After Transmigrating into a Ridiculous Alpha, I Saved My Aloof Omega Wife - Chapter 38

Song Wu was stunned by Jiang Muyan’s response. Before he could react, Jiang Muyan frowned and said, “You don’t know how to peel apples either? Never mind, I’ll do it myself. Why don’t any of you know how to do anything?”

With that, Jiang Muyan personally started peeling an apple for Cheng Jianli. As she worked, she said, “Teacher Cheng, this apple is especially sweet. It was a gift from one of my dad’s friends.”

Cheng Jianli thought for a moment and said, “Would you like one too? I can peel one for you.”

“How could I impose?” Jiang Muyan replied with a hint of shyness. “But if you insist, then please peel one for me.”

Cheng Jianli: “…”

She deliberately picked out the biggest, reddest apple for Jiang Muyan. After peeling it, she handed it over. “Here, eat it quickly before it oxidizes.”

Seeing the two getting along so well while he couldn’t even get a word in, Song Wu could only turn away dejectedly and head to the kitchen to find Song Wen.

Song Wen had been gone for ten minutes just to fetch water. When Song Wu went to check, he found Song Wen had been stopped by Uncle Liu to help with something. Holding an elaborate decoration for tonight’s table setting, Song Wen asked, “What’s going on? What’s the relationship between Jiang Muyan and that Teacher Cheng?”

Song Wu said resentfully, “I don’t know. With her around, Jiang Muyan won’t even talk to us.”

Song Wen kicked the floor in frustration. “Did you hear what Jiang Muyan said earlier? Do you think she’s doing it on purpose?”

Song Wu shook his head. “Probably not.”

Song Wen was exasperated. “How did this happen? Everyone says Jiang Muyan is naive and easy to fool, but today we couldn’t even get two words in with her. How are we supposed to get Dad’s company to cooperate with the Jiang Group like this?”

Song Wu tried to reassure him. “It’s only the first day. It’s natural for Jiang Muyan to be wary of us. Don’t be so impatient, brother.”

…

Meanwhile, the two in the living room were blissfully unaware of the Song brothers’ frustrations.

Jiang Muyan was happily eating her apple when her phone suddenly rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and saw it was Xu Yinghe calling, which struck her as odd.

It was almost dinnertime, why would Xu Yinghe be calling now?

Jiang Muyan said to Cheng Jianli, “I need to take this call.”

Cheng Jianli nodded slightly.

When Jiang Muyan answered, she heard Xu Yinghe’s voice: “Jiang Muyan.”

Still munching on her apple, Jiang Muyan cheerfully asked, “What’s up?”

Xu Yinghe said, “I’m playing Truth or Dare. Can you come help me out?”

Jiang Muyan paused. “Help with what?”

The background noise from Xu Yinghe’s end was loud, as if she were in a bar or karaoke. Xu Yinghe explained, “I lost the game and have to drink thirty shots. I can’t handle it.”

Jiang Muyan’s eyes widened. “Why are you playing such a risky game? Don’t actually get drunk, just tell them you don’t want to drink.”

Xu Yinghe’s voice remained calm and gentle. “I did, but they insisted I find someone to help. I remember you outdrank Tang Yu last time, so your alcohol tolerance should be decent, right?”

Jiang Muyan hesitated. “I can handle it, but…” She glanced furtively at Cheng Jianli. “Uh, hold on a second.”

Covering the phone, she said, “Teacher Cheng, someone’s asking me to go drinking.”

Cheng Jianli frowned slightly. “Drinking? Who?”

“Xu Yinghe,” Jiang Muyan explained. “She lost a game and now has to drink thirty shots.”

Cheng Jianli asked calmly, “Do you want to go help her drink?”

Jiang Muyan said, “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you.”

Cheng Jianli asked, “What’s your relationship with her?”

Though Cheng Jianli’s expression remained calm, Jiang Muyan detected a hint of coldness in her tone. She answered honestly, “We’re friends.”

“You haven’t finished the homework I assigned you today,” Cheng Jianli said. “And to be honest, I don’t really like this friend of yours.”

“Don’t like her?” Jiang Muyan was taken aback. “Why?”

Cheng Jianli usually avoided speaking ill of others behind their backs, but since Jiang Muyan had brought it up, she had no choice but to explain, “I’m not sure, but she gives me the impression that she looks down on everyone except you.”

Xu Yinghe looked down on others?

Jiang Muyan only knew that Xu Yinghe generally avoided interacting with students from poorer backgrounds, but she hadn’t noticed any outright disdain.

