Transmigrated as a Scum Alpha Cannon Fodder, Sweetly Pampering the Heroine - Chapter 24

In the endless drizzle, the richly colored distillery was filled with the intoxicating aroma of wine.

 

Outside the lounge, Shen Shu rested her hand lightly on the woman’s shoulder and leaned in to whisper something in her ear.

 

Cut!

 

“Shen Shu, your emotions are off.”

 

Shen Shu quickly stood up, smoothing her skirt. “I’m sorry, Director.”

 

This was her fifth take.

 

“What’s wrong, Shen Shu? You nailed the first scene! Don’t be nervous. Just treat Xia Chun like any other actress. Take five minutes to relax, and give it your all.” Though the Director tried to sound reassuring, his expression remained strained.

 

Shen Shu nodded, apologized to the person beside her, and turned away without waiting for a response. She walked to the wooden corridor, now soaked by the artificial rain.

 

When they were ready to film again, a prop malfunction disrupted continuity, forcing them to postpone the scene.

 

Shen Shu retreated to the waiting area. Despite having a few more scenes, she was still a minor supporting actress, spending most of her time waiting on set. Clutching her script, she lowered her head, appearing dejected to onlookers.

 

“Sister Shu, it’s okay,” a woman in a qipao said, approaching her. “You’re 27 already. For someone your age to be acting again, you’re doing remarkably well. I heard you used to work in administration at the company. Honestly, administration is a good job—why bother with all this drama?”

 

Shen Shu looked up. Ren Xiaoqi had been a child star, but her career had remained lukewarm. Having debuted early, she was only 21 now.

 

In contrast, Shen Shu was 27, nearing 30.

 

The other two onlookers chimed in:

 

“Hey, I heard you squeezed out several established actors during auditions? No wonder the Director’s dissatisfied today.”

 

“I’m telling you, stop buying those trending topics. If these people team up and expose your dirt, you won’t even have a chance to explain yourself.”

 

Shen Shu remained silent, not even bothering to retort—it would be a waste of energy.

 

“27? So we’re the same age?”

 

A gentle voice drifted from the edge of the set.

 

The moment Xia Chun appeared, the onlookers abruptly fell silent.

 

Though she wore the same qipao, her entrance exuded unparalleled grace. No wonder she was the Best Actress—especially with that Alpha aura radiating from her.

 

The Omegas’ hearts pounded in their chests.

 

Xia Chun stepped forward, glanced at the silent Shen Shu, and smiled at the group. “I’ve had some drinks and fruit brought over. Why don’t you all go grab something?”

 

Shen Shu stood up, but Xia Chun stopped her with a gentle tone. “Let’s talk? It might help you get into character faster.”

 

Shen Shu looked at her. “I’d like to think about it on my own first. Thank you.”

 

Behind her, several devoted fans immediately leapt to Xia Chun’s defense.

 

“How ungrateful!”

 

“Exactly! She’s taking Ms. Xia’s kindness for granted.”

 

No one noticed the complex emotions swirling in Xia Chun’s eyes as she watched Shen Shu’s graceful figure retreat.

 

Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “Oh my god, Ms. Xia, you’ve really gone all out!”

 

All eyes turned to see two support trucks parked at the edge of the filming area. Soon, an array of high-end pastries, ice cream, fruit, and chilled drinks were being laid out, each item exquisitely presented.

 

“Thank you, Ms. Xia!!”

 

In the oppressive heat and humidity following the rain, everyone’s spirits lifted instantly. Even the Director smiled. “Ms. Xia, you’ve really outdone yourself.”

 

Xia Chun remained silent.

 

Just then, everyone noticed something was amiss. Xia Chun’s two assistants and the production crew were arranging bags of fruit deliveries on the table.

 

“Are you Ms. Xia’s support truck?” someone asked the staff bustling around the vehicle.

 

“We don’t know who sent it.”

 

“Could it be a mistake?”

 

“No, it’s addressed to your film crew.”

 

Shen Shu’s gaze froze. Zhou Pei, standing beside the support truck, gave her a polite nod.

 

It was immediately clear who had sent the gifts.

 

Shen Shu stepped outside and glanced around. Zhou Pei murmured, “Miss couldn’t come herself, so she asked me to arrange this. These were her instructions.”

 

Zhou Pei handed her a freshly squeezed glass of grape juice.

 

After a moment’s hesitation, Shen Shu accepted it.

 

Tong Jia had been on set for a while.

 

The assistant, observing the smiles on everyone’s faces, took a bite of durian pastry and chuckled, “This is the first time I’ve seen a support truck without banners or a sender’s name. I don’t get it.”

 

He seemed nonchalant, but his mind was sharp.

 

Shen Shu was just a supporting actress. Even the lead actors and Best Actress hadn’t made such a grand gesture. By sending a support truck under her own name, wasn’t she just embarrassing them?

 

“Without a name, how would anyone know who sent it? What’s the point of sending something like this?”

 

Shen Shu knew, though.

 

Everyone else was unaware that Xu Jinman had arranged it all, but Shen Shu knew.

 

The two trucks were filled with luxurious fruits of every kind, yet there wasn’t a single grape among them. Only Shen Shu had grape juice.

 

She remembered that one time when they were eating egg tarts, Xu Jinman had specially packed a grape egg tart for Shen Shu to take home.

 

What girl wouldn’t appreciate such special treatment?

 

Tong Jia licked her ice cream.

 

There was another point: while an anonymous gift might seem meaningless now, with so many people on set, someone’s curiosity would inevitably get the better of them, and they’d try to uncover the sender.

