After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Was Spoiled by a Sweet Omega - Chapter 44

Yu Yazhi: “…”

She felt that Ning Xuan’s talent for making people exasperated was steadily improving: “Are you sure?”

Ning Xuan giggled: “Just kidding. Still awake?”

“Yes.”

“I slept for a while, then woke up again.”

“Why did you wake up?”

“Had a nightmare. It scared me awake.”

“What kind of nightmare?”

Ning Xuan didn’t know how to answer that.

“I forgot.”

Yu Yazhi didn’t even know how to respond to that.

Ning Xuan seemed to realize the conversation had hit a dead end, so she switched topics: “Why aren’t you sleeping? Busy with work again? Take care of yourself—staying up late makes you ugly.”

Yu Yazhi rubbed her forehead: “You can skip the last part.”

She just wanted to hear her care. Unfortunately, Ning Xuan didn’t seem very good at expressing herself.

“Are you in Hengzhuang?”

While asking, she checked the distance between them—it would take over five hours to drive there. Wait, why did she even check the travel time? She wasn’t going back.

“Mm.”

Ning Xuan turned on the light and sent a short video of her room: “This place isn’t bad.”

Yu Yazhi felt—it seemed like she was inviting her.

“Mm. Not bad. Going to sleep now.”

So, she wouldn’t ruin her beauty with late nights.

Seeing this, Ning Xuan, recalling her earlier nightmare, sent: “Good night. Sweet dreams.”

Yu Yazhi didn’t reply, but murmured to herself: Ning Xuan, good night. Sweet dreams.

Ning Xuan didn’t dream again. She slept all the way until morning.

She checked the time—morning exercise at seven, twenty minutes left—so she quickly washed up and changed. Before Shang Li knocked on the door, she had already rushed out.

Shang Li was practicing Tai Chi at the doorway.

Ning Xuan wore a full white Tai Chi outfit, silk-textured, flowing and light.

“Hi, Master Shang. Good morning.”

“Mm. Good morning.”

Seeing her in workout clothes, Shang Li said: “Follow along.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

She hadn’t expected morning exercise to be Tai Chi—she always thought it was something for the elderly.

Shang Li sensed her lack of enthusiasm and guessed why. She said: “Learning this relaxes and relieves stress, prolongs life, and improves beauty.”

Ning Xuan raised an eyebrow: “Really?”

“Of course.”

Shang Li moved through the motions as she spoke about her Tai Chi journey: “About half a year ago, I passed by a park and saw an eighty-year-old gentleman practicing Tai Chi. Light as a swallow, jumping around with ease.”

She watched a little longer.

The old man was talkative and, seeing her interest, spent half an hour explaining Tai Chi history. He even enthusiastically performed a headstand, scaring her half to death every time, worrying he’d break his neck.

Of course, he succeeded in the end.

The old man was remarkably healthy, not just strong but incredibly flexible.

After that, she apprenticed under him to learn.

“Let’s start learning.”

Seeing Ning Xuan freeze in place, Shang Li urged: “What are you standing there for? Follow my movements.”

Ning Xuan quickly joined in.

Tai Chi moves aren’t very complicated, but perfecting them is tough. It requires a high degree of harmony between spirit (yi), strength (li), and breath (qi).

Shang Li adjusted her posture: “Relax. More, relax.”

They spent over half an hour loosening up.

Shang Li then took her to breakfast, reminding her on the way: “Eat well. Don’t worry about getting fat. You need energy for training, or the next session will make you cry.”

Ning Xuan brightened—finally, an excuse to enjoy her food: “Hehe, Master Shang, will there be little cakes for breakfast?”

Shang Li, seeing her hopeful look, smiled: “Probably tomorrow. Too late to tell the chef today.”

Ning Xuan quickly thanked her. In a great mood, breakfast was very enjoyable.

Training started at nine o’clock.

Shang Li taught a few freestyle combat moves.

At first, Ning Xuan’s movements were clumsy, but gradually she got the hang of it and could execute the moves properly.

Satisfied, Shang Li stepped aside to supervise her practice.

After an hour, Ning Xuan was soaked in sweat.

Just as Shang Li was about to let her rest.

Ding Jie rushed in: Zhu Shanshan had arrived.

