Scum A with a Sweet Black Lotus O – Chapter 32

Fu Chaoyun’s Past Scandals Exposed!

“Let’s go,” Fu Chaoyun said.

“…Mm.”

            

One step forward, another step back.

When the other party felt overly tense, she would suddenly give them space to relax, appearing kind. But thinking carefully, those earlier moments of pressure were also created by her hand.

She was too skilled at controlling situations.

            

Pei Xuezhi thought.

Just like now, in the car, Fu Chaoyun drove while calling her name, asking as if casually.

“Zhizhi, what would you like for breakfast? Should we buy something quick on the way, or wait until we reach school?”

            

Having gotten up so early, naturally no one had eaten, mainly because no one had cooked.

At least this person was giving her a ride…

“Are you hungry?” Pei Xuezhi asked in return.

            

At her words, Fu Chaoyun’s eyes lit up with a smile, quite light and pleasant. Though keeping her eyes on the road, her fair fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel.

Her joyful mood couldn’t be hidden, nor mistaken.

“I’m fine.”

            

“Let’s buy something near the school then,” Pei Xuezhi said, “There are two places with decent food there.”

She paused, looking at Fu Chaoyun beside her, whose casual appearance belied expensive taste from head to toe—Miss Fu with her privileged upbringing naturally deserved good food.

Thus, Pei Xuezhi added, “It’s hygienic too.”

            

“Alright,” Fu Chaoyun responded agreeably.

The rest of the journey was quite quiet in the car. Pei Xuezhi was naturally not talkative, but mainly Fu Chaoyun hadn’t spoken.

At least compared to yesterday evening’s return journey, she talked much less. Perhaps it was from waking too early, Miss Fu hadn’t adjusted to the time difference yet, appearing somewhat lazy and drowsy.

            

The car drove for nearly forty minutes before reaching the vicinity of Rong University.

Pei Xuezhi watched the surrounding shops, called out to stop, and said while getting out, “Wait for me in the car.”

“Okay~”

            

Fu Chaoyun pulled over directly, not following Pei Xuezhi out. She just lazily waved her hand, her gaze never leaving that graceful figure.

The breakfast shop was very lively in the early morning.

Nearby residents, office workers coming and going, students heading out, and delivery riders waiting to pick up orders… all kinds of people gathered there, flowing back and forth.

            

Pei Xuezhi walked among them. She was like winter snow on the highest tree branch, pure and cold, but now she seemed touched by the mundane world’s warmth amid the bustling crowd.

No longer floating high in the air, but instead firmly grounded, within Fu Chaoyun’s reach.

Fu Chaoyun kept watching, her gaze deep and gentle.

            

Soon after.

Pei Xuezhi returned, knocked on the car window, and when Fu Chaoyun lowered it, directly handed over a plastic bag of breakfast.

“Yours.”

            

Fu Chaoyun looked down at the transparent bag, which contained quite a variety.

Three baozi [steamed buns], shaobing [flatbread], youtiao [fried dough sticks], soy milk, and a plastic container with six shumai [type of dim sum], truly a complete meal.

[LP: Be hungry with me >:)]

            

Fu Chaoyun obviously couldn’t eat that much.

Though she hadn’t known before, after living together in the villa for some time, Pei Xuezhi had come to understand Fu Chaoyun’s tastes.

But since takeout food might not match exactly, she chose several items to give the particular Miss Fu more options.

            

“Thank you, Zhizhi,” Fu Chaoyun smiled.

Pei Xuezhi’s face remained expressionless, her tone flat, “I’ll go to class myself, you can leave.”

“Alright~”

            

As Pei Xuezhi carried her own breakfast, Fu Chaoyun suddenly called out to her again.

“Zhizhi.”

As she turned around, a light garment was suddenly tossed her way, which Pei Xuezhi instinctively caught.

            

It was Fu Chaoyun’s sun protection clothing.

She had noticed Fu Chaoyun taking it when they left, assuming it was for herself, but unexpectedly, it was given to her…

Fu Chaoyun sat in the car, leaning forward slightly, looking at Pei Xuezhi with a brilliant smile, “The sun is quite strong today, remember to wear it when you’re outside, Zhizhi.”

            

After saying this, she rolled up the window, stepped on the gas, and drove away.

