A Scummy Alpha and An Award-Winning Omega Actress Fell in Love After an Arranged Marriage - Chapter 28

Sheng Lan had built up her persona as someone who couldn’t ride a horse, and she couldn’t just break it casually.

After briefly weighing the pros and cons of coming clean now, she wisely decided to play the role of a “newbie,” humbly listening as Lu Xueyin introduced the protective gear already fitted on the horse.

The halter and saddle were already in place, and the leg guards were securely fastened.

As for the reins no need to mention Lu Xueyin started teaching Sheng Lan from the very basics, considering her a beginner.

“You need to loop it from your palm between your ring finger and pinky, then over your index finger, and press it down with your thumb.”

Sheng Lan poured all her acting skills into this moment, frequently fumbling as she looped the reins around her palm.

Lu Xueyin wasn’t the type to scold her for this, though. Instead, she patiently instructed, “Take it seriously. It’s fine to go slow. Horseback riding can be dangerous just wearing protective gear isn’t enough. A fall could be serious.”

Sheng Lan looked up.

Lu Xueyin took the reins from Sheng Lan’s open palm, asking her to watch closely just as Sheng Lan had jokingly suggested in their messages earlier teaching her “hand in hand.”

But Sheng Lan wasn’t paying attention to the lesson on her hands. Instead, she was looking at Lu Xueyin’s face.

Her appearance was flawless, beyond the need for excessive admiration.

The delicate bone structure that looked perfect on camera appeared slightly too thin in real life.

Yet, she had curves where they mattered, and her cheeks weren’t sunken, often making people overlook her actual weight.

Sheng Lan’s gaze swept over her straight, almost flat lashes, beneath which hid shy green eyes only a hint of color visible.

Her nose was delicate and well-defined, her skin smooth and flawless.

Lower still were her soft, moist lips.

A deep red had been used to mask their natural paleness, and lip balm had been applied beforehand to keep them from looking dry.

When Lu Xueyin looked up, she would realize Sheng Lan hadn’t been paying attention to the lesson. Yet, at this moment, she held an inexplicable trust in Sheng Lan, believing she genuinely couldn’t ride and thus teaching her thoroughly from the basics.

Her personality was full of contradictions prickly on the outside, yet unwilling to cross certain lines.

During the makeup-removal livestream, she’d rather be boring than risk hurting Sheng Lan’s eyes.

Now, during the horseback riding segment, she’d rather keep things dull than rush for the sake of views, disregarding Sheng Lan’s safety.

This kind of personality was deeply intriguing to Sheng Lan.

The very contradictions made her even more mysterious.

Sheng Lan wanted to tease her mercilessly, to test her limits.

She also wanted to see her “turn bad.”

Just one day’s worth of hype and with the fact that she could ride horses still hanging in the balance, it wasn’t a big deal.

Sheng Lan decided to act as if the livestream didn’t exist, fully embracing the newbie role, earnestly asking for guidance without overstepping.

When dealing with a cat, one had to have this mindset.

No matter what actions she took, what sounds she made whether testing the waters, bristling in defense, or even subtly tempting you with sweet mewls you had to stay composed, not looking, not reacting, letting her find her own sense of security.

Not responding was the best way to get closer.

Lu Xueyin’s personality was very much like a cat’s.

Aloof, with a hint of tsundere.

Occasionally revealing a touch of silliness, appearing adorably clueless.

When she tried to flirt, it came off awkwardly, saved only by her looks barely passing.

But the most alluring thing about her was when she did nothing at all.

Just standing there, she had an irresistible pull.

Every move, every gesture, tugged at the heartstrings.

Sheng Lan always wanted to tease the beauty, just to see her reaction.

Lu Xueyin was actually on guard, wary that Sheng Lan might take advantage during the lesson.

But for the sake of the livestream’s engagement, it was understandable.

But this attitude of disregarding her own safety would lower Lu Xueyin’s impression of Sheng Lan.

Teaching her to hold the reins was both fundamental and a test.

She guided Sheng Lan’s hands personally, adjusting her fingers to extend and grip properly.

This was a perfect opportunity to take advantage even the slightest movement could be considered intimate contact.

Yet Sheng Lan didn’t do anything unnecessary not even a flirtatious remark.

While Lu Xueyin felt relieved, a hint of unease also rose within her.

She realized a serious problem, if Sheng Lan truly couldn’t ride, their task would be limited to basic instruction, at most riding together for a few laps around the field.

For safety reasons, Sheng Lan couldn’t be as reckless as before, reducing interactions with the audience. Their segment’s appeal would plummet.

With her own icy demeanor, the livestream’s atmosphere would freeze.

They had already wasted time earlier, and now it was almost lunch.

They could wrap up, but Lu Xueyin wanted more engagement. Her earlier tough talk hadn’t materialized instead, she’d obediently taught Sheng Lan. She needed to reclaim some pride.

Seeing Sheng Lan still practicing mounting and dismounting, Lu Xueyin called her to stop. “I’ll take you for a ride around the field.”

