After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Was Spoiled by a Sweet Omega - Chapter 42

Ning Xuan drove south for two hours before finally arriving at Hengzhuang.

Unlike Shenzhen City, Hengzhuang had an entirely different architectural style. As soon as she entered, she was greeted by buildings designed in a traditional style—red bricks, green-tiled roofs, and an old-world charm that made her feel as if she had traveled back in time.

According to her GPS, Ning Xuan’s destination was the Dali Martial Arts Hall, right next to Hengzhuang.

A few minutes later, a voice prompt notified her that she had arrived.

In front of her stood a grand vermilion gate, flanked by two stone lions, exuding a majestic aura.

Ning Xuan got out of the car and was greeted by a young girl, probably around seventeen or eighteen. She wore a pure white T-shirt with “Dali Martial Arts Hall” printed across the chest. Her oval face was full of youthful vitality, her high ponytail added a touch of innocence, yet there was a hint of spirited determination in her demeanor.

“Hello! Who are you here to see?” the girl asked.

Ning Xuan removed her sunglasses and replied politely, “Hello, I’m here to see Master Shang Li. I’ve come to study.”

The girl scanned Ning Xuan’s face and her eyes lit up with delight. “You, you’re Ning Xuan?!”

Ning Xuan smiled lightly, acknowledging it.

The girl’s excitement lasted only a moment before she quickly composed herself. “I’m Ding Jie. I’m a big fan of yours! Welcome! Master Shang is waiting for you inside.”

She reached for Ning Xuan’s suitcase and cheerfully said, “Give this to me. Let’s go.”

Ning Xuan thanked her and followed inside.

The pathway beyond the gate was paved with bluestone slabs, and Dali Martial Arts Hall’s banners lined the sides.

They walked further into a square courtyard. In the center stood a small platform, resembling a training ring.

Seeing it, Ning Xuan felt like she had stepped straight into a martial arts movie and instinctively straightened her back.

Before Ding Jie could speak, Ning Xuan’s gaze was drawn to the main hall straight ahead.

Inside the hall, many students dressed like Ding Jie were training under the guidance of martial arts instructors, sweating profusely as they practiced diligently.

Just as Ning Xuan was taking it all in, a woman suddenly appeared at the doorway. She rolled up her sleeves, revealing her tanned, muscular arms, and placed her hands firmly on her hips. Her voice boomed across the hall:
“Stabilize your horse stance! Practicing martial arts without proper foundation is useless!”

Though Ning Xuan couldn’t make out the woman’s face clearly, her height and commanding presence immediately told her she must be Shang Li.

As she was thinking this, Ding Jie called out to the figure, “Master Shang! Miss Ning has arrived!”

Shang Li turned, looked at Ning Xuan for a brief moment, and then strode over.

Ning Xuan bowed slightly, smiling and waving, while taking in her appearance: tall, tanned, and possessing a wild, natural beauty.

Her facial features were striking as well—high nose bridge, deep-set dark eyes that were mesmerizing.

As Ning Xuan admired her, Shang Li approached with a smile and extended her hand. “Hello, you must be Ning Xuan. Welcome!”

She exuded the firm, dignified aura typical of a martial artist.

Ning Xuan couldn’t help but feel a twinge of admiration. This was what an alpha truly looked like—strong, commanding, unstoppable. Motivated, she extended her hand in return. “Thank you, Master Shang. My name is Ning Xuan. I look forward to learning from you.”

Noticing Ning Xuan’s slight reserve, Shang Li smiled warmly. “Don’t be nervous. I may be strict, but I won’t train you as harshly as the others. After all, you’re a celebrity.”

Ning Xuan quickly replied, “That’s fine. Celebrities can learn martial arts too. Skills never go to waste, and self-defense is important. So, Master Shang, feel free to be strict—I can handle it.”

Ding Jie covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Ning Xuan, saying that might make Master Shang take you seriously.”

Ning Xuan smiled in response. “That’s the point. I’m here to learn real skills, not showy moves.”

Shang Li clapped her hands in approval. “Good, good. I understand what you want.”

She gestured for Ding Jie to keep an eye on the students’ training, then turned to Ning Xuan. “Come with me. I’ll show you around. You brought your luggage, right? Training for a week won’t be easy—you’ll have to endure some hardships.”

Ning Xuan nodded. “Yes, I know. I’m ready.”

As they walked, Shang Li suddenly remembered something. “Do you have a new drama coming up? Another celebrity contacted me for training too. You two aren’t preparing for the same project, are you?”

Another celebrity? Ning Xuan immediately asked, “Who?”

Shang Li thought for a moment. “I think her name is Zhu Shanshan. Sorry, I’m not much of a fan, so I don’t know many people in your industry.”

