Becoming the Comfort Alpha for the Aloof Movie Queen - Chapter 9

“Ruojing, I need to see you for a moment.”

Within the industry circles, not many people knew that Qin Wei and Ming Tanqing were on good terms. Now, Liang Ruojing was one more person added to that list.

With no one else around and seeing Ming Tanqing approach, Qin Wei’s lips curled into a smirk as she teased her: “Coming out as soon as your health improves? Aren’t you afraid this is a ‘Hongmen Banquet’ (a trap)?”

Ming Tanqing smiled. “I can’t stay out of sight forever.”

She noticed Liang Ruojing and said briefly, “Thank you, Sister Qin.”

Qin Wei’s gaze swept over the gown Liang Ruojing was wearing, speaking with hidden meaning: “Don’t say I didn’t tell you—this outfit you picked suits little Liang perfectly; the tailoring is especially fitting.”

Changing the subject abruptly, she asked directly: “How did you two meet?”

Ming Tanqing had mentored many newcomers before. But Liang Ruojing had never worked with her, so why her?

While Liang Ruojing was having a mental brainstorm, Ming Tanqing spoke up.

“Miss Liang helped me out.” She added, “We are friends.”

Friends?

Was this the answer Ming Tanqing had prepared if He Jing asked earlier? Liang Ruojing’s brain short-circuited for a moment.

Qin Wei caught the reaction. “It seems it was just wishful thinking on your part.”

Ming Tanqing also looked over.

Liang Ruojing’s face instantly flushed hot, and she hurriedly explained: “It’s not like that…”

“Haha.” Qin Wei patted Liang Ruojing on the shoulder, no longer teasing her.

She checked her watch; there was still some time before dinner officially started. She specifically found an empty room for the two to talk privately.

“I’ll be right next door. Call me when you’re finished.”

With that, Qin Wei exited the room and closed the door.

The room was silent. A single overhead light beam enclosed the two of them in a circle of light. There was a mirror in the hallway; out of the corner of her eye, Liang Ruojing saw herself standing there stiffly.

Ming Tanqing was in front of her, looking at her very intently.

“Thank you, Teacher Ming,” Liang Ruojing said in a small voice.

Ming Tanqing’s smile was gentle. “Time is short. If you have questions, Miss Liang, please speak plainly.”

Liang Ruojing took a deep breath. “Teacher Ming, why did you have President Qin bring me here?”

Ming Tanqing countered with a question: “Do you want to audition for Xiu Zhu’s television drama?”

Xiu Zhu… they really are close.

Liang Ruojing jolted. “Yes.”

Ming Tanqing’s gaze fell on Liang Ruojing’s face. As an Alpha, her features were deep and undeniably bright and grand. Yet in every meeting, she always seemed like a well-behaved student in front of her.

“Tonight, the investors for that drama will be here.”

Liang Ruojing understood. Unless an actor brought their own investment, a director didn’t have much final say in casting; otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many “resource-backed” stars in the entertainment industry.

By appearing here tonight, Liang Ruojing was showing that she wasn’t without connections. Even if she didn’t use the “back door,” she could at least compete fairly with others.

One problem was solved. But more unknown doubts surfaced.

How did Ming Tanqing know she was preparing for this show? Why was she helping her?

Liang Ruojing remembered that a few days ago, she had posted a lifestyle photo on her WeChat Moments, and a corner of the script had been caught in the frame.

Before she could think further, Liang Ruojing dismissed the hypothesis. Ming Tanqing scrolling through her Moments? Clicking on a photo to study the content? How could that be possible!

Even as she denied it, her heart couldn’t help but ripple uncontrollably. It was a certain fact that Ming Tanqing was paying attention to her.

She began to reminisce. I didn’t post anything embarrassing, did I? Just group photos with fellow actors? It should be fine.

Thinking this, Liang Ruojing shifted her focus back to Ming Tanqing.

After five days of not seeing her, Ming Tanqing’s complexion indeed looked much better. Her dark hair was gathered in a bun, revealing a patch of delicate skin on the back of her neck.

