Transmigrated as a Scum Alpha Cannon Fodder, Sweetly Pampering the Heroine - Chapter 33

“Who’s that for?”

 

Cai Ying flopped onto the bed, pulling Shen Shu, who was about to get up, back down. She grinned mischievously. “Hehehe, I didn’t expect things to progress so quickly between you two! If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would’ve thought you were just putting on an act for me today.”

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

Shen Shu playfully swatted Cai Ying’s hand. “Go wash up and get some sleep. I have to get up early for filming tomorrow.”

 

Cai Ying, who had been about to tease further, nodded at her serious expression. But as Shen Shu turned to leave, Cai Ying suddenly sat up in bed. “Oh, right! You went to the Han family banquet yesterday, didn’t you? What actually happened there?”

 

Shen Shu paused. “Where did you hear about that?”

 

“My dad mentioned it. He said someone was drugged or something. Is that true? Who would do something so malicious? Could it be connected to Xu Jinman’s shady friends?”

 

Cai Ying’s mouth ran ahead of her thoughts, instantly recalling Shen Shu’s time in the hospital and the incident at Imperial Grand KTV.

 

Though Xu Jinman had shown signs of improvement, the mere mention of those lowlifes still made Cai Ying’s skin crawl.

 

Shen Shu sometimes felt that Cai Ying possessed a certain intuitive talent in some areas.

 

Xu Jinman had instructed the Han family to block all news about the banquet. The fact that Cai’s father remained unaware meant the information hadn’t leaked.

 

Xu Jinman was truly meticulous, especially since she had taken these measures without Shen Shu’s knowledge.

 

Snapping back to reality, Shen Shu said, “Stop worrying about this. Your dad said if you fail your oral exam this month, your allowance will be halved. I won’t be able to help you then.”

 

Cai Ying: “…You devil.”

 

Cai Ying went to shower, and Shen Shu returned to her bedroom.

 

The Omega from yesterday had taken an aphrodisiac outside of their heat cycle. This wasn’t someone else’s doing; it was a twisted game played by Han Hui and his Omega lover. Even the sealed room was Han Hui’s doing, to prevent their pheromones from being detected during their wild escapades.

 

On the surface, the Han family appeared to have no connection to the incident.

 

So far, only Song Ronghui and Yin Xue had emerged as suspects. But Shen Shu and Xu Jinman shared the belief that there was more to this than met the eye. Moreover, the waiter who had lured Shen Shu into the room remained untraceable.

 

“It doesn’t matter,” Xu Jinman said with a faint smile. “We’re already playing with cheat codes.”

 

If Shen Shu hadn’t overheard Song Ronghui’s phone call, they might not have investigated yesterday’s banquet so quickly. Nor would they have discovered the depth of Song Ronghui’s connection with Yin Xue.

 

Shen Shu, observing Xu Jinman’s smile, said, “Yesterday, you mentioned the Song Family’s overseas funds. To move their positions, you’d need to launch a surprise attack, which would inevitably involve a substantial sum.”

 

“I don’t plan to crush them all at once,” Xu Jinman replied. “Their heavily leveraged futures aren’t all in one basket. We’ll nibble away at them gradually, piece by piece. Don’t worry.”

 

This was just the beginning. She wouldn’t risk everything against the Song Family. Her true target wasn’t the family itself, but Song Ronghui.

 

Still, even these small losses would sting the Song Family enough to make them feel the pain.

 

Shen Shu picked up the water glass from the bedside table. “Boiling the frog slowly?”

 

Xu Jinman leaned forward, resting her elbow on her knee, and praised, “How are you so clever?”

 

Shen Shu paused, then brought the water to her lips, saying casually before drinking, “It’s natural.”

 

Xu Jinman chuckled with amusement.

 

After their last encounter at the restaurant, Xu Jinman had thoroughly investigated Song Ronghui. The reason Song Ronghui maintained a pristine facade, appearing like a rare pure soul in their circle, wasn’t due to any moral conviction, but rather her precarious position within the Song Family.

 

With her mother having passed away early, Song Ronghui lived under the iron rule of her father, who controlled all decision-making power, and alongside her highly capable elder sister. Lacking exceptional talent, Song Ronghui was only entrusted with minor projects.

 

Her daily expenses were covered by regular allowances from the family, but her extravagant spending habits often forced her to dip into next month’s funds to cover this month’s debts.

 

The Song Family’s strict rules, befitting their status as an established aristocratic clan, meant that any misbehavior by Song Ronghui would be met with immediate financial sanctions from her father.

 

Thus, Song Ronghui dared not step out of line.

 

“I want her to experience what you went through,” Xu Jinman said, her voice laced with an unmistakable ruthlessness.

 

Being trapped in a sealed room, knowing nothing, left only with speculation and anxiety, uncertain of what awaited her—from tense unease to terror and despair.

 

Upon hearing this, Shen Shu gave her a deep, appraising look.

