The Scumbag Alpha Movie Queen Pampers Her Wife - Chapter 35

In the spacious, brightly lit hallway, the plush velvet carpet muffled the soft footsteps. As the elevator’s digital display flickered to a halt, the doors slid open smoothly.

Gu Muchu stood there, her upper body wrapped in a fluffy, warm down jacket, while her slender, bare legs shivered in the light snow.

In her arms, a bouquet of vibrant red roses nestled together, their thorny stems carefully wrapped and tied with an exquisite bow.

Clutching the large bouquet, she stood before her apartment door, overwhelmed by the urge to turn and flee.

Lan Jing’s words still echoed in her ears. Gu Muchu pressed her fingertip to the keypad, hesitating. In her mind’s eye, she imagined herself as the domineering CEO from a cheesy drama, resorting to such an embarrassingly outdated method to win back his wife.

She exhaled deeply, steeled her resolve, and entered the password. As the lock clicked open, a familiar voice rang out, its playful tone scratching at her heart like a puppy’s paw.

“Gu Muchu, what took you so—” Ji Yuran draped a blanket over her shoulders like a cape, the fluffy ears of her slippers twitching occasionally. Her words froze mid-sentence as her gaze landed on the massive bouquet of roses in Gu Muchu’s arms.

The two stood frozen, as if someone had pressed the pause button, neither speaking first.

“Do you want to come in?” Ji Yuran slowly slid her slippers toward Gu Muchu and shifted to the side.

The warm indoor air clashed with the frigid outdoor chill, leaving Gu Muchu’s mind foggy. She responded with a sluggish “Mm,” laid the bouquet horizontally on the counter, and closed the door behind her.

It was New Year’s Eve, and a light snow was falling outside, so faint it almost felt like rain. Tiny, crystalline droplets clung to the brim of her down jacket’s hood, feeling damp and icy to the touch.

She took off her coat and hung it by the door, then pulled a jewelry box from her pocket and placed it atop the roses before handing the entire arrangement to Ji Yuran.

“It’s from the fashion show,” Gu Muchu said stiffly, feeling her tongue clumsy and awkward for the first time. “You can throw it away if you don’t like it.”

Ji Yuran accepted the flowers and poked a petal, grumbling, “So many flowers… am I supposed to eat them?”

Despite her words, she cradled the bouquet carefully in her arms. The fresh blooms, still damp with moisture, rendered their gaudy exterior meaningless. Ji Yuran picked up the card and silently scanned it.

“What does it say? Let me see,” Gu Muchu asked. She had asked the shop owner to handle the card earlier and tucked it deep inside the wrapping paper afterward, leaving her hands full.

Ji Yuran, however, slipped the greeting card into her pocket, carried the roses inside, and called back dismissively, “Nothing much.”

Despite her words, Gu Muchu could sense Ji Yuran’s genuine fondness.

Relieved, she walked to the master bedroom doorway. The light pooled around her as she leaned against the frame, watching silently as the Omega patiently arranged the flowers in a narrow-necked vase.

“Do you like them?” Gu Muchu asked, meeting Ji Yuran’s gaze. Seeing no resistance in her eyes, she stepped into the master bedroom.

The faint lemon scent, warmed by the room’s heat, clung to the air like a second skin. As the unfamiliar Alpha entered, the fragrance diffused outward, filling the space.

“What do you think?” Ji Yuran replied, her tone brusque as she trimmed the stems to an even length. Though the flowers wouldn’t last long, each glance would remind her of this evening.

Gu Muchu, her arms cradling the snow-dusted roses, stood tall and elegant by the door, her nose flushed red from the cold. She handed the flowers to Ji Yuran, her voice muffled.

Liar. These were clearly bought from a flower shop.

Seeing the signature on the greeting card, she instantly understood what was going on. She stole a glance at Gu Muchu and found her staring intently at her profile.

Ji Yuran touched her cheek, blocking Gu Muchu’s gaze, and asked nervously, “Is there something on my face?”

“Sorry,” Gu Muchu averted her eyes, watching Ji Yuran struggle clumsily with the scissors, her hand hovering in the air, afraid the thorns might scratch her fingertips. “Do you want me to help?”

“No need. You’re too clumsy. I can manage myself,” Ji Yuran replied, subtly tucking her neck into her collar. The thought of Gu Muchu scrutinizing her face before shifting her gaze to her hands made her acutely self-conscious.