Left with no chance to refuse, Pei Xuezhi: “…”

Pei Xuezhi shook out the sun protection clothing and saw the obvious brand label.

            

In her previous life during university, while not exactly poor, she had no connection to such luxury brands, but after being reborn, she recognized them all!

In the end, she still put the sun protection clothing in her bag without wearing it.

She would return it when she saw Fu Chaoyun in the afternoon.

            

Pei Xuezhi walked while eating breakfast. With her superior looks, she ate gracefully as always – even eating a baozi could look elegant, at least the livestream audience watched with great interest.

However, she suddenly paused.

Pei Xuezhi looked up at the thin sunlight in the sky.

            

It was only morning, and nothing had been said in advance… why was she so certain Fu Chaoyun would come pick her up again in the evening?

Comment: 【…What? Did she bite into an unchopped pork trotter in her baozi?】

Fu Chaoyun also didn’t have to work today. Not wanting to go home and face Madam Fu’s scolding, she went to her good friend Zhao Yujun’s place instead.

            

Zhao Yujun had her own separate house. Having clearly partied last night, she could barely open her eyes when coming to let Fu Chaoyun in.

“My dear lady, I only went to bed at four or five this morning. What do you want so early?”

“Borrow your place for a nap,” Fu Chaoyun stated directly.

            

“Please, please,” Zhao Yujun said, “Keke and others stayed over a few days ago, the guest room bedding was just changed, all clean.”

Fu Chaoyun nodded and didn’t stand on ceremony, changing her shoes and walking straight in, but Zhao Yujun slightly blocked her.

“What smells so good?” Looking down, she saw the breakfast in Fu Chaoyun’s hand and reached for it, “Ah, how nice of you to bring something…”

            

Fu Chaoyun was more alert and dodged away, “This is mine. If you want some, go buy your own.”

Zhao Yujun was stunned.

“Fu Chaoyun, you beast! You bought so much and can’t finish it, what’s wrong with sharing some? I’m letting you sleep here!!”

            

The response was the sound of the “beast” closing the door.

Zhao Yujun slept until after noon, and after washing up, found Fu Chaoyun already eating lunch.

Zhao Yujun’s kitchen was just for show, without any cookware, and the fridge had nothing but drinks, so Fu Chaoyun had naturally ordered takeout.

            

Seeing Zhao Yujun, she called out directly, “Come eat together.”

Zhao Yujun smiled upon seeing her, walking over while speaking sarcastically, “Oh~ Now you’re willing to share?”

She wasn’t stupid. Though groggy earlier, connecting it to Fu Chaoyun’s recent show appearance, she quickly understood that breakfast might have special significance.

            

Fu Chaoyun ignored her, but Zhao Yujun wouldn’t stop once she started eating, “I watched your show too. Weren’t you happy cooking there? Even making desserts after 8 PM… We’ve known each other for so many years but you’ve never cooked for me. I’m not asking much, just make me some sweet and sour fish.”

Now she was even ordering dishes!

Fu Chaoyun rolled her eyes, “In your dreams!”

            

She pulled all the ordered dishes toward herself. She had ordered from a private kitchen that wasn’t meant for the general public, only providing VIP service to gold card customers, and the taste was excellent.

“What are you doing?” Zhao Yujun, having barely eaten anything, immediately became anxious.

Fu Chaoyun: “If your mouth isn’t for eating, you don’t need to eat at all.”

            

“…”

Zhao Yujun made a zipping motion across her mouth, finally bringing some peace. But after just a moment, someone who had finished eating started stirring things up again.

“You’ve been working on that entertainment company, how did you end up on a show yourself? Do you really like it that much? Even chasing someone onto a show, playing such big moves…”

            

Fu Chaoyun glanced at her again.

Zhao Yujun understood that the cameras were still livestreaming, some things couldn’t be said, so she sullenly changed the topic.

“By the way, want to go out this afternoon? Since you were called back, nobody has seen you. We miss you, thought we could get together while we’re free.”

            

Fu Chaoyun, in a good mood after eating, leaned back in her chair comfortably, looking more at home than Zhao Yujun herself, eyes half-closed, speaking lazily.

“Want me to be the sucker who pays for everything?”

“Look how you talk, why so distant?” Zhao Yujun lit a cigarette, lightly tapping the tip, and smiled, “Is it not okay to want to see Miss Fu’s pretty face?”

