The Villainous Scum Alpha Was Reborn (GL) - Chapter 20.2

Meanwhile, Nan Ke was lying in bed with her eyes closed, trying to fall asleep. But the more she tried, the more awake she felt. Eventually, she turned on her side and picked up her phone to check the WeChat notifications that had come in earlier.

Jiang Ying was never one to hold grudges. After receiving Nan Ke’s not-so-sincere thank-you message, she went right back to normal and had sent several playful emoji messages.

Nan Ke opened the chat, replied by sending a few one-yuan red packets, and told her to be quiet.

Jiang Ying accepted every red packet and, perhaps annoyed by the small amount, sent back a string of eye-rolling emojis.

Nan Ke gave a quiet laugh and didn’t reply. She returned to her home screen, but there were so few apps on her phone that it looked almost empty.

She stared at the dull icons for a while, thinking. Eventually, she opened her browser and typed a question.

“How do you pursue an independent, beautiful, kind, and talented omega?”

Her fingers stopped after the question mark.

Just before she could tap the search button, a thought crossed her mind. How many omegas in the entire city could compare to someone like Liang Qingqing?

And among those, how many had actually been successfully pursued?

And even if someone had succeeded, would they really go online and share their methods?

Who would want to help others become their romantic rivals?

Only a fool would do something like that.

Clearly, anyone capable of winning over someone like Liang Qingqing would not be a fool. Which meant there was no way useful advice would be found online.

And if there was nothing useful to find, why should she even let that question appear in her search history?

With that thought, Nan Ke closed the browser and returned to her home screen. She gave a small flick of her finger and cleared all running apps in the background.

Then something strange happened. Whether it was fate, telepathy, or some supernatural force out of a fantasy film, her phone lit up with a message notification from Jiang Ying.

The title of the message read, “Eleven Ways to Win Someone Over.”

Nan Ke stared blankly at her screen.

She really did not want to admit it, but Jiang Ying might just be the person in this world who understood her best. Still, this kind of help felt far too intense, like someone forcing you to eat something spicy when you only asked for water.

Based on Jiang Ying’s own personal experiments, none of these so-called methods had ever actually worked.

But then Nan Ke paused. That wasn’t entirely true. If she really thought about it, Jiang Ying had succeeded at least once. Or maybe, halfway succeeded.

The only reason things never turned into a real relationship was because something always went wrong. Sometimes she chased the wrong person. Other times, she found out the person’s WeChat was fake.

So, under Jiang Ying’s efforts, the person on the receiving end had actually been moved. The only problem was that the one who moved her heart was not the intended target.

Realizing this, Nan Ke opened the guide Jiang Ying had shared with a doubtful expression.

After skimming through the suggestions, she thoughtfully selected a few, opened Liang Qingqing’s WeChat, and sent her a message.

“Thank you for the hospitality tonight. Good night. Sweet dreams.”

But just like before, her message sank into silence with no response.

Still, to Nan Ke, the good night message wasn’t sent in vain. After she sent it, she felt sleepy and soon drifted off to sleep.

The next day, she was woken up by Jiang Ying.

Nan Ke had gone to bed late and was still lacking sleep, so she didn’t wake up until midday.

Jiang Ying, on the other hand, had woken up as usual around ten in the morning. What she didn’t expect was to see a WeChat message from her mother as soon as she opened her eyes. The message contained a photo of a red invitation card.

When she opened the image, she saw it clearly. It was an engagement invitation. It said that Wei Huan and Bai Ruoya would be engaged on the twenty-fourth day of the lunar calendar this month. The Wei family had booked the banquet at Yingtian Hotel, the best hotel in the city.

Su Hongying had no idea about the complicated relationships between the younger generation. She just wanted to share the news. But once Jiang Ying saw the message, she was so shocked that she nearly jumped straight out of bed.

She could not believe what she was seeing. The way things had turned out was exactly as Nan Ke had predicted. Wei Huan had not only accepted the betrayal, she had gone along with it smoothly, as if determined to marry Bai Ruoya no matter what.

Jiang Ying could not make sense of it at all. She was so stunned that she immediately tried to call Nan Ke, but no one picked up.

Later, she returned a call to Wei Huan, saying she had been busy the afternoon before and forgot to follow up in the evening. Then she casually asked if there was something Wei Huan needed.

Wei Huan sounded tired, but everything else about her voice seemed normal.

No reaction?

