The Scummy Alpha Who Transmigrated Into a Book Was Tricked by the Actress Omega - Chapter 53

Du Zuilan’s fans simply assumed there was an ultra-wealthy female fan among them. This massive billboard display was the ultimate flex their barely contained joy radiated from their faces. Though everyone in the fandom subtly avoided mentioning it outright, the celebratory atmosphere was impossible to suppress, buzzing like festive drums and gongs.

The rumors about this mysterious rich sister originated from an influencer named “Liyue.” Despite her tight-lipped, enigmatic demeanor, her silence spoke volumes. A few girls who frequently interacted with her managed to pry out some hints, and soon, hushed, excited discussions erupted.

[Honestly, who else besides our President Yan has this kind of wealth and connections? I’d bet a pack of spicy strips that this “Blue Wine” rich lady is definitely her.]

[Old Blue Wine is so moved. Without President Yan, Zuilan might’ve still made it big, but definitely not this smoothly. I’ll just say it President Yan is her guardian angel.]

[This is insane. Can we all agree our Lan is a princess? Lanbao, mom supports you and President Yan being together! Isn’t Lan shooting that high-end perfume ad soon? That’s a major luxury brand! AAAAAAH, an international endorsement!]

Song Qingxin’s gaze drifted from her cramped rented apartment to the dazzling neon lights in the distance. The image of Du Zuilan’s gentle smile on the giant screen lingered stubbornly in her mind.

Her eyes skimmed over these comments, fingers tightening around her phone. Her canine teeth pressed into her lower lip before she finally forced a smile, one that was neither happy nor pretty. Her expression was hollow, tinged with helpless frustration.

Song Qingxin had just returned from Junyan Entertainment after a grueling day. Her acting coach had spent half the session berating her for her poor line delivery. The instructor’s disappointment was palpable, though she eventually dismissed her with a terse order to go home early, sparing her further humiliation.

But as Song Qingxin doubled back to retrieve her forgotten coat, she overheard the coach chatting with another instructor.

“I just don’t get it. Junyan’s standards are sky-high, and her fundamentals are weak. She doesn’t grasp anything, it’s exhausting to teach her. She can’t even manage basic facial expressions.”

“Some people just aren’t cut out for this. Look at Du Zuilan, I barely had to teach her, just gave a few pointers. Her and Tang Ying? They’re born to shine on the big screen. Others? Well!”

“Right. And this Song, whatever her name is didn’t she get in through President Yan’s connections?”

“Tch. Unless President Yan decides to push her, she’ll never make it. You know what they say small fame relies on promotion, big fame on destiny, and forced fame invites divine retribution. But if President Yan backs her? Even divine retribution won’t stop her from blowing up.”

“Pfft, damn, that’s harsh.”

“…”

Song Qingxin fled, her spirit crushed. After her desperate gamble to leverage a vague connection with President Yan, she had indeed sailed through Junyan’s audition.

But she hadn’t anticipated how brutal the training would be nor how glaringly inadequate her skills were. HR had let her in, but like a struggling student tossed into an advanced class, she was drowning. The more she failed to improve, the more restless and impatient she became.

Her face no longer held the bright, confident expression from the banquet earlier. Instead, her brows and eyes drooped, almost taking on a gloomy demeanor. After a long pause, a twisted thought surfaced in her mind.

Why was it that Du Zuilan, who had started off as just as unknown an actress as her, could now be this popular? Why? Where was she lacking? Wasn’t it just because Du Zuilan had gotten lucky with a supporting role? If she had been the one to land that role, she would surely be just as successful now friends with Tang Ying, backed by the unshakable support of Yan Xunzhen.

Yes! Yan Xunzhen. With Yan Xunzhen’s backing, no matter what challenges arose, everything would be effortless. Having such an extravagant birthday celebration, making everyone adore her.

A strange smile suddenly appeared on Song Qingxin’s face. The pressure and anxiety that had plagued her these past few days vanished in an instant, replaced by a single thought that made her heart race wildly.

See? She had merely mentioned it to Yan Xunzhen, and Junyan Entertainment, which she could never have entered before, had easily accepted her after the interview. It must have been Yan Xunzhen’s doing. So, if she could win Yan Xunzhen’s favor like Du Zuilan had, wouldn’t she be the one landing those high-end endorsements?

Forget Yan Xunzhen’s family background and influence just her looks alone were enough. Who wouldn’t love an older sister like her? Sleeping with her would be no loss at all.

Yan Xunzhen would surely like an omega like her too. She had seen Du Zuilan on set always so gentle and composed. If she could be a little more daring, Yan Xunzhen would definitely.

She was completely lost in her delusions.

Of course, it never occurred to her what truly set her apart from Du Zuilan. She had entirely forgotten that the reason for Du Zuilán’s success wasn’t Yan Xunzhen, Yan Xunzhen was merely the icing on the cake, not the miracle cure.

