The Scumbag Alpha is Courting Death Again - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Doughnut – Slighting and Matchmaking, Both at Once; Record Checkable…

Ming Xi practically fled in embarrassment under Song Yu’s astonished gaze.

Returning to the ballroom, it was the first time she found the noisy, extravagant setting so comforting.

After chugging a glass of juice to calm herself, only three words remained in her mind.

I’m doomed.

She actually walked out of the same restroom stall as Xia Jinzhao right in front of Song Yu. And the ambiguous atmosphere left by those people afterward… it was hard not to overthink it!

Oh dear! Actually, I was just scared to go to the restroom alone, so Xia Jinzhao and I held hands and shared a toilet, ha-ha-ha!

No, if I use that reason, Song Yu will think I’m crazy.

Ming Xi supported herself by the table in frustration, her long hair hiding her gloomy expression, creating a vacuum from the surrounding laughter.

In a daze, her peripheral vision caught the figure walking towards her.

Xia Jinzhao picked up a glass of champagne, the swirling golden liquid filling her fingers with a small patch of light. Noticing the intense stare, she seemed amused, as if nothing had happened.

“Why are you looking at me with such hatred?”

Her face was etched with a look of enjoying the show, seemingly in a good mood.

Ming Xi felt like retreating, cautiously asking, “Um, what did you say to Goddess Song?”

“Goddess Song?” Hearing this address, Xia Jinzhao paused slightly, a flicker of dark mockery in her eyes.

She leaned in, inadvertently closing the distance between them, almost touching Ming Xi’s ear.

“Do you really want to hear?”

Her breath was too hot. Ming Xi felt like a ripe fruit, all her rich, moist juice instantly evaporated.

Just talk, why get so close!

“Uh… ah,” she pretended to be calm, her curiosity leading her on.

Seeing this, Xia Jinzhao looked over her shoulder toward Song Yu, who was chatting over drinks not far away.

“She said.”

“That our affection is enviable.”

She deliberately emphasized the last two words, dripping with sarcasm. As she lowered her eyes, she didn’t forget to observe the expression on Ming Xi’s face.

This sentence was like a ringing alarm in Ming Xi’s ears.

Song Yu really misunderstood!

She absolutely, one million percent did not want to be a stumbling block in their path of love, but the identity of “wife” was too awkward.

To completely break contact with Xia Jinzhao meant giving up the chance for redemption, and she might get the shiny silver handcuffs one day.

Getting too close to Xia Jinzhao wasn’t good either. If Song Yu misunderstood, how could her CP relationship progress!

Weighing the two options, Ming Xi’s inner balance finally tipped.

Especially since Song Yu and Xia Jinzhao hadn’t exchanged eye contact since they arrived.

My cherished CP is in danger!

No, I must create an opportunity for the two to rapidly heat up their relationship.

Just as Ming Xi made up her mind, the lights in the hall suddenly dimmed.

A few seconds later, a bright beam of light shone onto the center stage. A girl with bright, almond-shaped eyes, holding the front hem of her grand gown, walked onto the stage.

Ming Xi heard the whispers around her.

“The youngest girl of the Xia family, I believe. She’s turned out quite pretty.”

“It’s her coming-of-age ceremony today. I wonder which family she’ll be married into?”

“At the very least, it won’t be worse than Xia Jinzhao’s choice.”

There were many comments, and those nearby all fell into Ming Xi’s ears.

Sorry for being so useless.

She pouted, sneaking a look at Xia Jinzhao’s expression. After all, her incompetence also made her wife a laughingstock.

Perhaps having heard similar comments for three years, Xia Jinzhao was expressionless, quietly accepting the pity or regretful glances cast upon her from afar.

In the dim light, she noticed Ming Xi’s eyes, bright like reflective obsidian.

“Don’t look at me.”

The woman raised her hand and turned the back of Ming Xi’s neck, her cool fingertips inadvertently brushing the scent gland.

“Look at her.”

Her voice was slow and steady. In the environment that dulled the senses, it inexplicably created an illusion of gentleness and indulgence.

Ming Xi obediently corrected her gaze, staring at Xia Shurui giving her speech on stage, muttering.

“I thought you would take the opportunity to mock me.”

“Oh, then let’s divorce now.”

Xia Jinzhao’s annoying words came from beside her ear.

Ming Xi: …

No one would think you’re mute if you don’t speak!

