Transmigrated as a Scum Alpha Cannon Fodder, Sweetly Pampering the Heroine - Chapter 47

Xu Jinman pinched her fingertip without hesitation, feeling much more alert.

 

She avoided looking at Shen Shu’s snow-white neck, instead focusing on the loose bun at the back of her head.

 

The distance between them was barely ten centimeters. If she leaned forward even a little more, she could wrap her arms around Shen Shu.

 

The room was air-conditioned to 25 degrees Celsius, but the heat radiating from the shared blanket felt like it was burning her skin. The tingling in her gland completely overwhelmed the faint prickling sensation, leaving only comfort and an overwhelming desire to draw closer.

 

The noise from next door had subsided somewhat.

 

Perhaps exhausted from the day’s activities, Shen Shu remained sound asleep.

 

Thank goodness she didn’t wake up…

 

Crawling into someone’s bed wasn’t exactly a dignified act.

 

Xu Jinman let out a silent breath.

 

Despite the burning heat coursing through her body, she carefully lifted the blanket and gently draped it over Shen Shu’s back before retrieving the one from the floor.

 

It wasn’t her rut, but the signs were unmistakable.

 

Fortunately, she had brought her bag and the extra blanket.

 

Xu Jinman carried the bag into the bathroom and quietly closed the door.

 

The green-cased injection was an AOH Suppressant specifically for Secondary Differentiators, still in the trial phase.

 

The bathroom was dimly lit by a single small, circular light overhead, and the mirror was too small. Xu Jinman peeled open the plastic casing, leaned close to the mirror, and tilted her body slightly to locate her gland.

 

She could feel it with her hand, but she had little experience injecting herself with suppressants. Compounding the issue, Yin Xue’s drug had made her hands unsteady.

 

She missed the gland on her first attempt.

 

The pain from the needle was different from ordinary injections—a fine, prickling sensation, the distinct feeling of the needle piercing her skin.

 

The original owner of this body had disliked taking medication. During her Failed Differentiation as an Omega, she had relied on injections into her gland for her rare heat cycles.

 

While standard pheromone injections used thin needles, the original owner had even used specially thickened needles.

 

She sought stimulation through physical pain.

 

For a fleeting moment, Xu Jinman experienced that same thrill.

 

Hiss—

 

The gland’s tiny opening flushed slightly red. Xu Jinman couldn’t see clearly, so she probed with the needle tip. Just as she found the right spot, a soft knock echoed through the bathroom.

 

“What is it?” Shen Shu asked, her voice tinged with weariness.

 

The bathroom door lock was broken; a slight bump caused it to creak open from the outside, revealing half of Xu Jinman’s figure.

 

Xu Jinman replied simultaneously, “Oh, nothing. Do you need the bathroom?”

 

She hadn’t anticipated that getting a shot today would be so difficult, mainly due to the poor lighting.

 

Seeing Xu Jinman fully dressed, Shen Shu pushed the door open and immediately noticed the redness on the back of her neck. The gland was faintly visible, surrounded by two bleeding pinpricks.

 

She suddenly recalled that wedding night, the night Xu Jinman had come to her.

 

The clumsy technique was completely unlike Xu Jinman’s usual demeanor. At the time, Shen Shu had assumed she was faking it.

 

Shen Shu held out her hand. “Give it to me.”

 

Xu Jinman met her gaze, hesitated for a moment, then handed her the suppressant.

 

Being taller, Xu Jinman crouched slightly to make it easier for Shen Shu.

 

Shen Shu’s cool hand pressed against Xu Jinman’s neck, momentarily suppressing the heat radiating from her body.

 

Xu Jinman tilted her head back. In the mirror, Shen Shu’s eyes were lowered, her long, curled lashes brushing against her cheeks, giving her a focused expression.

 

Xu Jinman couldn’t help but groan softly as the needle pierced her gland.

 

“Ah!”

 

At the same moment, a high-pitched cry skillfully carried over from the adjacent room, the sound cresting like a wave, the excitement almost suffocating.

 

Xu Jinman: “……”

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

The noise had been present all along, but they had both chosen to ignore it. This sudden outburst, however, brought them both to a standstill.

