I Heard I’m a Scummy Alpha? [Transmigration] - Chapter 45

During the meeting, Qi Yunwei stormed out the moment Xuan Baiquan appeared, too angry to stay.

Xuan Mingzhu, meanwhile, was clearly not in form. Under Yan Zui’s sharp questioning, she was forced into retreat again and again.

To make matters worse, instead of fighting for Xuanqian Group’s interests, Xuan Baiquan occasionally even sided with Yan Zui.

By the halfway point, Xuanqian Group had already conceded on many clauses—completely different from the hardline stance just a few days ago.

When they paused for a break, Yan Zui stepped out to look for Qi Yunwei. Before leaving, she exchanged a brief glance with Xuan Baiquan.

Inside the conference room, only people from Xuanqian remained. Xuan Mingzhu slumped back in her chair, glanced at her brother, and let out a long sigh.

“Baiquan, don’t forget who you are. Even if Father knew what you just did, he wouldn’t take your side.”

Xuan Baiquan looked completely unbothered. “Sis, I haven’t forgotten. I’m just a junior, an inexperienced project manager. When someone makes a valid point, I can’t help but agree. How is it that, in your mouth, I suddenly sound like a traitor?”

Xuan Mingzhu’s face darkened instantly. “Silver tongue! You’ve thrown away all dignity for the sake of a woman? You really think Yan Zui cares about you? She’s just using you!”

That kind of Omega— the more you fawn over her, the less she respects you. Did Xuan Baiquan really think that scoring points for Yan Zui would make her like him? Dream on!

Yan Zui only admires those stronger than herself.

Xuan Mingzhu couldn’t fathom why an idiot like Baiquan had always been their father’s favorite.

The more she thought about it, the more furious she became. Her face flushed red with anger.

Xuan Baiquan, however, only smiled at her. “Sis, relax. It’s just a project. Our group is massive—what’s the harm in yielding a little to Yan Zui? It’s not like we’ll go bankrupt over it.”

Xuan Mingzhu shot him a cold glare, then turned and left to call Xuan Zeming.

But every time she dialed, the line was busy. Her expression grew darker. Snatching Assistant Xu’s phone, she tried again—this time, the call went through immediately.

Face pale with fury, she slammed the call down. When she handed the phone back to Assistant Xu, her hands were trembling.

“I’m not feeling well. You’ll go into the meeting for me in the second half. Just remember one thing—don’t listen to a word from Baiquan. Everything must prioritize the company’s interests.”

“Yes, President Xuan.” Assistant Xu replied.

Assistant Xu accepted the phone nervously and hurried back. But only a few steps away, a violent crash rang out behind him. He turned around to see Xuan Mingzhu’s phone shattered on the floor, broken into pieces.

The poor assistant nearly jumped out of his skin.

It was obvious now that the twin siblings were on a collision course. On the surface, President Xuan Mingzhu held the advantage. But ultimately, the group still belonged to Xuan Zeming, and he clearly favored Baiquan—even going so far as to block Mingzhu’s number.

Back in the conference room, Assistant Xu’s first move was to greet Xuan Baiquan respectfully.

Bowing slightly, he said humbly, “Manager Xuan, President Xuan has asked me to take her place for the rest of the meeting. I’m just a lowly assistant—if I say anything wrong, please don’t hesitate to correct me.”

Xuan Baiquan gave him a lazy glance. “Alright.”

But in his heart, he knew exactly what was happening.

These people were nothing but opportunists, bending whichever way Xuan Zeming’s wind blew.

Meanwhile, Yan Zui had yet to return. The thought of her coaxing Qi Yunwei made Baiquan restless.

Frowning, he pulled out his phone and sent her a WeChat message.

Xuan Baiquan: Xiao Jiu, where are you?

In the president’s office, Qi Yunwei was unwinding with Yan Zui when the message popped up. Yan Zui casually replied:

Heaven in Water: Qi Yunwei’s really angry this time. I’m worried she’ll complain to my father, so I’m trying to soothe her. You know the truth—I don’t actually like her, I’m just under pressure from my parents.

Xuan Baiquan: Can’t you two just divorce? I could even marry into the Yan family instead!

