After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Became a Slave to My Beloved Wife - Chapter 48

I have someone I love deeply.

After dinner last night, Jiang Nian stayed at the set with Qiao Wenyu for quite a while. With everything that’s been going on lately, her sleep had been especially deep this morning.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of her phone shattered her dream.

Eyes still closed, Jiang Nian groped around on the pillow, then over the blanket, finally grabbing the phone. Her voice was husky and low from just waking up. “Hello…”

“Well, still sleeping? Something big just happened—do you know that?” Jiang Fenyun sounded unusually serious.

The words “something big” snapped Jiang Nian’s eyes wide open. She immediately sat up from under the covers, yawning as she asked, “What happened?”

“You’ve been visiting your wife’s film set a lot lately, haven’t you? That’s fine, but do you even realize how many paparazzi are lurking around that area?” Jiang Fenyun’s tone was full of reproach. “If you two don’t plan to go public, then at least be more discreet. If the photos hadn’t been sent to me first, you’d both be plastered all over the headlines today.”

Photos?

Jiang Nian rubbed her temples with two fingers. “What photos?”

She couldn’t help but feel suspicious—those earlier scandal shots hadn’t seemed to matter to Jiang Fenyun. Why the sudden concern now?

“I sent them to your email. Check your laptop.”

Jiang Nian grabbed her laptop from the bedside table, holding her phone in one hand while opening her email with the other.

The newest email was filled with photos, starting from her very first visit to the set—up to last night at the studio gate, where she kissed Qiao Wenyu. There were even shots of the two of them walking hand-in-hand into a restaurant.

Although nothing from inside the film base had been exposed, a paparazzo had clearly been trailing them just outside the set.

“These people have the noses of bloodhounds,” Jiang Nian muttered, annoyed. “I made sure no one was around before I took Wenyu with me yesterday.”

“Honestly,” Jiang Fenyun said, her tone dropping as if she were sharing something confidential, “I think it’d be better if you stayed away from Qiao Wenyu for a while.”

Jiang Nian frowned at the implication. “What do you mean by that?”

“Ah Nian, I just mean… don’t let the paparazzi keep targeting you. If you two aren’t going to go public, then you need to be more careful,” Jiang Fenyun said, clearing her throat. “Anyway, I’ve got work. Let’s hang out when you’re free.”

Beep—beep—beep.

As the call ended, Jiang Nian stared at the contact name on the screen, lost in thought.

What exactly is Jiang Fenyun planning?

Since that incident with the paparazzi, Jiang Nian had stayed near the set for a full month, entering through a little-used side door each day to visit Qiao Wenyu.

There hadn’t been a single leak in the media about her and Qiao Wenyu. In fact, the buzz online had shifted entirely to another trending topic: “Xia-Qiao CP chemistry is off the charts.”

Apparently, the behind-the-scenes clip of Qiao Wenyu’s intimate scene with Xia Xue had been leaked. Even though Jiang Nian had actually played that part, the post-production team had done such an excellent job that the on-screen face was completely Xia Xue’s.

And at some point—no one knew exactly when—the internet became flooded with “evidence” of Xia Xue and Qiao Wenyu’s close personal relationship.

Jiang Nian had witnessed Xia Xue’s subtle affection for Qiao Wenyu in person—and it was enough to make her jealous for half a day. She could only imagine what the general public thought after seeing all those clips and photos.

The “Xia-Qiao CP” hype remained sky-high all the way until Qiao Wenyu wrapped filming.

Jiang Nian didn’t care much about online gossip. She knew Qiao Wenyu belonged to her. No matter how wild the rumors got, they were all just the fans’ imagination.

Until…

Inside the café.

“Ah Nian, this variety show was an official invitation from the production team. There’s nothing I can do,” Jiang Fenyun said, sitting across from her on the couch. She took a sip of coffee, wearing her usual “my hands are tied” expression.

Jiang Nian rubbed her temples, frustrated. “Letting Qiao Wenyu and Xia Xue attend a show alone together? Isn’t that just blatantly feeding the CP rumors? I won’t allow it. And the schedule is way too long. I won’t allow that either.”

“Hey, hey, hey—weren’t you the one who always said work and personal feelings should be kept separate?” Jiang Fenyun pushed a small dessert toward her. “Here, have something sweet. Cool down a little.”

“What do you suggest I do?” Jiang Nian didn’t even glance at the dessert.

Jiang Fenyun crossed her arms and thought for a moment. Then, a spark lit up in her eyes as she raised an eyebrow. “If you’re really that worried, why not just join the show yourself? It’s not like you’ve never done one before.”

Jiang Nian leaned back. “Can I?”

“You can.” Jiang Fenyun paused, then added, “But—”

Jiang Nian knew there had to be a catch.

“I’m coming with you.”

“You?” Jiang Nian narrowed her eyes at her, wary.

“There’s a strict headcount. They only allow even numbers, no solo guests. And the groups have to be arranged based on identity. If you want in, I’m your only option,” Jiang Fenyun sighed. “I know you’ve been suspicious of me since all those incidents with Wenyu under my management. But this is me making it right.”

There was definitely a hint of self-clearing in her words.

Jiang Nian looked at her old friend speaking so seriously and, for a moment, didn’t know how to respond.

“Ah Nian, I’ve always been your friend. Can’t you give me just a little bit of trust?” Jiang Fenyun’s eyes were sincere. She had never truly meant any harm to Jiang Nian.

