The Sickly Girl Becomes a Scum Alpha - Chapter 20

Everything was ready, and they were set to leave.

The stretch limousine was spacious, but it was still just a car. Chu Xiong sat in the middle. Chu Ci and Jian Sui sat on the right, and Zhao Zhu and Chu You sat on the left. No one spoke. Each was lost in their own thoughts, and the atmosphere was stifling.

Chu Ci, however, was unfazed. She reached across the middle table and grabbed an orange.

Chu Xiong looked at Chu Ci. “Are you prepared to start at the company?”

“I’ve read through the materials and have a general understanding.”

Chu Ci replied, casually handing the peeled orange to Jian Sui.

Jian Sui was slightly surprised, but as the sweetness of the orange filled her mouth, her nervousness eased. She looked at Chu Ci, who was still talking seriously with Chu Xiong. She noticed my tension and anxiety.

“What position do you think would be suitable for you at the company?” Chu Xiong was a little surprised that Chu Ci had actually looked at the documents.

“I need a familiarization and adaptation process first,” Chu Ci considered the original host’s plan. “How about the Project Department?”

In the novel, the original host chose this department. Although it was demanding, it held real power and had great development prospects. The original host had chosen it after much thought, intending to replace Chu Xiong as quickly as possible. Now, Chu Ci had the same idea, using it as a path to empower Jian Sui.

Chu Xiong wasn’t afraid of ambition in his descendants; he was only afraid of incompetence and short-sightedness. He had initially expected Chu Ci to ask for the General Manager position and would have been deeply disappointed.

When Chu Ci mentioned the Project Department, immediately choosing such a challenging division, he was pleased and readily agreed. After all, she was his designated heir, and he was confident that Chu Ci couldn’t pose any immediate threat to him.

Pleased, Chu Xiong started talking to Chu Ci about the company. Although Chu Ci currently lacked practical experience, she had ample theoretical knowledge and the advantage of foresight from the novel. She handled the conversation effortlessly, her composed manner causing various reactions from those present.

Chu Xiong was happy, but Zhao Zhu’s smile grew increasingly forced, while Jian Sui was even more astonished. This is the person who was supposedly uneducated?

By the time the car stopped, the atmosphere had completely changed.

Old Mr. Li’s status in the fashion world was unshakeable, and his 60th birthday was a huge event. In front of the retro-style manor, reporters from various media outlets lined both sides of the entrance, holding cameras. A wide red carpet led from the main gate directly into the banquet hall. Celebrities and artists who had arrived early stood on the lawn, but they were just the outer circle; the truly influential figures were inside the banquet hall.

When the Chu family’s car was guided by a servant to stop at the end of the red carpet, all the cameras simultaneously turned and clicked, clearly having been tipped off.

Chu Ci glanced at Zhao Zhu’s ugly expression. The person who tipped off the media was obvious. Zhao Zhu probably assumed Chu Ci wouldn’t show up, so the media would only photograph their family of three in formal attire, leading public opinion to suggest Chu Ci had been marginalized.

Too bad. Her efforts were wasted.

“Let’s go.”

The car settled, and Chu Xiong patted Chu Ci’s shoulder with satisfaction, preparing to alight.

Chu Ci acknowledged him, then turned to Jian Sui beside her and tentatively extended her hand. In front of so many people, it was better to pretend they had a harmonious relationship.

However, she wouldn’t force Jian Sui if she refused, as there were other ways to prove Jian Sui’s importance to the Chu family.

Just as Chu Ci was about to withdraw her hand, Jian Sui took it, their fingers interlocking.

It was the first time they had held hands like this. Chu Ci’s face flushed slightly. She quickly blinked, suppressing her momentary panic, and followed Chu Xiong out of the car.

Flashbulbs popped. Chu Xiong maintained his usual image as a gentle, modest man for the media, raising his hand in acknowledgment. When Chu Ci stepped out, holding Jian Sui’s hand, the flashing lights intensified. Everyone present knew about the past feud between Chu Ci and Old Mr. Li. The show was about to begin!

But Chu Ci didn’t care. She stood next to Chu Xiong. After a photo, the three of them started walking forward.

Perhaps to showcase family harmony, Chu Xiong walked and chatted with Chu Ci about trivial topics. Chu Ci responded while firmly holding Jian Sui’s hand, not letting go the entire time.

The three of them maintained a pleasant atmosphere, but Zhao Zhu and Chu You, who got out of the car a step behind, looked somewhat awkward. They missed the group photo. Zhao Zhu, wearing stilettos, constantly struggled to keep up with Chu Xiong. Her attempts to link her arm with Chu Xiong’s were futile. She forced a strained smile and held Chu You’s hand, looking utterly out of place.

She had planned to exude a powerful aura in her high heels, but now they were the source of her embarrassment. Zhao Zhu was furious. If she weren’t worried about the surrounding cameras, the daggers in her eyes would have been flying at Chu Ci and Jian Sui.

