Transmigrated Before the Scum A Tortured the Female Lead (GL) - Chapter 30
Xu Jinzhao indeed hadn’t heard Song Jiao’s footsteps.
There were quite a lot of people outside the school gate. Holding such a large bouquet of flowers, almost everyone cast her admiring glances.
Xu Jinzhao had also arrived early and had been waiting for Song Jiao for over ten minutes. She kept being stared at curiously by the students, and facing the school gate felt a little awkward, so she simply turned her back to it.
Pedestrians chatted and laughed, cars came and went, so much ambient noise. Yet, Xu Jinzhao suddenly had a feeling, as if a voice in her heart said, the person you’re waiting for has arrived.
She turned around, and Song Jiao was indeed standing not far away.
Under the glow of the setting sun, the Omega’s beautiful face was incredibly soft, looking gentle and radiant.
Xu Jinzhao raised the bouquet of foxtail lilies, showing it to her, and was rewarded with a slightly surprised smile.
The lingering negative emotions from her memory of the original [Song Jiao]’s ending dissipated with this smile, leaving only joy and satisfaction filling her heart, along with a touch of affection.
So Xu Jinzhao smiled too. She took the initiative to step forward and handed over the flowers, saying, “Looks like you like them a lot.”
The Omega took the flowers, lowered her head to gently inhale their fragrance, and then looked up at her, the deep pupils of her eyes shining with the orange-gold light of the sunset.
Xu Jinzhao suddenly spoke softly, “I don’t think I’ve ever told you, Song Jiao, I think you’re very beautiful, and very vibrant, full of life, not just in appearance, but in other ways too.”
Song Jiao actually didn’t know how to respond to her.
She had heard countless compliments about her appearance. She knew she was considered outstandingly beautiful by popular standards, but the Alpha’s emphasis was on vibrancy and “not just in appearance.”
She was a little lost, wondering if Xu Jinzhao was praising her inner self? Or perhaps, her personality?
But was her personality beautiful?
On this question, no matter how confident Song Jiao was in herself, she had to clarify: her personality was not beautiful.
She was dishonest, unkind, lacking in empathy and morality, selfish and suspicious, and she never hesitated to use any means to achieve her goals, only considering the benefits and costs.
Xu Jinzhao, however, was a completely different individual from her, even the opposite of Song Jiao.
Song Jiao gazed into the Alpha’s gentle eyes. She thought, this must be where a truly beautiful and vibrant soul resided.
Song Jiao looked down again at the foxtail lilies in her arms, flowers with beautiful meanings, which should be given to people with beautiful hearts.
But she was inherently stingy, and these flowers were also a rare gift that she liked very much.
Song Jiao struggled, hesitated, and finally chose the largest and most beautiful stem from the bouquet, handing it to Xu Jinzhao.
The Alpha looked very surprised.
Song Jiao said, “For you.”
The Omega had shared something she loved with Xu Jinzhao, even if it was just a small part of it.
Xu Jinzhao smiled again. She generously accepted the flower, brought it to her nose to sniff lightly, and praised, “It smells so good.”
Song Jiao liked the other’s reaction.
It lessened the regret she felt after sharing her beloved flowers.
When they reached the parking lot, Xu Jinzhao handed the flowers back to Song Jiao, saying seriously, “Hold these for me.”
Song Jiao quickly took them, hugging the single lily back into the bouquet.
Earlier, while walking side by side, Xu Jinzhao had noticed from the Omega’s constant glances that Song Jiao might be reluctant to part with the flowers.
She curved the corners of her mouth into a smile and got into the car casually.
After they got home, Song Jiao seemed to have completely forgotten that she was just holding the single lily for Xu Jinzhao. She showed no intention of returning it, holding it tightly along with the rest of the bouquet.
Xu Jinzhao found her possessive, kitten-like behavior very cute. She didn’t point it out, only saying, “There are spare vases at home. You can put the flowers in a vase, and they’ll bloom for many more days.”
Song Jiao looked up at Xu Jinzhao. Seeing the expression on the other’s face, she knew that the Alpha was tacitly allowing her to keep the flower.
