The Villainess A Marked the Seductive Movie Queen - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Jackpot

March in Huchuan felt no different from the dead of winter, gripped by a late spring chill. Early that morning, the rain had finally stopped, leaving the red bricks, black tiles, and blue window eaves of the old alleyway blurred by mist, huddled together as if they were one.

Liu Yitong pushed open her window, catching the scent of the air—still damp and clingy.

Grabbing her backpack and pulling on a baseball cap, she headed out. She had barely walked a block when a voice from a corner stopped her.

“Hey, little sister! Come get your pheromones tested!”

She saw several women wearing staff badges behind small blue tables, conducting a public campaign. Beside them stood a poster with a concise slogan: “Pheromones: High Match, A Perfect Taste of Happiness.”

In recent years, divorce rates had remained stubbornly high. After research, social science departments had incorporated “high pheromone compatibility” into “Optimal Marriage and Childbearing” education. They aimed to reduce the phenomenon of couples marrying impulsively, only to divorce because mismatched pheromones left their physiological needs unfulfilled.

Marriage was a remote concept for the young girl. Liu Yitong was about to decline, but before she could speak, a pamphlet was shoved into her hand. She flipped through it, seeing a page explaining the current population ratio of ABO (Alpha/Beta/Omega) at roughly 2:17:1, with S-class AO types being one in ten thousand.

Liu Yitong looked down, her expression cold. She was about to return the pamphlet to the table when she heard the women’s enthusiastic chatter:

“Come on, little sister, take a seat! Once we register your case, our morning task is finished!”

“Finally, we can go inside. It’s so cold; my hands are nearly frozen stiff!”

“…”

Liu Yitong didn’t say a word. She let out a quiet sigh and gave in, sitting on the chair.

Her high ponytail was brushed aside. The sensitive gland at the nape of her neck shivered under the cold touch of an iodine swab. She heard the women discussing behind her:

“The needle will sting for a second, then it’s over! …But wow, this girl has a great gland—so full! …Hey, someone pass me the test strip.”

“Here. …What’s the result? An Alpha! Alpha is good! …I attended my daughter’s PTA meeting recently; more than half of the students at the top of the sophomore rankings were AOs! These minorities are just smarter and more talented than average people!”

“Who says they aren’t? Most of the high earners in my son’s company are AOs, and those at the S-class are all bosses or executives! …Pass the analyzer.”

Beep.

The blood analyzer signaled the end of the reading.

“What’s the grade?” one woman asked.

The group huddled together, appearing slightly confused by the reading. Liu Yitong didn’t rush them, waiting patiently. A moment later, one suggested testing again.

The beep sounded a second time. The women collectively gasped, forced to believe their eyes.

“An S-class for real?! Did we really just run into someone who won the genetic lottery?”

“We’ve been registering people here for a week and haven’t seen a single S-class!”

The women beamed, handing the girl a cotton ball to stop the bleeding while bubbling with vicarious excitement.

“Reducing the divorce rate depends on you, little sister! The downward compatibility of S-class pheromones is incredible. No matter who your partner is, you won’t have to worry about physiological needs!”

“I have a distant relative who is an SA. They fell for a Beta who wasn’t even sensitive to pheromones, but they were marked so hard by the S-class scent that they ‘felt’ it! Now they’re so in love!”

“Hey, little sister, do you have a partner? Planning to get married?”

Their gazes instantly turned gossipy, fixing on Liu Yitong’s face.

Meeting their eyes, the girl remained calm and cold. She finished stopping the blood, tossed the cotton ball into the trash, and said casually, “I’m only 19.”

“Ah, too young, no rush.” Another woman asked curiously, “But this is the age when love first blooms. Does the little sister have a sweetheart?”

“…” Liu Yitong’s breath hitched. The subtle reaction was caught by the women.

“She does! Oh my, an SA with a sweetheart—that’s a guaranteed path to love and marriage!”

“Congratulations in advance, little girl! You will definitely be happy!”

