Forced to Pretend to Be an A and Marry the Best Actress Omega - Chapter 25

She had mentally prepared herself for a long time, but she never expected this possibility.

When Xu Mifei said those words, it also seemed… as if they had slipped out due to overwhelming regret—not like an act.

Like the truth.

If she was acting, then her skills had reached perfection, enough to deceive even an award-winning actress like Jiang Lingyu.

“…”

Damn it, my mouth.

As Jiang Lingyu fell silent in front of her, Xu Mifei curled her toes in embarrassment. Jiang Lingyu must think she was being pretentious and affected.

After the first comfort, she had touched her swollen lips in regret, feeling she hadn’t done well enough.

Later, Jiang Lingyu’s attitude toward her hadn’t changed much, so Xu Mifei reflected on herself.

Aside from her inherently suspicious nature, what else had she done wrong?

After much deliberation, the only thing Xu Mifei could think of was—she was a novice, inexperienced in temporary comforting, and had hurt Jiang Lingyu.

Though it wasn’t the most appropriate analogy, Xu Mifei felt it wasn’t much different from being rough in bed.

She had no choice but to grit her teeth and do some studying.

Fortunately, this world had very detailed tutorials and explanations about comforting and marking. The guides mentioned that during the process, a clean environment, appropriate fragrance, and personal hygiene were signs of respect for one’s partner.

She also came across blush-inducing topics like conception and permanent marking.

And because the show had reached the third day’s ballroom mission, the supply coins on Tuo Island had increased significantly, allowing Xu Mifei to ask Jin Chiyu to bring her a few bottles of light perfume to serve as air freshener.

But before she could even prepare—

She had already spilled everything. QAQ

——

After the game ended, during the brief period when the guests were changing clothes, Touchbo exploded. Priority of Love dominated the trending list, occupying the top spots.

The scene where Xu Mifei jumped off the Flyer to save someone and effortlessly climbed onto the bridge single-handedly formed a stark contrast with Xu Wanzhi. Since the two rarely appeared directly in the same frame, and the moment was so dramatic, some bold gossip accounts immediately clipped and posted the footage, causing the buzz to skyrocket.

The fastest and most viral post came from a newbie gossip account:

Fresh Melon Express (Unverified Edition): Which of the Xu Family’s Two Top Alphas Comes Out on Top? Is the Playboy Heartbreaker A Actually Taking Props Seriously? What You See Is What You Get—Has Xu Mifei Rebranded and Hired a New PR Team?

Below it was the clip of Xu Mifei pulling Xu Wanzhi out of the water—one heroic and dashing, the other drenched and pitiful.

The angle was well-chosen, capturing Xu Wanzhi’s sensor camera footage from a low angle, making Xu Mifei appear especially domineering.

This was the first time such massive attention focused solely on Xu Mifei and Xu Wanzhi, without Jiang Lingyu sandwiched in between.

The comments were flooded not only with Xu Wanzhi’s furious fans but also with netizens and haters, making it as lively as the loudest stall in a marketplace.

A fearless truth-teller, huh? Whoever dares to spill Xu Family tea must have a disposable account / thumbs up

 

Once upon a time, people thought the two top Alphas of the Xu family would only be compared over fighting for a beautiful Omega. Who knew it would be about a staff member rescuing a guest on a show?

Just a casual viewer, but have Alpha staff members evolved to this level now? Feels like they outshine the actual celebrities.

 

With that face and those skills, even if she’s a playgirl Alpha, who can blame her? It’s like the heavens are begging her to be one. /lol

 

OMG, I was planning to save up a couple episodes to binge, but this is too intense—I can’t wait another second.

 

I hate Xu Mifei! I hate Xu Mifei! I hate her for using her position to settle personal grudges!!! You all just say Wanzhi looks ridiculous, but from her perspective, she was genuinely drowning! Drowning, you get it?!

 

Isn’t it obvious how blatantly Peacock Xu targeted our Wanzhi in the show? Disgusting. Clearly, the water depth wasn’t disclosed to the guests—of course she’d panic the moment she fell in.

 

Even casual viewers know Xu Wanzhi has been hailed as the Xu family’s strongest Alpha since debut, while Xu Mifei is just a weak, incompetent, promiscuous, trashy Alpha. The stark contrast in this episode is jarring—no wonder people are complaining.

The live broadcast drew such massive viewership that even though Xu Wanzhi’s PR team immediately mobilized her fans to clarify, they couldn’t stop the flood of viewers defending Xu Mifei.

