When a Scumbag Cannon Fodder Alpha Meets a Mad Movie Queen Villainess - Chapter 23

Ending the chat, Shen Yuanyi clutched her head again—what pre-planned gift? She actually hadn’t thought of anything at all.

Picking up a pen, she scribbled messily on paper: “Qi Ning’an, what do you want…”

The book hadn’t described Qi Ning’an in much detail, and her understanding of her was limited to the book’s portrayal—a pure rabbit who later became the main antagonist.

After spending so much time with her, the only thing that came to mind was tea. Qi Ning’an often invited her for tea, and she drank plenty at home too. The simplest solution seemed to be gifting her tea, or a tea set.

Her hand paused mid-stroke, leaving a dark dot on the paper. That didn’t seem like a bad idea—just buy a box of tea and a tea set, and it would be settled.

With that worry off her mind, she focused on composing her song.

Shen Yuanyi crossed out the messy words on the paper and threw herself into her work. After all, a birthday gift was just a small thing. On Qi Ning’an’s birthday, she would surely receive countless presents from fans and friends—how could she possibly remember something as simple as tea, or a tea set?

She reassured herself—it was fine, everything was fine. Just focus on finishing the song by the end of the month, release it, become a superstar, and fulfill her dreams.

Qi Ning’an watched as Shen Yuanyi calmed down and immersed herself in her work, feeling a similar tranquility settle within herself. A birthday gift—her little dog was already a gift from the heavens.

When Shen Yuanyi was sad, she felt sad too. When she was happy, she felt happy as well. If, on her birthday, she could take things further with her little dog, that would be the best outcome.

Kneeling on the floor with the telescope, her knees ached, but it was worth it.

At dusk, Shen Yuanyi began packing up to leave. Seeing this, Qi Ning’an immediately dismantled the telescope set up by the window. When she stood, she realized her knees hurt so much she could barely straighten them. Gritting her teeth, her face twisted in pain.

Across the street, Shen Yuanyi had already packed her bag and stood up from her seat in the café. The fear of losing sight of her made Qi Ning’an clench her jaw even harder, a bead of sweat forming on her forehead from the pain. She could only half-bend her knees to stand, slinging the telescope over her shoulder.

She followed without being detected, watching from a distance as Shen Yuanyi entered her building. Then, with great effort, she made her way to the opposite building, took the elevator up, and set up the telescope again. Rubbing her sore knees, she bent down and saw Shen Yuanyi return home, collapsing onto the sofa to rest.

At that moment, everything was worth it. A smile spread across her face.

Her phone suddenly buzzed. Qi Ning’an heard it and unhurriedly pulled it from her bag to check. An unknown number had sent: Happy early birthday, Sister Qi.

Frowning, she tapped the sender’s profile and blocked them. Why would a stranger send something like that?

On the other end of the line, the alpha who had been blocked felt her heart shatter. Then, she scoffed. “Qi Ning’an, what’s so special about being an award-winning actress? With enough money, even I could become one. Sending you birthday wishes, and you really think you’re something.”

“What’s wrong? Who made you angry?”

A woman with wavy, long hair, currently embracing companions on either side, was a top-tier celebrity in the entertainment industry. Two years ago, she had been in a sugar-baby arrangement with Qi Ning’an—without that connection, she wouldn’t be where she was today.

But rising status and wealth had inflated her ego. Qi Ning’an hadn’t appeared on the big screen in a long time, leading to rumors that she might have fallen from grace. This woman wanted to be the one to offer help in her time of need, reversing their roles from two years ago—she would become Qi Ning’an’s benefactor.

Never expected to be blocked after sending a message. Was it because he felt too embarrassed to face her? Or was he playing hard to get?

The woman took two bank cards from her suit’s inner pocket. “This is your severance pay. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other. Don’t come looking for me.”

She stood up from the sofa. The dazzling lights of the nightclub illuminated her face, but even the darkness couldn’t hide her haughty expression. She instinctively raised her chin and straightened her posture.

Knowing Qi Ning’an liked tea, she had her assistant buy the most expensive tea set. Discovering that Qi visited a particular restaurant every day and stayed there all day, she began staking out the place.

Effortlessly, she spotted the person she wanted to see—standing by the street, leaning casually against the wall.

Qi Ning’an walked straight past her, head lowered under a baseball cap, not even glancing at the woman leaning against the wall.

“Qi Ning’an.” The name slipped out before she could think. Pushing off the wall, she stared in disbelief.

What kind of hard-to-get game was this now? Deliberately ignoring her, pretending not to see her walk by.

Well, she’d successfully piqued her interest.

Hearing her name, Qi Ning’an stopped and turned to look at the long-haired woman by the wall, wondering if this was a fan.

“Let’s talk properly,” the woman said, removing her hat and confidently tossing her hair.

Passersby screamed, especially those who happened to be her fans. “Yunyun baby! Ahhh, it’s really her!!”

He Hongyun clicked her tongue in annoyance, cursing how bothersome fans were, interrupting her meeting with Qi Ning’an.

Word spread quickly that a popular celebrity was on the street, drawing crowds of fans and onlookers. He Hongyun basked in the attention while inwardly cursing her “brainless” fans, thinking how ugly they all were, dreaming of the impossible.

