Everyone Loves the Alpha, But He’s Not Interested [Transmigration] - Chapter 87
The fair fingertip slipped from her red lips. The ketchup was gone, replaced by a slight sheen of moisture.
Yu Qingxue pulled out a tissue to wipe her finger clean, then looked at the phone camera.
“What were you saying just now?”
Ning Xi’s throat felt a little dry. She took a sip of water before replying.
“I said you don’t need to rush your meals. We can video chat anytime. It doesn’t have to be exactly at six.”
Yu Qingxue rested her chin on her hand and said softly,
“Okay.”
It was obvious she hadn’t really listened.
“Did you get food?” she asked. “Hurry and eat.”
Ning Xi said,
“I’m not in a rush to eat. I have something I want to tell you.”
Her words reminded Yu Qingxue of something. She sat up straight and folded her arms on the desk in front of her.
“I have something to tell you too.”
“I’ll go first. You can eat while listening.”
Ning Xi knew Yu Qingxue was only worried she’d go hungry. With a soft smile in her eyes, she said,
“Alright. I’ll listen to you.”
Yu Qingxue checked Ning Xi’s meal through the screen and frowned.
“Only one dish? Is that really enough nutrition?”
Ning Xi replied,
“There’s meat and vegetables in here. It’s already better than what I used to have.”
In the past, the original Ning Xi survived on plain buns and pickled vegetables. This body still grew tall and healthy regardless.
“What did you want to tell me?” Ning Xi asked.
Yu Qingxue answered,
“Our company is investing in a dating variety show. I wanted to ask if you’re interested in joining.”
“At first, I thought staying single would help you attract more fans since you’re new to the industry. But after talking with Fang Huailian, he said making our relationship public would actually benefit your career. It would make it easier to get resources. He suggested we join the dating show together, show our relationship openly in front of the entire country, and then get married naturally after the show ends. If we have good chemistry on the show, we’ll gain a huge following as a couple. What do you think?”
Ning Xi replied,
“I think it sounds good. Mr. Fang makes a lot of sense.”
Yu Qingxue said,
“I already pushed the production team to speed up the show’s progress. They’re aiming to confirm the celebrity cast by next week, finish filming before winter break, and release it during the holiday season when viewership will be higher.”
Ning Xi smiled and asked,
“Then I’ll be the one chasing you on camera in front of all those people. How do you feel about that?”
Yu Qingxue leaned on her hands.
“I’m a little afraid I won’t be able to hold back.”
“Hold back from what?”
“From being too affectionate with you. If I act too close, it’ll be obvious.” She thought for a moment and added,
“Maybe I should write a script. We can follow the storyline. What do you think?”
Ning Xi had seen Yu Qingxue’s writing before and had no objections.
“Sounds good.”
“I’ll start working on it tomorrow.”
After finishing her meal, Ning Xi cleaned up her desk, took out the trash, and sat back down to share what was on her mind.
“I have two things to tell you. The first is about my friend, Qi Huaihuai.”
The moment she heard that name, a trace of jealousy stirred in Yu Qingxue’s heart.
Qi Huaihuai had grown up with Ning Xi in the same orphanage. They went to elementary school, middle school, and high school together, and even got into the same university. Qi Huaihuai had been part of almost every chapter in Ning Xi’s life.
What concerned Yu Qingxue most was that Qi Huaihuai had differentiated as an Omega.
Yu Qingxue didn’t care about the other Omegas who liked Ning Xi, but Qi Huaihuai was different. She was too important to Ning Xi. She couldn’t ignore her.
“What about Qi Huaihuai?” Yu Qingxue asked, doing her best to keep the jealousy out of her voice.
Ning Xi said,
“I think she might have feelings for me. That’s why I want her to meet you. Once she sees we’re together, she’ll give up.”
Yu Qingxue looked at her closely and asked,
“Qi Huaihuai is kind of cute and you’ve known her for so long. Are you sure you don’t feel anything for her?”
Ning Xi responded with a smile,
“Do you really think I could be interested in anyone else after being with you?”
Yu Qingxue’s lips curved gently.
“No, I don’t.”
Ning Xi chuckled.
“Then why ask?”
“Qi Huaihuai might act a little fake-sweet, but she’s not a bad person. Once she knows you’re my girlfriend, I’m sure she’ll move on.”
Yu Qingxue asked,
“Should I help her find an Alpha? I know plenty. Rich second-generation types, elite professionals, celebrities, directors, producers. Does she prefer male or female Alphas? What kind of partner is she looking for?”
Ning Xi thought back to a section of the novel where the author had described Qi Huaihuai’s inner thoughts and her ideal partner.
“She only has one requirement,” Ning Xi said. “Money. But I think it would be better if they’re also loyal and don’t mind her personality being a bit fake-sweet.”