The controversy only grew hotter.

In terms of courage, ability, and interpersonal skills, where did Xu Wanzhi outshine Xu Mifei today? I’m not a fan—just calling it like I see it. Check my past posts—I’ve even criticized Xu Mifei before.

 

You’re all delusional. Since when did Wanzhi ever claim to be some ‘strong Alpha’? That’s all nonsense! Who says Alphas can’t be vulnerable? Wanzhi debuted playing a pure, innocent Omega—why don’t you bring that up?

 

This blogger’s username and inflammatory style remind me of that big entertainment account @IsThisMelonRipe. Melon Bro, if this is your alt, just say so. Everyone knows you’ve always been a hardcore shipper of the ‘Healing CP’ while subtly shading Peacock Xu.

 

LMAO, can Xu Mifei’s paid trolls be any more obvious? Defending your fave while using a derogatory nickname?

Everyone, calm down. As a Jiang Lingyu career stan, many of us supporting Xu Mifei today are Yuyu’s career fans. Why? Because when Yuyu came up with a solution, the camera cut to her face—and that look of admiration was exactly like ours. I believe she’s sincere this time!!!

 

Blogger, you better explain yourself—are you just hating for the sake of it? Have the guts to log into your backend.

 

Never have I slacked off so hard at work before. Show producers, I demand 24/7 live streams with more Xu Mifei screentime—let us see who she really is.

 

Seconded! @《Priority of Love》production team

Just when everyone assumed this explosive post would soon be taken down, the blogger dropped another bombshell—this time, directly calling out Xu Mifei.

Fresh Melon (Unverified Edition): The Bizarre Chronicles of Xu Mifei—Starting with a Stolen Wedding

Below was also attached a video, starting from that engagement photo of Xu Mifei and Jiang Lingyu where they appeared harmonious but were actually estranged, to the scene of them jumping off the Flyer while being surrounded by paparazzi, summarizing all their behaviors after appearing on the show.

The final caption added by the blogger read, “Whether Xu Mifei is staging a publicity stunt, you can decide after watching this video. Don’t label me—aren’t these all just coincidences?”

Comments exploded within a minute.

“Ah! I ship it! I ship it! The engagement photo really showed them estranged at first, but their subtle glances during today’s ball mission!”

 

“All I noticed was how effortlessly cool Xu Mifei is as an Alpha—jumping from that height like she was flying freely.”

 

“Guys, Xu Mifei actually seems to know how to test prop safety. A woman who takes her work seriously is so attractive.”

 

“I was a hater, but this feels like a fan video. Officially switching to neutral now.”

 

“???? Pretending to be a hater?! Aren’t these all Xu Mifei’s highlights? Why even edit this?”

“LOL, it’s clear the blogger is a real hater who failed miserably. Just bury them already.”

 

“So cool. Heading to the livestream to drag my roommate over to appreciate this too.”

The blogger was left speechless by the top comments and simply stopped interacting altogether.

Meanwhile, the hashtags #TwoAlphasClash and #XuMifeiTurnsOverANewLeaf simultaneously topped the trending list.

Jin Chiyu excitedly stared at the trending topics on her phone, reconsidering her plan to bring Xu Mifei back for the next two episodes to boost viewership.

She could pay more—she would pay more! The audience must see what they wanted to see.

In the high-level conference room of the Xu Corporation, Xu Yiming, who had just finalized a billion-dollar contract, was having tea with his trusted board members.

Many of the decision-makers were distant relatives, and bragging about their children was routine. Xu Wanzhi’s name was always the most frequently mentioned.

“Wanzhi originally went into the entertainment industry just for fun, but now her reputation and achievements are stellar, driving the growth of Xu Media. Everything she does is exceptional.”

 

“If I had a daughter like Wanzhi, what worries would I have? She truly upholds the Xu family’s Alpha legacy.”

Xu Yiming smiled. “I wouldn’t go that far. Of course, I have my own troubles—like my good-for-nothing younger daughter. Just seeing her irritates me.”

Xu Mifei was the name long ignored, only brought up by her father Xu Yiming to sharpen the contrast.

“President Xu! President Xu!”

Assistant He rushed in without waiting for permission after knocking, his flustered expression making Xu Yiming frown. “Shiqian, what could possibly make you this anxious?”

Assistant He glanced at the chatting board members, hesitating.

“It’s about the younger Miss Xu on that show…”

Wanzhi? Just as they were talking about Wanzhi, his daughter had once again brought him pride.

