Reborn a Scummy Alpha, Happily Ever After with the Movie Queen - Chapter 8

When Ye Youyi first laid eyes on the less-than-appetizing stir-fried tomatoes with eggs and the cold cucumber salad, she already had a hunch they wouldn’t taste great. Still, she wasn’t the kind to show her thoughts openly. As long as it wasn’t utterly inedible, she could shut her eyes and heap on praise without hesitation.

But the moment a small piece of tomato entered her mouth, her years of calm composure nearly crumbled.

This taste “bad” wasn’t enough to describe it. It was strange. So strange! Ye Youyi swore she had never in her life tasted stir-fried tomatoes and eggs like this—overly salty, with a thick, burnt aftertaste.

“How does it taste?” Wen Tang asked from across the table. Watching Ye Youyi freeze into a single expression after that bite, she felt a bit uneasy.

Ye Youyi didn’t dare chew further. She forced herself to swallow with great effort, then turned to Wen Tang with a look that said more than words could. Quietly, she picked up another piece and placed it into Wen Tang’s bowl. “You’ll know once you try.”

Not knowing whether that meant good or bad, Wen Tang curiously popped it into her mouth.

One second later, she set down her chopsticks, shot to her feet, and strode straight into the kitchen—where she promptly spat everything out.

Watching the entire scene, Ye Youyi felt an immense sense of relief. Bracing herself against the chair, she hobbled after her and stopped at the kitchen doorway. There she leaned casually and, with her eyes crinkling into a smile, asked,

“Well?”

Wen Tang straightened after rinsing her mouth and dabbed her lips with a tissue. “Terrible,” she admitted bluntly. But when she turned her head, her gaze froze, completely caught by the smile Ye Youyi hadn’t managed to wipe away in time.

The girl’s sleek black hair was twisted into a bun, with a few loose strands tucked behind her ears, exposing soft, round earlobes. Her delicate oval face, rounded by her grin, looked like a plump little peach. At that moment, she resembled a mischievous kitten caught stealing fish—eyes narrowed, smile gleaming—utterly adorable.

Wen Tang’s heart gave a sudden thump. She couldn’t explain why, but that smile was different from all the others she had seen before. Different in a way she couldn’t put into words.

A sudden impulse welled up inside her—the urge to walk over, scoop the petite girl into her arms, and ruffle that fluffy little head. It had to feel wonderfully soft.

Noticing Wen Tang staring blankly at her, Ye Youyi instinctively pulled her smile back. Gripping the doorframe, her damp eyes shimmered with just the right touch of apology. “I didn’t mean to tease you. Don’t be upset with me.”

By now, the odd salty-burnt taste was gone from Wen Tang’s mouth, and she wasn’t the type to get angry over something so small—even if Ye Youyi had done it on purpose.

“It’s just that my cooking’s too awful,” Wen Tang said, already thinking about dinner. Those two dishes were clearly unsalvageable. “Why don’t we just order takeout instead?” If Ye Youyi’s leg weren’t injured, they could’ve gone out to eat.

Remembering that, Wen Tang hurried to her side and gently supported her wrist. “Your leg’s hurt—don’t stand too long.”

Ye Youyi lowered her gaze. Wen Tang’s slender fingers were curled neatly around her wrist, heat radiating from her palm and seeping through her whole body. Suddenly, her knees weakened and she slumped sideways into Wen Tang’s arms. “I, I don’t think I can walk anymore.”

Her other hand slowly slid up, looping around Wen Tang’s neck. Tilting her head back, she whispered weakly, “It hurts.”

Hearing that, Wen Tang dared not take her lightly. She bent at once, scooped the girl up, and carried her into the living room.

Outside, night had fully fallen. Only half the lights were on in the living room, casting the space into a dim, shadowy glow.

She set the girl carefully on the sofa, but perhaps because it was her first time in an unfamiliar home, Ye Youyi seemed uneasy. Her hands, still linked around Wen Tang’s neck, didn’t let go.

Off balance, Wen Tang nearly fell forward. Luckily, being an Alpha meant her reflexes were quick—she planted her palms on the sofa’s backrest to steady herself. But the cushion was too soft, sinking under her weight, and her body tipped forward regardless.

In an instant, a delicate face filled her vision, close enough that she could hear each shallow breath. The warmth of that breath brushed against her cheeks, carrying a faint sweet fragrance that sent heat rushing to her face.

The dim light deepened the silence, two figures locked in an embrace-like pose, frozen there for a long moment.

Ye Youyi’s eyes, reflecting the glow of the warm-toned lamp, were fixed intently on her. Her rosy lips parted ever so slightly, moist and plump, looking unbearably soft—temptingly sweet.

“Ring, ring, ring—”

The sudden shrill of a ringtone shattered the spell.

Wen Tang jerked upright from the sofa. Once steady, she grabbed the still-ringing phone from the table. Seeing the caller ID, she cast Ye Youyi a hurried glance. “It’s my grandma. I need to take this.”

She strode quickly onto the balcony, sliding the glass door shut behind her. Drawing a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down before finally pressing “accept.”

“Grandma.”

“You said you’d be back tonight, didn’t you?” Old Madam Wen’s voice carried a sharp edge. “You’ve really grown bold—hurting the Yang family’s boy and not even telling us? Do you still consider yourself part of this family? Do you still have me as your grandmother in your eyes?”