She huffed angrily, faintly hearing a light chuckle.

Inexplicably, she felt that Xia Jinzhao’s mood wasn’t bad, so she joined in the silly laughter.

After all, they were two people bound together. No matter how much disdain there was, it shouldn’t… be a deep-seated hatred, right?

After the long speech ended, the ballroom lights brightened again.

Xia Shurui lifted the hem of her skirt, cutting the cake surrounded by admirers, and accepting compliments and flattery from relatives and friends.

When she walked up to Ming Xi to offer a toast, her slightly plump, friendly, round face quickly fell.

Could the preferential treatment be any more obvious?

“Shurui, congratulations.” Xia Jinzhao clinked glasses with her, her attitude not overly warm.

“Thank you, Sister.” Xia Shurui replied with a smile.

“Little sister, congratulations on reaching adulthood.” Ming Xi was never one to be overly friendly to a cold shoulder, but since everyone was watching, she had to keep up appearances.

Just as she was about to clink glasses with the other party, the latter subtly retreated.

As a result, Ming Xi’s hand awkwardly hovered in mid-air.

The woman following Xia Shurui spoke in a deep voice: “Shurui.”

She was a woman of few words, lean, and her melancholic temperament made her blend into the crowd, difficult to notice immediately.

Ming Xi remembered her: Xia Ling, Xia Shurui’s biological mother, whom she had seen during dinner at the manor last time.

The scolded Xia Shurui was unmoved, sulking like a hamster hoarding food.

Just as the atmosphere was tense, a clear buzzing sound rang out. Following the sound, a strange woman lowered her glass and timely rescued Ming Xi.

“You guys are so hard to find.” The woman smiled, her raised eyes brimming with a wild, unrestrained charm.

Her skin was dark, and her long dress was slit almost up to her waist, exposing tanned thighs. Her whole person exuded a vigorous, untamed aura.

Hearing the familiar voice, Ming Xi’s mouth twitched.

This world is truly small.

“Ning Lan, I’ve been looking for you for a long time.” Xia Ling frowned, her attitude as indifferent as if she were not her biological daughter.

Xia Ninglan shrugged, helpless: “Just arrived. Was delayed by something on the road.”

Nonsense. She was clearly next door getting intimate with someone, completely oblivious to the world.

The book mentioned Xia Jinzhao’s sisters, but the complex love and hate of wealthy families were too much. Ming Xi just wanted to read the sweet romance, so she skipped those parts.

It’s all because of my darn CP-shipping brain that I can’t recognize anyone now!

She stood frozen. When she met eyes with Xia Ninglan, the latter leaned in.

“Sister-in-law, long time no see.”

Just as Ming Xi was about to greet her, Xia Jinzhao raised her hand, separating the two.

“It hasn’t been long.” She said meaningfully, her clear eyes filled with an intimidating coldness.

Hearing this, Xia Ninglan was stunned, then covered her mouth and laughed heartily.

“You’re right, it hasn’t been long. We ran into each other in the restroom.”

Ming Xi: …?

So, when Xia Ninglan and the other person were doing that just now, she knew I was listening next door?

I seem to have forgotten what morals are.

The small group gathered there was very conspicuous, and there were many influential figures nearby who wanted to approach and network.

“Settle down when you return. Don’t mix with those messy people.” A stern, authoritative voice cut in. Xia Xuefeng, looking hale and hearty, walked among them.

Her slightly sunken cheeks gave her a sharp look, but when she looked at Xia Jinzhao and Ming Xi, her face was full of kindness.

“Shurui, apologize to Xi Xi.” She had seen what happened just now, so she instructed Xia Shurui.

As the star of the night, Xia Shurui was inevitably arrogant. Being publicly reprimanded by an elder, with the surrounding whispers falling into her ears, made her embarrassed.

“I won’t!”

Being forced repeatedly, she stubbornly turned her face away, glaring fiercely at Ming Xi. Then, ignoring everyone, she ran out of the ballroom.

The people left behind fell silent, adding an eerie element to the atmosphere.

“Sigh, Shurui is always like this. Xi Xi, don’t take it to heart.” Xia Xuefeng sighed, her attitude showing excessive indulgence.

No wonder Xia Shurui has such a pampered nature.

Forget it, forget it. As the main character, I won’t bother with a background cannon fodder like her.

Ming Xi waved her hand, saying the typical pleasantry: “Shurui is still a child. Why would I argue with her?”

