Transmigrated Into a Scumbag Alpha In a Melodramatic Novel and Been Targeted by My Love Rival - Chapter 21

The flowers, still damp, left water marks on the documents. Xia Wu calmly picked up the flowers, wiped the moisture off the papers with a tissue, and said, “This is work time. Chatting with you will affect my efficiency, so you’ll have to pay for it.”

Shen Ruofei feigned surprise. “I heard you’ve accumulated quite a fortune overseas these past few years, President Xia. You’re certainly not someone who lacks money. Why are you being so stingy with me?”

Xia Wu stuck the flowers Shen Ruofei had given her into the pen holder, propped her elbows on the desk, rested her chin on her folded hands, and looked up at Shen Ruofei. “After a superficial look at the Shen Family’s operations these past few days, I realize I was too naive. Miss Shen, is it too late for me to ask for a raise?”

“It’s not too late, but whether you get a raise will depend on President Xia’s influence. How about we consider a commission-based bonus on top of your base salary?”

“As expected of you, Miss Shen. You’re truly shrewd and capable.”

Xia Wu deliberately emphasized the words “shrewd and capable.”

Shen Ruofei perched casually on Xia Wu’s desk, her face beaming. “You flatter me. I’m truly honored to have your approval, President Xia.”

After this brief banter, Shen Ruofei, sensing Xia Wu’s patience waning, finally got to the point. “I almost forgot why I came. I actually need a favor.”

“Go ahead.”

As Shen Ruofei’s trusted confidant, Xia Wu naturally took care of whatever she requested.

Working alongside Shen Hong these past few days, Xia Wu couldn’t help but feel Shen Ruofei resembled an ancient emperor, while Shen Hong was like the chief eunuch managing the Shen family affairs.

Now that the Chief Steward was about to retire, Xia Wu, his successor, needed to take good care of Shen Ruofei, the matriarch. Otherwise, she risked losing her position at any moment.

Though Shen Ruofei often came to Xia Wu, joking and even scolding her, acting as if she didn’t care and was handing everything over to Xia Wu, Xia Wu could sense that Shen Ruofei was fully aware of the Shen family’s current situation.

Shen Ruofei’s ability to feign ignorance was far more impressive than Xia Wu had imagined. Now that Xia Wu had waded into this murky situation, she couldn’t escape it.

Bending down and covering her mouth to lower her voice, Shen Ruofei said to Xia Wu, “Remember that psychologist I found? He said my headaches are a bit troublesome and that he’ll need to hypnotize me eventually. I agreed, but he said it has to be somewhere we won’t be disturbed. Can you reserve a room in the house and decorate it for relaxation? And install some cameras.”

Xia Wu lowered her gaze, pondering for a moment before asking, “Are you not trusting this psychologist?”

“Not exactly.”

Shen Ruofei straightened up, her tone almost playful. “I want to see what I look like when I’m hypnotized. The way that psychologist talks about hypnosis, it sounds so mystical. I’m genuinely curious.”

Though Shen Ruofei claimed that was her purpose, Xia Wu didn’t believe her.

Cheng Ju appeared to be a man of noble character, detached from worldly concerns. Yet privately, he was a notorious philanderer, entangled with numerous Alphas and Omegas.

Having built his career from scratch without any family connections, his current status and network were a testament to his considerable skill.

Xia Wu nodded, promising to arrange it promptly. Leaning against the desk with a mischievous smile, Shen Ruofei remarked, “I really wonder what they’ll manage to hypnotize out of me.”

Cheng Ju never came to people’s homes for therapy. Proud and backed by powerful connections, he had spent years in Baijin City with others vying for his attention.

Yet for some reason, Shen Hong’s personal request had convinced him to come to the Shen residence and treat Shen Ruofei.

Nothing unusual happens without a hidden motive. Though the Shen family’s influence meant few dared refuse them, Cheng Ju’s swift agreement was highly suspicious.

Seeing Xia Wu’s expression, Shen Ruofei knew she understood her unspoken meaning.

