After Being Bound to the Scummy Alpha System, I Became Famous Thanks to My Face Blindness - Chapter 64

Hotel, the night of the birthday banquet.

Under Mother Tang’s insistence, Tang Ling and Tan Shiyi both appeared in matching white, custom-made luxury evening gowns. Under the bright spotlights of the hotel ballroom, the fabric shimmered with a soft glow, drawing every eye in the room.

Tan Shiyi’s cheeks burned. “Auntie, I really don’t think I should wear this. It’s Tang Ling’s birthday party—me dressing like this feels inappropriate.”

Mother Tang waved her hand, delighted. “What’s inappropriate? You two look like angels—so beautiful and pleasing to the eye. I had these gowns specially made for you both. No objections—you must wear them!”

Tan Shiyi glanced helplessly at Tang Ling, unsure what to do.

Tang Ling, too, couldn’t take her eyes off Tan Shiyi. Dressed in pristine white, she looked ethereal—impossibly elegant, a beauty Tang Ling could never get enough of. “My mom went through a lot of trouble to prepare these. Just wear it.

There’s nothing to feel awkward about.”

Mother Tang nodded approvingly. “Exactly! Nothing to be shy about. Tonight, you two are the stars of the show. I’ll go check if the guests have arrived—you can make your entrance later.”

As soon as Mother Tang left, Tan Shiyi sighed softly, looking troubled. “It’s your birthday, yet somehow I’ve become the main character too.”

Tang Ling had never heard her complain before and couldn’t help but laugh. “My mom likes you. If she says you’re the main character, just go along with it.”

Tang Ling knew her mother too well. This wasn’t just about aesthetics— Mother Tang had done it on purpose. After what Pu Xiaoyu had done, threatening Tan Shiyi under Tang Ling’s name, Mother Tang had been furious. These matching gowns were her way of making a statement: in the Tang family’s eyes, Tan Shiyi stood on equal footing with Tang Ling—both daughters of the house, equally cherished.

Still, couple’s outfits were far too eye-catching. Given the grandeur of tonight’s banquet, wearing them was practically a public declaration of their relationship. Tang Ling couldn’t help but wonder if Tan Shiyi minded that.

Tan Shiyi stood before the mirror, lost in thought. She recalled the conversation between Mother Tang and Father Tang yesterday—Ah Tong should have already reached out to Pu Xiaoyu, but it didn’t seem fully resolved yet.

Would Pu Xiaoyu come tonight? And if she did, what would she do? After how badly Tang Ling had angered her last time, would she really let things go?

Seeing Tan Shiyi’s distant gaze, Tang Ling misunderstood, thinking she was reluctant to go public. Hesitantly, she said, “If you really don’t want to wear it, you can change. I’ll talk to my mom.”

“Hm?” Tan Shiyi blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. “No need. I already promised Auntie. As long as you don’t think I’m stealing your spotlight.”

“I thought you didn’t want to wear it.” Tang Ling scratched her head awkwardly. “Since they’re couple’s outfits, I was afraid you wouldn’t want people to know about us.”

Tan Shiyi flushed. “We’re not even a couple. You haven’t even officially confessed to me.”

“I know.” Tang Ling blushed too. “I just wanted to find the right moment to do it. It shouldn’t be rushed, you know?”

Looking at Tang Ling’s earnest, slightly flustered face, Tan Shiyi’s lips curved into a teasing smile. “Well, I won’t wait forever.”

That made Tang Ling panic. “Then I’ll confess right now, okay?”

Before she could say another word—

Bang! The door flew open.

Jiang Manli burst in, pink hair bouncing, grinning from ear to ear. “What’s this about ‘okay’? Come on, let your big sis hear it too!”

Tang Ling: “…”

Tan Shiyi: “…”

Neither had ever found her this annoying before.

Tang Ling dragged over a chair. “Why are you here so early?”

Jiang Manli plopped herself down with a dramatic sigh. “Ah, Ling-jie, you don’t know how tragic my life’s been—all thanks to you. Ever since you snagged a debut seat, my old man’s been on my case every day—‘Train harder! Study more!

Be like Tang Ling!’ I swear, you’ve ruined me. So tonight, you’d better make it up to me with some good food.”

After her mock complaints, her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Oh? Matching couple’s outfits, huh? Don’t tell me you two finally made it official. Because the last time you left my house, it sure didn’t look like this. What was it you said back then?—‘Don’t ask. It’s all my fault. She’ll never love me again.’”

Tang Ling lunged forward to cover her mouth. “When did I ever say that?”

