Transmigrated Into a Heartless Scumbag Alpha - Chapter 26

You Xuechu’s question came so fast that Song Yi instinctively opened her mouth to respond, only to catch herself mid-action.

“You hesitated.”

You Xuechu took a step closer, grabbing Song Yi’s collar without another word.

Song Yi suddenly realized You Xuechu’s sense of justice might be stronger than she’d anticipated. With You Xuechu already adopting a fighting stance, Song Yi chose not to struggle to avoid escalating things.

“I never said I liked Zhou Zhou,” Song Yi stated flatly.

The Song Yi You Xuechu had known before either wore a gentle mask or carried an air of nonchalance. This was the first time she’d seen Song Yi’s eyes completely devoid of any trace of amusement.

A flicker of doubt appeared in You Xuechu’s eyes.

“I just happened to help Zhou Zhou and offered her a job in passing,” Song Yi continued without changing her expression.

After scrutinizing her for a long moment, You Xuechu released her grip half-convinced. Song Yi took a step back, straightened her collar, then glanced toward the car in the courtyard.

“Believe it or not, I have no ulterior motives toward Zhou Zhou.” Song Yi had always conducted herself with integrity and felt not an ounce of guilt.

For a brief moment, You Xuechu was stunned by this unfamiliar version of Song Yi. But she didn’t know the person before her was no longer the one she’d known. The hidden scars and the disgraceful behavior she’d witnessed from Song Yi quickly brought her back to reality.

“Your acting has improved,” You Xuechu remarked, arms crossed as she stared at Song Yi with dark, penetrating eyes that seemed determined to bore a hole through her.

Song Yi knew dispelling You Xuechu’s hatred and misunderstandings wouldn’t be easy, but she wasn’t in a hurry. In her original world, she’d grown accustomed to wearing the mask of a predator—those who didn’t know her well often saw her as a ruthless beast, certainly no good person. She was used to it.

But being used to it didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. A faint bitterness welled up in Song Yi’s heart.

In a daze, Zhou Zhou’s face flashed through her mind.

Zhou Zhou saying she believed in her and offering to stay with her during her rut—these images burst like fireworks in the gloom of her heart, unexpectedly bringing a touch of sweetness to the bitterness.

The corners of Song Yi’s lips twitched, forming a faint smile.

You Xuechu, watching from the side, found it oddly unsettling, the hairs on her arms standing on end.

“So, you’re saying you’re not interested in Zhou Zhou?” You Xuechu pressed, unwilling to believe Song Yi had no feelings for Zhou Zhou at all.

“Do you like Zhou Zhou?” Song Yi’s smile faded as she turned the question back on You Xuechu.

You Xuechu hadn’t expected this counter. She froze for a full three seconds—more terrifyingly, she actually started considering it seriously.

Zhou Zhou was beautiful, sweet, and polite. Every time You Xuechu saw her, she felt a surge of protectiveness and affection. She’d never been this concerned about any other girl before.

Song Yi: “…”

She was relieved You Xuechu was straightforward and not the scheming type. Otherwise, she had no idea what price she’d have to pay for the original Scumbag Alpha’s sins. For now, it seemed You Xuechu was more like a prosecutor—as long as Song Yi behaved herself from now on, things would be fine.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in twilight, Song Yi turned back and saw Zhou Zhou had woken up. Zhou Zhou was pressing her hands against the car window, watching them. When their eyes met, Zhou Zhou flustered and quickly sat back properly.

Song Yi’s mood suddenly lightened. Following her heart, she strode to the car and opened the door for Zhou Zhou.

“Let’s go home,” she said.

Zhou Zhou felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing those words, but her face was still flushed with the embarrassment of being caught earlier. She whispered an explanation, “Miss Song, I just thought you and Miss You had something to discuss, so I…”

“I know.” Song Yi gave her a reassuring smile. “If you’re tired, go upstairs and rest.”

You Xuechu finally reached a conclusion and was about to respond when she noticed Song Yi had already gone back to Zhou Zhou’s side.

If Song Yi said she didn’t like Zhou Zhou, You Xuechu wouldn’t believe it.

“Zhou Zhou!” You Xuechu ignored Song Yi and waved at Zhou Zhou from the steps.

