After Becoming a Scumbag Alpha, the Green Tea Omega is Reborn - Chapter 6

The second trending topic on the Entertainment Chart: Yu Li and newlywed wife Tao Ran audition for the film Flower Branch. The post was accompanied by a promotional photo for the movie. The comment section was flooded with negative feedback. Yu Li scrolled through, letting out a heavy sigh.

“Am I seeing this right? A wife-wife duo starring as the leads?”

“Why can’t Yu Li just stick to sweet idol dramas? Why act in a literary film like this? It’s probably going to flop so hard even her own mother won’t recognize it.”

“Some people need to wash their mouths out. The original novel of ‘Flower Branch’ is a mega-hit; your ‘Master’ isn’t even in the same league.”

“Agreed with the person above. Not feeling optimistic. Live-action remakes always ruin the original.”

“I beg you, can you ruin a different book? This story is the ‘White Moonlight’ in so many people’s hearts.”

“I’ve never watched Tao Ran’s shows, and Yu Li is just okay. Her acting is mediocre—I don’t know how she got hyped to the heavens.”

“Every fan is a hype-machine, that’s how.”

Naturally, a wave of Yu Li’s fans clashed with the book fans below.

Yu Li closed Weibo and lay back on her bed. She wanted this film—not just to protect Tao Ran, but for herself.

Back when she received her acceptance letter from the Central Academy of Drama, she had dreamed of becoming a star. In her junior year, she starred in a short film and became an overnight sensation. Netizens praised her for her soul and acting talent. She could have easily signed with a major agency and had a brilliant future.

Who could have guessed that within half a month, she would be framed and slandered? The people who boosted her up turned into the ones who tore her down. After suffering endless abuse and rumors, she didn’t dare dip her toes into the “large dye vat” of the entertainment industry again. She eventually deleted her Weibo and became an honest, law-abiding civil service examinee.

While waiting for Tao Ran at the hotel today, she had researched the story of Flower Branch. Seeing Lead 1’s experience of unrequited love, silent endurance, and eventually reclaiming her dreams, Yu Li felt as if an olive branch of opportunity was once again being extended toward her.

Yu Li picked up her phone and messaged Sister Zhang: “Sister Zhang, I’m sorry for being out of touch. I’ve decided to accept the movie Flower Branch and do a great job filming with Tao Ran. I’ll follow your arrangements from now on; I hope you aren’t angry. Also, I didn’t buy those hot searches—I don’t know what happened.”

On the other end, Sister Zhang read the phrases “I’m sorry,” “follow your arrangements,” and “don’t be angry,” and felt a sense of existential dread.

Two days of no contact and she’s had a personality transplant?

Sister Zhang hurriedly called back.

“My little ancestor, stop calling me ‘Sister.’ You’re my ‘Big Sister,’ okay? Whatever you want to do in the future, just tell me beforehand. You don’t even need me to arrange your schedule, alright?”

Yu Li quickly replied, “Sister Zhang, don’t say that. I really should apologize to you. Thank you for always caring about my career.”

“You…” Sister Zhang was so shocked she couldn’t speak.

Was this still the Yu Li she served like a master? How could she be this polite?

“By the way, I remember both Tao Ran and I are under you, right?”

“Of course. Didn’t you say back then that you wanted me to manage her?”

“Then… does she have any schedules lately?”

“Her?” Sister Zhang gasped in surprise. “What schedules could she have? Didn’t you instruct me not to arrange anything for her?”

It seemed it was another order from the Scumbag Alpha. She really wanted to keep Tao Ran at home as a housewife, wasting her precious youth.

“Sister Zhang, can I ask you a favor? Please keep an eye out for Tao Ran. If there are good scripts, high-traffic variety shows, or advertisements, try to arrange them for her.”

There was a long silence on the line. Finally, Sister Zhang said, “I’ll agree to that. In exchange—as you promised me yesterday—I’m giving you today off, but the Felina ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wanhua Plaza tonight must go off without a single hitch!”

Yu Li froze for a moment. Oh boy, I actually have an event tonight.

“In the ceremony… what do I need to do?”

“…Are you still half-asleep? You don’t have to do anything except walk the line and cut the ribbon.”

Yu Li initially wanted to ask if she could bring Tao Ran, but then she realized: a brand paying for a star costs millions. Tao Ran was a star in her own right; bringing her in last minute might look “cheap.” Besides, Tao Ran’s old wounds hadn’t healed yet—it was better for her to rest at home.

“I’ll have a temporary assistant and driver pick you up at 7 PM. Remember to change and don’t be late.”

“Okay, bye-bye.”

Yu Li had just hung up and hadn’t even caught her breath when Aubrey called. After a moment of hesitation, Yu Li pressed answer.

“Hello, is something wrong?”

There was a long silence on the other end—the kind of silence that suppresses a volcanic rage.

“Yu Li, what the hell do you mean? I worked my ass off to set up all those connections for you. You use me and then just run off?”

“Huh? Please don’t be angry, let’s talk this through.”

“Who wants to talk to you? Do you know how many messages I sent you in a day? You either don’t reply or say you’re ‘with your wife.’ You think I’m an idiot? If my guys hadn’t sent you the intel about Tao Ran’s family debts, would you have been able to marry her so easily?”

The other end was a stream of curses. Yu Li took a deep breath. The biggest trouble was that the original owner’s “friends” desperately needed soothing.

“I’m sorry, but… how can I make it up to you?”

“Duh, you come over here in person. You said we’d celebrate after the deed was done and that there’d be plenty of benefits for the girls. If you don’t show up today, they’re going to tear the roof off.” Aubrey paused. “And don’t act pitiful with me. If you want to snap at me, snap at me. Don’t I know what kind of person you are?”

