The Five Heartless Scumbag Alphas Turned Against Each Other Because Of Me - Chapter 62

Tan Hua spent several more minutes communicating with the foreman, confirming that he had clearly understood all her requirements. Only then, satisfied, did she put down her phone and get up to make herself a cup of coffee to soothe her throat.

As she turned her chair back toward the door, her eyes unintentionally swept past two striking figures standing there. At first, she didn’t register what she saw.

It wasn’t until she stood up with her cup in hand and turned around again that she suddenly sensed something was off. With a sharp motion, she whipped her head toward the doorway. “?!”

“When did you two get here?” she blurted out instinctively. Realizing her tone might have sounded too harsh, she pressed her lips together, then softened her voice slightly. “President Zheng, President Sheng, when did you arrive? I didn’t hear anything at all.”

“You scared me,” she said with a dry laugh, patting her chest in mock alarm. Her clear eyes held a trace of playful reproach.

Sheng Yiheng glanced at Zheng Jinyu and said, with an unreadable expression, “We saw you were busy just now, so we didn’t want to interrupt.” Leaning against the doorframe with her hands in her pockets, she added lazily, “Besides, President Zheng felt it would be impolite to interrupt your call.”

“So you two were eavesdropping on me?” Tan Hua raised her hand in disbelief, looking thoroughly scandalized.

Here she goes again, playing out another scene—Sheng Yiheng’s lips twitched, but before she could respond, Zheng Jinyu picked up the thread of conversation lightly, “We just got here, really. And we didn’t intentionally listen in.”

Zheng Jinyu’s gaze swept toward Tan Hua’s wide-open office door—her meaning was clear:

You left the door open yourself. How is that our fault?

Tan Hua: “…” What utterly unreasonable and shameless Alphas.

She nearly laughed out of exasperation. But since Zheng Jinyu and Sheng Yiheng didn’t show any particular emotion, Tan Hua simply gave up pretending altogether. “So, what brings you two here?”

Surely they didn’t just come over for fun or to keep tabs on her.

“Nothing too urgent,” Zheng Jinyu replied. “We happened to be here today to sign a contract, and I realized it’s been several days since I last saw you.”

She paused briefly, then continued in a tone that carried a subtle blend of intimacy and tenderness, “So I wanted to take a good look at you.”

“You’ve lost weight.” Her gaze held a touch of concern. “Your face looks sharper, your chin more pointed, and your complexion seems much worse than before.”

Sheng Yiheng blinked. “?” She’d seen Tan Hua polish off two pork knuckles at lunch—how could she have possibly lost weight?

Bewildered, Sheng Yiheng turned to scrutinize Tan Hua closely, her eyes scanning up and down. Confirming that there hadn’t been any real change, her admiration for Zheng Jinyu’s ability to lie with a straight face deepened.

A true veteran of business warfare—what a smooth talker.

With skills like that, she could probably convince people a dead fish was still swimming.

Tan Hua let out a surprised “Ah,” then raised her hand to touch her face, her expression lighting up with joy. “Really?” Her eyes sparkled. “You’re not lying?”

“Of course not,” Zheng Jinyu responded with a voice full of indulgence. Then, suddenly shifting tone to one more assertive and hard to refuse, she added, “Come to my place for dinner tonight.”

“I’ll make something nutritious for you.”

Sheng Yiheng: “…” There it is—the wolf baring its fangs.

She pulled her hands from her pockets and crossed her arms, speaking up before Tan Hua could reply, “I don’t think that’ll work.” As Zheng Jinyu turned to her in confusion, Sheng Yiheng shrugged innocently. “She has to work late tonight.”

“Really sorry about that,” she added with a dazzling smile that clearly didn’t please Zheng Jinyu at all.

“Yes, yes,” Tan Hua quickly echoed, worried Zheng Jinyu might try something dramatic again. She furrowed her brows, feigning distress. “There’s just so much going on at the office lately. I’ve been working late every day.”