Sheng Lan stood by the horse. Even with an Alpha’s stamina, the heavy clothing was stifling.

Under the sun, though she didn’t exert much, she was already sweating.

Sweat intensified pheromones no amount of restraint could fully suppress it.

With only one horse, if they rode together as she imagined, pheromone exposure would be unavoidable.

She asked Lu Xueyin, “How are we doing this?”

At this close distance, Lu Xueyin, freshly Marked just yesterday, was especially sensitive. The scent of Tequila was unmistakable, intoxicatingly strong, with an underlying aggression.

A faint metallic edge, like a blade waiting to be drawn.

The back of Lu Xueyin’s neck prickled faintly, but she still had Sheng Lan mount first. “I’ll ride with you.”

Their height difference meant Sheng Lan sitting in front would block Lu Xueyin’s view.

Now, Sheng Lan seized the initiative instead of leaning forward, she leaned back against Lu Xueyin’s left shoulder, lowering her height to accommodate Lu Xueyin’s needs. Then, with a tone that offered no real choice, she asked, “Or should I lean to the right?”

Lu Xueyin had no retort.

Having someone in her arms felt bizarre.

Sheng Lan was a beauty with sharp angles her shoulder blades pressed against Lu Xueyin’s chest.

Even without moving, it was unbearably distracting.

Pushing her away wasn’t an option.

Clearly, leaning forward would damage Sheng Lan’s Alpha image something she’d never allow.

So Lu Xueyin rode with a hint of frustration.

At first, the pace was slow.

Seeing Sheng Lan adapt well, she picked up speed midway.

The wind rushing past was warm, failing to disperse the pheromones instead, May roses and Tequila intertwined in the air.

Sheng Lan turned off her mic. When she reached back, Lu Xueyin swatted her hand away and turned off her own.

Sheng Lan said, “The pheromones are noticeable. Let’s finish this lap and head back.”

Pheromones wouldn’t reach the audience through the camera, but the crew and other guests weren’t fools.

Lu Xueyin knew her limits, glancing down at Sheng Lan.

A doubt flickered in her mind.

For a first-time rider, no matter how bold, this level of relaxation was unnatural.

Sheng Lan was completely sprawled in her arms, utterly unafraid of accidents or being thrown off.

It was reasonable to be suspicious, but Sheng Lan’s studious demeanor seemed too genuine.

Considering her usual behavior, Lu Xueyin simply dismissed her as carefree.

Provoked by a competitive spirit, Lu Xueyin suddenly changed course halfway through, opting to jump obstacles.

The horse leaped and charged at high speed before her heart could settle from the first jump, the horse was already airborne again.

The friction against the saddle chafed her thighs. Even in full-leather riding breeches, the discomfort was noticeable for someone unaccustomed to the sport.

Lu Xueyin had only meant to scare Sheng Lan a little, but by this point, she was holding onto her tightly.

Afraid this lazy “little salted fish” might actually be jolted off.

Sheng Lan let out a soft laugh, the sound carried back by the wind. When Lu Xueyin heard it, she assumed Sheng Lan was suppressing fear.

Finally satisfied, Lu Xueyin halted after clearing the last hurdle.

Maintaining their current position, she guided the horse back at a leisurely pace.

Sheng Lan sprawled out again, trying to nestle into Lu Xueyin’s embrace.

She failed Lu Xueyin pushed her away.

Sheng Lan protested, “I have no strength left, sister. I’m going to fall.”

Lu Xueyin’s hand hovered over Sheng Lan’s shoulder before she reluctantly relented.

Too soft-hearted.

Sheng Lan teased, “Girls who are too soft-hearted get taken advantage of.”

Lu Xueyin ignored the jab and asked about their promotional plans. “A few days won’t be enough for you to learn properly.”

At most, they could manage a slow trot, forget about galloping.

Horseback riding required steady, solid practice, with safety as the priority.

Leaning into the softness against her back, breathing in the sweet scent of May roses, Sheng Lan replied nonchalantly, “No rush. I performed a solo comedy act today. There’s still something else the audience is eagerly waiting for, our livestream’s engagement won’t drop.”

She then recounted the horseback riding performance of the “Crystal Sugar CP” from the previous day. “Frankly, it wasn’t as good as ours today. Tang Yingyue’s petite frame barely blocked Yan Bing’s view, and they both sat stiff as boards. Watching the edited clips last night, I was impressed by their fans they really went all out splicing scenes just to manufacture chemistry.”

Lu Xueyin wanted to copy their approach. “What did they edit?”

Sheng Lan smirked. “Something interesting though you might not agree to do it with me.”

Lu Xueyin demanded details first.

Sheng Lan cut straight to the point. “Yan Bing kissed Tang Yingyue’s ear.”

Lu Xueyin refused outright.

Sheng Lan hadn’t expected her to agree anyway.

She’d copy the idea herself, she was going to kiss Lu Xueyin.

Might as well fulfill this morning’s impulse in one go, with an added bite.

