pitiable—deceptively so.

Hah. The only thing Gu Qingci has ever had going for her is her face.

Ruan Zhi frowned, watching her coldly.

“Sister, I’m scared. I’m not the Gu Qingci of this world. I don’t know what happened—I just woke up here. Sister, I mean you no harm. Please get up, the floor is cold.” Gu Qingci continued in that tearful, sugary voice, reaching out to help Ruan Zhi up.

She had decided—she would come clean with Ruan Zhi, become her devoted little sister, shed the original host’s sins, and secure herself a cushy life (by mooching off Ruan Zhi).

As the female lead, Ruan Zhi’s greatest strength was her business acumen. She would later become the wealthiest merchant in the empire, a royal purveyor.

Those who followed her enjoyed exceptional “employee benefits.”

In modern terms, she was the epitome of a benevolent CEO.

Having spent the apocalypse running for her life without ever holding a proper job, Gu Qingci had dreamed of finding stable “employment”—of enjoying the “salaries” “slacking off” and “retirement” she’d heard about from former office workers during her escapes.

Now, here was the perfect opportunity—a powerful, generous boss with a bright future. How could she not cling to her for dear life?!

With reverence, Gu Qingci helped Ruan Zhi up, her arms brushing against soft skin.

Once standing, Gu Qingci realized she was half a head shorter than Ruan Zhi.

She quickly recalled the details of this world:

At birth, people were born simply male or female. But when boys reached the age of capping ceremony and girls their hair-pinning ceremony—they underwent a special ceremony that determined their secondary gender: Alpha, Omega, or Beta.

The original host was an Alpha—a gender with enhanced physical strength and stature, capable of marrying Omega, who were prized for their fertility and delicate beauty.

In theory, Alpha were supposed to be tall, but the original host was young, just entering her growth phase.

Ruan Zhi was an Omega, already twenty years old. Born into a wealthy merchant family, she had grown up well-nourished, her figure fully matured.

Thinking this, Gu Qingci relaxed slightly. At least she wasn’t doomed to be short—she still had room to grow.

The original host had despised Ruan Zhi, even scorning her curvaceous figure.

Gu Qingci mentally cursed the original host’s poor taste.

To her, Ruan Zhi was the epitome of a female lead—a stunning, cold-faced beauty with the voluptuous body of a model, ticking every box on Gu Qingci’s list of preferences.

But right now, Gu Qingci was too busy trying to survive to entertain any romantic thoughts.

Her priority was staying alive.

With no supernatural abilities, surviving years in the apocalypse had required her to develop certain “skills.” Besides effortlessly slipping into a sweet, girlish voice, she could cry on command, play the helpless weakling, and evoke pity in others.

“Sister, I swear everything I’ve said is true. Don’t worry, I’m a good person. In this world, I have no one but you.” Gu Qingci helped Ruan Zhi sit down, tears rolling down her cheeks as she spoke pitifully.

She didn’t dare sit beside Ruan Zhi, opting instead for the steps at the foot of the bed.

Even with her memories from her past life, Ruan Zhi was taken aback by Gu Qingci’s bizarre “ravings.”

She’s a different person now?

Not even the most far-fetched operas had plots this absurd.

How could that be?

Or perhaps, like her, this woman had regained memories of a past life? Knowing she would face retribution, had she concocted this outlandish story to save herself?

Alternatively, was this just another scheme to extort money for a concubine?

Any of these were possible.

Amid Gu Qingci’s stream of sweet “Sisters” Ruan Zhi remained composed, quietly observing her “performance.”

“From now on, I’ll listen to everything you say. Whatever you ask, I’ll do it.” Gu Qingci continued earnestly, gazing at Ruan Zhi with utter devotion.

Ruan Zhi met Gu Qingci’s puppy-dog eyes and felt an unexpected twinge in her chest. She had thought her heart had long turned to iron, yet somehow, this woman—whom she had hated for years—was stirring unfamiliar emotions.

Ruan Zhi’s expression shifted briefly before turning icy again.

No matter what schemes Gu Qingci had, Ruan Zhi didn’t care.

For now, she could afford to “play along” waiting to see how long it would take for Gu Qingci’s true colors to show.

Having just married into the Gu family, Ruan Zhi’s influence was still limited. If she wanted revenge, she needed to plan carefully.

In her past life, she had already made Gu Qingci suffer terribly. There was no need to rush things now.

“Oh? If that’s the case, then tend to my knees first.” Ruan Zhi leaned back against the soft pillows of the canopy bed, speaking lazily.

Gu Qingci nodded eagerly and went to fetch medicine.

