After the Scumbag Alpha Heard her Inner Thoughts - Chapter 5

The Lu family’s situation was even more complicated than the Chu family’s. Financially, they couldn’t compete with the Chu family. In terms of connections, they lagged behind the Gu family. As for resources, they were no match for the Su family.

They had a bit of everything—money, connections, and resources—but excelled at none, leaving their position rather awkward.

A small temple draws wild spirits. The Lu family had spent years scrambling for power. In the end, Lu Qinghe barely edged out the others and took control of the family.

According to the Lu family’s profile, Lu Qinghe was listed as a Beta. But they’d just had dinner together, and Chu Muqing, being an S-class Alpha, was highly sensitive to pheromones.

Lu Qinghe was an Omega—there was no way she hadn’t sensed it.

If there was no issue with Lu Qinghe, then the issue must lie with Su Wanqing.

Chu Muqing’s eyes locked onto Su Wanqing, trying to read something from her expression.

Being stared at so intensely gave Su Wanqing the chills. She had no idea what she’d done to provoke her. “I’ll go, I’ll go!” she said quickly.

It was just a banquet—why the attitude, like she was going to eat someone? But Su Wanqing was also a little afraid of her, so she agreed without resistance.

Chu Muqing was suspicious and wanted to keep testing her.

“I just had dinner with Lu Qinghe,” Chu Muqing said casually. “She looks even more beautiful than before.”

[Tsk, typical scumbag Alpha—can’t resist any Omega they see.]

[Of course she’s beautiful. She’s been disguising herself as a Beta for the sake of the Lu family and even wearing makeup to look plainer. If she stopped hiding that face, who knows how many Alphas and Omegas would fall for her? She’s a total AO slayer.]

[I can’t wait to see that gorgeous goddess tomorrow. Rubbing my hands already.]

Chu Muqing: “……”

After what had just happened earlier, Chu Muqing kept her eyes fixed on Su Wanqing, looking for any reaction.

Those few sentences had burst forth like popcorn—much clearer than before. But Su Wanqing hadn’t opened her mouth at all. What was going on?

Before she could think it through, another string of comments popped into her head:

[Better bring some suppressants tomorrow… I gotta help the pretty sister.]

[Why is Chu Muqing staring at me like that? Is she planning to eat me alive?]

[Did I accidentally say something to offend her??]

[This scumbag Alpha’s tricks are terrifying. Will I even live long enough to see the pretty Omega tomorrow?]

Maybe it was because she’d been stared at too long, but Su Wanqing was growing desensitized—not quite as scared as at the beginning.

She stole a few sneaky glances at Chu Muqing when she thought she wasn’t looking:

[Sure, she’s a scumbag Alpha, but damn, she’s really good-looking. Especially that hairstyle—it’s literally my dream cut.]

Her own hair was soft and limp, completely unsuitable for a wolf cut. She’d tried once before, only to come home looking like a badly-slept-on golden retriever.

“I’ll have Xu Chengke follow up with you on the details for tomorrow. I’m heading out,” Chu Muqing said, deciding it was best to leave. If she stayed any longer, she might need to call a psychiatrist to see if something was wrong with her brain.

“Alright.”

Downstairs, Xu Chengke was waiting by the car. Chu Muqing opened the door and got in.

“Back to Dijin Grand Residence.”

As the car pulled away, Chu Muqing looked out the window, unable to stop thinking about the things Su Wanqing had said.

Leaving aside the issue of whether or not the “scumbag Alpha” comments were about her…

Lu Qinghe—how could she be an Omega?

If she really was, then she had good reason not to reveal her secondary gender. There were still many people in the Lu family eyeing her position. If word got out… it would be a serious problem.

The families in North City were deeply entangled, chaotic and complex, but for all these years, the Chu family had remained on top—not always by clean means.

By marrying into the Su family and strengthening ties with the Lu family, Chu Muqing hoped to maintain that power for decades. The Lu family couldn’t be allowed to fall.

