Forced to Pretend to Be an A and Marry the Best Actress Omega - Chapter 28

As her words fell, the lively dance music happened to play its final note.

Everyone presents witnessed this scene.

Xu Mifei, like a true knight, was attentively and reverently helping her princess put on those dazzling crystal shoes.

Even though those crystal shoes were flat-soled.

When Jiang Lingyu spoke, Xu Mifei looked up at her. The moment their gazes met, the air seemed to stop flowing, frozen at their intersecting point.

The word “knight” gained tangible expression in this moment.

It wasn’t the one who invited the princess to dance the first waltz who proved to be the loyal knight, but the one who waited patiently to change the princess into comfortable shoes.

Two words surfaced simultaneously in everyone’s minds,

Perfect match

…

Claiming the empty screen!

Ahhhhhhh I was so captivated I forgot to send comments! Don’t want to ruin this beautiful moment

Rare sight indeed! Xu Mifei has already contributed two iconic moments in this episode alone. Is this the peacock finally spreading its feathers successfully?

As a former anti-fan, I hereby declare “peacock” is no longer a derogatory term. Who even uses blacklisted nicknames like this?

When Xu Wanzhi tried to step forward, He Yanzhen firmly held her back.

“Xiao Zhi, follow the game rules,” He Yanzhen’s calm voice sounded. “Wait until Director Jin finishes speaking.”

Xu Wanzhi’s face turned ashen. The day’s footage had repeatedly pushed her tolerance to its limits.

Previously, He Yanzhen had always believed Jiang Lingyu and Xu Mifei’s marriage was like her own with Lin Su—a transaction where they maintained appearances but were estranged at heart.

Jiang Lingyu’s contracts had always been signed under Xu Wanzhi’s company. With their frequent collaborations and Xu Wanzhi never hiding her admiration for Jiang Lingyu, industry rumors suggested their pheromones had high compatibility.

Even they had subconsciously acknowledged the subordinate relationship between Jiang Lingyu and Xu Wanzhi, though Jiang Lingyu herself never responded.

Moreover, their engagement photos clearly showed Jiang Lingyu and Xu Mifei’s unfamiliarity with each other.

Yet—after these days of interaction and witnessing this scene, He Yanzhen faintly realized this wasn’t the case.

Between these two young women surged undercurrents of emotion, with tender affections sprouting like silk threads where their gazes met.

He Yanzhen seemed to see her younger self and Lin Su in them, who had also experienced such a period.

She wanted to help them.

As a variety show director, Jin Chiyu created this program hoping to secure her place in variety show history with high-quality iconic moments.

Unfortunately, while the previous season was popular, it was full of conflicts. Though profitable, such footage lacked substance.

Yes, though known for producing what netizens called “bizarre variety shows,” her original intention was to explore partner relationships.

This scene between Xu Mifei and Jiang Lingyu made Jin Chiyu feel she might win awards.

This—this was true quality!

“Approved, approved! The mission requirements stated you could enlist anyone present. Since staff joined the stage, they became part of the game.”

In the end, Jin Chiyu made the final decision and asked Xu Mifei, “Xiao Xu, do you agree to participate in this mission?”

“I agree.” Xu Mifei helped Jiang Lingyu up, supporting her as she stood. “Your knight is at your service.”

This whispered phrase by her ear was like a lover’s murmur.

Not only Jiang Lingyu, but even the audience watching through the cameras heard it clearly.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh I can’t support the healing pair today; the knight must charge forward!

I dropped my tablet from screaming!

Real wives are truly different… They don’t hold back at all when saying such things. I think I might switch ships, help—

Who could survive Xu Mifei’s relentless charm tonight? I’ll admit defeat if you can.

You’re all so easily fooled. After all her past scandals, just acting nice on a show makes you believe her?

Funny story—yesterday I saw Xu Mifei’s PR team recruiting paid supporters in a part-time group. Thirty an hour, pretty high-paying job /wink

Stop being bitter. From this angle, I can actually see that Yuyu’s feet have been hurting for a while. Xu Mifei is genuinely attentive in this regard and deserves the role.

Since everyone participated in the final dance round, Jin Chiyu relaxed the conditions, allowing them to gather enough supplies in one go. Now, each person carried a heavy basket as they prepared to descend the mountain and rest.