 

At that point, no one would accuse Shen Shu of trying to steal the spotlight. Instead, it would reveal her hidden popularity.

 

But that wasn’t the main point.

 

The main point was that Xu Jinman had successfully made her presence felt in Shen Shu’s life.

 

She had seized every opportunity to make her presence known, like a needle threading through the smallest gap.

 

And the most brilliant part was her absence.

 

Tong Jia imagined how she’d feel if she and her girlfriend had a fight, and her girlfriend surprised her with a gift but didn’t show up in person. She’d be itching to know more.

 

Thinking about it, Tong Jia suddenly felt a pang of envy for Shen Shu. If only my girlfriend understood this.

 

 

Xu Jinman’s absence had nothing to do with Tong Jia’s perceived astuteness. It was simply because she felt Shen Shu didn’t want to see her.

 

She wasn’t one to overstay her welcome.

 

After lunch, Xu Jinman dozed off on the company sofa. Her phone vibrated on the table.

 

Seeing Wang Zheng’s name, she immediately woke up.

 

It had been nearly two months since Wang Zheng had last contacted her after telling her he was investigating in Qucheng. She had almost forgotten about him.

 

Wang Zheng: 6 PM, Chengyang Cafe

 

By 6 PM, the crew was preparing to wrap up for the day.

 

“This is the first time I’ve seen a support truck without a name on it. Who could it be from?”

 

“I bet it’s from Ms. Xia’s admirer. I overheard her on the phone saying, ‘You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.'”

 

“I envy Ms. Xia. She’s beautiful and talented. I also envy Shen Shu… getting to act alongside Ms. Xia.”

 

“Did you see her performance just now? She’s better suited for playing a pure college student!” Ren Xiaoqi laughed.

 

Shen Shu returned to the waiting room from the Director’s office and immediately heard the sharp gossip.

 

She didn’t react, simply grabbing her bag.

 

As Shen Shu left, one of the other actresses hurried after her.

 

“Shen Shu, don’t mind what they said. They’re just jealous of you.” She reached out to take Shen Shu’s arm, but Shen Shu dodged the touch. “Are you leaving already? Ms. Xia is treating everyone to dinner tonight. Come with us!”

 

“I’m sorry, I have other commitments,” Shen Shu said, her tone distant and dismissive, making it clear she wasn’t open to further discussion.

 

Shen Shu had driven to the studio, and Zhou Pei was waiting by her car.

 

“Miss Xu asked me to drive you home,” Zhou Pei said.

 

Hearing this, Shen Shu suddenly recalled Xu Jinman’s words from the previous night: “Get some rest. I won’t bother you for the next couple of days.”

 

A strange feeling stirred within Shen Shu.

 

Even though she prided herself on her cold detachment, she couldn’t deny the genuine kindness Xu Jinman had shown her during their time together. At times, she had even sensed a warmth radiating from Xu Jinman.

 

She wasn’t deliberately targeting Xu Jinman.

 

It was just the thought of Xu Jinman potentially being an Alpha that made her uneasy.

 

Zhou Pei moved to open the rear door for Shen Shu, but Shen Shu stopped her. “I’ll do it myself.”

 

She pulled out her phone. Xu Jinman’s last message remained unread from the previous day.

 

After a moment’s hesitation, she turned off the screen and slipped the phone back into her leather bag.

 

Meanwhile, the taxi carrying Xu Jinman was heading toward Chengyang Cafe. The film studio was located at the southernmost edge of Beicheng, while Chengyang Cafe was on the eastern side of the city.

 

A few kilometers into the ride, Xu Jinman suddenly received a call from Wang Zheng.

 

“Someone’s blocking me again. I won’t be able to meet you today,” a raspy male voice said.

 

“Who is it?” Xu Jinman asked.

 

“Don’t come. I’ll call you next time.”

 

Before she could ask another question, the call was abruptly disconnected.

 

Xu Jinman pulled over to the side of the road, her fair brow furrowing slightly. What secrets was Qucheng hiding? Could Xu Tao be the one blocking her path?

 

By the time Xu Jinman returned to her hotel, it was past seven. She ordered a quick meal and ate it casually in her suite, which felt empty and cavernous. The large embedded screen played an advertisement for shower gel.

 

As she watched, she pulled out her phone and sent a message to Zhou Pei.

 

Zhou Pei replied almost immediately: I was just about to tell you, Miss Shen has been called back to the set for a cast dinner.

 

Xu Jinman asked Tong Jia, who confirmed she would also be attending. Mention of Xia Chun made Xu Jinman decide not to press further.

 

As long as Shen Shu was safe, that was all that mattered.

 

The rest…

 

Xu Jinman turned off the television, suddenly finding nothing worth watching.

 

Outside the private dining room of the restaurant, Shen Shu stepped out for some fresh air after drinking two glasses of wine. She hadn’t planned to attend, but the Director had personally called, and she couldn’t refuse the courtesy of attending the first cast dinner.

 

She wasn’t a naive newcomer; she understood the rules of business, just as she did in the corporate world.

 

In truth, she could hold her liquor, but she simply disliked the burning sensation of alcohol going down her throat. As she exhaled slowly, she sensed someone approaching and instinctively turned to look.

 

Xia Chun offered her a bottle of herbal tea. “Are you alright?”

 

Shen Shu didn’t take the tea and stepped past Xia Chun.

 

Xia Chun reached out to stop her. “A-Shu.”

 

Shen Shu paused, her expression almost coldly indifferent. “Ms. Xia, we’re not that close.”

