My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 10

10

Ruan Zhi knew that Gu Qingci would be different from before, but she hadn’t expected her to be this unusual.

Even in their past life, after all that time, Gu Qingci had never once addressed Ruan Zhi’s parents, let alone with such respect.

Well, it was fine. Originally, she had come back this time to reassure her parents.

“Father, I’ve missed home terribly these past few days, so my wife brought me back for a visit. We were in such a hurry that we didn’t send word ahead.” Ruan Zhi said, rising to bow to Ruan Maolin.

“It’s no trouble. You can come back anytime you like. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a meal—stay for lunch.” Ruan Maolin replied.

“I’m imposing on my father- and mother-in-law.” Gu Qingci said, her mouth already watering at the thought.

The Ruan family’s business had started with restaurants.

For generations, the Ruans had been master chefs. Regardless of anything else, the food at their home was probably even better than what was served at Xiuyi Garden.

“I have some private matters to discuss with Ah Zhi. Husband, please entertain Lord Jian’an here. Lord Jian’an, forgive us for the poor hospitality.” Qin Ruofang said, standing up after exchanging a few words with Ruan Maolin. She then turned to Gu Qingci and gave a slight bow.

Qin Ruofang couldn’t wait any longer to have a proper talk with Ruan Zhi.

“Mother-in-law, you’re too kind. Please, just call me A Ci. You two go ahead—I’ll chat with Father-in-law.” Gu Qingci replied with a smile, returning the bow.

“…” Qin Ruofang was still unaccustomed to this version of Gu Qingci and offered an awkward smile in response.

Ruan Zhi glanced at Gu Qingci, who gave her a meaningful look, as if to say, “Don’t worry, leave it to me.”

Ruan Zhi decided to ignore Gu Qingci, she had done far more outrageous things before.

She took Qin Ruofang’s hand and left the main hall, heading to her old bedroom from before her marriage.

Once inside, Qin Ruofang’s earlier composure crumbled. She hugged Ruan Zhi tightly, tears streaming down her face.

Ruan Zhi embraced her mother and gently patted her back to soothe her.

No matter who else betrayed her or stabbed her in the back, her family had always been the ones who treated her best.

It was just a pity that in her past life, she hadn’t been able to protect them.

“Ah Zhi, did you… consummate the marriage?” Qin Ruofang asked softly after calming down a bit.

Gu Qingci’s drastic change in behavior could only be explained by one possibility.

“Mm.” Ruan Zhi paused for a moment before nodding slightly to reassure her mother.

After being marked by Gu Qingci, her body still carried a faint trace of Gu Qingci’s scent, noticeable if someone got close enough.

Not to mention, the bite mark on her neck was still there.

“That day, at the county magistrate’s daughter’s birthday banquet, you were set up. So many people saw what happened—there was no other choice but to marry you off to her. Every time I met her afterward, my heart grew colder. After you were taken away, I couldn’t sleep at night. I wanted to visit you at the Gu residence, but I couldn’t even get in. I nearly barged in to find you.” Qin Ruofang said, tears welling up again as she looked at Ruan Zhi.

“Mother, don’t cry. Everything’s fine now. If you want to see me, you can come anytime.” Ruan Zhi reassured her, though her fingers trembled slightly.

Marrying Gu Qingci had been a last resort.

In her past life, by the time she was driven out of the Gu household, years had passed, and there was no way to trace who had orchestrated the scheme.

But now, since it had just happened, there was still time to investigate.

“Once an alpha gets a taste of sweetness, their attitude toward an omega naturally changes. If she can cherish and respect you, your father and I will feel at ease.” Qin Ruofang sighed.

“Yesterday, I heard that the Gu family sent a few wicked servants to the authorities. What happened?” Qin Ruofang asked, recalling the news she’d received the day before.

“The servants grew arrogant and embezzled money from the household accounts. I reviewed the ledgers and helped her calculate the losses—we recovered over a hundred taels of silver.” Ruan Zhi explained.

“Our Ah Zhi has always been sharp with ledgers—no one can fool you. Are you short on servants at the estate now? I’ll send Meizhi and Juzhi with you. You should also take the Fucheng family…” Qin Ruofang said proudly before shifting to practical concerns, worried that Ruan Zhi might lack capable servants. She offered to send her own trusted maids.

Ruan Zhi smiled. Her mother was always like this.

“Mother, you’re used to having them around—keep them for yourself. Brother Hu sent me a few people, so I have guards and maids now. There are a few others I’d like to take with me—if you can find them for me, I’ll have Nanny train them for a few days, and they’ll be ready.” Ruan Zhi said.

