After Becoming a Scumbag Alpha, I Protect the Female Lead’s Love - Chapter 11

Nan Zhiyi only spared Xi Zhou a glance and didn’t hide the truth: “An-an isn’t actually my daughter; she’s my sister’s. An-an’s father wants to fight me for custody. Under our laws, if I remain unmarried, custody would likely be awarded to him. To me, that person [the original Xi Zhou] was the most suitable candidate.”

“She came from a wealthy family but had fallen into financial hardship, and she lacked even a shred of ambition. Most importantly, she was someone I could keep under control.”

Xi Zhou nodded in agreement; Nan Zhiyi’s considerations were indeed thorough. Then, she heard Nan Zhiyi add airily: “And besides, that person was a Beta.”

Xi Zhou: “…”

“I’m sorry,” Xi Zhou said, rubbing her nose awkwardly. “I didn’t expect to manifest the moment I arrived either. But don’t worry, I definitely won’t hurt you.”

Nan Zhiyi didn’t seem to mind much: “I trust your character.”

After Nan Zhiyi learned that “this Xi Zhou” wasn’t “that Xi Zhou”—starting from the night Xi Zhou chose to call the ambulance—she realized this version of her had a very high moral compass. Nan Zhiyi hadn’t been entirely unconscious that night; the worry on Xi Zhou’s face didn’t seem faked, and her behavior hadn’t crossed any lines. As a native of this world, Nan Zhiyi understood how attractive an Omega in heat was to an Alpha, especially with their high pheromone compatibility. The fact that Xi Zhou could endure such discomfort to help her showed she was a person of great self-control and integrity.

To be honest, Nan Zhiyi didn’t care who Xi Zhou really was or where she came from. As long as she harbored no ill will, she didn’t mind which Xi Zhou she was dealing with. This Xi Zhou had helped her twice in a row, proving her claim of “not hurting” with actions. Nan Zhiyi was happy to accept her kindness and get along with her.

Maybe they could even become good friends.

The two chatted idly. Xi Zhou wasn’t exactly talkative; mostly, she just hummed in agreement whenever Nan Zhiyi said or asked something.

When the documentary episode ended at 11:00 AM, Nan Zhiyi turned off the TV to pick up Nan Jing from her lesson. Before leaving, she noticed Xi Zhou looking with total disdain at the tassels on her own clothes, picking at them.

“Xi Zhou,” Nan Zhiyi grabbed her keys and leaned over to change her shoes. “Do you want to come pick up An-an with me?”

“Can I?” Xi Zhou stopped her fidgeting and looked at Nan Zhiyi with bright, expectant eyes.

“Let’s go,” Nan Zhiyi beckoned. “You drive.”

“Sure thing!” Xi Zhou rushed to the door, changed her shoes, and followed her out.

While Xi Zhou drove and Nan Zhiyi sat in the passenger seat, Nan Zhiyi caught her picking at the tassels on her sleeve again during a red light.

“Do you really dislike her clothes that much?” Nan Zhiyi asked.

“Uh,” Xi Zhou slowly pressed the accelerator. “Her aesthetic is… a bit too ‘avant-garde’ for me.”

Xi Zhou used a conservative excuse, unsure of how Nan Zhiyi felt about the original owner’s style.

Nan Zhiyi burst out laughing. She had hated the original’s style for a long time—it was always loud and garish, with barely enough fabric to make a full shirt. Fortunately, Xi Zhou had a great figure and acted as a perfect clothes hanger; the wardrobe didn’t look terrible on her.

Nan Zhiyi’s sudden laughter made the tips of Xi Zhou’s ears turn red. Unsure of the meaning, she threw the question back: “What do you think?”

“It is indeed avant-garde,” Nan Zhiyi agreed readily. “Let’s go buy you some new clothes later.”

“Okay,” Xi Zhou nodded.

Xi Zhou pulled over by the curb. Nan Zhiyi got out and returned five minutes later leading a skipping Nan Jing. The child was quite happy to see Xi Zhou.

“Auntie Xi came to get me too?” Nan Jing held a large water bottle, happily sipping away in the back seat.

Xi Zhou had heard from Nan Zhiyi that Nan Jing didn’t like drinking plain water, so she had specifically brewed a large cup of lemonade for her before leaving the house.

“That’s right,” Xi Zhou replied with a smile.

Nan Zhiyi scrolled through saved restaurants on her phone and asked, “What do you two want for lunch?”

“I want hotpot!” Nan Jing put down her bottle and waved her hands excitedly.

Nan Zhiyi looked at Xi Zhou, who immediately said, “Whatever An-an wants.”

Nan Zhiyi found a highly-rated place, set the navigation, and let Xi Zhou drive.

When they arrived, the mother and daughter got out first while Xi Zhou locked the car. Realizing Xi Zhou hadn’t caught up yet, Nan Jing pulled on Nan Zhiyi’s hand to wait. Once Xi Zhou was alongside them, Nan Jing reached out her free hand and slowly took hold of Xi Zhou’s pinky finger. Xi Zhou froze for a second, then quickly tucked Nan Jing’s small hand into her palm.

