Transmigrated Into a Scumbag Alpha In a Melodramatic Novel and Been Targeted by My Love Rival - Chapter 22

Xia Wu didn’t pause in setting the bowls and chopsticks for Fang Yu, instead responding with a question of her own: “What makes you think that?”

Her calm demeanor left Fang Yu momentarily speechless.

Fang Yu had no evidence linking Xia Wu to the kidnapping from six months prior, but she wasn’t foolish.

During her time abroad, she had carefully considered the nature of her relationships with the Alphas who constantly surrounded her.

In the past, she had always tried to avoid offending anyone, a people-pleasing approach that had become almost ingrained in her personality.

Maintaining “friendship” with these Alphas was exhausting. To save face for both sides, Fang Yu always silently endured their self-righteous attempts at kindness.

She never deliberately “tempted” the Alphas. From the beginning, she had hoped to maintain a proper distance from them. Yet the Alphas seemed to consistently misunderstand her intentions.

During the months she spent with her biological parents, Fang Yu had a lot of time to think.

The Alphas’ pursuit of her had become a significant source of distress. It was precisely because she didn’t know how to refuse them that the situation had spiraled out of control.

Overcoming her instincts, Fang Yu began strategizing ways to tactfully reject the Alphas, hoping to make them stop pursuing her.

At that moment, she truly wanted to focus all her energy on her beloved scientific research.

As these thoughts swirled in her mind, Fang Yu suddenly had an epiphany.

This time, Fang Yu had accepted Xia Wu’s invitation to dinner precisely because she wanted to have an open and honest conversation with her.

Fang Yu knew that Xia Wu had recently joined the Shen Family, allowing her to spend every day with her Senior and become the Senior’s most trusted confidante.

Though a twinge of jealousy stirred in her heart, Fang Yu reflected on her entire history with Xia Wu. The other woman had always approached her with a calculated, formulaic politeness.

Whether it was gifting presents or treating her to meals, these gestures appeared thoughtful and caring, yet beneath the surface lay an unnoticeable distance.

Fang Yu couldn’t be sure if her suspicions were unfounded, but she trusted her instincts.

She was grateful to Xia Wu for saving her during that crisis, but was it truly a “coincidence” that Xia Wu happened to be inspecting the site at that exact moment?

The kidnapping still haunted Fang Yu. Even now, recalling the terror sent a shiver down her spine, leaving her scalp numb with dread.

Fang Yu vaguely remembered that the kidnappers had deliberately tossed her into a secluded corner.

How had Xia Wu encountered her there?

These events were now impossible to verify. Fang Yu only knew that her Senior had been furious after the incident, and Xia Wu had frequently appeared by her side ever since.

Because Xia Wu had saved her life, Fang Yu never refused her invitations.

Initially, Fang Yu couldn’t understand why Xia Wu seemed to be pursuing her.

But as she took Xia Wu to the hospital to visit her Senior, saw her Senior help all the Alphas except Fu Ling to chase after her, watched Xia Wu and Shen Ruofei become connected, and witnessed Xia Wu smoothly enter the Shen family, Xia Wu’s purpose became crystal clear.

Xia Wu made her choice without hesitation.

She had never been trying to befriend Shen Ruofei for Fang Yu’s sake. From the beginning, her goal had been to use her connection with Fang Yu to approach Shen Ruofei.

Now that her objective was achieved, Fang Yu, having served her purpose, was naturally discarded.

So, Xia Wu continued to be polite and deferential towards Fang Yu, showing no trace of emotion. Whatever Fang Yu wanted, Xia Wu would provide.

Seeing Fang Yu press her lips together, unsure how to continue the conversation, Xia Wu smiled reassuringly. “Don’t overthink it. I’m just a bit clumsy. When I chat with Shen Ruofei, she always tells me to show my true self, that way I might win your favor. But after all these years… I’ve grown accustomed to wearing a mask.”

Fang Yu frowned slightly, lost in thought. “I always felt you and Senior were alike—both blessed with extraordinary talent and burdened by complex, unspeakable backgrounds. Wuwu, working for Senior, do you ever feel she’s struggling?”

Not long ago, Shen Ruofei had mentioned that Fang Yu had promised to be her strong support. Fang Yu understood this meant Shen Ruofei intended to take charge of the Shen family, but she never imagined Shen Ruofei would actually invite Xia Wu to join her.

Xia Wu found it somewhat amusing.

Why does it feel like Fang Yu is using me to pry information about Shen Ruofei?

Still, Xia Wu answered earnestly, “She doesn’t seem physically tired. But how deeply she’s worn down by her burdens… that’s something only she knows.”

Fang Yu nodded vigorously, as if she completely understood. “I know. Senior would never tell anyone how much she’s suffering. She always puts on a brave face and endures everything alone… Wuwu, you have to help her!”

“Of course,” Xia Wu replied with a composed smile.

Although Fang Yu was aware that Shen Ruofei had been in frequent contact with her biological parents over the years and received numerous benefits from them, she harbored no resentment towards her senior.

After all, what good things in life come without strings attached?

Instead, Fang Yu felt fortunate. She couldn’t provide for her senior, but her parents had done so in her stead. In the future, she would work even harder to honor and care for her biological parents. It was as if this could create an unbreakable cycle.

Fang Yu’s attention had already been diverted. When the hot pot arrived, she considerately placed all the vegetables into the clear broth for Xia Wu.

