A Vicious Scum Alpha in a Heartthrob Novel - Chapter 11

Xu Qingshui and Grandmother hit it off unexpectedly well. After leaving the dining table, Fu Jinghua retreated to her room to handle work and life matters.

This included her own restless pheromones.

The rut was miserable every time it arrived. Although Fu Jinghua constantly told herself to just get used to it—otherwise, letting her pheromones take control would lead to even greater trouble—she found that ever since Xu Qingshui marked her, she was becoming increasingly unable to tolerate the discomfort she used to be accustomed to.

It’s all Xu Qingshui’s fault, Fu Jinghua thought to herself.

She expertly injected herself with suppressants to spare herself from the torture of the pheromones. But as the syringe emptied, a thought suddenly struck her.

Why was she doing this?

The agreement was between two people, and she had the right to demand satisfaction from the other party at any time.

Fu Jinghua bit her lip, her internal frustration deepening, yet she had no outlet for it. Xu Qingshui was currently drinking with Grandmother; she couldn’t just suddenly call the woman in to give her some pheromonal comfort for no reason. Not to mention the act itself, she simply couldn’t afford to lose face like that.

At her age, to actually beg Xu Qingshui for intimacy because of the influence of pheromones… and with Grandmother right outside. Doing that would be a complete slap in her own face.

Fu Jinghua took a deep breath, opened her laptop, and began studying acting theory. She wasn’t a “natural talent”; in fact, she felt she was a bit slow, obtaining most of her insights and feelings through rigorous study. While it was exhausting, the results were worth it. Moreover, if she didn’t stand high enough, there would be many things in life she would be powerless to change.

Fu Jinghua composed herself and immersed herself fully in her studies. This time, she remained calm and was no longer swayed by her pheromones.

Beyond the wall.

Xu Qingshui hadn’t expected Grandmother’s alcohol tolerance to be so high. It was no exaggeration to say that her own tolerance had been thoroughly forged by life, yet Grandmother was actually able to match her drink for drink.

Xu Qingshui couldn’t help but admire her: “Grandma, you’re truly amazing. Not only are you so healthy, but your tolerance is incredible!”

Grandmother beamed. Despite her age, she was still like a child, her tone light and cheerful: “There’s a lot you don’t know. This old lady used to be in business; do you know how much I had to drink to get to the top? Jinghua takes after me in that regard, but she usually doesn’t like to drink, so it doesn’t show.”

Xu Qingshui was surprised. Fu Jinghua was actually a good drinker? She really hadn’t seen that coming.

“That child, Jinghua… she lost her parents young and has a strong sense of wariness, so she hates touching things from the outside. I often tell her to go out more, to see more people, but she won’t listen.”

Though the words were few, they were thick with concern and affection. This was a kind of warmth Xu Qingshui had never experienced. She instinctively comforted her: “Jinghua will understand one day. Grandma, don’t worry too much.”

Inevitably, as she said this, she carried some of her own emotions. She envied the family bond Fu Jinghua had—something she had never seen. Naturally, she found herself siding with Grandmother.

But Grandmother suddenly gripped her hand, her aged eyes almost carrying a hint of a plea. “Little Xu, now that you’re married to her, can you help take care of Jinghua on my behalf?”

Just moments ago, they were chatting so happily, and casual remarks came easily, but at this moment, Xu Qingshui fell into a rare silence.

Did Grandmother know their relationship was just a marriage of convenience?

Did she know they actually had no feelings for each other?

Inexplicably, Xu Qingshui didn’t dare look Grandmother in the eye. She knew perfectly well that Grandmother was telling her these things because she trusted her. Yet, she felt a profound fear of accepting such a responsibility. Simultaneously, she didn’t even know how she could help.

Perhaps because Xu Qingshui remained silent for too long, Grandmother sensed something. She didn’t press further, quickly changing her approach: “Little Xu, Grandma has only one wish in this life: I hope Jinghua and her family can be safe and prosperous. Tell me, do you think Grandma’s wish can come true?”

Xu Qingshui: “It will, Grandma.”

She knew the plot of the original book. In a way, Fu Jinghua did eventually lead the life she wanted. But for some reason, Xu Qingshui felt a tightness in her chest.

Must one go through pain to grow? Does Fu Jinghua have to experience all of that?

She had a sudden flash of these thoughts, but no one could answer her confusion.

She drank a bit more with Grandmother. The subsequent topics ranged from local gossip to the world at large, occasionally interspersed with stories of Fu Jinghua’s childhood. The atmosphere was momentarily joyous.

Later, Xu Qingshui grew genuinely worried about Grandmother’s age, and since the old lady’s face looked flushed with wine, she feigned drunkenness to end the session early. “Grandma, you’re too much for me. As a young person, I can’t keep up with you at all.”

Grandmother chuckled and patted Xu Qingshui’s shoulder: “Little Xu, you’re not bad yourself, being able to drink this much.”

Xu Qingshui smiled back.

By the time they finished talking, they realized the sky was darkening; it was time to go. Midway through their departure, Grandmother pulled Fu Jinghua aside for some heart-to-heart talk before finally letting them go home.

Xu Qingshui had been drinking and couldn’t drive. In the end, it was Fu Jinghua who drove them back.

Inside the car, the smell of alcohol on Xu Qingshui was a bit strong, so Fu Jinghua rolled down the windows. The wind blew in from outside, and Xu Qingshui unconsciously closed her eyes against the breeze, stretching her hand out the window. Her fingers were long and well-defined.

It was a dangerous, childish gesture—the kind only disobedient children would do. That thought suddenly popped into Fu Jinghua’s head.

She glanced at the outstretched hand. The alcoholic fumes in the car were heavy, and a sudden heat rose within her. Fu Jinghua pulled her gaze back and focused on driving. But inevitably, she saw the eyes-closed Xu Qingshui in the rearview mirror.

The woman was naturally beautiful; with her eyes closed, she looked almost soft—the kind of appearance people found very likable. She was currently slumped in the seat, hand still reaching out.

Fu Jinghua thought for a moment, then finally spoke: “Bring your hand back in.”

Xu Qingshui’s eyelids flickered, but she didn’t open them. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I’m not drunk, I’m just a bit hot. I’m enjoying the cold wind.”

Her face is flushed red, yet she’s still talking tough?

Fu Jinghua let out a soft huff but didn’t offer a sarcastic retort. Why argue with a drunk? She said, “If you don’t bring your hand back in, you’re not taking a shower tonight.”

Xu Qingshui opened her eyes, this time with a hint of impatience: “What right do you have to command me?”

Despite her words, she obediently pulled her hand back in.

“I’m bringing it back not because of the shower, but because it’s a bit cold and I’m afraid of catching a cold.”

Fu Jinghua let out a light laugh, actually finding the leisure to joke: “Then it seems I misunderstood you, Ms. Xu.”

Xu Qingshui mumbled softly, “You did anyway.”

Fu Jinghua unconsciously let her eyes crinkle as she watched the woman’s expression in the mirror. Suddenly, she saw her own smiling reflection and froze.

She felt like she hadn’t seen herself smile like that in a very long time.

Was it because of the influence of the rut?

Fu Jinghua’s upturned eyes instantly cast downward again.