After Being Bound to the Scummy Alpha System, I Became Famous Thanks to My Face Blindness - Chapter 61

Tang Ling felt shameless too, but there was no other choice at the moment. She could only speak gently as she tried to reason with her: “Time’s tight. Let’s just perform for now, and we can apologize to her afterward.”

Tan Shiyi blushed. “Whatever you say.”

Tang Ling hesitated. “Can I call now?”

She dialed Ah Tong’s number, putting the call on speaker.

After a long day at work, Ah Tong was luxuriating in her bathtub. Seeing the familiar number, she instinctively knew it wasn’t good news.

Sure enough, the moment she answered, Tang Ling’s hesitant voice came through: “Ah Tong, I, I need your help with something.”

“What is it this time?”

Tang Ling glanced at Tan Shiyi. “Ah Tong, can you help me get a leave for Shiyi? She’s not feeling well, and I want to take her to the hospital.”

Ah Tong was baffled. “She’s not feeling well—why do you need to go with her? Don’t you have doctors at the training camp?”

Tang Ling braced herself. “It’s, um, I suspect Shiyi might be pregnant.”

Ah Tong: “?”

She leapt out of the tub in a panic, ignoring the water dripping from her body. “What did you say? Pregnant? Tang Ling! I don’t even know what to say to you!”

Tang Ling’s ears nearly rang from the shout. “Ah Tong, calm down. It’s just a suspicion. We’ll go to the hospital to check. If it really is, I’ll take responsibility for her.”

“You take responsibility? Do you even know that before the second differentiation, your pheromones are unstable? If she’s pregnant now, the chances of having a deformity are high! If you really liked her, you should have taken precautions instead of rushing to me to go to the hospital!”

“I’m sorry, Ah Tong. I know I was wrong. It’s not confirmed yet, let’s just go to the hospital first.”

Ah Tong took three deep breaths to calm herself. “Fine. Tell me, what time are you both free tomorrow? I’ll take you to a private hospital with good privacy for the check-up.”

Tang Ling gave a time earlier than the one Tan Shiyi and Pu Xiaoyu had arranged.

After hanging up, both of them exhaled in relief.

Tan Shiyi looked embarrassed. “How am I supposed to face Ah Tong tomorrow.”

Tang Ling awkwardly suggested, “Maybe wear sunglasses and a mask?”

Tan Shiye: “…”

The next day, at 10 a.m., Ah Tong arrived punctually at the entrance of the training camp to pick them up.

It was the height of summer, and the two of them were dressed like thieves—sunglasses, masks, and baseball caps. Somehow, it didn’t seem that shameless.

Ah Tong looked at Tang Ling with exasperation. Since it was in front of Tan Shiyi, she refrained from scolding her outright.

“Sigh. Get in. Shiyi, slow down.”

They exchanged a glance and reluctantly got into the back seat.

Tan Shiyi signaled to Tang Ling with her eyes. Tang Ling understood and asked, “Ah Tong, which hospital did you book for us?”

Ah Tong gave the private hospital’s name curtly. “It’s one of the safest. Don’t worry.”

Tang Ling knew the hospital’s location; her family’s private doctor worked there, so it was indeed secure. The hospital was in a remote area, though, making it hard to run away once there.

Luckily, the route passed through a busy district—perfect for a mid-route escape.

Tang Ling texted Tan Shiyi: “When we pass Qihai Road, just say you need the bathroom. We’ll get off together and make a run for it.”

Tan Shiyi looked uneasy. She wasn’t good at lying, especially in such an awkward situation.

Tang Ling: “Forget it, I’ll say it.”

Soon, the car passed Qihai Road, the busiest street nearby, full of cars and crowds.

Tang Ling: “Ah Tong, please stop. Shiyi needs to use the restroom.”

Ah Tong: “…”

If this had been Tang Ling making such a ridiculous request, Ah Tong would’ve scolded her by now. But since it was Tan Shiyi, she exercised extra patience.

She pulled the car over. “There should be a public restroom in the Xinhe Mall. Go find it, we’ll wait.”

Tang Ling opened the door.

Ah Tong frowned. “Why are you following her?”

Tang Ling: “I’m worried she won’t find the way.”

Ah Tong: “…”

She gritted her teeth. “Hurry and come back.”

Tang Ling and Tan Shiyi exchanged a glance and silently got out.

Leaning closer to Tan Shiyi, Tang Ling whispered, “The third gate is on the opposite side, far from here. Let’s go out that way—she won’t expect us to run.”

