Reborn as the Heartless Alpha - Chapter 34

The question had surfaced out of nowhere, and Song Yi had asked it naturally.

As soon as she spoke, she saw Zhou Zhou’s back stiffen and her shoulders hunch slightly. Song Yi immediately realized her question was offensive. She even thought of the “Scum Alpha” original host’s nature and shivered, taking three steps back.

 

Only after putting considerable distance between them did Song Yi speak again. “I’m sorry.”

 

“You don’t need to apologize, Ms. Song.” Zhou Zhou still didn’t turn around. She clenched her hands and said, “I believe that, no matter what, you would never truly hurt me.”

 

“But I still scared you.” Song Yi felt a pang of self-reproach. She was currently in a good state of mind; the original host had no opportunity to take over, and she didn’t sense any of that persona’s lingering presence. So why had she almost offended Zhou Zhou?

 

Song Yi couldn’t find an answer and felt deeply troubled.

 

At that moment, Zhou Zhou finally turned around to look at her. “It’s because I’m a coward. It’s not your fault, Ms. Song.”

 

Song Yi felt a bitterness in her heart but said nothing more.

 

The two went their separate ways to attend to their own business. Song Yi went upstairs to her room. Looking at the deep blue sky and the drifting white clouds outside, she felt like going for a walk. Staying cooped up at home felt far too idle.

 

In her previous world, she had regretted having no time to call her own; now that she had it, she felt empty, not knowing how to fill these sudden, abundant hours.

 

After Song Yi went upstairs, Zhou Zhou remained below.

 

She held the black-cased phone Ms. Song had given her for work, confirming the arrival of the housekeeping staff and the cook, and specifying a selection of fresh ingredients and fruits.

 

The work was easy, almost a fixed routine, and Zhou Zhou finished it quickly. Since she didn’t have to leave today, she could supervise the staff in person.

 

While waiting for the staff to arrive, Zhou Zhou took out the phone Ms. Song had given her for daily use. Sliding her finger across the screen, she saw several unread messages from Ms. You.

 

[Zhou Zhou, is Song Yi still acting normal after I left?] [Is work busy?] [Are you bored? If you are, you can come over and play Gomoku with me.]

 

After reading them, Zhou Zhou replied to each one.

 

[Ms. Song is acting normally.]

 

Except for that slightly ambiguous sentence she said while standing behind her.

 

[Not busy.]

 

If she hadn’t experienced it herself, Zhou Zhou wouldn’t have believed such an easy job existed in this world.

 

As for the last message, Zhou Zhou didn’t know how to respond. She found it very strange. If Ms. You were bored and wanted to play Gomoku, she could simply ask Ms. Song. Why ask her?

 

After thinking for about five minutes, Zhou Zhou reached a conclusion that seemed most logical: Ms. You was a bit of a tsundere and didn’t want to invite Ms. Song directly, so she was using Zhou Zhou as a middleman.

 

[I understand what you mean, Ms. You. I know what to do, please don’t worry.]

 

After replying to the three questions, Zhou Zhou exited the chat, gripped the phone in her hand, and headed upstairs.

 

On the other side, You Xuechu looked at Zhou Zhou’s reply and felt something was off, as if there had been a misunderstanding.

 

Inside the room, Song Yi was staring blankly at the two straw butterflies on her vanity when a knock came at the door.

 

Song Yi snapped out of it. She didn’t even need to think to know who was at the door; she stood up from her stool almost immediately to open it.

 

As expected, it was Zhou Zhou.

 

Song Yi stood inside the doorway, looking at Zhou Zhou in silence. Only now did she notice that Zhou Zhou was wearing a white dress—a pure, soft white like the drifting clouds in the sky. It looked very liberating. The hem resembled gardenia petals, barely covering her knees.

 

In the room, the large floor-to-ceiling window was open, and a breeze rushed in, making the petal-like hem flutter in the wind.

 

That breeze blew right into Song Yi’s heart.

 

She had never been one to pay much attention to external appearances, failing to realize that as long as it concerned Zhou Zhou, she was already paying attention.

 

“Ms. Song.”

 

In the breeze, Zhou Zhou finally spoke. Her voice seemed to carry the sweet scent of gardenias and cherries.

 

Song Yi’s throat felt inexplicably dry. She averted her gaze, looking at the marble floor behind Zhou Zhou. “Go ahead.”

 

Zhou Zhou took a deep breath, carefully choosing her words. “Ms. You is very bored at home. If you have time, Ms. Song, you could go and keep her company with a game of Gomoku.”

 

After speaking, Zhou Zhou relaxed significantly. This was her first time passing a message for someone. The meaning… she must have conveyed it correctly, right?

 

Unexpectedly, Ms. Song frowned slightly, looking somewhat unhappy.

 

Isn’t this a great chance for them to have some alone time and reconcile?

 

Song Yi was indeed unhappy. She felt a certain heaviness in her heart, though she couldn’t explain why.