“So, I’ll have to decline your kind invitation, President Zheng.”

The two of them were perfectly in sync, leaving no room for Zheng Jinyu to push further. Still, she smiled calmly, showing no sign of displeasure. “That’s alright,” she said softly. Then, just as both Tan Hua and Sheng Yiheng began to relax, she added, “I’ll have Auntie prepare something and send it over to you.”

“You can eat something light to fill your stomach first. Once you’re done working overtime, I’ll come pick you up and make something even better for you to help you recover.”

The gentle Alpha furrowed her brows in exaggerated worry. “With your current condition, I just can’t feel at ease.”

This… Tan Hua was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure how to turn her down.

These days, Zheng Jinyu seemed almost obsessed with feeding her. She didn’t care whether Tan Hua actually liked it or even agreed. Like doting on a little pet, she had everything planned and prepared meticulously.

Feeling awkward, Tan Hua scratched her head and instinctively glanced toward Sheng Yiheng, shooting her desperate looks: Say something, will you?

Sheng Yiheng snapped out of her thoughts at Tan Hua’s silent plea, but her mind was stuck on one thing—Zheng Jinyu’s tone sounded so familiar… as if this wasn’t the first time they’d gone through this routine.

An Alpha warmly inviting an Omega to dinner at her place; the Omega, too embarrassed to say no, politely agrees; and then, after a late-night meal, with the deepening night and an unsafe journey home alone, Zheng Jinyu would seize the chance to invite her to stay over…

Classic tactic. Sheng Yiheng scoffed inwardly at Zheng Jinyu’s cunning.

At the same time, she found herself irrationally bothered: If Tan Hua really agreed to stay over… would she sleep in the guest room, or… sleep together?

Surely it couldn’t be the latter? After all, they were already divorced. And judging by how easily Tan Hua flirted these days, she didn’t seem like the type to go back to an ex.

But what if Zheng Jinyu seduced her? Could Tan Hua resist? Sheng Yiheng doubted it.

In fact, she suspected that if there was seduction involved, the one doing the tempting might very well be Tan Hua herself. Despite all her scheming, Zheng Jinyu was undeniably attractive.

And these gestures—kind, considerate, attentive—would be major brownie points for any Omega. Even Sheng Yiheng, a genuine Alpha, found them hard to resist when she imagined herself in that position.

Shocked by her own jealous thoughts, Sheng Yiheng felt a stab of pain in her chest. She quickly pulled herself together and looked over at Tan Hua, who was still staring at her with wide eyes: Why do I have to clean up your messes?

With an exasperated look, Sheng Yiheng finally stepped in, her tone breezy and casual, as if just making idle conversation: “I wonder if I might be lucky enough to join, too?”

Zheng Jinyu turned back to look at her. Sheng Yiheng smiled with a rogue-like charm. “I have to work overtime today as well, and I’m sure I’ll be hungry afterward.”

Tan Hua’s eyelid twitched. “…”

“Of course,” Zheng Jinyu replied without missing a beat, her voice considerate. “I’ll ask Auntie to make a little extra.”

“Well, thanks in advance then, President Zheng,” Sheng Yiheng said flippantly, as if she were doing everyone a favor. Then she shot a smug look at Tan Hua, raising an eyebrow: You needed me to handle something this simple? Tsk.

Tan Hua pretended not to notice and gratefully ushered both of these divine-level nuisances out of her office. Holding her coffee mug, she muttered, “Why does Zheng Jinyu keep inviting me to her place?”

She subconsciously reached up to touch the back of her neck, confused. “My heat cycle is already over, isn’t it?”

“Exactly, that’s the best time!” her system responded offhandedly. “Now you can play all you want without gett—” It quickly shut up, then changed course, “She’s probably just being warm and hospitable. Maybe she genuinely wants to be your friend.”

