Why Did the Top Alpha Suddenly Stop Acting Out? - Chapter 64

The sharp, tingling pain from being yanked by the arm made Ye Shuyi frown as she lifted her head to see who had pulled her. Her pupils dilated slightly in shock.

The girl gripping her had a high ponytail, with two curled strands framing her forehead. Her eyes slanted upward sharply, her cheekbones were high and gaunt, and her small mouth had thin lips, a face that exuded sheer pettiness.

“Xiao Hua?” Ye Shuyi’s gaze hardened. “What are you doing here?”

Hearing her name, Xiao Hua smirked triumphantly, crossing her arms and shooting a smug glance at the girl beside her before turning back to Ye Shuyi with undisguised disdain. “So you do remember me. Guess all my past kindness wasn’t wasted on you.”

Ye Shuyi arched a brow. How could she forget? But it wasn’t this spiteful face she recalled it was everything Xiao Hua had done to her. Stealing her projects, spreading vile rumors about her at work, turning colleagues against her, framing her for leaking company secrets to competitors, leading to her dismissal.

Each and every one of those acts, how could she ever forget?

Xiao Hua circled Ye Shuyi slowly, her tone dripping with arrogance. “You ask why I’m here? Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”

She stopped in front of Ye Shuyi, chin lifted, her entire demeanor radiating superiority. “As the head of Qianshu Entertainment’s entertainment division, of course I have the right to attend the wrap party for a film our company invested in. But you…” Her eyes raked over Ye Shuyi’s outfit, oozing contempt. “Dressed like this for such an event, did you finally latch onto some sugar daddy?”

The moment the words left her mouth, a resounding slap echoed through the banquet hall. Guests who had been oblivious now turned their attention toward the commotion.

Yi Qian, spotting the scene, began pushing through the crowd.

At the same time, a man in a tailored suit set down his glass and hurried over as well.

Granny Sun raised her hand to strike Xiao Hua again, but Ye Shuyi caught her wrist. “Granny!”

“Don’t stop me, child! Let me knock some sense into this foul-mouthed wretch!” Granny Sun tried to lunge forward, but Ye Shuyi held her back firmly.

“Easy now, Granny. Don’t let anger get the better of you.” Ye Shuyi wrapped an arm around the elderly woman’s shoulders, soothing her with gentle pats on the back as if calming a child.

Xiao Hua staggered from the slap, momentarily dazed, but quickly recovered. Glaring at the white-haired woman, she snarled, “Who the hell do you think you are, you old hag? Hitting me just because you’re older?”

She raised her hand to retaliate, only for someone behind her to seize her wrist mid-swing.

Xiao Hua whirled around and her face instantly brightened at the sight of the newcomer. Her expression crumpled into a pitiful pout as she whined, “Brother! Look how they’re bullying me! My face must be swollen now, wuuu…”

The man in the suit looked visibly flustered, sweat trickling down his temples. Instead of comforting his sobbing sister, he pulled her behind him and nodded politely at Ye Shuyi and Song Kechi before bowing slightly to Grandma Sun. “My apologies, Chairwoman Sun. My sister didn’t recognize you and offended you. I apologize on her behalf.”

Seeing that the man knew her, Grandma Sun glanced questioningly at her two granddaughters beside her clearly unfamiliar with who this person was.

Song Kechi studied the man briefly, frowning slightly before explaining succinctly, “This is the general manager of Shuyi’s company.”

“You mean that Qianshu Entertainment that Ye girl handed over for others to manage?” Grandma Sun confirmed.

Song Kechi shrugged noncommittally.

Grandma Sun shot Ye Shuyi a glance before turning her stern gaze back to the suited man, her expression hardening. “You just said she’s your sister?”

The man’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, forcing a respectful smile as he nodded.

Grandma Sun’s eyes flicked to Xiao Hua behind him, her tone icy. “When I arrived earlier, if I heard correctly, she claimed to be the head of Qianshu Entertainment’s entertainment department?”

The man swallowed hard and nodded, opening his mouth to speak but Grandma Sun cut him off. “As the head of the entertainment department, she doesn’t even recognize her own superior?”

He tried to explain, but Grandma Sun didn’t give him the chance. “Not seeing her at the company is understandable, Ye girl is busy with Song Group’s headquarters and has no time for that small venture. But, an entertainment department head who doesn’t follow entertainment news? Doesn’t know what Ye girl is doing these days?”

The man replied cautiously, “My sister doesn’t usually follow entertainment news, so she’s unaware of many things online, Chairwoman Sun.”

“Doesn’t follow the news,” Grandma Sun interrupted, “or is she just a figurehead riding on her brother’s coattails while others do her work?”

