Becoming the Comfort Alpha for the Aloof Movie Queen - Chapter 93

Stirring Up the Heat.

The prop crew stepped forward to check the blood bags, buying Liang Ruojing an extra two minutes to compose her emotions.

Liang Ruojing blinked; her eyes dry to the point of aching. She couldn’t help but think of Sister Tanqing at twelve years old. Every time the thought crossed her mind, it felt like her heart was breaking.

Lin Xiuzhu finished checking the set again and shouted through the megaphone, “non-essential personnel exit! Prepare to film the second take!”

Liang Ruojing allowed her self-awareness to fade; she needed to finish this scene as quickly as possible. Sister Tanqing’s health wasn’t great, and lying on the ground was too cold.

Sun Ying lay collapsed on the grass. Piercing crimson blood welled from the bullet hole, quickly drenching her entire body. The leisurely blue sky was reflected in her eyes, appearing so peaceful and serene.

But she was dead. Han Jiahe understood that she was dead.

She crouched down and carefully grasped one of Sun Ying’s arms; it was limp and lifeless. As the camera pulled in close, the blank bewilderment that Lin Xiuzhu wanted appeared on Liang Ruojing’s face.

Why did such a thing have to exist? She didn’t understand.

Lin Xiuzhu: “Cut! Perfect!”

The area around the set was instantly filled with thunderous applause as everyone cheered.

“It’s a wrap!” “It’s finally over—”

Ming Tanqing sat up, the corners of her mouth curling into a joyful arc as she gave a couple of claps.

“Ruojing,” Ming Tanqing looked at her and smiled with relief. “It’s over. You did very well.”

Liang Ruojing’s body stiffened. In the next second, she pulled Ming Tanqing into a solid embrace, tightening her arms until their hearts were infinitely close.

Smelling the familiar cold scent of lilies, Liang Ruojing could no longer control her long-suppressed emotions. With a sob, she leaned against the Omega’s shoulder and wept bitterly. Each cry was forceful, filled with an indescribable sorrow.

The crew on set was caught off guard by the sudden situation. Ming Tanqing submissively held the Alpha, her pale fingers stroking through her hair with an expression of helpless indulgence.

“She’s too deep in character.”

The assistant director smiled and agreed, “Xiao Liang’s acting has certainly improved; she’s immersed so deeply.”

Everyone came to a sudden realization. Indeed, Sun Ying died and Han Jiahe wept—it was logical, perfectly logical. They continued with their work, tidying up the set and preparing for the wrap party.

No one came to disturb them.

Liang Ruojing remained silent as large, scalding tears fell one by one, gradually soaking through Ming Tanqing’s costume.

Ming Tanqing’s voice drifted into her ear. “The filming is done. It’s over. You aren’t Han Jiahe, and I’m not Sun Ying. Ruojing, do you remember how to snap out of character?”

Liang Ruojing stepped even closer, allowing the Omega to fill her embrace completely. “I’m trying.”

“Sister Tanqing, it’s so hard,” Liang Ruojing said in a muffled voice. “I can’t forget.”

Ming Tanqing turned her face and pressed a hidden kiss behind the Alpha’s ear. “It will all pass.”

Nearby, a few stagehands were chatting: “Teacher Liang and Teacher Ming have such a good relationship.” “Sister Ming is so gentle.” “I’m going to miss everyone; I feel like crying too.”

Liang Ruojing’s ears twitched. She loosened her hold on the Omega slightly, helped her up from the ground, and patted the dust off her back.

Ming Tanqing turned around and saw Liang Ruojing crying with a face full of grievance. She couldn’t help but tease, “Does it feel good to touch?”

Liang Ruojing paused, then switched to dusting off her sleeves.

They returned to the crowd. A stagehand presented the belated flowers, which Liang Ruojing held as she was pulled into photos by many people. Some were sentimental and wanted to hug her and cry as well. Liang Ruojing quickly took a step back to avoid them.