 

While Zhou Zhou was still puzzled, Song Yi suddenly asked, “Do you want me to go?”

 

“Huh?”

 

Zhou Zhou blinked blankly, her clear, bright eyes filled with confusion.

 

Why was Ms. Song asking her? Was her opinion important?

 

If she said she didn’t want her to go, would Ms. Song stay?

 

“Do you want me to go, Zhou Zhou?” Song Yi repeated.

 

“Yes,” Zhou Zhou nodded emphatically.

 

Although she felt a tiny bit of reluctance, overall, she hoped Ms. Song and Ms. You would reconcile soon. They were both good people, and Zhou Zhou wanted them to be happy.

 

“Fine, I understand.”

 

Song Yi turned to look out the window. The sunlight outside was brilliant and piercingly bright. Although the lights were on inside, they could never truly replace the sun.

 

Zhou Zhou and she were like natural sunlight and artificial light—destined to meet briefly and eventually part.

 

Song Yi had explained things, but her lack of complete honesty led Zhou Zhou to believe she and You Xuechu could rekindle their relationship. Zhou Zhou was working hard to help her, just as Song Yi was trying to help Zhou Zhou avoid harm and find happiness.

 

Preventing Zhou Zhou from being hurt by the “Scum Alpha,” and helping her find her parents and fiancé—once those missions were complete, Song Yi might even be able to return to her original world. The final outcome would always be separation.

 

“I’ll go.” Song Yi picked up a pair of sunglasses from the rack on her vanity and tossed them lightly in her hand.

 

“Zhou Zhou, rest well at home. Don’t do everything yourself; let the housekeepers and the cook handle it.”

 

“Your hand can’t get wet yet. Be very careful.”

 

After giving her instructions, Song Yi put on her sunglasses and walked out.

 

Zhou Zhou stood still, realizing the owner had left the room. She prepared to leave as well, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the two straw butterflies in the center of the vanity. She paused for a second, then walked out of Ms. Song’s room, closed the door, and didn’t look back.

 

Zhou Zhou walked downstairs slowly, her hand on the railing, the image of Ms. Song’s displeased expression still in her mind.

 

Downstairs, the housekeeper had arrived and was clearing the dining table. Zhou Zhou walked down and instinctively wanted to help.

 

The housekeeper looked kind and gentle. “Are you the new butler?” she asked warmly.

 

Zhou Zhou nodded. “You’ve worked here for a long time, haven’t you?”

 

“Over ten years.”

 

After chatting for a while and becoming more familiar, the woman lowered her voice. “Even though Ms. Song is temperamental, she pays well, so I’ve stayed. She hasn’t made things difficult for you, has she?”

 

Zhou Zhou froze. “No.”

 

“Oh, that’s good. I saw how beautiful you are and was afraid Ms. Song would torment you. I’m glad she hasn’t.”

 

The long-term employees at the Song villa generally knew about “Song Yi’s” dark hobbies and would secretly complain during breaks.

 

“You don’t need to be too afraid. If anything happens, refuse bravely. If you’re willing, you must also protect yourself.” The woman sighed helplessly, thinking of the young girls who had left the villa in a state of semi-madness.

 

Zhou Zhou’s heart grew heavier.

 

The housekeeper’s warning reminded her of the day Ms. Song first brought her home—the terrifying sight in that villa, those tools covering an entire wall meant for restraint and torture. Had those really been Ms. Song’s hobbies?

 

But she also remembered that on that day, and every day since, Ms. Song would rather hurt herself than hurt her.

 

Why was that? What was the reason for Ms. Song’s sudden change?

 

Zhou Zhou was baffled. In her confusion, she confirmed the fresh ingredients delivered from the farm and discussed the lunch menu with the cook.

 

After arranging these chores, Zhou Zhou sat on the soft, warm-brown sofa, wondering if Ms. Song would come back for lunch after playing Gomoku with Ms. You.

 

As she waited, the aroma of food wafted from the kitchen. It smelled much richer and more delicious than anything she could cook.

 

She murmured to herself, “If Ms. Song doesn’t come back for lunch, wouldn’t all this food be wasted?”

 

The housekeeper, who was carefully wiping an antique vase nearby, heard her and offered an answer. “If the butler confirms that Ms. Song isn’t coming back, the food isn’t wasted. She lets us pack it up and take it home.”

 

So that was it. Zhou Zhou touched the slightly warm phone, thinking she should confirm with Ms. Song once it got a bit later.

 

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Zhou Zhou immediately got up from the sofa to check.

 

A small van was parked outside the villa, and a man in a full blue uniform was looking inside.

 

“Hello, is this the residence of Ms. Song Yi?”

 

“Yes,” Zhou Zhou nodded.

 

“Ms. Song placed a rush order at our shop last night. Please open the gate so I can bring the goods in.”

 

Zhou Zhou opened the gate. The man went to the van to unload things, joined by another man in the same uniform. Each carried a box into the villa.

