My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 41

41

As Ruan Zhi entered Ye Youli’s private room, the moment she stepped inside, Ye Youli covered her nose and mouth.

“Don’t you find the smell unpleasant?” Ye Youli asked in a low voice, her tone laced with distaste.

Ruan Zhi realized that she carried the scent of Gu Qingci’s pheromones on her.

Ye Youli was not usually sensitive to pheromones, but she could detect Gu Qingci’s scent clearly—and she thoroughly disliked it.

“I don’t find it unpleasant. If Your Highness dislikes it, I will cleanse myself and return.” Ruan Zhi excused herself and left the room.

She changed her outer robe and perfumed herself thoroughly to ensure no trace of Gu Qingci’s scent remained before returning to Ye Youli.

Having interacted with Ruan Zhi twice now, Ye Youli had come to admire her vision and business acumen and wanted to explore more opportunities for collaboration.

The two resumed their earlier conversation.

“The Marquis of Yangling is just a minor nuisance. Dealing with him is simple—a single letter will suffice. But you must give me a tea master separately. That way, I won’t have to come to your teahouse every day—it’s too conspicuous and troublesome.”

Ye Youli spoke casually, her tone still languid, but there was no hint of condescension. It was as if she were speaking to a long-time friend.

“Your Highness, I only have a handful of tea masters to begin with. If I give one to you, my supply will decrease significantly. And even without the Marquis of Yangling, there will always be others. My teahouse won’t be able to operate smoothly.”

Ruan Zhi feigned reluctance, refusing to yield profits or curry favor out of deference to Ye Youli’s royal status.

“You’ve already used my name to drive away some people—don’t think I’m unaware. If you keep invoking my authority, you’ll be inextricably tied to me.” Ye Youli said.

“That would be my honor.” Ruan Zhi replied with a bow.

“…” Ye Youli was momentarily speechless.

She had no desire to be openly associated with Ruan Zhi.

It was easy to foresee that if Ruan Zhi’s business grew even more successful, suspicions would arise—people would assume Ye Youli was backing her to amass greater wealth.

“If you plan to do business in Yanjing, take my letter to Prince Qing’an.” Ye Youli conceded.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Ruan Zhi bowed again.

This was a significant concession.

Prince Qing’an was Ye Youli’s uncle, the only member of the imperial clan who supported her—and a hidden piece on her chessboard.

“After an omega is marked by an alpha , they will develop dependence and trust toward the alpha, both physically and psychologically. I hope you won’t be influenced by the alpha. Otherwise, it would be a real shame.”

The two exchanged a few more words, and before leaving, Ye Youli said to Ruan Zhi.

“Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness.” Ruan Zhi replied, choosing not to delve deeper into the topic with Ye Youli at that moment.

This was something she had heard of as well.

Alpha viewed omega as playthings, and one of the reasons was that once permanently marked, omega would develop dependency syndrome.

While an alpha could mark multiple omegas, an omega could only be marked by one alpha .

After Ye Youli left, Ruan Zhi lowered her gaze, thinking of Gu Qingci.

With more social engagements outside, she wondered what kind of temptations Gu Qingci might face.

Those who blatantly rubbed their pheromones on Gu Qingci were certainly not omega from respectable families.

Just the thought of it made Ruan Zhi somewhat annoyed.

It had been nearly two months since Gu Qingci last marked her.

If Gu Qingci’s restlessness period arrived, it would be difficult to control.

When Ruan Zhi realized her thoughts were not of vigilance but of concern, she paused.

Had a few temporary marks already affected her this much?

Ruan Zhi shook her head and quickly finished handling the teahouse matters before hurrying to the inn where she and Gu Qingci were staying.

When Ruan Zhi arrived, Gu Qingci had just changed into clean clothes, her hair loose and being dried with a towel.

Compared to when her hair was tied up in a bun, the loose-haired Gu Qingci looked soft and docile.

“Does your stomach hurt?” Ruan Zhi asked softly as she approached Gu Qingci, noticing her hand pressed against her abdomen.

“I haven’t had breakfast yet.” Gu Qingci said with a pout.

“Where did you go so early in the morning? Why didn’t you even eat?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“I went to the Yangling Marquis’s residence. I overheard them talking—it must have been them who did it, and they said they’d keep causing trouble for the next few days.” Gu Qingci lowered her head as she spoke.

“…” Ruan Zhi had thought Gu Qingci went to some gathering with Wen Renyi in the morning, but she never expected her to have gone to the Yangling Marquis’s residence.

Gu Qingci’s voice was soft and subdued, a stark contrast to the content of her words.