 

Xu Jinman could feel Shen Shu’s hand tremble slightly, the pain radiating to her gland.

 

Shen Shu withdrew the needle, glanced at the red mark near Xu Jinman’s gland, and averted her gaze. “Don’t push yourself next time.”

 

“What do you mean ‘next time’?” Xu Jinman retorted.

 

Shen Shu didn’t reply. The lights outside the room flickered on.

 

Xu Jinman followed her out of the bathroom.

 

It was already four in the morning. This brief walk, combined with the sounds from next door—a live-action audio version of palace intrigue—would inevitably lead anyone to imagine all sorts of things.

 

Xu Jinman was wide awake. She picked up her phone.

 

Shen Shu stood by the bed and asked, “You’re not going back to sleep?”

 

Xu Jinman tilted her chin toward the adjacent room. “How could you sleep through that?”

 

Shen Shu paused, as if reaching a conclusion. “So that’s why.”

 

Xu Jinman raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. Thinking she hadn’t understood, Shen Shu calmly added, “That’s why you couldn’t resist taking the suppressant.”

 

Xu Jinman scoffed softly. “I can even tolerate you…” The last word and the rest of the sentence remained unspoken, swallowed in her throat.

 

Lately, she’d been letting her guard down too much around Shen Shu, speaking and thinking less before acting.

 

Shen Shu scrutinized her. “Tolerate what?”

 

Xu Jinman replied casually, “This level is nothing special. It’s not a big deal.” Hearing someone’s wild fantasies and hearing their physical reactions were two entirely different things.

 

After a few seconds, Xu Jinman glanced up from her phone screen and noticed the teasing curve of Shen Shu’s lips. Shen Shu said, “After all, you are Teacher Xu.”

 

Xu Jinman clicked her tongue lightly and smiled.

 

The atmosphere between them was noticeably lighter than when they’d arrived at the hotel the previous night.

 

The room soon fell silent again. Shen Shu lifted the covers and sat on the bed. “Are you really not going back to sleep?”

 

Shen Shu’s voice carried a faint weariness. Xu Jinman hesitated to turn on the light and sit there, but sitting in the dark felt even more unsettling. “Let’s sleep,” she said.

 

The conversation ended as if nothing had happened.

 

Xu Jinman slept soundly, though only for about two hours.

 

Shen Shu had to meet with the Director that afternoon, so they woke up promptly at 7 a.m., both still groggy.

 

They went to a nearby supermarket to buy some toys and snacks specifically for Xiaoyueya.

 

At the orphanage, they first spent some time with Xiaoyueya before Xu Jinman went to speak with the Director about the child.

 

“Rest assured, we’ve been taking good care of her,” the Director said. “The government is providing strong support now, so her education won’t suffer. The only thing she lacks is a mother’s love.”

 

Xu Jinman’s impression of the Director improved again. After finding this orphanage, she had traced the Director’s name back to the original owner’s bank transfer records.

 

She discovered that the original owner had been regularly sending substantial sums of money to the orphanage for the past few months.

 

Initially, Xu Jinman had assumed the Director’s initial warmth was simply shrewdness, motivated by financial gain.

 

But it was clear that wasn’t the case. The orderliness and care she had observed at the orphanage yesterday couldn’t have been achieved without long-term dedication and genuine effort.

 

The Director’s words were understated yet easily understood.

 

Xu Jinman smiled and nodded. “I understand, but due to some reasons I can’t disclose, I’d like to leave Xiaoyueya in your care for now.”

 

The Director’s expression remained unchanged. “I understand completely.”

 

“One more thing,” Xu Jinman added. “If anyone other than my wife and I comes looking for Xiaoyueya, please call me immediately.”

 

The Director studied Xu Jinman. Miss Xu had rarely initiated conversations about Xiaoyueya before, and her attitude had always been cold or impatient. This time, however, she seemed much more approachable.

 

The Director waited for Xu Jinman to continue.

 

“Due to family reasons,” Xu Jinman explained, “they don’t accept Xiaoyueya and might harm her.”

