I Heard I’m a Scummy Alpha? [Transmigration] - Chapter 60

After signing the contract, Mr. Liu took Qi Yunwei and Yan Zui for a stroll around the mountain. Zhou Xiao followed closely to protect them. Madam Liu stayed behind to prepare dinner, while Secretary Shen, hindered by her high heels, also remained to help.

Although the Liu family estate was expansive, there was only one main villa. Madam Liu disliked having outsiders living in her home—there wasn’t even a live-in maid. The estate’s security and housekeeping staff all resided in a three-story building beside the property. They worked during the day and left in the evening to rest, preparing their own meals. For cleaning, Madam Liu simply hired part-time help—it was convenient and tidy. As for cooking, she and Mr. Liu managed just fine on their own.

Relatives often said she didn’t know how to enjoy life, that hiring a maid would make things so much easier. But Madam Liu was firm in her refusal. Though Old Liu had never shown signs of straying all these years, she believed it was simply because he had no opportunity. Having a young maid at home could change that.

Qi Yunwei and Yan Zui followed Mr. Liu around the mountain. Qi Yunwei even tried her hand at fishing. The fish in the pond were apparently overfed—she could reel one in within five or six minutes. It was so effortless that it quickly lost its appeal, so she went off to pick fruit instead.

By the time dusk fell, everyone had had their fun and headed back down. Both Qi and Yan carried a basket of fruit, while Zhou Xiao, who didn’t care for sweets, only picked out a brightly colored red-green plum to bring to his girlfriend.

Seeing how much Yan Zui seemed to enjoy her carefully arranged basket of fruit, Qi suggested, “Why don’t we buy a mountain someday and plant our own fruit trees? It’s actually pretty fun.”

Yan Zui nodded. “Not a bad idea.”

By this time, Mr. Liu had almost confirmed Qi Yunwei’s identity—she was most likely Yan Zui’s girlfriend.

Still, his impression of Qi was poor, especially after her persistence over wanting the so-called money tree. He couldn’t fathom why someone as outstanding as Yan Zui would fall for an Alpha who, in his eyes, had no redeeming qualities.

She didn’t even offer to carry Yan Zui’s fruit basket!

In reality, Yan Zui was so enamored with her basket that she couldn’t help glancing at it now and then as they descended the mountain. Afraid she’d trip while distracted, Qi kept her eyes fixed on Yan, ready to catch her if she stumbled.

When they returned to the villa, dinner was nearly ready.

Madam Liu had prepared a lavish feast: large platters of abalone and lobster, along with other rare delicacies.

Moved by the hospitality, Qi Yunwei couldn’t resist bringing up the tree again after the meal. “Are you really sure you can’t give me that money tree?”

Everyone was gathered in the living room, sipping tea and chatting. Secretary Shen had Madam Liu laughing until her shoulders shook, Mr. Liu and Yan Zui discussed the latest market gossip, while Zhou Xiao cradled the red-green plum, imagining his girlfriend’s delighted reaction.

Qi’s sudden remark stunned the room. Secretary Shen’s mouth fell open and stayed that way; Zhou Xiao nearly dropped his plum.

Seeing the anger brewing in Mr. and Madam. Liu’s eyes, Qi quickly backpedaled. “That was rude of me. Forget I said anything.”

Yan Zui stepped in to smooth things over. “Please don’t take it the wrong way. She just really likes that tree.”

With Yan Zui mediating, Mr. Liu could hardly press the matter further.

But the mood had already dipped, and lingering any longer would only be awkward. Yan Zui rose to her feet, politely took her leave, and the group drove away from the estate.

On the way back, Yan Zui asked, “Why are you so fond of that tree?”

To her, it was nothing more than an ordinary plant.

Both Zhou Xiao and Secretary Shen, seated in front, perked their ears curiously.

“It’s not that I like it,” Qi said. “I just feel it will bring misfortune to the Liu family. I wanted to give them a warning, but Mr. Liu doesn’t believe me.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiao and Secretary Shen immediately lost interest. They had no patience for such superstitious nonsense. To them, Qi was simply making excuses for coveting the tree, and flimsy ones at that.

But Yan Zui thought otherwise. “You mean, you’re trying to save Mr. Liu? Why do you think it’ll bring disaster?”

“It’s just a feeling,” Qi admitted. “The moment I saw it, I knew it wasn’t good. I can’t explain why.”

Many things defied explanation. She had long learned to categorize such instincts as metaphysics.

Yan Zui nodded thoughtfully. “Is this why you invited Mr. and Mrs. Liu tomorrow night—because of the tree’s ‘disaster’?”