Compared to the women’s high spirits, the subject’s reaction was practically nonexistent. Liu Yitong only let out a soft snort. It wasn’t a laugh of joy or shyness; it sounded more like self-mockery.

Liu Yitong did indeed have a secret crush. But she had no intention of dating or marrying her. Her relationship with that person would only ever stay here: her mind was unilaterally moved by the other, while the other didn’t even need to know a person like her existed.

That was all. That was what a secret crush was.

As for the SA traits the women treated like treasure, she viewed them as worthless. Countless people chased after or even took medication to cultivate an SA constitution to no avail, but when Liu Yitong first differentiated and got this result, she felt no joy. She simply went to a hospital to inquire about gland removal surgery.

The doctor, upholding medical ethics, warned her that an Alpha forcibly removing a healthy gland wouldn’t become a normal Alpha or Beta; they would become disabled. It was like an athlete insisting on sawing off their legs or a chef insisting on cutting off their tongue.

At the time, Liu Yitong thought for a moment and decided to accept the disability, asking when the surgery could happen. Finally, the doctor kicked her out of the office on the grounds that a minor needed a guardian’s consent.

Then, just as now, Liu Yitong bid farewell to the noise. The shadow of her baseball cap pressed down over her eyes—eyes that showed a cold, world-weary gaze. Her tall figure cast a solitary shadow that stretched across the ground as she strode away, radiating an icy sense of misanthropy.

The girl walked through the narrow alleys, her vision squeezed by the cramped walls, turning everything she saw into dim colors. Dark, crowded.

Until she stepped out of the long alley, and the world suddenly brightened.

Gold and magnificent, open and wide.

Across from her, the CBD was bustling with traffic. Glass skyscrapers were illuminated by the city-wide sunlight; everything was bathed in a brilliant filter.

Liu Yitong withdrew her gaze and walked forward quickly until she reached a bridge, where she suddenly paused.

The Huchuan River flowed slowly, cutting the city into two halves: the cramped alleys on one side and the skyscrapers on the other. Old times and the modern era were frozen simultaneously in this complex city.

She stood in the middle of the river. Behind her was her past; before her was her future.

Her phone vibrated. Liu Yitong took it out to see a message from Shu Ran:

“Sister Ruan is back in Huchuan! She’s staying at my family’s Elton Hotel again!”

“I already had my dad reserve the room next to hers. Tonight, I’m going to be close to my goddess through the wall!”

Ruan Minxue, the “Triple Crown” Best Actress, had become increasingly mysterious in recent years. While many old artists sold out for fame and fortune by taking bad scripts or joining variety shows, Ruan Minxue stood alone. She became pickier with scripts—fewer roles, but all high quality. Even in an entertainment industry crawling with paparazzi, she managed to stay hidden.

Even if someone online wanted to manufacture some gossip about the actress, they could hardly find enough material to make a shadow of a story.

Shu Ran was the daughter of a local commercial real estate tycoon. As a fan of Ruan Minxue, she had a unique advantage—funds, methods, connections, and sources. Because they were in the same fan group, Liu Yitong had the chance to cross social classes and befriend such a rich socialite. And because of Shu Ran, Liu Yitong had the chance to learn news about Ruan Minxue before it was officially announced.

“Even though Sister Ruan won’t be here for another hour, I’m already on standby in the lobby!” Shu Ran’s message popped up again. “Liu Yitong! Are you coming? Others can’t get in, but I can bring you!”

Ruan Minxue’s itinerary was top secret. Even if it leaked, with the Elton Hotel’s international-level security, fans couldn’t gather nearby. Ordinary people couldn’t get in, but someone Shu Ran wanted to bring in could.

Should she go?

The question flashed through her mind. The girl looked up and habitually locked onto a target building amidst the city’s bustle—the “Cloud-Piercing” office building, a landmark of Huchuan. A giant LED screen on the building was playing a luxury brand’s lipstick commercial.

Ruan Minxue, dressed in white, sat perched in the middle of a pile of feathers. She rested her cheek on her knee, casting a blurred, lazy gaze toward the camera, easily capturing the attention of every onlooker.

