After Transmigrating as a Scum Alpha, I Pampered the Best Actress Omega - Chapter 20.1

Zhai You’s eyebrows arched for a moment before quickly dropping back down.

She glanced at Jiang Bailu’s phone. The manager’s voice on the other end continued with several sharp “Hellos,” sounding like someone who was not at all easy to get along with.

Jiang Bailu realized a second too late that she should hang up. She didn’t want Zhai You to hear those words, but then she heard Zhai You say sluggishly: “Put it on speaker. I want to hear.”

After hesitating, Jiang Bailu, as if possessed, actually tapped the speakerphone button.

The manager’s voice was amplified: “Jiang Bailu, what’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you being proactive about such a good opportunity? Are you playing deaf with me? If you keep this up, the company won’t be able to afford to keep you!”

The manager almost hit a breaking note on the last sentence; the person sounded extremely emotional.

Jiang Bailu lowered her eyes despondently, not daring to meet Zhai You’s gaze, wondering what she would think.

Zhai You probably wouldn’t care; someone capable of bringing up a sponsorship contract would likely have a high tolerance for this kind of thing.

Jiang Bailu wanted to explain that she wouldn’t agree, but then she thought: Why explain this to Zhai You?

They weren’t anything to each other; their relationship was simple and clean.

Jiang Bailu’s heart twisted into a knot, her emotions clearly written on her face. Zhai You listened to the manager’s angry scolding; it seemed that in his eyes, Jiang Bailu was just an ungrateful money-loser.

“If Auntie found out, she would be so heartbroken,” Zhai You said faintly.

She saw Jiang Bailu’s hands clench even tighter.

Zhai You snorted: “What are you standing there for? Curse back.”

“If you don’t know how to curse, I’ll help you. If you don’t want me to curse… I’ll go tell on you to Auntie.”

“You can’t!” She couldn’t let her mother worry.

A bitter smile touched the corners of Jiang Bailu’s mouth: “He’s my manager. If I curse back, it will affect my future roles and delay you from making money.”

The clothes bought today, her mother’s medical bills, and the drama Deliberate Love—all of it had cost Zhai You a lot of money. If Jiang Bailu wanted to pay her back, she had to film and earn an acting fee.

She couldn’t afford to offend her manager.

Zhai You grew impatient. Sensing the manager’s side was getting quiet as if he were about to hang up, she snatched the phone directly from Jiang Bailu’s hand.

Jiang Bailu tried to grab it back, but Zhai You, in order to prevent the manager from hanging up, had already snapped back first.

“If it’s such a good opportunity, why don’t you go yourself? Isn’t securing good conditions for an artist what you’re supposed to do as a manager? Why are you pushing her out to do it?”

“Oh, you’re incompetent. Fine. But then you blame your own uselessness on Jiang Bailu? What are you getting paid for—to be a deity in the heavens?”

Jiang Bailu’s manager was stunned.

Why did this voice sound so familiar?

Before he could ask, Zhai You quickly hung up. To infuriate someone, you have to use this method: snap back, then give them zero chance to respond.

“You…” Jiang Bailu wanted to remark on her recklessness.

Zhai You stuffed the phone back, attempting to distance herself from the situation and pretend it never happened, or that it had nothing to do with her.

But Jiang Bailu’s thin eyebrows were knit together, looking too pitiful.

Zhai You felt troubled. Her mouth smoothly started talking nonsense: “As you said, we can’t delay me from making money. So how can the acting fee from your performance be split with your current company?”

Jiang Bailu’s reaction was a bit slow. She wanted to say that it was a contract signed when she joined the company.

But before she spoke, she caught on: “You want me to sign with your company?”

She hadn’t heard that Zhai You had a management company.

Zhai You was signed with Starry Universe Entertainment. Although Starry Universe wasn’t considered a major company in the industry, it still managed to land one big production every year. The artists under them didn’t have many announcements, but they weren’t completely cut off either.

It was a lukewarm, somewhat “chill” company.