Tan Shiyi nodded.

They entered the mall, pretending to be calm. The moment they were inside, Tang Ling took Tan Shiyi’s hand. “Run.”

Tan Shiyi froze for a moment but instinctively followed Tang Ling.

She let herself be led, weaving through the bustling crowd.

Inside, the mall was chaotic—announcements blaring, shopkeepers calling out, children laughing—but all Tan Shiyi could hear was their footsteps.

It felt as if the world had shrunk to just the two of them.

They burst out of the third gate, hands still tightly clasped.

Tang Ling took a deep breath. “Tired?”

Tan Shiyi looked at the sweat forming on Tang Ling’s forehead and shook her head instinctively. “Not really.”

Tang Ling nodded. “Good. Let’s get a taxi.”

Ah Tong waited for twenty minutes, but still no one emerged. Frowning, she called Tang Ling.

But Tang Ling’s phone was already turned off.

After several unsuccessful attempts, Ah Tong finally realized what had happened. She hurried out of the car, but by then Tang Ling and Tan Shiyi were nowhere to be found.

On the other side, the two had successfully arrived at the Camellia Hotel.

The Camellia Hotel was known for its strict privacy policies and exclusive services available only to high-tier members. In Tang Ling’s memory, the original owner had often visited for gatherings and outings, yet had never been exposed.

After checking in at the front desk, they were about to head upstairs.

Tang Ling gave Tan Shiyi a heads-up: “Shiyi, today I have to find out exactly what she’s up to. I might say things to provoke her. If anything offends you, don’t take it personally.”

Tan Shiyi nodded. “I understand.”

After a pause, she blushed and lowered her head. “Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I’m here with you.”

Tang Ling was momentarily stunned. “Shiyi, you.”

Tan Shiyi turned her face aside. “Let’s focus on Pu Xiaoyu first. Everything else can wait.”

Inside Tang Ling’s mind, Xiao Nan screamed in excitement: “Ahhhh!!! Oh my god, look at what I’m shipping right now!!!”

Tang Ling: “Can you calm down?”

Tears of passion streamed from Xiao Nan: “Waaah, host, how can you be so calm? You finally got Shiyi! How can you not scream at a moment like this?”

Tang Ling did want to scream, too, but for now, the priority was dealing with Pu Xiaoyu.

“Xiao Nan, from now on, resume real-time updates on Scummy alpha value. Let’s finish this quickly—efficiently and pleasantly.”

Xiao Nan nodded frantically. “Efficiently and pleasantly!”

Room 9403.

Pu Xiaoyu, dressed in a bathrobe, had ordered herself a freshly brewed coffee from the front desk.

In the past, she loved grinding coffee beans by hand. The coffee tasted richer, and the slow, mindful ritual brought her a sense of quiet and peace.

She had been content with this life—until she received the Beidou Star Training Program assignment and met Tan Shiyi and Tang Ling.

Soon, she began having strange dreams. In them, she was the true heiress of the Tang family, cherished by Mr. and Mrs. Tang and enjoying endless fame and glory.

In the dream, she and Tan Shiyi were a devoted couple, while Tang Ling was merely a pawn trying to interfere, with a tragic end barely worth mentioning.

At first, she thought they were ordinary dreams. But the dreams persisted, growing ever more vivid and detailed.

Gradually, she grew addicted to the tenderness she shared with Tan Shiyi in the dream, and to the ease and charm she commanded in the social spotlight.

She began doubting reality itself. Secretly, she collected strands of Tang Ling’s hair from the dorm and hired a private detective to obtain DNA samples from Mr. and Mrs. Tang. The results confirmed her dream—Tang Ling was not truly a Tang child. She was.

This meant that the life in her dreams was the one she was truly entitled to.

She consciously began dropping hints to Tan Shiyi.

She assumed Tan Shiyi would, as in her dream, be gentle and obedient, soon falling in love with her.

But to her surprise, Tan Shiyi remained utterly uninterested, her gaze fixed solely on Tang Ling.

This only fueled Pu Xiaoyu’s desire to conquer, making her even more determined to win Tan Shiyi over and subdue her rebellious heart.

First, she had to destroy Tang Ling.

Her plan was simple and ruthless: during Tang Ling’s birthday party, she would ruthlessly expose Tang Ling’s true identity, shattering her world.