This was another reason for her visit today.

Rather than buying unfamiliar servants from the market, she’d rather take the loyal ones she knew from her past life.

“Of course. Just give me the names, and I’ll find them for you.” Qin Ruofang said immediately.

Ruan Zhi listed a few names, and Qin Ruofang instructed her trusted maid to arrange for them.

“Ah Zhi, why did you come today? Doesn’t Lord Jian’an have to attend the academy?” Qin Ruofang asked suddenly.

“She doesn’t want to go. I’ll let her be.” Ruan Zhi replied.

“Why didn’t you persuade her? I’ve heard she’s in the lowest class at the academy—she still needs to work hard. Even though she holds a noble title, it can’t be passed down to her children. What will you do when you have children? With her status and youth, this is the perfect time for her to study and earn an official rank. She shouldn’t waste this opportunity. Since the two of you are getting along, you should gently guide her.” Qin Ruofang said with concern.

“Mother, I’ll talk to her about it when we return.” Ruan Zhi said, humoring her mother without revealing her own plans.

“Ah Zhi, there’s something else. After you married, your cousin fell seriously ill—he’s practically wasted away. Originally, he was supposed to marry you once he passed the provincial exams, but he failed twice, delaying your marriage until you were twenty. And then this happened… The two of you were just fated to miss each other.” Qin Ruofang said regretfully.

“Mother, what’s done is done. Let’s not bring it up again.” Ruan Zhi said quietly.

“Fine, fine. I won’t mention it. I just… Let’s talk about Jinyu instead. His tutor says he’s doing well in his studies. Last time, your father contacted a clerk at the prefectural office—do you know how much they demanded to change Jinyu’s household registration? Twenty thousand taels! They’re utterly shameless.” Qin Ruofang changed the subject when she saw Ruan Zhi’s expression.

“Mother, don’t waste money on that.” Ruan Zhi said quickly, recalling how her family had gone to great lengths to change her brother’s status in her past life.

“I think your father is tempted. Jinyu studies well—if his status could be changed, it would be wonderful.” Qin Ruofang said.

“Mother, I’ll think of a solution for this. Please ask Father not to rush into anything.” Ruan Zhi said.

Qin Ruofang didn’t know what Ruan Zhi had in mind but nodded and dropped the subject.

While the mother and daughter talked, Gu Qingci and Ruan Maolin weren’t idle either.

Ruan Maolin, a seasoned merchant, was skilled in conversation, and Gu Qingci, a natural social butterfly, kept up with everything he said, ensuring the discussion never stalled.

The more they talked, the more astonished Ruan Maolin became.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that Gu Qingci was flattering him—her respect seemed genuine.

Unlike Qin Ruofang, Ruan Maolin’s thoughts took a different turn.

While Gu Qingci was enjoying some pastries, Ruan Maolin excused himself and returned with a small box.

“A Ci, thank you for taking care of Ah Zhi. I don’t have much to offer, but please accept this small token for you and Ah Zhi to enjoy.” Ruan Maolin said, handing the box to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci was taken aback. She opened the box and found a deed to a property and a stack of silver notes inside!

Her father-in-law was incredibly generous!

“Father-in-law, what… what is this for?” Gu Qingci asked, wide-eyed.

“I noticed you liked the lotus flowers in the courtyard. I recently bought a manor surrounded by lotus ponds. You and Ah Zhi can visit whenever you like. When the lotuses bloom, you can boat and admire them. Later, you can harvest lotus seeds and roots—there are fish in the ponds too.” Ruan Maolin explained.

Gu Qingci’s heart raced.

This was too extravagant!

She was fully committed to having this father-in-law!

“Father-in-law, I can’t accept such a generous gift without merit. We’ll definitely visit, and you can treat us to meals and lodging, but the deed is too much.” Gu Qingci said with a smile.

She wanted to take it.

But she still had some moral boundaries.

Besides, even if she accepted it, it wouldn’t really be hers—she’d have to hand it over to Ruan Zhi anyway.

“…” Ruan Maolin paused, studying Gu Qingci.

He couldn’t tell if she genuinely didn’t want it or if she thought it wasn’t enough.

“A Ci, if you like this estate, you and Ah Zhi can move in. We have another property in the eastern part of the city.” Ruan Maolin added.

