The Scumbag Alpha is Courting Death Again - Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Soufflé: The Mouth Strongest Kings Battle Each Other

The hillside behind the mansion was owned by the Xia family. The cemetery was built halfway up the mountain. Due to the lack of visitors, it seemed lonely and desolate, with scattered tombstones.

Ming Xi offered flowers just as Xia Jinzhao did, then stood by like an outsider. She was merely going through the motions. She had never met this eldest aunt and had no deep feelings for her. Xia Jinzhao and Xia Shurui had a similar attitude.

Xia Shurui crossed her arms, glared at Ming Xi from afar, stomped her foot to shake off the mud from her leather shoes, and showed impatience in her eyes. “Mom, when are we leaving? I don’t want to get rained on anymore,” she complained softly to Xia Ling.

The latter shot her a stern look. Xia Shurui pouted, mumbled twice, and fell silent. Compared to her arrogant behavior at the coming-of-age ceremony, she seemed to have matured a bit.

In contrast, Xia Ninglan knelt on one knee in front of the steps without a word, holding an umbrella in her left hand and resting her right hand on the Eustoma. She heard it was the eldest aunt’s favorite flower when she was alive. The pink and white blooms were vibrant, but when drenched by the rain, the petals wrinkled as if about to wither.

The sound of the rain, like drumming, filled the air. Even though they stood close, the conversation was muffled and distant.

Ming Xi moved next to Xia Jinzhao and asked: “Is Xia Ninglan the eldest aunt’s daughter?”

“She and Xia Shurui are sisters,” Xia Jinzhao turned her face. Her tone was puzzled. “Why are you asking that?”

“I think she’s closer to the eldest aunt. Didn’t you notice?” Ming Xi nudged Xia Jinzhao with her elbow.

Her voice, mixed with the rain, was not concealed. Xia Jinzhao said plainly: “My aunt favors Shurui more.”

Hearing this, Ming Xi looked at the two people not far away. Xia Shurui hid under Xia Ling’s umbrella, her bangs soaked into strands by the rain. The latter reached out to smooth her hair. Xia Ling seemed to be lecturing her on life principles. The originally irritable girl sulked and tugged at Xia Ling’s clothes slightly, and then the other party cracked a smile.

In contrast, Xia Ninglan really didn’t look like Xia Ling’s biological daughter. Ming Xi had seen biased parents before, but she couldn’t help but sigh at the sight of such a situation in the Xia family.

“What about you? Are you the favored one?” she asked.

Immediately after, she wanted to tape her mouth shut. Xia Xuefeng’s attitude almost blatantly poured favor onto Xia Jinzhao. Even outsiders knew the Xia family’s eldest granddaughter was excellent and highly valued.

Sure enough, Xia Jinzhao forced a smile and remained silent.

Fine rain threads hung in the air. Xia Ninglan gently stroked the petals of the Eustoma and spoke in a low, husky voice. “Aunt, the weather is getting cold. Please take care of yourself.” She talked to herself, staring blankly at the words on the tombstone. “Sister-in-law also came to see you. She is not as ignorant as the rumors say.”

“Grandma Xia’s health is worse. She aches all over in the rainy weather.”

After a long time of rambling about domestic life, the woman paused, her voice choked. “A’Ji… the doctor said A’Ji is recovering well. Can you finally stop feeling guilty?” Xia Ninglan took a deep breath, her knees damp as she stood up. She swayed and turned to the others: “It’s getting dark. Let’s all go back.”

“You had so much to talk about with the eldest aunt,” Xia Shurui said, neither warm nor cold.

She might have simply been expressing her thoughts and meant no harm. However, to the ears of those with intent, it was quite different. Xia Ling said meaningfully: “It’s a rare show of filial piety. It’s best not to anger Grandma.”

The atmosphere froze. Xia Ninglan lowered her eyes and said nothing, perhaps not having heard the comment. As for Xia Shurui, the instigator, she finally realized the inappropriateness of her remark and stuck out her tongue at the person opposite, indicating her action was unintentional.

