Becoming the Comfort Alpha for the Aloof Movie Queen - Chapter 76

Kissing the Fingertips

A kiss placed by the lips.

Gong Ci (Palace Lyrics) remains an unavoidable peak in the history of Chinese cinema.

The director, Wen Qingjia, is a national treasure—a renowned elder of the film industry who once served as the president of the Film Association and founded multiple prestigious domestic film awards. As the crowning achievement of her later years, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Gong Ci swept every film festival at the time.

Relying on her role as the female lead, Yu Feng secured two Best Actress awards, leaping into the spotlight as a sought-after star. That same year, Ming Tanqing retired due to illness, vanishing completely from the silver screen. It was also Liang Ruojing’s first year entering the entertainment industry; she had emerged with her debut work, becoming the envy of many.

Since then, whenever Liang Ruojing scrolled past news of Gong Ci on social media, she would fantasize about a different timeline—one where Ming Tanqing hadn’t withdrawn or left the circle. Liang Ruojing imagined she would have witnessed Ming Tanqing contribute another classic role, and as a fan, she would have rewatched Gong Ci repeatedly.

She never imagined her own name could be linked to this film.

” Gong Ci 2!” Liang Ruojing admitted she felt utterly inexperienced. “Is Director Wen Qingjia personally directing the sequel?”

Ming Tanqing nodded. “It was decided before the New Year. The preliminary preparations are mostly done; all that’s left is the casting.”

Liang Ruojing immediately guessed that the group in the reception room earlier had been discussing Gong Ci 2.

“Sister Ming, what did you just say?” Liang Ruojing’s brain felt like a rusty gear that wouldn’t turn. “I… am suitable?”

Ming Tanqing kept her lashes lowered; the more serious her expression became, the more excited Liang Ruojing grew. “Your physical conditions are a match, though you might need to lose a little weight.”

Liang Ruojing blinked and asked cautiously, “Sister Ming, aren’t you acting in it?”

“Me?” Ming Tanqing smiled. “The roles in the sequel aren’t suitable for me. Elder Wen wants a resilient, upward-striving youth.”

As if sensing Liang Ruojing’s emotions, Ming Tanqing glanced sideways and spoke leisurely, “Don’t feel sorry for me. Elder Wen’s films are excellent, but they aren’t the only thing for me. What’s missed is missed.”

Despite those words, Liang Ruojing still felt a lingering regret.

Ming Tanqing didn’t want to dwell on the past. Her fingertip lightly tapped Liang Ruojing’s shoulder. “Alright, go take care of your own business. Get to know some more people. We’ll leave after dinner.”

Liang Ruojing caught the keyword “we.” After saying goodbye to Ming Tanqing, she returned to the cluster of young actors, her face radiant with joy.

By dinner, fewer people remained in the villa, enough to fit around one long table. Lu Chengwen had her personal chef prepare some home-cooked dishes. Liang Ruojing was lucky enough to sit directly across from Ming Tanqing.

It was a bit cold in the suburbs at night, but the heating was on inside the villa. Ming Tanqing, finding it too warm, had taken off her coat, revealing arms as smooth and white as lotus roots.

Liang Ruojing immediately looked around nervously for Yu Feng. Strangely, Yu Feng wasn’t there. According to Lu Chengwen, she wasn’t feeling well and was resting in a guest room.

Liang Ruojing remained on guard regardless, keeping one eye on her food and the other on sentry duty. Suddenly, her phone chimed.

Xiao Tan: Stop looking, it’s very off-putting.

Liang Ruojing: Pitiful face emoji

Unfortunately, even though Liang Ruojing stopped looking, Ming Tanqing didn’t eat much. Lu Zhao tried to serve her food, but was politely declined.

After dinner, Liang Ruojing went to the game room with the actors she knew. Lin Xiuzhu wasn’t around this time; she had been called away by Wan Tingran. It seemed the news of Wen Qingjia directing Gong Ci 2 had long since spread through the industry, and the directors were all discussing it.

Where is Sister Ming? Is she with them?

Thinking of this, Liang Ruojing casually threw a dart.

Bullseye.

A cheer erupted around her. Without realizing it, Liang Ruojing had attracted a crowd.

“A perfect hit!” “Oh no… why is she suddenly so cool?” “Alphas definitely have an advantage in these things.”

Amidst the discussion, Liang Ruojing heard a sweet, clear voice that still retained a hint of childhood. “I want to compete with you.”

Liang Ruojing turned in confusion. Lu Zhao stepped out from the crowd, arms crossed, staring at her.

“Sure,” Liang Ruojing agreed. She didn’t want to bully a kid; she planned to let her win a few rounds.

Lu Zhao pursed her lips, her expression visibly serious. She threw three darts in succession: 8, 9, and 10.

Liang Ruojing gave her a surprised look. She’s actually quite good.

