The Scumbag Alpha is Courting Death Again - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Strawberry Bobo – Just Routine Acting with the Film Empress…

The evening’s afterglow stained the clouds in the sky crimson, enveloping the city in a warm light. The car drove steadily down the street, Ming Xi’s face expressionless in the driver’s seat.

Her heart was shattered into pieces, completely losing the ability to think independently.

So, a moment ago, when Xia Jinzhao was on the phone with someone else, she had been shamelessly trying to join in the conversation! Ahhh, she wanted to die!

In contrast, the woman opposite her tapped the steering wheel with her fingertip, her posture calm and elegant, seemingly having completely forgotten the incident from a few minutes prior.

A faint perfume clung to her cuff, released with every movement. Perhaps Ming Xi’s gaze was too intense; Xia Jinzhao unexpectedly turned her head to look, her eyes lingering for two seconds on Ming Xi’s chest before withdrawing after a cursory inspection.

Ming Xi caught the subtle movement entirely, and a feeling of dread crept up on her. So, she pretended to be composed, crossing her arms, but in reality, she was adopting a protective stance.

Why look at her chest? Could she be trying to seduce her?

Although the most important thing right now was to win over Xia Jinzhao, this progress was too fast, and she couldn’t handle it! Besides… besides, she wasn’t just anyone, you know.

Ming Xi never hid her emotions, and her movements became increasingly noticeable, especially the way her clever, almond-shaped eyes darted about suspiciously. It was easy to guess what she was thinking.

Xia Jinzhao hadn’t intended to speak with her, but she was even less willing to be misunderstood as a frivolous and sensual woman, so she said in a low voice.

“Change your clothes.”

“Huh?” Ming Xi was bewildered. She glanced down at her left chest when she realized.

There was an unfamiliar brand’s logo printed there, strikingly prominent on the clean white shirt. So, Xia Jinzhao was looking at that. She had thought the other woman was molesting her with her eyes.

Ming Xi: (Embarrassed/flustered emoji).

Three years ago, the original owner racked her brains to marry the female lead, purely coveting the Xia family’s affluent wealth. Although there were many collateral relatives, Xia Jinzhao was the junior most beloved by Grandma Xia, and having made a successful career in the entertainment industry, she never lacked in food, clothing, or daily expenses.

Immersed in an environment of jewels and luxury for too long, the original owner gradually became vain and wasteful, completely looking down on roadside market wares.

Now, Ming Xi’s change in behavior seemed like a tactic to gain sympathy and entice Xia Jinzhao to reconcile.

Heaven knows she truly didn’t mean that! After buying the gift for the visit, she only had five hundred yuan left in her pocket; this was just a temporary, respectable outfit she put together!

However, meeting the woman’s cold and calm eyes, Ming Xi sheepishly shut up. Seeing her hesitating to speak, a hint of a smile bloomed at the corner of Xia Jinzhao’s mouth.

“Why the silence?” Her tone sounded amused. “Then I’ll speak for you.”

“Going back to the old house to see Grandma and trying to secure me by pretending to be pitiful in front of her?”

“I didn’t—” Ming Xi turned her head to retort, but the words caught in her throat.

That’s right, she was currently playing the role of the scum Alpha who attempted a crime; no one would believe any explanation she gave now.

The car fell into a solidified silence again. The flashing traffic light at the intersection emitted a faint glow in the night. For the next ten minutes, neither of them spoke again.

Lanjian Mansion was a distance from the city center, taking almost half an hour even by car. The prolonged bumpy ride brought waves of sleepiness, and Ming Xi simply leaned back and closed her eyes for a nap.

When the car stopped, she stretched and noticed a luxury store outside. The four-story building was brightly lit, with warm white light pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows, framing square spots on the pavement in front of the door.

“Get out.” Xia Jinzhao closed the car door and walked straight towards the steps.

Was this the sign that she was going to buy her clothes?

