Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 91

Chapter 91

The atmosphere suddenly froze.

The trainees, mentors, and staff at the scene listened to Ming Zhu’s seemingly casual but subtly threatening words. Everyone paused in surprise.

After the pause, various emotions appeared on people’s faces. Some showed shock, others curiosity. They eagerly watched, their gazes shifting between the two involved parties.

Yu Jing’s professional smile slowly cracked. She stared blankly at Ming Zhu, her heart beginning to crumble.

She deeply regretted her actions now. Why did she ask Mi Ya what “Yu Yi” meant? If she hadn’t spoken up, she wouldn’t have triggered the dangerous question about breaking up the “Ming Yu” CP.

The response was too unexpected. Yu Jing lost her usual silent understanding with Ming Zhu. She looked into those familiar eyes but couldn’t guess what Ming Zhu was thinking. Her heart pounded with anxiety.

Sister, where is your reason? Why couldn’t you give a vague answer like I did?

Are you so jealous that you want to go public right now?

Just as Yu Jing’s expression nearly faltered, Chen Chen, who started the issue, added fuel to the fire. He asked Ming Zhu, “Why don’t you agree? Do you want to be tied to Jingjing forever?”

Yu Jing’s pupils widened slightly. She stared at Chen Chen, who kept stirring trouble. Her hands clenched tightly against her pants, feeling like she was going crazy.

Brother Chen, are you trying to ruin me?

Chen Chen didn’t catch the signal she tried to send. He looked at Ming Zhu playfully, waiting for a reasonable explanation.

Everyone focused their attention on Ming Zhu.

Ming Zhu stood tall and graceful. Despite the strange looks from over a dozen people, she seemed unaware of the shocking words she had said. Her expression remained calm. Under the high-definition camera, her subtle emotions were perfectly concealed by her superb acting skills. She glanced at Yu Jing, whose expression was stiffening, and paused silently.

Her girlfriend seemed frightened.

She had indeed acted impulsively. Ming Zhu knew Chen Chen was teasing her. She could have ignored it with her usual aloof image, but hearing about separating her from Yu Jing made her unable to hold back.

She didn’t think dating Yu Jing was something shameful, but since they had agreed to keep it private for now, she respected Yu Jing’s choice. She needed to handle this situation carefully.

Ming Zhu slightly curved her lips. She explained calmly, “Before filming ‘Treasure Hunt,’ Jingjing and I had some misunderstandings and were quite unhappy. If I said I agreed to break the CP, some would say we don’t get along. But in fact, our relationship is very good now. Right, Jingjing?”

Yu Jing, suddenly called out, felt her heart tighten. But soon, she found their silent understanding again in Ming Zhu’s calm, smiling eyes. She relaxed, forced a flawless professional smile, and played along with Ming Zhu’s act. She said generously, “Teacher Ming Zhu is right.”

Ming Zhu smiled at her, her eyes gentle.

Yu Jing only wanted to cry inside.

Ming Zhu’s explanation seemed reasonable. Chen Chen, who stirred the trouble, felt conflicted. He always thought Ming Zhu was avoiding the real issue, and Yu Jing seemed to be dodging as well.

Though their question-and-answer seemed natural, Chen Chen, with his not-so-sharp sixth sense, recalled their ambiguous interactions during ‘Treasure Hunt.’ He felt their relationship wasn’t as simple as it appeared.

Realizing this, Chen Chen didn’t dare ask further. His mind raced. He pointed at Ming Zhu, Xiao Yihuan, and Yu Jing, teasing in his usual humorous tone, “Jingjing, how do you form a CP with everyone? Oh, right, we’re a CP too. Why hasn’t anyone shipped us?”

Yu Jing was stunned. She said, “Me and you? No way.”

“Why not? The ‘Silent’ CP!” Chen Chen pretended to be upset and clapped his hands. He faced the camera and said, “Many people watched ‘Treasure Hunt,’ right? In the third episode, Jingjing and I were a team. Our slogan was ‘Silent Unity, Invincible.’ If you don’t believe me, go check.”

[A ‘Treasure Hunt’ fan confirms: Chen Chen did shout that slogan in the third episode. The comments had some people wanting to ship ‘Silent,’ but Brother Chen, you were too cowardly. You left Jingjing in the haunted house and ran. Everyone switched to shipping ‘Ming Yu’ lol.]

[When Chen Chen mentioned it, I noticed Yu Jing does seem to have a CP with everyone. But I still want to ship Ming Yu! After so long, Ming Yu finally gave us some sweetness. Ming Zhu’s ‘I don’t agree’ was so bold!]

[Who said Ming Yu is over? Look, the main leads said no breaking the CP.]

[Ming Yu is real. I can’t say it enough!]

