After Losing My Memory, I Marked My Cold White Moonlight - Chapter 4

“Luo Ning, it’s been a while. I’m glad to see you. Let’s begin.” The psychiatrist conducted the routine consultation with Luo Ning as usual.

“Regarding hypnotherapy, I don’t recommend it for you at this stage. Memory loss can easily lead to confusion between different fragments of recollection. What you see under hypnosis may not reflect the actual reality.” Upon hearing Luo Ning’s request for hypnosis, the psychiatrist expressed disapproval.

“Thank you for your advice, but the answers I seek can only come from myself. No one else can help me.” Luo Ning smiled politely, yet her tone was resolute.

“Very well, if you insist, we can give it a try.”

Luo Ning lay on the couch, her brows slightly furrowed, hands clasped over her abdomen. Following the psychiatrist’s relaxation guidance, she slipped into a hypnotic state.

“No, please… stop…” A young girl staggered into a room, curling up in a corner. Her trembling fingers clutched the hem of her skirt, her graceful curves accentuated by the black nightgown.

The swollen gland, flushed cheeks, and terrified eyes formed a stark contrast.

A click sounded as the door slowly opened, followed by footsteps. The girl covered her head and shut her eyes, as if this could shield her from all harm.

Suddenly, a hand yanked her hair violently.

Luo Ning saw a tear-streaked face—an omega whose every feature struck straight at her heart. It was Lin Yuan.

The one gripping Lin Yuan’s hair was… Luo Ning saw her own cold reflection in Lin Yuan’s pupils.

She struggled, willing herself to let go of Lin Yuan, yet she watched helplessly as her other self dragged Lin Yuan by the hair into the bedroom.

Beads of sweat dotted Luo Ning’s forehead, her eyes twitching beneath thin lids. The psychiatrist hesitated, holding a stopwatch, unsure whether to wake her.

Then, the scene in Luo Ning’s dream shifted. She and Lin Yuan stood together by a floor-to-ceiling window. Lin Yuan was reading a book aloud to her while Luo Ning tugged at her hair or pulled her sleeve, restless with small gestures. Finally, Luo Ning pretended to casually embrace Lin Yuan from behind, her lips brushing lightly over the tiny red mole above Lin Yuan’s gland.

Lin Yuan giggled, ticklish, covering her neck, her eyes brimming with affection as she gazed at Luo Ning.

The scene changed again. Lin Yuan lay barely alive on the floor, her gland marred by a bloody, torn mark. The bleeding wound obscured the red mole, and the light in her bright, clear eyes dimmed until nothing remained but despair.

Awakened abruptly, Luo Ning rushed to the bathroom, retching violently.

Sitting across from the psychiatrist with red-rimmed eyes, Luo Ning accepted a box of tissues handed to her. The doctor spoke gently, “Luo Ning, I must emphasize again—what you see in dreams may be reconstructed or altered memories. They might not reflect reality.”

Luo Ning’s face was deathly pale, her bloodshot eyes betraying a trace of madness. “Are you saying none of this might have happened?”

“Perhaps some did, perhaps none. It could also be fragments of multiple memories tangled together.”

“That means, as long as I can prove…” Luo Ning suddenly thought of something. She hurriedly took out her phone and searched for “Lin Yuan neck mole.” Numerous related entries popped up, but none matched what she had seen in her dream—no one knew about the tiny red mole above Lin Yuan’s scent gland at the nape of her neck.

Didn’t that mean if this mole existed, everything was real? And if it didn’t, then it was all just an illusion?

After a full day of training, Luo Ning stood blankly in front of her wardrobe, her mind emptied. The thoughts of verification she had earlier were completely squeezed out by Keke’s relentless eighteen-hour acting training sessions, running from 6 AM to midnight.

The sheer volume of training content stuffed into Luo Ning’s brain each day was already overwhelming. The heavy workload left her with no time to dwell on her relationship with Lin Yuan.

Her schedule was so packed that even bathroom breaks had to be timed with a stopwatch, yet Keke remained unbearably anxious, constantly worried Luo Ning might crash and burn in the variety show.

Love Like a Movie was different from other dating shows. Before departure, each guest would receive a mission card from the production team, containing clues about the short film they were to perform in. Only after successfully completing the short film could they proceed to the actual dating show segment.

The short films were shot with multiple unmanned cameras in a single take, truly testing whether the actors had the skill and conviction to immerse themselves in their roles—even if those roles didn’t align with the scenarios provided by the directors.

Failure in the short film meant no entry into that episode’s main show.

