Becoming the Comfort Alpha for the Aloof Movie Queen - Chapter 98

Will Seeing You Again Still Feel Special?

Even before pushing open the door, Ming Tanqing smelled the Alpha’s pheromones.

The distinct, cool scent of mint quietly dispersed through the air like a breeze, effortlessly brushing away the sweltering heat of midsummer.

The herbal fragrance fermented in the shadows, eventually drawing out the intensity of alcohol. Reason snapped, surrendering to the primal pull of instinct.

Ming Tanqing placed her hand on the doorknob, pressed down gently, and saw the Alpha she hadn’t seen in four months.

Liang Ruojing had grown thin.

Very thin.

A white T-shirt and blue jeans—the simplest attire brought out the Alpha’s pure temperament.

The hand resting on her abdomen was well-defined at the knuckles, the muscular lines of her back and forearm merging into one, radiating a youthful and vigorous aura.

Ming Tanqing looked a few seconds longer than she should have.

As if sensing something, Liang Ruojing relaxed her hand, hiding her midriff.

Her gaze was calm, her eyes clear and bright as she looked at Ming Tanqing with an air of nonchalance.

She looked entirely different from the person she used to be.

Ming Tanqing withdrew her gaze and closed the door again.

The assistant led the way, and she followed slowly behind.

Unsure if it was physical instinct or emotional need, she wanted to stay in that scent for just a little longer.

After a few steps, she realized what she was doing, her expression becoming dazed and hollow.

It was nothing more than “carving a mark on a moving boat to find a lost sword”—a futile attempt to reclaim the past.

Thinking back to the Alpha’s look just now, Ming Tanqing quickened her pace without looking back.

You get what you wish for.

Ming Tanqing, this is exactly what you wanted.

“Seeking Vengeance” was planned to follow the “Web-first, TV-later” strategy—premiering on streaming platforms first to build an audience and reputation, then launching on satellite TV later to maximize exposure and catch the year-end awards season.

To promote the series, the producers and PR team had arranged a series of promotional events.

Today’s press conference was just an appetizer; magazines, live streams, and major variety shows were to follow.

Liang Ruojing had changed into the costume of her character, Han Jiahe—a solemn suit with the white shirt buttoned to the very top, looking stern and sharp.

She looked into the mirror, earnestly putting on her tie.

She didn’t tie it very well; it was crooked and messy, adding a touch of rugged boyishness to the mature Prosecutor Han.

Backstage, many actors were already waiting, and everyone greeted her naturally.

Yu Youyou walked over, her eyes landing on Liang’s chest, and said enthusiastically:

“Sister Jing, your tie is crooked. Let me re-tie it for you.”

Just as the words fell, Liang Ruojing smelled a faint, elegant scent of lilies.

Turning slightly, she saw Ming Tanqing again.

In the same uniform, the Omega managed to project a completely different feeling—a slender waist and straight back. As she walked, the well-fitted trousers tightened, outlining the soft curves from her thighs to her hips.

Liang Ruojing failed herself, staring for one second, then another.

Suddenly meeting those grey-blue eyes, her heart skipped a beat.

First meeting: caught touching my own abs—narcissist.

Second meeting: caught staring at someone’s butt—pervert.

Liang Ruojing closed her eyes, ready to embrace her social death.

Without waiting for Yu Youyou to ask again, Liang Ruojing directly refused her and asked the assistant director to help with the tie.

Accommodating the assistant director’s height, the Alpha leaned forward slightly, her hands resting obediently against the seams of her trousers, exuding a sense of “goodness” that contrasted with her stature.

Ming Tanqing calmly retracted her gaze.

She had changed.

But then again, not entirely.

Lecherous.

The press conference was being broadcast live, exclusively on the platform.

Among the seated audience, half were reporters and media, and the other half were fans.

Whether online or offline, Ming Tanqing’s fans were in the majority.

The moment the Omega appeared, the live comments exploded, and the cheers in the hall were deafening.

Liang Ruojing deliberately lagged two steps behind, her eyes following Ming Tanqing’s cold profile.

Her expression didn’t change, but Liang could feel that Sister Tanqing was happy.

Was it because of the fans in attendance?

A loveless family, a profession filled with love—is this why Sister Ming entered the industry?

Liang Ruojing thought for a moment longer and, unintentionally looking up, found Ming Tanqing looking at her.

She didn’t think of it as “exchanging glances”; Sister Tanqing was clearly signaling her to take her seat.

She quickened her pace and sat in the seat arranged by the organizers—right next to Ming Tanqing.

With two “great faces” in the same frame, the comments went even wilder.

The glamorous Alpha and the cold Omega, I ship this CP, I hope it’s a hit!

I heard it’s a mentor-student dynamic, OMG, so hot.

The CP fans’ comments were quickly suppressed by individual fans.

