Becoming the Comfort Alpha for the Aloof Movie Queen - Chapter 15

The Scent of Ming Tanqing’s Pheromones

After returning home, Liang Ruojing practiced the abandoned factory scene alone in the living room several more times.

With Ming Tanqing’s previous guidance, she found herself able to empathize with the character more deeply. Emotions that had felt elusive before were now clear and easy to grasp. However, this newfound ease didn’t bring relief; instead, it increased Liang Ruojing’s pressure.

Because of this profound immersion, she felt a resolute determination: she had to play this role.

Tang Yuecen drove Liang Ruojing to the set.

Morning traffic in Beijing was, as always, congested. Liang Ruojing held her phone, focused on a video.

Having waited so long for the audition day to finally arrive, Tang Yuecen’s state of mind was no better than Liang Ruojing’s. She was nervous too. It wasn’t a lack of confidence in her artist, but rather the reality of the situation.

Who was Lin Xiuzhu? A top-tier director who had just brought home a trophy from an international film festival. With this being her first time directing a TV series, it was obvious the promotion would be massive. If Liang Ruojing could squeeze into the cast—especially as the sole female lead—a comeback was within reach, and there was a high probability her career status would elevate instantly.

Tang Yuecen was afraid. She feared that if Liang Ruojing wasn’t chosen, she would be devastated, and others would take the opportunity to kick her while she was down.

Noticing Liang Ruojing’s intense focus on her phone, Tang Yuecen leaned over, curious. To her surprise, Liang Ruojing wasn’t watching a movie; she was watching a fan-edited video.

On the screen, Ming Tanqing was dressed in ancient costume. A black robe outlined her slender, elegant figure. Though she wore no ornaments, she possessed an undeniable aura. A few streaks of blood had been applied to her face as makeup, yet rather than looking disheveled, she appeared tragically beautiful, framed by her inherent grace.

Tang Yuecen knew this video. Two years ago, Ming Tanqing’s office announced her withdrawal from the production of Palace Lyrics. Fans were heartbroken and had used various leaked footage and movie clips to edit a “Ming Tanqing Version of Palace Lyrics.” The video had surpassed a hundred million views across the web.

Tang Yuecen didn’t understand why Liang Ruojing was watching this now. She assumed the girl was just missing her idol and looking for strength.

“The Empress Ming’s fan base is certainly loyal,” Tang Yuecen commented. “A canceled project still gets this much attention. I still don’t understand why she dropped out back then after filming so much.”

Liang Ruojing closed the video and looked straight ahead. “There might have been a reason she had no choice but to leave. She probably felt bad about it, too.”

“Huh?” Tang Yuecen laughed at the remark. “That’s Ming Tanqing. If she loses one project, she’ll get an even better one. It’s not like us—if you don’t get picked today, I guarantee I’ll cry harder than her fans did back then!”

Liang Ruojing didn’t reply, turning her head toward the car window.

It was a cloudy day with no sun. The lead-gray sky hung over the earth, casting an inexplicably low mood. Liang Ruojing unconsciously touched the gland at the back of her neck. Perhaps affected by the atmospheric pressure, her gland felt uncomfortable—a bit sore and swollen.

The Audition Venue

Upon arriving at the audition site, Tang Yuecen collected a numbered tag and hurriedly led Liang Ruojing to the waiting room. The thin wooden door couldn’t block the sound of discussions coming from inside.

Tang Yuecen had drawn number 24. This role was indeed highly competitive. It seemed that every age-appropriate female star not currently on a set had shown up.

Liang Ruojing took a deep breath and opened the door.

The chatter inside died down for a brief second before erupting into even more chaotic whispers.

“Liang Ruojing is here too?! Doesn’t she have a new drama to promote?”

“That’s already finished filming, it won’t interfere. I heard she went to Ke Qing’s birthday party last week and managed to strike up a conversation with Director Lin.”

“Hehe, that’s not the version I heard. I heard she was so desperate she drank until she vomited blood…”

Hearing this, Tang Yuecen grew even more uneasy. They say “the tall poppy gets the wind,” but when you’re struggling, the rumors are even worse.

Liang Ruojing silently rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore them. She had more important things to do.

Suddenly, a clear, sweet voice rang out through the crowd. “If it’s just ‘something you heard,’ then don’t make a fool of yourself here.”

The crowd parted. From a distance, Liang Ruojing saw someone in a tight black dress walking toward her. The person had sweet features and vivid, almond-shaped eyes—polished to perfection from head to toe.

It was Ren Wanying, the Omega female lead from Liang Ruojing’s last supporting role. Their “CP” (couple pairing) was currently a hot topic online.