Surprisingly, Gu Muchu didn’t respond with her usual teasing banter. Instead, she simply hummed in agreement.

Having lingered too long in the master bedroom, Ji Yuran’s mind began to wander. The casual jokes that usually came so easily now felt forced, and her stiff expression was almost frightening.

“Why are you being so quiet today…” Ji Yuran finally spoke up, picking up a rose stem that would take a while to trim. “You were laughing non-stop on the phone earlier.”

“What are you talking about…” Gu Muchu trailed off, then paused to recall the moment. She realized she had indeed been standing alone in the cold wind, grinning foolishly at her phone while ringing in the new year.

Ji Yuran, clearly thinking the same thing, suddenly fell silent. She picked up the scissors and angrily snipped the rose stem at its base, inexplicably growing irritated.

“And another thing,” Ji Yuran added, “next time, just tell me directly if you want to celebrate New Year’s with me. No need to drag things out.”

They had been having dinner at home together. At first, Gu Muchu hadn’t understood Ji Yuran’s intentions. But the moment the fireworks exploded, she immediately grasped her meaning.

The Omega puffed out her cheeks slightly, her usual softness softening further. She subtly shifted her gaze and propped her hand on the table.

“Who said I wanted to celebrate New Year’s with you?”

Gu Muchu mimicked Ji Yuran’s tone. Ji Yuran put down the scissors, inserted the nearly trimmed rose into a vase, and fussed with it, straightening the stem. “You’re not a mind reader. How could you be so sure I’d refuse?”

“Alright, let’s try again,” Gu Muchu said with a shrug. The sheer fabric draped over her strapless dress revealed the delicate outline of her collarbones under the light. She straightened her posture, her gaze earnest and serious.

“Ji Yuran,” she began.

She rarely addressed Ji Yuran by her full name, yet her tone carried no hint of estrangement, as if she were calmly accepting whatever consequences might arise from her choice.

Ji Yuran couldn’t afford to be dismissive. She set down her scissors and stepped toward Gu Muchu, who was about to reveal her answer.

With a single glance, Gu Muchu immediately understood what response she would receive. Undeterred, her expression softened as she looked at the Omega before her.

Whether the answer was yes or no, she had always been able to see beyond surface meanings and discern deeper emotions.

Perhaps her “I knew it” expression was too obvious, for Ji Yuran felt a surge of resentment. In the next moment, she grabbed the outer garment draped over Gu Muchu’s shoulders and tugged it upward.

Being half a head shorter than Gu Muchu, Ji Yuran stood on tiptoe to meet her gaze.

Gu Muchu felt a tightening around her neck as the fabric pulled, causing the neckline to constrict. Her eyes widened slightly as the Omega, flushed and straining on tiptoe, forced out a single word.

“I do.”

Unaccustomed to taking the lead, her movements were awkward and clumsy. Her fingers nervously twisted the thin veil, and her heels trembled slightly as they hovered in the air.

They stood so close that their warm breaths mingled, their faces flushed with heat. Gu Muchu could even see two tiny reflections of herself in Yuran’s clear, luminous eyes—only her.

A sudden pang of regret filled her heart. It was a pity they were in this warm, hazy room. If they were standing beneath a snow-dusted streetlight, their exhaled breaths would rise in white wisps, intertwining like threads, adding a touch of tender intimacy to the moment.

When Gu Muchu remained motionless, Ji Yuran assumed she hadn’t heard and mustered her courage to repeat herself.

“I do, Gu Muchu.”

“I want to spend New Year’s with you.”

Ji Yuran’s teeth chattered, yet she dared not swallow. She stole a glance upward and realized Gu Muchu wasn’t looking at her face.

Gu Muchu’s gaze had drifted downward, as if studying the corner of her lips.

A searing pain, like countless needles pricking her heart, mingled with a bittersweet tenderness. Ji Yuran’s breathing grew heavy, her entire being felt as if it were about to boil over.

This direct, naked gaze felt like a blatant display of desire, as if Gu Muchu were about to lean down and kiss her at any moment.

Ji Yuran stood on tiptoe, and Gu Muchu had no choice but to bend down, making it easier for her. The Omega’s body swayed like a small boat in a stormy sea, barely staying upright by clinging to Gu Muchu.

After bending down, Gu Muchu’s gaze fell on Ji Yuran’s mouth.

Her lips were pressed tightly together, stained a deep pink, revealing a sliver of white incisor like a little rabbit.