Lost in her dreams of climbing the social ladder, a plan slowly took shape in her mind.

Du Zuilán and Yan Xunzhen accompanied the little sister through a few more amusement park rides suitable for her age before Du Yeqing finally calmed down from her excitement. Noticing how close her two older sisters’ hands were, her curious eyes darted back and forth, but in the end, she said nothing. Instead, she obediently took her sister’s other hand and asked, “Jiejie, are we going to see Mom now?”

Du Yeqing had been born shortly before Du Wan passed away. For the past eight years, Du Zuilan had essentially raised her. Despite still being young herself, she had managed to bring her sister up, no small feat.

From the time Du Yeqing was little, Du Zuilan had often told her stories about their mother. So, the younger sister had always known that on her sister’s birthday every year, they would visit the cemetery.

Du Zuilán lowered her gaze and gently ruffled her sister’s hair. “Mm, we’ll go soon.”

Her eyes then shifted to Yan Xunzhen beside her. She opened her mouth but hesitated, as if unsure how to phrase it. After all, visiting a cemetery was a private matter in Chinese culture, one that wasn’t easily broached. Softly, she murmured, “You!”

Yan Xunzhen lightly brushed the back of her hand. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to go with you. Is that alright?”

“Okay.” Du Zuilán had been worried she might mind, but Yan Xunzhen seemed to indulge her without limits.

She still remembered that kiss, light as a dragonfly skimming the water, which landed on the back of her hand. After the kiss, both of them were momentarily stunned.

Du Zuilan had always been the one to smile gently and faintly, making others blush for her. This was the first time she felt struck by such an innocent kiss, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. Finally, watching Yan Xunzhen perform a perfect aristocratic bow toward her, she slowly withdrew her hand.

Switching to a more spacious and comfortable car, Du Zuilan took the opportunity to post the fan interaction Weibo she had discussed with her manager.

With twenty million followers, the post garnered a flood of comments within just a minute. Fans who had received advance notice from her studio had already organized themselves, pushing their heartfelt messages to the top.

Some came to celebrate her birthday, retracing her journey through the roles she had played over the years. Never one to put on airs, she replied with a simple “thank you” to each thoughtful comment. Others, aiming for the top spots, left playful, teasing remarks. Du Zuilan thought for a moment, glanced at one fan’s profile, and replied, “Focus on your studies.” The replies beneath erupted into a harmonious chorus of laughter.

Someone even asked if she had gone out to eat with Yan Xunzhen. Though the shipper’s comment was quickly buried, Du Zuilan happened to see it just as the fan was about to delete it.

She replied earnestly, “We did. The longevity noodles were delicious. I’ll share more next time [sun emoji].”

The shippers below nearly exploded with joy. There was nothing particularly revealing about the reply, but Du Zuilan’s completely unbothered attitude only fueled their speculation, setting Weibo ablaze with excitement.

Du Zuilan put away her phone.

Gazing at the setting sun, the sky tinged with soft pink, her eyes drifted from the rolling mountains to Yan Xunzhen’s tall, straight nose bridge. Watching her focus intently on her work, Du Zuilan couldn’t help but lose herself for a moment.

She had bought flowers for her mother. Her mother had always told her to celebrate her birthday properly and, if possible, to share the happy moments of the day with her.

After getting out of the car, Du Yeqing, having paid her respects, lingered curiously in the woods, observing her sister and Yan Xunzhen standing side by side.

Du Zuilan placed the flowers before her mother’s gravestone. After a long pause, a faint smile finally touched her lips as she whispered softly, “Mom. I’m here to see you. This year, I finally had a happy birthday.”

In her heart, she added slowly, This year, I finally had longevity noodles made for me by someone special. Her name is Yan Xunzhen. I don’t know where she came from, but she treats me well, and I really like her.

I’m loved by so many people now. Today, I even did something brave, I wasn’t afraid of public opinion and openly admitted to having dinner with Yan Xunzhen.

Though we’re not together yet, if we ever are, I’ll be even braver. I won’t just stand aloof, enjoying her efforts. When the time comes, I’ll tell you, Mom.

“Please don’t worry about me,” Du Zuilan bowed to her mother, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m truly doing well now.”

Yan Xunzhen, recalling the story of Du Zuilan’s mother, Du Wan, couldn’t help but sigh with a touch of sorrow.

She wanted to say, “Auntie, you’ve worked hard, but you raised both your daughters well. They will have a bright future, and you can rest in peace.”

Gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her phoenix eyes lowered slightly as she spoke instead, “I will do my best to treat Zuilan well, Mom, please rest assured.”

Du Zuilan, leaning against her, widened her almond-shaped eyes in surprise at her words.

Only after finishing her sentence did Yan Xunhui belatedly realize what she had just said, her head throbbing with sudden realization.

She hadn’t even won her wife over yet, and here she was already calling her mother-in-law “Mom.”

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