“Auntie Xi has to keep up, or what if you get lost?” Nan Jing looked up and smiled sweetly.

The child’s innocent words showed her care, and her pure smile couldn’t hide her joy.

Xi Zhou’s eyes suddenly welled up.

“Xi Zhou, you’re so emotional,” Nan Zhiyi teased, having caught the moisture in her eyes.

“I guess so,” Xi Zhou replied, her face breaking into a smile. Nan Zhiyi suddenly noticed a faint dimple on Xi Zhou’s right cheek.

When she wasn’t smiling, Xi Zhou’s features were somewhat sharp and intimidating. But when she smiled, her lines softened, and with that dimple, she looked much brighter.

Quite a contrast, Nan Zhiyi thought.

It was the first time the three of them had sat down for a happy meal together. Previously, the original Xi Zhou was always out fooling around, and even when she was home, she deliberately avoided eating with them.

Nan Zhiyi didn’t hate this feeling at all.

Fortunately, their tastes were similar, so ordering was easy. Nan Zhiyi finished the order quickly. While she teased Nan Jing with a coin, Xi Zhou looked down to reply to messages; Xi Jiahua had helped her so much, she had to thank her properly.

Xi Jiahua told her not to worry and to just do what she needed to do.

“The Xi family is your backing. Even if you want to turn Lancheng upside down for Nan Zhiyi, the family will clear all obstacles for you.”

Yes, those overly dramatic words were Jiahua’s exact phrasing. Later, when Xi Zhou showed these messages to Nan Zhiyi, Nan Zhiyi would laugh so hard she’d lose her breath. But that was for later.

Xi Zhou didn’t take the drama to heart and simply thanked her again. Since returning from the Xi manor, she had been chatting with her parents on WeChat, subtly checking their stance on Nan Zhiyi. They were very open-minded, stating that as long as Xi Zhou was happy, they were too. Relieved, Xi Zhou sent them some positive news articles about Nan Zhiyi.

“Time to eat.” Nan Zhiyi used the serving chopsticks to give Nan Jing some meat. Seeing Xi Zhou still on her phone, she prompted her.

“Oh, right.” Xi Zhou put her phone away and helped put vegetables into the pot.

Nan Jing was a little chatterbox, her mouth never stopping as she recounted funny stories from her violin lesson, making the adults laugh constantly. Nan Zhiyi and Xi Zhou were great listeners, giving her plenty of feedback.

After the meal, Xi Zhou took Nan Jing to the restroom while Nan Zhiyi settled the bill. Since the hotpot restaurant was close to the mall, they walked over to buy clothes.

With summer approaching, Xi Zhou picked out several shirts and trousers suitable for the season. Nan Zhiyi and Nan Jing watched as she tried on outfit after outfit that looked almost identical, and eventually, they both let out a yawn.

“Mommy, did Auntie Xi even change?” Nan Jing had expected it to be like a dress-up game where she’d come out in a different pretty dress every time. She was surprised that Xi Zhou looked largely the same each time she emerged.

“She did,” Nan Zhiyi nodded solemnly. “You can question your Auntie Xi’s taste, but you can’t say she didn’t change.”

Nan Jing giggled uncontrollably.

“Xi Zhou, you really are a textbook STEM straight man,” Nan Zhiyi couldn’t help but roast her as they checked out. She had studied Management, and the building next door was the science and engineering lab; the guys there dressed exactly like this.

“Hey, don’t use stereotypes, okay?” Xi Zhou attempted a symbolic defense.

“Do you also have a collection of plaid shirts in every possible color and pattern?”

“Well… actually, yes.”

Looking at Nan Zhiyi’s mischievous expression, Xi Zhou couldn’t bring herself to lie and finally nodded.

“Pay up.” Nan Zhiyi handed over her phone and let the clerk scan her code.

Xi Zhou, carrying shopping bags in one hand and holding Nan Jing with the other, was about to pay when Nan Zhiyi beat her to it.

“Hey, why did you pay for me?” Xi Zhou felt a bit flustered.

“Is it not allowed?” Nan Zhiyi raised an eyebrow.

Xi Zhou didn’t want to argue in the store, but once they were in the car, Nan Zhiyi saw she was still brooding. She knew exactly what was bothering her.

“Xi Zhou, you don’t need to carry so much psychological pressure. You’ve helped me a lot these past two days; this isn’t getting something for nothing. You—Xi Zhou—don’t owe me anything.” Nan Zhiyi said only that much, keeping it vague since Nan Jing was there.

Xi Zhou didn’t answer, and Nan Zhiyi turned to look at the scenery outside.

“I understand,” Xi Zhou finally said a moment later.

After getting home, Nan Jing went for a nap. Nan Zhiyi took a call; the people she sent out that morning had results. She didn’t hide the process from Xi Zhou. She had the PR department draft a statement and had the lawyer prepare a legal letter.

Tomorrow was Monday, and the feud with Zhaoxiang would soon be over. Nan Zhiyi lay on the sofa, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Xi Zhou, hearing the call, asked, “Is there anything else you need help with?”

“No. The rest is my job.” Nan Zhiyi smiled at her.

“Thank you, Xi Zhou.”

She thanked her with profound sincerity.