Seeing that the media segment of the walk was nearly over, Zhao Zhu nudged Chu You. “Go have your father hold your hand.”

It didn’t matter if she couldn’t keep up, but her son had to be seen with Chu Xiong to prove that Chu Xiong acknowledged him as his son and that they had a close father-son relationship.

Chu You was already nervous being around so many people. The sudden push made him stumble, and he ended up nearly face-planting into Chu Xiong’s leg.

The three people in front stopped. Chu Xiong looked at Chu You clinging to his leg, his smile unchanging. He helped him up and, under Chu You’s scared gaze, gently rubbed his head. “Why are you so clumsy?”

As he spoke, Chu Xiong took Chu You’s hand and continued walking. Chu Ci glanced at the relieved Zhao Zhu. Zhao Zhu noticed her gaze, immediately stood tall, and tried to link arms with Chu Xiong, only to find Chu Xiong’s left arm was occupied by Chu Ci and his right hand by Chu You. She could only hold Chu You’s other hand, as if this could link their family of three and isolate Chu Ci.

But Chu Ci didn’t look for long. She continued walking, completely unfazed.

She genuinely didn’t know what practical effect Zhao Zhu thought these actions would have, besides annoying her. Was she hoping public opinion would sway the decision about her joining the company? Impossible.

Oh, if it were the original host, she would probably be furious and punish Zhao Zhu and Chu You severely.

Why bother?

Once inside the main entrance, there were no more media. The place was filled with celebrities, designers, and other people connected to Old Mr. Li—anyone who could get an invitation or wanted to piggyback on the exposure.

When they reached the middle of the lawn, Old Mr. Li himself came out to greet them. Given Chu Xiong’s status and their long-standing acquaintance, this gesture was well-deserved.

Old Mr. Li, despite his 60 years, looked the same age as Chu Xiong and was very well-preserved. He had waist-length white hair, wore a pure black custom suit, had long nail guards, and high-cut studded boots. The entire ensemble was… a kind of fashion Chu Ci couldn’t appreciate.

While Chu Xiong and Li Sinan shook hands and talked, Chu Ci maintained a polite smile the entire time. Besides an initial “Uncle Li,” she didn’t say another word. She was afraid that if she opened her mouth, the embarrassing coming-of-age incident from a few years ago would have a sequel. The man had finally forgotten it; she shouldn’t cause trouble.

Jian Sui, however, spoke a few more words to him. They seemed to have met once before, and Li Sinan had a good impression of Jian Sui—at least much better than of Chu Ci.

Once the pleasantries were over, it was time to enter the banquet hall. There were still a few cameras inside, but these were hand-picked, and all footage would be carefully selected before being released, serving only as documentation.

There were many guests—socialites and prominent figures engaging in networking, along with a few top celebrities mixed in. Chu Ci didn’t recognize any of them.

Li Sinan invited Chu Xiong upstairs. Zhao Zhu, with Chu You in tow, didn’t follow but quickly merged into the crowd, basking in the surrounding flattery. She didn’t care if it was sincere or fake; as long as it sounded good, it was fine.

Even after reading the novel, Chu Ci couldn’t match all these people to their names. She simply found a quiet corner with Jian Sui and sat down.

Jian Sui looked at the constant stream of people, suppressing a sigh. She had to admit, this was the importance of social circles. Industry giants she could barely meet before were everywhere, and celebrities her company struggled to even get a business deal with were scrambling to stand on this lawn.

This was an excellent networking opportunity, but Jian Sui could only observe. She was here under the Chu family’s name, and Chu Ci was right beside her. Judging by Chu Ci’s attitude, she didn’t seem to enjoy any of this.

In reality, Chu Ci hadn’t even thought of networking. Her mind was entirely focused on the single thought: When can I go home? When she was lying in a hospital bed in her previous life, she thought she loved crowds and excitement, but now that she was actually in the middle of them, she desperately wanted to escape.

The novelty had worn off. She was genuinely uncomfortable with the constant stares from strangers and the noisy environment.

“Chu Ci.”

Since Chu Ci wouldn’t approach anyone, someone approached her.

A woman in a champagne-colored dress stood before them, holding a glass of wine and smiling brightly.

Chu Ci stiffened. She looked up, frantically calling the system in her mind.

[Who is this, who is this, who is this?!]

[Wait, wait, wait!]

The system replied in a panic, [Bai Qingqing! The original host’s childhood friend!]

Ah, oh.

Chu Ci connected the dots. Is this the person who was the ultimate villain later in the novel? The one who looked harmless but was utterly insane, completely matching the original host?

To carve out a path for herself and become the original host’s equal in a world of villains, this seemingly gentle girl must possess extraordinary lethality.

