A Flirtatious Beauty Alpha Provokes a Crazy Omega - Chapter 20
Chapter 20: Comparison
“Mi-Mi.”
Zhao Jia appeared suddenly, running toward Jiang Mi from a few meters away.
Jiang Mi’s attention snapped back from Yan Wei. She turned around just as Zhao Jia said, “Apple came to visit the set.”
Her face lit up with surprise and joy.
But then, as if she remembered something, she glanced back—Yan Wei had already walked ahead.
That slight warmth between them from earlier dissipated in an instant.
Zhao Jia stepped up, rubbing Jiang Mi’s arm through the blanket to warm her. The two of them followed closely behind Yan Wei, walking quickly toward the dressing rooms. Zhao Jia said, “Frozen, huh? Apple called me, said she couldn’t find the entrance, so I went to pick her up. Took a bit of time. You guys haven’t seen each other much lately, right? She looks like she’s lost a lot of weight.”
Hearing this, Jiang Mi withdrew her gaze from ahead. “Wasn’t she trying to gain weight? Where is she?”
“She said she’s waiting right next to the set. Ask her yourself later—she’ll definitely say she missed you like crazy,” Zhao Jia teased. “Come on, change into dry clothes first, then you can go see her.”
The two changing room doors shut one after the other.
Inside, Yan Wei stood at the entrance. The room was already heated like spring, with a faint scent of coffee lingering. She tossed the blanket onto a chair and looked to the side.
A woman was seated straight-backed in the chair across from her, watching Yan Wei’s expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
She seemed slightly interested in what had put Yan Wei in this state, though not enough to press. After a sip of coffee, she asked, “Are you going to the dinner tonight?”
“No.”
“I’ve got something on tonight too. Tell Jiang Qu for me.” Tan Zhaoxin stood and walked to the door. “If she’s smart, she’ll know that helping her is only because of you. She should thank you. Go get changed.”
Jiang Mi had no scenes until later that evening. She changed into a loose outfit and left the dressing room with Zhao Jia. As they came out, they overheard voices and looked toward them.
Next to Yan Wei’s room, a woman was standing sideways with a phone in hand, posture upright like a prosecutor—white blouse, black slacks, pointed heels, exuding a strict and imposing air. Sunlight reflected sharply off the Patek Philippe watch on her wrist.
Noticing their gaze, the woman looked over sharply.
Jiang Mi and Zhao Jia quickly turned away. Once out of the rest area, Zhao Jia whispered, “That’s Tan Zhaoxin, Deep Sea’s big boss. A top Alpha, and Yan Wei’s business partner.”
Jiang Mi replied, “Ah, no wonder her aura’s so strong.”
“Don’t worry, you’re just as good,” Zhao Jia said.
Jiang Mi thought: I’m not trying to compete.
—
Apple’s van was parked beneath a plane tree near the set.
Jiang Mi opened the door, and the warm scent of citrus hit her. Inside, the girl opened her arms for a “long time no see” hug. Smiling, Jiang Mi leaned in to embrace her.
Apple’s real name was Jiang Yuying. Despite her heroic-sounding name, she had sweet features. Debuting at 15 in a girl group as the “Nation’s Sweetheart,” she later transitioned into acting and had been doing it for over seven years now.
“Why have you gotten so skinny?”
Up close, Zhao Jia hadn’t been exaggerating. Though Apple was still pretty, her cheeks had hollowed slightly, and dark circles were visible under her eyes.
Concerned, Jiang Mi asked, “Are you feeling unwell lately?”
Jiang Yuying shook her head and smiled. “Stomach issues recently, but I’m better now. Don’t look at me with that pitiful face. Honestly, since I lost weight, I’ve gotten several scripts. Some directors even say I fit the ‘fragile heroine’ vibe now.”
That wasn’t exactly a compliment. Jiang Mi frowned, “Still, health is more important.”
“Don’t worry. I just came to check on you. How’s filming with Yan Wei? Stressful, right?”
“Mhm… nearly lost it. But it’s getting better these past two days.”
“Must be hard. But take care of yourself too.” Jiang Yuying then said, “Hey, can you get an autograph for me? I have a little fan who really likes her.”
Jiang Mi considered for a moment, then nodded. “Sure.”
Just an autograph—Yan Wei probably wouldn’t mind.
When the phone in her saddlebag buzzed for who-knows-how-many-times, Jiang Yuying glanced at it, then looked back at Jiang Mi. Their eyes met for two seconds, and they smiled at each other.
Jiang Yuying sighed lightly, “I don’t know when I’ll get a chance to properly talk with you and Shan-shan again. It’s been so long since we all hung out.”
Jiang Mi said, “Yeah, maybe around New Year. We’ll definitely carve out time to let loose.”
As she finished, she saw tears suddenly welling in Jiang Yuying’s eyes. Startled, Jiang Mi crouched down and asked, “What’s wrong? Something bothering you? Did you have a fight with your manager? Talk to me.”
Jiang Yuying didn’t cry. The redness faded as quickly as it appeared. She smiled faintly. “Nothing like that. I just miss you guys. We just met, and now we’re saying goodbye again.”
The driver was still there, so Jiang Mi didn’t ask too much. Instead, she promised, “Once I’m free, I’ll come visit. If you’re on set, I’ll come check in on you, okay?”
Looking into Jiang Yuying’s eyes, she saw a spark fading—like something inside was being extinguished, though the person was trying desperately to relight it. Jiang Mi’s heart suddenly ached.
Jiang Yuying nodded. “Okay.”
…
As Jiang Mi watched the van drive away, the dust swirling in the sunlight looked like a silent wave goodbye.
She said firmly, “Something’s definitely wrong with her.”
Zhao Jia replied, “If she doesn’t want to talk, you can’t force her. Don’t worry—Apple’s been in this game a long time. She knows how to take care of herself better than you do.”
“I just don’t trust that manager of hers…”
“Well, there’s nothing you can do. You’re an outsider,” Zhao Jia said bluntly.
Jiang Mi fell silent. She was right. No matter how close you are, when it comes to someone’s personal life, you don’t really have a say.
“Let’s get some rest. We’re working late tonight.”
“Okay. But I have one more thing to do.”
…
At 2 p.m., the window at the end of the hallway was ajar, creaking softly in the breeze.
Sunlight slanted through, stretching her shadow like a taut string.
She knocked on Yan Wei’s dressing room door. “Teacher Yan, are you in?”
Outside, she heard the distant rumble of a prop cart rolling over the pavement. A few seconds later, light peeked through the door as Bai Qiu smiled and greeted her, “Miss Jiang.”
Bai Qiu stepped aside to let her in. The air moved with the motion, carrying a faint aroma of brandy blended with coffee.
Jiang Mi paused momentarily, then stepped inside.
She truly had something to ask Yan Wei.