“Does Mom only ever see my flaws?”

In the past, Xia Ninglan would mostly laugh it off when she heard this. But for some reason, today she suddenly argued back. Xia Ling didn’t expect her to talk back and frowned in displeasure: “If you are upright and proper, why would you fear people catching your faults?”

Xia Ninglan scoffed. Her frivolous attitude vanished, replaced by a chilling intensity when she looked at people. Wow, this rich family drama is getting exciting! Seeing the mother and daughter’s stance, they were about to fight! Ming Xi, never one to miss a spectacle, was just short of pulling out a small stool, sitting down, and grabbing some melon seeds for entertainment.

“Exciting?”

“Exciting!” She was mesmerized. Realizing the speaker was Xia Jinzhao, she became slightly more subdued. “It’s definitely not comparable to the acting you do.”

“I never star in melodramas.”

“…”

She originally intended to flatter her, but unfortunately, she missed the mark. Xia Jinzhao snorted, deliberately undermining her.

“Yes, yes, yes,” Ming Xi nodded rapidly, her hands clasped awkwardly in front of her abdomen. “Your roles are all award-winning art films that make your hands soft from holding trophies!”

“Such as?”

“…”

Okay, Ming Xi hadn’t watched them. Compared to a devoted fan, she couldn’t even say how many commercial films or art films Xia Jinzhao had starred in.

“So your praise is so insincere.” Xia Jinzhao smiled faintly, picking up her phone to text someone.

Damn it, this person’s words are never pleasing.

Ming Xi was depressed. She rubbed the arm that had been exposed to the rain, intentionally changing the subject. “Who are you chatting with that’s so exciting?”

“Don’t rush to accuse me. You’re more excited when you chat with other women.”

“I never—”

“Driver,” the woman responded lazily, interrupting the burgeoning argument and nodding behind her. “You don’t think you can shamelessly hitch a ride with Xia Ninglan, do you?”

Following her gaze, the mother and daughter were still in confrontation. Ming Xi didn’t expect that with Xia Ling’s taciturn nature, she would be equally verbose when angry, pouring out all her criticisms onto Xia Ninglan. She shrank her neck and complained quietly: “Is Xia Ninglan Xia Ling’s biological daughter? Even if she hopes for her daughter to be successful, she’s too eager.”

“Xia Shurui is fond of acting spoiled. Even Grandma dotes on her, let alone her biological mother.”

“That’s not necessarily true. If it were me, I would definitely prefer the sensible and obedient Xia Ninglan.” Ming Xi pouted.

Xia Jinzhao smiled: “Naturally, after all, you have a grudge with Shurui.”

Her statement implied that Ming Xi’s “rational” comment was simply due to her dislike of Xia Shurui. Ming Xi was unhappy and grumbled: “What else? Even without that layer of relationship, I wouldn’t be biased.” Speaking of which, Ming Xi spread her hands, pretending to be helpless. Due to her job nature, she handled various clients with ease. She was already an old hand in social etiquette. “I can’t help it. I’m used to being a master of balance!”

Xia Jinzhao snorted and suddenly leaned closer. Instantly, the thin, slanting rain outside the umbrella created a vacuum around the two of them. A bitter, damp smell, like crumpled, soft-edged fallen leaves splashed with water, circled her nostrils. The woman’s eyes were deep, her tone slightly mocking. “You can’t even distinguish between closeness and distance, yet you boast shamelessly. I admire that.”

The other party’s gaze was too scorching, instantly evaporating Ming Xi’s abundant rationality. She cleared her throat, nervously putting up a façade of assertiveness. “I, when did I not distinguish between closeness and distance!” “You can eat whatever you want, but you can’t talk nonsense, okay!”

Xia Jinzhao nodded: “Yes, neglecting your wife to get close to other women.” “A ‘master of balance’ indeed.” She deliberately emphasized the last three words.

