Transmigrated as the Scumbag Alpha’s Gorgeous Wife Who Keeps Trying to Seduce Me - Chapter 42

Chi Lengzhao had a deep, restful sleep. As soon as she opened her eyes the next morning, she heard someone coming into the room.

It was Shen Zhixi.

Seeing her awake, Shen Zhixi looked slightly startled, but quickly calmed her expression.

“You’re up? Did you sleep well last night?” she asked gently.

Despite her calm tone, a soft blush crept across her cheeks.

Her skin was so fair that even a slight flush was easy to notice.

Luckily, Chi Lengzhao had just woken up and didn’t catch it.

“I did. Slept really well,” Chi Lengzhao replied with a nod.

How could she not? After running to the bathroom six times the night before, she had nearly lost her soul. She had passed out the moment her head hit the pillow.

“Come on, get up. We’re going to pick up Auntie soon.”

“Oh, okay.” Chi Lengzhao stretched lazily and slowly climbed out of bed.

“Breakfast is ready. I’ll head out first.”

Chi Lengzhao made a small sound of acknowledgment, then suddenly asked, “What’s for breakfast?”

Shen Zhixi stopped and turned slightly.

“Porridge and eggs,” she said. Then she paused. “Unless you’d prefer pickled garlic and spicy chicken hearts from yesterday.”

“No, please no!” Chi Lengzhao reacted instantly as if she had been reminded of some traumatic experience. She shivered and turned pale. “Please don’t say it out loud. My stomach can’t even hear those words.”

Later that day, the two of them went with Auntie to Jinghua Road. It was the busiest shopping street in Haibin City. Skyscrapers lined both sides, and luxury brand storefronts sparkled under the sunlight. The street was crowded with locals and tourists moving in both directions.

As they walked, Chi Lengzhao noticed that Auntie would occasionally stop and stare into the distance, her expression lost in thought. That look was filled with quiet longing.

She had seen it in her own mother’s eyes when she was little. Back then, she didn’t understand it. But when she grew older, she realized what that gaze meant.

But her mother was no longer here.

The person her mother had missed for nine years had finally returned, but it was too late.

Her mother would never come back.

While they were resting at a coffee shop, Chi Lengzhao saw a crowd gathered at the First Department Store. They were buying a local specialty from Haibin. It was a kind of spicy marinated tofu that tourists loved to bring home.

Since she had transmigrated into this world, she had never tried it. Curious, she took the chance to go buy a pack.

She opened the bag and popped a piece into her mouth.

“Oh my gosh. It’s so spicy. And oily.”

After that first bite, she gave up on eating more. She returned to the café and offered the bag to Auntie and Shen Zhixi.

“Want to try a local specialty?”

Shen Zhixi gently shook her head. Auntie looked at the packaging and paused.

“I can’t believe it still looks exactly the same after all these years.”

“Really? You’ve had it before?” Chi Lengzhao asked.

“Yes, back in college.”

Chi Moying took a piece and put it in her mouth. The oil and spice quickly coated her tongue.

In that moment, she was pulled back into the past.

“Moying, just try it. It’s not too spicy, and it’s not oily at all.”

A soft, slender hand held a piece of tofu near her lips, waiting stubbornly.

She had no choice but to open her mouth and eat it.

As her lips brushed those fingertips, a rush of warmth spread across her cheeks. She quickly swallowed the snack.

“You just swallowed that whole? That’s impressive.” A second piece was immediately brought to her lips.

This time, she refused no matter what.

“Come on, have another. You didn’t really taste the first one. I’m sharing my favorite snack with you.”

She couldn’t resist the gentle pleading in that girl’s voice. Nor could she look away from those hopeful, innocent eyes.

So she took a small bite. Her tongue curled around the piece, slowly savoring the taste.

The oiliness spread across her mouth, blending with the rich flavor. The spice followed and brought a surprising harmony to the snack.

“Is it good?” the girl asked softly.

Chi Moying nodded with a blush and reached for her water bottle.

“You’re so honest. You can’t lie at all. The moment you try, your whole face turns red.”

Chi Moying’s cheeks turned even redder. She said nothing and quietly took a sip of water.

Just before the bottle touched her lips, a warm pair of lips pressed softly against hers.

With a bright smile in her eyes, the girl asked, “How about now? Still spicy?”

Chi Moying smiled lightly and pulled out a tissue to wipe her hands.

“This is exactly how I remember it.”

“Classic brands never change. That’s what makes them special,” Chi Lengzhao said with a grin. “I didn’t think you could still handle this kind of flavor, Auntie. I’ll buy a few more packs so you can take some back abroad.”

