After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Was Spoiled by a Sweet Omega - Chapter 28.1

On Stage, because Xu Ke had the highest popularity, she earned the final, closing spot of the evening.

Last time, she had stunned the audience with her vocal range. This time, she chose a powerful jazz dance.

The stage went abruptly dark.

Scattered beams of light shimmered like a galaxy across the stage.

Xu Ke rose from the underground lift. The spotlight hit right on cue—bursting to life the very instant she appeared at center stage.

She wore a cropped tailored blazer and a short black pleated skirt, her legs long and slender.

Her skin, smooth as fresh cream, glowed faintly beneath the lights.

The light makeup—clear foundation, a touch of blush, not too much, not too little—gave her the look of a living, walking peach.

No wonder she had drawn a legion of fans as soon as the show aired. Who wouldn’t fall for this soft, delicate, Japanese-style beauty?

For three solid minutes, Xu Ke delivered her solo performance without a single misstep.

When the lights rose again, she came to a stop, forehead damp with sweat, chest rising and falling, breath unsteady.

“Ahhh—Xu Ke—!”

The fans’ screams drowned out the host’s voice.

Still catching her breath, Xu Ke glanced toward the audience and caught sight of that odd support lightboard—her name alongside Ning Xuan’s. Realizing what it meant, her eyes instinctively flicked toward Ning Xuan’s seat.

She smiled lightly.

A smile pure and innocent.

Then, she turned back to the crowd, pressing a finger against the corner of her lips.

Instantly, the fans quieted down.

Seeing this, Bai Meng’s expression hardened. Her eyes darkened with hostility. Shameless little vixen, openly flirting with Ning Xuan on stage. Daring to steal someone from me.

Soon it was time for the mentors’ scoring.

Aside from Bai Meng, all three mentors gave Xu Ke scores above 90.

Then came Bai Meng—who shocked everyone by giving a score of zero.

Not only Xu Ke’s fans, even ordinary audience members were stunned. Isn’t this blatant targeting?

Xu Ke stood on stage, eyes fixed earnestly on Bai Meng, like a child who had given her all but failed to earn the teacher’s praise. There was a faint trace of disappointment in her eyes—yet her smile never faltered.

Since this was a competition, she would respect the mentors’ decisions.

After the scoring, the host tallied the audience votes. One vote equaled one point. Even with Bai Meng’s zero, Xu Ke still ranked first overall.

Seeing her score, Xu Ke’s eyes welled with tears, her emotions surging.

“Congratulations to Xu Ke, the champion of this round!” the host announced.

But just as the words fell, Ning Xuan, face cold, raised her microphone. “Excuse me, I need to interrupt. I have an objection to one of the mentor’s scores.”

The audience erupted.

“Xu Ke! Xu Ke!”

“Reject the zero!”

“Bai Meng is targeting her!”

Shouts and chants filled the venue.

The host instantly realized Bai Meng’s move wasn’t going to pass. Fortunately, with his experience, he quickly smoothed things over with a smile:

“Looks like Mentor Ning isn’t done praising Xu Ke’s performance. Mentor Ning, would you care to share your thoughts with us?”

He pretended not to notice Ning Xuan’s pointed words, hoping to steer the conversation away.

But Ning Xuan wasn’t about to play along.

No matter what the original Ning Xuan’s motives were—whether she wanted fame, clout, or simply the spotlight—as a mentor, she had a responsibility to be fair and just.

And in her eyes, Xu Ke’s dance—its choreography, strength, rhythm, timing—was nearly flawless.

Which meant she had to demand justice.

Fixing her sharp gaze on Bai Meng, she asked, “I’d like to know, Mentor Bai, how exactly did you arrive at a score of zero?”

Bai Meng froze. She hadn’t expected Ning Xuan to call her out so directly.

The spotlight landed on her, unbearably awkward.

But awkwardness, she knew, only belonged to those who let themselves feel it.

Lifting her mic with calm composure, she sidestepped the two mentors in between, met Ning Xuan’s gaze, and smiled faintly. “Perhaps Mentor Ning isn’t from an idol background, so Xu Ke’s performance felt fresh and dazzling to you.

But to me, in terms of design, it was rather unremarkable.”

A backhanded insult—basically saying Ning Xuan lacked aesthetic sense.

Ning Xuan chuckled. “That’s your reason for giving zero? You’re fooling no one.”