Qi’s dark eyes flickered in surprise at her perceptiveness. “Yes.”

“You’re really clever, Zui,” Qi praised sincerely.

Caught off guard by the genuine admiration in Qi’s gaze, Yan Zui felt a trace of embarrassment.

The air between them grew subtly charged, tinged with something warmer.

From the front seats, Zhou Xiao and Secretary Shen caught glimpses through the rearview mirror and deliberately tried to shrink their presence.

Secretary Shen couldn’t understand it. Weren’t they just talking about something ridiculous? How did that suddenly turn into a romantic moment?

Love was clearly beyond the comprehension of someone who had never dated.

Zhou Xiao drove them straight to Yan Zui’s apartment. Qi and Yan got out together. Yan told him, “Thanks for the trouble of sending Secretary Shen home. Drive safely.”

“No trouble at all. Goodbye, President Yan.”

As Zhou Xiao drove off, Secretary Shen looked back and saw Qi and Yan entering the apartment together.

She blinked in shock. “Since when has Miss Qi been living with President Yan?”

“They’ve always lived together,” Zhou Xiao replied matter-of-factly.

Secretary Shen: “…”

So their relationship had already reached the stage of cohabitation?

Since Secretary Shen lived far away, the car ride stretched long. The silence grew oppressive, so Zhou Xiao finally broke it. “I know people in your company don’t think much of Yunwei.”

Secretary Shen nearly jumped out of her seat. “No, no—we don’t have any problem with President Yan’s partner.” How could he say that aloud? Was Zhou Xiao out of his mind?

But Zhou Xiao just nodded knowingly. “Don’t bother denying it. I’m in the company group chats too. I’ve seen it all.”

Secretary Shen flushed with embarrassment.

“Honestly,” Zhou Xiao continued, “Yunwei is nothing like the rumors. She’s really smart.”

Of course she’s smart, Secretary Shen thought. How else could she win over our goddess, President. Yan?

Zhou Xiao caught her look and, with a touch of pride, added, “You don’t believe me, do you? Did you know Yunwei recently started a company?”

Secretary Shen’s eyes widened. “She started a company?”

Zhou Xiao nodded. “Impressive, right?”

A thought struck Secretary Shen, and she cautiously asked, “That is impressive, but Miss Qi doesn’t exactly have the money to start one. The company isn’t funded by President Yan, is it?”

“Maybe,” Zhou Xiao shrugged. “I don’t know for sure. Whoever has money can invest, but not just anyone can run a company and be the boss.”

“Someday, Yunwei will stand shoulder to shoulder with President Yan as a business legend,” he said with confidence.

After all, Qi Yunwei was the one who invented Xiao Jiu.

Secretary Shen’s inner response: Yeah, right.

The following afternoon, Qi and Yan arrived at Hongyue Pavilion and settled into their reserved private room. Before long, Mr. and Madam Liu arrived.

Qi and Yan rose to greet them. When the couple sat down, they seemed guarded.

After all, when they thought about yesterday’s invitation, both felt it was nothing short of a trap. Surely Qi hadn’t called them out to apologize, but to once again press for their money tree.

They had resolved beforehand: no matter what, they would not give in. Even if Yan Zui was to offer them a fortune for it, their answer would remain an unshakable no.

Yet to their surprise, Qi Yunwei solemnly apologized, never once mentioning the tree. Instead, Yan Zui discussed business matters with Mr. Liu.

Gradually, the couple relaxed.

In the end, Mr. Liu and Yan Zui signed another contract. In his good mood, Mr. Liu had a few extra drinks and, unable to hold his tongue, asked, “So, Miss Qi, why didn’t you ask me about the money tree today?”

Madam Liu quickly pinched him under the table. Wasn’t he just reminding her? What if Qi raised the issue again? How could they refuse right after closing a deal with Yan Zui?

But Qi only sipped her tea leisurely. “Your son is very talented.”

Mr. Liu blinked. “My son? What’s this about?”

Qi lifted her gaze to him. “I admire Liu Xie’s abilities. I wanted to help your family for his sake, but you turned me away. Even so, since you’re his parents, I can’t just stand by. Even if it means going against fate, you must be saved.”

Mr. Liu was no stranger to superstition—after all, why else would he treasure an ordinary tree as a ‘money tree’? But hearing Qi spout this cryptic talk about “disaster,” his confidence wavered. Still, he clung to skepticism.

“Miss Qi, my wife and I are perfectly fine. We don’t need saving. You’re still young—you should put your faith in science. Reading a few books on metaphysics doesn’t mean you can see through the mysteries of heaven.”

Just as he finished, his phone suddenly rang.