Wish to Get Rich But Wear a Scumbag A - Chapter 41

Alphas use pheromones to suppress subordinates and to assert ownership over Omegas or territories.

Releasing pheromones without permission is considered a provocation and offense to Alphas, triggering an involuntary urge to retaliate and compete.

Unless the pheromone release is intended for hierarchical suppression, it forces the Alpha’s glands into a pseudo-heat state.

During their true heat, an Alpha’s glands are in full activation. They struggle to control their pheromones, relying on marking an Omega or using suppressants for relief.

Pseudo-heat, however, is manageable. Alphas can either endure it or find a way to release the pent-up energy, which explains Director Han’s sudden nighttime run.

Du Yihan, uneasy leaving He Jiamu alone in the residential area, insisted on bringing her along.

After Mu Xu’s explanation, Du Yihan’s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained sharp. “If his heat came early, why is he running around? There are Alphas and Omegas among the crew—what if it triggers a riot?”

Mu Xu smiled apologetically. “My apologies, I overlooked this. Teacher He seems unwell here. Director Han, please take her back to rest.”

There’s more than one way for glands to enter a pseudo-heat. Most Alphas see no difference between pseudo-heat and actual heat, lumping them together as an early heat and using it as an excuse to seek comfort from Omegas.

Of course, this only applies if they have a partner.

Du Yihan had never resorted to such tactics, but she couldn’t be bothered to expose Mu Xu’s little scheme.

If Yan He were the one offering this explanation, Du Yihan would have gladly doused her with a bucket of cold water to physically cool her down.

Despite their recent reconciliation, Du Yihan remained wary of Yan He.

They say a prodigal’s return is worth more than gold, but that doesn’t erase the sins of their past.

At least when it came to threats to Qi Xingwan’s safety, Du Yihan wouldn’t easily trust Yan He.

But now, the one offering the explanation was Mu Xu.

Though her relationship with Zhou Yunuo remained unresolved, their five years together were genuine. The happiness and joy Zhou Yunuo had experienced during their passionate romance were real.

Mu Xu was known for protecting her reputation. Those who had worked with her spoke highly of her, and as an industry insider, she knew the ins and outs. Du Yihan felt she could trust her.

As a transmigrator, Yan He didn’t understand the intricacies of this world. She was simply genuinely concerned about her new friend’s well-being.

His heat came early? But why?!

Yan He’s clear eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of pity and astonishment. She turned to Qi Xingwan and winked, gesturing toward Du Yihan with her eyes.

Qi Xingwan didn’t understand the gesture, nor did she care to guess. As an unmarked Omega, Mu Xu’s deliberate release of pheromones was overwhelming, making her deeply uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Mu Xu’s pheromones weren’t directed at her. The residual effects merely exerted pressure rather than arousal. Combined with her new suppression patch, she managed to maintain enough strength to stand her ground.

Yan He blinked frantically for what felt like an eternity, but the Female Lead remained utterly unresponsive.

Growing desperate, Yan He leaned close to Qi Xingwan’s ear, desperately suppressing her excitement as she whispered, “Qi Xingwan, I just discovered a huge secret! I’m only telling you, so don’t tell anyone else, okay? Mu Xu’s pheromones triggered his heat early, and Director Han didn’t react at all! Director Han must be… you know! Hahaha, Director Han can’t—!!!”

Yan He didn’t finish her last sentence before the echo of a massive secret reverberated through the empty room.

The good news: She had muted her microphone during her late-night chat with He Jiamu and hadn’t turned it back on.

The bad news: Qi Xingwan’s microphone was on, and for some reason, it was set to maximum volume.

???

My great-great-grandpappy’s belly button! The Eldest Miss’s mouth is truly living its best life—eating gourmet food and roasting people! I want that script for my next life. Drooling with envy emoji

Director Han, are you okay?

I’m more curious about Qi Xingwan’s reaction, hahaha! Laughing at this is so wrong, but I can’t help it! Laughing emoji

No manners! Director Han should discipline her!

Emmm, actually, Alpha males don’t enter heat when stimulated by pheromones from other Alphas. It’s just a pseudo-heat—a bit of sweating and it passes.

Oh, look who’s showing off their “knowledge” in the comments! Trying to feel important online because your real life is a total failure?

Fun fact: Omegas’ heat isn’t actually that bad. It’s just a little trick to attract Alphas.

Didn’t Mu Xu suddenly feel unwell during last week’s livestream and say it was heat? Why is it happening again?

Yan He clamped her hand over her mouth, her wide eyes now devoid of the joy of sharing gossip, filled only with terror.

If glares could kill, Du Yihan would have already subjected her to a thousand slow-slicing deaths.

Thank goodness for Teacher He, who managed to calm down the volatile martial artist Du Yihan.

“Save me…” Yan He tugged at the Female Lead’s hand like a small dog.

Qi Xingwan’s headache intensified. ……

She strongly suspected Yan He was cursing all Alphas as impotent simply because she herself was incapable.

This isn’t just brain damage from waking up in the middle of the night—she has no brain at all.

“Pfft~”

Zhou Yunuo, who had been silent until now, burst into laughter, then collapsed onto the sofa, her voice weak and strained as if she had exhausted all her energy. “Yan He, why didn’t you react either?”

Yan He tilted her head, her tone unapologetic. “Because I’m impotent, duh.”

Zhou Yunuo’s mind went blank as she struggled against the pheromone’s provocation. ???

Du Yihan suddenly lost her temper. ……

He Jiamu’s eyes filled with deep concern as she began mentally listing hospitals specializing in neurology.

Mu Xu, having witnessed such brazenness firsthand, was speechless for a long moment, his gaze toward Qi Xingwan tinged with faint pity.

A heavy sigh broke the awkward silence.

Qi Xingwan gently placed her hand on Yan He’s head. “Yan He…”

Yan He: “Woof.”

The words jolted everyone awake like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples of shock. The live comments and the audience alike transformed into emotionless question marks.

Zhou Yunuo trembled, her pheromone-addled brain feeling like it had been struck with a club, buzzing loudly. “No… you, Old Qi, she… you guys???”

Shock! My best friend was secretly cosplaying behind my back and got caught! What do I do?

Urgent! Waiting for advice!

Qi Xingwan closed her eyes in despair and slapped her own forehead hard. Manager, I’m so sorry for this mess, she thought.

Feeling unsatisfied, she slapped her forehead again.

Slap.

Slap.

Slap.

Yan He shook her head, grumbling irritably, “What are you doing? Trying to insert coins into me like I’m a robot? There’s no slot in my head for that!”

“Ahem!” Yan He cleared her throat, adopting a leader-inspecting-the-troops pose with her hands behind her back. “It’s getting late. I still need to take the duck…”

The audience gasped in horror: “!!!”

Yan He: “…the duck-shaped airplane to catch wolf spiders and sell them for money. What are you staring at? Do I have money on my face?”