“Miss You.” Zhou Zhou had just stepped out of the car when she heard You Xuechu call her. Remembering how You Xuechu had helped her hail a cab that morning, she waved back enthusiastically.

Standing to the side, the ignored Song Yi found the scene oddly endearing—like two big kids expressing friendship.

“Go talk to her. Shouting from this distance is straining your voice.”

Song Yi naturally took Zhou Zhou’s wrist to lead her over, but halfway there, she noticed You Xuechu staring at them. Song Yi hesitated, unsure whether to let go or not.

It was Zhou Zhou who gently pulled away and ran up to You Xuechu.

“Miss You, thank you for this morning.”

You Xuechu sighed helplessly. “Drop the formalities.”

“Miss You, thank… you.” Zhou Zhou corrected herself, which pleased You Xuechu.

Her gaze flickered to Song Yi, who stood behind Zhou Zhou pretending to be occupied with looking at the sky. The twilight deepened, and a faint crescent moon emerged from the clouds.

“Everything settled?” You Xuechu asked Zhou Zhou.

“…Mhm.” Zhou Zhou nodded hesitantly. She wasn’t entirely sure if things were fully resolved. According to Dr. Ding, it wouldn’t be certain until Miss Song safely passed her rut.

“What was the issue?”

Zhou Zhou pursed her lips, unsure how to answer.

Hearing this, Song Yi turned around, not intending to hide it from You Xuechu. “My rut came early.”

“No wonder.” You Xuechu frowned slightly.

She had originally planned to leave once she confirmed Song Yi was fine. But now, hearing about the early rut, she couldn’t help but worry about Zhou Zhou staying with Song Yi.

“Weren’t your cycles always regular before? Why is it a week early this time?”

Song Yi shrugged, indicating she didn’t know either.

“What did Ding Chen say?”

Song Yi didn’t answer, just looked at You Xuechu, who belatedly realized that as an ex, asking such detailed questions was inappropriate.

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not concerned about you—I’m just worried for Zhou Zhou.”

Song Yi nodded. She believed You Xuechu’s explanation. Given how terribly the original scumbag Alpha had treated her, it would be strange if You Xuechu still cared.

“In that case, Zhou Zhou can’t stay with you these next few days.” You Xuechu’s expression turned serious. “She should come stay with me instead.”

Zhou Zhou hadn’t expected this suggestion. Nervously, she glanced at Miss Song, wanting to know her thoughts.

Personally, she was willing to stay with Miss Song.

You Xuechu’s proposal was undeniably for Zhou Zhou’s sake, leaving Song Yi no room to argue. She lowered her eyes silently, long lashes veiling her thoughts.

In moments like this, silence was acquiescence.

Zhou Zhou parted her lips, wanting to say she wished to stay—but in the end, the words never came.

Miss Song didn’t seem to want her there after all.

Defeated, Zhou Zhou hung her head. Miss Song didn’t need her as much as she’d thought.

“Come with me.” You Xuechu reached out, her hand gently landing on Zhou Zhou’s shoulder. Zhou Zhou no longer had the confidence to stay, yet couldn’t bear to leave either.

“It’s just for a few days. Once Song Yi’s rut is over, I’ll bring you back, okay?” You Xuechu’s tone softened unconsciously. When facing Zhou Zhou, it seemed no one could bring themselves to speak harshly.

Zhou Zhou nodded lightly and followed You Xuechu as they left, though she couldn’t help glancing back repeatedly.

Miss Song remained standing in place, the light above the villa’s entrance casting her shadow long and stretched. From afar, it looked like a warm-toned painting, yet Zhou Zhou sensed an inexplicable loneliness emanating from it.

“Stop looking, she’s out of sight now.” You Xuechu waved her hand in front of Zhou Zhou’s eyes, casting a fleeting shadow.

For a moment, she felt like the villain who’d torn apart a loving couple.

Wait—no. You Xuechu quickly corrected herself. Song Yi had explicitly stated she had no feelings for Zhou Zhou.

Then she remembered how naturally Song Yi had held Zhou Zhou’s hand, and anger flared in her chest. So this time, Song Yi was just leading her on without taking responsibility? Wasn’t that still the behavior of a Scumbag Alpha?

