After Transmigrating as a Scum Alpha, I Pampered the Best Actress Omega - Chapter 18

Though Jiang Bailu felt uneasy, she took a deep breath, her eyes clearing with resolve.

Deliberate Love was a major IP, but being a school-themed story, it wasn’t considered a massive big-budget production. Director Guo had directed several small-budget web series in the industry; while they lacked high-profile heat, the quality was excellent.

Not to mention the script was penned by the original author, Luo Yin. This “strong-strong” alliance had set the expectations of the book’s fans to the max.

That is, until rumors circulated online that Zhai You would be starring in it—

The show’s reputation immediately plummeted.

Nevertheless, many stars—big and small alike—hoped for a chance to play a role in it. Even a small appearance would be a huge boost to a future acting career.

Jiang Bailu was a complete newcomer. To land the role of the female lead meant, without a doubt, that she was headed for overnight fame and a brilliant future in the spotlight!

However, Jiang Bailu wasn’t thinking about her future stardom; she was worried about whether she could handle this opportunity. As a newcomer, she would be under even more scrutiny than usual.

Perhaps… only slightly less than Zhai You.

Jiang Bailu snapped back to reality. When the screenwriter had first invited her to play one of the supporting roles, she had been ecstatic. But later, the screenwriter met her privately and said that Zhai You was bringing investment to the crew and would likely block her role.

At that time, Jiang Bailu hadn’t cared much, as she had just learned of her mother’s diagnosis.

In the blink of an eye, she had gone from a supporting role to the female lead. Jiang Bailu’s entire body stiffened in a defensive posture.

“Are you planning to ‘unspoken rule’ (exploit) me…?”

Jiang Bailu nervously gripped the door handle. Her hand was fair and slender; because she was so pale and gripping so hard, her blue veins were clearly visible.

Zhai You glanced at her and leaned in closer: “You are already my legal wife.”

Giving a wife a helping hand—how is that an ‘unspoken rule’?

Jiang Bailu froze at her words. She let go of the handle and instinctively tilted her body to the side, hesitating for a long time.

It wasn’t until Zhai You’s warm fingers rested on the back of her neck that Jiang Bailu lifted her head slightly. She could see Zhai You’s small canine teeth, looking ready and eager.

It’s going to hurt, Jiang Bailu thought, her pupils trembling.

She pushed Zhai You away with force: “No—this won’t do.”

Zhai You’s hand met empty air. Before Jiang Bailu could speak, Zhai You sniffed the air: “Your pheromones are very unstable right now.”

With a buzz, Jiang Bailu’s face turned completely red.

She looked into Zhai You’s eyes and found them dark, yet the gaze was relatively steady. She couldn’t help but press her hand to her own neck, biting her lower lip in annoyance.

How can I not control my pheromones again? Jiang Bailu was so frustrated she wanted to flee.

Jiang Bailu suddenly began to stutter with a touch of shame: “It might be because I haven’t been well these past two days. I’ll take a suppressant as soon as possible. Don’t… don’t come near me.”

Zhai You lowered her head, looking nonchalant.

“Anyway, the agreement didn’t say we had to satisfy each other’s physical needs, right?”

This was Jiang Bailu’s rejection.

Zhai You was incredibly dejected. She looked at the girl’s earlobe, which was a very beautiful and enticing shade of rosy red.

The original host’s room was filled with Jiang Bailu’s pheromones. They rushed out the moment the door opened, pinning Zhai You’s feet to the spot and making her want to linger as long as possible.

Why does Jiang Bailu have so many pheromones? Why does her gland look so ‘bite-able’?

Zhai You had touched it just now—there was something like soft cartilage on the back of Jiang Bailu’s neck. The closer she got, the more obvious the fragrance became.

It was like the most delicious candy in the world, making Zhai You want to taste it.

She opened her mouth uncontrollably, looking as if she were about to bite down.

After being pushed away by Jiang Bailu, Zhai You tried desperately to think of a way to agree that was both logical and wouldn’t make Jiang Bailu suspicious.

“You…” Zhai You opened her mouth and couldn’t help but frown.

Where was I? Right, letting Jiang Bailu play the lead, and then she asked about the ‘unspoken rule’.

Tsk, why am I starting to envy the original host now?

She was scum, but at least she could… No, don’t think like that. No “crematorium” plots (painful pursuit after breaking a heart)—that’s a no-go. Things are miserable enough already.

Zhai You noticed Jiang Bailu’s gaze wandering. She arched an eyebrow, suddenly realizing—ah, Alphas and Omegas are mutually attracted.

It wasn’t just her feeling the “heat”; Jiang Bailu was too.

Realizing this, Zhai You’s leg brushed against Jiang Bailu’s: “What are you thinking about?”

“You…”

“Staring at me like that… do you have other ideas?” Zhai You tilted her chin up as if she knew no shame, her gaze proud.

It was as if she were smugly declaring that her charm was indeed irresistible.

Jiang Bailu: “…”

If only Zhai You’s pheromones didn’t smell so good, and this face wasn’t so beautiful…

“You keep saying you’re unwell and taking suppressants—are you not afraid of collapsing again, or do you think you have the power to make the whole film crew wait for you?”