Before arriving on set, participants could only deduce the short film’s content based on the card’s clues. A wrong makeup looks, mismatched outfit, mixing up modern and period settings, or a complete misinterpretation would leave them awkwardly scrambling on set alone.

Even with stellar acting skills, they still had to consider whether their randomly paired partner could perform alongside them without any prior rehearsal.

In an era flooded with manufactured romance shows, Love Like a Movie stood out with its unique format.

The first two seasons’ continuous experimentation with the format had cultivated a large, active audience, and Love Like a Movie was voted the most anticipated variety show of the year.

With the January premiere approaching, the announced lineup alone was already generating buzz:

Special international guest, alpha Choi Min-woo, famed for his sculpted physique and impossibly broad shoulders; rising sweetheart and nation’s darling omega Bai Sisi; second-generation alpha heir Luo Yiyang, who’d have to inherit his family’s billion-dollar empire if he failed in acting; middle-aged yet ever-charming beta actor Chi Lie; fiery, scandal-ridden beta goddess Yang Yiting; up-and-coming alpha rapper He Xiao; and alpha Luo Ning, making her comeback after recovery.

There was also one unannounced mystery guest, reportedly to be revealed in the premiere.

So mysterious. Who could possibly outshine Luo Ning? I don’t buy it.
It’s just a variety show, no need for ranking drama. But I’m curious too—waiting for the premiere.

“Dear audience, I know you’re as excited as I am for the new season of ‘Like a Movie Romance.’ Last time, we promised to surprise the most popular guest with an impromptu interview. Let’s see who’s this season’s fan favorite!” The outdoor host of “Like a Movie Romance” made a welcoming gesture.

The camera then cut to Luo Ning, her head slightly lowered, holding a card as she appeared on screen.

After her back view trended last time, debates about whether Luo Ning’s face had been disfigured never ceased. Yet her studio remained tight-lipped, refusing to release a single photo.

Luo Ning, who hadn’t been seen in a long time, looked slimmer than a year ago, her features appearing even more delicate under the camera. Her long, highlighted hair was styled in a half-up wolf-tail, casual yet with an edge. A white eyepatch over her right eye seemed more like an accessory.

Holy sh1t, Luo Ning!

Oh my god, it’s really my Ning! A whole year—I finally get to see Luo Ning moving again. Has she recovered from the car accident? Is she well enough to work now? What’s with the eye? Is it just decoration?

Isn’t she a criminal? How can she still be on shows? Two deaths and one injury—shouldn’t she be in jail?

Wasn’t the rumor that the accident disfigured her? Is this a joke? I swear this vase looks even prettier than last year! Ahhh, that eyepatch is so damn sexy—total yandere vibes.

Other guests at least have notable works. Luo Ning’s popular, sure, but what’s her claim to fame? Her face? With her copy-paste acting, coming to ‘Like a Movie’ is just public humiliation. Feel bad for the other guests—getting paired with her would be the worst luck.

The livestream’s viewership skyrocketed instantly, multiplying exponentially from hundreds of thousands.

“Luo Ning, your eyepatch is quite unique. On behalf of your fans, may I ask—is everything alright? Is it just an accessory?” the host couldn’t help but ask.

“It’s to protect my vision. Once the bl00d clot dissolves, I won’t need it anymore,” Luo Ning replied calmly.

The young host, encouraged by her cooperation, grew more enthusiastic, her gestures and expressions livelier.

“Ding-ding-ding! Congratulations, Luo Ning, for being the fan favorite! As a special privilege, you get to receive your mission card early. Let’s take a sneak peek at what’s inside!” The host handed her the show’s envelope.

Luo Ning took it and opened it to reveal a golden card that read: “Hunter and prey, disguise and truth—when broken mirrors reunite, we are all losers.”

The host curiously leaned in to see the card. Luo Ning subtly shifted back before holding it up to the camera.

Glad to see the show’s still sticking to its cryptic nonsense.

Yep, same old vague hint cards—classic.

I thought it might be a quote from some famous work, hoping for clues. Searched everywhere—nothing.

Luo Ning held the small golden card, its edges slightly stained. She brought it to her nose and inhaled lightly—hints of alcohol and something oddly distinctive.

The camera lingered on her slightly lowered lashes, the teardrop mole at the corner of her eye, her faintly pressed lips, then finally settled on her slender fingers—each frame a feast for her devoted fans.

Luo Ning lowered her head and gently sniffed the card, carefully trying to identify what that scent was. It smelled somewhat like nicotine—probably from a vape.