The two understood each other without speaking, and both were satisfied.
Once inside the house, Song Jiao immediately found a vase, opened the bouquet of foxtail lilies, and carefully inserted each stem.
Xu Jinzhao watched from the side, chuckling. Song Jiao ignored her, focusing on arranging the flowers in her hands.
However, when dinner was served, Xu Jinzhao couldn’t laugh anymore.
Because Song Jiao insisted on placing the vase on the dining table, the strong fragrance of lilies mixed with the aroma of the food, and the scent was simply bizarre.
Xu Jinzhao advised：“These flowers are a bit too fragrant, maybe we should put them in the living room?”
Song Jiao insisted, “But I like them very much.”
The Omega looked at her pitifully, her innocent, drooping eyes full of entreaty and anticipation. She wanted the flowers to stay.
Xu Jinzhao surrendered, “Okay, they can stay here.”
Song Jiao was satisfied. She didn’t look at Xu Jinzhao much during the meal, constantly gazing at the fragrant foxtail lilies.
Take a bite, glance at the flowers twice.
Xu Jinzhao muttered to herself, “Can this even help with appetite?”
However, Song Jiao actually ate quite a bit today.
Aunt Li had not only stewed pork trotters and a pot of black-boned chicken soup with red dates but had also made hand-torn cabbage and fish in pickled cabbage soup.
She said with some regret, “I couldn’t find good pickled cabbage nearby. I’ll buy some big mustard greens and pickle them myself another day.”
Xu Jinzhao sincerely hoped that by the time Aunt Li bought the mustard greens and pickled them, the flowers in the vase would have already withered.
After dinner, she fulfilled her morning promise and prepared hot water for Song Jiao’s hand soak.
Aunt Li probably thought this was a fun interaction between them as wives and didn’t rush to help, but instead smiled knowingly.
Just a little while later, when Xu Jinzhao returned, she was speechless to find that Song Jiao had already moved the vase from the dining table to the living room.
The Omega guarded the vase, her eyes bright as she looked over, her long hair once again loose over her shoulders.
She had tuned the TV to the same channel as yesterday and had even moved Xu Jinzhao’s stool over in advance, with only the fragrant fresh flowers added to the side.
Okay, Xu Jinzhao thought, as long as she’s happy.
She carried the basin of water for the willful little cat’s paw soak over to her.
The two sat surrounded by the fragrance of flowers, with the background noise of several elderly siblings fiercely arguing over family property.
Xu Jinzhao had actually just accidentally tuned to this channel yesterday. It was showing a local opera, and she had turned away to the kitchen to learn how to make noodles (and failed).
By the time she and Song Jiao were in the living room in the evening, the live TV broadcast had moved on to civil dispute mediation.
Xu Jinzhao didn’t have any particular preference for this, but the show’s plot was very attention-grabbing, with frequent dramatic conflicts that were quite engaging, which was why she kept getting distracted yesterday.
Who knew that Song Jiao seemed to think she loved watching this and had tuned to this channel again.
Xu Jinzhao picked up the remote and turned down the volume.
She asked Song Jiao, “Does it still hurt today?”
The Omega’s sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing a section of her pale, slender arm. Her hand skin had turned slightly pink from soaking in the hot water.
Song Jiao shook her head, then nodded, “It doesn’t hurt, but it’s still a little uncomfortable.”
This was, of course, a lie. She just hoped that Xu Jinzhao would still drive her tomorrow instead of sleeping in her bedroom.
Xu Jinzhao comforted her, “I’ll go to the hospital with you on Saturday.”
Song Jiao: “…”
Song Jiao tried to salvage the situation, “I think it should be fine? Maybe it will be completely healed by Saturday.”
Xu Jinzhao said, “You have to see a doctor when you’re sick, don’t avoid treatment.”
Realizing the Alpha’s determination, Song Jiao immediately gave up the pointless struggle and chose to start a new topic.
“When did you learn to paint?”
This was a sharp question, and Xu Jinzhao was immediately stumped.
Because [Xu Jinzhao] had never systematically studied art, at most she had done a few doodles in elementary school art class.
