After Transmigrating as a Scumbag Alpha, I Marked the Crazy Hotshot – Chapter 85

I Feel So Awful

Half an hour ago.

The car sent to pick up Bai Xin slowly pulled to a stop at the entrance of the 《Let’s Go Together》 park.

Beneath a light gray overcoat was a high-collared white sweater dress. Black boots encased her slender, well-proportioned calves, and her dark tea-brown curly hair fell to her spine. Everyone who saw Bai Xin for the first time was captivated by her stunning features.

It was just that her aura was truly cold.

Bai Xin didn’t have much luggage, just a small suitcase. As she pulled her things inside, she saw two people already sitting in the living room.

“Bai… Bai Xin?”

One of them, eyes slightly wide, stammered in astonishment, “How could you…”

Bai Xin looked at Qin Yufu, who was rising from the sofa, her expression showing no surprise, as if she had expected this all along.

She responded with a placid, “Mn.”

“You two know each other?”

The other guest was a female Alpha, a musician.

Hearing this, a hint of awkwardness flickered in Qin Yufu’s eyes, but she still replied politely, “Yes, we do.”

Know each other? It’s far more than that.

The production team should have done a background check before signing the contract with her. Is this a coincidence, or was it deliberate? If it was deliberate, then once the show airs, we’ll be its main gimmick.

A trace of worry appeared on her face, but Bai Xin seemed completely unconcerned.

Bai Xin sat down directly on the two-seater sofa. Qin Yufu asked, “Would you like something to drink? There’s herbal tea and hot water over there.”

Bai Xin shook her head. “No, thank you.”

Even though they knew each other, the atmosphere was as tense as it would be between strangers.

The three of them sat in awkward silence for a while.

Bai Xin’s gaze occasionally fell on the doorway. Next to the door was a floor-to-ceiling window, through which she could see the small path outside, still lined with green plants. The light, sporadic snow had already stopped.

It was a bit gloomy and cold.

In truth, she couldn’t see anyone coming in from this position; she was just glancing over unconsciously from time to time.

The musician, on the other hand, was a naturally friendly person. Dressed in casual clothes, her name was Lu Xi¹.

After a moment of awkwardness, she took the initiative to find a topic of conversation.

“Do you guys have any nicknames? You can call me Xixi² from now on.”

Qin Yufu shook her head. “You can just call me Yufu.”

After speaking, she looked at Bai Xin. Bai Xin was resistant to this kind of intimacy; it had been the same back when they were married as cooperative partners. Even with Tang Jia, who was always by Bai Xin’s side, she had never heard such an affectionate form of address.

As expected.

Bai Xin said, “Bai Xin.”

Lu Xi didn’t seem offended. She couldn’t help but give Bai Xin a couple more glances and smiled. “So cool.”

They chatted intermittently.

Bai Xin’s attention wasn’t on the conversation. Feeling stuffy, she stood up from the sofa after a while and walked towards the door.

The moment her hand pulled the handle, she sensed something.

But it was too late; the door was already opening.

At first, she hadn’t intended to bump into the person, but upon seeing who it was, she let go of the control she could have exerted over her actions…

And crashed into the arms of Cheng Jiqing.

The Alpha’s pleasant body scent was alluring, emitting molecules that intoxicated her.

That familiar hand was wrapped tightly around the small of her back. Through the not-so-thick fabric, she could feel its cool, soft texture.

It had been so long.

No one could understand what it felt like for them to embrace again.

Cheng Jiqing’s palm grew warm. She released the person in her arms, her gaze pausing for several seconds before looking past Bai Xin at the people in the living room behind her.

She was certain she was participating in a variety show.

But why is Bai Xin here, and why is Qin Yufu… here too?

Cheng Jiqing entered and first greeted Lu Xi; she had heard Lu Xi’s songs before.

Then she looked at Qin Yufu. “Miss Qin…”

Qin Yufu pressed her lips together. Before she could speak, Lu Xi exclaimed in surprise, “…You guys know each other too?”

“…”

Cheng Jiqing gave a polite affirmative sound.

“Don’t tell me all three of you know each other?”

Cheng Jiqing: “…”

Know each other? Cheng Jiqing thought. It’s far more complicated than that.

Even she had never seen a variety show with such a complicated web of relationships. Logically, they had all lost contact with one another, but for some reason, she had an unsettling feeling in her heart.

Cheng Jiqing thought again.

Qin Yufu and Bai Xin obviously haven’t mentioned their past relationship.

But why would the production team invite two divorced people onto the same show? Was it on purpose?

Not letting Bai Xin or Qin Yufu answer, she said simply, “Yes, we know each other.”

Just as Cheng Jiqing finished speaking, she heard footsteps and saw a figure approaching from the corner of her eye.

Not two seconds later, a cup of steaming rose tea was offered to her.

