The Scumbag Alpha Movie Queen Pampers Her Wife - Chapter 33
Two tall, slender figures emerged from the spotless windows of the office building. Gu Muchu deliberately slowed her pace to wait for Ji Yuran, who trailed behind her, hands tucked in her pockets, maintaining a careful distance.
“Why are you keeping so far away? Do you think I’m going to eat you?” Gu Muchu waved her hand, her tone leaving no room for argument. “It’s freezing out here. Come closer.”
Ji Yuran finally approached, but remained stubbornly behind Gu Muchu, refusing to meet her gaze, like a small creature lurking in the shadows, only her fierce eyes visible.
Noticing Ji Yuran’s skittishness, Gu Muchu seized her wrist when she wasn’t looking and yanked her forward. “How old are you? Stop acting like a child.”
Ji Yuran pouted, looking like a chick caught by the neck. She tilted her head, her voice barely a whisper, “You’re just trying to make yourself look good…”
The memory of the insincere compliments she had showered Gu Muchu with earlier made her squirm with discomfort.
A blush crept across the Omega’s cheeks as Gu Muchu’s gaze intensified, causing her lashes to flutter violently and cast a shadow beneath her eyes. She had always been prone to fidgeting when nervous, her movements now appearing particularly awkward and flustered.
“So, what you said earlier was a lie?” Gu Muchu couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t release her grip, patiently awaiting the other woman’s answer.
Even if Ji Yuran harbored some ulterior motives, Gu Muchu couldn’t bring herself to blame her, especially since the words had been so pleasing to hear. Gu Muchu’s ears had been thoroughly soothed, and the little drum of anxiety in her chest had been pricked, deflating with a soft hiss.
“Trick question. No answer.” This time, Ji Yuran had learned her lesson. She refused to limit her response to a simple yes or no, clamping her mouth shut in stubborn silence.
“Fine, everyone else is an idiot, and you’re the only smart one.” The sky brightened, gradually revealing the misty mountain ranges in the distance. Gu Muchu pulled her car keys from her pocket and opened the door for Ji Yuran.
The Omega darted inside like a startled rabbit. Bundled in thick winter layers, she didn’t look bulky, but her movements were clumsy. By the time she’d fastened her seatbelt, Gu Muchu had already slipped into the driver’s seat, bringing with her the chill of the outside air.
She turned up the car’s heater and adjusted the rearview mirror to check her appearance. Then, she slowly swiveled it to reveal Ji Yuran’s full face.
A paw slapped over the mirror, completely obscuring the reflection. Gu Muchu turned back, mimicking Ji Yuran’s mischievous tone, and muttered, “Not even allowed to look? How stingy.”
Perhaps even the most composed person couldn’t help but reveal their petty and childish side when around someone they cared for deeply.
The dense shadows of trees reflected on the clear windshield, like images projected onto a lake’s surface. Gu Muchu gripped the steering wheel steadily as Ji Yuran glanced around, realizing they weren’t heading home.
Gu Muchu immediately sensed her curiosity and patiently explained, “We’re stopping by No. 1 Media to pick up something.”
She had originally planned to have her assistant deliver it, but since they were passing by anyway, bringing it back herself would save Lan Jing a few trips.
“What is it?” Ji Yuran asked, her curiosity piqued. Before Gu Muchu could answer, she straightened up and declared, “Never mind, don’t tell me.”
It was as if she possessed a special ability to hear Gu Muchu’s inner thoughts. Perhaps after spending enough time together, the two had gradually come to understand each other’s personalities.
For instance, Gu Muchu was almost certain to respond with “Guess” or “I won’t tell you.” She loved teasing Ji Yuran about trivial matters, only relenting when the easily embarrassed Omega grew visibly flustered.
“The brand sent over some sample clothes for me to try on. I’ll be wearing them at the fashion show in a few days.” If Gu Muchu hadn’t been driving, she would have glanced at Ji Yuran right then.
A few days earlier, someone had come to their home to take Gu Muchu’s measurements, promising to rush-tailor some casual outfits within the week. These clothes would serve as promotional pieces when worn in public. As expected, Gu Muchu had been officially confirmed as Serein’s brand ambassador.
Something in Gu Muchu’s words seemed to strike a nerve with Ji Yuran. She drew out a long “Ah,” then took a moment to regain her composure, a faint flicker of envy crossing her eyes.
“If you like any of them, take a few. I’m not a clothes rack; I can’t wear them all.” Gu Muchu sensed a hint of envy in Ji Yuran’s tone and, as always, tried to accommodate her in these small matters.
