The Scummy Alpha Who Transmigrated Into a Book Was Tricked by the Actress Omega - Chapter 19
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- The Scummy Alpha Who Transmigrated Into a Book Was Tricked by the Actress Omega
- Chapter 19 - Falling
“In summary, I believe the arrangements for our department in the new quarter are quite reasonable, with a complete process and documentation already in place. These materials will be sent to your email shortly. If you find anything unsuitable, I—”
Yan Xunzhen rubbed her temples, twirling the pen between her fingers twice. A faint ink stain seeped into the paper, its subtle fragrance offering a momentary respite to her weary mind.
“Alright, send it over by this afternoon. Meeting adjourned.”
With that, Yan Xunzhen ended the video conference.
Even though it was a luxury car, the smooth ride didn’t prevent the headache from relocating a lengthy meeting summary into the vehicle. She had rushed to the company early in the morning to resolve most of the issues, and now that the wrap-up was done, she was on her way to Du Zuilan’s film set for their appointment.
Almost the moment she capped her pen, the car gradually slowed, the inertia bringing a brief sense of weightlessness.
As she opened the car door, a wave of heat assaulted her skin, forcing her to move quickly toward the bustling set. Crew members, drenched in sweat, weaved through the crowd, carrying equipment that dominated most of the view.
Yan Xunzhen walked further in and looked up, the first person she saw was Yu Tutu, waving at her.
Yu Tutu seemed a little sweaty too, her pheromones faint but pleasant, an indescribable scent that carried an innate warmth when she approached others. “Has President Yan arrived?”
Yan Xunzhen smiled politely and nodded. “Has Actress Tang and… Zuilan finished their scenes?”
Yu Tutu grinned. “Yes, the morning scenes are done. There might be more in the afternoon. Let’s grab lunch first and discuss our next steps?”
There was something peculiar about her especially to Yan Xunzhen. Though they had never met before, Yu Tutu inexplicably gave off the impression that she knew her well.
Moreover, her gaze, though not malicious, was filled with curiosity and a hint of probing, like a little rabbit.
Yan Xunzhen replied, “Alright.”
No sooner had she spoken than two figures approached from a distance, both already changed into their own clothes, stunning beauties, one slender and delicate, the other a gentle, mature presence.
Yu Tutu’s eyes lit up instantly, as if forgetting the argument she’d had with her beloved that morning. She rushed forward for a bear hug, her soft hair brushing against Tang Ying’s cheek, oblivious to the tender kiss Tang Ying planted on her earlobe as she lowered her head.
Their affection was palpable, seemingly unafraid of being caught after all, they were a legitimate married couple.
A twinge of envy flickered through Yan Xunzhen’s heart.
Her fingers twitched slightly before she stilled them.
Du Zuilan walked slowly toward her, a faint flush from exertion on her cheeks as she smiled softly.
Yan Xunzhen’s ears suddenly burned, her gaze involuntarily lingering on Du Zuilan.
Yu Tutu hopped down from Tang Ying’s embrace, glancing at the two of them before flashing a sweet smile. “Shall we go?”
“Mm,” Tang Ying smiled, though a trace of concern flickered in her eyes as she looked at Du Zuilan. “Is your leg alright, Zuilan?”
Yan Xunzhen froze. “What’s wrong with your leg?”
Du Zuilan smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her slender wrist was so delicate it could be encircled with a single grasp: “No, there was just a minor accident on set today. I accidentally bumped my leg. It’s just a bit bruised, nothing serious.”
“But still, you should get some medicated oil to rub on it,” Yan Xunzhen’s words trailed off, especially since she herself had practically been a regular at the hospital as an omega just days ago.
The four of them walked together toward the parking lot, their shadows swaying gently under the dappled shade of the trees.
Du Zuilan shook her head with a smile. “It’s really nothing. I still have some safflower oil left. Besides, what kind of acting doesn’t come with a few bumps and bruises?”
Tang Ying and Yu Tutu remained silent, quietly walking behind the two. Their car happened to be parked directly opposite Yan Xunzhen’s, so they waved in acknowledgment.
Du Zuilan’s almond-shaped eyes, bright and moist, curved slightly as she nodded in return.
Yan Xunzhen opened the car door, still somewhat concerned. As she was about to step in with her long legs, she paused for a moment, turning back to ask if Du Zuilan’s injury was serious.
But before she could, the next moment, the world seemed to spin before her eyes.
The starry roof of the car nearly became a real night sky as a sudden weight pressed against her light and soft, like a fragrant little kitten. A delicate, fair hand brushed against Yan Xunzhen’s neck as she fell onto the other end of the backseat.
Through the thin fabric of the mermaid skirt, Yan Xunzhen could feel the warmth of their bodies pressed together, along with the faint, moist breath that inadvertently grazed her collarbone, sending tingles down her spine.
Yan Xunzhen silently cursed in her mind, utterly confused about what had just happened.
The car had jolted violently moments ago, and only now did she steady herself. Carefully, she tried to help the person on top of her up, but her hand accidentally brushed against the soft, delicate curve of a slender waist. Instantly, a blush spread across her face, her long fingers freezing mid-air, unsure whether to move or stay still.
“Du Zuilan… are you okay? What happened?”
