After Becoming a Scummy Alpha, I Was Spoiled by a Sweet Omega - Chapter 59

Ning Xuan had secured the role of the second female lead.

It was just around noon.

Yu Yazhi suggested, “Let’s have lunch together. Consider it your celebration banquet.”

Ning Xuan was delighted with her success and, having no reason to refuse, agreed.

They went to a Western restaurant.

Yu Yazhi ordered pasta, red wine, and a dessert, then handed the menu to Ning Xuan.

Ning Xuan chose steak. “Medium well, thank you.”

The waiter took the menu and left.

Soon, the wine was served.

While waiting for the main course, Yu Yazhi spoke of Ning Xuan’s performance: “Your acting was excellent. Very moving. Your eyes carried so much emotion.”

She had been stunned, completely immersed, and once again realized Ning Xuan’s beauty—like a flame burning fiercely.

Ning Xuan blushed at the praise, quickly sipped her wine to hide her embarrassment. “Haha, it’s nothing. I just pay close attention to actors when I watch dramas and try to learn from them.”

“You have talent.”

Yu Yazhi’s eyes shone with admiration, her praise unreserved. “You’re a good actress.”

Ning Xuan had heard too many compliments already. Afraid she might get carried away, she changed the subject: “It’s been a while since you mentioned Yu Jiayan. How’s he doing lately?”

“Still in Dafu Village, Nanshan. He met a girl there and seems completely smitten.”

“What?”

Ning Xuan was stunned. “And your father doesn’t care?”

Yu Yazhi shook her head. “He doesn’t know yet. I used his phone to report him safe.”

Ning Xuan felt uneasy and advised, “You’d better tell your father soon.”

Yu Yazhi thought for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. I can’t let that boy ruin someone else’s daughter.”

Ning Xuan: “…”

She silently agreed. “Exactly. Your brother doesn’t look reliable at all, never serious.”

Meanwhile, the unreliable Yu Jiayan was busy cooking.

Suddenly, he sneezed. “Achoo, achoo.”

After two sneezes, he rubbed his nose and muttered, “Someone must be talking bad about me.”

Looking for conversation, he poked his head out and called to Qu Ran outside: “Ranran, isn’t sneezing a sign someone’s talking about you?”

Qu Ran lay in a rocking chair beneath the willow tree, lazily fanning herself.

She heard him but pretended not to.

Thinking she hadn’t heard, Yu Jiayan bounded over like an excited puppy, calling nonstop: “Ranran, Ranran.”

Qu Ran opened her eyes, looking at the once-proud young master now transformed. His handsome face was smudged, his clothes shabby, wearing an old undershirt. A damp towel hung around his neck in the summer heat, he looked like a poor village boy.

Rustic, but amusing.

She found it funny and smiled faintly, a small dimple appearing on her cheek.

Yu Jiayan was stunned. Pointing at her, he exclaimed: “Ranran, you have a dimple when you smile!”

Qu Ran, annoyed by his fuss, stopped smiling.

Her expression returned to cold indifference. “Go finish cooking.”

“Alright!”

Obediently, Yu Jiayan scampered back toward the kitchen.

But after two steps, he stopped, turned back, and said: “Ranran, sneezing means someone’s thinking of you, right? I sneezed several times, my parents must be missing me. So, wife, when will you come home with me?”

He thought about taking her home every day.

Qu Ran, realizing she couldn’t drive him away, usually ignored him. But hearing him call her “wife,” she couldn’t pretend anymore. Raising her voice, she snapped: “Yu Jiayan, stop calling me that. If you keep it up, you can get out.”

Seeing her angry, Yu Jiayan quickly grinned and coaxed: “Okay, okay. I won’t say it again. My mistake. Don’t be mad, Ranran.”

He didn’t want to be thrown out again. Nights in the mountains were cold.

Back at the Restaurant

Ning Xuan was cutting into her steak when a waiter approached, carrying a bouquet.

The flowers had tall stems, deep yellow petals shaped like goldfish—just like the stickers Yu Yazhi often sent.

Ning Xuan felt a pang of dread. Was she about to confess again?

Yu Yazhi thought Ning Xuan’s success deserved celebration. She had prepared a bouquet of snapdragons to express her feelings.

“This is my favorite flower.”

She took the bouquet from the waiter and solemnly handed it to Ning Xuan. “I hope you’ll like it too.”

Ning Xuan, still focused on her steak, gestured with her eyes. “Just set it aside. I’m hungry. Let’s eat first.”

Yu Yazhi nodded, leaned over, and placed the bouquet on the seat beside Ning Xuan.

Ning Xuan glanced at the flowers, feeling the pressure mount. “Haha, did you prepare this in advance to wish me success? Thank you.”

She linked the flowers to the celebration, not the confession.

Yu Yazhi realized her intention, knowing she had once again given Ning Xuan pressure. So, she followed her lead: “Yes. I knew you’d succeed.”

“Thank you.”

Ning Xuan raised her glass, clinked it with hers. “Truly, thank you.”

Yu Yazhi forced a smile. If you’re truly grateful, then accept me. How long must I wait? My patience is running thin.

Ning Xuan, unaware of her thoughts, cheerfully shifted the conversation elsewhere.