She must have done something remarkable on the variety show and was being praised. Xu Yiming’s face lit up with a smile as he ignored Assistant He’s breach of protocol and took the tablet from him. “We’re all family here. Speak plainly—what’s the matter?”

“…” Assistant He gritted his teeth. “It’s not the eldest Miss—it’s the second Miss! The entire internet is saying the second Miss has turned over a new leaf!”

The video in his hand was on a loop, replaying the scene where Xu Mifei pulled a disheveled Xu Wanzhi out of the water—like a resounding slap, striking his face over and over again.

The previously lively meeting room was now dead silent.

“Bang!”

The tablet was slammed onto the floor, its screen shattered into pieces.

Xu Yiming’s voice gritted through clenched teeth: “What are you all standing around for?! Hurry up and handle the PR! Get them all back here after the show ends!”

Never had he felt so utterly humiliated.

“…”

After changing their clothes, the guests could rest briefly at the temporary campsite. Wen Yue, Shen Wansui, Lin Su, and others had already appeared on camera, chatting idly, but neither Jiang Lingyu nor Xu Wanzhi had shown up yet.

Guests who didn’t appear outside the campsite were off camera, but they were required to return once the break officially ended.

Amid the speculation in the barrage, some kept promoting the trending gossip posts from “New Melon Express.” However, it wasn’t long before someone returned to report:
Didn’t you check? The posts have already been deleted, and the trending topic has been taken down.

At this speed, only the Xu family could’ve intervened. They never let slanderous rumors about them stay up for more than an hour.

We finally got a rare moment of the two Xu alphas in the same frame, so why the censorship? What are they so guilty about?

Don’t be paranoid. Clearly, Xu Mifei bought a bunch of bots to hype herself up, and the Xu family just couldn’t stand it anymore.

Directors, please keep the camera on Xu Mifei 24/7. I want to see if she’s really the little troublemaker people say she is.

Former fan turned hater reporting this. You’re welcome.

Jiang Lingyu entered Xu Mifei’s tent.

Originally one of the two tents reserved for the props team, the others had tactfully stayed away upon realizing the two of them were inside.

Once inside, Xu Mifei began frantically tidying up, even though the space wasn’t particularly messy.

After watching Xu Mifei repeatedly pick up the tissue box from the table only to put it back in the same spot, Jiang Lingyu noted her nervousness and flustered state.

The props room was filled with neatly arranged items on shelves, with a simple shower area nearby. Jiang Lingyu remained silent, simply observing Xu Mifei bustling about.

Only when Xu Mifei confirmed the hot water was properly adjusted did she finally say to Jiang Lingyu, “You can shower now.”

Jiang Lingyu took the towel from Xu Mifei’s hands, thanked her, and walked into the shower without another word.

The sound of running water soon followed, while Xu Mifei continued organizing outside.

For some reason, she had never felt the space was lacking when she was here with her colleagues. But the moment Jiang Lingyu stood inside, she felt like everything needed rearranging.

Yet no amount of rearranging could magically transform the place.

Xu Mifei even retrieved three bottles of perfume from a small box on the top shelf—scents of pine, cardamom, and snowy fir—which Jin Chiyu had brought for her. Supposedly, these fragrances were quite popular among omegas.

But Jiang Lingyu had already said she didn’t need them on the way here.

What a shame. But if Jiang Lingyu didn’t like them, there was no point in using them. Comforting an omega had to be done according to their preferences.

When Jiang Lingyu finished showering and stepped out, Xu Mifei sprang up from her seat.

Jiang Lingyu: “…” She noticed Xu Mifei tended to be jumpy around her.

Was this her usual personality?

“I’m going to wash up. The hairdryer is over there—remember to dry your hair properly,” Xu Mifei instructed, casually grabbing a set of clean underclothes.

“I need to touch up my makeup soon, so try to be a little quicker,” Jiang Lingyu said, glancing at the time.

Xu Mifei replied, “Do you mean my shower or the soothing?”

“…Both.” Jiang Lingyu met her gaze. “So, hurry up.”

Xu Mifei immediately whirled into the bathroom like a little tornado and emerged less than ten minutes later, still damp all over.

Jiang Lingyu had just set down the hairdryer when she saw the person sitting in front of her. “I’m ready!”

Xu Mifei’s eyes were bright, as if steamed by the heat inside, her skin flushed a healthy pink, the ends of her hair still dripping.

She casually swept them back, releasing a faint mix of shampoo and body wash.

