The Scumbag Omega Chases After Platonic Love - Chapter 4

After hanging up, all Nai Bing remembered was Yi Zhanying’s helpless “You’re so kind,” and her own repeated reminders for Yi Zhanying to drive carefully.

Later that night, while idly scrolling through her phone before bed, Nai Bing inexplicably clicked on Yi Zhanying’s WeChat Moments, set to show only the past six months.

The feed was a vibrant tapestry of daily life: home, travel, studies, outings with friends. Every detail was as clear as day with a swipe down.

Real adults don’t hide anything, Nai Bing thought, they openly share their lives. Unlike her, who kept her Moments set to “visible for three days only,” effectively vanishing from the digital world when she didn’t post.

What’s so magical about a breathy voice? Lying flat in bed, Nai Bing pondered this, resorting to her usual first step when uncertain: a quick search online.

She found a relevant voice acting video. As she listened through her headphones, Yi Zhanying’s face materialized in her mind, holding a megaphone-shaped prop to her ear and singing dolphin-like notes.

A ticklish sensation rippled through her heart, yet something felt off.

The next day, as she faced her thick-framed glasses, her sister’s words echoed in her mind: “Bing, you’re even prettier without them.”

The memory of that tender, watery gaze still made her heart tingle. Some people radiate an irresistible charm; every glance and smile moves you. Even if you don’t like them, you can’t forget their expressions and sweet words.

Muttering to herself, Nai Bing left for work, arriving at the counseling center twenty minutes early. The receptionist was already there, and she signaled Nai Bing to stop as she greeted her.

“What’s up?” Nai Bing asked, puzzled.

The receptionist handed her a can of some brand-name drink. “A delivery guy brought this. It’s still warm, so drink it up! There’s a note too.”

“Huh?” Nai Bing took the can. It was milk. The note read: 

[Good morning, sweetie! You’re still growing, so make sure you eat well.🙂]

A gentle smile instantly flashed through her mind. She had even thought of something so small. Was it really necessary to be this sweet? Even her own parents never fussed over her like this.

Her heart was pounding. Then she returned to her desk, tore off the straw, and took a small sip. The milk was warm and comforting. She clutched the note, staring at it intently, afraid she might miss a single word.

Could it be a hidden confession? she wondered. Aside from the heart shape, there were no other clues. The smile emoticon is so cute!

Ding! A text message: [Did you have a good breakfast?]

[Ice: Thank you for the milk. I never expected it, and no one’s ever done anything like this for me before.]

[Ying: You’re welcome. I promised I’d take care of you, remember?]

[Ice: I’m just a little embarrassed. I don’t know how to repay you.]

[Ying: Don’t worry about it. I enjoy nurturing.]

[Ice: Huh?]

Later, she received a few more texts with emoticons, playful and teasing. Nai Bing set her phone aside and focused on work, but the word “nurturing” kept nagging at her. Isn’t that just a game? she wondered.

You’re even more beautiful without your glasses, even more beautiful…

The words kept floating through her mind, refusing to fade. After work, as she passed an eyewear shop, she paused. Might as well take a look inside.

“Hello, young lady. What can I help you with?”

“I’d like to get contact lenses.”

“Then come in and let’s check your prescription first.”

The machine quickly measured her vision. Both eyes were over 500 degrees. After carefully choosing a mid-range brand, she bought a pair of monthly disposables.

Once she put them in and stepped outside, the world seemed slightly magnified. Looking at her phone, the screen appeared curved, making her a little dizzy, but she adjusted quickly.

She used her phone’s front camera to examine herself. Without the thick glasses, her features were indeed clearer, her eyes softer and brighter.

With a spring in her step, she walked into a nearby mall and stopped at a small barbershop. Her bangs were definitely too long.

A sign advertised a wash, cut, and blow-dry for just forty yuan. What a bargain! She thought for a moment, then decisively sat down. “Please trim them so they don’t block my eyes.”

“How about this?” Tony, the barber, gestured and explained.

“That’s fine. Just don’t make it too cute.” Nai Bing stared at her reflection in the mirror, her expression blank. I’m actually pretty cool inside. I’m not going for the cute look.

The haircut wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t particularly impressive either.

Nai Bing was about to leave the shop and head home when she suddenly spotted her target just a dozen meters ahead. What was Yi Zhanying doing here? And who was that stunning woman beside her?

They seemed to have just finished shopping, carrying designer bags as they stood in front of a trendy bubble tea shop.

They’re even hugging in public! How intimate! Nai Bing’s heart took a heavy blow, and she quickly ducked out of sight.

What should I do now? If I walk out, I’ll definitely get caught. I’m right in their line of sight.

*****

“What do you think of this passion fruit tea?” Yi Zhanying asked her friend.

“It’s not as good as they say online. I got tricked again.”

Yi Zhanying nodded in agreement, casually glancing around as she sipped her drink. Her eyes landed on a familiar pair of shoes peeking out from behind a display corner: faded, frayed canvas sneakers. Little Bing?

She excused herself from her friend and strode over, pushing aside the shop’s curtain. Huh, she’s not here. She asked a shop assistant, “Excuse me, was there a very pretty girl here just now?”

The assistant silently pointed toward the back: She’s hiding behind the mannequin.

Yi Zhanying followed the gesture and spotted something odd among the clothes: a motionless figure with a white cloth bag over its head. Is she really that desperate to avoid me? Should I tease her a little?

She quietly pulled out her phone and made a call. Beep… beep… A distinct vibration echoed from within the shop.

Thump. Something fell from her waist. Yi Zhanying bent down to pick it up, her brow furrowing as she saw the name light up the screen. Little Bing had given me such a ridiculous nickname! She felt both wronged and amused.