Unremarkable was reason enough for a low score. But a zero? That was an insult.

Feeling cornered under so many eyes, Bai Meng scrambled for excuses. “Of course, aside from design, I also noticed several moves that were overly derivative.”

“Oh? Which ones, exactly?” Ning Xuan pressed, her tone deceptively curious. “Now I’m intrigued. Clearly, Mentor Bai is quite the seasoned dance critic.”

Bai Meng: “……”

She’d only been bluffing.

Ning Xuan’s defense of Xu Ke, this relentless questioning—it was infuriating. No wonder she wanted to cut ties. She already had a new favorite.

Those two—damn couple!

The more Bai Meng thought, the angrier she got. Her tone sharpened. “And what’s this supposed to mean, Mentor Ning? Are you accusing me of bias? I have my own standards! In my eyes, it’s either perfection or nothing—100 or zero!”

The mentor beside her pinched her arm discreetly, reminding her to rein herself in. Realizing she’d slipped, Bai Meng hastily shifted tone. “Perhaps I was too harsh. But while others support her, I choose to push her harder.

Zero isn’t denial—it’s expectation. Xu Ke is the contestant I believe in most. I see infinite potential in her. My zero is a challenge: to see her astonish me again next time. When that day comes, I promise I won’t be stingy with my score.”

She even stood up and mimed a hug toward Xu Ke across the stage.

The host: This woman really dares to spout nonsense with a straight face.

Ning Xuan was impressed, in a way. Bai Meng truly had the silver tongue of a showbiz survivor—turning black into white without blinking.

But she wasn’t letting her off.

“I see. So that’s your reasoning. Admirable, Mentor Bai. Still, I believe we should remember—‘one minute on stage takes ten years of work offstage.’ Today’s performance represents these contestants’ blood, sweat, and tears. Their efforts shouldn’t be erased because of a mentor’s personal bias—or whatever else. The program invited us here to guide and evaluate them fairly, not to offer empty talk of ‘whips and challenges.’”

Pa-pa-pa!

The hall erupted in applause.

Especially Xu Ke’s fans, who clapped until their palms stung, some even moved to tears.

They had long suspected Bai Meng’s hostility toward Xu Ke, but no one expected her to go so far as to give zero.

Now, Ning Xuan had stood up for her—fairly, openly, bravely. In their hearts, she became legendary in that moment.

Xu Ke felt the same.

At first, she had only admired Ning Xuan’s looks. But now? She thought her beauty went far deeper.

She gazed at Ning Xuan with pure gratitude, eyes shining.

Watching her, Bai Meng simmered with loathing. She kept her smile plastered on, even as she burned inside.

The host jumped in quickly, wearing a forced grin. “It seems Mentor Ning really cares about our contestants. Next up is the grand finale! Contestants, work hard and don’t let your mentors down.”

As he spoke, he discreetly wiped sweat from his forehead.

The director had just shot him a look darker than thunderclouds.

What kind of hellscape am I moderating here

After Recording, clacking furiously in her towering stilettos, Bai Meng stormed toward the backstage lounge.

Halfway there, two female audience members somehow slipped past security. They hurled their bottles of mineral water straight at her.

“Ahhh!”

Bai Meng shrieked, blood spurting from her nose as the bottle struck.

Her assistant rushed to shield her, shouting, “What do you think you’re doing? Security! Someone’s attacking!”

The two attackers wore masks and caps, hiding their faces. After smashing a bottle at someone, they ran off, but not before spitting out a curse:

“Bitch!”

Clearly, they were Xu Ke’s fans, lashing out in blind fury.

Bai Meng guessed as much. Clutching her nose, she shrieked, “Go after them! Catch those two for me!”

Meanwhile, Ning Xuan slipped back into the dressing room to change.

Just as she was about to close the door, a hand suddenly reached in.

Startled, she thought it was Bai Meng. But when she looked up, she was met with a pair of clear, luminous eyes.

“Xu Ke?”

“Ning Xuan”

Xu Ke’s fingers twined together against her chest, rubbing nervously as if it had taken her all the courage in the world to come here. Her whole demeanor radiated shyness and tension.

Ning Xuan’s smile softened, carrying an encouraging warmth. “Is there something you wanted to tell me?”

