The Fallen Film Queen’s Possessive Alpha - Chapter 34

Outside the Caesar Hotel, reporters jostled for photos while inevitably discussing tonight’s celebration banquet. Not only were the main creators of The Spark crew present, but the Ferris Wheel Company had also invited industry heavyweights in the name of the Song Yu Director Memorial Foundation.

“Huanshow, Lightvision, Huasheng, Star Universe all the major players actually sent representatives?”

Several reporters raised their cameras while chatting, one of them scoffing, “Of course they came. Top Profit used to be the frontrunner, and while Song Haoyin started strong, she kept her operation small-scale. Now, suddenly, she’s transformed into a heavyweight like Ferris Wheel they had to come and scope things out.”

A tall reporter chuckled softly, “Who would’ve thought Song Haoyin and Top Profit would actually bury the hatchet? I certainly didn’t.”

Just over half a year ago, Song Haoyin and Top Profit were at each other’s throats. Now they were business partners? Truly, the business world was like a battlefield situations changed in the blink of an eye. Back when Top Profit was negotiating with Kyushu, who could’ve predicted that not only would Song Haoyin make a comeback, but she’d also taken a hefty bite out of Top Profit’s share?

“Miss Song is impressive. Who’d have thought that after Director Song Yu passed away, she’d step up and take charge of the foundation?”

“It’s not just Miss Song,” the shortest reporter whispered, glancing around as if afraid someone might overhear. “Maybe it’s that CEO Zhou who’s really pulling the strings.”

Before the tall reporter could respond, a commotion erupted ahead. She quickly raised her camera, spotting none other than that CEO Zhou stepping out of a car.

“CEO Zhou! Ms. Zhou Qiwei! Could we get a quick word?”

“CEO Zhou, please stop for a moment! Last week, the Omega Rights Protection Association criticized you for neglecting Omega-specific needs in synthetic pheromones. Do you have any response?”

“CEO Zhou, regarding York’s resistance to the synthetic pheromone industry’s expansion in Lok City, why hasn’t Rubik’s Industries issued a statement?”

“Ms. Zhou Qiwei, rumors suggest you stepped down as CEO to circumvent certain laws and mitigate impact on Rubik’s Industries. How do you respond to these claims?”

Zhou Qiwei had arrived with Du Xin and Xuan Tinglu, none of them expecting such a media frenzy at the entrance. They should’ve taken the side door. Du Xin initially wanted to handle the press, but Zhou Qiwei changed her mind, letting her companions go ahead while she stayed to engage with the reporters.

The media grew even more excited. Zhou Qiwei rarely gave interviews outside of essential engagements. Even entertainment reporters, usually focused on celebrity gossip, now crowded around, staying just outside the security perimeter, hoping to dig up some juicy scoops.

“Ms. Zhou Qiwei, there are claims that you’re in a romantic relationship with Ms. Song Haoyin. Is this true?”

The most aggressive question came from an entertainment reporter, much to the dismay of the business journalists who’d missed their chance. Before Zhou Qiwei could address their queries, this one seized her full attention.

“Of course it’s false.”

Zhou Qiwei launched into a grandiose, utterly insincere spiel, taking the opportunity to moralize: “I think people need to stop being so archaic in their understanding of alpha-Omega relationships. Can’t there be mutual admiration between AOs? I admire and respect Ms. Song Haoyin’s expertise, and naturally, she appreciates my professional achievements. That’s why we’ve become business partners.”

“Yet the gossip columns always focus on whether some alpha and some omega are in love I find that so narrow-minded, utterly narrow-minded!”

Song Ange was running errands for her sister, helping to greet familiar guests. When she heard Zhou Qiwei had been stopped by reporters outside, she hurried over to rescue her beloved senior. But the moment she caught sight of Zhou Qiwei arriving at the banquet, Song Ange couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!” before turning on her heel to fetch her sister.

Her senior looked absolutely dazzling today!

When her younger sister insisted she come to the entrance to “save Zhou Qiwei,” Song Haoyin was puzzled. That woman had no trouble handling reporters, so why… Oh. Now she understood.

Through the glass, Song Haoyin saw Zhou Qiwei, slender waist, long legs, draped in a floor-length red gown with only a delicate strap over one shoulder. Pale skin against crimson fabric, radiant as fine jade, her every glance effortlessly commanding attention.

Though she had always known Zhou Qiwei’s face was striking, the woman usually dressed so formally, as if she wanted to weld a suit onto herself. Song Haoyin had never imagined Zhou Qiwei could look like this. She stared, transfixed, only to realize her own reflection in the faintly mirrored glass showed a flushed neck, her entire body warming.

How embarrassing. Song Haoyin had encountered countless alluring beauties, why was she blushing? She turned away, taking a few deep breaths. Just as she was about to step out and pull Zhou Qiwei from the swarm of reporters, she heard her answer another question:

“Criticism from the Omega Association? I’m unaware of it. If they have objections to synthetic pheromones, they can file a complaint with the Department of Health.”

“Our colleagues in pheromone research from York have already sent invitations for the Sixth World Pheromone Research Conference. I believe many issues will be resolved after this summit.”

“As for Miss Song Haoyin, let me reiterate we are in a new era. Please approach ABO gender issues with an open mind and stop being so narrow-minded.”