The corners of Luo Ning’s lips curled slightly as she roughly guessed the scenario being portrayed. A scene of debauchery, with vapes and the smell of alcohol—it had to be either a nightclub or a bar.

Having already formed an idea in her mind, she placed the card on the table.

“Are you sure everyone received something this vague?” Luo Ning held up the card, raising her eyebrows slightly. Her eyes were unique—slightly downturned peach blossom eyes, brimming with emotion and a dewy softness, striking yet carrying a hint of languid charm. When she lifted her gaze to look at someone, there was an unusual tenderness rarely seen among alphas.

But the moment she stopped smiling; an overwhelming sense of pressure took over.

The field host immediately straightened up and nodded. “I’m sure the other guests didn’t understand it either. The writers from the copy team clearly didn’t intend for any of you to figure it out.”

Luo Ning chuckled at the host’s blunt remark, and the host couldn’t help but laugh along.

“You haven’t greeted everyone yet,” the director said, watching the field host staring at Luo Ning with a silly grin, silently lamenting how easily young people got distracted.

The host nodded dumbly and quickly handed the microphone to Luo Ning. Seniors had warned that Luo Ning was difficult to interview, but she seemed fine—even initiating conversation.

Luo Ning looked at the camera. “Hello everyone, I’m Luo Ning.”

“It’s been so long since we’ve seen you. Do you have anything to say to your fans?” the host prompted with a smile.

Luo Ning gave a slight nod, lowering her eyes to conceal her expression. “Long time no see.”

The host’s smile froze for a split second, but she persisted, holding the microphone expectantly, hoping Luo Ning would say more. Silence filled the air…

“Does Luo Ning have any thoughts about this episode’s mission?” Surely this would keep the conversation going—there was no way it would fall flat again.

“I do,” Luo Ning cooperatively nodded.

Another awkward silence followed, though Luo Ning’s compliance left no room for criticism.

The host’s smile grew stiff. If she had thoughts, why not just say them?

“The live broadcast will start soon. Are you as excited as we are to find out who your scene partner will be? And can you guess who the mystery guest might be?” The host practically shoved the microphone into Luo Ning’s face.

“Yes… who could it be…” Luo Ning’s expression betrayed no excitement. How could she predict anything when she barely knew anyone in the entertainment industry?

The host swiftly yanked the microphone back and stepped forward to block the camera. “So exciting, right? Thank you, Luo Ning! As for who the mystery guest is—even I don’t know! Now, let’s have Luo Ning’s team prepare hair and makeup. Stay tuned for the theme of this new season of Love Like a Movie—let’s defend love and protect our heartbeats together!”

The moment the cameraman moved the camera away, the host finally let out a long sigh. She had been too dazzled by Luo Ning’s beauty and forgotten the warnings from her seniors—that Luo Ning was notoriously difficult to interview, speaking little and often dropping shocking remarks. Turns out, they hadn’t been exaggerating.

“Ningning, are you sure it’s a modern setting? Should I call one of the artists from last season to confirm?” Keke was still worried—after all, this was Luo Ning’s first public appearance since her return.

“No need. Just do as I said…”

Two hours later, Luo Ning looked at her reflection in the mirror and sighed helplessly.

“This is a bit too much,” Luo Ning thought as she stared at herself, feeling like her entire outfit screamed one thing—overkill.

The stylists behind her, however, were squealing in excitement. “Don’t change a thing! Ahhh, you look amazing—so fierce and sexy!”

Her long hair was slicked back in a wet-look style, her naturally mesmerizing eyes accentuated to be even more captivating. The black skinny pants emphasized her impossibly long legs, while the matching blazer revealed a bare midriff underneath, exposing her slender neck and delicate collarbones. To top it off, she wore an extravagant, multi-layered diamond necklace that looked obscenely expensive.

Luo Ning clutched the edges of her blazer, worried it might slip open at any moment.

“This is too exaggerated and impractical,” she murmured, her lowered eyes and the faint red at their corners making her look almost pitiful.

This look was far from what she had originally described to the stylists.

When they brought out a pair of limited-edition red-soled heels, Luo Ning finally called a stop.

She swapped the flashy diamond necklace for a simple white T-shirt, toned down the dramatic wet hair into a relaxed side-parted wave, replaced the heels with white sneakers, and switched the skinny pants for wide-leg trousers. The fitted blazer was also exchanged for an oversized, casual version.

“Though this outfit is nice too, the previous one had that luxurious, edgy glamour. This one’s just… everyday,” the stylist lamented, still preferring the high-impact look.