Xu Ke shook her head quickly, her pretty face flushed crimson. Her voice was soft, melodious:

“Ning Xuan, I just, I just wanted to thank you in person. And about last time on the show—because of my performance, my fans misunderstood some things. Actually, I really like you.”

Oops. Wrong choice of words.

Her face reddened even more, like a ripe apple. “N-no, don’t get me wrong! I mean I admire you, respect you, that kind of ‘like’!”

Ning Xuan: “…”

If Xu Ke wasn’t standing right in front of her, she’d be clutching her chest in fright. Good grief, she almost thought she’d attracted another admirer.

Fortunately, it wasn’t that.

Exhaling in relief, she gave a gentle smile. “Thank you. I like you too. You did wonderfully today. Keep it up for the finals—I’ll be cheering for you.”

“Mm-hm. Thank you. Thank you, Ning Xuan. I’ll always like you too.”

Xu Ke nodded vigorously, her smile as sweet and intoxicating as honey.

Looking at Xu Ke’s face up close, Ning Xuan suddenly felt a flicker of familiarity, as if she’d seen her somewhere before. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t place it.

The two shared a smile.

Neither noticed that a staff volunteer behind them had quietly snapped a photo of the affectionate scene.

After changing, Ning Xuan peeked out to make sure Bai Meng wasn’t around, then stepped out boldly.

Zhao Luoluo was waiting outside. Seeing her, she chuckled with a hint of schadenfreude. “Don’t worry, Xuan-jie. Bai Meng’s already been taken to the hospital—she got hit by Xu Ke’s fans.”

Ning Xuan blinked in surprise. “What? Hit? Was it serious?”

“Not really. Just a bottle of mineral water. How bad could it be?”

Zhao Luoluo smirked, clearly savoring the irony. “Talk about reaping what you sow.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

She couldn’t help agreeing.

But gloating out loud didn’t seem very appropriate, so she stifled a laugh. “Come on, let’s go eat. I’m starving.”

They hadn’t gone far when a staffer hurried up.

“Ning Xuan, please wait—the director wants to see you.”

“Oh? What for?”

“Not sure. You’ll find out when you get there.”

“Alright then.”

Ning Xuan followed him.

The program’s director was a female Alpha named Ye Rong, slightly older, short and plump. Though strict at work, she was otherwise warm and approachable.

When she saw Ning Xuan, her eyes curved into slits with her smile. “Ah, Ning Xuan, finally! You don’t know how inspiring your words on stage just now were. Afterward, all the contestants were buzzing with excitement. The show’s popularity and feedback have been fantastic!”

She poured on the praise.

“Director Ye, you flatter me. I was only doing what I should.”

Ning Xuan stayed modest, her smile calm, though inwardly she thought: Kindness without reason? Always up to something.

Sure enough, Ye Rong’s tone shifted. “Haha, Ning Xuan, you’re looking more and more like a superstar. I really feel you’ve grown a lot with our show.”

“Yes,” Ning Xuan replied politely, while inwardly guessing what was coming.

When she couldn’t figure it out, she asked directly, “What is it you want to say?”

Ye Rong chuckled, dropping the pretense. “Here’s the thing—your contract has expired. For the next season, we’d love for you to stay on as a mentor. So, we’d like to renew with you.”

At first, the production team had invited Ning Xuan mainly as a figurehead, a glamorous face to draw attention. But to their surprise, she had steadily risen, taking her role seriously, offering critiques more insightful than the other mentors, all while staying humble and approachable.

Two episodes in, her popularity had skyrocketed. She was undeniably a treasure of the industry.

Naturally, they wanted her back.

Ning Xuan, however, had no memory of the contract details—it was all handled by her agent. So she deflected smoothly: “Of course I’d like to continue, but honestly, it depends on my agent’s arrangements. Why don’t you get in touch with her?”

She motioned to Zhao Luoluo, who promptly handed Ye Rong Su Manyun’s business card.

Ye Rong accepted it. Seeing Ning Xuan check the time, she didn’t press further, sending her off with a smile.

As soon as Ning Xuan left, Ye Rong sighed to her assistant. “That Ning Xuan really is impressive—composed, gracious, perfectly balanced. Unlike Bai Meng, what on earth happened to her today? She keeps getting worse every episode.

And to think she debuted as an idol? Could it have been bought?”

Her assistant, cautious as always, only smiled, not daring to comment.

Escorted by security, Ning Xuan stepped out of the building.