With Tang Ling’s temperament, the shock would be unbearable. She might spiral into self-destruction, drowning her sorrows in alcohol. At that point, Pu Xiaoyu could easily manipulate her into disgrace, ruining her reputation.

Then, perhaps, Tan Shiyi would finally stop clinging to Tang Ling and turn her attention toward Pu Xiaoyu.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.

Pu Xiaoyu leisurely sipped her coffee, elegantly wiped her lips with a napkin, and then walked to the door.

“Who is it?”

Tan Shiyi’s voice came from outside: “It’s me, Miss Pu.”

Pu Xiaoyu curved her lips. Tan Shiyi had come after all. Once here, what happened next would no longer be under her control.

She chuckled lightly and opened the door, only for her smile to freeze the next instant.

“Tang Ling?”

Tang Ling shielded Tan Shiyi behind her, preventing Pu Xiaoyu from approaching. “Miss Pu, it’s been a few days. How have you been?”

Pu Xiaoyu sneered, her eyes fixed on Tan Shiyi. “Shiyi, you didn’t tell me in advance that Tang Ling would come too.”

“Was that even necessary?” Tang Ling replied, assessing her from head to toe. “You know we’re always together. But Miss Pu, as an Alpha and our former mentor, ignoring the show’s rules to invite Shiyi alone to a place like this seems inappropriate, doesn’t it?”Pu Xiaoyu shot her a sidelong glance, stepping aside. “Since you’re here, don’t just stand at the door—come in.”

Tang Ling and Tan Shiyi exchanged a glance, their hands brushing. Tang Ling didn’t hesitate and took her hand.

Pu Xiaoyu snorted derisively through her nose, adjusting the partially open collar of her bathrobe. “I’ll go change.”

As Pu Xiaoyu went into the inner room, Tang Ling muttered under her breath, “Shameless, good thing you didn’t come alone.”

Tan Shiyi, sensing the shift in Tang Ling’s pheromones, tugged her hand. “Don’t be mad. I’m here with you, remember?”

Tang Ling held her tighter. “I’m not mad, just a little scared.”

Tan Shiyi lowered her head. “Afraid? Don’t be silly. I still have a bit of self-preservation.”

Tang Ling frowned. “People like that deserve to be exposed. What a hypocrite.”

The hotel’s soundproofing was decent, but with only a wall separating Tang Ling and Pu Xiaoyu—and no intention to be discreet—Pu Xiaoyu had overheard almost everything.

She swallowed her anger, changed her clothes, and opened the door with a scowl. “Oh? Planning to expose me? What exactly do you want to expose?”

Tang Ling gave a half-smile, eyes cold. “I wouldn’t dare expose you, Miss Pu. Aren’t you the one planning to expose me?”

Pu Xiaoyu stared at Tang Ling for a few seconds before turning to the drawer and pulling out a file containing the paternity test results, tossing it onto the table. “It seems Shiyi has already told you. I see no need to hold back. So, Tang Ling, what right do you have to stand here and confront me?”

Tang Ling picked up the file, exchanged a glance with Tan Shiyi, untied the cord, and removed the documents inside.

Pu Xiaoyu crossed her arms and said coldly, “It’s all in black and white. There’s no mistake. Accept it.”

Tang Ling knew perfectly well there was no mistake; she had never doubted the authenticity of the documents. She feigned calm as she skimmed through the papers. “So what? I’m not my parents’ biological daughter—then what?”

Pu Xiaoyu froze. “Then what?”

Tang Ling leaned back. “Let’s say this file is real. So what? I grew up loved by my parents. I enjoyed all the privileges my family offered. I was the first to debut in Beidou Star. I’m the one Shiyi recognizes. Even if you’re my parents’ biological daughter, so what?”

Pu Xiaoyu hadn’t expected Tang Ling to be so shameless. Gritting her teeth, she said through clenched jaws, “Yes, all that belonged to you, but it’s about to change hands.”

“You decide?” Tang Ling pulled Tan Shiyi closer. “Why don’t we ask Shiyi? Does she choose you—or me?”

Pu Xiaoyu took a deep breath and forced a grim smile. “Shiyi, why are you so stubborn? Tang Ling isn’t worth it. Do you know what she says about you behind your back? She strips you of every bit of dignity. You love someone like that?”

Tang Ling felt Tan Shiyi tremble slightly in her arms. Sensing victory was within reach, she grabbed the lead. Playfully, almost mischievously, she said, “What did I say? Shiyi likes me just the way I am. She’d rather give herself to me than choose you. Miss Pu, you probably can’t imagine—when Shiyi and I are together, we’re really open and bold. We barely have time for each other, let alone worry about your feelings.”

