The Paranoid Female CEO’s Contracted Beauty (Omegaverse) - Chapter 38

“Seriously, what kind of background does she have? She came in and immediately landed the second female lead. That’s impressive.”

“Shh, keep your voice down. I heard that role was reserved for her from the beginning. When the director was casting, they didn’t even consider anyone else for it.”

“So it was already decided beforehand. Of course. Having connections makes everything easier. She doesn’t have to work for anything, just gets what she wants. Unlike us, who have to fight for every scrap.”

“Exactly. What can we do? She has a powerful sponsor behind her. No matter how hard we work, we’ll just be trampled underfoot. Just forget it. There’s no point dwelling on it. One word from her is worth more than all our efforts combined.”

Whispers filled the script reading room, circling like gnats in the air. Li Ge kept her head down, eyes glued to her script, but her heart twisted with discomfort. Of course it stung. There was no way it couldn’t.

But the truth was, she didn’t have a better option. No, it was more accurate to say—she had no choice at all.

Even though Xu Qingyan wasn’t watching her every move, and she could technically run away, where could she possibly go?

In this entire world, her only living relative was Li Dahai, her biological father. She had no close friends, no trusted relatives. Even if she managed to escape to another city, she’d be completely alone, with no one to rely on.

On top of that, she was practically penniless. Even the cab fare this morning had been paid using Xu Qingyan’s credit card. If she wanted to escape, the very least she needed was some money—her share. After all, Xu Qingyan had slept with her twice already. She couldn’t let that woman get away with it for free.

Yes.

That’s right.

Xu Qingyan, that beast, at the very least owed her compensation.

But Li Ge didn’t even have the confidence that Xu Qingyan would be willing to pay her. What if she went back on her word? What if she said she hadn’t enjoyed it, or that Li Ge didn’t “serve her properly,” and kicked her aside for some flimsy excuse? What if she went crawling back to her childhood sweetheart?

What then?

The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became. Her expression grew troubled.

The actress sitting beside her noticed and asked with concern, “Are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?”

Li Ge jerked her head up and quickly shook it. “No, but thank you, Sister Ying, for your concern.”

Even though this was everyone’s first time meeting, and most of them were strangers, Li Ge had memorized everyone’s names—from the director to her fellow cast members.

The actress next to her was Yao Ying, a veteran omega actress Li Ge had often seen on screen. She had been in the industry for years, but because of her less traditionally beautiful features, she was often cast in secondary or villainous roles. Her talent was undeniable, though. She portrayed vicious characters so convincingly that many viewers believed she must be that cruel in real life, which led to a number of damaging rumors.

Fortunately, Yao Ying had a strong sense of self and never let it break her. She endured it all and survived.

“If you’re not physically unwell, is it those things people are whispering about that are bothering you?” Yao Ying asked bluntly.

It was an obvious question, one that everyone already knew the answer to. Her directness wasn’t rude; it was honest.

Li Ge didn’t deny it. If people had been gossiping behind her back, she might have been able to ignore it. But to have it whispered around her, so brazenly, was something else entirely. It was bitter and humiliating, and she couldn’t even defend herself—because it was true.

“This kind of thing happens all the time in the entertainment industry,” Yao Ying said with a shrug. “You’re not the only one. I won’t say I like it, but being able to get a sponsor to support you, and have them keep supporting you—that’s a skill in itself.”

Li Ge was surprised. She knew the entertainment industry was complicated, full of murky relationships, but she had assumed that everyone despised people who got ahead through sleeping with backers.

“Sister Ying… don’t you think it’s unfair?”

Yao Ying smiled. “What in this world is really fair? It only looks that way on the surface. Don’t think too much. Since Director Xu brought you in, just focus on doing your job well. If you don’t want people talking behind your back, improve your acting. The audience doesn’t care if you were kept by some rich investor. They care about your performance. If you can act, even if the rumors persist, they’ll be quieter. But if you can’t act, the criticism will be louder and crueler.”

“I see…”

“It’s always been this way.”

Li Ge didn’t have much confidence in herself. Back when she was with Shengshi Entertainment, her agent, Chen Xin, had only given her modeling gigs and brand-related appearances. She had secretly tried to audition for roles, but when Chen Xin found out, she forbade her from going anywhere alone.

When she wasn’t scheduled for work, Chen Xin demanded that she report her location at all times, as if terrified she’d take on any side jobs.

At the time, Li Ge had naively thought Chen Xin was protecting her. Only later did she realize that Chen Xin simply feared she might become successful—too successful to control.

And in the eyes of management, the most troublesome kind of artist is one who doesn’t obey.

“Enough worrying,” Yao Ying said warmly. “Right now, what matters most is working hard. You look young. Is this your first acting role? If there’s anything in the script you don’t understand, just ask me.”

Li Ge sniffled a little, her heart warming. “Thank you, Sister Ying. You’re so kind.”

The table read passed quickly. Before she knew it, it was already lunchtime. The director had ordered boxed lunches for everyone. If someone was still hungry, they could take extras.