After Starry Universe signed Zhai You, it suddenly began to glow and heat up.

Whenever there was a show or a drama Zhai You liked, she would find a way to get involved. If she couldn’t act in it, she’d find a way to become an investor—like with Deliberate Love.

Sometimes her interest only lasted three minutes; she’d like it one second and be bored the next.

These opportunities would then be taken over by other artists in the company.

Inevitably, because having Zhai You involved brought heat, even if people cursed Zhai You ruthlessly, they wouldn’t curse the substitute artists.

As a result, those artists actually became somewhat famous… not superstars, but not nobodies either.

Jiang Bailu had heard 18th-tier seniors in her company express envy, saying how good it would be to go to Zhai You’s company. Back then, they shouldn’t have looked down on Starry Universe for being too chill and not aggressive.

They had quietly managed to land a “Big Buddha” like Zhai You.

What was even more annoying was that everyone was waiting for Zhai You to squander her family fortune, yet she actually managed to turn a small profit from it.

Though the original host didn’t care about the money; she mainly did it for fun~

Having Zhai You was definitely a blessing for Starry Universe.

Although she didn’t know why Zhai You signed with that company, judging by these facts, Zhai You clearly had a significant say there.

If she wanted Jiang Bailu to sign over, it was truly possible.

Jiang Bailu’s brow relaxed: “But even if I move to your company, isn’t it the same? You still wouldn’t get the money…”

Actually, she would, but certainly not much.

“Anyway, moving is better than staying at that broken company.”

Zhai You thought of something. The original host’s family was rich, but the Righteous Lead must be extremely rich, otherwise, how could she suppress a cannon-fodder like the original host?

So when the Righteous Lead returns, she not only deals with the original host but also Jiang Bailu’s current management company.

Then… with a wave of her hand, she sets up a dedicated team for Jiang Bailu, signs her under her own name, and finds her countless great resources.

Zhai You sighed internally. She thought she was wealthy, but it turned out she was still at the bottom.

“My manager is actually quite good; I can have her be responsible for you,” Zhai You said with a cold face, praising Sister Ji.

She hadn’t even had the chance to show off in front of Jiang Bailu yet.

“It just so happens she likes you too. You… think about it.”

It was clear Zhai You was genuinely considering Jiang Bailu’s best interests.

Zhai You had a strained expression, looking like she wanted to speak plainly but was suppressed by something, leaving only a sense of displeasure. Her eyebrows were knit together, and the irritability she revealed made her look more vivid.

Jiang Bailu’s breathing slowed. She stared straight at Zhai You, and then revealed a very beautiful smile.

The smile was shallow, but compared to all her previous smiles, it was the most genuine.

It was a distance Zhai You could reach out and touch.

Jiang Bailu looked at Zhai You with flickering eyes. In this moment, it seemed all misunderstandings had dissipated. She said: “You are a good person.”

Zhai You: …

That hurts.

Qiao Yan hadn’t returned from her new “Big Whale” yet. She only sent Jiang Bailu a text saying she had business and had to leave first, telling Jiang Bailu to wait for Zhai You.

At the same time, Qiao Yan called Zhai You: “Hello, hurry up and go pick up your ‘better half’.”

Zhai You had just received a “Good Person” card and didn’t know what Qiao Yan had said to Jiang Bailu.

She ground her teeth: “Your bonus is gone!”

She hung up, leaving a furious Qiao Yan on the other end. She had worked so hard and didn’t get a single benefit? You stingy Zhai! You’re so generous to Jiang Bailu, but treat me worse than a beggar!

“…Let’s go back.”

Back at home, Zhai You was anxious to terminate Jiang Bailu’s contract.

That person could call today to make Jiang Bailu do things she didn’t like; would he force her tomorrow?

She marked down a grievance against Jiang Bailu’s manager in her heart. Unable to swallow her anger, she contacted Sister Ji: “Do you know Jiang Bailu’s manager?”

