The Scumbag Who Bowed for Money (GL , ABO) - Chapter 15
Xie Yuanwei stood still, composed on the surface, but a wave of realization hit her as fragments of the original story came flooding back.
Bai Zhiqu was the original Alpha’s official Omega. Ever since the original Xie Yuanwei met her, she had completely changed her ways. The two had fallen deeply in love, and their relationship soared. That was also the turning point when the original Xie Yuanwei’s infamous reputation began.
“Why are you suddenly bringing her up?”
Xie Yuanwei had no intention of following the original storyline. All she could hope was that Bai Zhiqu’s appearance wouldn’t cause any trouble.
Le Shi turned fully around at the question. A faint, unreadable smile hung on her lips. Standing a few steps above on the stone path, she looked down at Xie Yuanwei from a higher position, her presence quietly oppressive.
“I figured the two of you might know each other. Bai Tu cherishes his daughter very much. If possible, it might be a good idea to build a connection.”
Her words were perfectly reasonable on the surface, but Xie Yuanwei felt her heartbeat pick up, like it was tripping over itself. She couldn’t seem to find solid ground.
She straightened her back and shook her head quickly, answering with utmost seriousness.
“I really don’t know her.”
Who knew how much Le Shi believed. She gave Xie Yuanwei a long look from head to toe, then turned away and began walking into the villa, leaving behind a light remark.
“I didn’t say I was interrogating you. Don’t be so nervous.”
Xie Yuanwei let out a small laugh and subtly wiped away the imaginary sweat on her forehead behind Le Shi’s back.
As they entered the villa, Xie Yuanwei pressed her palms together in silent prayer.
Please, please don’t let anything go wrong.
The interior of the mountain villa was steeped in traditional charm. The soft sound of flowing water could be heard as they stepped inside, though Xie Yuanwei couldn’t find where it was coming from. It must have been a surround sound feature.
“Assistant Xie.”
Le Shi’s voice suddenly called out, snapping Xie Yuanwei back from her thoughts. She quickly returned to her side, taking two quick steps and asking in a soft voice, “What is it?”
Le Shi didn’t answer at first. She simply lifted her chin, signaling Xie Yuanwei to look ahead.
They weren’t far behind the main group. Bai Tu couldn’t hide his pride; his eyes sparkled with unconcealed joy. Surrounded by people, the center of attention was a young woman who appeared to be an Omega.
Just as Xie Yuanwei began to suspect who it was, Le Shi spoke.
“That’s Bai Zhiqu. A very capable woman.”
Xie Yuanwei followed her gaze. Bai Zhiqu looked nothing like Le Shi. Where Le Shi’s beauty had sharp edges and presence, Bai Zhiqu had a softness about her. She looked innocent and pure.
But Xie Yuanwei knew better. Bai Zhiqu was far from simple. She was the very reason the original Alpha had climbed to such great heights.
Xie Yuanwei calmly averted her gaze and instead focused on Le Shi. She gave a quiet “Hmm” as if uninterested.
In the end, Le Shi was still the most beautiful.
“Dad, Director Le has arrived.”
Bai Zhiqu had already noticed them. With a gentle smile, she quickened her pace and walked over.
“Director Le, it’s a pleasure.”
Xie Yuanwei instinctively took a step back to hide slightly behind Le Shi. She had social anxiety. This was terrifying.
Le Shi maintained a polite smile and extended a hand for a light handshake.
“I’ve heard that Miss Bai is as beautiful as they say. Seeing you now, I can see it’s true.”
“Is that so?” Bai Zhiqu raised an eyebrow slightly. Her high heels clicked sharply against the wooden floor, each step crisp and deliberate.
As soon as Bai Zhiqu neared her, Xie Yuanwei lowered her lashes, then raised them again to meet her gaze directly. Her tone was calm and composed.
“Miss Bai.”
“It’s been a while, Xie Yuanwei.”
“…Excuse me?”
Xie Yuanwei blinked, stunned.
Was it finally her turn to be publicly accused of something she didn’t do?
She stood very close to Le Shi, and in that proximity, she could sense a subtle shift in the Omega’s pheromones. It wasn’t something she could explain. The peach scent had grown sharper, almost aggressive, and she was certain it was directed entirely at her.
