The Scummy Alpha Transmigrated into a Tragedy Novel and Went Viral! - Chapter 21

The fireworks show lasted for about half an hour. When the last spark faded, the night sky fell silent again. The crowd slowly dispersed. Cheng Jingling got out of the car first, carefully helping Ji Yufu down. Soon after, Jiang Yiyu, Wang Zicheng, Bai Weilan, and Xiao Chengyi came over to join them.

To everyone’s surprise, the director announced that the day’s mission was complete. Transportation and a late-night snack had been prepared—everyone could head back to the guesthouse.

The other two couples cheered at the news and immediately got in the vans with the staff, chattering happily as they left.

“You go ahead with them,” said Cheng Jingling, taking the things out of the bicycle basket. “I’m going to return the bike.”

“I’ll go with you,” Ji Yufu replied without hesitation.

Her tone made Cheng Jingling blink in surprise—and a small, uncontrollable smile tugged at her lips. Still, she tried to dissuade her. “It’s pretty late. You should head back and rest. I can handle it myself.”

Ji Yufu shook her head. “No way. It’s too late for you to go alone—I’d worry.”

Cheng Jingling looked up at her. Ji Yufu’s eyes were full of genuine concern, not a trace of pretense. Warmth bloomed quietly in Cheng Jingling’s chest—she hadn’t expected Ji Yufu to be someone so soft-hearted beneath that cool exterior.

“Alright then,” she said softly.

When the director heard the two of them planned to personally return the bicycles, he immediately called, urging Cheng Jingling to just hand them over to the staff. The shop owner wouldn’t mind—a little tip would do. But Cheng Jingling insisted on going herself, leaving the director no choice but to send a car to follow them for safety and drive them back afterward. Cheng Jingling thanked him repeatedly for his thoughtfulness.

After saying goodbye to the others, Cheng Jingling took off her jacket, folded it neatly, and laid it on the back seat. “Here, I’ll give you a ride.”

“I didn’t think you knew how to ride a bike.” Ji Yufu couldn’t help laughing, unable to connect the elegant, pampered Cheng Jingling with the old bicycle before her.

“You underestimate me,” Cheng Jingling said with mock offense. “Come on, it’ll be more comfortable with that cushion.”

Still smiling, Ji Yufu accepted the invitation and perched sideways on the back seat.

“Ready?”

“Mm.”

Cheng Jingling glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t put your hands there—you’ll get them caught.” She guided Ji Yufu’s arms around her waist. “Like this. Safer.”

Ji Yufu wasn’t sure if that was true, but she obediently nodded and tightened her hold a little. Cheng Jingling felt the slight movement and couldn’t help the small curve of her lips. She’s actually kind of cute.

“Let’s go!”

With a beauty on board, Cheng Jingling was in high spirits. She pedaled hard, the car behind them providing light. Tourists strolled leisurely down the streets, chatting as they made their way home.

Ji Yufu sat on the back, feeling the night breeze brush her ankles. She relaxed completely, watching rows of storefronts and pedestrians slowly pass by. A faint smile rose to her lips.

She’d always rushed from one job to the next, never slowing down long enough to notice the scenery. Tonight, she realized—slowing down could also be beautiful.

Lifting one hand into the air, she spread her fingers, feeling the wind slip through them. A bright star hung just above her palm. She closed her hand as if to catch it—only to find her palm empty. Yet somehow, she felt she’d grasped something far more real: the feeling of life itself.

Once they left the bustling streets and reached an open road, Cheng Jingling began to pedal harder. The sudden burst of speed startled Ji Yufu into tightening her arms, pressing close against Cheng Jingling’s back. She could feel the flex of her slender waist with every push of the pedals, and a faint trace of wine lingered in the air—warm and dizzying.

She really does have a nice figure, Ji Yufu thought secretly.

After half an hour, they finally arrived at the bun shop. The lights were still on, but the metal shutter was half-drawn. Cheng Jingling knocked on the door.

“Sorry, we’re closed!” came the shopkeeper’s voice from inside.

Hearing that, Cheng Jingling pushed the door open a crack and called out, “It’s me, I came to return the bike.”

The auntie inside looked up from kneading dough. “Oh, you’re back!” she said, then noticed Ji Yufu standing beside her.

“Is this your girlfriend?”

“Yes,” Cheng Jingling admitted easily.

“She’s beautiful. You’re a lucky girl.”

“Hehe.” Cheng Jingling scratched her head, glancing shyly at Ji Yufu, who blushed faintly at the teasing. Wanting to change the subject, Cheng Jingling said, “Auntie, I’ll just bring the bike in.”

“Alright.”

As the shopkeeper went to open the door wider, she took another look at Ji Yufu—and froze, her expression turning curious.

