After Becoming an Alpha, I Marked My Nemesis - Chapter 8

Director Xu, megaphone in hand, bellowed, “Zheng Wenyuan, what’s wrong with you? Why are you so out of it today? If you keep this up, we won’t finish filming even by eight o’clock tonight!”

Zheng Wenyuan’s face flushed crimson with shame. He lowered his head and mumbled, “I’m sorry, Director Xu. I’m not feeling well today. Please give me some time to get back into character.”

Director Xu was at his wit’s end. Zheng Wenyuan couldn’t treat the female lead with the familiarity of childhood friends, causing the simple scene to stall repeatedly. The director sighed in exasperation, “Alright, everyone take a half-hour break. We’ll resume this scene after that.”

As soon as Director Xu finished speaking, Zhou Qian snapped out of her character and settled into her folding chair to rest. Just as she was about to take a sip of water, Zheng Wenyuan approached. Surrounded by three or four people, he addressed them, “I need to rehearse this scene with Miss Zhou alone. Could you please give us some privacy?”

The moment he finished speaking, the others dispersed.

Zhou Qian looked up at Zheng Wenyuan, his expression fierce. “Why are you glaring at me like that? As if I’ve done something wrong.”

Zheng Wenyuan gritted his teeth, his voice dripping with venom. “You know exactly why I’m glaring at you. I never imagined you were so resourceful, using your connections to rewrite the script. I bet you received the revised version this morning, didn’t you?”

Zhou Qian smiled faintly. “So what if I did? If the director decided to change the script, it must be because he found the original plot unsatisfactory. Besides, I haven’t spoken to the director privately about anything.”

Zheng Wenyuan glared at her, his anger blazing. “If you didn’t pull the strings, who else could have? You must be feeling smug now that my scenes are almost finished. Your scheme has worked.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qian chuckled. “Since your scenes are wrapping up soon, you should focus on finishing them properly. That way, everyone can wrap up work earlier.”

Zheng Wenyuan took this as a deliberate taunt. “Zhou Qian, don’t get cocky just because you’re clinging to Song Luoxue’s coattails. She can afford to pay me three million in breach of contract fees now, but let’s see if she’ll cover another three million for you next time.”

Three million? Zheng Wenyuan’s salary is actually three million!

Zhou Qian had reviewed her own contract before filming began, and her pay was significantly lower than Zheng Wenyuan’s. Wait, this three million is a breach of contract fee, so his original salary might have been even lower.

No, no, Zhou Qian, is this really the time to be thinking about this? The most important thing is that someone is willing to pay three million to force the director to rewrite the script!

Zhou Qian could only think of one person with the power and kindness to do such a thing for her—Song Luoxue.

But why would Song Luoxue suddenly want to change the script? She was the one who chose this project for Zhou Qian, and Zheng Wenyuan was recommended by her own company. Wouldn’t this risk offending those involved?

As Zhou Qian’s thoughts spiraled, her focus began to waver. She quickly patted her cheeks to regain her composure and return to her acting mindset. Regardless of the circumstances, completing her work remained the priority. She could ask Song Luoxue about it later that evening when she returned to the hotel.

Due to Zheng Wenyuan’s repeated mistakes, Zhou Qian’s scenes with him had to be reshot numerous times. The crew finally wrapped up filming around 6:30 PM.

The setting sun cast a warm glow on Zhou Qian’s cheek. Today, she was wearing a black suit from a niche luxury brand, a gift from the company. Her naturally sweet features took on a cool, aloof air when dressed in all black.

Zhou Qian stretched languidly, relaxing her muscles. She planned to return to the hotel immediately to meet Song Luoxue. Just then, Ning Xiao approached with two intern assistants. “Miss Zhou, Miss Zhou! Your fans sent you nine hundred and ninety-nine roses as a show of support! You should go see them right away!”

Fans?

This was likely another anonymous stunt orchestrated by Song Luoxue. Honestly, didn’t we just do this “surprise” yesterday? Why repeat it today? Even the most romantic gestures lose their charm when they become too frequent.

Zhou Qian nodded. “Alright, I’ll go check it out now.”

The girl, noticing Zhou Qian’s lack of surprise, looked puzzled. She subtly reminded Zhou Qian, “Miss Zhou, no fan has ever sent you such a grand display of support before. I think this fan must really adore you.”

“Never? Didn’t you get some yesterday?”

No, yesterday’s were a private gift from Song Luoxue. Today’s are a public display. She really does care about Zhou Qian’s reputation.

The roses were all blush-tinted, their white petals tinged with a delicate pink, each bouquet bearing a blessing for Zhou Qian. The only flaw was that it was already nearing dusk, and the harsh sunset light washed out the roses’ subtle beauty.

Seeing the flowers, Zhou Qian asked, “Is the fan who sent these still here? I want to thank her in person.”

The assistant shook her head. “The roses were delivered by employees from several nearby flower shops. This fan is truly remarkable—she bought out all the blush-tinted roses in the entire scenic area! I also heard from the delivery people that yesterday, another customer bought up all the camellias in the area. Apparently, camellias are notoriously difficult to cultivate here, so they’re even more expensive than roses.”

Zhou Qian chuckled awkwardly. Who else could it be? It’s definitely that wealthy Song Luoxue.

Just then, Zhou Qian noticed the card attached to the roses: “From your secret admirer.”

Secret admirer? She and Song Luoxue were in a clandestine relationship, but their romantic connection was already established, wasn’t it? Why was Song Luoxue still pulling these elaborate stunts?

Wait, she must want to relive the thrill of her secret crush finding out about her feelings.

Song Luoxue was truly romantic.