 

The Director paused. “Miss Xu, since you’ve brought this up, allow me to add my two cents. Regardless of the circumstances, the child is innocent. Are you and Miss Yin considering leaving her here permanently?”

 

“I can’t answer that question right now,” Xu Jinman said honestly.

 

She understood what the Director was implying: that she should take Xiaoyueya home to raise.

 

For a few seconds, she had considered it. She had thought about it when she saw Shen Shu and Xiaoyueya on the swing set.

 

But she quickly suppressed the thought.

 

Yin Xue was only being detained temporarily; she would be released eventually.

 

This woman was a ticking time bomb. If Xu Jinman and Shen Shu took Xiaoyueya home, there was no telling what Yin Xue might do when she snapped.

 

At worst, she could endanger Shen Shu or even harm the child.

 

Even setting that aside, there were too many uncertainties surrounding Yin Xue right now. It wasn’t the right time for adoption.

 

“Alright, I understand,” the Director said with a smile, though a faint disappointment lingered in her clear eyes.

 

Xu Jinman promised, “I’ll visit her often.”

 

“That’s wonderful,” the Director replied warmly.

 

After leaving the Director’s office and returning to Xiaoyueya’s room, they found the child asleep.

 

Her round, rosy lips were slightly parted, and she occasionally smacked her mouth as if savoring something delicious in her dreams.

 

Xu Jinman didn’t want to wake her. Before leaving, she took out her sketchbook and drew something new on the latest page:

 

A vibrant garden.

 

Using watercolor pencils, she filled the page with dazzling colors, drawing dragonflies, butterflies, and bees. She wanted to show Xiaoyueya that happiness wasn’t just for birds, and that the world wasn’t just black and white.

 

Shen Shu suggested, “Let’s add a message.”

 

“You write it?” Xu Jinman handed the pen to Shen Shu.

 

Shen Shu bent down and wrote:

 

Xiaoyueya is the cutest treasure in the world! Everyone loves her. Be happy every day! Love, Xinxin.

 

Xu Jinman glanced at the message and then at Shen Shu’s calm expression, a sudden smile playing on her lips.

 

Is this what they call “gap moe”?

 

They drove toward Beicheng.

 

Midway through the journey, Xu Jinman felt a pang of hunger. She hadn’t had time for lunch due to the rush. She turned to ask Shen Shu if she was hungry too.

 

But she found Shen Shu engrossed in her phone, seemingly chatting with someone since they’d left.

 

A few minutes later, while stopped at a red light, Xu Jinman noticed Shen Shu was still texting. “Aren’t you getting dizzy staring at your phone for so long?” she asked.

 

“I’m fine,” Shen Shu replied.

 

“Okay then. Hungry?”

 

“Not really.”

 

Seeing Shen Shu’s focused attention on her phone, Xu Jinman quickly averted her gaze and didn’t press further.

 

After a moment, Shen Shu looked up. “Are you hungry?”

 

“A little. The traffic’s a bit heavy this afternoon. If you’re not hungry, we can just wait until we get back to eat,” Xu Jinman said, her eyes fixed on the stream of cars ahead.

 

As she spoke, Shen Shu opened the glove compartment. Inside were a few small bread rolls—the ones Xiaoyueya had pressed into her hands the night before, telling her to share them with Xu Jinman. Shen Shu had casually tossed them into the compartment after getting in the car.

 

Shen Shu tore open a packet and handed it to Xu Jinman.

 

Xu Jinman glanced briefly at the bread. “Just put it there for now. We’re getting on the highway.”

 

Two seconds later, a soft, fragrant piece of bread was offered to her lips. Without hesitation, Xu Jinman opened her mouth and took a bite.

 

It’s actually quite delicious.

 

Shen Shu asked, “Want more?”

 

Xu Jinman felt she shouldn’t push her luck, but honesty prevailed. “Yes.”

 

Half an hour later, they entered Beicheng. Since Xu Jinman had an afternoon meeting, she didn’t have time to go home and change. After dropping Shen Shu off, she headed straight to the office.

 

She ordered a quick Chinese meal and ate it while preparing for the meeting, which lasted until 3 PM. Only then did she finally check her phone.