Surprised, Jiang Muyan scratched her head. “Really?”

Cheng Jianli replied, “A little. But students from well-off families do have the right to be proud. It’s fine if you like being friends with her.”

After thinking for two seconds, Jiang Muyan muttered, “Then I won’t go help her drink.”

Cheng Jianli asked, “Why not?”

Jiang Muyan said nervously, “Because I feel like you’re unhappy.”

A faint displeasure had indeed flickered in Cheng Jianli’s heart, but it quickly faded. “I’m not unhappy. Do whatever you like. I get the sense you really enjoy hanging out with your friends.”

“That’s true, but if I had a partner, I’d always put them first,” Jiang Muyan said quietly. “Besides, thirty drinks is way too much. What if it’s hard liquor? I’d probably throw up.”

Cheng Jianli smiled faintly, paused for a moment, and then said, “How about I go with you?”

“Huh?” Jiang Muyan was momentarily stunned by Cheng Jianli’s rare smile. When she finally processed what Cheng Jianli had said, she exclaimed excitedly, “Teacher Cheng, you’ll come with me?”

Cheng Jianli nodded. “It’s Friday, and you’ve already finished all your schoolwork.”

“Besides,” she added, “you haven’t gone out since you recovered. Consider it a break.”

Jiang Muyan’s emotions were always written on her face. She beamed and said, “Then I’ll tell Xu Yinghe I’m bringing someone else.”

Cheng Jianli watched quietly as Jiang Muyan called Xu Yinghe back.

For some reason, she wanted to be part of Jiang Muyan’s life.

Just like how Jiang Muyan had boldly inserted herself into hers.

It had added color to Cheng Jianli’s otherwise dull, monotonous, and rigid life, colors that Jiang Muyan had brought.

After finishing the call with Xu Yinghe, Jiang Muyan hung up. “Same bar as last time. I won’t ask Uncle Liu to drive us; let’s just take a taxi.”

Cheng Jianli reminded her, “Don’t drink too much later, or you’ll cause trouble again.”

Jiang Muyan knew exactly what Cheng Jianli meant by “trouble” she hadn’t forgotten how she’d drunkenly threatened to drag Cheng Jianli into the bathtub and strip her last time.

So she promised, “I definitely won’t say anything about stripping you this time, Teacher Cheng. Don’t worry.”

Cheng Jianli: “…”

After a long silence, Cheng Jianli said, “I’ve noticed you have a habit of saying things that embarrass others while pretending you don’t realize it.”

“Awkward?” Jiang Muyan instantly looked puzzled and hurt upon hearing this. She exclaimed loudly, “I wasn’t at all!”

“Only you think that way,” Cheng Jianli stood up. “You should thank your dad for not getting beaten up all these years.”

Jiang Muyan: “? Why?”

Cheng Jianli said expressionlessly, “Thank your dad for being rich enough that no one dares to hit you.”

When Jiang Muyan told Uncle Liu she wouldn’t be home for dinner and was going out, Uncle Liu looked worried and said, “Miss, dinner is almost ready at home, and you haven’t eaten anything yet.”

Jiang Muyan replied, “No, Teacher Cheng just peeled me a big apple earlier. I’m full now.”

Cheng Jianli: “…”

Uncle Liu said, “The two young masters from the Song family are still here. Don’t you want to chat with them?”

Jiang Muyan looked confused and baffled: “What’s there to chat about? I don’t even remember their names.”

Uncle Liu said, “One is Song Wen, the other is Song Wu.”

Jiang Muyan replied, “But they can’t even toss a salad properly. How can grown men be so useless at basic tasks? Uncle Liu, please spare me.”

Uncle Liu gave up: “Then when will you and Teacher Cheng be back? I’ll come pick you up.”

Jiang Muyan waved her phone: “I’ll call you,” then added mysteriously, “Oh, and don’t tell the ‘sunflower seed oils’ I left. I really can’t stand hearing them call me ‘Muyan’ anymore, it gives me goosebumps.”

Uncle Liu was amused by Jiang Muyan’s nickname “sunflower seed oils” but suppressed his laughter: “Understood, Miss. Just call me early.”

Jiang Muyan grabbed her jacket and left with Cheng Jianli.

The wind outside was chilly as they took a cab to the bar.

Cheng Jianli remembered this bar, it was where Luo Jiajia and the others had celebrated their birthday last time.

Gazing out the window, Jiang Muyan asked, “Teacher Cheng, can you drink?”

“Me?” Cheng Jianli turned to her. “Do you think I can?”

Before transmigrating into this novel, Jiang Muyan knew her wife never touched alcohol.

