Reborn a Scummy Alpha, Happily Ever After with the Movie Queen - Chapter 1

“…You know how big the investment in this drama is, and the leads are the hugely popular Xiao Ran CP. That means every role that gets screen time is being fought over like crazy—especially the fourth female lead, whose character is incredibly likable. I know you worked hard to get this opportunity…”

“But the competition is fierce. With your current qualifications, my uncle probably won’t pick you. Still… if you’re willing to be my little secret lover, that role is yours.”

Hidden in a corner of the balcony, a man’s voice dropped lower, probably in an attempt to sound deep and serious. Unfortunately, he had no idea how greasy it actually came off.

On the bench beneath the balcony, half-hidden by thick branches and leaves, a tall, slender woman lay stretched out. She had been dozing until the voices above roused her. Her half-lidded eyes blinked open slowly.

She sat up lazily, debating whether to slip away quietly rather than intrude on whatever “fun” those two were about to have.

Before she could decide, a soft, hesitant female voice floated down from above:

“Brother Yu, I… I’m still a student. I’ve never even dated anyone before…”

The girl’s tone carried faint refusal, laced with fear at the idea of becoming this “Brother Yu’s” mistress.

“And besides, I believe Director Chen Xuan will see how hard I’ve been working…”

Down below, Wen Tang nearly burst into laughter at the almost naïve line.

So, not everyone in this novel was as vile as the Wen family. There were still such… well, simple little fools.

She reclined again, deciding she might as well enjoy the show.

Brother Yu chuckled. “You think you’re the only one putting in effort? Let me tell you, Xu Yingyue is also vying for this role. Compared to her, what advantage do you think you have?”

Xu Yingyue—an up-and-coming starlet with a soft, sweet smile that could heal hearts. An Omega.

“But I still like you more. As long as you agree to be mine, the role is guaranteed.”

His voice sank lower, dripping with lechery.

There was a rustling sound, then the girl’s panicked cry:

“Brother Yu… don’t do this… let me go…”

Fabric tore. A strong wave of peppermint-laced Alpha pheromones flooded the air.

The scent made Wen Tang recoil instinctively. Her body bristled in rejection as she sat up, brows furrowing.

“You came to this party, so why act like some innocent little flower?” Brother Yu’s breath grew heavy. “As long as you please me, I’ll give you anything you want…”

Ye Youyi was already pressed against the wall, no room left to retreat. Her pale face was caught in Chen Haoyu’s grip, his mouth closing in to steal a kiss. Terrified, she thrashed with hands and feet, trying desperately to shove him away.

But wrapped in the oppressive weight of his Alpha pheromones, her limbs weakened. Worse still, she could feel her heat threatening to flare early under the assault of that sickening scent.

She had to escape. If her heat hit now, she feared this bastard would really mark her.

Chen Haoyu clamped a hand around her slender neck. “Behave, don’t be ungrateful!” he snarled, lunging for her lips.

Unable to break free, tears welled in Ye Youyi’s eyes. She turned her head aside in a last, frantic act of resistance.

And then—his hot breath vanished.

Blinking through tears, Ye Youyi turned to see a young female Alpha beside her. The newcomer’s arm locked firmly around Chen Haoyu, holding him back with unyielding strength.

The Alpha’s long, slightly curled hair spilled down her back. Her narrow, fox-like eyes carried a dangerous allure, their half-lidded gaze enough to ensnare hearts. Yet right now, they brimmed with disgust. Her red lips parted coldly:

“Get lost.”

With a sharp motion, she flung him several meters away.

Staggering to his feet, Chen Haoyu rubbed his sore arm, glaring murderously. “How dare you ruin this for me? Do you even know who I am?!”

Wen Tang stood protectively in front of Ye Youyi, blocking his view. Her reply was just one word, steady and cold:

“Leave.”

Sizing up her strength—and remembering the force with which she’d thrown him—he realized he was no match. Spitting viciously on the ground, he sneered, “You’ll pay for this.”

He stormed off in a hurry, disappearing into the night.

As his figure vanished, Ye Youyi let out a shaky breath. She looked at the woman shielding her, trembling slightly with lingering fear. “Th-thank you.”

Wen Tang turned, her sharp eyes scanning the girl. Seeing the torn neckline that revealed far too much, she quickly shrugged off her own jacket and wrapped it around Ye Youyi’s shoulders. “Are you alright?”

Noticing the Alpha’s glance toward her chest, Ye Youyi’s face flamed red. She was painfully aware of how disheveled she must look—nearly assaulted by a male Alpha, only to have her body exposed before a female Alpha instead…

“You okay?” Wen Tang pressed when she stayed silent.

