The Fallen Film Queen’s Possessive Alpha - Chapter 8

Song Haoyin opened her eyes, her gaze settling on the person before her. She grabbed Zhou Qiwei’s hand, urgently turning her around thankfully, there were no marks on her face.

“Sorry about that.” Zhou Qiwei didn’t seem bothered at all. She glanced at Zuo Wangxun and smiled at Song Haoyin. “I came in and saw someone about to commit violence, so I played the hero.” As she spoke, Song Haoyin noticed Zuo Wangxun sprawled on the floor.

The man was clutching his face, groaning. When he realized Song Haoyin was looking at him, he immediately dropped his hand and tried to push himself up, desperate to salvage some dignity. But he must have been too shaken after several failed attempts to stand, Song Haoyin finally saw the mark on his face: a vivid red handprint, his entire cheek swollen.

Strong grip, ruthless strike. Considering how he’d been baring his fangs and brandishing his claws earlier, only to now flail around on the floor like some “pitiful, helpless creature,” Song Haoyin let out a cold laugh. Instant karma.

“Y-you, how dare you hit me!” The mocking laugh sent blood rushing to Zuo Wangxun’s head, his face puffing up like a red balloon. Yet when he got a clear look at the person standing across from him, he suddenly deflated, his expression wilting. Song Haoyin only had to think for a second to understand why:

He recognized Zhou Qiwei realized he couldn’t afford to provoke her and backed down.

The smoking room fell into silence. Zuo Wangxun was scrambling for a way to save face, while Song Haoyin, after her brief moment of schadenfreude, worried that Zhou Qiwei might actually get blamed for this. Zhou Qiwei, however, couldn’t care less what others thought. She took Song Haoyin’s hand and started leading her back to the banquet.

The idea of them walking away after striking him was too much for Zuo Wangxun to bear. Clutching his face, he staggered to his feet and jabbed a finger at his swollen cheek, roaring at Song Haoyin: “I’m your father!”

Zhou Qiwei was losing patience. This man was pathetic after getting hit, he only had the nerve to lash out at his own daughter. Her intention had been to prevent Song Haoyin from being struck, so she’d returned the slap in kind. If Zuo Wangxun had the guts to hit back today, Zhou Qiwei might have actually respected him a little. But this?

Choosing this trash as a husband was an insult to Director Song’s brilliance. Calling this thing “father” would only dirty Song Haoyin’s mouth.

She snatched the crystal ashtray beside her and hurled it violently at Zuo Wangxun’s feet. In an instant, the crystal shattered, fragments scattering everywhere. Song Haoyin was startled by her actions and tried to shout at Zhou Qiwei to stop but it was too late.

Zuo Wangxun scrambled back like a frightened rat, still trying to say something, when the smoking room door was knocked on. He immediately shut his mouth and turned. Unfortunately for Mr. Zuo, today might just be his unlucky day because the person who pushed the door open was Zuo Yang.

It was Zuo Yang who had told Zhou Qiwei that Zuo Wangxun had taken Miss Song to the smoking room and that he hadn’t looked happy about it. But Zuo Yang hadn’t followed them in. She wasn’t worried about Zuo Wangxun suffering in fact, she hoped he would. She’d love nothing more than for the old men of the Zuo family to take a massive loss today. After making her final checks on the banquet arrangements, with the event about to begin, she finally dawdled her way to the smoking room door.

“Dad!” Zuo Yang gasped in exaggerated horror at the sight of Old Zuo’s swollen face. “What happened to you?” Her voice dripped with concern but the ever-dutiful daughter stayed firmly planted at the doorway, refusing to take a single step forward.

This was Zuo Yang, Song Haoyin was certain. Of the two Song sisters, Song Ange resembled their mother Song Yu, while Song Haoyin took more after Zuo Wangxun. This woman’s face bore a thirty percent resemblance to both Zuo Wangxun and Song Haoyin. Though they’d never met, there had always been unspoken tension between them. Yet now, a strange understanding suddenly emerged. Song Haoyin nodded at Zuo Yang before quickly pulling Zhou Qiwei out of the smoking room.