Ming Tanqing’s fans were indignant: Stop the shipping, our Sister is beautiful on her own.

Liang Ruojing’s fans were cautious: Taking Little Liang away, let’s respect the senior.

Thirty minutes into the press conference, there had been zero eye contact between the two. Liang Ruojing’s neck seemed to be in a cast—she sat perfectly still, not looking over even once.

Both fanbases, watching their respective idols on stage, reached a consensus:

Just colleagues, they aren’t close

The opening ended, and the official trailer began playing on the big screen. The live feed cut away, and the lights in the venue went dark.

Liang Ruojing’s expression finally relaxed.

Her neck was so sore.

Under the cover of darkness, she began to shamelessly study the person beside her.

Ignoring whether it was offensive or improper, she only wanted to make up for the four months she had missed. Using her gaze instead of a hug, she traced every inch of Ming Tanqing’s body again.

She seemed thinner.

Or perhaps in her memory, Ming Tanqing had always been that slender—stern and inviolable, yet fragile and easily broken.

Such was her temperament; the colder she looked, the more attractive she became, and the neater her clothes, the more “sensual” she appeared.

Liang Ruojing frowned.

When Ming Tanqing is filming, does no one make sure she eats?

Her health wasn’t good either. In the five-minute trailer, Ming Tanqing turned her head and coughed lightly four times.

Her throat might be uncomfortable.

Liang Ruojing’s expression became increasingly serious.

Ming Tanqing gave up and let her stare.

Meanwhile, the live comments entered a strange territory.

Is Liang Ruojing’s eyes glued to Ming Tanqing?

Help, someone tell her there’s a small window showing the live scene!] [I’m dying, so sweet, so sweet!

Can we actually discuss the show?

The trailer ended, the lights came back on, and Liang Ruojing turned her head away, becoming serious in a split second.

she even has a face-changing act.

An hour passed quickly, and the press conference reached the final segment: media Q&A.

The first question was for Liang Ruojing:

“I want to ask Liang Ruojing, what was your reaction when you first found out that Sun Ying would be played by Ming Tanqing? Did the change in cast affect your performance?”

Liang Ruojing gripped the microphone, her palms slightly sweaty.

This was clearly a trap. If she answered poorly, tabloid articles about her “snobbery” would fly everywhere tomorrow.

“I was surprised,” Liang Ruojing forced a professional smile, her gaze flickering over Ming Tanqing before immediately pulling back nervously. “After all, Sister Ming rarely does TV dramas.”

“As for the second part of the question, no. Han Jiahe is, after all, only one person. If I had to say something, Sister Ming would help people with their scenes on set. I was one of the… beneficiaries.”

Reporter: “It seems you have a very good relationship.”

Liang Ruojing smiled: “Everyone’s relationship is very good.”

Very official, very proper.

Liang Ruojing gave herself a perfect score.

Ming Tanqing looked down, a flash of displeasure crossing her eyes.

Reporter: “I want to ask Ming Tanqing, why did you decide to act in a TV drama after your comeback? Is it really, as rumored online, because of your childhood friend, Director Lin Xiuzhu?”

The Alpha’s gaze swept over like a searchlight.

Her heart once again felt a surge of pleasure from that focused look.

Liang Ruojing had asked her this question long ago.

No matter how many times she was asked, the answer remained the same.

Ming Tanqing picked up the microphone.

“To me, there is no hierarchy between TV and film. There are many reasons to choose a project: the script, the character, the director…”

At this, she paused, her gaze landing undisguised on Liang Ruojing.

“And of course, there are actors worth working with, like Liang Ruojing.”

The press conference ended amidst the dazzling flashbulbs.

By the time Liang Ruojing had changed out of her costume, showered, and sat in the car heading to the celebration dinner, her brain was still dizzy and floating.

Months ago, the “Because of you” in the dressing room had found its echo today.

Liang Ruojing looked out the window, her lips curling up uncontrollably.

Because of her.

It wasn’t a sweet nothing whispered in bed; it was a declaration made at a press conference in front of dozens of media outlets.

It was a blatant display of favoritism.

She had originally thought that Sister Tanqing wanted them to go their separate ways and never look back.

Liang Ruojing had never stopped thinking about the question Su Jing had thrown at her.

She had resolved to change, so as not to repeat the same mistakes.

Liang Ruojing’s steps were light as she climbed the stairs to the restaurant three steps at a time.

What a great start.

When things go well, one’s spirit is refreshed. She was in high spirits, and since everyone present was an acquaintance, Liang Ruojing, who never put on airs, was happy to lend a hand.

“Sister Jing, can you help me get another bottle of lychee beer? It’s kind of delicious.”

Yu Youyou raised her hand, and several other minor actors followed suit.

Liang Ruojing agreed with a smile.

Seeing this, the assistant director teased them: “Once the show airs, your Sister Jing is going to be a top star. You won’t be able to boss her around then.”