[So annoying. Why does Ming Yu keep hyping their CP? They started in ‘Treasure Hunt’ and continued in ‘Youth Training Camp.’ So irritating.]

[If it bothers you, switch to another livestream. No one’s forcing you to watch.]

[I used to think they were just hyping, but now it feels real. Yu Jing was dropped by the ‘Treasure Hunt’ team, and Ming Zhu stopped filming right after. She even came to ‘Youth Training Camp’ as a mentor. Is that just a coincidence?]

[Ming Zhu’s answer was so meaningful. How good is their relationship? Friends or lovers?]

[Ming Zhu does treat Yu Jing differently. Her voice softens when talking to her. I’m starting to wonder if they’re really together.]

[If they were together, they wouldn’t be mentors. It’s too easy to slip under cameras. If they don’t want to go public, artists avoid suspicion like the plague.]

[The more real it looks, the faker it is. Just treat it as hype. Why take CP shipping so seriously?]

Whenever Ming Yu appeared together, debates about whether they were real or just hyping never stopped. As long as the two didn’t admit it and no one caught solid proof, the audience would never know the truth.

Yu Jing’s confused mind followed Chen Chen’s train of thought. She vaguely recalled the third episode where Chen Chen suggested they form a CP. She smiled awkwardly and said, “Brother Chen, I don’t dare hype a CP with you. You have too many fans. I’m scared your girlfriend fans will curse me to death.”

Chen Chen played dumb. He asked, “Do I have girlfriend fans? Then why am I still single?”

The comments neatly floated with words like “Because you’re too cowardly.” But Chen Chen didn’t see them.

The topic of breaking the CP passed with Chen Chen’s jokes.

The mentors had to check the next group. After seeing off the six mentors, Yu Jing turned to her five teammates and said, “Let’s rearrange our positions and practice a few more times.”

The other four agreed.

“Yihuan?” Yu Jing looked puzzled at Xiao Yihuan, the only one who didn’t respond. She asked, “Do you have any opinions?”

Xiao Yihuan’s gaze flickered. She said, “I drank too much water earlier. I need to use the restroom first. Want to come with me?”

Yu Jing didn’t need to go, but she caught a hint of something in Xiao Yihuan’s hesitant look. She understood and said, “Sure.”

They left the practice room.

Outside, there were no cameras or microphones. Xiao Yihuan cautiously checked around, ensuring no one saw them. She pulled Yu Jing to an empty corner.

Yu Jing laughed at her sneaky behavior. She asked, “What are you doing?”

“Jingjing,” Xiao Yihuan said with a serious face, “I feel like Sister Ming Zhu likes you.”

Yu Jing’s eyelids twitched. Though Xiao Yihuan spoke the truth, she pretended to be clueless. She said in mock surprise, “No way.”

“How is it not possible?” Since Ming Zhu glared at her and said, “I don’t agree,” Xiao Yihuan had held back from speaking. Now, finally getting a chance, she grabbed Yu Jing’s hand and rambled, “Did you feel Sister Ming Zhu’s look at me earlier? It was murderous! She’s definitely upset that people ship me with you. That’s why she said that!”

Yu Jing was so scared earlier that she didn’t notice Ming Zhu’s look at Xiao Yihuan. Her gaze drifted, and she said vaguely, “You’re overthinking. She explained it was to avoid netizens thinking we don’t get along.”

“No, I think that was her excuse,” Xiao Yihuan said firmly. “I even suspect this morning she did it on purpose. Netizens shipping me with you upset her, so she has an issue with me and didn’t let me take leave.”

“That…” Recalling Ming Zhu’s warning bite on her lips last night, Yu Jing thought Xiao Yihuan’s analysis might have some truth. But was Ming Zhu that petty? Yu Jing shook her head and said, “She wouldn’t take it out on you. She’s not that kind of person.”

Xiao Yihuan disagreed. She said, “Don’t underestimate someone’s jealousy. When she likes you, she loses her principles! I noticed during ‘Treasure Hunt.’ Sister Ming Zhu is polite to everyone, but she’s gentle and patient only with you. In the third episode, when you were stuck in the haunted house, we were all too scared to go in. She didn’t hesitate and rushed in first. Anyone can see how much she cares about you.”

Was that true? Yu Jing, hiding in the haunted house that episode, didn’t know what happened outside. Hearing Xiao Yihuan’s account, her heart warmed, and her lips curved unconsciously.

“What’s that expression?” Xiao Yihuan was dazzled by her sweet smile. She asked in shock, “You… do you like Sister Ming Zhu too?”

Yu Jing’s smile flattened too late. Hearing from someone else how good Ming Zhu was to her filled her heart with honey. She couldn’t hide it. Unable to deny her feelings, her smile widened, her eyes curved, and she said, “Yes, I like her.”

