The Fallen Film Queen’s Possessive Alpha - Chapter 35

“The box office success of The Fuse is the result of the collective efforts of the entire creative team and all the staff. The film’s achievement is built upon everyone’s hard work and boundless passion. It is your perseverance and dedication that have brought this story to life, allowing it to shine in its full glory.

Here, on behalf of myself, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you.

Taking this opportunity, aside from celebrating our success, I have another piece of good news to announce: the Song Yu Memorial Foundation will collaborate with our peers to prepare for the year-end Luocheng Film Festival. In accordance with my late mother’s wishes, the Luocheng International Film Festival will leverage its strengths to provide young filmmakers with a greater platform to showcase their talents.

Finally, the foundation hopes that Ferris Wheel Studios can join hands with industry colleagues to bring the audience more and better works.”

Song Haoyin’s speech was nothing short of a manifesto. Everyone’s attention was immediately drawn to the news that the year-end Luocheng Film Festival would proceed as scheduled. Representatives from several major companies exchanged probing remarks while simultaneously drafting emails to their superiors. Last year’s Luocheng International Film Festival had ended abruptly, leading many to assume that with Director Song Yu’s passing, the festival would eventually become a plaything in Dingyi’s hands.

To everyone’s surprise, the representatives exchanged glances. Miss Song had actually pulled through.

“Wouldn’t have happened without President Zhou’s help,” someone remarked with a sneer, though the tone wasn’t well-received.

“That’s a biased take,” one representative countered. “If Song Haoyin wasn’t capable, no amount of effort from Zhou Qiwei would’ve made a difference. No need to be sour isn’t it just because your Guangshi’s Liu Shiyu had her eye on Yuan Zhi’s script? Miss Song might transition to behind-the-scenes work anyway, so she wouldn’t even be competing.”

“Would she really move behind the scenes?”

The representative from Yuxing was skeptical but then considered, “It wouldn’t be surprising. Working behind the scenes is far more comfortable than acting. Who would choose to struggle in front of the camera when they could grow their capital instead?”

“Regardless, with Ferris Wheel under Song Haoyin’s leadership, along with Dingyi, Magic Cube, and World, it’s still better than letting Jiuzhou take control.”

The sentiment resonated with the group. Though Jiuzhou had shown restraint, many still feared they might attempt a monopoly. The current arrangement was ideal, Ferris Wheel had taken over Dingyi’s distribution business, and Jiuzhou’s cultural subsidiary, Panyan, was merely a token presence on Ferris Wheel’s board. Everyone could rest easy.

But soon, someone raised an unavoidable question: “Has anyone considered why Jiuzhou just swallowed this defeat? What’s their angle?”

No one had an answer.

“Hmph, with Madam Zhou overseeing things, a win is a win, and a loss is a loss. What more is there to say?” Li You, standing behind the group, scoffed. Recently, she had suffered setbacks both in her career and personal life, and with her sister Li Nian detained, the atmosphere at home was tense.

She hadn’t wanted to attend today but feared being labeled petty and graceless, so she reluctantly accepted the invitation.

Alone at the banquet, the more she drank, the more frustrated she became. Spotting Zhou Mu’s call on her phone, she tossed it onto the table in irritation. only to knock over a wine glass, spilling its contents onto Su Ye. Though the two were barely acquainted, their shared despondency led them to exchange apologies and introductions before drowning their sorrows together.

Su Ye casually introduced a few company representatives while Li You vented about the Zhou family affairs. Though the speaker had no ulterior motives, the listener read between the lines Su Ye faintly detected something amiss. From Li You’s words, it seemed that Zhou Qiwei, that flamboyant scumbag, and Young Master Zhou were actually viewed equally by Chairman Zhou.

This wasn’t normal. Su Ye suppressed her impatience, handed Li You another drink, and comforted her with a smile: “Young Master Zhou has worked at Jiuzhou for years. Even someone as insignificant as me knows he’s the heir. Zhou Qiwei is just a collateral relative, what does it matter if she’s an Alpha? Could she possibly be closer than his own daughter?”

“It’s the same.” With those words, Li You was already drunk, propping her head up as she drowsily teetered on the edge of sleep.

Su Ye forced herself to call a waiter, instructing them to notify Li You’s secretary and driver to take care of the drunk woman. She then retreated to a corner, pressing a hand to her chest as if her heart might leap out. What did Li You mean?

