My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 60

60

When Gu Qingci entered, Ruan Zhi’s hand holding the cup paused mid-air, her expression dazed.

“Madam!” Gu Qingci called out as she sat down on the chair beside Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi’s gaze focused on Gu Qingci’s face.

Seeing the worry and caution in Gu Qingci’s eyes, Ruan Zhi set down the teacup and couldn’t help but pinch Gu Qingci’s cheek.

It was real—soft, firm, and elastic.

The worry in Gu Qingci’s eyes faded significantly as she pressed her cheek against Ruan Zhi’s hand.

“Madam, I’ve made things clear to her. Please arrange for her to be sent away. I won’t see her again.” Gu Qingci said.

Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci, recalling the words she had just spoken.

The world always demanded that omega remain devoted to one person, yet never held alpha to the same standard.

She hadn’t expected Gu Qingci to be fundamentally different from the other alpha here. Like a treasure, every time she thought she knew her, another shining facet would reveal itself.

“You’ve hurt her feelings.” Ruan Zhi said softly.

“There’s nothing to be done about that. Madam, do you know that in my world, there’s a law stating that a person can only have one spouse? Having more is illegal. True love is meant for one person in a lifetime—it cannot tolerate the addition of others.” Gu Qingci said earnestly.

As Ruan Zhi listened, she felt that this was more moving than any “honeyed words” she had ever heard.

One person for a lifetime.

For the first time, the world Gu Qingci spoke of felt so tangible, evoking a sense of beauty.

“You know this yourself. So, do you realize what mistake you’ve made?” Ruan Zhi asked, not withdrawing her hand.

“I…” Gu Qingci was at a loss for words.

Was it because she had once saved Min Yuan’er?

“If you have no such intentions, then don’t treat others too kindly. Being different can give people the wrong impression. Not everyone understands the ‘one and only’ in your heart.” Ruan Zhi said.

Gu Qingci froze. Aside from saving Min Yuan’er, she had indeed treated her somewhat differently.

Perhaps it was because Min Yuan’er wasn’t a maid from the household, and with her doll-like face and innocent personality, Gu Qingci had a favorable impression of her.

Her treatment of Min Yuan’er had been distinct—smiling warmly whenever they met, never hesitating to praise her for anything she made, reciprocating gifts, even accepting the protective charm she had given…

“Madam, I know I was wrong. I won’t let people get that kind of misunderstanding again in the future.” Gu Qingci reflected for a moment and quickly said.

Her attitude in admitting the mistake was excellent, and she gazed at Ruan Zhi with eager eyes.

Ruan Zhi’s expression softened.

“Aren’t you thirsty? Drink some water first. I’ll have someone serve the meal.” Ruan Zhi said, withdrawing her hand to pour a cup of water for Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci, sensing Ruan Zhi’s anger had subsided, leaned in to kiss her cheek before taking the teacup to drink.

Ruan Zhi stood up, intending to go outside, but staggered slightly and was swiftly supported by Gu Qingci’s quick reflexes.

“Madam, what’s wrong?” Gu Qingci was startled.

“…” Ruan Zhi frowned slightly.

She hadn’t noticed anything earlier, but now she felt a slight pain on the inner side of her thigh.

The aftermath of that short horseback ride.

“It’s nothing.” Ruan Zhi said, reluctant to explain to Gu Qingci given the private nature of the discomfort.

However, her expression and slight change in posture couldn’t be hidden. After just two steps, Gu Qingci noticed the subtle difference.

Gu Qingci immediately scooped Ruan Zhi up and placed her back on the chair.

“Madam, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I wasn’t thoughtful enough.” Gu Qingci said remorsefully, already realizing her oversight.

For convenience in daily movement, Gu Qingci usually wore Hu-style clothing, long boots, and riding pants.

Her outfits were also more form-fitting, with a snug waistband, so she hadn’t noticed any discomfort.

But Ruan Zhi was dressed in soft robes, and it was her first time riding a horse. In her excitement, Gu Qingci had taken her for a ride without any preparation.

Even though it was brief, Ruan Zhi had still been chafed.

“It’s fine.” Ruan Zhi said, but Gu Qingci looked on the verge of tears.

“Let me check. You’ll need to apply some ointment.” Gu Qingci said.

