After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Was Spoiled by a Sweet Omega - Chapter 54

Shang Li nodded with a smile, watching as Ning Xuan drove away.

Ning Xuan headed back to Shenzhen.

On the way, Yu Yazhi called: “Where are you now? Want to have lunch together?”

Wearing her headset, Ning Xuan replied: “Sorry, I already made plans with Sister Yun. We’re going to discuss the script over lunch.”

Yu Yazhi answered lightly: “No problem. You go ahead.”

“Mm. Goodbye.”

After hanging up, Ning Xuan focused on driving.

When she reached Shenzhen, she called Su Manyun for the restaurant address.

She arrived right at noon.

Su Manyun was dressed in a red blazer, her newly styled shoulder-length hair softly curled, carrying a touch of retro Hong Kong elegance—graceful and full of charm.

She came out to greet Ning Xuan warmly. “Ning Bao, come here, let me take a look.”

After a week in Hengzhuang, Ning Xuan’s days had been rough. Her body had grown stronger, but her face looked a bit hardened.

Su Manyun gave her a once-over, then said: “After lunch, let’s get you a full-body treatment. I’ll book it now.”

As she led Ning Xuan to the private room, she called the beauty salon: “Yes, two o’clock.”

Ning Xuan didn’t refuse. As a celebrity, she did need to maintain her appearance and present her best self to fans.

Then,

She noticed the young girl beside Su Manyun. “Oh, Yuanyuan’s here too.”

Luo Yuanyuan had been quiet, almost invisible. She had greeted Ning Xuan earlier, but Ning Xuan hadn’t noticed.

Now, being addressed directly, she grew nervous and quickly said: “Sister Xuan, long time no see.”

Ning Xuan smiled. “Long time no see.”

Su Manyun formally introduced her: “This is Luo Yuanyuan, your new assistant. She’s sharp and will be working with you from now on.”

Ning Xuan nodded politely. “Alright.”

But in her heart, she thought of Zhao Luoluo. From Su Manyun’s tone, it seemed Zhao Luoluo wasn’t coming back.

Su Manyun, anticipating her thoughts, explained: “Luoluo’s sister has postpartum depression. She’s helping take care of the baby, so she won’t be back anytime soon.”

She sighed. “See what marriage brings to women.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

Great. Another day of anti-marriage, anti-love talk.

The three entered the private room.

Ning Xuan sat down and asked about the script. “What’s the situation with Director He?”

Su Manyun ordered dishes, then replied: “The day after tomorrow, there’ll be open auditions for major roles. Reliable sources say Best Actress Jin Min is already set as the female lead. The audition is just for show. Of course, we won’t aim for the lead—let’s fight for the second female role. But Zhu Shanshan, Bai Meng, Xu Ke, and Zhou Xuansu are all competing.”

Ning Xuan caught one name and was stunned. “Xu Ke? She’s acting in films too? Didn’t she just debut?”

Su Manyun nodded. “Yes. Some people just get lucky. Plus, she has the Xu family backing her. She can easily buy her way into the production. I even wonder if Screenwriter Xu is one of her relatives.”

Ning Xuan was shocked by the speculation. “That would be too much. Is her family really that powerful?”

The dishes arrived.

Su Manyun urged: “Let’s eat first. Don’t stress too much. I’ve been keeping an eye on other scripts for you. There’s a romance drama that looks promising.”

Ning Xuan perked up, eating as she asked: “What’s the story?”

Su Manyun explained: “It’s about mutual secret love, redemption, and healing. Oh, and the heroine is reborn. That element is still fresh and popular in the market.”

Ning Xuan agreed. “Send me the script later.”

“Of course.”

They ate and then discussed the next season of Shining Future.

Su Manyun said: “Bai Meng must have latched onto someone powerful, she didn’t quit Shining Future.”

Ning Xuan frowned. “Then I’ll quit. I really don’t want to see her.”

Su Manyun advised: “Don’t be impulsive. Some people can’t be avoided. The entertainment circle is small. What if she’s in another show later, will you avoid them all?”

Ning Xuan thought of Bai Meng aiming for Director He’s crew and felt overwhelmed. “Ugh, so annoying.”