“I’m serious! You should’ve seen your face back then, all miserable and heartbroken.”

“Jiang Manli, it’s my birthday! Can’t you say something nice for once?”

“Alright, alright, stop hitting me! Your girlfriend doesn’t like violent Alphas, you know.

After enduring a few minutes of Tang Ling’s “correctional measures,” Jiang Manli finally quieted down.

They chatted for a bit before she checked the time and got up. “It’s getting late. I’ll go grab something to eat.” She reached the door, then turned back with a wicked grin. “Weren’t you just about to confess? I’ll leave you to it.”

Tang Ling’s face darkened. “You heard that and still came in?”

Jiang Manli yelped and darted out of the room. “Help! Birthday girl’s going on a rampage—run for your lives!”

Tang Ling looked at Tan Shiyi with a helpless expression. “Shall we go too?”

Tan Shiyi could only sigh and lift the hem of her dress as she stood. “Alright.”

The banquet hall for the birthday celebration had been meticulously arranged by Tang Ling’s mother. Styled in a modern, light-luxury theme, the overall tone was fresh and elegant—refined without being ostentatious—perfect for a young woman of Tang Ling’s age.

The venue was already filled with guests—respected figures from various industries. Tang Ling greeted each of them politely, with Tan Shiyi accompanying her at her side.

At first, Tan Shiyi felt a little uneasy, but as she realized that no one seemed surprised by her presence, she gradually relaxed. A young composer even skipped over Tang Ling to engage directly with her in an enthusiastic discussion about musical ideas.

Before long, the two had unknowingly drifted apart in the crowd. When Tan Shiyi finished her conversation and looked up, her gaze met with Pu Xiaoyu’s.

It had only been a few days, but Pu Xiaoyu looked noticeably more gaunt, her cheeks sunken, though she still wore her signature gold-rimmed glasses that barely upheld her dignified aura.

Tan Shiyi gave her a brief nod and turned to leave.

Pu Xiaoyu smiled faintly. “Are you avoiding me that much?”

Tan Shiyi took a quiet breath. “Uncle and Aunt already know the truth about your background. They care about you deeply, so please don’t make things harder for Tang Ling anymore. You two are sisters—just try to get along.”

Pu Xiaoyu suddenly stepped closer, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. “Get along? How are we supposed to get along? They know the truth now, yet they still ignore me, act like I don’t exist! I’m the one who’s really their child, but all they ever see is Tang Ling!”

A sharp wave of pheromones surged toward Tan Shiyi, and she instinctively covered her nose. “Ms. Pu, I think you’re about to undergo a secondary differentiation.”

Pu Xiaoyu gave a bitter laugh. “Yes, I am. And today’s my birthday. Isn’t it perfectly fitting that I should have my secondary differentiation today?”

From a short distance away, Tang Ling had already noticed the commotion. She rushed over and pulled Tan Shiyi behind her protectively, lowering her voice. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Pu Xiaoyu stared at Tang Ling for several seconds before straightening up. “Nothing.”

She let out a soft, derisive laugh, as if mocking something only she understood, then turned and walked away.

Tang Ling and Tan Shiyi exchanged uneasy glances, both sensing something ominous.

On the stage, the host had appeared, giving a formal speech filled with birthday blessings before a large screen began to play a video montage of Tang Ling’s life.

The first half of the video featured childhood clips of the original Tang Ling, while the later part showed footage of Tang Ling herself—training, performing, and competing after joining Beidou Star.

Although Tang Ling often reviewed her own performances, seeing them projected on such a large screen in front of so many people made her feel rather self-conscious.

Others, however, were not shy at all—like Jiang Manli, who was now surrounded by a group of younger girls, basking in their admiration as she boasted about her time at the training camp.

Tang Ling: “…”

She was too embarrassed to go over and expose her.

When the video finally ended, the hall erupted in applause. The host smiled and called out, “Now, let’s invite our birthday girl, Tang Ling, to say a few words!”

Tang Ling froze—no one had told her she’d be expected to make a speech.

Encouraged by the crowd, she walked up to the stage, licked her lips nervously, and said, “Good evening, everyone—teachers, seniors, and friends. I’m truly honored that you all took time out of your busy schedules to celebrate my birthday with me. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such kindness and care. Please, everyone, make yourselves at home—eat, drink, enjoy yourselves. I wish you all happiness and a beautiful tomorrow.”

Her words were simple but sincere, drawing warm smiles and laughter from the guests.

Then, out of nowhere, a loud voice rang out from the crowd.

“What about the person whose life you stole? Does she also get to have a happy life and a beautiful tomorrow?”