Jiang Bailu went silent.

“But it’s really not proper to let your pheromones run wild, don’t you agree?”

Zhai You’s hand approached again. Her eyes held a perfectly calculated allure, and her voice dropped into a low, indulgent tone.

“How about a temporary marking?” You’re my wife now anyway.

Zhai You’s natural, impeccable “Straight Alpha” aura left Jiang Bailu unable to think of any other motive.

It seems… a temporary mark really isn’t a big deal.

She lifted her thick, curled eyelashes and met Zhai You’s spirited eyes, feeling that she really was a bit simple-minded. Perhaps the butler was right.

All her previous behavior was probably because she had been misled by those fair-weather friends.

In this moment, Jiang Bailu actually felt a bit of pity. She relaxed her resistance and voluntarily revealed her pale neck: “Then… be gentle.”

Zhai You had no idea she was being viewed as a “silly puppy.” She excitedly licked her canine tooth. She wanted to say this was her first time marking someone and she was relying entirely on instinct, but she kept quiet, fearing Jiang Bailu would back out.

She buried her head carefully in the crook of Jiang Bailu’s neck, her canines lining up with the gland emitting the sweet pheromones.

One second she was thinking be gentle, be gentle, and the next, her brain lost control—a wire snapped, and she bit down.

She shamelessly drank in her sweet pheromones.

Jiang Bailu’s face showed a hint of pain, yet also an inexplicable sense of security. She gripped Zhai You’s back, her fingers leaving distorted marks across her skin.

In the morning, sunlight spilled through the window frames, illuminating the entire room.

On the palace-like, magnificent bed, Zhai You was… sleeping face down.

Her back still hurt quite a bit.

Waking up in a daze, Zhai You looked left and right, her hand reaching out beside her, wanting to grab onto something and keep sleeping. She frustratedly ruffled her hair.

It was just a temporary mark; why did it end up like this?

I have to be extra careful when changing clothes.

She really had been reckless yesterday. Looking at Jiang Bailu’s pained face, tightly knit brows, and pressed lips, Zhai You had panicked.

Even though the information she searched for back in her room said this was normal.

Looking at the “shelf life,” it lasted for three months.

She felt both heartache and a bit of a daze. Three months until the next temporary mark… that’s a long time.

Coming downstairs, Father and Mother Zhai had already flown back and were sweetly eating breakfast.

Seeing the food on the table, Zhai You rubbed her throbbing head, then looked toward Jiang Bailu as she came down the stairs.

Jiang Bailu had heard the parents return long ago, but not wanting a direct confrontation, she specifically waited for Zhai You to come out before heading down.

Jiang Bailu also looked toward Zhai You.

After last night, she felt Zhai You really wasn’t as the rumors described.

She was a bit… dorky.

But because of this, Jiang Bailu felt she had misunderstood her and felt a bit guilty. Seeing her today, she took the initiative to say hello: “Is your back alright?”

That was also Jiang Bailu’s first time being marked; she had been caught off guard and had been a bit rough.

The dining table went silent for a few seconds.

Father Zhai looked at her foolish daughter thoughtfully and gave a cold smirk: “If it hurts that much, I’ll have a dozen doctors line up right now to treat your ‘wounds’.”

!!! What kind of social death would that be? Telling everyone in broad daylight.

Is Zhai You a weakling?!

Zhai You sat down calmly and said flatly: “It’s a minor injury. On the other hand, are you alright?”

Jiang Bailu’s eyelashes fluttered. She glanced at Mother Zhai and sat down beside Zhai You.

“I’m still hurting a bit.”

The seemingly aggrieved, coquettish tone made Zhai You freeze as she raised her glass to hide her flustered movements. She suddenly felt that their relationship had seemingly become much closer.

Zhai You suppressed her inner joy: “I’ll be more careful next time.”

Father and Mother Zhai: “…”

Mother Zhai turned her head away, dodging the piece of toast Father Zhai was trying to feed her.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, observing the now much more natural Jiang Bailu. No wonder, after such a thing happened.

Does Jiang Bailu feel she has nothing to fear now?

Mother Zhai mocked coldly: “It seems Youyou is very satisfied with you. I hope you can conceive a child soon, lest…” Mother Zhai looked critically at Jiang Bailu’s face.

Now it was Zhai You and Jiang Bailu’s turn to be silent.

“Come shopping with me after breakfast.” Zhai You finished speaking and went silent to eat.

This was the correct way to face her “Imperial Mother.”

“Okay.” Jiang Bailu’s brow relaxed.

The floors of the Zhai mansion’s hall were polished to a mirror finish, and fresh flowers were placed everywhere.

The decadent, pure palace-style decor further emphasized the Zhai family’s wealth.

Meanwhile, Jiang Bailu was wearing pajamas from Zhai You’s wardrobe and looked completely out of place—like a neglected, pitiful little thing.

Aside from the pajamas, she only had the outfit she wore when she arrived, which the butler had already found an excuse to throw away.

But she couldn’t keep wearing pajamas if they were going out.

