After Becoming a Scumbag Alpha, the Green Tea Omega is Reborn - Chapter 20

A chorus of gasps erupted from the audience, and the bullet comments (danmu) reached a boiling point instantly.

【Everyone, stand up!】

【Give them a round of applause!】

【Did you see that? Yu Li said she likes Tao Ran, not your Yin Shu!】

【Stop trying to force the Shu-Li ship; Li-Ran is the GOAT!】

【Yu Li just said she preferred “Flower Branch,” not that she disliked “Loving You.”】

【”Loving You” my ass, stop trying to make excuses for it.】

The “Shu-Li” shippers, who had vanished after Yu Li and Tao Ran’s marriage, sprouted up like mushrooms after a rain tonight. The two factions of CP fans clashed, causing the count of bullet comments and forum posts to skyrocket.

Due to the heat generated by these CP fans, the show’s viewership doubled, reaching a level with a high chance of breaking the monthly record for variety shows.

“Teacher Yu Li just summarized her evaluation of our actors and shared her experience from the past year. Now, let’s invite Teacher Yin Shu to give her critique.”

Yin Shu smiled and said, “I don’t have enough seniority; let the two directors speak first.”

Director Wang opened first: “Firstly, I believe your performance is worthy of an A-grade. However, there are indeed lacks in the details; the emotional expression wasn’t quite on point, so I cannot give an S-grade.”

“And Director Huang?”

Director Huang lazily lifted his eyelid. “B-grade.”

【Classic Director Huang.】

【Hahaha, Li Jiajia’s face turned green.】

【Among the three, she’s the worst, yet she’s the one who talks the most.】

【Get her, Director Huang!】

Li Jiajia couldn’t save face. She asked unwillingly, “Director Huang, may I ask why you gave me a B?”

“Do you think your performance just now was presentable?” Director Huang frowned, crossing his arms. “Your eyes were wandering while reciting lines, you lacked energy, and your accent is a major issue. It’s hard to produce good work like that.”

This critique was far harsher than the previous two. Yet, Director Huang’s bluntness voiced the inner thoughts of many viewers.

Yin Shu looked at the three judges beside her, a bit dazed. She had originally intended to give an S-grade—not because the performance was great, but because her company had instructed her to milk the “Shu-Li” CP hype tonight. Her resources had been sparse lately, she had few hot searches, and her fan activity was low. If she gave an S and expressed her love for the drama, the Shu-Li shippers might go wild again, putting her back in the public eye.

Unfortunately, since the others hadn’t given an S, she couldn’t do something so glaringly out of place.

Just as Yin Shu was hesitating on how to evaluate them, Li Jiajia stirred up trouble again.

“If my performance is substandard, then what kind of performance does Director Huang think deserves an A-grade?”

The host was startled by the question. Yu Li and the others could tell that Li Jiajia wasn’t following a script; she was just being reckless.

Yin Shu was secretly delighted—this was her chance!

She let out a laugh and said, “I have a proposal. Why don’t Yu Li and I re-enact this scene together?”

Yu Li: ??? Heavens, earth, what sin did I commit? Can’t you just let me go?

【Shu-Li CP giving sugar live!】

【They’re married, okay? This sugar is rotten.】

【Yin Shu is such a real one.】

【Perform! Perform for Mommy!】

【This isn’t scripted; even the host looks terrified.】

【This is getting more and more interesting.】

The host hesitated for three seconds before reacting immediately to smooth things over. “Teacher Yin Shu’s proposal is very novel! I wonder what Teacher Yu Li thinks?”

This was asking for Yu Li’s consent. Yu Li took a shallow, deep breath and said, “But this scene needs three actors, and there are only two of us.”

The host gave a practiced smile. “Actually, tonight the production team invited three guests. There’s one hidden guest who hasn’t appeared yet.”

A wave of question marks appeared in the comments, and the four people in the guest seats were equally confused.

“Please welcome our final guest!”

The moment the spotlight hit the stage, the audience and the online viewers were stunned.

“Good evening, everyone.”

Tao Ran’s peach-blossom eyes were full of spirit, her beautiful gaze rippling like water. Wearing a pale blue sweater and a white skirt, she was as elegant and dignified as a beauty stepping out of a traditional Chinese painting.

