After Being Bound to the Scummy Alpha System, I Became Famous Thanks to My Face Blindness - Chapter 21

A black Maybach sped down the highway toward the outskirts of the city.

Tang Ling watched the scenery flash past the car window, a faint sense of nervousness dawning on her belatedly.

After all, for someone as face-blind as she was, the next event was bound to be a tough battle. The Tang family had dozens of members—each one she’d have to handle flawlessly. If she slipped up even once, everything could fall apart.

She couldn’t help fidgeting, rubbing her fingers together anxiously.

Noticing this, Tan Shiyi nudged her wrist gently. “What’s wrong?”

Tang Ling licked her lips. “It’s just, I haven’t been home in a long time. I’m a little nervous, haha.”

Tan Shiyi sat up straighter, her tone calm. “I’m not nervous, but you are?”

Tang Ling groaned inwardly. Of course I’m nervous. I’m an imposter pretending to be the real Tang Ling. This is my first time performing in front of her family.

From the front seat, Ah Tong—Tang Ling’s assistant—spoke with an amused sigh. “A’ling’s always like this. Every time she goes home, she gets all stiff and awkward. You’re finally back; Mr. and Mrs. Tang have been missing you terribly.

Try to talk nicely with them, okay? No sarcasm, no prickly tone.”

Tang Ling’s cheeks flushed. “Stop saying that—Shiyi’s right here.”

Ah Tong rolled her eyes. “I’m not teasing you, I’m reminding you. Especially because Shiyi’s here, you can’t embarrass yourself, right?”

Tang Ling stayed quiet, face warm, and shot Tan Shiyi a pleading look.

Tan Shiyi couldn’t help it—she let out a soft laugh. “Don’t worry. I’ll be with you.”

The car turned into the Tang estate.

Under a row of trees, the butler, Uncle Lin, and the housekeeper, Aunt Zhao, were chatting while supervising the gardeners trimming the flowerbeds.

The Tang family manor was vast and required constant upkeep; otherwise, weeds would overrun the grounds—and even wild animals could wander in.

Spotting the familiar license plate speeding up the drive, the two hurried forward. Ah Tong was the first to step out gracefully, opening the door for a young lady who glanced around, clearly searching for something, followed by a gentle-looking girl with soft features.

Aunt Zhao exclaimed, delighted, “Oh my, the young miss is back! You haven’t been home in two months! You must’ve been exhausted from all that training—you’ve lost weight!”

Ah Tong nodded politely. “Good afternoon, Uncle Lin, Aunt Zhao.”

Tang Ling quickly followed suit. “Hello, Uncle Lin, Aunt Zhao—it’s been a while.”

Aunt Zhao blinked in surprise. Normally, Tang Ling barely responded to her greetings, let alone so politely. Then she smiled until her eyes curved into crescents. “Haha, yes, it has been a while! And this must be Miss Tan Shiyi, right?

Please, both of you, come in—Chairman and Madam have been waiting.”

Tan Shiyi returned the greeting with polite warmth, then caught up to Tang Ling, tugging lightly at her sleeve. “Your house is huge and there are so many servants. Now I’m the one getting nervous.”

Tang Ling tilted her head toward her, whispering, “Don’t worry—they’re all nice people.”

Ah Tong overheard the exchange and chuckled softly, shaking her head.

She had to admit—Tang Ling had changed a lot since joining Beidou Star.

Ah Tong herself came from a poor family. Thanks to the Tang family’s sponsorship, she’d finished her studies, joined Songhui Entertainment, and was later chosen by Mr. Tang to serve as Tang Ling’s assistant. Because the Tang family had treated her with such kindness, she, in turn, treated Tang Ling with deep loyalty—almost like a younger sister—always doing her best to guide her onto the right path.

But the Tang Ling of a few years ago had been completely hopeless. Probably just going through her rebellious phase—impulsive, thoughtless, never taking anything seriously. Her father had sent her to training camps for discipline, yet she always managed to get eliminated one way or another.

When Tang Ling had gotten in trouble for drugging Tan Shiyi, Ah Tong’s heart had nearly stopped. She thought Tang Ling’s career at Beidou Star was over—that the company would kick her out in disgrace.

But, surprisingly, nothing like that happened. In fact, things had started turning around.

Tang Ling’s public image had stabilized, her popularity was rising fast, and she’d even become friends with Tan Shiyi.

Maybe—just maybe—it was because of Tan Shiyi that Tang Ling had changed so much.

Thinking that, Ah Tong glanced deeply at Tan Shiyi.

Tan Shiyi noticed the look, a faint confusion flickering in her eyes.

Ah Tong met her gaze with a warm, knowing smile.

After a moment, Tan Shiyi seemed to understand and gave a small, polite nod.

The scene Tang Ling had dreaded never came to pass.

From afar, she saw a graceful, elegantly dressed woman holding a Maltese adorned with a bow and tiny braids. When the woman saw her, her face lit up with joy. Bending down, she set the little dog on the ground. “Tang Doudou, go find your sister Lingling!”

Tang Ling had inherited the original body’s memories, so she knew exactly who the Maltese was—and therefore who the lady must be: Mother Tang.