And so, Zhou Qian returned to the hotel. But by the time she arrived, Song Luoxue had already left. When she called the front desk to inquire, the receptionist replied, “Miss Zhou, Miss Song instructed us to tell you that she had to leave unexpectedly. She said to come find her when you’re free from work.”

Zhou Qian nodded. “Okay.”

So Song Luoxue had already left. Zhou Qian had been eager to have her questions answered, but now she’d have to wait. Still, she knew that whether it was the script revisions or the roses, all of it was Song Luoxue’s doing.

Having read the novel, Zhou Qian knew that the only person in this world who would treat her so well was Song Luoxue, whose heart and eyes were entirely filled with her.

However, all of Song Luoxue’s kindness stemmed from her idealized image of Zhou Qian as her “White Moonlight.” Once Song Luoxue reached the point of enacting her revenge, all the special treatment Zhou Qian enjoyed would vanish, leaving her with only a dark and tragic end.

It seemed she would need to strategize and win over Song Luoxue when the time came. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to withstand the pure hatred that would eventually come from Song Luoxue.

Zhou Qian spent a week filming in Jiangnan’s scenic spots. She had three days off before waiting for the production team’s announcements and invitations to red carpet events. Although the original owner’s acting skills were mediocre and her public image wasn’t great, her stunning looks meant that fashion resources still flooded her way.

The original owner had neglected her figure, so maintaining this “beautiful” state while working was already quite remarkable. During her downtime, Zhou Qian adhered to a strict schedule of regular rest, balanced meals, and a tailored fitness plan—all meticulously planned in advance, as she preferred to operate according to her own agenda.

However, the most important thing was to visit Song Luoxue, who had specifically urged her to come to her home when they parted at the hotel.

Since Ning Xiao had previously taken Zhou Qian to Song Luoxue’s house, Zhou Qian asked her to send the address. The original owner had treated Ning Xiao like a bloodsucking leech, demanding her attention even on holidays. Ning Xiao was constantly being bossed around.

Ning Xiao hadn’t quit for two reasons: first, she had a remarkably good temper; second, the original owner paid her an exorbitant salary.

Although Zhou Qian now paid Ning Xiao the same salary and had even hired two assistants to help her, she disliked bothering people during their time off. She decided to rent a car and drive to Song Luoxue’s house herself.

But just as she was about to rent a car, she suddenly remembered that the original owner couldn’t drive. Previously, she had always relied on drivers or had Ning Xiao drive her around. Zhou Qian reluctantly put on a mask and hat and went outside to hail a taxi.

It seemed she would need to find a way to get a driver’s license in this world.

Chapter 93: 25 yuan.

This was the taxi fare Zhou Qian paid to get from her home to Song Luoxue’s residence. Because Song Luoxue valued her privacy, her villa was located in a suburban area of the city. Although the location was somewhat remote, the residents were all prominent figures, and transportation was convenient—a ten-minute drive would get you onto the city’s inner ring expressway.

As Zhou Qian arrived at the villa district, her eyes lit up. The rows of villas reminded her of the residential complex where she used to live, giving her a sense of familiarity. Perhaps all villas looked similar, since each unit had its own courtyard and there was little need to differentiate floor plans.

Zhou Qian approached the pedestrian entrance, which used facial recognition. She pulled out her phone and sent Song Luoxue a message: Luo Xue, I’m at the gate of your villa district. How do I get in?

Wait! As the original owner of this body, she must have visited this place several times before. Wouldn’t it seem strange to ask Song Luoxue how to enter now?

Zhou Qian quickly recalled the message she had just sent. Just as she did, Song Luoxue replied: I’ve already informed the security guards. Just come in. It’s Villa 16, Unit 288. You should know that already, right?

Upon seeing the message, Zhou Qian quickly replied with a smiley face: Yes, I just wanted to double-check to avoid any mistakes.

After sending the message, Zhou Qian entered the villa. She found Song Luoxue’s house and was about to ring the doorbell when the door swung open. Song Luoxue stood before her, dressed in a pink silk dress and wearing rabbit-themed slippers.

Zhou Qian paused slightly, then smiled. “Um… good morning, Luo Xue.”

Song Luoxue stepped aside. “Come in quickly.”

Zhou Qian hurried inside. The villa’s interior was warm and inviting. After lingering in the entryway for a moment, Song Luoxue said, “Put on those brown slippers.”

Zhou Qian glanced at the shoe rack beside her. There was only one pair of brown slippers, also rabbit-themed, seemingly a matching pair with the ones Song Luoxue was wearing.

After changing into the slippers, Zhou Qian smiled. “Speaking of which, Luo Xue, we really are telepathic! You knew I was coming before I even rang the doorbell.”

Song Luoxue frowned slightly at her words. “It’s not like this is your first time here. Why are you being so clumsy? I was just worried you might get lost outside alone, so I wanted to check on you.”

Zhou Qian froze again, lifting her head to study Song Luoxue’s face. Her expression remained completely neutral, making it impossible for Zhou Qian to tell if she was just being tsundere.

Zhou Qian tried to steer the conversation to a less awkward topic, but Song Luoxue led her to the living room sofa. “Sit down,” she said.

Zhou Qian sat down nervously, still unable to decipher the woman’s true feelings. Logically, Song Luoxue should be the straightforward type, so why was it always so difficult to predict her next move?

Even now, Zhou Qian couldn’t ease the awkward tension. Damn it! If only I had telepathy, I could read Song Luoxue’s mind! I’ve already transmigrated into this book—why couldn’t the heavens grant me a telepathy cheat too?

Lost in thought, Zhou Qian suddenly felt Song Luoxue’s gaze on her. “What are you thinking about so intently?”