Scum A with a Sweet Black Lotus O – Chapter 93

Work on the career, flirt with the wife, and raise the kids on the side.

“Major news! Hear ye—The Second Imperial Grandson [Nao Nao] has ascended the throne~~~!!”

“Good news!”

            

“Wait, what about my First Imperial Grandson [goldfishes] Yuyu? How long has it been? Have the First Imperial Grandsons fallen out of favor so quickly?”

“Eh, what can you do? The First Imperial Grandsons don’t have legs, making it inconvenient for them to move! So they were eliminated early from the competition for crown prince.”

“First—Imperial—Grandson—”

            

…

Fu Chaoyun was slacking off on company time​¹ again.

Previously, as the end of the semester approached, Pei Xuezhi first had classes, then exams. Nao Nao, being just one cat at home, always seemed a bit pitifully lonely. Although Fu Chaoyun was idle, her own elder sister kept urging her repeatedly, so she had to at least put up a front.

            

So, she returned to the company, this time bringing family—the second child, kitty Nao Nao. As for why she didn’t bring Da Bao… lugging over a dozen of them back and forth with the fish tank was always inconvenient.

The Variety Show Department had just wrapped up a major project with outstanding results. Now, with new projects still in the incubation phase, things were relatively relaxed. Plus, with Nao Nao holding the status of Second Imperial Granddaughter, she was fed and petted wherever she went. Life couldn’t be more comfortable.

In the afternoon company meeting, Fu Chaoyun was also present.

            

As usual, she was spacing out​². After the executives from the Variety Show Department had freely expressed their views, they turned their gazes towards her.

“Does Director Fu have any thoughts?”

“Come, come, speak freely, don’t be polite.”

            

“Director Fu proposed the initial plan for 《Heartbeat》. With such a hit variety show under her belt, perhaps she could offer us some guidance again, let us rub off some of that good fortune​³.”

Fu · Mascot · Practicing-Her-Signature · Chaoyun: “…?”

There was no helping it. After all, she had previously proposed and participated in the production of a hit dating show. These people now had expectations of her, feeling that Director Fu usually hid her true abilities​⁴. The gazes directed at her now were particularly eager.

            

She couldn’t refuse.

Fu Chaoyun’s fingertips tapped lightly on the table. When she wasn’t smiling, her expression was coolly elegant, looking quite the part.

“Tell me your ideas. Summarize briefly.”

            

“Yes! Previously, 《Heartbeat》 was a hit. We did a review​⁵ and found the reasons for its success were… Based on this, we proposed two new plans. One is the second season of 《Heartbeat》, and the other is a new variety show, 《We Got Divorced》​⁶…”

Fu Chaoyun had only heard two sentences when her expression changed. Her gaze swept around, her eyes holding a faint gloom.

“You’re the ones who asked me to speak.”

            

“…? Hahaha, speak freely.”

Suddenly, the previously lazy, slacking Fu Chaoyun leaned back against her chair, instantly adopting the aura of a big boss.

“Do a second season now?”

            

This transformation startled everyone, because the last time they had a meeting about 《Heartbeat》, Director Fu’s aura had changed abruptly just like this, and then… she had given them a furious tongue-lashing​⁷.

Their scalps were already starting to tingle.

Then, arriving even sooner than the familiar fear of being dominated, was Fu Chaoyun’s rejection.

            

The Alpha said without thinking, “Isn’t it too early?”

Everyone could only look over, waiting to receive her guidance.

“Dating shows only have so many tricks. 《Heartbeat》 was a hit, yes, but you’re rushing to do a second season. The copycats who follow the trend will only move faster now. At this stage, they’ve probably already finished their preparatory work. For a period of time, the market will inevitably be flooded​⁸ with dating shows, trying to innovate based on 《Heartbeat》, dazzling the audience… Serving you the same dish repeatedly in the same period will inevitably become tiresome.”

            

“I assume you want to make 《Heartbeat》 a long-term, reputable variety show. But limited by the content inherent to dating shows—it’s just falling in love, back and forth—this type of show probably doesn’t have a long lifespan. Three seasons at most, then it should probably wrap up.”

Fu Chaoyun’s words essentially decided the fate of 《Heartbeat》 in advance​⁹.

Truthfully, everyone in this meeting room was a veteran of variety shows. How could they not see that the lifespan of dating shows wasn’t long? But with the explosive data right before their eyes, they couldn’t bear to let go, hence the thought of quickly launching a second season to cash in while the hype was still there.

            

Someone at the table brought this point out into the open.

