After the Scummy Alpha Marked the Crazy Beautiful Heroine - Chapter 52.2

And Wen Li had only ever managed one artist: herself.

Pei Jiuyao’s pupils trembled.

Could it be… Wen Li was paying the penalties for her?

Back when Mo Tian secretly signed her up for countless variety shows under the company’s name, Wen Li had canceled them all. Pei Jiuyao never knew how she managed it—and surprisingly, Mo Tian hadn’t retaliated.

Now she understood. Wen Li had shouldered the breach fees herself.

No wonder, despite Chi Yang and her repeatedly inviting Wen Li to leave Tianji, despite having no work and offending Mo Tian, she still refused to go.

She couldn’t.

Pei Jiuyao thought grimly: she must pay Wen Li back. But where could she get that kind of money? She could never ask Chi Yang.

Absolutely not—Chi Yang already had enough to deal with.

Suddenly, she remembered the villa under her name. Her most valuable asset. In the original story, the former Pei Jiuyao sold it to pay gambling debts. She had never touched it because it was the place she first met Chi Yang.

A place with bitter memories, but also the strange coincidence that bound them together.

But now, she and Chi Yang didn’t need any external proof of their bond.

Looking at the plain band on her finger, Pei Jiuyao resolved to find a buyer for the villa.

________________________________________

When the doors opened, a wave of noise and chatter rushed out.

Chi Yang stepped inside wearing a deep blue evening gown, her hair swept up high, a silver diamond-studded tiara gleaming atop her head, setting off the porcelain coolness of her skin.

Her light brown eyes caught the glow of the chandeliers, glittering like shards of gold-flecked diamonds.

As she passed a server, she lifted a champagne flute with her gloved hand and made her way into the banquet hall. She leaned casually against a wall, phone in hand, scanning the crowd.

On the screen was the photo Chi Qing had sent her of their grandmother’s illegitimate daughter: Yin Shuang, brown-haired, brown-eyed, with a faintly mixed heritage look. She appeared around Chi Qing’s age—and she was an Alpha.

Chi Yang adjusted the slim black bracelet at her wrist.

Chi Qing messaged: [Have you seen her yet?]

【Not yet.】 Chi Yang slipped her phone back into her pocket and continued toward the inner hall.

She caught the scattered murmurs of people around her:

“Isn’t that Chi Yang?”

“What’s she doing here? Some kind of event?”

“Maybe Chi Qing brought her along? But I don’t see Chi Qing anywhere.”

“Could’ve been someone else. I heard the Chi family was considering a marriage alliance with the Mo family.”

“No way, I heard it was with the Bai family. Didn’t they say that land in the east of the city was developed with Bai Zhi’s cooperation?”

…

Chi Yang ignored the gossip, scanning the crowd for Yin Shuang. At the corner, she spotted a woman in a pale yellow evening gown, her face nearly identical to the photo she’d seen, laughing and chatting with the people around her.

Chi Yang checked her phone again to confirm, then walked straight over.

“Hello, are you Ms. Yin Shuang?”

Yin Shuang turned, blinking curiously. “And you are…?”

“Chi Yang. You may know my sister, Chi Qing.”

Recognition lit Yin Shuang’s eyes. “She didn’t come?”

“She’s unwell.” Chi Yang gestured toward the quiet corner. “Ms. Yin, could we talk privately?”

“Of course.” Yin Shuang set her glass aside and followed Chi Yang.

Once they reached a secluded spot, Chi Yang got straight to the point: “My sister may have mentioned—we’d like to purchase the shares in your hands.”

“So direct?” Yin Shuang gave a lilting laugh, turning her wrist lazily. “I thought Miss Chi might want to exchange a little small talk first.”

Chi Yang allowed a faint chuckle. “If you’re willing to sell, Ms. Yin, I can talk about anything you like.”

“How polite.” Yin Shuang’s gaze dropped to the glass in Chi Yang’s hand. Her eyes darkened, then she teased, “Could I have a taste of your wine?”