 

The first messages were from Lu Yun:

 

Manman, how have you been these past few days? Should Mom come visit you?

 

Why aren’t you answering your calls? Where are you?

 

Where did you go? Call me back when you see this.

 

Xu Jinman felt a growing resistance toward Lu Yun. The Xu Family’s affairs were becoming increasingly complicated. After careful consideration, she decided it wasn’t yet time for a complete falling out.

 

She sent a perfunctory reply: Busy. I’ll call you in a few days.

 

Based on the original owner’s memories, Xu Jinman had planned to visit the Xu Family eventually, but she needed more time to think things through.

 

She quickly scanned the remaining messages before finally opening Tong Jia’s group chat.

 

As soon as Xu Jinman opened the group chat, she saw a message:

 

Tong Jia had changed the group name to “Protect Shu’s Treasure Squad.”

 

Xu Jinman: ……

 

Tong Jia replied quickly: @Xu Jinman President Xu! You’ve finally appeared! What’s wrong? Don’t you like the group name?

 

Tong Jia: @Shen Shu Shu Shu, what do you think?

 

Xu Jinman didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she scrolled back through the chat history.

 

During their drive back to Beicheng, Tong Jia had tagged her in the group chat. Xu Jinman had then seen her and Shen Shu’s exchanges, which were mostly about work arrangements.

 

No wonder Shen Shu was constantly checking her phone back then.

 

Xu Jinman scrolled to the bottom.

 

Shen Shu: ……

 

Tong Jia: ……You two are too much! Wife sings, wife follows?

 

Xu Jinman’s lips curved into a faint smile. She reluctantly offered her opinion: It’s fine, but the fixed impression might lead to misunderstandings.

 

She actually found the name “Shu’s Treasure” quite appealing.

 

Tong Jia: Can you think of a better name? Otherwise, let’s just use this for now. Since everyone’s here, let’s talk about something more cheerful.

 

Presumably, Tong Jia was with Xinxin, because immediately after Tong Jia’s message, Xinxin sent a screenshot.

 

Tong Jia: Shu Shu’s Super Topic has surpassed 20,000 followers! The studio just announced her new drama, and the comments are already nearing 5,000.

 

For the next message, Tong Jia couldn’t resist sending a voice note.

 

“Once Into the Dream airs, Director Zhang’s new drama will be nearly finished filming. I don’t recommend joining multiple projects simultaneously. We should go all-out with promotion and hype, but remain meticulous in script selection and acting. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed early on and won’t burn through your popularity too quickly.”

 

This meant Shen Shu’s afternoon meeting with the director had gone smoothly, and the new drama was confirmed.

 

Tong Jia continued, “Another thing: as your fanbase grows, we need to consider management strategies. In simple terms, we need ‘fan leaders’ to streamline future promotional activities. Think about things like fans greeting you at the airport, bringing banners to events, and so on…”

 

After listening to the message, Xu Jinman waited for Shen Shu to reply:

 

Okay, I agree with your approach.

 

Regarding the fan issue, we don’t have a complete drama out yet. Most of these fans probably came from the recent trending topics, so the actual engagement might be much lower. Should we wait before establishing fan groups?

 

Tong Jia: Who cares how they found us? They’re our fans now! And darling, you’re seriously underestimating yourself. You have no idea how many people adore you, right, President Xu?!

 

Xu Jinman leaned back in her leather chair, suddenly called out, and typed: Mm, rare.

 

Tong Jia: Aaaaaah! If you two keep this up, I’m going to start shipping you!

 

Xu Jinman had been busy these past two days due to the live streaming platform’s plans, while Shen Shu had taken on an endorsement and magazine shoot. Aside from memorizing lines and studying scripts, she was constantly out and about, leaving little time for conversation.

 

That evening, when Xu Jinman returned from work, she knocked on Shen Shu’s door, holding a delivery bag. “It’s here,” she announced.

 

Shen Shu had provided her phone number this time, so the delivery driver had called Xu Jinman directly.

 

Shen Shu, who had been organizing books on her desk, straightened up and nodded. “Try it on again.”

 

Xu Jinman: “I’m going to take a shower first.”

