The Heartless Alpha Just Wants to Follow the Plot - Chapter 38

Pu Ying watched everything unfold exactly as they had planned, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“To make her worthy of that couture gown, you really worked hard this past month.”

“With this gown, the scripts and endorsements should start rolling in.”

Back when Qiu Fu was with Qi Huan Entertainment, she had a few endorsements, but they were all low-end, with modest pay. Once she terminated her contract, those deals naturally expired. Qi Huan never allowed its resources to be carried away, so they had ensured everything ended within their control.

Now, Qiu Fu had no active endorsements at all—a rarity in the industry.

“But are you sure you want to push her forward instead of yourself?”

Though Su Mo’s acting was widely considered subpar, acting could be trained with effort. Besides, her looks were undeniable, otherwise she wouldn’t have so many fans drawn purely by her beauty.

“If you worked harder, you could go farther than her.”

If Su Mo didn’t keep favoring Qiu Fu, the latter’s path would remain difficult. Unless Qiu Fu could seize the resources Su Mo poured into her over the next two years and build her own network and status, her future would still be uncertain.

“I’m not in a hurry.”

Su Mo gazed at the light-brain with a meaningful smile.

What she wanted was no longer trophies. Her goals had changed, she desired something greater. She didn’t mind Qiu Fu stepping on the road she paved, advancing to become the one standing at the very top.

Pu Ying fell silent. She realized she no longer fully understood this woman.

Su Mo asked, “Did you send her the script?”

Pu Ying nodded. “It’s already been delivered.”

“Good.”

Su Mo’s eyes flicked over the personal files on the light-brain, her brows arching slightly. “That assistant, did you arrange her?”

“Yes,” Pu Ying replied quickly, worried Su Mo might misunderstand. “Raya is highly capable. If she hadn’t been injured and forced to retire during a mission, she wouldn’t have become a bodyguard. She’s skilled in reconnaissance and not the dull, rigid type. She’s perfect as both assistant and protector for Qiu Fu.”

Su Mo chuckled lightly as she skimmed Raya’s background. “Relax. You chose well. I trust you.”

“How many people like Raya do we have? Can we be sure they’ll obey us?”

Pu Ying hesitated. “Few are as strong as her, but there are many similar bodyguards. The old master suddenly took an interest in this field and founded a bodyguard company, recruiting retired soldiers. Many carry irreparable scars, mental wounds that no healing pod can fix.”

“These people survived thanks to the old master. Some, like me, were supported by him since childhood, later joined the military, and retired when our terms ended. They’ll obey, certainly. But those without deep ties to the Su family won’t be as loyal as they are to the military.”

As long as Su Mo didn’t order them to rebel, they would follow. If they didn’t, it would be clear who was pulling the strings behind them.

Su Mo nodded lightly. “Alright. Use them as needed. As for Qiu Fu, assign her a lifestyle assistant not a bodyguard. Raya’s military background makes her involvement too conspicuous.”

“Later, send me the personnel files from the bodyguard company.”

Pu Ying, suddenly burdened with more tasks, felt unexpectedly fulfilled. “Understood.”

“Where to now? Are we going to the promotion event?”

It had been a long time since she’d seen Su Mo pile work onto herself like this. Perhaps Su Mo was right, friendship truly lasted longer than love.

Su Mo rubbed her temples and shut off the light-brain. “Yes. I still owe Si Yu something. I’ll join the promotion while I’m at it.”

The production team hadn’t expected Su Mo to attend the promotion, especially at the last minute before going on stage. Everyone was stunned. The schedule had been set, and now everything had to be rearranged.

The variety show director felt awkward. With Su Mo present, he couldn’t possibly let her appear after others, her status demanded priority. But the program flow was already fixed, and the next performers were about to go on stage.

Changing things now was impossible. Embarrassed, he suggested, “Su Mo, how about you appear last, as the grand finale guest?”

Su Mo rarely attended promotions. Usually, directors and co-stars handled them. She was so influential that she could come and go as she pleased, and no one dared complain because of her powerful background.

In the past, a few media outlets had criticized her, but every time, the PR team silenced them until they issued apologies.

Now, seeing her suddenly arrive, the director felt immense pressure. He feared that if arrangements weren’t perfect, this formidable guest would be offended and ruin his show.

“It’s fine. I’ll go last.”

Su Mo sat casually to the side. Pu Ying glanced at her, then reassured the director, “She’ll be the final guest. It’s fine.”

The director nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, of course.”

Though Su Mo said she didn’t mind being last, the director still didn’t dare leave it at that. He discussed with the host, arranging for Su Mo to be introduced after the others, with a special finale spotlight.

The program layout would be revised urgently and updated mid-show.

