The Scumbag Who Bowed for Money - Chapter 37

Once Xie Yuanwei had the idea, she quickly began to take action.

During her recent outings, she had noticed several dessert shops and also a few vacant storefronts in good locations. Relying on memory, she headed to one of the dessert shops that had left a good impression. She didn’t dislike sweets herself and figured it would be a good opportunity to observe the business.

“Welcome to our shop.”

The store clerk greeted her warmly. Xie Yuanwei gave a small nod in return. Her makeup was subtle and soft, giving her a very gentle appearance.

One of the biggest differences between her and the original body’s owner was in their eyes. When Xie Yuanwei looked at people, her gaze was naturally soft and well-behaved. Sometimes, even Le Shi would pinch her cheeks and praise her for being such a good girl.

She wore only a cap today, no mask. When her eyes briefly met the clerk’s, she quickly looked away. She ordered a small cake and found a seat in a quiet corner.

Maybe it was just her imagination, but she felt like someone was watching her.

She pulled out her phone to go through some messages. Ever since she had teased Yan Yu recently, she had been bombarded daily with photos of Yan Yu and Bai Zhiqu. Holding hands, hugging, and even kissing, though most of the pictures were of their shadows, probably because Yan Yu was worried Bai Zhiqu would get angry.

At first, Xie Yuanwei thought they had gotten back together and even asked Bai Zhiqu about it. The response was cold and direct.

“Just a bed partner.”

Xie Yuanwei had since used that line to tease Yan Yu, which had infuriated her so much that she threatened more than once to come confront her in person.

“Excuse me, Miss Xie?”

The sudden voice startled her, and she stopped scrolling. She turned her head and saw it was the same store clerk from earlier.

Xie Yuanwei immediately felt on alert. She quickly tried to recall any mention of this person from the original novel, but her memory came up blank. There was no trace of this person in what she remembered.

The clerk’s gaze was gentle, a little shy, and carried a faint sense of flirtation.

“It’s been a while. I don’t know if you still remember me?”

Of course I don’t remember you.

Xie Yuanwei almost slammed the table in frustration but kept calm. She looked the woman in the eyes and said plainly,

“I don’t.”

“That’s alright, Miss Xie.”

The clerk briefly explained something to a coworker, then sat down across from her, smiling awkwardly.

“My name is Cheng Xiao. A while back, you helped me at a bar. Some people were bothering me, and you stepped in. You even took me home and let me rest for the night. You helped me solve my problem too. I really wanted to thank you for that.”

Despite the sincerity in her words, Xie Yuanwei felt nothing. These were not her memories. She raised a hand casually.

“It was probably nothing. No need to dwell on it.”

Cheng Xiao bit her lip.

“Miss Xie, I’m a high-quality omega. Back then, you said you would stay in touch, but afterward, you deleted me. I had no way to reach you.”

From her tone, the meaning was clear. Xie Yuanwei understood immediately. She kept her expression neutral and said with a faint smile,

“I already have someone. I’m in love.”

But Cheng Xiao clearly didn’t believe her. It was as if she had heard a joke.

“Miss Xie, we all know you were just having fun. You don’t need to keep lying to yourself.”

“We?”

Xie Yuanwei interlocked her fingers and leaned back in her seat. She glanced out the window, then looked Cheng Xiao straight in the eye.

“Who exactly is ‘we’?”

This wasn’t a casual question. It had weight to it, something closer to a warning. Her tone had a subtle edge. Still, Cheng Xiao didn’t seem threatened. She smiled proudly.

“People you know, of course. But I don’t mean any harm. I just genuinely like you.”

Xie Yuanwei picked up her spoon and took a small bite of cake. She exhaled slowly, then stood up and walked away.

Cheng Xiao followed immediately.

Xie Yuanwei didn’t want to talk to her anymore. She turned around, her expression cold.

“Stop following me. I’ve made myself very clear. I love Le Shi. I’m not interested in you. If you keep this up, there will be consequences.”

Cheng Xiao opened her mouth to say something, but one sharp look from Xie Yuanwei shut her down.

When the alpha got serious, her presence became overwhelming. Even just standing in front of her made the air feel heavier.

Cheng Xiao stiffened, her back straightened out of reflex, and she said nothing more.

Xie Yuanwei got into the car and drove straight home. A low, unsettled frustration stirred in her chest. When she got back, she slumped onto the sofa and ran a hand through her hair.

This kind of situation left her completely drained. And she couldn’t even talk to Le Shi about it.

“So annoying.”

She let out a dry laugh and scooped up the kitten, leaning back with a sigh. She didn’t even know what was wrong with her. Her mood had swung so fast, and she could barely catch her breath. Everything in front of her seemed to blur for a moment. She tilted her head back, breathing unevenly. The kitten, sensing her distress, let out a worried meow.

Xie Yuanwei closed her eyes for a few seconds, then hugged the kitten tighter. She opened her eyes again and whispered softly,

“I’m Xie Yuanwei, right?”

No one could answer her.

She gently placed the kitten down and stood up. Just as she was about to start making dinner for Le Shi, the doorbell rang.

She paused and looked at the screen. It was Cheng Xiao.

Xie Yuanwei didn’t open the door. Instead, she pressed the intercom and spoke coldly.

“What are you doing here?”

“If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.”

Cheng Xiao smiled lightly.

“Don’t be like that, Miss Xie. Come on, let’s talk for a minute.”

Xie Yuanwei didn’t hesitate.

“Leave.”

Cheng Xiao didn’t move. She sat down on the doorstep with her arms open, making it clear that unless Xie Yuanwei came out, she wasn’t leaving.

The alpha stared at her through the security feed for a while, then took a picture and sent it to Le Shi.

Xie Yuanwei: Someone showed up.

Le Shi: Who is she?

Xie Yuanwei: Someone I used to know. I helped her out once.

Le Shi: Did you bring her home?

Xie Yuanwei: Yes.

Le Shi:

Xie Yuanwei was about to send another message when her phone started ringing. It was Le Shi.

The moment she answered, she heard Le Shi’s voice.

“Did you go out today?”

“Yeah. I went for dessert.”

Her voice over the phone had a slightly distorted quality, but her tone sounded amused.

“And how did you run into her?”

Xie Yuanwei cleared her throat.

“The shop I went to. She works there.”

“Did you sleep with her?”

“No.”

“Did she stay at your place?”

“…Yes.”

Le Shi laughed softly.

“So what are you thinking now?”

Xie Yuanwei answered honestly.

“I want her gone. But I thought I should tell you first. In case something happens.”

The omega made a quiet sound of acknowledgment, then added,

“Actually, I got a photo not long ago. It showed you two talking outside a dessert shop. You looked very close.”

Xie Yuanwei froze.

“But I didn’t do anything. I told her not to follow me.”

Le Shi replied with gentle irritation.

“Idiot. Of course I believe you.”

She didn’t hesitate at all. It sounded like she was putting things away as she spoke, her voice calm.

“I’m taking the rest of the day off. Skipping work.”

“I’ll come back and talk to her myself.”

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