 

About fifteen minutes later, Xu Jinman emerged in her pajamas—the same style as before: a black camisole with elastic under the bust, lace trim, and a knee-length hem. The fit was perfect.

 

She wore a thin satin robe over it.

 

“Does it look okay?” Xu Jinman asked, tying the robe’s sash as she entered the room.

 

Shen Shu glanced at her, especially noticing how Xu Jinman’s hair was still damp from her shower and her cheeks were flushed. It was clear: it wasn’t just okay—it was beautiful.

 

Xu Jinman possessed a unique beauty, not striking, but captivating.

 

Refined and enduringly pleasing to the eye.

 

Xu Jinman feigned surprise, “Huh?”

 

Her gaze met Shen Shu’s, who hadn’t yet looked away. Xu Jinman paused, a faint smile curving her lips. “Looks pretty good, then.”

 

Shen Shu murmured, “Very beautiful.”

 

Xu Jinman had only meant to ease the awkwardness of being caught staring, never expecting a response. The sudden compliment made her heart flutter slightly.

 

Watching Shen Shu lower her head again, Xu Jinman turned to open the wardrobe. “Try this one next.”

 

“Try what?”

 

“I thought of a new number: 0323.”

 

Shen Shu’s hand paused mid-reach for her book as Xu Jinman retrieved the combination box.

 

Xu Jinman settled on the armchair behind Shen Shu, placing the box on her lap as usual. Her crossed legs revealed a sliver of pale skin beneath her black nightgown.

 

She entered the numbers one by one.

 

It failed.

 

“Let’s just smash it open,” Xu Jinman said, her rare outburst of frustration after hundreds of failed attempts.

 

After scrambling the numbers again, Xu Jinman frowned slightly. “0323 feels familiar, but I can’t place it. This thing is so annoying.”

 

“It’s your parents’ wedding anniversary,” Shen Shu said.

 

“How did you know?” Xu Jinman asked.

 

Shen Shu continued tidying up, her voice soft. “I saw it by chance.”

 

After a long silence, Xu Jinman still hadn’t responded. Shen Shu glanced back and saw Xu Jinman staring at the combination box, as if deep in thought. Her expression wasn’t pleasant.

 

“This isn’t a good number,” Xu Jinman said, her tone cool.

 

“What do you mean?” Shen Shu asked.

 

Xu Jinman snapped out of her reverie. “Nothing. Just thinking about some unpleasant memories.”

 

Shen Shu hesitated. Now that Xu Jinman knew the date, should she tell her it was actually 3230, not 0323?

 

But hearing Xu Jinman’s words, she was glad she hadn’t revealed the truth.

 

Shen Shu held out a book, interrupting Xu Jinman’s gaze. “Then let’s not dwell on it. Want to read?”

 

“Grand Attire?”

 

“It’s the novel my new drama is based on.”

 

“Let me take a look,” Xu Jinman said.

 

She stood up, returned the combination box to the cabinet, exchanged a few casual words with Shen Shu, and then went back to the guest room.

 

“Xu Jinman, are you going home anytime soon?” Shen Shu asked.

 

Xu Jinman paused halfway out the door and turned back. “Hmm?”

 

“Next time you go, let me know,” Shen Shu said.

 

Xu Jinman tilted her head in confusion. Shen Shu offered no explanation, her gaze clear and earnest. Xu Jinman nodded. “Alright, I understand.”

 

Xu Jinman returned to her room and lay down on the bed, setting the book aside. Her thoughts were in turmoil.

 

In her mind, 0323 was a day of danger.

 

The original owner’s words echoed in her mind: When you remember how to use that key, don’t forget—0323 is the day your life, and theirs, will end. I’ll be waiting for you.

 

If this date turned out to be Xu Tao and Lu Yun’s wedding anniversary, it would only deepen her complicated emotions.

 

Marriage could mark the beginning of a family’s happiness, or the start of its tragedy.

 

Xu Jinman sighed softly, unconsciously tightening her grip on the book in her hand, as if seeking a sliver of simple reassurance from its pages.

 

Two days passed.