Su Manyun continued: “What’s there to be annoyed about? Didn’t you post on social media before, saying that ignoring people you dislike and smiling is the most elegant revenge?”

Ning Xuan: “…”

Speechless.

She compromised. “Fine. But if she provokes me again, I’ll make sure she regrets it.”

After all, she had learned martial arts now, she could definitely handle her.

After Lunch, Su Manyun headed to the company, leaving Luo Yuanyuan to take Ning Xuan to the beauty salon.

Ning Xuan obediently followed.

But fate had its way.

At the salon entrance, she ran into Bai Meng.

Unexpectedly, Bai Meng only said, “Long time no see,” then arrogantly went to her reserved room. She didn’t bother her further, as if she had lost interest.

Ning Xuan recalled Su Manyun’s words about Bai Meng finding another backer. It seemed very likely.

Two hours of treatment later, Ning Xuan felt refreshed, her whole body hydrated, her mood uplifted.

Indeed, beauty brings joy.

Leaving the salon, she decided to visit Zhao Luoluo. In this unfamiliar world, she didn’t know many people, so she cherished the connections she had.

Zhao Luoluo quickly sent her the address.

On the way, Ning Xuan passed a jewelry store, went in, and bought a pair of gold bracelets symbolizing peace and happiness.

Soon, she arrived at a high-end villa community.

Luo Yuanyuan stopped the car and said: “Sister Xuan, I’ll wait here. You go ahead.”

As the new assistant replacing Zhao Luoluo, she felt awkward about meeting her, as if she had stolen her place.

Ning Xuan guessed her thoughts and smiled. “It’s fine. Luoluo won’t mind.”

But Luo Yuanyuan still refused to go.

Ning Xuan didn’t insist. She carried the gift alone and rang the doorbell.

Zhao Luoluo quickly opened the door and hugged her tightly. “Ahhh, Sister Xuan, long time no see! I missed you so much!”

Ning Xuan let her hug for a moment before gently pushing her away, smiling. “You smell like baby formula.”

Zhao Luoluo laughed helplessly. “My sister just got out of the hospital and is still in confinement. Feeding formula, changing diapers, soothing the baby, it’s all me. I’m practically her mom now.”

Then she laughed again. “But hey, Sister Xuan, I’ve gained plenty of childcare experience. When you and President Yu have a baby someday, I’ll help take care of it!”

Ning Xuan: “…”

That was thinking far into the future.

Would she and Yu Yazhi ever truly reach that day?

As Ning Xuan pondered, Zhao Luoluo glanced toward the car. “Hey, Sister Xuan, is someone inside?”

Ning Xuan carefully chose her words and nodded. “Mm. Sister Yun arranged a temporary assistant for me.”

“Oh, I see. Why didn’t she get out?”

Zhao Luoluo, straightforward and carefree, unlike the cautious Luo Yuanyuan, laughed. “I’ll go check. As a senior, I should pass on some experience.”

Luo Yuanyuan, sitting in the driver’s seat, saw Zhao Luoluo approaching. She quickly got out, bowed slightly, and said politely: “Hello, Sister Zhao. I’m Luo Yuanyuan. Sister Yun asked me to temporarily assist Sister Xuan.”

Her tone was humble and respectful, subtly implying she had no intention of permanently taking Zhao Luoluo’s place.

Zhao Luoluo didn’t catch the deeper meaning but immediately felt goodwill toward her. Smiling, she said: “Welcome. Sister Xuan has a great temper, you’re lucky to be working with her.”

Luo Yuanyuan had already seen Ning Xuan’s kindness.

Despite being a big star, she carried no airs. Even when her former assistant had personal matters, Ning Xuan still came to visit. Truly warm-hearted.

“Yes, I know. I’ll take good care of Sister Xuan until you return.”

Zhao Luoluo laughed, then sighed. “Ah, I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

Her sister was in a difficult situation: a domineering mother-in-law, a weak husband who was a mama’s boy, and now postpartum depression. It would take at least half a year before she recovered.

Seeing Zhao Luoluo’s sighs and troubled face, Ning Xuan comforted her: “Don’t worry. You’ll always have a place here. For now, just focus on caring for your sister and the baby. If you need anything, tell me, I’ll help however I can.”