Gu Muchu reached out to pry them apart, but the next moment, the pressure on her neck eased. Ji Yuran retreated half a step, immediately grabbed Gu Muchu’s shoulders, and shoved her toward the door.

“Alright, don’t bother me,” she said, her voice nasal and almost coquettish. But when she pushed Gu Muchu to the doorway, she found her standing there, unmoving.

“Move,” Ji Yuran said, but when her hands proved ineffective, she leaned her entire body against Gu Muchu’s back and began bumping against her in small, rhythmic motions.

The gentle nudges tickled Gu Muchu’s sensitive spots. Abandoning her teasing, she turned around and patted Ji Yuran’s head three times. The Omega stood there dumbly, letting Gu Muchu have her way, shrinking her neck with each pat.

“Good night,” Gu Muchu said.

Ji Yuran shook her head, trying to hide the stray thoughts that had surfaced in her mind. “I won’t say it.”

“Hmm?” Gu Muchu drawled, her tone laced with threat.

“Go away, or I’ll poke you with this flower!” Ji Yuran brandished a bare stem, her voice fierce.

“Childish,” Gu Muchu retorted, stepping out the door. The sound of the lock clicking shut echoed behind her.

Like a turtle retreating into its shell, the door gave Ji Yuran an overwhelming sense of security. She pressed herself against the panel, convinced the Alpha couldn’t touch her now, and muttered under her breath, “You’re the childish one! You’re the most childish! You’re thirty years old and still less mature than me. You lied to me tonight—I’m not talking to you anymore…”

Gu Muchu slammed her hand against the door, the resounding thud silencing Ji Yuran instantly. Not even a syllable dared escape her lips.

“Get some sleep. Lock the doors and windows tight tonight—don’t catch a cold,” Gu Muchu said, amused by her own nagging.

A narrow crack appeared in the door, and bright eyes blinked through the gap. “You too,” Ji Yuran whispered before gently closing the door.

Gu Muchu pressed her hand to her left chest, joy bubbling like honey in a jar, threatening to overflow. The emotions surging within her had nowhere to go, trapped deep in her heart.

A bittersweet happiness.

At thirty, she still felt like a reckless, straightforward sixteen-year-old girl, completely enveloped by unfamiliar emotions yet unafraid.

The live broadcast of the New Year’s Eve fashion show on Weibo received a lukewarm response. After all, the public often struggled to understand the bizarre and unconventional designs.

Then, a trending topic appeared:

#Serein Asia-Pacific Brand Ambassador Gu Muchu#

Initially, No. 1 Media assumed it was just fan-driven marketing for Gu Muchu. Though odd, they didn’t pay much attention.

A Best Actress and a Top Tier celebrity seemed like mutually exclusive roles. By choosing the path of a Qingyi actress, Gu Muchu had committed to quiet refinement rather than chasing public attention.

While marketing was rare, it wasn’t worth criticizing, and even Gu Muchu herself dismissed it. But as the original topic gained over ten thousand reposts, another trend surged:

#Gu Muchu Wore a Serein Counterfeit at Fashion Show#

Alerted by the buzz, the Public Relations Department immediately ordered the topic removed. However, whoever was manipulating this campaign seemed determined to target Gu Muchu. For every topic taken down, another was bought to replace it. Even contacting the platform’s backend proved futile.

They were simply told that someone else had also paid for the same keywords, and neither side could be easily offended.

Gu Muchu sat in the nanny van, scrolling through the overwhelming online scrutiny directed at her.

Her public image had always been positive, with most people viewing her as a diligent actress dedicated to perfecting her craft. Faced with rumors of her wearing counterfeit goods, her fans dismissed them as absurd.

However, Gu Muchu was a national Best Actress who had gained fame through her film roles. Her personal fan loyalty was relatively low, and she often maintained a low profile to avoid her unique personality overshadowing the relatability of her characters.

The vast number of casual fans, upon seeing the trending topic, wouldn’t bother clicking through to investigate the details or read the clarifications. Their indifference would leave only a vague impression:

Gu Muchu wore a counterfeit item from the brand she endorses.

The rumor spread like wildfire. Even after the storm subsided, whenever her name came up, many would still react with, “Oh, didn’t she wear a counterfeit once?”

It wouldn’t ruin her career, but it was enough to make her sick to her stomach.

Lan Jing, sitting in the passenger seat, watched Gu Muchu’s expressionless face as she gripped her phone. Feeling anxious, she leaned over to offer comfort. “Sister Gu, don’t dwell on it too much. Sister Ling will handle this. Just stop looking at it…”

Gu Muchu gently covered her phone screen, but Gu Muchu brushed her hand aside. “It’s fine. I can handle these petty insults.”