Jiang Ying kept thinking it over. Something still felt off. In the end, she decided to get up and go to Nan Ke’s place.

When she reached the bedroom, she found Nan Ke still asleep.

“Ke jie, I just got a message. Huan jie and Bai Ruoya are getting engaged. It’s happening in a week, at Yingtian Hotel,” Jiang Ying said while crouching next to the bed. Her voice carried both frustration and disbelief. After what had happened, she could now fully understand why Nan Ke had chosen to walk away.

Nan Ke had already been on the edge of waking up. She had heard the door open, and Jiang Ying’s voice was loud enough that she could not ignore it.

She lifted her arm to shield her eyes, blinked, and then rubbed the bridge of her nose before slowly sitting up.

“When did this happen?” she asked.

“This morning. Uncle Wei had someone bring the invitation to our house. My mom took a picture and sent it to me,” Jiang Ying replied honestly.

Nan Ke gave a quiet response and got out of bed. She walked straight to the bathroom, washed her face, and stood at the sink for a moment in silence. Then she wrapped her hair in a towel, tied it up loosely, and started brushing her teeth.

She moved quickly. By the time she sat down at her dressing table to apply some lotion, Jiang Ying was already leaning against the small couch in the walk-in closet, still confused.

“Ke jie, do you think Huan jie is under a spell or something? How could she agree to this? We gave her all that evidence just yesterday. Now she’s acting like nothing happened and is sending out engagement invitations. Is she afraid the engagement will get away from her?”

Nan Ke applied her skincare products without much expression. After finishing, she got up to wash her hands. Then, while changing clothes with her back facing Jiang Ying, she spoke calmly.

“From what I know about them, this engagement had to have been planned for a while. You know how Yingtian Hotel operates. Reservations are usually made a month in advance, and at the very least, you need to book twenty days ahead.”

She paused here, tightening her grip slightly on the hanger. Then she took a deep breath and continued.

“And Bai Ruoya had a miscarriage while living at the Wei house. No matter what the real reason was, Wei Huan’s parents have always been unpredictable. They probably feel guilty. As for the evidence you gave her yesterday, I believe she kept it all to herself.”

“Exactly. We should have sent a copy to Uncle Wei and Aunt Xu too,” Jiang Ying said with a frustrated clap, clearly regretting the decision.

“That would have caused more trouble for us,” Nan Ke said, turning to look at her. “Uncle Wei and Aunt Xu are not like Wei Huan. If they received something like that, they would definitely try to find out who sent it. And if they traced it back to us, what then? I already cut ties with them and left that family. If I suddenly go back and tell them they made a mistake and that their future daughter-in-law is a liar, don’t you think they might take it too hard and have a breakdown right on the spot?”

Jiang Ying pouted and fell silent.

Nan Ke patted her on the shoulder.

“Alright. Don’t look so down. We’ve already done what we could.”

Jiang Ying gave a small hum and sighed. “It’s just a shame you still care about them so much.”

“There’s nothing shameful about it. You should never forget those who have helped you. I ate their rice for over twenty years. I can’t just repay them by driving them into despair,” Nan Ke said as she opened the glass door of the walk-in closet and stepped outside. “Kindness and resentment are separate things. We have to know where the lines are.”

Jiang Ying watched her from behind and let out a quiet sigh before getting up to follow her.

The truth was, the invitations sent out by the Wei family had been planned well in advance. Over the past few days, Wei Huan had been overwhelmed with work. Her mood had been getting worse and worse. With everything going on, she simply lost the strength to stop what had already been arranged.

She had completely forgotten.

By the time she remembered, everyone who was supposed to receive the invitation had already received it. Even those who should not have received one got it.

Wei Hongbo and Xu Bingzhi were deeply affected by Wei Ke’s decision to cut ties and change her surname. Compared to before, their condition had clearly worsened. In their current state, Wei Huan did not dare call home to say the engagement banquet was canceled. But if she said nothing, then she had to face the consequences alone.

Last night, after Bai Ruoya fainted in the rain, Wei Huan had looked visibly upset. She returned to Bai Ruoya’s apartment, settled her in, and then, too exhausted to leave again, spent the night in the guest room.

When she woke up the next morning, she noticed her voice sounded nasal. Still, thinking of Bai Ruoya lying in the master bedroom, she pulled on her coat with a cold expression and went to work.

When Bai Ruoya called, Wei Huan had just stepped out of a meeting. Although she did not really want to go back, she had not yet dealt with the engagement issue, so she forced herself to return.

