After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Refuse to Get Divorced - Chapter 8

When Zhu Qingran’s car rolled into the clubhouse parking area, all the media were already lined up on the red carpet, eager to snatch the first headline scoop.

Photographers hoisting long lenses and heavy equipment looked like they wanted to roast whoever was about to appear right then and there.

They were dying to see which “little lover” Zhu Qingran, who had just been putting on an act at home all day, would bring out today.

Was it the heiress from the neighboring prominent family group, or the popular actress cousin?

Too bad for them—everyone was planted firmly in their positions, but Zhu Qingran didn’t walk the red carpet at all.

“That side’s too noisy. I know you don’t like a lot of commotion, so we’ll skip that little performance just now.”

Zhu Qingran held the person beside her firmly by the hand and walked into the venue with elegant, commanding steps.

A refreshing fragrance swept through, causing the doorman to momentarily freeze.

Du Shiyu stiffened slightly as she followed Zhu Qingran, thinking perhaps she just didn’t want to publicly acknowledge her as her little wife.

In reality, the CEO had been calculating every step of this entrance.

She was practically itching to show off her little wife to everyone.

“This is my wife—writers who spin rumors, make sure you note this carefully!

“I love my wife more than anything. Anyone daring to talk nonsense about us going abroad, beware my wrath!

“And you, high-end photographer over there, you better capture at least a tenth of her beauty—or consider retiring tomorrow!”

Despite all these thoughts racing through her mind, Zhu Qingran’s main concern wasn’t the media spectacle.

With so many people around, elbows flying and voices shouting, her little wife would surely suffer.

She was holding her waist, keeping her hand in her, and her beauty wasn’t to be trifled with.

Zhu Qingran refused to let anyone take advantage of her little wife.

The possessiveness of a CEO flared, and the red carpet theatrics were canceled.

Though both were thinking their own thoughts, smiles adorned their faces.

“Zhu Qingran, long time no see!”

As soon as they entered the ballroom, a man from the B-list smiled and greeted her.

They had seen each other at yesterday’s dinner.

If Zhu Qingran’s main talent wasn’t her practiced fake smiles, she’d have lashed out at the man immediately.

“I just saw you yesterday! Why act all coy now? Next time I see you, I won’t hold back!”

Mentally venting was satisfying, but she still had to maintain composure outwardly.

Just as Zhu Qingran planned to spend some quality time warming up with her little wife, a swarm of people came to intercept them.

“President Zhu, this is President Gao. He’s interested in purchasing a large batch of our new products as employee rewards.”

Secretary Liang Jing smiled as she introduced him, and Zhu Qingran reluctantly held back.

Ah, a big client. That meant she had to tolerate a little time apart from her little wife.

“You focus on business. I’ll wait at our table.”

Du Shiyu slowly withdrew her hand, whispering softly to Zhu Qingran.

As she turned to find her seat, Zhu Qingran’s gaze practically stuck to her back.

All she could think was—what a waist.

Meanwhile, everyone else was commenting:

“Oh my, President Zhu’s taste really changed. This is pure elegance!”

“Hmm, didn’t expect the little cousin to fall out of favor so quickly.”

“Well, that’s nothing. But is President Zhu’s little wife only back in favor for a single day?”

Gossip thrived wherever people gathered. Even high-society ladies and heiresses couldn’t keep their mouths shut.

As Du Shiyu made her way through the hall with staff to find her seat, she overheard whispers aplenty.

They were treating her like a side lover?

She tugged the corner of her mouth into a bitter smile.

After finally stepping out as the legitimate wife, this was the position she was given.

“Cough, cough. Ladies, I hear your projects suffered losses recently, downgrading your jewelry? And this is last quarter’s style! You’re probably scrimping on toothpaste at home too, your mouths must stink. How about I send you some products from my endorsement?”

A sweet, delicate voice rang out, stopping the gossiping high-society women in their tracks.

Clearly recognizing the newcomer, a curvy woman in mink fur raised a glass of sparkling water toward her.

“Isn’t this He Yimo, the rising star from Star Empire? What’s she doing here at the banquet with her cousin, President Zhu? I thought I just saw President Zhu bring a female companion!”

The woman deliberately provoked, handing the drink to He Yimo to emphasize that she had “fallen in status.”