Even though this short ad had been looping on this prime-estate screen for days, anyone who looked up would still be bewitched by Ruan Minxue’s red lips. They would follow the gaze directed by her long, slender hand resting by her foot until they saw the red nail polish on her bare toes.

White skin, white dress, white feathers. Red lips and toes.

It made viewers feel as if they were being lured by a soul-snatching snake, falling into a trap without a struggle, wanting to use those same red lips to approach the toes—the apples of Eden.

Liu Yitong suppressed her desires and looked away. Without hesitation, she typed the word “No.”

Before she could send it, Shu Ran added: “As the head of Sister Ruan’s fan club and a socialite in the Huchuan circle, I can introduce you to her!”

“Liu Yitong, with your looks, Sister Ruan will definitely remember you!”

Liu Yitong’s finger paused for a second, but she still sent: “No thanks, I’m busy.”

Then, she shoved the phone back into her pocket and pulled her cap lower, the brim shadowing the face Shu Ran had described as “striking.”

Liu Yitong knew the difference between herself and Shu Ran. It wasn’t just about family background or personality; it was her attitude toward Ruan Minxue. Shu Ran admired Ruan Minxue. Shu Ran could stand openly before her, filled with the same joyful anticipation as any other fan.

But for Liu Yitong, it wasn’t admiration; it was a secret crush. She could never stand openly before Ruan Minxue. Even just anticipating a single glance from her would make her look away in a panic.

Despite refusing Shu Ran’s invitation, Liu Yitong took a detour past the Elton Hotel on her way to the theater. She looked at it from across the street.

The three connected buildings gave the Elton Hotel a majestic presence, like a giant sitting by the Huchuan River. The polished glass reflected the blue sky and white clouds, resembling the giant’s eyes. Porters in crisp uniforms stood on either side of the entrance, respectfully welcoming a dozen fashionably dressed young women. Their figures merged into the golden light of the lobby, noble and harmonious.

With her excellent eyesight, Liu Yitong noticed that those girls were all wearing gold-inlaid jade bracelets. Ruan Minxue had once worn a “Water Moon” pattern gold-inlaid jade bracelet in a period drama; afterward, the same style was custom-ordered by wealthy fans until it became a bestseller in every jewelry store.

They were wearing the Water Moon pattern too. They were there for Ruan Minxue and had the status to enter the Elton Hotel. Like Shu Ran, they were likely the daughters of wealthy families.

The young ladies laughed and chatted in the lobby, some even stamping their feet in excitement. They had a silent agreement not to bring small gifts, only holding thin envelopes.

The industry was full of vanity and hypocrisy. Some stars would accept fan gifts on the surface, only to resell the expensive ones and toss the cheap ones aside. Ruan Minxue had publicly declared since her debut that she would not accept any gifts. Even if a new fan unknowingly handed one to her face-to-face, she would smile gently, thank them, and refuse.

Perhaps fans take after their idol; most of Ruan Minxue’s fans were rational. They knew she was busy and had too many letters, so she likely wouldn’t have time to read them one by one. Fans were satisfied just knowing that Ruan Minxue had bought a house specifically to store the letters she received and hired people to maintain them.

Seeing Ruan Minxue with their own eyes and having indirect contact for the brief moment of handing over a letter was enough to satisfy their emotional needs. And if, in that moment, they looked beautiful enough to draw a second of her attention—or even have her strike up a conversation—that was the equivalent of “winning the jackpot.” Posting that online would garner thousands of envious comments.

Liu Yitong calmly withdrew her gaze. She didn’t hope to be noticed or talked to. Only fans with money and leisure could afford that kind of lottery ticket. For her, even seeing Ruan Minxue from a distance would be winning the jackpot.

For instance, today, Liu Yitong didn’t win. She had to go to the theater for her final performance before terminating her contract. She had to work; she didn’t even have the right to wait for Ruan Minxue to arrive at the hotel or catch a glimpse from afar.