“Have something hot to drink.”

Bai Xin’s clear, cool voice said.

Cheng Jiqing stared at the curling steam, silent for a moment, then said, “Thank you.”

As she reached out to take it, her hand brushed against those warm fingers.

The thought was fleeting.

An idea immediately surfaced in her mind—they would have to spend some time together on the show, on camera, in the presence of several strangers… especially with Qin Yufu also here.

How are Bai Xin and I supposed to interact?

How are we supposed to get through this period peacefully?

After connecting the dots, Lu Xi guessed that they just knew each other but weren’t close.

She livened up the atmosphere, saying, “Bai Xin wasn’t this enthusiastic with us just now. Don’t tell me you’re a fan of Chengcheng.”

This time, Bai Xin actually played along, replying, “I am.”

She sat back down on the two-seater sofa alone and turned her head to look at Cheng Jiqing. “I’m a fan of Chengcheng.”

Lu Xi joked that it was no wonder, her attitude was completely different.

Lu Xi searched her memory. As someone who was often online, she knew of Cheng Jiqing, who had been on the hot search several times.

“…”

Cheng Jiqing felt the fervent gaze on her as those words were spoken. She gave a calm, low cough. Fortunately, another sound came from the door just then, dispersing the strange atmosphere.

The show had invited a total of six guests.

The next two to arrive were a Beta gold-medalist athlete, and the last was an actor who had recently gained a lot of popularity online. Also a Beta.

Cheng Jiqing had seen this person before, too.

Her name seemed to be Qi Xiaoran³.

Beicheng Film and Television Base.

It was from the time Cheng Jiqing had first tried acting in this world, an inauspicious start where she wasn’t selected.

At that time, it seemed Qi Xiaoran had just transitioned from being an ‘internet celebrity’.

Qi Xiaoran also recognized Cheng Jiqing at a glance. That face was excessively exquisite; even in a crowd of actors, it had a unique color.

She had disliked this person ever since their first meeting.

This person always gave her a sense of being threatened.

As they met for the first time, they exchanged polite greetings.

Just then, the director emerged from behind the scenes.

“Welcome, everyone, to 《Let’s Go Together》. I’m the director of the show. You can call me Yu Wei⁴.”

After a round of applause, Director Yu Wei looked at the group and gave a mysterious smile. “We’re making a small adjustment this season. Previously, we’ve always pre-recorded, but for the first episode, we’ve decided to start in a new way.”

The group listened patiently.

Until the director said, “A livestream.”

An uproar ensued.

“A livestream? Does that mean we’re starting right now?” Lu Xi asked.

Yu Wei nodded. “Yes, starting from this very moment.”

Surprise was one thing, but the contract stated very clearly that all rules made after filming began were at the discretion of the director’s team, though all rules would be explained in advance.

The production team would not do anything to damage the guests’ images.

This meant that even with a livestream, as long as they explained it beforehand, it was in accordance with the contract’s procedures.

As for their image, that was up to the guests themselves to manage, and there would be no editing.

With no script prepared in advance, it was a risk for both the production team and the guests.

But it was indeed a form of innovation and change for the show.

They had signed the contracts themselves. Aside from Qi Xiaoran, who complained a bit before the livestream started, no one else had any objections.

Following a reminder.

The livestream camera turned on.

Cheng Jiqing was used to cameras. She glanced at the two-seater sofa, then averted her gaze.

“Alright, 《Let’s Go Together》 Season Four is ready to set off!” Yu Wei held up some cue cards and said, “Our first stop is Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. But before we leave, we’re going to play a little game to form groups.”

Hearing the word “groups,” the expressions on everyone’s faces varied.

A staff member brought out nine numbered cards.

Yu Wei said, “Each of you six will choose one card. The two people with adjacent numbers will automatically form a group. However, the numbers must be in ascending order. Note, if two people have the same number, they can also form a group, and the same number cannot be chosen more than twice. People in the same group will ride in the same car until the next episode.”

For example, if among the six people, the lowest number chosen is 1, and the next lowest number chosen by the other five is 3, then those two would automatically form a group.

If two people both draw a 1, they can also form a group.

They decided the drawing order amongst themselves. Qin Yufu was first, Bai Xin was third, and Cheng Jiqing was fourth.

After drawing her card, Qin Yufu returned and said with a smile, “Why am I a little nervous?”

The athlete comforted her, “It’s fine. We’ll all be spending some time together anyway. It’s a good chance to get to know each other.”

Qin Yufu glanced at Cheng Jiqing. Cheng Jiqing smiled. “Mn, it’s fine.”

“See, you and Chengcheng know each other, right? Maybe you’ll get to be in the same group,” Lu Xi also said comfortingly.

Bai Xin placed her cup of rose tea on the table, making a soft sound against the wood.

The rose in the cup trembled as if startled.