Jiang Lingyu had been wearing her flat shoes the entire time, only switching to more practical hiking boots when it was time to go downhill.

Her moonlit flats were carefully wrapped in crinkled paper before being placed in a shoebox, which she then stored in her large backpack.

For the guests’ safety, staff members led the way down the night path—a shortcut pre-scouted by the props team and secured with multiple safety measures. The journey home would take only about twenty minutes.

Everyone carried their own baskets.

The forest path wasn’t dark at all, accompanied by fireflies and starlight along the way. Warm little lamps lined the trail, illuminating the way home.

The lingering joy of the dance seemed to follow them, as everyone chatted amiably during the walk.

Only Jiang Lingyu and Xu Wanzhi remained silent, barely joining the conversation.

Patting poor Zhi Zhi… You can tell she’s feeling down.

She didn’t even get to finish a dance before Peacock Xu made everyone leave, even though Zhi Zhi had been waiting so long.

Peacock Xu, stop ruining things for them, okay?!

Xu Mifei walked right beside Jiang Lingyu.

Seeing Jiang Lingyu struggling with both her backpack and the basket, Xu Mifei reached out to take the items from her.

“Let me help you.”

No matter how well-lit the mountain path was, it wasn’t easy to navigate. Jiang Lingyu’s feet had been bothering her for a while, and Xu Mifei had wanted to assist her for some time.

But just as she extended her hand, Xu Wanzhi did the same.

Of all times…

Xu Mifei couldn’t stand this behavior.

She was helping Jiang Lingyu out of genuine concern, whereas Xu Wanzhi was only doing it to compete with her.

Such childish antics disgusted Xu Mifei. She swiftly hooked the basket from Jiang Lingyu’s arm before Xu Wanzhi could.

“If A Fei is so diligent and strong, why not help me too?” Xu Wanzhi smiled sweetly, shoving her own basket toward Xu Mifei.

Xu Wanzhi’s basket contained several heavy vegetables—cabbages, radishes, and other weighty produce.

“Don’t you have hands?” Xu Mifei ignored her, effortlessly holding the basket while lowering her voice to ask Jiang Lingyu—her tone noticeably gentler in contrast—”Do you want me to carry your backpack too? It’s not easy for you to walk downhill.”

“It’s not heavy,” Jiang Lingyu shook her head.

“Aren’t you always boasting about your strength? Can’t handle these things?” Xu Wanzhi lowered her voice slightly.

Xu Mifei glanced at the path ahead. Just one more steep slope and they should arrive.

Having to listen to Xu Wanzhi’s nagging over such a short distance was irritating. Remembering the little “surprise” she’d prepared for Xu Wanzhi, the annoyance on her face disappeared completely.

“No problem, I’ll take it. I just didn’t expect a normal alpha could be this delicate.”

Xu Mifei took the noticeably heavier basket. Seeing Jiang Lingyu about to speak, she immediately said, “It’s fine.”

She was even carrying both baskets with one hand, while her other hand deftly caught a firefly in front of Jiang Lingyu, making the tiny light swirl before their eyes.

“See? My other hand is still free. I could even lift you without breaking a sweat.”

In this primitive, simple wilderness, fireflies were enough to represent romance.

Jiang Lingyu’s cool features softened under the faint glow, and she couldn’t help but smile.

Xu Wanzhi had hoped to see Xu Mifei show signs of exhaustion or ask for help, shattering the persona she’d built for herself.

But after walking such a long distance, Xu Mifei wasn’t even breathing heavily and kept reminding Jiang Lingyu to watch her step.

And she was doing it one-handed.

It didn’t look like she was carrying two heavy baskets—more like holding two weightless strings.

When they reached a clear downhill slope, Jiang Lingyu slowed her pace. Her recently recovered toes kept getting pressed against her shoes due to the angle, sending sharp pains through her.

She pursed her lips, took a few breaths, and suddenly asked, “Xu Mifei, are we almost there?”

“Ten more minutes.”

Relieved by the answer, Jiang Lingyu prepared to endure until then.

However, as if she’d anticipated this, Xu Mifei stepped in front of her and crouched slightly.

“…No need, you’re carrying things,” Jiang Lingyu murmured, touched by Xu Mifei’s thoughtfulness.

The next moment, Xu Mifei shoved both baskets squarely into Xu Wanzhi’s hands, crouched down again, and turned her head to wink at Jiang Lingyu,

“Now I’m free. Hop on.”