Just as Shen Ruofei was cheerfully preparing to leave the study to check on the swan, Xia Wu suddenly called out, “Since you’re here, don’t leave just yet. Aunt Hong gave me a task this morning—she wants you to learn how to read financial statements within a month.”

Shen Ruofei immediately felt a headache coming on.

She dramatically clutched her head, feigning distress. “Aiya, my head hurts so badly! I can’t bear it anymore. I need to lie down.”

Xia Wu smirked coldly, stepped forward, and gripped Shen Ruofei’s wrist, preventing her from leaving the study. “A headache, is it? Let me help you with that.”

“Hey, wait, stop!” Before Shen Ruofei could protest further, Xia Wu’s fingers had already pressed against her temples.

Xia Wu pinned her against the study door, trapping her. Her movements appeared forceful and menacing, but her touch was surprisingly gentle.

Shen Ruofei relaxed, caught by Xia Wu’s closeness. She inadvertently gave Xia Wu a flirtatious glance, ripe with innuendo. “President Xia, you’re so tough on the outside, but you have a soft heart. How adorable.”

It was clear Xia Wu had been teased. Her eyes narrowed, as if recalling something unpleasant. Her hand, still massaging Shen Ruofei’s forehead, slowly slid downward, a faint, chilling smile flashing across her face.

When Xia Wu gripped Shen Ruofei’s chin, her grip was brutally tight. Shen Ruofei feared her jaw might be crushed.

Xia Wu exerted her grip for only a moment before gently pressing her fingers against the reddened skin she had pinched, her gaze lingering as if admiring a masterpiece.

She spoke slowly, her tone indifferent, “Miss Shen, you can’t possibly think I have a good temper, can you?”

Xia Wu’s ability to establish herself in Baijin City over the years hadn’t relied solely on her competence. Those old rumors weren’t unfounded. If she truly lost her temper, Shen Ruofei couldn’t even begin to imagine what she might do.

Yet Shen Ruofei felt no fear, finding the situation rather intriguing instead. The pain in her chin meant nothing to her; what excited her was the fleeting flash of ferocity she’d seen in Xia Wu’s eyes.

“I’ve never thought you had a good temper, President Xia. After all, my temper isn’t exactly mild either. But look at us now—aren’t we being quite friendly?”

Xia Wu was baffled by Shen Ruofei’s logic. She laughed in exasperation and released her grip. “Fine, if you want friendly, I can be friendly—on one condition: you have to obey me.”

“Aren’t I obedient enough? I just don’t particularly like studying. If I were as clever as you, President Xia, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”

Her knack for serious nonsense was truly unmatched.

Xia Wu shook her head helplessly, walked over, and took Shen Ruofei by the wrist, leading her to the desk where a beginner’s accounting textbook lay open.

Shen Ruofei: “?”

She felt like she’d seen this book somewhere before!

“If you can’t understand the accounts, we’ll start from scratch. I don’t expect you to get any certifications, but you need to grasp the basics. Read one chapter a day, and I’ll quiz you in the evenings.”

Xia Wu was clearly unyielding with Shen Ruofei.

Shen Ruofei recalled when she first returned to the Shen family home from the hospital. Shen Hong had set weekly check-ins as her performance metric.

In retrospect, Shen Hong’s approach seemed indulgent. Knowing how difficult it would be for Shen Ruofei to grasp these concepts, she had given her ample time.

But now Xia Wu was like a whip cracking behind Shen Ruofei, driving her relentlessly. Shen Ruofei felt her head about to explode.

Her expression drooped, her entire body deflating. “I really can’t understand this…”

“I remember Miss Shen has a fondness for alcohol. How about this? I’ll talk to Aunt Hong, and from now on…”

“Xia Wu! Leave some room for others, and you’ll have a chance to meet again!”

Though Shen Ruofei wasn’t an alcoholic, she did enjoy a drink before bed. The slight buzz made her feel light and airy, and she always slept soundly afterward.

Back in the days at the bar, Shen Ruofei had never lost a drinking contest. Now, with her body still recovering, she could only indulge in a small drink each day.

Xia Wu had clearly hit a nerve.