Going to the Yangling Marquis’s residence was no trivial matter.

“I suspected it was him. I’ll have Lian Rui fetch the food first.” Ruan Zhi paused before speaking and stepped out for a moment.

When she returned, Lian Rui was by her side.

Lian Rui set the dishes on the table and then left.

“Eat first.” Ruan Zhi said, walking over to Gu Qingci and taking the handkerchief from her hand.

Gu Qingci froze as she watched Ruan Zhi’s expression, only to see her begin wiping her damp hair with the handkerchief.

“Weren’t you hungry?” Ruan Zhi noticed Gu Qingci’s dazed look and pointed at the food on the table.

Gu Qingci nodded and picked up her chopsticks to start eating.

The meal was still lavish, mostly consisting of hearty meat dishes that suited Gu Qingci’s taste.

By the time Gu Qingci had eaten her fill, Ruan Zhi had used several handkerchiefs to dry her hair.

“What happened at the Yangling Marquis’s residence?” Ruan Zhi asked, sitting down after Gu Qingci finished eating.

Gu Qingci then recounted her experience at the marquis’s residence.

“I didn’t fool around outside—the smell came from saving someone.” Gu Qingci added at the end, her clear eyes brimming with grievance as she looked at Ruan Zhi.

“Mm, I understand. I misunderstood you earlier… I’m sorry.” Ruan Zhi said.

There was some guilt in her heart.

Early in the morning, without eating, she went to investigate the truth, even beat up the perpetrator in a fit of anger. Because of rescuing someone, she was tainted with the scent of another, and when she sought Ruan Zhi to comfort her, Ruan Zhi refused and even scolded her…

The more Ruan Zhi thought about it, the more she felt Gu Qingci had been wronged. Unable to help herself, she reached out and stroked Gu Qingci’s hair, smoothing it gently.

Gu Qingci looked at Ruan Zhi’s softened gaze, as tender as melting snow, and her throat tightened. The restlessness she had suppressed after bathing surged up again, her marking teeth itching.

A faint scent drifted from Ruan Zhi—partly her own, partly an unfamiliar one.

Remembering that Ruan Zhi and Ye Youli had been together in the same room today, this scent likely belonged to Ye Youli.

Another impulse flashed through Gu Qingci’s mind.

To mark Ruan Zhi.

Not to seek comfort for herself, but…

To envelop Ruan Zhi with her own scent, to overwash and erase all other traces.

To make Ruan Zhi carry only her pheromones, inside and out.

To let anyone who approached Ruan Zhi know that she had a wife.

Gu Qingci leaned closer to Ruan Zhi, her body tilting forward until she was almost pressed against her.

Ruan Zhi was forced to lean back slightly, her waist supported by a hand.

She didn’t struggle or speak, trembling slightly as Gu Qingci drew near, something intangible spreading between them.

“Madam, I’m clean now. May I mark you?” Gu Qingci whispered by Ruan Zhi’s ear.

“…” Hearing Gu Qingci’s words, Ruan Zhi’s heart trembled, and she pressed her hand against the back of Gu Qingci’s head.

Gu Qingci’s lips touched Ruan Zhi’s scent gland, her breath growing uneven. Then, without preamble, she opened her mouth and bit down.

No foreplay, no gentleness.

Her marking teeth pierced the gland directly.

The bite was deep and unrelenting.

The alpha’s pheromones flooded in like a tide.

Ruan Zhi arched her back, gasping for breath, her fair neck gradually staining crimson.

“Gu Qingci…” Ruan Zhi struggled to call out Gu Qingci’s name.

Gu Qingci released her bite, and Ruan Zhi thought it was over.

She wanted to say something, but then she felt the arm around her waist tighten with sudden force, lifting her from the chair she had been sitting on.

She landed on Gu Qingci’s lap.

A flush of embarrassment spread across Ruan Zhi’s face.

Before her shame could turn to anger, her waist was gripped firmly, and her neck was bitten again.

Even more intense pheromones surrounded Ruan Zhi, flooding in through her gland, coursing through her veins.

Ruan Zhi felt as if she were drowning in a suffocating tide of pheromones.

The instinctual possessiveness and dominance of an alpha crashed over her.

Trapped in Gu Qingci’s embrace, her neck held in place, the pain and suffocation…

She had lost all control.

At the mercy of the other.

The seemingly docile, harmless little wolf bit down hard—it truly hurt.

An alpha was still an alpha, some things were ingrained in their nature.

This temporary marking lasted longer than any before.

By the time it ended, Ruan Zhi felt she might suffocate to death.

When the marking fangs withdrew from her gland, there was a faint, sticky sensation.

