Acting as the Powerful Background Character in a Scummy Alpha Novel - Chapter 4
Coincidentally, the results of Lincu’s medical examination finally came out after two days. Having finished her work at the company, Xiao He headed over to the hospital.
As it turned out, the attending physician in charge of Lincu was none other than the young Dr. Guan from before.
“President Xiao, we meet again.”
Guan Shanyue looked up as Xiao He entered, closing her notebook with a bright smile.
“Dr. Guan, what a coincidence,” Xiao He nodded, then looked toward Lincu, who was lying quietly on the bed. “How is Xiaocu’s condition?”
“Not great. It’s very complicated. Our tests revealed that she was once injected with a gene-modifying agent—and an immature, experimental one at that. Although she successfully differentiated into an Alpha, the side effects remain in her body.”
Guan Shanyue turned serious as she discussed the case. She glanced at Xiao He and continued, “Since the injection happened so long ago, it’s hard to determine the exact timing, but it’s been at least ten years. Furthermore, based on the different chemical residues, we can conclude she was injected more than once.”
“I see.”
Xiao He now understood why Lincu was so resistant to doctors.
“Understood. Additionally, because the patient had a stress response here at the hospital, we gave her a sedative. She can leave once she wakes up. Generally, she’ll be fine as long as she doesn’t get overly agitated.”
The primary purpose of sending Lincu to the hospital had been for the examination. As for treatment, there wasn’t much more they could do for her condition.
“I understand. Thank you, Doctor.”
Xiao He had a general idea of the situation now and was about to leave when Guan Shanyue stopped her.
“President Xiao, I suggest finding a psychiatrist for the patient first.”
Since the root cause couldn’t be cured, they could only focus on managing Lincu’s emotional control.
Xiao He had already been considering this. Seeing Xiao He’s interest, Guan Shanyue took the opportunity to volunteer. “If you don’t mind, President Xiao, perhaps you could consider me.”
Guan Shanyue had minored in psychology and held a degree; for her, this was right up her alley.
“I’ll discuss it with Xiaocu.”
To Xiao He, it didn’t matter who did the job as long as they were reliable, but the prerequisite was that Lincu had to be willing to accept them.
“Alright. There are a few things I might need your cooperation with, President Xiao.”
Receiving an affirmative response, Guan Shanyue made her request with a smile.
After hearing Guan Shanyue’s plan, Xiao He hesitated. Though it sounded a bit like a “bad idea,” she ultimately agreed.
As it turned out, the plan successfully gained Lincu’s approval. By the time Lincu was discharged, Guan Shanyue was officially her psychiatrist. Since it was the weekend, the therapy sessions were scheduled for these two days.
When Guan Shanyue arrived at the Xiao residence, she expected to see Xiao He. However, the butler informed her that she had gone out early for a business engagement and likely wouldn’t return soon.
“Disappointed?”
Lincu looked at Guan Shanyue, who was sprawled ungracefully on the sofa. Guan Shanyue had previously confessed to her that her true motive for being the psychiatrist was to get closer to Xiao He. This way, the “treatment” would be a front, and Lincu wouldn’t have to actually face a doctor—a win-win situation. It was for this very reason that Lincu had agreed.
“Of course I’m disappointed. With your mom gone, I have to sit here for two hours for nothing,” Guan Shanyue said, checking the time boredly. “This is no fun at all.”
Lincu wasn’t used to the phrase “your mom” and frowned, but she didn’t say anything. She watched Guan Shanyue, who was taking the money but doing no work and completely ignoring her. “Aren’t you violating medical ethics by using a patient to get close to their family?”
“If you don’t tell and I don’t tell, who will know?” Guan Shanyue dropped the dignified act she put on for Xiao He, her tone quite roguish. Since she had nothing to do, she leaned her head on her hand and started chatting with Lincu. “By the way, do you know what President Xiao’s hobbies are? Any scoop on her past dating life? Once I become your ‘other mom,’ I definitely won’t treat you poorly.”
“I bet you won’t get the chance.”
Lincu was willing to make a deal with Guan Shanyue, but that didn’t mean she actually intended for her and Xiao He to end up together. However, she wasn’t particularly worried; she knew Xiao He wouldn’t fall for someone like Guan Shanyue.
“Brat. You’re quite annoying.”