“…I’ll do it myself. You go and tell the maids to serve the meal. Also, inform Master Min as agreed.” Ruan Zhi paused, feeling somewhat embarrassed, and gave Gu Qingci instructions.

Seeing Ruan Zhi’s resistance, Gu Qingci didn’t insist on examining her.

If she was truly injured, Ruan Zhi could indeed apply the ointment herself.

But Gu Qingci wanted to see how severe the injury was.

Since Ruan Zhi wouldn’t let her look, she could only fetch the wound medicine given by Ren Yiyi first, then go run errands.

The estate they were staying in now had a large population, with everyone from Yanjing living together in a small courtyard.

Min Guiyi was waiting outside, still looking somewhat uneasy.

After instructing the maids to serve the meal, Gu Qingci went to find Min Guiyi.

“Master Min, I’ve already spoken to Yu’er. She’s still young and doesn’t quite understand some things yet. You should also advise her. I hope she can find a good family. When the time comes, Madam and I will provide her with a dowry. But don’t force her—she should find someone with good character whom she also likes.” Gu Qingci explained to Min Guiyi to avoid any misunderstandings.

“Many thanks, my lord!” Min Guiyi, knowing Gu Qingci’s character, bowed solemnly to express his gratitude upon hearing Gu Qingci’s words.

He sensed the respect and tolerance Gu Qingci showed toward them.

Had Gu Qingci chosen to take Min Yuan’er as a concubine, Min Guiyi would have had no choice but to continue serving them, though it would have left him with a lingering discomfort in his heart.

Gu Qingci’s attitude, however, deepened Min Guiyi’s gratitude.

After settling matters with Min Guiyi, Gu Qingci hurried back to find Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi had just finished applying medicine to herself and was adjusting her clothes.

“The meal is ready. Let me carry you to eat.” Gu Qingci said as she approached Ruan Zhi.

“No need. It’s not serious—just a little red. I’m not that delicate.” Ruan Zhi replied.

This time, Gu Qingci didn’t listen. She bent down, picked Ruan Zhi up, and carried her out.

Once the food was served, the maids withdrew.

Only then did Ruan Zhi’s expression relax slightly.

Her well-behaved puppy occasionally showed a stubborn side.

Just look at that stern face.

“I’m really fine. Let’s eat first.” Ruan Zhi emphasized again.

Without maids to serve the dishes, Gu Qingci took over the task.

After arranging the food for Ruan Zhi, she began eating herself.

“Don’t eat any more spicy or heat-inducing foods. If you get another nosebleed, you’ll need to see a doctor for cooling medicine.” Ruan Zhi warned, stopping Gu Qingci’s hand as she reached for a dish.

Knowing Gu Qingci loved meat, the kitchen had prepared mostly meat dishes. A sheep had been specially slaughtered in the estate, and dinner included three different lamb dishes.

“…” Gu Qingci resisted the urge to reach for the meat plates.

“Eat more bl00d-nourishing foods. Tomorrow, I’ll have them prepare some dishes specifically to replenish qi and bl00d.” Ruan Zhi said.

Gu Qingci, embarrassed, buried herself in her meal.

After dinner, Gu Qingci carried Ruan Zhi back to their room.

“Madam, are you free tonight? Whatever you need done, I’ll handle it.” Gu Qingci said.

“There’s not much. There are account books to review—you can fetch them from Steward Wang. Also, you mentioned needing a skilled craftsman earlier. Steward Wang said there’s one in the estate. It’s late today, but we can arrange a time to speak with him tomorrow.” Ruan Zhi replied.

Gu Qingci immediately went out to run the errand upon hearing this.

Gu Qingci brought back the account books for Ruan Zhi, who then reviewed them while sitting nearby.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingci began sketching designs.

In addition to drawing the desired crossbow design, Gu Qingci recalled Ruan Zhi’s horseback riding experience and pondered for a while before sketching a few undergarment designs.

Gu Qingci herself wasn’t particularly busty, and the clothes she wore—both inner and outer layers—were always form-fitting, so she hadn’t noticed this issue before.

The undergarments of this era were far less sophisticated than those of later generations. Items like the bellyband were too simplistic.

For someone with Ruan Zhi’s proportions, lacking proper undergarments could easily lead to sagging.

Horseback riding and other physical activities would only exacerbate the problem, and Gu Qingci didn’t want others to see Ruan Zhi in such a state again.