“Xu Chengke,” Chu Muqing said, withdrawing her gaze and looking toward the front. “Investigate the guest list for tomorrow’s banquet. Also, call Dr. Cheng and ask—what’s the fastest way to handle an Omega going into heat unexpectedly?”

“Did Madam go into heat?” Xu Chengke asked instinctively.

“……”

…No. She’d just been temporarily marked. What kind of heat would she be going into?

“I understand.”

“As for the Yizhou project, let’s hold off for now. I suspect this is a diversion—they may actually be targeting the Lu family.”

Lu Qinghe had only recently taken over leadership and her position wasn’t stable yet. That made her the easiest to strike at, which matched Gu Heng’s style—sneaky and underhanded, like a rat lurking in the gutter.

“Also, look into the Lu family’s current projects. If access is restricted, reach out directly to President Lu, but keep it discreet.”

“Yes, Boss.”

When the car arrived at Dijing Grand Residence, Chu Muqing gave one last instruction before getting out.

“Prepare a gown for Madam. Keep it simple and understated.”

“Understood.”

Xu Chengke nodded, though he couldn’t help thinking to himself—

This Omega really was something. Just one temporary marking and Chu Muqing was already this different. Something she could’ve said over the phone, she insisted on delivering in person.

The banquet was set for 7 PM. Su Wanqing had never attended an event like this before, so before heading out, she asked Xu Chengke for some etiquette tips.

Before the marriage, both Xu Chengke and Chu Muqing had assumed Su Wanqing approached them with ulterior motives. So at first, Xu Chengke hadn’t been very warm to her.

But after spending a short time together, he realized she wasn’t the scheming type of Omega.

His opinion of her rose rapidly, and he explained all the key points in great detail, even making a quick PPT on his tablet with reference photos.

“Madam, these are the people to pay attention to. The rest don’t matter much.”

Even the title “Madam” rolled more naturally off his tongue now.

Su Wanqing accepted the tablet, flipping through each page. Each person had a short bio, and she quickly got a general idea of who was who.

“Thank you, Assistant Xu. That was very helpful.”

“You’re too kind, Madam.”

As the car approached the venue, she paused at Lu Qinghe’s profile page. The photo was a side profile, showing her in a pale yellow puff-sleeved ball gown.

At the moment the picture was taken, she was lifting the hem of her dress slightly, her head tilted down. A soft fringe draped across her forehead, and a pair of pearl earrings dangled from her ears.

The cool, elegant nobility practically radiated from the photo. She’d be seeing the real person soon—Su Wanqing’s heart fluttered a little.

Who doesn’t enjoy looking at beautiful women?

Xu Chengke parked at the entrance and opened the door for her. Su Wanqing adjusted her gown and stepped out.

“Madam, go ahead. I’ll park the car.”

“Alright.”

Everyone attending this banquet was either wealthy or powerful. There was a designated parking area some distance from the main entrance.

Su Wanqing took the invitation card from her bag and handed it over at the door. Two uniformed attendants stepped aside to let her in.

The banquet hall was dazzling—rows of crystal chandeliers cast shimmering light over the crowd. Heirs and heiresses, socialites and elites, mingled and laughed, champagne flutes clinking in a display of extravagant luxury.

One glance and Su Wanqing was nearly blinded by the glitter of designer gowns. She didn’t recognize most of the faces.

Her purpose tonight, aside from playing the role of Chu Muqing’s wife and helping to make their marriage public, was simple:

Support the beautiful sister.

As the host of the banquet, Lu Qinghe had yet to appear. Su Wanqing quietly made her way to a corner, picked a few small cakes off a platter, and grabbed a glass of fruit wine.

Then she began to enjoy the food.

A few people passing by glanced at her indifferently, not thinking much of her.

Just as she finished her first plate of cake and was about to go back for more, she heard her own name come up in a conversation nearby.

“Chu Muqing actually went through with the wedding? You haven’t seen this Su Wanqing girl—nothing special at all. Used her pheromones to climb the social ladder, turned herself into a phoenix.”

“Forget the status—Chu Muqing is so good-looking, she’s Alpha enough to get me pregnant on the spot.”

