Transmigrated as a Scummy Alpha: The Wife-Chasing Crematorium - Chapter 10

“Long time no see, Teacher Pei.”

As he spoke, he opened his arms to embrace her in front of everyone. The onlookers held their breath, their minds instantly flashing back to the scandalous rumors that had once surrounded the pair.

At that time, neither was particularly famous just fresh-faced actors starting out in the industry. However, the rumors of their alleged relationship had shocked half the entertainment circle. Back then, the backlash was so severe that Pei Yu nearly quit the industry. Fortunately, the release of her first leading role became a phenomenon, gaining her millions of followers overnight and saving her career.

Now, Pei Yu was a triple-crown Best Actress winner, adorned with accolades that an eighteenth-tier star like him couldn’t hope to touch. Furthermore, she was no longer just an artist; she was Mrs. Shen—the wife of Jiang City’s top Alpha, Shen Luoxi.

Yet, this man dared to make a move on her. Did he think his status in the industry was high enough to withstand the fallout?

In the split second before he could pull her into his arms, Pei Yu spoke in a voice audible only to the two of them: “Shen Luoxi is in the car outside. If you want her to see this, I can call her in. Even if she misses the live performance, I’m sure news of us will hit the trending searches in less than half an hour. She can wait for you after the ceremony. What do you think?”

His arms froze mid-air. His face paled instantly. He had almost forgotten whose woman she was.

Zhou Jing chimed in at the perfect moment: “I assume you know President Shen’s temper. If you don’t want to fade out of the entertainment industry the moment this ceremony ends, stay in your lane and don’t cross the line.”

The onlookers couldn’t hear the exchange; they only saw the man stop his advance, which sparked a new wave of whispering.

While the students were curious, the paparazzi hidden in the crowd were only interested in a scoop. They huddled in corners, using hidden cameras to snap photos from various angles. To make the news more explosive, they deliberately chose angles that made it appear as if the two were actually embracing. In the world of tabloids, “clarifications” and “marital bliss” never got as much traction as a “cheating scandal.”

Cold sweat broke out on the man’s back. He scrambled back a few steps and said loudly, “I’m sorry, Teacher Pei! It’s just been so long since I’ve seen you, and I got a bit emotional. I hope you won’t take it to heart.”

His voice was loud enough for those nearby to hear clearly. Trapped by social etiquette, Pei Yu could only offer a strained, polite smile.

“It’s fine. I don’t mind,” Pei Yu replied.

He flashed a knowing look, satisfied with having forced her hand. “Thank you for being so understanding, Teacher Pei.”

Just then, a group of professors from the Performing Arts department approached, beaming. Before they even reached her, one called out, “Xiao Yu, you’re here!”

Pei Yu saw her former movement teacher. Her smile became genuine as she stepped forward to meet her. “Teacher, how have you been lately?”

“Good, very good.” The teacher took her hand, squeezing it affectionately. “I heard you got married out of the blue. I thought it was just internet gossip, but you really did go and get married without a word to anyone.”

“I did,” Pei Yu admitted with a smile.

The teacher and student walked toward the seating area, with curious classmates following quietly behind just to get a closer look at Pei Yu. The man stayed behind, letting out a cold sneer before turning to leave.

Pei Yu continued, “Actually, it felt sudden to me too. I suppose when the timing is right, you can’t stop it.”

“Sigh, but it’s still too early.” Given Pei Yu’s talent and intelligence, the teacher believed she could have gone much further. While marriage might not ruin her career, it would certainly change her mindset. “You are the most accomplished student I’ve had in twenty years of teaching. I truly didn’t want to see you marry so young.”

Pei Yu offered a few polite, non-committal remarks, choosing not to elaborate.

She helped the teacher to a seat. Zhou Jing, having seen her settled, stepped out of the auditorium to wait at the entrance. Staying too close would only invite more gossip.

Once seated, the teacher leaned in. “Xiao Yu, where is ‘that person’—your wife? Didn’t the invitation say family members were welcome? Bring her in; I want to see who stole away my precious student.”

Pei Yu explained, “She came with me, but she has some work to handle. She’s quite busy, so I’m not sure if she’ll come inside.”