A soft “Mmm” escaped Du Zuilan’s lips.
Her slightly curled long hair cascaded over her neck as she lifted her head, revealing furrowed brows and almond eyes glistening with pitiful tears. Her pink lips pursed in a pout, as if aggrieved.
It seemed she had just realized her predicament. The arm wrapped around Yan Xunzhen’s neck quickly withdrew as she pushed herself up, separating their tightly pressed bodies.
“Sorry,” she said, holding her forehead, her voice tinged with a nasal tone. “I suddenly felt dizzy, and my leg hurt a little, so I lost my balance and couldn’t steady myself.”
Her eyes held a mix of apology and embarrassment, making her look utterly pitiable.
So that was it!
Yan Xunzhen nodded in understanding. Of course, Du Zuilan must have just lost her balance. If anyone else had suddenly pushed her onto the seat like that, she might have suspected ulterior motives.
But this was Du Zuilan!
Du Zuilan was probably just too physically weak and needed better nourishment.
Yan Xunzhen quickly reassured her, “It’s fine, as long as you didn’t hurt yourself anywhere.”
She straightened up properly, sitting primly in her seat and using her hair to cover the rapidly pulsing gland at the back of her neck.
Du Zuilan’s cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, as if she were too embarrassed to sit down properly.
Yan Xunzhen took a deep breath to calm herself and instructed the driver to head to their planned dining destination, a highly private members-only club.
Today in the car, the invisible boundary between the two of them wasn’t as wide as before.
Du Zui Lan sat barely half a fist away from her, the faint, refreshing scent of oranges lingering at the tip of her nose.
When they got out at the parking lot, they coincidentally ran into Tang Ying and Yu Tu Tu.
Being celebrities, they took the private entrance of the restaurant and didn’t encounter any unwanted attention along the way.
The waiter quietly took their orders, eyes respectfully lowered.
Once the waiter left with their order, the small private booth the four of them occupied fell into silence. The dazzling, luxuriously decorated stained glass blocked the view of other guests, while soundproofing materials ensured the space remained highly private.
Tang Ying rolled up her sleeves slightly, revealing a mole on her wrist, then reached for the bottle of red wine with practiced ease. Her tone was gentle as she asked, “Do you drink red wine?”
Tang Ying wasn’t the type to put on airs or pressure others into drinking. After receiving an affirmative response, she poured a small amount for Du Zui Lan.
Moving down the seating order, when she turned to Yan Xunzhen, she was met with an apologetic shake of the head. “Sorry, I don’t drink much.”
Tang Ying seemed slightly surprised but didn’t press further, merely smiling good-naturedly as she poured some for herself.
Finally, she gathered her hair into a loose updo and poured the specially prepared milk for Yu Tu Tu from the tray the waiter had brought.
Yan Xunzhen watched with a faint smile, her thoughts hidden behind an unreadable expression.
Once seated, Tang Ying began, “How much does Miss Yan know about Tian Neng?”
“If we’re talking about the usual business aspects Tianneng’s reach, how far their influence extends, ” Yan Xunzhen’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, exuding an imposing aura. “I have it all under control.”
“However, if there’s any particular story behind it, my knowledge might indeed be lacking.” Yan Xunzhen smiled, tossing the question back to Tang Ying.
Tang Ying chuckled.
“Ten years ago, Tian Neng’s executive director wasn’t the current one. Back then, it wasn’t in such a sorry state either.”
Though her lips curved into a smile, not a trace of warmth reached her eyes. Her usually gentle gaze was uncharacteristically cold and detached. “After my parents passed away, my uncle, along with other relatives and the pawns he had planted in the company, took everything my parents left me including all my shares and other assets.”
Yan Xunzhen tapped her fingers lightly on the table, nodding as her gaze settled on Tang Ying. A faint smirk played on her red lips. “So, how much have you reclaimed so far, Miss Tang?”
Tang Ying gave a light laugh. “Miss Yan is as sharp as expected. Not too much, not too little. But I still lack the strength to topple him easily, I need a powerful ally.”
At this, Tang Ying didn’t elaborate further.
Instead, she sighed and downed the red wine in her glass. The deep crimson liquid stained her already flushed lips, giving the impression of unspoken bitterness.
Yan Xunzhen was no fool, she could read between the lines. However, she harbored no ill will toward Tang Ying. She understood the principle of biting off more than one could chew. Rather than swallowing a behemoth with ulterior motives, it was better to grow steadily and turn an enemy into an ally.
She smiled. “Indeed. I feel the same.”
Their conversation ended there, neither delving deeper.
Yu Tutu had seemed to be lost in thought since earlier, sipping her milk in small, delicate gulps. Du Zuilan also kept her head down, minimizing her presence, and no one could discern the expression on her face.
After finishing the milk in her cup, Yu Tutu looked up with a faint smile. “Then let’s wait a bit before discussing how to help Zuilan solve her problem, shall we?”
Du Zuilan seemed to snap out of her reverie, offering a soft smile so beautiful it was as if a misty drizzle had settled between her brows.
Yu Tutu’s gaze drifted past Du Zuilan before she turned to Yan Xunzhi and asked, “Miss Yan, could you come out with me for a moment?”