 

A bitter look crossed Xia Chun’s face. “So you still resent me for leaving back then. I told you I had my reasons. If I hadn’t left at the time…”

 

“Excuse me,” Shen Shu interrupted. “I’m married now. I have no interest in hearing any of this.”

 

“Married?” Xia Chun shook her head. “You don’t love her. I know that better than anyone.”

 

At those words, Shen Shu finally looked at her.

 

Xia Chun continued, “I knew it was too late when Xu Jinman forced you to marry.”

 

“A-Shu, you should understand my feelings for you. Otherwise, why would I, with my current status, take such a minor role?”

 

Someone emerged from the private room and glanced at them.

 

Shen Shu repeated, “I’ll say it again: I’m married. You know what kind of person Xu Jinman is. If she finds out about this conversation, you know the consequences.”

 

“I dared to take this role, so I’m not afraid of her,” Xia Chun said, unwavering. “Since I’ve chosen to be by your side, I’ll protect you, Shen Shu. I’ll help you.”

 

Shen Shu found the situation absurd. “Help me with what?”

 

“Help you leave her.”

 

Passersby occasionally glanced at them.

 

“Enough, Xia Chun,” Shen Shu said coldly. “You just want to hear how difficult my life has been since leaving you. But I’m doing perfectly fine.”

 

Xu Tao rarely called Xu Jinman, but he asked her to come home for dinner.

 

Xu Jinman had been busy lately. Investing didn’t guarantee returns; the risks and efforts required were proportional. However, there had been some successes. A residential project she had acquired at a bargain price recently had been taken over by the city’s construction bureau.

 

The funds from this deal could probably buy three more buildings.

 

Xu Jinman wondered if this was why Xu Tao had called.

 

As she entered the Xu Family Villa, Lu Yun was watering the garden. The meticulously manicured flowerbeds contained blooms Xu Jinman didn’t even recognize.

 

“Mom.”

 

At first, Xu Jinman assumed Lu Yun was too focused to hear her. But when she called out a second time, Lu Yun’s startled expression confirmed she had been lost in thought.

 

Lu Yun even paused in surprise. “What are you doing back?”

 

She didn’t even know I was coming home?

 

“Dad called me. Didn’t he tell you?”

 

Lu Yun smiled. “Oh, he didn’t tell me. He probably wanted to surprise me again. If he’d told me earlier, I could have made some of his favorite dishes.”

 

Xu Jinman followed her into the house.

 

In the living room, Xu Tao and Xu Li were chatting on the sofa.

 

Xu Li noticed her first. “Aunt Lu said you’ve been busy lately. Looks like only Dad can get you to come home.”

 

Lu Yun’s expression remained strained. She glanced at Xu Li, her eyes carrying a warning, then gestured for Xu Jinman to sit while she went to the kitchen.

 

Xu Jinman handed the maid the items she’d bought. “Some of the staff went to Qucheng these past few days and brought back some local specialties. I brought them back for you all.”

 

As she spoke, she subtly glanced at Xu Tao.

 

Xu Tao grunted. “Hmm, not bad. You’re finally learning to be useful. Go check the kitchen and see what you want to eat. Have your mother make it. Tell me about what you’ve been busy with over lunch.”

 

Everything seemed normal, with no hint that Wang Zheng was investigating him in Qucheng.

 

Xu Jinman nodded, and Xu Tao and Xu Li resumed their conversation.

 

Xu Tao instructed Xu Li, “Oversee this project personally. With something this massive, we need to be meticulous.”

 

The conversation revolved around the recent land acquisition by Xu Jinman and the plans for constructing a new resort.

 

As Xu Li responded, she glanced up, her lips curving into a smug smile when their eyes met.

 

It was the smile of someone who had achieved their goal.

 

Xu Jinman disdainfully averted her gaze. She wasn’t interested in playing along.

 

Rumor had it that Xu Tao and Lu Yun doted on their youngest daughter, but from what she’d observed, while Lu Yun undeniably spoiled Xu Li, Xu Tao seemed less indulgent.

 

In fact, Xu Tao’s interactions with Xu Li resembled the genuine dynamic between a father and daughter—occasional moments of playful teasing, gentle complaints, and earnest advice. Unlike his interactions with her… she couldn’t quite describe the feeling.

 

As Xu Jinman pondered this, a strange, negative, and unsettling emotion resurfaced.

 

She shook off the thought, turned, and went to the kitchen to tell Lu Yun she was going upstairs.

 

Opening the hidden door, she found the framed photo still on the table.

 

The glass-backed frame was secured with screws, making it exceptionally sturdy. Xu Jinman had to find a screwdriver to dismantle it.

 

She’d sensed something amiss the last time she examined it, and over the past few days, she’d finally figured it out. Who would go to such lengths to secure a photograph?

 

With the wooden frame disassembled, the photo fell face-down onto the table.

 

There was indeed something written on the blank reverse side of the photo, but it wasn’t the numerical code she had expected.

 

One day, I’ll take you with me…

 

I’m going to take you all… to hell!!!

 

Want to play with me?

 

The original owner’s handwriting was rather childish, round and crooked.

 

As Xu Jinman read the last line, a blurry image of a child’s face seemed to materialize in her mind.

 

Her emotions in turmoil, she slipped the photo into her pocket and opened the darkroom door.

 

The moment she stepped out, she bumped into Lu Yun, who had just entered.

 

A second later, Lu Yun frowned at her. “What are you doing? Going back into that dusty old place to rummage through those ridiculous clothes again?”