Fu Chaoyun glanced over, her fox eyes, which should have been charming and affectionate, now icy cold. “Wait until next year when the dating show hype cools down, hang up the signboard, and rehash the old material​¹⁰—maybe someone will still bite. Are you that desperate to smash the whole shop​¹¹?”

That person’s heart jumped.

            

Director Fu usually didn’t participate much in departmental affairs, existing like a mascot. But she was, after all, the big boss’s family member, an imperial daughter. One word from her could get them fired any day.

And 《Heartbeat》 owed much of its current success to Fu Chaoyun’s significant contribution. She herself had participated. Although her confession hadn’t succeeded, rumors online still circulated about her ongoing entanglement with that Teacher Pei…

Thinking this way, these people could understand Fu Chaoyun’s desire not to see 《Heartbeat》 ruined.

            

“Director Fu, then the other variety show…”

Fu Chaoyun also flipped through the documents in front of her, raising an eyebrow slightly. “A divorce variety show? Interesting idea. Among all the sweet dating shows, it might indeed stand out.”

Just as everyone thought this project was secured and were about to smile.

            

“So, is the selling point reconciliation​¹², or watching these former couples, who parted on ugly terms, engage in public catfights​¹³ on the show?”

!!!∑(??Д??ノ)ノ

Everyone: “…Huh?”

            

“To make two people who were once familiar fall in love again, the tone should shift from sadness to touching emotion. That progression is good. But didn’t you just share the reasons for the dating show’s success?”

“Because the audience likes straightforward, simple, sweet romance. The big sellers at the cinema are popcorn commercial blockbusters; artistic, touching films go unnoticed. So, do you think when they’re eating dinner, they’ll choose a show that makes them laugh out loud, or one where they eat instant noodles while crying?”

“…” After a moment, a weak voice sounded, “Then, then what about the catfights? Don’t they all love watching drama unfold online​¹⁴?”

            

Fu Chaoyun rubbed her head. She didn’t know why she, clearly just a mascot, now had to consider so much.

Ah~ My head hurts.

“That’s because online news is fragmented, brief. They can stand on the moral high ground and point fingers at others. But once you ask them to face this kind of emotion directly for a long period, negative energy is contagious too. Compared to watching the full show, they’d probably prefer watching cuts​¹⁵ online. And you want to run a 24-hour livestream for such a catfight divorce show? Trying to get rid of viewers?”

            

“…”

Silence fell in the meeting room.

The two well-thought-out variety show proposals were both rejected by Director Fu. Not a single one passed, and they even got scolded harshly.

            

None of them wanted to admit they were wrong. Instead, they looked at the director who had initially asked Fu Chaoyun to say a few words.

The meaning was clear.

You asked her to speak, now you figure out how to wrap this up?!

            

That director was also annoyed. Just moments ago, everyone was waiting eagerly together, how did it become solely his fault now?

But he could only bite the bullet and ask again, “Then Director Fu, do you have any ideas for a new variety show?”

“No.” Cold and ruthless · Fu Chaoyun.

            

Just then, someone came in to deliver tea, opening the door a crack. Nao Nao slipped in too. Nearly a month had passed; the little kitten had finished her vaccinations, the pet license was processed, and the fur that had been clipped was gradually growing back. She was now a beautiful cat!

Nao Nao had been wandering around the department every day these days, but she was mainly familiar with the regular employees and corporate drones​¹⁶. The executives all had separate offices and little contact.

Slipping into the office now, she headed straight for Fu Chaoyun’s arms. Fu Chaoyun buried her face in the cat’s fur, her mood, soured by the idiots, improving slightly.

            

She suddenly suggested, “Why not do a parent-child variety show?”

Everyone: “………………?!”

So casually!!

            

“Could you please elaborate on the specific plan?”

Fu Chaoyun continued holding Nao Nao.

“Parents raising kids. The kids should be young, 4-6 years old. The kind that are adorable but not yet fully sensible.”

            

“Whichever parent the child is usually closer to… have the child go on the show with the less familiar parent. The fumbling and chaos​¹⁷ will make for better viewing.”

“The home environment is too familiar for both child and parent. Let’s put them outdoors. Aren’t kids naturally playful? And send them further away… How about the countryside? Parents and kids have to work hard for their own meals.”

“…”

            

“It could be a relaxed, lifestyle, survival-style kid show. Innocent and cute kids, paired with an unfamiliar parent, interactions between kids, between parents and kids, creating some elements that make you unsure whether to laugh or cry. It probably wouldn’t be too bad.”