She had done the right thing.

Once she’d reasoned it through, You Xuechu felt refreshed and invigorated. During the short walk back to her villa, she began introducing Zhou Zhou to her home, asking what kind of room she preferred. Zhou Zhou listened quietly but clearly lacked enthusiasm, offering only a vague, “Anything is fine.”

…

Song Yi stood at the villa entrance for a long time, only stepping inside once the sky had darkened completely.

When Zhou Zhou left with You Xuechu, she had actually felt the urge to chase after them and call Zhou Zhou back.

She knew that if she spoke up, Zhou Zhou would stay—but what then?

Could she guarantee she wouldn’t hurt Zhou Zhou?

No.

She had witnessed how terrifying the original Scumbag Alpha could be when resurfacing. During her rut, her emotions were unstable, making it easier for the original Scumbag Alpha to take advantage. The safest option was still to let Zhou Zhou stay with You Xuechu for a few days.

You Xuechu was reliable and treated Zhou Zhou well. It was the best solution.

So why did she still feel so unsettled?

After much thought, her mind circled back to the question You Xuechu hadn’t answered earlier. At the time, her retort had just been a rhetorical tactic, but You Xuechu had taken it seriously.

Could You Xuechu have feelings for Zhou Zhou?

The moment the question arose; Zhou Zhou’s face inevitably surfaced in Song Yi’s mind.

Zhou Zhou was undeniably likable—someone who naturally drew others in and evoked protectiveness.

It made far more sense for You Xuechu to like Zhou Zhou than the original Scumbag Alpha.

Song Yi’s mood grew heavy, an inexplicable irritation gnawing at her.

Ruts were unbearable. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water, calming slightly after drinking it.

Stepping out of the kitchen, she paused in the living room, unsure where to go.

The villa suddenly felt unfamiliar.

She sat down at the nearest spot—the dining table—and noticed a sticky note on the opposite seat.

Could it be from Zhou Zhou?

She stood and walked over to check, only to realize it wasn’t.

It was from You Xuechu, apparently left as a thank-you.

The tomato and egg noodles were great—thanks, Zhou Zhou!

So, Zhou Zhou had gotten up early to make breakfast, and You Xuechu had come specifically to eat with her?

She peeled the note off the table, crumpling it in her hand as if it had offended her. Only then did she realize how irrational her behavior was. She tried smoothing it back out, but the paper was already hopelessly wrinkled.

She tried to flatten herself against the dining table, took out her phone and snapped a photo, hesitating whether to send it to Zhou Zhou.

Might as well send it—after all, You Xuechu had specifically left it for her.

Opening the chat with Zhou Zhou, the photo was already selected, but Song Yi still hesitated for dozens of seconds. Only when she finally tapped “send” did she slump back into her chair with relief.

Then came the wait for a reply.

Would Zhou Zhou notice the message she sent?

Should she send another text explaining what the photo was?

But You Xuechu had signed it in the picture—no need.

Meanwhile, You Xuechu had just led Zhou Zhou to a guest room, arranging all the necessities for her. You Xuechu lived alone, with few friends, so the guest room had always been empty. Everything had been arranged by the butler over the phone, and the butler worked fast—everything was ready within half an hour.

“If you need anything else, just let me know. You can knock on my door or message me.”

“Oh, we haven’t added each other yet.” You Xuechu took out her phone. “Let’s do that now.”

Zhou Zhou reached for her phone only to realize it wasn’t there. “I think… I left it in Miss Song’s car.”

“I’ll go back and get it.” Zhou Zhou instinctively wanted to return.

“Tomorrow. I’ll fetch it for you. For the next few days, don’t see Song Yi—it’s better to avoid her while she can’t control herself. Besides…” Besides, if Zhou Zhou went back to Song Yi now, she might witness something not suitable for young eyes, and that would definitely upset her.

“I have an old phone—well, not that old, just bought a few days ago. You can use it tonight.” You Xuechu quickly went to her room and brought out a nearly brand-new phone, logging out of the only account before handing it to Zhou Zhou.

“Thank you, Miss You. But I can’t stay here for free these days.”

You Xuechu licked her lips and, without pleasantries, said bluntly, “Then cook me a bowl of noodles every day, Zhou Zhou.”