 

The central air conditioning blasted Xu Jinman’s sweat-soaked body, sending a shiver down her spine.

 

“What’s wrong? Feeling unwell?” Lu Yun rushed over, grabbing her hand with concern.

 

Still preoccupied with the three lines of text, Xu Jinman brushed her off casually. “No, I was just checking if there were any clothes I could take with me.”

 

“Oh, I’ll pack those up for you later and have Zhou Pei deliver them. Come on, I made pumpkin pancakes. They’re best eaten hot—they get soggy when they cool down…”

 

Whether it was due to the earlier incident or not, Xu Jinman genuinely felt unwell.

 

At the dinner table, Xu Tao asked about her recent small investments. “You’ve done remarkably well. Who gave you these ideas?”

 

Surrounded by a feast, Xu Jinman found no appetite.

 

“I came up with them myself,” she replied evasively.

 

Xu Tao clearly didn’t believe her. In all these years, aside from causing trouble, when had she ever done anything serious? The woman from the Shen Family, on the other hand, possessed a keen business mind.

 

“Alright, whether these were your own ideas or the Shen Family’s, I don’t care. Just remember, no matter how much you dote on your wife, you must maintain proper boundaries.”

 

Xu Tao continued, “The matter of Shen Shu’s acting ends here. No more getting involved in such things.”

 

“I’m afraid that’s impossible,” Xu Jinman replied without hesitation.

 

Xu Tao frowned. “What did you say?”

 

Xu Jinman: “Shen Shu’s acting doesn’t seem to have caused any harm.”

 

“No harm?” Xu Tao’s anger flared, and he slammed his chopsticks down. “Her photos from the internet have already reached me! What kind of image is that? What’s the difference between her and a prostitute?!”

 

Xu Jinman set down her chopsticks, her eyes as cold and deep as a winter night. “Watch your tone,” she warned.

 

Xu Tao, perhaps for the first time being directly confronted by Xu Jinman, paused briefly before his delayed anger erupted into a violent table slam.

 

“You’ve really grown bold, haven’t you? Daring to speak to me like that!”

 

“You shouldn’t speak about my wife that way.”

 

“Spare us the melodramatic act at home,” Xu Li said languidly, sipping her milk. “Dad’s right—that image is damaging to the Xu Family’s reputation.”

 

Xu Jinman retorted coldly, “Your reputation outside isn’t exactly spotless either, is it?”

 

Xu Li: “Nothing compared to yours.”

 

Lu Yun snapped, “Enough!”

 

“Actually, there’s a solution… Sister could just get a divorce,” Xu Li suggested with a mocking smile. “For her, divorce should be even easier, right?”

 

Xu Li was deliberately provoking her, knowing Xu Jinman would never divorce but saying it anyway to pit her against Xu Tao.

 

Xu Jinman narrowed her eyes. This woman’s every word dripped with malice.

 

Xu Li, feigning innocence, continued to fan the flames: “Why are you glaring at me? You’ve only been married a few days—stop pretending to be so deeply in love.”

 

“Shut up!” Lu Yun grabbed Xu Jinman’s hand, as if afraid she might do something rash. In Lu Yun’s eyes, Xu Jinman was mentally unstable and couldn’t handle any more stress.

 

“Xu Tao! Control your daughter!”

 

“You should control her first! You’re throwing away the Xu Family’s reputation for a woman!”

 

“Reputation? Look at yourself—do you even have such a thing?”

 

In that instant, Xu Jinman glanced at Xu Tao’s face, catching a glimpse of the terrifying rage lurking beneath his composure.

 

Xu Jinman couldn’t bear to stay in this house for another second. She gave Xu Li, who had effortlessly escalated the conflict, a cold look, their eyes meeting briefly.

 

Xu Jinman turned to leave.

 

Behind her, Xu Tao and Lu Yun continued their argument. As she reached the door, Lu Yun hurried after her, grabbing her arm and pleading, “Jinman!”

 

“Just let me have some peace,” Xu Jinman said, pulling her hand free.

 

As Xu Jinman withdrew her hand, Lu Yun blurted out, “Stop sending people to Qucheng. Stop investigating.”

 

Xu Jinman whirled around.

 

“You were the one who blocked him from seeing me?”

 

“It was me. I gave him money to leave Beicheng.”

 

“Please, Mom’s begging you, don’t investigate any further.”

 

A chill ran through Xu Jinman’s heart.

 

If she weren’t occupying the original Xu Jinman’s identity, she wouldn’t have bothered investigating. But everything about the original Xu Jinman screamed danger.

 

The words in the photograph.

 

The uncrackable password box.

 

Lu Yun’s insistence that she stay away from Qucheng.

 

Each time she thought of these things, a primal unease stirred within her, as if some monstrous beast lay hidden beneath the surface.

 

She couldn’t rest until she uncovered the truth.

 

Xu Jinman rubbed her temples.

 

“Miss,” Zhou Pei said, “you didn’t sleep well last night. Why don’t you go rest at Miss Shen’s place?”

 

Xu Jinman glanced at her. Zhou Pei knew about her separation from Shen Shu. After all, walls have ears, and it was only a matter of time before others learned that her marriage to Shen Shu was merely a sham.

 

Coupled with today’s events at the Xu Family Villa, it was clear the Xu Family was a bottomless abyss.

 

They might be even more corrupt than the Shen Family. Xu Jinman suddenly wondered if a divorce might actually be a blessing for Shen Shu.

 

“Back to the hotel,” Xu Jinman said.

 

Instead of taking the private elevator, Xu Jinman sat down on a sofa in the hotel lobby. She attributed this act to a rebellious streak.

