Reborn as the Heartless Alpha - Chapter 26

You Xuechu’s question came so fast that Song Yi instinctively opened her mouth to respond, only to freeze mid-reaction.

“You hesitated.”

You Xuechu took a step closer, grabbing her collar without hesitation.

Song Yi suddenly realized You Xuechu’s sense of justice might be stronger than she had anticipated. With You Xuechu already adopting a fighting stance, Song Yi chose not to struggle, wanting to avoid a full-blown confrontation.

“I never said I liked Zhou Zhou,” Song Yi stated flatly.

The Song Yi You Xuechu had seen before either wore a gentle mask or carried an air of nonchalance. This was the first time she had seen Song Yi without even a trace of amusement in her eyes.

A flicker of doubt crossed You Xuechu’s expression.

“I just happened to help Zhou Zhou and offered her a job in passing,” Song Yi continued, her expression unreadable.

You Xuechu studied her for a long moment before reluctantly letting go, half-convinced. Song Yi took a step back, straightened her collar, and glanced at the car in the courtyard.

“Believe it or not, I have no ulterior motives toward Zhou Zhou.” Song Yi had always carried herself with integrity, and there wasn’t a hint of guilt in her tone.

For a brief moment, You Xuechu was stunned by this unfamiliar version of Song Yi. But she didn’t know that the person before her was no longer the one she had once known. The hidden scars and the wretchedness she had witnessed in Song Yi quickly snapped her back to reality.

“Your acting has improved again,” You Xuechu remarked, arms crossed as she scrutinized Song Yi with dark, penetrating eyes, as if trying to bore a hole through her.

Song Yi knew dispelling You Xuechu’s hatred and misunderstandings wouldn’t be easy, but she wasn’t in a hurry. In her original world, she had grown accustomed to wearing the mask of a predator, those who didn’t know her often saw her as a ruthless beast, anything but benevolent. She was used to it.

But being used to it didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. A faint bitterness welled up in Song Yi’s heart.

In a daze, Zhou Zhou’s face flashed through her mind.

Zhou Zhou had said she believed in her, had even offered to stay with her through her vulnerable moments. Those images burst like fireworks in the gloom of her heart, and amidst the bitterness, a hint of sweetness unexpectedly bloomed.

The corners of Song Yi’s lips lifted slightly into a faint smile.

You Xuechu, watching from the side, found the expression inexplicably eerie, goosebumps rising on her exposed arms.

“So you’re saying you’re not interested in Zhou Zhou?” You Xuechu pressed, unwilling to believe Song Yi had no feelings for Zhou Zhou at all.

“Do you like Zhou Zhou?” Song Yi’s smile faded as she turned the question back on You Xuechu.

You Xuechu hadn’t expected this counter. She froze for a full three seconds, what was worse, she actually found herself seriously considering it.

Zhou Zhou was beautiful, sweet, and polite. Every time You Xuechu saw her, she felt a surge of protectiveness and affection. She had never been this concerned about any other girl before.

Song Yi: “…”

She was relieved You Xuechu was straightforward and not the scheming type. Otherwise, she had no idea what price she’d have to pay for the original scoundrel’s sins. As it stood, You Xuechu was more like a prosecutor, if Song Yi behaved well from now on, things would be fine.

The sun dipped below the horizon, dusk settling in. Song Yi turned back and saw Zhou Zhou had woken up, her hands pressed against the car window as she watched them. When their eyes met, Zhou Zhou flustered and quickly retreated to her seat.

Song Yi’s mood suddenly lightened. Without thinking, she strode to the car and opened the door for Zhou Zhou.

“Let’s go home,” she said.

Zhou Zhou felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing those words, but her face was still flushed with the embarrassment of having been caught earlier. She whispered an explanation, “Miss Song, I just thought you and Miss You had something to discuss, so I…”

“I know,” Song Yi reassured her with a gentle smile. “If you’re tired, go upstairs and rest.”

You Xuechu had finally reached a conclusion and was about to respond when she noticed Song Yi had already moved back to Zhou Zhou’s side.

If Song Yi claimed she didn’t like Zhou Zhou, You Xuechu wouldn’t believe it.

“Zhou Zhou!” You Xuechu ignored Song Yi and waved at Zhou Zhou from the steps.