Yu Li’s eyes went wide and round; Yin Shu was utterly dumbfounded.

The bullet comments went insane.

【Tao Ran Tao Ran Tao Ran Tao Ran Tao Ran】

【The rightful wife has arrived!】

【Begone, demons! Begone, demons!】

【Legendary! They actually got Tao Ran!】

【Wait, so on stage right now…】

【New love vs. Old flame CREMATORIUM!】

【My ex? Me? My current wife?】

【This is too exciting hahaha】

“Teacher Tao Ran is our temporary special guest, our secret weapon.” The host looked at Yu Li with a smile. “Teacher Yu Li, do you see? We have enough people now.”

The breath Yu Li had just inhaled nearly got stuck in her chest.

So the show wanted Tao Ran, Yin Shu, and her to perform the very drama she used to ship with Yin Shu?

Are they out of their minds?

Yin Shu was also blindsided. She just wanted to milk a CP, she didn’t expect a “You, Me, and Her” three-way confrontation.

“I am honored to have an opportunity to perform here today.” Tao Ran gave a sweet smile to the camera.

【Are they really going to act out “Loving You”?】

【Oh god, then what does Tao Ran play? The supporting girl?】

【But Tao Ran is the rightful one!】

【I bet Tao Ran plays the Lead 0 (Omega); Yu Li wouldn’t let Tao Ran play the supporting role.】

【+1 Yu Li pampers her wife; she won’t let Tao Ran be the second lead.】

Honestly, Yu Li was also struggling with this. If they had to perform, she didn’t want to slight Tao Ran.

Maybe… let Tao Ran and Yin Shu, the two Omegas, play the leads, and I’ll just play the supporting female character.

While Yu Li was feeling smug about her plan, Tao Ran spoke up: “I haven’t been acting as long as Yu Li and Sister Yin Shu. Why don’t I play the supporting role, and they play the leads?”

The host raised an eyebrow. “And what do Teacher Yu Li and Teacher Yin Shu think?”

Yin Shu glanced at Yu Li and cut in first: “I think that’s fine.”

Are you kidding? I can’t play the supporting role, nor can I let Tao Ran steal the spotlight.

Yu Li wanted to say something, but seeing Tao Ran’s determined gaze, she nodded. “I agree with Tao Ran’s proposal.”

【Ruthless. They’re all ruthless.】

【The legal wife playing the “third wheel” (supporting role)? I can dig it.】

【This episode is too good!】

【Fight! I want to see them fight!】

【Li-Bao, go for it!】

【Ranran, Mommy loves you.】

【Shu-Shu is the most badass.】

The “crematorium” was about to ignite when the show cut to a commercial. During the ten-minute break, the three went backstage in silence to change for the performance.

Yu Li let out a long breath, her heart pounding uncontrollably. She thought today would be a peaceful night, but the series of events in the last half-hour was overwhelming.

Is Tao Ran worried too? Thinking of this, Yu Li patted her cheeks and quickly threw on the costume.

She was an Alpha; she had nothing to fear. If anything happened, Sister Zhang would be there to help them clean up.

The break ended, and the climax of The Thing About Loving You was brought to the stage.

The drama told a simple love story. The two female leads were both proud socialites who argued constantly, like a needle against a whetstone. During a quarrel, a misunderstanding arose; Lead 1 chose to be with the Supporting Girl. Later, Lead 0 returned to clear the misunderstanding, Lead 1 broke up with the Supporting Girl, and reunited with Lead 0.

The set was a kitchen. First was the scene where Lead 1 breaks up with the Supporting Girl.

Tao Ran, wearing an apron, was stir-frying for Yu Li. Although there were no actual ingredients, her technique with the wok was very practiced. One could tell she cooked often—it fit the character perfectly.

Tao Ran set a few dishes on the table. When the door opened, her eyes lit up. She immediately untied her apron and walked toward Yu Li, who had just entered.

“Honey, you’re back.” She skillfully took Yu Li’s briefcase and set it aside, then placed the prepared slippers at Yu Li’s feet.

“Change your shoes; I just finished dinner.”

Yu Li nodded silently. While changing, she stole several glances at Tao Ran, her eyes filled with sadness.