She rarely showed intense emotions. The obvious jealousy in this moment felt unreal. The rain mist flew into her eyes, causing a sour sting. Ming Xi blinked, once again feeling the injustice of being wrongly accused. “I’m not fooling around outside,” she raised her hand to swear. There’s a main culprit and a victim. Please don’t come after me!

“You’re not entangled with other women?” Xia Jinzhao curved her lips. “Ming Xi, why don’t I believe you?” Before Ming Xi could prove her innocence, the woman showed her phone. Song Yu’s phone number was clearly displayed on the screen. “Do you dare to say those words of unwavering loyalty to the goddess herself?”

What’s going on? So she’s jealous of me. Ming Xi was instantly relieved and secretly gave both Song Yu and Xia Jinzhao a thumbs-up. They’re on the ball, these two.

The conversation had twisted and turned, suddenly touching on romantic harmony. Seeing that the fuse was about to be lit, she absolutely dared not call Song Yu at this moment and let the two of them have a big fight because of her involvement. “There’s nothing going on! You’re slandering me!”

Understanding the reason, Ming Xi spoke assertively, reaching out to grab the phone. Unexpectedly, her excitement further proved her guilt. Xia Jinzhao’s face darkened. She suppressed the dryness in her throat and tightly held the phone. “Dare to try?”

Ming Xi: ? Wait, wait, wait. Weren’t they just harmoniously watching the drama? How did it escalate into a melodramatic confrontation between a wife and a mistress? If Xia Jinzhao and Song Yu fell out, she would be the eternal sinner!

Ming Xi felt angry enough to bang the table in her heart. Seeing Xia Jinzhao about to dial the number, she quickly used both hands to snatch it. The long umbrella fell to the ground. Rain peppered both their faces, blurring their vision.

The call connected. Ming Xi was a step too slow.

“Jinzhao, what’s wrong?” The sound of a pen scratching was distinct. Song Yu’s tone was very recognizable, gentle and polite, like the unattainable crush from the glorious summer of adolescence.

Since things had come to this, Ming Xi picked up the umbrella from the ground and frantically signaled Xia Jinzhao with her eyes. Say something!

Xia Jinzhao was unmoved. She stubbornly pressed the receiver to Ming Xi’s ear, forcing Ming Xi to speak with her eyes. Cornered, Ming Xi tentatively greeted the other side: “Sister Song Yu, it’s me.”

After a brief silence, Song Yu didn’t sound surprised: “Miss Ming, are you feeling better?”

“Yes, I’ve been discharged. Thank you for your concern.”

Seeing them chatting casually as if she weren’t there, Xia Jinzhao suddenly released her grip and directly tossed the phone to Ming Xi. “Talk slowly. I won’t be accompanying you.”

Just then, the driver rushed over with an umbrella: “Eldest Miss, the car is parked by the roadside.” Xia Jinzhao took the car key and left without looking back. Seeing her figure disappear into the distance, Ming Xi felt like she was holding a hot potato.

What kind of situation is this? Fearing she would lose sight of her, she followed close behind. The person on the other end of the line seemed to guess her predicament and asked softly.

“Did you argue with Jinzhao?”

“It’s nothing serious.” Ming Xi didn’t forget to be evasive. When she saw the low-key black sedan start up on the roadside, she quickly waved. Then, she was met with the familiar sight of the car’s exhaust fumes.

What the heck? Xia Jinzhao left her in this deserted mountain, didn’t even care about the phone? The rain got heavier, splashing on the umbrella like spilled beans, until a concerned voice next to her brought her back to her senses.

“Are you in trouble? Do you need help?” Faced with Song Yu’s offer of help without holding a grudge, Ming Xi was almost moved to tears. “Xia Jinzhao left me on the mountain and drove off by herself.” Ming Xi sniffled, starting to tattle out of grievance. If this imitation model couldn’t handle Xia Jinzhao, surely Song Yu could, right?

