The Scummy Alpha Transmigrated into a Tragedy Novel and Went Viral! - Chapter 26

Cheng Jingling couldn’t quite figure out why Ji Yufu had suddenly brought up those old memories. Afraid that saying the wrong thing might make things worse, she stiffly changed the subject.

“Did you use an inhibitor again?”

This time, it was Ji Yufu’s turn to fall silent. She turned her face away unnaturally and reached for a pillow, intending to place it between them.

“I saw the packaging,” Cheng Jingling pressed, frowning. “Are you feeling that bad?”

“It’s nothing serious.”

Her calm, detached tone inexplicably made Cheng Jingling angry.

“You used one this morning before going out, and another one tonight. That’s what you call nothing serious?”

The more she spoke, the more agitated she became—while the person in question just kept quietly adjusting the pillows and blankets. Cheng Jingling snatched the pillow out of her hands. “Answer me!”

After a brief pause, Ji Yufu finally told the truth.

“Director Wang mentioned that we’d get a day off after finishing each location shoot. I’ve already made an appointment with Dr. Lin for a check-up when we get back, so you don’t have to worry. My condition won’t affect our on-screen partnership.”

“You—do you really think I’m only worried because of our on-screen partnership?” Cheng Jingling burst out. “I’m worried about you! Can’t you tell?”

She wanted to keep going, but just then, her phone rang. Both of them fell silent and glanced at it. Ji Yufu saw the unfamiliar number, lowered her gaze, and went back to straightening the bedding.

“I’ll just take this call,” Cheng Jingling muttered, walking out to the balcony and closing the door behind her.

The call was from Lawyer Qi. He and the Cheng family’s security team had already arrived in Yun City. Since it was so late, Cheng Jingling told them to check into a hotel for the night and discuss everything in detail tomorrow. When she hung up and returned to the bedroom, Ji Yufu was already asleep, her elegant back facing her.

Cheng Jingling climbed into bed and turned off the light. She was exhausted, but her mind wouldn’t stop racing. What happened today was a wake-up call—she only knew the major events from the book, not the smaller details. If she wanted to complete her mission successfully, she’d have to stay even more cautious—protect Ji Yufu carefully and help her reach the pinnacle of her story.

As she thought back over everything since her transmigration, she realized the plot was still in its early stages. The cruelest, most heart-wrenching arcs were yet to come. A sigh slipped from her lips. Would she really be able to shield Ji Yufu from the storms of her darkest hour?

The more she thought, the more uneasy she became. She turned over again and again, trying not to make any noise so she wouldn’t wake Ji Yufu.

She didn’t know how long had passed when, half-awake, she felt something warm snuggle into her arms—a small furnace radiating gentle heat. Cheng Jingling soon broke into a sweat. When she opened her eyes and switched on the bedside lamp, she saw Ji Yufu curled up in her embrace like a little dumpling, her face flushed crimson and her pajamas damp with sweat.

Something was wrong. Cheng Jingling touched her forehead—it was burning hot. She called her name twice, but there was no response. Alarmed, she jumped out of bed, grabbed the thermometer from the first aid kit, shook it, then froze—where was she supposed to put it?

Under the arm, obviously but that meant she’d have to unbutton her pajama top. Cheng Jingling’s face flamed red at the mere thought. After being “taught a lesson” twice by the heroine already, she didn’t dare harbor any more improper thoughts—she now looked at Ji Yufu with the kind of reverence one reserved for a saint or a mother.

Standing by the bed, thermometer in hand, Cheng Jingling hesitated so long she began to sweat herself. Finally, she clenched her teeth. “It’s to save her, it’s to save her,” she whispered like a mantra.

She gently helped Ji Yufu lie flat, pressed her palms together, and murmured solemnly, “I swear I’m not doing this on purpose. Please forgive me!”

Then she took a deep breath, then another, and with trembling fingers began unbuttoning Ji Yufu’s top. One button—her heart pounded. Two buttons—that was enough. Cheng Jingling carefully lifted the fabric. Even though she’d braced herself, the sight of that flawless, alabaster skin glowing in the soft light still made her forget to breathe.

She quickly slipped the thermometer under Ji Yufu’s arm, pulled the blanket over her completely, and shut her eyes in mortified panic.

Those few small actions left her gasping for air. She squeezed her eyes shut and mentally spammed the word “forgive” like a confession, even whispering a few rounds of Amitabha just to make sure the heavens heard her.

A few minutes later, she checked the thermometer—39°C.

After fastening Ji Yufu’s top, she hurried to prepare fever medicine, boiled some hot water, and used a warm towel to wipe away the sweat from Ji Yufu’s face and neck. Slowly, Ji Yufu’s tense brow relaxed.

When the medicine had cooled enough, Cheng Jingling spoon-fed it to her bit by bit, then changed her blanket to a lighter one. By the time she finished caring for her, dawn was breaking, and Cheng Jingling hadn’t slept a wink.

When the alarm went off, Ji Yufu stirred awake, her mouth dry and bitter. The bed beside her was empty—no Cheng Jingling, no blanket. She sat up to turn off the alarm, and saw Cheng Jingling asleep at her bedside, head resting on her arm.