Xiao Yihuan gripped her hand tightly. She exclaimed, “Then you two are mutually in love! Not being together would be unthinkable!”

“Shh—” Yu Jing signaled her to lower her voice. A hint of guilt flashed across her radiant face.

Xiao Yihuan was her good friend. Yu Jing shouldn’t hide things from her, but knowing this girl got excited easily and might spill secrets, she wasn’t fully at ease.

Xiao Yihuan didn’t know what she was thinking. Seeing her sudden silence and conflicted look, she considered a possibility. She asked, “Do you have any concerns?”

Yu Jing’s expression was subtle. She said, “I…”

“Is it because Sister Ming Zhu is older or more famous, so you’re afraid to confess?” Xiao Yihuan asked based on her own guesses.

Their thoughts completely diverged.

Xiao Yihuan rambled on with her guesses, one of which hit Yu Jing’s real worry.

Yu Jing didn’t answer directly. Her heart dimmed slightly. She asked back, “If the person you like is much better than you, would you feel inferior?”

Xiao Yihuan thought and said, “Probably.”

Yu Jing smiled bitterly.

Xiao Yihuan didn’t expect her gossip to make her friend feel inferior. She said awkwardly, “Jingjing, don’t be sad. You’re amazing too. You dance so well, sing great, and you’ll definitely become famous!”

Yu Jing wasn’t truly upset. Since she agreed to be with Ming Zhu, she was prepared. Clearing her negative emotions, she patted Xiao Yihuan’s head and said, “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

Xiao Yihuan looked at her uncertainly.

Outside, the sun blazed, grass was lush, and birds chirped as they flew by.

Yu Jing walked to the window, her gaze passing Xiao Yihuan to the base’s gate in the distance.

Sunlight fell on her plain face. Her slightly youthful features were already strikingly beautiful. Her lively peach-blossom eyes held a calm and determined look beyond her age when she wasn’t smiling.

Yu Jing propped her hands on the windowsill, looking down at the scenery. She recalled her determination and fighting spirit from the night she arrived. She smiled brightly and said, “I came here to make myself better.”

Since Ming Zhu was here too, she would work harder to not disappoint her.

She lowered her eyes, silently saying in her heart: Sister, please give me a little more time. I’ll work hard to catch up to you.

The three-day practice ended. On the fourth day, the theme song group PK happened.

Yu Jing’s group had two strong dancers, Yu Jing and Chen Xiao, two strong vocalists, Xiao Yihuan’s sweet voice, and another member’s excellent rap skills. Their perfect teamwork brought the song “The Brightest You” to life. They won first place with an overwhelming number of audience votes.

There was no individual popularity vote this time. The first-place group could choose the next performance song first, which was crucial.

The staff played the ten songs one by one. The songs varied in style: rhythmic, lyrical, rock, Western, H-country girl group style, and traditional Chinese.

When the fifth song played, Xiao Yihuan gasped. She pointed at a familiar figure in a侠女 outfit on the screen and shouted excitedly, “Sister Ming Zhu!”

On the large LCD screen, the person wore a red-and-black robe. A wooden hairpin held her glossy black hair high, neat and valiant. She held a long sword, standing tall in the wind, her robes fluttering. Her captivating phoenix eyes held a hint of killing intent and compassionate heroism.

The person on the screen had stunning features and superb acting skills. One glance made it impossible to look away.

The face was familiar, but the image was new to Yu Jing.

She instinctively looked at Ming Zhu, sitting in the mentor’s seat, and met her calm, gentle gaze.

Ming Zhu was watching her, unknown for how long.

Yu Jing’s cheeks warmed. She didn’t dare hold the gaze long and turned back to the screen.

The person on the screen also looked at her, familiar yet unfamiliar. It was Ming Zhu.

More accurately, it was Chu Yao, the female lead Ming Zhu played in her first drama, “Ranger.”

The fifth song, “Old Friend’s Farewell,” was an insert song from the hit drama “Ranger.” Its lyrics described the bond between the female lead, Chu Yao, and her closest junior sister, Chu Chu. The lyrics were delicate, the melody beautiful, and very moving.

Yu Jing was captivated by the song. She barely listened to the others, her mind filled with the melody of “Old Friend’s Farewell.”

After the ten songs played, vocal mentor Ai Li asked which one they wanted. Yu Jing didn’t hesitate. She said softly to her five teammates, “I want to choose ‘Old Friend’s Farewell.’”

“Me too, me too,” Xiao Yihuan raised her hand first in agreement. She said, “This song is so beautiful. I love it! But the dance is hard, with so many difficult moves. I definitely can’t do it.”