As they sat at the table, Tao Ran couldn’t help but keep putting food in Yu Li’s bowl, smiling gently. “My cooking has improved lately; hurry and taste it.”

Yu Li took a bite. The sweet and sour ribs tasted bitter to her.

Tao Ran seemed not to notice, talking incessantly: “I also learned massage. If you’re tired from overtime later, I’ll…”

“Wife,” Yu Li called out, very, very softly.

Tao Ran’s chopsticks paused.

“I’ve thought about it for a long time,” Yu Li avoided her intense gaze, tears welling up. “We…”

The words “let’s break up” simply wouldn’t come out of her mouth.

The chopsticks in Tao Ran’s hand nearly fell to the floor.

The two were silent for a long while. Yu Li kept her head down to hide her sorrow, her fingers picking at a hangnail until it bled, though she didn’t feel it.

Tao Ran just watched her silently, tears streaming down into her rice bowl.

“Okay,” she whispered, trembling. She stood up and sniffled. “I’ll go pack my things.”

As Tao Ran turned her back to wipe her tears, Yu Li looked at her departing figure, her own eyes overflowing.

Tao Ran was in the bedroom packing. Yu Li followed, staring at her in a daze.

“I knitted a scarf for you. Keep it.” Tao Ran tried desperately to hold back her tears, not daring to look up for fear Yu Li would see her heart breaking.

“And this soothing soup… you’ve been having insomnia lately, so I bought a lot for you. Keep it.”

“And this suit,” Tao Ran wiped her tears fiercely again, laying a garment with the tags still on it onto the bed. “When I bought it, I knew it would look perfect on you.”

“In the future… when you wear it for her, that’ll be fine too.” Tao Ran squeezed out a smile that looked more painful than crying.

“Don’t. Don’t be like this…”

Yu Li, unable to hold back any longer, stepped forward and pulled Tao Ran into an embrace.

Tao Ran hugged her back tightly, her tears flowing like a fountain. “Can you promise me? When I’m not here, you have to take care of yourself.”

“But I…” At this moment, Yu Li realized clearly: the person she couldn’t afford to lose wasn’t that high-and-mighty socialite, but the soft, obedient girl in her arms.

She had once squandered this girl’s admiration and dependence, seeking her out to lick her wounds whenever she was hurt, only to forget her tenderness in the blink of an eye.

She suddenly understood: this person in her arms was the one she could never let go of.

“Who said I was going to leave you?” Yu Li held Tao Ran tightly, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes.

“I was going to say: when we have time, let’s go see your mom together, and then go get our marriage certificate registered.”

Tao Ran: !

Audience: !

Judges: !

Yin Shu: ?!

Wait, isn’t this the part where Yu Li breaks up with Tao Ran and runs off to find Yin Shu? Yu Li actually took the liberty of changing the script?!

Yin Shu’s eyes widened in shock. She immediately shot a look for help to the host. The host glanced at Director Wang and Director Huang, but seeing them both appearing calm, he said nothing.

In an instant, the bullet comments became a sea of exclamation points and question marks.

Tao Ran was only stunned for a moment before regaining her composure. “You… are you serious?”

“I’m going to see her right now. I’ll make things clear to her.” Yu Li took Tao Ran’s hand, their fingers interlacing.

The scene shifted. The two walked hand-in-hand to Yin Shu. Yin Shu, struggling to control her heavy breathing, suddenly felt like the “rightful partner” had just become the “other woman.”

“I’m sorry. She and I…”

“Don’t say it. I understand,” Yin Shu was a good actress; her eyes grew red instantly. “I’m bowing out. I wish you both happiness.”

Yin Shu showed a sorrowful, restrained expression. She turned away, but a few seconds later, she turned back to look at them.

“I came back this time just to tell you: you both must be happy.”

The audience area was silent for three seconds. Then, starting with the two directors, the live studio erupted in applause.