Ruan Zhi had been kneeling for two hours, her knees badly injured. In the original plot, the original host had frequently forced her to kneel for extended periods without treatment, leaving her with a permanent limp and chronic pain during cold or rainy weather.

Gu Qingci stepped outside, where a crowd of maids and servants waited.

“My Lord, please spare my lady! Punish this old servant instead!” As soon as Gu Qingci appeared, Ruan Zhi’s wet nurse, Nanny Qin, knelt before her, kowtowing.

Gu Qingci quickly helped Nanny Qin up.

“I’m not punishing her. Could you fetch some ice and medicinal wine for bruises? I need to tend to her knees.” Gu Qingci said gently, her voice now low and steady—no trace of the earlier sweetness.

Nanny Qin was stunned but hurried off to gather the supplies without another word.

“My Lord, what’s—” Stewardess Zhang, the original host’s confidante, looked at Gu Qingci in confusion.

The sound of her voice instantly irritated Gu Qingci.

“Everyone, go to bed. You’re dismissed.” Gu Qingci glanced at Stewardess Zhang.

Right now, her priority was appeasing Ruan Zhi. She could deal with Stewardess Zhang later.

Stewardess Zhang had never seen Gu Qingci behave this way. Baffled but not daring to question further, she bowed and retreated.

The others gradually dispersed as well.

Soon, Nanny Qin returned with a maid, carrying a basin of ice and a bottle of medicinal wine.

“You may all retire for the night.” Gu Qingci took the items from them.

“My lady’s injuries—this old servant can apply the medicine. My Lord, you’re too noble for such tasks…” Nanny Qin ventured hesitantly, surprised that Gu Qingci would personally handle these things.

“It’s fine.” Gu Qingci cut her off, turning back into the room before anyone could protest.

Nanny Qin and Ruan Zhi’s two personal maids exchanged bewildered glances.

Gu Qingci returned to her spot on the steps, rubbing her hands together to warm them before pouring the medicinal wine onto her palms.

Ruan Zhi lifted her skirt, allowing Gu Qingci to tend to her knees while studying her face.

The girl before her was barely fifteen, somewhat frail, her lashes still damp with tears as she worked with quiet focus. There was no resentment in her expression—only concern.

Though her features were identical, this Gu Qingci bore no resemblance to the cruel woman from before.

Gu Qingci applied the medicine as gently as possible to Ruan Zhi’s swollen knees, then wrapped ice in cloth for a cold compress.

Ruan Zhi’s legs were pale as snow, making the bruises appear even more lurid.

The sight made Gu Qingci’s own knees ache in sympathy.

“Sister, bear with it. The cold compress will reduce swelling and numb the pain.” Gu Qingci looked up and said softly.

Ruan Zhi met her gaze but said nothing, the sharpness in her eyes softening slightly.

The pain in her knees gradually dulled, the combination of medicine and ice taking effect.

“Sister, that’s enough for now. I’ll reapply the compress in two hours. If you’re tired, I’ll help you lie down—you don’t need to move.” Gu Qingci said deferentially once she finished.

She didn’t mind the subservience—this was her “professionalism.” If she wanted to live off Ruan Zhi, she had to act the part. Right now, she was just a lowly employee under CEO Ruan Zhi’s command.

“Good. I’d like to wash up.” Ruan Zhi remained still, speaking indifferently.

Gu Qingci went out again, instructing the night-shift maids to prepare hot water, which she then carried in herself to help Ruan Zi freshen up.

Ruan Zhi assumed this was meant to humiliate Gu Qingci, but Gu Qingci was more than happy to oblige.

Attending to a fragrant, soft beauty—wasn’t this a blessing?

Ruan Zhi had already bathed earlier. The original host had deliberately come at this hour to torment her, so she only needed a quick rinse.

Once Gu Qingci finished cleaning up, she returned to her spot by the bed.

“Sister, you should rest. I won’t disturb you anymore—I’ll take my leave.” Gu Qingci said.

She felt she had done all she could for now. The rest was up to her “boss.”

Ruan Zhi hadn’t expected Gu Qingci to leave so soon. She had arrived in a fury, demanding money and land deeds to flaunt before her prospective concubine.

Was she giving up just like that?

Was she really that afraid?

Ruan Zhi studied Gu Qingci with an inscrutable gaze, her slender fingers brushing aside her hair to reveal a long, pale neck and delicate collarbones. A faint, bittersweet fragrance wafted through the air.

Gu Qingci’s eyes landed on the expanse of fair skin, her face heating up.

Why was this beautiful sister showing her this?

“Come here, mark me.” Just as Gu Qingci was puzzling over it, Ruan Zhi’s icy voice cut through the air.