 

She didn’t know what was wrong with herself.

 

Maybe today’s events at the Xu Family Villa shook me more than I realized, Xu Jinman thought.

 

“Miss, your luggage has been brought up.”

 

It was the things Lu Yun had packed for her at the Xu Family Villa.

 

“You can go off duty now,” Xu Jinman said.

 

“You don’t look well. Should I call the family doctor?”

 

“It’s fine. I’ll call if I need anything.” She hadn’t felt quite right since leaving the Xu Family Villa, breaking into cold sweats in waves, like a flu. But Professor Qin had also mentioned that early stages of stress-induced illness could manifest with chills.

 

“I’ll go up after sitting here for a bit,” Xu Jinman said. “You can leave.”

 

After Zhou Pei left, Xu Jinman sat in the lobby, absentmindedly scrolling through Weibo. Shen Shu’s trending topic had disappeared, replaced by an automatically recommended account: “Newcomer Shen Shu.”

 

Clicking through, she saw the profile picture matched Shen Shu’s WeChat avatar—a black X on a white background, with no posts.

 

Xu Jinman followed the account, which was automatically added to her “Entertainment” list.

 

The green WeChat icon popped up on her phone.

 

Swiping open her phone, she saw a group message:

 

Han Fu: “@Xu Jinman Coming or not?”

 

A location pin and a photo followed.

 

Originally, she had planned to change her phone number, but after discovering the original owner’s messy past, she realized that changing numbers would be more complicated than simply deleting everything. So she deleted all the random contacts and groups.

 

Now they had just added her back in.

 

Xu Jinman opened the photo: a large round table with a dozen people. Shen Shu sat in the lower right corner, wearing a plain beige T-shirt, but Xu Jinman spotted her immediately.

 

The short-haired woman beside Shen Shu had a face that was both alluring and gentle.

 

Another group dinner?

 

Is this film crew here to shoot a movie or just eat?

 

Xu Jinman casually swiped through the screen, glancing at the group chat history.

 

Han Fu: Chen Bo had the waiter secretly take this photo. If you don’t come, he’s going to make a move.

 

Han Fu: You know how he is—all about lust. He can’t resist a top-tier Omega like Shen Shu.

 

Chen Bo: Fvck off, I didn’t do anything! Why don’t you mention Song Ronghui toasting her with wine?

 

Xu Jinman frowned.

 

Song Ronghui: @Xu Jinman Don’t overthink it. It was just a glass of wine, nothing improper.

 

Chen Bo: I can vouch for that! Man-jie, don’t beat anyone up, okay?

 

Song Ronghui: @Chen Bo We’re still in the private room! Can you tone it down? Your Omega’s moans are too loud.

 

Chen Bo: Come join us.

 

Han Fu: Great, he’s getting hyped again.

 

 

Xu Jinman didn’t bother reading the rest of the disgusting messages.

 

Even though Yin Xue had sent the messages from Chen Bo’s phone last time, none of these people were decent. When they got carried away, they had no sense of boundaries.

 

Song Ronghui: Come join us?

 

Xu Jinman had already stood up.

 

If she didn’t go, Chen Bo and the others would assume she’d lost interest in Shen Shu, making them even more reckless. It was likely they’d try to take advantage of Shen Shu again.

 

When she arrived at the restaurant, she immediately spotted a familiar face by the entrance: Song Ronghui.

 

After their encounter at Chengyang Cafe, Xu Jinman had deliberately checked Song Ronghui’s social media. She seemed like the most normal of the group, her posts relatively wholesome compared to the vulgar content shared by Chen Bo and Han Fu.

 

The depraved acts they glorified would have landed them in prison in Xu Jinman’s former world.

 

“I wondered if you’d actually come,” Song Ronghui said, surprised. “But here you are.”

 

Xu Jinman glanced around. “Where are the others?”

 

Song Ronghui offered her a cigarette, but Xu Jinman refused. Song Ronghui put it in her own mouth. “Still going at it in room 301. You can still join the fun.”

 

Xu Jinman: “……”

 

Xu Jinman felt a wave of nausea, especially since they were in a restaurant.

 

“Aren’t you afraid of getting sick?”

 

“Afraid of what?” Song Ronghui exhaled a plume of smoke, her gaze fixed on Xu Jinman. “Didn’t you say, if we all get sick, we’ll die together? If we don’t, we’ll party together?”

 

Xu Jinman remained silent.

 

They’re all seriously ill.

 

Xu Jinman stopped arguing. Perhaps sensing something, Song Ronghui offered helpfully, “Your little wife is in room 309. No need to thank me.”

 

Xu Jinman brushed past her.

 

“Manman, have you really forgotten about Yin Xue?”

 

The question was casual, as if it had just occurred to her.

 

Xu Jinman’s eyes were fixed on the two figures walking down the corridor ahead, paying no attention to the question. She saw Shen Shu stumble slightly on the carpet, and the woman behind her immediately steadied her by the shoulder.

 

Xu Jinman rubbed her hands together, a strange emotion stirring within her.

 

Song Ronghui sidled up to her, draping an arm casually over her shoulder. “Why don’t you dye your hair green?”

 

Xu Jinman stared at her.

 

Song Ronghui chuckled softly.

 

Shen Shu reacted quickly, slipping out of Xia Chun’s grasp the moment she regained her balance. As she straightened up, she noticed Xu Jinman standing across the hall, along with the laughing woman beside her.

 

Song Ronghui, who had just offered her a toast earlier, was someone Shen Shu had seen with Xu Jinman before.