Ning Xuan froze. She remembered Zhu Shanshan and felt instantly alert—had Scriptwriter Xu leaked the news to someone else?

Curious, she asked, “When will she arrive?”

“Tomorrow. Not everyone is as proactive as you,” Shang Li replied.

Ning Xuan smiled modestly, inwardly pleased at the compliment. But in her mind, she knew: the competition was already lining up. She couldn’t slack off.

The two of them toured the academy—dining area, training area, rest area—Shang Li explaining each part.

Though Ning Xuan was a celebrity, Shang Li made it clear: once inside the academy, everyone followed the academy’s rules. She patiently explained them to Ning Xuan in advance.

“We have morning exercises every day. During class, you’re not allowed to complain about fatigue or pain. Also, because of your status, please be careful not to reveal your schedule—fans showing up could disrupt the operations of the martial arts school.”

After listening, Ning Xuan felt these rules were entirely manageable, so she nodded and said, “Don’t worry, Master Shang. I’ll follow the rules of the academy carefully.”

Shang Li clasped her hands behind her back and studied Ning Xuan intently.

She had dealt with celebrities before, and many female stars, when taking on roles, would deliberately avoid scripts with martial arts scenes. Even if they didn’t reject them outright, they would hire stunt doubles. Not everyone was willing

to put in the effort to train, and even those who did might not endure the hardships.

So far, Shang Li’s impression of Ning Xuan was good: she came without an assistant and showed no trace of celebrity attitude.

That was rare.

But anyone could speak politely. Shang Li smiled faintly at her and said, “I hope that a week from now, you can still stand here and tell me you’re fine. I have faith in you—but don’t even think about running away when the going gets tough.”

Ning Xuan’s eyes were firm. “I definitely won’t.”

After familiarizing her with the place, Shang Li brought Ning Xuan back to the courtyard and called Ding Jie over, instructing, “I noticed that since Ning Xuan arrived, you haven’t focused on your own training. Take her to unpack her things first, then come back and continue your practice.”

Ding Jie looked aggrieved, tears welling in her eyes. “Master, can’t we skip extra training?”

Shang Li shook her head firmly. “No.”

She gave her a warning glance: don’t even think about slacking off.

Seeing Ding Jie’s pitiful little face, Ning Xuan found the girl adorable and almost wanted to speak up for her.

She managed to hold back.

Shang Li seemed to notice Ning Xuan’s thoughts and shook her head with a smile. “This girl loves slacking. She’s been at the school for years and is still a second-level student. Others who started at the same time have already graduated.”

Ding Jie tried to maintain a good impression in front of her idol and said weakly, “Master Shang, those who graduate are really smart.”

Shang Li scolded her, frustrated: “So are you proving by your actions that your mind is simple and your limbs underdeveloped?”

Ding Jie: “…”

She had made a mistake. She regretted arguing with Master Shang.

Seeing her lower her head and fall silent, Shang Li said no more and turned to Ning Xuan. “By the way, Ning Xuan, I have a one-on-one session coming up, so I won’t be able to stay long. Ding Jie will show you to your lodging. I’ll bring you the training plan for this week later.”

Ning Xuan nodded with a smile.

On the way to the lodging, without Shang Li around, Ding Jie hopped excitedly around Ning Xuan like a little bird.

“Ning Xuan, can I call you Ning Bao in private? Hehe.”

“You’re here for a new project, right? The internet says you’re transitioning into acting—is that true?”

“If you find the training hard these next few days, just tell Master Shang. She’s strict but fair—won’t push too hard, since your physique is different from ours.”

Seeing Ning Xuan silent, Ding Jie thought she had annoyed her and gradually fell quiet herself.

The lodging was a two-story loft, with high corners that felt serene and elegant.

Ning Xuan couldn’t help but remember her university summer trips to the south with classmates, where many wooden lofts had courtyards and gardens—very comfortable.

She didn’t expect this martial arts academy to combine strength and tranquility: the front hall for training, the rear courtyard peaceful.

Ning Xuan liked it and took out her phone to snap several photos.

Her room was on the second floor. Her suitcase was heavy and packed, but Ding Jie didn’t hesitate and carried it upstairs. Truly a martial artist.

Ding Jie quickly reached the second floor, turned a corner, and stopped at a room with a potted ironwood bonsai in front.

Seeing her hesitate to enter, Ning Xuan asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ding Jie bowed apologetically. “Ning Xuan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be noisy. I just never imagined I’d see you here at the academy—I was too excited.”

Ning Xuan immediately recovered. “Oh, it’s okay, Xiao Jie. I was just paying attention to the way here. You can ask me anything, since I’ll be here for a week—but personal matters are off-limits.”

Ding Jie waved and shook her head. “It’s fine—you don’t need to apologize. I just talk too much. I never imagined I’d meet my idol here. Can we take a photo together? Don’t worry, I won’t post it—I’ll keep it private. Hehe.”