【A “reunion” turned into “no turning back”!】

【How did one person manage to improvise a change, and the other two caught the cue and played along so perfectly!】

【Yu Li has once again proven that she chooses Tao Ran!】

【The Yu Li in the drama can only love Yin Shu, but the Yu Li in real life loves Tao Ran!】

【To be fair, all three of them acted brilliantly.】

【Yeah, the improvised change didn’t feel out of place at all.】

【Li-Ran is so sweet; that kitchen scene was too real!】

【Old married couple vibes.】

The performance ended. The three didn’t rush backstage to change. Director Huang and Director Wang exchanged a smile.

The host laughed. “Directors, what kind of evaluation would you give to that performance?”

A rare smile lingered in Director Huang’s eyes. “Yu Li, I used to have many prejudices against you.”

Yu Li’s heart began to thump. Tao Ran secretly squeezed her hand, warmth flowing between their palms.

“But right now, in my book, you’ve earned a genuine A. And so has Yin Shu. But the biggest surprise tonight was Tao Ran. Tao Ran’s portrayal of that unrequited, heartbreaking love was absolutely brilliant.”

【All three are so excellent!】

【Tao Ran, did you see that?! Director Huang said you’re good! Ahhh!】

【Yu Li’s eyes lit up; she looks so happy that Director Huang praised her.】

Director Wang followed up: “Even though you performed this very well, I still want to ask: why did you suddenly change the scene?”

Yu Li looked at Li Jiajia and the others at the edge of the stage. “Because what we needed to show wasn’t the original script, but a brilliant emotional scene. I’m sure everyone has seen the original drama’s version; I wanted to show a different emotional dynamic to everyone.”

This was the best excuse Yu Li could come up with on short notice. She admitted her psychological fortitude wasn’t strong enough. Filming a normal movie was one thing, but she couldn’t accept kissing another Omega right in front of Tao Ran.

Luckily, no one pressed her. Even Li Jiajia gave a sheepish smile and said, “The three seniors are indeed powerful.”

As they were leaving the stage, Yin Shu looked at their joined hands with a sincere gaze. She picked up the mic and said, “Those words just now—I actually meant them for you.”

“Yu Li, Tao Ran, I wish you both happiness.”

【Today is a good day!】

【”Good Luck” is playing in my head!】

【Thanks to Yin Shu for the blessing!】

【Official Couple 999!】 (Note: 999 is slang for “stay together forever”)

【See that? That’s what you call the Official Couple!】

【Li-Ran is real! Even Yin Shu admitted it!】

【Crushing the ‘evil’ ships!】

【Sorry, I’m defecting. I can’t ship Shu-Li anymore.】

【Yin Shu has let go; why can’t the fans?】

【Yin Shu has become the head of the Li-Ran shippers; who dares talk crap now?】

【99999】

Yu Li and Tao Ran thanked her in unison, then walked backstage amidst the cheers of the audience.

Once they had changed back into their own clothes and were sitting in the guest area, Tao Ran whispered a “thank you” to Yin Shu. Yin Shu was taken aback for a second, then returned the smile.

She wasn’t stupid. Yu Li and Tao Ran had displayed such mutual love on stage; what was the point of her trying to wedge herself in? It was better to wish them well and exit gracefully, gaining the favor of both shippers and solo fans.

The performances of the remaining rookie teams were also quite exciting. By the end of the episode, the viewership of Actors, Please Take the Stage hit the top of the variety rankings for the half-year. The segments involving Tao Ran’s appearance, Yu Li’s script change, and Yin Shu’s blessing became viral memes across the internet.

On the way home, Sister Zhang messaged to congratulate them on their popularity reaching a new level.

“I knew it. You two were the biggest explosive point of the show.”

Halfway through the drive, Tao Ran couldn’t help but ask: “Why don’t you ask me why I didn’t tell you I was going on the show?”

“Because my Ranran can do whatever she wants, it’s not strange. Besides, even if something happened, Sister Zhang is there to handle the marketing.”

“I had to be on this episode. Too many people are eyeing you; I have to keep a close watch,” Tao Ran pouted.

Yu Li gave a subtle smile. “Silly girl, I’m already yours.”

“Then why did you suddenly add a scene today? You gave me a fright.”

Yu Li shrugged. “It wasn’t a serious shoot anyway. I just wanted to tell you…”

Yu Li turned to look out the window. In the night, the blush on her ears was hidden.

“No matter if it’s in a drama or in real life, I will only ever walk toward you.”