            

Fu Chaoyun had maintained a politely declining attitude at the first half, but then noticed Zhao Yujun smoking.

“Put it out.”

Zhao Yujun froze.

            

“Stinks,” Fu Chaoyun said.

“Wait, are you really being a good girl now?” Zhao Yujun asked incredulously, “You can’t even stand a bit of smoke?”

Fu Chaoyun’s face showed complete disgust, “Don’t get it on my clothes.”

            

Zhao Yujun: “…”

In the end, Zhao Yujun’s unlit cigarette was thoroughly crushed, with no room for discussion.

“Where to?” The topic returned to the beginning as Fu Chaoyun asked.

            

Zhao Yujun named a place, speaking carelessly, “At this time, just some karaoke and tea~”

Zhao Yujun’s temporary residence was really just a place to sleep, with nothing else there. Thinking there was nothing to do in the afternoon, Fu Chaoyun nodded in agreement.

Before leaving, Fu Chaoyun cleaned up and threw away their takeout trash, earning more mockery from the lazy Miss Zhao.

            

“Ah Yun, you’ve become so domesticated since going on the show. If we weren’t so close and our genders weren’t incompatible, I’d really want to marry you as my beloved wife~”

Fu Chaoyun shot her an annoyed glance, “Get lost!”

Seeing Fu Chaoyun’s car again brought another round of laughter.

            

Zhao Yujun twirled her car keys in her fingers. She had chin-length curled hair, neatly styled with a four-six part, no bangs, with slight waves from a perm, minimally styled yet looking sharp and handsome.

Paired with flame-red lips and alluring eyes, she had a mature, feminine charm.

“To think the great Miss Fu has fallen so low. Come on, sister will take you for a ride in her supercar today!”

            

“No thanks.”

Zhao Yujun wasn’t familiar with Wen Wan, they’d never been in the same social circle since childhood. Fu Chaoyun didn’t bother explaining the car was borrowed from her sister-in-law, just opened the door herself, turning to say to Zhao Yujun before getting in:

“Riding as your passenger offers no guarantee of life safety.”

            

Zhao Yujun: “…”

The danmu burst into laughter.

【Fu Chaoyun’s friend is so funny, every line between them is hilarious, I’m dying hhh】

            

【The key is this friend is beautiful, high value, and rich! A supercar! I order Fu Chaoyun to introduce her friend to me right now.】

【That’s not all.】

【Fu Chaoyun’s friends, family, including her married-in sister-in-law are all so good-looking, what kind of heavenly social circle is this!】

            

【I declare that at least in terms of looks, Pei Xuezhi is worthy!】

【Our Zhizhi’s intelligence crushes them all, okay.】

【Though Fu Chaoyun’s friend seems very irreverent, and from their conversation… seems Fu Chaoyun used to be like this too?】

            

【After joining the show and being watched over by Pei Xuezhi, instantly reformed into a good wife (not)】

【It’s love, I see it!】

【This friend looks like an alpha, she said their genders weren’t compatible… so Fu Chaoyun must be an alpha too?】

            

【Also, I noticed something, the friend said Fu Chaoyun chased someone onto the show, and she only knows Pei Xuezhi there, so…】

【Holy crap! What big news today?】

【CP fans win, thank you】

            

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Zhao Yujun arranged a gathering using Fu Chaoyun’s name, and despite it being only afternoon, quite a few people came.

With the show’s cameras following, everyone played it relatively clean, the private room stocked with drinks, filled with horrible karaoke singing from the speakers.

Like last time they went out, Fu Chaoyun sat in the corner, doing nothing but slowly sipping orange juice.

            

Zhao Yujun, being the type to get excited around people, had already gone to sing, contributing to the current howling.

“Sister Yun.”

Suddenly someone called her. Fu Chaoyun looked up to see an unfamiliar face. The person glanced at the camera, “You’re filming a show?”

            

Fu Chaoyun couldn’t be bothered to respond – with such a big camera right there, they could see for themselves, why state the obvious?

She continued drinking her beverage, but the person called again, “Sister Yun, I have a younger cousin who wants…”

“Wants to join the show too?” Fu Chaoyun interrupted directly, “Fine, let her apply herself or you can help her apply now, the production team will do their own screening.”