Fortunately, however, [Xu Jinzhao] hadn’t grown up with Song Jiao. Their interactions were mostly after Song Jiao was 10 years old.
So Xu Jinzhao said vaguely, “I learned when I was very young.”
This could be understood as [Xu Jinzhao] having learned when she was a child and then putting it aside, so it was normal for Song Jiao not to know now.
Xu Jinzhao felt she could probably get away with it.
The Omega nodded. She thought for a moment and then said sincerely, “Your paintings are very good. I think your talent lies in painting, not in making buns and noodles.”
Xu Jinzhao was first stunned, then couldn’t help but laugh.
Song Jiao was a little confused as to why she suddenly laughed. Was there something wrong with what she said?
Xu Jinzhao said between laughs, “I didn’t expect you to be so humorous. I thought you wouldn’t make fun of people.”
Song Jiao still didn’t understand the joke, but seeing Xu Jinzhao’s uncontrollable laughter, she swallowed her questions back down.
Okay, Song Jiao thought, as long as she’s happy.
After the half-hour hand soak ended, seeing the Omega dry her hands with a towel, Xu Jinzhao said:
“I bought a weighing scale, go step on it.”
Song Jiao reluctantly walked over, about to step onto the scale with her shoes on.
Xu Jinzhao stopped her, “Take off your slippers.”
Song Jiao: “…”
The Omega took off her slippers and stood on the scale. The moment the numbers appeared, she turned to the Alpha and said, “BMI 16.1, not bad.”
Xu Jinzhao stepped forward and looked: 42.3kg.
She asked Song Jiao, “How tall are you?”
Xu Jinzhao estimated Song Jiao’s height to be a little over 1.6 meters. Song Jiao replied, “1.62 meters.”
Xu Jinzhao took out her phone, searched for a BMI calculation website, and entered the data. It was indeed 16.1.
She was somewhat amazed by Song Jiao’s mental calculation ability but said with a straight face, “The normal BMI range is 18-24. You’re still wearing clothes, it’s clearly even less than 16.”
The Omega fell silent, but Xu Jinzhao saw a hint of dejection on her expressionless face.
Xu Jinzhao’s heart softened.
She thought of the mental stress Song Jiao had endured from [Xu Jinzhao] over the past three years. In such an environment, it was a miracle that Song Jiao hadn’t broken down.
“Well, it’s actually better than I thought,” Xu Jinzhao said softly, speaking to Song Jiao in a consultative tone, “Do you think you can get it up to the normal range by the end of the year?”
Song Jiao promised her, “I will.”
Xu Jinzhao looked at the Omega’s cautious appearance. The invisible furry cat ears on top of her head seemed to droop down.
Xu Jinzhao reached out and gently pressed on Song Jiao’s head. She didn’t use force, but rather a light, fleeting touch, stroking down the outer layer of her hair gently and softly.
The Alpha comforted her, “No rush, take your time. We have a long time ahead of us.”
Song Jiao liked the gentle pressure when she stroked her hair, liked her using “we” to bind them together.
She liked the last sentence even more, which filled her with anticipation for every day in the future.
The next day, after dropping Song Jiao off at school, Xu Jinzhao received a text message from Xu Boyang.
Xu Boyang wanted her to return to the old mansion at noon.
Xu Jinzhao thought Xu Boyang was simply toxic.
He was the one who promised two weeks of honeymoon leave and wouldn’t interfere with her behavior; now, still within the honeymoon, he was the one who wanted his daughter to return to the old mansion without giving any reason.
But this was Xu Boyang’s style, self-centered and completely disregarding others’ thoughts.
She drove directly from Changnan University to the Xu family’s old mansion. The temperature had dropped sharply recently, and approaching the mansion, the continuous forests and vegetation nearby had lost their vibrant green.
The outer area of the old mansion was too large to manage in time, and the fallen leaves from the trees had formed a thick layer on the lawn.
But as the car entered the main gate, the Western-style gardens inside the mansion were still meticulously and beautifully manicured.