Chi Yang’s grip tightened. “I’ve already drunk from this glass. I’ll get you a fresh one.”

“I want this one.” Yin Shuang licked her lips. “Can’t I?”

Chi Yang clenched her teeth, then handed it over. “Of course.”

Yin Shuang deliberately turned the glass and sipped from the side marked with Chi Yang’s lipstick, then slid it back across.

Chi Yang’s fingers curled into a fist as she forced down her displeasure. “We’re prepared to double our offer, Ms. Yin. As an illegitimate daughter, you’re not eligible to inherit Minghe. What we’re offering is worth generations of profit to any ordinary company—far above market price. No one will offer higher.”

“This is a win-win,” she added flatly.

Yin Shuang smiled. “Quite the way to seek a win-win, Miss Chi—by reminding me I’m illegitimate.”

Blunt but balanced. Chi Yang saw no point in hiding what they both already knew.

“Or if you have a figure in mind,” she said evenly, “you can put it on the table.”

“Miss Chi, you’re really very beautiful,” Yin Shuang suddenly remarked.

Chi Yang blinked. “That has nothing to do with today’s negotiation.”

“I’ve never seen anyone this stunning,” Yin Shuang praised openly. “You’re like a doll in a luxury display case—rare, priceless.”

“I’m an Alpha,” Chi Yang said coldly.

Leaning against the wall, Yin Shuang gave a soft sigh. “If you’d spend one night with me, I’d hand over the shares for free.”

Chi Yang frowned sharply, voice hard. “I have a girlfriend—and I love her very much.”

“So what? Just a girlfriend. I believe in open relationships. I’d make you happy.”

“I will never sleep with anyone except her.” Chi Yang stepped back defensively. “Can we return to the matter of shares now?”

“What a pity.” Yin Shuang pouted, then added, “Besides, I’ve already sold them.”

Chi Yang’s eyes widened. “Sold? To who?”

“Me.”

The familiar voice came from behind.

Yin Shuang’s lips curved as she turned. “Baby, long time no see.”

Chi Yang spun around. On the staircase landing stood Mo Tian.

Yin Shuang crossed over, kissed her on the cheek, then glanced back with a smile. “Let me introduce you. This is my ex from abroad—Mo Tian. And this,” she gestured lightly, “is my little niece, Chi Yang.”

Mo Tian’s lips quirked. “We know each other very well.”

“You do have excellent taste,” Yin Shuang said, patting Mo Tian’s shoulder. “I’ll let you two catch up.”

Chi Yang’s gaze went icy. Without a word, she turned to leave, her nails piercing through her gloves into her palms.

So it had all been a game.

Revulsion twisted in her chest. She wanted nothing more than to tear Mo Tian apart. Even slapping her across the face, like Qiao Lu once did, would’ve felt satisfying.

But she forced herself to leave.

Just as she reached the door, Mo Tian grabbed her wrist.

“Let go!” Chi Yang snarled.

Mo Tian chuckled lowly. “Let’s talk.”

“We’ll talk right here.” Chi Yang jerked free, her voice sharp.

“About the shares—you don’t want somewhere private?”

“If you keep pestering me, I’ll call the police.” She pushed the door open, only to be shoved back inside.

Mo Tian lifted her hands in a mock surrender. “Relax. I won’t touch you. Just a transaction.”

When Chi Yang stayed still, she added, “Then I’ll just give the shares to Chi Ran.”

Chi Yang’s voice cut cold. “Would you really?”

“She’s been relentless, shoving her daughter into my bed. As much as I despise the girl…” Mo Tian stepped back with a smirk. “I can admire the persistence. And honestly, I don’t care about the money. What matters is making you sick to your stomach.”

Thinking of Chi Qing lying weak in a hospital bed, Chi Yang gritted her teeth. “Where do you want to talk?”

“Upstairs.”

“I’m not going into any room with you.”

“Fine. The hallway will do. If I’d ever meant to force you, I wouldn’t have waited until now.”