Even in drunken ramblings, “It’s the same” was a direct answer to her question. But the question had been: “Could she possibly be closer than his own daughter?”

Li You said it was the same.

Wait, wait if this was truly what she suspected, then Zhou Qiwei wasn’t just a collateral relative. Could she actually be Chairman Zhou’s illegitimate daughter?

Su Ye was startled by her own speculation. She instinctively downed two more glasses of wine, the alcohol fueling her racing thoughts. If that were the case, did Hao Yin know?

Even if Hao Yin could tolerate Zuo Yang working at Skytower now. that was just a business exchange, an adult’s compromise, when it came to personal feelings, Song Haoyin would never accept her girlfriend being an illegitimate child.

Still, this information needed confirmation from other sources. No wonder there were no public reports about Zhou Qiwei’s family background. So that was the reason.

“Su Ye!”

Zuo Yang called her over to introduce Yu Miao. Though they were already acquainted, Zuo Yang took the opportunity to make things clear: “Coordinate with Ms. Yu as soon as possible. Year-end is busy, especially with the international film festival coming up. Don’t let work pile up wrap up pending projects quickly.”

“This Zuo CEO seems reliable,” Qu Yuanzhi muttered. “But, Sister Xiang Zi, is Su Ye also joining Skytower?”

Xiang Zi, after a moment of shock, scoffed. Of course not Song Haoyin would never allow it. The banquet was winding down, and as she scanned the room, she realized neither Song Haoyin nor that Zhou Qiwei were present. Where had they gone?

Song Ange happened to be nearby, so Xiang Zi called out, “Ange, where’s your sister?” Song Ange shook her head, she didn’t know either.

Well, it didn’t matter if they were gone. After her speech, Haoyin had left her and Yuanzhi on stage with Zuo Yang to handle the company representatives. If Haoyin had slipped away, it was probably for a date. Ah, youth.

Xiang Zi guessed correctly. Once Song Haoyin had fulfilled her social obligations, she took Zhou Qiwei’s hand and quietly left the venue. The awkward part? They ran into Du Xin and Xuan Tinglu in the elevator.

The even more awkward part? When the elevator doors opened, Du Xin and Xuan Tinglu were locked in a passionate embrace, while Zhou Qiwei’s hand was lingering on the bare back of Song Haoyin’s dress.

“……”

Silence was the theme of the night.

The four of them exchanged glances, sitting across from each other in pairs. In the end, Xuan Tinglu was the one who broke the silence with shameless charm, flashing an adorable smile. “You’re out having fun too, huh?”

Song Haoyin responded with a friendly smile, but before Xuan Tinglu could return the gesture, Zhou Qiwei abruptly raised her wine glass, blocking the interaction between them. Xuan Tinglu immediately clicked her tongue loudly to express her disapproval, prompting Du Xin beside her to pat her leg gently. “Behave.”

“Look at her! Who gets this petty?” Xuan Tinglu leaned affectionately against Du Xin. If Zhou Qiwei could act spoiled, so could she Miss Xuan had quite the temper when she wanted to. “Besides, why are you even upset? Who was it that told me, ‘I’m absolutely not dating Miss Song’? Who said that?!”

“I was just trying to avoid media speculation!”

Though Song Haoyin’s expression remained calm, Zhou Qiwei’s mind conjured up an undercurrent of tension. Desperate to salvage the situation, she insisted, “Yes, exactly! I just didn’t want the media bothering us!”

“Liar!” Xuan Tinglu had barely uttered the word when Du Xin cut her off. “So, have you two uh, started dating?” Xuan Tinglu puffed out her cheeks Du Xin was still taking Zhou Qiwei’s side.

Song Haoyin didn’t even glance at Zhou Qiwei, keeping her gaze on Du Xin. “We’re just friends having drinks. Miss Zhou and I are establishing an open-minded, unprejudiced, modern Alpha-Omega relationship.”

“You’re dead,” Xuan Tinglu mouthed behind her hand, sticking her tongue out at Zhou Qiwei. Watching Zhou Qiwei choke on her words, Xuan Tinglu laughed until her stomach hurt. Her dear friend, who always argued even when she was wrong and spun nonsense with absolute confidence, had finally met her match.

Turning back to Song Haoyin, admiration welled up in Xuan Tinglu. She clasped her hands together, grinning like a happy squirrel gathering pinecones. “I respect you, Miss Song. Truly. You’re the first person who’s ever left her speechless.”

