After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Was Spoiled by a Sweet Omega - Chapter 39

Ning Xuan: “…”

Her face flushed — wait, had she just been flirted with?

“What are you dawdling for? Get in the car.”

Yu Yazhi prompted her, opening the door for her at the same time.

Snapping out of it, Ning Xuan quickly murmured a “thank you,” took two brisk steps, and got into the car.

Yu Yazhi checked the time — a little past noon. Perfect for lunch. Without asking Ning Xuan’s opinion, she drove straight to a nearby private restaurant.

The place wasn’t large, but the courtyard was lush with flowers and greenery, the atmosphere elegant and serene.

“Ladies, this way, please.”

A young waitress led them to a private dining room.

Yu Yazhi took a seat, accepted the menu, and while flipping through it, stole a glance at Ning Xuan. “What do you feel like eating?”

Ning Xuan, scrolling through Weibo on her phone, replied absently, “Anything’s fine. You order. Whatever you like, I like too.”

The last two sentences carried a surprisingly sweet undertone.

Yu Yazhi’s lips lifted slightly before she quickly raised the menu higher to hide her smile.

Ning Xuan glanced over but saw nothing, then went back to her phone.

The news was still spreading.

A trending blogger had jumped on the bandwagon, defending Bai Meng:

[Ning Xuan and Shining Future stepped on Bai Meng to promote Xu Ke!]

Clicking in, Ning Xuan found the post full of excuses and “whitewashing” for Bai Meng.

The blogger’s name was Dreamy Bai Classmate — clearly either Bai Meng’s PR team or a rabid fan.

Fuming, Ning Xuan switched to her alternate account, ready to clap back.

“What are you looking at?”

Yu Yazhi had just finished ordering. Seeing Ning Xuan’s sour expression, she asked curiously.

The waitress left.

The room grew quiet — and private.

Ning Xuan replied casually, “Nothing, just more of the same gossip.”

Yu Yazhi frowned. “It’s still not resolved?”

Ning Xuan nodded distractedly, eyes glued to the comments:

[No wonder Bai Meng was getting roasted. So, she was being set up!]

[Poor Bai Meng. Ever since Xu Ke showed up, her popularity plummeted. Turns out she was just a stepping stone.]

[Exactly! The entertainment industry is so dark!]

[Well, Xu Ke’s loaded. Power talks.]

[And Ning Xuan, coming from the same humble roots as Bai Meng, joined the Yu family and turned capitalist. Capitalists have no heart.]

Even the Yu family was being dragged into this mess.

She couldn’t hold back anymore.

Ning Xuan furiously typed:

[What kind of idiotic comments are these? Maybe go eat something in the bathroom to cool off.]

Naturally, her reply sparked outrage:

[No, you’re the idiot!]

[Look! A wild moron has appeared!]

[Who are you, some brainless Ning Xuan stan? Get lost!]

[Yeah, judging by that mouth, you must’ve just finished your bathroom snack yourself!]

The hate comments flooded in.

After a few rounds, Ning Xuan realized she was outnumbered. Defeated, she thumped her chest and muttered to herself, Calm down. Breathe. Don’t get mad.

Just then, the dishes arrived — three mains, a soup, and a delicate dessert.

Channeling her anger into appetite, she perked up — until she noticed the dessert. “What’s this?”

Yu Yazhi took a sip of water, speaking casually, “Didn’t you say you like little cakes? What’s wrong, no appetite?”

“No, it’s just, sweets make you fat.”

Even as she said it, her gaze lingered longingly on the slice of red velvet cake.

Yu Yazhi noticed and chuckled. “Relax. It’s low-fat cream. A few bites won’t hurt.”

Ning Xuan’s resolve instantly crumbled. Her eyes lit up as she reached out with “guilty” enthusiasm.

She took a forkful — soft, fragrant, melting on her tongue. “Mmm! So good! It’s amazing! You have to try it!”

“I’ll pass. You enjoy it.”

Yu Yazhi declined, picked up a piece of bamboo shoot instead, and asked, “So how good is it, exactly?”

Ning Xuan gestured dramatically. “It’s so good that if two people shared it, and one of them dropped dead, the other wouldn’t even notice!”

Yu Yazhi: “…”

What kind of bizarre metaphor is that?

She frowned slightly but didn’t comment, simply changing the subject. “If it’s that good, want another slice?”

Ning Xuan shook her head firmly. “No way. I’ll get fat.”

“You could stand to gain a little weight.”

“Nope. If my beauty expands even a bit more, other actresses won’t survive.”

Yu Yazhi: “…”

Yu Yazhi was left speechless again. This woman could never stay serious for long.

Ning Xuan just grinned and polished off the dessert.

As lunch wrapped up, she received a call from Su Manyun, who told her the news issue had been handled.