As they passed by, Zhou Qiwei whispered almost inaudibly: “Enjoy eavesdropping at the door?”

Zuo Yang smiled, waving at them both without responding. Had she not heard the sound of things being smashed and worried about disrupting the banquet, she wouldn’t have come in. With only father and daughter remaining in the smoking room, Zuo Yang remained motionless, tilting her chin at Zuo Wangxun: “Dad, I suggest you skip the banquet. How would you explain that face of yours?”

Before Zuo Wangxun could respond, Zuo Yang swiftly closed the door and left.

Zuo Wangxun was bursting with grievances, but all the people he wanted to curse had already left, leaving him to stew in his anger alone. To vent, he still pulled out his phone and called Zuo Yang’s biological father. As soon as the Omega answered, Zuo Wangxun berated him: “Look at the fine daughter you raised!”

The Omega on the other end was bewildered he’d just managed to mediate between father and daughter this morning. What had happened now? Instinctively, he tried to placate with his usual reasoning: “Didn’t you always praise Zuo Yang for being decisive? You said that’s how a daughter should be, that she’d go far in the company. Having her own mind means she won’t be easily deceived.”

Somehow these words struck a nerve. Zuo Wangxun exploded over the phone: “You’re an Omega, yet all you could produce was a Beta, and you couldn’t even raise her properly! What use are you? What skills does Zuo Yang even have? If she weren’t my daughter, would Elder Brother have promoted her? Are you completely brainless?”

Only after reducing the Omega to tears did Zuo Wangxun feel slightly better. But the Omega just kept repeating the same platitudes. he understood nothing and couldn’t offer any meaningful advice. Now Zuo Wangxun found himself missing Song Yu again. Though domineering, she’d been truly brilliant, achieving near-perfect harmony between artistry and commerce.

They’d had two daughters together an Omega and an Alpha. What a perfect family that had been.

If Song Yu hadn’t gotten cancer well, then he’d never have been able to control her she’d have been the one manipulating him. Considering his current life, his Omega might be foolish but was at least docile and obedient. Zuo Yang occasionally rebelled, but she’d never truly leave this family. Maybe this was better after all!

Still what exactly was the relationship between Song Haoyin and Zhou Qiwei?

Rubbing his swollen face, Zuo Wangxun grimaced in thought. He needed to report this to Elder Brother. Even if that Zhou family branch member had some achievements, she couldn’t just disregard her elders like this. The Zhou elders needed to rein Zhou Qiwei inher entanglement with Song Haoyin brought no benefit to the Zuo family. No matter how arrogant Zhou Qiwei was, she couldn’t defy the might of Kyushu’s Zhou family.

After all, this was Kyushu.

Although the unpleasant incident with Zuo Wangxun cast a shadow, the banquet itself was quite enjoyable. Song Haoyin conversed effortlessly at the event, leaving her peers utterly astonished. All attendees were prominent figures in the entertainment industry none were fools. Everyone understood that since Song Haoyin could appear publicly with Zhou Qiwei of Magic Cube Industries openly supporting her, the two must have reached some agreement.

Regardless of how the deal was struck, the outcome was what mattered Song Haoyin’s broken funding chain had been resolved. The remaining issues were taxes and public opinion. The industry knew well that taxes were insignificant since Song herself had no problems there. The real challenge lay with public opinion. After tonight, it would be a contest between Zhou Qiwei and the Zuo family to see who had more influence and could exert greater pressure.

“Miss Song, let’s discuss collaboration when you’re free. There’s a project that suits you.” Many extended olive branches. Even considering Director Song Yu’s contributions to the film industry, showing goodwill now was a safe bet.

The old Song Haoyin might have been moved, but not anymore. She knew exactly what allowed her to stand here tonight.