The pain made Ruan Zhi gasp, her eyes rimmed with red, a sheen of involuntary tears covering her gaze.

“Gu Qingci, you…” Ruan Zhi said angrily, her voice slightly hoarse.

But as soon as she spoke, she saw the person who had just attacked her like a wild beast—now wide-eyed, dark pupils filled with disbelief and guilt, tears spilling from her eyes.

“I’m sorry…” Gu Qingci whispered, her voice choked with tears.

Ruan Zhi’s glandular flesh was bitten red by Gu Qingci, streaked with bl00d.

It had been too rough.

Gu Qingci felt both guilty and heartbroken.

She pressed her lips to the wound, licking away the bl00d, then gently sucked, trying to soothe the bite mark.

Ruan Zhi’s anger was gradually extinguished by this cautious, tender licking.

When Gu Qingci finally lifted her head from Ruan Zhi’s gland to look at her, her expression made it seem as though she was the one who had been wronged. Ruan Zhi’s heart softened, and she couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.

How absurd was it that she was the one bitten so painfully by this little dog, yet she still felt sorry for her?

Was the influence of an alpha’s mark on an omega really this strong?

Strong enough to make her this indulgent, to this extent?

Ruan Zhi pushed away Gu Qingci’s hands, which had been tightly gripping her waist, and straightened up, now slightly taller than the other. The situation reversed—no longer the one being restrained, she took control.

“Why are you crying?” Ruan Zhi asked coldly, pinching Gu Qingci’s chin.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… Let me help you again…” Gu Qingci said, tilting her head up as if to press her lips back to the wound.

“…No need.” Ruan Zhi held her back, finding it hard to say anything harsh.

“Next time, be more careful. Don’t do this again.” In the end, Ruan Zhi could only grit her teeth and utter these few words.

She stood up and straightened her clothes.

Gu Qingci swallowed, surprised that Ruan Zhi had let it go so easily.

How could she be this forgiving?

Staring at Ruan Zhi in a daze, Gu Qingci noticed the faint flush at the corners of her eyes, adding a touch of alluring charm.

Her lips were redder than usual, too, looking irresistibly kissable.

If she had kissed her just now, would Ruan Zhi have just glared at her fiercely and said, “Next time, be more careful. Don’t do this again”?

The malicious thought that popped into Gu Qingci’s mind made her heart skip a beat.

This time, she had already angered the other person.

Although Ruan Zhi hadn’t done anything, her face was cold, and she clearly looked very unhappy.

“Madam, today I’ll stay at the teahouse. I’ll see if I can catch the culprit. They’ll likely come again tonight.” Gu Qingci said, hoping to cheer Ruan Zhi up.

“Mmm.” Ruan Zhi responded softly. Her clothes were already straightened, but the scent on her still needed to dissipate.

“Madam, I’ve thought of some more ideas. I noticed our teahouse is very crowded, and some people leave after waiting in line without getting a seat. We could offer a delivery service so they don’t have to dine in. If there’s demand, they can register at the teahouse, pay a deposit, and have their order delivered at the agreed time.”

“Also, we could add more varieties, like mixing milk with tea to make milk tea, or fruit with tea to make fruit tea. We could even include toppings, like pearls made from tapioca starch, or taro balls…”

“We could use bamboo tubes to make disposable cups, giving the whole cup to the customer to take away. Straws would be ideal—maybe we could use something like thin bamboo for straws.”

In an effort to lift Ruan Zhi’s spirits, Gu Qingci actively brainstormed ways to expand the teahouse’s business.

Previously, she had been too focused on tea tasting and improving the tea’s flavor, forgetting about the many related beverages.

If milk tea could be made, life would become even more enjoyable.

“Wait, let me have Madam Zhao take notes.” Ruan Zhi said, her attention diverted by Gu Qingci’s suggestions.

After Madam Zhao came in, Gu Qingci repeated her ideas.

Ruan Zhi and Madam Zhao discussed the details, and whatever could be prepared immediately would be delegated to the staff.

“Once the milk tea and fruit tea are ready, I can taste them and offer suggestions for improvement.” Gu Qingci said eagerly.

For now, she didn’t mention anything about profit-sharing.

After all, this was just to make Ruan Zhi happy.

Ruan Zhi loved doing business, and the more money she made, the happier she would be.

Indeed, Ruan Zhi’s mood improved a little.

Glancing at Gu Qingci, her mental state seemed to be getting excited again.

Ruan Zhi really wanted to pinch her cheeks.

Her emotions came and went as quickly as her sleep.

After discussing for a while, Lian Rui knocked on the door from outside. Ruan Zhi let her in.