 

The company was swamped with work, and Xu Jinman barely ate all day. To make matters worse, Tong Jia posted photos of herself and Qiao Rui enjoying hotpot in the group chat.

 

Xu Jinman’s mouth watered at the sight. Knowing Shen Shu had no afternoon plans, she sent her a private message:

 

At home?

 

Yeah. Are you coming home for dinner tonight?

 

I’ll cook something nice.

 

Xu Jinman smiled at her phone. So you only cook for me if I ask?

 

After a few seconds, assuming Shen Shu wouldn’t reply, Xu Jinman typed: Let’s have hotpot tonight?

 

Okay.

 

Just as they finished speaking, their WeChat buzzed simultaneously, shaken by Cai Ying’s shout in the group chat.

 

Cai Ying: Bored, bored! What are you guys up to?

 

Shen Shu: At home.

 

Cai Ying: Ah, I really want to hang out with you guys, but my dad’s giving me a test in a few days, and he’s made it even harder! I need to cram. He gave me this test last minute… it’s so, so hard! Look!

 

Cai Ying: [Image]

 

Xu Jinman clicked on the image. Many of the words were obscure terms related to import-export trade.

 

Xu Jinman: Don’t you have a teacher? What are you worried about?

 

Cai Ying: She’s been busy these past few days and barely replies to my questions anymore. I think I’ve lost my chance with her.

 

Xu Jinman: You should focus on studying. High intelligence isn’t your thing.

 

Cai Ying: Get lost!

 

Shen Shu: If your dad’s making it harder, it means you’ve been improving a lot lately! That’s great!

 

Cai Ying: Waaah, my big star is the best.

 

Cai Ying: @Xu Jinman Just you wait! When I’m free, I’ll steal your wife every day to drive you crazy!

 

Xu Jinman scoffed. Let’s see about that.jpg

 

Around 6 PM, Xu Jinman picked up Shen Shu and headed to an upscale hotpot restaurant Zhou Pei had recommended. The menu was extensive.

 

Today, all the pots were Tong Jia’s signature bubbling red broth.

 

The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the service impeccable. A waiter led them to their private room, but as they entered, a familiar voice suddenly called out from across the hall.

 

Xu Jinman turned to see a pair of fox-like eyes meeting hers.

 

Han Wenling.

 

She was on the phone. When she saw Xu Jinman and Shen Shu, she paused briefly before saying into the receiver, “Alright, come in by yourself.”

 

After hanging up, she smiled at Xu Jinman and Shen Shu.

 

“Ladies, long time no see.”

 

“Long time no see, President Han,” Xu Jinman replied.

 

Han Wenling’s lips curled into a smile. “Miss Xu, since your marriage, it’s become quite rare to run into you outside.”

 

She glanced pointedly at Shen Shu.

 

Xu Jinman lightly placed a hand on Shen Shu’s shoulder. “Is that so? I’ve occasionally heard of President Han’s… exploits.”

 

Now that Han Wenfang had joined their group chat, the two sisters were secretly competing. Their private relationship was similar to Xu Jinman’s with Xu Li. In the chat, they could see Han Wenfang and Chen Bo discussing this older sister—a woman who moved through the world of romance without ever getting entangled.

 

Just then, a woman called out from a few meters away, her voice intimate: “President Han, you promised to pick me up outside!”

 

Han Wenling’s expression barely changed. She nodded toward the private room behind her and said to the two women, “I won’t disturb your romantic evening any further.”

 

Xu Jinman didn’t reply, exchanging a brief glance with Han Wenling before entering their private room with Shen Shu.

 

“No wonder Cai Ying mentioned ‘Han Ling’ and it sounded familiar,” Xu Jinman remarked. “It’s just one character different from Han Wenling’s name.”

 

“This person seems to have a lot on their mind,” Shen Shu remarked.

 

“Mm,” Xu Jinman replied, studying Shen Shu’s expression. Realizing she was genuinely considering the possibility, she added, “I was just saying that. Don’t overthink it.”

 

She then sat down beside Shen Shu, leaned in close, and said in a half-joking, half-serious tone, “If Han Wenling had the guts to do something like that, I’d twist her head off.”