So Jiang Muyan said sheepishly, “I don’t think so.”

Cheng Jianli: “Hmm.”

Hearing this, Jiang Muyan added, “Then don’t drink at the bar. First-time drinkers get drunk easily.”

Cheng Jianli raised a brow slightly: “Do you drink often?”

Jiang Muyan replied, “Occasionally. But I have a high tolerance, so I’m not worried.”

Cheng Jianli gave another “Hmm,” then casually asked, “Who do you usually drink with?”

Jiang Muyan found the question a bit odd. She wasn’t sure why Cheng Jianli would ask, but answered honestly, “Just friends. Since they drink a lot, if I weren’t good at it, I’d be the one passing out every time. That’d be embarrassing.”

Cheng Jianli thought for a moment: “What if your future partner forbids you from drinking?”

Jiang Muyan said, “Then I won’t drink.”

Cheng Jianli: “? Just like that?”

Jiang Muyan nodded: “Of course. I’m super obedient.”

Cheng Jianli couldn’t help asking, “I’m curious, what was your first love like?”

Jiang Muyan froze, completely baffled: “First love?”

Cheng Jianli said, “Last week in the infirmary, I asked if you’d ever been in a relationship. You hesitated and couldn’t give a straight answer, even claiming you’d dated in your dreams. That’s when I knew you must have had a first love.”

Jiang Muyan’s expression twisted with discomfort. She let out an “Ah…” and pouted, “Well… how could I not have?”

Cheng Jianli: “…”

Cheng Jianli fell silent. Seeing her wife’s expression turn frosty, Jiang Muyan scratched her head and admitted, “Okay, fine. I’ve actually never been in a relationship. I was lying just now.”

Since both she and her wife had transmigrated into this novel, she figured they should treat it as a fresh start. After all, only she remembered their past now. If she claimed to have dating experience, wouldn’t that be unfair to Cheng Jianli?

Jiang Muyan thought she was being considerate, but Cheng Jianli remained silent.

An inexplicable unease crept into Jiang Muyan’s heart.

Oh no, that cold expression again! She was terrified!!!

Desperate, Jiang Muyan asked, “Don’t you believe me?”

Cheng Jianli turned her head. “I do believe you. I just sometimes can’t tell when you’re joking or being serious.”

“Of course I’m serious!” Jiang Muyan said urgently. “I was afraid dating would pollute my mind and affect my studies! Only learning can dominate my spirit and body!”

Cheng Jianli: “…”

That was completely unnecessary.

Jiang Muyan mumbled further, “Anyway, I won’t date anyone, at least not in high school…”

Cheng Jianli gave an “Oh” and smiled faintly. “I thought you were worried I’d misunderstand, which is why you explained so anxiously.”

Jiang Muyan blurted, “I was worried you’d misunderstand!”

Cheng Jianli: “Misunderstand what?”

Jiang Muyan pouted pitifully. “Misunderstand that I’m not focusing on my studies and just thinking about nonsense all day.”

Cheng Jianli: “…”

Cheng Jianli couldn’t help thinking that if Jiang Muyan had ever actually dated someone with her emotional intelligence, that person must have been a living bodhisattva.

Her face turned cold again. “You really should focus on your studies. Maybe we should have the driver turn around so you can memorize more English vocabulary.”

Jiang Muyan immediately shut her mouth.

She definitely didn’t want to go back and memorize words.

After about twenty minutes, the taxi arrived at the bar. As they got out, Jiang Muyan remembered her father was one of the investors here. Not wanting to be recognized, she tried to act casual but the manager spotted her immediately.

The manager approached with ice water. “Huh? Young Miss is here? Another birthday party for classmates?”

Jiang Muyan awkwardly replied, “No, just hanging out.”

She hadn’t told her father about coming to the bar today. Plus, she’d left those two bottles of sunflower seed oil at home. If Jiang Huai found out, he’d probably scold her for being a bad host.

“Oh, I have classmates in this private room,” Jiang Muyan said, showing the manager the text on her phone. “Could you take us there?”

Seeing it was the most expensive VIP room, the manager nodded. “Of course, follow me.”

The deeper they went into the corridor, the dimmer the red, green, and blue lights became. Last time when Jiang Muyan got drunk here, Cheng Jianli had gone through great trouble to find her.

Their destination was at the very end of the hallway. After thanking the manager, Jiang Muyan knocked and pushed the door open.

The moment they stepped inside, the deafening noise assaulted their ears.