“Wow, you’re amazing, Yun-jie! If you could help me land Director He’s film next, that’d be even better.”

Su Manyun laughed. “Flattery won’t work. No one in this industry can guarantee that kind of project. We’ll do our best, but don’t pressure yourself.”

“Got it.”

Ning Xuan was about to hang up when she remembered something. “Oh, right, Yun-jie — that martial arts instructor I asked you to find, did you manage?”

“Found one,” Su Manyun said. “Forgot to tell you. It’s at Dali Martial Arts Hall in Hengzhuang. A lot of their coaches do stunt coordination for film crews. Super professional — tons of actors train there before joining productions.”

Ning Xuan’s eyes brightened. “Really? When can I start?”

Su Manyun hesitated. “You’re sure you want to go now? The script from Screenwriter Xu isn’t even finished yet. Maybe wait a bit? What if the role doesn’t pan out.”

Her concern was valid — in this industry, even a signed contract could be overturned, let alone a tentative offer. She didn’t want Ning Xuan suffering needlessly.

But Ning Xuan understood. Still, as Xu Ci had said — before she had real backing, she had to show Director He her determination.

“Yun-jie, I’m not waiting. Worst case, I’ll treat it as exercise. Luoluo’s on break anyway, and the variety show finals aren’t for a while. Send me the address — I’ll go tomorrow.”

Su Manyun sighed with a smile. “Our Ning Xuan — beautiful and hardworking. If you don’t become a star, it’d be a crime against heaven.”

After a few more words of praise, she added, “By the way, I’ve reassigned your assistant. Luoluo can’t help you right now — her sister’s mother-in-law is quite something. Luoluo mentioned her a few times; I honestly don’t know what her sister was thinking. Such a gorgeous woman, marrying early instead of signing with me — she could’ve been a star herself.”

Ning Xuan agreed wholeheartedly.

She was about to gossip about it too when she caught Yu Yazhi setting down her chopsticks and watching her. Quickly, she ended the call.

Yu Yazhi took a sip of water, then frowned slightly. “You’re going to learn martial arts?”

Ning Xuan nodded. “Mm-hm. Director He’s new film is a war movie — there’ll be some fight scenes. I want to give it a shot.”

At the word war, Yu Yazhi’s brows knit tighter. “That sounds tough.”

Her gaze swept over Ning Xuan’s slender arms and legs — delicate, hardly built for combat. She wanted to help somehow, but recalling how Ning Xuan had refused her offer last time, she tamped down the impulse. Her tone cooled. “You don’t even have the role yet, and you’re already working this hard?”

Ning Xuan grinned sheepishly. “Opportunities always favor the prepared.”

Yu Yazhi: “…”

She didn’t say anything, unwilling to dampen the woman’s small spark of enthusiasm.

【you tell lies

I read your heart.】

Her phone rang.

Yu Yazhi took it out, seeing Meng Xi’s name on the screen.

She answered, spoke briefly, then hung up and stood, turning to Ning Xuan. “Meng Xi’s coming to pick me up for the office. Zhao Luoluo’s on leave, and it’s inconvenient for you without a car. Take this one and drive it.”

As she spoke, she pulled out a diamond-studded car key from her bag and handed it over.

Ning Xuan stared blankly at the sparkling keys in Yu Yazhi’s palm. She accompanied me to the hospital, treated me to lunch, and now she’s giving me a car?

A sudden thought flashed through her mind—she felt like she was being kept by Yu Yazhi. Maybe this was how being a live-in spouse was supposed to work?

Seeing her dazed expression, Yu Yazhi grabbed her hand and placed the keys directly into her palm. “I’m going.”

Ning Xuan: “……”

She watched as Yu Yazhi walked to the door before finally coming back to her senses. “Wait—hold on a second!”

Yu Yazhi stopped, turned back, and quietly looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

Ning Xuan clenched the car keys, shaking them a little. “I didn’t mishear you, right? You just said the car’s mine to drive?”

Her eyes lit up. “Hey, Yu Yazhi, you know, a voluntary gift can’t be taken back under the law!”

Yu Yazhi: “……”

Silly girl.

But kind of cute.

She couldn’t help but laugh, nodding. “Mm. It’s yours.”

Ning Xuan grinned, then dramatically kissed the car key. Out of nowhere, she’d gained a Maserati. It really did feel like one of those stories where your best friend suddenly strikes it rich and gifts you a supercar.

Meng Xi was waiting outside the restaurant.

Leaning casually against the car, she saw Yu Yazhi emerge—her eyes soft, her smile radiant.

What on earth had happened?

Why did she look this happy?

Meng Xi couldn’t recall ever making her smile like that.

“Assistant Meng?”

Yu Yazhi’s gentle voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Startled, Meng Xi quickly lowered her gaze, hiding her emotions as she opened the car door. “President Yu, you seem to be in a great mood today. Something good happen? You mentioned handling something at the hospital earlier—do you need my help?”