Ye Youyi blinked back to awareness, lifting tear-bright eyes.

Looking at her fragile, pitiful state, Wen Tang sighed softly and took her wrist. “Come on.”

“That was Chen Haoyu, Director Chen Xuan’s nephew, wasn’t it?” she asked. Hearing a quiet “mm” in response, Wen Tang continued, “Since he’s hosting tonight’s party, it’s safer if we leave.”

As for his threats—she couldn’t care less.

They walked down the small path. Spotting the row of cars, Wen Tang released Ye Youyi’s wrist. “Where’s your assistant?”

Ye Youyi thought guiltily of Qiu Qiu, who had gone off excitedly to dig up news about the casting. She shook her head. “Not here.” Pulling out her phone, she dialed quickly. “I’ll call her.”

Under the dim glow of the streetlights, the petite Omega’s delicate features softened further. Stray strands of hair framed her tear-streaked face, making her look like a fallen fairy—so fragile it tugged at the instinct to protect.

Wen Tang studied her quietly, thinking, No wonder the original owner had been so infatuated. From the moment she first saw her in high school, she’d been secretly guarding her. Even later, she had neglected her arranged fiancée, Ning Xu, all for her sake…

Right. Until Ye Youyi is safe, you have to keep protecting her.

A chirpy voice rang in her head, yanking her out of thought.

Wen Tang rolled her eyes inwardly.

No eye-rolling! Your character setting doesn’t allow that! the voice scolded.

She sneered silently, Shut up. Stop popping out all the time.

This annoying system had bound to her mind the moment she transmigrated into this novel, constantly reminding her she had to complete her tasks if she wanted to survive.

Even just now—it was only because the system told her the victim was Ye Youyi that she’d rushed to intervene instead of eavesdropping in peace.

After finishing her call, Ye Youyi looked up, catching the Alpha’s faintly impatient gaze. Biting her lip, she whispered, “Thank you again… I’m fine now. My assistant will be here any minute.” She hesitated, then held out her phone. “Could I have your number? When you’re free, I’d like to treat you to a meal…”

Wen Tang waved her off. “No need. I just happened to pass by. You’ve already thanked me—no dinner required.”

At once, the system butted in again: Yes, exactly! Stay cold and aloof. You’re supposed to guard her in secret—don’t ruin your persona.

Wen Tang cut the system off entirely. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a figure rushing out from the ballroom. She nodded toward Ye Youyi. “Looks like your assistant’s here. I’ll go.”

“What’s your name?” Ye Youyi called after her.

“Wen Tang.”

With her long legs wrapped in tailored slacks, Wen Tang strode away, her figure gradually swallowed by the night.

Ye Youyi clutched the oversized jacket draped over her shoulders, breathing in the faint, clean scent lingering on it. Softly, she repeated the Alpha’s name under her breath.

She had never once heard of this name in the entertainment industry. That could only mean the person wasn’t anyone important.

The sound of hurried footsteps approached from behind. She turned to see Qiu Qiu’s anxious face.

“What happened? Why do you look like such a mess?” Qiu Qiu’s voice was sharp with alarm. She glanced at Ye Youyi’s usually well-groomed hair, now completely disheveled, and at the obviously Alpha-sized coat wrapped around her. Her expression froze in panic. “Don’t tell me you got yourself burned playing with fire?!”

At this moment, Ye Youyi’s face no longer carried the docile, pitiful expression she wore for outsiders. She bit her lip, turned, and walked toward their car. “Let’s go back first.”

Qiu Qiu shot a glance over her shoulder before quickly following. “And I think I just saw a female Alpha leaving. Could it be… you really hit the jackpot tonight?!”

Seated in the passenger seat, Ye Youyi’s expression was unreadable. Only the deep indifference in her eyes startled Qiu Qiu.

It had been a long time since she’d seen Xiao Ye look like this.

Had their plan tonight gone wrong? Did Xiao Ye really get herself in too deep?!

The evening’s banquet had been hosted by Director Chen Xuan’s nephew. When the invitation arrived, they immediately guessed—especially with Chen Haoyu’s recent attempts at currying favor—that the spoiled young master had his eyes on Ye Youyi.

Ye Youyi, who had always been adept at seizing opportunities, naturally wouldn’t let this chance slip.

She knew exactly how to present herself before an Alpha—how much to bow her head, what kind of mask to wear to draw attention, and how to use that attention to gain the resources she wanted.