            

As she spoke, her eyes looked at the person – though they were the same amber color as always and highlighted by the lighting, they didn’t show any warmth, instead appearing deeply cold.

Fu Chaoyun didn’t even realize that her current cold and distant appearance greatly resembled Pei Xuezhi.

“N-never mind…”

            

Finally, that person slunk away. Fu Chaoyun continued enjoying her peace, while Zhao Yujun glanced over, said something to people nearby, and soon the person who had approached Fu Chaoyun was escorted out.

Afterward, no one dared approach that area casually, as if it were forbidden territory.

Around four in the afternoon, having tried all the drinks available, Fu Chaoyun suddenly stood up.

            

“I’m leaving,” she said goodbye to everyone.

“Why leave so early? Doesn’t the show only care about who’s in the villa at night?”

“Stay and play longer!”

            

Clearly quite a few people in the group had watched the show, perhaps because 《Love at First Sight》 had really become popular, or maybe because Fu Chaoyun was in it.

“Mm,” Fu Chaoyun responded.

She didn’t explain, but someone nearby chimed in, “Haven’t you watched the show? Don’t you know, Ah Yun is going to pick someone up!”

            

“What do you mean?”

Fu Chaoyun ignored the discussions behind her, said goodbye to Zhao Yujun, her closest friend there, and walked out of the private room.

At the front desk, Fu Chaoyun first settled the bill, then waited a bit until a server came, before finally leaving.

            

When she reached Rong University, she was even ten minutes earlier than yesterday. Pei Xuezhi hadn’t finished class yet, so Fu Chaoyun waited.

This time in the car.

She had messaged Pei Xuezhi beforehand, and perhaps because of giving her the sun protection clothing that morning, Pei Xuezhi had asked her to send her location and wait in the car, no need to come out.

            

Fu Chaoyun was indifferent, so she just waited~

After about seven or eight minutes, Pei Xuezhi came.

While Wen Wan had chosen a low-key car, it couldn’t offset Pei Xuezhi’s many halos [metaphor for positive attention] at school.

            

As she walked toward a white car, countless gazes followed her.

Fortunately, people had grown used to seeing these two together these days, so they paid no mind.

As the car door opened and Pei Xuezhi sat down, Fu Chaoyun immediately handed her a drink, beautifully colored with blue at the bottom and pink at the top, showing a gradient that appeared quite dreamlike.

            

Pei Xuezhi was stunned.

Fu Chaoyun had already started speaking, “Zhizhi treated me to breakfast this morning, now I’m treating you to afternoon tea, very reasonable, right?”

The summer sky was still quite bright at four or five in the afternoon, sunlight streaming through the car window, illuminating Fu Chaoyun’s eyes particularly clearly.

            

They held a hint of smile, gentle and tender as if they could embrace everything, showing no trace of the coldness from earlier in the private room.

Before leaving, this was what she had asked the server to prepare.

Such an expression was impossible to resist, even for Pei Xuezhi, who could only accept it.

            

“Thank you.”

“Drink up, drink up!” Fu Chaoyun urged, suddenly acting like a schoolgirl, her eyes still sparkling, “I tried many drinks this afternoon, but this one was the best. I thought Zhizhi would like it.”

Pei Xuezhi could only unwrap it, noticing the packaging was particularly different, but realizing something, she didn’t say more.

            

Fu Chaoyun had already started the car, catching a glimpse of Pei Xuezhi inserting the straw and taking a sip.

“Is it good?” she asked.

Pei Xuezhi nodded.

            

The drink was sweet and sour, refreshing without being overly sweet, indeed her preferred taste.

“Thank you,” Pei Xuezhi said.

“You’re welcome, so tomorrow we continue… deal?”

            

Pei Xuezhi took two more sips of the drink, ignoring this topic.

Danmu:

【Traffic light! Traffic light, save us!】

            

【A drink… ahh I want to see them share a straw, kissing might be too fast right now, but what about an indirect kiss?】

【I think it’s fine! Get on with it!】

However, reality disappointed them, as neither mentioned this. Instead, Pei Xuezhi put down her drink and opened her backpack.

            

“Right, returning your sun protection clothing.”

“Keep it,” Fu Chaoyun seemed focused on driving, not turning her head, “You’ll need it again anyway.”