Xia Wu asked if Shen Ruofei could handle spicy food. Fang Yu replied, “Senior isn’t great with spicy food, but she always joins me for extra-spicy pots. She’s incredibly stubborn—she’ll insist on continuing even when she’s clearly suffering.”

“I see,” Xia Wu murmured.

Watching Fang Yu speak with sparkling eyes about how kind Shen Ruofei was to her, Xia Wu silently tightened her grip on her chopsticks.

Shen Ruofei’s attitude toward Fang Yu and Xia Wu was completely different.

With Fang Yu, Xia Wu could see Shen Ruofei’s gentle and tender side.

But when Xia Wu faced Shen Ruofei directly, she felt like nothing more than a trivial pawn in the woman’s game.

How could a pawn ever capture the attention of the chess player?

This was truly a difficult problem to solve.

******

After the meal, Fang Yu’s mind finally returned to its usual sharpness.

Seeing Xia Wu’s distant demeanor, she realized Xia Wu wouldn’t reveal the truth. So, she said, “Regardless of what really happened, you’ve already achieved your goal, right? So, could you please stop pretending to chase after me and causing misunderstandings?”

Xia Wu seemed surprised.

She hadn’t expected Fang Yu to speak so bluntly.

It seemed Shen Ruofei’s “lessons” had truly sunk in.

Xia Wu’s teasing instincts kicked in. “Causing misunderstandings? For Shen Ruofei? Or perhaps Fu Ling?”

“…”

Fang Yu blinked, her ears turning red at some point.

Fang Yu pouted, feigning displeasure. “Why couldn’t you just say yes? You had to ask a question back!”

Xia Wu froze for a moment, then fidgeted with her glasses to cover her fluster. “Sorry, I know it’s not a good habit. But… can we still be friends?”

“Of course we can be friends.”

Fang Yu might be a little sensitive at times, but most of the time she’s quite cheerful.

Speaking of friends, Fang Yu watched Xia Wu methodically wipe her hands with a tissue. She leaned closer and whispered, “Xia Wu, did you know Senior actually likes Alphas? Did you know something all along, so…”

“Just rumors, I think,” Xia Wu interrupted. “Why would an Alpha dislike Omegas?”

Only freaks are uninterested in Omegas.

Pursuing such an impossible dream, stubborn and foolish.

A mocking expression flashed across Xia Wu’s face.

Fang Yu pursed her lips.

Only she knew Senior’s secret. Whether it was an Alpha or an Omega, Shen Ruofei had the right to choose.

She wouldn’t interfere, only hoping Senior could find happiness.

During the ride home, Xia Wu and Fang Yu sat in silence.

When they arrived at Fang Yu’s house, Xia Wu finally spoke, “If you ever need help from the Shen Family in the future, just come to me directly.”

“Huh?” Fang Yu was puzzled. “Why?”

Was this Senior’s instruction?

Fang Yu suddenly felt a little hurt.

“Your Senior has been very busy lately. I’m essentially the acting manager of the Shen Family now. Even if you go to her, I’ll still end up doing the work. So, don’t bother her anymore, understood?”

For some reason, Fang Yu sensed a subtle threat in Xia Wu’s tone.

It was like the kind of threat.

The kind that comes from someone who can soon obtain treasure alone and doesn’t want anyone else getting close.

Fang Yu swallowed hard, feeling a little nervous.

Taking a deep breath, she mustered up some courage and threatened back, “Xia Wu, if you dare harm Senior, I won’t let you off the hook.”

Xia Wu’s elaborate scheme to reach Shen Ruofei through Fang Yu was already suspicious. But Fang Yu believed Shen Ruofei wasn’t foolish. If she was using Xia Wu, she must have her reasons. The consequences of their actions weren’t something Fang Yu could interfere with.

But if Xia Wu ever truly betrayed Shen Ruofei, Fang Yu would never stand idly by.

Xia Wu removed her glasses, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The smile, however, sent a chill down Fang Yu’s spine.

“You won’t get another chance, Fang Yu. Since you dared to reject me so bluntly today, I hope you treat other Alphas the same way. Don’t give them any reason to hope, or else… I don’t want to see Shen Ruofei coming to clean up your mess again.”

Standing under the warm glow of the streetlight, Xia Wu seemed surrounded by an overwhelming aura of icy darkness.

Fang Yu met her gaze for a moment, nodding with extreme fear.

Xia Wu turned and left.

As the black car vanished into the night, Fang Yu leaned against the wall, letting out a long sigh.

Those superficial courtesies were nothing more than a facade.

This was Xia Wu’s true nature.

She had never been kind to anyone.

When Xia Wu returned to the Shen Family Manor, she paused outside the study before pushing the door open.

Shen Ruofei was sitting at the desk, looking frustrated.

She recognized every word individually, so why couldn’t she understand them when put together?!

Noticing the faint scent of alcohol on Xia Wu, Shen Ruofei asked in confusion, “Did you take Xiao Yu to a bar?”

Everyone in the group knew that Fang Yu was supposed to have dinner with Xia Wu tonight.

The other Alphas seemed particularly indignant; no one had expected that after returning home, Fang Yu would see Xia Wu before even Fu Ling!

But judging by Xia Wu’s expression, she didn’t seem particularly happy.

Shen Ruofei’s eyes darted mischievously as a delightful idea sprouted in her mind. She feigned concern and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Xia Wu lifted her gaze, her eyes cold and distant. “Xiao Yu said she only wants to be friends with me from now on.”

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