“Madam, one of the servants who was keeping watch at the blacksmith shop has returned. He said Master Min closed the shop this morning and left with his wife and daughter, and they haven’t come back yet. At noon, the blacksmith shop was broken into and smashed by a few people. It’s unclear who they offended.” Lian Rui reported upon entering.

Ruan Zhi was startled by the news and asked Lian Rui to summon the servant for more details.

Having finally located Min Guiyi, Ruan Zhi naturally didn’t want to lose him again, so she had sent two clever servants to keep a distant watch.

She hadn’t expected Min Guiyi to run into trouble so soon.

In her past life, when Ruan Zhi met Min Guiyi, he was already a slave with a crippled leg.

She only knew that his daughter had been assaulted, and his wife had died accidentally while trying to protect their daughter. Min Guiyi had sought revenge for his wife and daughter, which was how he ended up in that state.

Ruan Zhi had rescued the wronged Min Guiyi, treated his leg, and provided him with money and manpower to help him exact vengeance.

As for who exactly Min Guiyi’s enemies were, Ruan Zhi couldn’t quite remember.

She called in the servant to question him in detail.

“They went into a nearby alley and entered a house. A Chang is keeping watch there now. I came back to report.” the servant told Ruan Zhi.

“Good. Lead the way—we’ll go take a look.” Ruan Zhi said.

Min Guiyi is in trouble, and for Ruan Zhi, this is an opportunity.

Even if Min Guiyi doesn’t want to follow her, she still wants to help him, to ensure he doesn’t repeat his past mistakes.

Ruan Zhi is about to leave, and Gu Qingci also wants to go along to see if she can assist—she can’t just wash her hands of the matter yet.

As for this “Min” person, Gu Qingci roughly knows who he is. He seems quite important to Ruan Zhi.

“Your hair isn’t done yet, and you’ve been busy all morning. You should rest at the inn for now.” Ruan Zhi said, glancing at Gu Qingci.

“…Madam, I’m not tired. A simple hairstyle will do, and it’ll be quick. Please wait for me a moment.” Gu Qingci hurriedly replied.

Shimo quickly styled Gu Qingci’s hair into a half-updo tied with a ribbon, without any additional ornaments. Just like that, she followed Ruan Zhi downstairs and into the carriage.

Seeing Gu Qingci so eager, Ruan Zhi had a rough idea of her thoughts and allowed her to come along.

After all, Gu Qingci is now a provincial scholar, and her status is different from before.

She might be of some help outside.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of an alley. Ruan Zhi got out, and together with Gu Qingci, followed the servant into the alley.

When they arrived at the house where Min Guiyi was hiding, the servant knocked on the door, but the person who answered immediately shut it again.

Ruan Zhi signaled the servant to knock once more.

“There’s no one here you’re looking for!” the person snapped.

“If we were bad people, we would’ve reported it long ago. We just want to see what’s going on and if we can help.” Ruan Zhi said earnestly.

“No need. That man is not someone you can afford to provoke. Even if you help me, I won’t serve as your guard. Since you’ve found this place, we’ll leave immediately. Please don’t disturb them any further.” a voice came from inside—it was Min Guiyi himself, stepping out.

Gu Qingci, standing beside Ruan Zhi, found the voice familiar and peeked through the crack in the door.

Their eyes met.

The man with impressive martial arts skills whom Gu Qingci had encountered in the morning turned out to be Min Guiyi.

“Benefactor, why are you here as well?” Min Guiyi asked, spotting Gu Qingci as she fully stepped into view, and bowed in greeting.

“Funny coincidence, this is my wife. Shall we go inside to talk?” Gu Qingci said.

Min Guiyi was taken aback but let them in.

He still had a favorable impression of Gu Qingci.

Not only had she saved his daughter, but she had also held her own against him in their fight.

If Gu Qingci had any ill intentions, there was no need for such roundabout methods.

“It’s about that matter from this morning—her father.” Gu Qingci whispered in Ruan Zhi’s ear as they entered, explaining briefly.

Ruan Zhi’s confusion cleared up.

At the same time, she felt a bit speechless.

Gu Qingci had coincidentally saved Min Guiyi’s daughter, and now, Min Guiyi would likely regard Gu Qingci the same way he had treated her in her past life.

Originally her own guard, and now, after Wen Renyi, Gu Qingci had snatched another person away from her.

Ruan Zhi was starting to suspect Gu Qingci had done it on purpose.

Once inside, Gu Qingci explained the coincidental events to Min Guiyi, wanting to dispel any doubts he might have.

