The Scummy Alpha Transmigrated into a Tragedy Novel and Went Viral! - Chapter 14

Cheng Jingling was utterly displeased with the director’s arrangement—there was only one room for the two of them.

What on earth was she supposed to do now?

“What’s wrong? Not happy about it?” Ji Yufu’s voice was icy.

“It’s not that,” Cheng Jingling explained with a bitter smile. “I just thought everyone would have their own room.”

“This is a couple-themed show,” Ji Yufu replied flatly. “There’s no need for separate rooms, and besides, it wouldn’t make for good TV.”

“Right.” Cheng Jingling sighed helplessly, instantly regretting ever agreeing to join the show. If she’d known it would come to this, she never would’ve put herself in such an awkward position.

A hotel room. One double bed. Ji Yufu. Just thinking about it made her temples throb.

Following He Yue’s example, she unpacked her suitcase, hanging up the clothes she planned to wear that night. Once done, she pushed her luggage aside. With nothing left to do, she grew increasingly tense sharing the same space with Ji Yufu—so much so that her hands and feet curled up in anxiety.

She sat down on the living room sofa, pulled out her phone, and started scrolling—WeChat, then Weibo, then short videos. She looked focused, but she wasn’t actually seeing a thing. Her mind was a tangled mess of nerves.

Meanwhile, Ji Yufu was chatting idly with He Yue. Not hearing any sound from inside the room for a while, she glanced over—only to see Cheng Jingling lying on the sofa, eyes closed, apparently asleep.

“System! You really have to help me this time!” Cheng Jingling cried out internally.

“What’s the big deal? It’s just a variety show. No need to panic like that,” the system said lazily, seeing straight through her anxiety.

“I didn’t know we’d have to share a room! I’m really nervous!” Cheng Jingling’s agitation was visible to the naked eye.

“What’s there to be nervous about? You’re an Alpha! It’s not like that Omega can do anything to you. Don’t be such a coward!”

“I’m afraid she’ll hit me!” Cheng Jingling touched her forehead and felt the faint ridge of the scar that still lingered there.

“As long as you behave yourself, she won’t hit you.”

“I’ve been here a month already and the mission hasn’t progressed at all! You need to come up with something!” Cheng Jingling grew even more frustrated.

“If you want her to be happy, you have to give her what she likes,” the system said sagely.

“Give her what she likes?” Cheng Jingling repeated, pondering the phrase. Then her eyes brightened with realization. “But she doesn’t like anything!”

“Ugh! You really are clueless,” the system groaned. “You can’t just listen to what people say. Watch what they do! Ji Yufu’s been in the industry for years—no scandals, no drama. That means she’s passionate about her work!”

“Ohhh, that makes sense,” Cheng Jingling said, enlightened.

“So, if I just cooperate with her on the show and help her climb to the peak of her career, that should do the trick!” She nodded to herself, satisfied.

“Do you even know when her destined Alpha appears?” the system asked, giving her a sidelong glance.

“You mean her true love?” Cheng Jingling perked up.

Seeing her scheming look, the system immediately shot her down. “Don’t even think about it. That’s way off in the future—who knows how the plot will change by then?”

“What? The plot can change?”

The system quickly backpedaled. “No, no, I mean—her destined Alpha only shows up after you two divorce. Before that, no one knows how things will play out.”

Cheng Jingling nodded, though the unease in her heart lingered.

She had fallen into this world out of nowhere—a place that felt eerily real despite being virtual. Every task relied entirely on her own guesswork. The more she pieced things together, the more convinced she became that something wasn’t right. That damned system was definitely hiding something.

She didn’t know how long she’d been thinking when Ji Yufu’s voice roused her. Blinking awake, she turned toward the window—the sun was already setting. She grabbed her phone and saw it was six o’clock. Apparently, she’d fallen asleep while overthinking.

“The director wants us downstairs for dinner,” Ji Yufu said.

“Oh.” Cheng Jingling rubbed her eyes, her voice husky from sleep. “Should I change clothes?” Her tone was low and slightly rough—unintentionally sultry.

Ji Yufu’s gaze swept over her. Dressed casually in a white T-shirt and striped overshirt, long hair draped over her shoulders, she exuded an easy, youthful charm. “No need. It’s not that formal.”

When they arrived at the restaurant, a server led them into a private room. The moment Ji Yufu stepped inside, the room erupted in cheers—“Welcome, Movie Queen Ji!” echoed from every corner.

But as soon as Cheng Jingling followed her in, the lively atmosphere froze. Smiles stiffened. Conversations halted.

Cheng Jingling: “…”

Director Wang quickly greeted them, motioning for them to sit. Almost immediately, several people waved Ji Yufu over to their side. Cheng Jingling followed the glances—only to be met with a few hostile stares. She pretended not to notice, forcing a polite smile.