Before Pei Xuezhi could speak, Fu Chaoyun pressed on, “Oh, if you already have one, you can return it.”

            

Pei Xuezhi pressed her lips together.

Using an umbrella was already the most she could manage, how could she possibly have this? She couldn’t go out at night in the villa, nor could she buy one now.

Helplessly, she could only accept this kindness, again saying, “Thank you.”

            

Fu Chaoyun just smiled, saying lightly, “It’s just a small thing. I said Zhizhi doesn’t need to be so formal with me.”

“…Mm.”

“By the way,” Fu Chaoyun suddenly added, “Zhizhi must remember to wear it, not just keep it in your bag. If you get tanned despite having it, I’ll have to complain to the brand.”

            

Pei Xuezhi, who had kept it in her bag all day: “…”

This move really caught her weakness, leaving Pei Xuezhi no choice but to respond with silence.

“It’s clean,” Fu Chaoyun added, “Brand new, I’ve never worn it.”

            

She looked up, meeting those warm, clear eyes.

Fu Chaoyun said, “So don’t worry.”

Pei Xuezhi’s mouth opened and closed, finally…

            

“I understand.”

After this exchange, the car fell silent again. After a while, the phone provided by the production team rang. Pei Xuezhi checked it – it was Ni Jiaojiao messaging her in the group.

[What’s wrong?] Pei Xuezhi typed.

            

Ni Jiaojiao sent a screenshot of Fu Chaoyun’s Moments [WeChat social media feature], which had just one line: Delicious.

The accompanying photo was of the pretty drink Pei Xuezhi had just had, with a bit of the car’s interior visible in the background.

The timestamp showed it was taken while waiting for her after class.

            

Pei Xuezhi’s heart suddenly began beating irregularly…

The phone buzzed again with another group message, this time from Qi Changfeng.

Qi Changfeng: [??? Just bought one cup? She’s drinking alone? Being selfish?]

            

Pei Xuezhi’s face suddenly felt warm. She looked up at the person concentrating on driving, and helped explain.

Pei Xuezhi: [No, it was for me.]

Qi Changfeng: […]

            

Qi Changfeng: [Sorry, never mind then.]

Even Jian Yi chimed in: [Ah Yun secretly brings Zhizhi treats, what about us? We’re not asking for exclusive drinks, but shouldn’t you bring back a couple dishes tonight?]

In the villa, they took turns cooking. Today was Jian Yi and Ni Jiaojiao’s turn. Now that everyone had their own daytime activities, to reduce the workload at night and eat sooner, they would buy some prepared dishes on the way.

            

Pei Xuezhi mentioned this to Fu Chaoyun.

“Sure,” Fu Chaoyun agreed. With traffic stopped ahead, she turned to look at Pei Xuezhi, eyes clear, “Why did they suddenly bring this up?”

Pei Xuezhi hesitated, “They saw the drink you brought me and said they wanted some too.”

            

Fu Chaoyun raised her head slightly, then smiled. The evening sun’s glow fell on her curved lips and crinkled eyes, making her bold smile exceptionally beautiful.

“That won’t do,” Fu Chaoyun said, “That’s Zhizhi’s exclusive. Why should they receive rewards without merit?”

Pei Xuezhi’s cheeks and heartbeat once again went out of control.

            

What rewards without merit?

It was just buying breakfast… and Fu Chaoyun’s rides to school and the sun protection clothing had already been repaid.

“Just kidding,” Fu Chaoyun added, her smile becoming more subdued as she struck a thoughtful pose, “Hmm… tell them, next time for sure.”

            

Then she smiled again, like a student who’d successfully pulled off a prank.

Pei Xuezhi looked up to see this scene.

It was familiar… Fu Chaoyun’s characteristic measured behavior.

            

So impressive, too impressive.

Then, she heard her own voice, “Okay.”

For the next few days, Fu Chaoyun continued driving Pei Xuezhi to and from school, spending her days either at the Fu home or hanging out with friends.

            

Life went on easily.

Until the night before the second week’s gender reveal, news suddenly broke online—

【Lustful nature, notorious past, seducing countless omegas only to abandon them… Is it really okay for 《Love at First Sight》 to have such scum on the show, allowing other participants to be deceived?!!!】

            

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