Becoming the Comfort Alpha for the Aloof Movie Queen - Chapter 90

“I don’t want to sleep alone.”

Walking out of the small theater where the screening was held, the night breeze brushed against her face, and Ming Tanqing felt her vision suddenly broaden.

The weather in Yanjing had been excellent lately; the moon was bright and the stars were sparse. Looking out into the distance, she could easily see a corner of the clock tower Liang Ruojing had mentioned.

Spring at Jingda was indeed beautiful. Magnolias were planted on both sides of the road, their floral shadows drifting, looking exactly like a campus from an idol drama.

Before the screening started, Ming Tanqing had an hour of free time. The administrative teacher in charge of coordination was exceptionally enthusiastic and invited her to tour the campus.

Ming Tanqing declined with the excuse that she “feared causing a commotion.”

No matter how beautiful the scenery, if she wasn’t seeing it with the person she wanted, it was flavorless and dull.

Her assistant came forward and whispered in her ear, “Sister Ming, the driver is here.”

Ming Tanqing nodded and was led by the assistant to the pick-up point.

The lights of the city flowed rapidly across the pitch-black body of the car. After several turns, the vehicle entered the bustling downtown area of Yanjing.

Continuing further in, they left the noisy crowds behind and arrived at the entrance of a private kitchen with a high degree of privacy.

Under the antique eaves, Qi Lin raised her hand to check her watch, waiting patiently.

Ming Tanqing stepped forward, her gaze wandering intentionally or unintentionally toward the inner rooms. “Has she arrived?”

Qi Lin smiled. “She’s been waiting for you for an hour. Looking at her, she won’t believe it unless you show your face in person.”

Ming Tanqing: “It’s normal to be cautious after going through something like that.”

Accompanied by Qi Lin, Ming Tanqing walked slowly to the private room. Opening the door, a thin Omega sitting by the redwood table came into her view.

Compared to the Liu Lanshi she had seen on the variety show a few days ago, the real woman looked much more haggard.

Knowing she was meeting someone, Liu Lanshi had applied makeup specially.

While lipstick could boost one’s complexion, it was difficult to hide the swollen eyes and bloodshot pupils; her face was marked everywhere by traces of grief.

Seeing Ming Tanqing in person, a sudden light sparked in her dead eyes. She murmured, “It really is you…”

Ming Tanqing was not good at comforting people. After taking her seat, she went straight to the point: “I’m sorry, I have to go to the airport in a while. Let’s keep it short and try to finalize the plan quickly, alright?”

The blunt words actually made Liu Lanshi feel at ease.

Qi Lin: “Tan Wei has already explained the general situation, but we want to hear it from you again, in as much detail as possible.”

Liu Lanshi nodded. “Alright.”

The ins and outs of the incident were much the same as what Tan Wei had relayed.

Liu Lanshi and Xie Xing had known each other for seven years. According to Xie Xing, her status had always been “girlfriend.”

She understood that the so-called “girlfriend” title was nothing more than sweet words during the honeymoon phase; their relationship had never been discussed openly.

However, as the years passed, she gradually began to have fantasies. Perhaps Xie Xing was serious about her. He often took her to jewelry stores to buy rings, which gave Liu Lanshi a premonition.

At the end of March, she happened to see a diamond ring in Xie Xing’s pocket. Thinking it was for her, she realized the size didn’t match.

The inner band of the ring was engraved with X&Y.

That night, Liu Lanshi learned that Xie Xing was to be engaged to someone else in half a month. The target was the eldest daughter of the Kyushu Group.

Faced with Liu Lanshi’s questioning, Xie Xing’s attitude was very calm. He asked, “Do you want to continue? Everything stays as it was.”

Liu Lanshi found it hard to accept. After a big fight, she broke up with Xie Xing.

She felt resentful, but she was a public figure and naturally at a disadvantage in the arena of public opinion.

Fortunately, the Huabiao Awards were announced, and she won.