Liang Ruojing threw hers: 10, 6, 10.

Liang Ruojing smiled. “I got distracted.”

She thought that would be the end of it, but Lu Zhao was persistent. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Again.”

They played two more rounds. Lu Zhao won the second, and the third was a draw.

Liang Ruojing said, “Two out of three, you win.”

However, there was no smile on Lu Zhao’s face. She glared fiercely at Liang Ruojing and ran out of the game room.

Liang Ruojing was baffled and asked Yu Youyou, “What happened?”

Yu Youyou didn’t know either. “Maybe you should go check on her? She seemed pretty angry.”

Eventually, Liang Ruojing found Lu Zhao on the steps by the backyard garden.

Peace is precious, peace is precious, Liang Ruojing chanted to herself before asking, “What’s wrong?”

“You look down on me,” Lu Zhao said. “You let me win. I can tell.”

Liang Ruojing admitted it, but added, “Except for the first round, I played seriously afterward. You’re very good.”

Lu Zhao shook her head. “I know that already.”

Liang Ruojing breathed a sigh of relief. She needed to head back; Sister Tanqing had said she would come find her. But before she could take more than a few steps, Lu Zhao’s voice came from behind.

“I saw you. You and Sister Tanqing.”

Sister Tanqing? Liang Ruojing turned around.

Lu Zhao stood by the garden edge. “I saw you and Sister Tanqing kissing at the stairwell.”

Liang Ruojing was scared out of her wits. Kissing? When did I kiss Sister Ming?

Then it occurred to her—it must have been when Ming Tanqing grabbed her tie. They had been very close. “You saw wrong.”

Lu Zhao ignored her and muttered, “I thought I would become an Alpha. That way, I could be with Sister Tanqing.”

Liang Ruojing felt dizzy. Why was Sister Ming even jealous of me? There are at least three people in this house I know of who like her!

“Omegas and Betas are just as good as Alphas,” Liang Ruojing started reciting from her middle school biology textbook. “There are only physical differences, no hierarchy between genders.”

Lu Zhao looked at her as if she were an idiot. “What are you talking about? Sister Tanqing is an Omega. My dad is a Beta.”

True…

As Lu Zhao was about to leave, Liang Ruojing stopped her. “Don’t tell anyone about me and Sister Ming.”

Lu Zhao didn’t respond and walked away. Liang Ruojing wasn’t worried. Since Lu Zhao liked Ming Tanqing, she would never expose an ambiguous relationship. Ming Tanqing’s status was too sensitive.

Liang Ruojing checked the time. She had only been out for five minutes; going back now shouldn’t be a problem.

At that moment, the night breeze stirred, carrying the intoxicating scent of lilies. Turning around, she saw Ming Tanqing appearing at the doorway, half of her body bathed in moonlight, looking as translucent and warm as fine porcelain.

“Liang Ruojing, do you even have to coax a newly differentiated Omega?”

Uh-oh.

Liang Ruojing walked up and lowered her head in front of Ming Tanqing, acting pitiful. “You clearly heard her. The one she likes is you.”

Ming Tanqing ignored her and walked inside.

“Sister Tanqing? Sister Ming? Sister Tanqing?”

Liang Ruojing followed with small steps, her mouth rambling, as if she wouldn’t stop until Ming Tanqing looked back. Ming Tanqing feigned anger.

Liang Ruojing took a deep breath and blurted out: “Sister Tanqing?”

The Omega stopped in her tracks. Ming Tanqing turned around, smiling slightly. “What did you just call me?”

Liang Ruojing repeated with a flushed face, “Sister, please don’t be angry.”

In her mind, she rebelliously thought: She’s such a vinegar jar (jealous).

Ming Tanqing turned her head away and smiled.

The two eventually stopped at the door of a room on the second floor. Before entering, Ming Tanqing warned her, “The less said, the better. We cannot reveal our relationship—even if someone guesses it.”

Liang Ruojing nodded.

The interior layout was similar to the game room on the first floor but much more spacious, with dark red carpets and a billiards table in the center. Only three or four people were playing while more sat on the sofas gossiping.

He Jing, Wan Tingran, Lin Xiuzhu, and Yu Feng were all there. Besides them, others were looking at Liang Ruojing.

Liang Ruojing felt a weight on her chest. Only now did she truly understand what Tang Yuecen meant by “the pressure of being with Ming Tanqing.”

He Jing struck up a conversation first. “Xiao Liang, it’s been a while. You’re in Xiuzhu’s play, right?”

Liang Ruojing’s tension eased slightly. “Yes, I’m joining the cast the day after tomorrow.”

Ming Tanqing sat back in her seat. “Ruojing and I are in the same cast. Once when I had a fever, she was the one who sent me to the hospital.”

Liang Ruojing understood; the relationship they could reveal remained that of senior and junior.

