The Scumbag Alpha is Courting Death Again - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Finger Puff – My Wife Gave Me Red Bills

So boring.

Ming Xi stared at the ceiling lamp, sprawled out on the large hotel bed, and let out a long sigh.

Since flying to this city, bad luck had clung to her. Not only did her confrontation with Shi Dezao attract paparazzi, but she was also unjustly saddled with countless false accusations by the female lead.

Damn it, I’m not a turtle running around with a shell on my head!

The suspicion from last night still echoed in her ears. Ming Xi glumly flipped over, unlocked her phone, and logged into Weibo.

No wonder unscrupulous media make quick money. The twisted, slanderous article was trending, and comments were still brewing. Many people had already identified one of the parties involved as the popular movie star, Xia Jinzhao.

It seems I’ve caused her considerable trouble this time.

Maybe Xia Jinzhao was softening her up (literally, the term can imply house arrest) and was already sharpening her knife on the way here.

My life is in danger!

Ming Xi shuddered and refreshed the interface again. The long article had been set to private.

Deleted?

Not only the main post, but even the bustling discussions underneath were gone. The world was rarely this quiet.

After a moment of thought, she roughly understood. With Xia Jinzhao’s public relations team, they would definitely not allow such baseless rumors to circulate. She just hadn’t expected the efficiency to be this quick.

However, she had clearly underestimated the public’s appetite for gossip. When a highly discussed thread collapses, there will always be people who love drama enough to rebuild one.

Just as Ming Xi rolled up her sleeves, preparing for a three-hundred-round verbal battle with the troublemakers, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

At this hour, she couldn’t think of anyone else besides Xia Jinzhao’s assistant.

Quickly tidying her appearance, Ming Xi shuffled over in her slippers: “Coming, coming! Don’t rush!”

The moment she opened the door, a chilling, bitter scent slipped through the gap, and Xia Jinzhao’s exceptional face came into view.

Four eyes met, creating an unusual spark in the air. Immediately after, Ming Xi expressionlessly closed the door, pretending she saw nothing, and walked back to the bed.

A few seconds later, the door lock sensor beeped, and the woman, holding a room card, easily stepped into the room.

Ming Xi: …I’m calling the police!

Slow footsteps fell on the tiles, tormenting Ming Xi’s startled heart. Especially knowing that the person sharing the room with her was Xia Jinzhao, she wished she could find a crack in the floor to hide in.

We just argued yesterday. What’s the reason for meeting today? It’s so awkward, I might as well just pass out…

A small patch of light fell on the creases of the bedding. The cotton blanket was fluffy and warm from the sun until it was covered by a shadow.

Xia Jinzhao stood by the edge of the bed, her long lashes casting a silhouette under her eyes. Tiny dust motes passed her vision, and she uncomfortably blinked.

Ming Xi had her back to her, apparently still angry about last night.

Knowing she was in the wrong, she restrained her sarcasm. Just as she was about to raise her hand, the other party swiftly tucked the hem of her shirt, which was draped behind her, beneath her body.

…This means she doesn’t even want me to touch her.

Of course, Xia Jinzhao had no such intention. She tossed the SD card hidden in her palm over and said, “The matter is resolved.”

Ming Xi was currently brainstorming how to break the silence when a subtle click sounded near her ear. She looked over; the camera card, the size of a fingernail, landed on the quilt.

Connecting this to the deleted trending post, she couldn’t help but turn around: “You went to see those two paparazzi?”

Xia Jinzhao raised an eyebrow: “So, you’re finally willing to talk to me?”

Is this your way of apologizing? Fine, since you’re the female lead with the golden finger in this book, I’ll endure!

“We’re family, aren’t we? How can there be grudges overnight?” Ming Xi crawled to the other side of the bed, fawning.

It was Xia Jinzhao’s first time encountering someone who changed their mind faster than turning a page. She chuckled, answering Ming Xi’s previous question.

“Yes. All the photos taken on the set are on this card. Most of them were used by Shi Dezao for self-promotion.”

Hearing this, what more did Ming Xi need to understand? Thinking of the purpose of the other party’s visit, every cell in her body was gloating. So, she adopted Xia Jinzhao’s tone.

“Do you know I’m innocent now?”

The female lead is indeed the female lead. Even when being antagonized and subtly mocked by a minor character like her, she remained composed. Though she was here to apologize, she showed no sincerity.

Those calm, clear eyes made Ming Xi uneasy, as if any malicious thought would be seen through.

A wise man submits to circumstances. So, Ming Xi cleared her throat and changed the subject: “Where are those two people now?”

“What are you planning to do?” Seeing her get up and walk towards the door, Xia Jinzhao asked.

Remembering the few hundred dollars the taxi driver had extorted from her, Ming Xi’s heart bled with pain. She gritted her teeth and said.

“I’m going to get my money back.”

For her, who was currently penniless, those three bills were enough for half a month’s food.

“How much?” Xia Jinzhao frowned.

“Three hundred.”

Hearing this, the woman took out her wallet from her inner pocket. The black leather set off her warm white complexion. Her long fingers picked out three brand new, large-denomination cash bills and handed them to Ming Xi.

“There are many paparazzi lurking outside these days. It’s not convenient for you to show your face. Here’s this money for you, consider it as…”

The word “apology” lingered on her tongue, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Xia Jinzhao turned her face away. She was not good at being intimate with people. Instead of warm comfort, she only knew how to use cold, hard cash to silence them.

If she were to offer a sincere apology, she would probably be ridiculed to death.

Especially since the person in front of her was a despicable villain.

Ming Xi, the despicable villain, was completely focused on other things. She stared at Xia Jinzhao’s wallet, marveling inwardly.

Someone actually carries cash everywhere in this day and age. The mediocre author is really trying hard to create a rich character for the female lead.

“Hush money, I get it, I get it.” Ming Xi pulled out the three bills and tucking them into her pocket thoughtfully.

“Oh, right. If you ever want to change your wallet, stop by my live stream—”

As if recalling some unpleasant memory, Xia Jinzhao interrupted coldly: “No need.”

Ming Xi, who never forgot to promote her business, quickly nodded.

That’s right. My merchandise isn’t worthy of the high-end, sophisticated female lead.

Their conversation was brief. Xia Jinzhao glanced at the time, ready to leave, when the person behind her suddenly called out to her.

“When are you, coming back?”

Ming Xi’s face was full of expectation. For some reason, this look resembled an eager puppy waiting for its owner to return home.

The hand resting on the doorknob lingered and did not press down. Xia Jinzhao scrutinized her with interest. Perhaps the clash between her guilt and aversion made Ming Xi look a little less unpleasant than usual.

“You really want me to come back?” she scoffed softly.

“Mhm, mhm!” Ming Xi nodded vigorously.

I really can’t stand another day of this “avoiding the spotlight,” which is practically house arrest!

Even though it hasn’t even been a full day.

As long as she can persuade Xia Jinzhao to let her out, she’ll immediately buy a plane ticket back to S City and never get involved in this mess again!

She was busy plotting in her mind when she saw Xia Jinzhao release the doorknob and walk back to her.

The woman’s long hair was tied up, and her deep-set brows gave the illusion of intense affection when she looked at someone. A smile played on the corner of her lips. She turned her face and pressed her lips extremely close to Ming Xi’s earlobe.

A wave of ambiguous sensation, like fine fluff, tickled her, bringing a rush of heat and blush. Ming Xi’s eyes widened in disbelief, her heart momentarily fluttering.

“In your next life.”

Leaving this heartless remark, Xia Jinzhao left the room without looking back.