After Transmigrating into a Scumbag Alpha, I Had a Happy Ending with the Heroine (LILY , ABO) - Chapter 5

Trending topic number one.

“Jiang Qing Springtime in March”

Right next to it, a blazing red tag marked “Explosive.”

The original post read:

Posted by: NotEatingDuckHeads
“Feeling down today, so here’s a scoop. Director Chen has officially cast Jiang Qing as the lead Xiao Xu in his new film.”

One post stirred a thousand reactions.

In less than an hour, the comment section had exploded with over ten thousand replies.

Comment 1: “Wow, the poster is bold. No censorship? Better watch out for the young lady’s legal team.”

Reply from DuckHeads: “It’s real. What’s there to censor?”

Comment 2: “Seriously? Who would believe something so ridiculous? Director Chen only picks actors with real talent. He doesn’t care about financial backing. Jiang Qing’s acting is so bad even dogs wouldn’t watch it.”

Comment 3: “Protect Director Chen. Reject this flower vase Alpha and her forced marketing.”

Comment 4: “Comment 2, you’re insulting dogs.”

Comment 5: “Here comes Jiang Qing again, riding the hype train. She could be a rich lady or a little princess, but no, she insists on chasing attention. One scandal after another. It’s disgusting.”

Comment 6: “I’m so tired of seeing the name Jiang Qing. When is Weibo going to add a block-keyword feature?”

Every comment that followed was filled with sarcasm and hatred toward Jiang Qing. Line after line dripped with malice.

On the other side of the screen, where no one could see, countless users were typing the most vicious and cutting remarks they could come up with, united in their effort to tear her down.

In a social media era where fans usually dominate the comments to defend their idols, it was rare to see a post completely devoid of supportive voices.

Xiao Yu leaned close to Song Qin Ning and whispered, “I asked someone on Director Chen’s team. They confirmed it. Jiang Qing really has been cast as the female lead.”

She clenched her fists, clearly upset.

“Sister Qin Ning, do you think Jiang Qing found out you were negotiating for the role?”

Song Qin Ning scrolled past the most extreme comments without reacting.

She replied calmly, “That’s possible.”

This wasn’t a guess based on personal feelings. It was a conclusion drawn from past experiences.

Jiang Qing had a habit of making enemies out of everyone. But when it came to her, she was particularly focused.

In the beginning, people around her had tried to comfort her by saying Jiang Qing was just aggressive toward everyone. But over time, it became obvious to everyone that Jiang Qing paid special attention to her.

Even Song Qin Ning didn’t understand it herself. There were so many actresses more famous and more talented than she was. So why was Jiang Qing always targeting her?

Like a mad dog, she had cursed her out, smeared her name, and competed for every opportunity, never missing a single chance.

To Song Qin Ning, these weren’t small matters. It felt like targeted bullying, not unlike the school harassment that often drew public concern. What she experienced was entertainment industry bullying, backed by privilege and power.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to speak out. It was that her voice alone was too weak to make a difference.

Even though she was now a top-tier rising star with some influence and the ability to pick scripts, she was still small and fragile compared to the generations of wealth and influence Jiang Qing stood behind.

Challenging Jiang Qing head-on would be like an ant trying to shake a tree. Pointless and self-destructive.

In the end, she would be the only one left wounded, with no justice in return.

So she chose to endure.

She saved every piece of evidence of what Jiang Qing had done.

She believed in justice. That good and evil would be repaid in time. One day, these truths would come to light.

“Jiang Qing is too much. It wasn’t enough that she stole your resources before, now she wants to act opposite you. Who knows what kind of spell she put on Director Chen. With her awful acting, she drags down every cast she’s in. I can’t believe he agreed to cast her.”

Song Qin Ning said softly, “Director Chen isn’t that kind of person.”

And Jiang Qing didn’t seem like someone who would manipulate others either.

Still, the fact that Director Chen agreed to cast her as Xiao Xu felt strange.

If he had compromised for the sake of investors, Song Qin Ning would have no hesitation about walking away. She would never lower her standards for anyone.

But if he hadn’t compromised, and had chosen Jiang Qing based purely on ability…

Song Qin Ning paused mid-scroll. Her fingertip stopped on a GIF of Jiang Qing.

In the clip, Jiang Qing’s hair was messy, her eyes wide as she screamed with all her strength. Her whole body moved violently in sync with her shouting. The caption read, “If you keep this up, I’m seriously going to lose it.”

Song Qin Ning fell silent. She handed the phone back to Xiao Yu. The screen was still on. Xiao Yu tried to hide it, but it was too late.

“Ah! What kind of monster is that?”

Meanwhile, on Jiang Qing’s side, she had just finished negotiating with Director Chen’s team.

They agreed to let the rumors spread a bit longer before releasing the audition footage. That way, they could use the video to clear her name and prove her talent.

Jiang Qing had no objections.

Rock bottom creates a perfect rebound.

If she wanted to clear her name completely, this level of criticism was not enough.

Her public image had been ruined so thoroughly that whenever people thought of her, they immediately pictured her terrible acting. Every new attempt at promotion became a joke. Online users mocked her automatically.

To truly make a comeback, she would need the public to see change for themselves. She had to let the situation escalate, let all eyes return to her, and only then present the truth.

She was not afraid of the darkness.