Shang Li glanced at her watch—almost ten o’clock—and frowned: “You promised nine o’clock to train together. No sense of time at all.”

Shaking her head, she continued: “Ning Xuan, rest for now. First day, don’t overdo it—progress gradually. I’ll go see what’s going on with Zhu Shanshan.”

Ning Xuan nodded, stopped, removed her wristbands, as beads of sweat rolled down her damp forehead.

Seeing this, Ding Jie hurriedly handed her a towel: “Ning Bao, wipe off your sweat.”

Ning Xuan thanked her, taking the towel and wiping her face.

After the intense workout just now, she bent forward, hands on her knees, panting heavily. Her flushed face was as red and round as a ripe apple.

“You holding up okay?”

Ding Jie handed her another bottle of water.

Ning Xuan thanked her again, taking the bottle and taking a few sips. She twisted the cap closed and instinctively peeked toward the door. Huh—Shang Li looked a bit upset? Had Zhu Shanshan done something to annoy her?

The thought that Zhu Shanshan might have displeased Shang Li inexplicably lifted Ning Xuan’s spirits. As a student, who wouldn’t want the teacher’s favor?

Ding Jie, unaware of the context, was busy staring in awe at Ning Xuan’s freshly washed face. Though her hair was disheveled from exercise, it only added a certain messy charm.

Today, Ning Bao looked as fierce and beautiful as ever. Absolutely stunning!

Ding Jie loved it so much she couldn’t resist taking pictures to capture the moment. “Ning Bao, look over here.”

Ning Xuan, still wiping sweat with the towel, turned around in surprise. “What’s up?”

“You’re the most beautiful,” Ding Jie said, pressing the shutter on her phone in an instant.

Ning Xuan’s slightly flushed post-workout face carried the kind of natural beauty that seemed effortless, even a hint of innocent charm.

Seeing what Ding Jie was doing, Ning Xuan feigned anger, putting on a stern expression. “Hey, Ding Jie! How can you take sneaky photos of me?”

Ding Jie froze, feeling like she’d committed a grave mistake. She bit her lip apologetically. “I, I’m sorry, I.”

The next second, Ning Xuan’s eyes twinkled with amusement. Her tone shifted to playful: “If you’re going to take pictures, at least warn me so I can find a good angle! Let me see—don’t tell me it’s ugly. I’m not giving you a chance to become my hater.”

Ding Jie: “……”

She had been terrified, thinking Ning Xuan would be angry.

But Ning Xuan was just too cute!

The adorable Ning Xuan leaned in to look at the photo.

Not bad—Ding Jie’s photography skills were actually impressive; the photo turned out surprisingly well.

Ning Xuan opened it and praised, “Not bad, little girl. A little editing, and this could totally be my standing fan shot.”

Ding Jie beamed at the compliment. “Hehe, Ning Bao, you’re gorgeous from every angle. No matter how I shoot, it looks amazing.”

Then, as if remembering something, she hurriedly added, “Don’t worry, Ning Bao. I’ll keep it private and never post it.”

Ning Xuan was about to remind her herself but seeing she already knew, she smiled. “Fine. But send me one, I’ll keep it private too.”

Ding Jie immediately added her on her phone and sent a copy.

Ning Xuan saved it, then spent a while looking at it, smugly thinking how well her face held up even without makeup.

No wonder she was the most beautiful A-lister in the entertainment industry!

“Clack, clack, clack.”

The sound of high heels echoed.

Ning Xuan turned to see a graceful figure entering the training hall.

Backlit, she could still immediately recognize the familiar pose—Zhu Shanshan, always skilled at flaunting herself.

Zhu Shanshan wore oversized sunglasses and crossed her arms arrogantly.

As she walked in, she surveyed the training hall, full of students in the middle of their exercises.

Perhaps the smell of sweat bothered her, because she took off her sunglasses, hung them on her chest, and pinched her nose in distaste. In a sharp, high-pitched voice she said, “Master Shang, I heard your martial arts school has a good reputation, so I came all this way. But this noisy training environment, I’m not very satisfied.”

Shang Li: “……”

She had already heard many complaints from Zhu Shanshan. From the moment she arrived, Zhu Shanshan had been nitpicking the school all the way here, leaving Shang Li increasingly displeased.

