When the Scumbag A Got the Dog-Licking Script - Chapter 25

“What ‘I’? Aren’t you the most eloquent one? Whether it was at the Yu Family dinner or later when you went to attract investment, you were so articulate. Why do you suddenly become so tongue-tied and unable to say a word in front of me?”

“You…”

Pei Daowan’s willow brows arched sharply, her eyes flashing with a hint of ferocity. She grabbed Yu Jinzhao by the collar. “What ‘you’? What kind of Alpha stammers like that? Speak!”

“How did you know I went to attract investment? Did you see me?”

Pei Daowan: “……”

Feeling like she’d poured her heart out to a dog, Pei Daowan thought Yu Jinzhao deserved to be neglected sometimes. She really did—she was as dense as a block of wood.

Is attracting investment the point?!

Pei Daowan gritted her teeth. “I’m giving you one last chance. Don’t rush to answer. Think carefully and ask me again.”

Yu Jinzhao’s lips trembled slightly, a hint of fear in her eyes. She felt the same nervous thrill as when a teacher called on her to answer a question in class. Her throat felt dry and itchy; she wanted to run, but Pei Daowan’s imposing presence held her rooted in place.

The two remained locked in this tense standoff until Yu Jinzhao finally broke the silence.

“Um, I wanted to ask… are you feeling any better tonight?”

Pei Daowan’s gaze instantly turned sharp, as if she wanted to devour Yu Jinzhao whole. Her eyes were dark and fathomless, devoid of light or emotion.

In that instant, Pei Daowan seemed to deflate, resigning herself with a hint of weariness. What was I even expecting? she thought. Yu Jinzhao’s silver tongue only works for outsiders; she can’t even string together a coherent sentence in front of me.

It’s like playing the lute for a cow!

“Fine, there’s nothing more to say,” Pei Daowan said stiffly, her tone petulant. Even the obtuse Yu Jinzhao sensed something was wrong.

Instead of foolishly asking, “Why are you angry?” she offered a sincere explanation:

“Sometimes I really don’t mean to upset you. I just don’t know what to say. You’re different from those business types who need polite formalities to maintain relationships. I feel like certain words would sound contrived, even insincere, so I avoid them. It’s not that I’m trying to make you angry.”

“Yu Jinzhao!”

“Yes!”

“From now on, you answer only when I ask. If I don’t ask, you don’t speak.”

“Okay.”

“Have you really never been in love?”

Pei Daowan’s expression was complex as she asked this, neither suspicious nor genuinely curious, but rather a helpless sigh.

“That’s right.”

Hearing this, Pei Daowan’s expression subtly relaxed. She decided there was no need to ask any further questions. Yu Jinzhao was usually quite clever, but that didn’t contradict her being a blockhead.

“Alright, let’s sleep.”

Having gotten the answer she wanted, Pei Daowan didn’t want to talk to Yu Jinzhao any longer. Some people were just hopeless blockheads, deserving to be strung along.

After a moment’s hesitation, Pei Daowan realized she shouldn’t keep wasting time on Yu Jinzhao. She had things she needed to do. Turning back, she added, “Come with me to meet some people tomorrow. Remember to bring your ID.”

Yu Jinzhao’s expression turned slightly aggrieved, her gaze at Pei Daowan tinged with resentment, like a young girl betrayed by a heartless woman—and that heartless woman was Pei Daowan herself.

Pei Daowan couldn’t help but feel a tremor in her heart under that gaze. Her voice softened involuntarily.

“I’m feeling much better now, thanks to you. Remember about tomorrow. Get some sleep.”

In a sudden burst of courage, Yu Jinzhao pressed her cheek into Pei Daowan’s palm, as if nestling into it, bringing their faces impossibly close.

So close that Yu Jinzhao could feel the warmth and texture of Pei Daowan’s skin. The next moment, an unexpected sensation landed on her cheek.

Pei Daowan gently grazed her cheek with her fingertips, then gave it a playful pinch just as she was about to withdraw her hand. She chuckled softly, “Nice texture. Keep it up.”

A thrill of being teased coursed through Yu Jinzhao. The other cheek didn’t get pinched, she couldn’t help but think.

But Pei Daowan gave her no further opportunity. She knew that dealing with someone like Yu Jinzhao required a slow, steady approach, like a gentle stream. A sudden, overwhelming move would only scare her away.

This time, Pei Daowan didn’t hesitate. She closed the door and went inside to sleep. Yu Jinzhao smiled and returned to her own room to do the same.

The next morning, Yu Jinzhao woke up half an hour earlier than usual. Pei Daowan always left for work half an hour before her, so waking up early was the only way to stage a casual “accidental” encounter.

Sure enough, when Yu Jinzhao came downstairs, Pei Daowan was just about to eat breakfast. She greeted her naturally, “Good morning, Pei Daowan.”