This thought instantly chased away Ming Xi’s sleepiness. She scrambled out of the car, following Xia Jinzhao like a little tail, looking like a country bumpkin with a mix of astonishment and envy in her eyes.

The models on the display were poised, their clothes clinging to the beautiful curves of their bodies, a sight for sore eyes. The Sales Associate (SA) clearly knew Xia Jinzhao and enthusiastically followed behind them, making introductions.

“This is a current season new arrival, very fitting for Miss Xia’s temperament…”

Before the person finished speaking, Xia Jinzhao lifted her chin towards Ming Xi: “Find something she can wear.”

Only then did the SA reassess Ming Xi. Xia Jinzhao’s production team often frequented the store, so the SA had assumed she was a life assistant. After all, no one would think the two were a couple.

“Certainly, please wait a moment.”

Xia Jinzhao was led to the waiting area, while Ming Xi followed the SA to the fitting room. Back in college, she used to dress up carefully when going out, but after work, much of her vivacity had worn off, and her wardrobe mostly consisted of practical and simple trousers.

Fortunately, the sales assistant understood her needs well and brought three styles that caught her eye. After some deliberation, Ming Xi chose a slightly smaller sky-blue shirt.

The rustling sound of fabric vanished as the door closed. The SA waited patiently outside for nearly twenty minutes, but no one emerged. Out of concern, she knocked on the door.

“Miss Ming, if you have any difficulties, please feel free to ask for my help.”

“Oh, coming, coming—” Her voice sounded panicked.

The warm light shone over the rows of hangers. Ming Xi sat on the red and white sofa, rapidly flipping through the clothes’ tags. Finding nothing, she focused her attention on the adjacent packaging box.

A small card fluttered to her feet. She picked it up, and her heart stopped at the sight of the five zeros on it.

They might as well just rob her; the store was still willing to ‘send’ a shirt. Not to mention her current destitute state, even in her previous life, she would never dare to be so extravagant.

Seriously, her bank account balance couldn’t even cover the change.

After lingering in the fitting room for too long, Xia Jinzhao faintly heard the conversation from the hallway. She placed the fashion magazine back on the shelf and asked, “She still hasn’t come out?”

The SA nodded but watched as the woman in front of her let out a small sigh and headed towards the fitting room.

The staggered footsteps finally stopped at the door. That cold, slightly bitter scent crept in through the gap. Separated by a door, Xia Jinzhao’s voice was subdued by the dim light, sounding captivatingly gentle.

“It’s almost time.”

She was reminding Ming Xi that if they didn’t leave for Lanjian Mansion soon, they would be late. At this moment, being overly self-conscious and hesitant would be quite tactless.

Ming Xi carefully folded the shirt and put it back. With her face pressed against the door panel, she cautiously said, “Um, I don’t have that much money…”

She couldn’t see Xia Jinzhao’s expression, but she could guess the other party was probably impatient, and her voice became smaller and smaller towards the end.

A few seconds of silence, then the footsteps outside moved away: “Get dressed and come downstairs.”

In the end, Xia Jinzhao paid for the entire order. As she swiped the card, Ming Xi observed silently from the side, and the other woman didn’t even frown.

Damn rich people!

It was early autumn, and the mosquitoes around Lanjian Mansion were gradually decreasing. Passing through the lush greenery, the fountain cascaded down, shattering the reflected brilliant candlelight.

Seeing the luxurious architecture in the distance, Ming Xi rolled down the car window and took a deep whiff of the smell of money in the air. When she glimpsed the figure standing at the bottom of the steps, she immediately pulled out her phone to tidy her appearance.

When she got out of the car, she naturally saw Grandma Xia, as described in the book. Nearing the age of seventy, she should have been frail, but Xia Xuefeng showed no signs of aging. Her cheekbones were prominent, and her frame was slender, her mere presence exuding silent authority.

Initially, Ming Xi was worried that the other person would be difficult to get along with, but facts proved she had overthought it.