 

Xu Jinman had already lowered her head to look at her phone, her light brown hair piled high on her head. Black suited her perfectly, just like the black dress she wore yesterday, which had made her skin glow.

 

Shen Shu’s gaze naturally drifted to Xu Jinman’s legs. “You’ll need to change the bandage after your shower.”

 

Xu Jinman detected an air of finality in her tone. She looked up to see Shen Shu already turning away. Soon, Shen Shu returned with a medical kit.

 

Shen Shu placed the kit at her feet, and Xu Jinman straightened up. “I can do it myself.”

 

Shen Shu glanced at her. “Of course you can.”

 

Xu Jinman: “…Fine.”

 

After her shower, Cai Ying deliberately knocked on the door a few times and called out, “Good night!” Xu Jinman and Shen Shu exchanged a glance on the sofa.

 

Xu Jinman remarked, “That little girl is quite amusing.”

 

Shen Shu replied, “Don’t forget what you promised.”

 

“What was that?”

 

Xu Jinman met her gaze, belatedly recalling their agreement: “No touching the people around me.”

 

Xu Jinman sighed helplessly. “…Sister, I have no interest in kids like that, okay?”

 

The term “sister” was just a way for Xu Jinman to express her helplessness. But after waiting two seconds, Shen Shu remained silent, simply looking at her calmly.

 

Could Shen Shu dislike being called “sister”? That shouldn’t be the case. Although Shen Shu was a year older, she wasn’t the type to get petty over a nickname.

 

“Good girl.”

 

“Huh?”

 

What had Shen Shu just said?

 

Did she really say “good girl”?

 

Xu Jinman’s expression grew complicated. She wanted to explain that calling Shen Shu “sister” earlier wasn’t meant to imply she saw her as an actual sister.

 

But Shen Shu ignored her, grabbed her pajamas, and turned to leave the room.

 

Xu Jinman clicked her tongue softly. Her phone vibrated several times, and she swiped to unlock the screen.

 

Messages from the “Fishing Nightclub” group chat:

 

Chen Bo: “@Xu Jinman Man-jie, what happened last night? I asked Han Hui, and he told me to ask you.”

 

Chen Bo: “He said you almost hooked up with his girl. Is that true?”

 

Han Fu: “@Xu Jinman Holy sh1t! Seriously? I missed out! I should’ve gone too!”

 

Chen Bo: “@Xu Jinman Man-jie, Man-jie, can you feel my burning curiosity?”

 

Han Fu: “@Chen Bo Get lost. All you have is lust.”

 

Chen Bo: [I’ll beat you up.jpg]

 

Song Ronghui: @Xu Jinman Are you okay, Man?

 

Song Ronghui retracted a message.

 

Xu Jinman curled her lip, watching Song Ronghui’s re-sent message: I was there yesterday too, how come I didn’t hear about this? Tell me everything! @Xu Jinman

 

The retracted message had already exposed Song Ronghui’s true intentions.

 

Song Ronghui’s reaction was likely the same as Chen Bo and Han Fu’s—feigning concern only made her seem suspicious. Perhaps she realized her mistake and retracted the message to cover her tracks.

 

Xu Jinman closed the group chat, pretending she hadn’t seen anything.

 

Song Ronghui noticed someone had taken the cigarette from her hand. She glanced up from her phone, her eyes stinging from the smoke.

 

Yin Xue sat on Song Ronghui’s lap, her striped robe half-undone, revealing glimpses of skin beneath. Leaning back against Song Ronghui’s soft chest, she glanced at the phone screen. “What did you retract?”

 

“I said the wrong thing,” Song Ronghui replied. “I asked if she was okay.”

 

Yin Xue shrugged. “Why are you so nervous? Xu Jinman isn’t the type to be glued to her phone all day.”

 

Song Ronghui chuckled. “I know. Maybe it’s just a guilty conscience making me anxious.”

 

She hadn’t intervened at all in the entire affair. Xu Li had arranged the waiter. Only if Xu Jinman went to Xu Li to complain would Xu Li possibly expose her. But Xu Li loathed Xu Jinman and would never show weakness to her.

 

Moreover, she held leverage over Xu Li—a secret that would absolutely prevent Xu Li from ever speaking up.

 

In other words, Xu Jinman would never know for the rest of her life that she had been the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.

 

“Well, that’s true,” Song Ronghui chuckled smugly. “Xu Jinman is so stupid, how could she ever guess I was behind this?”

 

“Don’t call her stupid.”

 

The smile on Song Ronghui’s lips faded slightly as Yin Xue blurted out the words almost instinctively, her tone tinged with protectiveness toward Xu Jinman.

 

Song Ronghui’s expression turned colder. She released her embrace of the Omega and said, “My apologies. I spoke ill of your beloved.”

 

Yin Xue froze, sensing the chill in her words. She tilted her head to study Song Ronghui’s tense jawline.

 

Yin Xue laughed. “What’s wrong? I wasn’t finished yet.”