Slightly tipsy, Zhou Qiwei swirled her wine glass, thoroughly unimpressed with tonight’s cognac. Not to boast, but none of tonight’s drinks could compare to the scent of her own pheromones. Lost in this thought, she didn’t notice her pheromones leaking out, mistaking her dulled taste buds for the alcohol suddenly improving.

Ahead, Song Haoyin mingled with guests, her emerald-green dress complementing her complexion perfectly, making her appear like a jade statue under the lights. Zhou Qiwei suddenly recalled her childhood,when she’d just been taken in by her grandmother and still had nightly nightmares. The old woman would sit with her, reciting poetry.

One line came to mind: “The jade rabbit and jade maiden emerge from song, white clouds pale in comparison, never to harmonize.”

This must be what the moon goddess looks like, Zhou Qiwei mused. Even while discussing business, Song carried no trace of vulgarity. Her anger never crossed into impropriety, devoid of any scheming demeanor she was like a flower blooming in sunlight. Elderflower yes, elderflower suited her too. That healing, soothing, steady presence, refreshing yet reliable… Wait?

Why was there an elderflower scent!

Song Haoyin turned in surprise and hurried back to Zhou Qiwei, bending down to whisper urgently, “Your pheromones!” Zhou Qiwei’s cognac scent had spilled out, stimulating Song’s marked gland and causing her own scent to emerge. Among the crowd, only betas remained oblivious all alphas and omegas noticed immediately.

Though Zuo Yang couldn’t smell anything, her pheromone detector alarm sounded, prompting her assistant to rush over with news of a guest’s hormonal imbalance.

“The suites upstairs at Kempinski…” By the time Zuo Yang arrived, Song had already guided Zhou Qiwei to the exit. Zuo Yang offered them a private suite to “resolve the situation,” but Song declined. They’d achieved their goal for the evening it was time to leave.

“Thank you for tonight.” Before departing, Song carefully chose her words but ultimately thanked Zuo Yang.

This simple “thank you” made the normally unflappable Zuo Yang blush crimson. She wanted to say more but sensed the timing was wrong, finally murmuring a soft “you’re welcome.”

Zhou Qiwei hadn’t driven here at all. In her dazed state, she mumbled to Song that she just needed to be dropped at the research institute this was an old issue, nothing serious.

Song Haoyin knew what pheromone loss of control meant. After the pheromones overflowed and came into contact with those from someone with decent compatibility who had undergone shallow marking, Zhou Qiwei was about to enter her estrus period. Unlike the incidents at Caesar Hotel or the research institute, today’s cognac scent smelled like ignited liquor its rich aroma rapidly filling the entire car.

Touching her own swollen, feverish gland, which had been induced into releasing pheromones due to Zhou’s loss of control Song realized she too would soon enter estrus.

The little drunkard curled pitifully in the backseat, mumbling about going to the institute. No, this wasn’t something to indulge. Song decided to take her home where any situation would be easier to handle. She instructed Yu Miao to arrange for a driver immediately as she was leaving early.

When Yu Miao entered the car, the overwhelming alcohol fumes made her dizzy. If this were a DUI check, anyone would think all three of them had been bathing in liquor.

“Why did you come so late? Where’s the driver?”

Not seeing anyone behind Yu Miao, Song watched as she took the driver’s seat. Only after starting the car did Yu Miao explain, “Director Xu said we should hire a reliable full-time driver instead of temporary ones. I thought it’d be safer if I came myself.”

“Haoyin-jie, I think we should follow Director Xu’s advice on this.” Keeping her eyes on the road, Yu Miao added, “Drivers aren’t like other staff. In the past, it wasn’t For now, it’s better if I handle it. We can take our time finding the right person later.”

Song’s former driver had been her manager Su Ye. After stepping down as manager, Su Ye had even served exclusively as Song’s chauffeur for a period something all the old-timers in the studio knew. Nowadays, Yu Miao avoided mentioning it whenever possible. Though her Haoyin-jie wasn’t a pushover, she was softhearted, always remembering the good in people.