Pei Daowan nodded faintly, acknowledging her greeting. Her expression remained neutral, showing little reaction to Yu Jinzhao’s arrival, yet she picked up an extra breakfast.

Yu Jinzhao naturally noticed every move, secretly delighted. Pei Daowan still cares about me a little, she thought. Hehe, maybe she’s just cold on the outside but warm on the inside.

Yu Jinzhao casually sat beside her, maintaining a slight distance but already breaching the safe social zone. Any large movements would inevitably lead to accidental contact.

Pei Daowan couldn’t help but roll her eyes, annoyed by Yu Jinzhao’s smug expression. She set down her breakfast with deliberate force, instantly silencing Yu Jinzhao.

“Hehe…” Yu Jinzhao chuckled sheepishly as she accepted the breakfast. “Thanks.”

Pei Daowan glanced at her dismissively, her smile fading slightly as she remembered their plans for the day.

“Eat quickly. We’re leaving as soon as you’re done.”

An hour later, the two arrived at a branch office of the Yu Family. Through the glass door, Yu Jinzhao watched Pei Daowan converse with a middle-aged man—the same one who had frequently glanced back at her during their visit to the old mansion that night.

Yu Jinzhao couldn’t discern their exact relationship, but they seemed quite familiar. The man occasionally wore an indulgent expression, as if doting on a younger relative.

As Yu Jinzhao pushed open the door, she could feel the man’s gaze lingering on her for an extended moment, his eyes carrying a profound, scrutinizing intensity.

In truth, Yu Jinzhao had already researched this man after attending the banquet at the old mansion. He was Chen Jia, a long-serving veteran of the Yu Family.

But how did Pei Daowan know him?

Chen Jia pulled a contract from his briefcase and placed it before Yu Jinzhao, offering her a pen. “Please sign here.”

Yu Jinzhao glanced at the contract’s title—something about fund transfers—but didn’t bother reading the details. She flipped straight to the final page and signed her name.

Chen Jia subtly exhaled in relief. Though Xiao Wan had told him Yu Jinzhao was a changed woman, he hadn’t expected her to sign so obediently.

Pei Daowan seemed to sense his hesitation. “It’s alright, Uncle Chen. Don’t worry, Yu Xincheng won’t find out.”

Yu Jinzhao didn’t know how Xiao Wan had persuaded her, but she ultimately chose to trust her. After all, their goals aligned.

After leaving the branch office, Yu Jinzhao’s mood darkened. She could roughly guess what Pei Daowan intended to use her identity for.

This blatant manipulation left a bitter taste in her mouth, a stark contrast to the recent days of ambiguous intimacy.

No wonder Pei Daowan had suddenly become so affectionate, Yu Jinzhao thought bitterly. She couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if she turned around and exposed Pei Daowan’s scheme.

Shaking her head inwardly, she chided herself for indulging in such pointless thoughts. She knew Pei Daowan was using her identity, so why dwell on fantasies?

Pei Daowan naturally sensed Yu Jinzhao’s low spirits. She knew the reason but chose not to explain, as the nature of their relationship had been clear from the start.

Throughout the day, Pei Daowan introduced Yu Jinzhao to several people and had her sign at least seven or eight contracts, all related to funding and loans.

Yu Jinzhao couldn’t help but find dark amusement in the situation. “The original owner’s reputation really comes in handy,” she mused. “If it were anyone else, they wouldn’t be able to secure such massive loans.”

As she thought this, Yu Jinzhao’s eyes darkened. What does Pei Daowan need so much money for?!

The ride home that evening was silent. Yu Jinzhao was preoccupied with the day’s events, while Pei Daowan simply didn’t feel like talking.

The silence persisted until breakfast the next morning. Pei Daowan noticed Yu Jinzhao’s slightly furrowed brow, a tingling sensation coiling in her chest—a mix of itchiness and prickling discomfort that made it difficult to meet Yu Jinzhao’s gaze.

The silence couldn’t last forever. Eventually, Pei Daowan, feeling guilty, broke the ice.

“When are you planning to start that girl group survival show you mentioned?”

Switching to business, Yu Jinzhao suppressed her inner turmoil, forcing herself to appear natural, even nonchalant.

Yu Jinzhao mumbled through her meal, her voice muffled, “I don’t know.”

Sensing Yu Jinzhao’s resistance, Pei Daowan’s gaze deepened. Last night, she had instructed the system to tell Yu Jinzhao she had a solution, yet Yu Jinzhao seemed unwilling to bring it up.

“So you’re not planning to do it anymore?”

Yu Jinzhao felt a momentary surge of resentment. You don’t even care what I do. Aren’t you just interested in whether my identity is useful or not?