Song Haoyin smiled gently. “It can’t be easy putting up with a friend’s temper either, Miss Xuan.”

The two shared a moment of understanding, even shaking hands as if sealing a genuine friendship. This left not only Zhou Qiwei seething with jealousy but also Du Xin feeling a pang of something unidentifiable for once, she understood Xuan Tinglu’s complaints.

“By the way, has there been any news from the Zhou family since the Ferris Wheel Group restructuring?” Du Xin asked, watching the other two exchange private social media accounts. She decided to ignore them and change the subject.

“No idea. I thought beating the younger ones would definitely bring out the elders, but nothing’s happened. Hey Xuan Bird, that’s enough!” Zhou Qiwei abandoned all pretense of dignity, leaping up to block Song Haoyin’s phone. That jerk Xuan Tinglu had actually sent her embarrassing photos to Song Haoyin!

Song Haoyin, however, was far more gracious she sent Xuan Tinglu a still from their university drama club days, featuring Du Xin in full princely regalia. Xuan Tinglu clutched her phone, swooning over the image, completely ignoring Zhou Qiwei’s indignant squawking. With her slender waist, long legs, and striking presence, Du Xin looked dashing in that military-style prince’s uniform and cape, what a vision!

Zhou Qiwei lunged for the phone, but Du Xin was quicker, pulling Xuan Tinglu into her arms. “Alright, alright, she was just joking. We should get going we have things to do.”

Xuan Tinglu actually had the audacity to play the delicate little bird, letting Du Xin lead her away with an arm around her shoulder. How could they just run off like that? Though Zhou Qiwei’s words were angry, her feet remained rooted in place, ears perked up to listen to Song Haoyin’s words.

“So adorable!”

The photo showed Zhou Qiwei wearing reindeer antlers on her head, her brown jacket and pants covered in reindeer patterns, even her shoes shaped like deer hooves. pouting at the camera while flashing a peace sign. Song Haoyin poked at the little reindeer on the screen, collapsing onto the table in muffled laughter. When she looked up at the real Zhou Qiwei, something seemed to trigger another fit of giggles, leaving her doubled over.

Zhou Qiwei’s half-hearted irritation floated away like a popped balloon. She leaned in to look at the photo, awkwardly asking, “Is it really that funny?”

“N-no, not funny.” Song Haoyin struggled to sit up straight, taking a deep breath to suppress her laughter. Her fingers brushed Zhou Qiwei’s cheek as she thought of the grumpy little reindeer on the screen. “Just really cute.”

“It’s not that special.”

Zhou Qiwei muttered under her breath, not caring whether Song Haoyin heard. She simply grabbed the other’s hand. “Let’s head back first. The banquet’s about to end.”

Song Haoyin twisted her wrist, interlacing their fingers instead. Zhou Qiwei looked at her in surprise as Song Haoyin smiled and led her into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor.

“I couldn’t book the presidential suite so you were the one who got it?”

Her surprised expression didn’t last long. Zhou Qiwei let herself be pulled into the suite. the very place where they’d first exchanged pheromones. As the ornate Baroque-style doors closed behind them, Song Haoyin kissed her, guiding her to the carpet at the room’s center.

The long dress slipped away, revealing warm, smooth skin beneath her palms—like flawless white jade laid upon crimson brocade, waiting for Song Haoyin to carve her mark. It was practically an invitation to indulge in human nature’s baser instincts.

“Song, Song, don’t”

Under the fluorescent lights, the nimble reindeer lowered its forelegs, its proud head turning away from the herder’s invasive gaze. The herder stroked the reindeer’s sleek fur, teasingly playing with its tailbone, mischief in her voice: “Don’t what? Weren’t we supposed to pioneer a new era of Alpha-Omega relationships? I think this is pretty avant-garde. Don’t you agree?”

The reindeer stayed silent, becoming the quietest creature in the vast wilderness, refusing to utter a single word. But it didn’t matter. the herder had ways to slowly coax the truth from its lips.

While some were lost in passion, others stood alone. And then there were those tending to their drunken fiancées, swallowing their frustration with nowhere to vent left with nothing but pitiful whimpers.

Miss Zhou the Second felt rivers of tears streaming inside her heart, wallowing in self-pity. There were no tear-jerking tales of shared hardship between her and Li You their relationship had been smooth sailing from the start, with both families perfectly content.