Ren Wanying stepped out of the crowd, glancing disdainfully at the gossipers. “Just because someone has a good temper doesn’t mean she’s a pushover. When Xiao Jing won Best Actress, some people couldn’t even get an invite to the awards ceremony.”

Stung, one of the gossipers stood up to retort but was held back by a companion. “Forget it, that’s Ren Wanying.”

Liang Ruojing lowered her eyelashes. The entertainment industry was murky, but the rules were sometimes simple: if you’re popular, people listen. If you’re not, you get stepped on.

“Attorney Liang!”

Ren Wanying had a lively, affectionate personality. The moment she made eye contact with Liang Ruojing, she broke into a radiant smile and jogged over, naturally leaning against her.

“Hello, Teacher Ren.” Liang Ruojing stepped slightly to the side. Since Ren Wanying had debuted several years before her, calling her “Teacher” was standard etiquette.

“I told you, just call me Wanwan!” Ren Wanying made a show of being annoyed before beaming again, complimenting her: “Your outfit today is so handsome! A total dream Alpha!”

To audition for the young prosecutor Han Jiahe, Liang Ruojing had specifically chosen a black suit that closely resembled a prosecutor’s uniform, paired with a V-neck white shirt. She looked remarkably like the Han Jiahe described in the script.

Liang Ruojing’s natural aura was somewhat wild and unrestrained. When she was framed by a formal uniform, the sharp contrast was captivating. It made people want to be arrested by her—or better yet, strip her out of that uniform. Much of her popularity from her previous lawyer role stemmed from this unique chemistry with formal wear.

“Seriously, drop-dead handsome,” Ren Wanying praised incessantly as she led Liang Ruojing to where she had been sitting.

Ren Wanying’s number was early: 9. Her seat was well-chosen, directly facing the audition room. She could observe the reactions and states of everyone entering and leaving.

Since their drama was still in its promotion phase, Liang Ruojing didn’t refuse the seat. After sitting down, she asked, “Wan… Wanying, why are you here? Are you auditioning for Han Jiahe?”

Ren Wanying’s appearance was too different from the silent, brooding Han Jiahe; she was a “sweet girl” type whose strength lay in modern idols.

She knew this herself and smiled. “I’m just here to gain some experience. I already have another drama lined up.” She turned the question back: “What about you, Xiao Jing? I haven’t heard from you in a while.”

Liang Ruojing paused, unsure how to answer. She hadn’t given herself a backup plan. Tang Yuecen had given her many scripts to look over, but although she had agreed to, she hadn’t touched a single one.

She had to have this role.

Seeing this, Ren Wanying gave an understanding smile. “Good luck.”

As the scheduled audition time approached, the room was filled with anxious waiting. Suddenly, a staff member stepped out of the audition room and tapped on the doorframe. The noisy waiting area fell silent instantly.

“The audition is starting now. Number 1, please come and sign in.”

The door opened for only a moment before closing again.

Ren Wanying peered curiously. “I wonder who’s in there? Director Lin must be there, but who else? I want to know who’s playing Sun Ying. I heard she’s already been cast.”

Liang Ruojing spoke in a daze. “Ming Tanqing.”

“Who?!”

Despite the noise in the room, Ren Wanying heard Liang Ruojing’s whispered words clearly. “Ming Tanqing?!”

“That shouldn’t be possible… she’s such a big star.” Ren Wanying came from an acting family and viewed the name Ming Tanqing with the same awe a child might have for a legendary figure. She couldn’t help but sigh. “If Ming Tanqing is playing Sun Ying, who could possibly play Han Jiahe and hold their own against her?”

Liang Ruojing snapped back to reality and shook her head. “No.”

“She’s not playing Sun Ying. She’s just… in there.”

“In the audition room?” Ren Wanying looked over. “Really?”

“That seems even more unlikely…” Ren Wanying pressed, “Xiao Jing, how do you know?” She had been sitting closer and hadn’t seen anyone!

Liang Ruojing broke into a nervous sweat. “I guessed.”

She couldn’t exactly say that in the few seconds the door was open, she had smelled Ming Tanqing’s pheromones.

As they talked, the first person’s audition ended. The door opened again. Liang Ruojing smelled the familiar scent of lilies once more. Perhaps because the surrounding pheromones were too chaotic, her gland continued to feel uncomfortable. She reached up to press her suppression patch more firmly.

This time, Ren Wanying saw the people inside. She excitedly patted Liang Ruojing’s arm.

“Xiao Jing! You were right! She really is in there!”

Liang Ruojing looked up and happened to lock eyes with Ming Tanqing inside the room.