Failing to get any information, Guan Shanyue didn’t bother wasting more breath. She lay directly on the sofa to take a nap. “Don’t go out. Wake me up when the session time is over.”
Lincu snorted coldly but didn’t refuse.
Meanwhile, at the golf course, Xiao He was dressed in a white athletic outfit. She sat under the rest pavilion drinking tea, looking out at the endless green lawn and blue sky, feeling relaxed and content.
After being here for so long, she finally had a chance to rest. Without having to think about the company or the “brats,” life felt beautiful.
“Old Xiao, you’re in a good mood today.”
The person with Xiao He was Xi Ling, the CEO of Laihua Tech. They were about the same age, their families had been friends for generations, and they had been meeting frequently lately to discuss a partnership.
“Because the weather is nice,” Xiao He replied slowly.
“Exactly. Relax. Don’t spend every day with your nerves on edge as if the world is ending. Why make yourself so tired?”
Xi Ling flicked her long hair and sat down next to Xiao He. “By the way, I heard those kids of yours have been giving you a lot of trouble lately? If you ask me, you’re still so young—why are you in such a rush to pick an heir? Do you know there are rumors that you don’t have long to live? Aren’t you just inviting trouble?”
“It’s called planning ahead. I’ve heard those rumors since I was a child, yet I’m still alive and well, aren’t I?”
Xiao He said this casually, but she knew the rumors were true. The original owner had rushed to pick an heir precisely because her days were numbered, though she didn’t make it in time.
Xi Ling smiled and nodded. “Fair point. So, which of the four candidates do you favor most?”
Xiao He glanced at her. “Is that question on behalf of my cousin or my maternal cousin?”
Her motive exposed, Xi Ling cleared her throat awkwardly. “Ahem… can’t I just be curious for myself?”
“You should worry about your own family. I heard your young step-dad is pregnant again?” Xiao He asked with a teasing glint in her eye.
Mentioning this made Xi Ling fume. “You… it’s no wonder nobody likes talking to you. Your tongue is laced with arsenic. I’m not playing with you anymore.”
Xi Ling got up to play, leaving Xiao He in peace again. However, she began to reflect on Xi Ling’s words.
If she really had to choose an heir, who among the four would be the most suitable?
The genetic talent assessments for all four were excellent; there was no doubt about that. Their abilities could be trained for the position. That left only their character.
Lincu’s psychological issues were still unresolved. Xie Qingyu was frivolous and unstable. Xiao Shuyuan and Chu Yuelan were relatively conventional; there were no glaring faults, but Xiao He couldn’t see any outstanding strengths either.
The most critical issue was that, if the original novel was true, the moral standards of all four were highly concerning.
It was a tough call; she couldn’t pick even one.
As Xiao He was thinking, she heard Xi Ling’s flirtatious voice from a distance.
“Little girl, don’t you even know how to wipe sweat?”
Looking toward the sound, Xiao He saw Xi Ling leaning on her golf club, staring at a girl in a caddy uniform with a playful, mischievous smile.
Xiao He wasn’t surprised by Xi Ling’s flighty personality. After all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Besides, Xi Ling was wealthy, generous, and good-looking; she rarely met rejection. People generally didn’t interfere in such consensual matters.
“I’m sorry, I’m here to collect the equipment… my hands are a bit dirty…”
The girl’s voice of refusal sounded familiar to Xiao He. She took a closer look at the thin figure from behind, though she couldn’t quite place her for a moment.
“Why do such exhausting work? Just tell your manager to let someone else handle the equipment. You stay here, hand me the clubs, and wipe my sweat. Come, play a round with me.”
Xi Ling walked toward the girl. The girl lowered her head and took a step back. Thinking it was a game of “hard to get,” Xi Ling reached out, only to be dodged again.
“If she’s unwilling, let it be. Don’t do something so classless. It’s embarrassing to be out with you like this.”
Xiao He’s voice rang out from behind the girl, stopping Xi Ling in her tracks.
It was at this moment that Xiao He saw the girl’s face. She hadn’t remembered incorrectly; it was indeed Jing Shen.
Jing Shen was equally surprised to see Xiao He. “President Xiao?”
“You work here?”
Xiao He looked at Jing Shen. The white caddy uniform made her look even more obedient. Perhaps due to nervousness and the heat, her face was flushed, tiny beads of sweat sat on the tip of her nose, and her lips were a vibrant red. She looked much healthier and more lively than the other day.