The front courtyard fountain spewed large columns of water, which turned into fine mist as it fell. Although the owner of this mansion might not look at it even once a day, it still operated non-stop 24 hours a day.
The old butler was still waiting for her on the front porch of the gray-roofed main house. Xu Jinzhao asked, “Is there something going on today?”
She was unwilling to call Xu Boyang “father” and simply skipped over it.
The butler said, “Miss hasn’t been home for several days. Perhaps the master misses you.”
Xu Jinzhao was noncommittal.
She knew very well that Xu Boyang had called her to the company over the weekend and given her a stern lecture about her excessive favor towards Song Jiao. It didn’t seem like he missed her at all.
However, the butler also reminded her, “Young Master Xu is also here.”
This Young Master Xu could naturally only be Xu Yanhe.
The mansion was still the same magnificent and empty space. The butler led Xu Jinzhao to the study in the southwest suite on the second floor and gently knocked on the door.
Xu Boyang’s deep voice came from inside, “Come in.”
The butler stopped outside the door and gestured for Xu Jinzhao to enter.
This was the study where Xu Boyang had talked to her before. Xu Jinzhao pushed the door open, and the old Alpha and Xu Yanhe were standing by the window.
Xu Jinzhao saw Xu Yanhe with her own eyes. He was the same as she remembered, a male Alpha with an extremely gentle demeanor.
He was slightly taller than Xu Jinzhao, wore metal-framed glasses, and could be considered handsome, with a gentle and peaceful manner, even a bit scholarly.
Xu Jinzhao keenly noticed that his attire imitated Xu Boyang’s style. The cut of his shirt and the color and material of his vest were quite similar to Xu Boyang’s usual style.
Xu Yanhe’s attitude towards her was extremely friendly. He smiled proactively and said, “Jinzhao is here.”
He spoke intimately. Xu Jinzhao, mimicking the original owner’s attitude, only nodded slightly at Xu Yanhe.
From [Xu Jinzhao]’s memories, Xu Yanhe’s existence was quite strange.
Not long after her mother passed away, Xu Boyang brought Xu Yanhe home and told her that this was his adopted son and would also be [Xu Jinzhao]’s older brother in the future.
The Xu Yanhe at that time was not the elite he was now.
He was very thin, looked uneasy, his skin showed signs of sunburn, and he spoke with a rural accent.
Xu Yanhe was six years older than Xu Jinzhao and had already differentiated into an Alpha, while [Xu Jinzhao] had not.
[Xu Jinzhao] had once been extremely disgusted with Xu Yanhe and had even suspected that he was her father’s illegitimate son, which was why her father had brought him home after her mother’s death.
But Xu Yanhe didn’t live in the old mansion for long and soon disappeared.
[Xu Jinzhao] had asked her father, “Why did Brother Yanhe suddenly leave?”
This was, of course, just for show. In her heart, she was extremely repulsed by this big boy who was possibly her father’s illegitimate child.
Xu Boyang replied, “Xu Yanhe went back to his own home. He just came to our house for a short stay to play with you for a few days.”
Many years passed. When Xu Yanhe reappeared, he had grown into an adult, no longer had an accent when he spoke, and his clothes and demeanor had become respectable. He worked at the Xu Group.
Although he had joined the Xu Group, Xu Boyang’s attitude towards him wasn’t particularly friendly, lacking the obvious importance and cultivation he showed towards [Xu Jinzhao].
[Xu Jinzhao] gradually dismissed her suspicions and could tolerate Xu Yanhe’s existence.
However, he was always lukewarm, and his personality was something that [Xu Jinzhao], who shared Xu Boyang’s lineage, looked down on, so they couldn’t become close.
Xu Boyang’s attitude today was not bad. Not particularly amiable, but there was a bit of a smile on his face. He called his daughter over, “How have you been lately?”
Xu Jinzhao thought that the old man definitely knew everything about her recent activities and was now pretending to be ignorant.
She put on a smiling face, looking happy and cheerful, “Song Jiao is quite obedient, and we’re getting along well. I asked her to hire a nanny, and Song Jiao has a good eye for people.”