 

Their eyes met.

 

Xu Jinman took the initiative, approaching with a natural smile. “You’re here too? I just came to grab a bite.”

 

Despite two days of no contact, Xu Jinman acted as if nothing had happened, her demeanor completely unaffected.

 

This feels a bit unfair, Shen Shu thought.

 

Before Shen Shu could respond, the door to room 309 swung open, revealing a slightly tipsy man.

 

“Ms. Xia, what are you two doing standing here? Come on, even hiding here won’t save you from drinking!”

 

“We’ll be right in,” Xia Chun replied, turning to Shen Shu. “Is this your friend?”

 

Xia Chun knew exactly who she was—Xu Jinman could sense it.

 

She remained silent.

 

Since everyone here was part of the film crew, Xia Chun decided to wait for Shen Shu’s answer and respond accordingly, ensuring she wouldn’t put her in an awkward position.

 

After a brief two-second pause, Xia Chun said warmly, “Since she’s a friend, why don’t we all eat together?”

 

“Let’s not,” Shen Shu replied. “Her friend is waiting for her.”

 

Xia Chun glanced at the beautiful woman standing a few meters away and nodded understandingly. “Ah, if it’s inconvenient, then we’ll head in first…”

 

“It’s not inconvenient.”

 

Xu Jinman flicked her tongue against her teeth. She hadn’t intended to intrude, but for a fleeting moment, she’d changed her mind.

 

Chen Bo emerged, cradling the dazed Omega with flushed cheeks. He spotted Song Ronghui standing in the hallway, arms crossed and deep in thought.

 

“What’s up?” Chen Bo pinched the waist of the person in his arms.

 

Song Ronghui stubbed out her cigarette. “Where are the other two?”

 

“Not done yet,” Chen Bo replied. “Damn, the Alpha Han Fu hired this time is a beast—even more relentless than me.”

 

Song Ronghui: “Xu Jinman just told me to warn you guys to be careful about getting sick.”

 

“Huh?” Chen Bo scoffed. “Is she joking? She’s even wilder than I am!”

 

“Wild as she may be, she doesn’t go all the way. Just using her hands, how could she get sick? Unlike you…” Song Ronghui glanced downward with a knowing smirk.

 

“What the hell are you implying? Xu Jinman? She doesn’t go all the way?” Chen Bo burst into laughter. “Are you saying she can’t handle it? Better watch out—she might hear you.”

 

He dismissed her words. After all, anyone who’d been with Xu Jinman was bedridden for days afterward.

 

Song Ronghui chuckled. “No, I wasn’t talking about her. I’m terrified of her, actually.”

 

“Hey, was that true what you said earlier? You’re close to Yin Xue, right? Did she tell you that?”

 

Song Ronghui said it was just a joke. How could she know if she hadn’t tried it?

 

Chen Bo settled her into a restaurant chair and leaned closer. “I haven’t asked you yet—how’s Yin Xue been lately?”

 

Song Ronghui’s smile faded, her gaze fixed on the door of Room 309. “Living hell.”

 

The person to Shen Shu’s left made way for Xu Jinman to sit.

 

Xia Chun sat to Shen Shu’s right.

 

One was a friend, the other a junior colleague. Logically, neither should harbor ulterior motives. Yet the three of them seated together created an odd, almost confrontational atmosphere.

 

Especially since all three were strikingly beautiful.

 

Nearly everyone’s eyes were drawn to their table.

 

“Sister Shen Shu, you’ve only taken one sip since sitting down,” Ren Xiaoqi remarked. “How can you show Director Zhang sincerity with such a small drink?”

 

Director Zhang was the casting director who had given Shen Shu her opportunity. Due to personal reasons, he was leaving the production team soon. Xia Chun had organized this farewell gathering after hearing the news.

 

Director Zhang smoothed things over, saying they still had afternoon filming tomorrow and work came first.

 

“Don’t worry, Director Zhang,” Ren Xiaoqi said, raising her glass. “It’s just a few drinks. I’ll be fine by morning.” She turned to Shen Shu. “Sister Shu, let me toast you first.”

 

Xu Jinman caught a whiff of alcohol on Shen Shu’s breath. Knowing Shen Shu never drank, she was surprised to hear she’d had a few.

 

No wonder her face is flushed.

 

“She can’t hold her liquor,” Xu Jinman said, glancing at the girl across the table. She smiled slightly. “I’ll drink with you instead.”

 

Ren Xiaoqi paused, taken aback.

 

It was obvious Xu Jinman was shielding Shen Shu, but Ren Xiaoqi couldn’t bring herself to resent it.

 

When Xu Jinman smiled, her phoenix eyes curved downward, and her deep brown pupils seemed to radiate warmth, creating an illusion of genuine affection.

 

Ren Xiaoqi’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Okay.”

 

Xu Jinman drained her glass in one gulp.

 

Shen Shu glanced at Xu Jinman’s empty glass and leaned in to whisper, “You don’t have to cover for me.”

 

Their faces were close, and Xu Jinman’s gaze drifted to Shen Shu’s pink earlobe. “Can’t even shield you from a few drinks?” she murmured slowly.

 

Shen Shu stared back, speechless.

 

“Miss Xu,” Ren Xiaoqi interjected, drawing Xu Jinman’s attention. “You and Sister Shu are really close, huh?”

 

Xu Jinman tilted her head and stared at Shen Shu. “Really?” she asked.

 

She thought it was just okay.