In the novel, the Chu and Bai families were generational friends. They were both terrible people, the only difference being that the Chu family had some semblance of restraint, while the Bai family was openly scandalous. Bai Qingqing was a victim of her family environment. After blackening, she sent her entire family to their deaths and later became possessive of the original host. The original host naturally refused. The two psychopaths clashed until the original host, who was more ruthless, sabotaged Bai Qingqing’s private jet, killing her. The original host then smoothly absorbed the Bai family’s assets.

The current Bai Qingqing should be in the process of blackening. Chu Ci silently swallowed. She was nervous. She immediately let go of Jian Sui’s hand. This woman was dangerous, and attracting her attention to Jian Sui would be a huge problem.

The warmth suddenly left Jian Sui’s hand. She looked at the girl in front of her, feeling a pang of jealousy. Who is this? What is her relationship with Chu Ci?

Chu Ci didn’t notice Jian Sui’s slight change in expression. She was concentrating on maintaining a calm demeanor in front of a super psychopath.

“What a coincidence, you’re here too.”

It was a meaningless greeting, but Bai Qingqing didn’t mind. She sat down next to them.

“I almost didn’t recognize you. You’ve changed so much, and you look much prettier.”

Her smile was warm and sincere, with shallow dimples. Chu Ci’s reflection was mirrored in her clear, dark eyes. She looked like someone who was genuinely easy to like.

But in Chu Ci’s eyes, this was the glossy exterior of a poisoned apple. She wanted to avoid it at all costs.

She subtly leaned back, increasing the distance between them, and forced a smile. “Maybe it’s because it’s been so long.”

“That’s true. I’ve been studying abroad for three years. We haven’t seen each other in three years. Oh, and I heard you got married? I didn’t even get to attend your wedding.”

As Bai Qingqing spoke, her gaze fell onto Jian Sui. Jian Sui met her gaze calmly. In the seemingly tranquil exchange, an undercurrent seemed to be surging between them.

Chu Ci, caught between the two, cleared her throat to interrupt their silent staring match. “Let me introduce you. This is Jian Sui, and this is Bai Qingqing.”

Chu Ci didn’t say one unnecessary word, afraid that any extra detail might bring disaster to Jian Sui.

“Hello,” Jian Sui offered her hand first.

“Hello, you’re very beautiful,” Bai Qingqing smiled, shaking Jian Sui’s hand.

Chu Ci didn’t know if it was just her imagination, but when the two spoke, she felt a chill run down her spine.

She couldn’t stay any longer. Chu Ci stood up. She desperately needed to leave this place.

“You wait here. Jian Sui and I need to go find my father. We’ll talk later.”

Bai Qingqing also stood up, but she didn’t press the issue. She still smiled and nodded. “Give my regards to Uncle Chu. I’ll drop by and visit another day.”

Visit?

Please don’t!

Thinking this, Chu Ci still agreed, then quickly led Jian Sui away from Bai Qingqing’s view.

Watching them leave, the smile on Bai Qingqing’s face remained, but her eyes grew cold inch by inch. She’s protecting her bride so fiercely? Not letting me even look at her? How cruel.

At the staircase corner, out of Bai Qingqing’s sight, Chu Ci didn’t even get a chance to relax before she felt another chill. She looked up in confusion. That’s not the AC vent.

But Chu Ci forgot to look at the person next to her. If she had looked at Jian Sui, she would have realized that was the source of the cold air.

Jian Sui looked at Chu Ci’s upturned profile. Bai Qingqing? Chu Ci, who is truly in your heart?

“Jian Sui, are you cold? I’m not dressed lightly,” Chu Ci asked the person next to her innocently, still unable to find the source of the cold air.

“No, I’m not cold.”

Jian Sui averted her gaze, looking up as if nothing happened. “Should we go upstairs now?”

“Yes, it’s about time.”

Chu Ci stopped worrying about the cold. She checked the time. It was almost time for Old Mr. Li to cut the cake. Going upstairs with Jian Sui now was perfect. They could greet some of the business magnates on the second floor without the small talk lasting too long.

Thinking this, Chu Ci led Jian Sui upstairs.

It was a very old manor, and the stairs were entirely wooden, carved with exquisite patterns.

As she walked, Chu Ci reminded the system to display the names and ages of the people they encountered on their heads, or she would be exposed as not knowing anyone.

The system indicated there was no problem.

Relieved by the system’s assurance, Chu Ci’s momentary distraction caused her high-heeled shoe to slip on the edge of a step. Her center of gravity shifted, and she was about to fall backward.

There were so many people below. If she fell down like this, she would be completely humiliated!

Her outstretched hand slipped across the beautifully carved railing, her fingertips showing sheer helplessness.

Suddenly, a force grabbed her waist, restoring her lost balance. Chu Ci seized the opportunity, twisted her body to regain her posture, caught the next step with her slipping foot, and then lunged toward the railing…

Huh??

Chu Ci looked with wide eyes at Jian Sui, who was now pinned against the railing in front of her, clearly stunned.

No! Let me explain!