 

Zhou Zhou followed them, very curious about what Ms. Song had ordered so urgently.

 

“Alright, six boxes in total. If everything is correct, please sign on Ms. Song’s behalf.”

 

While signing for the delivery, Zhou Zhou caught a glimpse of the contents. The white papers were labeled: luminous star paper, wishing star glitter origami tubes…

 

They were all handicraft materials. Was Ms. Song interested in handicrafts?

 

Zhou Zhou recalled the woven grasshoppers. It was clear Ms. Song had an interest, but these materials she chose carried a romantic air.

 

Folding stars was a common way to express love in schools. Zhou Zhou had seen many girls in her class doing it, and boys too.

 

So, was Ms. Song planning to use her handmade creations to move Ms. You and achieve a reconciliation?

 

Zhou Zhou felt envious. However, she also had the little green grasshopper Ms. Song gave her. That was Ms. Song’s first handmade work using grass. While making it, she had even cut her index finger.

 

Zhou Zhou had thought for a long time about why Ms. Song gave her that grasshopper. She decided the most logical explanation was that since she had taught Ms. Song how to fold it, Ms. Song gave her the first one on the spot to express her gratitude.

 

As for why she didn’t give it to Ms. You, perhaps it was because she felt a straw grasshopper didn’t suit her. That was why she bought so many other tools; folding stars was much more romantic.

 

Zhou Zhou’s lips curved into a bitter smile. The green grasshopper Ms. Song gave her was still in her room at Ms. You’s villa; she hadn’t had time to take it with her. Perhaps it was fate that it stayed there. Whether it was stars or grasshoppers, anything Ms. Song made should belong to Ms. You.

 

Time flew by, and soon it was 11:30. Zhou Zhou sent a message asking if Ms. Song was coming back for lunch.

 

After waiting for a few minutes without a reply, Zhou Zhou figured Ms. Song was so engrossed in her time with Ms. You that she couldn’t pay attention to anything else. She decided that if she didn’t hear back by 12:00, she would call to confirm.

 

Song Yi hadn’t gone to see You Xuechu at all. After leaving, she had just been driving around aimlessly.

 

After wandering without a purpose, she eventually entered a flower market. It was her first time seeing so many colorful and fragrant flowers. She found a place to park and spent the entire morning browsing.

 

Her arms were soon full of flowers, mostly bought as single stems.

 

“Miss, would you like some roses? They’re perfect for a partner.” “How about some Lily of the Valley?” “Strelitzia…”

 

Song Yi didn’t have a specific preference for flowers; she just bought whatever had a nice color or a pleasant scent.

 

She didn’t have a partner. The first person she thought of giving flowers to was Zhou Zhou. She felt, for some reason, that Zhou Zhou would like natural things like fresh flowers.

 

Passing a lily stall, Song Yi remembered the white dress Zhou Zhou was wearing today and immediately said to the owner, “Two lilies, please.”

 

Song Yi returned with a full harvest—dozens of flowers in total. She held a large bouquet with an unusual color combination: yellow, white, pink, red, purple, and blue all bunched together.

 

She attracted many glances along the way. Only when she got back into her car did she truly feel at ease again.

 

She checked her phone; it was almost 12:00 PM.

 

She saw an unread message from Zhou Zhou. Just as she was about to open it, Zhou Zhou’s call came through.

 

She answered immediately, asking nervously, “Zhou Zhou, is everything okay? Did something happen?”

 

Zhou Zhou was taken aback. “…No.”

 

She almost forgot what she was going to ask. “Ms. Song, I called to confirm if you’re coming back for lunch.”

 

The drive back would take at least half an hour. Song Yi said, “Don’t wait for me, you eat first.”

 

“Okay.”

 

Zhou Zhou assumed Ms. Song meant she was staying at Ms. You’s place, so she told the cook, “Ms. Song isn’t coming back for lunch. You can pack up the food and take it with you.”

 

The cook packed a portion and left plenty for Zhou Zhou.

 

After the staff left, Zhou Zhou was alone in the large villa. Sitting at the dining table with the exquisite and abundant food, she found she had no appetite.

 

Just because Ms. Song wasn’t there, she had the illusion of being swallowed by loneliness.

 

She couldn’t be like this; after all, she couldn’t stay by Ms. Song’s side forever.

 

Zhou Zhou picked up her chopsticks and began her lunch for one. With a poor appetite, she didn’t eat much, leaving quite a bit behind.

 

She checked her phone again; it was almost 1:00 PM.

 

Ms. Song must have eaten at Ms. You’s house by now.

 

Her thoughts began to wander again, and she didn’t notice someone walking into the living room from outside.

 

Song Yi, having just arrived home, saw Zhou Zhou spacing out again and called out with a smile, “Zhou Zhou.”

 

Before Zhou Zhou could snap out of it, a hand reached around from behind her, and a bouquet of colorful flowers bloomed before her eyes.