Initially, only a single thought had flashed through Fu Chaoyun’s mind. Now, she was saying whatever came to her, yet her own line of thought became surprisingly clear. The surrounding executives were all stunned.

Some with sharper minds quickly realized that although Director Fu’s description was rough, if they followed this process, it seemed like it really… had potential!

            

They quickly started discussing the details animatedly​¹⁸. Like last time, Fu Chaoyun mostly withdrew at this stage, busy petting the cat, only interjecting occasionally if there was a real issue.

“Director Fu, will we be using amateurs​¹⁹ again this time?”

Fu Chaoyun: “…?”

            

Last time, 《Heartbeat》 had an all-amateur lineup. The biggest star among them was their very own Director here. But since she was one of their own, inviting guests didn’t cost much money. The funds were mostly used for various variety show effects and settings, and even then, quite a bit was left over.

Using amateurs saved money. Because of this, many variety shows were now considering high-quality amateurs, including some who might consider entering the entertainment industry in the future. Both sides were quite satisfied.

But this time—

            

“Invite celebrities.”

Fu Chaoyun said without thinking, “Which ordinary family has a parent with so little contact with their child? At worst, it could be well-known entrepreneurs. Anyway, the less contact with the child, the more jokes arise. These are all selling points.”

“Furthermore, celebrity children have good genes. This audience just judges by looks. Also, children from ordinary families might be shy in front of the camera, and the subsequent impact of the show could also be harmful.”

            

High-quality amateurs weren’t that easy to find.

“Okay.” The entire idea came from Fu Chaoyun, and besides, what she said was indeed reasonable, considering all aspects for the sake of the show’s effect. These people naturally had no objections.

That executive looked at Fu Chaoyun, then at Nao Nao in her arms, hesitating.

            

“Then this time… will you be participating?”

?

Fu Chaoyun remained expressionless. “It’s about bringing real children, not pets.”

            

“Apologies, apologies.”

His tone held unconcealed regret. Director Fu herself was a guarantee for ratings and sponsorships!

This new parent-child heartwarming variety show, tentatively titled 《Children’s Holiday》​²⁰, thus squeezed out the previous two dating show proposals and was moved up the schedule.

            

“《Holiday》 should be a hit, right?”

“Hard to say. This feels more heartwarming, just parents and children interacting, slowly, without arguments. The kids are cute, but there doesn’t seem to be any particular explosive point…”

“I heard Durian TV​²¹ is reviving a singing competition show, one that broke records in the past. Young people love that stuff.”

            

“Have some confidence, this is Director Fu’s idea!”

Most importantly, Director Fu was still here!

Fu Chaoyun didn’t feel offended. She just thought for a moment, “A talent show? If they can do it, we can too.”

            

“This one’s an old brand, already has reputation and popularity from before,” someone reminded her tactfully.

“No problem.” Fu Chaoyun waved her hand. “We won’t do the same thing as them.”

“Huh?”

            

Fu Chaoyun began giving directions again.

“Get a hundred trainees​²², the kind that are in singing and dancing groups. Compared to their music and singing focus, ours will emphasize overall stage performance.”

“Among these hundred people, men, women, Alpha, Beta, Omega are all fine. But there’s one clear requirement: they must be good-looking, youthful, and energetic. Anyway, today’s audience just judges by looks; appearance is everything.”

            

“You can also put one or two who aren’t that young in there, they need some professional skills, but don’t need to be too strict about it. After all, this is a public election. In the end, it all depends on the audience’s preferences. If the audience chooses a few beautiful-but-useless members​²³ to drag the group down, they have to bear the consequences themselves.”

Everyone looked at each other. “What do you mean by public election?”

Fu Chaoyun surveyed the room.

            

“Isn’t this a talent show? Eliminate the mentors’ decision-making power. All votes are entirely in the hands of the audience. Every two performance rounds, eliminate a batch of contestants based on vote count.”

“With a hundred contestants… let’s tentatively set seven debut spots. Then, every day, each viewer gets seven votes tied to their ID card. Each account can only cast one vote for a supported contestant per day, meaning they can vote for seven different contestants in a day. If they don’t like that many contestants, the votes are wasted.”

“Whether the audience wants to swap votes or get relatives and friends to vote is up to them. It also helps generate buzz for our show.”

            

“…”

Director Fu, why are you so proficient at this!

“Votes, votes all free? Won’t that be too few?”

            

They remembered how every vote for that Durian TV show cost money, making a fortune. There were even students secretly using their parents’ phones to vote, which led to it being shut down due to the large sums involved.

Fu Chaoyun glanced at that person.