The room was essentially divided into two factions, one group wailing out songs like ghosts and wolves, while the other recklessly downed alcohol. Xu Yinghe sat at the drinking table, her slightly curled long hair cascading down, her lips painted in an orange-toned lipstick. Next to her was Tang Yu, and as for the person seated deepest inside, Jiang Muyan couldn’t quite make out who it was.

“The young miss is here!” Tang Yu cheered. “Now I have someone to drink with, Xu Yinghe, you’re no fun. ”

Jiang Muyan first found a seat for Cheng Jianli and said, “Teacher Cheng, if you don’t like it here, I can take you back anytime.”

Cheng Jianli really didn’t like this place. It was too noisy, and everyone here was a stranger to her. But seeing Jiang Muyan’s friends gathered here, she replied, “It’s fine. Go enjoy yourself.”

Jiang Muyan chuckled and grabbed a bowl of popcorn from the table. “Then I’ll go join them. Here, have some popcorn.”

Cheng Jianli: “Mm.”

Unbeknownst to them, this entire scene was witnessed by the girls singing. One of them, holding a microphone, whispered excitedly, “Wait, who are those two? Are they Jiang Muyan and Cheng Jianli?!”

“No way, seriously? I come to a bar and run into my OTP?!”

“It’s really them, Jiang Muyan and Cheng Jianli!” The girl’s voice trembled with excitement. “Ahhh, quick, post about it! Why are they at a bar together so late at night?!”

“Holy crap, did you see how gently the young miss crouched down to talk to Teacher Cheng just now?!” A short-haired girl rapidly typed on her phone. “Sisters, we’ve got fresh content!!!”

Soon, a post titled [Yan-Li CP Spotted at a Bar Late at Night, Who’s Dying from the Feels?] exploded on Hongchuan Seventh High’s forum, becoming a hot topic within just ten minutes.

Floor 165: “You guys are shipping them so hard, but are you sure the person in the first photo is really Cheng Jianli? I can’t imagine the class monitor from Class 2 coming to a bar.”

Floor 166: “Reply to above: That’s exactly why it’s so good! The fact that someone who’d never step foot in a bar came here for the young miss that contrast is everything! Teacher Cheng, you’re spoiling her too much!”

Floor 167: “Any fanfic writers ready to cook up a story for tonight’s scenario? Like, what if Teacher Cheng gets drunk and the young miss does all sorts of things to her~”

Floor 168: “I want to see that!!!”

Floor 169: “Same here! Authors, please start writing.”

Floor 170: “But what if the young miss doesn’t let Teacher Cheng drink? Can someone at the scene livestream updates? I’m dying to know, panting.”

Floor 171: “Two hundred cameras are trained on them. We’re ready.”

Floor 172: “I’m skipping homework just to ship them. Yuri is just too good squee!”

Floor 173: “Let me dream for a sec will we get to see the young miss ‘stir-frying’ Teacher Cheng tonight?”

Floor 174: “Reply to above: Your dream is excellent. Mind if I join in?”

…

Meanwhile, Jiang Muyan was telling her friends, “I brought someone along to hang out, so none of you better mess with her.” Her long lashes fluttered as her faintly pink lips parted. “Or I’ll get mad.”

“Young miss, who’d dare bully someone you brought?” Another guy laughed awkwardly. “Anyway, Xu Yinghe’s been waiting for you to help her drink. The girl next to her already downed twenty cups for her and can’t take anymore.”

The girl next to her?

Jiang Muyan blinked in confusion upon hearing this, finally noticing the girl with shoulder-length hair sitting in the innermost corner.

The girl appeared drowsy, her neck flushed red, with inexplicable rashes breaking out on her face.

The red patches were barely visible under the dim lighting, requiring a closer look to spot them.

After studying her for a moment, Jiang Muyan exclaimed, “You Xia?”

Cheng Jianli was also drawn by the voice. By the time she turned to look, Xu Yinghe had already stood up. “Jiang Muyan, do you want to help me drink?”

Jiang Muyan was momentarily stunned. “I could, but doesn’t she seem a bit off?”

With that, Jiang Muyan walked over and called out to Cheng Jianli, “Teacher Cheng, come check if she’s having an alcohol allergy?”

Frowning, Cheng Jianli followed. She looked down to see You Xia barely conscious, her fingers limp, the rashes on her face varying in intensity, clearly resembling an allergic reaction.

The boy from earlier had said she drank twenty cups.

Cheng Jianli asked softly, “Have you ever had alcohol before?”

Hearing the calm voice, You Xia hazily opened her eyes and finally recognized Cheng Jianli before shaking her head weakly.

