Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

The corridor buzzed with people passing by, each minding their own business. But as they brushed past the tall, striking figure, they couldn’t help but pause to admire.

Her face was unmistakable, a rare beauty. Soon, someone recognized her, wanting to approach but deterred by the aloof aura she exuded.

“Is that Ming Zhu? She’s even more stunning in person than on TV.”

“No mistake, it’s her. ‘Crazy Treasure Hunt’was filmed at the water park. I watched the live stream today—her interactions with Yu Jing were so exciting!”

“Yu Jing? Aren’t they enemies? Did they fight on the show?”

“No fight at all, let me tell you…”

The voices hushed, and Ming Zhu couldn’t hear the rest.

She didn’t care to listen, but Yu Jing’s name inevitably reached her ears.

It made her recall Yu Jing’s expression when she heard Zhang Xu’s name—bewildered, shocked, with a hint of unconcealed panic.

Ming Zhu wasn’t surprised by her reaction.

But she hadn’t fully answered Yu Jing’s question. After mentioning Zhang Xu, their conversation was interrupted by a passerby.

The passerby was also on a call, loud and unending. Yu Jing seemed stunned, not pressing further, and Ming Zhu, lacking patience to linger, walked away.

The breeze gently swayed the decorative lanterns, casting flickering shadows.

Ming Zhu brushed a strand of hair from her lips, her mind drifting to the first time she saw Yu Jing.

The first time Ming Zhu saw Yu Jing—or rather, her back—was last year, in an elevator. But even before that, she’d heard the name “Yu Jing.”

Ming Zhu’s first TV drama was ‘The Wanderer’, a martial arts series. At the wrap party, everyone was drunk, and the investor, Mr. Gu, a balding middle-aged Alpha, spoke carelessly after too many drinks. “Jia Cheng tried to snatch this script from me. What good could they produce? If they got this martial arts drama, they’d turn it into some brainless romance idol show.”

“You have great taste, Mr. Gu,” the production manager flattered. “I heard Jia Cheng’s prince, Zhang Xu, is quite the playboy. Loves chasing sweet Omegas. A guy like him can only make brainless dramas.”

Mr. Gu smirked meaningfully. “Zhang Xu doesn’t just go for sweet Omegas. If they’re good-looking, he wants them—Alphas included.”

“Whoa, Zhang Xu’s an Alpha himself, and he’s into that? Spill the tea, Mr. Gu,” someone chimed in.

Fueled by alcohol, Mr. Gu didn’t care about offending anyone and rambled on. “Last time I drank with him, he said he had his eye on a young singer and showed me her picture. Man, she was barely eighteen, and an undifferentiated Alpha! I told him his taste was bold, going for a double Alpha.”

The production manager, excited, pressed, “And then? Did he get her?”

Mr. Gu waved dismissively. “No idea. I only had dinner with him once.”

The story cut off unsatisfyingly. Someone boldly asked, “What was the singer’s name? Do you know her, Mr. Gu?”

Mr. Gu frowned, thinking, then said, “Don’t know her.”

The gossiping crowd groaned in disappointment.

Mr. Gu sipped his drink and added, “Her picture was stunning, prettier than most actresses I’ve seen. I haven’t met her in person, but her surname stood out. I remembered it right away—Yu Jing.”

They went on to discuss more industry scandals, but Ming Zhu couldn’t stand it and left early with an excuse.

That was the first time she heard Yu Jing’s name, though Zhang Xu’s wasn’t new to her.

Last year, Ming Zhu lived in Qingshui Bay, in the same building as Zhang Xu.

Mr. Gu was right—Zhang Xu chased any pretty woman, bold enough to target Alphas.

On her first day moving into Qingshui Bay, Ming Zhu had a direct run-in with the notorious Jia Cheng prince. Zhang Xu tried to use his pheromones to make her submit, but before he succeeded, he was called away by a phone call.

For months after, she didn’t cross paths with him. But that night at the wrap party, after hearing about Zhang Xu’s interest in an Alpha singer, she ran into him again.

In the descending elevator, when the doors opened, Zhang Xu was flirting with a woman inside. Seeing Ming Zhu, both froze.

Ming Zhu didn’t see the woman’s face. The moment the doors opened, the woman buried her head in Zhang Xu’s chest, as if afraid of being seen, her hand trembling as it clutched his shirt. A platinum bracelet on her wrist glinted under the light.

The bracelet was plain, unremarkable, but Ming Zhu’s sharp memory noted it.

