Transmigrated as a Scum Alpha Cannon Fodder, Sweetly Pampering the Heroine - Chapter 48

Han Wenling returned to the private room, where a rectangular table was surrounded by several other people.

 

The woman who had entered earlier sat beside her, leaning in close. “President Han, were those Xu Jinman and Shen Shu just now?”

 

The heavy scent of perfume filled Han Wenling’s nostrils. She glanced at the woman and replied, “Why ask if you already know?”

 

Oblivious to the displeasure in Han Wenling’s eyes, the woman continued, “I’ve never had a chance to meet them before. I only saw them on that trending topic online. I thought I was mistaken earlier… But Xu Jinman seems quite different from the rumors.”

 

Han Wenling picked up her glass of baijiu, took a sip, and smiled. She turned to the male Alpha across the table and said, “Xu Jinman has certainly toned down since getting married. No wonder—with a wife as stunning as Shen Shu, I’d want to keep her in my arms all day too.”

 

The male Alpha chuckled. “True. And Shen Shu is quite intriguing herself. She just decided to become an actress and went for it. Her stage presence is surprisingly convincing—a beauty that makes your heart race.”

 

“Intriguing indeed,” Han Wenling agreed.

 

The male Alpha grinned. “Oh? President Han rarely praises women. Are you interested too? We’ve missed our chance, but you, Eldest Miss Han, still have the status to make a move.”

 

Han Wenling curled her lips. “Forget it. I don’t like inviting trouble.”

 

She never touched women who were already married, especially not Xu Jinman’s woman.

 

Setting that aside, Shen Shu was undeniably beautiful, and Han Wenling had once found her intriguing—she hadn’t forgotten about that land deal in the North District.

 

Back then, someone had suddenly approached the Han family, proposing a collaboration on the North District land.

 

The Han family, of course, seized the opportunity, secretly preparing for the project with fervor. But just as they were about to make their move, the Xu family swooped in and snatched the deal.

 

Later, they discovered that Shen Shu had been the one who had approached the Han family in the first place.

 

Even if they had proof, they couldn’t confront her directly. The land deal became a major asset for the Xu family, infuriating the Old Master.

 

Ever since seeing Xu Jinman and her wife together, Han Wenling had suspected the Xu family had been deliberately toying with them.

 

“President Han, you called me here and haven’t said a word?”

 

Han Wenling suddenly reached out and pressed her fingertip against the woman’s shoulder, stopping her from getting closer. “Don’t wear such heavy perfume next time.”

 

The woman’s face flushed slightly, a hint of embarrassment crossing her features.

 

The others present were unfazed. They knew Han Wenling’s pattern: when she was interested in a woman, she would spoil her to the heavens and shower her with attention. But her interest could wane at any moment.

 

Just like now, someone who was once treasured could be discarded in the blink of an eye.

 

The woman couldn’t tolerate this treatment and stormed off. Han Wenling didn’t even notice, continuing to clink glasses and drink with the person across from her, eating and drinking as usual.

 

She had always disliked overly strong perfume.

 

The last time she’d seen this woman, she had worn a light fragrance. Today, for some inexplicable reason, she had applied such heavy perfume.

 

Han Wenling suddenly remembered that faint, pleasant scent.

 

Watching Cai Ying, the young girl, genuinely treat her like a teacher, Han Wenling had been deliberately replying to her messages sporadically these past few days, just to tease her.

 

I think I sent her two messages this afternoon, Han Wenling thought, pulling out her phone.

 

Little White Rabbit: [Photo]

 

Little White Rabbit: Han-laoshi, is this English usage correct?

 

The circled part of the photo showed a simple English question about trade—something Cai Ying should have been able to answer herself.

 

Han Wenling: Yes. Is that all you wanted to ask?

 

Immediately after sending the message, Little White Rabbit’s profile picture lit up with a reply.

 

Cai Ying: I’ve been making great progress lately! When are you free? I’d love to treat you to dinner!

 

Han Wenling smiled at the screen. When her friend across the table asked what she was smiling about, she replied lazily, “The Little White Rabbit is taking the bait.”

 

Xu Jinman had ordered a hot pot with two compartments: one clear broth and one mildly spicy. But both of them mostly dipped their food into the clear broth.

 

“If you’re really worried,” Xu Jinman said, “I can have someone look for Han Ling’s school photos later.”

 

Shen Shu knew she was probably overthinking things, but a sudden flash of unease had settled in her heart.

 

Cai Ying was too naive to handle someone like Han Wenling; she’d only end up getting hurt.

 

“I’m not so sure,” Xu Jinman countered. “You’re just letting your concern cloud your judgment. Don’t let Cai Ying’s soft, innocent appearance fool you. When it comes to dealing with toxic women, she might be even more decisive than you.”

 

Just look at how she handled her ex-girlfriend—no matter how much she cared, she could clearly distinguish right from wrong.

 

Noticing Shen Shu’s gaze, Xu Jinman paused, picked up some beef slices, and placed them in Shen Shu’s bowl. “Of course, neither of you will ever have to deal with toxic women.”