This was the second time Su Ye’s name had come up tonight. Years ago, when Song was stalked by a sasaeng fan who had bribed her driver, Su Ye had acted as her personal chauffeur for a long time to ensure her safety. They’d been close friends for over a decade, who would have thought things would end up like this?

Her father Zuo Wangxun’s betrayal had filled Song with rage, but when it came to Su Ye, after the initial anger, all that remained was silence. She didn’t know what to say.

Something brushed against Song’s leg. Looking down, she saw Zhou Qiwei inching closer, perhaps feeling cold and instinctively seeking the nearest heat source. This was Song’s van one that had narrowly escaped being sold thanks to Zhou’s timely funding. It still carried Song’s usual blanket.

“Ah, you”

No sooner had she draped the blanket over Zhou than the woman pushed her luck further, pillowing her head on Song’s thigh and nuzzling into her abdomen. What could one do with a drunkard? Song gently pinched Zhou’s ear before finally relenting, loosely wrapping an arm around her shoulders. As long as she didn’t go into estrus in the car, it would be fine.

After entrusting the van to Yu Miao, Song mentioned she’d be staying home for the next few days. The fellow Omega looked at her with sympathy, then at the alcohol-soaked Zhou Qiwei, how unfair to her Haoyin-jie!

Half-supporting Zhou, Song entered her apartment building. With its private elevator serving only her unit, the residence fully ensured residents’ privacy. Inside the elevator, Zhou remained leaning against Song, slurring, “Your assistant feels bad for you.”

“Yu Miao is very kind.”

“I mean, she’s afraid I’ll trample you, afraid I’ll ruin you.” Zhou Qiwei straightened up, deliberately using harsh words to describe what was about to happen as she stepped away from that warm, comforting embrace.

“No one thinks that way, at least I don’t.” Song Haoyin noticed something off about Zhou Qiwei’s mood. As an actress, she was sensitive to subtle emotional shifts. The current Zhou Qiwei resembled someone raising a blade not toward others, but turning the edge against herself.

“However we define our relationship, you’re not a terrible Alpha.”

The elevator stopped at Song Haoyin’s doorstep. Zhou Qiwei followed silently behind her into the woman’s private space, holding her breath. This was her first time entering the home of an Omega with whom she shared an intimate connection and it was quite different from how she’d imagined a celebrity’s residence would be.

Anyone stepping inside would immediately recognize this as unmistakably Song Haoyin’s “home.”

The foyer wall displayed stills from Song’s films, while wind chimes hung above the doorway Zhou Qiwei recognized them as the ones the female lead had crafted in the movie Wild Cat. “Did you arrange all this yourself?” she asked curiously.

“Originally it was all my mother’s doing. She believed these objects formed precious memories and contributed to outstanding films.” Following Zhou Qiwei’s gaze to the wind chimes, Song murmured, “I never really understood why she loved collecting props… Come in, you can shower first. I’ll prepare some clothes for you.”

Two rubber ducks floated in the bathtub as Zhou Qiwei sank into the warm, bubbly water, watching them bob with the ripples. She’d had similar toys as a child bought by her grandmother. After her grandmother passed and she was sent to boarding school, toys lost their meaning. Even after growing up and owning her own place, she’d never thought to buy such things again.

Squeezing the duck produced a familiar squeak, making Zhou Qiwei laugh as she gave it two more playful presses.

Song Haoyin, already done drying her hair, noticed Zhou Qiwei still hadn’t emerged from the guest bathroom. Approaching the door, she heard the distinctive duck sounds. So she was playing with Angie’s leftover bath toys? It was hard to reconcile the image of Zhou Qiwei with rubber ducks difficult to imagine someone like her engaging in such childish play. Perhaps she really was drunk.

“Your clothes are right outside. You can come out when you’re done.”