“No need.”

Yu Yazhi got into the car, her tone calm. As she glanced into the rearview mirror, she caught sight of her own reflection—her lips curved upward.

She hadn’t even realized it until now. Why am I so happy? There wasn’t anything particularly special that had happened.

She pressed her lips together, smoothing her expression back to its usual composure. “Nothing much. I just saw a lot of children today—it put me in a good mood.”

“Children?”

“Mm. Ning Xuan’s Assistant’s sister gave birth. We visited her this morning.”

As she recalled the newborn, a smile unconsciously tugged at her lips again. Babies really are adorable.

Meng Xi caught that soft smile in the mirror—a warmth and tenderness she’d never seen before. It twisted something deep in her chest. “I see. New life always brings hope, it’s something worth smiling about.”

“Yes.”

Yu Yazhi’s reply was brief, and she lowered her head, refocusing on the tablet in her lap. She’d taken a rare morning off, but she still needed to make up for lost time.

At least with Meng Xi around, things ran smoothly.

“Assistant Meng, the hotel’s occupancy rate was good last week. Have Finance issue the sales department’s bonuses as soon as possible. If necessary, give them a short break—they should spend time with their families.”

“Yes, President Yu.”

Meng Xi’s response was calm, but her heart churned with unease. Lately, Yu Yazhi had changed so much. The old her would never have spent an entire morning visiting a maternity ward—or cared whether her staff had time for their families.

And yet, this new Yu Yazhi—so much warmer, more human—was even more captivating.

But Meng Xi couldn’t shake the feeling that every change came down to one person.

Was it because of Ning Xuan?

The thought struck like a thorn, sharp and intrusive. She gripped the wheel tighter—and unconsciously pressed harder on the gas.

Yu Yazhi noticed the sudden speed. She looked up—and her heart lurched. The light ahead had turned red, and a pedestrian was crossing.

“Red light! Meng Xi—stop! There’s someone—brake, now!”

Meng Xi jolted back to awareness and slammed on the brakes.

“Skrrr—.”

The tires screeched violently against the asphalt as the car jerked to a halt—halfway over the crosswalk.

An elderly woman froze in front of the hood, trembling.

Yu Yazhi’s heart pounded, fear flashing into anger. “Assistant Meng, what were you doing?”

If they’d been even a second slower, the consequences would’ve been unimaginable.

Realizing the gravity of her mistake, Meng Xi stammered, “President Yu, I’m so sorry.”

“Not me—you should be apologizing to the lady.”

Yu Yazhi lowered the window. As the elderly woman shuffled past, she called out, “I’m so sorry, ma’am. Did we scare you?”

The old woman, her silver hair tousled, waved it off with a kind smile. “It’s fine, just be careful next time.”

Meng Xi also leaned forward, apologizing softly, “I’m sorry, ma’am.”

When the light turned green, she restarted the engine, driving quietly.

Yu Yazhi picked up her tablet again, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her voice was cool and firm. “Assistant Meng, I’ve been assigning you a lot lately. If you’re tired, delegate some tasks and take a few days off. What I need is a focused, reliable assistant—someone who doesn’t make mistakes.”

“Yes, understood.”

Meng Xi pressed her lips together, saying nothing more. She drove carefully for the rest of the way.

When they finally reached the company’s underground garage, she parked and hesitated before speaking. “President Yu, actually, I was just thinking—you’ve changed a lot recently.”

Yu Yazhi slipped her tablet into her bag, stepped out, and walked toward the elevator. “Changed? I’ve always been like this. But I’d say you’ve been acting different lately.”

That piqued Meng Xi’s curiosity. “Oh? And how exactly have I changed?”

Yu Yazhi: “…”

She couldn’t quite say. She only knew that Meng Xi’s demeanor wasn’t the same. Every time she mentioned—or even saw—Ning Xuan, her gaze would turn odd, shadowed with something unreadable.

Ding.

The elevator doors slid open.

Yu Yazhi stepped inside, eyes on the changing floor numbers. “Nothing much. People change, that’s all.”

Meng Xi’s lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. “That’s true. People do change. So, President Yu—do you think Ning Xuan’s changed for the better? I’ve heard you two spend a lot of time together lately.”

Yu Yazhi’s expression cooled instantly. “Assistant Meng, you’re crossing a line. My relationship with Ning Xuan is a private matter. I don’t appreciate discussing personal affairs during work hours.”

Meng Xi: “…”

She lowered her head, fists tightening, and fell silent.

【12–13.】

The numbers climbed steadily upward.

Yu Yazhi tilted her head back to watch them, her thoughts circling back to Ning Xuan.

“By the way,” she said suddenly, “look into a media outlet called ‘Die Without Gossip.’ I want to meet the owner.”