 

Shen Shu chuckled at her quick response, the inexplicable worry she’d felt earlier suddenly fading away.

 

“Eat up,” Xu Jinman urged. “I haven’t had anything all day. I’m starving.”

 

“Why not?” Shen Shu asked.

 

Her phone buzzed several times on the table. Xu Jinman replied, “Too busy. I was in meetings all day.”

 

Shu Protector Squad

 

Tong Jia: @Shen Shu I met with some of our top fans this afternoon. There’s one I think is pretty good—I’ll show you her profile tomorrow. If you approve, we can start with her. We need to manage the growing fanbase quickly, or things could get out of hand.

 

Shen Shu: Okay.

 

Tong Jia: @Xu Jinman President Xu, Shu Shu’s fan leader is a female Alpha. Do you mind?

 

Xu Jinman: ……

 

Xu Jinman glanced sideways at Shen Shu, who remained silent. She then boldly asked in the group chat: Will Shu Shu have direct contact with the fan leader?

 

Shen Shu lowered her head, taking small bites of her food, but her eyes flicked to the question.

 

Tong Jia: Yes.

 

Xu Jinman: What do you think, Shu Shu?

 

The memory of Shen Shu’s reaction at the small hotel was still vivid. If this was a long-term arrangement or involved potential contact, it would be best if the fan leader wasn’t an Alpha.

 

Shen Shu: What do you think?

 

Xu Jinman’s gaze suddenly met hers, and they held each other’s eyes for two seconds.

 

Xu Jinman: Want to switch?

 

“Mm-hmm.”

 

Shen Shu: Let’s talk to Tong Jia at the office tomorrow. She’s been working really hard lately.

 

Xu Jinman’s eyes curved slightly at the corners, a habitual gesture, as she casually replied, “Alright.”

 

Opening Tong Jia’s private chat, Xu Jinman leisurely typed:

 

How do you become a fan leader?

 

Tong Jia: hahahaha.jpg

 

Xu Jinman: [Transfer of 10,000]

 

Tong Jia: Hello, esteemed Fan Leader Daddy! I’m Little Attendant Tong, Shen Shu’s manager. Please guide me well in the future.

 

Xu Jinman: ……

 

Xu Jinman: ?

 

Tong Jia: hahahaha.jpg

 

Tong Jia: 【LOL, I thought you’d ask me to swap fan leaders, but I never imagined you’d ask me to become one.】

 

Ah, so she’s just waiting for me to transfer money to bribe her, huh?

 

Tong Jia: 【You’re probably busy, but no worries! I’ve already given you the title of fan leader. You don’t have to do anything—just send money.】

 

Xu Jinman: ……?

 

Tong Jia: 【Hahahaha, but seriously, President Xu, I couldn’t resist! It was just a joke. The person I mentioned earlier isn’t an Alpha; they’re actually a Beta.】

 

Xu Jinman searched for an emoji and sent: 【Trash.jpg】

 

Xu Jinman: You’re even lying to Shen Shu?

 

Tong Jia: 【She knows, though. SmilingFace.jpg】

 

Xu Jinman: ?

 

Tong Jia: 【Damn it, I started this mess. I deserve to be force-fed this dog food. I’m being shown up!】

 

Xu Jinman turned to look at Shen Shu. The beauty was calmly sipping her lemon tea. Noticing her gaze, Shen Shu asked, “What’s wrong?”

 

Xu Jinman’s lips twitched into a smile, an involuntary surge of joy. “Nothing.”

 

Tong Jia had orchestrated this whole thing just to stir up trouble.

 

And Shen Shu was tacitly approving of Tong Jia’s antics?

 

To see my reaction? Xu Jinman’s heart began to burn, like the bottom of a pot just starting to boil, slowly bubbling up.

 

The “Shu Protector Squad” sprang to life again.

 

Tong Jia: @Shen Shu Shu Shu, I just found someone even more perfect! She’s absolutely amazing—there’s no one better for the job.

 

Shen Shu glanced at her phone, still unfamiliar with these rules. Before she could reply, Tong Jia sent another message: She was a huge help with Ren Xiaoqi’s situation. She’s rich, capable, and most importantly, your biggest fan. She’s been active in the Super Topic since its early days, paying to delete negative comments and staying up all night to boost your trending posts, reading every single one…

 

Xinxin suddenly spoke up: What’s her name? I’ll check her out on Weibo.

 

Tong Jia: Sis is rich and energetic.

 

Xinxin: Wow, sounds like a total alpha!

 

Tong Jia: I’m not sure about that.

 

Xu Jinman: ……

 

Shen Shu wiped her mouth with a tissue.

 

Tong Jia: I was just joking earlier. Don’t worry, I won’t let you have direct or private contact with fans. There won’t be any problems.

 

Shen Shu: Okay, then you decide. Tong Jia knows these rules better than I do.

 

After Tong Jia’s first message, Xu Jinman had instructed her not to reveal that she was the fan leader.

 

Tong Jia asked why.

 

Xu Jinman didn’t answer, simply transferring another 10,000 yuan as hush money.