Heaven in Water: Don’t be foolish. If you want to compete with your sister, you absolutely cannot marry in as a son-in-law.

A pang of sorrow hit Xuan Baiquan. Why was it that two people who loved each other couldn’t be together? Why was the whole world set against them?

Heaven in Water: Qi Yunwei doesn’t like me being on my phone. I’ll head back to the meeting soon—let’s talk tonight.

Xuan Baiquan: Alright.

He stared at Yan Zui’s words, resolve hardening. He had to find a way to break free, to act as he pleased, without anyone pulling his strings.

What was the use of Mingzhu being president? In the end, every decision still rested with Xuan Zeming. All the real power was under his control.

Baiquan wanted to escape that control.

In the president’s office, Qi Yunwei said to Yan Zui:

“When the private detective uncovers the truth about Xuan Xin’s mother, don’t give it to Xuan Xin right away. Send it to Baiquan first and see how he reacts. If he takes the initiative to contact Xuan Xin, we can just sit back and watch the Xuan family tear itself apart. If he does nothing, then we’ll give it to Xuan Xin.”

Yan Zui studied the excitement on Qi Yunwei’s face, then suddenly said, “Do you know what you look like right now?”

“Hm? What?” Qi Yunwei blinked.

“Like a seductive consort stirring chaos in a time of war,” Yan Zui teased.

Realizing she was being mocked, Qi Yunwei shot back instantly, “If I’m the consort, then you’re the foolish emperor led astray by me. The two of us are a perfect match.”

A perfect match.

Yan Zui’s heart gave a faint jolt. She stood quickly. “I’d better get back to the meeting.”

Qi Yunwei watched her retreating figure, her steps a little unsteady, and felt strangely uneasy.

Her mouth really had been running wild lately. To say something like “a perfect match” Fortunately, Yan Zui was broad-minded enough not to be offended.

With Xuan Mingzhu absent, the second half of the meeting became entirely Yan Zui’s stage.

Xuan Baiquan threw his unconditional support behind Yan Zui. Assistant Xu, who represented Xuan Mingzhu, likewise backed Baiquan completely. The final terms that were settled left the two lawyers from Xuanqian Group with sinking hearts.

Was this really a cooperation? It looked more like they were rushing to hand money over to someone else.

Even if the money wasn’t theirs, just watching it happen made their hearts ache.

When the meeting ended, without Qi Yunwei there to be an eyesore, Xuan Baiquan was in an excellent mood. He rose, shook hands with Yan Zui, and said with confidence, “President Yan, I wonder if you might have time to join me for lunch?”

After helping Yan Zui so much, he was certain she would agree.

“Sorry, I already have plans at noon.” Yan Zui gave a polite nod and left the conference room.

Xuan Baiquan froze on the spot.

He hadn’t expected her to refuse.

His expression stiffened. Beside him, Assistant Xu cautiously asked, “Manager Xuan, should we head back to the hotel now?”

Xuan Baiquan shot him a glare. “Where else would we go if not back to the hotel? Can’t even find someone to have a meal with.”

Just then, his phone buzzed twice.

He opened it, and his expression eased as a smile returned to his face.

Heaven in Water: Don’t be upset. I’m free at noon, but until the contract is finalized, we can’t be seen together too often. If your father finds out, your sister will definitely seize the chance to make things difficult for you. I don’t want to leave her any opening to use against you.

Xuan Baiquan: I’m not upset.

Xuan Baiquan: Just a few more days. When the time comes, if I invite you again, you won’t refuse me then, right?

Heaven in Water: By then, I’ll invite you myself.

A rush of satisfaction warmed him through, his mood light and airy. “Come on, Assistant Xu. The hotel food is awful. I’m in a good mood today—let’s eat out.”

Xuan Mingzhu’s claim of feeling unwell hadn’t been an excuse. Her heart had been racing wildly, accompanied by sharp pain. Not long after Assistant Xu left, she took a taxi to the hospital. After two IV drips, her chest eased at last.

The doctor said it was due to emotional fluctuations and warned her to control her mood—her heart condition was not to be taken lightly.

Leaving the hospital, she checked her phone. It was already past noon.

At this hour, the meeting should have been long over. Why hadn’t Assistant Xu called to report back?