After returning the horses to the stable, they each went to the changing rooms to apply Inhibitor before heading to dinner together.

Walking back, Lu Xueyin frowned and insisted Yan Bing wouldn’t have kissed Tang Yingyue. “Her personality is even colder than mine.”

Sheng Lan countered, “Think you’re the only competitive one?”

Lu Xueyin fell silent.

Her willingness to copy their tactics was purely to maintain viewer interest.

If it weren’t so awkward, she’d have done it without hesitation instead of debating with Sheng Lan.

But she really didn’t want to kiss her and muttered, “She still wouldn’t do it.”

Sheng Lan stopped walking, deciding not to wait until afternoon. She told Lu Xueyin to halt.

Lu Xueyin obeyed. Sheng Lan leaned down and lightly nipped her ear.

Before Lu Xueyin could react, Sheng Lan cut her off. “Know what a fake kiss is? That was a fake bite.”

Both were acutely aware of camera placements, having memorized them during the first day’s garden tour. This spot offered no clear angles.

But Lu Xueyin was still angry. “Do you treat other Omegas like this too?”

Sheng Lan raised her hand toward her.

Lu Xueyin saw a few strands of hair tied around her finger bones.

As if reminded that they were legally married, such intimacy was perfectly acceptable, so Lu Xueyin suddenly found herself more accepting of the ear-kissing behavior.

Looking on the bright side, they could also fake it.

In many edited videos, they didn’t actually kiss it was that tantalizing moment of getting close, the almost-but-not-quite atmosphere that captivated audiences. So Lu Xueyin said she would grade some assignments in the afternoon.

Sheng Lan had no objections.

After lunch, there was a break.

Almost everyone took the time to shower and change clothes before gathering in the living room for some casual chatter. Then, the host drew a mini-game card.

“It’s the Night Surprise Card.”

Aside from the vote-pulling segment on the first night, nighttime activities had been negligible.

This was Trial Love, how could there be no nighttime romance between the couples?

So when the participants weren’t proactive, the production team took matters into their own hands.

One particularly outrageous card stood out: a kissing endurance challenge.

Borrowed straight from certain couple-themed restaurants, the challenge not only tested how long they could kiss but also ramped up the intensity.

There were variations kissing while holding each other, kissing during push-ups, kissing on a swing.

In short, it was anything but a proper card.

When Lu Xueyin heard the description, her face turned pale.

Sheng Lan patted her hand reassuringly. “Relax, it’s just a gimmick. How many episodes have there been? I bet this show could run twelve full seasons without anyone ever drawing that card.”

It was the ultimate tease every viewer would hope their favorite couple would draw it, but in reality, no one ever would.

Backstage, Director Cheng nearly spat out her tea.

An unspoken rule had just been blatantly exposed did the production team have no dignity left?

She connected directly with Sheng Lan over the mic. “You seem pretty eager for that card. Want me to rig it for you?”

It was meant to scare her.

Instead, Sheng Lan lit up with a “really? That’d be great!” expression and thanked Director Cheng sweetly. “I’ll send you a commendation banner.”

Lu Xueyin’s alarm bells went off, her eyes full of question marks as she stared at Sheng Lan.

Sheng Lan couldn’t help but laugh at her expression. Now that they were indoors and away from the stables, her playful side resurfaced. “It’s not like we haven’t kissed before. Why so nervous?”

Meng Qing, standing nearby, scoffed. “Did you kiss her in your dreams? Spreading rumors just for the sake of publicity?”

Sheng Lan shot back, “Couple talk, what’s it to you? Don’t you have a wife of your own?”

Before their bickering could escalate, the cards were ready.

There was no set order for drawing. Meng Qing, being the closest, flipped one over first.

A Hug Card.

Embrace for two hours.

Meng Qing deadpanned, “What’s the penalty for skipping?”

Skipping meant Ji Xinlan would draw another card there were plenty to go around.

Ji Xinlan drew a box of chocolate sticks.

Not the innocent kind.

One person had to hold a chocolate stick in their mouth and feed it to the other.

As the stick grew shorter, their lips would inch closer.

Ji Xinlan already knew Meng Qing despised her and wouldn’t give her another chance to humiliate herself on camera.

So she offered, “We can swap cards.”

Tang Yingyue turned to Yan Bing. “Should I draw?”

Yan Bing nodded. “Go ahead.”

It was a negative card.

A Fight Card.

Literally meant for arguing, but the underlying intent was to prompt reconciliation.

Yan Bing didn’t draw. Instead, she asked Meng Qing, “Want to switch later?”

Meng Qing and Ji Xinlan were clearly better suited for a fight.

She agreed without hesitation.

When it was Sheng Lan’s turn, she let Lu Xueyin go first.

Lu Xueyin picked the card closest to her: “Act coquettishly towards them.”

Lu Xueyin: “…”

She looked at Sheng Lan.

Sheng Lan’s chosen card was right next to Lu Xueyin’s: “Sleep together.”

Sheng Lan blinked. “Sister, you pick one.”

Xiao Xue is about to get played, lol.

Support