Gu Qingci’s drawing skills weren’t exceptional, but she managed to sketch the general designs, which would require further refinement by professionals.

Considering the lack of elastic fabrics, Gu Qingci made some modifications.

Once the sketches were ready, she brought them to Ruan Zhi for review.

“What are these?” Ruan Zhi asked, puzzled by the strange-looking drawings.

“Underwear. These are styles from my time. This one is for the top, and this one for the bottom. This design is a bra—it requires precise measurements to ensure the right fit. This one is a corset with boning and adjustable lacing at the back, suitable for wearing while riding…”

Gu Qingci explained the designs to Ruan Zhi.

As Ruan Zhi listened, she gradually understood the purpose behind the sketches.

They did incorporate many practical features.

“I’d feel awkward discussing this with others. Do you understand now? You could consult with the seamstresses and have them try making a few samples.” Gu Qingci added.

“Mm, I understand.” Ruan Zhi nodded.

“Madam, if these turn out well, could we turn them into a business?” Gu Qingci grew excited—she was a genius, after all.

“Underwear like this wouldn’t be appropriate to display openly. But we could offer them as add-ons to ready-made clothing or recommend them to customers during custom fittings.” Ruan Zhi mused.

“That could work. I hadn’t thought of it before, but we could also make sportswear, athletic shoes, and casual homewear like short sleeves and shorts—comfortable and cool…” Gu Qingci’s creativity surged, and she eagerly returned to sketching.

Ruan Zhi watched as Gu Qingci scribbled away happily, a faint smile in her eyes.

That night, after both had finished their tasks, they washed up and prepared for bed.

Gu Qingci was still concerned about Ruan Zhi’s injury.

“Let me take a look, okay?” Gu Qingci negotiated with Ruan Zhi.

“No need. It’s really nothing.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Madam, last time I was injured, you saw every part of my body. But I’ve only seen your skin from the neck up and your hands. I just want to check your injury, and you won’t even allow that. Madam, this is so unfair.” Gu Qingci said, putting on a wronged expression.

“…” Ruan Zhi was at a loss for words.

What kind of logic was this?

“Madam, just let me take one look, one glance is enough. I’m worried.” Gu Qingci coaxed, leaning closer to Ruan Zhi with a hint of acting coquettishly.

She didn’t just want to see the injury—she also wanted to test the boundaries of Ruan Zhi’s permission.

“…” Ruan Zhi recalled how carefully Gu Qingci had treated her that afternoon, even hesitating to let her walk. She paused.

It was just a look.

They had already shared a bed for so long.

Though she still felt embarrassed, still…

After a brief hesitation, Ruan Zhi pulled open her nightgown.

Gu Qingci had genuinely intended only to check Ruan Zhi’s injury.

But as the nightgown parted, it revealed legs—pale, smooth, and shapely.

Long and fair, perfectly proportioned, exuding a delicate fragrance, soft and tender to the eye.

Gu Qingci’s mind instantly short-circuited, just like that afternoon.

Her head spun hot.

Flooded with memories of the spicy comics she’d read out of boredom in her past life, trapped in an underground mall…

“Alright.” Ruan Zhi said, too embarrassed to keep showing her and covering up again after just a few seconds. But when she looked up at Gu Qingci, she was startled once more.

Gu Qingci’s face was flushed—and worse, her nose was bleeding again.

Ruan Zhi pushed aside her own embarrassment and quickly grabbed a handkerchief, pressing it to Gu Qingci’s nose before the bl00d could drip down.

“Why is it bleeding again?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“…” Gu Qingci covered her nose, dying of humiliation all over again.

Am I insane?

Back in my past life, reading those explicit comics didn’t affect me like this.

Why am I so worked up now?

Gu Qingci hurried off to wash up and deal with it.

At this rate, she really might develop anemia.

“Alright, it’s fine now.” Gu Qingci said upon returning, forcing a casual tone.

“Although there’s no physician at the estate, there is someone knowledgeable in medicine. I’ll have Lian Rui call her over to examine you. A second check is necessary.” Ruan Zhi said, having already given the order.

“…No need, really, I’m fine!” Gu Qingci protested.

“Better safe than sorry.” Ruan Zhi insisted firmly this time.

“…” Gu Qingci didn’t know how to explain it to Ruan Zhi.

