When the Top Chef Transmigrated into a Scum Alpha (GL) - Chapter 5

Shang Wumian hesitated for a moment because she wasn’t sure if the written language of this world was exactly the same as the one she was familiar with.

She was afraid that her ability to recognize the characters just now was accidental.

If she accidentally wrote something that looked strange to others, it would be difficult to explain.

Out of caution, Shang Wumian took one of A-Fu’s literacy books and examined it.

Fortunately, it turned out that although the setting was ancient, the author was modern, which meant that most aspects of this fictional ancient world were relatively grounded in modern concepts.

A-Fu was eagerly waiting for Shang Wumian’s reply.

The “fine” that was about to leave Shang Wumian’s mouth was choked back by Lin Qingwan’s sudden question.

“How did you think of pairing the poem like this?” Lin Qingwan looked at the wet ink on the paper, raised her eyes, and fixed her gaze on Shang Wumian’s to observe her reaction.

Shang Wumian lowered her head and looked at the place Lin Qingwan’s fingertip was pointing to, understanding immediately.

How did she think of that match? The reason was actually very simple.

In her original world, a well-known line of poetry like “Spring Dawn” (similar to the famous poem Chūn Mián Bù Jué Xiǎo), any first-grader could probably match it.

Despite this being true, Shang Wumian knew she couldn’t answer that way. Otherwise, she estimated that Lin Qingwan would instantly have her dragged to the village entrance, to be treated as a demon spirit and burned alive.

Shang Wumian finally answered: “Pairing it this way, it rhymes (yā yùn).”

Lin Qingwan moved her fingertip away, and at the same time repeated her answer with an ambiguous tone: “…Rhymes (yā yùn)?”

The familiar two characters formed an unfamiliar phrase.

Lin Qingwan’s expression remained the same, so Shang Wumian couldn’t tell that she didn’t quite understand the meaning of that sentence.

A-Fu saw the two Jiejies talking and thoughtfully avoided interrupting, just resting her head and listening, half-understanding, half-confused.

Sister Wumian just said “duck faint” (yā yùn – sounds like the words for “duck” and “faint”).

What is a “duck faint”? And how does a duck faint? Is it like making drunken aromatic duck, by pouring half a jar of aged wine down its throat?

If the duck faints, can the line of poetry left by the teacher be easily matched?

Although she didn’t quite understand, she felt like Sister Wumian knew so much!

Lin Qingwan remained calm and asked another seemingly casual question: “Your handwriting is indeed very beautiful. How long have you practiced? And who did you learn from?”

Shang Wumian’s calligraphy was something she had copied stroke by stroke from a practice book in her free time.

She subconsciously wanted to answer this way, but quickly realized in time that this was no longer the modern era.

In the novel, the author glossed over the background information regarding the character “Shang Wumian.”

When Shang Wumian transmigrated, she had no information in her mind other than her own memories, so she didn’t know what this person’s past was truly like.

This probably meant she could fabricate whatever she wanted, as long as she could make it sound plausible.

Shang Wumian reacted quickly, formulating a suitable response in the span of a breath, speaking naturally: “I also learned calligraphy from a teacher at a school before, and later practiced occasionally, so it turned out like this.”

“You studied?”

“I read a little.”

“You previously claimed to be an orphan raised by a kind Kunze (Omega) auntie. But because she passed away from illness six months ago… that’s why you started wandering around?”

“Mhm.”

If Lin Qingwan hadn’t brought it up again, Shang Wumian would have almost forgotten the nonsense she had fabricated in a moment of quick thinking.

In fact, the truth probably wasn’t far off. Regardless, “Shang Wumian” was just a scummy cannon fodder in the female lead’s life, and the author hadn’t bothered to give her any other relatives or friends.

The readers’ focus wasn’t on this area either.

Therefore, the summary of “Shang Wumian’s” first two decades of life entirely depended on the mouth of the current Shang Wumian.

When Shang Wumian said these words, there was a very slight hesitation in her eyes, which was keenly captured by Lin Qingwan, who was watching her closely.

Lin Qingwan’s eyes dimmed slightly, knowing that there was a component of lying in the other party’s answer.

It could be a partial lie, or a complete lie. In comparison, Lin Qingwan was more inclined towards the latter.

And an Alpha of unknown origin, full of lies, couldn’t possibly be a good person with a simple mind.

In the previous life, Lin Qingwan had no interest in anything about this person. Returning to this life, she found the hypocrisy hidden beneath Shang Wumian’s harmless exterior quite interesting.

She couldn’t figure out why she was so different from the person in her memory.

She could cook.

She could read and match poems, and wrote beautiful calligraphy.

But she couldn’t farm or do physical labor.

Even lighting a fire was something she was initially clueless about.

Lin Qingwan looked sideways slightly, subtly observing the person who, after finishing her conversation with her, went back to teaching A-Fu how to write neatly.

The most baffling point was probably why the other party had risked her life to save people in the fire that day.

Because of the memory of the previous life, Lin Qingwan clearly knew A-Fu’s location this time, saving her the trouble of aimlessly searching for people in the fire.

Yet, she witnessed Shang Wumian, who had appeared from nowhere, safely carrying A-Fu, who was trapped in a corner.

Then Lin Qingwan heard A-Fu call her name, indicating that her older sister was still inside. The person didn’t hesitate and rushed back in again.

Lin Qingwan was suspicious at the time, so much so that after knocking the other person out fiercely, she stood there for a moment thinking.

In the end, she still chose to drag the person out.

At that moment, Lin Qingwan thought, Life and death are determined by fate. If Shang Wumian didn’t wake up, it was what she deserved.