Her sharp, seasoned gaze returned to the man as Xiao Hua paled behind him. With a cold scoff, Grandma Sun added, “So Ye girl’s company has been supporting you two siblings for nothing.”

Song Kechi squeezed her grandmother’s arm soothingly and glanced at Ye Shuyi. “Of course not, Grandma. Keeping Xiao Chenghai makes sense he represents Shuyi in managing Qianshu Entertainment, and we personally vetted him. If he were incompetent, we wouldn’t have hired him.”

“Besides, given Qianshu’s growing success these years, his contributions are undeniable. As for his sister.” She patted Ye Shuyi’s shoulder. “Since it’s Shuyi’s company, let her handle it later, alright?”

Grandma Sun looked at Ye Shuyi, who nodded firmly. But remembering how this man had once left Ye Shuyi homeless on the streets made her chest ache with lingering anger.

She couldn’t let it go.

“Apologize,” Grandma Sun commanded coldly, glaring at the woman cowering behind her brother. “Step forward and apologize to my granddaughter properly.”

Xiao Hua trembled slightly and tugged at the sleeve of the person in front of her, unsure whether out of fear or reluctance, she didn’t step forward immediately.

The man in the suit grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward, saying sternly, “Apologize to Chairman Ye right now.”

Xiao Hua cast a fearful glance at her brother before lowering her head toward Ye Shuyi and murmuring, “I’m sorry, Chairman Ye.”

Grandma Sun interjected, her voice soft but carrying an undeniable authority, “Speak up.”

“I’m sorry, Chairman Ye! I’m truly sorry, I didn’t mean to!” Xiao Hua shouted with her eyes squeezed shut, her voice echoing through the banquet hall. She still didn’t raise her head.

Ye Shuyi exchanged a glance with Song Kechi, who immediately understood and gestured for the guests to resume their activities eating, chatting, and laughing as before.

Spotting Yi Qian standing among the crowd, Song Kechi walked over, slung an arm around her shoulders, and said, “Let Shuyi handle Grandma first. Come on, let’s grab a drink.”

Ye Shuyi watched them for a moment before taking Grandma Sun’s arm and guiding her away, soothing the older woman with gentle reassurances as they walked.

Grandma Sun soon calmed down and, in turn, comforted Ye Shuyi. “I’m fine, dear. But you, if anything ever troubles you, you must tell me. If you’re uncomfortable speaking to me, talk to Kechi. No matter what, I want you to know that the entire Song family stands behind you. So don’t shoulder everything alone, alright?”

Ye Shuyi’s eyes reddened slightly as she bent down to embrace Grandma Sun, murmuring, “Mm, thank you, Grandma.”

Grandma Sun hugged her back, patting her gently on the back. “No need for thanks. This is what family does.”

When Ye Shuyi finally pulled away, Grandma Sun still seemed concerned. She clasped Ye Shuyi’s hands and asked solemnly, “Do you need me to handle this for you?”

“No need.” Ye Shuyi placed one hand over their joined ones and gave a reassuring pat. “Don’t you trust me, Grandma?”

Grandma Sun studied her for a moment before withdrawing her hand with a nod. “My precious granddaughter is more than capable. Of course I trust you. Handle it as you see fit.” Then, glancing around the banquet hall, her eyes lit up like a child’s. “I’d love to experience your young people’s party. Shall we go together?”

Ye Shuyi nodded, and the two walked hand in hand toward the center of the festivities until Grandma Sun suddenly spotted something and released Ye Shuyi’s hand. “I think I see an old friend. I’ll go say hello. You go enjoy yourself, alright?”

Ye Shuyi smiled indulgently and agreed.

Watching Grandma Sun disappear into the crowd, Ye Shuyi returned to her seat and scanned the room for Yi Qian. She quickly found that striking figure among a group of guests.

Earlier, when Grandma Sun had reprimanded Xiao Hua, she had noticed Yi Qian standing in the crowd her expression had been dark the entire time.

Ye Shuyi sighed softly. Anyone would be upset upon discovering that someone they were closest to had been hiding another identity from them.

It seemed she’d have to do some sweet-talking when they got home.

“What’s got you staring so intently?” Song Kechi approached and took a seat beside her.

Ye Shuyi shook her head slightly. “What brings you here?”

“Don’t know many people here,” Song Kechi replied, crossing her legs and leaning lazily against the sofa back. “And I can’t be bothered entertaining people I’m not interested in.”

“Still hoping to meet someone interesting? Lost interest in Yiqian’s best friend so quickly?” Ye Shuyi teased.

Song Kechi wagged her index finger playfully. “Little Xinxin is like bamboo shoots after rain,the more surprises we discover this year, the more new surprises there’ll be next year. She’ll always have endless surprises for me to uncover. My interest in her will never fade.”