“Miss Bai, have we met before?” Xie Yuanwei asked sincerely, her tone open and honest.
Bai Zhiqu studied her for a few seconds, then gave a light laugh. Spreading her hands as if brushing the whole thing off, she said, “Just teasing. I’ve only seen you in the gossip columns.”
Xie Yuanwei immediately understood. Bai Zhiqu was clearly aiming at her, but surprisingly, she welcomed it.
“Director Le, come in and try our mountain villa’s specialty dishes,” Bai Zhiqu said naturally as she linked arms with Le Shi and gently pulled her inside without even glancing at Xie Yuanwei.
The two Omegas seemed to hit it off instantly, chatting softly as they sat side by side.
Xie Yuanwei sat next to Le Shi, her posture proper and tense. She wasn’t sure if she should eat or not, awkwardly nibbling on a piece of salty pickled radish.
“Director Le, here’s to a successful partnership.”
By the end of the meal, Bai Tu stood and raised his glass. Le Shi could no longer refuse. She rose with a composed smile, lifted her glass, and drank it all in one go, showing full respect to Bai Tu.
The people around him showered Bai Zhiqu with praise. Bai Tu looked completely satisfied, his eyes nearly disappearing behind his smile. He turned to his daughter and said cheerfully, “Zhiqu, show Director Le around the villa. We’ve even set up hot springs. Too bad she’s not feeling well.”
Le Shi leaned back in her chair. Just one drink had already made her cheeks slightly flushed. She placed her hands over her stomach and stood up gracefully after hearing his suggestion.
“I’ll go to the restroom for a moment.”
Her eyes briefly swept over Xie Yuanwei, the glance subtle but meaningful. Xie Yuanwei understood instantly. She had drunk far more than Le Shi, and more than she had at lunch. Her stomach felt like it was burning.
“I’ll go check on Director Le.”
Xie Yuanwei stood and tried to walk steadily out of the private room. Just as she stepped into the hallway, someone gently caught her arm.
She didn’t even need to look to know it was Le Shi.
“I thought you were going to the restroom,” Xie Yuanwei mumbled, her words slightly slurred.
“I was waiting for you. You drank too much tonight.”
Le Shi frowned slightly. Normally she and her assistant took turns handling these kinds of dinners, and it was rare for one person to handle it all alone. But today, Xie Yuanwei had taken everything on herself. At lunch, she had done the same. Le Shi had wanted to stop her several times, but the people at the table never gave her the chance. They just kept pouring drinks.
It wasn’t just because Le Shi hadn’t been drinking. It was because the one drinking was Xie Yuanwei.
Le Shi supported her gently and said with effort, “Come on. Let’s go to the restroom first.”
In this world, restrooms were still divided by strict categories. Someone like Xie Yuanwei couldn’t use the same one as Le Shi. If they were seen together in the wrong restroom, it could cause serious trouble.
“Do you feel like throwing up?” Le Shi asked, concern growing as she looked at the Alpha’s pale face. “Or should we go back to the hotel instead?”
Xie Yuanwei still had enough awareness to wave her hand and stagger her way into the restroom. Moments later, the sound of vomiting echoed out.
Le Shi sighed quietly. She turned and entered the Omega restroom quickly, not daring to take too long. She was worried something might happen while she was away.
“Director Le, you don’t look very happy.”
Le Shi was washing her hands when someone approached her. It was Bai Zhiqu.
For some reason, Le Shi felt uncomfortable. There was something strange about the way Bai Zhiqu treated her.
Still, she kept her expression calm and replied, “My assistant drank too much. I’m worried she isn’t feeling well.”
Her words were vague and carried a subtle undertone. Bai Zhiqu, however, looked like she had expected it.
“I knew the rumors about you two were true. But what do you even see in her?”
Bai Zhiqu’s voice rose slightly, no longer hiding her frustration.
“You must know the kind of awful things Xie Yuanwei has done in the past. I don’t believe she’s really changed. People don’t change that fast. Director Le, you deserve someone better.”
She suddenly leaned in closer.
“Le Shi, I can offer you more. I can give you better support, more benefits. Why not consider me instead?”
Le Shi’s mind went completely blank. Before she could respond, a voice called out from the doorway.
“Um… what?”
Xie Yuanwei stood there with a dazed expression, looking completely confused.