But now, faced with trouble, Zhou Mu had sacrificed Li You’s Panyan Culture as collateral. Every time she saw her fiancée, guilt weighed her down.

Yet no matter how guilty she felt, Zhou Mu was still a Zhou family heiress—the long-assumed successor to the family’s legacy, recognized both domestically and abroad. Li You’s cold treatment was more than she could bear. Just moments ago, when she’d gone to pick Li You up at Caesar’s, another argument had erupted in the car.

Li You accused Zhou Mu of being utterly useless, saying that Li Nian was still assisting with investigations at the bureau, Zhou Zhao refused to release her, and she herself was under immense family pressure. Meanwhile, Zhou Mu couldn’t lift a finger to help and even used her as a stepping stone.

Being berated so openly was too much for Zhou Mu to bear. She shot back, “Yes, I led the Pan Rock negotiations, but as the legal director, was your risk management any better? Ji Xubai’s influence has already seeped into the company. did you even know? And you blame me for Li Nian’s situation? Did I force her to get involved with Zuo Xingyu? Did I lock your sister and Zuo Xingyu in Cloud Peak Villa?”

When it came to dredging up old grievances, the Zhou family was second to none. Li You, still slurring from drunkenness, could only listen as Zhou Mu’s anger flared: “Back when Song Haoyin’s studio ran into trouble, you were the one who suggested sending Li Nian to Dingyi, claiming it would benefit both families and her future. Now that things have gone south, you’re dumping all the blame on me. The Li family’s conduct is downright disgraceful!”

“You!” Li You sobered up instantly, tears welling in her eyes.

Her crying only made Zhou Mu want to cry even more. There were no secrets that stayed buried forever. many already knew about the failed negotiations. Though Zhou Qing’s authority kept the board members silent, Zhou Mu couldn’t shake the feeling of hushed whispers mocking her failure.

And then there was her mother. Though she never said it outright, though she still comforted her, telling her she was young and would learn from this Zhou Mu could still sense her disappointment.

“Let’s not see each other for a while. We both need space.” Zhou Mu pushed open the car door, instructing the driver to take Li You home while she hailed another cab.

Zhou Qing was away on business, Du Ning accompanying her. Aside from the household staff, only Zhou Zhao was home for dinner. a rare occurrence. When Zhou Mu entered the dining room, their eyes met briefly before she quickly looked away. The eldest Zhou sister sighed inwardly her younger sister was far too thin-skinned.

“Tell Li You that Li Nian is fine,” Zhou Zhao said after some deliberation, offering a harmless piece of information. “She’ll be released in a few days no more than a week.”

Zhou Mu nodded, tears dripping onto the table. Her sister had given her something, yet she felt no relief only her own incompetence. The crushing sense of defeat overwhelmed her, and she set down her chopsticks, retreating to her room to cry.

Ah, don’t cry

Zhou Zhao reached out but couldn’t stop her. She sighed to herself, why couldn’t their second daughter understand that failure was just a step toward the next fight? Losing once meant nothing; all she had to do was win next time. But then, a sudden wave of frustration hit Zhou Zhao, killing her appetite. Some battles, once lost, could never be won.

Ji Xubai.

Pressed onto the bed by Leliana, Ji Xubai shuddered suddenly. The room was a steady 24°C it wasn’t the cold. Leliana’s teeth grazed her earlobe as she whispered, “Thinking of your ex-wife? Do you think that noble lady could ever imagine you lying in another Alpha’s bed?”

Ji Xubai ignored her, but Leliana didn’t find it boring. While nuzzling affectionately against Ji Xubai, she didn’t forget to inquire about matters that concerned her: “Zhou Mu’s position as heir doesn’t seem very secure. Recently, there’s been growing support within the Zhou family for Zhou Zhao to retire from the military and take over the family business.”

“She’s the eldest daughter.”

Under normal circumstances, for stable families, the smooth transfer of power to the next generation is paramount. With seniority being respected, Zhou Zhao had always been well-regarded within the Zhou family this was something Ji Xubai understood better than anyone.

The Zhou family had many collateral branches. Although their say in succession matters was limited with numerous legal and other measures ensuring distant relatives couldn’t interfere with Jiuzhou, they still harbored doubts about Zhou Mu. Despite the second daughter’s elite education and decent performance since joining the company, Zhou Mu’s merely adequate abilities, stripped of all the packaging, failed to meet people’s expectations for a Jiuzhou heir.

