The Fallen Film Queen’s Possessive Alpha - Chapter 37
Although Song Haoyin’s studio had undergone a nominal restructuring, it hadn’t relocated to the Ferris Wheel Building and remained at its original address.
An Ge was waiting for her sister. Today, after completing her experimental treatment, she had come to have lunch with her, only to be told that her sister was at a meeting in the Ferris Wheel Building and wouldn’t be back until later. Song An Ge had become a frequent visitor to the studio lately, but instead of going to her sister’s office, she simply took a seat in the reception area, pulling out her tablet to browse through research papers.
Thanks to the latest glandular pheromone therapy, An Ge’s condition had improved significantly. Over the past month, her pheromone disorder symptoms hadn’t reappeared. What made her even happier was that her senior had promised that if her gland condition remained stable this month, she could accompany her to York for the World Pheromone Research Conference!
As a first-year graduate student, getting the chance to engage with cutting-edge research and meet so many industry veterans was exhilarating. An Ge swung her legs excitedly, her enthusiasm making even reading research papers feel like listening to a rock concert.
“You’re also going to the Pheromone Research Conference?”
Song Haoyin was surprised. Zhou Qiwei hadn’t mentioned this at all. No wonder An Ge was so happy today her test results had come out, and she could now fulfill her dream. Of course, Haoyin was thrilled for her sister, but bringing her little sister along on a romantic getaway? That was a bit.
“Are you going with Zhou Qiwei?”
“No, I’m going with the Rubik’s Cube team. Senior seems to have some business to attend to and is leaving a few days early. An Ge speared a piece of fish with her fork, suddenly remembering that her sister was also heading to York. Sis, didn’t you say you were submitting a film for the exhibition in York? When are you leaving?
Haoyin breathed a sigh of relief. Good, she wouldn’t have to face her girlfriend with her little sister in tow. She quickly changed the subject: “Have you checked your passport? Make sure to take care of yourself. It’s really cold there now, so pack warm clothes.”
“I know, I know. You’re even more nagging than Mom now.”
The cheerful atmosphere suddenly froze. The sisters fell silent, and after a long pause, Haoyin finally spoke: “After I get back, next month is Mom’s death anniversary. Let’s visit her together.”
Mm. An Ge nodded heavily but then asked worriedly, He won’t be there, right?
They both knew “he” referred to Zuo Wangxun. Haoyin shook her head. “Don’t worry, I won’t let him show up and dirty Mom’s resting place. Besides, I doubt he even remembers.” A rare note of sarcasm crept into her voice. “He’s too busy trying to father a few more children.”
“Ah!”
An Ge was stunned, hesitating before asking, “But isn’t he with Zuo Yang’s dad?”
“Is cheating some kind of one time vaccine that prevents it for life?”
Haoyin looked at her sister. Some things were better made clear. “I went to the Ferris Wheel Building for a meeting today and ran into Zuo Wangxun looking for Zuo Yang. He didn’t even dare speak to me but told Zuo Yang to take her father away. He said since they weren’t legally married anyway, and her father was being paranoid, Zuo Yang, as his daughter, should take responsibility.”
“Zuo Yang argued with him, and Third Uncle tried to mediate. I overheard from outside and found out that Zuo Wangxun has probably found a new lover and now sees Zuo Yang’s father as an eyesore.”
“He’s such a scumbag!” Song Ange was stunned. Only now did she understand why her sister had strictly forbidden any contact with the man surnamed Zuo after their mother’s death. What kind of monster was this?
How could a person change like this? Ange murmured to herself. There had been no signs of this in the past.
For the longest time, Song Ange had seen her father as an above-average parent. Had he been that good at pretending? What was he after?
“He used to complain to me that Mom was too controlling, that she kept him on too tight a leash, things like that.” Song Haoyin sneered while comforting her sister. “An adulterer can say anything to shift blame. If he were a character in a script, I’d analyze his psychology. But right now, I can’t be bothered.”
“Keep work and life separate. You too don’t let his dirty laundry become your burden. Listen to your sister: focus on what you love. That’s what would make Mom rest easy.”
Song Ange forced a smile to reassure her sister. “I’m not burdened, I just feel wronged for Mom and for you.”
“That senior of yours does she treat you well? I know she only let me tag along to the Pheromone Conference because of you, not because I’m cute or anything. But if she’s threatening you, treating you badly, or if there’s any other reason Sis, I don’t have to go. I’ll protect you. You’re my only sister, my most important family.”
“What have you been watching lately?”
Song Haoyin was speechless as her sister chuckled sheepishly. “I mean every word. Though lately in the lab, I’ve been watching soap operas with the seniors. all those clichéd plots about domineering CEOs and award-winning actresses rekindling love, forced relationships, tragic melodramas”
“We’re really, truly fine. I promise you this: if Zhou Qiwei ever loses her mind ”
Here, Song Haoyin couldn’t help bursting into laughter herself. Composing herself, she continued, If she ever loses her mind, your sister will call for you immediately to come rescue me.