“Offer VIP memberships. They get an extra fourteen votes per day. Voting for each contestant changes from once a day to three times a day. If they successfully swap votes, they can manipulate it further. Also, get sponsorships.”

            

“As long as they buy products from our sponsor daddies, they get extra voting rights.”

“Heh.” Fu Chaoyun let out a light laugh. “Want their favorite big brother, big sister, little brother, little sister to make it to the final group? Simple. Pay to win​²⁴!”

“Use your brain. If you don’t pay, how could your idol possibly get stronger?”

            

“…”

The greedy face of a capitalist was fully exposed.

But thinking about it carefully, it seemed like this also… had potential?

            

Finally, this talent show, tentatively named 《Nation’s Trainees》​²⁵, was also added to the agenda. The Variety Show Department would be busy with two shows soon. Counting next year’s second season of 《Heartbeat》, they wouldn’t have to drag Fu Chaoyun into meetings for a while.

And just as Fu Chaoyun said, the models for these two new shows she proposed weren’t complex; it was like new wine in old bottles​²⁶. The basics could be figured out by others after one look. However, their lifespans were incomparable to dating shows.

Dating shows’ selling points were all about emotions. But kid shows relied on the cuteness of children, and talent shows on various young faces… If they selected this year, could they do it again next year? Who would complain about too many beauties?

            

Long after Fu Chaoyun left with Nao Nao, these people, as if they had found treasures, were still in the meeting room discussing details.

“I really don’t know how Director Fu’s brain works. It seems like ideas just pop out with casual thought?”

“Don’t be fooled by Director Fu slacking off usually; this is a born variety show producer! Her thinking is so clear.”

            

“Good thing President Fu sent Director Fu to our department back then.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“…”

            

The person wasn’t even there anymore, yet this group, much older than Fu Chaoyun, was still praising her extravagantly​²⁷. Someone couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Stop taking credit for yourselves​²⁸. I mean, is there a possibility that no matter which department Director Fu went to, the result would be the same?”

Silence.

            

After a deathly silent pause, chaos erupted again.

“Director Fu doesn’t like meetings. Don’t bother her unless it’s something major!”

“Xiao Ji, isn’t sending signatures to Director Fu every day a bit much? Don’t tire her out.”

            

“Shouldn’t we also prepare some good cat food for the cat?”

“Pigs eat feed​²⁹, that’s imported cat food! Super expensive!”

“Even though the First Imperial Grandson can’t come right now, you can’t forget him! Prepare food and supplies for him too!”

            

In short—

“Absolutely cannot let other departments snatch Director Fu away!”

Improving the department’s performance depends on her!

            

---

Meanwhile, the Director Fu everyone was thinking about, Fu Chaoyun, had once again left work early, bold and confident.

After all, the mascot didn’t have much to do at the company. It was a pity for the Variety Show Department, though, not being able to see these two beautiful cats, one big and one small.

Inside the car.

            

Fu Chaoyun was used to driving herself. Little Nao Nao sat in the back seat. Unfortunately, there were no dedicated child safety seats for kitties on the market.

“Do you think the new variety shows will be hits?” Fu Chaoyun asked the System in her consciousness. “I won’t be in them this time, nor will Pei Xuezhi.”

The System hesitated for a moment.

            

【Probably.】

“…Hm?”

【After all, your relationship with Pei Xuezhi is currently ambiguous… Don’t glare, it’s just lacking official status, I’m not wrong!】

            

【She is the Heaven’s Mandate​³⁰. Spending a long time with her, you inevitably absorb some of her luck, bringing it into your daily life. Handling various matters will become twice as effective with half the effort.】

Fu Chaoyun chuckled softly. “Then I’m really lucky.”

Her gaze fixed on the road ahead as she continued driving. She had initiated this topic, yet it also ended abruptly because of her.

            

The System, summoned by her, saw she wasn’t speaking and retracted again.

Last time Fu Chaoyun suddenly mentioned “Pei Xuezhi already knows,” it had scared the System badly. It had been behaving itself recently, not daring to cause trouble​³¹ anymore.

The traffic light ahead turned green.

            

…Is that so?

In a daze, some images seemed to flicker—an Alpha inside who looked just like her, always lazy, achieving success easily and casually, as if heaven itself was on her side.

That “Fu Chaoyun’s” face spanned from student days to adulthood, always smooth sailing.

            

Pei Xuezhi did not appear there. It was so smooth it was as if she were the world’s Heaven’s Mandate!