“That’s how things happened—it was all just a strange twist of fate. It’s also my fault for involving you. Beating him up like that was a bit too harsh. The blacksmith shop being wrecked was probably his doing.” Gu Qingci said.

“No, no, don’t say that, benefactor. If I had been there, I would have beaten him up too. You did it on my behalf—I should be thanking you.” Min Guiyi said.

Hearing Min Guiyi’s magnanimous words, Gu Qingci gained a bit more respect for the man.

“Marquis Yangling won’t let this go. If he reports it to the authorities, you’ll be in serious trouble.” Gu Qingci said with concern.

“If he reports it, I’ll turn myself in. I’m just worried my wife and daughter will be left with no one to rely on and might suffer further abuse.” Min Guiyi sighed.

“Why would you turn yourself in for something you didn’t do? I was the one who beat him up—if anyone should go, it’s me.” Gu Qingci said.

“Wait, no one needs to turn themselves in. That man deserved the beating. We’ll figure out a way to resolve this—don’t worry.” Ruan Zhi interjected at the right moment.

Alright, Gu Qingci and Min Guiyi have become heroic figures in the martial world, leaving her to play the villain.

“Do you have a solution?” Min Guiyi looked at Ruan Zhi.

“My lord is being modest. She is the Imperial Enfeoffed Marquis of Jian’an and the top scorer in this year’s provincial examination. She has befriended many high-ranking officials and nobles. Though that man has some influence, he’s merely a nuisance, nothing truly formidable.” Ruan Zhi said.

It just so happened to be the Marquis of Yangling. When Ruan Zhi negotiated terms with Ye Youli, Ye had already agreed to help deal with him.

Here, she could take the opportunity to sell Min Guiyi a favor.

“Brother Min, this matter arose because of me, so I must see it through to the end. There’s no need for you to worry too much.” Gu Qingci followed Ruan Zhi’s lead and chimed in.

Ruan Zhi was most likely planning to seek Ye Youli’s help.

This little provincial examination graduate really wasn’t much use.

“…So you’re the famed Provincial Graduate Gu we’ve been hearing about these past few days. No wonder your skills are extraordinary. If this matter can truly be resolved, I, Min, am willing to follow by your side and serve you with all my loyalty.” Min Guiyi stood up and bowed.

Gu Qingci was his benefactor, and coupled with her remarkable abilities, which Min Guiyi deeply admired, as well as her status as a provincial graduate, serving as her guard was something Min Guiyi was entirely willing to do. Without waiting for Ruan Zhi to state any conditions, he made the offer himself.

“…” Ruan Zhi fell silent.

Bringing Gu Qingci along had been the right move.

Ruan Zhi didn’t mention anything about a limited-term contract to Min Guiyi. Such contracts held no real weight for someone like him—what bound him most was gratitude and righteousness.

“Brother Min, there’s no need to say such things. With your martial skills, you’ll surely achieve great things in the future. I’d love to spar with you more often.” Gu Qingci said.

“I only learned a bit from others in my youth—I’m still far from skilled. My lord is young and accomplished, something I deeply admire.” Min Guiyi replied, his expression relaxing slightly as he now addressed Gu Qingci as “my lord.”

Ruan Zhi watched the two of them flattering each other and sighed inwardly.

Min Guiyi had never been the type to lavish praise on others—this was genuine admiration for Gu Qingci.

“The people from Yangling Marquis’ estate are still searching outside. How about this: you come with us today. I’ll arrange a place for you to stay, which will be safer and more convenient.” Ruan Zhi suggested.

At this point, Min Guiyi had no objections at all and immediately agreed.

Min Guiyi called for his wife and daughter to follow Ruan Zhi and the others onto the carriage, while he trailed far behind, avoiding detection.

Along the way, they saw some bailiffs searching for someone—the person in the portrait was Min Guiyi.

It seemed Yangling Marquis believed it was Min Guiyi who had beaten him.

If Min Guiyi had stayed there, he would undoubtedly have been investigated.

Ruan Zhi took Min Guiyi’s wife and daughter to the Qingyou Teahouse, entering through the back door to arrange accommodations for them. Soon after, Min Guiyi also climbed over the wall and joined them.

“You’ve seen the situation outside, but don’t worry. Since we’ve taken this matter on, we’ll see it through to the end. For now, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay here temporarily.” Ruan Zhi reassured them before leaving.

Gu Qingci didn’t follow Ruan Zhi back to the inn after seeing her off.

There might still be troublemakers coming at night.

Though Gu Qingci was reluctant to part with Ruan Zhi, she proactively stayed at the teahouse, ready to catch any intruders in the act.