The tiny dog bounded over, tail wagging furiously, circling Tang Ling’s legs three times before leaping up excitedly, panting and barking happily.

Tang Ling crouched to scoop the little dog into her arms, only to notice Tan Shiyi standing stiffly beside her, looking as if she didn’t dare move an inch.

Tang Ling blinked, then realized what was going on. “You’re afraid of dogs?”

Tan Shiyi looked a bit embarrassed. “It’s just so small and hyper—I’m afraid I might step on it.”

Tang Ling didn’t expose her, only hugged Tang Doudou a little tighter. “She’s clever. She won’t let herself get stepped on, don’t worry.”

Tan Shiyi nodded and moved a little closer to her.

“It’s really gentle,” Tang Ling said with a smile. “Do you want to try petting her?”

Tan Shiyi hesitated as she looked at the tiny Maltese. Madam Tang had dressed the little dog in a rainbow-colored tutu, making it look like a porcelain doll. Reaching out two fingers, Tan Shiyi gently touched the small braid tied atop the Maltese’s head.

Tang Doudou stayed perfectly still, her round black eyes rolling curiously as she studied the stranger.

“I told you she’s well-behaved, didn’t I?” Tang Ling gave Doudou’s head a fond rub. The little dog let out a soft, contented whimper.

Madam Tang came down the steps and, seeing her daughter, frowned in concern. “It hasn’t even been that long since I last saw you. Why have you lost so much weight? Is the food at the training camp that bad?”

Tang Ling scratched her head. “It’s not that serious, Mom—maybe just a little thinner. Oh, right, this is Shiyi. I brought her home with me.”

Tan Shiyi immediately greeted her. “Hello, Auntie.”

Madam Tang turned to her with a warm smile. “Hello, Shiyi. I’ve watched your performances—very impressive. Lingling’s father and I have both been wanting to meet you.”

Tan Shiyi nodded politely. “It’s an honor to be here, Auntie. Thank you for having me.”

Madam Tang chuckled. “Treat this as your own home, don’t be shy. Come in, come in.”

Under Madam Tang’s guidance, the two followed her into the villa.

The Tang family’s villa was European in style, but compared to the training camp’s fresh, minimalist aesthetic, this one exuded a stronger sense of art and modern elegance—luxurious and dignified.

Madam Tang led them into the living room and waved a fan leisurely in her hand as she asked kindly, “Here, have some fruit first. So, how’s training been? Tiring? Are things tough at the camp?”

Tang Ling glanced at Tan Shiyi before replying, “Of course it’s tiring, but the schedule’s regular and healthy. We’ve also made a lot of friends—it’s actually been really nice.”

Madam Tang nodded approvingly, a pleased smile tugging at her lips. “Our Lingling’s grown up—so much more mature than before.”

Tang Ling wasn’t used to being praised so gently by an elder. She felt her cheeks grow warm with embarrassment.

Then Madam Tang shifted the topic. “By the way, do you girls know your current voting rankings?”

Tang Ling froze. She honestly hadn’t been paying attention lately. “I think I’m ninth, and Shiyi’s fourth?”

Madam Tang said, “Shiyi’s fourth, yes—but you’ve already moved up to seventh. The reason your father and I asked you to come home this time was to talk about your plans. Do you want to continue with the girl group, or come home to take over the family business? Your father will probably bring it up later, so be sure to answer properly—don’t argue with him.”

Both Tang Ling and Tan Shiyi were momentarily stunned.

In the original story, Tang Ling hadn’t lasted long before being eliminated. But things were different now—she had enough popularity to keep going.

So, what should she choose?

If she stayed in the show and continued spending time with Tan Shiyi, her “Scummy Alpha Value” might fluctuate again—and there was a risk her secret identity as a fake heiress could be exposed, leading to her downfall.

But if she quit the show.

It would feel like betraying all her hard work—and the fans who believed in her.

Tan Shiyi looked into Tang Ling’s eyes and asked softly, “Are you going to quit the competition?”

Tang Ling hesitated. “I haven’t thought that far yet.”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than the familiar system notification chimed in her head:

“Detected increase in Scummy Alpha Value: +3 points. Only 3 points left to reach the Majestic Curves! Keep up the good work, Host!”

Why on earth would that trigger a value increase?

Startled, Tang Ling instantly changed her tune. “I’m not quitting the competition. The audience voted for me because they like and trust me—I can’t let them down!”

Madam Tang’s face lit up with pride. “I knew our Lingling was a responsible, good child! If your father hears that, he’ll definitely support you too.”

Whether her father supported her didn’t matter—what Tang Ling really wanted to know was whether Tan Shiyi did. She asked cautiously, “I’m not quitting, and you’ll still be there too, right?”

Tan Shiyi nodded. “I’ll be there.”

Madam Tang, watching the two exchange looks so full of quiet affection, could hardly contain her grin. She could already imagine sharing the gossip with her husband. Beaming, she stood up. “You two sit and chat for a bit. I’ll go check how dinner’s coming along.”

Before leaving, she patted Tang Ling on the shoulder. “Do your best, sweetheart. Mom’s rooting for you!”

Tang Ling felt her head spin. Leaving the two of us alone right now? That’s definitely asking for trouble!