Ji Yufu eventually chose to sit beside Bai Weilan, who seemed delighted. The two instantly hit it off, chatting warmly hand in hand.

“This is my boyfriend, Xiao Chengyi. He’s an actor too,” Bai Weilan said, glowing with happiness. Their affection was obvious.

Ji Yufu offered a courteous handshake. “Mr. Xiao, it’s a pleasure. I’ve seen your work—your performances are excellent.”

“You flatter me, Ms. Ji,” Xiao Chengyi replied with a practiced smile. “I’ve been a fan of yours for years. I’d love to collaborate someday.”

“I’d look forward to that,” Ji Yufu said politely, then turned to introduce, “This is my girlfriend.”

Just one simple sentence was enough to stir envy all around. Cheng Jingling stood up cooperatively and offered a handshake.

“Hello, I’m Cheng Jingling.”

“Pleasure to meet you!”

She sat back down, quietly marveling at Ji Yufu’s irresistible charm. So many people adored her—and yet, Ji Yufu never once called her by name. That thought left a dull ache in her chest.

Just then, the door swung open again. In walked Jiang Yiyu, one of the hottest rising stars of the moment. His eyes lit up as soon as he spotted Ji Yufu.

“Goddess!” he exclaimed, practically shouting.

He dashed toward her, and Cheng Jingling instinctively raised an arm to shield Ji Yufu. Thankfully, he stopped himself in time.

“Ms. Ji, I’m such a huge fan! I love all your films—I can even recite your lines!”

Cheng Jingling’s scalp tingled. She half-expected him to throw himself at Ji Yufu any second. But Ji Yufu merely listened with poise, smiling gracefully.

“Thank you,” she said warmly. “I really appreciate your support.”

Director Wang cleared his throat, and Wang Zicheng—who stood behind Jiang Yiyu—hastily pulled him back to his seat. “Xiao Yu, mind your image!” Clearly, the two were a couple.

Jiang Yiyu ignored him and, instead of sitting quietly, plopped down right beside Cheng Jingling. He craned his neck toward Ji Yufu, trying to make conversation, but Cheng Jingling happened to be in his way.

“Hey, can we switch seats?” he said, frowning. “I want to sit next to my goddess.”

Cheng Jingling blinked. Did he even hear himself just now?

Outwardly, she maintained a polite smile. “Sorry, no.”

“Why not? You’re a fan too?” he pressed.

Cheng Jingling replied evenly, “I want to sit next to my girlfriend.”

Jiang Yiyu froze, eyes widening as recognition dawned. His expression twisted in disbelief and jealousy. “So, it’s you! Hmph!”

He turned away with a dramatic huff, refusing to look at them again. Wang Zicheng gave an awkward laugh and apologized to Cheng Jingling, who just waved it off with a gentle smile.

“All good,” she said. “Really, it’s fine.”

Soon, two more celebrity couples arrived: top female idol Huang Yili, who rose to fame through a talent show, with her long-time boyfriend Liu Ke, a beloved former child star; and the highly respected actor Zhao Yimai with powerhouse singer Jiao Yanting, both known for their solid reputations and skill.

With all five celebrity couples now present, Cheng Jingling glanced at the guest list she’d seen earlier and noticed there hadn’t been any changes.

Once everyone was seated, Director Wang—the one at the head of the table—called for everyone to start eating. Conversation flowed easily, laughter filled the air, and the atmosphere quickly turned warm and lively. After several rounds of drinks, Director Wang raised his glass and made a toast.

“Our show is about to start filming. During production, if there’s anything the team doesn’t do well enough, I hope you’ll be patient with us and point it out. Let’s work together to create something great—maybe even a hit show! What do you all say?”

“Agreed!” everyone responded in unison.

“Great! Cheers!” Director Wang said, and everyone raised their glasses and drank heartily.

With the alcohol flowing, the atmosphere in the private dining room became even more animated. Guests began to toast the director one after another. Sensing the moment, Cheng Jingling picked up her own glass and approached to offer him a toast, her demeanor humble and polite.

“Director Wang, I’m new to variety shows, and this will be my first time filming one. I’ll be relying on your guidance! Both Yufu and I will do our best to cooperate with your work. Here’s to you!”

Wang Yumin’s eyes narrowed in satisfaction at her flattery. The Cheng family had already asked him to look after their daughter—after all, she was the heiress of the richest family in the country, not someone he could afford to offend.

Still, he hadn’t expected her to be so perceptive and tactful. She had given both him and her family ample face, which pleased him greatly.