Xu Jinzhao deliberately mentioned Aunt Li, who she had hired herself. Although she hadn’t gone through Qi Yao, she guessed that Xu Boyang should know about Aunt Li’s existence.
After all, the person who regularly delivered fresh vegetables and meat was also arranged by Qi Yao, and now Aunt Li was the one receiving these deliveries. She didn’t believe Xu Boyang wouldn’t inquire.
Sure enough, Xu Boyang didn’t seem surprised, only saying lightly, “As long as it suits you. If you’re not satisfied, just bring someone from home.”
Xu Jinzhao didn’t want to bring anyone from the Xu family’s old mansion home, but she agreed verbally, “Of course.”
Hearing her say this, Xu Boyang smiled with satisfaction.
At this point, Xu Yanhe, who had remained silent all along, finally added, “Congratulations, little sister, on finding a good match.”
Xu Jinzhao gave Xu Yanhe a slight smile, with no intention of engaging in conversation.
Unlike [Xu Jinzhao], who was directly involved, she vaguely sensed from past memories that Xu Boyang seemed pleased to see his daughter’s cold and distant attitude towards his adopted son, and sometimes even deliberately instigated it.
Xu Jinzhao wasn’t sure what his motivation was.
But she felt that Xu Boyang was just an old pervert who might derive some pleasure from the tension between his daughter and adopted son.
As it turned out, Xu Boyang hadn’t called Xu Jinzhao back for anything particularly important.
The subsequent small talk revolved around the lives of the younger generation and recent social events, without touching upon any official business.
After lunch, Xu Boyang insisted that they all play golf together.
The Xu family’s old mansion occupied a vast area, and a small golf course had been built inside, so they didn’t need to go out.
Xu Jinzhao needed to change clothes, so she went to the original owner’s suite in the house for the first time.
The walk-in closet alone was the size of the master bedroom in the Biwan villa. No wonder Xu Jinzhao had the illusion that she was experiencing the life of an “ordinary person.”
Xu Jinzhao changed into sports underwear, then put on a golf shirt and golf shoes with spikes, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
She wasn’t unfamiliar with golf, and coupled with the muscle memory belonging to [Xu Jinzhao], she played fairly smoothly.
Xu Boyang was in high spirits and kept playing until almost 4 o’clock. Xu Jinzhao was getting restless.
Song Jiao’s class ended at a little after five, and it was over an hour’s drive from the old mansion on the North Bank to Changnan University.
Xu Yanhe was the first to notice that Xu Jinzhao was a little distracted. After she mishit a shot, he asked:
“Is something on your mind?”
Knowing the subsequent plot involving Jiao Jiao, Xu Jinzhao knew that Xu Yanhe wasn’t as friendly towards her as he appeared on the surface.
She sensed a hint of deliberate intention in Xu Yanhe’s words. He was intentionally pointing out her lack of focus in front of Xu Boyang.
Xu Boyang indeed looked towards her.
Xu Jinzhao said, “I promised Song Jiao that I would pick her up from school and go shopping with her tonight.”
She showed a slight look of smugness, a mix of boasting and helplessness.
Xu Boyang was in a very good mood today. Pointing at Xu Jinzhao, he smiled at Xu Yanhe and said, “Our Jinzhao is quite the devoted one, very much in love with her wife.”
He then waved his hand, “Go on, this old man won’t get in the way of you young people spending time together.”
Xu Jinzhao finally managed to get away, driving her small golf cart back to the main house.
Xu Yanhe unscrewed his water bottle and drank slowly.
He watched Xu Jinzhao’s retreating figure, the always peaceful and harmless expression on his face finally showing a hint of coldness and gloom.
Xu Jinzhao didn’t have time to shower and change clothes again. She only took off her spiked shoes and put on casual shoes before hurrying out.
Estimating that she was running short on time, Xu Jinzhao sent Song Jiao a text message in advance.
She informed her that she was currently at the old mansion and was rushing back as quickly as possible but might be a little late.
Song Jiao saw the text message during a class break. It had been sent 20 minutes earlier.
The Omega immediately replied: [Drive carefully, be safe.]