In the end, the meal was eaten with both harboring unspoken feelings.

When it was over, Ning Xuan didn’t dare linger. She made an excuse and hurried away.

She even “forgot” to take the flowers with her.

In the Car

Luo Yuanyuan had finished her steak alone and was waiting in the car.

Seeing Ning Xuan return drenched in sweat, she quickly handed her two tissues, concerned: “Sister Xuan, what happened? Why are you in such a rush?”

Ning Xuan didn’t explain, only said: “Drive. Just drive.”

Luo Yuanyuan: “…”

She hurriedly started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.

Watching the restaurant fade into the distance, Ning Xuan finally exhaled in relief. Yu Yazhi’s pursuit is too intense, it feels suffocating. The love of a domineering CEO, someone ordinary like me really can’t withstand it.

♪ “Spellbound, intoxicated by you, spellbound.” ♪

Her phone rang.

Seeing Su Manyun’s name, Ning Xuan answered immediately—before Su could speak, she blurted out her request: “Sister Yun, help me find out where Director He’s crew is filming. I want to prepare in advance.”

“What do you mean?”

Su Manyun chuckled teasingly: “Are you planning to go early and get used to the environment? Haha, you’re really excited about landing the role.”

Ning Xuan truly was happy.

She had proven herself, how could she not be?

But more than that, filming meant she could escape Yu Yazhi for a while.

Being surrounded by Yu Yazhi’s love every day was overwhelming; she was close to giving in to capital’s pressure.

“Anyway, just find out for me. Right now, my heart is only on my career.”

“Hahaha, my dear, really? Even President Yu’s love can’t hold your heart?”

Su Manyun had seen the trending topics and the livestream of the audition. Yu Yazhi’s gaze had clearly betrayed her feelings. Ning Xuan, however, seemed conflicted.

Hearing Su’s teasing, Ning Xuan sighed, lowering her voice: “Sister Yun, please don’t mention President Yu. I beg you, spare me.”

Just thinking of Yu Yazhi filled her with guilt. She felt like a scumbag, consumed by self-loathing.

Su Manyun frowned. “What’s wrong?”

Ning Xuan sighed again. “Sister Yun, my dear sister, I already said—don’t bring it up.”

Su Manyun: “Alright.”

She was sharp enough to piece things together. After a pause, she said earnestly: “You married young. Struggling with relationships is normal. If President Yu’s love feels like pressure, then keeping your distance for now might be best.”

Ning Xuan felt her words hit home and couldn’t help confessing: “Mm. I just feel so confused right now. I want some time to calm down.”

But Yu Yazhi kept chasing, leaving her no room to breathe.

Su Manyun nodded in understanding. “Shall I speak to President Yu? Ask her to give you some private space?”

Ning Xuan refused: “No. Don’t let her know you’re aware of this. Yu Yazhi is proud.”

The rest went unsaid: someone as proud as Yu Yazhi, if she discovered her feelings had been exposed and rejected, would feel humiliated.

Su Manyun understood the implication. After a moment, she analyzed: “Actually, Ning Xuan, you do care about her. Maybe more than you realize.”

Ning Xuan asked: “Why do you say that?”

Her own heart was a mess—drawn to Yu Yazhi, yet desperate to escape.

Su explained: “Have you heard the phrase ‘the nearer to home, the more timid the heart’? That’s you now. Before, you treated love like a game—because you weren’t invested, you were at ease. Now that you are, you’re flustered, unsure, and panicked.”

Ning Xuan didn’t argue, but inwardly disagreed. That was the original Ning Xuan who played at love. I’ve done nothing of the sort.

Su continued: “Leaving is fine too. You’re too inexperienced. You’re no match for President Yu.”

She had long felt Ning Xuan only looked worldly on the surface. Deep down, she was still a child.

Her attitude toward Zhao Luoluo proved it, she didn’t treat her assistant as staff, but as a close friend.

In the entertainment industry, such sincerity was rare.

Su was moved by her innocence.

Ning Xuan, unaware of Su’s high regard, instead felt stung by her condescension. Irritated, she said: “I’m not immature. And I’m not, not Yu Yazhi’s opponent. I just don’t want romance right now. Honestly, I think women only slow down my career.

As a true actor, there should be no men or women in her eyes, only roles.”

Su Manyun: “…”

What nonsense is this?

“You really know how to talk. Enough, stop joking—you almost made me forget why I called.”

She refocused. “There’s a banquet tonight at seven. I’ll send the location to Luo Yuanyuan. It’s hosted by Director He, with the main cast attending.”

Ning Xuan perked up. “Will Best Actress Jin Min be there?”

She hadn’t seen her at the audition and was eager to meet her.

After all, Jin Min was playing the heroine—they had several scenes together.

Su replied: “She should be.”

“Alright. Anything else?”

“That’s all. Rest this afternoon, you’ll need energy for tonight.”

“Okay.”

Ning Xuan agreed and hung up.

Luo Yuanyuan waited until she ended the call before asking: “Sister Xuan, back to the apartment?”

Ning Xuan nodded. “Mm.”

The car drove her home.

She got out, said goodbye to Luo Yuanyuan, and entered the elevator.

Thinking of the banquet that evening, she decided to nap and recharge. But just as she lay down, Shang Li called.