After Being Bound to the Scummy Alpha System, I Became Famous Thanks to My Face Blindness - Chapter 9

That night, Fu Xin took the initiative to visit Tang Ling’s dorm room to ask for dance lessons.

She stood at the door, back slightly hunched, head lowered shyly as her eyes darted around nervously.

Even though she was a Beta and couldn’t sense Alpha pheromones, she still felt a peculiar heat and tension in the air of this dorm building—a kind of heady energy that made her both anxious and bashful.

Inside, Tang Ling was changing clothes. Jiang Manli leaned in close and whispered gleefully, her tone full of mischief.

“Not bad, Ling-jie. Your harem’s expanding fast. Tan Shiyi, Xia Yutong, Ying Kener, and now Fu Xin—eight people in the group, and you’ve already charmed half of them. Respect!”

Normally, Tang Ling would’ve rolled her eyes and muttered what the hell, but tonight, she almost hoped Jiang Manli would speak louder—so that Fu Xin could hear what a scummy Alpha she supposedly was.

But Jiang Manli was too tactful for that. She just smirked. “Anyway, good luck, girl. Hope you win your beauty over soon.”

Tang Ling wanted to throttle her. Please, for the love of god, shut up. She slung her bag over her shoulder and hurried out.

The two walked down the tree-lined path toward the practice hall.

Fu Xin spoke hesitantly. “Tang Ling, I wore the perfume you gave me today, but it feels a bit too—um—bold and sexy. I’m a little embarrassed.”

“I think it suits you. Be confident—you’re a wonderful girl.”

‘Detected: Host’s Scummy Alpha Value decreased by 2 points.’

Tang Ling: “…”

I knew this would happen.

Fu Xin continued chatting softly, “The weather’s really nice tonight. The breeze feels so good—it’s been a long time since I felt this relaxed.”

She smiled, then sighed. “I really admire you and Shiyi. Your performance of ‘Peach Blossoms Crease’ was incredible. If it was me, I could never dance that beautifully.”

“You know, I’m from a small agency. They don’t expect much from me—I was just here to get some exposure before I inevitably got eliminated. But after meeting you, I feel hopeful again.”

When Fu Xin didn’t get a reply, she turned in confusion. “Tang Ling? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Tang Ling panicked inwardly. How could I dare say anything? She rasped deliberately, “Sorry, my throat’s been sore these past couple of days. It hurts when I talk too much.”

Fu Xin’s face filled with guilt. “Oh no, I didn’t realize you weren’t feeling well. I’m so sorry. You’re really kind—still coming out with me even when you’re sick.”

‘Detected: Host’s Scummy Alpha Value decreased by 3 more points! Host, pull yourself together! You only have 50 Scummy Alpha Points left!’

Tang Ling: “…”

She wanted to cry. What can I possibly do?

Finally, they reached the practice building. Even from afar, several rooms on the upper floors were brightly lit.

The trainees of Beidou Star Training Program were notoriously hardworking—some even slept in the practice rooms to train late into the night.

The Wildfire sub-team’s practice room was one of those still glowing.

“Guess who’s in there?” Fu Xin asked.

Tang Ling thought, Anyone but Tan Shiyi, please. “Let’s go find out.”

Fu Xin pushed open the door—interrupting the girl inside mid-move.

The girl, surprised to see anyone at this hour, had taken off her training jacket and was only wearing a fitted sports tank top. Her long hair was tied up in a loose high ponytail, giving her a radiant, energetic look.

She froze for a second, then nodded politely. “Tang Ling. Fu Xin.”

Fu Xin’s eyes widened in admiration. “No wonder people say what’s scary isn’t someone more talented than you, but someone more talented and more hardworking. Shiyi, you’re already amazing, and you’re still practicing overtime every night. I really admire you.”

Tang Ling: “…”

Of course. Just my luck.

Tan Shiyi smiled faintly and glanced at Tang Ling, seemingly by accident, as she picked up her discarded practice jacket.

Under the bright light, her black sports top made her fair skin look even paler—almost luminous. There was a hint of sensuality in the contrast. She wasn’t tall, but her proportions were perfect. Her frame was slender yet firm, with just a touch of softness in her arms that somehow made her even more alluring.

Unbidden, images Tang Ling shouldn’t be thinking about flashed through her mind. She quickly looked away.

“You two came to practice?” Tan Shiyi asked.

“Yeah,” Fu Xin said. “You weren’t around this afternoon, and I couldn’t get that side wave right. Tang Ling helped me a lot, so I officially made her my teacher.”

She smiled sheepishly.

“I see,” Tan Shiyi said, her gaze lingering on Tang Ling for a long moment.

Tang Ling felt a chill run down her spine. “Just lending a hand.”

“Well, since you’re both here, I guess I’ve hit the jackpot tonight.”

Tang Ling immediately grew nervous. The last thing she needed was Fu Xin blurting out something awkward. “Uh, right, shall we start?”

“Let’s.” Tan Shiyi rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll check your movement precision.”

“I’ll go first,” Fu Xin volunteered. “I need more guidance anyway.”

With Tan Shiyi present, there was nothing for Tang Ling to add. Tan Shiyi clapped along to the beat, pointing out Fu Xin’s mistakes and demonstrating corrections over and over—patiently, precisely.