Zhao Luoluo’s eyes reddened with emotion. “Sister Xuan.”

She hugged her again.

Ever since her sister gave birth, Zhao Luoluo had forced herself to grow up, stepping into the role of caretaker. She had held on for so long, but at this moment, her strength crumbled, and she became like a child again.

Ning Xuan patted her shoulder gently. “It will pass. Luoluo, you’re doing wonderfully.”

“Thank you. Yes it will pass.”

Zhao Luoluo wiped her tears, forced a smile, and invited them inside.

Inside, Ning Xuan noticed the large villa felt empty. At the entrance, there weren’t even men’s shoes. In the living room, only a housekeeper was tidying up.

Strange.

She couldn’t help asking: “Did you move out?”

Zhao Luoluo nodded, her eyes tinged with resentment. “My sister’s mother-in-law complained the baby was too noisy, disturbing her sleep at night. So, she made us move out temporarily.”

What kind of person was that?

Ning Xuan felt anger rising. “And your brother-in-law? He didn’t say anything?”

“Don’t even mention him. He’s useless, just listens to his mother.”

Disappointment and disgust filled Zhao Luoluo’s voice. “You can consider him dead.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

She thought Zhao Luoluo’s sister was destined to raise her child as if widowed.

Women always empathize with women.

She held Zhao Luoluo’s hand and whispered: “When your sister finishes her confinement, ask her what she wants to do. I’ll help however I can. A woman can’t rely entirely on a man. Financial independence is the key to personal independence.”

Zhao Luoluo nodded repeatedly. “That’s exactly what I’ve been telling her. Ever since she got pregnant, I saw his true nature.”

As they chatted, they entered the master bedroom.

Inside, Zhao Momo sat on the bed, looking toward the door. Seeing them, she smiled. “Miss Ning, thank you for coming. I’m not well enough to get up, so forgive me for not being a proper host.”

“No need to be polite.”

Ning Xuan smiled, placing the gift on the bedside table. “I wasn’t sure what to buy, so I got a pair of bracelets for the baby. May her future be safe and smooth.”

Zhao Momo quickly thanked her. “Thank you. You shouldn’t have.”

Ning Xuan shook her head with a smile. “It wasn’t much, just a small gift.”

She studied Zhao Momo’s face. Still beautiful, but pale and weary, fragile like a willow in the wind—delicate, unable to withstand storms.

Ah, such a pitiful beauty.

Zhao Momo invited her to sit, while her younger sister brought tea and snacks.

Ning Xuan wasn’t hungry, but she tasted a little out of courtesy, then went to see the baby, praising her repeatedly.

In truth, newborns aren’t particularly pretty.

But Zhao Momo beamed at the compliments, her eyes glowing with maternal love. “She’s very well-behaved.”

Indeed, the baby lay quietly in the crib, wide black eyes blinking with innocent curiosity.

Ning Xuan touched her cheek lightly. “Has she been named yet?”

“Her name is He Ying—‘Ying’ as in ‘welcome.’ I chose it.”

Zhao Luoluo raised her hand proudly. “Sister Xuan, what do you think? I wanted to declare to the world how much we welcome her arrival.”

Even if she wasn’t loved by her grandmother, grandfather, or father.

Ning Xuan understood the deeper meaning and sincerely praised: “It’s wonderful. Truly wonderful.”

She genuinely thought the name was well chosen, it warmed her heart.

Every child is a treasure, deserving the love of the whole world.

The three women chatted happily.

Luo Yuanyuan remained quiet, saying nothing. Compared to Zhao Luoluo’s liveliness, she seemed reserved, but her caution and attentiveness made her a capable assistant, always meeting Ning Xuan’s needs at the right moment.

Suddenly, a WeChat notification popped up.

[Here, a flower for you jg]

It was a message from Yu Yazhi.

Ning Xuan saw the sticker and realized, it was a new kind of greeting.

A greeting that belonged exclusively to Yu Yazhi.

She replied with a sticker: [Black man question mark face jg]

Yu Yazhi quickly responded: [Come to the villa for dinner tonight. I have a gift I want to give you.]