So, at last year’s fashion gala red carpet, when Yu Jing, in a delicate pink fairy dress, eagerly ran toward her, introducing herself warmly, Ming Zhu heard the familiar name. Her gaze fell on the slender, fair arm extended toward her, landing on that ordinary bracelet, and an inexplicable disgust arose.

She finally knew who was cozying up to Zhang Xu in that elevator.

With a lovely, radiant face, clear eyes, and a pure smile, yet behind it all, entangled with trash like Zhang Xu.

Forgetting it was a live broadcast, Ming Zhu found it repulsive, didn’t shake Yu Jing’s hand, gave her a cold glance, and walked away.

Zhou Qi, waiting outside and watching the live stream, later questioned why Ming Zhu treated a friendly junior so harshly.

Ming Zhu explained the context to Zhou Qi.

Zhou Qi still doubted her. “You didn’t even see the woman’s face. How can you be sure it was Yu Jing with Zhang Xu in the elevator? Just based on some gossip and a plain bracelet? Isn’t that too hasty?”

Ming Zhu said coldly, “When she ran up to me, I smelled Zhang Xu’s pheromones on her.”

Zhou Qi had no comeback.

…

The breeze scattered her memories.

Yu Jing asked why she was hostile?

The term wasn’t quite right.

Hostility implied conflicting interests, but one was an actress, the other a singer—what overlap could they have?

Ming Zhu just couldn’t stand it. She had a cleanliness obsession, like hating dirt on her shoes, she also despised those who sold their souls and bodies for fame.

Picking up that bracelet earlier had stirred those memories, fueling her unexplained irritation, unmasked in her attitude toward Yu Jing.

Some things were too ugly to spell out. Ming Zhu spared her some dignity, and though she didn’t fully explain, mentioning Zhang Xu should’ve made Yu Jing understand her reasons.

The corridor twisted, streetlights casting long shadows.

Ming Zhu reached the private room and pushed open the door.

Chen Chen was still sharing his stories, pulling the shy Peng Ze into the conversation. Xie Haichao told him to stop teasing Xiao Ze, while Xiao Yihuan propped her chin, quietly watching their antics.

Ming Zhu thought no one noticed her. After sitting, Chen Chen caught her. “Why’re you back alone? Where’s my fairy teammate Jingjing?”

Did they think she’d gone out to find Yu Jing? Ming Zhu sipped her drink, saying calmly, “I don’t know.”

Maybe she was too embarrassed to return after Ming Zhu exposed her secrets.

Ming Zhu set down her glass.

The door swung open.

“Jingjing!” Xiao Yihuan called out happily.

Chen Chen pointed a wine bottle at the door, laughing, “Speak of Cao Cao, and she appears.”

Ming Zhu looked up.

Yu Jing walked in lightly, her complex emotions gone, eyes curved with a gentle smile. “Sorry, I was taking a call.”

Her lively gaze swept the table, deliberately skipping Ming Zhu, as if avoiding her.

Ming Zhu watched quietly, wondering for the first time about Yu Jing’s profession.

Her acting was seamless—she’d be wasted not acting.

Yu Jing, as if unaware of Ming Zhu’s stare, sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and slowly chewed cold food.

Yang Ming’s phone blared.

Ming Zhu lowered her eyes, withdrawing her gaze.

Yang Ming answered in front of everyone, his voice clear and loud. “Young Master Zhang’s coming? He’s here? Great, I’ll come out to meet him… No need? Alright, we’re in Room 5… Sure, sure.”

Hanging up, Yang Ming scanned the room. “The investor’s coming. Everyone’s here, you can meet him.”

Chen Chen asked eagerly, “Jia Cheng International’s Young Master Zhang?”

Yang Ming nodded with a smile.

Ming Zhu frowned, looking at Yang Ming. “Zhang Xu’s coming?”

Yang Ming paused at her direct use of the investor’s name but didn’t think much of it. “Yes, it’s him.”

Ming Zhu pursed her lips, instinctively glancing at Yu Jing, who was looking at Yang Ming. Sensing Ming Zhu’s gaze, Yu Jing turned slightly, their eyes meeting briefly, her expression faltering.

Before Ming Zhu could read it, Yu Jing quickly lowered her head, her bangs hiding her face.

Ming Zhu frowned again. As Yang Ming instructed the staff to clear the leftover food and drinks for fresh ones, she interrupted coolly, “Director Yang, I have something to do. I’m leaving.”

Yang Ming was surprised. “Young Master Zhang’s almost here. You’re not meeting him?”

Ming Zhu’s expression didn’t waver, uninterested in explaining further. “I have something to do.”