“It’s not like you just got married; why bring a gift when you visit?” Xia Xuefeng covered her mouth and chuckled, fine lines appearing around her eyes.

Ming Xi was about to speak when a sudden cold, refreshing fragrance wafted into her nostrils, and her wrist was grasped. She turned to look at Xia Jinzhao’s face.

The woman’s thin lips were tightly pursed. From the side, her long eyelashes subtly trembled, concealing the thoughts flowing in her eyes. She stood quietly beside Ming Xi, silent like a delicate, winding dodder vine.

The moonlight imbued her with a hazy, cold temperament, making her seem unreal, like a flower viewed through a mist.

It was the first time the two of them were this close, close enough to see the tiny fine hairs on the other’s cheek clearly. Ming Xi’s heart subtly stirred.

Sensing her intense gaze, Xia Jinzhao lowered her eyes.

“Hehe.”

Ming Xi: ?

Wait, this isn’t right. Female Lead, are you perhaps OOC (Out of Character)? I remember your persona was supposed to be evil, charming, aloof, and obsessive!

Seeing her standing there frozen like a block of wood, the other woman chuckled softly: “Grandma is asking you a question.”

The whispered air next to her ear made Ming Xi’s earlobe turn crimson, the tingling itch spreading through her body like an electric current. Only then did she realize Xia Jinzhao had called her “Xi Xi,” and she felt completely adrift, like stepping on cotton.

“I haven’t seen Grandma in a long time. Even if the person isn’t around, the thought still needs to be conveyed.”

Ming Xi’s face was beet red, yet the intimate scene between the two looked to outsiders like a couple deeply in love, incredibly affectionate.

“My dear, you’ve lost weight,” Xia Xuefeng grasped her arm. “It’s chilly outside, come inside quickly.”

The group entered the main hall one after another. Ming Xi took a deep breath, noticing the restrictive grip on her arm, and her frivolous thoughts faded significantly.

It was just putting on a show, right? She understood.

The interior decoration leaned towards the Chinese style. The floor tiles were carved with patterns of dragon and phoenix bringing good fortune, covering almost the entire hall. The furniture was all crafted from deep red wood, and the air was filled with the lingering scent of sandalwood.

At first glance, it was antique and elegant, but upon closer inspection, it felt somewhat gloomy and dark. If Ming Xi had to choose, she would rather live in a cozy, small apartment; at least it would feel more lively.

Forget it, she couldn’t afford this even if she started working from the time she was a monkey; she shouldn’t be picky.

“I’ve had someone prepare your things. Stay overnight tonight,” the old lady suggested, placing the gift on the coffee table.

Ming Xi: !

She couldn’t! If she stayed under the same roof as Xia Jinzhao, she would absolutely be eaten alive!

Just as she was about to politely decline, the person beside her spoke first: “Grandma, it’s a little inconvenient for Xi Xi and me tonight…”

The ending note was as light as a feather. Seeing Xia Jinzhao discreetly covering her mouth with the back of her hand and the delicate blush on her cheek, anyone with a sense of propriety wouldn’t insist.

Ming Xi: … She had to admit, the Film Empress was worthy of her title; she’d give this acting 82 points, and the remaining points would be sent as ‘666’ (meaning ‘awesome’ in Chinese internet slang).

“Xi Xi, say something too.” The woman nudged her back with her shoulder. The soft, warm skin against the fabric, and the place of contact instantly felt like it was burning.

“I—” Ming Xi froze. Just as she was about to agree, her gaze met Xia Jinzhao’s in the air.

Those eyes, like a deep pool, showed no ripples. Although her lips were curved, the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

She was warning her.

The earlier feeling of excitement and joy vanished. Ming Xi suddenly remembered the book’s description of the female lead.

The past two days, the other party had been nice to her, and she had gotten overly enthusiastic, becoming complacent as soon as she saw a little sunshine.