Because only after darkness can light shine its brightest.

That night.

The sky was dark and the moon hung high. People returned home to rest after a long day. The noise of the daytime slowly faded into the stillness of night.

Jiang Qing joined Director Chen and his team for dinner.

It was late when the audition ended. It was dinnertime, and Director Chen invited the crew to eat together. He brought Jiang Qing along as well.

As drinks were passed around and conversation flowed easily, the attention in the room slowly shifted toward one person.

Jiang Qing wore no makeup. Her face was fresh and clean. Her hair was tied in a loose bun. The warm orange light traced her features with a soft golden glow.

But what really drew people in was not the lighting. It was the charisma that radiated from within.

She spoke calmly and clearly. Her tone was gentle and steady. No one felt the urge to interrupt or take over the conversation.

Everyone naturally focused on her.

She answered every question with ease. She never said anything fake or exaggerated. She quoted just enough references and expressed her views in precise, concise language.

Then she would return the topic with a new perspective, keeping everyone engaged and included.

Without even realizing it, she had become the center of the discussion.

With a little wine to boost their courage, even the staff who had heard rumors about her bad reputation began to speak with her.

And to their surprise, they found Jiang Qing’s voice soft and kind. Her attitude was warm and serious. When she listened, her long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings.

And in that single flutter, Jiang Qing found a way into their hearts.

Rumors can be misleading.

How could such a gentle, warm, and stunningly beautiful woman be described by others as someone arrogant and ruthless, doing whatever she pleased?

Even if one ignored her character, with a face so flawless and ethereal, she should be admired and cherished in the entertainment industry. Even if she were just a pretty face, she would be like a rare and exquisite Glanti Qiu Ji, the kind of beauty only suited for the most luxurious and delicate roles.

So why were people still mocking her acting?

It must be jealousy. Bitter and petty jealousy.

The staff made up their minds on the spot. They would become devoted fans of Jiang Qing’s beauty and from now on, they would defend her with pride.

Most people had already finished eating. A few were still chatting away, reluctant to stop, while others looked tired and simply listened in silence.

Jiang Qing stood up and headed to the restroom.

The door closed softly behind her, shutting out the noise from the room.

After leaving the restroom, she planned to go to the front desk to settle the bill.

Someone was walking ahead of her, slightly to the side. The soft, pale profile made it easy to recognize her. It was Song Qin Ning.

Song Qin Ning’s outfit today was simple. Her long hair was tucked neatly behind her ears and she wore a vintage-style denim jumpsuit.

The jumpsuit cinched slightly at the waist, outlining her elegant and graceful figure.

From Jiang Qing’s angle, she could see a small red mole on the tip of Song Qin Ning’s ear. It was striking and alluring, standing out clearly against her fair skin.

Song Qin Ning had originally come with Xiao Yu. But halfway through the meal, Xiao Yu had to leave in a hurry due to an emergency and barely had a few bites before she left.

Not wanting to waste food, Song Qin Ning slowly and quietly finished the rest of the meal on her own.

After eating, she walked through the restaurant’s elegant corridor when she felt a light tap on her shoulder.

She turned slightly and saw Jiang Qing leaning in from behind.

“Qin Ning, good evening,” Jiang Qing said with a smile.

Without the “Song” in front, the name suddenly sounded too familiar.

Hearing it from Jiang Qing made Song Qin Ning feel uncomfortable. Her tone was calm but distant.
“Please don’t call me that, Miss Jiang.”

“Alright, Miss Song,” Jiang Qing replied immediately.

“Who were you having dinner with, Miss Song?”

“Just by myself.”

“Having dinner alone is no fun. Next time, call me. I’ll join you.”

Song Qin Ning politely declined.
“I don’t make a habit of dining with rivals.”

“Sometimes, after sharing a few meals, you may find you’re no longer rivals.”

“Because the other person disappears?”

Jiang Qing didn’t seem to notice the sarcasm in her voice or chose not to respond to it.
“No. Because people might become friends.”

Song Qin Ning suddenly stopped walking.

There was a faint scent of alcohol on Jiang Qing. Her dark eyes seemed to shine as if soaked in water. Her hair, tied in a loose bun, had started to fall apart, and a few strands now rested on her pale neck and shoulders.

For some reason, Song Qin Ning remembered the warmth of that skin. It had felt smooth and cool, like untouched jade. Gentle and comforting.

She looked away briefly before locking eyes with Jiang Qing again.

“Miss Jiang, do you actually find this fun?” Song Qin Ning asked quietly.

“What do you mean?”

“Joking around with me like this.”

Jiang Qing’s calm and gentle eyes made it hard for Song Qin Ning to keep her usual emotional distance.

Her voice remained soft but echoed clearly in the narrow hallway.

“The Jiang family has money and influence. You can play however you want. But can you please stop dragging me into your games? I’m just a regular person. I can’t afford to play enemies and friends. Honestly, I already feel thankful if you’re no longer trying to suppress me like you used to.”

“Also, even if you really wanted to make it up to me with more opportunities, the hurt I’ve received from you can never be erased. So, for me, the day I would ever consider you a friend will never come.”

The marble floor beneath them reflected a cold, sharp light from the overhead fluorescent lamps.

Once emotions break free, they are hard to pull back.

The same is true for words.