After the Bigshot Turned into a Gold-Digging Scumbag Alpha - Chapter 1

“This kind of cosmic trash should be thrown into a furnace and reforged!”

The galaxy’s top-ranking Marshal, Jiang Shuiyun, flung the book in her hands across the room.

She had planned to read before bed and casually picked up a book, only to discover it was a popular interstellar novel. Worse, the story featured a scumbag named Jiang Shuiyun—her namesake—who managed to rile her up almost to death.

In the original story, this scumbag Jiang Shuiyun, relying on her family’s power, forcefully married the heroine, Yi Jinbai. But no one expected that immediately after the wedding, the Jiang family would be ruined. Overnight, Jiang

Shuiyun became penniless yet boldly freeloaded at home, utterly indifferent to the struggles of an Omega wife working outside, and continued her reckless, extravagant ways.

As if that wasn’t enough, the original Jiang Shuiyun blamed her family’s downfall entirely on Yi Jinbai, drank heavily, and even physically abused her. Later, she shamelessly used Yi Jinbai’s money to support a mistress and brought her home, humiliating Yi Jinbai further.

Reading this, Jiang Shuiyun felt her heart almost give out in anger. Could such a disgusting, repulsive person really exists in this world?

“Reminder: it’s late. Please go to bed early, Master,” the AI butler’s voice chimed.

Jiang Shuiyun took a deep breath and sipped some water to calm herself. After all, it was just a novel—not worth getting this furious over. She patted her chest, lay back, pulled up the blanket, and closed her eyes.

But the book she had thrown began to glow faintly—and then brighter and brighter.

Half-asleep, Jiang Shuiyun vaguely heard the soft sound of a girl sobbing. Curious, she opened her eyes fully.

Before her stretched a dim, shabby, cramped room. In the corner, a girl huddled, shivering. At Jiang Shuiyun’s feet lay a small stack of cash.

Her strong mental fortitude kicked in immediately. Pinching her palm to confirm the sensation of pain, Jiang Shuiyun realized that everything before her was real.

The pain sparked an idea, and she quickly overlaid the scene with what she had just read in the novel. An absurd thought struck her:

She had transmigrated into the book!

The realization blanked her mind for a brief moment.

Drawing a barely perceptible breath, Jiang Shuiyun forced herself to calm down and made a quick decision. She didn’t know why this had happened, but one thing was certain: she was now the scumbag Jiang Shuiyun. Even if past mistakes weren’t hers, she now had the responsibility to make amends.

Squatting down, she cautiously addressed the girl in the corner:

“Jinbai?”

The sobbing stopped immediately, and Yi Jinbai tensed up visibly.

Jiang Shuiyun knew the damage the original Jiang had caused couldn’t be undone so easily. She didn’t try to approach further, instead placing the money carefully by Yi Jinbai’s feet.

“Jinbai, I’m sorry. I was reckless. I made mistakes. I promise this will never happen again. I’ll go get some water to help you wash your face.”

Following the novel’s description, Jiang Shuiyun left the dilapidated hut and fetched water from the faucet at the base of the courtyard wall.

When she returned, Yi Jinbai still sat frozen in the corner, the money untouched.

Setting the water on the table, Jiang Shuiyun hesitated. “I know you don’t want to see me right now, I’ll step out for a bit.”

This was the first time she had ever encountered such a situation. Unsure if she handled it correctly, Jiang Shuiyun left the hut, glancing back repeatedly.

At the door, she caught Yi Jinbai raising her head. Their eyes met—red and wet from crying, trembling like a frightened little rabbit—and Jiang Shuiyun felt her usually steady heartbeat skip wildly.

Like a startled fawn, Yi Jinbai immediately ducked her head again.

Realizing she had scared the girl, Jiang Shuiyun’s guilt grew. One last glance at Yi Jinbai, and she dared not look back again, hurrying outside.

Outside the courtyard, she paused. The image of those wet, fearful eyes lingered in her mind. Clenching her palm, she took a deep breath and refocused on her surroundings.

The narrow alley outside was paved with old cobblestones, worn smooth from years of foot traffic. Water still pooled in shallow spots from the rain earlier today.

A few neighbors sat near the alley’s entrance, fanning themselves and chatting idly, though they occasionally glanced toward Jiang Shuiyun with obvious disdain.

She understood perfectly why the original Jiang Shuiyun had been so detested. Feeling slightly awkward, Jiang Shuiyun turned and walked in another direction.

From her readings, she knew this world was much like her own—only slightly less technologically advanced. There were no alien bugs, no wars, and no mechas. Peace prevailed here.

Instinctively, she clenched her right hand, a habitual motion she used when piloting her mecha.

“Clink, clink, clink!”

A faint metallic sound drew her attention. To her surprise, the mecha she had always carried had come with her.

She quickly concealed it and glanced around. Fortunately, the alley was long, narrow, and winding. No one could have seen the scene.