Gu Muchu was more curious about who would go to such lengths to frame her.

Arriving at No. 1 Media, she headed straight to Ling Xin’s office and recounted every detail of the previous night’s events to her manager. Her assistant, Lan Jing, nodded repeatedly in confirmation.

“When Sister Gu returned that night, she said the bag contained a counterfeit and told me to throw it away,” Lan Jing explained, glancing at Gu Muchu for confirmation.

“Yes,” Gu Muchu confirmed, recalling the night vividly. “When I went to the restroom, I ran into Xi Wenxuan. Her words hinted that something bad would happen to me that night, which later made me suspect the dress.” She sank wearily into the sofa, rubbing her throbbing temples.

“Xi Wenxuan?” Ling Xin jotted down notes for the Public Relations Department, clicking her pen twice, her brow furrowed.

She remembered Xi Wenxuan had competed with Gu Muchu for the lead role in Youth, but the director had chosen Gu Muchu without hesitation, citing her superior acting skills and greater fame.

Such rivalries were common in the industry, but it was unlikely someone would harbor such deep-seated resentment over it.

“Xi Wenxuan is such a troublemaker! Disgusting! And she’s even an artist from the same company—she has no respect for her seniors,” Lan Jing grumbled, rolling up her sleeves, clearly still fuming from their confrontation that night.

Gu Muchu covered her eyes with her hand. By nature, she was a calm person who preferred to avoid drama. But being at the center of this media storm inevitably left her frustrated.

“It wasn’t Xi Wenxuan. She doesn’t have the brains for this,” Gu Muchu said, straightening up and turning to Lan Jing. “Where did you throw away the Serein Counterfeit that night?”

Lan Jing scratched her head, guilt creeping into her voice. “In the trash can behind the display panel on the 24th floor. I should have brought it back. Someone must have gone through it after I left…”

“Not necessarily. Someone who overheard us might have taken it. If you’d put it in your bag, they could have searched you, making things even more complicated,” Gu Muchu said, clasping her hands together. The situation before her felt like a dense fog, obscuring the truth and leaving her utterly clueless.

Lan Jing was investigating the handover personnel, but there was still no news from Serein.

Ling Xin eyed them suspiciously. “Were you two the only ones in the room at the time?”

“No, there was also a makeup artist…” Lan Jing waved her hands frantically, her expression turning incredulous as she met her manager’s gaze. “It couldn’t possibly be the makeup artist, right? She was hired from the fashion show!”

As they spoke, Gu Muchu’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Ji Yuran:

Little Lion: I saw it.

Gu Muchu had woken up early that morning and hadn’t had a chance to explain things to Ji Yuran properly. Now, she patiently glanced at Ling Xin and Lan Jing, realizing the office wasn’t the place for a private conversation. Clearing her throat, she stood up.

“I’m going to the restroom.”

At this hour, most of the people moving around the company were employees and a few ambitious young actors. Gu Muchu slipped into the restroom and quickly replied to Ji Yuran while it was relatively empty.

First Light of Dusk: I’m handling it. I’m at the company now. What do you want for lunch?

Little Lion: You can tell me [finger-pointing emoji]

Reading this reply, Gu Muchu’s face softened, her earlier worry fading. She knew Ji Yuran was concerned about her, and a warm, tingling sensation, like tiny ants nibbling at her heart, filled her with tenderness.

First Light of Dusk: Understood. I’ll report back home immediately.

After sending the message, Gu Muchu double-tapped Stitch’s avatar and patted Ji Yuran’s image.

Just then, someone entered the restroom. Gu Muchu locked her phone and slipped it into her pocket. Turning to face the mirror, she caught her reflection and felt a pang of pain, her brows furrowing even deeper.

The newcomer was Xi Wenxuan. She turned on the faucet and casually rinsed her hands. “You change your expression so quickly,” Xi Wenxuan remarked. “What a coincidence—I always seem to run into you in the restroom.”

Gu Muchu ignored her. To maintain appearances, she also turned on the faucet. The rushing water cascaded into the sink, leaving behind lingering, rounded droplets.

Irritated by Gu Muchu’s silence, Xi Wenxuan impatiently tapped the faucet. After turning off the water, she meticulously dried her hands with a paper towel, her phoenix-shaped eyes fixed intently on Gu Muchu.