Especially when she had an exceptionally outstanding elder sister above her and a little-known but even more remarkable younger sister below her.

“Aren’t you curious why I’m asking these questions?”

“That’s irrelevant.” Ji Xubai’s tone remained impassive, as if they were merely discussing what to have for breakfast tomorrow: “You can’t handle Zhou Qiwei, let alone Zhou Zhao.”

Ji Xubai’s gaze finally settled on Leliana, but it was a look she disliked as if seeing right through her. This person had always been like this, as though missing part of her soul, forever incomplete.

Zhou Qiwei didn’t know how to tear souls apart, but her mind was already fractured. Her glands uncontrollably released the scent of liquor, and Song Haoyin gently sucked at it as if it were an inexhaustible source of fine wine.

The reindeer’s fur was soaked through, the red dress beneath the prone reindeer in disarray. The reindeer herder softly caressed the purple bruises on her fingertips before gently kissing them.

Slender and beautiful, a lovely body, most importantly, what a wonderful person she was.

The young Alpha lay on the carpet, letting Song Haoyin’s gaze linger. Tonight’s Song Haoyin was both fiercely aggressive and exceptionally alluring. She kissed Zhou Qiwei’s neck: “What’s wrong, my little reindeer? Can’t handle just this much?”

Laughing, she tried to help Zhou Qiwei up, only for the recovering Alpha to seize her wrist. Zhou Qiwei stared into those beautiful eyes, kissed their corners, then released her and strode unabashedly toward the bathroom. Left behind, Miss Song clearly understood. the second act was about to begin.

Song Haoyin sipped her wine with a smile, breathing deeply the crisp cognac scent floating in the air. Playing with the torn red dress on the carpet, she realized it had been ripped apart. She hadn’t restrained Zhou Qiwei, everything that happened occurred while Zhou Qiwei had full capacity to resist.

Yet she hadn’t fought back. She’d torn the fabric instead, pressing her fingers so hard against the carpet they bruised, refusing to harm her.

She won’t hurt me, Song Haoyin thought, holding the red dress as she smiled and walked into the bathroom.

The most breathtaking view from the top floor of Caesar was undoubtedly the sunrise at dawn. The sun slowly rose from the horizon, its golden rays gradually spreading across the sea, illuminating the waters with soft, shimmering ripples. In this moment, time stood still the ocean, sky, sun, and ships on the water intertwined into a scene reminiscent of Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise.”

Song Haoyin witnessed this masterpiece of nature accompanied by her loved one. They squeezed together on a lounge chair, letting the sunlight brighten both the sky and themselves.

Still slightly drowsy, Song Haoyin nestled in Zhou Qiwei’s embrace and slowly shared some less-than-ideal news: “In another week, I’ll need to send ‘Fire Fuse’ to the York Film Festival. If all goes well, it might qualify for next year’s awards. In the competition segment, Yuan Zhi will likely win Best New Director, and the costumes and production design might also receive recognition. I’ll have to be there for at least a full week I won’t be able to stay with you.”

Having just officially confirmed their relationship, Song Haoyin wasn’t eager to leave. The early stages of love made separation difficult. But work obligations remained, and no matter how much she wished to focus solely on acting, the current circumstances wouldn’t allow it. She had responsibilities she couldn’t avoid.

“Alright,” came the reply.

Zhou Qiwei appeared to have no objections at all. In fact, she seemed delighted as she nuzzled against Miss Song’s cheek, pulling her close affectionately and saying with a smile, “I’ll go with you.”

Song Haoyin sat up straight, looking at her in disbelief. She knew Zhou Qiwei’s company was in the midst of restructuring this was the busiest time. Surely this wasn’t appropriate?

Zhou Qiwei beamed even brighter, pulling her back into an embrace with sticky-sweet persistence. “I’m actually heading to York next week too. The Information Research Conference is being held there, and I’ve been invited to attend.”

Their equally pale, slender hands intertwined as Zhou Qiwei tentatively asked, “Why don’t you come with me? We can take my private jet no media attention that way.”

Faced with such an adorable expression full of hope and anticipation, Song Haoyin decided to give her younger lover a proper older-sister surprise: “Then let’s just leave next week. We’ll have a few extra days to explore around York together, how about that?”

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