Harmonious sisters share similar kindness; discordant sisters invent endless conflicts.
Zhou Qiwei was in excellent spirits these days. She could now openly request Song Haoyin’s time every day for dates, meals, watching movies while cuddling, or simply sitting in comfortable silence.
After consulting Du Xin that day, the genius had made an important decision: she would strive to treat Song Haoyin even better, to be the best girlfriend possible, making herself even more lovable. Then, when their bond deepened sufficiently, she would come clean about all those currently undiscussable matters.
By that point, even if Song Haoyin got angry, she wouldn’t have the heart to break up with her.
I’m so brilliant!
When Zhou Qiwei brought documents to Zhou Zhao, the once-married eldest Zhou sister was greeted by the unmistakable glow of someone enjoying a fulfilling romantic and nocturnal life. How infuriating, Zhou Zhao thought. This woman gets to revel in nightly pleasures while I’m stuck with cold filing cabinets, developing dark circles under my eyes.
Ever since seeing Ji Xubai at the auction, Zhou Zhao couldn’t sleep night after night, haunted by memories of their past whenever she closed her eyes. She didn’t dare think about it, yet couldn’t stop wondering, what exactly was the relationship between Ji Xubai and Leliana? Was it just comfort after a failed marriage, or had she truly fallen for Leliana?
After all, that woman did fit Ji Xubai’s aesthetic preferences for women a mature beauty in uniform or suits.
“Take a look at this. It might help your investigation and clear our suspicions.”
“About Ji Xubai”
Without exaggeration, this was probably the most distraught Zhou Zhao had been since Zhou Qiwei could remember. Seeing her haggard appearance, Zhou Qiwei swallowed her sarcastic remarks and changed tack: “Be careful not to work yourself to death. Mother Zhou would never forgive me then.”
My apologies for being unprofessional. I’ll review these materials.
The two sat in a suburban park in Luocheng, watching children play across the vast lawn. Zhou Zhao remained silent for a long time. The October afternoon had grown chilly, and as Zhou Qiwei rubbed her hands together preparing to leave, Zhou Zhao stopped her.
“That incident years ago when you assaulted an Omega there’s more to it, isn’t there?”
At the time, Zhou Zhao had still been serving in the military and only heard rumors of her sister’s “misconduct.” Later, Zhou Qiwei’s behavior grew increasingly outrageous, practically drowning in Omegas. While Zhou Zhao disapproved, in families like theirs, having children obsessed with such pursuits wasn’t unheard of.
But since launching this investigation especially after capturing Zuo Xingyu, Zhou Zhao had discovered a suspect in the case files with redacted records. With her clearance, she accessed the original file which clearly stated the suspect had worked as an escort years ago and was injured by a prominent Alpha in an incident involving synthetic pheromones.
Reviewing the remaining case files from that time, though some claimed Zhou Qiwei had settled out of guilt, Zhou Zhao saw it differently.
“No hidden story, just what happened. Investigate if you want.”
Zhou Zhao didn’t stop her again. Gathering the documents, the sisters departed the suburban park in opposite directions. one north, one south.
Across the ocean in York, snow had already begun falling. At home, Zhou Qiwei dramatically announced the local weather forecast until Song Haoyin laughingly covered her ears: Enough with your theatrics!
“Then promise me you won’t bring that backless dress!”
At Song Haoyin’s place, Zhou Qiwei had volunteered to help her girlfriend pack while secretly monitoring which formalwear her beloved intended to bring to York.
Zhou Qiwei vaulted over the sofa to sit by the suitcase: “That’s too cold! And do you even need formalwear for a film festival submission?”
“There’s a reception.”
Zhou Qiwei flopped onto the luggage, prompting Song Haoyin to pinch her ear in retaliation: No. More. Mischief!
Fine, bring it. Zhou Qiwei acquiesced with exaggerated resignation, pointing at a shawl. But for health reasons, you must take this too.
With a laugh, Song Haoyin added the shawl to the suitcase before looking up at Zhou Qiwei: Are you jealous?
“I’m not jealous!” Zhou Qiwei immediately denied, “Jealousy is beneath me. Your charm should have everyone kneeling in admiration. I’m just concerned about your health, that’s all.”
Oh. Song Haoyin suppressed a laugh. “So this is also part of the new-era Alpha-Omega dynamic? Then I should care about you too.”
“Care about what?”
Zhou Qiwei had a bad feeling and tried to escape, but it was too late. Song Haoyin wrapped her arms around her from behind, hands clasped over her chest: “Let’s talk about all those charming Omegas you’ve met. Why not let me learn a thing or two, hmm?”