Ning Xuan smiled generously. “Sure!”

Ding Jie eagerly pulled out her phone.

The two of them leaned against the railing in the loft hallway, with blue skies and white clouds above and sunlight filtering through the leaves, capturing a memorable photo together.

“Thank you, thank you!”

Ding Jie kept thanking her, satisfied, and put her phone away.

“Ning Bao, you rest well. I’m going to the training hall. If you need anything, come find me. I noticed you don’t have an assistant, so for this week, I’ll volunteer to be your little helper. Is that okay?”

“Sure! But you don’t need to take care of me—just help me with the training.”

“No problem.”

Ding Jie finished arranging the luggage in the room and then hurried downstairs along the pebble-paved path to the training hall.

The world fell silent.

Ning Xuan closed her room door and glanced around. The room was clean and tidy. Though not as luxurious as her five-star hotel in Shenzhen City, it had its own charm.

Most furnishings were wooden, and a faint scent of wood filled the room, calming the mind.

Ning Xuan flopped onto the bed and scrolled through Weibo on her phone.

Sure enough, there was no sign of Zhu Shanshan’s activity online, nor any news about her coming to the school.

The thought of Zhu Shanshan showing up made Ning Xuan feel thoroughly annoyed.

It wasn’t that she lacked confidence against the other contenders—she just couldn’t get the memory of Zhu Shanshan and those capitalists’ suggestive smiles at the dinner table out of her head.

Ugh.

Whenever she thought of those capitalists, Ning Xuan’s mind slid straight to Yu Yazhi. What was Yu Yazhi up to today?

Ning Xuan flicked from Weibo to WeChat and tapped Yu Yazhi’s avatar.

Hmph — last night she’d claimed she wanted to learn martial arts, but Yu Yazhi didn’t even ask where she would train?

Was she not worried she’d go off gallivanting?

“Maybe this rich miss doesn’t even realize she’s left Shenzhen City?” Ning Xuan muttered to herself for a moment, then, on a sudden impulse, opened the chatbox to give a quick travel update — better to notify this Pallas-cat of hers before she got riled up.

Too lazy to type, she opened the sticker pack.

[You there?]

She sent a sticker of a little cat with big round eyes.

She knew Yu Yazhi wouldn’t reply instantly, so she stood to finish packing.

But as she rolled over, her finger accidentally tapped the screen.

[I miss you.]

A winking kitty sticker whooshed out.

Ning Xuan: “…”

Recall, recall, recall!

She screamed inside.

Before she could grab her phone, Su Manyun’s call came through.

Ning Xuan hung up without thinking.

The caller must have been urgent — the phone rang again immediately after she’d cut it off.

After those two quick rings, Ning Xuan’s hand shook as she opened WeChat. There should still be time to retract the message.

She pressed and held the sticker hard, didn’t overthink it, and hit “recall.”

“Phew.” She kept patting her chest, forcing herself to calm down. Surely Yu Yazhi hadn’t seen it; after all, she was a busy woman with a thousand things on her plate.

On the other end of the line.

Yu Yazhi had just hung up on Yu Jiayan and was annoyed enough to fire off a warning message, so she opened WeChat.

“Ding.”

A little red dot popped up on Ning Xuan’s avatar.

Yu Yazhi arched an amused brow, the corner of her mouth lifting, and tapped it open.

[You there?]

What was this — an ugly-cute sticker?

A little disdain curled through Yu Yazhi; she tapped a reply with her pale finger: [What’s up? Something wrong?]

She hadn’t even sent it when her hand trembled.

[I miss you.]

Again that “ugly-cute” kitty sticker, but the words themselves felt inexplicably soothing.

Yu Yazhi’s pupils flickered; the phone in her hand seemed to heat up. She stared at the sticker for a long moment, and the corner of her mouth, which she’d been holding back, finally quirked up.

Her heart thudded inside her chest.

She quickly deleted what she’d been typing and changed it to: [Sent to the wrong person?]

She asked on purpose.

Just as she was about to hit send, the “ugly-cute” kitty “I miss you” sticker was suddenly retracted.

Yu Yazhi: “!”

Why was it recalled?

How dare she retract it?

No way—give my kitty back!

[What did you recall?]

She retyped and sent.

Ning Xuan responded quickly: [Nothing. Sent to the wrong person.]

Yu Yazhi: “…”

So, who was the “I miss you” meant for?

Was there someone else?

Ridiculous!

Her temper spiked.

She took two deep breaths and kept typing: [Who did you mean to send it to?]

No reply came from Ning Xuan for a long while.

Yu Yazhi waited, growing more impatient by the second. Hah — so it really was a mistake! She actually sent it to the wrong person! Damn it — who was that person, anyway?