After their breakup yesterday, Wei Huan had spent time reflecting and trying to understand Bai Ruoya’s point of view. But no matter how many excuses she tried to make for her, she could not accept what had happened.

She was not narrow-minded. She did not care about Bai Ruoya’s past before they got together. But once they entered a relationship, such outrageous behavior was unacceptable.

Call it fear, call it emotional weakness, Wei Huan still wanted to hear what kind of explanation Bai Ruoya would give.

And Bai Ruoya did not disappoint. She gave an explanation that sounded helpless and innocent.

Wei Huan did not even change her shoes. She stood coldly at the foot of Bai Ruoya’s bed. Since she had just come in from outside, a slight chill still clung to her.

“If you have anything to say, say it now. I am in a hurry. I have a business trip this afternoon.” Her tone and gaze were both cold. There was no trace of the tenderness she once had.

Looking at Wei Huan’s face, Bai Ruoya began to cry. Her tears came immediately. She wiped her eyes and began speaking through soft sobs.

“Wei Huan, I really didn’t want this to happen.”

“It happened two months ago, when you were away on a business trip. It was Lan Zifan’s birthday. I went to celebrate and accidentally drank too much. You know my alcohol tolerance is not good. Lan Zifan took me home. Somehow, she went into her heat cycle that night and then… it just happened.”

“I didn’t want to. I called you, but you didn’t answer. I am just an omega. I could not stop an alpha who had lost control.”

Wei Huan clenched her hand inside her sleeve. “So it happened here? In this apartment?”

“Yes…” Bai Ruoya closed her eyes. Two streams of tears slid down her cheeks and fell onto her pajama top.

“Afterward, she confessed to me. She said our families arranged a marriage for us when we were children. She said I was originally meant to be hers. She said she liked me very much and that I betrayed her for you.”

“I know I did something wrong. I was too scared to tell you. I was afraid you would leave me. Wei Huan, I really cannot live without you. I love you.”

“When she saw I would not break up with you, she threatened me using your name. That happened in the hospital too. I did not want it. Please believe me. My heart belongs to you. There is no room for anyone else.”

“I did not expect to get pregnant. When I found out, I broke down. I had planned to end the pregnancy quietly, but when I saw how happy you were, I…”

“So when you saw how happy I was, you just let the lie continue. Is that it?” Wei Huan turned slightly, and the tip of her nose turned red.

Bai Ruoya shook her head quickly. “No, it is not like that. Wei Huan, I never meant to lie to you.”

“But in all of this, I am a victim too.”

Wei Huan looked up at the ceiling and forced back the tears that were building in her eyes. She walked toward the door and steadied her voice before opening it.

“Do not think about anything else for now. Rest and recover. We will talk later when you are feeling better.”

After leaving, Wei Huan drove straight to Lan Zifan’s workplace.

She had known about Lan Zifan since the early days of dating Bai Ruoya. But because of her confidence, she had never suspected anything between them. She had assumed Lan Zifan was just a regular friend. Over the years, although they had met for meals and collaborated on some work, they had never exchanged contact information.

She had no idea where Lan Zifan lived. The only way to find her was at the store’s front desk.

Lan Zifan had always been a dedicated employee and was one of the store’s top performers. When the staff saw Wei Huan arrive, they were surprised but not alarmed. Even the store manager smiled and allowed Lan Zifan to leave when he heard that Wei Huan wanted to speak with her.

When Lan Zifan saw Wei Huan standing at the entrance, she already knew why she was there. Sitting across from her at a café, she listened to the questions and smiled without much emotion.

“She already told you everything. I have nothing more to add. From beginning to end, I was in the wrong. But if taking her away was a mistake, then you were the one who stood in my way. I like her. I do not think that is wrong.”

Wei Huan stared at her. “So you used such disgusting methods to take her, and now you claim I destroyed her?”

Lan Zifan slowly turned the coffee cup in her hand and gave a small nod.

“Yes, I was disgusting.”

“I admit it. But why do you get to say I destroyed her?”

Wei Huan let out a bitter laugh. “Then who did? Are you saying it was me?”

“Of course it was you. If you truly loved her and found out she had been hurt because of me, then you should have felt pain for her. You should have helped her heal. Not labeled her as damaged.”

Lan Zifan lifted her eyes, her anger clear. In her view, she was not the one who had ruined everything.

Wei Huan looked at the crowds passing outside the window. She clenched her fists tightly and resisted the urge to grab Lan Zifan by the collar and hit her.