Yet Xia Wu wasn’t intimidated by Shen Ruofei at all, continuing without hesitation, “If you can’t finish your studies, don’t even think about drinking.”

Shen Ruofei felt utterly outmaneuvered by Xia Wu!

Her gaze unconsciously drifted to the bellflower she’d given Xia Wu when she first entered the study.

Xia Wu.

A heartless Alpha, utterly devoid of romantic sensibility.

Shen Ruofei strode over. Anticipating her intention, Xia Wu swiftly pulled the bellflower from the pen holder and held it aloft. “What, do you want it back? What I’ve been given belongs to me now. Miss Shen, how dare you accuse me of being petty?”

“You’re being childish.”

Rolling her eyes, Shen Ruofei turned back to her desk and resentfully opened the practical textbook.

Ah, her head was throbbing.

Xia Wu watched Shen Ruofei settle down, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She left the study briefly, returning with a small vase filled with clear water. She carefully placed the bellflower inside.

Resuming her seat, Xia Wu continued reviewing her documents, gently adjusting her glasses with focused intensity.

The bellflower was the only touch of warmth on Xia Wu’s desk, surrounded as it was by computers, tablets, and stacks of files.

Shen Ruofei observed from the side.

Why did she get the feeling—

Xia Wu actually cared deeply about this flower.

******

Fang Yu hadn’t contacted Shen Ruofei for nearly half a month after her return.

Shen Ruofei was busy studying at home, preparing for spot checks, and clearly had no time to go out and play.

During this period, the quest progress had slowly increased to 85%. However, Shen Ruofei still found it strange that even after such a major climax in the original plot, the heroine still hadn’t gotten together with her official partner.

“Did I do something wrong?” Shen Ruofei wondered.

The System remained silent.

Shen Ruofei clearly hoped Fang Yu would naturally end up with her official partner. If she interfered too much, Fang Yu would undoubtedly see her as meddling.

After all, Fang Yu was the heroine. Shen Ruofei felt it best to avoid offending her if possible.

But the seeds sown many years ago had now borne fruit.

Fang Yu had discovered that Shen Ruofei had been maintaining contact with her biological parents all these years.

During her days in Nation Q, Fang Yu initially felt awkward, terrified, and utterly lost. But remembering Shen Ruofei’s past words, she decided to let go of her reservations and earnestly respond to the genuine affection and care her biological parents offered—something she had never experienced before.

Fang Yu’s biological parents were deeply moved by her maturity and obedience. Learning that she was also involved in scientific research, they generously invited her to visit the Zenith Research Institute.

During the visit, Fang Yu saw many groundbreaking research projects she had never even imagined. This experience clearly broadened her horizons.

Her parents sincerely invited her to work at the Zenith Research Institute, but Fang Yu didn’t immediately accept.

Although her family situation in China was troublesome, she couldn’t bear to part with the friends who had once helped her.

Fang Yu’s parents respected her decision. After seeing her off, their lives returned to normal, though they now had someone to miss. When longing for her, they would use video calls to alleviate their feelings.

Upon returning home, Fang Yu rushed straight to the laboratory.

Despite her long absence, her team members had carefully tended to her bacterial cultures.

Fu Ling, hearing that Fang Yu had returned, hurried to the lab. Seeing Fang Yu’s rosy complexion and cheeks, slightly plump from the care of her biological parents, she stood frozen in the doorway, her eyes suddenly welling with emotion. Whether overwhelmed by gratitude or something else, Fu Ling took a deep breath, her heart swelling with mixed feelings.

Fang Yu stepped forward and embraced Fu Ling, and for a moment, affection swirled around them. Several colleagues in the lab discreetly applauded their silent display.

After finishing her work at the Shen family residence, Xia Wu finally found an opportunity to invite Fang Yu to dinner.

Fang Yu took Xia Wu to the hot pot restaurant where she had previously dined with Shen Ruofei.

Once they were seated and Fang Yu had finished ordering, she asked Xia Wu, “Wuwu, there’s something I’ve always wondered about.”

“Hmm? Go on.”

“Was the kidnapping we met during… was that your doing?”

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