 

Song Ronghui lowered her gaze. “What else did you want to say?”

 

Yin Xue raised a pale finger and tapped her temple. “She’s not stupid. She’s just… this is the problem.”

 

Song Ronghui knew Yin Xue was only saying that to appease her.

 

But Yin Xue’s willingness to comfort her eased some of her earlier frustration, especially since the woman knew all her weaknesses. Yin Xue had already wrapped her other arm around Song Ronghui, pulling her closer.

 

Song Ronghui’s breath hitched. She sighed, “I can’t come here as often anymore. Even though this place is connected to me, my frequent visits—and how long I stay—will eventually raise suspicion.”

 

As she spoke, she pinched Yin Xue’s hand holding the cigarette and leaned in to take a drag from the tip.

 

Yin Xue, displeased, simply handed the cigarette back to her. She wrapped both arms around Song Ronghui’s neck from behind, saying, “What am I supposed to do when you’re not here? We’ve been fine for so long. Are you seeing someone else?”

 

Song Ronghui, exasperated by her clinginess, replied bitterly, “If I had another woman, would I be risking everything to come here?”

 

Yin Xue: “That’s more like it…”

 

In the cramped room, only their breathing could be heard.

 

After locking the bedroom door, Xu Jinman spread the blanket on the floor.

 

Shen Shu handed her a pillow, her gaze lingering on the cold, tiled floor and the thin, short blanket. “Are you sure you don’t want to sleep on the bed?”

 

Xu Jinman: “No, no.”

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

Shen Shu thought the situation last night might have been more serious than she had imagined or remembered.

 

“Give me the blanket,” Shen Shu said, rolling up the duvet from the bed and tossing it onto the floor. “Use this as a cushion.”

 

Xu Jinman was about to refuse, but Shen Shu had already pulled the blanket off the floor herself.

 

“……” What’s going on? Shen Shu seemed unusually friendly today.

 

Xu Jinman didn’t argue further. She opened the closet and retrieved the combination box. During their recent strained relationship, she hadn’t touched it.

 

She sat cross-legged on the carpet, opened her phone, and scrolled through her notes, which listed all the possible passwords she had recorded.

 

The box wasn’t made of any special material, but after examining it carefully, Xu Jinman identified the manufacturer and discovered it was a custom-made combination box.

 

It allowed unlimited password attempts, but if forcibly opened, it would trigger an alarm.

 

For Xu Jinman, opening this box was no longer just about satisfying her curiosity; it was now crucial to uncovering the truth about the original owner’s life.

 

She shook the box. The contents seemed small and lightweight.

 

She speculated it might contain a USB drive or perhaps a diary.

 

Xu Jinman tried every password she could think of on her phone, one by one. After the last attempt failed, she muttered impatiently, “Useless thing.”

 

Shen Shu paused her page-turning and asked, “Have you tried both your parents’ lunar and solar birthdays?”

 

“Yeah,” Xu Jinman replied. “I even tried yours—1121. No luck.”

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

Xu Jinman stared at the box. Mentioning her parents had reminded her of Xu Tao’s face, leaving her feeling uneasy. She’d felt the same discomfort the last time she’d tried his birthday as the password.

 

It was similar to the feeling she got when she returned to her original body’s room and saw those photos.

 

As if simply associating the box with Xu Tao could trigger the lingering resistance within her—a remnant of the original owner’s aversion.

 

At 9:30 PM, Xu Jinman rubbed her neck and prepared to lie down.

 

From the bed, Shen Shu suddenly asked, “Do you have plans for tomorrow night?”

 

Xu Jinman paused, turning her head. “What’s up? Tell me.”

 

Shen Shu replied, “Nothing much. Cai Ying isn’t going back tomorrow either. If it’s too much trouble, I’ll make up an excuse.”

 

“No trouble at all,” Xu Jinman answered quickly. “I’d just be alone at the hotel anyway. Why isn’t she going back?”

 

Shen Shu’s thoughts lingered briefly on Xu Jinman’s earlier remark. “She ran into her ex-girlfriend at the hotel her family owns the day before yesterday.”

 

“No wonder…” Xu Jinman murmured.

 

Shen Shu had mentioned earlier that Cai Ying’s breakup with her ex-girlfriend hadn’t been amicable, and she likely hadn’t fully moved on. Seeing her again at the hotel would upset anyone.

 

“I don’t have anything planned tomorrow. If she’s home, I can stay and keep her company,” Xu Jinman suddenly remembered Shen Shu’s words. She paused, then added, “But if you’re worried, never mind.”

 

The girl was undeniably beautiful, but she didn’t fit Xu Jinman’s preferences. Her lively personality wasn’t a good match for her either.

 

Shen Shu strangely detected a hint of grievance in Xu Jinman’s tone.

 

Shen Shu cleared her throat. “Thank you for offering.”