Jiang Lingyu couldn’t stand it and pushed the hairdryer toward her. “Dry it properly.”

She had specifically reminded Xu Mifei to dry her hair, yet when it came to taking care of herself, she was so careless.

“No need, didn’t you say we should hurry?” Xu Mifei leaned forward. “I don’t want to waste your time.”

“Your wet hair might fall on me during the soothing, causing discomfort. So you need to dry it.” Jiang Lingyu’s cool gaze flicked over Xu Mifei’s T-shirt, dampened by water droplets. “So you’d better be quick.”

Obediently, Xu Mifei immediately turned on the hairdryer. The warm, buzzing air carried the scent of her hair straight to Jiang Lingyu’s nose.

Since she had showered at Xu Mifei’s place, her body and hair carried the exact same fragrance.

Exactly the same, yet when she smelled it on Xu Mifei, it felt warm—like a memory turning dry and scorching, like rough fingertips lightly brushing over cheeks and earlobes.

Jiang Lingyu stared at her, unmoving.

Xu Mifei seemed oblivious, diligently drying the ends of her hair, tilting her head slightly. Her nose was high bridged yet delicate, blending feminine softness with a sharp, spirited charm.

Her lashes were so long that the hairdryer’s heat made them tremble slightly, reminding Jiang Lingyu of the last time she had bent down to kiss her neck—how those lashes had brushed against her scent gland.

How could something so light and soft, like Xu Mifei’s lashes—or Xu Mifei’s utterly unskilled lips—cause such an intense sensation in that moment?

Noticing her gaze, Xu Mifei turned off the hairdryer and met her eyes, a faint blush rising on her cheeks for reasons unknown.

Jiang Lingyu’s stare made her feel like prey waiting to be caught.

Xu Mifei instinctively leaned back but hit the chair’s support.

Jiang Lingyu’s curiosity surged again, growing stronger with the sound of her own heartbeat.

Was this retreat a tactic, or was she genuinely nervous? What went through a beta’s mind when faced with an omega’s pheromones? —And what was Xu Mifei thinking?

“…Should we start?” Xu Mifei spoke first. “Do you want it like this, or… like last time?”

They were each sitting on a camping chair—one of them would have to adjust their position.

Jiang Lingyu’s gaze lingered on Xu Mifei’s eyes. “Whatever’s easier for you.”

Pheromones began to seep out, drifting faintly between them.

Xu Mifei’s breathing quickened slightly. She took a couple of sharp breaths, feeling as though she were flying—soaring high, high up in an instant. No wonder people joked that the air was fresher at higher altitudes, less turbid.

The pheromones carried no aggression, merely lingering faintly around the two of them, even carrying a hint of intimacy.

Xu Mifei suddenly stood up, thinking she needed to get this over with quickly. She pulled her chair forward to face Jiang Lingyu directly.

The position from their first calming session had been too embarrassing, but at least they hadn’t had to look at each other—far more convenient for their still-unfamiliar relationship.

But today, Jiang Lingyu was prioritizing speed. Xu Mifei didn’t have time to overthink it; she had to proceed as they were now.

“I need to get closer to you.” Xu Mifei’s hand was already reaching for the scent blocker on Jiang Lingyu’s nape. Following the tutorial’s advice on how to keep an omega from tensing up when approached, she made small talk. “How long does your heat usually last?”

As she peeled off the scent blocker, she heard Jiang Lingyu’s reply: “Three to seven days. No—wait.”

During heat, daily calming sessions were essential.

Xu Mifei closed her eyes briefly. The face-to-face position made Jiang Lingyu’s gaze feel unbearably intense—impossible to escape, only amplifying her embarrassment. She could smell Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones now…

The scent of bergamot curled around her nose. Perhaps it was only a trace, but she had already grown so sensitive to Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones that, for a fleeting moment, she even felt—

Felt the absurd illusion that she existed solely for Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones. The thought was so overwhelming she couldn’t ignore it.

Her breath hitched. She reached out, cupping Jiang Lingyu’s chin and gently turning it aside, diverting her gaze away from herself.

“Don’t look at me.” Xu Mifei’s fingertips burned—she couldn’t tell if it was her own heat or Jiang Lingyu’s. She couldn’t possibly calm an omega under such a direct stare… She hadn’t used much force, yet faint red marks already bloomed on Jiang Lingyu’s lips.

Alarmed, Xu Mifei nearly pulled her hand away.

“This is fine.” Jiang Lingyu didn’t turn back. Instead, her hand closed around Xu Mifei’s wrist, stopping her from retreating.