Li Ge didn’t know anyone here, and since she was viewed as someone who had gotten the role through connections, she wasn’t welcomed by most of the cast. She could only take her lunch and sit quietly in a corner by herself.

Seeing this, Yao Ying felt a little sorry for her and brought her own boxed meal over to sit with her.

“Sister Ying.”

“Not used to this kind of atmosphere yet?”

Li Ge shook her head. “It’s not that.”

Truthfully, she was already used to it. Even back at Shengshi Entertainment, other artists had treated her the same way. She had never figured out why. She hadn’t had any scandals, hadn’t done anything improper, and still, people didn’t like her.

Was it because her face was just… unlikable?

She knew she didn’t have the stunning beauty that made people gasp. Compared to other omegas, her looks weren’t breathtaking. But she didn’t think she was that hard to look at either.

“Sister Ying, do I look… unlikable?”

Yao Ying paused mid-bite, then laughed. “Of course not. Omegas don’t come in ‘unattractive.’ You’re adorable. Any alpha would be dying to eat you alive.”

“R-really?”

“Absolutely.”

Yao Ying leaned in slightly and whispered, “You didn’t notice how those alphas were staring at you when you first arrived, did you? Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that you already belong to someone, and that person happens to be someone they wouldn’t dare cross, they would have come over to ask for your number already.”

Li Ge wasn’t sure if Yao Ying was just trying to cheer her up. She hadn’t noticed anyone looking at her that way. All she remembered was how unfriendly those stares had felt, so she avoided making eye contact altogether.

Besides, there were plenty of beautiful omegas on set. Many of them were more stunning than her. She wasn’t the only one. Why would anyone notice her?

“You don’t believe me?” Yao Ying asked with a smile. “You really underestimate your own charm. Let me tell you, your type is exactly what alphas love. You’re soft and cute, like a kitten. You make them want to protect you. In their eyes, you’re irresistible. Honestly, if you weren’t already spoken for, I doubt any alpha here could resist you.”

The more Li Ge listened, the more she felt like Yao Ying was just being kind. If what she said was true, then why hadn’t any alphas liked her back in school? In fact, most of them avoided her, like she was bad luck or something.

“Sister Ying, are you sure that’s not just your imagination?”

Yao Ying could see that Li Ge still didn’t believe her. She raised her eyebrows and added, “Alright then, let’s make a deal. Once filming officially starts, if you end up alone with any of the alphas, just see if they try to find excuses to talk to you. If they know you already have someone and still try to check in on you, that’s a clear sign they’re interested. If that doesn’t happen, then I’ll admit I was wrong and treat you to a meal.”

Li Ge thought the idea was silly and shook her head. “Sister Ying, please don’t joke around like that. Let’s just eat.”

Yao Ying chuckled and gave up on the idea. “You really don’t see your own worth. But even if you don’t believe me, you should at least believe in the taste of the person backing you.”

There was no need to ask who she was referring to.

Li Ge didn’t know how to respond, but Yao Ying wasn’t wrong. If it weren’t for her looks, Xu Qingyan would never have noticed her.

Even if she was an A-rank omega, if she had been unattractive, Xu Qingyan probably wouldn’t have touched her.

Just as she thought of Xu Qingyan, her phone vibrated.

She took it out and saw a message from her.

Are you eating?

Li Ge didn’t want to respond, but she was afraid Xu Qingyan would come looking for her if she didn’t reply. So, reluctantly, she sent one word.

Yes.

I haven’t eaten yet.

So what? What did that have to do with her?

Xu Qingyan was the CEO of a major company. She had a team of assistants and secretaries. If she skipped meals, that was her own fault.

Li Ge wanted to text something sarcastic, but she hesitated. If she said too much, Xu Qingyan might get angry. After editing her reply a few times, she finally sent:

Director Xu must be very busy.

Xu Qingyan frowned as she read the reply. It wasn’t what she had expected. She thought that if she mentioned being hungry, the omega would show concern. Shouldn’t she have asked why?

I’m hungry.

If she was hungry, why not ask her secretary to buy something? Why message her?

Li Ge was confused. Was Xu Qingyan hinting that she wanted her to order food? It almost seemed like it.

That thought made her suspicious, and she decided to test her theory.

Did the Xu Group go bankrupt? Did your secretary and assistant quit? Or are you trying to save money and won’t even buy yourself a phone?

Now it was Xu Qingyan who was puzzled. She had only said she was hungry. Why was the omega being so sharp?

Wasn’t her message clear enough?

Or maybe Li Ge really didn’t understand?

My secretary and assistant are out. I’m alone in the office.

I’ve never used food delivery apps. I don’t know how.

Li Ge stared at her phone and clenched her jaw. That was obviously a lie. In this day and age, who didn’t know how to order takeout? Xu Qingyan was clearly doing this on purpose, trying to mess with her.

She was truly unbearable.

I’m sure your brain works better than mine. Otherwise, your company would have gone under a long time ago. Right?

Xu Qingyan stared at the message and suddenly realized something.

The omega was angry. The tone of her replies made it obvious.

Now she finally understood.

Alright. Go ahead and finish your lunch.

Support The Paranoid Female CEO’s Contracted Beauty (Omegaverse)