After school, Song Jiao slung her small bag over her shoulder and walked out with the crowd.
She knew the distance between the Xu mansion and Changnan University, and with unpredictable factors like traffic jams, the Alpha definitely wouldn’t arrive for a while.
Not seeing the person she wanted to see outside the school gate, Song Jiao wasn’t anxious.
She walked out slowly and stood where Xu Jinzhao had waited last time.
Perhaps knowing that the other person wouldn’t break her promise, Song Jiao instead felt a sense of joyful anticipation in this waiting.
A loud engine roar came from the distance at one end of the road. Song Jiao glanced over there but then turned her head back, uninterested.
Xu Jinzhao didn’t like driving cars with loud engines. She never touched Xu Jinzhao’s sports car, so it wouldn’t be her.
A flamboyantly painted convertible sports car sped from the south end of the road, swerving and creating a rolling roar all the way until it approached the school and began to slow down.
There were many students walking around the school gate. If it didn’t slow down, it was bound to hit pedestrians.
The car drove slower and slower, finally stopping beside Song Jiao. In the driver’s seat was a young Alpha with a streak of green hair.
He was wearing a very flashy leather jacket, had earrings in both ears, and several gemstone rings on the hand holding the steering wheel. He pushed his sunglasses up to the top of his head and whistled.
Song Jiao didn’t plan to pay attention to him. The whistle right next to her didn’t attract her gaze.
The young man’s first attempt failed, but he wasn’t annoyed. He opened his mouth with a grin, “Hey there, beautiful, need a ride? I’ll give you a lift.”
This person’s accent didn’t sound like it was from Changnan, with a strange lilt.
Song Jiao turned away coldly and walked towards the bus stop sign.
The sports car guy still refused to give up. He stepped on the gas, making the car follow Song Jiao, and flirted, “Taking the bus is so boring. Big brother will take you for a spin.”
Xu Jinzhao parked her car in her usual parking spot, which was only a few hundred meters away from Changnan University. She rushed towards the school, jogging all the way.
The traffic had been quite heavy on one section of the road today, delaying her, and Xu Jinzhao felt very apologetic.
Song Jiao wasn’t at the school gate. She looked around and finally saw the Omega by the bus stop sign in the distance, along with the gaudily painted sports car in front of her and the grinning person inside.
Xu Jinzhao deliberately shouted loudly, “Wife!”
Song Jiao, who had been unmoved by the whistling and flirting, immediately turned her head towards her.
Xu Jinzhao smiled particularly exaggeratedly, waved at the Omega, and walked over quickly.
Her tone was practically dripping with affection, “Wife, were you waiting anxiously? I’m so sorry, I’m late.”
Song Jiao’s reaction was extremely quick. The moment Xu Jinzhao called her “wife,” she realized that the Alpha must have some mischievous plan.
The Omega got into character very quickly. She leaned close to Xu Jinzhao like a little bird, complaining playfully, “Why did you take so long to get here? I’ve been waiting for ages.”
Xu Jinzhao took her hand. Song Jiao didn’t resist at all, but instead proactively intertwined her fingers with hers and asked:
“What are we eating today?”
They were all lovey-dovey, while the sports car guy was practically dumbfounded.
He sized up the newly arrived Alpha, from the sun hat on her head, down to the long-sleeved polo shirt, and finally to the grass and mud stains on the cuffs of her light-colored casual pants, his gaze gradually becoming contemptuous.
The sports car guy backed his car up to the two of them, honked loudly, and looked at Xu Jinzhao sideways.
“Who are you?”
Author’s Note:
Jinzhao: Let me introduce myself. I’m the legal spouse, only love, author-certified soulmate of the little beauty you’re hitting on, and the person whose little hand she’s proactively holding right now.
Jinzhao: LOL, you don’t even have a name.
ps: Jinzhao’s side will also gradually unfold, don’t worry ducks, Jinzhao’s side won’t encounter setbacks, the dog and the cat will work together in the future XD
[Xu Jinzhao]’s memories and experiences will definitely come in handy.
[Xu Jinzhao]: This is the second time, do you guys even have manners!