So it probably wasn’t the past, not just her before the second year of high school when she bumped her head…

---

Fu Chaoyun’s destination today wasn’t Pei Xuezhi’s home, but the film set.

            

As soon as the final exams ended, the contract took effect, and Pei Xuezhi was immediately grabbed to work her summer job.

Coincidentally, the talent scout who discovered and signed Pei Xuezhi was from Xingdong. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t surprising; Pei Xuezhi’s ability to appear on Xingdong’ 《Heartbeat》 already hinted at this connection.

Keep the benefits within the family​³².

            

This way, it was like returning to Fu Chaoyun’s happy place​³³.

Having participated in a variety show and gained some fame, coupled with her family background exposure, Fu Chaoyun’s face had now become iconic. Even though this was her first time visiting the film set, her passage was unobstructed.

It was July, with the scorching sun like flowing fire, the hottest season of the year.

            

The crew had started filming a month ago. Pei Xuezhi was still at school then, but her role was small, so it didn’t affect things.

This was Pei Xuezhi’s first time acting, and she only had a minor role.

Right now, they happened to be filming an exterior scene. She was with the crew, basking in the sun. Ordinary newcomers naturally received no special treatment.

            

Amidst the sea of people, Fu Chaoyun spotted the pale, almost glowing Pei Xuezhi at a glance. The other party hadn’t noticed her arrival and was still watching the male and female leads’ scene nearby.

This was Pei Xuezhi.

Even though she didn’t plan to enter the entertainment industry—one could say she intended to retire after filming the two projects stipulated in the contract—she always wanted to do her best, perfectly, in whatever she agreed to.

            

A crew member saw her and hurried over.

“Director Fu.” He addressed her like the people on the dating show did. “Should I go call Teacher Pei for you?”

Pei Xuezhi’s current qualifications didn’t warrant the title “Teacher,” but from the dating show to the film set, it was a polite form of address.

            

Fu Chaoyun shook her head, lowering her voice, “No need, thank you.”

The person glanced at Fu Chaoyun, then at Pei Xuezhi, covering his mouth and nodding.

Understood!

            

Chaoyun Muxue wanted to give her a surprise.

Fu Chaoyun casually approached, slowly getting closer to Pei Xuezhi, then suddenly thrust Nao Nao, whom she was holding, into Pei Xuezhi’s hands.

Pei Xuezhi felt the weight in her arms.

            

She turned around, first showing a hint of surprise, then her lips curved into a light smile, the amusement gradually spreading into her obsidian-like eyes.

“Why did you come?”

“Zhizhi’s acting skills aren’t up to par anymore.”

            

She clearly sensed me coming.

The sun outside was strong. Pei Xuezhi had been holding an umbrella for herself. Now, she tilted it towards Fu Chaoyun. The Alpha quickly took the handle, her fingertips brushing against the Omega’s.

“Let me.”

            

Pei Xuezhi didn’t refuse. Only then did Fu Chaoyun point again at the kitty in Pei Xuezhi’s arms.

“Nao Nao said she missed Mommy, so I left work early to bring her to see you.”

Nao Nao: “Meow meow! Meow meow meow!”

            

I did not! I don’t! Don’t talk nonsense!

Two-legged beasts​³⁴ shouldn’t use cute kitties as excuses, meow~!

Pei Xuezhi put the cat down. The little feline quickly found a shady spot and ducked into it. Pei Xuezhi’s gaze followed, confirming the cat was fine, before speaking again.

            

“She has so much fur. Bringing her out in such hot weather, aren’t you afraid your Er Bao will overheat?”

“It’s fine.” Fu Chaoyun thought for a moment. “Children need a few setbacks to grow.”

Pei Xuezhi gave her a blank look.

            

The large black umbrella enveloped them both, the shadow cast behind them seeming to intertwine in an embrace.

Throughout this, the Omega’s bright black eyes remained fixed on her. Glinted by the fierce sunlight behind, they suddenly reflected a few clear, shallow traces of smiling light, like the bright sun itself.

Pei Xuezhi reached out at some point, her fingers twining with Fu Chaoyun’s. Her nimble, slender fingertips lightly hooked within the Alpha’s palm, once, then again, her voice soft and bewitching.

            

“Is it only Nao Nao who missed me… hm?”

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The author has something to say:

Sorted out the main outline framework today, there are still a few plot points left. Seems like there isn’t much content remaining, the ending is in sight, yay~!

            

Goodnight everyone w

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LP: Interesting. So Fu Chaoyun was originally the ‘female protagonist’? Then, what the hell happened?!

Also, there’s still 70+ chapters so no, the ending is not on sight.

            

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