The Scumbag Alpha is Courting Death Again - Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Brown Sugar Pearl Sundae: You’re So Easily Satisfied

Ming Xi stared blankly, almost laughing out loud at Xia Jinzhao’s shamelessness. Since they were outside, it wasn’t appropriate to openly show her displeasure, so she quietly swallowed her anger. She let Xia Jinzhao rub and knead her, feeling that the other person was intentionally messing up her hair like a tangled mess.

Another wave of damp air rolled in over the tiled floor at the entrance. Someone walked in, saw the scene, and teased.

“Sister and Sister-in-law’s relationship is truly good. I’m envious.”

Xia Ninglan draped her suit jacket over her arm, letting the rainwater drip from the hem. A few strands of wet hair clung to her cheek, adding a hint of gloom to her naturally flirtatious and sharp demeanor.

Hearing the familiar tone, Ming Xi froze and subconsciously looked behind her, but the girl in the wheelchair was not there. Guessing her thoughts, Xia Ninglan placed her index finger on her lips, making a shushing gesture.

Ming Xi ultimately didn’t ask anything, but Xia Jinzhao seemed to notice, her gaze lingering between the two. She spoke plainly.

“Did you two just meet?”

Her perception was too sharp. Knowing she couldn’t hide it, Ming Xi honestly admitted: “I got lost in the garden, and Ninglan brought me back.”

“Ninglan,” Xia Jinzhao repeated, raising an eyebrow at the change in address. “I remember your relationship with Second Sister is generally mediocre.”

…I can’t possibly call her Little Sister! Xia Ninglan is older than me! Currently, Ming Xi was most afraid of hearing comparisons to the original owner and didn’t want to expose herself.

The other person involved, never one to let go of a drama, only intervened when the atmosphere was at a deadlock. “Where’s Grandma?”

“She went upstairs to rest. Her headache due to the cloudy weather acted up again,” Xia Jinzhao replied.

Xia Ninglan nodded, holding the door ajar: “Mom and Xia Shurui are at the cemetery. Shall I give you and Sister-in-law a ride?” She looked at Ming Xi. This glance caught the scar on the latter’s left cheek. A look of surprise flashed in her eyes, but knowing the relationship between the two was lukewarm, asking more would only invite mockery.

“Thank you.” Xia Jinzhao didn’t stand on ceremony. Seeing the person leading the way, she took Ming Xi’s hand, the action familiar and natural. The cool fingertips, coupled with the dampness of the rain, caused a chilling tingling sensation when they touched her skin. Ming Xi’s ears felt hot. She wiggled a couple of times but found she couldn’t pull away. In her memory, Xia Jinzhao’s hands were always cold, just like her aloof personality—difficult to approach like a lone snow-capped mountain, her body temperature unable to provide comfort.

She really is a paper person, unable to escape the author’s setting. A sense of melancholy arose in Ming Xi’s heart, thinking of the book’s description.

Just then, Xia Jinzhao, who was taking a long-handled umbrella from the stand, suddenly felt her hand being squeezed. A warm, moist palm covered hers, transferring warmth. She lifted her long eyelashes, meeting Ming Xi’s eyes.

A complex emotion emerged, and she whispered a reminder: “There’s no one here.”

“I know.” Ming Xi nodded solemnly. Sigh, although Xia Jinzhao has a sharp tongue and is not fond of her, she has never lacked anything material. Since that’s the case, Limited Edition Xi will reluctantly give her some warmth.

“Your hand is too cold. I’ll warm it for you.” With that, Ming Xi put both of her hands on top of Xia Jinzhao’s. Seeing her composed look, it was as if she genuinely had no ulterior motives.

Xia Jinzhao pursed her lips. Taking advantage of Xia Ninglan walking ahead, she frowned in confusion: “What are you trying to do now?” She was prepared for Ming Xi to cause another problem, perhaps running up a high loan or offending some formidable figure.

Hearing this, Ming Xi glared, pulling her hands back: “I was just simply warming your hands! Are you unhappy about it?”

“Flattery offered without reason.”

“Can’t I just be unconditionally nice to you?”

“Mind your words.” Xia Jinzhao curled her empty palm.

My kindness is being taken for granted! It’s rare that my conscience is stirring! Besides, taking a step back, she was the one who first touched my hand and took advantage of me, wasn’t she?

Ming Xi sulked. She intended to keep a distance from Xia Jinzhao, but since they were sharing an umbrella, she held her breath until they got into the car.

Sensing the subtle atmosphere between the two, Xia Ninglan gripped the steering wheel and glanced at the rearview mirror. “You were just as sweet as honey. Did you two have a fight?”

“When were we as sweet as honey?” Ming Xi hugged her arms and mumbled, leaning against the car window.

The fine rain slanted against the window, the view outside a gray haze. Xia Ninglan rolled up the window and laughed softly: “Sister-in-law is much more talkative than before.”

At that remark, Ming Xi broke out in a cold sweat. Just as she was about to explain, Xia Jinzhao, who had her eyes closed, spoke.

“You don’t know her well enough.”

“True, I’ve barely met her a few times,” Xia Ninglan agreed, then added, “Not only me, but I also rarely get together with you.”

“We should make time.”

“Sister is a busy person. I’m afraid you won’t have time for us.”

There was a hint of sarcasm in that sentence. The more Ming Xi listened, the more something felt wrong. She subconsciously looked at Xia Jinzhao’s expression. The woman’s side profile was hidden in the back-lit shadow, making it impossible to discern her emotions. Her hands were folded on her lap. Feeling the intense gaze, she looked over.

The car was silent and awkward. Xia Ninglan lost interest in talking and focused on driving. Ming Xi had previously thought that the other party, despite her seemingly flighty demeanor, was at least thorough in her interpersonal conduct. Now it seemed she was simply willful. Oh wait, in the garden earlier, Xia Ninglan quietly followed behind the girl in the wheelchair, behaving like a completely different person.

It seems the complicated family history has more to it than meets the eye. This is difficult.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Ming Xi thought it was a work message. Seeing the familiar contact note pop up in the notification bar, she couldn’t help but feel speechless.

“Looking at me?”

“Is this distance really necessary?”

Just say what you mean, okay? Don’t make it seem like a secret affair.

After grumbling, Ming Xi quickly typed on the screen.

“Did Xia Ninglan bully you? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Mhm, I was bullied.”

“Do you want me to stand up for you?”

“No, your circle is a mess.”

She wasn’t going to get involved. A minor boss like Xia Ninglan could crush her more easily than an ant. Besides, Xia Jinzhao was Grandma Xia’s most cherished junior. Ming Xi didn’t believe she would be bullied without fighting back. What do you do when a child is wronged? Most likely, they’re faking it. Just ignore it.

Xia Jinzhao received the message with a slight delay. At that moment, she was looking out the window. The rain had stopped at some point. The mountain road was muddy. As they drove past potholes, muddy water splashed up, filling the air with the smell of earth. Her phone vibrated. She lowered her eyes, looking at the newly popped message, and let out a light laugh.

Perhaps influenced by the weather, her gloomy mood had been accumulating, burying itself in her stagnant chest. Now, it was like the clouds parting to reveal the sun. She was inexplicably placated.

She is truly easily satisfied.