 

Shen Shu inexplicably met Xu Jinman’s gaze. This tone didn’t sound like she was talking to Ren Xiaoqi; it was more like she was asking for Shen Shu’s opinion.

 

“You’re Shen Shu’s friend, so I should raise a glass to you too.” Xia Chun gently tapped her glass on the table, holding her drink with a smile as she looked at Xu Jinman.

 

Xu Jinman: “Who are you?”

 

Xia Chun: “……”

 

Only then did someone remember that after everyone sat down, they had only introduced their names. But even if that was the case for others…

 

Xia Chun was the Best Actress, a national icon. Could anyone really not recognize her?

 

Ren Xiaoqi ‘cleared up the confusion’ for Xu Jinman.

 

Watching Xu Jinman’s dawning realization, Shen Shu thought to herself, She’s the one who should be acting.

 

“As a newcomer, Ms. Xia, you don’t need to be so polite,” Shen Shu said.

 

“I’ve enjoyed working with you. Raising a glass to your friend is no trouble at all. Or is Miss Xu not much of a drinker?”

 

Xu Jinman’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. This woman is interesting, she thought. Based on her analysis, Xia Chun and Shen Shu had only just met, yet Xia Chun seemed to know exactly who Xu Jinman was, hence her veiled hostility.

 

Xu Jinman said, “I wonder if you can handle baijiu?”

 

Xia Chun had a high alcohol tolerance.

 

As for Xu Jinman, Shen Shu wasn’t worried.

 

She had seen Xu Jinman drink before. Back when Xu Jinman was using the Shen Family to pressure her, Shen Shu had found her in a private room, guzzling a bottle of Rémy Martin.

 

Even with a split personality, one’s physical constitution remains unchanged.

 

This wasn’t a serious drinking contest anyway; they only had two cups of baijiu.

 

Still, Shen Shu couldn’t help but glance at Xu Jinman’s face occasionally, sensing she seemed unwell today.

 

Half an hour later, the farewell dinner ended.

 

As Ren Xiaoqi was leaving, she asked with concern, “Miss Xu, where are you staying? Would you like me to give you a ride?”

 

Xu Jinman rested her chin in her hand, smiling and waving dismissively.

 

Soon, only Xu Jinman and Shen Shu remained in the room.

 

“Are you alright?”

 

“Mmm,” Xu Jinman mumbled, her head thudding against the table.

 

“…” Shen Shu paused. “Alright, let’s go.”

 

After waiting a few seconds with no response, Shen Shu patted Xu Jinman’s shoulder. The latter was already showing signs of intoxication, her face flushed with alcohol.

 

“Can you still walk?” Shen Shu asked coolly.

 

Xu Jinman didn’t reply, muttering only, “Hot.”

 

Shen Shu checked the time and went out to get Xu Jinman a fresh, clean wet wipe.

 

When she opened the door again, Xu Jinman collided with her, forcing her back against the wall.

 

Shen Shu called Xu Jinman’s name, but Xu Jinman gripped her waist, forcing her to turn sideways, and pressed her head against Shen Shu’s neck.

 

Shen Shu’s back stiffened. The warmth and softness beneath the thin fabric left her momentarily stunned.

 

Xu Jinman murmured something, her scalding breath like a burst of steam, spraying against Shen Shu’s glands…

 

A jolt of sensation surged through Shen Shu’s body, from her spine to the crown of her head.

 

“Can’t walk,” Xu Jinman mumbled.

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

Just then, the door suddenly swung open from the outside. Xia Chun’s pupils constricted slightly. “You two…”

 

Shen Shu felt awkward in this situation, but she didn’t push Xu Jinman away. Turning to support her, she said, “Can you just behave yourself?”

 

As if sensing something, Xu Jinman actually quieted down.

 

Left standing there, Xia Chun’s face paled slightly. Her nails dug into her palms, her eyes filled with confusion and shock.

 

 

Xu Jinman was slightly taller than Shen Shu, making it somewhat difficult for Shen Shu to support her. Moreover, Xu Jinman was in a very disoriented state.

 

At first, Shen Shu didn’t suspect she was drunk until they got into the car and she realized Xu Jinman didn’t even recognize her.

 

Xu Jinman slumped against Shen Shu’s lap, her sky-blue dress riding up to mid-thigh with her restless movements.

 

Shen Shu averted her gaze and instructed the driver, “Star City International.”

 

Xu Jinman’s hand suddenly arched against Shen Shu’s leg. “I don’t want to go there.”

 

Shen Shu: “……” Then I’ll just dump you out here.

 

Xu Jinman’s hand was moving unconsciously.

 

But today, Shen Shu happened to be wearing a short skirt. She grabbed Xu Jinman’s hand and forcibly pulled it down. Xu Jinman, displeased, grabbed Shen Shu’s hand in return, but this time she remained still.

 

It seemed she was merely seeking a sense of security.

 

Shen Shu lowered her gaze. When Xu Jinman closed her eyes quietly, she lost that air of dominance.

 

Shu remained tense, as half of Xu Jinman’s face was still pressed against her thigh. She could even feel the dampness where their skin met.

 

She had drunk a little wine, not enough to get drunk, just enough to feel slightly dizzy.

 

Perhaps that was why she didn’t resist Xu Jinman’s closeness.

 

Shen Shu couldn’t quite gauge Xu Jinman’s current state. The apartment’s soundproofing wasn’t great, and she didn’t want to disturb the neighbors.

 

She gave the driver the name of a hotel.

 

Upon arrival, the hotel manager personally opened the room for Shen Shu and helped her guide Xu Jinman to the bed.