The Omega shook her head. Liking them was one thing, but they were custom-made for Gu Muchu. “Those are for you. I don’t want them.”
“Besides,” Ji Yuran added in a low voice, “the sizes are different.” She straightened her back, as if finally finding something she could measure up to Gu Muchu in, and felt a surge of pride.
The car stopped in front of No. 1 Media. Gu Muchu got out, leaned in to knock on the window, and told Ji Yuran not to wander off. Less than half an hour later, she emerged from the office building, carrying a gift box bearing the Serein logo.
“Why did you have to come all the way here yourself?” Ji Yuran asked, turning around to peer at the box as Gu Muchu placed it on the seat.
“It’s easier than having my assistant make another trip,” Gu Muchu replied curtly, her tone suggesting amusement at Ji Yuran’s naivety. The latter stiffened her neck, zipped her jacket all the way up, and fiddled with the seatbelt buckle.
The brand had sent over a sample dress for fitting. Only after confirming the measurements would they rush-produce the final gown. With the year-end fashion show fast approaching, Gu Muchu was trying to minimize delays.
Back home, Gu Muchu opened the box. Serein’s high-end line featured a fresh, gentle aesthetic—a rare find among the sea of sultry, mature evening gowns. Ling Xin had initially chosen this brand for Gu Muchu, recognizing its compatibility with her refined elegance, and secured her endorsement deal.
Gu Muchu wore a strapless, slit-hemmed gown draped with a layer of sheer gauze. Disliking the impractical and itchy fabric, she removed it and stood before the dressing mirror. The narrow mirror, framed in black, slowly revealed a wisp of hair.
Then, half a head cautiously peeked out. Gu Muchu stared intently at the spot, her eyes meeting the other’s. With a whoosh, the figure vanished.
Gu Muchu stood before Ji Yuran and crouched down to meet her gaze.
Since earlier, Gu Muchu had noticed Ji Yuran’s subdued mood, like a frost-bitten, withered plant. She spoke each word deliberately, as if forcing them out: “Feeling down again?”
Ji Yuran didn’t deny it. Resting her arms on her knees, she poked at the toe of her shoe. Strands of hair fell beside her ear, making her look pitiful and wronged.
Ever since their confession on the night they returned to N City, Gu Muchu had instinctively understood Ji Yuran’s emotions.
“You Omega,” Gu Muchu said, pausing her movements and tilting her head.
Gu Muchu was about to nod when she suddenly remembered she couldn’t take Ji Yuran to the New Year’s Eve celebration. While Gu Muchu would be toasting at the gala, Ji Yuran would be alone at home.
So, you’re just missing me.
“Let’s make a deal, Sister,” Gu Muchu said, settling close beside her. The edge of the bed dipped slightly under their weight, and Ji Yuran, sensing the shift, scooted over a little. “Come back as early as you can. If you get sleepy, don’t wait up for me, okay?”
Her tone was gentle, like coaxing a child. Ji Yuran’s face flushed crimson. Hearing those words, she couldn’t bring herself to be coy any longer. After all, she couldn’t control the situation, but she could express her feelings, hoping Gu Muchu would… come back early to be with her.
It was like a sheet of paper laid flat on the ground, suddenly puffed up by a gust of wind before settling back into place.
“Okay,” Ji Yuran murmured softly, their unspoken understanding laid bare in that moment.
Gu Muchu had been feeling off lately, especially when she saw Ji Yuran’s downcast gaze and soft plea, or when the girl shyly smiled at her. A strange tension seemed to knot in her chest, refusing to unravel. It was like watching a proud wolf lying at her feet, exposing its vulnerable neck.
She used to freely joke and touch her friends, but around Ji Yuran, she found herself avoiding physical contact, as if… she wasn’t herself.
She suspected she was slowly merging into the world of the book, learning to adapt. But whether that was a good thing remained uncertain.
After comforting Shen Ziyan, Gu Muchu stood up. She walked to the cabinet, opened a drawer, and took out a necklace. Hooking it over her index finger, she dangled it in the air, displaying it to Ji Yuran. “Ranran, will you help me put this on?”
This simple task didn’t require Ji Yuran’s assistance, but Gu Muchu insisted, as if both of them needed it. It was as if she were unconsciously sending a signal:Â I’m capable.
Her mind felt shrouded in fog, like trying to discern the vague outline of a misty shape through frosted glass. No matter how close she got, she couldn’t see clearly.
