A Vicious Scum Alpha in a Heartthrob Novel - Chapter 10

On the other side of the room, Xu Qingshui was oblivious to Fu Jinghua’s internal grumbling. To be honest, precisely because the grandmother on the phone was so kind, she felt a bizarre sense of guilt and psychological pressure.

Her relationship with Fu Jinghua hadn’t followed the normal progression of engagement, dating, and marriage. In fact, this marriage was the result of her careful design—and this kind elderly woman was, essentially, just a tool in that plan.

She couldn’t let herself fail Grandmother’s genuine heart again.

However, Grandmother seemed to sense her reluctance to visit and suddenly provoked her: “Is Little Xu looking down on this old bag of bones? Do you find me annoying now that I’m just a pile of bones?”

“Jinghua is usually busy and doesn’t come home. I thought things would be better with you around, but now I see neither of you wants to return.”

Knowing Grandmother was intentionally using “angry talk,” Xu Qingshui quickly compromised: “Grandma, you can’t say that! We love you most of all. We’ll be there in a bit.”

“Alright then, I’ll wait for you at home. When you and Jinghua come, bring some wine; we’re out of the good stuff at home.”

Xu Qingshui hesitated. “…”

“Okay, Grandma.”

After hanging up, Xu Qingshui walked out of the bedroom and unexpectedly locked eyes with Fu Jinghua, who was waiting outside.

Fu Jinghua looked a bit awkward and quickly averted her gaze before asking abruptly, “What did Grandma say?”

Xu Qingshui gave a brief summary of the conversation.

Fu Jinghua nodded in understanding. “That’s just how she is. We’ll have lunch there today. When you’re talking, make sure to follow my lead so we don’t expose the true nature of our relationship.” She paused before continuing, “Grandma really wants to see me settle down.”

Xu Qingshui had a general idea of the other woman’s family background and didn’t have any questions, except for one thing…

She said, “Grandma said she’s out of wine and wants us to bring some from the house.”

Fu Jinghua: “Fine, I’ll go look. I think the bottle Director Liu sent last time is still unopened.”

Seeing that the other woman completely missed her point—and despite the agreement stating they shouldn’t pry too much into family matters—Xu Qingshui couldn’t help but ask, “Does Grandma… always drink like that?”

At that moment, Fu Jinghua didn’t recall the agreement either. Regarding her grandmother, she was always a bit more pleasant, and her beautiful, sharp features softened significantly. “She had a check-up at the hospital before, and the doctor said it’s fine. At her age, being happy is the most important thing. Besides, Grandma has always been this way and her health is excellent. Don’t worry too much.”

Xu Qingshui was relieved. “That’s good then.” She proactively asked, “What kind of wine does Grandma usually like? I have a few good bottles in the trunk; I wonder if she’d like them.”

Fu Jinghua thought for a moment. “Just bring them all.”

Fu Jinghua didn’t stop to wonder how much of Xu Qingshui’s sincerity was real. To her, sincerity wasn’t the point; what mattered was Xu Qingshui’s attitude toward her grandmother—as long as she made the old woman happy.

Once they were fully ready, Xu Qingshui checked for anything they might have missed. Fu Jinghua stood at the entryway putting on her shoes, the collar of her pearl-white shirt turned up to hide the swollen glands on the back of her neck. As she bent over, a sliver of her snowy waist was exposed. “I’ve checked everything. Let’s go.”

Xu Qingshui followed behind her.

The humidity of the plum rain season condensed into droplets on the car window. While waiting for a red light, Xu Qingshui noticed Fu Jinghua wiping the seatbelt buckle with a disinfectant wipe. The rose-scented pheromones were running wild inside the car.

Thinking about it, the rut usually lasts quite a while. Since Fu Jinghua had been with her several times, she likely still had needs.

After all, she was capable. Xu Qingshui was very capable.

Xu Qingshui looked at the road ahead, her mind wandering unconsciously. What should I say when I see Grandma? Setting aside the ‘heroic savior’ filter, will she actually like me?

When the navigation announced they were 500 meters away, Fu Jinghua suddenly rolled down the window. The unintentional scent of Brandy from inside the car surged out, mingling with the sweet rose fragrance seeping from the back of her neck.