 

Truth be told, her earlier suggestion hadn’t been sincere. If Xu Jinman had truly intended to do something, why would she have rescued Cai Ying at the Imperial Grand KTV?

 

Xu Jinman: “…It’s no trouble.”

 

“You wouldn’t believe how disgusting she was when she cheated on me! I’ve never heard such a sanctimonious excuse in my life! She actually said she thought I was mixed-race and had lived abroad, so she assumed I’d be more open-minded and that’s why she pursued me. But once she got me, I turned out to be nothing special! Can you believe that? Is that even human?!”

 

Cai Ying slammed her glass down on the counter. “I saw her at the hotel the other day, and I’m still furious! I wanted to slap her so badly!”

 

Xu Jinman frowned. “Trash.”

 

Cai Ying’s eyes suddenly reddened. “Yeah, trash! How could I have been so blind to fall for such trash?”

 

She lowered her head.

 

At least, she thought, even if I can’t let go, I’m still decisive and resolute when it comes to dealing with a scumbag woman.

 

Xu Jinman took a carton of ice cream from the refrigerator and walked over to the sofa, intending to offer comfort.

 

Cai Ying looked up, her face filled with murderous intent. “Those damn Alphas!”

 

Xu Jinman paused.

 

Xu Jinman set down the ice cream and moved a few steps away to sit down. “There’s no need to condemn them all, is there?”

 

“Shu Shu had to see a therapist because of an Alpha. Anyway, there aren’t many good ones.”

 

Xu Jinman paused, suddenly remembering the ‘therapy appointment slip’ she’d seen in Shen Shu’s drawer that night. “What happened?”

 

Cai Ying looked surprised. “You don’t know? I thought you did.”

 

She refused to elaborate. “If Shu Shu didn’t tell you, I can’t say. Just know that she absolutely despises Alphas. Otherwise, why do you think she accepted you?”

 

Xu Jinman fell silent.

 

Isn’t it because you’re an Omega?

 

Xu Jinman felt a strange mix of emotions. She knew Shen Shu had a deep aversion to Alphas, but she didn’t know the specific reasons behind it.

 

“She doesn’t go to therapy anymore, right?” Xu Jinman asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her go.”

 

“She stopped a long time ago,” Cai Ying replied, “but I’m sure it still bothers her.”

 

The fact that Cai Ying didn’t even know Shen Shu was still seeing a therapist showed just how deeply this incident had affected her.

 

Xu Jinman fell silent.

 

She didn’t want to keep secrets from Shen Shu, but what if Shen Shu couldn’t accept the truth? Their relationship might freeze over again.

 

Xu Jinman rationally analyzed the situation.

 

She didn’t want things to end that way.

 

In this ABO world, she had no friends. Shen Shu, in a sense, was her beginning in this world.

 

Shen Shu was special to her.

 

Torn between these conflicting desires, Xu Jinman’s attention was drawn back to Cai Ying’s words.

 

“It’s not like that,” Cai Ying said. “It’s just that you’re a good person. Shu Shu has been through so much. You need to treat her well in the future…” Cai Ying looked up, blinked, and her usual spoiled demeanor softened into a more lively and endearing charm, much like her fondness for buying rabbits.

 

“I do,” Xu Jinman said, her tone serious.

 

Cai Ying chuckled. “It’s just a bit of a shame Shu Shu won’t get to experience being marked.”

 

Xu Jinman asked earnestly, “Why?”

 

“Because you can’t do it!”

 

“?”

 

“You’re not an Alpha, so you can’t mark her. Being marked is the most blissful experience for an Omega!”

 

“…………”

 

After a few seconds of silence, Xu Jinman stood up. “What does a child know about marking?”

 

Cai Ying scoffed. “Who are you looking down on? I’ve been in relationships too! Sure, I haven’t experienced it firsthand, but I’ve seen it.”

 

“…Enough. Let’s talk about something else.”

 

Cai Ying had assumed Xu Jinman was also an Omega, speaking freely and treating her like a sister.

 

“What should we talk about?”

 

“I heard you failed your exams and your allowance is getting cut.”

 

“……”

 

Around noon, Xu Jinman arranged the sweet and sour pork ribs on a plate and placed it on the table. Cai Ying leaned over, snapped a photo, and sent it to Shen Shu. The vibrant colors and glistening sauce clinging to the ribs made them look incredibly appetizing.

 

“Xu Jinman, how are you so amazing?” Cai Ying exclaimed sincerely.

 

Xu Jinman basked in the praise. “Did Shen Shu reply to you?”

 

“No. Oh, right, you still haven’t answered my question from yesterday,” Cai Ying said. “How can I convince my dad to hire a good-looking tutor? He’s afraid I’ll get distracted and not focus on my studies. But he doesn’t realize that beauty is my motivation to learn!”

 

Xu Jinman: “It’s simple. Have someone your dad trusts recommend a tutor.”