“Come on, Host, don’t overthink it. As if you’d ever be the one who gets taken advantage of. Hasn’t it always been you who—” Under Tan Hua’s warning glare, the system went silent with an awkward cough.

Zheng Jinyu’s behavior was undeniably strange, but Tan Hua couldn’t make sense of it just yet. So she gave up trying to figure it out and leisurely sipped her coffee instead.

Sheng Yiheng returned not long after.

Tan Hua looked up. “She left?”

“What else?” Sheng Yiheng replied with a saccharine smile that sent chills down Tan Hua’s spine, arms folded across her chest. “Why? Can’t bear to see her go?”

“No, no, of course not!” Tan Hua shook her head like a drum. “Why would I? The one I care most about is obviously you, President Sheng.”

She flashed a fawning grin.

Smooth talker. Sheng Yiheng knew full well Tan Hua was just messing with her, but she couldn’t deny that hearing those words still made her feel inexplicably good.

Her lips curved up unconsciously, though she quickly smoothed them back down once she regained composure. “The deal with Zheng Jinyu is already sealed. You need to start following up with Tang Yanrou.”

She held up one finger. “Don’t let her slip away.”

Tan Hua’s expression immediately fell flat. “And if, unfortunately, she does slip away in the end?”

“Then I don’t care what you have to do—you will get her back—” Her voice cut off mid-sentence. A moment of silence, then she suddenly snapped, her tone turning sharp and agitated: “No. That’s not happening. Don’t even think about it.”

“Stop always assuming the worst.” Sheng Yiheng switched gears to motivational mode. “I believe in you. You can do this.”

The Alpha’s gaze was intense and sincere—downright charming. Tan Hua almost got swept up in it… until her system appeared in her ear like a drill sergeant and shouted, startling her so badly she shivered and slumped, her enthusiasm deflating on the spot. “…Got it.”

Sheng Yiheng noticed something was off but couldn’t quite put her finger on it. After asking a few concerned questions, she left.

As soon as the Alpha was gone, the system, fearing backlash, quickly tried to explain:

“Host, lust is dangerous! You cannot let yourself get distracted by all these beautiful women!”

“Our mission from the Main System is the real reason we’re in this world!”

“And women—especially beautiful ones—they’ll only slow your sword hand! All risk, no reward!” The system was so earnest and dramatic that it was almost impossible to scold it.

Tan Hua: “…” I don’t believe a single word you’re saying.

At six o’clock sharp, just as promised, Zheng Jinyu had her housekeeper deliver a lavish dinner. Sheng Yiheng sat across from Tan Hua, eyeing the table full of gourmet dishes, green with envy. “I’m so jealous. You get pampered the moment you’re off work. Look at me—”

“No food, no one to care. I’ve got no choice but to shamelessly freeload.”

Tan Hua rolled her eyes. “If you’re going to eat, then stop whining.”

“…I knew you wouldn’t want to share Zheng Jinyu’s love-filled meal with me,” Sheng Yiheng crossed her arms dramatically and started to rise. “Fine, I won’t eat.”

She stood halfway before realizing Tan Hua wasn’t going to stop her. Embarrassed but thick-skinned, she sat back down and muttered, “But since Zheng Jinyu did say she’d make enough for me too… why shouldn’t I eat?”

“You won’t finish all this by yourself anyway.”

With that, the Alpha righteously picked up her chopsticks and took a few small bites. The food was undeniably delicious—no wonder Tan Hua liked going over to Zheng Jinyu’s place.

Mouth full, Sheng Yiheng muttered sourly, “Married women really are different—”

“President Sheng,” Tan Hua interrupted, smiling in a way that didn’t reach her eyes. “If you’re so eager for marriage, you could just go ahead and get married right here and now.”

Sheng Yiheng paused mid-bite. “To who? Who exactly am I supposed to marry right here and now?”

“Me,” Tan Hua replied sweetly. “Don’t tell me you forgot? As long as the price is right, I’ll agree to anything, remember? Hmm?”