“Miss You,” Zhou Zhou had just stepped out of the car when she heard You Xuechu call her name. Remembering how You Xuechu had helped her hail a cab that morning, she felt grateful and waved back enthusiastically.

Standing to the side, Song Yi, who had been overlooked, found the scene oddly endearing like two grown-ups expressing friendship toward each other.

“Go talk to her. Shouting from this far is straining your voice.”

Song Yi naturally took Zhou Zhou’s wrist to lead her over but halfway there, she noticed You Xuechu staring at them. Song Yi hesitated, unsure whether to let go or not.

It was Zhou Zhou who gently pulled her hand free and ran up to You Xuechu.

“Miss You, thank you for this morning.”

You Xuechu sighed helplessly, rubbing her forehead. “Drop the formalities.”

“Miss You, thank you,” Zhou Zhou corrected herself, which pleased You Xuechu.

Her gaze flickered toward Song Yi, who stood behind Zhou Zhou, pretending to be preoccupied with looking at the sky. The twilight deepened, and a faint crescent moon peeked out from the clouds.

“Everything settled?” You Xuechu asked Zhou Zhou.

“Mhm,” Zhou Zhou nodded hesitantly. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure if things were completely resolved. According to Dr. Ding, it wouldn’t be certain until Miss Song safely passed her sensitive period.

“What was the issue?”

Zhou Zhou hesitated, pressing her lips together.

Hearing this, Song Yi turned around, not intending to hide it from You Xuechu. “My sensitive period came early.”

“No wonder,” You Xuechu frowned slightly.

Originally, she had planned to leave once she confirmed Song Yi was fine. But now, knowing Song Yi’s sensitive period had arrived prematurely, she suddenly felt uneasy about letting Zhou Zhou stay with her.

“Weren’t they always regular before? Why did it come a week early this time?”

Song Yi shrugged, indicating she didn’t know either.

“What did Ding Chen say?”

Song Yi didn’t answer, just looked at You Xuechu, who belatedly realized that as Song Yi’s ex, it wasn’t appropriate for her to pry into such details.

“Don’t misunderstand, I’m not concerned about you. I’m just worried about Zhou Zhou.”

Song Yi nodded. She believed You Xuechu’s explanation. Given how terribly the original scumbag Alpha had treated You Xuechu, it would be strange if she still cared.

“In that case, Zhou Zhou can’t stay with you these next few days.” You Xuechu looked at her gravely. “She should come stay with me instead.”

Zhou Zhou hadn’t expected this suggestion from You Xuechu. Nervously, she glanced at Miss Song, wondering what she thought.

Personally, Zhou Zhou wanted to stay with Miss Song.

You Xuechu’s proposal was clearly for Zhou Zhou’s sake, and Song Yi couldn’t argue. She lowered her gaze silently, her long lashes veiling her thoughts.

In moments like these, silence was tacit agreement.

Zhou Zhou parted her lips, wanting to say she was willing to stay, but in the end, the words didn’t come.

Miss Song didn’t seem to want her there after all.

Zhou Zhou’s shoulders slumped as she lowered her head. Miss Song didn’t need her as much as she had thought.

“Come with me.” You Xuechu reached out, her hand gently resting on Zhou Zhou’s shoulder. Zhou Zhou no longer had the confidence to stay, yet she couldn’t bear to leave either.

“It’s just for a few days. Once Song Yi’s rut passes, I’ll bring you back, okay?” You Xuechu’s tone softened involuntarily. Faced with someone like Zhou Zhou, it was hard for anyone to speak harshly.

Zhou Zhou nodded lightly and followed You Xuechu, though she couldn’t help glancing back repeatedly.

Miss Song remained standing in place, the light above the villa’s entrance casting her shadow long and stretched. From afar, it looked like a warm-toned painting, yet Zhou Zhou sensed an inexplicable loneliness emanating from it.

“Stop looking, she’s out of sight now.” You Xuechu waved her hand in front of Zhou Zhou’s eyes, casting a fleeting shadow.

Suddenly, she felt like the villain who had torn apart a loving couple.

Wait, no. You Xuechu quickly corrected herself. Song Yi had explicitly stated she had no feelings for Zhou Zhou.

Then she remembered how naturally Song Yi had held Zhou Zhou’s hand, and anger flared in her chest. So this time, Song Yi was just leading her on without taking responsibility? Wasn’t that still scummy?