Gu Qingci: “…”

“Father-in-law, how could I take something you love? What kind of person do you think I am? There’s no need for such formalities—we’re family now. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Your son is adorable. Tell me, little brother, why aren’t you at the academy today? Is it a holiday?” Gu Qingci changed the subject, turning to Ruan Jinyu.

Ruan Maolin set the matter aside for now, though his expression remained troubled.

“The academy doesn’t accept merchant-class students.” Ruan Jinyu, who had been quietly sitting with them, pouted when Gu Qingci asked.

He wanted to attend school too.

“…” Gu Qingci’s heart ached at the sight of Ruan Jinyu’s pitiful expression.

She had almost forgotten—those registered as merchants couldn’t attend academies, let alone take the imperial exams. Once a family engaged in trade, their path to officialdom was cut off.

They might be wealthy, but their opportunities were limited.

“Father hired a tutor to teach me at home. Ugh, I have so many lessons every day. Father says I must master the Five Classics and Six Arts—I study in the morning, then learn the qin, play chess, practice archery and horseback riding in the afternoon…” Ruan Jinyu complained, his chubby cheeks puffing out.

“…” Gu Qingci’s sympathy evaporated.

If anyone deserved pity, it was her!

While others attended schools with large classes, he had private tutors, one-on-one instruction, and a customized curriculum covering multiple disciplines.

Who should envy whom here?

“That sounds exhausting. You should take breaks occasionally.” Gu Qingci said, though inwardly she was marveling at his privileged life.

“Big Sister, the academy must be so much fun with all those classmates studying together.” Ruan Jinyu said, his eyes sparkling with envy after venting to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci felt awkward.

She was currently skipping school and even considering dropping out entirely.

She had no lofty ambitions—she just wanted to laze around and enjoy life.

“Having too many people around can be noisy. You said you practice horseback riding every day? Where do you do that?” Gu Qingci asked, steering the conversation away from the academy. She wanted to see just how lavish this family’s lifestyle was.

“Father, can I take Big Sister to the stables?” Ruan Jinyu asked Ruan Maolin.

“Of course. Let’s change into riding clothes and head to the training field in the back.” Ruan Maolin said.

Since there was still time before lunch, Ruan Maolin took Gu Qingci to the rear of the estate when she showed interest.

After changing into riding attire, they passed through the main residence and entered an entirely new world.

A grassy field as vast as a sports stadium stretched before them.

On one side stood a stable housing four horses.

A chestnut-colored horse with large, liquid eyes and a sleek, powerful build stood out—far more impressive than the nag hitched to the rented carriage Gu Qingci had seen before.

Her eyes gleamed with excitement.

Was this the joy of being an ancient aristocrat?

In the apocalyptic world, Gu Qingci had ridden mutated animals to escape danger, so she had some experience with horseback riding.

Ruan Maolin, assuming Gu Qingci was a “scholar” with little riding experience, selected the gentlest horse for her and stayed close to assist.

Ruan Jinyu mounted his usual pony and trotted alongside Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci started cautiously, but when she saw Ruan Jinyu break into a gallop, she followed suit.

Ruan Maolin watched nervously, fearing Gu Qingci might take a spill.

Ruan Zhi and Qin Ruofang talked for a long while in the bedroom until a maid announced that lunch was ready.

When they returned to the main hall, Gu Qingci was nowhere to be seen. Upon asking the servants, Ruan Zhi learned they had gone horseback riding in the back.

After washing their hands, Ruan Zhi and Qin Ruofang waited briefly before Gu Qingci and the Ruan father-son duo returned, all smiles.

“Madam, Father-in-law wants to give me a horse. Can I accept it? You can deduct the cost from my allowance.” Gu Qingci whispered to Ruan Zhi as she approached.

She could resist the offer of property, but a horse? That was impossible to refuse.

“Take it.” Ruan Zhi said after a glance at Gu Qingci’s eager expression.

Gu Qingci’s mood soared at her approval.

Qin Ruofang and Ruan Maolin exchanged glances, their thoughts unreadable.

At the dining table, Gu Qingci was once again amazed.

The round table was laden with an array of dishes.

The table was so large that servants were needed to serve the food.

The meal left Gu Qingci thoroughly satisfied, and she secretly hoped Ruan Zhi would visit her family more often.

After lunch and a short rest, Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi prepared to return to the Gu residence.

They had arrived empty-handed but left with several servants carrying baskets of fruits and vegetables to load onto the carriage. Qin Ruofang gave Ruan Zhi a small box, along with the servants Ruan Zhi had requested, the horse Ruan Maolin had gifted Gu Qingci, and a groom.