“Just so you know, I had nothing to do with that trending topic,” Xi Wenxuan hastily clarified, feigning indifference.

“I know,” Gu Muchu replied coolly, unwilling to waste words.

Hearing this, Xi Wenxuan covered her nose with the back of her hand and coughed awkwardly. “You trust me that much?” she asked, her tone strained.

Gu Muchu found the remark amusing, wondering which word had given Xi Wenxuan such a mistaken impression of her. She walked over to the hand dryer, its buzzing hum drowning out the faint mockery in her voice.

“If you were that capable, you wouldn’t have been suppressed for so many years.”

Though Xi Wenxuan was a child star, her parents lacked prominence, offering her little more than resources. Gu Muchu’s words struck at her core.

“Don’t get cocky. The people after you have powerful connections. The higher you climb, the harder you’ll fall. Just wait and see.” With this cryptic warning, Xi Wenxuan dampened the stray hairs at her temples and strode out of the restroom on her stiletto heels.

Back in her office, Gu Muchu noticed Lan Jing’s hurried expression. Lan Jing leaned in to ask, “Boss, what’s wrong?”

Gu Muchu, not planning to linger, cleared her desk and instructed Lan Jing, “Urge Serein to expedite their response. Also, pull up the security footage from the fashion show that day.”

“Understood!”

She then turned to Ling Xin. “Sister Ling, tell the Public Relations Department to hold off on suppressing the trending topics for now. Let the situation simmer.”

After giving these instructions, Gu Muchu grabbed her crossbody bag and waved goodbye to the two women. “I’m heading home. Call if anything comes up.”

Before they could stop her, she had already left the office.

As Gu Muchu settled into the car heading home, she scrolled through the trending search again, scrutinizing every detail. Xi Wenxuan’s words had reminded her that even though she wasn’t the target of the scheme, she was still an insider.

This is serious. I can’t afford to underestimate this.

Carefully choosing her words, Gu Muchu compiled a list of all the brands that had participated in the fashion show that night and sent screenshots to Lan Jing.

First Light of Dusk: Keep an eye on these.

Lan Jing replied with an OK emoji.

With that done, Gu Muchu clicked on the search term, bracing herself for the backlash. As expected, the online sentiment had turned overwhelmingly negative, fueled by behind-the-scenes manipulation. While the comments weren’t outright abusive, they were still deeply unsettling to read.

Fashion Fanatic: No way! Gu Muchu actually wore a counterfeit? Isn’t she the heiress of the Gu Family? How low can you go?

Bootleg B1tch: She probably fell out with the Gu Corporation. No spare cash for Serhang luxury goods—just enough for some A-grade fakes to soothe her ego.

Cabbage Roll: So even a Best Actress who plays it straight on screen loves to stir up drama in private?

80-Year-Old Glam Mom: The entertainment industry is a cesspool. There are no good people here. Before I die laughing, let me remind you all that the guru said Gu Muchu was morally bankrupt. I used to doubt it, but now that this counterfeit scandal has surfaced, I’d bet it’s 90% true.

Not Eating Bagels: Wearing a counterfeit in front of the Serein brand? What’s wrong with her brain?

Waka Waka: No. 1 Media’s Public Relations Department is doing a terrible job. They haven’t even issued a clarification yet. This must be solid evidence!

Gu Muchu was accustomed to the criticism and insults. Just as she was about to turn off her screen, her gaze inadvertently landed on a familiar username.

Ruanruan Drinks Cola: Enough with the conspiracy theories already! The internet is just jumping to conclusions without any actual evidence.

Many users immediately mocked this person as Gu Muchu’s “lapdog,” and a ten-story tower of insults quickly piled up beneath the comment. After all, these trending topics were usually dominated by lurking haters.

To be fair, Ruanruan Drinks Cola stood out as a rare voice of reason.

It would be a lie to say Gu Muchu wasn’t touched. Despite her many followers, she remained acutely aware of others’ affection and never grew complacent from years of praise.

She clicked on Ruanruan Drinks Cola’s profile, intending to switch to her private account and send a thank-you message.

Due to the user’s privacy settings, you cannot view their profile content.

Gu Muchu’s hand froze. She swiped back and clicked on the profile again.

Due to the user’s privacy settings, you cannot view their profile content.

As expected, this user, who outwardly claimed support while blocking Gu Muchu’s official account, was likely a sophisticated “skin-deep hater.”

That’s what I think, Gu Muchu mused.