At once, all of Wen Tang’s tender, wayward thoughts vanished. She stood silent for a moment, then lowered her voice. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry.”

Hearing that, Old Madam Wen’s anger softened a little. She wasn’t truly mad about Wen Tang getting into trouble outside—what upset her was Wen Tang keeping everything from her family, insisting on shouldering it alone.

Was that any way to treat herself as one of the Wen family?

So when she heard her granddaughter say it was only to spare her worry, Old Madam Wen’s tone eased.

“If you know I’d worry, then don’t handle things in silence.” Her voice grew firm again. “I’ve already spoken to the Yang family. That boy won’t bother you anymore. As for that little actress—you don’t need to concern yourself. I’ve taken care of it.”

Wen Tang gazed at the brilliant city lights in the distance and said to the old Madam Wen, “Got it, thank you, Grandma.”

Though she felt that with her own wits and the system’s help she could probably dodge the Yang family’s revenge, since the old lady had already handled it for her, she was more than happy to let it go. It saved her the trouble of wasting further thought on them.

The city’s towering prosperity unfolded before her eyes. She exhaled slowly, realizing once again the truth of leaning on a tall tree for shade—it spared her from countless headaches.

“Why didn’t you go home today? Off to stay in that little place of yours again?” The old Madam’s last trace of irritation vanished the moment she heard Wen Tang’s genuine gratitude.

Wen Tang turned her head toward Ye Youyi, who sat on the sofa cradling a cup in her hands. “Mm. I want to stay here for a few days. I’ll go back once I resume work.”

Thinking she might be troubled these days, the old madam agreed. “Then take good care of yourself. If you need anything, just tell Mei Yi. As for your work, Grandma will arrange it in a few days. When you return home, remember to get along with Xinxin, all right?”

Get along with Wen Xin? Wen Tang found it a little funny but still gave a casual answer: “Got it.”

After hanging up, she dialed another number.

“You did well with the Bai family matter.”

The original Wen Tang had a few trusted subordinates. With the system’s reminder, she had sought out Wen Qi—one of the more capable ones—and had her dig up some of the Bai family’s shady dealings.

None of these big families were spotless, and it hadn’t taken long before Wen Qi unearthed some not-too-big, not-too-small scandals—enough to keep them busy for days.

Now that the Bai family was mired in their own troubles, they had no time to bother with Bai Yuqing’s petty affairs.

Recalling Ye Youyi’s words from that afternoon, Wen Tang gave Wen Qi another order: “Two days from now is the second round of casting for Moon Spirit Chronicle. Put together a list of the actresses competing for the third female role.”

After finishing her calls, Wen Tang returned to the living room, lit by the soft amber glow of a warm lamp.

“You were busy just now, so I got too hungry and ordered some takeout. It should be here soon.” Ye Youyi lifted her phone for her to see as soon as she walked in.

Wen Tang sat down beside her and glanced at the screen casually. “I’m not picky about food.”

By the time they had finished dinner and cleaned up, it was nearly ten o’clock.

Wen Tang noticed Ye Youyi stifle a tiny yawn. Drying her hands from washing the dishes, she walked over and said, “If you’re sleepy, I’ll carry you to your room first.”

Ye Youyi’s wide, round eyes blinked up at her, shy but earnest. “But, if I don’t take a shower, I won’t be able to sleep.”

Wen Tang crouched down, ready to lift her, but froze at those words. Her outstretched hand suddenly felt awkward—neither moving forward nor drawing back.

She could carry her since she couldn’t walk well. But showering, surely she didn’t expect her to help with that?

Even if they weren’t Alpha and Omega, she couldn’t possibly bathe another girl, right?

Watching Wen Tang’s growing dilemma, Ye Youyi leaned closer, her clear doe-like eyes hiding a glint of mischief. “Why don’t you just help me to the bathroom first? I’ll wash up before bed, is that okay?”

“What did you say?” Wen Tang’s stray thoughts were dragged back by her warm breath, far too close to her ear.

She looked at Ye Youyi, less than ten centimeters away, swallowed hard, and quietly shifted back a little.

“I said I can wash on my own. I just need you to help me into the bathroom, all right?” Ye Youyi tilted her head innocently and repeated herself, as if nothing was amiss.

Relieved that she wasn’t being asked to help bathe her, Wen Tang quickly agreed. “No problem.” She scooped Ye Youyi into her arms and carried her toward the bathroom. “Be careful not to get your knee wet. I’ll change your dressing after you’re done.”

The bathroom was still dark. As Wen Tang felt Ye Youyi’s arms tighten around her neck, just as they had earlier in the living room, she chuckled softly. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of the dark?”

Ye Youyi paused, then clung to her even tighter, burying her head into the hollow of her shoulder. Her voice came out weak and kitten-soft. “Mm, I really am afraid of the dark.”

At once, Wen Tang’s protective instincts flared. She gently set Ye Youyi down, keeping one arm firm around her waist while fumbling with the other hand to find the switch. “Don’t be afraid, the light’s coming on right now.”

The warm yellow light flickered to life. Wen Tang looked down at Ye Youyi, still nestled in her arms. “I’ll run the hot water for you.”