But when she met Pei Daowan’s calm, unwavering gaze, she regained her composure. Pei Daowan doesn’t care about me at all. What’s the point of saying anything?

“We’ll see when the time comes.” Her tone was dismissive, and she didn’t even bother to look up.

Pei Daowan pretended not to notice. “I know Director Li Jin. You could invite her to join the project. She has extensive experience filming variety shows and a reliable crew. Plus, having her direct the show personally would significantly boost its star power.”

The System had already told her these things last night. At the time, she hadn’t felt much—she’d known from the start that Pei Daowan intended to exploit her identity, so she could simply ignore it and focus on cooperating.

But the moment she saw Pei Daowan this morning, a belated sense of grievance surged up. Why? she thought. I’m human too. I have feelings. Even if I’m doing this to get home, my feelings for Pei Daowan are genuine.

That’s why she had no desire to speak to Pei Daowan this morning. If not for the remaining tasks, she would have already left.

Her voice unconsciously carried a hint of coercion. “Yu Jinzhao!”

Yu Jinzhao had been about to say something, but when she met Pei Daowan’s gaze, her words shattered into fragments like broken glass. It felt as if someone had seized her throat, her throat bobbing uselessly as she struggled to force out even a whisper.

Pei Daowan’s expression turned cold. She repeatedly reminded herself that she was merely using Yu Jinzhao and didn’t need to care about her feelings. After all, Yu Jinzhao would leave once this was over. Yet, seeing Yu Jinzhao’s body slump as if all strength had drained from her, she found herself unable to utter a harsh word.

“I’m sorry about yesterday…”

Pei Daowan seemed ill-suited to such apologies. Her tone was stiff and mechanical, sounding utterly unnatural, as if someone were choking her and forcing the words out.

Yu Jinzhao’s expression flickered momentarily, a hint of annoyance crossing her face. Why did I drink with Pei Daowan out of spite? she thought. We shouldn’t have deepened our connection. I just need to be a sharp blade in her hand.

Still not looking up, she replied, “Thank you. I understand.”

Yu Jinzhao had finally spoken, but Pei Daowan felt none of the relief she had anticipated. A heavy feeling lingered in her heart, and she worried that Yu Jinzhao’s mood would affect their next move.

“Yu Jinzhao! You promised you’d help me.”

For some reason, that promise kept replaying in her mind, the unwavering conviction in Yu Jinzhao’s eyes burned into her memory.

“Yes, I did. I haven’t gone back on my word. What do you want me to do?”

Pei Daowan pressed her lips together, ignoring the unease in her heart. “Go see Li Jin and invite her to join the production team for this variety show.”

“Sure. When?”

“Whenever you’re free.”

“I’m free anytime.”

Pei Daowan frowned. “Don’t you have work?”

“Your priorities come first.”

Pei Daowan found these words grating, yet Yu Jinzhao’s nonchalant attitude left her feeling strangely disoriented.

By the time Pei Daowan finished speaking, Yu Jinzhao had already finished her breakfast and cleared her plate. Without a word to Pei Daowan, she left the house.

Yu Jinzhao felt awkward and avoided Pei Daowan, wanting to avoid seeing her. She also didn’t mention anything about Li Jin.

The two women lived under the same roof yet could go days without seeing each other. If Yu Jinzhao didn’t wake up half an hour earlier, it would be nearly impossible for them to cross paths.

 

As usual, Yu Jinzhao finished breakfast and was about to leave when Pei Daowan unexpectedly returned.

She clearly hadn’t anticipated Pei Daowan’s sudden reappearance. At this time, she wouldn’t normally encounter her.

Their eyes met unexpectedly. Yu Jinzhao quickly looked away, offering a casual “Morning!”

Pei Daowan felt a surge of anger, stung by her indifferent attitude. Yet she had no reason to be angry, so she had to suppress her frustration.

Pei Daowan blocked the doorway, preventing Yu Jinzhao from leaving. This forced Yu Jinzhao to ask, “Is there something you need?”

“Yes.”

“What is it?”

“When are you going to see Li Jin?”

“Whenever you say.”

“……”

Yu Jinzhao turned to leave, but Pei Daowan stopped her. Though she didn’t push past her, Yu Jinzhao stood stubbornly at the doorway, her neck stiff with defiance.

“Can we talk?”

Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Yu Jinzhao retorted sharply, “Talk about what? There’s nothing to discuss. Just make your decision and let me know.”

Pei Daowan frowned, still angry. Li Jin didn’t actually like the Yu Family; she had only agreed to meet them out of respect for Pei Daowan. Pei Daowan had hoped Yu Jinzhao would be at least a little pleased.

Carefully choosing her words, Pei Daowan asked, “What can I do to make you stop being angry?”

