After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Was Spoiled by a Sweet Omega - Chapter 31

Yu Yazhi noticed the hungry look in Ning Xuan’s eyes and frowned.

She was about to say something.

But Ning Xuan beat her to it. “I’ve been shooting for a magazine all afternoon, and the photographer almost bullied me. I’m starving.”

She didn’t mean to play the pitiful card in front of Yu Yazhi; she was merely stating the facts.

Yet, after hearing this, Yu Yazhi’s expression darkened. “Bullied? By whom? Who dared to bully you?”

Ning Xuan didn’t want to recall the awkward incident and simply replied, “It’s nothing, really. Just a photographer with a weird temper. These things happen at work.”

Yu Yazhi frowned even more deeply.

She didn’t respond immediately but watched Ning Xuan with a calm, steady gaze. There was a subtle firmness in Ning Xuan’s eyes—something Yu Yazhi hadn’t seen before.

Ning Xuan felt a little uneasy under that gaze.

The emotion she had just glimpsed in Yu Yazhi’s eyes, was that concern?

Impossible!

She must be hallucinating from hunger.

“I’ll just have a bite. I won’t bother you,” Ning Xuan said, reaching for the pastry in front of her.

Yu Yazhi saw this and said nothing, slightly relaxing her intertwined hands.

Sensing her consent, Ning Xuan’s eyes lit up as she smiled. “Thanks.”

Yu Yazhi looked away, her expression slightly awkward.

But just as Ning Xuan was about to grab the little cake, it seemed to have legs—it slipped away from her fingertips.

“Ning Xuan, didn’t Yu Yazhi give you any food?”

Yu Jiayan appeared before them, sporting a handsome yet infuriatingly smug face. “Look at this—so pitiful, running over here just to scrounge a bite?”

He pinched the cake Ning Xuan had been reaching for, took a bite, and immediately frowned. He put it down with disgust. “What is this? The pastries at Jinrong Hotel are terrible!”

Ning Xuan: “……”

Yu Yazhi: “……”

Who let this guy show up? Could he get any louder?

Yu Yazhi frowned and pulled Ning Xuan behind her, not wanting her to catch the ridiculous energy Yu Jiayan carried.

Then she stepped forward, standing in front of him. “What are you doing here?” she asked coldly.

“Can’t I be here?”

Yu Jiayan retorted with a smirk, “Is this your territory?”

Yu Yazhi: “……”

The atmosphere turned tense.

Meng Xi had been quietly following Yu Yazhi, blending into the background.

Seeing the clash between Yu Yazhi and Yu Jiayan, she finally spoke up, “President Yu, Vice President Yu, Miss Ning.”

Ning Xuan glanced at the three of them and thought: Is the Yu Group here to play mahjong? Or have they come to steal someone?

Yu Yazhi finally noticed Meng Xi and looked serious. “Assistant Meng, where have you been? I didn’t see you earlier.”

Meng Xi was taken aback. She had been there all along, following Yu Yazhi. Even if Yu Yazhi hadn’t spoken to her, she assumed it was because she was busy with the big bosses.

She hadn’t expected, she hadn’t even been noticed.

Meng Xi felt hurt but quickly composed herself, forcing a smile. “Oh, President Yu, it’s like this. Before I came in, I ran into the PR manager under Cheng Tang. She said she wanted to leave with Cheng Tang.”

Anyone paying attention would immediately realize this person was trying to curry favor with the Yu Group behind Cheng Tang’s back.

Unfortunately, Yu Yazhi only cared about Cheng Tang.

Everyone else didn’t matter to her.

Seeing Yu Jiayan nearby, Meng Xi didn’t elaborate further.

Yu Jiayan, noticing this, scowled and said, “Assistant Meng, that wasn’t right. You just pledged loyalty to the Yu Group. One family shouldn’t speak like two, keep talking!”

Meng Xi: “……”

This idiot was dragging her into trouble, undermining Yu Yazhi’s trust!

“President Yu, in my heart.”

Her eyes were desperate, trying to convey her loyalty—her heart belonged only to Yu Yazhi!

Yu Yazhi raised a hand to stop her, glancing at Yu Jiayan with a sardonic smile. “You seem very interested in this, huh?”