She had done the right thing.

Once she had rationalized it, You Xuechu felt refreshed and invigorated. During the short walk back to her own villa, she began introducing Zhou Zhou to her home, asking what kind of room she preferred. Zhou Zhou listened quietly but clearly lacked enthusiasm, offering only a subdued, “Anything is fine.”

Song Yi stood at the villa entrance for a long time, only stepping inside after the sky had darkened completely.

When Zhou Zhou left with You Xuechu, she had actually felt the urge to chase after them and call Zhou Zhou back.

She knew that if she had spoken up, Zhou Zhou would have stayed. But what then?

Could she guarantee she wouldn’t hurt Zhou Zhou?

No.

She had witnessed how terrifying the original scummy Alpha could be when it resurfaced. During her rut, her emotions were unstable, making it easier for that part of her to take over. The safest option was for Zhou Zhou to stay with You Xuechu for a few days.

You Xuechu was reliable and treated Zhou Zhou well. It was the best solution.

So why did she still feel so unsettled?

After much thought, her mind circled back to the question You Xuechu hadn’t answered. At the time, her retort had been rhetorical, but You Xuechu had considered it seriously.

Could You Xuechu like Zhou Zhou?

The moment the question arose, Zhou Zhou’s face inevitably surfaced in Song Yi’s mind.

Zhou Zhou was undeniably likable, the kind of person who naturally drew others in and made them want to protect her.

It made far more sense for You Xuechu to like Zhou Zhou than the original scummy Alpha.

Song Yi’s mood grew heavy, an inexplicable irritation gnawing at her.

Ruts were unbearable. She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water, calming slightly after drinking it.

Stepping out of the kitchen, she paused in the living room, unsure where to go.

The villa suddenly felt unfamiliar.

She sat down at the dining table and noticed a sticky note on the opposite seat.

Could it be from Zhou Zhou?

She stood and walked over to check, only to realize it wasn’t.

It was from You Xuechu, a note of thanks, it seemed.

[The tomato and egg noodles were delicious. Thanks, Zhou Zhou!]

So Zhou Zhou had gotten up early to make breakfast, and You Xuechu had come specifically to eat with her?

She peeled the note off the table, crumpling it in her hand as if it offended her. Only after doing so did she realize how irrational her behavior was. She tried to smooth it back out, but the paper was already hopelessly wrinkled.

She smoothed out the napkin on the dining table, took out her phone, and snapped a photo, hesitating over whether to send it to Zhou Zhou.

Just send it. After all, You Xuechu had specifically left it for her.

Opening the chat with Zhou Zhou, the photo was already selected, but Song Yi still hesitated for dozens of seconds. Only after finally tapping “send” did she slump back into her chair with relief.

Now, all that was left was to wait for a reply.

Would Zhou Zhou notice the message she sent?

Should she send another message explaining what the photo was about?

But You Xuechu had already signed her name in the photo, there was no need.

At that moment, You Xuechu had just led Zhou Zhou to a guest room, arranging all the necessary amenities for her. You Xuechu lived alone, had few friends, and the guest rooms were usually empty. Everything had been arranged by the butler over the phone, and the butler worked quickly, everything was ready within half an hour.

“If you need anything else, just let me know. You can knock on my door or message me online.”

“Oh, we haven’t added each other as friends yet,” You Xuechu said, taking out her phone. “Let’s do that now.”

When Zhou Zhou went to look for her phone, she realized it wasn’t there. “I think, I left it in Miss Song’s car.”

“I’ll go back and get it,” Zhou Zhou instinctively wanted to return.

“Let’s do it tomorrow. I’ll help you retrieve it. For the next few days, it’s best if you don’t see Song Yi just in case, she does something unfavorable to you. After all, she doesn’t even have confidence in controlling herself, and…” And if Zhou Zhou went back to find Song Yi now, she might stumble upon something not suitable for young eyes. Seeing that would surely upset her.

“I have an old phone well, not really old, just bought a few days ago. You can use it for tonight.” You Xuechu quickly went to her room and brought out a nearly brand-new phone, logging out of the only account on it before handing it to Zhou Zhou.

“Thank you, Miss You. But I can’t stay here for free these days.”

You Xuechu licked her lips and, without any pretense, said directly, “Then, Zhou Zhou, how about you cook me a bowl of noodles every day?”

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