He Jing asked in surprise, “Tanqing, you’re playing Sun Ying?”

Ming Tanqing confirmed it. She reached out, her arm resting naturally on Liang Ruojing’s shoulder. “This is my female lead.”

Liang Ruojing felt her heart begin to race at those words. It was one thing for Lin Xiuzhu to say it, but another to experience it personally. The Ming Tanqing was helping her secure resources.

Liang Ruojing wasn’t nervous anymore. Being with Ming Tanqing, there was really nothing to be nervous about.

Several people’s gazes turned meaningful. Liang Ruojing suppressed the urge to kiss Ming Tanqing right then and there, instead playing the part of a well-behaved junior. “I wouldn’t dare take the credit; I’ve learned a lot acting with Sister Ming.”

After a round of socializing, Liang Ruojing’s fingers trembled as she checked her WeChat contacts. She took a screenshot and sent it to Tang Yuecen.

Tang: Did you steal Ming Tanqing’s phone?

Liang Ruojing: No, Sister Ming introduced me to her friends.

Tang: AHHHHHH nice, very nice!

Tang: So, do I still need to pick you up later?

Liang Ruojing: No need, I’m going back with Sister Ming.

Liang Ruojing put her phone away and joined the billiards game; she needed something to calm her restless heart. Yu Feng came over as well, picking up the last cue.

Liang Ruojing didn’t actually know how to play billiards. She had only played a few times with classmates in college. Her stance was cool, but she rarely potted any balls. Even though Yu Feng didn’t say a word, Liang Ruojing could feel her resentment.

Yu Feng aimed and sank almost every shot. Liang Ruojing ignored it, perfectly happy being a “noob.”

As she leaned down to strike the ball, a voice suddenly fell from above her: “Raise your arm higher.”

A hand reached through from behind her—the arm was slender, the fingers long with prominent knuckles, the skin so fair it revealed faint blue-purple veins. Being so close, Liang Ruojing caught her scent—a warm, soft lily fragrance. This scent instantly transported her back to many ambiguous nights.

She had caressed this hand, kissed it at her lips, and held it in her embrace.

Ming Tanqing leaned in, pressing against Liang Ruojing in a way that ignored social distancing. Chest to back, palm over palm. It looked like a lover’s embrace.

“Focus,” the Omega said. “Eyes on the ball. Not too much force. Keep the cue steady.”

Liang Ruojing’s heart, which had finally calmed, began to clamor again. She pushed the cue too hard, sending the white ball straight into the pocket.

Ming Tanqing leaned against the table and let out a soft laugh.

“I… I’m too nervous,” Liang Ruojing stammered.

“It’s okay,” Ming Tanqing tilted her head toward her. “I’ll teach you more later.”

What was Yu Feng’s expression like? Honestly, Liang Ruojing didn’t have the heart to care. She was the happiest person in the world! The happiest Alpha!

Liang Ruojing was already planning it out. Once they got back to Baiyu, she was going to do this and that to Sister Ming, and then tell her how happy she was today.

Her joyful fantasies were cut short by a single sentence.

“Tanqing, why don’t you stay here tonight?” Lu Chengwen offered. “It’s been so long, let’s chat some more.”

Lu Zhao added from the side, “Stay, Sister Tanqing. The guest room is ready.”

Several others were also invited to stay. Liang Ruojing’s relationship with Lu Chengwen clearly hadn’t reached that level.

Ming Tanqing deliberated for a few seconds. “Alright. I’ll go to the car to get my things first.”

Liang Ruojing caught the look in her eyes and followed her out.

It was nearly 10 PM. The moon hung in the sky, shrouding the world in a bright, clear glow. The wind in the suburbs was especially strong. Ming Tanqing, who was sensitive to the cold, still accompanied Liang Ruojing to the car.

The window rolled down; Qi Lin was sitting in the passenger seat.

“Ruojing, go back with Sister Qi,” Ming Tanqing said. “Don’t wait for me at Baiyu. If you need to prepare things for the shoot the day after tomorrow, just go.”

Liang Ruojing got into the car. Reluctant to close the door, she looked up at the Omega before her. Her expression was likely so brooding and pitiful that it made Ming Tanqing laugh.

“Is it really that bad? We’ll see each other soon.”

Liang Ruojing said indignantly, “It’s not the same at all.”

Ming Tanqing didn’t speak. The roadside lights fell into her brows like moonlight on a mountain peak, making her look cold and ethereal, like the moon’s reflection in water.

Liang Ruojing was moping, unwilling to part. “You should go back inside…”

Suddenly, a shadow fell over her. Ming Tanqing leaned into the car and, shielded by the darkness, tenderly placed a kiss on Liang Ruojing’s lips.

After the kiss, the Omega stepped back. Ming Tanqing waved at her, her voice light and melodic. Under the moonlight, her lips were a soft water-red.

“Ruojing, goodbye.”