Striving for Harmony After Transmigrating as an Alpha Female Supporting Character - Chapter 23

In the end, Ai Xiaoyu’s “elementary-level” drawing born of desperation miraculously got her through the Painting Club interview. She found it hard to believe herself; compared to the professional sketches and oil paintings produced by others, her two “little rabbits holding hands” were a total anomaly.

Perhaps it was that very innocence (or some mischievous whim of President Li Shuqing) that allowed her to become a member of the club. However, rather than picking up a brush to paint, Ai Xiaoyu was clearly better suited as the one being painted.

In the Painting Club, Ai Xiaoyu became the group’s model. She changed into the purple silk gauze provided by Li Shuqing. The light fabric layered over itself, creating a dreamy, hazy beauty. She sat in the center of the studio, originally worried it would be boring, but soon found that as long as she stayed still, playing on her phone was actually quite comfortable.

Li Shuqing was quite dedicated, frequently coming over to adjust the folds of the dress. Occasionally, her fingers would brush against Ai Xiaoyu’s skin through the thin gauze. It was a bit tickly, but Ai Xiaoyu didn’t think much of it, assuming it was just professional necessity.

Suddenly, Jing Nianxun, who had been painting quietly, stood up.

“Senior, let me do it.” There was no detectable emotion in her voice, but her movements were swift as she directly took over Li Shuqing’s task.

Li Shuqing was stunned for a moment before letting out a meaningful smile. She stepped aside and teased, “Alright, then I’ll leave it to you to pose your exclusive model.”

After school, the two walked home together. Ai Xiaoyu was in a good mood, clutching the “modeling fee” she had just received, only to notice that Jing Nianxun was preoccupied beside her.

“Xiao Yu… don’t be a model for them anymore.” Jing Nianxun kept her head down, her voice small.

“Why? I think it’s fine. I get paid to sit around and play on my phone.” Ai Xiaoyu hadn’t quite caught on.

Jing Nianxun pursed her lips, unable to shake the stifling feeling in her heart. She couldn’t stand seeing Li Shuqing touch Ai Xiaoyu, nor could she bear all those eyes in the studio staring at Ai Xiaoyu in that translucent silk gauze. She wanted to hide this beauty away and keep it for her eyes only.

Ai Xiaoyu stared at her for a moment before a lightbulb suddenly went off. She hooked her arm around Jing Nianxun’s neck and whispered into her ear with a sly grin, “Are you… jealous? Hmm?”

Jing Nianxun froze instantly, her cheeks becoming incredibly hot.

“Hahaha!” Ai Xiaoyu let her go, doubling over with laughter. “Li Shuqing told me just now that I should stop modeling so it doesn’t affect our ‘relationship harmony.’ She really thinks we’re a couple!”

She patted Jing Nianxun’s shoulder and gave a generous promise. “Fine, since you don’t like it, I’ll only be a model for you from now on, okay? Don’t look so grumpy. Give me a smile?”

Jing Nianxun forced the corners of her mouth upward. However, the word “jealous” was like a seed that had quietly taken root in her heart.

At the intersection near their home, a milk tea shop was holding a bustling promotion.

“Couple’s Special: Second Cup Half-Price.”

Given her love for a good deal, Ai Xiaoyu wasn’t about to pass it up. She pulled Jing Nianxun toward the shop.

“But we aren’t a couple.” Jing Nianxun hesitated.

“Let’s just pretend! Saving money is what matters!” Ai Xiaoyu said righteously. Having grown quite a bit recently, she was now the same height as Jing Nianxun. Standing side by side, their mix of sharp and soft beauty really did make them look like an enviable young couple.

Ai Xiaoyu naturally put her arm around Jing Nianxun’s shoulder and whispered a reminder, “Quick, take my arm.”

Jing Nianxun obeyed, her palms sweating slightly. In the crowded line, they were pressed very close. Ai Xiaoyu’s unique scent kept wafting over, making Jing Nianxun’s heart race until she felt lightheaded.

After receiving their two cups, Ai Xiaoyu took a satisfied sip and remarked casually, “You smell so good.”

Jing Nianxun jumped, thinking her pheromones had leaked.

But then Ai Xiaoyu tilted her head and added, “What brand of body wash do you use? It smells great. Send me the link later.”

Jing Nianxun finally let out a sigh of relief. She looked at the carefree, oblivious Ai Xiaoyu beside her, while a bittersweet feeling welled up in her heart.

If Ai Xiaoyu ever found out that this scent wasn’t body wash, but the pheromones she lost control of because she was close to her, would she still be able to say things like “let’s pretend to be a couple” so lightheartedly?

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