The Scummy Alpha Transmigrated into a Tragedy Novel and Went Viral! - Chapter 24

Ji Yufu finished braiding her hair and put on a hat, instantly looking like a foreign girl straight out of a travel magazine. Cheng Jingling was struck speechless by how stunning she looked, blurting out an open and heartfelt compliment:
“Wow, you’re gorgeous!”

Ji Yufu blushed shyly. “Thank you. You look lovely too.”

Cheng Jingling, brimming with confidence, tilted her chin proudly and replied without a hint of modesty, “I know!”

Ji Yufu’s smile froze. “I was just being polite. Don’t take it so seriously.”

The grin on Cheng Jingling’s face vanished in an instant. She stared at Ji Yufu in disbelief—ever since she was a child, she had been praised endlessly. This was the first time anyone had ever poured cold water on her like that.

She chased after Ji Yufu, indignant. “Wait—what do you mean? Are you saying I’m not pretty?”

Ji Yufu didn’t answer. She merely thanked the old lady beside them and began tidying up her clothes. Cheng Jingling refused to give up. She trailed after her like a persistent puppy while Ji Yufu went from mirror to table to the accessories stand.

Finally, Cheng Jingling grabbed her sleeve and refused to let go. “Come on, say it!”

Ji Yufu turned around to see her sulking, eyebrows drooping, expression pleading like a wronged puppy that silently demanded: Compliment me, or I’ll get mad.

Amused and helpless, Ji Yufu finally gave in. She pulled Cheng Jingling to the mirror and exaggeratedly praised, “Yes, yes, you’re beautiful—the most beautiful! A smart, stunning, gentle, and thoughtful girl like you is a true rarity. You’re practically a celestial being come to earth!”

Her over-the-top flattery worked wonders. In the mirror, Cheng Jingling’s lips curved upward almost instantly, though she tried to suppress the grin to look reserved—only to fail miserably, ending up with a lopsided “Thunder God” expression that made everyone burst into laughter, including the tour guide and the old lady.

Cheng Jingling gave up on pretending to be demure and laughed along with them.

Watching her bright and radiant smile, Ji Yufu’s gloomy mood dissolved like smoke. She couldn’t help but smile softly herself, thinking, She’s really easy to cheer up.

Guided by the tour leader, they took a series of photos together. Cheng Jingling either held Ji Yufu by the waist or gently linked arms with her, making quite the picture. The old lady running the stall couldn’t stop gushing about how beautiful and well-matched the two looked. Cheng Jingling preened even more at that, sweetly calling the woman “Grandma” again and again until the old lady praised her for being such a charming, sweet-tongued girl. Ji Yufu could almost see the invisible tail wagging behind Cheng Jingling, practically knocking her off balance from delight.

After wandering through Sulang Street and changing out of their outfits, the two bid farewell to the old lady and moved on to their next stop.

Meanwhile, Bai Weilan and Xiao Chengyi had been assigned by the director to Yuhe Park. It was autumn, and the park was in full bloom—fields of flowers swaying in the crisp breeze, anglers lining the riverside, families barbecuing on the grass, and children flying kites or tossing frisbees on the large football field. The whole place brimmed with warmth and life.

The two entered quietly, admiring the flowers and watching the locals enjoy their leisurely afternoon. Bai Weilan felt a rush of emotion—this was the life she’d always dreamed of.

She had imagined it countless times: walking into marriage with Xiao Chengyi, living a peaceful life like ordinary people, taking their future children to the park for picnics and games. The thought alone filled her heart with tenderness.

She reached out to hold his hand, silently hoping that day would come soon.

“What’s got you smiling like that?” Xiao Chengyi asked indulgently.

“It’s just, so beautiful here,” Bai Weilan said, her eyes crescented with joy, her smile infectious.

“Do you like it?”

“Mm-hmm.”

He leaned in close, hand discreetly covering his mic, and whispered in her ear, “Then let’s buy a house here someday. That way we can come whenever we want.”

Bai Weilan’s eyes filled with tears. She threw her arms around him in gratitude. The cameraman filming nearby could only sigh—this couple was too sweet. Why must a single man be subjected to this torture?

Elsewhere, Jiang Yiyu and Wang Zicheng were sent by the director to a countryside inn for lunch. To make things interesting, the director gave them two choices: let the innkeeper prepare a random meal for them, or cook their own food.

Neither of them could cook, but fearing a mystery dish they might not like, they reluctantly chose to do it themselves. Fortunately, the director provided recipes. Despite the chaos and bickering that ensued, the process turned out quite entertaining.

By noon, Cheng Jingling and Ji Yufu had already toured five scenic spots. When lunchtime came, the guide took them to a famously popular local restaurant, where a private room had been reserved. Following the guide’s

recommendations, they ordered several signature dishes.

As they chatted and waited, the food soon arrived—but just as they thought the meal was complete, the restaurant owner knocked and entered, carrying an extra plate.

“We already have all our dishes,” Cheng Jingling said politely.