“No wonder I favor Little Darling,” Xia Xuefeng lovingly stroked her head, “She’s sensible.”

The few of them quickly forgot the brief interruption and began to chat again. The conversations were mostly about their current situations and business, and the unintelligible jargon made Ming Xi lose interest.

She stood obediently beside Xia Jinzhao like a boneless dodder, taking her role as arm-candy to heart.

While staring blankly at her toes, she felt a burning gaze overhead. She looked up, meeting Xia Ninglan’s eyes.

Perhaps due to both being Alphas, there was always a subtle repulsion between them. The other party’s gaze was like a dog’s rough tongue licking her, causing a prickly sensation.

Ming Xi shivered. Her instinct told her that the woman opposite her was dangerous.

“What’s wrong?” Xia Jinzhao noticed her unease and leaned in to whisper.

Keeping up appearances in public has its benefits. The understanding female lead is saving my life!

So, Ming Xi tiptoed, leaning close to her ear: “I’m a bit bored. I want to go for a walk.”

“Don’t go too far. I’ll come find you later.”

The warm instruction made Ming Xi’s heart melt into a soft filling, slowly seeping out from the inside.

Granted permission, she briefly bid farewell to the Xia family members and ran out as cheerfully as a rabbit.

Having stayed too long in the stuffy ballroom, she suddenly breathed in the fresh air, and the oxygen-deprived flush on her cheeks receded.

She wasn’t familiar with the area. Keeping Xia Jinzhao’s words in mind, she simply walked to the end of the corridor.

The pool shimmered, the clear, bright blue like shattered ice, reflecting the brightness of the shore. It turned out to be the hotel’s pool.

There weren’t many people here, also trying to steal a moment of relaxation like Ming Xi. They gathered in small groups, chatting softly.

Song Yu was talking to someone in the distance, unaware of her arrival.

Just as Ming Xi was about to step into the area, her sharp gaze focused on Xia Shurui across the pool.

The other party’s face was scrunched up, surrounded by a few close friends.

It only takes common sense to know that I am the subject of their conversation, and by the time it circulates through Xia Shurui’s mouth, I must have become a venomous fox spirit.

Ming Xi most wanted to avoid this person, not out of fear, but because causing trouble was annoying.

She turned to leave, but Xia Shurui’s eyes were as sharp as a wolf cub’s. She squinted at Ming Xi on the opposite bank and shouted loudly.

“Stop right there!”

Funny. You tell me to stop, and I just stop?

Ming Xi scoffed internally. When she looked up, a few of Xia Shurui’s hangers-on had already blocked her way.

“I’m talking to you. Didn’t you hear me?” Xia Shurui scrutinized her, speaking rudely.

In the ballroom just now, if it weren’t for Ming Xi, Grandma wouldn’t have scolded her.

“I heard you,” Ming Xi replied lazily.

“What’s with your attitude?” Already irritated, Xia Shurui was like a lit firecracker. “Are you taking advantage of Grandma’s affection, so you have no shame being a part of the Xia family? This false pretense is sickening!”

Say that again and I’ll vomit on your face.

Ming Xi pouted.

The Xia Shurui in the book was simple-minded. If she were exploited by someone with malicious intent, she would be a character who was both stupid and nasty.

Fortunately, she was Song Yu’s staunch fan, so obsessed with her that she would gladly hand over the entire Xia family.

Ming Xi didn’t want to get tangled up with her: “It’s your coming-of-age ceremony today. I won’t hold it against you.”

This dismissive attitude completely enraged Xia Shurui. Seeing that the Xia family members were all inside the hall, she became more reckless, calling out by name.

“Ming Xi!”

“If you’re just looking for trouble, I don’t have time to argue. Excuse me.”

Ming Xi’s patience was almost completely worn out. She took a deep breath. Just as she moved past Xia Shurui’s shoulder, her wrist was suddenly grabbed.

The force clung to her wrist bone, making her grimace in pain. Her sleeve was half-torn, and Xia Shurui’s arrogance echoed in her ear.

“This is what you get for competing with Sister Song Yu! I’m settling all the old and new scores today!”

People in the distance heard the commotion and looked over. At this moment, Xia Shurui didn’t care about appearances, raising her hand to slap her!

Just then, a clear, sweet-bitter scent wafted around her nostrils. Ming Xi slightly opened her eyes, seeing Xia Jinzhao appear out of nowhere, restraining Xia Shurui’s attacking hand.