She took another taxi to the hotel. As she got out, she spotted, not far ahead, Xuan Baiquan and Assistant Xu walking into the lobby with their arms slung over each other’s shoulders.

Her chest tightened instantly, the pain surging again.

Her face drained of color as her eyes fixed on their retreating figures, red bloodshot veins slowly spreading across her gaze.

Assistant Xu was someone she had personally promoted. Yet after losing out once to Xuan Zeming due to his favoritism, Xu had already rushed to Baiquan’s side without hesitation.

Xuan Mingzhu felt utterly defeated as the president of Xuanqian Group.

Clutching her aching chest, her eyes clouded with dark turbulence. If Xuanqian Group were entirely mine, no one would dare betray me just because of Xuan Zeming.

By a twist of fate, the twin siblings—Xuan Mingzhu and Xuan Baiquan—arrived at the same conclusion: remove Xuan Zeming and take sole control of Xuanqian Group.

Meanwhile, Yan Zui had told Qi Yunwei that the private detective was compiling information about Xuan Xin’s mother and would send it over once ready. So instead of going home, Qi Yunwei stayed in Yan Zui’s office waiting for the update.

Since half her day was consumed by meetings, Yan Zui spent the rest catching up on her regular workload. Every so often, Secretary Shen would knock on the door with documents for her to sign. Each time, she found Qi Yunwei either lounging on the sofa with her laptop or sprawled there scrolling through her phone.

Taking the signed papers out, Shen sighed inwardly. Qi Yunwei really deserves her title as the company’s recognized “enchantress.” An Alpha, yet so lazy day in and day out—and President Yan doesn’t seem to mind one bit.

After Shen left, Qi Yunwei noticed Yan Zui was momentarily less busy. She set her phone aside, sat up, and asked, “Yan Zui, do you want to start a tech company with me?”

Yan Zui looked up. “You mean something like Xiao Jiu’s tech?” If so, she actually was interested.

“Not just Xiao Jiu.” Qi Yunwei dragged a chair over to the desk and began outlining her ideas.

Yan Zui’s expression shifted from cool detachment to growing astonishment, her deep-blue eyes widening in delight. She looked adorable.

Qi Yunwei chuckled. “Alright, no need to say it—I can tell you’re interested.”

Yan Zui asked, “Are you serious? Can what you’re describing really be achieved?”

What Qi Yunwei described—holographic technology that could help people train their brains, even their bodies, in a fully immersive world—sounded to Yan Zui like pure fantasy, something out of a novel.

“Of course it can be achieved,” Qi Yunwei said with confidence. “But right now I only have the technology. We’ll need a lot of talent and capital to make it happen.”

She leaned closer. “So, do you want to partner with me? I mean you personally, not Yan Corporation. Imagine it—if this succeeds, our company will surpass Yan Corporation itself. You’ll never have to worry about being stripped of the president’s seat again. I promise, you’ll have full control of the company. I’ll just handle R&D.”

Seeing Yan Zui visibly waver, Qi Yunwei pressed on: “And besides, if you ever want to divorce and find another Alpha you actually like.” She frowned slightly, feeling a pang she didn’t examine too closely, but continued, “Or if you just want to stay single forever—no one will have the power to interfere with you. Doesn’t that sound good?”

Yan Zui’s eyes sharpened instantly. “You want to divorce me?”

They hadn’t even founded the company yet, and Qi Yunwei was already thinking about divorce—that was the only reason she’d say such a thing.

Her expression soured. “Is three million a month still not enough for you?”

Qi Yunwei thought helplessly, That’s not the point at all. How did she zero in on just that part?

“No, I don’t want a divorce,” Qi Yunwei said firmly. “Three million is more than enough—I can’t even spend it all.”

“I just thought you might not want to. Never mind. Forget I said anything. Don’t be mad.” She had wanted to explain, but Yan Zui’s gaze was already growing cold at half a sentence, so she hurriedly shut her mouth.

“No divorce. Never, ever divorce,” Qi Yunwei promised. “I’ll never bring it up again.”

Only then did Yan Zui’s expression soften. “The detective just sent over information about Xuan Xin’s mother. I’ll forward it to you.”