“This one’s on the house! It’s one of our local specialties—you must try it.”

He set the plate down lightly. Cheng Jingling took one look and nearly popped her eyes out. “Wait—is that bugs?”

Ji Yufu was equally stunned. The two exchanged a look that clearly said please don’t make us eat that.

“Are those edible?” Cheng Jingling asked hesitantly.

“Of course! They’re crispy, full of protein—very nutritious,” the guide said cheerfully, unfazed by their reaction.

“Well, thank you, then.”

The grasshoppers, cicadas, and centipedes had been deep-fried to a golden crisp. Cheng Jingling felt her stomach turn—she already felt full just looking at them.

Before leaving, the owner lingered nervously by the door, hands rubbing together. Cheng Jingling knew exactly what was coming.

“Miss Ji, I’m a huge fan! Could I have your autograph?”

Ji Yufu smiled graciously. “Of course.” She took the offered paper and pen, signed neatly, and added with a gentle tone, “Would you like a photo too?”

“Yes, please!” The man nearly bounced with joy, not expecting her to suggest it herself.

After the photo, the owner and guide finally left the room. Cheng Jingling immediately pushed the insect platter as far away as possible, out of sight and mind. She forced herself to nibble one cicada for courtesy’s sake, then all but bolted from the restaurant.

The afternoon’s schedule was more relaxed. Their final destination was the Wanyang Mansion. They toured the luxurious interior and even dressed in Republican-era costumes for souvenir photos—Cheng Jingling in an ivory-white suit, Ji Yufu in a deep red embroidered qipao and a vintage wig, looking breathtakingly elegant.

By the time the day’s tour ended, the guide led them to a historic restaurant for dinner. With the meal concluded, filming for the day was nearly wrapped up. Cheng Jingling silently rejoiced that the day had gone smoothly—until the unexpected happened.

Halfway through dinner, Ji Yufu excused herself to the restroom to replace her inhibitor patch. Ten minutes passed, and she still hadn’t returned. Cheng Jingling began to feel uneasy—just as her system, long dormant, suddenly blared to life.

“The female lead is in danger! Go save her!”

“What?”

Startled, Cheng Jingling dropped her chopsticks and dashed toward the restroom. She called out at the entrance to the women’s Omega restroom—no answer.

Recalling Ji Yufu’s pale face that morning, fear gripped her chest. Ignoring everything else, she rushed inside—empty. No sign of her. Panic rose in her throat. Just then, she heard noises coming from the adjacent men’s Alpha restroom.

She ran over—and froze. Ji Yufu was being held tightly by a large man. Three bloody scratches marked his face. Despite her struggles, the man tried to force a kiss on her, spewing vile words between breaths.

“What, your lover didn’t show up? Or did she dump you after getting bored? You can do better than that spoiled little heiress. Come with me instead—I’ll make you feel real good.”

Ji Yufu spat in his face. That only enraged him further. “You little—don’t know what’s good for you!” He raised his hand to strike her.

Before he could, Cheng Jingling charged forward and punched him squarely in the face, knocking him off balance. She pulled Ji Yufu behind her protectively.

“Who the hell—? Oh, it’s you, Miss Cheng.” The man sneered, wiping his bloody nose. “Didn’t expect the young lady’s punches to pack a bit of bite. Guess you’re not as useless as I thought.”

“You’ll find out just how ‘useless’ I am,” Cheng Jingling shot back, lunging at him again. Her punch missed as he dodged, and he retaliated with a hard elbow to her back.

“Cheng Jingling!” Ji Yufu cried out, frantic, looking around for something to use as a weapon.

Pain shot up Cheng Jingling’s spine, but she refused to let go. She twisted, grabbed the man’s waist, and pinched hard into the soft flesh until he yelped, trying to pry her off. Seizing the chance, she hooked her leg and sent him crashing to the ground. They both fell, but Cheng Jingling climbed on top of him, raining blows on his face, one after another, until blood streamed from his nose and mouth.

Finally, trembling and breathless, she stopped. When the man tried to rise, she kicked him hard in the groin. He doubled over, curling like a shrimp, no longer moving.

“You’re okay now?” Cheng Jingling turned to Ji Yufu, gently cupping her face. She was trembling, tears glittering on her lashes.

“Don’t be afraid,” Cheng Jingling murmured. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”

She pulled Ji Yufu into her arms. Ji Yufu’s body continued to shake as she leaned into the warmth of that embrace. For a fleeting moment, she felt safe—but the instant she closed her eyes, the nightmare from that hotel night surged back.

Startled and terrified, she shoved Cheng Jingling away and ran out of the restroom.

Cheng Jingling didn’t even glance back at the man. She chased after her.

Outside, Ji Yufu stood under the streetlight, clutching the pole for support, her figure fragile and trembling.

Cheng Jingling’s chest ached at the sight. She walked forward and wrapped her arms around her once more.

Ji Yufu struggled, tears streaming down her face.

“Don’t be afraid,” Cheng Jingling whispered softly against her ear. “It’s me. I’ll protect you—always.”