This question nearly made Yu Jinzhao laugh in exasperation. What can I do to make you stop being angry? It sounded as if she were the one being unreasonable.

“I’m not angry at you,” Yu Jinzhao replied. “I’m just angry at myself for being too emotional.”

“Yu Jinzhao…”

Pei Daowan steadied herself and finally spoke the words she had been rehearsing for days: “I want to apologize. I hope you can forgive me…”

Such a bold request could only come from Pei Daowan. Yu Jinzhao looked at her with a half-amused, half-disbelieving expression.

Beneath her gentle exterior, Pei Daowan harbored a rebellious streak. Perhaps it had been suppressed by her strict upbringing, but it still surfaced occasionally.

At that moment, she felt her rebellious phase resurfacing. Her expression turned slightly flippant, tinged with a casual indifference.

“If you want my forgiveness, of course you can have it. But you’ll need to show genuine sincerity.”

Pei Daowan hesitated, not because Yu Jinzhao’s request was unreasonable, but because she didn’t know what kind of sacrifice would count as genuine sincerity.

“What do you want?”

“Asking defeats the purpose of sincerity. You have to figure it out yourself.”

Pei Daowan pursed her lips. This was genuinely challenging for her. She had no experience in giving gifts or trying to please others.

In her hazy memories, her mother would buy her toys and take her out to play, but Yu Jinzhao didn’t seem like someone who would appreciate toys.

She had no idea what Yu Jinzhao liked!

“Can I have a day to prepare?”

“Alright, I’m looking forward to it, dear sister~”

Yu Jinzhao’s last three words were spoken with such familiarity that Pei Daowan couldn’t help but feel her ears burn. She had never seen Yu Jinzhao like this before, and it made her heart race a little. Even in her anger, this more lively and expressive side felt more vivid than her usual gentle and composed demeanor.

Having temporarily resolved the issue with Yu Jinzhao, Pei Daowan lowered her arm from the doorway, signaling that she could leave.

Just as Yu Jinzhao was about to turn the corner, she suddenly glanced back at Pei Daowan, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t stopped just now and insisted on leaving.”

Pei Daowan’s expression remained impassive. “I would have deducted all your points,” she replied, “and never trusted your words again.”

Ah, so that’s how it is.

“Then I’m glad I stopped,” Yu Jinzhao said. “Sister, you should hurry and think of something to compensate me.”

Left alone, Pei Daowan belatedly realized she had been led astray by Yu Jinzhao. Her original intention had been to get Yu Jinzhao to drop the matter entirely…

“Sis! Sis! Are you even listening to me?”

Pei Daowan snapped back to attention, a hint of guilt in her voice. “Sorry, I was just spacing out. Please continue.”

Liu Qingyi eyed her suspiciously. Something’s off. Definitely something’s wrong. In just a short time, while listening to a report, she had spaced out multiple times.

“Sis! You know what? You looked like you were under a spell just now—your whole soul seemed to have flown away!”

Pei Daowan nodded thoughtfully, her tone somewhat perfunctory. “Really…”

“Oh, right, right, right! That’s exactly it! It’s like a workaholic suddenly losing focus.”

Pei Daowan looked conflicted, her fingers unconsciously pressing harder against the table as she carefully considered her tone. “Qingyi, do you know how to apologize to someone?”

Liu Qingyi’s eyes widened. She finally realized what was different about Pei Daowan. The Pei Daowan she knew had always been beautiful, but with an aloofness that made her seem detached from the world, maintaining a palpable distance.

Lately, however, that distance had noticeably diminished. Could it be because she’d escaped the clutches of the Pei Family’s bloodsucking relatives? Yes, that must be it. It couldn’t possibly be because she married Yu Jinzhao, right?

“Well, it depends on who you need to apologize to,” Liu Qingyi replied.

“If it’s your parents, just apologize directly. No need to overthink it. If it’s your lover, a little sweet-talking usually does the trick. For close friends, you can even give them a good scolding. But for casual friends, you need to be more careful. For example, you could buy them something they like and apologize sincerely.”

This was clearly a blind spot in Pei Daowan’s knowledge. She listened with an expression of genuine attentiveness, as if receiving a valuable lesson.

Liu Qingyi was puzzled. She had known Pei Daowan for years, and all she ever saw her do was work, work, work. She had virtually no social life. Who could she possibly need to apologize to?

After seeing Liu Qingyi off, Pei Daowan summoned the System and asked directly, “What does Yu Jinzhao like?”

The System’s virtual head spun. Why are both of them suddenly asking about each other’s preferences?

“According to the data, Yu Jinzhao has quite a wide range of interests: cycling, badminton, painting, calligraphy, reading, music, skiing…”

Pei Daowan’s brow furrowed deeper with each item. These activities felt worlds away from her own life. She couldn’t help but sigh—they truly were from different worlds.