She gently shook her. “Why are you sleeping here?”

“You’re awake?” Cheng Jingling rubbed her eyes and stretched, her whole body stiff from sleeping upright. When she moved, her joints popped audibly. She reached out to feel Ji Yufu’s forehead and finally relaxed. “Looks like the fever’s gone down.”

“I had a fever?” Ji Yufu blinked, incredulous.

“Yeah, you hit thirty-nine degrees! Scared the life out of me.” Cheng Jingling stood up, stretching her sore muscles.

“You stayed up all night to watch over me?” Ji Yufu asked, stunned—and instinctively tugged at the collar of her pajama top.

“Of course I did. I was terrified.” Cheng Jingling pointed to the thermometer. “Check again to be safe. It’s right there.” Then she went to wash up.

Ji Yufu’s cheeks burned bright red as she measured her temperature.

By the time Cheng Jingling came out, Ji Yufu was already up. “You don’t have to film today,” Cheng Jingling said briskly. “Pack a few things—we’re going home.”

“What? Did the director say that?” Ji Yufu frowned.

“No, I’m about to tell him. You’ve got that appointment with Dr. Lin anyway. I asked her to move it up to today.”

“You made that decision yourself?” Ji Yufu’s voice sharpened. “Who said you could decide for me? This is still a production set, not a place for you to throw your weight around!”

“I’m not throwing my weight around!” Cheng Jingling shot back. “I’m worried about you! Even if you disagreed, once the director learns you had a fever this high, he won’t dare let you keep filming. Your health is already unstable, Yufu!

Is your career really worth more than your life?”

Ji Yufu fell silent, conceding without another word.

“I’ll have He Yue bring breakfast up. You just rest.” Cheng Jingling grabbed her phone and walked out, leaving Ji Yufu watching her commanding figure disappear through the door.

Outside, Cheng Jingling immediately called He Yue, asking her to look after Ji Yufu and bring food, then headed straight to find Director Wang Yumin. When he heard her request to suspend filming, he nearly jumped out of his chair.

“Miss Cheng, all the crew and equipment are already in place. A sudden halt would be a huge loss. Please, think about it carefully!”

“Yufu was traumatized last night. She had a 39-degree fever. I need to take her to see a doctor.”

Wang Yumin’s eyes widened. He didn’t want Ji Yufu’s health compromised, but the thought of wasted expenses made him hesitate.

“This well.”

“I’ll cover all the costs myself. If you want to keep filming, fine. If not, give everyone a day off. Bill everything to me.”

At that, his expression changed completely. “Of course, Miss Ji’s health comes first! A day off won’t hurt anyone.” He picked up the walkie-talkie and announced that the crew would rest for the day.

“Thank you, Director Wang.”

After resolving that, Cheng Jingling went straight to Lawyer Qi. She summarized the situation and firmly requested that the man who’d attacked Ji Yufu be prosecuted to the fullest extent—every past offense included, for as long a sentence as possible. Lawyer Qi nodded, assuring her it would be handled.

Meanwhile, Ji Yufu and He Yue packed lightly for their short trip home. As Ji Yufu opened her suitcase, a card slipped out. He Yue quickly picked it up. “Ah, Ah Fu-jie, your bank card.”

Ji Yufu stared at the unfamiliar card thoughtfully before tucking it with her documents.

When everything was settled, Cheng Jingling returned to the inn with four bodyguards. She instructed them to stay with Ji Yufu around the clock, ensuring her safety without drawing attention.

By the time she came back, Ji Yufu was ready. Cheng Jingling packed up quickly, and the two set off for the airport together without telling anyone the truth about the attack.

He Yue sat in the front passenger seat, glancing into the rearview mirror. The air in the car felt unusually tense—both women sat rigidly, facing opposite directions, each staring out her window.

When Cheng Jingling had called her that morning to take care of Ji Yufu, He Yue thought she was dreaming. And when she heard Ji Yufu had spiked a 39-degree fever, she nearly fainted. A sick and defenseless Sister Yufu, alone with that wolf—wasn’t this sending a lamb straight into the tiger’s den?

Lost in her own dramatic thoughts, she suddenly caught Ji Yufu sneaking a glance at Cheng Jingling—and almost gasped aloud.

“So,” Ji Yufu finally said, breaking the silence, “where did you go this morning?”

He Yue perked her ears, trying not to squeal.

“Had something to take care of,” Cheng Jingling replied coolly, not looking back.

“You’re mad at me?”

“No.”

“You so are.”

Cheng Jingling gave up pretending. She turned, leaned over, and braced her hands on Ji Yufu’s seat, caging her in. “Listen to me,” she said fiercely, “don’t ever neglect your health again.”

Ji Yufu raised a brow, unruffled. “Are you scolding me?”

Her fierce expression wavered, softening into a pouty plea. “I’m begging you.”

He Yue: “?!”

Excuse me, when did this become a two-person romance movie? Why am I the extra here?

Inside, she screamed silently: Sister Yufu, don’t fall for it! Don’t let her “love-brain” win!