The Scummy Alpha Transmigrated into a Tragedy Novel and Went Viral! - Chapter 16

“Look outside—the view is so beautiful!”

Bai Weilan pointed eagerly at the clouds and fields beyond the window. Xiao Chengyi smiled obligingly, though his eyes were devoid of emotion. Bai Weilan took out her phone and began snapping photos one after another, documenting the picturesque scenery along the way.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yiyu and Wang Zicheng were engrossed in a two-player mobile game, completely lost in their own world. When Jiang got frustrated by his teammate’s blunders, he let out a string of curses, and Wang could only smile helplessly and beg the cameraman to delete that part later.

Zhao Yimai and Jiao Yanting, the well-known “artistic couple” of the entertainment industry, passed the time singing and chatting about the local scenery and culture—then somehow transitioned from that to philosophical musings about life. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, their thoughts in perfect sync.

Huang Yili and Liu Ke, on the other hand, were constantly chatting and taking selfies. Yili, a top idol well-versed in singing and dancing, had met her match in Liu Ke, an avid fan who could name every member of the hottest boy and girl groups. They played music, swayed to the rhythm, and laughed freely, their energy contagious.

Every couple radiated affection—except for Cheng Jingling and Ji Yufu.

Ji Yufu was still unsettled by Cheng Jingling’s behavior earlier. She turned her head toward the passing scenery, unable to muster the mood to “act loving” again for the cameras. Cheng Jingling, meanwhile, sat elegantly with her chin propped on one hand, eyes closed as if resting, though the pose was clearly intentional.

The group had set off from the Minglai Hotel, flown to Yun City, then taken a car to the filming location. By noon, they finally arrived. Cheng Jingling watched the city’s enormous flower-shaped landmark flash past the window, her expression unreadable.

To enhance the variety show’s sense of drama, the director had the couples arrive in staggered groups.

The first pair to arrive was Xiao Chengyi and Bai Weilan. They followed the path lined with directional signs and entered a quaint farmhouse courtyard, its walls decorated with the show’s logo and rows of empty double photo frames. Bai

Weilan gasped in surprise—standing before her were Zhong Junhong and Cai Keke, two of the country’s most popular variety show hosts.

“Wow! Welcome, welcome! Our first couple to arrive—Weilan and Chengyi! You’ve worked hard to get here!” Zhong Junhong said cheerfully, already slipping into host mode. Cai Keke stepped forward with a smile, presenting them each with a white rose.

“Is this your first time in Yun City?” Cai Keke asked, keeping the interaction lively while waiting for the next couple to arrive.

“Yes, it is,” Bai Weilan replied shyly—it was her first time appearing on a reality show as well.

“And how do you find it here so far?” Zhong Junhong prompted.

“It’s beautiful,” Bai Weilan said earnestly. “I’d heard Yun City was a great tourist destination, but I never had the time to visit before. Now that I’m here, I can say it really lives up to its reputation!”

“And you, Chengyi?”

“I feel the same—it’s wonderful.”

“Then could you tell us what made you decide to join Unforgettable Love? I’m sure the audience is dying to know!”

At that, a faint blush appeared on Bai Weilan’s cheeks. She glanced at Xiao Chengyi, and the two exchanged a knowing smile. The hosts immediately burst into playful laughter.

Xiao Chengyi spoke first. “We’ve been so busy with work that we hardly see each other. So, when this opportunity came up, we thought—why not spend some real time together?”

The answer was picture-perfect. The hosts played along enthusiastically.

“Oh, that’s so heartwarming!”

“Junhong, don’t you think a mature and attentive Alpha like him is incredibly attractive?”

“Absolutely!”

“Great! Then please come over here and post your photo on the board.” Cai Keke led them to the photo display wall, helping them place their picture in the first slot and stick their white rose beneath it.

Just then, the second couple arrived.

“Ah, welcome, welcome—our lovely Yili and Keke!” Zhong Junhong greeted warmly. Bai Weilan and Xiao Chengyi greeted them with theatrical surprise, as instructed by the director. Huang Yili and Liu Ke were given sunflowers and placed their photo in the second slot.

Next came Zhao Yimai and Jiao Yanting, whose representative flower was the orchid, followed by Jiang Yiyu and Wang Zicheng, who received tulips. Jiang wrinkled his nose at the flower, muttering under his breath, “What kind of tacky flower is this?” Wang tugged his sleeve in warning, and Cai Keke pretended not to hear, smoothly continuing the process.

Finally, the fifth car pulled up. Staff opened the door—and Ji Yufu stepped out.

Dressed in an elegant long gown, she looked ethereal under the sunlight, her beauty almost otherworldly. Every guest and even the hosts froze, momentarily dazzled—it was as if a goddess had descended. The set instantly turned into a fan meeting.