On the surface, she was the Pei Family’s heiress, but in reality, her life was far less fulfilling than that of an ordinary child. Since her mothers passed away, she had never attended any of those so-called “hobby classes.”

Back then, her sole focus had been studying relentlessly. Only by excelling academically could she hope to escape the Pei Family’s control.

She and Yu Jinzhao were truly two different kinds of people…

“That’s enough. I understand.”

Pei Daowan glanced at the time. Three hours remained until the end of her workday. She had no idea what to give Yu Jinzhao. With her current wealth, it seemed like she lacked nothing.

After arranging her work in advance, Pei Daowan left the office right on time. When she got home, Yu Jinzhao hadn’t returned yet, which made her breathe a sigh of relief—at least she wouldn’t have to face her so soon.

In truth, Yu Jinzhao hadn’t worked overtime today. She had deliberately taken a long detour outside, only hurrying home just before seven o’clock.

She was afraid that if she returned too early, Pei Daowan would still be at work, leaving her to wait. The thought of waiting felt unbearable, especially after Pei Daowan had promised to make it up to her this morning, making it impossible not to feel a flicker of anticipation.

When Yu Jinzhao finally arrived home, Pei Daowan was indeed back. She had changed into her loungewear and was sitting quietly on the sofa, not watching TV or doing anything else.

The scene was serene, almost docile. Pei Daowan sat there as if she had been waiting for Yu Jinzhao’s return the whole time.

“I’m home!” Yu Jinzhao announced in a soft voice.

“Mmm-hmm,” Pei Daowan replied.

Suddenly, Pei Daowan smiled, her expression softening, all her usual sharpness gone. She looked almost vulnerable, as if she were offering herself up for the taking.

Yu Jinzhao’s motives were surprisingly easy to decipher. Her demand for an apology stemmed simply from feeling unfairly treated; she was someone who valued fairness, justice, and equality above all else.

Realizing this, Pei Daowan knew exactly what to do. Years of navigating the cutthroat business world had taught her the art of managing people. With someone like Yu Jinzhao, all it took was genuine sincerity.

Pei Daowan poured Yu Jinzhao a glass of water, her voice gentle. “Was work tiring today?”

Yu Jinzhao’s face showed her surprise. Had the sun risen in the west? Pei Daowan had never asked her such a question before. Was this her way of apologizing and showing vulnerability? It felt rather strange.

“Not too bad,” Yu Jinzhao replied.

“You’ve always been curious about what I do, right? There’s an industry gathering in a few days, and I’d like to invite you to come with me.”

An industry gathering?

Sensing Yu Jinzhao might be thinking about their previous encounter, Pei Daowan quickly added, “No contracts to sign this time. It’s just an industry gathering, semi-private.”

Oho!

Could this be one of those legendary gatherings of business titans, where they gather to discuss global affairs and casually remark, “The weather’s getting cold. The Yu Corporation should go bankrupt”?

Noticing Yu Jinzhao’s wandering thoughts, Pei Daowan gently tugged at her sleeve. “So, will you come?”

Yu Jinzhao cleared her throat, suppressing the corners of her mouth that threatened to curl upward. Feigning composure, she asked, “When is it?”

“In a few days. The exact time hasn’t been set yet.”

“Hmm, I suppose I could make it.”

Sensing Yu Jinzhao’s visibly improved mood, Pei Daowan couldn’t help but smile. She was far easier to appease than she’d imagined. Truly…

“How cute!”

Suddenly remembering the matter of the girl group director, Yu Jinzhao began to whine, “The director for my project still hasn’t been finalized. I don’t know if I’ll have time to go.”

When she was angry with Pei Daowan, she stubbornly refused to consider Li Jin, insisting on finding another director. But after looking around, she realized Li Jin was indeed the most suitable choice. Still, she stubbornly refused to back down.

Pei Daowan couldn’t help but roll her eyes, at a loss for words. She ruffled Yu Jinzhao’s hair a little roughly, feeling a bit annoyed.

“I’ll help you set up a meeting with her…” Pei Daowan paused, noticing Yu Jinzhao’s barely suppressed smile. “But Li Jin really dislikes the Yu Family. Even if I arrange the meeting, the final decision will still be hers.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay, I know that. But this won’t be in the Yu Family’s name, I promise. The Yu Family will only provide funding; all decision-making power will be mine. They won’t interfere.”

Her research on Li Jin had revealed the director’s deep-seated animosity toward the Yu Family. Li Jin had openly and subtly mocked the family on numerous occasions. It was only because Yu Xincheng’s influence didn’t extend to the entertainment industry that he had tolerated it.