Tang Ling sat to the side, pretending to watch, though her mind was elsewhere.

Her eyes landed on a stack of papers on the desk. She picked one up—it was a costume design sketch.

Although the second stage performance was supposedly self-produced—from song to choreography to costumes—in truth, most teams only provided general concepts, leaving the actual execution to professional designers.

But Tan Shiyi was different. The arrangement of the song was something she’d come up with alongside her vocal coach, and the choreography had been pieced together by her alone—painstakingly refined from several dances of a similar style. Now, even the costume design sketches for each member had all been drawn by her own hand.

Tang Ling found the sheet with her name written neatly in delicate handwriting. Beside it was careful notes of her height, weight, and measurements.

The outfit Tan Shiyi had designed for her featured a Klein blue cropped denim vest layered over a loose white T-shirt with embedded metal chains. The bottoms were black-and-white checkered shorts—altogether a street-style look that fit the song’s vibe perfectly.

Even though she was the “author-designated heroine,” perfection wasn’t guaranteed. One could tell Tan Shiyi’s drawing skills were still somewhat raw, with clear traces of erasure and correction across the lines. Yet, despite her inexperience, every detail was handled meticulously—fabric types, colors, sleeve lengths, skirt hems—all carefully annotated.

Tan Shiyi sat down beside Tang Ling. “Did you take a look?”

Tang Ling nodded. “I did. The outfit you designed for me is really pretty. I love it.”

“I thought it would suit you,” Tan Shiyi said, picking up another sheet. “But I still haven’t figured out the designs for He Junnian and Ying Kener. My inspiration ran dry.”

Up close, it wasn’t hard to notice the faint shadows under her eyes—proof that she hadn’t rested properly in days.

Tang Ling hesitated before saying, “You don’t have to push yourself so hard. We can talk things through and solve them together.”

“I’m used to it.” Tan Shiyi stretched her back a little, then turned her gaze toward Tang Ling. “Do you think I’m trying to steal the spotlight?”

Tang Ling blinked, startled. “Of course not.”

“I’ve been told that before.” Tan Shiyi smiled faintly, the curve of her lips tinged with weariness. “Maybe I really am a bit full of myself.”

“No, I know you’re just trying your best to help everyone focus on training without extra worries.” Looking at the petite girl in front of her, Tang Ling’s tone unconsciously softened. “Let’s design the rest of the costumes together.”

“I’ll join too!” Fu Xin chimed in, wiping sweat from her neck with a towel. “Don’t be fooled by my weak dancing—I’m actually good at art! My childhood dream was to become a fashion designer!”

Time slipped quietly by. The three girls huddled together, sketching and discussing ideas until one in the morning. At last, every outfit design was complete.

Fu Xin yawned and glanced at the clock. “Wow, it’s so late already. We’ve been training so hard lately—I haven’t stayed up this late in ages!”

“It’s really late. I’ll walk you two back,” Tang Ling offered.

Fu Xin shook her head, embarrassed. “No need. You already came to help me practice tonight, and you’re not feeling well yourself. Go rest early.”

Tan Shiyi kept it short. “Me neither.”

Even better, Tang Ling thought—less chance of saying something dumb and losing more ‘scummy Alpha points.’ “Alright then, everyone back to their own dorms.”

At the intersection, Fu Xin waved goodbye and jogged toward the dorm building—she was actually a little afraid of the dark.

Just as Tang Ling turned to leave, she heard Tan Shiyi call out behind her.

“Tang Ling.”

She turned around.

The night was silent; moonlight spilled like silver silk.

Under the tranquil glow, the girl’s delicate features looked even more pure and striking.

“What is it?”

“Fu Xin said you’re sick?”

Tang Ling scratched her head, embarrassed. “It’s nothing serious—my throat’s just a bit sore.”

“I see.” Tan Shiyi nodded. “Then get some rest, and drink plenty of water.”

Just one word less than the infamous “drink more hot water,” yet somehow the concern felt even more perfunctory. Still, Tang Ling was thrilled.

Up to now, her interactions with Tan Shiyi had been strictly professional—but now Tan Shiyi was actually showing concern for her health!

Did this mean Tan Shiyi didn’t hate her that much anymore? Maybe she wouldn’t have to go out and “pick up trash” to earn points again?

“Okay! I’ll make sure to drink lots of water!”

Tan Shiyi waved at her. “Goodnight.”

That simple wave felt to Tang Ling like an imperial decree of pardon—her heart instantly lightened.

She walked back to the dorm humming under her breath, steps buoyant.

To her surprise, Jiang Manli was still awake. The moment Tang Ling stepped inside, she was greeted by an onslaught of “concern.”

“Ling-jie! Why are you only getting back now? Do you know how chaotic everything’s been while you were gone?” Jiang Manli exclaimed dramatically. “You’ve been dragged into a scandal by your little side fling!”

“W-wait, what side fling?” Sometimes Jiang Manli’s phrasing really made Tang Ling want to smack her twice.

“Ying Kener, of course! The new episode aired today—people online are saying you bullied and isolated her! Hurry, check it yourself!”