However, the wardrobe only contained Zhai You’s original clothes. Zhai You was a head taller than Jiang Bailu and preferred red and black clothing that showed off her figure.

Jiang Bailu didn’t like this style; it was too flashy.

With Zhai You’s permission, she rummaged for a long time before finding a black dress.

This dress had been buried in the back of the wardrobe for who knows how long; the tags hadn’t even been removed.

Zhai You was also a “poor person” (at heart) and didn’t care about brands or styles; she just thought Jiang Bailu looked quite good in it. She was naturally pale, and the black made her look even paler.

Now she looked like a porcelain doll.

And Jiang Bailu, busy with school and family, rarely read fashion magazines.

The two of them together didn’t realize that this outfit… had been out of style for several years.

The butler noticed. His eyes darkened as he wondered why there were still clothes from years ago in the Young Miss’s wardrobe.

But seeing that it was Jiang Bailu wearing it, the corners of his mouth curled, and he said nothing.

He turned and sent servants to tidy the Young Miss’s closet, while simultaneously calling boutiques to deliver this season’s latest styles—preparing them in advance for Zhai You, who never bothered with such things.

Zhai You truly never bothered with these things. Every morning she woke up, there were servants ready to apply body lotion to her entire body; she was refined down to her daily perfume and perfectly trimmed nails.

It was only recently that Zhai You had started skipping these routines, wearing only light makeup and relying on her striking features to sustain her beauty.

The luxury car had been driven to the entrance by the driver. Zhai You, exuding an arrogant aura, leaned against the car waiting for Jiang Bailu.

As soon as she arrived, the car keys were tossed into Jiang Bailu’s hand.

Zhai You flicked her red hair: “Get in.”

Holding the keys, Jiang Bailu finally started to “understand”—Zhai You probably intended to use her as a subordinate.

She got into the driver’s seat and fastened her seatbelt. When she looked up, she noticed the floral-scented perfume in the car had been replaced with a fairy-tale-like candy scent.

Truly a child, Jiang Bailu thought with a tolerant shake of her head as she drove off.

Zhai You: The air is full of Jiang Bailu’s scent. Wonderful. It was worth specifically instructing the driver to change the car fragrance.

They arrived at the commercial street with the highest average spending in the city.

The street was full of “street-style” beauties wearing fashionable clothes to show off their figures—and of course, no shortage of men.

Zhai You didn’t spare them a glance. She stepped out of the car and looked around.

She saw a place surrounded by people.

Qiao Yan, wearing a sweet-colored Lolita outfit, was cooperating with photographers. She was skillfully striking various poses. People around were asking for her social media handles, and some even went up directly to ask for her contact info.

Qiao Yan smilingly estimated the price of the brands the person was wearing; if they were qualified, she’d coyly hand over her phone.

“Will you really recommend me to someone at a magazine?” Qiao Yan tilted her head with feigned cuteness.

The man’s eyes lit up: “Of course!”

Zhai You walked over. Her tall frame standing beside Qiao Yan made the latter look like a “short winter melon.”

Qiao Yan: “…”

The male Beta asking for Qiao Yan’s contact info looked over with even more amazement: “Can I have your WX? I’m a close friend of a fashion magazine’s editor-in-chief. You’re so beautiful, you’ll definitely be a star!”

While Qiao Yan pouted in dissatisfaction, Zhai You looked back and pulled the slow-moving Jiang Bailu over: “I already have someone I like.”

Jiang Bailu wasn’t very comfortable in noisy crowds.

She realized Zhai You wanted to use her as a shield. Combining last night’s change in opinion with their previous agreement, Jiang Bailu cooperatively curved her eyes: “We’ve been marked.”

Marking was roughly equivalent to a declaration of loyalty to one another.

The male Beta left in disappointment, muttering: “Already taken and still out here attracting attention. Pei, Scum Alpha!”

Zhai You, having been cursed for no reason, looked at Jiang Bailu with an aggrieved gaze.

Jiang Bailu: “…” Her heart softened, and she let out a sigh.

Qiao Yan stood frozen in a daze. When she snapped out of it, she wanted to chase him down and remind him she was still there, but he had already walked far away.

“Zhai You!” Qiao Yan bit her lip. “You’d better give me resources even better than his, or I won’t agree to you!”

The surrounding photographers dispersed.

Only the three of them were left to talk.

“You think I’m him?” Zhai You gave an emerald scoff. A “friend of an editor-in-chief” sounded incredibly unreliable. Even if he were the editor-in-chief, Zhai You wouldn’t blink!

She was so wealthy now that, at worst, she’d just start her own fashion magazine!

Of course, it would be used to photograph Jiang Bailu. Qiao Yan? In her dreams.

Zhai You stood bathed in the beautiful sunlight, looking especially radiant. The smile hanging on her lips made it impossible to look away.

At that moment, Jiang Bailu thought of the butler’s words.

How had she responded then?

Does Zhai You like Qiao Yan?

Then why isn’t she with Qiao Yan, and instead came looking for me? Jiang Bailu’s gaze turned cold. She felt that she was the naive one, being so easily deceived by Zhai You.

Zhai You is just a heart-manipulating Scum Alpha.