After all, they’d been friends since childhood.

Jiang Nian’s hand tightened around her coffee cup. She couldn’t help but ask, “Is there someone you truly hate?”

It was a strange question out of nowhere—but Jiang Fenyun would understand.

Jiang Fenyun smiled faintly, then stood and picked up her bag. “Ah Nian, I’ve got something to do. I’ll be going first.”

“Fenyun…” Jiang Nian called after her, as if she still had something to say.

Inside the café.

As Jiang Fenyun walked away, she left behind a soft sentence:
“I just really love someone.”

The words drifted into Jiang Nian’s ears. She wanted to run after her, but she didn’t know what she would say even if she caught up—so she stayed put.

If Jiang Fenyun had someone she loved deeply, then Jiang Nian did too.

But if Jiang Fenyun was willing to hurt others for love, then Jiang Nian would do the opposite—she would protect the one she loved, no matter what.

After meeting with Jiang Fenyun, Jiang Nian couldn’t shake the heaviness in her chest. Even when she went to pick up Qiao Wenyu from work later, she was still lost in thought.

“Sister, what’s wrong?” Qiao Wenyu waved her hand in front of Jiang Nian’s face.

Jiang Nian snapped out of it and grabbed Qiao Wenyu’s hands.
“Let’s make our relationship public. That way, no one will dare mess with you anymore.”

And that way, we’ll be bound to each other forever.

Qiao Wenyu gently pulled her hands back. “Sister… I’m still not ready. Can we wait a little longer?”

“Why? We love each other. That should be enough to go public,” Jiang Nian said anxiously. After speaking with Jiang Fenyun, she had a growing fear that if she didn’t hold tightly onto Qiao Wenyu, something—or someone—would take her away.

Seeing how restless she was, Qiao Wenyu grabbed Jiang Nian’s hand.

“Sister, come with me. I want to show you my secret base.”

“Huh?” Jiang Nian blinked in confusion, but followed her without hesitation.

The place was a bit far. Once Qiao Wenyu got into the passenger seat, she began giving directions.

They drove in circles through the city center before finally exiting the city and getting onto the highway.

“Sister, where are we going? Are we leaving town?” Jiang Nian asked, watching buses fly by in the next lane. This road led to the neighboring city.

“Not quite, just somewhere more remote. The company is still new, so I’m keeping expenses low,” Qiao Wenyu explained calmly.

They drove for about forty minutes before getting off the highway and turning onto a smaller road. After winding through unfamiliar streets, Qiao Wenyu finally told her to stop in front of a standalone office building.

Even though it was late, people were still coming in and out of the building.

“Why are people still working?” Jiang Nian asked, surprised.

Qiao Wenyu smiled. “Just for a few days. Since the company’s just starting out, I have to keep an eye on everything.”

Inside, the receptionist stood up immediately and greeted them respectfully, “President Qiao.”

“President Qiao?” Jiang Nian repeated in disbelief.

Qiao Wenyu held her hand as they stepped into the elevator. Once the doors closed, she finally explained,
“This is my company. It’s still in its early stages. I haven’t told my father yet, so I’m keeping it quiet.”

“Oh? So that means…” Jiang Nian trailed off, eyes narrowing playfully.

“Hm?” Qiao Wenyu looked over.

“I’m the CEO’s wife?” Jiang Nian said with a mischievous smile.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Qiao Wenyu walked out first and made a grand gesture.
“Yes, yes. CEO’s wife—this way, please.”

The office was freshly renovated, still carrying a faint smell of paint. Jiang Nian walked around, taking in the space.
“Sister, aren’t you overworking yourself? Managing a company while filming—it’s too much.”

“If it’s something I believe in, it’s worth the effort,” Qiao Wenyu said. She pointed to a storage shelf in the corner. “I want to place a photo frame there… but I realized we don’t have a proper picture together. Oh wait—there is one…”

“Oh? We do?” Jiang Nian looked at her curiously.

Qiao Wenyu laughed. “That photo from our wedding—remember? The one where we looked like enemies.”

Jiang Nian laughed too, remembering.
“Right! That one’s definitely not usable. We looked so stiff, just going through the motions because of our families. Even the photographer said we didn’t look like a couple.”

“There’s a photo studio downstairs. I think it’s still open. Let’s go take a new one—I want to put it right here in my office,” Qiao Wenyu said.

Since they were doing it, Jiang Nian grabbed Qiao Wenyu’s hand and rushed toward the elevator, worried the studio would close soon.

Luckily, they arrived just in time.

“You’re lucky,” the owner chuckled. “Ten minutes later and I wouldn’t have taken any more clients tonight.”

He handed them the price list and explained all the options for couple portraits.

“Sister, which one do you like?” Jiang Nian asked, flipping through the catalog, unsure of what to choose.

Qiao Wenyu slowly turned the pages. When she reached the wedding photo section, her fingers paused slightly, lingering there.

Jiang Nian wasn’t always quick to catch on, but this time she noticed. She saw the way Qiao Wenyu’s attention lingered on those pages and gently placed her hand on top of the wedding photo samples.

“Sister, how about this one? We never got to have a proper wedding… we don’t even have a real wedding photo.”

Hearing that, the studio owner popped his head over and said regretfully,
“Ladies, we’d need our makeup and styling team to shoot that kind of photo, and it’s too late tonight. We won’t be able to do it now.”

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