The host, a famous and amiable figure, understood the situation wasn’t the director’s fault. He agreed to the arrangement and even comforted the director: “Don’t worry. As long as she’s fine with it, everything’s okay.”

Across the crowd, Si Yu’s gaze fell on Su Mo, seated elegantly in the corner. Months had passed since they last met, and she realized Su Mo looked even more beautiful now.

There was something different about her aura—softer, less distant, more genuine.

Sensing the gaze, Su Mo looked back. Seeing Si Yu watching her, she smiled gently and nodded. Si Yu quickly returned the smile.

This moment happened to be caught by the audition camera and was preserved on tape.

“Alright, ready, prepare to go on stage.”

Si Yu, who had been about to step forward to say a few words, froze when she heard that.

Su Mo didn’t notice. She tilted her head, tapped the chair a staff member had just brought over, and said to Pu Ying behind her, “Sit. Don’t just stand there, you’ll get tired.”

Pu Ying had been following her around nonstop lately, never resting. Even Su Mo felt exhausted just watching her.

Pu Ying didn’t refuse. She pulled the chair back slightly before sitting down.

The host stepped onto the stage, smiling warmly. “Welcome, everyone, to Today is Monday. I’m your old friend Feng Hui. Long time no see!”

As the host delivered his practiced opening lines, Su Mo yawned, leaned her head toward Pu Ying, and murmured, “Call me when it’s my turn. I’ll nap for a bit.”

The two were sitting close. When Su Mo tilted her head, her breath brushed against Pu Ying’s neck. Pu Ying stiffened, unable to move, and whispered, “Alright.”

On stage, the host introduced himself and played a few lighthearted games before moving to the segment where Su Mo was scheduled to appear.

Feng Hui glanced at the newly handed script and announced loudly, “This time, aside from our cast, we have a surprising guest. You’ll never guess who it is!”

Since this was a recorded program, everyone was more relaxed.

The audience clapped and waved in mock excitement, seasoned performers knew the drill.

Feng Hui winked at Si Yu, speaking mysteriously: “This person is actually an acquaintance of Si Yu.”

Called out by name, Si Yu followed the script, smiling. “Now I’m curious. How could they be an acquaintance of mine?”

Feng Hui: “Oh, they are.”

Si Yu pretended to think, then named a friend widely recognized in the industry.

Feng Hui shook his head. “Guess again.”

Si Yu offered another name. Feng Hui still shook his head. “Nope.”

“Here’s a hint, it’s someone you’ve been close with recently.”

“Someone I’ve been close with recently?” Si Yu feigned confusion, then laughed helplessly. “Don’t tell me you invited Su Mo? She never attends promotions. If not her, I can’t think of anyone else.”

Feng Hui grinned and gestured toward backstage. “Well then, take a look—who’s that?”

Moments earlier, Pu Ying had nudged Su Mo awake. Now, composed and smiling faintly, Su Mo stepped out from backstage with a microphone, introducing herself naturally: “Hello, everyone. I’m Su Mo.”

The audience erupted in applause, as though they’d never seen her before.

“Wow!”

Clap, clap, clap!

“It really is Su Mo!”

Su Mo kept her gentle smile, turned her head toward Si Yu, and said softly, “Long time no see.”

Meeting her gaze, Si Yu’s heart trembled. “L-Long time no see.”

Si Yu had thought Su Mo wouldn’t act so familiar in public—otherwise, their rumors would be wasted. But Su Mo seemed utterly unconcerned, walking straight over to stand beside her.

As co-leads, it wasn’t unusual for them to stand together.

But Su Mo’s face was strikingly powerful. During filming, with heavier makeup, her features carried an intimidating aura that could overwhelm anyone at first glance.

Now, outside the set, styled by her personal makeup artist, her look was less severe but highlighted her natural allure even more. Her beauty radiated a magnetic charm that drew people irresistibly closer.

Si Yu pressed her lips together as Feng Hui invited them to play a few games. None were dangerous, but they were entertaining enough.

During the “Crazy Swing” segment, Su Mo sat beside Si Yu. Distracted, Si Yu wasn’t paying attention when the machine suddenly jolted to its maximum force, sending her flying straight toward Su Mo.

Though Si Yu instinctively reached for the safety bar, it was too late.

Si Yu: “!”

Feng Hui, startled, lost his footing as the machine swung, his foot sliding uncontrollably.

He quickly shouted, “Careful!”

With so many people around, if Si Yu fell, she could easily be trampled and injured. Her frame looked fragile, she might even break a bone.

Without thinking, Su Mo reached out and caught her, pulling her firmly into her arms.

Si Yu’s breathing grew heavy, cold sweat beading on her forehead. Clutching Su Mo tightly, she finally felt a flicker of safety.