She wanted to return the way she came, but when she turned around and saw the winding mountain road and the lush branches on both sides glistening from the rain, she felt six dots appear in her mind. Can rich people please not build their estates to be more complicated than a tomb? She was lost again QAQ.

“May I ask where you are?”

In this unfamiliar place, Song Yu’s voice was particularly comforting.

“I think… I’m lost.”

The sky was getting dark. Sparse branches were battered by the wind and rain. In the dimly lit area, it was pitch black like a ghost. Ming Xi wanted to call someone but her phone ran out of battery. The only comfort she had now was Xia Jinzhao’s phone. She only dared to carefully grope her way down the mountain road, her back looking like a pitiful child who had been severely bullied.

Confused emotions turned bitter, spreading to her tongue. Ming Xi wiped the rain from her face. As time passed, her helplessness and unease gradually turned into resentment toward Xia Jinzhao. No matter what, she shouldn’t have left me here alone, should she? She clearly knew I don’t know the way. And this is the second time today.

Xia Jinzhao turned back and saw this scene. The faint light hit Ming Xi’s side profile, blending with the dark night. Her clear eyes reflected an unusual brilliance from the person speaking on the phone. Still talking.

“You said you were sweeping the tomb. Are there any lonely ghosts on this mountain?”

“Jinzhao is very willing to let you interact with her family.” Song Yu didn’t answer directly, seemingly attempting to divert Ming Xi’s attention.

As the words fell, a large beam of light suddenly illuminated the front. The transparent rain turned into tangible needles, and Ming Xi’s shadow was stretched diagonally in front of her. Beep— A harsh horn blared. She turned around, squinting to relieve the glare of the high beam, vaguely discerning the woman sitting in the driver’s seat.

Ming Xi didn’t hear what the person on the phone said because Xia Jinzhao, almost provocatively, honked the horn again. She turned off the high beam. Through the streaks of rain on the windshield, she seemed to mouth a word to Ming Xi. Get in the car.

This “come-when-called” attitude was irritating. Even with Ming Xi’s generally good temper, the bitterness of being abandoned earlier surged up. She stared intently at her toes. In the prolonged wait, she turned and walked in the opposite direction.

Now you know you were wrong? What were you doing earlier!

Ming Xi’s reaction was clearly unexpected for Xia Jinzhao. A look of surprise crossed her face. She drove to follow her. “Get in the car.” Assuming the other person hadn’t heard her just now, she rolled down the window and said loudly.

Ming Xi remained silent, her steps quickening, almost splashing into the puddles. She held the umbrella very low, not wanting anyone to see her expression.

“I’m ready to walk back! I don’t need your fake kindness!”

They were far apart, but even so, Xia Jinzhao heard the remark clearly. “Are you angry?”

Seeing Ming Xi remain silent, Xia Jinzhao fell into a heavy silence. Her deep features were shrouded in shadow, her lips pressed down. She seemed to be angry too—angry that Ming Xi didn’t appreciate her gesture, or, to put it more harshly, that she was ungrateful.

At the same time, Ming Xi’s chest felt like it was filled with an expanding balloon. Her mind was completely off the phone. She fobbed off Song Yu with a couple of sentences and hung up.

Xia Jinzhao rested her wrist on the steering wheel, slowly driving behind her, occasionally honking or turning on the high beam to catch Ming Xi’s attention. She was the first one to lose her composure.

The woman abruptly opened the door, got out, and walked toward Ming Xi. Her long eyelashes were wet with water droplets. Her figure was enveloped in a halo of light from the high beam. Seeing this, Ming Xi recalled the scene when the other party fell into the water last month. Her heart softened instantly, but she still spoke sharply and unkindly.

“What do you want!”

Xia Jinzhao gritted her teeth. She never lowered herself to butter people up, especially when Ming Xi’s attitude was so hostile. It forced her to swallow all her true feelings. So, she raised her hand, her voice laced with coldness.

“The phone, give it back.”