“Simple is better,” Luo Ning insisted, not wanting to fuss too much over styling.

The stylist still found it too plain. Even with Luo Ning’s naturally elegant face, what woman didn’t need jewelry?

Holding up a tray of newly ordered, unused pieces, the stylist coaxed, “At least pick one? These are all loaned from our partner brands—new arrivals this season.”

Luo Ning was about to refuse when a blue diamond iris pendant in the corner caught her eye. She picked up the delicate chain, admiring how the pale blue petals of the iris unfurled gracefully, a single blue diamond nestled at its center. Simple, yet breathtakingly beautiful.

For a moment, Luo Ning seemed lost in thought before she finally said, “I really like this one. I’ll take it.”

With that, she fastened the barely-there iris pendant around her neck.

On the way to the set, Keke alternated between chanting “Amitabha,” “Infinite Heavenly Lord,” and “Holy Mary,” as if unsure which deity to pray to.

Luo Ning toyed with a golden card in her hand, mentally drafting her script.

Her character: a spoiled rich second-generation heir, a carefree playboy who thinks he’s the hunter but is the prey—a naive, guileless fool. As for the “rekindled romance” angle, she decided the other lead would simply be one of his many exes. That way, no matter how the scene played out, it wouldn’t stray too far from the script.

Led by staff to the darkened set, Luo Ning was instructed to close her eyes. When she reached her mark, an electronic countdown began…

As the countdown ended, blinding studio lights flashed on. The sudden blare of electronic music and chatter filled the air. In an instant, Luo Ning slipped into character—her previously expressionless face breaking into a practiced smile as she swayed to the beat.

Originally a singer and dancer by training, Luo Ning might not remember many things, but her muscle memory remained. She swayed lightly to the pulsating rhythm.

The single-sided white eyepatch on her face didn’t seem out of place at all—it looked like a playful little prop deliberately prepared to spice things up in the nightclub.

Amidst the flickering lights and clinking glasses, she laughed freely, exuding an air of flirtatious recklessness.

Surrounded by a circle of attractive men and women, Luo Ning was coaxed into dancing. She casually pointed at one of them, shook her head with indulgent amusement, then picked up a glass from the bar and downed it in one go. With a playful smirk, she loosely wrapped an arm around someone’s waist, moving to the music as she interacted with the extras.

Without a second’s hesitation, Luo Ning seamlessly immersed herself in the scene, embodying the role of a hedonistic nightclub reveler lost in debauchery.

The female extra, swept up in the act, wrapped her arms around Luo Ning’s neck and instinctively leaned in, as if to kiss her throat.

Luo Ning wore a scent suppressant patch, locking away her alpha pheromones effectively—yet a faint, intoxicating trace still lingered. It was an indescribable allure, tempting others to draw closer, to taste just what her scent was like.

Raising an eyebrow, Luo Ning took a step back with a teasing look, then, just as the girl was about to get upset, leaned in again to make a silly face. She feigned a kiss near her ear, mastering the art of high-level flirtation. The other girls nearby, seeing this, clamored for kisses of their own.

Using the excuse of setting down her glass, Luo Ning deftly slipped away from the crowd. Her character in this short skit was already well-established, but the scene had been going on for a while—why hadn’t her counterpart appeared yet? Had she guessed wrong? Worn the wrong outfit? Misunderstood the styling?

Just then, the music shifted abruptly, transitioning into a slow, sultry rhythm. The crowd gradually parted, making way for her scene partner.

A hand holding a cigarette entered Luo Ning’s line of sight—nails painted a deep crimson, the knuckles tinged with a soft pink, exuding an undeniable sensuality.

Jet-black hair cascaded like ink, framing the woman in a tight, strapless red dress that accentuated every flawless curve. Around her neck, a dark omega restraint collar firmly secured her scent gland, preventing pheromone leakage and unauthorized alpha markings.

Yet, even without pheromones, every inch of exposed skin seemed to radiate a carnal allure—like smooth, slippery fat impossible to grasp, a natural-born temptress.

Her expression, however, carried an icy restraint. Despite the fiery boldness of her red attire, her gaze remained cool and detached, untouched by the surrounding clamor, as if encased in frost.

Two extremes coexisted in her—contradictory yet harmonious, captivating every onlooker.

Around her, patrons stared in awe, some even yearning for a taste of her beauty. Everyone watched her, desired her—yet she seemed lost in thought, detached from the revelry, as if floating above the mortal world.

