Fake Cannon Fodder A Becomes a Sensation in Romance Variety Shows - Chapter 65

They arrived earlier than the scheduled time.

Ye Zhuoyan had said, “Even with an appointment, we might have to wait in line for a long time. It’s better to go early.”

Who knew how many people would be handling affairs before the New Year?

At 8:30 a.m., they arrived at the entrance of the AO Marriage Bureau. Wen Huiyun circled around to the back, the VIP entrance.

The AO Marriage Bureau had both a regular entrance and a VIP entrance, the latter reserved for distinguished individuals.

Ye Zhuoyan was cautious and suggested they enter separately. She would go to the VIP lounge first, while Wen Huiyun parked the car and then joined her upstairs.

On her way, Wen Huiyun ran into a lady from a prominent family, who greeted her warmly.

Wearing sunglasses and a mask, Wen Huiyun went unrecognized, the lady didn’t follow entertainment news and had no idea who she was.

“Young lady, getting divorced at such a young age?”

“I’m here for something else. I’m about to get my marriage certificate.”

The lady immediately brightened. “Oh! Congratulations!”

Wen Huiyun nodded. “Thank you.”

She sidestepped past her.

Just as Wen Huiyun was about to press the VIP lounge doorbell, the lady approached her again and whispered, “Young lady, since you’re about to get married, have you picked out a home yet?”

No.

A second of silence passed before the lady gave her a knowing look and recommended, “Auntie knows a great place excellent design, environment, and privacy.”

The lady explained that her son had been planning to buy a home there for his engagement, but he and his girlfriend had broken up. Now, she thought it would be perfect for Wen Huiyun.

“You should go take a look when you have time.”

Inside the VIP lounge, Ye Zhuoyan was flipping through the Marriage Bureau’s promotional brochures.

“What took you so long?”

“Ran into an auntie outside. She chatted with me for a bit.”

Wen Huiyun told her about the villa the lady had recommended.

Ye Zhuoyan said, “I know that property. It really is nice. The developer is a joint venture, the domestic side is led by a prestigious architectural firm, and the foreign investor has decades of experience. The basement waterproofing is excellent.”

Her eyes sparkled as she added, “And their gardens are beautifully designed. There are flowering trees, hot springs underneath, and spacious yards, perfect for raising lots of little animals.”

Wen Huiyun’s heart softened, and the corners of her lips curled up. She knew exactly what to do.

Thinking of the desolate garden in their old house, she felt a pang of guilt for Ye Zhuoyan.

Her wife was such a gentle and beautiful omega she deserved the very best the world had to offer.

Wen Huiyun looked up the villa’s address. It wasn’t far.

She wrapped an arm around Ye Zhuoyan’s shoulder. “Let’s go take a look.”

Ye Zhuoyan blinked rapidly. “Really? It’s not just expensive, it’s crazy expensive. I can’t afford it.”

Wen Huiyun pretended to think seriously.

Ye Zhuoyan stared at her with hopeful eyes.

“That expensive, huh?” Well, Zhuoyan, guess you’ll have to sell me off.”

Wen Huiyun burst out laughing.

Ye Zhuoyan nestled into her arms and mumbled, “Then who’s going to live in our marital home with me?”

Wen Huiyun clicked her tongue. Talk about shooting herself in the foot.

The paperwork went smoothly.

By noon, a sliver of sunlight broke through the overcast sky.

They ate lunch in the car.

Ye Zhuoyan said, “Yours still tastes better.”

Wen Huiyun replied, “Alright, I’ll make you lunch every day.”

“Come to think of it, I’ll probably be the happiest person on set because my wife brings me the most delicious homemade meals.”

Wen Huiyun asked, “Can I visit you on set?”

Ye Zhuoyan laughed, her breath forming a white puff in the cold air. “I’ll get you a pass.” She leaned in closer and whispered, “Just flash your ‘Ye Zhuoyan’s wife’ ID.”

“Then I’ll have to brag about it on Weibo.”

So smug!

Wen Huiyun called to schedule a viewing for the villa.