Jiang Yiyu, refusing to be outdone, waved his tulip like a cheer stick and screamed her name, nearly losing his voice. The scene was chaotic and hilarious.

Then Cheng Jingling got out of the car—instantly cooling the atmosphere. The crowd’s enthusiasm evaporated in a heartbeat.

Cheng Jingling: “……”

Whatever. She was used to it.

Zhong Junhong quickly recovered and greeted them warmly. “Welcome, welcome—our Ji Yufu and Cheng Jingling!”

Cai Keke finally came to her senses, hurriedly handing over the last bouquet—a vivid red rose. In Ji Yufu’s cool, snow-pale hands, the flower looked strikingly beautiful, a contrast that silenced the crowd.

“Welcome Yufu and Jingling!” Cai Keke repeated, still a bit dazed. Zhong Junhong gave her a helpless glance before turning back to their usual routine.

“Yufu, this is your first time joining a variety show, isn’t it? What an honor to have you on Unforgettable Love!” he said enthusiastically.

“Yes,” Ji Yufu replied with a soft smile.

“What made you decide to join the show with your partner?”

Cheng Jingling tensed immediately. Though every couple had been asked the same question, for them, it was a minefield. Ji Yufu, however, answered with calm composure.

“I used to think that as an actress, all I needed to do was focus on my craft. But over time, I realized that outside of my work, people hardly know me. In truth, I’m just an ordinary person. My fans have always been my friends, and I want them to see the real me—not just a perfect character on screen, but someone grounded in everyday life.”

Her tone was sincere, and even the other guests nodded in agreement. Cheng Jingling, too, found herself silently approving.

“You’re absolutely right,” Cai Keke said warmly. “As the youngest double Best Actress winner in the country, your talent speaks for itself. But it’s true—we rarely get to see you outside of work. We’re all looking forward to your time on the show!”

After taking their photo for the display board, the hosts gathered everyone together.

“Alright! All our couples are here! Welcome to Unforgettable Love —a large-scale celebrity couple reality show where we’ll slow down, enjoy life, and explore what it means to build and sustain love!”

“That’s right!” Cai Keke chimed in. “And our first stop is the famous Flower City—Yun City! Each of you received a flower upon arrival. But don’t think it’s just for decoration—it actually has another purpose!”

At that, Jiang Yiyu froze, looking at his wilted tulip in horror. “I’m doomed!” he yelled, sending everyone into laughter.

Then staff brought out a box decorated with a bright red fu (fortune) character.

“Each couple will send one representative to draw a number. The number you draw corresponds to the house you’ll be staying in,” Cai Keke explained, pausing dramatically before glancing at Jiang. “And your flower.”

Everyone looked at him.

“is the key to your door!”

“Exactly,” Zhong Junhong added. “Once you find your house, remember—you’ll need your flower to open it!”

“Alright then—let’s begin the draw!”

As the couples whispered and decided who would draw, Cheng Jingling turned to Ji Yufu. “Do you want to go?”

Ji Yufu looked down at the rose in her hand, hesitated, then shook her head. “You go. I’ve never been a lucky person.”

“Okay!” Cheng Jingling handed her the rose and stepped forward as the first to draw.

“Alright, Jingling and Yufu have decided—Jingling will draw first!”

She plunged her hand into the box, silently praying to every deity she could think of. Please, please, let it be a room with two beds!

After some searching, she pulled out a ball and handed it to the host.

“The first result is out—Cheng Jingling and Ji Yufu, House No. 1!”

The others took their turns, and soon all the houses were assigned:

• Cheng Jingling & Ji Yufu — No. 1

• Xiao Chengyi & Bai Weilan — No. 3

• Jiang Yiyu & Wang Zicheng — No. 5

• Zhao Yimai & Jiao Yanting — No. 4

• Huang Yili & Liu Ke — No. 2

Once the matching was complete, the hosts revealed the next mission.

“Your first task begins now! Within thirty minutes, find your assigned house, check in, and return here to report. Anyone who’s late will face a penalty!”

Cai Keke added mischievously, “And just so you know—the farthest house is less than a kilometer away. Oh, and one more thing, latecomers don’t get lunch!”

The crowd erupted in panic. They’d only had breakfast—missing lunch would be a disaster.

Cheng Jingling felt her stomach tighten too. Food is life, after all.

“It’s exactly 12:30!” Zhong Junhong announced, blowing his whistle.

Chaos ensued. Couples scrambled to examine their photo clues and plan their routes.

Cheng Jingling studied their photo nervously. “Let’s split up and search!”

Ji Yufu nodded. “Whoever finds it first, call the other.” She turned to leave—but Cheng Jingling grabbed her hand, adopting a deliberately intense expression, eyebrow raised in mock confidence.

“Don’t worry,” she said dramatically. “I won’t let you go hungry.”

Ji Yufu: “……”

Thanks—but I’m already full.