Not a Scummy Alpha, But a Sweet Puppy (Transmigration Into A Novel) - Chapter 31.2

Fox had completely settled in here and learned her name. True to its reputation as the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie quickly learned after a few training sessions to signal when she needed to relieve herself during walks.

Jiang Zhenmian would then pull a disposable pad from her bag and lay it on the ground, making cleanup a breeze.

Her small bag wasn’t large, but it also contained treats and toys, all for Fox.

The neighborhood had a small square dedicated to pet play, where Jiang Zhenmian sometimes encountered other dog walkers, though more often she saw hired dog-walking assistants.

The square was enclosed by a fence, preventing the dogs from running off.

Jiang Zhenmian pulled out a round, orange frisbee from her bag and spun it into the air as Fox wagged her tail excitedly. With a bark, Fox sprinted to where the frisbee landed, leaping up to catch it in her mouth.

Without Jiang Zhenmian needing to call her, Fox obediently returned and placed the frisbee in her hand.

Learning to play frisbee had been a long and arduous process. Jiang Zhenmian had put in considerable effort to train Fox to be so well-behaved.

Border Collies are highly independent dogs with an extraordinary knack for scheming. In the past, whenever Fox retrieved the frisbee, she would drop it on the ground a few steps away, forcing Jiang Zhenmian to walk over and pick it up.

It wasn’t until Jiang Zhenmian stumbled upon a forum thread discussing the intelligence of Border Collies that she had an epiphany. One commenter remarked that the dog was deliberately testing her boundaries.

Jiang Zhenmian suddenly understood. She had never considered such a thing. She had assumed she was taking Fox for walks, but it turned out Fox was taking her for walks instead.

Armed with this knowledge, she refused to budge whenever Fox dropped the frisbee at a distance. She stood her ground, hand outstretched, ignoring its whimpers and barks.

After a tense standoff, Fox finally relented, retrieving the frisbee and placing it in her palm. Jiang Zhenmian rewarded it with a freeze-dried treat.
After repeating this routine several times, Fox reverted to its old tricks, dropping the frisbee just a step away. Jiang Zhenmian was about to reach for it when she realized: This little rascal is still testing me!

That cunning pup was deliberately lulling me into complacency!

Jiang Zhenmian thought: A perfectly rational adult like me, outsmarted by a dog? Preposterous!

[System: But you just moved your left foot forward five centimeters.]

Jiang Zhenmian: The point is, I saw through its scheme, didn’t I?

[System: Being smarter than a dog hardly seems like something to brag about.]

Jiang Zhenmian snorted derisively. “But I’m not just smarter than a dog, I’m smarter than you too. Some systems, I won’t name names, have actually stooped to discussing intelligence with a dog. Sigh, how pathetic.”

The System, stung by her words, retorted angrily, “Say another word and I’ll issue a mission!”

Jiang Zhenmian stuck her tongue out. “Go ahead, issue it. My reputation as a drama queen is already set in stone. Nothing I do would seem out of character.”

“I’ve seen through your tricks. Issue it if you dare. I am Jingshan Young Master Jiang, who has hunted tigers in the mountains and captured dragons in the rivers. Within a hundred miles, across seven mountains and four rivers, who hasn’t heard of my name? Fear isn’t in my dictionary. Bring it on!”

The System: “…Hmph.”

What a disaster. Why did I get stuck with such a Host?

Clutching a cup of electronic wolfberry tea, the System felt like it had prematurely entered the hypertensive twilight years.

I’m sorry, Family Head Gu. I’ll never mock you again.

Jiang Zhenmian, strutting like a victorious rooster, patted the Fox’s head. “Little mutt, you think you can outsmart me?”

The System silently raised its teacup, pretending not to understand her veiled insult.

After playing fetch with the dog for a while, Jiang Zhenmian’s arm grew sore. She pulled a balloon from her bag, inflated it, and tossed it to the dog to play with on its own.
She decided to sit down and rest for a bit.