And since tonight’s party was a relatively big one, with plenty of third- and fourth-tier Omegas from the industry present, she had assumed she wouldn’t be at much risk.

But recalling how close she had come to being assaulted in that secluded corner, even the usually bold Ye Youyi felt a lingering chill of fear.

She had been too confident.

“Say something, will you! Don’t tell me that brat actually marked you?!” Qiu Qiu shot her a sidelong glance as she drove.

Ye Youyi closed her eyes, unwilling to recount the details. “Just drive.”

Catching the faint trace of Alpha pheromones in the air, Qiu Qiu’s gaze fell on the coat around her shoulders. She smirked. “So you were marked?” When Ye Youyi kept her eyes firmly shut, Qiu Qiu curled her lip. “That’s not necessarily bad.

The brat may be useless, but his uncle is the famous Director Chen Xuan! If you really married him, you’d never have to worry about landing good roles again.”

“That would be just what you’ve always wanted…”

But when Qiu Qiu’s speculation grew too wild, Ye Youyi snapped her eyes open and glared at her. “I wasn’t marked.” She turned her head away, her voice dropping lower. “I was too sure of myself. I thought he wouldn’t cross the line.”

Then, with detached calm, she recounted what had happened at the party.

After Qiu Qiu left to dig for information, Ye Youyi had waited alone by the dance floor until, as expected, the host himself appeared.

Chen Haoyu invited her to the back garden under the pretense of discussing role selections for Director Chen’s upcoming project.

Thinking it was the perfect chance to ask about the coveted fourth female role, she followed him.

But as they walked, something felt off.

Though the garden was quiet, there were still people resting here and there. Yet Chen Haoyu led her deeper and deeper into increasingly deserted paths.

Sensing danger, she deliberately slowed her pace, putting some distance between them, ready to run if things turned sour.

But Chen Haoyu was quick to catch on. Realizing she was holding back, he dragged her into a secluded corner and bluntly told her—if she agreed to be his secret lover, the role of Female Four would be hers…

…

By the time she finished her story, Ye Youyi’s expression hadn’t changed, but Qiu Qiu was trembling with rage. She almost punched the steering wheel. “That brat’s never been worth a damn! How many Omegas in the circle hasn’t he ruined?! I warned you before—keep away from disgusting Alphas, don’t play with fire, but you never listen!”

Then, remembering the mysterious female Alpha Ye Youyi mentioned, she added sternly, “And that woman—sure, she saved you, but we don’t know her. Who knows what she really wants? Don’t go getting tangled up with her too. Think about the consequences first.”

That Alpha… Ye Youyi gripped the coat tighter and said flatly, “You know me. If someone has no value, I won’t waste my time on them.”

Qiu Qiu gave her a sidelong glance and nodded. “At least that’s one of your ‘virtues.’”

…

The “worthless” Wen Tang had already returned to the Wen household. After greeting her grandmother as usual, she retreated to her small courtyard.

The moment she stepped inside, her phone rang.

One look at the screen, and she smacked her forehead. “Damn it, I forgot about her!”

Since her grandmother, the true head of the Wen family, had yet to announce her identity publicly, Wen Tang had recently been “packaged off” into Xinghua Entertainment—a Wen family subsidiary—to work as an assistant to a third-rate starlet.

That Omega actress wasn’t famous, but her temper was massive. She nitpicked at Wen Tang all day long.

At tonight’s banquet, Wen Tang had dutifully accompanied her. But once the woman got busy cozying up to others, Wen Tang had quietly slipped away to a quiet corner for peace.

And then… she completely forgot about her charge.

Rubbing her temples, Wen Tang answered the call, holding the phone at arm’s length. As expected, Zuo Xiaojiao’s shrill voice exploded through the speaker:

“Where the hell are you?! The party’s almost over! You useless thing, where did you disappear to?! Get back here now—I’ve got an early shoot tomorrow morning!”

When the tirade finally ended, Wen Tang’s reply was icy. “On my way.” Hanging up, she gritted her teeth, turned on her heel, and headed back out.

“This woman is unbearable! One tiny thing goes against her wishes, and she screams at you like that. Outrageous!” fumed the indignant voice of the “half-wit” system in her head.

Wen Tang snorted coldly. “If it wasn’t for the mission, do you think I’d put up with this crap?!” If the damned system hadn’t threatened her life, she’d never be humiliating herself like this, playing someone else’s part and running pointless errands.

Chastened, the system quickly fell silent, shrinking its presence like a scolded quail.