 

Cai Ying’s eyes lit up. “That makes sense! Who should I ask… Shu Shu! But she’s on my dad’s side right now. Maybe you could talk to her for me?”

 

“What am I supposed to say? Don’t you know why they won’t hire someone attractive?”

 

Cai Ying was loyal, but her fondness for beauty was undeniable. They were afraid she’d fall in love again.

 

Cai Ying: “I don’t care! You’re her wife. She’ll listen to you at least a little, right? Just put in a good word for me. I’ll even praise you to her!”

 

Xu Jinman scoffed lightly, “Do I need to?”

 

Cai Ying rolled her eyes and said, “Forget it,” before lowering her head to text Shen Shu.

 

Xu Jinman watched her, suspecting she was saying something bad. “Fine, I’ll consider it.”

 

Cai Ying’s expression immediately brightened, and she looked up with a cheerful smile.

 

The room finally fell silent.

 

Xu Jinman poured herself a glass of water, feeling thirsty after Cai Ying’s long-winded rant. She couldn’t say whether she regretted agreeing to stay, but her ears were ringing.

 

Sitting on a high stool waiting for the shrimp to thaw, Cai Ying played on her phone on the sofa for a while.

 

“I just thought of something,” Cai Ying said.

 

Xu Jinman, holding her water glass, asked, “What is it?”

 

“Between you and Shu Shu, who’s the top?”

 

Xu Jinman nearly spat out her water. She lowered her head and coughed a few times, her face flushing pink.

 

When she looked up, she couldn’t help but smile. “What do you think?”

 

Xu Jinman’s gaze was sharp, as if warning her to choose her words carefully.

 

Cai Ying pursed her lips. “You.”

 

“Excellent.”

 

 

Shen Shu had just finished filming a scene with Xia Chun and pulled out her phone from her bag.

 

Cai Ying: Your wife is so virtuous.

 

Cai Ying: [Photo]

 

Cai Ying retracted a message.

 

Cai Ying: Between you and Xu Jinman, who’s the top?

 

Cai Ying: I bet it’s you.

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

Shen Shu immediately opened Xu Jinman’s WeChat.

 

Shen Shu: Stop teaching her that nonsense.

 

A few seconds passed.

 

Xu Jinman: ?

 

Just as Shen Shu put her phone away, a figure flashed past, followed by Ren Xiaoqi’s cheerful voice: “Sister Shu, a new Japanese restaurant opened on Lan Street. We’re all going tonight—want to join us?”

 

Shen Shu: “Sorry, I have plans tonight.”

 

“Ah, that’s a shame, but no worries! We’ll go another time,” Ren Xiaoqi said. “Next time, you can bring your friend, Miss Xu. I feel like we really clicked.”

 

Shen Shu paused. “She’s been quite busy lately.”

 

Ren Xiaoqi moved her chair closer to Shen Shu and said with a smile, “No worries. How about you give me her WeChat?”

 

Shen Shu couldn’t possibly miss the obvious hint. She didn’t mind personally, but she still needed to ask Xu Jinman first.

 

“I have her WeChat. I’ll forward it to her later.”

 

Ren Xiaoqi felt a twinge of annoyance. Who knows if she’ll actually forward it, or if she just doesn’t want to give me her WeChat?

 

Her tone lost its earlier warmth, and after a few perfunctory pleasantries, she left.

 

Shen Shu put her phone back in her pocket, picked up her water cup, and was about to take a sip when Xia Chun approached.

 

Holding her script, Xia Chun sat down beside her. As soon as she appeared, all eyes in the room turned to them.

 

“With the script here, they won’t gossip,” Xia Chun said, opening the script.

 

Shen Shu: “Is there something you wanted to discuss?”

 

“I heard about the banquet from Han Wenling. How are you? Were you hurt?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

Shen Shu capped her cup, set it down by her feet, and picked up her own script. “Thank you for your concern, Ms. Xia. I’m happy to discuss the script, but if it’s anything else, there’s no need to continue.”

 

“At least stop calling me ‘Ms. Xia’ in private, okay?” Xia Chun knew this wasn’t the time to argue about that, so she changed the subject. “We can talk about this later, A-Shu. Leave Xu Jinman. This whole mess started because of her.”

 

“She’ll hurt you.”

 

Shen Shu’s expression turned colder. “You’re the last person in the world who has any right to advise me.”

 

Xia Chun froze. The day she chose to study abroad, she hadn’t known it was the day Shen Shu’s grandmother passed away.

 

Shen Shu hadn’t tried to stop her. Later, while Xia Chun was overseas, a director cast her in a Hollywood film.

 

By then, she barely had time to contact Shen Shu.

 

Her studies continued, and she planned to return after completing the first phase to properly explain how busy she’d been.

 

She believed that as long as she came back, it wouldn’t be too late.

 

But then, the film catapulted her to stardom.

 

She signed with an agency, acquired a manager, and signed a contract that forbade romantic relationships.

 

Her public image was that of a single woman.