Yu Jiayan’s round eyes widened, and he replied emphatically, “Very interested. And maybe, our goals align today.”

He was here for Cheng Tang too.

His words carried a cocky confidence: “Ning Xuan, take your wife home early! An OGA like her shouldn’t be showing her face outside.”

With that, he strode off in search of Cheng Tang.

Ning Xuan didn’t get angry at Yu Jiayan. In her eyes, he was just a fool. She had no reason to take offense.

But his words did sting Yu Yazhi’s heart: OGA! OGA! She was just short of being an OGA! Otherwise, otherwise!

Her fists clenched, her breathing quickened, and she tried to restrain her anger.

Ning Xuan noticed her unusual tension and was confused. Why so upset? Yu Jiayan was always a fool; it shouldn’t bother her at all.

So, what should she do? Say something to comfort her?

“Well, Yazhi.”

Ning Xuan scratched her head, her voice dry. “You’re smart. Don’t argue with fools.”

That didn’t sound very comforting.

She thought for a moment and finally dredged up some motivational words: “For controllable things, be cautious. For uncontrollable things, stay optimistic. We can only do what’s within our abilities. Accept this fact and face everything with a positive mindset.”

Like her—transmigrating into a story was uncontrollable, so she chose optimism.

Yu Yazhi hadn’t expected Ning Xuan to say something so philosophical.

She was not only shocked but also slightly moved. Just now, Ning Xuan was showing concern for her, wasn’t she? There was even a hint of compassion in her eyes.

Wait—“pity”?

The moment Yu Yazhi thought of that word, her face flushed red.

Ning Xuan, thinking she was angry, quickly tried to cover it: “I was just saying it casually—you don’t have to take it seriously.”

Yu Yazhi: “…”

She felt a strange mix of flustered and touched all at once.

But her mood was so muddled by Ning Xuan that she couldn’t even be angry.

Indeed, Yu Jiayan didn’t deserve any respect—he was just an arrogant fool. And to get worked up over a fool was simply lowering her own IQ.

At that moment, Meng Xi stepped in to advise: “President Yu, don’t be upset. Yu Jiayan isn’t your match. Let’s go—Manager Cheng is waiting for us.”

Yu Yazhi snapped back to reality at the reminder. Right! She couldn’t let that fool Yu Jiayan ruin her mood!

The last time they had dinner, Cheng Tang had politely declined her invitation.

Since then, she’d tried contacting Cheng Tang again, but hadn’t received any satisfactory response.

She hadn’t expected that this time, at the Jinrong Hotel’s 15th-anniversary cocktail party, Cheng Tang would invite her—and even suggest a face-to-face chat.

Yu Yazhi realized today might be the perfect opportunity to win Cheng Tang over.

She released Ning Xuan’s hand and said calmly, “If you have something to do, you can go ahead. You don’t need to stick around anymore.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

She felt a pang of deja vu—like being ruthlessly abandoned.

She was invited here too, not just to be used as someone else’s tool!

Though a tiny bit annoyed, seeing Yu Yazhi walk upstairs with Meng Xi, she heaved a relieved sigh. Finally—freedom!

Freed, Ning Xuan grabbed a piece of cake and was about to take a bite when,

“Miss Ning, thank you for taking care of our Xiao Ke.”

A well-dressed woman in a deep sapphire gown approached.

She looked around fifty, with a full figure and smooth, fair skin. Around her neck hung a pigeon-blood ruby necklace, as large and striking as a single teardrop.

Ning Xuan didn’t recognize her and asked, “Excuse me?”

The woman smiled warmly: “I’m Xu Ke’s mother.”

Ning Xuan immediately straightened up. “Oh, Mrs. Xu! Nice to meet you.”

From her memories of the original owner, she knew Xu Ke’s family was wealthy. She hadn’t expected to run into her mother here.

Mrs. Xu shook her hand, effusively praising her: “Miss Ning, you’re even more beautiful in person than on screen.”

“Ha! Thank you, Mrs. Xu! You’re beautiful too—if I didn’t know you were Xu Ke’s mother, I might have called you ‘sister.’”

Ah, the flattery of high society—Ning Xuan knew the game.