Liang Ruojing saw that she had an inhibitor patch applied. With no scent of pheromones nearby, she asked out of concern: “Is the gland… feeling better?”

Ming Tanqing didn’t speak for a long time, as she was debating this very matter. Five days had passed in the blink of an eye, and only two days remained of the agreed-upon week.

When she left the house today, Fang Zezhi had specifically reminded her to ask if they should schedule the next treatment.

Ming Tanqing tilted her head. “Much better.”

Liang Ruojing’s mind was entirely focused on the medical condition, failing to notice the subtle atmosphere: “Then the next treatment is the day after tomorrow. Still at the villa?”

There was no repulsive calculation on the Alpha’s face; she was very frank. The problem was that she was too frank.

AOs who became partners through pheromone therapy accounted for over 99% of the total. Ming Tanqing had searched; as an S-class Alpha, while Liang Ruojing didn’t have many scandals with Omegas, it wasn’t zero. Furthermore, she had seen many photos on her Moments where she was in intimate poses with other Omegas.

This further verified her original thought. There was no need for Liang Ruojing to get involved in this. Their current state was good—once a week, without excessive contact. Helping her this time was simply because she couldn’t stand to see a promising actor buried. Since it was a simple favor, there was no need to take credit for it.

It would only cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

“It is the day after tomorrow,” Ming Tanqing turned, preparing to leave. “Doctor Fang will contact you then.”

Liang Ruojing suddenly called out to her.

Ming Tanqing turned back, meeting a pair of bright and earnest eyes.

Liang Ruojing said sincerely: “Thank you, Teacher Ming, for helping me so much.”

Ming Tanqing moved her gaze away imperceptibly. “I asked for your help, Miss Liang; it is only right.”

Liang Ruojing’s heart sank. Many rose-colored fantasies vanished instantly.

Was it just for the medical treatment?

It made sense… the Ming family was powerful; they wouldn’t allow a completely strange Alpha to get close to the eldest daughter. Others would have investigated her thoroughly; Ming Tanqing didn’t need to do it herself.

Liang Ruojing suddenly woke up. Her heart felt empty.

Ming Tanqing had already left. Liang Ruojing stood dazed for a few seconds before remembering to go out.

The hallway was becoming crowded. Layers of people separated her from Ming Tanqing. Liang Ruojing didn’t realize how crestfallen her expression was at that moment.

Like someone going through a breakup.

Qin Wei took it all in.

Qin Wei explained more things to Liang Ruojing.

She was already planning to attend the birthday banquet, but Ming Tanqing had contacted her at the last minute, saying she wanted to add a person.

As for why Ming Tanqing didn’t bring her herself?

Liang Ruojing thought sadly: Maybe she doesn’t want to be too deeply involved with me.

However, Qin Wei said: “Ke Qing and Ming Tanqing do not get along. A few years ago, they were rivals. Of course, it was one-sided; Ke Qing was inferior to Ming Tanqing in every way back then. It was only after Ming Tanqing retired that Ke Qing gradually made a name for herself.”

They returned to the hall, where staff had already set the tables. Ming Tanqing was sitting at the very front, chatting with Ke Qing in what seemed to be a harmonious atmosphere.

Liang Ruojing was confused. “Has their relationship improved now?”

“Hmph,” Qin Wei sneered. “Improved? I’d say their acting has just gotten better.”

The birthday banquet officially began, and Ke Qing went on stage to give a speech. The gist was thanking friends for their support; aside from some boilerplate talk, everything else revolved around her Cannes trophy. Finally, she specifically mentioned Ming Tanqing’s name, congratulating her on her comeback.

Liang Ruojing smelled the gunpowder in the air. Some people who knew of their past relationship were also watching.

Ming Tanqing didn’t seem to care, smiling and gracefully applauding for the birthday girl. She was the center of attention, yet she remained low-profile. So much love and hate were gathered upon her, but it was all one-sided—merely things others chose to project onto her.

What would she give back? Liang Ruojing had always wanted to know.