But just as she settled in, she spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Jiang Zhenmian didn’t have a photographic memory, but this person was unforgettable. It was none other than Zhong Shangxing, that shameless bastard.

He clearly saw her too, changed direction, and started walking toward her.

“What rotten luck,” Jiang Zhenmian muttered.

“Tell me about it,” the System replied.

Jiang Zhenmian’s efforts to enrich the System’s reading list hadn’t been in vain. Though the System still loved to bicker, it had subtly evolved into a feminist, or at least it now recognized the flaws in its previous thinking and understood Jiang Zhenmian’s past decisive actions.

It harbored a deep loathing for Zhong Shangxing, that clingy, greasy man.

If you asked the System who its favorite was, it wouldn’t be the Host or Gu Zhibai, but Fox, the dog.

Every night, after Fox finished her business, the System would loudly wake Jiang Zhenmian, urging her to change the pee pad immediately to avoid the dog being bothered by the smell.

“You’re so high and mighty, using me as your errand girl,” Jiang Zhenmian grumbled.

Zhong Shangxing was still dressed in his usual suit, looking superficially respectable, but his inherent greasy aura couldn’t be concealed.

As he approached, he glanced into the fenced area and raised an eyebrow. “Walking the dog? Is this yours?”

Jiang Zhenmian immediately adopted the melodramatic tone of a Qiong Yao heroine, her face flushed with feigned shyness as she shook her head. “Sister Gu and I are raising him together,” she said, her voice dripping with affection. “She said we wouldn’t have children and worried I’d be lonely at home, so she bought this little dog to keep me company. He’s like our child now, the embodiment of our love.”

“Look at him, so lively and adorable!”

Hearing that saccharine tone again after a while, Zhong Shangxing still couldn’t help but get goosebumps. But remembering his purpose, he smirked maliciously.

“Did you know? Song Qingmiao is back.”
The freeze-dried treat jar in Jiang Zhenmian’s hand slipped and rolled away. Clearly startled, she frantically picked it up. “What? She’s back? When did this happen?”

Seeing her finally drop the love-struck act, Zhong Shangxing laughed heartily. “Just yesterday! We’re throwing a party to celebrate her return this weekend. Gu Zhibai’s been invited too. Do you think she’ll bring you along?”

“Song Qingmiao is still single, you know.”

Jiang Zhenmian’s lips trembled, her face pale and her hands fidgeting. She clung to the railing, her eyes filled with helplessness and vulnerability. “I… I don’t know,” she stammered.

“You’re just a plaything, a substitute,” Zhong Shangxing sneered. “Now that the real deal is back, you’ll naturally step aside.”

His words struck a nerve. Jiang Zhenmian’s breathing grew heavy, and she glared fiercely at him. “Even if Sister abandons me, at least we shared genuine, beautiful memories. But you? Even if I leave, she’ll never choose you. What’s there to be so smug about?”

This hit Zhong Shangxing where it hurt. He lunged forward. “What did you say?!”

Jiang Zhenmian stood up, meeting his gaze defiantly. They were about the same height, but her slender frame made her appear slightly taller.

“Fine, fine! You’ll regret this!” Zhong Shangxing shot her a venomous glare before storming off in a rage.

“Tch, all talk and no bite,” Jiang Zhenmian scoffed, rolling her eyes. She calmly sat back down, showing no trace of her earlier panic or anger.

“Host, aren’t you worried at all?” the System asked.

Jiang Zhenmian tossed a freeze-dried treat to Fox, who had been hovering nearby since the bottle fell. “Worried about what?” she said casually. “Does this Song Qingmiao think she’s prettier or cuter than me? I have enough confidence to know my worth.”

“A mere ex-girlfriend thinks she can threaten the position of Changshan Young Master Jiang?”

“You just said Jingshan,” the System pointed out.

“Nonsense! I’m clearly Liangshan Young Master Jiang!”