If it wasn’t for a friend’s request to host a celebrity, she would have sent her back the moment she arrived.

Still oblivious to Shang Li’s restrained anger, Zhu Shanshan kept on, pointing at various spots. “Look over there—it’s filthy. And there.”

Assistant Liu Zi trailed behind, quickly smiling to smooth things over. “Master Shang, sorry about that. Shanshan just finished filming. Her last role was a very picky young lady, so she’s still adjusting. It’s not intentional.”

Nonsense. Shang Li didn’t buy it.

But seeing Zhu Shanshan now, it seemed she was simply playing herself on-screen.

Maintaining her professional, business-first attitude, Shang Li composed herself and spoke to Zhu Shanshan with a neutral expression: “Miss Zhu, since you’ve chosen to train here, please adapt to the environment and show respect. If you’re unhappy with the conditions, you’re welcome to practice alone in the courtyard, where the wind comes from all directions—very, very thorough.”

She emphasized the last three words, then turned away, refusing to give Zhu Shanshan another glance.

Seeing this, Liu Zi tugged at Zhu Shanshan’s arm, whispering soothingly, “Shanshan, calm down. Master Shang will be training you for three days, so just endure it.”

Zhu Shanshan pursed her red lips, appearing to contemplate.

Yes, her presence here was entirely thanks to Producer Ma Tao, who promised her a week of training. The role with Director He was basically secured.

Zhu Shanshan and Ma Tao had a vaguely flirtatious relationship, and most of her roles came through him.

This time, she didn’t ask much, and with her charm, she had even shortened her week to three days.

But now, seeing the training hall and these students sweating and messy from practice, she didn’t want to stay even a day.

Shang Li ignored Zhu Shanshan’s affected demeanor and turned back to Ning Xuan, finding her standing in the corner, arms crossed, watching the scene with an amused look.

“Ning Xuan, had enough rest?”

Shang Li placed her hands on her hips, her voice booming. “If you’ve rested, continue training! Ding Jie, move aside, don’t distract her! You’re asking for it! Senior Brother, bring her over for extra training.”

Senior Brother, originally named Xiao Yuanyuan, had a cute girl’s name but was a muscular male student. He had trained with Shang Li since childhood, earning the respectful title “Senior Brother.”

Hearing Shang Li’s call, he immediately ran over to seize the student.

Ding Jie reacted just in time, slipping away like a thief.

Zhu Shanshan was still being comforted by her assistant when she heard Shang Li calling out for Ning Xuan. Immediately, she started scanning the room for her.

Ning Xuan?

Could it really be that Ning Xuan she knew?

What are the odds?

As the saying goes, truth is stranger than fiction.

Having watched the commotion, Ning Xuan confidently strode forward.

Zhu Shanshan saw her and frowned, as if spotting a germ. In a sharp tone, she said, “What are you doing here?”

Ning Xuan strapped on her wrist guards, recalling the moves she had practiced, and began showing off, even kicking midair.

To Zhu Shanshan, it looked clumsy and rough.

The thought that she would have to learn this herself was utterly irritating.

She’d get muscles—and it would look terrible.

Bouncing up to Zhu Shanshan, Ning Xuan offered a polite smile. “Miss Zhu, long time no see. Welcome to Dali Martial Arts Hall.”

Zhu Shanshan did not welcome her.

She didn’t even want to see her. “Ning Xuan, have you been stalking me? Found out my schedule? And came here ahead of me? Oh, great—you conniving little schemer!”

True to her habit of speaking without a filter, she continued, “Wow, Ning Xuan, you’re really calculating, huh? Following me around to copy me?

But no matter how you practice, you’ll never even match a single toe of mine. We’re not on the same level, got it?”

“I don’t get it. Really don’t get it. Zhu Shanshan, who even gave you this confidence?”

Ning Xuan expected nothing pleasant to come from Zhu Shanshan’s mouth, but she didn’t expect her to twist the facts so aggressively. Not wanting to waste words, she threw a punch.

“Ah!”

Zhu Shanshan screamed in fright.

In reality, Ning Xuan’s punch was precise, brushing past her face without touching her at all.