“What I meant about not being interested was that I didn’t see any potential future collaborators here, so I couldn’t be bothered.”

Ye Shuyi nodded with a smile. “So certain this time? Is she really the one?”

At this, Song Kechi seemed to perk up immediately, turning to face Ye Shuyi with a serious yet amused expression. “How should I put it? It feels rather magical. Like you said, she’s nothing like my previous ideal type, but perhaps this is what they call fate. When fate arrives, magical things happen.”

“By that logic, wasn’t it fate when I picked you up off the street after you’d just been fired?” She raised an eyebrow at Ye Shuyi.

Ye Shuyi met her gaze, her deer-like eyes dark and profound, shimmering slightly as if recalling that night. “Actually, I’ve always wanted to ask, why did you take me home that day?”

Song Kechi swirled her wine glass thoughtfully before smiling slowly. “When I approached you that day, I mentioned being your senior from the same university, right?”

Ye Shuyi nodded.

“What I didn’t tell you was that I’d noticed you back in school. Not because I liked you, but because one chance encounter made me think you resembled my late sister. Though judging by your reaction at the time, you clearly didn’t remember me.”

“After that meeting, you left a deep impression on me. I’d browse posts about you and Yiqian on the school forum. The more I learned the more you reminded me of my sister.”

Ye Shuyi frowned. Having visited the Song household countless times, she knew about Song Kechi’s younger sister who died in a car accident. She’d seen photos they looked nothing alike.

Reading her confusion, Song Kechi explained, “Not in appearance, but in everything else.” She leaned back against the sofa with a tender smile, as if reminiscing. “Smart, beautiful, composed, sharp-tongued, occasionally prideful, yet capable of being sweet to those close to you.”

Turning to Ye Shuyi with affectionate eyes, she continued, “As absurd as it sounds, sometimes I wonder if my sister reincarnated into you. But then I remember it’s impossible, my sister was your age. Even if she were to return to me, she’d… need time to grow up again.”

Hearing the other’s voice gradually choking up, Ye Shuyi grasped her hand resting on the sofa, lowered her eyes, and said softly, “I’m sorry.”

Song Kechi reached out to pat her head, her tone affectionate: “It’s okay. When she was alive, I had no regrets about how I treated her. As for the regret of not being able to walk into the future together, we’ll make up for it in our next life as sisters.”

Suddenly remembering something, she sat up straight with a serious expression: “Although I initially approached you because of my sister, I swear I never saw you as her replacement. Everyone in our Song family knows you’re not her, you’re Ye Shuyi. Though we’re not related by blood, we all consider you family.”

“Shuyi, you’re truly wonderful. If some people don’t cherish you, that’s their problem. Don’t blame yourself, understand?”

Ye Shuyi naturally knew “some people” referred to her biological parents. Having lived with the Song family for years, how could she not feel their love for her?

“I know,” Ye Shuyi gently patted her hand, smiling as she emphasized, “I know everything.”

Song Kechi nodded in relief, leaning back against the sofa. Watching their grandmother mingling with the younger crowd at the party center, her lips curled unconsciously.

Ye Shuyi also turned to scan the banquet hall but couldn’t spot a familiar figure. Frowning, she asked, “Kechi, have you seen Yi Qian?”

Hearing this, Song Kechi also swept her gaze through the crowd: “Haven’t seen her. Maybe she went to the restroom? It’s just been a moment, no need to worry so much?”

Ignoring her teasing, Ye Shuyi took out her phone to call Yi Qian, but the call rang until it disconnected without being answered.

Seeing Ye Shuyi’s expression suddenly turn serious, Song Kechi guessed: “Not answering?”

Ye Shuyi nodded and stood up: “I’ll check the restroom.”

Song Kechi also rose: “I’ll ask Director Zhang. If she left early, she should’ve informed him.”

Ye Shuyi nodded, and the two headed in separate directions.

After searching the restroom with no luck, Ye Shuyi emerged just as Song Kechi approached, saying, “Director Zhang mentioned Yi Qian said she was leaving early but didn’t say where.”

Ye Shuyi called again, but the result was the same no answer, as if the other party was determined not to pick up.

Song Kechi unconsciously mirrored Ye Shuyi’s frown, then suddenly had an idea and called Fang Xin.

Fang Xin answered promptly: “What’s up?”

Song Kechi got straight to the point: “Call Yi Qian and subtly find out where she is.”

Since she wasn’t answering, they couldn’t rule out the possibility she was avoiding Shuyi on purpose.

“What?” Fang Xin sat up in bed, her tone excited, “Did they have another fight?”

She grabbed her iPad to check trending searches for any news about them.

“No, from what I see, Yi Qian’s the one throwing a tantrum. She’s not answering Shuyi’s calls.”