The waiting fans erupted at once:

“Ahhhh Ning Xuan!”

“Goddess!”

“Ning Xuan, Ning Xuan, I love youuu!”

The sound was deafening.

Still smiling for the cameras, Ning Xuan waved while quickening her pace.

“It’s too hot out here. Everyone should head home soon.”

“That girl over there looks like she might faint—sir, please look after her.”

“I’ve ordered some cold drinks for you all. Once they arrive, have some and then go home to rest, okay?”

While waiting for Zhao Luoluo to pull up, she fussed over the fans like a caring big sister—sending them into even louder frenzies.

“Ning Xuan, are you an angel?”

“She’s a fairy!”

“Ning Xuan, Ning Xuan!”

The screams grew wilder.

At last, Zhao Luoluo drove up. Ning Xuan slipped quickly into the car, shutting out the chaos.

Without lingering, Zhao Luoluo pressed the accelerator and pulled away.

Fans chased for a long stretch before finally giving up.

Peace returned.

Inside the car, the silence was even more comforting.

Ning Xuan leaned back against the seat and exhaled deeply.

Then, remembering something, she quickly said, “Luoluo, tell Sister Yun this: for the next season, if Bai Meng is still part of the show, absolutely do not let me sign on.”

Zhao Luoluo glanced at the rearview mirror, catching Ning Xuan’s tense expression, and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Xuan-jie, relax. After what Bai Meng pulled today, she’s already managed to anger the entire audience. Do you really think the program team will ever invite her back?”

Ning Xuan thought for a moment and nodded. That was true. Bai Meng had basically dug her own grave and destroyed her future.

Still, she couldn’t help but worry. “Luoluo, do you think I shouldn’t have said those things today?”

The car stopped at a red light.

Zhao Luoluo stepped on the brake, turned to her with shining eyes, and said with admiration, “Please, Xuan-jie, you were so cool today, okay? Haven’t you seen the trending searches?”

Ning Xuan blinked. She actually hadn’t had time to look yet.

Quickly, she pulled out her phone and opened Weibo.

The top trending topic stared back at her:

“The Perfect Teacher-Student Bond: Fairy Mentor vs. Peachy Idol.”

Ning Xuan: !

She froze in disbelief. Clicking into the comments only made her scalp tingle:

【Where’s my army of Ning-shippers?】

【Ahhhh! What kind of idol drama is this? I’m watching a survival show and they’re feeding me romance!】

【Last episode Xu Ke prepared a surprise serenade for Ning Xuan, this week Ning Xuan stood up for her and spoiled her rotten. Help! I’m shipping this CP so hard!】

【You’re not alone, haha. I’ve thought for a while that Ning Xuan treats Xu Ke differently.】

【Tch. You CP-fans are crazy. Ning Xuan’s already married, she has a wife. What are you even shipping?!】

【CP-fans are always brainless. Ugh, I can’t stand this. This ship’s bound to sink.】

Ning Xuan’s vision went dark. What the hell is this? Me and Xu Ke?

Seeing those ambiguous signs in the audience was one thing, but she hadn’t expected the live broadcast to stir up such a heated online debate. The hashtag #NingCP was only getting hotter by the minute.

Her heart pounded wildly as she exited the app, her palms slightly damp against her phone. Surely Yu Yazhi won’t believe this nonsense, right? It’s just fan imagination. She’s too smart, too rational to take it seriously. And besides—Miss Yu is always busy. She wouldn’t waste time on entertainment gossip, right?

She repeated these reassurances to herself all the way to the restaurant.

By the time they sat down, her stomach was growling, and she quickly ordered a meal.

While they waited, Zhao Luoluo finally got a chance to scroll on her phone. A second later, she yelped like she’d seen a ghost.

“Ah! What the heck is this?”

She shoved the screen in front of Ning Xuan. “Xuan-jie, what’s this NingCP thing?”

Ning Xuan’s face collapsed. She gave a bitter little smile. “Didn’t you just tell me to check the trending searches? It’s that.”

Zhao Luoluo scratched the back of her head, completely confused. “No, no, I meant the trending clip of you shutting down Bai Meng. When did this start climbing the charts? Ugh! I need to call Sister Yun right now, see how she wants to handle it.”

Ning Xuan didn’t object. She herself was staring at her WeChat, debating whether to send Yu Yazhi a message to clarify.