Sure enough, Mrs. Xu laughed so heartily her chest shook. “Well, then you can call me sister. How about visiting my home sometime? My daughter adores you. She’s even joined a talent show just for you—against her family’s wishes.”

“Xu Ke doesn’t need help from anyone. She’s talented—she’ll shine on her own.”

“That’s thanks to your recognition.”

“Ha, not at all, ma’am. It’s really the online audience who appreciates her. The public’s eye is always discerning.”

“Miss Ning, you’re so eloquent!”

Ning Xuan: “…”

She didn’t mean to be.

Her stomach was growling.

She clutched the cake, but Mrs. Xu didn’t let up, leaving her no chance to eat it. She had to set it down.

“Do come by sometime, okay?”

“Yes, yes.”

Finally, Ning Xuan saw Mrs. Xu off.

Seeing other guests approaching to speak to her, she grabbed another piece of cake and started heading out.

“Wait,”

It was Jin Se.

Fresh from her earlier “speech,” her face still bore the pride of a hotel tycoon: “Ning Xuan, where are you going? Don’t tell me you’re sneaking away.”

Confident she’d caught her intentions, she pulled her closer and whispered, “Your wife is still here. Are you thinking about those other women again?”

Ning Xuan: “…”

Goodness—so the original owner and Jin Se were more than familiar. She seemed to know even the color of her underwear.

“No, no.”

Ning Xuan stifled her embarrassment and forced a laugh: “No flower outside compares to the one at home.”

Jin Se: “…”

She studied her with a look that said, I don’t quite believe you. Since Ning Xuan arrived, she sensed she’d changed, though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly how.

So, what does marriage really do to a woman?

Could the once-flirtatious Ning Xuan have truly reformed?

Or was it all just for Yu Yazhi?

Jin Se clicked her tongue in thought, then casually glanced at the crowd and asked, “Where’s your wife?”

Ning Xuan: “…”

Seems like she’s busy poaching clients!

She couldn’t admit that.

It would be not only awkward but also spark a scene!

Better to play dumb.

“Don’t know. She said she ran into an old client and went to chat. You know her—workaholic through and through.”

Realizing that sounded off, she quickly added: “I’ll talk to her later—how could she go over there to steal business?”

Jin Se: “…”

She snorted dismissively. “If she can steal it, I can take it back.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

Not necessarily.

Unaware of her thoughts, Jin Se grabbed a waiter and asked, “By the way, have you seen Manager Cheng?”

Ning Xuan: “!”

Please say no!

The waiter, a female Beta, bowed slightly and replied respectfully: “Manager Cheng seems to have gone to the upstairs reception room with President Yu.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

“Great, it’s over!”

The moment Jin Se saw Cheng Tang with Yu Yazhi, her expression darkened instantly. She had just witnessed Cheng Tang’s attitude toward Yu Yazhi. She was already jealous, and now that jealousy flared even higher.

Seeing this, Ning Xuan hurriedly said, “Ah, um, my assistant said she’s almost here. If nothing else, I’ll just go ahead.”

She wanted to escape so badly!

But Jin Se couldn’t hear Ning Xuan’s thoughts. She grabbed Ning Xuan’s wrist in one swift motion. “Let’s go!”

“What—what are you doing?”

“Catching a cheater!”

Ning Xuan: “……”

Catching a cheater?

Girl, can your tiny brain think a little further ahead?

In this world, she alone remained clear-headed.

Ning Xuan knew that Jin Se’s mouth ran faster than her brain. She was angry and speaking rashly, but her actions were quick. Ning Xuan let her hand be grabbed and followed her upstairs.

Ning Xuan hadn’t eaten, and Jin Se was an Alpha. She couldn’t resist her strength, so she could only trudge along with a tearful face.

Upstairs Guest Room

Yu Jiayan sat on the sofa. Across from him was Cheng Tang, and in between was a yellow rosewood tea table.

On the table lay a check covered in zeros.

He had gotten the money to Yu Yazhi before she did. Now, seeing her sitting next to Cheng Tang, he felt a surge of pride: “Ha! Beat me to it, huh?”

Yu Yazhi ignored him, keeping her attention on Cheng Tang.

Cheng Tang examined the check with interest, counting the string of zeros.