Just as she was determined to discard the past, she received a blackmail call on her phone.

It was a paparazzi who had been following her for years. Previously, Xie Xing had suppressed him, so he didn’t dare publish anything. Now, knowing they had split, he wanted to make one last score.

The asking price was 50 million for 4GB of photos to be wiped clean.

Liu Lanshi had no money.

She went to find Xie Xing. After all, if the matter leaked, it would also be a problem for the company’s reputation.

Xie Xing ignored her. He didn’t care. He was a male Alpha and not in the industry; the public’s moral standards were naturally lower for him.

Tan Wei couldn’t negotiate a deal either.

So, three days later, the photos were leaked. To clear his own name, Xie Xing hired a large number of internet trolls to smear her.

Liu Lanshi’s efforts were a drop in the bucket.

Regarding the defamation, she could find legal counsel to sue. But she had no way to refute the facts of her and Xie Xing’s relationship being discussed in the public sphere.

Ming Tanqing pondered for a few seconds. “Do you have recordings or chat screenshots?”

“I have screenshots,” Liu Lanshi said. “As for recordings, I only have the call logs with the paparazzi and the one from when I went to see Xie Xing that day.”

“That’s enough,” Ming Tanqing said. “Release all of them.”

Liu Lanshi was somewhat dazed. “But if I release them, it will only confirm the leaks.”

Qi Lin added: “Public opinion has already confirmed it. If you don’t respond, they will default to believing you did it.”

“It’s better to release them, explain the whole story, and drag Xie Xing down with you.”

This was…

To cut open her love and pain and present them before the public for everyone to discuss.

Liu Lanshi didn’t respond for a moment.

Ming Tanqing could understand. Rather than hesitation and thought, she was more afraid of Liu Lanshi agreeing instantly.

“If you agree, I can help you.”

Ming Tanqing patiently explained the disadvantages:

“This is the solution I’ve thought of for now. Maybe after some time, you can think of a better one; or maybe in a few years, no one will remember your business.”

“If the recordings are leaked, your discussion rate will be higher in the short term, and more people will get involved. Miss Liu, you must think it through.”

Qi Lin took over to speak about the benefits.

“But are you really willing to accept this?”

“Yes, your public opinion might disappear in a few years, but by then, Xie Xing will be living a good life.”

“After his company’s marriage alliance, its future development will only get better and better.”

“Right now, no film crew will dare to hire you. What will you do in a few years?”

Qi Lin reminded her leisurely: “Actually, you can also go find Miss Ye. Instead of getting a share of the marriage alliance, it’s better to monopolize the market.”

Liu Lanshi looked up.

Across the table, Qi Lin and Ming Tanqing sat close together. Ming Tanqing kept her eyes down in thought, while Qi Lin raised her eyes to meet hers.

Liu Lanshi nodded firmly.

“I’ll do it.”

Qi Lin clapped her hands. “Very well. Someone will contact you soon. Prepare your materials.”

A turnaround battle still required one last step.

“Miss Liu, I have something else to give you.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Ming Tanqing took a pen from her bag and wrote down a contact number on a piece of paper.

“I know a director who is preparing a movie. It’s low-budget and a small production, but the script is very good. Maybe you will need it.”

Ming Tanqing handed the slip of paper to Liu Lanshi.

“An actor’s life is in their roles. I hope the next time I see you; it will still be on the awards podium.”

Having said her final words, Ming Tanqing stood up. Just as she stepped half a foot out of the private room, Liu Lanshi’s urgent question chased after her from behind.

“Why are you helping me?”

“Because I can.”

Ming Tanqing stopped her pace. “Don’t be overly grateful; I have selfish motives.”

“Is it because of Liang Ruojing?”

Ming Tanqing’s eyelashes fluttered twice, and she left.

Liang Ruojing was suffering from insomnia.

It was as if she had fallen into a sea of memories. As soon as she closed her eyes, many clips from the past played in her mind like a slideshow.