 

Every time the media asked about her personal life, she felt a pang of guilt.

 

Even then, she still believed she could explain things to Shen Shu.

 

During a break in her schedule, she rushed back to find Shen Shu, only to learn that two days prior, Shen Shu had nearly been assaulted by an Alpha.

 

She didn’t know the specifics, but when Shen Shu saw her, she reacted with the same intense aversion she showed to all Alphas, even recoiling from her touch.

 

She desperately wanted to hug Shen Shu, but Shen Shu rejected all attempts at comfort.

 

Over the years, in her dreams, she would always see that afternoon when she went to find Shen Shu. Shen Shu sat by the window, her phone playing the interview where she declared herself single.

 

Shen Shu calmly said, “It’s over.”

 

When she insisted she could explain, Shen Shu retorted, “Do you think I still need an explanation now?”

 

She didn’t.

 

She didn’t need her anymore either.

 

By the time she returned after her second exam, Shen Shu had completely transformed. What shocked her most was that Shen Shu had abandoned her acting dreams from university and joined the Shen Family’s company. She had become cold and distant, her face devoid of its former warmth.

 

Later, while filming abroad, she heard the news of Shen Shu’s marriage to Xu Jinman.

 

She couldn’t believe it and asked Han Wenling, only to learn that Shen Shu had been forced by Xu Jinman.

 

She had hurt Shen Shu, abandoning her when she needed her most.

 

She was always one step too late.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

Those were the only words Xia Chun could think of.

 

She stared at the black words on the white paper, marked with colorful pen strokes that now seemed mocking.

 

Was everything she had worked so hard for really more important than Shen Shu?

 

Shen Shu stood up, took a short, shallow breath, and said calmly, “Xia Chun, I’ve let go. You should too.”

 

It was over.

 

It had been over a long time ago.

 

She had once read: The moment someone abandons you, they must have believed, even for a fleeting second, that they would be better off without you. That moment is unforgivable for a lifetime.

 

The crisp sound of her heels clicking on the floor seemed deafening, yet Xia Chun’s steps felt unbearably heavy.

 

Reaching the backstage area, she collapsed onto a chair like a deflated balloon.

 

“Give me a cigarette.”

 

Her assistant stepped forward to hand her one. “Sister Chun, Miss Han just called. She said she’s on her way.”

 

Xia Chun lit the cigarette, the red flame briefly illuminating her dazed eyes. “Mm.”

 

It was lunchtime on set.

 

The food here wasn’t particularly appetizing, and with the hot weather, Shen Shu usually brought her own lunchbox or fruit.

 

She was surprised to see Cai Ying waiting outside the base.

 

Xu Jinman usually drove her gray Maybach, but today she was in a white Bentley, which stood out sharply against the gray, dusty surroundings.

 

As Shen Shu opened the door to get into the back seat, Cai Ying said, “The food’s in the front.”

 

When Shen Shu closed the door and moved to the passenger seat, Cai Ying deliberately winked at Xu Jinman, as if to say, “See how I’m playing along? You should play along too.”

 

Xu Jinman chuckled inwardly. If Cai Ying knew their marriage was just a business arrangement, what would her reaction be?

 

By then, Shen Shu had already gotten in.

 

“What are you two doing here?”

 

Xu Jinman handed her the insulated container. “Sweet and sour pork ribs. You said you wanted some.”

 

Shen Shu: “I didn’t.”

 

Xu Jinman paused, their eyes met, and then they both glanced at the back seat. Cai Ying burst out laughing and opened the car door. “I’ll go for a walk.”

 

As the car door closed, the surrounding noise faded into silence.

 

The sweet and sour pork ribs were too richly colored for Shen Shu’s convenience—she had filming later. She was about to suggest saving it for later, but Xu Jinman had already opened the container.

 

The sauce glistened, and the aroma filled the air.

 

Shen Shu pursed her lips and reached out to take the container.

 

Xu Jinman waited until Shen Shu had taken it before asking casually, “How was filming today?”

 

“Mm,” Shen Shu replied, picking up a piece with her chopsticks. “You two didn’t argue, did you?”

 

Xu Jinman scoffed. “I’m not a child. Why would I argue with her?”

 

Shen Shu nodded and said nothing more.

 

Shen Shu was still wearing her qipao, a black-and-white one with lace trim on the frog closures. She ate slowly, her lips painted a rare, vibrant red to complement her makeup.

 

Xu Jinman averted her gaze, letting her eat at her own pace.

 

Outside the car, Cai Ying couldn’t enter the film studio. Deciding to give the couple some privacy, she wandered over to the side gate, which was much less crowded than the main entrance.

 

The half-Omega, dressed in a long French gown, easily drew attention just by standing there.

 

The weather was warm, and Cai Ying quickly grew uncomfortable in the heat.

 

Turning around, she bumped straight into someone approaching her.

 

“Watch out!”

