Fake Cannon Fodder A Becomes a Sensation in Romance Variety Shows - Chapter 41

The explosive rock music leapt like flames.

In the underground bar of the grand hotel, at the end of the sprawling ten-meter-long T-stage in the center, a sultry woman swayed with captivating grace.

Colored spotlights crisscrossed over Cheng Xiaoming’s sharply defined face, casting delicate shadows between the beams of light.

“Today is a very important day.”

Ten minutes ago, that willful woman had said to her, then asked, “Do you know what it is, President Cheng?”

Cheng Xiaoming ignored her. Beside the T-stage stood a two-meter-tall Christmas tree, adorned with dazzling decorations.

Jiang Yining didn’t mind at all, flashing a radiant smile. “I’m giving you a gift. Just stand right here and watch.”

Cheng Xiaoming stood directly in front of the T-stage.

Jiang Yining added, “Don’t move a single step. Stay right here.” Then she turned, pulled a bartender aside, whispered a few words, and the bartender led her to the backstage area.

Cheng Xiaoming’s expression was icy.

Boring.

It was just Christmas celebrated every year, and a foreign tradition at that.

A gift? Was there anything Cheng Xiaoming couldn’t have? Every year, the gifts she received overflowed from storage, all just empty social niceties.

With a disdainful scoff, Cheng Xiaoming wondered why she was standing here like a fool, obeying a madwoman’s whims, waiting to be entertained like some circus act.

The new partnership proposal from Changxin had issues, and her subordinates were waiting for her approval.

Cheng Xiaoming shifted the direction of her feet, just as the surround-sound speakers erupted with pounding beats, and dazzling beams of light burst forth.

The lyrics were sultry and intense.

Dance the midnight cha-cha
No matter how you move, I adore it
Neon lights flash in brilliance
Drunk, we made a bet

(“Midnight Cha-Cha” from Jiang Yining’s favorite playlist.)

To the rhythm of the passionate electronic drums, a curvaceous silhouette appeared behind the white curtain, dancing with wild abandon.

Cheng Xiaoming’s dark, piercing eyes were instantly captured by that unrestrained figure.

The curtain slowly rose, revealing Jiang Yining swaying out in high heels adorned with tiny bells, her fair calves crossing and parting as she danced a lively cha-cha.

Dance the midnight cha-cha
No matter how you move, I adore it
The tipsy electronic drums
Steal half my soul away

Cheng Xiaoming tilted her head up, unable to tear her gaze from the fiery dance on the T-stage.

Beyond the passionate music in her ears, Jiang Yining’s bewitching voice from ten minutes ago echoed: Don’t move a single step. Stay right here.

The back of Cheng Xiaoming’s head burned.

Why does this feel so familiar as if I’ve heard those words before.

Neon lights ran wild.

Light and shadow reveled.

Jiang Yining wore a fiery red strapless dance dress, its hem fluttering like blazing flames as she twirled on stage.

She arched her back, lifting a full, creamy thigh tied with black lace at the top, a red rose nestled against her skin.

The entire dance floor was in a frenzy, arms waving like crashing waves against the stage.

The night is long
But the words I want to say never end

As her dance brought her to the very edge of the T-stage, Jiang Yining suddenly stopped, her supple waist undulating like a serpent’s, hovering just inches from Cheng Xiaoming.

The spotlight illuminated Jiang Yining’s face her makeup vivid, her red lips blazing.

Just give me a burning kiss
Aim for my soft lips!

Amid the surrounding clamor, time seemed to freeze for Cheng Xiaoming everything fell silent.

The entire world narrowed to just that flash of red from Jiang Yining.

Hers.

Lips.

A teasing, seductive voice whispered, “On this special day, may your joy know no bounds.”

The rose tied to her thigh had somehow found its way between her lips crimson lips holding a crimson bloom, offered to Cheng Xiaoming’s mouth.

Cheng Xiaoming’s mind went blank, too slow to react as the red rose brushed past her cheek and was tucked into the breast pocket of her suit.

Jiang Yining took the microphone from the musician, her smile radiant, her voice amplified to every corner of the room.

“Today is an important day. I hope everyone will join me in wishing her well.”

“I dedicate my favorite song to my favorite dance, and my favorite dance to the most special person on this special day!”

“May she always be happy, always joyful!”

“Forever and ever!!!”

Jiang Yining laughed freely, bathed in the spotlight as the crowd showered her with confetti and balloons.

Amid the surging crowd, her eyes reflected only one person.

Today was a very important day.

Do you know what day it is?

“Mom bought a Christmas tree, shipped all the way from Norway. Your dad will take you shopping for gifts tonight. You’re the older sister look after your brother.”

“But Mom, today!”

“Be good. Mom has work. Remember, you’re an alpha, a natural leader. You must be independent, strong, understand? Look at your brother learn from him. Tch, you’re the only one who’s hopeless.”