When they reached the Haibin Observation Deck, the area was filled with tourists taking pictures. Chi Lengzhao pulled her aunt and Shen Zhixi over for a group photo.

In the photo, Chi Lengzhao was smiling brightly, full of youthful energy. Shen Zhixi, trying to avoid recognition, still wore her sunglasses.

After the group shot, Auntie smiled and asked, “Do you two want one together?”

“Yes please, thank you,” Chi Lengzhao replied immediately.

The two of them stood side by side, facing the camera. Chi Lengzhao suddenly had the urge to wrap her arm around Shen Zhixi’s shoulder.

Shen Zhixi kept smiling toward the camera, but quietly asked through her teeth, “What are you doing?”

“We’re married, remember? Otherwise, people might think I’m just taking a photo with a client.”

Just then, Auntie added cheerfully, “Move a little closer.”

Chi Lengzhao could not have asked for a better invitation. She leaned in quickly, pressing her shoulder gently against Shen Zhixi’s.

“Come on, give me a smile.”

Chi Lengzhao grinned widely. She casually threw an arm around Shen Zhixi’s shoulders, shamelessly leaning her head against hers. With her other hand, she made a heart shape for the camera.

“You scoundrel,” Shen Zhixi muttered under her breath, but she didn’t push her away. Under her sunglasses, the corners of her lips lifted into a soft smile.

Click. The camera captured both of their smiling faces.

Shen Zhixi glanced at the photo. Chi Lengzhao looked smug and cheerful, her smile filled with mischief.

“How do I look, Zhixi? Pretty photogenic, right?” Chi Lengzhao asked proudly.

“You look silly,” Shen Zhixi replied with an expression of pure dislike. But as she turned around, she quietly saved the photo and placed it into an album labeled “Precious Moments.”

Chi Moying stayed in Haibin for one more day before flying home the next morning. Her suitcase now included three packs of spicy tofu that Chi Lengzhao had bought for her.

At the airport, Chi Lengzhao watched her aunt walk away. She kept watching until that tall and slender figure disappeared from view. She suddenly remembered something Housekeeper Zhou once said.

“Miss Moying has such good conditions. She’s beautiful, smart, and kind. But she’s never settled down.”

Chi Lengzhao had a sudden thought. Her aunt must have truly loved someone very deeply. For some reason, they never ended up together. Maybe it was fate. Maybe it was distance or even death. Whatever it was, her aunt had never stopped loving that person in her heart.

Her nose stung as emotion welled up inside her.

A love that could last silently for a lifetime was something truly worth respecting.

Shen Zhixi glanced at her and noticed the unusual silence.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Chi Lengzhao gave a small smile. “Maybe it’s just the airport.”

“The airport?” Shen Zhixi looked puzzled for a second, but then she seemed to understand what Chi Lengzhao was feeling.

“Did you spend a lot of time at airports growing up?”

“No, not really. I never even flew on a plane as a kid, so I didn’t go to the airport,” Chi Lengzhao quickly corrected herself. “I mean… the driver would usually go. Or my dad. I didn’t have to do it.”

Shen Zhixi pretended not to notice her awkwardness and turned her head.

“But today, you came to see your aunt off.”

“Yes. I guess it’s my turn now.”

“If you don’t like goodbyes, then how about being the one who does the welcoming instead?” Shen Zhixi looked directly into her eyes. Her fair skin had a soft blush. “Next time I come home from filming, you should be the one to pick me up.”

Chi Lengzhao’s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes suddenly felt warm. She smiled and nodded.

“Of course. I’ll definitely come get you. Even if it’s raining knives, I’ll be there.”

That night, Chi Lengzhao video-called Jiang Han. Jiang Han was thrilled and excited.

“Zhao, did you and your sister-in-law finish filming the variety show? When does it air? I can’t wait to watch.”

“It airs next week, Friday night.”

Jiang Han checked the calendar.

“Next Friday? That’s the day before Christmas Eve.”

“That’s right. How are you doing over there in Country A?”

“Not bad. The apartment’s a bit shabbier than the one back home in Haibin, but food and drink are about the same. Just more foreigners around. More pretty girls too, from all over the world.”

Chi Lengzhao rolled her eyes.

“Don’t forget you’re there to study.”

“I know. I’m not messing around. Zhao, you sound like my mom.”

Chi Lengzhao laughed.

“Annoyed already? I’ll still nag you. If I don’t, who else will?”

Jiang Han grinned.