“You are completely unreasonable,” she said through gritted teeth, rising from her seat.

Lan Zifan remained calm. She leaned back in her chair and looked up at her.

“If you truly think she is dirty now and no longer want her, that is fine. I love her. I do not care that you threw her away. I want her. Please pass that on to her. No matter what Bai Ruoya becomes, I, Lan Zifan, will still take her.”

Wei Huan’s bl00d boiled. Her fists were clenched so tight the veins showed on her hands. She looked down at Lan Zifan with nothing but contempt in her eyes.

“Never. You will never get what you want in this lifetime.”

The coffee on the table was still steaming. Wei Huan took a deep breath and left.

Lan Zifan sat in her chair, watching through the window as the R8 drove away. She picked up her coffee and took a sip. The taste in her mouth perfectly matched the feeling in her chest.

It was bitter enough to make her want to cry and sharp enough to numb her.

Jiang Ying was thrilled that Nan Ke had agreed to let her invest. To celebrate, she treated her to lunch.

Nan Ke did not think much of it. With just the two of them, it was either her treat or Jiang Ying’s.

After lunch, the two investors brought their drafted agreement to meet the entrepreneur they had spoken with last time. They planned to review the contract together and sign it if everything looked good.

By the time they finished, it was already four in the afternoon. Because the temperature had dropped after the rain, Nan Ke wore the same outfit she had worn the last time it got cold.

When Nan Ke reached into the pocket of her coat to get her car keys, she realized the pair of earrings she had bought earlier was still there.

She sat in the driver’s seat and pulled out the velvet box. When she opened it, a pair of rose gold maple leaf earrings lay inside. At the tip of each leaf stem sat a small, deep red gemstone. The color was rich and glowing, and the veins on the leaves were intricately carved. Under the sunlight, they sparkled beautifully. The quality was excellent.

Jiang Ying sat beside her and clicked her tongue in admiration.

“You still haven’t given them to her?”

“Can I give them now?” Nan Ke looked over. “It’s not a holiday or any special occasion. If I give this to her as just a friend, won’t it be a little strange?”

“Why would it be strange?” Jiang Ying looked at her seriously and replied just as seriously. “Didn’t we just finish celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival?”

Nan Ke realized she was being teased and gave Jiang Ying a glare.

“Cut it out.”

Jiang Ying laughed and tapped on the GPS, entering Yi Meng Flower Shop as their next destination.

Nan Ke glanced at the screen but said nothing. That was her way of agreeing.

They stayed quiet for a while. Jiang Ying leaned back in her seat, looked out the window, and finally spoke.

“In a few days, I might have to start working at the company. Once I’m back at work, I probably won’t have time to hang out with you anymore. You better miss me. Keep in touch. And if it gets bad, I’ll just skip work and go dancing with you.”

Nan Ke curled her lips in mild annoyance.

“Might? Probably? You’ve said that to me more than a hundred times since we graduated. When have you ever actually followed through? And hang out with me? When have you ever really accompanied me? Every single time it’s you dragging me out. And dancing? When have I ever asked to go? It’s always you who makes me go. Besides, we live five minutes apart, and your dad’s company is nearby. The drive isn’t even half an hour. You talk like you’re moving to the other side of the world.”

Jiang Ying laughed and nodded, clearly not taking it to heart.

Nan Ke understood what she was trying to say. After a moment, she spoke more seriously.

“All jokes aside, you really should start thinking about it. You’re the only heir of the Jiang family. You’ve been out of school for a while. It’s time to help your dad out.”

Jiang Ying turned and looked at her.

“Come on, it’s a joint-stock company, not a private family business. Sure, my dad holds shares, but he hasn’t stepped down. If I go in now, I’ll be lucky to get a middle management role. Do you think I’d just walk in and take over like some kind of heir to the throne?”

Nan Ke smiled.

“Yes. That’s exactly what I think.”

“Give me a break.” Jiang Ying waved her hand, clearly exhausted just thinking about it. She sighed deeply.

“I’m being honest. I’m not top-tier in terms of skill. If I go in and end up taking a position that someone else has been eyeing, it could cause a lot of problems. Especially with that woman surnamed Sheng. When I went home for dinner the other day, I heard she’s trying to bring her son, who just came back from overseas, into the company. The higher-ups are already talking about it.”

“Sheng?” Nan Ke frowned slightly. “Who is she?”