Yu Li checked her watch and asked tentatively, “But I don’t have time today…”

“You’ll have time at midnight, won’t you? Or are you going on a business trip immediately?”

Aubrey’s tone was aggressive. Yu Li didn’t like it. She said firmly, “I really am busy, but I will go when I have time. As a friend, please understand.”

Aubrey screamed, “Understand my ass!”

Yu Li looked at the dozens of “fox friends” in her list and sighed. If they didn’t know the original owner’s secrets, she would have deleted this foul-mouthed group in a heartbeat.

Yu Li studied the script in her room for a while. She planned to tell Tao Ran about her evening schedule during dinner, but as she headed downstairs to cook, she heard the sound of oil sizzling in the kitchen.

Yu Li opened the kitchen door to see Tao Ran in an apron, just about to bring out a bowl of greens in soy sauce.

Yu Li quickly took the plate. “You’re still injured, how can you do this? Let me.”

“It’s only natural for me to take care of you.” Tao Ran gave her a sweet smile and turned to scoop a bowl of rice for her.

Yu Li felt a bit uneasy. Although they both had the kind of metabolism that didn’t require strict dieting, the original owner was extremely picky. She only liked a few specific dishes and hated having strangers in the house, so she refused to hire a housekeeper. Since marrying her, Tao Ran had gone from a brilliant star to a cook and maid.

“I’ll stir-fry some chicken; it’ll be ready in a second.”

“Let me do it.” Yu Li stepped in, tossed the chicken into the pan, and expertly flipped it. She added salt, cooking wine, and vinegar, then turned up the heat to reduce the sauce. Three minutes later, she skillfully plated the chicken.

Tao Ran watched from the side, stunned. Yu Li was always lazy and loved to eat—since when could she cook like this?

“Eat more to build up your strength. By the way, I have a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Wanhua Plaza tonight. I might be back late.”

Tao Ran bit her chopstick and smiled. “Okay. I wish my baby a successful event.”

She knew exactly what Yu Li’s schedule was tonight. In fact, she was already prepared to give Yu Li a ribbon-cutting ceremony she would never forget.

After dinner, Yu Li volunteered to do the dishes. Tao Ran watched her back and let out a soft snort. I worked hard to cook; I should get my due reward.

That night, Yu Li arrived at Wanhua Plaza with her temporary assistant. As soon as she opened the car door, a tidal wave of screams erupted from all directions.

“Heavens, it really is Yu Li!”

“Li-Bao is here! Li-Bao is here!”

“Li-Bao, Mommy will always love you!”

Fans had packed the entire plaza. Dozens of security guards held back the crowd behind red ropes. Flashbulbs went off everywhere. Yu Li lifted her elegant gold dress and walked slowly along the red carpet.

She took center stage under the host’s introduction, standing next to several board members of the Felina Group. Yu Li maintained a polite, poised smile. She took the scissors from the host and elegantly cut the golden floral orb in front of her.

Suddenly, she heard the voices of fans nearest to the red rope.

“Yu Li! Look at Mommy! Mommy is over here!”

“Li-Bao is so beautiful!”

“Li-Li is here, but where’s Tao Ran?”

“Oh yeah, ribbon-cuttings usually invite celebrity couples. Why isn’t Tao Ran here?”

“Stars are busy; maybe she couldn’t make it.”

“It’s fine as long as Li-Bao is here… Oh! Li-Bao smiled at me! She looks so cute and shy when she smiles!”

Halfway through the ceremony, Yu Li was moved to a lounge to wait for the final closing remarks. Wanhua Plaza was still a sea of people. Especially after the “Yu Li Ribbon Cutting” hashtag trended, more fans and onlookers swarmed in.

Unfortunately, even with a star present, the hype was dying down because the advertisement Felina was playing on the giant plaza screen was incredibly boring. People were yawning, wanting to see Yu Li again, but when she didn’t reappear, they started grumbling about going home.

Inside the lounge, Yu Li was scrolling through her phone. Only she and her temporary assistant were in the room. Yu Li checked Weibo—Sister Zhang was fast; she had already hired a “water army” to push her to the top of the rankings. However, the comments were more suspicious than complimentary.

“Li-Li is so beautiful, slurp slurp”

“Yu Li looks gorgeous today, but I thought we’d see both beauties.”

“Yeah, ceremonies usually have couples. Where’s Tao Ran?”

“No way, did they have a fallout on day one of the marriage?”

“Celebrity private lives are messy. Who knows who Yu Li’s real wife is.”

“Are you guys sick? It’s none of your business if she brings her wife.”

“Triggered! Li-fans are getting triggered!”

“I bet they’re getting a divorce.”

Yu Li read the top comments with a sour feeling.

The ad on the big screen was almost over. The temporary assistant went out to take a call. Just as Yu Li was about to put her phone down, Tao Ran called.

“What’s wrong?”

Tao Ran let out a soft, sweet laugh. “I… miss you a little.”

Her voice was so sweet it felt like sugar melting in Yu Li’s heart. Yu Li’s face flushed involuntarily. She coughed, but the words “I miss you too” simply wouldn’t come out.

“I… I’ll be back soon.”

“But I want to see you now.”

Yu Li hesitated, then coaxed softly, “I’m about to go on stage. How about I video call you in a bit?”

Tao Ran didn’t say yes or no; she just gave a sweet laugh and hung up. Yu Li couldn’t figure out what she was thinking and stared at her phone in a daze. Then, the temporary assistant came back and handed her a glass of water.

As Yu Li reached for the glass, the assistant pulled it back slightly. Yu Li looked up in confusion.

She stared right into a pair of smiling peach-blossom eyes. She felt a momentary lapse in her soul.

“Ranran? How did you get here?”