The reception manager said they needed to book a month in advance.

But as luck would have it, a client had canceled two days prior, and with fewer people around during the New Year period, they could be accommodated after 3 PM.

Occasional little strokes of luck bring an especially fulfilling happiness.

Wen Huiyun was in a great mood even the dull, grayish little clouds didn’t seem so annoying anymore.

A white goose plushie dangled from the rearview mirror, swaying gently. The car diffuser was filled with freesia, Ye Zhuoyan’s favorite scent.

Ye Zhuoyan caught the swaying goose and gave it a little squeeze, smiling.

Beneath her on the car seat was a cushion printed with bold letters:

Wen Clan’s Official Wife.

So embarrassing.

But she loved it.

The villa they were touring was a standalone unit within a park, built around an artistic district.

The entire area had sixteen residences, each nestled in different sections of the park.

“Only three are currently available Maiden’s Peak, Old Gallery, and Listening to Springs corresponding to the forest view, art district, and hot spring bay. Which one would you like to see first?”

Wen Huiyun asked gently, “What does the head of the household think?”

Head of the household?

Ye Zhuoyan’s heartstrings trembled, her eyes softening like water.

“Me? I’d like to see Listening to Springs.”

Alright, Listening to Springs it was.

The reception manager, dressed in a sharp suit, was polite and thorough as he introduced the villa to them.

The hot spring bay’s waterways meandered, with a small bridge and dock at the entrance.

Beyond the rainbow bridge lay a sprawling garden, all belonging to the homeowner.

There was the big tree Ye Zhuoyan had mentioned, with a hot spring outlet beneath it.

The backyard could accommodate horses. The reception manager explained that the community had equestrian facilities, a golf course, an archery range and more all amenities were well-equipped.

The villa, including the basement, had four floors. The kitchen was spacious, and Wen Huiyun quite liked it.

A spiral slide wound down from a second-floor room to a small play area in the basement, leading directly to the hot spring pool.

Ye Zhuoyan paused, gazing at it for a long while.

The experienced reception manager didn’t interrupt. Only after she had looked her fill did he say, “This is the children’s room. It’s very spacious, designed with a masterful sense of adventure and fun. I’m sure your future little one will love it.”

Their little one Wen Huiyun’s chest warmed at the thought, remembering her mother’s question about when they’d have a grandchild.

Ye Zhuoyan remained expressionless, but the look in her eyes softened considerably.

She said, “I really like this children’s room.”

More than the flowering tree or the hot springs.

By the time they finished touring the villa and its facilities, the sky had darkened.

As they left, the concierge gifted them two New Year’s presents, and the reception manager added Wen Huiyun on WeChat: Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions.

On the drive back to the Ye residence, the evening breeze carried the scent of the city.

Wen Huiyun bought Ye Zhuoyan a cup of hot fruit tea.

Ye Zhuoyan cradled the warm paper cup, sipping occasionally as she watched the night scenery outside.

“Do you like Listening to Springs?”

Ye Zhuoyan leaned back in her seat, releasing the straw with a soft pop. “I like the children’s room.”

Wen Huiyun pressed her lips together. “Mm, I like it too.”

She messaged the reception manager, planning to prepare the financial verification materials for the purchase in a few days.

–

They arrived home and stepped inside.

Ye Zhuoyan announced, “We’re back.”

Ye’s mother came to greet them at the door, and Wen Huiyun handed her two large red gift boxes.

Ye’s mother smiled. “Huiyun, you’re too kind, always bringing things home.”

Wen Huiyun replied, “Oh, it’s nothing. They were complimentary from the property viewing.”

Ye’s mother paused, her eyes flickering with speculation. “Oh, property viewing.”

She returned to her husband’s side, whispering to him: Why do you think they were looking at properties.

Ye Qimeng, ever the mischievous one, bounced over excitedly: “Sister, sister-in-law, did you bring me a little souvenir after being out all day?”

The divorce arrangements hadn’t been disclosed to either family. When they left home today, Wen Huiyun had told everyone she was taking Ye Zhuoyan shopping.