That evening, as soon as Gu Zhibai returned home, Jiang Zhenmian immediately transformed into a professional complainer, covering her face and sobbing dramatically, refusing to explain what was wrong.

Fox, the dog, joined in the theatrics, howling and whining in sympathy. Fortunately, they were the only residents of the villa, or else someone would have filed a noise complaint long ago.

Gu Zhibai looked frantic. “What’s wrong? Did someone bully you?”

“It’s just my miserable fate,” Jiang Zhenmian wailed, “to fall in love with someone I shouldn’t have. People gossip about me constantly, always trying to provoke me with their words. And since I can’t reason with them, I just have to endure their insults.”

“Today, when I took Fox out for a walk, I ran into that oily-faced man again. He deliberately struck up a conversation, saying things I didn’t want to hear. I could have ignored him, but who am I to complain? After all, I’m just a nobody. I can handle a few rumors.”

“But he kept pushing, saying, ‘Your old flame is back. Now that she’s here, there’s no place for you in this house. You should pack your things and make way for the rightful owner!'”

Jiang Zhenmian grew increasingly distraught, dabbing her face with a tissue as if it were a handkerchief, her performance utterly convincing.

Amidst her sobs and the dog’s howls, Gu Zhibai’s head swam. “What did you say? I didn’t hear you clearly.”

“It’s nothing much,” Jiang Zhenmian said, setting down the tissue and clearing her throat twice, her expression perfectly innocent. “I just ran into Zhong Shangxing. He said Song Qingmiao is back and they’re throwing a welcome party this weekend.”

“Sister, will you take me?” Jiang Zhenmian asked, hugging the dog’s head, her lips pursed into a pout, her eyes pleading.

Gu Zhibai sighed helplessly and pulled Jiang Zhenmian up from her crouched position. Her voice was gentle but sincere. “I truly don’t love Song Qingmiao. You’re the only one for me. Don’t listen to his nonsense. Song Qingmiao and I will never be together.”

“Someone did mention a gathering this weekend, but they didn’t say it was for Song Qingmiao’s welcome. They just said it’s been a while since everyone got together and wanted to catch up.”

Gu Zhibai murmured, “They’re doing this on purpose.”

Deliberately trying to drive a wedge between them.
It didn’t take a genius to guess what would happen at that party. It was clearly another attempt to set Song Qingmiao up with someone.

Jiang Zhenmian tugged on Gu Zhibai’s hand, shaking it gently, her voice filled with wounded innocence. “I believe you, Sister, but they sound so certain, like you two are going to get back together the moment she returns. Everyone’s helping Song Qingmiao and bullying me. It’s so unfair, and it makes me so sad.”

“You want compensation, don’t you?” Gu Zhibai asked.

“Mmm-hmm!” Jiang Zhenmian nodded vigorously, like a chick pecking at grain. “Sister really understands me.”

After all this time together, it would be strange if Gu Zhibai didn’t know Jiang Zhenmian’s true nature. Whether she was genuinely upset was debatable, but she would definitely put on an act to get some compensation.

By “compensation,” she really meant wanting Gu Zhibai’s attention and affection, wanting her to focus more on her.

Once Gu Zhibai understood this, Jiang Zhenmian’s dramatics no longer seemed manipulative. Instead, she began to reflect on her own behavior.

Most of the issues were minor: coming home late, being too busy with work to see Jiang Zhenmian all afternoon. While Gu Zhibai had valid reasons—traffic jams were unavoidable, and work was crucial—the reasons didn’t change the fact that Jiang Zhenmian had suffered the consequences through no fault of her own.

Bringing up these small grievances directly would only annoy Gu Zhibai, but keeping them bottled up would hurt her. So Jiang Zhenmian had learned to express her feelings through playful teasing and affectionate banter.

Jiang Zhenmian understood Gu Zhibai’s feelings, and Gu Zhibai realized she should reciprocate that understanding.

Besides, the compensations Jiang Zhenmian asked for were always simple and easy: a glass of freshly squeezed juice, a few kisses, being hand-fed fruit. Gu Zhibai would have done these things even without being asked.