I knew it.

This kind of cliché plot happening to her was not surprising at all.

“That’s enough,” Xia Jinzhao said sternly.

Remembering how Xia Jinzhao used to ignore Ming Xi, and now repeatedly stood up to her because of her, all of Xia Shurui’s grievances turned into hatred for Ming Xi.

“Sister!” She was so anxious her features were pinched. “Don’t stop me!”

“Mind the occasion.” Seeing that Xia Shurui didn’t know when to back down, Xia Jinzhao’s attitude became increasingly firm.

Ming Xi, never one to miss a good show, instantly straightened her back now that her support had arrived. She hid behind the woman, feigning a gentle voice to dissuade her.

“Yes, little sister, don’t hurt yourself~”

This smug, villainous expression was too rampant. Xia Shurui’s suppressed anger instantly flared up.

Using unknown brute strength, she broke free from Xia Jinzhao and reached out to grab Ming Xi’s face.

Ming Xi quickly dodged. Before she could gloat, a loud “plop” suddenly sounded behind her. The splashing water hit her ankles, bringing a cold shiver.

Immediately after, a flurry of panicked shouts filled the air, followed by: “Someone fell into the water!”

Fell into the water?!

She violently turned her head and found that Xia Jinzhao, due to the force just now, had fallen straight into the water!

At this moment, the woman’s hair was soaked, and her long dress bloomed like a beautiful flower underwater. She was choking, coughing uncontrollably. Water flooded her windpipe, and the feeling of suffocation deprived her of her remaining sanity.

Xia Shurui was horrified by the sudden change, her face pale. She retreated repeatedly, her teeth chattering: “It’s not my fault… I didn’t mean to!”

“What are you standing there for! Hurry up and call for help!” Ming Xi was the first to regain her composure, yelling at her.

Xia Shurui snapped out of it, nodding repeatedly, not caring about her appearance anymore, and sprinting towards the ballroom.

Yes, one of the bugs in this book is that Xia Jinzhao cannot swim!

Come on, she’s a rich heiress. She should be proficient in all eighteen martial arts, of course.

No! Too many things to complain about. Saving her is more important!

Ming Xi knelt at the edge of the pool, reaching out to Xia Jinzhao: “Xia Jinzhao! Grab on!”

The pool was over two meters deep. Given Xia Jinzhao’s height, it was still difficult. Ming Xi was momentarily overcome with worry and subconsciously reached out her forearm.

The commotion quickly attracted many onlookers. Many offered suggestions. After all, on the Xia family’s turf, anyone who only watched the show would probably no longer be welcome in this circle.

When a familiar voice reached Ming Xi’s ear, she turned. Song Yu’s profile appeared before her eyes.

Wait, Song Yu was good at swimming in the original book…

Thinking of Song Yu’s many misunderstandings about her and Xia Jinzhao tonight, this was the perfect opportunity to heat up their relationship!

Many wrinkles formed on her smooth brain. She slapped her butt, coming up with a terrible idea!

Thinking about what she was about to do, Ming Xi guiltily looked away.

Xia Jinzhao floated and sank with the water. She only felt her limbs weak and useless. Water entered her eyes, making them sting. The shouts around her sounded distant.

In a haze, she saw Ming Xi reaching out to her. Just as she was about to grab on, the other party suddenly retracted her hand.

Xia Jinzhao: ?

On the shore, Ming Xi glanced furtively at Song Yu, urging her desperately: “Aren’t you good at swimming? Hurry up and jump in!”

“How do you know I can swim?” Song Yu looked surprised, but the situation was urgent. Before she could finish, Ming Xi anxiously interrupted.

“Don’t worry about that, just save her! Are you going to just watch Xia Jinzhao drown!”

“But—”

Ming Xi was frustrated at her lack of decisive action. She looked behind Song Yu and shouted, “Grandma Xia!”

Hearing this, Song Yu subconsciously turned around. Just at that moment, she was suddenly kicked hard in the waist.

Go!

A huge splash of water hit her face, blurring Ming Xi’s vision. She finally revealed a relieved smile.

At the same time, Xia Jinzhao surfaced, water droplets clinging to her hair. Her lungs had just filled with fresh air when a shadow suddenly appeared before her.

She watched helplessly as Song Yu was kicked and pressed her back underwater.

Xia Jinzhao: …

Ming Xi, you wait and see.