“Those difficult moves can be handled by me and Chen Xiao,” Yu Jing analyzed. She said, “Did you notice in the video? The interlude has two main dancers in the center, simulating Chu Yao and Chu Chu sparring, based on the lyrics’ mood. Chen Xiao and I get ten extra seconds of camera time. We’ll dance that part. Yihuan and Lingling, you can do the narration. The two high-note chorus parts can go to our two strong vocalists. What do you think?”

Yu Jing and Chen Xiao were chosen as the center by the six mentors, earning ten extra seconds of camera time during the performance. It was a reward for their skills, undeniable. But their four teammates didn’t expect Yu Jing to consider their strengths while using her privilege.

“Captain, you’re so kind,” the girl called Lingling said, sniffing emotionally. She said, “I choose ‘Old Friend’s Farewell’ too.”

Everyone was satisfied with Yu Jing’s fair arrangement. “Old Friend’s Farewell” was the only traditional Chinese song among the ten. With the drama “Ranger’s” massive ratings, it had high popularity. The audience would love it. After a brief discussion, the six unanimously chose it.

The performance required a stage show with a live audience. To ensure a better effect, they had one week to rehearse.

Rehearsal time doubled, but the pressure grew. After each performance, individual popularity voting restarted, and class rankings would shift based on new results.

Yu Jing’s group was the first to pick a song. Seeing they chose “Old Friend’s Farewell,” others sighed in regret. Some trainees jokingly asked if they needed more members, while others sarcastically said the song’s popularity would ensure high scores even if performed poorly.

Yu Jing ignored the negative comments. She led her team back to the practice room without delay.

Like with the theme song, dancers Yu Jing and Chen Xiao broke down the dance first.

This dance was classical, with many difficult moves testing the dancers’ flexibility. The lyrics’ poetic mood was the essence, which they needed to express.

They studied for a long time, unsure. To find the feel, they decided to practice and explore.

They started with the hardest middle section.

They first assigned roles. Chen Xiao, less flexible than Yu Jing, chose to play “Chu Yao.” “Chu Chu” naturally fell to Yu Jing. “Chu Yao’s” moves were sharp and bold, while “Chu Chu’s” were soft, with high leg lifts and backbends done by Yu Jing.

Like dance maniacs, they fiercely discussed how to execute the moves. Others couldn’t join in and focused on practicing the lyrics.

Knock, knock, knock—

Someone knocked on the door.

Except for Yu Jing and Chen Xiao, obsessed with the dance, everyone was busy. Only Xiao Yihuan heard the knock. She put down her lyrics and opened the door.

“Sister Ming Zhu?” She froze, seeing the person outside.

Ming Zhu wore refined makeup for the theme song PK commentary. She dressed more formally than usual.

Her cool demeanor carried a hint of distance. Seeing Xiao Yihuan open the door, a fleeting, subtle emotion passed through her eyes. It quickly vanished. She nodded politely, her lips parting to speak, but a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked inside.

Yu Jing pushed Chen Xiao aside and said, “Let me try it this way. Move over.”

The coldness in Ming Zhu’s eyes melted into soft warmth. She looked straight at Yu Jing and asked Xiao Yihuan, who was sneaking glances, “Have they started practicing?”

That day, when the CP-breaking topic came up, Ming Zhu’s glare left a shadow in Xiao Yihuan’s heart. She didn’t dare ask why Ming Zhu was here. She answered cautiously, “Not really. The dance is hard. Jingjing and Xiao Xiao are still studying. They… probably just assigned roles.”

“Assigned roles?” Ming Zhu seemed to half-understand. She walked in, saying, “Hmm.”

Xiao Yihuan said, “Jingjing is playing Chu Chu, Xiao Xiao is Chu Yao.”

Hearing this, Ming Zhu’s steps paused slightly.

The pause lasted less than a second. She moved forward again, walking inside.

The others didn’t notice someone entered. They formed a half-circle, their eyes fixed on Yu Jing, about to perform a difficult move.

The next move was expansive. Yu Jing cleared space, prepared herself, and stretched her arms softly like willow branches. Her toes lightly tapped the floor, spinning beautifully.

The next move was tough. She bent backward, misjudged her strength, and her knees buckled, causing her to stumble.

“Careful!” Someone shouted.

The watching teammates’ faces changed. They reacted, wanting to help.

Before they could move, a tall figure swept past like a gust of wind. With long legs, she reached Yu Jing faster than anyone.

Yu Jing’s slender waist was caught by two arms, pulled into a soft embrace.

Her nose bumped the person’s slim collarbone, causing slight pain. She looked up, thinking a teammate saved her. Seeing the familiar, stunning face close-up, she blinked, confused. She asked, “Sister? Why are you here?”

Ming Zhu’s hands still held her waist tightly. Seeing the lingering panic on the girl’s face, her gaze softened. Using the music to cover her voice, she whispered, “I came to see my Chu Chu.”