 

As he left, the manager couldn’t help but glance back at the figure on the bed.

 

Xu Jinman had completely lost consciousness. Her dress, hiked up to her hips by the movement of her long legs, revealed a flash of white. The narrow straps hung loosely off her shoulders, and her pale skin flushed an unnatural red.

 

“Hot…” Xu Jinman murmured, tugging the dress down from her chest.

 

Shen Shu stepped forward, blocking the manager’s view, and coldly shut the door.

 

Turning back to Xu Jinman’s bedside, she saw that the silk dress, already strained by Xu Jinman’s forceful tug, had pulled the soft fabric taut, gently pressing together the two delicate curves beneath the heart-shaped bodice…

 

Shen Shu’s heart inexplicably pounded faster. She exhaled sharply and turned to retrieve her phone from Xu Jinman’s bag.

 

Xu Jinman’s condition seemed off. Her previous hospitalizations had made it clear her health wasn’t good. This didn’t seem like a simple fever or drunkenness. To be safe, it was best to call Professor Qin.

 

Seeing the fingerprint unlock, Shen Shu reached for Xu Jinman’s hand. The awkward angle made it difficult, and she considered shifting her position.

 

Suddenly, Xu Jinman gripped her wrist and yanked her down, flipping them over in a swift motion.

 

In an instant, their positions reversed.

 

Shen Shu knew firsthand how strong Xu Jinman was. But Xu Jinman’s strength when delirious was even greater. The sheer physical disparity left her utterly immobilized.

 

“Xu Jinman, snap out of it,” Shen Shu said, her voice surprisingly calm.

 

For some reason, Shen Shu wasn’t as frightened as she used to be during their encounters. Subconsciously, she seemed to trust that Xu Jinman wouldn’t harm her.

 

And in truth, Xu Jinman had been protecting her all along.

 

Xu Jinman’s mind was clouded, alternating between chills and fever. Cold sweat evaporated and reappeared in cycles, over and over.

 

Xu Jinman gazed vaguely at the figure below, instinctively sensing that this person could bring her some relief. Her breathing grew increasingly rapid, and the maddening itch, as if ants were tearing at her flesh, surged from the depths of her body…

 

Xu Jinman’s eyes were misty, dazed, and damp.

 

Shen Shu watched her face slowly descend, pressing hard against Xu Jinman’s collarbone. “Xu Jinman!”

 

Xu Jinman heard nothing. Just as her lips were about to touch Shen Shu’s, she suddenly released Shen Shu’s wrist and raised her hand to Shen Shu’s neck.

 

Her palm cupped Shen Shu’s throat, as if she could crush it at any moment.

 

Yet her touch was gentle, like a precious jewel resting against Shen Shu’s smooth neck. Her index finger paused at a spot on the back of Shen Shu’s neck… Each caress sent shivers through Shen Shu’s heart.

 

Shen Shu’s body had gone limp, beyond her control. Whether it was the alcohol or something else, her composure had crumbled.

 

“Xu Jinman, enough!”

 

Xu Jinman froze.

 

Thinking her consciousness had returned, Shen Shu moved her dry lips to speak, but no words came. Xu Jinman, still touching Shen Shu’s scent gland, murmured, “It’s open.”

 

The tiny pore of her gland had opened.

 

Shen Shu’s face flushed crimson.

 

Xu Jinman’s fingers continued to rub against her skin, the tip suddenly scraping against the edge of the gland. Shen Shu nearly groaned aloud.

 

Her freed hand shoved Xu Jinman violently to the side. Xu Jinman fell onto the bed, licked her lips, and rolled over, closing her eyes.

 

She appeared to have fallen asleep, but her breathing was noticeably heavier than before.

 

Shen Shu’s movements grew more frantic, her breathing becoming ragged.

 

She quickly grabbed Xu Jinman’s hand, unlocked the screen, found Professor Qin’s number, and dialed.

 

After a moment, Professor Qin’s drowsy voice answered.

 

Hearing her explanation, Professor Qin paused before saying, “I gave her two suppressants just a couple of days ago. Find them—they have green casings. Miss Shen, if you can’t find them or if they don’t help, call me immediately.”

 

“This isn’t her heat cycle. What’s wrong with her?”

 

The question carried a hint of probing.

 

Professor Qin hesitated. “Well, it might be the alcohol. Miss Shen, why don’t you check for the suppressants first?”

 

Shen Shu could tell Xu Jinman was being evasive, so she didn’t press the issue further.

 

After finding nothing in Xu Jinman’s bag, Shen Shu searched the bedroom thoroughly. Her gaze finally settled on the suitcase.

 

She crouched down and opened it, her body stiffening slightly.

 

Beneath the neatly folded clothes at the bottom of the suitcase lay a variety of provocative outfits and role-playing costumes. On top of the clothes sat a collection of objects:

 

Metal, plastic, and silicone.

 

Her fingers recoiled instinctively. A sudden heat flared against her back, followed by a soft, boneless touch.

 

Shen Shu’s spine tensed. Xu Jinman had silently appeared behind her.

 

Given what had just happened, Shen Shu was wary of Xu Jinman and sensed her intention to embrace her.

 

She immediately tried to dodge, but two arms swiftly wrapped around her from behind, trapping her between them.

 

Xu Jinman’s snow-white arm reached into the suitcase, her fingertips picking up a finger-width iron chain. She held it up.

 

Pressing her cheek against Shen Shu’s, Xu Jinman’s nose brushed against her earlobe. Her voice was slightly hoarse, barely concealing her amusement.

 

“Darling Omega, want to play with me?”