Scumbag A's Plan to Save the Heroine - Chapter 5

Zhi Qiu didn’t know how to evaluate Ren Yi.

On one hand, he was worldly and shrewd, capable of deep planning and foresight. Yet he had brazenly crashed a wedding empty-handed to steal the bride. On the other hand, he could also seem like a stubborn, impractical scholar, yet he had outmaneuvered the powerful Yuan and Song families, whisking Yuan Menglu away to a new life abroad.

When Zhi Qiu learned the truth, she felt both anger and relief. She was angry that Ren Yi had initially treated Yuan Menglu as a mere junior, causing her friend years of unrequited love and forcing her to accept an arranged marriage. But she was also relieved that he had proven to be someone she could rely on. Despite the Song Family’s threats to kill him, they ultimately couldn’t touch him as he thrived overseas.

Before her death, Zhi Qiu had managed to achieve a semblance of fulfillment, but perhaps only this pair of wandering lovers had truly found their happy ending.

Ren Yi, noticing Zhi Qiu’s cold, unwavering gaze, scratched his head in confusion. He couldn’t figure out what he had done to offend the Zhi Family’s young mistress. Just as he was about to look away from her intense scrutiny, Zhi Qiu broke the silence.

“I need you to take full credit for saving Ruan Ye today and for Fu Jin Yan’s injuries. You’ll handle Ruan Ye’s side of things, and the Zhi Family will deal with Fu Jin Yan.”

Ren Yi’s eyes narrowed behind his gold-rimmed glasses as he heard Zhi Qiu’s opening gambit, which would force him to take the blame. Adopting a formal tone, he said, “Student Zhi, I’m not a teacher at Noadon. If you want me to help you, you need to give me a reason.”

“You prescribed Fu Jin Yan three times the standard dose of suppressants. The Fu Family will crush your company without hesitation.”

That’s a lie! he thought. I simply misjudged the dosage.

Ren Yi raised an eyebrow. He watched as Zhi Qiu picked up the suppressant and plunged it into her own gland. The cedar-scented pheromone in the air abruptly ceased.

Zhi Qiu exhaled deeply and revealed her trump card: “The Zhi Family is willing to give CODE a chance.”

The smile froze on Ren Yi’s face, no longer genuine.

The Zhi Family reigned supreme in City A, but the high-tech electronics sector was still dominated by the Song Family, followed by the Yuan Family. The Zhi Family ranked only third. Yet for Ren Yi in his current predicament, they were undoubtedly the most cost-effective option. But…

A pie from heaven has not only fallen into my lap but been spoon-fed to me. I can’t believe it.

He didn’t directly refuse. “I don’t know where you got this information. Even though you’re an only child, the company’s power still rests with your father. I can agree to take full responsibility for today’s events, but only if you tell me why you’re helping me.”

Remembering the wedding that never happened in the original novel, Zhi Qiu’s eyes darkened.

She had drowned in the sea. The very next day was supposed to be Ren Yi and Yuan Menglu’s wedding. Given her childhood friend’s personality, it wouldn’t be surprising if he insisted on returning to China for her funeral, let alone holding the wedding as planned. It would be especially tough on Ren Yi, who would have to navigate the combined pressure from the Yuan and Song families upon his return.

Outside the dressing room window, a flock of migratory birds flew past. Zhi Qiu watched them, her mind drifting back to fragments of the past.

Ren Yi was surprised. This young Alpha seemed to be hiding many secrets. An absurd thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Zhi Qiu’s reputation in Noadon was well-known.

“The Zhi Family also intends to further expand into high-tech sectors. Collaborating with CODE is…” Zhi Qiu lied with a steady expression, unaware that the black stud in her left ear was subtly heating up.

Before she could finish her sentence, Zhi Qiu suddenly changed her tone, her voice filled with righteous indignation. “If Yuan Menglu didn’t love you, do you think the Zhi Family would even glance at CODE, a company that’s been developing overseas, far from the reach of the emperor? Even a mighty dragon can’t beat a local snake. You’re such a fool, unable to even manage your own emotions. I can’t believe you managed to build CODE in the first place. If I’d known you were this useless, I would have crushed Yuan Menglu’s feelings for you before they even bloomed. That silly girl gave up money, power, and a good life to follow you, abandoning her home, and you can’t even give her a proper wedding? You worthless piece of trash!”

Ren Yi’s eyes widened in shock, but Zhi Qiu wasn’t finished yet. The Truth System was still helping her spill her true feelings.

“I don’t know what Yuan Menglu saw in you. Why would she throw away her promising future to wander the world with an Alpha who can’t even give her a wedding? Now do you understand why I’m helping you? I refuse to watch her ruin her relationship with her family for your sake!”

Ren Yi’s face darkened, his jaw clenched. “I don’t know where you heard these rumors, but how could I ever be with a girl I’ve watched grow up since she was a child? CODE is none of your concern, Zhi Family.”

With these harsh words, Ren Yi scooped Fu Jin Yan off the floor, slammed the door, and stormed out.

Zhi Qiu covered her mouth.

How did I just blurt out my true feelings?

Realizing the only variable in this situation, Zhi Qiu’s eyes darkened. She flicked the earring out the window.

The earring plummeted from the fifth floor. Just before it hit the ground, it transformed into a bird, soaring vertically back up to the window. It bumped its beak against the glass.

Furious, Zhi Qiu slammed the window shut.

The rejected Truth System: QAQ

In the office:

When Ruan Ye asked about Zhi Qiu, Yuan Menglu sneered, refusing to speak. “Talk? What do we have to talk about? We live in different worlds. Zhi Qiu helped you once—she’s helped countless Omegas. Don’t flatter yourself by thinking her kindness means she likes you.”

In a foul mood, Yuan Menglu instinctively resorted to cold sarcasm.

On any other day, Ruan Ye would have wisely retreated. But just now, she had precisely extracted a crucial piece of information from Yuan Menglu’s brief remark.

So Zhi Qiu has feelings for me?

The thought of the Alpha kneeling on the ground, struggling against her primal instincts, made Ruan Ye’s face burn. The cedarwood scent had created a safe haven for her in the cramped dressing room. Though three Alphas were present, she had only smelled the crisp, clean cedar.

“Why is your face so red? Do you have a fever?” Yuan Menglu asked, her expression puzzled, unaware that her careless words had triggered a seismic shift in the unfolding drama.

“N-no, I’m fine,” Ruan Ye stammered, waving her hand, her face flushed. Bathed in sunlight, free from the shadows beneath the cabinet, she seemed remarkably invigorated, as if she had rediscovered the core purpose of her life.

Just to be safe, Yuan Menglu called Ren Yi, who was already on his way back.