Throughout the dinner, Liang Ruojing was distracted and barely ate anything. Halfway through, she received a message. It was from Qin Wei, calling her to the front.

Liang Ruojing stood up. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she walked to the front table.

Qin Wei stood up and put an arm around Liang Ruojing’s shoulder. “This is an actor from my company named Liang Ruojing. She was last year’s Best Newcomer; she’s quite something.”

“Little Liang, say hello.”

Qin Wei pressed a glass of wine into Liang Ruojing’s hand. Liang Ruojing took the hint, greeted everyone one by one, raised her glass, and drained it in one go.

“Good!” A male Alpha opposite her suddenly started clapping.

Liang Ruojing guessed he was the mysterious investor.

Qin Wei reminded her: “President Liu is praising you.”

Hearing this, Liang Ruojing lifted the bottle to pour herself more and drained it again. Although the champagne had a low alcohol content, two glasses made her head feel a bit dizzy.

President Liu was very satisfied. “The person brought by President Qin is quite sensible.”

Qin Wei laughed twice and diverted the topic, having the waiter add a seat for Liang Ruojing beside her. After several rounds, Liang Ruojing had a stomach full of mixed red and white wine. She secretly felt lucky she had eaten some cold appetizers before dinner; otherwise, her stomach would be miserable right now.

The waiter wanted to refill her glass, but Liang Ruojing covered the cup with her hand and refused.

A few young artists nearby started heckling. “Sister Liang can’t do that; everyone is having a good time.”

Seeing this, Qin Wei spoke up, trying to stop them.

President Liu seemed to sense Qin Wei’s intention. “President Qin, you don’t understand the games of young people. Don’t disturb them.”

“Isn’t that right, Miss Ming?”

Liang Ruojing instinctively looked toward Ming Tanqing. Ming Tanqing kept her eyes downcast and didn’t receive her gaze. From beginning to end, she hadn’t paid any attention to that side. It was as if she didn’t know Liang Ruojing at all.

The people opposite were still heckling. Giddy and confused, Liang Ruojing moved her hand and poured herself a drink. She drank it.

Qin Wei frowned at her. She was getting a bit angry.

The waiter poured another glass, and Qin Wei snatched the glass from Liang Ruojing’s hand. “I brought her here to have fun; don’t you all bully her.”

Her firm attitude was a clear statement. The artists opposite began to apologize and penalized themselves with a few drinks.

At this moment, Ming Tanqing poured a glass of warm plain water for Liang Ruojing. Her attitude was indifferent, like a senior simply looking after a junior.

When Ke Qing returned, this was the scene she witnessed. Ke Qing forced a smile. “Who is this new friend? She looks a bit familiar.”

Qin Wei’s expression changed. Ke Qing was the host; this toast couldn’t be avoided.

Qin Wei picked up her wine glass, offering to block for Liang Ruojing: “I’ll drink this one for little Liang; she has an appearance scheduled tomorrow.”

Ke Qing glanced at Ming Tanqing. “It’s just one small glass; it won’t affect anything.”

Qin Wei wanted to say more. Liang Ruojing quietly tugged at her clothes and shook her head.

Another half glass went down. Liang Ruojing’s face was flushed red as if steamed by heat. Ke Qing called a waiter over. “Fill it up for her.”

Qin Wei looked troubled. Ke Qing didn’t usually push people to drink; this time it seemed she was targeting her intentionally.

Liang Ruojing’s stomach churned. The effects of the alcohol were kicking in, and her vision was starting to blur. The waiter filled the glass to the brim according to Ke Qing’s wishes.

Qin Wei moved to block it again. This time, beating her to it, another hand snatched the glass away.

Liang Ruojing grasped at thin air and looked up dizzily.

Ming Tanqing had already stood up, looking down at Liang Ruojing. The wine in the glass sloshed violently, spilling out and soaking a large patch of the tablecloth. The air was filled with the pungent smell of alcohol.

“Ruojing, I have something to discuss with you. Can you come outside for a moment?”