When she couldn’t see Ming Tanqing, a wave of unease surged in her heart. Her eyes searched everywhere until they finally landed on a figure in the distance. Ming Tanqing stood in the sunlight; the lilies in her arms and her entire being seemed to be glowing.

Once the crowd had mostly dispersed, Liang Ruojing walked to Ming Tanqing’s side and quietly hooked her pinky finger around the other’s dangling finger.

Ming Tanqing’s eyelashes fluttered slightly as she teased, “Clingy.”

The wrap party was held at the hotel where the crew was staying.

The entire banquet hall had been reserved. In the center stood a three-tiered cream cake with the words “Wishing The Pursuit of Vengeance a Huge Hit” written on it. The tables were laden with food and fine wine. People gathered in small groups, swirling their drinks and chatting, releasing the pressure of the non-stop day-and-night filming.

The two leads had not yet arrived.

Ming Tanqing had been lying on the ground for ages and needed to get cleaned up inside and out. Liang Ruojing originally hadn’t needed to, but because she insisted on hugging her, she had ended up covered in blood herself.

Liang Ruojing changed into a white suit—an evening gown style with a relaxed fit. Underneath, she wore a sky-blue pointed-collar shirt with the top two buttons undone, revealing her well-defined collarbones. She was fussing with her tie in the mirror; no matter how she tied it, it seemed a bit crooked.

“Give it to me.”

A fair hand reached out from behind her. Liang Ruojing turned around and focused intently on the person in front of her.

Pale fingers wound through the fabric, overlapping and weaving, quickly creating a beautiful Windsor knot. Ming Tanqing tugged on the tie, looking satisfied with the result. “It suits you. Beautiful.”

Liang Ruojing felt that many of the adjectives Sister Tanqing used to praise her actually suited Tanqing herself better.

Ming Tanqing handed the silk ribbon to her and proactively lifted her black hair. “Help me tie it.”

Ming Tanqing was wearing an off-the-shoulder shirt paired with a blue mermaid skirt. Liang Ruojing’s fingers brushed lightly against her skin as she tied a bow at the back of her neck.

The white ribbon happened to cover the Omega’s gland. Borrowing the motion of adjusting the ribbon, she slowly stroked that patch of skin.

“Does it still hurt?” “What?” Ming Tanqing moved her head slightly. “The gland?” “Mm.” “It doesn’t hurt. It just feels a bit swollen when I wake up in the morning; the rest of the time it’s fine.”

Liang Ruojing wanted to ask in more detail, but couldn’t find a suitable excuse for a moment. Just then, the assistant director called to ask about their progress. Ming Tanqing hung up and raised an eyebrow at her. “Let’s go. Today is a happy day.”

The waiter opened the heavy doors. Two tall figures walked in side-by-side, the magnificent ceiling lights casting two shadows that leaned against each other.

The assistant director looked them over and laughed, “What’s this? Wearing couple outfits?”

Liang Ruojing glanced sideways at Ming Tanqing.

Ming Tanqing’s expression didn’t change as she winked playfully. “A coincidence.”

“Yes, a coincidence.”

A “coincidence” where you helped me choose clothes and I helped you choose yours.

Under the cheering of the crowd, Liang Ruojing and Ming Tanqing cut the cake together, hand-in-hand. A line of people came up with plates to receive their share. Liang Ruojing quickly picked out the best-cut piece and presented it to Ming Tanqing with both hands.

Seeing the Omega’s tongue swirl away the cream and her eyes narrow in a satisfied, happy expression, a smile finally appeared on Liang Ruojing’s face.

Sensing that the Alpha had something on her mind, Ming Tanqing picked up a fork and smeared a bit of cream onto the corner of Liang Ruojing’s mouth.

“What are you thinking about?”

The sweetness of the cream failed to work; Liang Ruojing’s mouth remained bitter. She opened her mouth, but in the end, she didn’t know what to say.