Sheng Yiheng’s eyes darkened, her heart thudding uncontrollably for several beats.

Yes, Tan Hua’s role was indeed to be a stand-in—a substitute who could be ordered to do anything for the right price. But… something like marriage? Was that included too?

Wasn’t that too… casual?

If anyone with money could just buy her time and attention, then Tan Hua would’ve already had four or five marriages by now. Did she really not care? Didn’t she think that marriage should come from genuine affection—something you choose willingly, with your whole heart?

That it shouldn’t be treated like some childish game, so light and cheap it bordered on offensive?

Sheng Yiheng wanted to say something but stopped, stunned. She stared at Tan Hua, eyes unfocused.

Then again—thinking from another angle—this “casual setup” wasn’t exactly without advantages for her. If all it took was enough money, then she could easily claim Tan Hua for herself. Declare her territory. Lock it down.

And once that happened, what Zheng Jinyu? What pretty little boytoy? They’d all be left stewing in jealousy, completely helpless.

Her heart thudded again—hard. She heard her own voice come out hoarse: “Are you serious?”

“Of course,” Tan Hua replied innocently, blinking. “Have I ever lied to you?”

No—well, it’s just… Sheng Yiheng couldn’t help but feel that all of this seemed a little too surreal. Was it really possible for her to so easily hide all of her darker thoughts, and then, under the guise of a different excuse, tie an Omega to her side?

This kind of happiness, arriving so effortlessly, made her feel suspicious.

Still, Sheng Yiheng couldn’t help but ask, “So, how much are you planning to charge?”

Seeing the “fish” nibbling at the bait, Tan Hua leaned on her hand, pretending to think it over. “I haven’t decided yet. How about this—I’ll start by counting how many people actually want to marry me. Then I’ll gather you all together for a full-on auction. Highest bidder wins.”

“What do you think?”

Sheng Yiheng: “…” Grass. (a censored expletive stand-in)

She thought Tan Hua was messing with her on purpose and immediately burst out, flustered and furious, “Don’t flatter yourself. It’s not like I have to marry you. I have everything anyone could want. People chasing after me could build a wall as tall as Shengyuan Group’s headquarters.”

“Why would I be desperate to marry you?” the Alpha sneered coldly. But her dramatic response, paired with Tan Hua’s half-smiling expression, only made Sheng Yiheng feel more embarrassed—like a clown in a tragic comedy.

Emotion simmered behind her eyes, her face darkening visibly.

Tan Hua blinked innocently. “President Sheng, I haven’t even said anything yet. Why are you reacting like this?” Her bright eyes twinkled. “I was actually going to say… if you’re really interested, I could offer you a private discount.”

She slowly leaned in, voice low and tempting. “Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

The moment she said it, all of Sheng Yiheng’s earlier emotions vanished. She began wavering again, hopelessly conflicted.

In her mind, two voices warred. On one hand, she still couldn’t forget Cheng Yuan. On the other hand, her heart wouldn’t stop pounding at Tan Hua’s teasing words. The internal battle raged, and Sheng Yiheng stood stuck in the middle, unable to decide.

It wasn’t until she caught sight of the mischievous glint in Tan Hua’s eyes that she suddenly snapped back to reality. “You’re working overtime again tomorrow night.”

Tan Hua’s smile froze. “?”

Sheng Yiheng didn’t explain. She just picked up her chopsticks and began aggressively attacking the food in her bowl. She’s clearly spoiled—taking advantage of the fact that I like her to act so recklessly and demand so much— Wait. Hold on.

She froze.

What do you mean, “like her”?

Do I like her? Sheng Yiheng blinked in alarm, suddenly realizing—Did my subconscious just admit that I like her? Was that a joke?

She shook her head vigorously. No way. Absolutely not.

Their relationship was purely professional—employer and hired stand-in. Nothing more. No complicated entanglements. In fact, it was so clean-cut that even if they were lying in bed together naked, there still wouldn’t be any kind of inappropriate thoughts—

…Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration.

