The Scumbag Alpha is Courting Death Again - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Toffee: It’s Been a Long Time Since I Saw Miss Smile So Happily…

The night fell gently. S City was lit up with festive lights, the neon signs forming a mountain range lying along the coast, illuminating the surging evening tide. Song Yu held the passenger door, thoughtfully shielding the roof to prevent the person getting out from hitting their head. Her fair, slender hands were veined, a pampered appearance that was incongruous with her past.

“I’m really sorry to bother you so late,” she said helplessly.

“We’re all friends, no need to be so polite.” Xia Jinzhao smoothed the wrinkles in her dress, her gaze passing through the fence gaps toward the brightly lit window. It was Saturday, and she had specifically sent a message at noon. Ming Xi must be waiting at home. The light gathered, adding a warm tone to her eyes and dispelling the coldness around her.

Noticing Xia Jinzhao’s moment of distraction, Song Yu lowered her eyes: “Did Cheng’an say something in front of you? I know she meant well, and I don’t blame her.” With that, she stepped up and pushed open the door a step ahead of Xia Jinzhao.

The soft, warm light enveloped the table. Candlelight flickered, accompanied by the lingering scent of aromatherapy. Fresh, long-stemmed red roses stood upright in a narrow-necked vase, their edges speckled with water droplets. The atmosphere was conducive to romance in the dim environment.

Xia Jinzhao: … She froze, resisting the urge to shut the door on Song Yu.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Ming Xi rushed out of the kitchen in surprise: “You’re here?” However, meeting the woman’s serious expression, the lively scene instantly fell into a cold silence, and a sense of unease crept up her back.

“You did this?” Xia Jinzhao slightly raised her chin.

“Well… when guests come, we should treat them well,” Ming Xi wiped her hands awkwardly on her apron, pretending to have no ulterior motive. It’s come to this. I just have to go through with it. A small sacrifice is worth it for the greater good!

Hearing this, Xia Jinzhao lightly scoffed. It was the belated Song Yu who cleared her throat awkwardly upon seeing the overly romantic setting in the living room. “Miss Ming, you went to great trouble.”

The comment implicitly offered an escape. Ming Xi breathed a sigh of relief, looking hopefully at Xia Jinzhao, like a child waiting for a parent’s permission.

“Why are you looking at me?” As she spoke, Xia Jinzhao had already pulled out a chair and sat down indifferently. “Since dinner is ready, let’s eat first.”

Song Yu strolled around, observing. A home is a private space, and one can glimpse the owner’s personality from the décor. As a first-time visitor, she was naturally curious. “That coffee table style is very unique. Did you have a designer custom-make it?” She walked over and sat across from Xia Jinzhao.

“Yes, introduced by a friend in the industry.”

“The vase color is also beautifully fired. Jinzhao, you have excellent taste.” Song Yu glanced at the narrow-necked vase on the table, her attention drawn to it. The sky-blue color melted into the warm light, like the faint light of dawn. Paired with the vibrant red of the roses, the contrasting colors formed a delicate harmony.

“Thank you,” Xia Jinzhao nodded.

The question-and-answer format of the conversation quickly died down. Ming Xi, standing nearby, dared not speak, her hands folded in front of her abdomen, feeling like the household help. She had gone to great lengths to arrange this candlelight dinner—buying candles and aromatherapy, and cooking. She wasn’t skilled at cooking, relying entirely on the rarity and freshness of the ingredients. But watching the awkward interaction between the two, she felt like she was shooting herself in the foot. Meeting Xia Jinzhao’s half-smile, her heart sank.

“Come and sit.” The other party pulled out the chair beside her and patted the seat.

Isn’t a trio a bit crowded for romance? Ming Xi twisted her apron, feeling the situation slipping out of control. Logically, shouldn’t the two of them be blushing at the scene, allowing her to slip away with an excuse and create alone time?

“Xi Xi.”

“Here!” Ming Xi was snapped back to attention by the call and quickly scampered over.

“I remember you don’t like to cook,” Xia Jinzhao forked a small piece of sirloin steak.

“Ah, I prepared it specifically for Sister Song Yu. How does it taste?” Ming Xi felt stung by the way the other party was scrutinizing the food. Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned. No matter how bad my cooking is, it’s better than a rich lady who never lifts a finger.

Song Yu graciously put a piece in her mouth. Honestly, she was sick of Western food from all the business engagements. Ming Xi’s skills were average, but she gave credit where it was due. “It’s tender, delicious.”

“It’s passable.”

They spoke simultaneously, and the surroundings fell silent. Song Yu gave an awkward laugh. “If Miss Ming can really rival a chef, Jinzhao, you’d be blessed.”

Xia Jinzhao didn’t respond. Ming Xi, afraid of an awkward silence, quickly interjected. “She usually pays attention to her diet when filming. I can’t watch her all the time. She needs someone nearby to take care of her.” She gave Song Yu a meaningful look, the implication clear.

“Cheng’an and I help when we can. And if not, there’s Little Zhou, she’s efficient,” Song Yu replied.

As a result, the two of them started chatting at the table. Xia Jinzhao kept her eyes lowered throughout, her stillness discordant with their lively exchange. She vaguely recalled Ming Xi during her live streams, seemingly able to chat happily with anyone, yet when facing her, she was like a mouse seeing a cat, unable to speak smoothly. Good personality, stunning looks, outstanding ability… Ming Xi’s praise for Song Yu repeatedly surfaced in her mind. Even when mentioning the latter’s name, there was a unique sparkle in her eyes.

The fork scraped the porcelain glaze, the grating sound instantly killing the warm atmosphere. “Are you going to eat or not?” Xia Jinzhao said coldly.

Song Yu shrugged helplessly and looked at Ming Xi, who immediately quieted down sheepishly.

“Try this. I made the sauce myself,” Ming Xi busily offered a cold dish, then realized she wasn’t using serving utensils and awkwardly held her hand suspended in mid-air.

“Jinzhao, you’ve lost weight recently.” Song Yu intentionally changed the subject, expressing concern. However, in front of the legal wife, the remark sounded suspiciously affectionate.

“No need for Miss Song to worry. I can take care of myself.” Xia Jinzhao’s forced smile did not mask her lack of tranquility. She looked at Ming Xi, hoping the other person would say something.

Under the intense scrutiny, Ming Xi buried her head like a quail. She focused on her eyes and heart, desperately wanting the two to be flirtatious, so she gazed at the tabletop patterns, playing deaf and dumb. However, an undercurrent surged beneath the table.

When a warm calf pressed against hers, Ming Xi startled, nearly jumping out of her seat. She gasped, widening her eyes to meet Xia Jinzhao’s amused gaze. How can this person be so reckless!

Ming Xi signaled frantically with her eyes. The latter softly asked, “Xi Xi, why aren’t you speaking?” What should she say! Why does the air feel like it’s full of gunpowder?

After a long silence, she glanced at Song Yu and brought out a classic line from the cannon fodder in CEO romance novels. “It’s been a long time since I saw Jinzhao smile this happily.”

Xia Jinzhao: … I’m not smiling.