“Look at what Mrs. Zhang says. My cousin came with a partner, naturally. Or did Mrs. Zhang come with someone else? Honestly, I should tighten my belt; otherwise, I wouldn’t have anything impressive to bring to my cousin’s wedding.

Thank you, the sparkling water is lovely—perfect for a young lady like me.”

He Yimo took the drink without missing a beat and gracefully approached Du Shiyu.

The high-society ladies behind them fumed, steam practically rising from their heads. Everyone was stunned by the striking contrast between these two women.

“Oh my god, He Yimo actually approached the little lover President Zhu brought. She’s so assertive!”

“Wait, didn’t He Yimo say President Zhu brought a partner? So that’s not?”

“Hey, cousin-in-law, good evening.”

He Yimo casually picked up a glass of brandy from the tray and handed it to Du Shiyu, smiling as she greeted her.

The moment her voice landed, an intense silence fell over the room.

“Holy—this is the ultimate showdown between the two generations of IO Group’s CEO’s women!”

Someone, still typing out a news headline, suddenly froze.

“Cousin-in-law? So, it’s the epic battle between the mistress and the legal wife!”

“Wait, that’s not right. CEO Zhu Qingran came with the legal wife to the event! Oh my god, is that the CEO’s little wife?”

Everyone was secretly buzzing, probably boiling countless cups of tea in anticipation.

Meanwhile, Du Shiyu remained cornered by He Yimo.

Holding onto the principle of “let’s not make things difficult for each other before the divorce,” Du Shiyu accepted the brandy. She sipped lightly—an act of courtesy.

But He Yimo had no intention of letting her go.

“You probably didn’t eat before coming, right? My cousin always gets so busy she forgets meals, forgets she’s even human. Want something to eat? Some braised duck tongue, duck feet, duck leg? Or sweet-and-sour pork, pineapple pie, or Guo Bao Rou?”

He Yimo’s enthusiasm was overflowing, almost launching into a full menu recitation.

If it wasn’t for the sharp glance she had caught from Zhu Qingran, who was still being held up by the partners and hadn’t arrived yet, He Yimo would have dragged Du Shiyu to eat and drink.

But the little wife didn’t seem keen on interacting with her.

“Sorry, I ate before coming. Thanks.”

Du Shiyu raised her glass politely and brushed past He Yimo to take her seat.

“Wait.”

He Yimo called out, even as entertainment reporters in the crowd continued working.

“Charity gala: the mistress cornering the legal wife—where will the CEO stand?”

Just as the headline was typed, He Yimo leaned closer to the little wife.

The reporters were ecstatic.

A showdown was about to happen! Twenty exclamation points worth of a headline—here it comes!

But in the next moment, not just He Yimo, but everyone paused in disbelief.

Because He Yimo asked: “Sister-in-law, did you have crayfish today? Spicy flavor? And you paired it with lemon boneless chicken feet???”

If dog noses were good, He Yimo’s was top-tier—she caught the pairing with ease, earning involuntary respect.

“What? Are you trying to tell me you always go eat that together?” Du Shiyu asked coldly, still refusing to stop.

“Sister-in-law, which do you like more—crayfish or lemon chicken feet?”

“Sorry, that’s none of your business!” Du Shiyu didn’t slow down and walked off.

While He Yimo froze in place, the reporters saw a financial goldmine opening up before their eyes.

“Questioning top celebrity He Yimo—who’s actively trying to diet—about eating crayfish and boneless chicken feet! Will fans un-follow her? Innocent fans welcome—sign up downstairs!”

So, what started as a normal entertainment topic quickly morphed into reporters searching for maps, restaurant reviews, and giving fans a full foodie guide.

Entertainment reporters: truly—every day, a survival tip! (I didn’t want to write this, but CEO Zhu’s glare shut me up!)

Author’s note:

Cousin He Yimo: I’m honestly working hard for the allowance Grandma gave me—what part of this looks like I want to hit anyone?

Zhu Qingran: Ugh! That pesky little sweet girl is back? Is she coming to beg for a reconciliation or just flashing her sugar daddy to blind me?

Du Shiyu: I’m so confused, my rival just called me “sister-in-law”? So, she’s just her sister?

Author: Three people, three channels. Money-making tips, romantic-ethics drama, old CEO family tree research in progress.