“That must be it. She needs to go to the hospital immediately,” Cheng Jianli said, glancing up at Xu Yinghe, who stood frozen, seemingly unaware of You Xia’s condition. Her expression was one of shock, with a trace of panic in her eyes.

Xu Yinghe quickly pulled out her phone and called her family driver.

Jiang Muyan stood up angrily and confronted Tang Yu. “Why didn’t anyone notice she was allergic? Alcohol allergies can lead to shock!”

Tang Yu grew nervous. “I had no idea! She never said it was her first time drinking. Earlier, Xu Yinghe lost a truth-or-dare game and had to drink thirty cups, and then this girl suddenly came in insisting on drinking for her, we couldn’t even stop her!” He looked miserable. “Miss Jiang, you can’t blame me for this!”

The moment the word “alcohol allergy” was mentioned, the entire private room erupted in concern, everyone crowding around. Within seconds, You Xia was escorted to the hospital by Xu Yinghe’s family driver, accompanied by two classmates.

The two classmates looked tense and flustered, the girl holding a thermos, the boy carrying You Xia’s school jacket and backpack.

As the three got into Xu Yinghe’s car, the girl asked the boy, “How did no one notice she wasn’t okay? Ugh, we were too caught up in the fun!”

“Yeah, and she was so quiet,” the boy said, hastily pouring water for You Xia. “Here, drink some water.”

Fortunately, You Xia’s allergy wasn’t severe, and she was now much more alert. Accepting the water, she murmured, “Thank you. It’s my fault, if I hadn’t insisted on drinking, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“Don’t blame yourself. We shouldn’t have let you drink. We’re sorry,” the girl said apologetically. “I’ll cover the medical expenses, don’t worry about it.”

Back in the private room, the mood had soured. Everyone fell into an uneasy silence after seeing You Xia off.

Jiang Muyan pulled Xu Yinghe outside and demanded, “Xu Yinghe, what were you thinking?”

Xu Yinghe looked baffled. “What did I do?”

Jiang Muyan pressed, “Why did you let You Xia drink for you?”

“I didn’t know she was allergic to alcohol,” Xu Yinghe said. “And as you heard Tang Yu say, she insisted on drinking for me. I couldn’t stop her at the time…”

Jiang Muyan replied, “But even so, she developed rashes on her face. She must have been feeling terrible.”

Xu Yinghe explained, “She didn’t say anything. The lighting in the private room was too dim for me to notice.”

Jiang Muyan fell silent, opening and closing her mouth several times before finally asking, “Wait, how well do you actually know her?”

Xu Yinghe turned away irritably. “Not well at all.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Cheng Jianli stepped out of the private room and said to Jiang Muyan, “Tang Yu just got word that You Xia was sent to the emergency room, but she’s fine. They told us not to worry.”

Cheng Jianli and Xu Yinghe briefly locked eyes before Xu averted her gaze.

Jiang Muyan said, “Make sure you visit her at the hospital.”

After all, she had met You Xia a few times and considered her a friend. Besides, Jiang Muyan had always been warmhearted.

Xu Yinghe responded with a quiet “Mm,” adding, “I’ll go later.”

Hearing this, Jiang Muyan felt relieved but then added, “The gathering will probably end early tonight. Teacher Cheng and I should head back.”

Xu Yinghe met Jiang Muyan’s gaze evenly. “Should I call another driver for you?”

“No need,” Jiang Muyan replied. “Uncle Liu will pick me up. Let Tang Yu and the others know.”

The two turned to leave. Xu Yinghe watched them for a long moment before finally reentering the private room.

Both Jiang Muyan and Cheng Jianli were too worried about You Xia to stay at the bar any longer. Standing outside, the chilly night wind quickly made their thinly clad arms feel cold.

Just as Jiang Muyan was about to call Uncle Liu, Cheng Jianli suggested, “Let’s walk for a bit.”

Jiang Muyan blinked in surprise. “Teacher Cheng, you want to take a stroll?”

“Didn’t I come out today to accompany you, only for things to fall through?” Cheng Jianli said. “Walking will help keep us warm.”

The gloom from earlier in the bar instantly dissipated. Jiang Muyan was always happy just being with Cheng Jianli. “Great! Let’s walk together!” she exclaimed, immediately breaking into a jog on the spot.

Cheng Jianli: “…?”

“What are you doing?” she asked.

Jiang Muyan grinned. “Jogging in place! This way, I won’t feel cold.”

Cheng Jianli: “…”

Without a word, she started walking ahead. Jiang Muyan hurried after her. “Teacher Cheng, why are you walking so fast?!”