Liang Ruojing: “It’s not that exaggerated. I’m just sitting close to the bar.”

In terms of age, she was among the youngest in the crew; it was her high starting point in the industry that earned her the title “Sister.”

Liang Ruojing held an armful of lychee beers and was just leaning over to put them on the table when the door clicked open. Lin Xiuzhu and Ming Tanqing walked in.

There were only two seats left at the large round table.

Liang Ruojing sat poised in her seat, eyes downcast. No matter how casual her expression was, she was ecstatic inside.

Sister Tanqing is going to sit next to me again!

A dull thud sounded near her ear, and Liang Ruojing’s smile froze as the scent of pine needles enveloped her.

This was Lin Xiuzhu’s pheromone.

Ming Tanqing had avoided her, specifically sitting one seat away.

Liang Ruojing’s expression remained unchanged as she continued to greet them both with a smile.

Lin Xiuzhu, acting as a human wall, felt like there were needles in her back throughout the meal.

After eating just enough to fill her stomach, she made an excuse to leave, handing the smoke-filled battlefield back to Liang Ruojing.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Liang Ruojing couldn’t just move over.

She couldn’t gauge the right “degree” of action, fearing she would seem too desperate.

At the bustling dinner table, a single gap remained filled with silence.

The assistant director, sitting nearby, tried to ease the tension by bringing up the press conference: “Everyone did great today. Those questions were answered so well.”

“Little Liang,” the assistant director gestured for Liang Ruojing to sit closer, “aren’t you going to thank Sister Ming?”

Liang Ruojing poured a glass of lychee beer and raised it toward Ming Tanqing: “Thank you, Sister Ming.”

Then, she drank it all.

No extra words, no extra glances, and no extra contact.

The preparations Ming Tanqing had made during her insomnia last night turned into a joke.

Four months is a long time, enough to change a person.

It was the frequent online interactions that had given her the wrong impression.

The real-life Liang Ruojing seemed to have already moved on.

Ming Tanqing accepted Liang Ruojing’s toast: “It’s only right. After all, Little Liang is the lead.”

“Is that the only reason?” Liang Ruojing asked.

“Of course,” Ming Tanqing said indifferently. “As you said, everyone’s relationship is very good.”

Liang Ruojing’s joy felt like a lump in her throat.

While she ate, she replayed everything in her head.

Was the first impression too bad?

Was I too stupid?

Her fingers twitched with the urge to reach for her phone, but she suppressed it with sheer willpower.

She didn’t dare message her on WeChat, and brushing against the Omega’s leg under the table was out of the question.

Liang Ruojing was being driven crazy.

She watched Sister Tanqing smile at others, only to turn a cold face toward her.

Though she’s beautiful even when she’s cold.

Sigh, now is not the time for that.

Anxious, Liang Ruojing searched the internet.

“What to do when meeting an ex-girlfriend?”

Top Answer: “Don’t meet.”

Useless advice. We have to meet.

She tried another: “What to do when meeting an ex-wife?”

Top Answer: “Talk about the kids.”

I should have gotten a cat.

Ming Tanqing’s status in her mind changed over and over, but before Liang Ruojing could think of anything, the Omega didn’t wait. She suddenly stood up and left the room temporarily.

Liang Ruojing managed to stay poised in her seat for exactly five minutes before she couldn’t take it anymore. She stood up and rushed out.

At the end of the restaurant corridor, Ming Tanqing was on the terrace chatting with Lin Xiuzhu, standing with her arms crossed. A slender lady’s cigarette was tucked between her pale fingers.

It was already lit, and half of her body was bathed in smoke.

This woman!

She’s still coughing!

Liang Ruojing took two deep breaths, stepping closer while trying to figure out a reminder that wouldn’t cross the line.

Suddenly, Ming Tanqing laughed.

She was very happy, her eyes curving into crescents, her slender waist trembling slightly—like a lily shaking in the wind.

Liang Ruojing was stunned.

How long had it been since she had seen that smile?

Negative emotions began to sprout in her heart.

Why?

Why!

She’s so mean to me, but she smiles like that for others.

The composure she had feigned was as thin as paper. Liang Ruojing strode forward, forcefully inserting herself into the harmonious atmosphere between the two.

Lin Xiuzhu raised an eyebrow and voluntarily took a step back.

The Alpha blocked out half the light. Ming Tanqing looked up from her shadow, the beautiful smile on her face vanishing instantly. She looked at Liang Ruojing with a flat gaze:

“Is there something you need?”

Liang Ruojing took two deep breaths. Her eyes fell on the cigarette between the Omega’s fingers. She reached out, snatched it away, and crushed it out with her fingertips.

“You are not allowed to smoke.”

Ming Tanqing was stunned for a moment, and then her lips slowly curled into a smirk.