She had a humble beginning—her mother had died of illness, her father was a gambler, and later went to prison for robbery. She was six at the time, and she moved in with her uncle, who worked as a driver for the Jin family.

She had been the playmate of the Jin family’s two daughters.

By the time she was twenty and graduated from university, she started working at the Jin Group.

She had worked ten exhausting years—physically and emotionally drained—and now all she wanted was a different way of living.

And this check, it was for five million!

Yu Jiayan, seeing her staring at the check, assumed she was tempted. His pride swelled. Smugly, he said, “Manager Cheng, this money comes straight from my pocket—completely separate from your salary. As for your salary, we can discuss that as well. Talents like you are priceless.”

In truth, though, it hurt his heart: Mother, seriously! What kind of idea was this? Five million, any talent could be hired with this! Ugh!

The aroma of tea filled the air.

Cheng Tang focused on the curling steam from her cup, her expression unreadable, her emotions hidden in her eyes.

No one spoke.

The room was quiet.

Yu Yazhi watched coldly, unconcerned. She didn’t believe Cheng Tang would care about this money. If she did, then she had misjudged her.

Yu Jiayan was losing patience. He urged, “Manager Cheng, make up your mind! My sister’s waiting!”

He was desperate to win, eager to see Yu Yazhi squirm. Ha! So, satisfying!

Seeing her still silent, he was certain she’d given up.

Humph, she’s still too inexperienced to compete with him!

He was elated.

Just then, Cheng Tang let out a low laugh: “Vice President Yu.”

Yu Jiayan froze.

He was baffled by her laugh. Had Cheng Tang lost her mind over money? Five million, not enough to do that, right?

Just then, Cheng Tang reached out with two pale fingers, touching the check, her lips curving slightly: “Thank you, but this.”

“Stop! Cheng Tang, if you dare take that check, I’ll make sure you never leave Jinrong Hotel!”

A cold voice cut through the air like a sudden storm.

Everyone turned.

Jin Se’s delicate face radiated a terrifying chill. Her icy eyes locked onto Cheng Tang, as if twin flames danced within them.

Behind her, Ning Xuan looked helpless, shoulders slightly shrugged, unsure whether to step in or step back.

Yu Yazhi saw Jin Se enter and immediately knew this was not the time for negotiation.

She stood, gesturing for Meng Xi to leave, and threw Yu Jiayan a look that said, “You’re on your own.”

Before he could react, he felt a sharp pain in his calf. “Ah!”

Jin Se, like a little tiger baring its claws, kicked him without hesitation. “Ha! Yu Jiayan, you dare try to steal my man? Let’s see you try!”

She jumped to kick him again and yanked his hair. “Five million? You think you can buy my man with just five million? Are you kidding me?”

“Stop hitting me! Damn it! Jin Se, stop!”

Yu Jiayan had no shame, but he couldn’t bring himself to hit a woman. He could only dodge wildly, getting a few scratches across his face. Burning pain shot through him as he yelled without dignity: “Yu Yazhi, Yu Yazhi, help me. Sister, sister, save me.”

He ran around the room, holding his head.

Yu Yazhi didn’t even look at him: He’s been arrogant for too long—it’s time he learned a lesson!

Honestly, she had wanted to hit him for ages!

“Still not leaving?”

Yu Yazhi reached the door and frowned at Ning Xuan, who was still frozen in place. “What, planning to stay at Miss Jin’s hotel?”

Ning Xuan froze.

Her hand suddenly felt warm.

She looked down to see Yu Yazhi holding her hand. Was this an act of continued affection?

Yu Yazhi led Ning Xuan downstairs, their fingers entwined, movements intimate. Along the way, when they met acquaintances, they exchanged quiet, knowing smiles.

Meng Xi followed silently, gripping her bag so tightly that veins bulged on her hands.

When they reached the entrance of the conference hall, Yu Yazhi paused and turned to Meng Xi. “I’m hungry. The pastries at Jinrong Hotel look good. Assistant Meng, go get me two.”

At the sound of her voice, Ning Xuan’s stomach growled twice.

Yu Yazhi added, “And make it four.”

Ning Xuan: “oh, I see. The extra two are for me?”

Yu Yazhi, so thoughtful?