Cheng Jiqing’s gaze paused, moved away from the cup, and she waited for the next person to draw a card.

After a short while, Bai Xin stood up.

As she returned, Cheng Jiqing stood up to take her turn. The two approached each other head-on, and Bai Xin looked straight at Cheng Jiqing.

Her eyes contained a message that only Cheng Jiqing could understand.

For two seconds.

They passed each other without a change in expression.

Soon, Cheng Jiqing was standing in front of the staff member, facing the nine numbered cards.

All of her passwords were made of 7s.

In this world, besides herself, only Bai Xin knew this.

Everyone finished choosing.

Director Yu Wei came out with the results. “Everyone should know what number they have. Let’s start from the first person and announce your chosen numbers in order.”

Qin Yufu: “I chose 1.”

Lu Xi was second: “I’m 3.”

Bai Xin said slowly, “7.”

Cheng Jiqing’s expression faltered.

She was the fourth to announce.

Cheng Jiqing said, “1.”

Bai Xin’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. Her index fingernail habitually pressed into the pad of her thumb, the pressure increasing from light to heavy, but her face betrayed nothing.

She lifted her chin slightly, forcing the knot of frustration down into her lungs.

Three groups, three cars.

Cheng Jiqing and Qin Yufu; Bai Xin and Qi Xiaoran; Lu Xi and the athlete.

The news from the production team was released. There were also famous actors in the observation room, and the forwarded Weibo posts began to have an effect.

The bullet comments only started to flood in at this point.

Cheng Jiqing and Qin Yufu sat in the back seat.

The atmosphere wasn’t awkward, but Cheng Jiqing had something on her mind, and her thoughts couldn’t help but drift elsewhere during their conversation.

Just now, when Bai Xin heard her say “1,” she had looked calm, but Cheng Jiqing had seen her nails digging into her pale pink skin.

It was a habitual action Bai Xin made when she was finding something unbearable, feeling anxious, or sad.

Because she had drawn blood twice by doing it, Cheng Jiqing had had a serious talk with her about it.

“Let me show you a picture. It’s gotten so fat now, like a little piglet,” Qin Yufu said, taking out her phone.

Cheng Jiqing’s thoughts returned slightly, and she turned her head to look.

Someone in the bullet comments said.

‘These two are kinda pretty? Are they non-celebrities?’

‘Cheng Jiqing is an actress, look her up! She’s super gentle~’

‘Came here because of her reputation.’

‘Holy sh#t, friends… this one’s a big shot.’

The atmosphere in the car and in the bullet comments was quite harmonious.

The screen cut to another car.

Bai Xin was leaning against the car seat, gazing out the window with a dark and cold expression.

Beside her, Qi Xiaoran was already unhappy about having to talk to a non-celebrity. So what if she was in company management? How high of a position could a manager participating in a variety show have?

For the sake of the livestream, she forced herself to show some courtesy and start a topic.

But Bai Xin paid her little mind, giving only perfunctory replies.

The atmosphere was awkward, and the comments in the bullet screen weren’t very nice either.

‘Who is this person? Why did they invite her? She’s a bit pretentious.’

‘Poor Xiaoran, the other person is ignoring her.’

‘So awkward, that internet celebrity.’

‘Hahaha this jiejie is so cool and badass. Qi Xiaoran is the one who’s pretentious, so green tea-like⁵!’

In the car, Qi Xiaoran was unhappy but still had to maintain her likable persona. “Actually, I’ve met that Cheng Jiqing before.”

The corner of Bai Xin’s eye flickered for a moment, which counted as a reaction.

Qi Xiaoran continued, “One time she came to Beicheng Film and Television City, I think she was running a bit part⁶ in my drama. She acted for a bit, but for some reason, they didn’t use her scenes.”

She smiled. “Maybe it’s because she was a newcomer back then.”

That short sentence contained a lot of information.

First, Cheng Jiqing had been an extra in her drama.

Second, she acted, but her scenes weren’t used, implying her acting was bad and the director didn’t approve.

Bai Xin sneered internally. “So it was you.”

To this day, Cheng Jiqing had only ever been an extra once, and she had told her about it as a joke.

Because she was ‘targeted’, she had been forcibly replaced by the female lead even after the director had approved of her performance.

“What?” Qi Xiaoran didn’t understand.

Bai Xin stared for a few seconds at that not-so-natural face. “Your name is Qi Xiaoran, is that right?”

Her brows arched slightly, and her red lips enunciated each word slowly.

Qi Xiaoran was inexplicably provoked by that gaze. She laughed and said, “What’s wrong? You can call me Xiaoran. If you don’t mind, can I call you Xinxin?”

“Sorry.” Bai Xin turned her head away and said flatly, “You can’t.”

“…”

The bullet comments suddenly increased.

‘Hahahaha I’m dying of laughter.’