Without another glance at her daughter, Mrs. Cheng turned and hurried away. “How long until the international conference starts?”

“Chairwoman, it begins in two hours. The plane is waiting for you.”

The Christmas tree from Norway was tall, adorned with colorful decorations.

Dad took her and Wen Bai shopping, filling their home with gifts some bought, some received piled high around the fireplace like little mountains.

In class, the teacher circled December 24th on the calendar and asked what day it was. Everyone knew, it was Christmas Eve, followed by Christmas Day.

But.

“Dad, I want a birthday cake.”

Mr. Cheng opened the dessert fridge, its shelves lined with an array of sweets.

He smiled. “Of course. Look, there are so many cakes here. Which one do you like, Xiaoming?”

Cheng Xiaoming stared blankly.

“Dad, I want you and Mom to pick it with me.”

Mr. Cheng stroked her hair. “Mom is busy with work. Xiaoming, you’re an alpha. You can’t be selfish, can’t disappoint her, understand?”

He crouched down, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Dad only has you and Xiao Bai. Your eldest brother is her son from her previous marriage, I know she has other omegas outside. To protect our lives and status, Xiaoming, you must strive. Dad is begging you!”

The light in Cheng Xiaoming’s eyes dimmed.

Mr. Cheng wiped away his tears and led her around to inspect the cakes chocolate, fresh cream, fruit asking which one she preferred.

Cheng Xiaoming barely glanced before picking one at random.

“Dad does she have other children outside?”

Mr. Cheng was a beautiful omega, delicate and frail. He lowered his head, sorrow etched across his features. “Her? You mean your mom?”

“Never mind.”

What was the point?

Today wasn’t an important day.

She was just one of the many Cheng children.

Nothing special.

Today was just an ordinary, foreign holiday, Christmas.

The presidential suite, rented for eighty thousand a night, was meticulously decorated. Even the tissue box and coffee cups had been swapped for festive red, white, and green.

The carpet was littered with empty liquor bottles, while a noisy show blared from the curved-screen TV.

The air conditioning was cranked up high, and Jiang Yining lounged in a loose tank dress, her cheeks flushed with intoxication.

Cheng Xiaoming had already dragged her out of the bar after she’d had plenty to drink, yet she insisted on drinking more once they got back to the room.

Cheng Xiaoming confiscated her bottle. “Enough. I don’t want you puking on me later.”

Jiang Yining raised a finger, swaying slightly. “Oh, I’ve got a surprise for you, hehe, just wait.”

Cheng Xiaoming exhaled heavily, pressing a hand to her throbbing temple as she slumped against the couch.

This woman is insane.

Jiang Yining stumbled to the pantry and returned with a box, plopping it onto the coffee table with a giggle. “Look hic, a cake for CEO Cheng.”

Seeing her hands tremble, Cheng Xiaoming steadied her, then gently tugged at the ribbon to lift the lid.

Inside was an exquisite apple tart thin, translucent slices of apple exuding a crisp freshness, dusted with a fine layer of cinnamon that carried a subtle, warm richness.

Suddenly, a cheap lotus-shaped candle burst to life on the tart, spinning in circles as it played a tinny rendition of Happy Birthday.

Ding-ding-doo-dah~ Dilly-dally-dah~

The music was grating, the tacky candle clashing violently with the elegant dessert yet somehow, they coexisted in this moment.

Only after the song finished did Cheng Xiaoming blow out the candle.

“How did you know it was my birthday today?”

Jiang Yining sprawled across the coffee table, her smudged lipstick creeping toward the corner of her mouth, her shoulder strap slipping to reveal the smooth expanse of her back.

“I saw your ID when we checked in. Pretty smart, huh~?”

“Thanks.”

Cheng Xiaoming split the tart in half and slid one portion toward Jiang Yining.

She knew this hotel brand gifted VIPs birthday cakes but never apple tarts.

Not even Cheng’s father knew she loved apples, especially in pastries.

Staring at the tart, Cheng Xiaoming asked, “Did you make this?”

“Pfft, as if! Of course I bought it! Dummy!”

“…” Cheng Xiaoming felt ridiculous for even considering it. “You’re right. An omega whose signature dish is instant hotpot would never bake.”

“Hahaha~ I can also heat up pre-made meals. Next time you get rejected, I’ll show off my skills.”

Cheng Xiaoming grimaced. “Hard pass.”

Jiang Yining rested her chin on her hands, watching her intently.

Cheng Xiaoming picked up a silver fork, speared a slice of apple, and chewed slowly.

Jiang Yining’s eyes sparkled. “Good?”

Cheng Xiaoming nodded. “Mhm. Same place as before? Most bakeries don’t use Luochuan apples, they’re not sweet enough. But I don’t like things too sweet. This is perfect.”

“Yep. Because Luochuan apples are cheaper.”

“Classic Jiang Yining.”