Facing the cameras, she put on an act—oh no, she’d been spotted, how scary and helpless she felt. Her fans, heartbroken, shouted for others not to approach, forming a protective circle around her.

“Qi Ning’an, come with me.” Shen Yuanyi suddenly grabbed Qi Ning’an’s hand from behind, pulling her close and shielding her face under the baseball cap.

Though unsure why Qi Ning’an was here, seeing the commotion from the café and spotting her in the crowd, Shen Yuanyi couldn’t help but worry for the innocent little rabbit.

A faint cream scent filled Qi Ning’an’s nose. Blushing, she timidly clutched Shen Yuanyi’s collar, pretending to be frightened. “Shen Yuanyi, I’m scared. What if they recognize me?”

“While everyone’s distracted, let’s go. I’ll take you to my place first.” Shen Yuanyi tightened her embrace, staying alert to keep Qi Ning’an hidden.

They looked every bit like a couple deeply in love, with no one suspecting one of them was a famous star.

Going to the puppy’s house?! Qi Ning’an’s eyes widened in excitement, her breathing quickening. Gripping Shen Yuanyi’s clothes tighter, she softly murmured, “Mm,” keeping her face down so Shen Yuanyi couldn’t see her expression.

That little sound made Shen Yuanyi sigh inwardly—the big villain was so shy, adorable like a little rabbit.

As snow began to fall, Shen Yuanyi worried it would melt and dampen their hair. Letting go of Qi Ning’an’s hand, she took off her coat and draped it over both their heads.

Huddled together under a large trench coat, they felt the wind was unusually mild today. She had taken off one layer of clothing but didn’t feel cold at all.

Returning home, Shen Yuanyi shook the snow off her coat before heading to the kitchen to brew a pot of tea. Carrying the freshly made tea, she saw Qi Ning’an sitting stiffly on the sofa. Clearing her throat to break the ice, she said, “It’s been a while.”

Qi Ning’an smiled and nodded with a soft “Mm.”

But what she really wanted to say was, “Little pup, it’s been a while since you last saw me, but I see you every day.”

Sensing the slight awkwardness in the air, Shen Yuanyi rubbed her nose and offered, “I’ve written a few songs. Would you like to hear them?”

“Really?” Qi Ning’an perked up at the mention of work-related matters. “If you’re making an album, you’ll need cover photos. I know some photographers. And if you need professionals, I have connections too.”

Hearing her benefactor take such an interest in her career, Shen Yuanyi was instantly moved to the point of tears. Sniffling, she waved her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing that formal. I’ll just upload them online—not for profit, just… to salvage a bit of my reputation.”

“Then I’ll arrange some marketing in advance. Let me know when you release them.” Qi Ning’an spoke like a mentor, offering both guidance and paving the way for her.

“Thank you, sis.” Shen Yuanyi grinned, revealing her canine teeth.

She could feel Qi Ning’an’s genuine care. If Qi Ning’an wasn’t seeking physical reciprocation, then Shen Yuanyi would strive to become a superstar—to show her just how high the eagle she nurtured could soar.

Theirs was a patron-artist relationship, yet it was anything but ordinary.

Five days later would be Qi Ning’an’s birthday, and Shen Yuanyi didn’t want to just gift her tea and tea sets.

“Sis, can we meet alone on your birthday?”

Qi Ning’an’s hand, holding the teacup, paused mid-air. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Shen Yuanyi watching her intently. Gripping the cup tighter, her heart began to race uncontrollably.

Lowering her head to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks, she took a small sip of the hot tea. “Mm.”

Shen Yuanyi grinned. “Sis, I’ll give you a surprise—one that’ll make your heart race.”

“Really?” Qi Ning’an replied nonchalantly, taking another sip, though her heart was already counting down the days.

Heavens, please let it come sooner. Just being able to meet the little pup alone would be the best gift already.

Sensing Qi Ning’an’s skepticism, Shen Yuanyi lifted her chin. “Just you wait and see, sis.”

They exchanged smiles before Shen Yuanyi excused herself to fetch some snacks from the kitchen fridge. Once inside, her shoulders slumped—she hadn’t actually thought of any heart-racing surprise for Qi Ning’an.

Countless ideas flashed through her mind, only to be dismissed one by one. Handmade bracelets? Too cliché, and surely others would commission artisans for them. A photo album of Qi Ning’an? Fans had probably already started on that, and with only five days left, it might not even impress her.

Returning to the living room, she resumed her confident, alpha demeanor. After some tea and conversation, noticing the late hour and the heavy snowfall outside, Shen Yuanyi didn’t want Qi Ning’an braving the cold wind alone.

As the saying goes, the first time is unfamiliar, the second time is familiar. Having had Qi Ning’an stay overnight at her place before, Shen Yuanyi spoke without any psychological burden this time.

“It’s getting late. Why don’t you stay at my place tonight and leave tomorrow?”

If any other alpha had said this, Qi Ning’an would have assumed something would happen tonight. But since it came from Shen Yuanyi’s mouth, it truly meant nothing more than sleeping over.

She really wished the puppy would do something to her. Sometimes, not being so pure wasn’t a bad thing—in fact, being too pure really wasn’t a good thing.

“Sure,” she agreed, then added pitifully, “It’s so cold… Can I sleep with you, puppy?” Qi Ning’an chose to take the initiative, gazing at Shen Yuanyi with pleading eyes.