Ji Yuran took the necklace and walked over to Gu Muchu. The Alpha’s innate pheromone scent swirled around them, carrying an aggressive undertone that suppressed others. Like thorns hidden beneath a Wild Rose, the slightest carelessness could leave a scratch on her fingertips.
Half a head shorter than Gu Muchu, Ji Yuran didn’t need to strain on tiptoe. Instead, she held the ends of the necklace, the silver chain suspended in the air like a shimmering thread, before gently fastening it around Gu Muchu’s collarbone.
The cool touch snapped Gu Muchu back to her senses. Ji Yuran’s slender frame was almost completely hidden behind her. Gu Muchu raised her hand to press the necklace against her skin, barely registering its shape as her attention remained fixed on the person before her.
Ji Yuran’s long, straight black hair had been brushed forward, exposing the suppressant patch covering her gland. The small, rounded bulge was now visible.
Gu Muchu could feel Ji Yuran’s nervousness. Her delicate hands trembled slightly, and she fumbled with the clasp several times. The knuckles of her curled fingers occasionally brushed against the gland, sending a faint, chilly shiver through Gu Muchu.
She even suspected Ji Yuran was deliberately prolonging the moment, but Gu Muchu merely pressed her lips together, tacitly allowing it to continue.
In the mirror, the Alpha’s striking features were tinged with a hint of darkness in her piercing gaze. Her nose seemed to catch the crisp scent of lemon. Gu Muchu had never imagined that the combination of verbena and lemon pheromones could be so cloyingly sweet and intoxicating.
“Is your suppressant patch still on?” she couldn’t help but ask, turning slightly to face Ji Yuran.
“It’s on,” Ji Yuran said. The moment the words left her lips, Gu Muchu reached out and brushed a strand of hair aside, gently rubbing her thumb over Ji Yuran’s scent gland.
The gesture was intrusive and inappropriate, but Gu Muchu couldn’t bring herself to care in that moment. The rough, granular texture lingered on her fingers, confirming that Ji Yuran had indeed followed her instructions.
Confusion washed over Gu Muchu. Her temples throbbed as if a blunt object were pressing against them. Frustrated, she ruffled her hair and threw open the window for ventilation. The cold air rushed in, instantly clearing her muddled thoughts.
“I’m going to the restroom,” she said firmly, refusing to show any negative emotions in front of Ji Yuran. Forcing a smile, she retreated to the bathroom.
The person reflected in the mirror had unfocused eyes, their gaze both cold and fierce.
Gu Muchu turned on the faucet, the water gushing into the sink. Just as she was about to rinse her hands, she froze, her hand hovering motionless.
Instead, she brought the knuckles that had touched Ji Yuran’s scent gland to her nose. Her breathing grew heavy, her fingers trembling slightly. After a long, silent moment, she lowered her hand.
There was no scent.
On the last day of December, the streets were still filled with the lingering festive spirit of Christmas. Fluffy snowflakes, like willow catkins, drifted down from the sky, settling on the lanterns hanging from the trees.
In the dressing room of the Shangxiu Fashion Show, Gu Muchu sat before the mirror as the makeup artist finished the final touches. Lan Jing, her assistant, entered the room carrying a paper garment bag.
“It’s New Year’s Eve, and the traffic was terrible. It was so hard to get the dress here,” Lan Jing said, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead, clearly having rushed back. She kicked the door shut with her heel and placed the garment bag on a nearby chair.
“Thank you for your hard work. Sit down and rest,” Gu Muchu said, absentmindedly clearing a space for Lan Jing to sit. She continued scrolling through her chat history with Ji Yuran.
First Light of Dusk: Any plans for tonight?
Little Lion: No, I’m watching TV. Don’t bother me.
The words dripped with irritation. Gu Muchu pressed her fingertip against the edge of the screen, her expression softening.
First Light of Dusk: Wait for me tonight. Get some sleep early.
Before she could receive a reply, Gu Muchu felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Lan Jing, holding a formal evening gown, urged, “Boss, hurry up! The dressing room will be packed once everyone arrives.”
The fashion show’s dressing rooms were limited, with most allocated to the models. Actresses like Gu Muchu had to share a single dressing room with others.
Gu Muchu didn’t take the gown. She placed her phone on the table, stood up, and said, “No rush. I’ll go to the restroom first.”
The corridor’s open ends allowed cold air to rush in. Gu Muchu tightened her coat around herself and was about to step into the restroom when she unexpectedly overheard voices from inside.
Gu Muchu had no interest in gossip, but if she was the subject of the conversation, that was a different matter.