The woman versed in medicine arrived quickly, and Gu Qingci went to the outer room to let her examine her.

“Don’t worry, my lord. This is caused by excessive heat, an imbalance of yin and yang, which often occurs during the restless phase of the Red Crow. It’s nothing serious. You can drink some heat-clearing and detoxifying medicine to alleviate it, and a beauty’s pheromones can also help restore balance.” the woman said, diagnosing it accurately as excessive internal heat—just as Gu Qingci had suspected.

Gu Qingci thanked the woman and sent her away.

When Gu Qingci returned, Ruan Zhi had already released her pheromones in the room.

The faintly bitter tea fragrance could dispel summer heat and soothe irritation.

Yet it stirred another kind of restlessness.

“If marking me would help, then mark me.” Ruan Zhi said as Gu Qingci sat beside her.

She had overheard the woman’s words.

Gu Qingci had been feeling somewhat dejected, worried that Ruan Zhi would think her disrespectful for being “overheated” due to her restless phase. But then she heard Ruan Zhi’s offer.

Ruan Zhi was actively offering herself to be marked, to help “cool her down.”

How could her sugar mommy be so good to her?!

“Madam, you’re the best…” Gu Qingci murmured, pulling Ruan Zhi into an embrace.

Instead of biting her gland directly, Gu Qingci first kissed Ruan Zhi—softly, lingeringly, with tender affection.

When she finally marked her, she took her time, drawing out the moment with patience.

Holding her sweet, soft wife, even after marking her, Gu Qingci still felt unsatisfied.

The animated bunny.

And those beautiful, long legs…

The more she saw, the more her appetite grew beyond just this.

Ugh, she was so insatiable.

Through the fabric.

Tentative touches.

She couldn’t control her strength—kneading them out of shape.

Ruan Zhi’s body stiffened, but after a while, she melted into a puddle under the relentless teasing.

The weather in April had grown much warmer, and soon both of them were glistening with sweat.

Ruan Zhi leaned weakly against the pillow, watching as Gu Qingci showed no signs of stopping. She grabbed her wrist.

Ruan Zhi felt as though there was an invisible line ahead—if crossed, something uncontrollable and unpredictable might happen.

The unknown always brings unease.

“Stop fooling around…” Ruan Zhi murmured, her eyes shimmering, her voice soft and sweet. Though her tone carried a hint of reproach, there was no real anger in it.

Gu Qingci knew she had already pushed things a bit too far and didn’t press further. Instead, she leaned in to kiss Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi, now saturated with pheromones, carried a faint fragrance even on her skin.

Dazed by the kisses, Ruan Zhi grew drowsy.

Without disturbing the maids, Gu Qingci fetched water to the washroom and carried Ruan Zhi in for a bath.

Ruan Zhi refused Gu Qingci’s help with washing, and Gu Qingci, too, feared she might lose herself to the heat again.

Once Ruan Zhi was done, Gu Qingci carried her back to bed, changed the sheets, and tucked her in to sleep before returning to the washroom to clean up.

By the time Gu Qingci returned, Ruan Zhi was still awake, lying there with a distant gaze, lost in thought.

Gu Qingci climbed into bed and pulled her into an embrace.

Neither spoke, but they could sense each other’s relaxation and quiet joy.

With a faint smile, Gu Qingci soon drifted off to sleep, and not long after, Ruan Zhi followed.

The worries of the past few days dissipated with what had happened today, leaving her feeling lighter. Her tightly wound nerves finally loosened, granting her a rare, deep slumber.

By morning, she awoke refreshed and full of energy.

Originally, Gu Qingci had planned to take Ruan Zhi horseback riding, but her injury meant they had to wait until the chest bindings and riding attire were ready.

The next day, while Ruan Zhi was busy, Gu Qingci sought out the craftsman and asked him to forge parts for a crossbow—starting with a simple model first, with plans to upgrade it later.

When Ruan Zhi had free time, Gu Qingci took her to the river to catch fish and even found a small bow for her to practice archery.

The remaining days passed in ease and delight.

Gu Qingci felt that this was exactly the kind of life she wanted—comfortable and leisurely.

She almost didn’t want to go to the capital.

But alas, she had passed the “civil service exam” and skipping work wasn’t an option.

On the final day, no matter how reluctant she was, it was time to pack up and set off.