Ye Zhuoyan was helping Wen Huiyun remove her hat, a little fox beanie she had knitted herself.

“Yes, your sister-in-law bought you a snack gift box.”

“Yay!! Let me see!”

Ye Qimeng dashed over to rummage through the bulging bag, pulling out a pile of cat treats. Spreading them on the sofa, she pouted, “Why are they all for cats?!”

Ye Zhuoyan pinched her still-chubby cheeks. “Because we’re thanking you for helping take care of the cats.”

Wen Huiyun smiled. “Qimeng, your sister’s teasing you. Yours is on the side table.”

Ye Qimeng tilted her head. “How strange. Before, it was always sister-in-law who treated me badly while sister doted on me. Why has it flipped now? Confess did you two swap souls or something?”

Ye Zhuoyan pinched her again. “Stop talking nonsense. You and your wild imagination.”

Wen Huiyun hung the hat by the entryway, smiling quietly.

Ye Qimeng’s voice carried across the living room: “Sister-in-law, did my sister knit that hat for you?”

“Mm.”

Ye Qimeng turned to Ye Zhuoyan. “You’re so biased! Mom, Dad, and I didn’t get anything! You weren’t like this before!”

“You silly child.”

Mrs. Ye patted her back. “Isn’t it wonderful that your sister and sister-in-law are so loving? If you’re jealous, go find yourself an alpha.”

Ye Qimeng’s face flushed crimson. Grabbing her snack box, she stomped upstairs, her voice sweet and flustered: “I’m not talking to you adults anymore!”

Seizing the moment, Mrs. Ye turned to Wen Huiyun. “Huiyun, if you have any suitable alpha friends, do introduce them to Mengmeng.”

Wen Huiyun glanced at Ye Zhuoyan.

Ye Zhuoyan said, “Mom, Mengmeng’s still young. Let her figure things out on her own.”

Wen Huiyun nodded. “I also respect Qimeng and Zhuoyan’s wishes.”

She knew Ye Zhuoyan adored her sister she didn’t want Ye Qimeng to become a bargaining chip in some transactional arrangement, nor did she want her shackled by society’s rigid alpha-omega expectations.

After the prime-time show ended, Mr. and Mrs. Ye turned off the lights and retired.

Wen Huiyun heated some milk and headed upstairs, only to find Ye Qimeng lingering outside Ye Zhuoyan’s door.

She approached softly. “Qimeng, why don’t you go in?”

Ye Qimeng startled like a deer. “Sister-in-law!”

Wen Huiyun sensed something was off. “Is this not a good place to talk?”

“No, it’s just!” Ye Qimeng hesitated.

“Let’s go inside.”

“Wait, sister-in-law.” Ye Qimeng tugged at her sleeve, her voice barely audible. “It’s just could you and my sister keep it down at night? Last night, I could hear everything when I passed by your door.”

“…”

“That’s all! I’m going to bed!” Ye Qimeng bolted.

Wen Huiyun was baffled. Nothing had happened between her and Ye Zhuoyan just some kissing and cuddling. Was it really that loud?

She didn’t mention it to Ye Zhuoyan.

Blame the Ye family’s flimsy doors and poor soundproofing.

Hmm. Another reason to buy a detached house.

＊

After two days at the Ye residence, they returned home.

Wen’s mother called to say she was busy with work and that they only needed to come back before New Year’s Eve.

Finally, a few days of alone time.

The living room and Wen Huiyun’s bedroom were decked in a stark, tomb-like black aesthetic. Though Wen Huiyun couldn’t stand it, she couldn’t be bothered to redecorate since they were moving soon. Instead, she preferred lounging in Ye Zhuoyan’s room.

She loved lying across her wife’s lap.

Ye Zhuoyan was still poring over The Omega’s Top 100 Pre-Marking Must-Dos. Wen Huiyun thought she was overthinking it things would happen naturally but she didn’t dare say so.

Ye Zhuoyan looked at her phone in surprise, “Ming actually posted on her social feed.”

“Really? What did she post?”