“Miss Song Haoyin and I are merely business partners. Of course, we’re also very good friends.”

Zhou Qiwei suddenly felt a chill down her spine. A familiar fragrance drifted through the air, and Song Haoyin appeared beside her.

“Please, all our media friends, enjoy some hot coffee. Later, there will be small gifts from the celebration banquet do make sure to take them.”

As attendants distributed the coffee, Song Haoyin flashed Zhou Qiwei a knowing look, and the two smoothly slipped away.

“Zuo Yang and Su Ye are here today,” Song Haoyin mentioned casually.

Zhou Qiwei laughed. “Afraid I’ll pick a fight with them in public?”

Song Haoyin didn’t respond. Before Zhou Qiwei could ask anything else, they had already returned to the banquet hall.

The venue was filled with familiar faces Zhou Qiwei’s friends and acquaintances, of course, but also Zuo Yang, Su Ye, and a few vaguely recognizable figures, likely from the entertainment industry. Zhou Qiwei had little interest in them. Her attention was fixed on Song Haoyin, but as the hostess, Song Haoyin was busy entertaining guests.

“Why the long face again?” Xuan Tinglu strolled over, glass in hand, following Zhou Qiwei’s gaze. “What, has your dear Song-jiejie been ignoring you?”

Assistant Xuan suppressed a laugh as she watched Zhou Qiwei’s stony expression. Her best friend had this habit, when angry, she’d clam up and stew in silence. Being the kind soul she was, and with Du Xin chatting with Zuo Yang, Xuan Tinglu found herself bored and whispered a reminder: “If she’s ignoring you, go to her instead.”

“Not going!” Zhou Qiwei lifted her chin defiantly.

“Honestly, do you even know how to date?”

Xuan Tinglu was stunned this was pure stubborn pride. What a waste of such good looks if she wouldn’t even use them properly!

Zhou Qiwei looked even more shocked: “Who said we’re dating? I just denied it. Stop reading gossip rags.”

“You think I’m an idiot!” Xuan Tinglu’s voice rose sharply on the last word, drawing glances from nearby guests. Raising her glass in a casual gesture, she dragged Zhou Qiwei behind a pillar. “Stop pretending. Let me tell you half the people here are eyeing Miss Song. That Su Ye, for instance. Aren’t you afraid she’ll make a comeback?”

Su Ye stood before Song Haoyin with others nearby, their conversation inaudible.

“Afraid of her?” Zhou Qiwei tossed her hair, maintaining her aloof demeanor. “Ridiculous. Song Haoyin would never give her the time of day.”

No sooner had she spoken than Song Haoyin flashed Su Ye a smile. Zhou Qiwei’s composure shattered instantly, a vein throbbing at her temple. Xuan Tinglu nearly choked on her drink what kind of jinx was this?

Su Ye had come to apologize, her demeanor humble. Though Song Haoyin was irritated, with so many eyes watching, she couldn’t exactly slap away an outstretched olive branch.

Besides, that infuriating woman was just standing there like a block of wood, staring but refusing to approach. Remembering Zhou Qiwei’s earlier declaration. “We’re just good friends!” Song Haoyin seethed inwardly. The injustice of having to swallow her frustration made her beam even brighter at Su Ye under that burning gaze.

The skies cleared for Su Ye, her life seemed bright again! She could practically feel her heart burning with devotion, ready to be laid bare before Song Haoyin. But fate intervened with a familiar, loathsome scent and an even more detestable voice: “Miss Song, care for a drink~” It was Zhou Qiwei in a crimson gown.

What sheer devilry!

What kind of Alpha dressed like this? Su Ye turned away in disgust, only to see Song Haoyin blushing. Heaven help her she actually liked this type of Alpha?

When Zhou Qiwei got like this smug and radiant she exuded an energy that begged to be taken down a peg. Preferably while maintaining that arrogant face, stubborn to the last even through tears. Song Haoyin guiltily averted her eyes, blaming Zhou Qiwei entirely. It was all her fault their association was corrupting her, sending her tastes spiraling into unspeakable territories.

Bad company corrupts good morals it must be true.

Song Haoyin wore a black off-shoulder gown tonight, while Zhou Qiwei’s red dress trailed behind her. Were they performing some twisted rendition of The Red and the Black? Su Ye couldn’t bear to watch. Song Haoyin clearly wanted nothing to do with her, and Zhou Qiwei’s approach carried the implicit threat of stiletto-heeled murder.

Discretion being the better part of valor, Su Ye drained her glass with an awkward laugh and retreated.

“I have to give a speech later don’t cause trouble.”

Zhou Qiwei’s index finger brushed against Song Haoyin’s wrist, intentionally or not, the rubbing sensation making her feel ticklish. Her wrist tingled, and her heart. She took a deep breath, only to feel even angrier. Just moments ago, he had denied their relationship in public, and now he was clinging to her, seeking intimacy. “Zhou Qiwei, just you wait,” Song Haoyin thought as she grasped his fingers. Seizing the moment when no one was around, she gently brought them to her lips and kissed them.

“Wait until I return from my speech, and we’ll”

In a voice barely above a whisper, Song Haoyin murmured a few words into Zhou Qiwei’s ear. She watched with satisfaction as the usually bold yet fragile, all talk no action Zhou Qiwei instantly turned into a genuine red balloon.

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