“Xu Mifei, hurry up.”

Last time, there had been no hesitation at all. This time, the delay was unbearable.

The hesitation made Jiang Lingyu restless, an uncontrollable emotion spreading through her. She refused to acknowledge the anticipation she felt now.

Xu Mifei was a beta—why should she expect anything from a beta?

Xu Mifei: “…”

Sitting this close, her knee slid between Jiang Lingyu’s thighs without her even realizing it.

Xu Mifei’s body wash carried a light fruity fragrance, like a tropical rainforest in summer, saturated with humid sweetness.

That faint scent was like a spark meeting parched kindling—igniting instantly, a wildfire consuming her rationality.

Her body temperature was fire, every touch scalding. The moisture welling up from within couldn’t quench the thirst.

The burning in her scent gland made her body’s craving unbearably intense. She bit her lower lip hard to stifle the instinctive sounds threatening to escape.

Xu Mifei’s knee had an astonishing presence, like a meteor abruptly plunging into an emerald lake. Polished smooth and round over light years, it retained only its scorching heat, splashing up countless warm droplets that gathered into murmuring streams, flowing between delicate skin.

Jiang Lingyu’s jawline tensed, her breathing growing heavier as she felt the other cautiously draw near.

With lips warm and breath so close, she could no longer bring herself to urge anything further.

The moment her scent gland was kissed, her breath hitched, and the deliberately suppressed pheromones surged forth in an instant.

Xu Mifei’s lips were fierce—completely unlike her usual self. Or perhaps… it was only in moments like this that she truly became herself?

She didn’t know. Her fingertips hung helplessly against Xu Mifei’s thigh.

Under the influence of pheromones, Xu Mifei knew her strength was growing, but she could no longer stop herself.

Hurry. Restrain yourself.

At first, such thoughts still flickered through her mind. But soon, they morphed into something else—I want to ruin her. Bite down hard.

Even if she was a beta, she would leave her mark on this omega’s snow-white body.

Her skin—just a gentle pinch would leave fingerprints.

And she wanted those fingerprints to spread across pristine peaks, to sink deep into warm, moist valleys.

Xu Mifei, are you even human anymore?

How is this any different from those who’ve always coveted Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones?

With a jolt, she realized Jiang Lingyu hadn’t stopped her.

Jiang Lingyu trusted her so completely—that sliver of clarity returned, and she abruptly lightened the suction of her lips.

The pheromones thickened, and Xu Mifei felt them as her cage, impossible to escape.

Several times, she nearly pulled away, only to touch Jiang Lingyu’s scent gland again in her dazed state.

She must have lost her mind.

Just because Jiang Lingyu hadn’t stopped her, she took it as permission to indulge.

Xu Mifei knew this was wrong.

So many times, she feared Jiang Lingyu would slap her across the face.

But all she felt was their ragged breaths merging into one.

She realized she couldn’t use her lips on Jiang Lingyu’s scent gland—it was too overwhelming.

All the pheromones flooded in at once, dizzying like oxygen intoxication.

Instead, Xu Mifei gently nuzzled Jiang Lingyu’s neck with the tip of her nose, brushing against it intermittently, waiting for her to call a halt.

The ticklish, fuzzy sensation roused Jiang Lingyu from her daze.

It was Xu Mifei’s hair—dried and warm after being blown, swaying with her movements like some adorable creature nuzzling against her.

Jiang Lingyu couldn’t take it anymore.

I should’ve never let her dry her hair. At least if it were still wet and dripping, I might’ve snapped out of it sooner—instead of seeing how far my body has sunk now.

In her haze, she’d even mistaken the scent of Xu Mifei’s body wash for her pheromones.

A bold, overpowering fragrance.

“Stop.” Jiang Lingyu pressed Xu Mifei’s head down with difficulty. “You can stop now. That’s enough.”

But Xu Mifei only lifted her head, face flushed crimson, body frozen in place.

After several agonizing seconds, Xu Mifei rasped into Jiang Lingyu’s ear, “Then you’ll have to let go first… don’t clamp down on me.”

At some point, Jiang Lingyu’s legs had instinctively tightened, trapping Xu Mifei’s between them.

Jiang Lingyu jerked them apart, the sudden loss of control leaving her momentarily dazed.

“I didn’t!”

“…Alright, you didn’t.” Blushing, Xu Mifei withdrew from Jiang Lingyu’s body, too flustered to care about anything else. Pressing her lips together, she retreated to her own space.