“No matter how busy she is, she should be here,” the teacher said, patting her hand. “This is the anniversary, a reunion with your peers. She should be by your side.”

Pei Yu hesitated. She had never intended for Shen Luoxi to follow her in, fearing she might do something appalling. Despite her teacher’s urging, she didn’t want to compromise. She was still afraid that Shen Luoxi’s recent change was just a front.

“She’s busy, she can’t make it,” Pei Yu finally declined.

Seeing she couldn’t be persuaded, the teacher sighed. “Well, if she can’t come, she can’t come. Perhaps we’ll meet another time.”

“Hopefully,” Pei Yu replied with a hollow promise.

They chatted for a while, joined by other professors and high-profile alumni from the industry. Most were senior to Pei Yu by several years. While a few of her direct classmates had done well, none could compare to her success. Pei Yu didn’t care much for the hierarchy; she viewed acting as a job. In private, she treated them all as classmates and friends. The atmosphere was quite pleasant.

When the ceremony officially began, the speakers crackled to life. Someone tapped the microphone for attention, and the room gradually fell silent.

Pei Yu stood up with the others, helping her teacher toward the center of the hall. Once everyone was gathered, the Principal emerged from behind the side curtains. Dressed in a black suit with a red bowtie, he entered to thunderous applause.

“Principal! Principal!” the crowd cheered.

He beamed and waved, walking to the podium. He cleared his throat twice before beginning. “Hello everyone, I am Huang Lide. I am delighted to welcome you all to our school’s 34th anniversary. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the faculty and students present.”

The Principal stepped to the side and bowed deeply. The applause broke out again.

Pei Yu was scheduled to give a speech. After the Principal and a faculty representative, she would speak on behalf of the alumni. Each speech was limited to ten minutes. After excusing herself from the teachers, Pei Yu headed backstage to prepare.

As she entered the backstage area, the Principal’s voice became a distant, muffled hum.

“Teacher Pei, I assume you’ve reviewed the speech?” the backstage coordinator asked softly.

Pei Yu nodded. “Yes, I’ve read it.”

“Good.” The coordinator pointed out the stage positions and explained the flow. “Once Teacher Shi finishes her speech and exits that way, the host will come out. After the host introduces you and leaves, you go straight on and take the Principal’s spot at the podium.”

“Understood.”

“Great. Thanks for your hard work,” the coordinator said with a smile.

With about ten minutes left before her turn, Pei Yu stood backstage, re-reading her speech. The school had provided a draft, but since the Principal and teachers wrote their own, Pei Yu had decided to write hers herself. She had things she wanted to say and, in a way, it was a farewell to someone.

Thinking of that person, a hazy, blurred image formed in her mind. Memories of the past flickered back unbidden.

“Pei Yu, focus on the lesson. Don’t let your mind wander.”

Every time Pei Yu drifted off in class, that gentle voice would pull her back. Time and again, Pei Yu had fallen into her warmth. Unfortunately, after just one year, she no longer had the right to reminisce.

“Pei Yu.”

Startled, Pei Yu thought she was hallucinating the voice. But then it came again, closer this time. “Pei Yu, long time no see.”

Pei Yu snapped out of her trance, looking up to find the source of the voice. Their eyes met, and Pei Yu’s eyes filled with sudden joy.

It really was her.

Shi Xiaoman wore a bitter smile. Holding her own speech notes, she walked toward Pei Yu with heavy steps, stopping two paces away. “Student Pei, do you still remember me?”

Her voice was trembling.

Pei Yu gripped her notes tightly, her nose stinging with sudden emotion. “I remember,” she whispered. “Teacher Shi.”

Shi Xiaoman was Pei Yu’s senior and had been her voice coach in school. They had been both teacher and friend. And Pei Yu… had once harbored a secret crush on her for two years.

“Thank you for still calling me Teacher Shi.” Shi Xiaoman looked at the girl who had grown into a woman, her own eyes turning red and her voice shaking.

In the busy backstage corridor, people moved all around them, but the two stood against the wall, eyes locked, as if the rest of the world had ceased to exist.

Pei Yu gripped her papers even tighter. “How… how have you been lately, Teacher Shi?”

There had been news reports saying she was with Lan Yue. Neither had ever responded, so Pei Yu never knew if it was true.

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