“Zhao, when are you going to give me a little brother or sister?”

“Get lost.”

After the call ended, the study room became quiet again. Chi Lengzhao got up to pour a glass of water, then sat back down at her desk to continue working.

She was once again studying the plan to build a modern ranch in Europe. Chi Jintang was no fool. If there was money to be made, he would never pass up the opportunity.

If she remembered correctly, meat prices would start rising after the Lunar New Year—pork, beef, chicken. Soon, high-end meat products would be appearing on more and more dinner tables in city households.

Her goal was to convince Chi Jintang to invest.

As long as he was willing to put money in, Meixi’s debt problems could be solved.

When Shen Zhixi walked in, Chi Lengzhao was completely focused on her screen. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, unaware that anyone was standing at the door.

Shen Zhixi pulled her shawl tighter and quietly watched her.

In that moment, she realized something.

The way Chi Lengzhao looked when she was concentrating, the slight frown on her face, the way her lips pressed together—it all looked so much like Chi Moying.

She looked focused, and beautiful.

Shen Zhixi cleared her throat softly.

Chi Lengzhao paused, then turned her head.

“Zhixi.”

Shen Zhixi’s cheeks turned pink as she walked into the room.

“My mom just called. She wanted to know if we’re free next weekend to come over for dinner.”

Chi Lengzhao immediately said yes.

“Sure. Saturday or Sunday?”

“Sunday.”

Chi Lengzhao nodded.

“The variety show airs on Friday night. It’ll be perfect. You can talk about it with your mom over the weekend.”

Shen Zhixi gave a soft “okay.”

“I won’t bother you then.”

“You’re not bothering me. This isn’t the office. You can come in anytime,” Chi Lengzhao smiled. “You’re the lady of the house. You have the highest status and full authority. Even I take orders from you. There’s no room you can’t enter.”

Shen Zhixi chuckled.

“You really listen to me?”

“Of course. I’ll do anything you ask.”

“Anything?”

“Yes.”

“Then how about eating more garlic and chicken hearts?”

“No. Absolutely not,” Chi Lengzhao said, looking horrified. “That’s the one thing I can’t do.”

Shen Zhixi laughed and turned to leave. Her voice was gentle.

“Then don’t stay up too late. Get some rest.”

“It was alright,” Chi Lengzhao replied, finding Chi Jintang’s question a bit odd. Wasn’t it normal for a niece to be close to her aunt?

Chi Jintang had his back to her as he rummaged through a cabinet. After a moment, he turned around holding a small, elegant box. It was high-end and beautifully crafted.

“See if you like it.”

Chi Lengzhao took it and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful fountain pen.

“Platinum. I remember you once said gold looks tacky.”

“Thank you, Dad!” Chi Lengzhao grinned from ear to ear like a country bumpkin in a palace. “It’s so pretty! I love it! Thank you, Daddy!”

After leaving Chi Jintang’s office, she returned to Chisheng. Although he hadn’t officially approved her ranch project or the 1.7 billion in funding, at least he hadn’t rejected it.

That same day, she treated all 400 employees at the Chisheng Livestock building to milk tea. She wanted everyone to know she was in a good mood.

In front of several department heads, she showed off the pen.

“Look at this. My dad gave it to me. Platinum!”

A few flatterers immediately chimed in:

“The chairman clearly values Miss Chi greatly.”

“This is the start of a glorious new chapter for our livestock division.”

“That pen must be like the magic brush of Ma Liang!”

Chi Lengzhao acted like an arrogant heir, basking in the praise.

“Let’s work hard. The best days are still ahead.”

Of course, the news reached Chen Meishu by the end of the day. That night, she brought it up in bed.

“Jintang, the New Year is coming soon. As a father, shouldn’t you prepare some gifts for the children?”

Chi Jintang frowned. “You saw the pen I gave Lengzhao, didn’t you? It’s just a pen. Why make a fuss?”

“I don’t care. Yaozong needs something too! He’s your biological son. You can’t favor your daughter over him.”

“I’ve never shortchanged him. Hasn’t he gotten enough?”

“Then give him a pen too. Why should your daughter get one and your son doesn’t?”

Chi Jintang sighed. “Ridiculous. I’m going to sleep.”

Tears welled up in Chen Meishu’s eyes. “How is it ridiculous? My poor boy is being treated unfairly. He has a better education and more talent than Chi Lengzhao, yet look how biased you are.”

“Fine, fine,” Chi Jintang said, exasperated. “Didn’t he keep asking for that 50 million supercar? Let him have it.”