“Thanks for the praise~”

Giggling, Jiang Yining buried her face in her arms.

Before heading to the bar, Jiang Yining had excused herself to “touch up her makeup” only to slip into the hotel’s pastry kitchen.

The staff had tried to stop her until she dropped Cheng Xiaoming’s black card number. The head chef made an exception and let her use the kitchen.

“Please replace the VIP cake for the presidential suite with my apple tart. Don’t tell my companion. Thanks.”

The tart was gone, half each.

They drank and talked.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but Cheng Xiaoming’s words began to slur into nonsense.

She said, “I have a friend who’s an A and fell for another A. Can you understand that?” But that person wasn’t actually an A, this part couldn’t be said.

Jiang Yining clinked bottles with her. “I understand!”

Cheng Xiaoming slung an arm around Jiang Yining’s shoulder and patted her. “I knew you were open-minded enough to get it!”

She continued, “I have another friend. The person she likes already has a lover. Don’t you think she’s pitiful?”

Jiang Yining, her face flushed, nodded. “Pitiful!”

“Cheers!”

“Drink! To CEO Cheng!” One glass down, a toast to you, to me, to your encounter, and my reunion.

Most of the alcohol was gone.

The night was still long, the air thick with heat, the carpet beneath their feet soft and plush.

Cheng Xiaoming unbuttoned her shirt, her tie askew, the flush on her cheeks spreading down her neck.

She said, “The birthday candles startled me. I thought you really knew. Turns out it was just my ID. Hmm! I mean, even my mom doesn’t keep track of me. How could anyone else know?”

Cheng Xiaoming sat on the carpet, her upper body slumped against the sofa, drunkenly closing her eyes.

Jiang Yining giggled, her laughter fading until silence settled. After a pause, she slowly lifted her head, her gaze clear and sharp.

She stared at Cheng Xiaoming for a moment, frowning, her nose scrunching up like a wounded child.

“What if I really did know?”

Jiang Yining bit her lip, her eyes reddening, glistening with unshed tears.

Cheng Xiaoming, dizzy and exhausted, barely registered the faint murmurs in her ears, too weak to decipher them.

A soft blanket draped over her. Cheng Xiaoming turned her head and sank into deep sleep.

In the dark bedroom, a screen flickered to life Cheng Xiaoming’s laptop booted up.

A USB drive plugged in, Jiang Yining wore fingerprint-free gloves, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she swiftly browsed, cracked the encryption, and copied files.

Her phone lit up with two messages.

One, from an anonymous overseas sender:

The boss is pushing you. The client wants the data before next year’s new project starts.

Also, keep an eye on this woman. Wen Huiyun was brought to Jade City by her.

*(She’s already on a flight back home. Flight number [Attachment: Personal File])

Jiang Yining controlled the laptop with one hand while opening the attachment with the other:

Name. 24. Omega.

Attached was a bare-faced photo round eyes, rosebud lips, long golden hair.

The other was a domestic text, saved under a contact name.

Auntie Gu Lin: Yi Yi, are you doing alright with the show crew? Remember what I told you. Let me know if you need money. It’s almost the anniversary of the teacher’s passing. I’ll prepare in advance and wait for you at home. Don’t worry, I’ve got everything handled.

Jiang Yining stared at the laptop screen. Data transfer: 98%.

99%.

100%.

She pulled out the USB, deleted the system logs, and restored everything.

Jiang Yining lowered her head, strands of disheveled hair obscuring her face.

Darkness. Silence.

Sorry, Second Miss Cheng. I’m just that kind of wretched.

Con artist.

A day and night passed, their rendezvous nearing its end.

Ye Zhuoyan packed her suitcase as Wen Huiyun’s voice drifted from the doorway, “I’ll check us out, then?”

Ye Zhuoyan called back from afar, “Okay!”

Hearing her on the phone, Ye Zhuoyan quietly slipped into the kitchen and retrieved a makeup bag from the fridge.

Inside were numerous sample sachets, among them a small silver metallic pouch containing a tiny vial.

Ye Zhuoyan quickly inspected the vial, flashes of last night’s feverish kisses flashing through her mind, her pulse quickening.

Wen Huiyun hung up the phone, and Ye Zhuoyan quickly snapped back to reality. She added menthol crystals to her bag, zipped up the cosmetic pouch, and began folding clothes into the suitcase.

“The homestay manager said they’ll be here soon.”

“Okay.”

Wen Huiyun gave her a gentle smile and took the clothes from her hands. “From now on, I’ll handle these things. You should sit and rest.”

Ye Zhuoyan glanced back at the cosmetic pouch.

She kept opening a chat interface, but there wasn’t a single message in the history.

Ding!

Ye Zhuoyan tightened her grip on her phone, stole a look at Wen Huiyun, who was focused on organizing, and slipped into the bathroom.

Su He: Send the bodily fluids and hair samples to the institution by 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. I’ll be in the office.

Support