Meeting a big investor was a rare honor, and Yang Ming felt regret for her. But recalling how she hesitated over the high pay to join the show, he wasn’t too surprised.

With her personality, she probably didn’t care about resources or connections.

Yang Ming, a twenty-year veteran in the industry, had seen many aloof actresses, but Ming Zhu seemed different.

He couldn’t pinpoint how, but seeing her calm resolve, he knew persuading her was pointless and let her go.

Ming Zhu glanced at Yu Jing before leaving.

Yu Jing finally looked up, her eyes dim, mouth slightly open, as if wanting to say something but holding back.

Ming Zhu had no interest in deciphering her expression.

The wooden door opened and closed, sealing the noise inside.

Ming Zhu left coldly.

Zhou Qi wasn’t in the same room, and Ming Zhu didn’t know where she was assigned. Walking out, she texted, “I’m leaving. Waiting at the exit.”

A moment later, Zhou Qi replied, “Got it, give me a sec.”

The restaurant was elegant, with scenic rockeries, flowing water, and a cool breeze through the bamboo grove. Ming Zhu strolled, wrapped in the refreshing air, yet felt an inexplicable restlessness.

Her heels clicked rhythmically on the wooden path, out of sync with her heartbeat.

Ahead, a decorative wooden carving was lit by a bright lantern. The light stung her eyes, and she closed them briefly, picturing Yu Jing’s gaze as she left—seemingly helpless, almost pleading.

Or maybe she misread.

Yu Jing’s expression held no joy, more like unease, as if seeking help.

But that made no sense.

Zhang Xu was Yu Jing’s backer, not some monster. Why would she be afraid?

She was probably overthinking.

Ming Zhu quickly suppressed those unwarranted emotions and kept walking.

With everyone still there, she’d have to take a cab alone. Not wanting Zhou Qi to miss her, she waited at the parking lot and exit junction.

There were no seats, and her heels hurt. Leaning lightly against a wall, she pulled out her phone to text Zhou Qi her location when a greasy male voice interrupted, “Just a kiss on the cheek and you’re this red? I haven’t even used my tongue yet.”

Ming Zhu stiffened, eyes fixed on the wall.

Someone was behind it.

It was Zhang Xu!

Not that his voice was distinctive, but she recognized his repulsive pheromone scent—like choking nicotine, nauseating.

There was a woman with him, her voice too soft to hear.

Ming Zhu’s brows furrowed deeply.

Yu Jing was in the room, yet Zhang Xu was here flirting with another woman. What a scumbag.

Did Yu Jing know?

Or did she know and not care?

Realizing she was thinking of Yu Jing again, Ming Zhu’s suppressed irritation flared.

Not wanting to eavesdrop, she started to move, but Zhang Xu spoke first. “Alright, stop teasing. Go back to the hotel and wait. I’ll greet them and leave.”

A crisp smooch sounded, likely the woman kissing Zhang Xu’s cheek, his sleazy pheromones fading slightly.

Ming Zhu wasn’t nosy, but as Zhang Xu whistled and left, her feet moved on their own, circling the wall.

She suddenly wanted to see who was with him.

Her gaze landed on the woman’s back.

The woman wore denim shorts and a loose T-shirt, hair down, a baseball cap on. Her slender arm arced in the air, a bracelet sliding down, glinting brightly.

Ming Zhu’s eyes shook at the sight of the bracelet.

The same bracelet she’d picked up ten minutes ago.

…Was it Yu Jing???

She didn’t have time to consider if there was enough time to change outfits. Stepping forward to follow, the woman heard her, thinking it was Zhang Xu returning, and turned excitedly.

Seeing it wasn’t him, the woman’s heavily made-up face paled. She pulled her cap lower and bolted.

Ming Zhu froze.

She didn’t chase, watching the fleeing figure, her calm heart rippling, her face full of shock.

The woman wore the same bracelet as Yu Jing.

But it was a completely unfamiliar face.

Ming Zhu stood in the breeze, mind blank.

How could this be?

Zhang Xu, in shiny leather shoes, strolled through the bamboo grove.

Humming cheerfully, he followed a waiter to Room 5, adjusted his tie, and pushed the door open without knocking.

“Young Master Zhang!” Yang Ming shot up, striding over to shake his hand excitedly. “You should’ve told me earlier—I’d have sent someone to pick you up from the airport. How could you come on your own?”

Zhang Xu smoothed his hair, carefree. “I was in A City for business and heard you finished filming, so I dropped by. Everything go smoothly?”