Chen Meishu’s expression brightened immediately. “I knew you loved Yaozong best.”

“Happy now? Just don’t say it was from me. Say it was from you.”

“I know, I know.”

Soon it was Friday, the night before Christmas Eve.

The first episode of Sweet Life Go! Season 2 was set to air at 9 p.m.

From the afternoon onward, Chi Lengzhao had been feeling unwell. She was restless and couldn’t concentrate. Everything seemed to irritate her.

After dinner, she sat on the couch with Shen Zhixi, Hua Zi, and Fangfang to watch the show.

Hua Zi and Fangfang had been waiting for this for half a month. They had prepared fruits, snacks, and drinks early in front of the television.

Chi Lengzhao was clearly distracted. She went to the fridge, grabbed a cold beer, and drank slowly. Only after the icy liquid went down did she feel the agitation in her chest ease a little.

The first episode showed the cast members gathering and getting to know each other. The filming had started at their homes.

“Miss! That’s you two! You and Madam look so beautiful!” Hua Zi exclaimed.

Fangfang agreed. “Out of all the guests, you and Madam are definitely the prettiest.”

“Look, that’s Butler Zhou! And Master Xiao Song! They made it onto the show too. I’m so jealous!” Hua Zi added.

Even though Butler Zhou was just a glimpse of a sleeve and Xiao Song a blurry figure in the distance, they were excited.

When the scene switched to the seaside town, Hua Zi gasped again.

“Wow, what a beautiful place. Prettier than our beaches in Haibin.”

“That area has fewer residents, less industry, and mainly relies on tourism,” Shen Zhixi explained. “Naturally, the environment is better than ours.”

Since Chi Lengzhao and Shen Zhixi had already participated in the filming, they weren’t too surprised by the content. But Hua Zi and Fangfang were watching with great excitement and attention, especially since their two ladies were on the show.

“I saw Zhou Ziqing and Su Ci in that drama. The male lead was so ugly! All those women fighting over him. I didn’t get it. Now I do. Everyone just liked the two actresses. I totally shipped them!” Hua Zi laughed.

When Lü Meng appeared, Fangfang’s eyes sparkled. Lü Meng was her favorite dancer.

Just as Chi Lengzhao was about to say, “Your idol is actually a total goof and completely henpecked in real life,” her phone rang.

It was Pantao.

She headed upstairs to answer in the study.

“What’s up, Pantao?”

“Nothing. Just watching your show with Madam. But wait—why is Shi Xin in the show? Since when were she and Lu Manni a couple?”

“They became one whenever they decided to,” Chi Lengzhao replied, lazily slumping in her chair.

“How about you and your shop manager?” she asked.

Pantao immediately perked up. “I’m giving her a Christmas gift tomorrow. I made it myself!”

“What is it?”

“A GPS pet collar. For her little baby.”

“You made it?”

“Yep. I’m soldering right now. Smoke everywhere.”

“You can do that?”

“Not really. A friend taught me. She gave me the chip too. I did the soldering myself. I even crocheted a little strawberry cover for it.”

Chi Lengzhao was impressed. “Pantao, I didn’t know you were so crafty.”

Pantao was thrilled by the praise.

“Your friend must be a tech genius.”

“She’s amazing.”

Chi Lengzhao glanced at her drawer, eyeing the hard drive inside.

“Is she trustworthy?”

“Of course. What’s going on?”

“I have something I might need her help with.”

They agreed to meet the next day so Chi Lengzhao could bring the hard drive to Pantao’s place.

After hanging up, she returned to the living room to watch the rest of the show. The room, previously noisy, was now dead silent.

Feeling confused, she walked over. On the screen, she was shown holding Shen Zhixi while sleeping, her head resting on Shen Zhixi’s shoulder, arms wrapped around her petite frame.

She remembered holding her properly that day, nothing out of line. But the editing made the scene look far more intimate.

Their hair mingled, shoulders brushed, half-lidded eyes lingered, lips pressed into a restrained, sensual line.

Chi Lengzhao stared at the screen, her eyes wide. Her throat bobbed.

The mood was overwhelming.

Hua Zi and Fangfang had gone quiet, clearly trying to stifle their giggles.

Chi Lengzhao glanced sideways at Shen Zhixi, who was clutching a pillow tightly, her face hidden. Her pale skin had turned crimson.

That night in bed, Chi Lengzhao, who normally fell asleep the second her head hit the pillow, couldn’t sleep at all.

She wasn’t even remotely tired.

She was wide awake. The restlessness inside her only grew stronger with the faint laurel scent lingering beneath the blanket.