Afraid Pei Daowan would think her fickle, Yu Jinzhao gritted her teeth and added, “Good sister~” She tugged playfully at Pei Daowan’s sleeve, swaying it back and forth in a gesture of endearment.

Pei Daowan raised an eyebrow. This was the second time she’d heard the term “good sister,” and it still felt a bit odd, but she didn’t dislike it.

Seeing Yu Jinzhao’s slightly coquettish and ingratiating demeanor, Pei Daowan couldn’t bring herself to refuse, especially after having just comforted her. But…

“Say that again. I can’t guarantee Li Jin will agree…”

“It’s fine, good sister. You just need to introduce me. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Oh? So confident?”

Yu Jinzhao smiled smugly. “Of course. I’ve done my research thoroughly. While Li Jin is a legend in the industry, domestic variety shows have largely stagnated. She’s been holding back noticeably in recent years, rejecting many offers, yet she remains keenly observant of the entertainment scene. This proves she’s waiting for the right script—one that truly resonates with her. I’m confident I can impress her.”

Pei Daowan gave her a knowing smile. “I wouldn’t have guessed you were so sharp.”

“Well, I did start my own business once, even if it ended up losing money. I still have a knack for spotting market trends.”

“I’m happy to introduce you, but what’s in it for me?”

Pei Daowan asked this question just as she finished her last sip of water, tilting her head to gaze leisurely at Yu Jinzhao, awaiting her answer.

Yu Jinzhao froze for a moment, stunned. Wasn’t Pei Daowan just saying that to coax me?! Why is she asking for repayment now?

Might as well go all in, Yu Jinzhao thought, stepping forward. Her earlier tugging at Pei Daowan’s hem transformed into a tentative embrace around her thigh. “Good sister~ You’re the best~”

She felt a pang of embarrassment. She’d never done anything like this before, especially not to another woman—and one who happened to be her type.

Pei Daowan shifted uncomfortably, taking a deep breath to suppress the urge to push Yu Jinzhao away. Thankfully, it was only a light embrace, with no actual contact.

“Alright, alright, let’s just forget about it. No hard feelings between us.”

The belated wave of shame washed over Yu Jinzhao, leaving her flustered. She hurriedly released Pei Daowan and stumbled back a step, avoiding eye contact out of guilt. In her panic, she completely missed the fleeting shadow of darkness in Pei Daowan’s eyes.

“I’ll ask her when she’s free later. But I should warn you—she’s as haughty and short-tempered as the rumors say, especially toward Alphas. You’ll need to be careful.”

Yu Jinzhao was taken aback. If she remembered correctly, Li Jin herself was also an Alpha. Could it be that Alphas repelled each other? Yu Jinzhao didn’t quite understand this. Although she was an Alpha, she wasn’t from this world and lacked a practical understanding of these concepts.

A person was first and foremost a person, and only secondarily defined by gender. To Yu Jinzhao, whether someone was an Alpha, Omega, or Beta, their fundamental essence remained human. Her criteria for judging someone had never been gender, but rather their character.

“Thank you!” Yu Jinzhao said, still feeling a bit awkward. After all, they had just been in a cold war, and now she was being won over with just a few words. She felt like she was losing face.

“Pei Daowan!” Yu Jinzhao suddenly called out her name. Pei Daowan didn’t even raise an eyebrow. “What’s with the disrespect? Why are you calling me by my name?”

“If there’s anything I can help you with, just ask. As long as it’s within my capabilities, I won’t refuse.”

“Alright, alright, enough nagging. Who was the one giving me the cold shoulder earlier?” Pei Daowan said, sounding impatient, as if she didn’t want to talk to Yu Jinzhao anymore.

Yet, inexplicably, Yu Jinzhao sensed that Pei Daowan’s fierce exterior hid a soft interior. She wasn’t deliberately being harsh; she simply didn’t know what to say and was using these actions to mask her awkwardness.

A bit cute!

The thought sprang unbidden into Yu Jinzhao’s mind, making her feel a little flustered. She quickly pinched herself, reminding herself that such thoughts were best kept private—she couldn’t voice them in front of Pei Daowan.

Watching Pei Daowan’s retreating figure, Yu Jinzhao hurriedly called out, “See you tomorrow! I’ll come home earlier tomorrow night.”

Pei Daowan’s steps faltered briefly before she resumed her pace, replying evenly, “Come home whenever you want. You don’t need to tell me.”

“I should tell you. After all, we’re now…” Yu Jinzhao paused, unsure how to define their relationship. Were they wives? Roommates? Or something else entirely?

“What are we?” Pei Daowan asked, stopping and turning to face Yu Jinzhao, waiting for her answer.

“Allies! Steadfast allies!”

Upon hearing this response, Pei Daowan quickly turned away. Yu Jinzhao couldn’t see her expression, only hear her voice drifting back from a distance: “Understood.”