Cheng Xiaoming didn’t have any official accounts, just a small QQ alt and a private WeChat.

Evan’s account had already exited the stage, leaving that private WeChat eerily quiet only one financial news repost in two months, so dull you’d completely forget you’d ever added such a friend.

“She posted a picture.”

Ye Zhuoyan showed Wen Huiyun the phone.

@Cxm: 【What does it mean to receive candy?】

[Photo of candy wrapper with foreign text: Lowell Private Candy Customization.jpg]

Wen Huiyun saved the image and translated it. “It’s Italian, the logo of a custom candy company.”

“Italy? Did Yi Ning send it?”

“Seriously, sending this. I’m speechless.”

Ye Zhuoyan asked, “What’s wrong?”

Wen Huiyun recounted what happened the day they left the Love Villa, how Jiang Yining struggled to drag her suitcase, how Cheng Xiaoming dawdled behind her for a full kilometer, and how Gu Rufeng swooped in at the last moment.

“Pfft!” Ye Zhuoyan burst out laughing. “Yi Ning didn’t exactly give her candy, though. She just casually tossed her a little thing, and now someone’s overthinking it.”

Wen Huiyun didn’t get it.

Ye Zhuoyan sighed. “Yi Ning’s actions might not have any intention behind them, but Ming is genuinely hung up on a piece of candy.”

Maybe this was the only way for Cheng Xiaoming to figure out her own feelings Jiang Yining hadn’t confessed or shown any particular affection. This was just how she was: chase if you want, if not, then bye.

Cheng Xiaoming’s post had been up for a day with zero engagement. Kind of pitiful.

Wen Huiyun gave it a like and commented: 【Hang in there】

A few minutes later, her comment received another like.

Liker: @Global Photography Giona Jiang

“…”

Wen Huiyun: I feel like Ming might pass out from frustration.

Ye Zhuoyan set her phone down. “Mm, Huiyun, my eye feels a little itchy.”

“Don’t rub it. Lie down here, let me check.”

Ye Zhuoyan reclined on the chaise lounge, her eyelids slightly red and swollen at the corners.

“It’s a bit inflamed. I’ll put in some eye drops and apply ointment, hold on.”

“Okay.”

Ye Zhuoyan lay still obediently while Wen Huiyun fetched the medicine, handling her gently.

After the drops, Ye Zhuoyan closed her eyes, waiting for the medicine to take effect. The dryness in her eyes eased considerably.

“Huiyun, I can’t see. Can you hold my hand?”

Wen Huiyun immediately clasped it. “I’m right here.”

She brushed away the stray strands of hair on Ye Zhuoyan’s face. “Later, I’ll give you a warm compress to soothe the area around your eyes. It’ll feel amazing.”

“Okay~”

They held hands quietly, the warmth of their palms connecting the tenderness in their hearts.

Ye Zhuoyan suddenly said, “I really like that slide.”

Hm?

Wen Huiyun thought for a moment. “The one in the kids’ room?”

“Yeah.”

After a pause, Ye Zhuoyan asked, “Do you think, if we have a baby in the future, they’d be an alpha or an omega?”

“Either would be great.”

“Could also be a beta.”

“Beta would be great too.”

Ye Zhuoyan smiled with her eyes closed, interlacing her fingers with Wen Huiyun’s.

“Huiyun, what do you think the baby’s scent would be?”

“Definitely the most wonderful scent. What do you think?”

Ye Zhuoyan hummed in thought. “Maybe vanilla coffee?”

A blend of their scents, their own flesh and blood.

Huh.

Wen Huiyun’s mind flashed back to Xiao La’s words: You’re about to have your own scent!

Wen Huiyun felt nervous.

Ye Zhuoyan was still imagining what their baby might smell like, a blissful smile lingering at the corners of her lips.

Wen Huiyun leaned down to kiss the stray strands of hair on her forehead, her voice tender: “Yanyan, what if my pheromones change one day?”

Ye Zhuoyan wrapped her arms around her neck, “Vanilla mix-and-match.”

She would love any scent.