Although the character had quite a few scenes in the original book, they didn’t compare to a cannon-fodder like the original host.

Which meant they were even more of a cannon-fodder.

Zhai You could only remember the general plot; she completely forgot who this person was. Thinking hard, she vaguely recalled the book describing a sunken-cheeked, soul-draining vibe.

Sister Ji knew many managers in the industry. They would chat about work experiences in private, so she had heard a little about Jiang Bailu’s manager.

“I think people call him Sister V, but he’s a male Beta. Sigh, you know how it is.” Sister Ji really disliked this person but didn’t comment too much, answering whatever Zhai You asked.

“He managed a few minor idols before, but they never took off. Eventually, those idols left the industry.”

“But there are rumors that one of them married into a wealthy family…”

Having artists use “unspoken rules” to climb up was Sister V’s usual method, but his connections didn’t include any high-quality moguls.

Those minor idols had to spend who knows how much time on mental preparation to go “accompany” people.

Even before signing Zhai You, Sister Ji wouldn’t have used such methods. She had wide connections and knew many people; she could still bring benefits to the artists under her.

It was just that Starry Universe’s “salted fish” culture was deeply ingrained, leading everyone to think the company was just drifting through life.

No ambition.

On the contrary, no one saw that the inside was perfectly clean—an attitude of no coercion, no support for such things, and even opposition to them.

Zhai You didn’t know why the original host signed with this company; it wasn’t written in the book. but since she was signed, she could feel Sister Ji was a good person, so she’d get along with her for now.

Today, Zhai You told Sister Ji she wanted to sign Jiang Bailu over.

Sister Ji was sharp-witted. How could she not understand what it meant when Zhai You suddenly asked about Sister V?

“What? Did he force your little Omega?”

Zhai You hummed in affirmation.

After hearing Sister Ji’s words, her expression turned cold. Her flawless, perfect face appeared very aggressive, carrying a high-and-mighty aura.

Especially with her full head of red hair, it projected a sense of killing intent.

Just solving the problem probably wasn’t enough. Zhai You’s eyes swept across the room, staring in a certain direction.

“Sister Ji, can you help me investigate who is interested in Jiang Bailu?” Zhai You curled her lips in a half-smile, her fingers tapping the back of her phone.

A mogul Sister V knows? How powerful?

Could she, Zhai You, compete?

Sister Ji found it hard to describe. Zhai You’s act of standing up for someone made her want to offer advice.

Whatever you do, don’t give away your heart.

Sister Ji was used to the cold and warmth of the entertainment industry and the original host’s playful nature, but Zhai You had suddenly become serious, which made Sister Ji a bit uneasy.

Intuition warned her that she had been caught by something extraordinary.

But then she thought: What kind of powerful mogul could someone like Sister V know? It was likely an illusion.

She rubbed the bridge of her nose and, after careful thought, agreed: “Fine.”

Zhai You was dead set on signing Jiang Bailu over, so there was no harm in doing some background research first.

It was better than having a string of “little tails” left untidied after she moved over.

She had to make the person Sister V found drop the idea. Ideally, drop it entirely; given Zhai You’s current drive, she would probably personally show up at their door.

After hanging up, Sister Ji suddenly laughed.

Why does it have to be Zhai You? If it were any other artist, they might be able to craft a “devoted lover” persona.

But Zhai You had a track record of bad behavior; no one would believe it. Even with iron-clad evidence, it wouldn’t be enough to overturn the public’s perception of her.

Zhai You didn’t care what others believed. She had a broad heart and liked to put her own worries behind her.

Looking at the mirror in the room, Zhai You met the eyes of the reflection in the glass.

Her eye color was on the lighter side, but framed by her red hair and striking features, everyone assumed Zhai You had large, dazzling, bright eyes.

Looking at them alone made one feel Zhai You’s personality had changed.

Zhai You withdrew her gaze. She scrolled through her contacts and finally called Su Luo. Then she scrambled up and knocked on Jiang Bailu’s door.