She knew Xu Qingshui wasn’t doing it on purpose, and this level of pheromones was far from harassment, but Fu Jinghua had only recently been marked. Although she had found relief, she uncontrollably craved more. This made her even more sensitive to Xu Qingshui’s scent.

In other words, even if Xu Qingshui was just standing there doing nothing, Fu Jinghua would feel a longing for her. This feeling was truly uncomfortable.

Once they arrived, Fu Jinghua hopped out of the car quickly, as if there were something “unclean” inside.

The “unclean thing,” Xu Qingshui: “…”

Whatever, it’s not the first or second time I’ve been snubbed.

Snub me first, then seduce me later. How interesting. She had already seen right through Fu Jinghua. Hmph, women.

She ignored the little episode and called out enthusiastically toward the elderly woman at the door, “Grandma, I’m here!”

Grandmother was standing in front of the old house covered in wisteria, holding silver shears for pruning. “Aiyoo~ Little Xu, my dear granddaughter, come let Grandma look at you.” She took off her gloves, her eyes full of kindness. “Little Xu really is beautiful, and she has great taste in clothes. Not like Jinghua, who wears the same few things over and over.”

Who insults their own granddaughter the moment they meet?

Fu Jinghua was about to speak but suddenly froze. She had been in such a hurry to get out of the car that she hadn’t noticed what Xu Qingshui was wearing. Now that she looked closely, she realized the other woman was wearing… her own jacket.

Grandmother definitely noticed. Fu Jinghua took a deep breath and decided not to say anything. She didn’t want to have any “connection” with the woman.

Xu Qingshui, however, hadn’t noticed. In fact, she had always thought it was her own coat. The reality was quite simple: back when Xu Qingshui was pursuing her, she had bought the exact same jacket as Fu Jinghua to try and get closer to her.

“Thank you for the compliment, Grandma. You look very young yourself! Let me see… Oh, did Grandma get her hair done specifically? It’s so dark and shiny, it looks wonderful.”

In reality, there were plenty of white hairs that couldn’t be hidden. It was clearly her natural hair. Fu Jinghua grumbled internally. Nothing but lies.

But Grandmother seemed to love it. She beamed from ear to ear and said, “This is my real hair! It seems this old lady has maintained herself well…”

Fu Jinghua was marveled. She didn’t want to watch the two of them engage in this mutual flattery, so she said, “Grandma, didn’t you say lunch was ready? Let’s go in first, otherwise the food will get cold.”

Grandmother slapped her forehead. “Right! I almost forgot the main event. Little Xu, you haven’t eaten breakfast yet, have you?”

Xu Qingshui nodded and said honestly, “Not yet, Grandma.”

Grandmother immediately took Xu Qingshui’s hand and led her inside. “Then Little Xu must have a good taste of Grandma’s cooking today. Everyone who eats it says it’s the best!”

The ignored Fu Jinghua: “…”

Fine, as long as Grandma is happy.

The rich aroma of “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” drifted above the dining table. Xu Qingshui looked at the tender abalone in the gold-rimmed porcelain bowl and couldn’t help but admire Grandmother’s skill. These dishes were not easy to make.

During the meal, Xu Qingshui kept up a good rhythm until Grandmother suddenly asked, “Little Xu, tell Grandma, does Jinghua often throw little tantrums? Just tell me the truth, I’ll set her straight for you!”

Xu Qingshui would never actually speak ill of Fu Jinghua. Aside from their agreement, it was simply rude to badmouth someone in front of their family.

She said without hesitation, “Jinghua is wonderful. she never throws tantrums. she’s gentle, virtuous, lively, and beautiful. she’s great, and I like her very much.”

Fu Jinghua looked at Xu Qingshui, hesitating to speak. How can you tell such an obvious lie with a straight face? Grandma isn’t stupid.

Grandmother’s smile became even more genuine; she clearly thought Xu Qingshui was right. “Oh my, it seems Little Xu is understanding Jinghua better and better now.”

Fu Jinghua: “…” She ate her meal in silence, not saying a single word.