Now, she was somewhat unable to figure out what exactly Shang Wumian, who was so inconsistent with her memory, was planning.

[Shang Wumian used the leg injury from “saving people” as an excuse to stay in Lin Qingwan’s house.

In contrast to her murky inner world, she possessed a highly deceptive good appearance, looking extremely harmless.

And when Shang Wumian’s leg injury had somewhat healed and she was interested in going out, she encountered the second Kunze (Omega) who interested her, besides Lin Qingwan.

It was the village widow, Madam Li.

If Lin Qingwan was usually as cold as ice, then Li Yuyan was clearly the exact opposite type for Shang Wumian.

She was three or four years older than Shang Wumian, and there was a mature charm in her features.

From their first meeting, Shang Wumian’s eyes were fixed on certain parts of her body, and her mind was filled with nothing but fiery scenes.

Perhaps her intense gaze was too strong, causing Madam Li to notice.

When she raised her eyes, she saw the other person’s extremely blatant gaze.

Li Yuyan naturally understood what that look meant, and a hint of disgust surfaced in her heart. But then she thought, this Alpha was young and beautiful enough, and seemed to lack experience. When it came down to it, it might not be clear who would benefit more.

A ready-made, all-natural scent suppressor; it would be a waste not to use it.

So, half-reluctantly and half-willingly, Shang Wumian started seeing Madam Li behind Lin Qingwan’s back.

…

Shang Wumian grew worse, unwilling to even pretend anymore, and simply flirted with Li Yuyan openly in front of Lin Qingwan.

Lin Qingwan frowned, her face looking terrible, and she couldn’t help but demand: “When did you two get together?”

Li Yuyan leaned bonelessly into Shang Wumian’s arms, looking at the poor Kunze who had been kept in the dark with a sympathetic look.

How truly pathetic, only finding out now.

Her tone was airy, carrying undisguised mockery: “Oh, little Sister Qingwan, if you count it up, it’s been a very long time indeed.”]

…

Lin Qingwan woke up from her dream, the emotion in her eyes growing even colder.

She knew what making a dream like last night’s signified.

These were the memories of her past life, slowly recovering.

In her previous memories, Lin Qingwan only vaguely knew that Shang Wumian was a complete liar who had done unforgivable things to her and ultimately betrayed her.

Now, the relevant memories were becoming more concrete.

Shang Wumian, Li Yuyan. Heh.

Lin Qingwan sneered internally, having already made up her mind that she would absolutely not repeat the same mistakes in this life.

When she deliberately tapped her index finger on the table, the water in the cup rippled slightly with the movement, and then instantly returned to stillness.

Just as the old physician who treated Shang Wumian had said, a Qianyuan (Alpha)’s physique should be much stronger.

After only four or five days, Shang Wumian noticed her leg injury had improved significantly.

The head injury was the same. At least she no longer had sporadic headaches.

Due to her profession, when Top Chef Shang relaxed, her focus was primarily on kitchen-related matters.

According to her observation, the ingredients and seasonings in this world were quite comprehensive.

This made Shang Wumian quite satisfied.

It didn’t matter where she was, as she had no attachments anyway, as long as it didn’t delay her from continuing to cook.

Shang Wumian occasionally went out to familiarize herself with the surrounding environment, and she was very curious about the local food.

There was a small vendor selling “Rose Cakes” (qiáng bǐng) in the east of the village. He only appeared at fixed times and left after selling out.

The price was very cheap, only one wen (coin) per cake.

This food, which Shang Wumian had never heard of, had undoubtedly evolved within this novel’s world.

Coincidentally, A-Fu wanted to eat this snack yesterday and secretly slipped some money to Shang Wumian, asking her to bring two back. The little girl didn’t eat alone; since she asked Sister Wumian to buy them, she was naturally willing to share half.

They each had one, and secretly ate them outside, returning only after they were finished, without Lin Qingwan knowing.

The taste was quite unique.

Shang Wumian was always adaptable. Life here was relatively stable for her.

Lin Qingwan was industrious herself, and it wasn’t yet the time when the wasteful Qianyuan had completely emptied her family savings. Even if the food and clothing weren’t refined, their home was definitely not destitute.

However, Lin Qingwan often had a flaw when cooking.

Shang Wumian looked at the two dishes that had just been placed on the table, frowned slightly, and asked softly: “Do we only eat this every day?”

Lin Qingwan’s eyes darkened after hearing this: “Why?”

She has allowed this person to stay and eat for free; does she still have the nerve to be picky?

“Setting aside the adults, A-Fu is at a crucial stage of growth. Eating only these light dishes every day seems insufficient for her nutritional needs…”

Although she knew what the other person said was correct, Lin Qingwan felt that Shang Wumian was speaking without consequence: “Are you referring to things like meat, eggs, and tofu? Then why don’t you look at our family’s financial situation? Being able to eat until we’re full is already good; how can we afford meat?”

Shang Wumian naturally knew the family’s finances were not particularly well off, but this didn’t mean there were no other solutions. She unconsciously tightened her grip on her chopsticks and lowered her eyes in contemplation.

“We should improve our diet occasionally.”

Lin Qingwan knew very well what kind of person the other party was, despite the current act.

Now that there has been a slight change—which I still don’t know if it’s a disguise—does she dare to start telling me what to do?

Lin Qingwan suddenly felt a bit annoyed and taunted, “If you have the money, then go buy it yourself. Why consult me?”

Shang Wumian thought for a moment, glanced at A-Fu who was secretly looking at her, and replied: “Okay.”