As a Scummy Omega, I Ran Away with the Baby - Chapter 7
“What? You want me to hype a CP with Yin Youyi?”
Gu Yining repeated it in disbelief.
“Ningning, why are you reacting so strongly? This is completely normal. I already told you—the company wanted you two to collaborate for some extra publicity. Now it’s just been officially confirmed.”
Assistant Xiao Li said this with a look of mild disdain, as if she couldn’t believe how out-of-date Gu Yining was. She then hustled her into the makeup room, half-pushing, half-pulling.
For other artists, this would be normal. But her… how could she be treated like any other artist?
Gu Yining sighed.
Sure, she was a bit awkward with words and couldn’t charm people. The most she could do was act cute around Bai Qingqiu. That’s why the company had easily labeled her as some kind of “old-hand” persona. But she knew the truth—this persona existed solely because Bai Qingqiu didn’t want her getting intimate with anyone else or doing the usual CP promotions with other actors.
And besides… how does an “old-hand” even promote themselves?
Give Yin Youyi a thermos as a gift? Sit on set together chatting about health routines?
Gu Yining couldn’t make sense of it. Lost in thought, a fuzzy pink brush suddenly appeared in front of her face. Before she could react, her nose was dusted with loose powder.
“Ah-choo—”
“Sorry, Gu-jie, I didn’t mean to!”
Gu Yining rubbed her tingling nose and looked up along the brush. It was a young-looking female makeup artist, hair in a bun, wearing a medical mask.
Somewhat unfamiliar.
Gu Yining subtly pinched her fingers, suddenly feeling awkward, and quietly scooted aside.
She was socially anxious.
She hoped this girl would be like the previous makeup artist—quiet, avoiding conversation, sitting in the corner on her phone after finishing the makeup.
“It’s fine.”
Gu Yining forced a small laugh and immediately closed her mouth.
Her eyes were naturally round and innocent-looking, but her height, high nose, and small face gave her a certain presence. If she didn’t speak or emote, people often assumed she was cold and hard to approach.
It was surprisingly convincing.
Plus, with her social anxiety, she never said a word to strangers.
By coincidence, she often ended up playing roles like Xiao Sun in Infatuation.
The entertainment circle is full of rumors, and over time, her reputation outside became that of a quiet, reserved “old-hand”—totally disconnected from her real self.
There were pros and cons, of course.
For someone socially anxious like her, the benefits outweighed the drawbacks. At least no one tried to cozy up to her unnecessarily, greatly reducing pointless social interactions.
Like now.
The makeup brush silently swept across her face. Gu Yining slightly lifted her head along the motion of the brush, letting the makeup artist work. After the earlier mishap, the artist realized she had no intention of talking.
Not long after, the artist hesitantly spoke.
“Gu-jie, your makeup here is done. Please check if it’s okay?”
Gu Yining opened her eyes.
In the mirror circled by lights, her makeup looked exquisite and clean. The foundation was smooth and flawless. Black eyeliner accentuated the shape of her eyes, giving her round eyes a sharp, commanding edge.
If her natural face gave off a harmless, pure vibe, this makeup could easily make her pass as the young, capable Xiao Sun in Infatuation.
“Looks good.”
Gu Yining nodded in approval.
The makeup artist visibly relaxed, quickly tidying her tools and leaving.
Gu Yining didn’t stop her.
No need. If touch-ups were necessary later, she would return.
The door creaked open. Gu Yining looked up at the mirror.
Xiao Li had returned with the livestream script, looking a little puzzled.
“Ningning, why did that makeup artist run off like that?”
“Don’t know.” Gu Yining shrugged, gesturing for her to hand over the script so she could review the livestream process.
It was all standard procedure: the host introduces each actor, then they answer fan questions collected in advance. Finally, two lucky fans are chosen to interact, and the audience is reminded to follow on the Polar Bear platform.
Gu Yining skimmed the script and calmed herself. Not too complicated. After all, she was still in her sensitive period and couldn’t stray too far from Bai Qingqiu.
Losing control would be bad.
“When does it start?”
“In fifteen minutes.”
Xiao Li checked the time.
“Then set up the equipment. I’ll go to the restroom and maybe take a stroll in the courtyard garden to clear my mind.”
She had plenty of time, so Gu Yining curved her eyes in a smile and got up, leaving Xiao Li in charge.
Xiao Li, as her assistant, had no reason to refuse. She was used to Gu Yining’s carefree nature, so it didn’t surprise her.
________________________________________
Passing through the hotel staff corridor, Gu Yining arrived at the courtyard garden nearby.
The hotel was an old one in G City, designed with a decades-old loop structure. In the center was an open platform, adorned with artificial mountains, flowing water, and tropical plants—a quaint and serene garden.
Seeing it was as quiet as she expected, Gu Yining relaxed, found a chair, and sneakily took out her phone, opening WeChat.
“Bei Nanyan has accepted your friend request. You can start chatting now.”
Yes, she wasn’t there to relax.
She had a reason—contacting Bei Nanyan.
For some reason, she instinctively didn’t want Xiao Li to know.
After all, Xiao Li worked for Bai Qingqiu’s company and reported on her every move—even within her job duties.
[Bei Nanyan]: Hello.
[Bei Nanyan]: smile.jpg
Bei Nanyan’s avatar was a sunny selfie lying on the grass, her smile bright and cheerful. Even Gu Yining had to admit it was warm and approachable.
[Ning]: Hello.
She typed and deleted multiple times, nervously clenching her fingers. In the end, she sent only a simple greeting, unsure what to say next. She had always been bad at talking to strangers.
Before she could think of an opening, Bei Nanyan replied.
[Bei Nanyan]: You’re Gu Yining, right? I love watching your Infatuation. Xiao Sun is so devoted. Can’t believe you’re my junior at school!
[Ning]: Yes, that’s me.
After sending, Gu Yining hesitated. Was that too cold?
[Ning]: Thanks for enjoying it!
[Ning]: heart.jpg
[Bei Nanyan]: Our school currently has no donation projects. I’ll let you know if anything comes up. Sorry about that.
She even sent a screenshot from the official account—showing no donations were needed for now.
[Ning]: That’s fine.
Her goal wasn’t to donate anyway. Gu Yining smiled; Bei Nanyan seemed genuinely nice.
[Bei Nanyan]: It’s fate that we met. Too bad you’ve already signed with Bai Qingqiu’s company—otherwise, I would have invited you over.
Gu Yining: ??!!!
So they really knew each other?
She hadn’t even asked yet!
Her heart skipped a beat—half surprised, half nervous—as she quickly typed:
[Ning]: You know President Bai?