“Please. She gave you a look last time and your legs almost gave out.”

“Yours didn’t?”

“I heard she’s bringing Su Wanqing tonight. You’ll see—totally average.”

“She’s just the bait the Chu family arranged. Not even worth your attention.”

That last comment made everyone go quiet for a second, their eyes shifting toward the source of the voice.

Descending the stairs from the second floor was a woman in a striking red mermaid-style strapless gown, the hem trailing down two steps behind her. Her features were stunning, her voice cool and commanding.

This was Gu Songlan, eldest daughter of the Gu family. Twenty-nine years old, a single Alpha fully focused on her career.

“Apparently, Chu Muqing hasn’t cared about her at all. I heard from a friend that she’s still out there going to interviews, dressed like a total bumpkin.”

“Maybe the hospital made a mistake.”

“Or maybe Su Wanqing faked her pheromone test just to marry into a rich family.”

“Don’t spread rumors about things you don’t know,” Gu Songlan reminded coldly from the side.

She didn’t think highly of the Su family, but she also disdained petty gossip behind people’s backs. It lacked class.

The marriage alliance was already a done deal, and the Gu family’s current position was somewhat awkward. She had come to this banquet partly to maintain appearances with both the Chu and Lu families.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the banquet hall, Su Wanqing was happily munching on cake and sipping fruit wine, completely absorbed in eavesdropping on gossip about herself. She was enjoying the drama when suddenly someone exclaimed:

“Lu Qinghe is here!”

At that, Su Wanqing quickly set down her plate, wiped her mouth, and peeked her head out from the corner.

Lu Qinghe had just stepped out of the lounge with Chu Muqing beside her.

Lu Qinghe walked in front. Her features were striking—gorgeous and boldly defined, with a cold elegance that gave her an ethereal air. When she smiled, she looked like someone untouched by the dust of the mortal world.

She and Chu Muqing were a complete visual contrast.

She’s absolutely a goddess!

Lu Qinghe stood at the center of the hall, giving a short speech about the purpose of the banquet and thanking the guests for attending—typical formalities.

Su Wanqing wasn’t listening. None of the words registered—she was too busy admiring her beauty. She didn’t even notice that Chu Muqing had walked up beside her.

“Had enough of staring?”

Su Wanqing shook her head.

Then, realizing it was Chu Muqing who had spoken, she quickly nodded like crazy.

She sneaked a glance at Chu Muqing. As always, she wore a crisp white suit. Hands in her pockets, she looked dangerously beautiful, like a weapon in disguise. Her fox-like eyes tilted up slightly at the corners, sharp and mesmerizing.

Chu Muqing shot her a mildly annoyed look, then reached up and gently wiped the corner of Su Wanqing’s mouth.

Startled by the sudden gesture, Su Wanqing flinched and stepped back. Chu Muqing frowned slightly but continued wiping.

“You’ve been drinking?”

A rosy flush bloomed across Su Wanqing’s cheeks.

She gestured with her fingers, “Just a little.”

Lu Qinghe finished her remarks and began walking toward them. The other guests followed her with their eyes, which naturally landed on Su Wanqing as well.

“Hello, Miss Su,” Lu Qinghe greeted warmly, extending her hand.

Su Wanqing beamed, hurriedly wiped her hand on her dress, then reached out to shake.

[Gorgeous goddess, slurp slurp!]

[Beautiful sister, oioioi!!]

Chu Muqing: “……”

“Congratulations on your marriage to Muqing,” Lu Qinghe said as she leaned in slightly and whispered, “I’ve prepared a gift for you in the lounge. Come by in a bit.”

The sudden closeness brought with it a delicate floral tea fragrance—fresh and elegant.

“Okay,” Su Wanqing replied softly.

Chu Muqing: “……”

Was this level of fangirling really necessary? She was practically drooling. Chu Muqing couldn’t bear to watch.

Just then, the music in the hall shifted to a waltz, marking the start of the evening’s first event: the opening dance.