“If she didn’t have connections, would she have landed the Serein endorsement? Doesn’t she realize how old she is? She’s still trying to act young with those girls.”
“Oh, she’s just riding the wave. If the Director hadn’t favored her back then, she wouldn’t have gotten this far…”
“There’s a chance to embarrass her tonight. I don’t understand what Yun Ling sees in her…”
Even though Gu Muchu didn’t know the industry insiders as well as her original self, she immediately recognized the familiar voice.
It belonged to Xi Zixuan, the currently trending actress who had been taking roles since she was eight years old. She was a child star who had literally grown up in the public eye. Her seniority had propelled her to A-list status, though she had relatively few truly popular dramas to her name.
Gu Muchu never backed down from those who actively provoked her. She paused briefly before striding into the room.
The chattering group of female Alphas fell silent the moment they saw her reflection in the mirror.
Gu Muchu glanced around before stopping in front of Xi Zixuan, crossing her arms.
Xi Zixuan had classic phoenix eyes, and her long face and thin lips gave her a cold, calculating look on camera. Her distinctive features made her highly sought-after. While there were no truly ugly stars in the entertainment industry, Xi Zixuan was undeniably beautiful.
The moment Gu Muchu appeared, Xi Zixuan knew her earlier words had been overheard. Unfazed, Xi Zixuan casually tossed her long hair over her shoulder, but under Gu Muchu’s intense, oppressive gaze, she finally had to look away.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, the other Alphas quickly made excuses to leave the restroom. In an instant, the cramped space was left with only the two women.
“So you heard? So what? Who are you giving the cold shoulder to?” Xi Zixuan, unable to bear the oppressive silence, broke the tension first.
Unexpectedly, Gu Muchu didn’t lose her temper. Instead, she scrutinized Xi Zixuan from head to toe, as if examining a street model wearing cheap knockoffs at a fashion show.
A soft chuckle reached Xi Zixuan’s ears. Gu Muchu withdrew her gaze, brushed past Xi Zixuan’s shoulder, and entered the inner cubicle.
This dismissive gesture ignited Xi Zixuan’s fury. Recalling Gu Muchu’s earlier contemptuous attitude—as if Xi Zixuan were a commodity on a shelf, waiting to be priced—Xi Zixuan’s heart burned with resentment. Her pride, nurtured since childhood, had been utterly shattered.
Clenching her fists, she let out a cold snort. Knowing it wasn’t the time to cause a scene with so many people around, she reluctantly stomped out of the restroom on her slender heels.
Back in the dressing room, Gu Muchu waved for the makeup artist to come touch up her makeup. Turning to Lan Jing beside her, she said, “Quietly dispose of the Serein dress in that bag. It’s a counterfeit.”
She sat on the bench, tilting her chin up to cooperate with the makeup artist. Her assistant, who had been carefully dusting off the dress, froze mid-motion at her words.
“A counterfeit? Wh-what happened?” Lan Jing stammered, her voice trembling with fear that Gu Muchu might suspect her. She frantically examined the gown, but couldn’t find any flaws.
Wearing a brand’s counterfeit as its ambassador was a grave offense. Not only would the brand blacklist her, but it would also deter other brands from offering her endorsements.
Gu Muchu remained unconcerned. Though the conversation she’d overheard in the restroom hadn’t explicitly named her, it clearly hinted that she wouldn’t get away unscathed tonight. In her previous life, she had been a shrewd operator in the industry, keenly aware of the situations most likely to ruin one’s reputation. Xi Zixuan’s petty tricks were no match for her.
The makeup brush swept across her face, leaving a ticklish sensation.
“I just ran into Xi Zixuan in the restroom,” Lan Jing said.
“Ah?” Upon hearing Xi Zixuan’s name, Lan Jing racked her brain before finally recalling the woman. The whole situation clicked into place, and she immediately crumpled the gown in her hands and shoved it into the packaging bag. “That snake! She’s always issuing press releases to ride on our coattails, and now she’s resorting to these dirty tricks?”
Such petty schemes often relied on an element of gambling. Gu Muchu was the most likely to fall for it, but even if she avoided the trap, it would leave their rival feeling as disgusted as if they’d swallowed a fly for a while.
“We can’t let anyone find out,” Lan Jing said, clutching the contaminated gift box tightly to her chest as if it were a cursed object. Suddenly, she remembered Gu Muchu’s upcoming runway appearance and panicked. “Sister Gu, what are you going to wear?”