 

Helping Shen Shu wasn’t embarrassing, but Tong Jia’s description of her as a bootlicking, simpering fan was too humiliating to admit.

 

Xu Jinman bit into a boiled potato. We’ll talk about it later.

 

She wasn’t usually someone who cared much about saving face. Since when did I start worrying about this in front of Shen Shu? Her thoughts bubbled like the simmering hot pot…

 

Xu Jinman tilted her head, unaware that a hint of tenderness had crept into her gaze.

 

She watched Shen Shu pick up some vegetables, nearly burning herself when she brought them to her lips while distracted by her phone. For a moment, Xu Jinman felt a pang of concern for her.

 

Xu Jinman picked up a chopstick, fanned her hand twice, and placed the vegetables in Shen Shu’s bowl. “Tell Tong Jia to post it later. Let’s eat first.”

 

Shen Shu held up her phone to Xu Jinman. “It’s not that. Lin Wei sent a photo of Xiaoyueya.”

 

On the screen, Xiaoyueya sat on a swing, her small hands gripping the ropes, her smile blooming like a flower in the sunlight.

 

She shouldn’t be called Xiaoyueya, Xu Jinman thought. She should be called Xiaoyangguang—Little Sunshine.

 

“How can she be so well-behaved?” Xu Jinman murmured.

 

Shen Shu’s lips curved slightly. “Mm, she is.”

 

“All the children at the orphanage are so well-behaved.”

 

“Because it’s an orphanage.”

 

Shen Shu took back her phone and immediately tapped Xu Jinman’s profile. “I sent it to you.”

 

Xu Jinman was still pondering Shen Shu’s earlier words. Shen Shu’s voice was clear and steady as she explained, “They’re only likely to be adopted by kind-hearted people if they’re well-behaved. When adults come to visit, they’ll be even more obedient.”

 

All the children at the orphanage had lost their parents, but most had been abandoned.

 

No matter how good the orphanage was, or how responsible the Director and caregivers were, they could never provide the children with a true sense of security.

 

Just like Xiaoyueya’s longing and anticipation at meeting Xu Jinman, these children were starved for affection. A single spark of warmth felt like discovering a treasure, which they would clutch in their palms and press tightly to their chests.

 

Even then, they would still feel uneasy and afraid.

 

Shen Shu added, “Don’t let Xiaoyueya’s cheerful smile fool you. After we leave, she’ll definitely hide under her blanket and cry.”

 

Xu Jinman gazed at Shen Shu’s profile, refraining from asking how she knew this so clearly.

 

She reached into her bag, pulled out a grape-flavored candy, and pressed it into Shen Shu’s palm.

 

“Then next time,” she murmured, “let’s visit her together.”

 

Shen Shu paused for two seconds, then grabbed the phone. “Okay.”

 

After dinner, it was past eight o’clock. The restaurant was in the city center, and the streets were bustling with activity.

 

Her car was parked in the underground parking garage of a nearby building, just a few minutes’ walk away. Xu Jinman suggested taking a stroll, and the two walked along the storefronts.

 

There wasn’t much to see, and they eventually ended up at a shopping supermarket on the building’s basement level.

 

Xu Jinman wanted to buy a new pair of slippers. As they stopped in the merchandise section, they overheard someone discussing something at a nearby shelf.

 

“Isn’t that… a celebrity? She looks familiar.”

 

“I think so too! Wait, is that… Sh1t, I can’t remember her name! My boyfriend said she was pretty back then.”

 

Xu Jinman and Shen Shu exchanged glances and moved away slightly.

 

A moment later, Xu Jinman noticed the people across the aisle looking in their direction. She shifted her body to block them and grabbed Shen Shu’s hand, pulling her toward the exit.

 

As they walked out, Xu Jinman suddenly felt the hand she was holding gently squeeze back.

 

It was barely perceptible, almost like an illusion, yet it felt undeniably real.

 

Whether it was because of this realization or not, no one seemed to be in the mood for shopping anymore. Xu Jinman led Shen Shu straight to the car.

 

They didn’t talk much, just exchanged a few casual remarks, but the atmosphere inside the car remained peaceful.

 

As they approached the entrance of Star City, Xu Jinman noticed a Maybach parked ahead. Three men stood beside it—a man and a woman in black short-sleeved shirts flanking the car like bodyguards.

 

The most striking figure was the man leaning against the hood, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black trousers, a cigarette dangling from his fingers.

 

The moment he glanced up, his sharp gaze instantly locked onto hers. His expression softened, a faint smile curving his stern lips.

 

Xu Jinman narrowed her eyes, sizing him up. Enemy or something else?

 

The man straightened up, stubbed out his cigarette in a nearby ashtray, and strode toward Xu Jinman’s car.

 

Xu Jinman stopped in the open space, remaining inside. Only when the man reached her door and knocked did she lower the window a crack.

 

“Still so angry you won’t even get out of the car?”

 

Xu Jinman remained silent. Who is this guy?

 

The man chuckled helplessly. “Okay, I was wrong. Happy now?”

 

Xu Jinman stared at him, speechless.