Yu Jinzhao smiled as she tidied her desk and cheerfully headed upstairs.

The next day, around four or five in the afternoon, Yu Jinzhao checked the time and immediately postponed her remaining work. She hadn’t forgotten her promise to Pei Daowan the previous night that she would return home early today.

Truthfully, ever since making that promise, Yu Jinzhao had been subtly anticipating this moment all day. She longed to see Pei Daowan every day and cherish their private moments together.

On her way home, Yu Jinzhao passed a supermarket and decided to stop. Since she had plenty of time, she could buy groceries and prepare dinner, ensuring a hot meal would be ready when Pei Daowan arrived.

With this thought, Yu Jinzhao couldn’t resist pulling out her phone. Since adding Pei Daowan’s contact information, they hadn’t communicated once. Pei Daowan’s name and number remained pinned at the top of her contact list.

She stared at those three characters for a long time before finally clicking on the profile picture. The profile picture couldn’t be customized, so Pei Daowan’s avatar was indistinguishable from anyone else’s. Yet Yu Jinzhao continued to gaze at it for an extended moment.

After hesitating for a long moment, Yu Jinzhao finally sent a message: [ Are you coming home for dinner tonight? ]

She had expected a delay in getting a response, but Pei Daowan replied almost immediately, the message arriving in the very next second.

Yu Jinzhao gazed at the words on the screen, a smile involuntarily spreading across her face. She put her phone away, her steps now lighter as she mentally planned what to cook for dinner.

When Pei Daowan arrived home, Yu Jinzhao had just finished preparing the last dish. Her face lit up at the sight of Pei Daowan. “Dinner’s ready! Hurry and put down your bag, wash your hands, and let’s eat.”

“Mm-hmm!” Pei Daowan replied softly.

Instead of immediately putting down her bag, Pei Daowan glanced at the evening’s spread. It was quite lavish—four dishes and a soup, despite there being only the two of them.

Seeing Pei Daowan still standing motionless at the door, Yu Jinzhao walked over and casually picked up Pei Daowan’s slippers, as if intending to help her change.

Pei Daowan instinctively took a step back, her refusal clear. “I can do it myself.” Sensing her own stiffness and fearing she might hurt Yu Jinzhao’s feelings, she added, “Thank you, but I’m not used to having others help me.”

Fortunately, Yu Jinzhao wasn’t fixated on the matter and simply urged her to eat quickly.

Sitting at the dining table, Pei Daowan once again confirmed that Yu Jinzhao had truly put her heart into the meal. Every dish was something she loved, and Yu Jinzhao had remembered everything the System had mentioned on their first day together.

An odd feeling stirred within her. What would Yu Jinzhao be like if she truly fell in love with someone? Would she become even more attentive, or is the kindness she’s showing now just the tip of the iceberg?

“Try this first. See which dish you like best.”

Pei Daowan pressed her lips together. “You don’t have to go to so much trouble next time. We have Auntie here, and you’re so busy…”

Yu Jinzhao cut her off, her expression unusually assertive. “Do you know? In my family, the person who cooks is considered a hero. They deserve to be rewarded and celebrated, not told that cooking is a hassle and they shouldn’t bother next time. For me, the greatest reward is knowing you enjoy the food.”

It’s not worth it, not for me!

When you finally learn my true nature—that I’ve been using you, manipulating you all along—will you still be so sincere?

Pei Daowan didn’t voice these thoughts. Instead, she followed Yu Jinzhao’s suggestion and tasted the lemon chicken, genuinely praising, “It’s delicious, truly delicious. You should try some too.”

Pei Daowan considered herself reserved, rarely showing strong preferences. But she had to admit, Yu Jinzhao’s cooking was undeniably delicious. Though Pei Daowan didn’t prioritize culinary pleasures, usually treating food as mere sustenance, Yu Jinzhao had awakened entirely new sensations within her.

Once again, she felt the stark contrast between herself and Yu Jinzhao. Yu Jinzhao was a woman who truly lived—she appreciated art, cooked with skill, exercised regularly, and was often seen reading.

In every aspect, Yu Jinzhao seemed like an exceptional person. So far, Pei Daowan had found virtually no flaws in her. The System’s assessment seemed inadequate; Yu Jinzhao wasn’t just a good person, but a vibrant, fully realized human being.

This realization made Pei Daowan feel uneasy, a faint bitterness rising in her heart. She found the sensation difficult to bear, unsure of its origin. All she could do was repeatedly remind herself to avoid getting too involved with Yu Jinzhao, and to suppress any lingering thoughts.

At that time, Pei Daowan didn’t yet know that this emotion was called self-destructive guilt. By the time she truly understood those subtle, bittersweet feelings, tinged with both sweetness and pain, everything had changed.