Her requests weren’t meant to trouble Gu Zhibai; she simply wanted to feel cared for.

So, as soon as Jiang Zhenmian opened her mouth, Gu Zhibai understood her intention. She proactively suggested, “The movie you’ve been wanting to see is finally out. How about I take you next week as compensation? Just the two of us, no Fox, a proper date.”
“Yay!” Jiang Zhenmian’s face lit up instantly, hugging Gu Zhibai tightly. “Sister, you’re the best!”

“Am I only the best at times like this?” Gu Zhibai teased, narrowing her eyes playfully.

Jiang Zhenmian suddenly grew bashful. “No, Sister, you’re also the best at another time.”

A flash of realization struck Gu Zhibai. She moved to cover Jiang Zhenmian’s mouth, but Jiang Zhenmian was quicker, blurting out half a sentence: “When you say ‘no’ in bed… mmmph…”

Jiang Zhenmian’s eyes widened, feigning innocence.

A faint blush crept across Gu Zhibai’s cheeks. “Don’t say another word.”

Jiang Zhenmian raised her hands in a gesture of surrender, blinking innocently, looking utterly docile.

It was fortunate Fox couldn’t understand human speech, or Gu Zhibai would have died of embarrassment.

On the day of the gathering, Gu Zhibai called a housekeeper to stay with Fox for a while, to prevent the pup from getting scared if she couldn’t find anyone. After settling Fox in, she took Jiang Zhenmian to the venue: Eldest Young Master Liu’s villa.

These young elites all knew each other to varying degrees, and some were even close friends. Liu Ze, the eldest young master of the Liu family, had once been on good terms with Gu Zhibai. But after Song Qingmiao and Gu Zhibai got together, Gu Zhibai learned that Liu Ze also had feelings for Song Qingmiao, and their relationship abruptly ended.

The split was unilateral, initiated by Liu Ze, who felt Gu Zhibai had betrayed him.

Later, after Gu Zhibai and Song Qingmiao broke up, Liu Ze realized his resentment had been misplaced and tried to reconcile. But before long, Gu Zhibai became preoccupied with Gu Corporation matters, and their relationship remained lukewarm, neither warm nor cold.

In the young elite circles, figures like Gu Zhibai and Xue Yi, who had already seized power, now belonged to a different echelon entirely compared to other heirs and successors.

Liu Ze had invited Gu Zhibai for two reasons: first, to gather old friends, and second, to discuss potential business collaborations.

If Jiang Zhenmian hadn’t told her that Song Qingmiao had returned to China, Gu Zhibai wouldn’t have known. She hadn’t been paying any attention to Song Qingmiao.

In Gu Zhibai’s mind, what was done was past. She wouldn’t repeat her mistakes. She felt nothing for Song Qingmiao, who was now just a stranger to her.

But others didn’t see it that way.

Unlike the Gu family, Liu Ze’s family had two highly competitive and accomplished sons. As the eldest, Liu Ze faced immense pressure. Securing a partnership with Gu Corporation would significantly strengthen his position.

However, Song Qingmiao’s involvement made his motives unclear.

Gu Zhibai arrived at dusk. After having her car parked, she walked into the villa alongside Jiang Zhenmian.

The spacious living room had been meticulously decorated for the banquet.

Several tables were laden with various foods, mostly bite-sized snacks and cold appetizers. Heated pots kept the warm dishes at the proper temperature.

The guests were all handsome men and beautiful women, dressed impeccably and radiating dazzling elegance.

Gu Zhibai’s beauty wasn’t the most striking among the crowd. Her features were gentle and refined, making her more captivating over time rather than immediately dazzling. This meant her initial impact wasn’t as overwhelming as some others.

Despite this, she still drew the most attention upon entering. The murmurs in the room never ceased, but they instantly shifted to a new topic: the trio of Gu, Jiang, and Song.