Relieved, she looked down at the inconspicuous silver line on her wrist. Her tense emotions eased slightly; with the mecha nearby, she felt a little safer.

After pacing through the alley a few times, Jiang Shuiyun decided it was time to return. Slowly, she approached the courtyard gate and peeked inside. The hut’s door was closed. She wasn’t sure if Yi Jinbai was still inside.

Just as Jiang Shuiyun was lingering in the courtyard, the door suddenly opened from the inside, and the two of them locked eyes.

Jiang Shuiyun opened her mouth, unsure of what to say. But it was clear that Yi Jinbai had no intention of giving her the chance to speak. She only cast her a quick glance before lowering her head and briskly walking away.

As Yi Jinbai passed by, Jiang Shuiyun instinctively held her breath. It wasn’t until she stepped outside that she realized, a little belatedly, that a faint scent of strawberries had brushed against her nose.

Glancing down at her watch, Jiang Shuiyun realized it was probably time for Yi Jinbai to go to work.

In this world, the employment environment for Omegas was far from friendly. Basic jobs were handled by Betas, upper-level positions were mostly reserved for Alphas, and Omegas were legally required to pair with Alphas. Their

designated role? Stay home and have children.

The original story had also described Yi Jinbai’s job. Unable to find anything else, she had ended up working temporarily at a flower shop, handling all the trivial daily tasks and delivering flowers in all kinds of weather. It was grueling work.

Jiang Shuiyun rubbed her forehead. Her immediate priority had to be finding a job—she couldn’t rely on freeloading like the original character had.

The book’s portrayal of this world was too limited. Back in her room, Jiang Shuiyun pulled out her laptop and reviewed the basic information about this world. Once she had a clearer picture, she slipped on her sneakers and decided to head out to see things for herself and gather more firsthand information.

Just as she reached the door, her stomach growled uncontrollably. Glancing at the time, she realized it was already noon.

She grabbed a pack of biscuits and a bottle of water from the table, shaking her head helplessly. Well, she would have to “freeload” for now, at least when it came to food.

Without wasting time, Jiang Shuiyun walked while eating. According to her phone, once she exited the alley and crossed the street, the scenery changed completely. Towering buildings replaced the shabby alleys. She instinctively reached to hail a car, then remembered her current situation.

Resigned, she continued walking along the roadside. When she arrived at a large building, her steps involuntarily slowed.

A massive screen displayed a recruitment notice: Shengguang Group was looking for outstanding e-sports players to form a new professional team. Applicants had to rank in the top 3,000 in a game called Star Wars to qualify for the open tryouts.

The generous benefits caught Jiang Shuiyun’s attention. If she remembered correctly, the original character had played this game. The story had a scene where the heroine accidentally unplugged the internet while the original character was playing, causing a massive tantrum.

She carefully noted down the details of the recruitment ad. Jiang Shuiyun thought she might give it a try later. She spent her free time playing various simulation games, especially strategy and action simulations. Star Wars sounded similar—she might have a chance.

With a plan in mind, Jiang Shuiyun continued walking. She couldn’t rely on just one opportunity—she needed to prepare and explore multiple paths.

There was another matter: Jiang Shuiyun removed her earrings and necklace, along with the clothes she had on. These were the original character’s belongings, brought from home. They were all quite valuable, yet the original character had never considered selling them for living expenses, clinging to the hope of returning to a life of luxury.

Jiang Shuiyun had no such illusions. To her, these items were disposable tools that should serve their practical purpose.

Following the information on her phone, she located a reputable pawnshop and sold all the items. Holding the thick stack of cash in her hands, she smiled with satisfaction and tucked it into her pocket.

With that done, she realized it was getting late and decided to head home.

Taking a shortcut via her phone’s navigation, she turned a corner and was surprised to see a flower shop right in front of her.

Thinking of Yi Jinbai’s work, Jiang Shuiyun was drawn toward the shop. As she approached the entrance, she heard a loud scolding from inside.

“Do your job properly! If you can’t, get out! You were supposed to deliver flowers, and look at this! The wrapping paper is dirty with mud. Customers complained—are you going to pay for this?”

Through the glass door, Jiang Shuiyun saw Yi Jinbai with her head bowed. The cream-colored dress she had worn in the morning was already covered in dirt, and the exposed white ankle was red, swollen, and lightly bleeding.

“I’ll cover it for her.”

Pushing the glass door open, Jiang Shuiyun shielded Yi Jinbai behind her, then turned to face the previously domineering boss. “How much?”

“Eight thousand! That’s for 999 roses, you—”

The boss stared at Jiang Shuiyun, feeling his authority oddly crushed. He could only crane his neck in an attempt to regain some dignity.

Before he could finish, Jiang Shuiyun pulled out the still-warm cash and tossed it onto his head. Bills fluttered down like a money storm inside the shop.

“That should cover it. Figure the rest out yourself.”

The dumbfounded boss could only gape. Jiang Shuiyun ruffled Yi Jinbai’s hair. “Come on, I’ll carry you home.