Jing Shen pursed her lips and nodded with a smile. With Xiao He there, she felt inexplicably at ease.
“You two know each other? I was wondering why you were meddling,” Xi Ling said, putting her hands on her hips. No matter how she looked at it, these two seemed to have nothing in common.
“She’s a classmate of Xiaocu and the others. You’re an elder now, can’t you act with some dignity?” Xiao He explained briefly.
Xi Ling pouted. “Don’t make it sound like I’m ancient. Not everyone acts like an old fogey like you. But since she’s a classmate, she must be a minor, right? Minors really shouldn’t come to places like this. Not everyone is as ‘kind’ as I am.”
Xi Ling had zero interest in minors. She swung her club and walked away. Immediately, an exquisitely made-up caddy stepped forward, took her club, and they walked off chatting and laughing.
Although Xi Ling was flighty, she wasn’t wrong.
“You should stop working here. You’re a senior now; focus your energy on your studies. If you have financial difficulties, you can come to me.”
Jing Shen clearly misinterpreted Xiao He’s words. Thinking Xiao He had misunderstood her character, she quickly explained, “It’s not like that, President Xiao. I usually just wipe equipment in the back, clean up, and clear the trash. It’s not what you think.”
Seeing Jing Shen’s anxious state, Xiao He smiled and asked, “What do I think it is?”
Jing Shen finally realized that Xiao He hadn’t misunderstood at all but was simply worried about accidents like today. Her face turned red with embarrassment as she murmured softly, “Nothing… After this week, I’ll tell the manager. I’ll find a different job.”
“Even if the work is this hard, you still don’t want to accept my sponsorship? You won’t even take the compensation?”
Xiao He really couldn’t fathom what Jing Shen was thinking. Was the child just stubborn?
“Because it wasn’t a big deal to begin with. Besides, you paid for my medical bills that day, President Xiao. Let’s call it even.” Jing Shen clearly had her own plans. She looked up at Xiao He and smiled.
This was a rare occasion where Xiao He had offered help to someone twice. Seeing Jing Shen’s persistent refusal, she could only respect her choice.
Having waited a long time for Jing Shen to return, Chu Yuelan came out to look for her, worried something was wrong. She caught the two of them talking. Jing Shen was looking at Xiao He with eyes full of admiration, her cheeks flushed, and her clenched hands betraying her excitement.
At that moment, Chu Yuelan felt as if she had been struck. No wonder after Jing Shen met Xiao He last time, their conversations always drifted toward her in strange ways. Everything made sense now.
No one noticed Chu Yuelan standing around the corner. After Xiao He spoke a few more words to Jing Shen, it was time for her to leave. She wasn’t particularly interested in sports anyway, and she had finished her business with Xi Ling. She might as well go home and rest.
As Jing Shen watched Xiao He leave, she was startled by a sudden pat on her shoulder.
“What are you looking at so intently? You didn’t even notice me walking up behind you?”
Chu Yuelan spoke with a smile as she always did, but there was no hint of warmth in her eyes.
Jing Shen didn’t notice the change in her friend; her mind was still on Xiao He. “I saw President Xiao again. It’s a pity you were a bit late; she just left.”
Seeing Jing Shen like this made Chu Yuelan even more uncomfortable. Her eyes grew dark. “Is that so? Does seeing President Xiao once really make you that happy?”
“Hmm? what did you say?”
Jing Shen genuinely didn’t hear her. Chu Yuelan’s voice was too quiet, and at that moment, someone hit a hole-in-one nearby, triggering a massive cheer across the course.
“Nothing,” Chu Yuelan’s composure only slipped for a second before she returned to her usual self. “I was saying that I plan to talk to the manager about resigning. I’ve thought about it, and I think it’s more important to focus on my studies.”
She had overheard Jing Shen’s conversation with Xiao He and brought it up intentionally to see Jing Shen’s reaction.
Jing Shen paused for a second, then nodded readily. “Sure. I was actually thinking about resigning too. Let’s do it together.”
Chu Yuelan looked into Jing Shen’s eyes. “Are you doing it for me? I’m so touched.”
“Uh…” Jing Shen inexplicably felt unable to meet Chu Yuelan’s gaze and could only lower her head and smile to hide her awkwardness.
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