After a pause, Fang Xin asked, “So how should I subtly ask?”

She had always been straightforward with Yi Qian, and whenever she lied, Yi Qian could tell just by the tone of her voice.

Song Kechi frowned and said, “Just ask her if the banquet is over and tell her you’re coming to pick her up. If she says she’s not at the banquet, ask her where she is. Say you’re bored at home and want to go find her.”

“Got it.” Fang Xin hung up after responding.

Seeing her put away her phone, Ye Shuyi said, “I think she might have gone home already. I’ll head back first, we’ll stay in touch by phone.”

As she turned toward the door, she suddenly remembered something and turned back to add, “Let Grandma know I’ve left, and also tell Director Zhang for me.”

The white car sped down the highway. Just as it reached a red light at an intersection, Ye Shuyi’s phone rang.

Song Kechi got straight to the point: “Fang Xin said she’s at home. Drive safely.”

“Okay.”

The moment she finished speaking, the red light turned green. Ye Shuyi pressed the accelerator, and the car shot forward like a snow leopard in the night.

The car slowed to a stop in front of Yi Qian’s villa. Ye Shuyi rolled down the window, frowning at the dark house.

She stepped out and walked straight to the front door, entering the passcode. Seeing the shoes in the entryway, she finally let out a breath of relief.

She flipped on the lights, illuminating the empty living room.

After changing into slippers, she headed for the master bedroom. Pausing at the closed door, she took a deep breath before turning the handle thankfully, it wasn’t locked.

As the light spilled into the room, she saw Yi Qian curled into a ball at the edge of the bed, unmoving even at the sound of the door.

Ye Shuyi walked over and crouched in front of her, gently stroking her head. “Are you upset?”

Yi Qian didn’t look up, just shook her head against her arms. Her voice came out muffled: “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Ye Shuyi’s brows furrowed slightly. She kept her hand resting lightly on Yi Qian’s head, surprised that her tone wasn’t accusatory, just a simple question, yet it left her momentarily at a loss for words.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t wanted to tell her. She just hadn’t thought the time was right.

Silence stretched between them.

Just as Ye Shuyi was about to speak, Yi Qian slowly lifted her head. Her eyes were red, as if tears might fall at any moment. She leaned forward and pulled Ye Shuyi into a tight embrace, her voice trembling against her ear:

“You must have been so exhausted these days managing the company and dealing with my mess. It must have been so hard for you.”

Ye Shuyi stiffened slightly. So that was what she’d been worried about?

“Last time, I offered to get you two assistants, and you refused. Did you think you were a robot? That you could work nonstop without rest?”

Ye Shuyi gently pushed her back, meeting her eyes. “That’s what you were worried about?”

Yi Qian shook her head. “And are you going to quit working for me? Are you going to leave?”

A faint smile tugged at Ye Shuyi’s lips. She stood, pulling Yi Qian up to sit on the bed before straddling her lap. Looping her arms around Yi Qian’s neck, she leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips.

“I will quit,” she murmured. “But I won’t leave you.”

Yi Qian tightly wrapped her arms around Ye Shuyi’s waist, burying her face against her chest as she mumbled, “Then, we won’t be able to see each other every day anymore.”

Ye Shuyi stroked her long hair and chuckled, “Wouldn’t you get tired of seeing me every single day?”

Shaking her head firmly against Ye Shuyi’s embrace, Yi Qian declared, “Never.” Then as if suddenly remembering something, she lifted her head to gaze at the woman before her. “Don’t tell me you’ve grown tired of seeing me?”

A playful glimmer flashed through Ye Shuyi’s eyes as she suppressed a smile and nodded in agreement.

Yi Qian’s face instantly fell, like a big unhappy dog with droopy ears. She hugged the person in her arms even tighter and said seriously, “Then what should I do? Should I go change my hairstyle now? Or get plastic surgery? Get a whole new face?”

Ye Shuyi chuckled softly, cupping her face and rubbing their noses together. “I was just teasing you, silly. How could I ever get tired of looking at my beautiful wife? Besides…” She paused, her gaze roaming over Yi Qian’s face as if trying to imprint every inch of it into her memory. “It’s been three years since I’ve properly seen this face.”

With that, she leaned down to kiss Yi Qian’s soft lips again, this time not just a brief touch, but until she felt the air being stolen from her lungs before finally pulling away.

Resting their foreheads together, she panted slightly, “Don’t worry. Our brief separation will only make me love you more, so don’t be unhappy, okay?”

Yi Qian flipped her over onto the bed, planting a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose, warm breath fanning across Ye Shuyi’s face. “Then baby, don’t hold back your excitement tonight, alright? Your wife loves hearing it~”

The last words whispered against Ye Shuyi’s ear.

“Okay.”

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