Before Xu Wanzhi could react, Xu Mifei’s amused voice rang out: “You better hold onto these properly and take them all the way inside. Otherwise, she won’t let me carry her. As her partner, you wouldn’t want her to suffer, right?”

—You wouldn’t want her to suffer, right?

Meaning if she refused, it would imply she wanted Jiang Lingyu to struggle? Was Xu Mifei setting her up?

She didn’t even get a chance to refuse—Jiang Lingyu was already on Xu Mifei’s back.

The latter quickly adjusted her grip and started walking ahead.

Xu Wanzhi tried to follow but nearly face-planted after just a few steps under the weight of the baskets.

What’s the camera doing? Why aren’t they following?

Zhizhi, don’t be so obvious—sacrificing like this just to make Yuyu’s life easier…

Looks like Xu Wanzhi’s struggling with the baskets. I thought they were light since Xu Mifei made it look so easy earlier…

Xu Mifei held the person on her back steadily.

Jiang Lingyu was so light.

Yet the unmistakable softness pressing against her shoulders served as a reminder—some flesh just knew exactly where to grow.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly shook off those inappropriate thoughts.

After this episode, Xu Wanzhi, as the protagonist, had her screen time increased, with numerous opportunities to win the favor of Jiang Lingyu, the female lead.

While reading the book, she had marveled at how there could be so many perfect contrasts and coincidences, just right to make Jiang Lingyu’s heart crumble step by step.

Sometimes, even unintentional actions became part of Xu Wanzhi’s advances.

To change Jiang Lingyu’s fate, the most straightforward way was to make her see through Xu Wanzhi early on. She might need to make her presence more noticeable.

This was going against the official pairing. Although Xu Mifei knew Xu Wanzhi was never a good person to begin with, she feared Jiang Lingyu might still fail to see through her under the plot’s influence.

Like just now—did Jiang Lingyu really think Xu Wanzhi carried two baskets because she pitied her for walking?

“…” The mere thought of this possibility made Xu Mifei’s chest tighten. She pondered how to broach the subject with Jiang Lingyu.

But the weight on her back gradually sank, slipping lower.

Jiang Lingyu seemed… to have fallen asleep.

Could she interpret this as a form of trust?

A subtle thrill rose in her heart. Afraid of waking her, Xu Mifei tightened her arms to support her, her slender fingers unconsciously gripping harder.

Her steps slowed as well.

But a sleeping person would naturally sag, so she had to adjust Jiang Lingyu’s position.

After some hesitation, Xu Mifei stopped and gently hoisted the soft body higher—only for her gaze to freeze abruptly.

She couldn’t see Jiang Lingyu’s face and hadn’t expected this small adjustment to bring Jiang Lingyu’s lips directly into contact with the back of her neck.

Such a slight movement, yet the impact made her entire body tense.

It wasn’t just the lips anymore. As she walked, Jiang Lingyu’s nose would occasionally brush against her, lightly touching before retreating.

“…Jiang Lingyu?” She turned her head with difficulty, calling out softly, but only even breaths met her ears.

The omega was clearly asleep, yet the unconscious touches sent her mind spiraling into wild imaginations.

This was so wrong.

As Xu Mifei inwardly chastised herself, she stopped turning her head.

But on her back, under the moonlight, Jiang Lingyu slowly opened her eyes.

The moonlight tonight was beautiful—so bright that she could clearly see Xu Mifei’s thoroughly reddened ears.

She was close to the inhibitor patch on Xu Mifei’s neck and could feel the slight tightening of Xu Mifei’s fingers with every touch.

The person carrying her was restrained, careful not to wake her, not taking any liberties.

Yet she could still distinctly feel Xu Mifei’s bony fingers pressing in each time she adjusted her hold.

Was it because they were so close? Xu Mifei still carried the scent of that shower gel—like the damp mist of a tropical rainforest, humid and warm, enveloping her in a hazy embrace.

It soaked her clothes, her hair, her body, trickling from her nose down her tense insteps and toes, dripping away one drop at a time.

She had woken up long ago.

But she wanted this misty rain to linger on her a little longer. Shamefully, secretly, she chose to feign sleep, inhaling the fragrance deeply, over and over, admitting with disgrace how enthralled she was by it.