“Very smoothly. From today’s live stream, I’m confident this show will be a hit.” Facing the investor, Yang Ming praised generously, pointing to the artists who stood up. “The smooth filming owes much to our talented artists’ cooperation.”

Zhang Xu spotted Xie Haichao, the biggest name, and walked over. “Haichao, I’ve heard of you.”

Xie Haichao shook his hand, smiling. “You’re so young, Young Master Zhang—truly impressive.”

Chen Chen, ever the mood-maker, stepped up. “Hi, Young Master Zhang, I’m Chen Chen.”

“Haha, Chen Chen! I know you.”

Peng Ze and Xiao Yihuan followed, greeting and shaking hands.

Only Yu Jing stayed still.

Hearing Zhang Xu was coming, her heart had been uneasy, too anxious to pursue Ming Zhu’s words.

She wanted to hide, but the room was too spacious with little cover. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t escape Zhang Xu’s gaze.

His eyes locked onto her with interest, voice drawn out. “And this is…”

Yu Jing wasn’t sure if he genuinely forgot or was pretending. Forcing a flawless professional smile, she said evenly, “Yu Jing.”

She didn’t want to shake his hand, but everyone else had, and Zhang Xu kept staring at her hidden hand. Reluctantly, she extended it.

He noticed the scratch on her wrist but didn’t ask about it, gripping her hand.

He deliberately pinched her palm, sending a chill through her. She yanked her hand back.

Zhang Xu didn’t seem to mind her abruptness, his tongue grazing his teeth as if recalling something. He winked, saying, “What a nice name.”

“…” Yu Jing felt nauseated, nails digging into her palm, but kept smiling. “Thank you.”

His gaze lingered on her face for a full half-minute before shifting. “Seems like we’re missing one. Aren’t there six regular MCs?”

“There’s also Ming Zhu,” Yang Ming explained. “She had to leave early.”

“Oh? Ming Zhu.” Zhang Xu rubbed his chin, lost in thought, then said generously, “No worries, let’s chat. Don’t just stand—sit.”

No one dared move until he sat, then they slowly returned to their seats.

With the investor present, Yang Ming signaled everyone to fill their glasses.

No sponsor cocktails this time. Yu Jing picked up her beer, stood with the others, toasted Zhang Xu, and downed it.

Unaccustomed to the taste, it caught in her throat, and she coughed, covering her mouth.

Zhang Xu looked over at her cough, feigning gentlemanly concern. “Don’t force it if you can’t handle it.”

His gaze made her uneasy, prompting another cough. Beer spilled from her glass, wetting her hand.

Xiao Yihuan quickly handed her a tissue.

Yu Jing wiped her hand, still feeling uncomfortable, and braced herself to say, “I need to use the restroom, is that okay?”

“Of course.” Zhang Xu raised an eyebrow at her.

Suppressing the nausea, Yu Jing avoided his gaze and left her seat.

The air outside felt incredibly fresh.

The restrooms were divided by the six genders, with male and female Alphas sharing an entrance, a sink area outside, and separate sides.

Yu Jing didn’t need to worry about entering the Alpha restroom as an Omega—she wasn’t here to use it.

The sink had plants and soap. She squeezed out a large dollop, turned on the water, and worked up a rich lather.

She washed three times before the unease began to fade.

Shaking off excess water, she moved to the hand dryer, letting the warm air blow over her hands.

The loud dryer drowned out sounds, so she didn’t hear someone approach.

Until her soft hand was touched by a rough one.

“Such a pretty hand—how’d it get hurt?” A greasy male voice sounded in her ear.

Yu Jing’s hairs stood on end. Instinctively pulling back, she turned and saw Zhang Xu’s sleazy face, alarm bells ringing. She tried to dodge.

As if anticipating her, Zhang Xu braced both hands on the wall, trapping her in a domineering stance. Leaning in, he said lightly, “Little beauty, I finally found you. Why’re you running again?”

His alcohol-laced breath hit her face, churning her stomach. Ignoring his investor status, she stomped hard on his toes.

Zhang Xu yelped in pain.

Yu Jing shoved him aside and ran.

A non-slip mat at the door caught her shoe. Running too fast, she didn’t notice, stumbled, and pitched forward.

Before she could cry out, she fell into a soft embrace.

Clinging to the person’s shoulders like a lifeline, not caring who it was, the other raised an arm, firmly circling her slender waist.

“Don’t be afraid.”

A cool voice came from above, the familiar cold fragrance calming her.

Yu Jing’s heart skipped half a beat. Looking up, she met Ming Zhu’s slightly concerned eyes, her expression frozen.