Ming Tanqing’s gaze was indescribably gentle and tolerant; she still thought Liang Ruojing was distressed because of the scene.

“After finishing a movie, it’s normal for emotions to be a mess. Otherwise, why would we hold a wrap party to celebrate?”

At some point, the assistant director walked over to them and gave Liang Ruojing a heavy pat on the shoulder. “Exactly! Just film more and you’ll be fine. Look at your sister Ming, she’s so seasoned.”

Just as Ming Tanqing was about to speak again, Lin Xiuzhu called her over, seemingly for follow-up work.

Liang Ruojing was reluctant to let go. Her fingers quietly gripped Ming Tanqing’s skirt, not wanting her to leave.

“Be good. It’ll be over soon.”

While telling Liang Ruojing to get out of character, Ming Tanqing still went soft-hearted, holding her and calling her “Jiahe.”

That wasn’t the reason at all.

Liang Ruojing had no choice but to let go.

The atmosphere of the party gradually became livelier. Liang Ruojing chatted idly with people. Suddenly, dance music began to play—a melodious and classic waltz accompaniment. The people around her began to look for partners. Knowing that Liang Ruojing wasn’t in the mood, no one came to bother her.

In the distance, Ming Tanqing was holding a glass of champagne, chatting with someone and smiling in a way that disturbed one’s heart.

Liang Ruojing suddenly downed the glass of champagne in front of her. The stinging alcohol allowed her to briefly forget the heaviness in her heart. She forced a smile and walked quickly over to Ming Tanqing.

“Sister Tanqing, may I have this dance?”

Liang Ruojing bowed slightly, palm facing up, her amber eyes filled with the invitation.

The person chatting with Ming Tanqing was startled and glanced cautiously at her, already thinking of how to help Liang Ruojing save face.

Before their hand could drop, another slender and soft hand landed in Liang Ruojing’s palm.

“Sure.”

Ming Tanqing took Liang Ruojing’s hand and slid into the dance floor with her. The others subtly made room for them.

Sister Tanqing’s waist was slender, and her hands were a size smaller than Liang Ruojing’s.

“I’m so nervous, my palms are sweaty.” Liang Ruojing wanted to wipe them, but with a movement of her fingers, she instead wrapped her hand around Ming Tanqing’s.

“Weren’t you very brave just now?”

Ming Tanqing took a small step back, but Liang Ruojing pulled her back into her arms with force. She was a bit too forceful; Ming Tanqing nearly lost her balance and glared at her while leaning on Liang Ruojing’s shoulder.

Liang Ruojing whispered in her ear, “Sister Tanqing, they’re all looking at us.”

“Let them look.”

Ming Tanqing spun once in her arms, her skirt fluttering like a light butterfly.

They should look. After all, the Alpha was so striking—narrow waist, long legs, and the sky-blue shirt made her aura exceptionally pure. Coupled with those eyes, Ming Tanqing believed no one would refuse her invitation.

The dance music gradually became more intense. Everyone was having a great time, and more and more people joined the dance, making the scene incredibly bustling.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Liang Ruojing shielded Ming Tanqing and led her to a deserted balcony nearby. The half-drawn curtains used for decoration perfectly hid their figures.

The starlight was beautiful tonight.

Ming Tanqing rested her hands on the railing, steadying her breathing which had become hurried from the dancing. A flush crept onto her usually snow-white cheeks. As a breeze blew past, she squinted her eyes, making it impossible to look away.

Since leaving the tea house, Liang Ruojing had hardly been able to feel the existence of her soul. Her emotions felt hollowed out; she was forced to be silent, forced to pretend as if nothing had happened.

This soft version of Sister Tanqing reminded Liang Ruojing of the times when they were at their most intimate. Sister Tanqing’s body would be warmed by her until she had no strength left, her fingers held in Liang Ruojing’s palm to be kissed.