“I’m going to dance,” Lu Qinghe said with a faint smile. “You two, enjoy yourselves.”

Su Wanqing turned to Chu Muqing. “Are you going to dance? I don’t know how.”

“No,” Chu Muqing replied in a low voice.

With that, she walked toward a nearby lounge area. The moment she sat down, a crowd of people immediately gathered around to greet her.

It was only after Chu Muqing left that the others finally dared to look in Su Wanqing’s direction.

[So that’s the Omega.]
[She’s really not much to look at. Look at that dress—just a piece of plain fabric, not a single embellishment.]
[Judging by Chu Muqing’s attitude, she clearly doesn’t like her much.]
[Like her? You’d have to be blind.]

A group of people whispered and gossiped. One of them, who had been particularly nasty earlier, suddenly stepped forward to greet Su Wanqing.

“Hi there~”

Su Wanqing had been watching Lu Qinghe dance. Hearing the voice, she turned around and replied politely, “Hello.”

The woman didn’t say anything more. Instead, she raised a glass of wine—and poured it straight over Su Wanqing’s head.

“Oh no!” she gasped, covering her mouth with a fake expression of shock. “Sorry, I lost my grip!”

Lost your grip? That wine was poured with precision.

A wave of cold ran from Su Wanqing’s head down her spine. The liquid blurred her vision as it trickled past her eyes, and the faint scent of rose wine clung to her entire body.

Su Wanqing: “……”

This was the Lu family’s banquet. She couldn’t lose her temper and cause a scene—especially since someone would be trying to harm Lu Qinghe later tonight. She needed to keep a low profile.

After thinking it through, she endured it. She stood still and didn’t move.

Meanwhile, Chu Muqing, still half-engaged in a conversation nearby, turned her head just in time to witness the scene.

“You idiot,” she muttered under her breath before striding over.

“You dare touch someone that belongs to me?” Chu Muqing said coldly, eyes locked on the woman.

The woman jumped in fright. “I didn’t mean to—it was an accident! I already apologized.”

Chu Muqing gave a chilling snort and, in a flash, reached out and gripped the woman’s neck. Before onlookers could even register what was happening, she had dragged her away.

Was that… Chu Muqing? No one dared to speak up.

Chu Muqing pulled the woman over to the drink table, where a wide variety of wines and spirits were neatly arranged.

Without hesitation, she grabbed a random glass and dumped it over the woman’s head.

“Ahhh!”

“Shh.” Chu Muqing leaned in close, eyes narrowing as she studied her like a predator. “Quiet.”

She picked up another glass, glanced her up and down, then poured it down the woman’s collarbone. Her pristine white gown was now stained red and blue, soaked in wine.

Chen Xingyue trembled in fear.

“President Chu, I was wrong,” she stammered.

Chu Muqing let out a low laugh—colder than silence, scarier than shouting.

Still gripping her by the neck, she yanked her closer, forcing her to look down at her. “Haven’t you ever heard of the phrase, Don’t kick someone else’s dog without checking who owns it?”

As soon as the words left her lips, another glass of wine was dumped down the side of Chen Xingyue’s neck.

She now looked like she’d been pulled out of a wine barrel. Yet she didn’t dare move an inch, her whole body quivering.

Chu Muqing finally let go and lazily swirled another wine glass in her hand before taking a slow sip. Her tone was casual and teasing, almost wicked.

“So… turns out wine isn’t just for drinking, huh?”

“Wouldn’t you agree, Miss Chen?”

Before the woman could respond, Chu Muqing tilted the rest of the glass and emptied it over her shoes.

It was Su Wanqing’s first time seeing this side of Chu Muqing—the infamous scumbag Alpha in full display. She was honestly a little scared. Frozen in place for several seconds, she finally summoned the courage to walk over and gently tug Chu Muqing’s arm.

“Let it go,” she said softly.

Chu Muqing glanced at her, but the fury in her eyes hadn’t completely faded. She raised her hand and gently pinched Su Wanqing’s chin.

“My woman and someone still dared lay a hand on her?”

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