Yu Qingxue replied,
“No problem. My friends are all loyal and have good character. Some people even like those cute, clingy types. I’ll call a few of them later.”
“Great. I’ll book a restaurant. Are you free tomorrow at noon?” Ning Xi asked.
“I am. Send me the address once you’ve booked it,” Yu Qingxue replied.
“You said there were two things. That was the first. What’s the second?” she asked.
Ning Xi said, “This afternoon, Li Shuru gave me a printed copy of her notes from the past two months. I don’t want to owe her a favor, so I was hoping to give her one of your signed photos in return.”
“That’s easy. I’ll bring it with me to lunch tomorrow.”
Earlier, Yu Qingxue had been worried that some flirtatious Omega at school might seduce Ning Xi. But now, seeing how Ning Xi took the initiative to keep her distance from others, avoid any debts of gratitude, and even wanted to formally introduce her to Qi Huaihuai to put an end to that ambiguity, Yu Qingxue felt completely reassured and very satisfied.
The next morning at eleven o’clock, Ning Xi messaged Qi Huaihuai and told her to get ready.
The two of them agreed to meet at the bus stop just outside the school gate. Ning Xi arrived a little early, and a few minutes later, Qi Huaihuai finally came walking out from campus.
She wore a pure white dress with a red cape-style coat draped over it. Her legs were covered with nude tights, and she had on small leather boots. With her cute appearance and eye-catching outfit, she drew plenty of attention as she walked.
“Ning Xi!” Qi Huaihuai called out, running up to her. Her fair face glowed as her big eyes sparkled, and her long lashes fluttered like tiny fans. She smiled with her lips pressed together, looking irresistibly adorable.
Ning Xi hadn’t yet told Qi Huaihuai about the matchmaking arrangement. She hadn’t expected Qi Huaihuai to dress up so formally.
“Why are you dressed so beautifully today?” Ning Xi asked.
Qi Huaihuai touched her cheeks shyly. “You think so? I did it for you, of course. You’re introducing me to your actor friend, and I didn’t want to embarrass you.”
She then asked casually, as if it were an afterthought, “Your friend is also an Alpha, right?”
Ning Xi nodded. “Yes.”
Qi Huaihuai’s eyes lit up. She raised her hand and quickly hailed a taxi.
“Let’s get going. We shouldn’t keep your friend waiting.”
Ning Xi took the front passenger seat, while Qi Huaihuai sat in the back.
Along the way, Ning Xi glanced at the rearview mirror and saw Qi Huaihuai take out a compact mirror from her bag. She kept checking her hair and touching up her lipstick. Her pale face had turned a soft pink. She looked both nervous and excited.
Ning Xi lowered her gaze and sent a message to Yu Qingxue.
Ning Xi: Are you there yet?
Yu Qingxue: Yes, we’re here.
Ning Xi: We’ll arrive in five minutes.
Yu Qingxue: Okay.
When they arrived at the restaurant Ning Xi had reserved, Qi Huaihuai walked beside her with her head held high and her posture straight, trying to appear graceful and calm.
A server led them to a private dining room. Outside the door, the server knocked, then opened it and welcomed them in.
Qi Huaihuai straightened up even more. Her posture stiffened slightly.
Ning Xi leaned toward her and said quietly, “No need to be nervous.”
Qi Huaihuai took a deep breath. “Okay.”
They entered the room and walked past a wooden screen. Behind it, Yu Qingxue and a strong-featured male Alpha were sitting at a long wooden table, chatting.
Hearing footsteps, both of them looked over.
Yu Qingxue’s eyes lit up when she saw Ning Xi.
The male Alpha across from her, however, turned his attention to Qi Huaihuai.
Ning Xi stepped up to the table. Both Yu Qingxue and the Alpha stood up.
Ning Xi extended her hand toward the man. “Hello. I’m Ning Xi.”
“Zhao Duo,” he replied.
After shaking her hand, Zhao Duo looked toward Qi Huaihuai standing just behind her.
Qi Huaihuai’s fair cheeks were flushed with pink, and a shy sparkle lit up her eyes. “Hi, I’m Qi Huaihuai. I’m a friend of Ning Xi.”
Zhao Duo reached out and shook her hand.
Qi Huaihuai’s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. “I really like your films. You were amazing in all of them. I’ve seen everyone. I didn’t expect you to look even better in real life.”
Zhao Duo responded in a low voice, “Thank you. You’re very pretty too.”
Yu Qingxue smiled and said, “Let’s sit down and chat. No need to stand.”
Ning Xi sat down beside Yu Qingxue. Across the table, the only remaining seat was next to Zhao Duo. He gently took Qi Huaihuai by the hand and guided her to sit beside him.