She had already planned this on the way over. Pu Xiaoyu would definitely bring up her past, so Tang Ling had prepped Shiyi in advance. These words could come from her—but never from Pu Xiaoyu.

As expected, Pu Xiaoyu flew into a rage. “Shiyi, you heard that? You love someone like that?”

Tang Ling waved her hand lazily. “She does. Everyone has their own tastes. One willing, one accepting. Stop making it hard for her. Miss Pu, I advise you to stop trying to break us up. Shiyi’s already pregnant. Take care of the expectant mother’s feelings and earn some merit for yourself.”

No sooner had she spoken than a voice rang in her mind. “Host, well done! You’ve successfully increased your Scummy Alpha points by two! Keep going!”

Tan Shiyi blushed, squeezing Tang Ling’s fingers.

Tang Ling chuckled. “Sorry, Miss Pu. My wife’s throwing a little tantrum.”

Pu Xiaoyu fumed, unable to respond, only staring at her.

The voice continued, jubilant: “Congratulations, Host! You’ve gained another two Scummy Alpha points! Only four left! Go, go! You’re the best!”

Pu Xiaoyu picked up her coffee, sipping to steady herself, then smiled. “Alright, Tang Ling. Seems you truly fear nothing. Fine—we have nothing more to say. See you at the birthday party.”

She pulled a voice recorder from her pocket. “Shiyi’s pregnant, right? Good, congratulations. I believe Beidou Star has a no-dating rule, correct? If this gets out, what will happen to you two?”

Tang Ling rolled her eyes. “Expose away, Miss Pu. Why do you love exposing things so much? You have proof that Shiyi is pregnant?”

Pu Xiaoyu froze. “What do you mean?”

Tang Ling pulled out her phone. “You think only you can record? Sorry, Miss Pu. I was just provoking you. I do like Shiyi, but we’re not dating, and she’s definitely not pregnant. I just can’t stand you threatening her with my family background. Expose us if you want—I’ll show everyone the full story. Let’s see who the public supports.”

Pu Xiaoyu’s face darkened as she pointed to the door. “So, you were putting on a show for me? Fine! Get out! Right now!”

A voice in Tang Ling’s mind urged: “Host! Only four Scummy Alpha points left! Deliver the finishing blow!”

Tang Ling had already decided. Smiling, she said, “So what if it’s a show? Beidou Star may have a no-dating rule—but there’s no ban on kissing, right?”

Before Tan Shiyi could react, Tang Ling leaned down and kissed her lips.

Tan Shiyi blinked in shock, staring at Tang Ling in disbelief.

Tang Ling smiled. “Jealous, huh? Miss Pu, the one who should accept reality is you. Shiyi will never like you, so stop dreaming.”

The voice in Tang Ling’s mind erupted: “Host! Well done! Your Scummy Alpha points are maxed! Ears and Eyes Open Bonus incoming!!! Ahhh!!!”

In that instant, Tang Ling felt a subtle shift in her mind. She looked at Tan Shiyi.

Previously, Shiyi had been just a vague symbol in her mind. Now, her contours were startlingly clear: her fair face, rosy cheeks, fluttering lashes, the mole at her eye’s corner, her high nose bridge, slightly parted lips, and her clear, confused gaze—all so unique, unforgettable.

Tang Ling stared, heart beating faster.

Shiyi, embarrassed by Tang Ling’s direct gaze, pushed her lightly. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

Tang Ling, tongue-tied for once, stammered, “I, Shiya.”

Pu Xiaoyu, fed up, snapped, “Out! Don’t make me call security!”

Tang Ling tugged Shiyi’s hand. “Let’s go.”

She turned back to warn: “Miss Pu, I advise caution. You can seek revenge on me, but don’t harm others. If I find out you’ve done anything to my parents, I won’t forgive you.”

Pu Xiaoyu slammed the door, leaving nothing in sight, nothing in mind.

The two exhaled deeply in the hallway.

“You okay? Your pheromones changed a lot just now.”

“I’m fine. Probably near heat, but I feel okay.” Tang Ling looked at Shiyi, unable to look away. “Shiyi, you’re so beautiful.”

Shiyi blushed. “Stop saying silly things. What should we do now? Go back to the training camp?”

Tang Ling thought for a moment. “Let’s go apologize to Ah Tong first. Explain everything. She’ll help us handle it.”