Chi Yang followed reluctantly.

On the second-floor corridor, Mo Tian dismissed the passing staff until it was empty.

“What will it take for you to give me the shares?” Chi Yang demanded before she could speak. “I’ll only accept a purchase.”

Mo Tian leaned against the wall opposite, tilting her head as her gaze locked on Chi Yang.

“Marry me.”

Chi Yang’s brows drew together. “Are you insane?”

“Chi Qing’s already coughing blood. Can you bear it?” Mo Tian crossed her arms. “Would you abandon your family for Pei Jiuyao?”

“Chi Yang, we’re the same. Pawns of our families, living only to please our elders.”

“We’re nothing alike. And you don’t even like me.” Chi Yang’s stare was cutting. “You just can’t stand that you never had me.”

“You’re right.” Mo Tian lifted a brow without denial. “But I also know you’ve differentiated into an Omega.”

“You—”

She cut her off. “Truthfully, I’m not that interested anymore. But I told you, we’re both pawns. They want me to marry Bai Zhi. I refuse. So let’s strike a deal—you marry me, and I’ll give you the shares.”

Chi Yang’s eyes turned glacial. “Why me?”

“Because misery loves company.” Mo Tian gave a low laugh. “Why should I have to endure a perfect match with Bai Zhi, let her mark me, when I’m an Alpha? I want someone to suffer with me. And you’re the only one I can stomach tormenting.”

“I’ll only ever marry Pei Jiuyao.” Chi Yang suddenly found the absurdity almost laughable. “Everything that’s happened to you, Mo Tian—you brought it on yourself.”

She turned to leave, but Mo Tian yanked her back, slamming her against the wall.

“Let go!” Chi Yang shouted, kicking her hard.

Mo Tian hissed softly, then murmured, “Think it over. Chi Qing doesn’t have time.”

“Never,” Chi Yang bit out each word.

“Then engagement, at least.”

“In your dreams.”

“You’re stubborn,” Mo Tian released her at last. “But you’ll agree. For Chi Qing, you will.”

She leaned in close, whispering by her ear. “You want the shares. I want freedom from Bai Zhi. Between us, it’s nothing but a deal.”

Chi Yang slapped her across the face.

A small relief. She thought. Another slap would feel even better.

But Mo Tian only lowered her head and laughed. “To show my sincerity—I’ll release Pei Jiuyao from Tianji. With those lawsuits hanging over her, how else will our poor Chi beauty help her sister secure the family seat?”

She seized Chi Yang’s hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Happy cooperation.”

When Mo Tian finally left, Chi Yang tore off her gloves and hurled them to the floor, kicking the wall with fury.

She stumbled into the washroom, scrubbing her hand under cold water until the skin turned raw and bloody.

Lifting her head, she met the reflection of her own eyes—red, sharp, seething.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Chi Qing: 【Did you secure the deal?】

Chi Yang steadied her breath and replied: 【Still negotiating. She’s asking too much.】

Chi Qing: 【No rush. Just keep her under control. We can take our time.】

Chi Yang shut her phone, staring hard at her reflection as her fingers slowly curled into a fist.

Ding-ling-ling—

The ringtone cut through her thoughts.

Chi Yang glanced down. The caller ID read: My Puppy. Instantly, her expression softened.

“Hello?” she answered gently.

“Sugar mommy, why aren’t you home yet?” Pei Jiuyao pouted. It was already 10 p.m.

She’d promised to come back and keep her company. Hmph. Liar.

“I’m on my way now,” Chi Yang said softly.

Pei Jiuyao, thinking she wouldn’t come at all, brightened with joy. “Really? Then hurry! No—don’t hurry. Drive safe…”

Chi Yang smiled. “Mm. But give me a kiss first.”

“Muah, muah, muah, muah, muah!” Pei Jiuyao blew a string of kisses before grumbling sweetly, “When you get back, I’m gonna kiss you to death.”

Chi Yang’s gaze melted. “Alright then. Kiss me to death.”