“Miss Cheng, you’re too polite. I’m just doing my job,” he replied, clinking glasses with her before they both drank.

At that moment, Jiang Yiyu, noticing the empty seat beside him, lifted his glass and turned to Ji Yufu.

“Best Actress Ji, this one’s for you! I’m such a big fan of your work—and of you!”

He downed the drink before she could respond, leaving Ji Yufu staring at her untouched glass, conflicted.

She was still on medication to regulate her glands, and her doctor had strictly forbidden alcohol. She couldn’t avoid drinking the first toast, but this second one she truly didn’t want to take.

Just as she hesitated, a slender, fair hand reached out, picked up her glass, and emptied it in one smooth motion.

Cheng Jingling had drunk it for her.

“Thank you for your support!” Cheng Jingling said on Ji Yufu’s behalf.

“What are you doing? I wasn’t toasting you!” Jiang Yiyu protested angrily.

“She can’t drink right now. I’m drinking for her.”

Sensing things could escalate, Wang Zicheng quickly stepped in to mediate, but Jiang Yiyu shoved him aside and jabbed a finger at Cheng Jingling.

“This is all your fault anyway!” he spat.

His outburst brought an abrupt silence to the room. Everyone knew about the recent gossip—the sensational news of Cheng Jingling and Ji Yufu’s relationship, and the reports claiming Ji Yufu had been hospitalized due to pheromone instability. Jiang Yiyu’s insinuation had dragged their private scandal right into the open, leaving everyone awkwardly frozen.

“You’re right—we’re very much in love,” Cheng Jingling replied smoothly, defusing the tension with ease.

Laughter returned, the room relaxed, and the mood lightened again. Everyone present was experienced enough to understand the implications—young couples, passion, heat; no need to make a fuss.

“Fine then. Since you’re such a good drinker, let’s drink!” Jiang Yiyu sneered, refilling her glass to the brim while only pouring himself half a one. “Here’s to you—congratulations on having such a beautiful girlfriend.”

“Thanks,” Cheng Jingling said with a confident smirk, lifting her glass—only for Ji Yufu to catch her wrist.

“You shouldn’t drink that much.”

Cheng Jingling smiled at her. “It’s fine.”

She tipped her head back, the elegant line of her throat catching the light as she finished the drink in one go.

When she set the glass down, she flipped it upside down to show it was empty. Jiang Yiyu, unwilling to back down, gulped his own drink, and Director Wang led the applause as everyone clapped and cheered for the playful “contest.”

Jiang Yiyu immediately poured another.

“This one’s for wishing you two everlasting love!”

“Well said,” Cheng Jingling replied, pleased, and downed another glass. Jiang followed suit, his competitive streak flaring. He quickly poured yet another, determined to outdrink her.

“This one’s for my goddess—may her career continue to soar!”

Cheng Jingling grinned, genuinely appreciating the sentiment. “Good one. Cheers!”

She clinked glasses with him again, draining a third cup. The others watched with fascination, applauding enthusiastically after each round.

Jiang Yiyu reached for the bottle again—but discovered it was empty. Wang Zicheng seized the chance to pull him back into his seat. Though still reluctant, a few soft words of persuasion soothed him, and he finally settled down.

Cheng Jingling returned to her seat, rubbing her temples lightly.

“Are you okay?” Ji Yufu asked, gently patting her back.

“I’m fine,” she murmured.

But before her seat had even warmed, another pair approached with drinks in hand. Compared to Jiang Yiyu’s provocation, Zhao Yimai and Jiao Yanting were far more sincere.

“Miss Ji, forgive us for the intrusion. We’re both huge fans—it’s such an honor to meet you in person. Please accept our respect!”

Ji Yufu thanked them repeatedly, giving Cheng Jingling a helpless look. As expected, Cheng took the glasses for her and drank them both. Two more cups later, the wine’s aftereffects began to hit—her cheeks flushed, her head dizzy.

And just when she thought it was over, Huang Yili and Liu Ke came over next—followed by staff members who had lined up for their turn.

Aside from the director, Ji Yufu was easily the most distinguished and accomplished person present. Known for her professionalism and aloofness, she never attended social banquets or drinking events. For many in the industry, this was their first chance to meet her face-to-face, and the dinner had quickly transformed into a fan meet-and-greet.

Watching the growing line of people coming to toast, Cheng Jingling rolled up her sleeves, ready to face them one by one—determined to shield Ji Yufu till the end.

Ji Yufu frowned, worried, but fortunately, none of them were as aggressive as Jiang Yiyu had been.

By the time they’d seen everyone off, Cheng Jingling had both palms braced against the table, her gaze unfocused and hazy.

“Anyone else?” she challenged hoarsely, sweeping her eyes across the room.