Gu Qingci felt a bit embarrassed.

The Ruan family was too hospitable.

Before departing, Gu Qingci bowed deeply to Ruan Zhi’s parents in the traditional manner of a junior to elders.

Qin Ruofang and Ruan Maolin exchanged pleasantries and saw them off.

Just as they passed through the second gate, hurried footsteps and heavy breathing approached.

A tall, slender man rushed toward them, his scent of pine—overflowing pheromones—filling the air.

Ruan Zhi stiffened, her expression shifting.

Gu Qingci didn’t recognize the man, though his handsome features bore some resemblance to Ruan Zhi’s.

“Xuanming greets Uncle and Aunt. I heard Cousin Ah Zhi had returned and came to see her.” the man said, steadying his breath as he bowed to Qin Ruofang and Ruan Maolin. Then he turned to Ruan Zhi, his eyes trembling as if filled with unspoken words.

Gu Qingci now understood—this was Ruan Zhi’s childhood sweetheart and cousin, Qin Xuanming.

Had it not been for “Gu Qingci” Ruan Zhi would have married him.

“Thank you, Cousin. We must be going.” Ruan Zhi said with a slight bow before walking away.

Qin Xuanming seemed to want to say more, but Ruan Zhi strode ahead without looking back.

“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, we’ll take our leave now. We’ll visit again soon.” Gu Qingci said, bowing to Qin Ruofang and Ruan Maolin before hurrying after Ruan Zhi.

Qin Xuanming’s face twisted when he saw Gu Qingci, his fists clenching as if he wanted to strike her.

Gu Qingci sensed his hostility and nodded at him before catching up to Ruan Zhi.

“Xuanming!” Qin Ruofang called out as Qin Xuanming stared after Ruan Zhi, his spirit seemingly crushed.

Once inside the carriage, Gu Qingci didn’t dare speak, only stealing glances at Ruan Zhi.

Though her face was expressionless, her eyes were distant, as if lost in unpleasant memories.

Gu Qingci didn’t know what to say, but seeing Ruan Zhi like this made her inexplicably uncomfortable.

Perhaps Ruan Zhi still had feelings for that man.

After all, they had grown up together.

He was probably her first love?

The two remained silent throughout the journey. As they neared the Gu residence, the sky darkened, and thunder rumbled before rain began to fall.

The thunder snapped Gu Qingci out of her thoughts. She noticed Ruan Zhi covering her ears, her body trembling, her breathing ragged.

A bitter scent—Ruan Zhi’s pheromones—filled the air.

Gu Qingci placed a hand on Ruan Zhi’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

Ruan Zhi didn’t hear her, continuing to shake.

By the time the carriage arrived at the Gu residence, the rain had intensified, and the thunder grew louder.

Lian Rui’s voice came from outside.

Gu Qingci thought for a moment before accepting the raincoat handed to her. She put it on, then lifted Ruan Zhi into her arms, shielding her beneath the coat as she carried her to Xiuyi Garden.

Ruan Zhi trembled in her arms, her bitter pheromones growing stronger.

The scent irritated Gu Qingci’s marking teeth, making them itch.

Upon reaching Ruan Zhi’s room in Xiuyi Garden, maids removed the raincoat, and Gu Qingci carried Ruan Zhi inside.

As they walked, Gu Qingci recalled the novel’s plot.

She remembered now—every ordeal Ruan Zhi had endured in her past life had happened during thunderstorms. The day she was framed and caught in a room with the original Gu Qingci, the day her fever destroyed her scent glands, the day Nanny Qin died, the day she learned of her parents’ deaths…

These events had left her with a traumatic response to thunder.

So the moment they entered the room, Gu Qingci ordered the maids to shut all the windows and doors. She carried Ruan Zhi to the canopy bed, removed her shoes, and pulled up the blankets to muffle the sound.

Gu Qingci didn’t let go, holding Ruan Zhi tightly and gently soothing her.

Remembering Ruan Zhi’s past suffering, Gu Qingci’s mood darkened.

After a while, in the enclosed space, Ruan Zhi’s pheromones grew stronger, stirring a restless energy in Gu Qingci. Her teeth itched, and saliva pooled in her mouth.

Something felt wrong. Gu Qingci tried to release Ruan Zhi and escape from under the covers, but Ruan Zhi clutched her robe.

As Gu Qingci reached for Ruan Zhi’s hand, she felt hot breath against her neck.

“Mark me.” Ruan Zhi whispered, her voice trembling.