‘Even though she’s wearing an overcoat, why do I get the feeling of a villain in a suit? What’s going on?’

‘Who is this? When she said Qi Xiaoran’s name, I kind of wanted to kneel.’

‘Xiaoran, just ignore her. Swap guests!’

There were no direct flights from Zhoucheng to Denmark; they needed to go to the Beicheng airport.

In reality, Zhoucheng wasn’t far from Beicheng, even closer than the suburbs of Beicheng.

The cars stopped outside the airport.

Bai Xin got out of the car first. She hadn’t eaten breakfast, and due to her irregular meals over the past two days, her stomach was already feeling unwell, and she was a bit carsick.

The symptoms weren’t severe, but her mood was much colder and lower than when she had gone to Zhoucheng.

She took her luggage out of the trunk.

The other two cars arrived one after another.

Cheng Jiqing got out of her car, and her gaze met Bai Xin’s from three meters away. Then she heard a cry of surprise and instantly turned her head.

Qin Yufu was looking at the broken wheel on the ground in frustration.

“Just my luck, the wheel broke.”

Cheng Jiqing heard the others say they should go into the airport first. She said, “It’s fine, give it to me.”

She had helped Qin Yufu put the suitcase in the trunk earlier; it wasn’t heavy.

She walked over and lifted it directly.

Qin Yufu said, “Then give me your suitcase.”

Cheng Jiqing said there was no need. Just as she finished speaking, the figure in the light gray coat approached. In the cold wind, a corner of Bai Xin’s overcoat was blown up, revealing her leather boots.

Before Cheng Jiqing could speak, the back of the hand she was using to pull her own luggage was covered by a warm touch.

While she was stunned, Bai Xin moved her hand aside and took the luggage from her. “I’ll take it.”

“Hey.”

Cheng Jiqing wanted to stop her. Bai Xin already had her own luggage, why was she helping her?

But Bai Xin had already strode towards the airport, leaving no room for discussion.

Cheng Jiqing watched Bai Xin’s slender back, her emotions difficult to describe.

She didn’t say anything more and entered the airport.

The livestream would be temporarily paused upon entering the airport. Before the cameras were turned off, the bullet comments were all spamming—

‘But why do I feel like there’s something going on with these three?’

‘Qin is the only Omega in the whole group, right? Then it’s normal.’

‘I just went to watch a preview clip, these three know each other! This is ex-citing!’

‘Is this a travel show in the sheep’s clothing of a romance variety show?’

The group waited in the VIP lounge.

Bai Xin sat for a a little while before getting up and leaving.

Cheng Jiqing remained where she was, looking down at her book. She had been staring at the same page for five minutes, going back and forth, reading every word, yet she had no idea what it said.

Then she heard someone ask, “Why isn’t Bai Xin back yet?”

The athlete mentioned, “She asked a staff member for motion sickness medicine just now. Is she carsick?”

Cheng Jiqing suddenly froze. The hand gripping the book’s cover tightened, but her expression remained normal, betraying no emotion.

Lu Xi said, “I’ll go see…”

“I’ll go.”

Cheng Jiqing stood up.

The VIP lounge had a private restroom. Bai Xin had both hands braced on the black porcelain counter. Her made-up cheeks didn’t look pale, but fine beads of sweat were clearly visible.

Taking the motion sickness medicine after the fact hadn’t been much use. Instead, she felt a bit better after throwing up.

She took a moment to recover, staring at her face in the mirror, but her mind was filled with the image of Cheng Jiqing announcing that number, one so completely different from hers.

Cheng Jiqing clearly knew what I would choose, but she didn’t choose me.

Instead, she ended up in a group with Qin Yufu.

Bai Xin took a deep breath. Hidden within her dark pupils were desolation and gloom, along with a trace of melancholy.

Knock, knock. The sound of knocking suddenly rang out.

Bai Xin was still recovering and didn’t answer immediately. The next second, she heard a clear voice call her name. “Bai Xin?”

There were only three stalls in the Alpha restroom.

Cheng Jiqing had already knocked on the other two; they were empty. This was the last one.

After calling her name and hearing no response, her brow furrowed slightly.

She called out again.

“Bai Xin? Are you in there?”

At the same time, she thought, The staff said she came this way. If no one answers, that can’t be a good sign.

Her expression grew heavy.

Just as she was about to knock again, the door opened from the inside.

A pale, soft hand landed on her wrist. It wasn’t sudden, but tentative, slowly pulling her inside.

Involuntarily, Cheng Jiqing followed the force and stepped inside.

The next second, her arms were filled with an Omega’s body and scent.

Cheng Jiqing’s hands hovered in mid-air, just like her heartbeat.

Bai Xin buried her face in her chest and said in a muffled voice, “Cheng Jiqing, I feel so awful.”

---

The author has something to say:

Bai-jie: Wifey, hugs.

---

---