She was still a grown woman, after all. When faced with a beautiful Omega, it was only natural to feel something.

Conflicted and a little shaken, Sheng Yiheng stared at Tan Hua and couldn’t help sighing. Again and again. So much so that Tan Hua started getting confused, watching her with concern.

It was like watching an eggplant wilt after the first frost. She wanted to ask what was wrong, but was afraid of poking the bear—so she held back.

It’s probably just one of her occasional weird mood swings, she thought. Give it a few minutes, it’ll pass.

Tan Hua didn’t dwell on Sheng Yiheng’s mood. Her real worry was the imminent arrival of Zheng Jinyu. Despite Zheng’s seemingly sincere demeanor, there was always something calculating and unreadable behind that gentle surface—something that made Tan Hua uneasy.

And while she fretted, time marched on.

By 10 PM, Tan Hua stretched with a yawn, checked her phone, saw no new messages, and quietly picked up her bag, preparing to sneak out—only to be stopped by a soft voice: “Hua Hua.”

Like a ghost, Zheng Jinyu had appeared out of nowhere. When Tan Hua turned around, she found herself caught in the woman’s smiling eyes.

“Where were you planning to go?”

“No— I was just about to come find you,” Tan Hua said with a straight face, raising her phone as if to prove her point. “I was wondering why you hadn’t messaged me yet. Turns out, you were already here.”

She spoke warmly, but her legs stayed firmly rooted to the spot. “You didn’t wait too long, did you?”

“It’s all President Sheng’s fault—she’s been so busy lately that I’ve been stuck working overtime too.” She grumbled, “Otherwise I’d have finished my own work ages ago.”

“No,” Zheng Jinyu said with a smile. “I just got here.”

“Oh…” Tan Hua dragged out the sound, then casually asked, “So how’s everything at your company since that stunning secretary of yours left?”

She hadn’t meant anything by the comment—no hidden jabs, no testing tone. But Zheng Jinyu clearly misunderstood.

The smile faded from her eyes, replaced by a solemn seriousness. “After she left the company, she and I no longer have any connection. You don’t need to worry.”

“That’s not what I meant…” Tan Hua began, but Zheng Jinyu cut her off again:

“She already started working at a new company shortly after resigning. From what I’ve heard, she’s adjusting very well.”

“Is that so.” Tan Hua’s lashes fluttered. Something about her expression shifted. She gave a soft, sarcastic chuckle. “Seems like you care a lot—knowing exactly how she’s doing at her new job.”

Zheng Jinyu froze. The sharpness in those words caught her completely off guard.

She’d forgotten—Tan Hua was notoriously possessive. Mentioning Yan Yan in front of her was like handing her a rock to throw.

Caught off guard and now guilt-ridden, Zheng Jinyu quickly changed the subject. “You should come by my company sometime. I’ll introduce you to my new secretary.”

The smile returned to her eyes. “I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.”

Tan Hua had no desire to visit Zheng Jinyu’s company. In fact, if given the choice, she wouldn’t even step foot in her house. But the truth was—she had no other way out.

Just as the two were about to head downstairs together, Sheng Yiheng suddenly popped up out of nowhere. “Are you two heading out for a late-night snack?”

Her face was sincere, voice pure and innocent. “I have to admit, President Zheng’s housekeeper is a fantastic cook. If you’re going out to eat, could I join you?”

“I want to eat too.” She blinked hopefully and looked toward Zheng Jinyu, who clearly didn’t care for her. “They say the more the merrier, right? The three of us going together—it’d be the perfect vibe. Great for bonding, strengthening relationships.”

She rattled on endlessly. “Don’t you agree, President Zheng?”

Zheng Jinyu, clenching her teeth: “…Of course. You’re welcome to join.”

The ex-wife: smiling on the outside, screaming on the inside.

President Sheng: Hehe.

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