Lin Yuan pinched the slender cigarette between her fingers, lighting it with a flame offered by an eager admirer.

Parting her red lips, she took a slow drag—instantly, this untouchable flower descended into the mundane, blooming like a decadent blossom in the mire, or a lure cast by the swamp to devour its prey.

The moment Luo Ning clearly saw the person’s face, she froze abruptly. All the pre-planned lines and even the camera angles she had discussed with the photographer were forgotten, leaving her mind completely blank.

Her heart raced so fast that she briefly experienced tinnitus. It was as if she couldn’t hear any music—only the deafening thud of her own heartbeat. It was her, her ex-wife—Lin Yuan.

In that instant, the composed expression on her face cracked. She didn’t even have time to hide it. Fragments of memories surged like a tidal wave—regret, guilt, mixed with unresolved longing and undeniable attraction. A tangle of complicated emotions intertwined within her.

Tears welled up in Luo Ning’s eyes without her noticing, until they fell onto the back of her hand. Only then did she turn her head in disarray, her reddened eyes and trembling fingertips betraying her emotions.

She didn’t even have time to consider whether such a reaction counted as an accident during the live broadcast, relying purely on instinct to wipe away the remaining tears on her face.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lin Yuan’s gaze land on her. Flustered, she turned away, avoiding Lin Yuan’s eyes.

Holy sh1t, the mystery guest is Lin Yuan! “Like Love” is going all out—did they blow the budget for the next two seasons?

If Lin Yuan outranks Luo Ning, that seems fair.

Ah, I was wondering how Lin Yuan would let Luo Yiyang go on a dating show alone. Turns out Lin Yuan’s joining too. Is this like getting paid to date? So sweet!

Am I seeing things? Is Luo Ning just that good at acting, or is there really something between her and Lin Yuan? I’m confused—this reaction feels too real, instantly relatable.

I don’t think it’s acting either. If Luo Ning had this level of acting skills, she’d have won awards by now. There’s something going on between them!

This is exactly how I reacted when I saw my ex. Tears just spilled out instantly. I thought I was over it, but I guess I was just hiding it better.

The scariest thing is when a playgirl Alpha catches feelings. Just based on those tears, I believe it.

Hands off our Yuan-jie! No shipping here! She’s just accompanying Luo Yiyang on this dating show—everyone knows how much she dotes on her little lamb. YiXiang QingYuan forever! Some legal troublemaker really knows how to steal the spotlight—what, trying to be the other woman now?

You’re delusional. We’re all just shipping here—who are you to act superior? Your ship isn’t even official, yet you act like you’re hot sh1t. Well, I’m shipping YuanJia LuoZhai, so what?

The chaotic thoughts left Luo Ning unable to think rationally. She never expected to run into Lin Yuan at a moment like this. How could Lin Yuan agree to act opposite her? The hidden guest was actually her?

Seeing Luo Ning frozen and the director not calling cut, Lin Yuan began walking toward her.

As Lin Yuan approached, Luo Ning panicked even more—unable to flee yet unsure how to react. Lin Yuan was nearly in front of her now, and Luo Ning stumbled backward until her back hit the wall, leaving her with nowhere to run.

Step by step, Lin Yuan closed the distance. Luo Ning’s eyes were still wet with tears, the corners flushed red, yet carrying an unconscious ambiguity as she nervously narrowed her eyes and turned her head aside.

The pointed tip of Lin Yuan’s red high heel pressed down on Luo Ning’s shoe as a cold, slightly hoarse voice murmured, “It’s you.”

The sudden proximity left Luo Ning breathless. Lin Yuan’s pheromones should have been perfectly suppressed, yet Luo Ning could swear she caught a faint trace of iris—that delicate aquatic fragrance swirling in the air, making her skin bloom as if covered in flowers.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I…” Luo Ning fumbled incoherently. She wanted to say something, to ask about the past, to apologize, but then remembered they were live.

A slender hand holding a cigarette slowly drew near, the heat of the burning tip palpable against Luo Ning’s skin. Lin Yuan hates me. Lin Yuan despises me. Those were the only words left in Luo Ning’s mind.

The burning cigarette butt was about to land on Luo Ning’s collarbone. She closed her eyes—this was what she deserved. Lin Yuan had every right to take revenge on her harshly.

As the cigarette drew closer, Luo Ning took a deep breath, shut her eyes, and bit down on her lower lip. Then, with a sharp motion, Lin Yuan pressed the cigarette firmly against Luo Ning’s collarbone, extinguishing it against her skin…