“You look just like that actress,” she began, trying to recall the name. Then she spotted the cameraman nearby and remembered that Cheng Jingling had mentioned being related to a celebrity earlier. Her eyes widened. “Wait, you’re not—”

“Ji Yufu,” Ji Yufu said gently.

“Yes! Ji Yufu! I can’t believe it’s really you! I love your work—my daughter’s your fan too!”

She gave Cheng Jingling a friendly slap on the arm. “You lucky girl! Ji Yufu’s your girlfriend—” Her voice cut off abruptly as she remembered the recent gossip—the scandal about Cheng Jingling being a notorious, flirtatious Alpha who toyed with people’s feelings. Her smile vanished instantly, replaced by a disdainful look.

Cheng Jingling: “…”

Ji Yufu burst out laughing at the auntie’s unfiltered reaction. “Thank you for lending us the bikes, Auntie.”

The auntie immediately switched back into fan mode, beaming. “Oh, it’s nothing! I’m honored to help. Have you two eaten yet?”

Cheng Jingling shook her head honestly.

“Perfect! I’ll make you a couple of my specialties.”

“Oh, no need, Auntie—we already bought something,” Cheng Jingling said, pointing to the plastic bag in the basket.

“Nonsense!” The auntie snatched the bag and set it aside. “This has gone cold! I’ll whip something up—it won’t take long. It’s not every day I get to cook for my idol!”

Before either could refuse, she dragged Ji Yufu to the table, wiped it down again for good measure, and gestured for her to sit. Ji Yufu exchanged a helpless look with Cheng Jingling, who sighed in defeat. Clearly, dinner was happening.

While the auntie cooked, Cheng Jingling wandered over to the counter, spotted the bowl of dough, and got an idea. After washing her hands, she picked up the rolling pin and tried to make a bun wrapper. Unfortunately, her coordination was lacking.

Ji Yufu leaned over to watch, laughing. “Is that a pancake?”

“No! It’s a bun wrapper!” Cheng Jingling said indignantly.

Ji Yufu bit back another laugh. “Oh. I see.”

Cheng Jingling huffed, handing her the rolling pin. “Let’s see you try.”

“I can’t,” Ji Yufu admitted. She had never cooked in her life, much less made buns.

“Then don’t laugh at me! We’re just as bad!” Cheng Jingling muttered, trying to mold her misshapen dough into a bun. The result looked so pitiful that Ji Yufu had to force out a compliment.

“Not bad.”

“Thanks! It’s for you.”

Ji Yufu sighed. “Repaying kindness with cruelty, huh.”

Their playful banter filled the shop until the auntie emerged with two steaming dishes. The aroma made Cheng Jingling’s stomach growl immediately. She pulled Ji Yufu to the table just as another dish of stir-fried greens arrived.

“Just a few simple home dishes,” said the auntie, smiling warmly.

“They look delicious. Thank you, Auntie.” Ji Yufu accepted the chopsticks with both hands, while Cheng Jingling sensibly went to scoop rice.

“Aren’t you eating with us?” she asked, noticing only two bowls.

“I’ve already had dinner. You two eat.”

Cheng Jingling tasted the braised chicken and was instantly impressed. “This is amazing!”

Ji Yufu nodded in agreement. “It’s really good!”

The auntie beamed. “Eat more, eat more! I was worried you wouldn’t like my cooking.” She then looked at Ji Yufu with a gaze full of motherly affection, as if she’d known her for years.

“Yufu, may I call you that?”

“Of course. You’re my elder.”

“I love your shows—the dramas, the films—your acting is wonderful!”

“Thank you.”

“And seeing you in person, you’re even more beautiful! My daughter would say you’re ‘absolutely slaying.’” The auntie’s eyes sparkled like a fan at a concert.

“Auntie, you’re too kind,” Ji Yufu said, flustered.

Cheng Jingling, amused by her shy expression, grinned. “Auntie, you’re so trendy!”

The auntie shot Cheng Jingling a cold glance, then turned back to Ji Yufu with a radiant smile—a double standard so obvious even a blind person could see. Cheng Jingling silently shoveled rice into her mouth.

Small, pitiful, and oppressed—but still eating.

“You’re perfect in every way, except,” the auntie sighed regretfully. Cheng Jingling glanced at Ji Yufu, who kept smiling, though there was a trace of bitterness at the corner of her lips.

“I just didn’t expect you to go public with your relationship. My daughter and I used to talk about what kind of Alpha you’d end up with. We even argued about it! But this.” She shook her head, her tone full of pity. “Such a waste of your good image.”

Realizing her words might have gone too far, the auntie quickly softened. “Ah, don’t mind me. I’m just old and nosy. My daughter’s about your age—I can’t help it. But really, only you know if you’re happy. If you are, then I’ll support you.”

Ji Yufu’s eyes glimmered faintly as she smiled. Before she could respond, Cheng Jingling spoke first, her voice quiet but firm:

“Auntie. I’m actually not that bad. I’ll treat her well.”