“Are you free tomorrow?” She originally thought Jiang Bailu definitely wouldn’t be.

Jiang Bailu, whose attitude toward Zhai You had improved, explained patiently: “I have to go to the hospital tomorrow.”

“……………Could it be the day after?”

There was a nanny hired by Zhai You looking after her mother in the hospital; a day or two wouldn’t matter. Jiang Bailu had already taken the time to confirm this with the doctor while she was sick.

Zhai You, so far, had never lied to her.

For this reason, Jiang Bailu peeked quietly, wondering if Zhai You had some urgent business.

Zhai You had helped her so much; it was time for her to return the favor.

“Okay.”

Zhai You let out a sigh of relief. This was the first time she’d felt so awkward. She scratched the ends of her hair, and seeing Jiang Bailu watching her, she hurriedly hid her small gesture.

She couldn’t let Bailu think she was childish. Zhai You deepened her voice maturely: “Then it’s settled.”

Jiang Bailu’s gaze followed Zhai You’s hand to the ends of her hair.

The well-maintained hair was incredibly smooth, making one want to touch it. Especially the naturally rare red hair, which made Zhai You look like a big fox.

Was her hair dyed or natural?

Because it was so harmonious, Jiang Bailu hadn’t had this question before.

Thinking carefully, Father and Mother Zhai both had black hair, so it must be dyed—it fit Zhai You’s personality perfectly.

With all the misunderstandings cleared, Jiang Bailu even found Zhai You a bit cute. Her favorability was rising quite fast, though not fast enough for her to abruptly ask that question.

Instead, she asked: “Do you like Qiao Yan very much?”

Zhai You was momentarily stunned, her retracted hand having nowhere to go. Finally, she cautiously reminded her: “One must remain faithful after marriage.”

How would she dare?

How could she!

Whatever the original host did had nothing to do with her! Zhai You was anxious to establish a new image: that of a reliable, good woman after marriage.

She wanted Jiang Bailu to trust her… on the basis of being a “good person.”

Jiang Bailu tilted her head, her bangs falling softly by her ears, revealing her smooth forehead. Looking from a downward angle, one could only see Jiang Bailu’s clear eyes.

She wasn’t smiling. Zhai You’s reflection was in her eyes. Her pink lips parted slightly, and she said faintly: “The marriage contract can be voided.”

“It cannot be voided.” Zhai You frowned. Seeing Jiang Bailu’s calm expression, she suppressed the urge to look angry.

Why did she have to be the one to bring it up, and so nonchalantly too?

The marriage contract couldn’t be voided.

If it were voided, her excuses to pester Jiang Bailu would dwindle. How else could she keep her by her side?

“You might have misunderstood.” After a long moment, Zhai You spoke coldly, her eyes looking a bit hurt. “I don’t like anyone.” Before I met you.

“I explained the reason for signing the marriage contract to you; don’t overthink it.”

“And don’t mention voiding it again.”

Zhai You’s eyes drooped slightly. If Jiang Bailu had even a hint of romantic interest, she would have said she liked her directly.

Unfortunately, she didn’t.

Pursuing someone was hard. Zhai You had already started learning to speak tactfully. At the very least, she could feel the change in Jiang Bailu’s attitude.

Zhai You felt joyful again. She looked at Jiang Bailu, all sorts of chaotic emotions surging in her heart—sweet and painful—finally forming one thought in her mind: It’s worth it.

Jiang Bailu stood obediently before her.

The book described her as beautiful, but seeing her vivid and alive now, Zhai You felt she was even more beautiful…

One day, she would be able to hold her in her arms.

Zhai You’s throat moved, her cheeks burning slightly. She said randomly: “Tomorrow we’re meeting some friends; don’t let anything slip.”

“That’s good,” Jiang Bailu murmured.

The voice was very soft, but how could Zhai You, who was constantly paying attention to her, not hear? Her heart skipped a few beats, and her brain nearly ran out of blood.

That sentence sounded like relief.

Why was Jiang Bailu relieved?