 

Cai Ying looked up. The woman was half a head taller, with fox-like eyes and a striking beauty. She stammered, “I’m so sorry… Miss… Ma’am.”

 

Han Wenling smiled, her lips curving into a graceful arc. “It’s nothing.”

 

Cai Ying’s earlobes flushed under Han Wenling’s direct gaze. She instinctively touched her hair and mumbled, “Goodbye.”

 

“Miss Han, what are you looking at?” Xia Chun’s assistant asked, arriving through the side gate to pick her up.

 

Han Wenling withdrew her gaze from the woman’s retreating figure, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “An interesting little girl.”

 

Xia Chun, looking utterly dejected, was quickly found backstage.

 

Han Wenling accepted a cigarette from Xia Chun, glanced at the cigarette butts in the ashtray, and remarked, “Oh, in such a foul mood? I’ve come at the wrong time.”

 

“President Han, please don’t tease me,” Xia Chun replied.

 

Her relationship with Han Wenling wasn’t complicated. They had met while Xia Chun was studying abroad.

 

They happened to be in a murder mystery game together, with Han Wenling as the defendant and Xia Chun as the murderer. In the end, Xia Chun had tricked Han Wenling.

 

After that, Han Wenling often sought Xia Chun’s company, and they grew familiar over time, though they never became true friends.

 

Neither of them considered the other a friend. In public, they sometimes acted like strangers. Yet, paradoxically, they often spoke more freely with each other.

 

Han Wenling once said that at times, they were the same kind of person: selfish, self-centered individuals who saw only their own interests.

 

Xia Chun had once dismissed this as untrue, but now she found it disturbingly accurate.

 

Han Wenling: “You went to such lengths to get here. So, is this production interesting?”

 

Xia Chun: “It’s nothing like I imagined. Everything has changed.”

 

“Replacing a woman? Love is like that—once you find someone new, you forget the old,” Han Wenling said casually, exhaling a puff of smoke.

 

Xia Chun smiled. “She was there for me during my toughest times, but I left her when she needed me most. I wasn’t there when she needed me.”

 

“Oh, so it’s guilt.”

 

Xia Chun shook her head. “No, I never stopped loving her. If she could be happy, I could let go. But it’s Xu Jinman we’re talking about.”

 

Han Wenling stubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray. “You’re becoming so boring. Women are just for fun. Once you get emotionally attached, it loses its appeal.”

 

“President Han,” Xia Chun said, “be careful you don’t get what’s coming to you.”

 

Han Wenling shrugged. “I’d like to see who could make me pay.”

 

Shen Shu finished work at six o’clock. Xu Jinman took Cai Ying home first, receiving a call from Lu Yun on the way.

 

Xu Jinman knew it was Lu Yun’s birthday tomorrow.

 

She agreed to meet Lu Yun.

 

From a purely emotional standpoint, Xu Jinman didn’t want to return to that house.

 

The place always felt off, deeply unsettling.

 

Shen Shu arrived home at eight o’clock. Cai Ying was taking an online class in her room, while Xu Jinman sat cross-legged on the sofa, reviewing notes on her laptop.

 

As Xu Jinman changed her shoes at the door, she heard Cai Ying ask, “Xu Jinman, what does MTD stand for?”

 

Xu Jinman replied lazily, “Multimodal Transport Document.”

 

“Wow, impressive!”

 

“You don’t even know basic trade terms and you’re taking the exam?”

 

“…Shu Shu, your wife is bullying me!”

 

Xu Jinman: “……”

 

Xu Jinman set down her laptop and turned to Shen Shu. “Are you hungry?”

 

Shen Shu shook her head. “I’m a bit tired. I’m going to take a shower.”

 

Xu Jinman nodded. After a moment, she got up and returned to the single-seater sofa in the bedroom.

 

When Shen Shu came back to the bedroom after her shower, she heard Xu Jinman say into the phone, “Let’s begin.”

 

Shen Shu glanced at her phone. It was 8:30 PM in Beicheng, and the US stock market was about to open. Xu Jinman was about to play the Song Family’s trump card.

 

Song Family Villa.

 

A glass shattered violently against the floor. Old Master Song roared, “What the hell is going on?! It’s been an hour, and we still haven’t figured out who’s shorting us?!”

 

“Father, don’t worry. They’re investigating on their end too,” Song Weiwei, the eldest daughter of the Song Family, reassured him, her own face pale with anxiety.

 

In the past hour, they had already lost millions, yet they still didn’t know who their opponent was.

 

“We’ve found out! It’s someone connected to the Xu Family. To be precise, the trader has ties to the Xu Family and used to manage their finances.”

 

Old Master Song sank back into the sofa. “How could the Xu Family be involved? That’s impossible. I just met with Xu Tao at noon today.” He quickly regained his composure.

 

Song Weiwei suggested, “Should we call and ask about the situation?”

 

“No,” Old Master Song said grimly. “If they’re not involved, a phone call would only offend them.”