Every time Liang Ruojing licked her, Sister Tanqing would laugh, kicking her legs under the covers and teasing: Do you really like it that much?

Liang Ruojing would blush, feeling a bit shy, then press her body down to kiss the Omega until she was speechless. Soon, they would fall into another kind of heat.

Do you really like it that much?

Liang Ruojing thought: I love her.

Focused on admiring the moon and stars, she didn’t notice a figure approaching. Ming Tanqing smelled Liang Ruojing’s pheromones—crisp and natural, capable of bringing a cool breeze but also stirring up heat.

She turned her head, and her lips were caught unexpectedly by the Alpha.

This was the kiss that had been interrupted by her on the set. Sooner or later, it was bound to happen. Ming Tanqing relaxed her body, allowing Liang Ruojing to pull her close.

The Alpha’s body temperature was always higher than hers. Ming Tanqing liked this about Liang Ruojing; having stayed in the snowy plains alone for so long, the feeling of having a bonfire nearby was wonderful.

Lily and mint began to intertwine.

Liang Ruojing kissed forcefully, her tongue probing in to suckle. After a few cycles, Ming Tanqing’s waist went soft, and she was about to slip. Liang Ruojing held her steady, kissing her even more passionately.

No matter how chaotic her consciousness became, Ming Tanqing could sense a difference. Liang Ruojing’s mood today was very strange. If she had to say, the silence had started a few days ago.

As Ming Tanqing was thinking, the gland at the back of her neck was suddenly caressed with extreme care, like someone touching a precious treasure. She couldn’t help but think more deeply.

A suspicion surfaced.

At that moment, footsteps sounded from behind the balcony curtains, getting closer and closer, about to lift the fabric and see them. Ming Tanqing bit Liang Ruojing hard, and the scent of blood spread.

The moment she was released by Liang Ruojing, she urgently leaned against the railing, burying her face in her arms, gasping for breath sharply and violently.

The balcony was dim, but their outfits were distinctive. The newcomer quickly identified the two of them, and after a few pleasantries, went elsewhere.

Once the outsider was gone, Ming Tanqing settled the score with Liang Ruojing.

“If you do that again, you won’t be allowed to kiss me ever again.”

This was considered a very stern statement. Ming Tanqing waited for a few seconds, but didn’t hear the Alpha’s usual pleasing apologies.

“I understand.”

Liang Ruojing took a step forward and buried her face deep into the other’s neck, exposing her vulnerability.

Ming Tanqing’s heart felt frighteningly calm. Now, she was certain.

By the second half of the night, the party atmosphere showed no signs of weakening.

Liang Ruojing tugged at her tie and made an excuse to go to the restroom to sort out her emotions. If she stayed any longer, she would drown.

In the deserted restroom, Liang Ruojing performed her numbness out of habit. She cupped water and splashed it on her face, then went back to battling with her tie.

She knew how to tie a tie. But no matter how many times she tried; she couldn’t make it as good as the one Sister Tanqing had tied for her.

Realizing she was alone, the heart in her chest began to beat sluggishly.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Liang Ruojing looked up and met her own eyes in the mirror. Her expression was truly hideous.

Suddenly, her emotions burst through the dam. How was she supposed to keep everything a secret?

Sister Tanqing. It’s too hard. I can’t do it.

Liang Ruojing covered her face with both hands, her shoulders shaking helplessly. She didn’t dare to cry out loud; the sobs were muffled and broken, making them even more heartbreaking.

About ten minutes later, Liang Ruojing reorganized her emotions. Her vision was a blur. She gave up and haphazardly tied an absolutely hideous knot for herself.

After tidying her clothes, Liang Ruojing wiped away her tears and steadied her gaze.

This time, she saw Ming Tanqing in the mirror.

Arms crossed, her gaze cold.

Under the bright lights, and under Liang Ruojing’s terrified gaze, Ming Tanqing said calmly:

“Liang Ruojing, you know.”