Pei Daowan tried to ignore the emotion, deliberately changing the subject and forcing herself to appear natural, still the commanding figure in control.

“I contacted Li Jin today. She’s free this Thursday at 3 p.m. at the business plaza across from A University. I’ll send you her number tonight; you can arrange the exact meeting place.”

“Great! Thank you so much, dear sister. You’ve really done me a huge favor.”

Pei Daowan’s brow twitched involuntarily. Dear sister again!

Didn’t she realize how intimate that title sounded? Especially when Yu Jinzhao said it with a slightly raised tone, almost coquettish. But seeing Yu Jinzhao’s completely guileless expression, Pei Daowan had to swallow the strange feeling in her heart.

“Don’t get your hopes up too soon. I’ve only helped you make contact. That’s not a big deal. Whether she agrees or not is another matter entirely. She won’t agree just because I asked. You’ll need to offer her something truly compelling to win her over.”

Yu Jinzhao smiled knowingly. This was the third time Pei Daowan had warned her that Li Jin was difficult to please. It seemed like she was trying to discourage her, but it was actually a sign of her genuine concern.

“It’s no problem at all. If you hadn’t helped me, I wouldn’t have even taken the first step. So, no matter how you look at it, you’re the biggest contributor.”

Pei Daowan glanced at her dismissively, her voice low. “Smooth talker.” I wonder how many people this glib tongue has deceived.

Fortunately, Yu Jinzhao couldn’t read Pei Daowan’s thoughts, or she would have vehemently protested her innocence. Aside from her work, where she spoke frequently, she was actually quite reserved in private.

Hearing the remark, Yu Jinzhao simply laughed it off. “Oh, come on, you’re the best, I know it! Try this soup—it’s my mom’s specialty, and I learned it just for you. It’s delicious!”

As she spoke, Yu Jinzhao served Pei Daowan the soup, showing no urgency to eat herself, her eyes fixed on Pei Daowan, eagerly awaiting her reaction.

Unable to resist Yu Jinzhao’s earnest gaze, Pei Daowan took a sip and offered a measured assessment: “Not bad. Acceptable. It is indeed quite tasty!”

At this, Yu Jinzhao’s smile burst forth uncontrollably, her eyes dancing with joy and pride. “Of course! I’m the best cook in my family—everyone agrees!”

Everyone? How many people have actually tasted Yu Jinzhao’s cooking?

Pei Daowan took another sip of soup and casually remarked, “You’ve only cooked for a few people, yet you brazenly claim ‘everyone’?”

“Well… my family, my friends, and my colleagues from my startup days. I invited them over for dinner a few times.”

Hearing that he wasn’t among them, Pei Daowan finally relaxed a little, though a lingering unease remained. Where do I rank? she couldn’t help but wonder, feeling a sudden urge to nitpick.

“This loofah is a bit overcooked… The beef could be stir-fried a little more tender… And…”

Yu Jinzhao paused, incredulous, and tasted the dishes again. “No way, I’ve always been good at controlling the heat…”

When she caught Pei Daowan’s expression out of the corner of her eye, Yu Jinzhao suddenly understood. She’s just…

Suppressing a smile, she adopted a remarkably indulgent tone. “Mmm-hmm, you’re right. It’s been a while since I cooked, so I’m a bit rusty. I’ll learn from this and make it even better next time.”

Pei Daowan, who had been deliberately trying to find fault, had just hit a soft spot and been caught red-handed. Worse, the person she was criticizing was being remarkably forgiving, leaving her feeling utterly humiliated.

Pei Daowan had always been the one in charge. Now that their roles were reversed, she felt strangely indulged, making her deeply uncomfortable. Deliberately adopting a cold expression, she raised her voice slightly and snapped, “Eat!”

Yu Jinzhao responded with a smile, showing no hint of displeasure. Pei Daowan even detected a hint of fondness in Yu Jinzhao’s eyes, leaving her feeling strangely unsettled.

Between her two lifetimes, Pei Daowan was old enough to be Yu Jinzhao’s mother. Being indulged by someone a full generation younger left her with a peculiar mix of emotions—not quite dislike, more a sense of unfamiliarity, yet without outright rejection.

While Pei Daowan’s feelings remained ambiguous, Yu Jinzhao was clearly delighted. She occasionally placed food on Pei Daowan’s plate, and Pei Daowan accepted it all without protest, further fueling Yu Jinzhao’s joy.

Yu Jinzhao couldn’t help but murmur, “Pei Daowan…”

Pei Daowan raised an eyebrow, signaling her to continue. Yu Jinzhao gazed intently at her, her cheeks flushing slightly with concentration, her lips unconsciously pursing.

“If only we had met sooner… I would have definitely…”