Some were about the gland, and some were about Sister Tanqing’s family.

Finding it truly difficult to sleep, Liang Ruojing pulled out her phone. Her fingertip paused on “Messages” for three seconds before moving to the “Dial” button next to it.

The most recent call record was from two hours ago. She had called Fang Zezhi, and the call lasted 10:23.

Doctor Fang, I heard Sister Tanqing talk about the gland. Is it true? She’s recovered?

You know now. I originally wanted to call you, but Xiao Qing said she would tell you personally. It can’t be counted as a complete cure yet, but the progress is almost there. The remaining gland can repair itself.

..So, she no longer needs my pheromones?

Pathologically, she doesn’t need them anymore.

I understand. Doctor Fang, please don’t tell Sister Tanqing; she’s afraid I’ll worry.

Alright. It’s been hard on you these past few months.

What Yan Mei said was actually true. Sister Tanqing’s gland had recovered.

Liang Ruojing tossed and turned in bed, unable to figure it out. Why did Sister Tanqing lie to her? What could Yan Mei want to talk to her about?

And most importantly… now that Sister Ming’s illness was cured, could she still stay by her side?

Even though Sister Tanqing had agreed to let her pursue her. But… was it effective?

Liang Ruojing didn’t think she had performed very well or reliably.

The hotel room in the early morning was quiet, and the sound of the clock hands overhead was clearly audible.

Liang Ruojing suddenly missed Ming Tanqing very much. If their companionship was destined to be brief, then it was best not to waste a single second, a single night, or a single day.

Amidst the white noise of hypnosis, Liang Ruojing fell into a deep sleep with a mind full of thoughts.

Her sleep was very restless, and she kept dreaming of broken fragments.

It seemed to be raining outside, pitter-pattering.

In the dream, there was rain and a sea of lilies that stretched as far as the eye could see. When the wind blew, the petals of moonlight formed undulating waves.

Liang Ruojing stepped into it, walking toward the deepest part. Gradually, she saw a figure.

Tall, slender, and beautiful, wearing a white dress like light gauze, the hem of the dress blending into the sea of flowers.

She stood in the center of the flowers, more dazzling than everything around her.

Meeting her gaze, a desire strong enough to destroy her rose in the depths of Liang Ruojing’s heart. Her body’s instinct told her she had to be with this person. Only by her side did Liang Ruojing feel fulfilled and satisfied.

Liang Ruojing ran toward that figure frantically. However, no matter how close they seemed, there was always a distance between them.

Liang Ruojing grew tired and stopped to rest for a few seconds. When she looked up again, the person was gone.

As if she had never appeared.

Liang Ruojing suddenly opened her eyes, cold sweat drenching her back.

Her brain was buzzing, and her reactions became sluggish, as if she were still in the dream.

“You’re awake? Did I wake you up?”

Liang Ruojing was instantly alert. She turned her head, and the person she had been chasing in her dream just now appeared before her eyes.

Ming Tanqing had just finished showering; her body carried a soft dampness and water vapor. The scent of shower gel mixed with the fragrance of lilies lingered in the air.

Liang Ruojing felt a sense of grounding. She touched the body temperature of the person beside her.

It was low as usual, only gaining warmth after being warmed by hot water.

It was real. Sister Tanqing was back.

“I’m so sleepy.”

Ming Tanqing let out a yawn and crawled into the quilt, planning to sleep. It was 4:00 AM; in a few more minutes, the sky would be bright.

Liang Ruojing tried her best to hide the unnaturalness in her tone. “Sister Tanqing, why did you come back?”

Ming Tanqing had been running around all day and was truly exhausted. She closed her eyes and proactively curled into Liang Ruojing’s arms.

Unlike the dream, the sleeping face of the Omega in reality was right before her. Long eyelashes pressed against her eyes, and her expression was relaxed, as if the person beside her made her feel at ease.

“I don’t want to sleep alone.”