The pain she had anticipated never came.

All she heard was the whoosh of air and felt strands of hair dance across her lips.

She had been pranked!

Anger and embarrassment made her shout, “Ning Xuan, are you crazy?! You almost hit.”

Another punch flew.

Zhu Shanshan turned pale, panic-stricken, screaming, “Ah—help! Master! Master Shang!”

Her shrill cries echoed through the training hall.

The other students glanced at her in disbelief. Just a punch, and she’s acting like this?

Shang Li pressed a hand to her forehead, took a deep breath, and scolded calmly, “Focus on your own training! What are you staring at?”

Only then did the crowd return to their exercises.

Zhu Shanshan had retreated behind Shang Li.

Ning Xuan circled her, throwing punches. These were the few Tai Chi moves Shang Li had taught her, simple but effective enough to scare Zhu Shanshan.

“Master Shang, how did I do with these moves?”

Like a child showing off a treasure, Ning Xuan hoped for praise. Then, glancing at Zhu Shanshan behind her, she added, “This morning you said Zhu Shanshan would be coming later, and then we could practice against each other. Was that true?”

Shang Li hadn’t actually said that, but she saw through Ning Xuan’s intentions—using her to intimidate Zhu Shanshan—and chose not to call her out. Smiling, she said, “Of course it’s true. You did well with those moves, just a bit lacking in force. You’ll need more practice.”

With that, she pulled Zhu Shanshan out from behind her. “Miss Zhu, go change your clothes and join us for practice.”

Ning Xuan smirked at Zhu Shanshan, her words sharp as a blade: “Better go change, Miss Zhu. But you’re late—by now, we’re not even on the same level.”

Zhu Shanshan: “……”

Still trembling, her face pale, she watched Ning Xuan move her wrists and panicked, thinking there was another move coming. Without hesitation, she lifted her skirt and hid behind her assistant, Liu Zi.

Pointing at Ning Xuan, she stammered, “Ni—Ning Xuan, y—you just wait!”

Ning Xuan brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, unimpressed, smiling mischievously. “Go ahead, go ahead. We wouldn’t want to start practice without you!”

Zhu Shanshan: “……”

Ugh! She was furious!

Shang Li caught a glimpse of Zhu Shanshan’s twisted, angry expression and decided it was enough, signaling the senior brother, Xiao Yuanyuan, to take them for a short break.

Ning Xuan, sweaty from her exertion, sat on a nearby bench to rest.

Shang Li approached, teasing, “Well, Ning Xuan, I’d say you’re ready to graduate.”

Ning Xuan blushed and immediately lowered her head obediently. “Master Shang, don’t tease me. I think you can see it too—Zhu Shanshan’s sharp-tongued and really annoying.”

“Hmm, she is annoying. Seeing how things are, maybe we should train you separately?”

“No, you said no favoritism. We’ll train together. Having a rival might even help me improve faster.”

“Well, your mindset’s commendable!”

Shang Li smiled, satisfied. “Alright, you rest a bit, then continue. I’ll check on Zhu Shanshan—worried Xiao Yuanyuan might not handle her.”

“Okay, Master Shang.”

Watching Shang Li leave, Ning Xuan, with some free time, couldn’t resist pulling out her phone to post on her Moments.

But as soon as she opened it, she saw a photo of the deep blue sea.

Huh?

No mistake, right?

Yu Yanzhi had posted on Moments?

The azure waves rolled and crashed, radiating the essence of summer.

Ning Xuan admired the photo and noticed the location tag.

Nanshan?

Yu Yanzhi was in Nanshan? On a business trip?

Curious, Ning Xuan opened the map—Nanshan was a five-hour drive from her current location.

And Yu Yanzhi hadn’t even told her yesterday that she was out of Shenzhen City on business.

Hmph!

Ning Xuan felt a little upset—she had reported her own schedule, yet Yu Yanzhi hadn’t shared hers. Unfair.

She didn’t comment, just gave the post a like.

At the same time,

Yu Yanzhi was in a hotel handling emails but was somewhat distracted.

Her eyes kept darting to her phone on the desk.

She had posted on Moments hours ago. Ning Xuan should have seen it by now.

Why hadn’t WeChat pinged her?

Was the phone broken?