“I packed a Serhang gown. It’ll do for tonight,” the Alpha replied calmly. Lan Jing breathed a sigh of relief.
I knew Gu Muchu wouldn’t be worried for nothing. She always has a backup plan.
“Got it!” Lan Jing grinned, seizing the opportunity to slip out with the trash while the corridor was deserted.
Gu Muchu tidied up and left the lounge to head to the venue.
The runway lights dimmed, and seats were arranged on the steps flanking the stage. The large central screen displayed a black vortex, and other brand ambassadors followed the crowd into the venue.
Gu Muchu quickly found her seat and discovered that the person next to her was Yu Yue.
The Omega wore a deep black women’s hat and a black-and-white polka-dot dress, her legs crossed as she surveyed the scene. Upon seeing the familiar face, she nodded slightly, as if expecting to see Gu Muchu.
Only the first row was reserved for brand invitees; the remaining seats were open to ticket holders. Yu Yue glanced at Gu Muchu as she settled in, then politely greeted her, “I didn’t expect you to be Serhang’s Asia-Pacific ambassador this time.”
Gu Muchu modestly leaned closer to speak, “It’s pure luck. The founder of Serein and… the Gu Family have some history, which is why they invited me.”
Her words weren’t just modesty. Violet, the founder of Serein, had dominated the European market for years. Now, as she expanded into the Asia-Pacific region, Gu Yiqiong’s influence was undeniable.
The Gu Group’s affordable jewelry line was a global bestseller, and Gu Yiqiong seized the opportunity to establish the Gu Group’s own luxury brand. In just six years, she successfully rose to become one of the world’s top twenty luxury brands, showcasing her exceptional talent. Many even dubbed her “Asia-Pacific’s Violet.”
After all, Violet had built Serein from scratch. Though the brand still struggled to compete with established luxury giants, its status as a rising star in the industry was already a remarkable achievement.
But Gu Yiqiong remained unsatisfied. In an interview, she boldly declared, “Rather than being ‘Asia-Pacific’s Violet,’ I’d prefer to see ‘Europe’s Gu Yiqiong’ emerge.”
These remarks thoroughly angered Serein. Learning of the strained relationship between Gu Muchu and Gu Yiqiong, Violet invited Gu Muchu to become Serhang’s first Asia-Pacific brand ambassador. This decision was not only based on Gu Muchu’s widespread popularity but also served as a deliberate provocation against Gu Yiqiong.
Upon hearing this news, Gu Muchu finally understood why Gu Yiqiong hadn’t been able to spare the energy to suppress her lately. She gladly accepted Gu Yiqiong’s invitation to attend the fashion show.
Yu Yue, having caught wind of the situation, didn’t press the topic further. “I heard the eldest daughter of the Shen Family is here today. Have you seen her?”
The eldest daughter of the Shen Family?
Gu Muchu immediately thought of Shen Ziyan. She glanced around but couldn’t spot her. Shaking her head, she replied, “I haven’t run into her, and she hasn’t contacted me either.”
Yu Yue sighed. The two continued chatting casually until the surrounding lights dimmed, leaving only the spotlight on the stage. The animation on the large screen began to play slowly.
A figure appeared at the end of the runway, walking with a model’s stride. Expressionless, the figure reached the end, paused, turned, and walked off.
Fashion shows have high entry barriers; most attendees come to burnish their reputations or cultivate their tastes. Gu Muchu started with enthusiasm, but soon found the event tedious. As Serein’s representative, her mere presence was enough to fulfill her obligation.
The show was still a while from ending. The faint glow of her phone screen illuminated her delicate features.
It was 11:46 PM, just thirteen minutes until the New Year.
Ji Yuran must be asleep by now, Gu Muchu thought.
Her thumb hovered over the power button, but she couldn’t resist. She opened the chat window and sent a message:
First Light of Dusk: Are you asleep?
The reply came almost instantly.
Little Lion: Not yet. Waiting for the countdown.
First Light of Dusk: Can I call?
Little Lion: Sure.
A soft laugh escaped Gu Muchu as she read the message. She glanced around, noticing most people were engrossed in the fashion show, while others were taking photos with their phones.
Bending down to excuse herself, Gu Muchu quietly slipped out of the venue.
N City’s towering skyscrapers, drones, and billboards reflected on the past year. The gridlocked streets blazed like daylight against the darkening sky.
Stepping outside, Gu Muchu shivered in the biting wind. She gazed at the sea of lights stretching below, leaned against a railing, and dialed Ji Yuran’s number.
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