Best not let a drunkard linger too long in the bath too dangerous. At Song’s reminder, the duck sounds ceased abruptly, replaced by Zhou Qiwei’s flustered response: “Almost almost done!”

In the end, the clothes Song prepared went unused. As they spoke, the aroma of cognac grew more intense, saturating the entire bedroom with its heated fragrance.

Zhou Qiwei’s rut had arrived.

She found herself handling a piece of fruit-flavored honey marshmallow soft, fragrant, sweet, and wonderfully responsive. Zhou Qiwei nibbled carefully, savoring slowly, coaxing ever more delightful sounds from her confection. Never had she tasted such delicious marshmallow. She wanted it to envelop her completely that would surely feel comfortable, safe.

Song Haoyin was completely enveloped in the intoxicating aroma of warm liquor. She had already given up trying to regain control from Zhou Qiwei, feeling herself transform into honey while Zhou Qiwei became the honey connoisseur. The connoisseur carefully cradled the honey in her palms with tender affection, her body exuding a delightful fragrance that made one tipsy with desire, as if able to touch all beautiful dreams.

With her ankle held firmly in Zhou Qiwei’s grasp, Song Haoyin was already losing strength, her moans barely louder than a kitten’s. When Zhou Qiwei leaned in again, she could only respond by biting down hard on her collarbone.

Since when did cotton candy bite back?

Never mind if cotton candy bites, then eat it up!

Zhou Qiwei pushed the ankle in her hand higher, the cotton candy so soft she could bury her face in it. As plump red lips released breathy gasps, Zhou Qiwei melted into the cotton candy with complete satisfaction.

Song Haoyin was swept into the tide of desire, her last shred of consciousness only registering that the honey was about to melt completely.

The lingering fragrance drifted into the bedroom, where Song Haoyin woke from hunger. She had slept deeply without feeling exhausted, though upon waking, she was momentarily disoriented about the time. Checking her phone, the screen showed 8:17 PM this time. Song Haoyin glanced at the date and realized with a start that she’d slept an entire day!

Her stomach growled as she set the phone down. About to freshen up, she noticed she’d already been cleaned thoroughly. The bed sheets were fresh too. Of last night no, early this morning she only remembered the sheets getting soaked before they tumbled from bed to living room, then to the bathroom.

Song Haoyin didn’t need a mirror to know her face was flushed. Covering it with her hands, she thought, Heavens, when did I become so indulgent?

“You’re awake? I was wondering whether to wake you it’s dinnertime.”

Zhou Qiwei stood at the bedroom doorway wearing Song Haoyin’s pajamas (which fit surprisingly well), holding a plate with a radiant smile. “Here, or the dining table?”

Still covering her face, Song Haoyin pointed toward the dining area. Zhou Qiwei didn’t tease her further, turning to leave.

The woman in the mirror had rosy cheeks and eyes brimming with allure clear evidence of a satisfying estrus cycle. Taking a deep breath, Song Haoyin reminded herself to stay composed. She was the older one here, in the more vulnerable position. If she appeared flustered, she might be seen as weak and lose more leverage.

The Song Haoyin who appeared at the dining table was once again the fully armored, impeccable celebrity different from the woman who’d covered her face in bed, and from the one who’d tangled with Zhou Qiwei the night before. Zhou Qiwei sighed inwardly. Perhaps this was for the best. She wasn’t sincere herself, so she couldn’t expect more from others.

“Thanks for cooking.”

Song Haoyin was surprised Zhou Qiwei could cook the omelet, vegetable salad, and fresh juice were all delicious, clearly homemade.

“Don’t mention it. I should thank you for not sending me to the research institute. Zhou Qiwei’s earlier cheerfulness had faded, replaced by genuine gratitude. Last time her hormones went haywire, she’d locked herself in a research lab and nearly died there.

See? Scheming to keep Song Haoyin close had been the right decision after all.

“Last night”

“Zuo Wangxun”

They spoke simultaneously, then both fell silent. Zhou Qiwei motioned for Song Haoyin to go first.

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