 

After a moment of contemplation, he finally asked, “Where’s Song Ronghui?”

 

Song Ronghui lay with her eyes closed, her head resting on Yin Xue’s lap. “I really can’t come tomorrow.”

 

“Fine,” Yin Xue replied.

 

Song Ronghui knew this tone meant Yin Xue was angry. She sat up and gently touched Yin Xue’s cheek. “This isn’t my home. I can’t just come whenever I want. Besides, the Special Management Office has been cracking down lately. We need to be careful.”

 

Yin Xue nodded. “I understand. Is everything alright with Xu Jinman?”

 

“It’s fine,” Song Ronghui said. “She can’t trace me. What could possibly happen?”

 

“Then when will you check again?” Yin Xue asked. “You didn’t find anything for me that day.”

 

Song Ronghui’s brow furrowed imperceptibly. “The banquet incident just came out. Can’t you think about me for once? Aren’t you worried about me getting into trouble? Is Xu Jinman the only thing on your mind?”

 

Yin Xue paused, then pursed her lips. “Why are you overreacting?”

 

Song Ronghui sat on the edge of the bed, her heel striking the iron frame as she slid down, further souring her mood.

 

Every time Yin Xue came, Xu Jinman was the only name on her lips.

 

“I’m just a fucking tool!” Song Ronghui snapped, grabbing a cigarette and lighting it as she snatched it from Yin Xue’s hand.

 

Yin Xue tried to placate her with a few words, but her heart wasn’t in it. She gave up and let Song Ronghui have her way, falling silent.

 

Moments later, Song Ronghui’s phone rang.

 

Seeing Song Ronghui’s expression subtly change, Yin Xue suddenly stood up from the bed. “Alright, I’ll be back right away.”

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“I need to go home first,” Song Ronghui replied.

 

Yin Xue escorted her to the door, wanting to hug her to ease the tension. Song Ronghui stared at the woman feigning affection in her arms, saying nothing.

 

The exact reason for the summons hadn’t been specified, but for some reason, Song Ronghui had a bad feeling about it.

 

On the way home, Song Weiwei filled her in on the details. When she learned it was the Xu Family’s doing, Song Ronghui’s unease intensified.

 

Could Xu Jinman have found out something?

 

Did Xu Li betray her? Impossible. She had leverage over him; he wouldn’t sell her out over this.

 

Confused, Song Ronghui glanced at her phone and saw Xu Jinman typing in the group chat.

 

Above her messages were Chen Bo and Han Fu, exchanging crude jokes.

 

Xu Jinman chimed in: I’m a respectable person.

 

Chen Bo: Hahahaha, I’m laughing, yuck.

 

Han Fu: Hahahaha, I’m laughing, yuck.

 

Song Ronghui took a deep breath, carefully considered her tone, and sent a private message to Xu Jinman: Man, when can we grab a meal together?

 

She waited for a moment.

 

Xu Jinman replied with an emoji in the group chat.

 

But her private message sank into the deep pool of silence like a stone, leaving no trace.

 

Xu Jinman turned off her phone.

 

Then she closed her laptop, rubbed her eyes, and said, “That’s enough for today.”

 

Shen Shu turned a page of her book and said calmly, “She’ll definitely come looking for you tomorrow.”

 

“Let her come. Whether I see her is my choice.”

 

Song Ronghui would have a long and difficult night, but this was only the beginning.

 

Shen Shu stared at her hand, lost in thought. Hearing Xu Jinman’s remote command operations earlier had left her feeling somewhat dazed.

 

For some inexplicable reason, she recalled the day she had overheard Song Ronghui’s probing outside the emergency exit.

 

Perhaps that probing wasn’t just about identity, Shen Shu mused, but also a test of the differences between the two versions of Xu Jinman—past and present.

 

Anyone who looked at Xu Jinman now would be easily impressed by her virtues.

 

She was an exceptionally talented person.

 

As Shen Shu pondered, her thoughts circled back. Yin Xue knew Xu Jinman was an Omega, yet she still probed. Where did her suspicions originate?

 

Was it Xu Jinman’s scent? Or, like Shen Shu herself, did Yin Xue rely on intuition?

 

“What are you reading?”

 

Shen Shu snapped out of her reverie and, after a moment’s pause, replied, “City of Thorns.”

 

“Never heard of it,” Xu Jinman said. “What’s it about?”

 

She lay down on the floor, turning sideways. The blanket she had spread out was half a meter away from the bed, allowing her to see Shen Shu’s face.

 

As if anticipating the question, Shen Shu calmly explained, “…In a life shrouded in darkness, a stranger named Rivers barges into Maud’s long-arid heart. But no one knows that Rivers’ true identity is actually a—thief.”

 

Shen Shu delivered the final sentence slowly, pausing deliberately on the last word.

 

Xu Jinman met her gaze, slightly bewildered. “?”

 

Though she couldn’t quite grasp the meaning, she sensed a veiled implication.