Today’s performance theme was “Graduation.” As a graduating performer, Liu Yitong finally had the center position.

To put it kindly, they were “trainees waiting to debut.” To put it bluntly, they were “underground idols,” providing singing and dancing for a low wage, sometimes even paying for their own costumes. For example, the JK uniform Liu Yitong wore today was her own.

Her style leaned toward cool and fierce, with a long skirt reaching her calves. Her overall image looked sharp and intimidating. Before going on stage with her accessories, her teammates jokingly described her as “The Daughter of the Grim Reaper.”

Perhaps because of the extremely low pay, the industry had a high turnover rate. Idols came and went on stage, and the fans below were used to it. So, when Liu Yitong bowed and announced her official departure from the group, the fans only let out a long sigh. Both sides were calm; not a single tear was shed.

When the show ended, she removed her accessories and makeup. Dressed in just the JK skirt without the flashy decorations, she looked like a regular high school student. Her teammates felt bittersweet, wishing her well with smiles: “Grow up well, kid.”

Liu Yitong returned the smile. She didn’t change out of the skirt, deciding to wear her teammates’ blessings home.

On the way back, she purposefully passed by the Elton Hotel. The bustle had vanished; the lobby was empty. Occasionally, a car would stop at the entrance, and porters would welcome gray-haired or blonde-haired VIPs inside.

Liu Yitong stood there in a daze for a moment before leaving. She was just wondering if any of those socialites wearing gold and jade had “won the jackpot” today.

As she entered the long alley toward her rented room, her phone vibrated again. She checked it and saw someone in Ruan Minxue’s fan group posting “leaked” photos of her at the hotel.

The woman in the brilliant red dress was like walking fire, burning the eyes of everyone who saw the photo. The heat crawled to the back of the head and burned down the nerves, searing a place in the heart to treasure the image. The “Ahhh” screams in the group were so loud it made her eyes hurt.

Liu Yitong silently saved the photo to her album and turned off the screen, but that breathtaking red remained in her vision.

She walked deeper into the alley under the yellowish streetlights. She thought the red was a lingering hallucination, as it seemed to be projected at the end of the long alley. But after a few more steps, seeing the red move, she realized there was actually someone lying in the alley.

As she got closer, she could tell it was a woman in a red dress curled up on the ground. Cases of people getting drunk, getting lost, and sleeping on the street were common in Huchuan. Liu Yitong didn’t want to look for trouble and had no interest in “picking up” people. She only intended to check if the person was breathing properly before deciding whether to call an ambulance along with the police.

But the closer she got to the woman in red, the more she felt something was wrong. Having half a foot in the entertainment circle, she recognized that the silk taffeta the woman was wearing was incredibly expensive—usually used for noble evening gowns. People wouldn’t normally wear such fabric to a club or bar where it could easily get snagged.

A fleeting thought made her unlock her phone and open her album to the photo she had just saved. The dress Ruan Minxue wore in the photo was also made of smooth silk taffeta.

As if her spine had been struck by a hammer, her back went numb. She put her phone away and forced herself to stay calm. Holding her breath, she stepped forward and stopped beside the woman.

A rich scent of rose mixed with the sweetness of light cream hit her nose. The seductive fragrance filled the air around the woman, stealing the breath of anyone nearby. For a moment, Liu Yitong couldn’t control herself, instinctively and greedily inhaling a few more breaths.

Her usually quiet gland at the nape of her neck suddenly throbbed, making her heart itch. She gritted her teeth to suppress the impulse and crouched down. She didn’t dare touch her, only calling out politely from a distance:

“Madam? Are you alright? Madam?”

The woman on the ground seemed to hear her voice and flinched slightly. She appeared conscious and looked up at her.

Seeing the woman’s face, Liu Yitong’s heart skipped a beat.

A gorgeous red was spread out over the dirty ground of the dark alley, like a blooming rose in the mud.

It was Ruan Minxue.

Liu Yitong began to tremble without realizing it.

She had likely sacrificed a lifetime of luck to win the jackpot that no one else dared to even dream of.

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