Jiang Lingyu didn’t miss her unusually reddened lips—the telltale marks left from sucking.

She averted her gaze.

An awkward silence fell between them. As Xu Mifei stepped back, Jiang Lingyu’s eyes fleetingly swept past Xu Mifei’s mouth.

A lingering ambiguity surfaced in that exchanged glance. Jiang Lingyu lowered her lashes, casting dense shadows beneath her eyes.

“Had enough?”

“Enough.”

Xu Mifei’s gaze wandered. Among the omega soothing techniques she’d studied, there was one requirement she hadn’t fulfilled yet.

Aftercare—she was supposed to promptly ask the soothed omega about their experience to determine if adjustments were needed next time.

Xu Mifei hesitated. This didn’t seem like the right moment for questions.

But once they left this tent, this fleeting intimacy between her and Jiang Lingyu would vanish. Jiang Lingyu would resume filming as usual afterward.

She’d never find another opportunity like this to be alone with Jiang Lingyu.

This realization dissolved her hesitation.

Their relationship was a contractual collaboration, fundamentally dictated by Jiang Lingyu’s needs and desires.

Though Xu Mifei appeared to be the comforter, the true authority lay with Jiang Lingyu.

If Jiang Lingyu said stop, she had to stop.

Seeing Jiang Lingyu already standing, Xu Mifei rose without further delay. “Wait.”

“Jiang Lingyu.”

“…Did I hurt you?” Xu Mifei weighed her words carefully, hoping to appear sincere despite her burning ears. “The pressure, technique, position… Were they alright? If not, I can—”

The words “I can study more” caught in her throat.

Jiang Lingyu didn’t answer, merely watching her quietly. Her eyes still held traces of warmth from earlier passion, yet her expression remained composed.

Xu Mifei’s heartbeat raced—she’d likely asked something foolish. Just as she was about to dismiss the question, Jiang Lingyu took two steps forward, stopping before her.

Slowly, she raised her hand.

—Was this it? The delayed slap? Punishment for her recklessness, both in kissing and questioning?

Under the dual assault of tension and shame, she failed to notice the frantic pulsing at the nape of her neck, as if something strained against her skin, desperate to emerge.

She’d take the hit—anything to avoid Jiang Lingyu’s anger. Xu Mifei shut her eyes.

Instead, fingertips brushed the corner of her mouth. Only then did she realize that in her pheromone-dazed state, she’d left traces of saliva there.

Xu Mifei’s eyes flew open. She seized Jiang Lingyu’s wrist mid-motion, feeling the slender, pale fingers tremble faintly.

She noticed Jiang Lingyu’s crimson ears and uneven breathing too.

So, Jiang Lingyu wasn’t as composed as she’d assumed.

Merely gripping her hand could make the omega’s sensitive body shiver.

Did that mean… she’d done alright earlier?

Jiang Lingyu tried pulling free unsuccessfully. With an irritated frown, she pressed her thumb firmly against Xu Mifei’s lips like branding them with searing heat.

“Let go.” Jiang Lingyu inhaled deeply. “You didn’t hurt me. Don’t ask such questions again.”

She was utterly mortified by this person’s question, even catching another whiff of that lingering scent in the air.

Fleeting as it was, if she didn’t know Xu Mifei was a beta, she would have thought an Alpha was deliberately tempting her.

Using just a hint of pheromones to lure her in—to fully catch the scent, she’d have to push aside her hair and press close to her scent gland.

And then fall right into her trap.

Jiang Lingyu turned and left without a moment’s hesitation, her steps hurried with flustered irritation.

Xu Mifei couldn’t tell.

She stood there, trying to calm the frantic pounding of her heart, taking deep breaths of the remaining pheromones before spraying a generous amount of air freshener.

She wanted to clear her head—yet she didn’t.

It was too intoxicating, Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones. This time, Jiang Lingyu had released more than the first, and for a moment, Xu Mifei had no doubt she was about to drown in this crisp, sweet ocean.

She touched the corner of her lips—no longer damp.

She had to find a way to keep her composure while soothing Jiang Lingyu.

Xu Mifei soon stepped out of the tent as well, needing to cool off, and made her way to the open space behind the campsite.

It bordered a narrow path, overgrown with weeds, unpaved except for the occasional check-ins by the props team.

Xu Mifei sat carelessly behind a thick patch of grass when suddenly, she heard hurried footsteps approaching—more than one set.

A colleague?

She was about to peek out and greet them, but the sight before her made her immediately pull her head back.