Jiang Zhenmian, with her short hair, looked out of place in a dress. She wore a casual suit, her hair loosely tied back, and thin-rimmed glasses, giving her a handsome, refined air with a hint of “cultured villain” charm.

The furtive glances were subtle but impossible to ignore in such a crowded space. Jiang Zhenmian whispered to Gu Zhibai, “They’re all sneaking looks at us. This is a real Hongmen Banquet, no good intentions here.”

Gu Zhibai replied earnestly, “Though unlikely, someone might resort to extreme measures. Don’t eat anything here.”

Jiang Zhenmian protested, “Hey! Am I really that greedy?”

Gu Zhibai chuckled softly. Before she could respond, Liu Ze approached.
Liu Ze, looking every bit the handsome and accomplished gentleman, greeted Gu Zhibai politely, “Zhibai, I’m truly delighted you could make it.”

Gu Zhibai’s tone was gentle but distant. “Please call me Miss Gu or CEO Gu.”

Liu Ze paused, then smiled again. “Alright, CEO Gu, there are too many people here. How about we go upstairs to discuss business matters?”

Gu Zhibai glanced at Jiang Zhenmian, who said, “Sister, go ahead. I’ll just find a quiet corner to wait.”

“Be careful,” Gu Zhibai said, squeezing her hand before turning to follow Liu Ze upstairs.

Sigh, if they don’t separate, how will the drama unfold? Jiang Zhenmian knew the tropes of melodramatic novels all too well.

Sure enough, no sooner had Gu Zhibai left than a group of women surrounded Jiang Zhenmian. Their appearances varied, but their expressions were uniformly sharp and disdainful.

One of the women stepped forward, her voice dripping with malice and her eyes filled with contempt. “You’re Jiang Zhenmian, aren’t you?”

Jiang Zhenmian smiled gently, her gaze fixed on the woman as if her eyes reflected deep affection. “That’s me, lovely lady. What can I do for you?”

The woman’s arrogant demeanor suddenly faltered. “D-don’t use that disgusting tone with me! Do you think you can seduce me?”

“Huh? I wasn’t trying to seduce you,” Jiang Zhenmian said, touching her cheek. “I just dressed up nicely today and wanted to say something that matched my outfit.”

Jiang Zhenmian sized the girl up and down, her gaze traveling from head to toe and back again. Her expression wasn’t contemptuous, but rather filled with genuine confusion. “Why would you think I’m trying to seduce you? Someone with your looks simply isn’t my type.”

The girl’s face stiffened, and her anger flared. Her eyes widened like copper bells, and her voice rose to a sharp pitch. “What did you just say?!”

Jiang Zhenmian shook her head, her face full of pity. “It’s not your fault you’re not pretty. Looks are innate, a gift from your parents. But if your ears don’t work properly, that’s on you.”

“I’ve heard the ENT doctors at Central Hospital are excellent. You should get checked out sometime. Your health is your responsibility, after all. You can’t afford to be careless.”

The girl’s anger twisted into a bitter laugh as she glared at Jiang Zhenmian. “You’re so quick-witted. No wonder Gu Zhibai fell for you.”

“So you’re here to compliment Sister Gu’s taste?” Jiang Zhenmian retorted.

Another girl in a mermaid dress stepped forward, a scornful smile curling her lips. “Don’t get too cocky. You’re just a substitute. Once you meet Sister Miao, you’ll see the difference between a phoenix and a chicken. A pheasant can never become a phoenix.”

Jiang Zhenmian asked genuinely, “Is Sister Miao really that amazing?”

“Of course! You can’t even compare to her.”

“So you all like her, then?” Jiang Zhenmian pressed.

“That’s nonsense! I don’t!”

“Sister Miao and I aren’t like that!”

“Did Gu Zhibai tell you that?”

The two girls in front immediately fell silent, their expressions stiff as they turned to the third girl. “You…”

The third girl panicked. “I didn’t!”

Jiang Zhenmian: Wow… this is some juicy gossip.

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