Nai Bing snatched back her phone and bolted out, heading straight for the subway station. Her heart still pounded wildly on the way home. The memory of Yi Zhanying hugging that strange woman stirred up an odd feeling, a hint of disappointment.

She couldn’t make sense of it. Even if she had walked right up to them, it would have just been a friendly greeting between acquaintances. Why hide? What was there to be embarrassed about?

It must have been awkward, she thought. My subconscious didn’t want to expose her. I’m just too kind to call her out and embarrass her. That’s why I tactfully avoided the situation. Nai Bing sighed in relief. Typical me.

Ding. A WeChat message arrived.

[Ying: You seem a little angry.]

[Bing: Why would I be angry? You’re imagining things.]

[Ying: Why cover your face with a bag? You’re so beautiful.]

[Bing: I didn’t want to see you.]

[Ying: Do you hate me?]

[Bing: Maybe just a tiny bit, a sliver…]

Yi Zhanying sat in her car, staring at the screen, biting her lip and chuckling. So naive, she thought. Even when she’s saying she hates me, she’s adorable. Someone this captivating needs to be cherished.

She drove toward the Yi residence. She hadn’t visited often before, but since meeting Nai Bing, she’d come regularly to pry information from her younger sister.

“I’m back,” she announced cheerfully as she entered the house.

Her sister, Yi Mingqi, was sprawled over the coffee table, studying for her graduate school entrance exams. Mingqi usually projected an air of meticulousness and aloofness. Her only close friend at school was Nai Bing; she was popular but remained emotionally distant from everyone else.

Yi Zhanying crept up behind her and wrapped her arms around her, whispering softly, “Xiao Qi.”

“Ugh, get off me,” Mingqi grumbled, her expression one of exasperation. We’re sisters, but there are boundaries. Can’t you just ask nicely instead of grabbing me like this?

“Studying math?” Yi Zhanying asked, referring to her own least favorite subject.

“Yeah, don’t bother me.”

“Xiao Qi, just talk to me for a few minutes,” she pleaded, turning on the charm. “Tell me more about Bing. Her family, her love life, anything.”

“Why don’t you just ask her yourself?” Mingqi retorted, rolling her eyes. Nai Bing is so awkward. Asking her directly might not work and could even offend her.

“My dearest Xiao Qi” she pleaded.

“Ugh…” Yi Mingqi was a sucker for flattery. “Since you’re asking so sincerely, I’ll tell you. Bingbing comes from a regular farming family. Beside her, she has a younger brother in his final year of high school, about to take the college entrance exams.”

“A brother?”

“Yeah, but they have a really close family. When Bingbing was in school, she only got 800 yuan a month for living expenses. Now that she earns 5,000 yuan a month, she sends the 1,600 yuan home. That’s pretty much it.”

“What about romance?” Yi Zhanying pressed.

“Never been in a relationship. Born single, will die single.” Yi Mingqi paused, then added, “Though she did mention a childhood friend once, but they lost touch after growing up.”

“I see.” Yi Zhanying looked thoughtful. She grabbed Xiao Qi’s phone and opened an app, revealing a shopping cart overflowing with graduate school prep books. “Remember those materials you asked me to get from my friend? They said they’ll mail you a copy ASAP.”

“Really?! Oh my gosh, thank you, Sis!” Xiao Qi’s face lit up.

“You got this, sweetie. Keep going!”

Yi Zhanying headed to the kitchen to whip up some dinner. “Xiao Qi, what do you want to eat tonight? I’ll make it for you.”

Her sister, eyes glued to her textbook and didn’t even look up. “No need. I already ordered takeout.”

******

Nai Bing was organizing the customer inquiries she had received that day. An unused bottle of perfume sat on her desk, and a plush toy lay on the bed behind her. The originally cramped space was now filled with things related to that person.

She recalled Yi Zhanying’s words: I’ve only ever chased after you.

But why me? she wondered. We’re a mismatch in every way. She’s thoughtful, gentle, and meticulous, always making me feel comfortable. She knows when to push and when to pull back, beautiful like a trap.

Her phone lay silent. Nai Bing idly doodled on a sticky note, sketching two cute, chibi-style faces.

Buzz. Her heart skipped a beat as her phone vibrated. It was just a picture from Xiao Qi: a plastic dessert spoon? It looked familiar.

Immediately after, a voice call came through.

“Hey? What’s up?”

“Ah, Binggou, someone asked me to ask you if you would like a massage for your stiff shoulders and neck,” Yi Mingqi said lazily. Beside her, a beautiful woman waited eagerly, her heart fluttering with anticipation for the answer.

“A massage?” Nai Bing listened carefully to the background noise. She could hear faint whispers. Was Yi Zhanying nearby?

“Is this your sister’s idea?”

“Yup,” Yi Mingqi admitted frankly. She never thought her older sister would ever need a wingwoman for a date.

“I need to think about it,” Nai Bing replied seriously.

“Okay, I’ll tell her. Also, what do you think about…”

Click. The call ended abruptly. What was that about?

The younger sister turned to her older sister with a regretful smile. “She said she needs to think about it. It’s a polite rejection. Don’t get your hopes up.”

Yi Zhanying’s hopeful expression dimmed. “Why? Am I not her type?”

“Ha ha ha! Binggou’s so straight and asexual! She’s not interested in women. Keep trying, beauty!”

The younger sister casually pulled the plastic spoon from her ice cream. It was the same spoon Nai Bing had used last time, and she’d actually kept it…

“I’m throwing this away,” the younger sister said sternly.

Clutching her pillow tightly, the older sister pleaded, “Do you have to?”

Yi Mingqi was as impartial as iron. Bang! She slammed the trash can shut, then clapped her hands to dust them off, as if she’d won some great victory.

So love really does fade away, doesn’t it…

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